Code: M29450
Standard issue wartime parachute bag in heavy canvas. Twin webbing handles and original 'D-o-T' zip fastener. The canvas is in very good overall condition. There is minor wear to the base and some soiling but it remains strong with good colour and one small A.I.D. mark. Complete with internal 'flaps'. This belonged to Flying Officer Vincent Lithune DFC. Linthune joined the RAF in 1935 and qualified as an AC1 Armourer serving with 201 Squadron before being remustered to become an airman pilot in June 1938. Having completed his training he was promoted to Sergeant and again remustered as a pilot armourer in April 1939. Following the outbreak of war he was posted to 233 Squadron on Hudsons operating off the coast of Norway. He was wounded in May 1940 following an attack by two Bf109s. He then had a period of instructing at Cranwell before moving to 93 Squadron flying Douglas A-20 Havocs. He was commissioned in February 1942 and joined 25 Squadron in February 1943 as a Flying Officer on Mosquito fighters. He claimed his first victory, a Ju88, on the night of 3/4th October, a Ju188 followed during March 1944 after which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In July of the same year he destroyed a V-1. In November he was forced to ditch a Beaufighter that he was ferrying to Morocco and was interned in Portugal for a while. After the war he served with the Fighter Command Communication Squadron, as Commanding Officer (CO) of the 2nd TAF in Holland and Commanding Officer of 96 Squadron flying Meteor night-fighters. Later he served as Flight Commander with 219 Squadron flying Venoms until he retired in 1957. This bag came to us with other items of WW2 and postwar kit directly from his daughter. Good/good '+' used condition. Stock code M29450.
