1/48 CORGI (AA28801) BRISTOL F2B FIGHTER (D-8063) - Royal Flight - William George "Billy" Barker - Villavera, Italy Sept 1918 - No. 139 Sqdn - ROYAL AIRFORCE (LIMTED EDITION #1855 of ONLY 1900)

1/48 CORGI (AA28801) BRISTOL F2B FIGHTER (D-8063) - Royal Flight - William George "Billy" Barker - Villavera, Italy Sept 1918 - No. 139 Sqdn - ROYAL AIRFORCE (LIMTED EDITION #1855 of ONLY 1900) The outbreak of the Great War placed a moral burden on the shoulders of a young Edward, Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne. He was forbidden from joining his Grenadier Guards regiment at the front by Lord Kitchener, An early supporter of the aeroplane, the Prince is thought to have made several flights as a passenger whilst in France, however, an incident which reputedly occurred in September 1918 is quite astonishing. Whilst visiting No.139 Squadron in Italy, the Prince was taken on several flights in Bristol F2B Fighter D-8063 by celebrated Canadian ace and friend William Barker and on one such flight, it was reported that the Prince was taken close to the front lines, where he fired the aircraft's Lewis guns on enemy trenches. On hearing of this unofficial action, the King was said to be furious and chastised his son, telling him 'never to be so foolish again'. Barker flew the Bristol F2 more in August, 1918 as the Prince of Wales, who was attached to the British HQ in Italy that summer, took a keen interest in the activities of the RAF. He arranged for a flight over the front line in the gunner’s seat of Barker’s Brisfit. As he wanted to see something of the disposition of enemy troops they flew about 20 miles behind the front to Vittoria. They encountered heavy AA fire on their return, but no Austrian fighters came up to challenge them, which was just as well. The Prince made a number of visits to 139 Sqdn after that. Major Barker continued in his usual style, fighting what Austrians challenged them in the air, and pretty much bombing what they wanted, when they wanted with only AA to contend with.