World War II Mosquito Engine Restored for London Memorial

The de Havilland Mosquito, a versatile warplane built primarily of lightweight wood and powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, excelled as a spyplane during World War II. One particular Mosquito, LR412, flew 51 flights, including 19 operational sorties, over occupied Europe. During its service, it was attacked by enemy fighters on five occasions and even photographed the German Vemork heavy water plant in Norway, a feat depicted in the 1965 film "The Heroes of Telemark."

Tragically, LR412 crashed on Aran Fawddwy Mountain in Wales on February 9, 1944, during a test flight from RAF Benson. The wreckage was discovered by a local farmer, and the remains of the two crew members, Pilot Marek Slonski-Ostoja and navigator Paul Riches, were recovered. They are buried together in St Mary's Churchyard, Chessington.

In a fitting tribute, one of the Mosquito's engines is being meticulously restored using a state-of-the-art "dry-ice" method. This preserved engine will serve as the centerpiece of a memorial honoring the RAF's Photo Reconnaissance Unit, potentially unveiled later this year in Whitehall, London. The restoration project is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who flew these remarkable aircraft during World War II.