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Aircraft which once graced the Haven waterway and the skies above are returning to Pembroke Dock - thanks to skilled model maker Peter Mitchell. 

Peter, a volunteer at the town’s new Flying Boat Centre, has made exquisite models of three aircraft types which were seen at ‘PD’ before and during the Second World War. 

The Stranraer flying boat and the Walrus amphibian were familiar sights locally but the third model is of a very rare type - a Swordfish floatplane. 

Said Peter: “The silver Stranraer was photographed on the Haven in 1939 and the Walrus is modelled on one which took part in that year’s Empire Air Day at the RAF station. 

“We know that Swordfish floatplanes were based here in 1940 and 1941 and the model is of one which features in a unique colour photograph now in the Flying Boat Centre’s expanding archive.” 

The Stranraer is in 1:72 scale with the other two in the larger and very detailed 1:48 format. 

A lifelong modeller, Peter is working on other models of Pembroke Dock aircraft including a unique wartime visitor. This will be in the even larger 1:24 scale. 

”It’s a secret project now but all will be revealed next year,” he promised. 

Peter Mitchell (left) shows his air fleet to fellow Flying Boat Centre volunteer Greg Laycock. Models are, from the front, Swordfish, Walrus and Stranraer.

PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.