Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Does anyone know of any photos of this pilot, famous for photographing the Tirpitz and being a pre-war racing car driver? He was killed in an accident 18 Jul 42

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Chris,
It would be very nice to see a photograph of his flying accident, while returning from a PR sortie as well as a photograph of him on his car racing times as well....I searched quite a lot about this famous "recon" pilot, but got no joy...if you ever manage to find a picture, could you share it? I am working on a major work about Reconaissance activities, having been in touch with some relatives and veterans since 2002...
Am particularly happy to see PRU being researched again...and am sure there are other writers/researchers doing the same, most particularly Andy Fletcher, who have the same PASSION and ADMIRATION for those Gallant airmen who fought "alone, unarmed and unafraid".
Hope you would present us with a magnificent book of yours on the subject. All the best from a friend and admirer of your work,
Adriano S. Baumgartner

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

PS: Andy Fletcher, would you have a picture of F/L Fane to share with us?

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

No chance of a book but definitely an article as his ashes are buried 2 miles from where I now sit. There used to be a memorial to him but this has now moved to a racing car circuit in Worcestershire

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

I wish I did have a photo of Fane to share, but alas I do not. I too would like to get hold of a decent photo of him from his time in the RAF.

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Andy: Do you know when Fane arrived on 1 PRU and whether he had flown with another unit before? According to the London Gazette, he was commissioned 11 Sep 39 but there is confusion as to his promotion dates-12 Sep 40 as a Plt Off and Fg Off 15 May 40 are both quoted. Apparently extracts of his diary were used in the book 'The Eye of Intelligence' by Ursula Powys-Lybbe. As to photos, I do not think that there is even a pre-war photo of him and I am surprised he was not decorated for what he did.
I think I have worked out his promotions. Commissioned 11 Sep 39 as Plt Off. Confirmed as a Plt Off 14 Oct 40. Promoted to Fg Off backdated to 15 May 40 on 14 Feb 41. Promoted to Flt Lt 14 Oct 41

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Has anyone contacted Brooklands, Donnigton Park or MotorSport Magazine? Also, considering his high profile pre-war, the Frazer Nash and BMW enthusiasts clubs or the Le Mans experts may know where to look.
You probably already know this, but are you aware of the collection of his papers at IWM?
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/it...ect/1030007556


HTH,
Bruce

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Thanks Bruce-I knew that his papers existed somewhere (albeit just for the period Jan-May 42) so thanks for this. I have also contacted the Frazer Nash Club of UK so if I am lucky, I will post here

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Hi Chris,

You would be amazed at what some of the pilots and aircrew of the PRU did and received no decorations for.

Fane arrived at 1 PRU in Dec 41.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

1937 photo available of him on ancestry.com, on his RAC membership card.

if one of you emails me will you share it among yourselves please?

dp_burke /a/ yahoo.com

its not the most wonderful photo in world but better than nought

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Dennis

PM'd you

Chris

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Chris I've sent you the two images, forward on as required to others.
Cheers

Dennis

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Many thanks Dennis, Chris forwarded the photo on to me and I've passed it on to Adriano.

Cheers

Andy Fletcher

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

For those who are interested, I visited his grave today. A most moving experience and what a fantastic view. It looks like someone looks after his grave and I wonder who left the flowers?

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Chris, Dennis and Andy,

I am back from a business trip...Great news...and great pictures...I received the picture sent by Dennis and shared by both you Chris and you, Andy. THANK YOU!

Chris, do you happen to know if a DFC was ever proposed to FANE? I do remember that he completed quite a lot of missions and was a successful reconaissance pilot...I do not know IF there was a "pre-requisite" for the reconaissance airmen to this kind of award...(I mean a particular number of missions...)

PLEASE do advise us when the article will be published...I will try to find the magazine in Brazil...It will be a GREAT tribute to him and as well as for his family...
Yours
Adriano

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Adriano

If he was nominated, he did not received any decoration. The article will be published in Britain at War for the May edition I believe.

I have heard from his widow's great nephew. No wartime photos I am afraid but a number of him racing pre-war. Nothing from the Frazer Nash Club

Regards

Chris

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Hi, me again. Chris, have you tried the British Racing Drivers Club? They were started in 1928 by some of the 'Bentley Boys' from the LeMans days and now have a full time archivist ...

http://www.brdc.co.uk/Archive

... who may be able to help. Just to give hope, I saw a display there (Brooklands) years ago which included photos of one of the pre-war drivers in racing kit and then in his wartime RAF uniform. Sadly, I don't remember his name.

Regards,
Bruce

Re: Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU
 

Thanks Bruce but unfortunately I think I have gone as far as I can with Fane.....at this moment in time