I was at my desk working when I heard planes coming. Numerous planes. Very close and not coming from the Burbank Airport. My roommate and I came running from our respective rooms to the living room to see this wondrous site. There in front of us, flying by in formation, were several WWII aircraft, very low, flying from east to west. I've never found out why they flew by. I don't know if they were being filmed for some show or just an amazing group of planes out for a jaunt. I just remember the thrill of hearing the engines and seeing the warbirds appear and then disappear across the sky, across the valley. This is what I think of when I see this card.
Click image to see it larger.
As to this specific plane:
The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson was the first significant aircraft construction contract for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation—the initial RAF order for 200 Hudsons far surpassed any previous order the company had received. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command but also in transport and training roles as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's anti-submarine squadrons. (SOURCE: Wikipedia)More planes next time.
This reminded me of a 'short story' from my youth - We lived in Shelby, MT, which is about 30 miles from the Canadian border. In the early Fifties (shortly before our neighbor buried a bomb shelter in his back yard), my parents volunteered to sit in an elevated tower near city hall watching the skies for 'Russians'. Sort of a crude 'Early Warning' system. They never saw any, although we did see numerous military jets flying very low, and once a UFO...
ReplyDeleteOh boy, this reminds me of the movie THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING with the famous line "Everybody to get off street!"
ReplyDeleteWatching the skies for Russians sounds a bit like pulling up to an abandoned overlook and then telling people you're submarine watching.
What year did you live in Burbank? Were you aware that Burbank Airport was the site of the Lockheed Aircraft plant, especially during WWII? The Hudson, as well as the legendary P-38 and even the B-17 were built by Lockheed in the various plants in that area.
ReplyDeleteAs to seeing WWII aircraft in the area, if the aircraft were single engine types, and several in formation, this was probably the Condor Squadron which is based out of Van Nuys airport. These aircraft regularly make 'tribute flights' on military holidays and they fly over Forest Lawn in Burbank and Glendale as part of their route.
In addition, there are several WWII bombers of the Collings Foundation which arrive in May every year and spend a weekend in Burbank giving rides for hire and are on display.
Anonymous thanks for the info! This is probably what I saw because I lived just west of Forest Lawn. I lived in the Toluca Lake/Burbank area between the mid-70s to 80s. And yes, I knew about Lockheed. I will now pass this information along to my friend who was my roommate at the time to solve our old mystery. Thanks!
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