Lysander Polo Shirt
Westland Lysander Mk III (Special Duties)
Named after a Spartan Admiral, the Lysander was operated on clandestine night operations by RAF 161 (Special Duties) Squadron to insert secret agents behind enemy lines during WW2.
They were specially adapted with a fixed ladder on the port (left) side to allow quick access to the rear cockpit. Together with a long range 150 gallon (682 litre) fuel tank, the Lysander's STOL (Short Take Off & Landing) abilities made it ideally suited to operating from short, rough fields.
Matte black Lysanders operated during the 'moon period' - the two weeks either side of a full moon. This was to aide navigation which was mainly by dead reckoning using a map and compass.
161 (SD) Squadron was based at top secret RAF Tempsford in Bedfordshire , relocating to a forward operating base at RAF Tangmere on the south coast during the moon period.
- 3 separate embroidered badges, front, right & left sleeve
- Embroidered neck braid featuring designer R J Mitchell & Pilot J Boothman
- Internal detailing featuring 'Operation Battering Ram'
- Hem tag
- Riveted side vents
- Designer swing tag with fold out map of Landing Zone GIDE
- 95% cotton 5% elastane
- Pre-shrunk
- Pique 220gsm
For a relaxed fit please order one size up.
Watch video of Lysander Landing Zone Gide / Operation Battering Ram: