Naval Air StationPort Lyautey, Morocco

The following photographs are from the personal collection of Jerry (Gerald J.) Zimmerman who served at NAS Port Lyautey between 8/2/47 to 4/15/48. Copies of these photographs may be obtained in a larger format by contacting Jerry at Jerdadzim@cs.com. Former shipmates of Jerry may also contact him at the same e-mail address.

Naval Air Station British Mosquito Crash and Mercy Flight Photographs

British Mosquito Crash Photographs

British Mosquito Bomber crash and repair at NAS Port Lyautey. I don't recall the problem the pilot encountered to end up off the runway and disabled in the rough of the field. There were no injuries and after a British repair crew was flown in from England and a couple of weeks of work, the plane was back in the air.

The pilot and NAS Officers survey the damage immediately after the crash.

Plenty of help available from curious and interested NAS sailors.

Navy Seabees manning the base crane prepare to move the damaged Mosquito to the west side of the main hanger apron for repairs.

The British, master mechanics, go to work.

Arrival and departure of a Mercy Flight to Egypt.

Jerry can't recall the exact need for emergency serum in Egypt September 30, 1948. It was considered a mercy venture by the US Army Air Force. The Port Lyautey Base was a refueling destination for two of the planes that made the flight. Because of an early morning, 4:00 AM arrival, Jerry opened a cot in his Photo Lab to catch some sleep, with his camera gear ready, for the plane to land.

The crew of the second of two US Army Air Force planes from the US carrying emergency serum to Cairo, Egypt September 30th, 1948.

The flight crew enjoying a break while their plane was being refueled. Savvy flight enthusiasts will notice the photo of the P-38 on the wall in the right side of the photo.

With their fuel tanks refilled it was time to take off for Egypt.

The Pilot preparing to start the engines.

NAS Port Lyautey sailor standing by to send the plane and crew on their way.