Lysander

Counted cross stitch kit representing a Westland Lysander, army co-operation and Resistance assistance aircraft.

Contains only whole cross stitches - no part stitches - and some back stitches. Stitched measurements 11.5" x 5"/29 cm x 13 cm.

Fits our frames F101G, F1012 or F201. Standard fabric is 14 count white blockweave Zweigart brand Aida. 28 count evenweave 100% Cashel linen available as option for £3 extra.

It contains whole cross stitches - no part stitches - and some backstitches. The stitched area will measure 11.5" x 5" - 29 cm x 13 cm. If framed without a mount, it will measure 12.5" x 8.5" - 32 cm x 22 cm. If framed with a mount it will be 17" x 13" - 43.5 cm x 33.5 cm.

The kit that you receive contains a cover sheet with colour picture of the finished product, 14 count blockweave Aida fabric (28 count evenweave 100% Cashel linen is available as an option for £3 extra.), DMC stranded cottons in 20 colours, ready-sorted on a thread organiser with the key, needle, easy to follow charts small scale and large scale, and in black-and-white symbols and in colour, instructions for beginners and specific instructions for this kit.

Lysanders first flew in 1936 and entered RAF service in 1938. By the outbreak of war in 1939 there were seven Lysander squadrons. The severe losses incurred by army co-operation units in heavy fighting on the Continent showed that this type of operation was outdated, especially when air superiority had not been achieved. Although withdrawn from first-line service in 1943, Lysanders continued in operation in other roles: as target tugs, in air-sea rescue, and with the Special Operations Executive. In this latter role, they maintained contact with Resistance groups in occupied Europe, dropping supplies and agents and bringing agents back home to the UK. The Lysander was particularly suitable for these operations, being able to make short landings and take-offs at night in small fields marked out by the Resistance.

In all, about 1650 Lysanders were built, including 225 under licence in Canada. Aircraft were supplied to air forces in Turkey, Egypt, Ireland, Finland, Portugal, France, the US and South Africa. Some Lysanders have survived to this day and are kept airworthy due to the work of preservation groups.