This is the Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.8 Late Production aircraft C8602 in which Captain Ferdinand “Freddie” West of 8 Squadron Royal Air Force won the Victoria Cross on 10 August 1918.He was one of two RFC/RAF VC winners in WW1 who flew F.K. 8’s
In August 1918, the British Army was planning to start a major offensive, the Battle of Amiens, but needed information about enemy positions. On 10 August 1918, 22 year old Captain West and his observer Lt John Haslam of No. 8 Squadron- flying an Armstrong-Whitworth F.K. 8- set off at Dawn and were undertaking a low-level reconnaissance when they observed through a gap in the mist, German forces in a wood near Amiens. West’s aircraft drew heavy ground fire and was then attacked by seven enemy aircraft.
Determined to get accurate and clear intelligence and despite the ground fire, West made a repeat run over the wood, coming down to 1000ft to pinpoint the enemy position and using clouds for cover when he could. But during the attack by German fighters, he was hit multiple times in the leg and his radio transmission equipment was destroyed.
Despite excruciating pain from his injuries, West was careful to identify his location, and manoeuvred his F.K. 8 so that his observer was able to get several bursts into the enemy machines, which drove them off. West only broke off and headed for his own lines when he was sure of the enemy’s position.
He had suffered at least five wounds, the most serious saw his left leg partially severed in the action but despite the shock and enormous blood loss, West struggled to remain conscious and keep control of his aircraft.
He improvised a tourniquet from the leg of his pants and despite his horrific injuries managed to steer his aircraft eastwards and crash-land near the Allied forward lines.
He came down near some Canadian troops who rescued him and Haslam (who was wounded in the foot and ankle) from the wreckage.
After landing, despite his injuries, he insisted on making his report before undergoing surgery to amputate his leg. For his courage and determination, Captain West was awarded the Victoria Cross from the King at Buckingham Palace on 1 March 1919.
He retired as an Air Commodore at the end of WW2 and died in 1988, aged 92. he was the oldest surviving holder of the VC. The Imperial War Museum now holds his VC.
The Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.8 is the latest model kit release by Copper State Models and has initially been released in its Mid and Late production versions. It is the first plastic model kit of this aircraft in 1/48 scale. The Late Production model includes markings for Captain West VC’s aircraft.