Coming from the drawing board of the Spitfire designer, R.J.Mitchell, the Walrus (affectionately known as the "Shagbat") flew for the first time in 1933. An ungainly single-engined bi-plane amphibian, it served during WWII with great distinction with the Royal Navy and with the RAF in the ASR role, during which it rescued many airmen and sailors.
740 Walruses were built in Southampton and around the Solent, but only 4 examples now survive - none of them in a flying condition. However, Solent Sky in Southampton, now intends to restore an ex-276 Sqn aircraft to a flying condition, and if successful, this will be a great tribute to R.J.Mitchell and to the wartime crews who saved so many lives.
I am sure that the "Shagbat" will have a place somewhere in the hearts of most aviators, so if you would like to help out, please e-mail info@sticknrudder.co.uk for details of how to contribute to the project fund or, if you work in the aviation industry, please find out if your organisation would be interested in being a sponsor for the Shagbat project.