Flt Lt Alfred Fane 1 PRU

[Chris Goss]

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

[Adriano Baumgartner]

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

[Adriano Baumgartner]

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

[Chris Goss]

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

[Andy Fletcher]

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.

[Chris Goss]

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

[Bruce Dennis]

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

[Chris Goss]

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

[Andy Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Do you know when Fane arrived on 1 PRU and .... I am surprised he was not decorated for what he did.

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

[dp_burke]

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