WWII Pilots & Mechanics in Middle East - Postwar Aircraft Fate

The fate of World War II aircraft in the postwar Middle East Roosevelt Field, early 1948 \(generated image\) Ever wonder what happened to those tens of thousands of aircraft after World War II? While many went to scrapyards, a number found their way to emerging conflicts in the Middle East. It was a heady time for aviation, with the War having brought about a quantum leap in aerospace technology. Launching an airline back then no doubt felt like a tech startup in our times: scrappy and unpredictable. The Arab/Jewish conflict over Mandatory Palestine intersected with this era of aviation. Air power had defeated the Axis Powers, and as would-be combatants sized up their options, they knew they were going to need aircraft, along with people and organizations to get them airworthy. Into this turmoil stepped a diverse set of players: from disillusioned pilots looking for a cause, to idealists looking to make a difference. I've been working on a story about these times and these people, trying to find nuance, balance, and amazing stories about legendary aircraft. Always looking for more about the fate of airplanes after the War, and the people who maintained and flew them. Find me here.