Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Douglas C-47 Dakota - YS-L/KG374, Flt. Lt. David Lord, No. 271 Squadron, RAF, Arnhem, Holland, September 19, 1944

1:144 Scale.  Length: 5.25”.  Wingspan: 8”

On September 19, 1944, Douglas Dakota III KG374, flown by RAF Flight Lt. David Lord took off to re-supply allied troops in Arnhem, Holland who were hemmed into a small area defended by German anti-aircraft guns. To ensure accuracy the air crews were ordered to fly at 900 ft. when dropping their containers. While en-route to Arnhem the starboard wing of KG374 was struck by anti-aircraft fire and the engine set on fire. Lord could have turned back but, on learning that the drop zone was just three minutes away, he decided to complete his mission.

With the starboard engine burning Lord dropped his aircraft down to 900ft where he was singled out by anti-aircraft guns. Un-daunted he held his course while the supplies were dropped. At the end of his first run two containers still remained. He circled and made a second attempt to drop them. His mission completed, Lord ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt to do so himself. At 500ft the starboard wing collapsed and the aircraft fell in flames. There was only one survivor who was flung out while assisting other crew members. For his bravery Flight Lieutenant David S.A. Lord, DFC, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.


The C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) was a military transport aircraft developed from the Douglas DC-3 civilian airliner. It was used by the U.S. and its Allies during World War II in a variety of roles including airlifting supplies, casualty evacuation, glider towing and, perhaps most famously, dropping U.S. and Allied paratroopers into combat. The C-47 differed from the DC-3 in numerous modifications which included; a large cargo door, a reinforced floor and upgraded landing gear. In the supply role it could carry up to 6,000 pounds of equipment. As a paratroop aircraft it was equipped with folding benches for 27 armed troops. After World War II thousands of surplus C-47s were converted for use by civilian airlines and private owners. Douglas Aircraft built more than 10,000 C-47s in numerous variants.

The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a C-47 Dakota features: