Right before the raid on the airfield at Bone, some of the paratroops bolt for a taxiing DC-3 and, without official authorization, climb aboard, so as not to miss their chance to take part in the airborne assault. This DC-3 has distinctive side markings, including a very visible "602" on the tail. Yet, when these same paratroops jump from this same plane, the side markings are now completely different, not the least of which is the total absence of the "602" tail number.
The serial appears as "TG602". TG602 was an RAF Handley Page Hastings C1, the standard RAF Transport Command aircraft used for para dropping and current at RAF Abingdon, in 1952-1953. RAF Hastings served at that time in a natural aluminum finish. The filming of this particular aircraft occurred prior to 12 January 1953, which is when it was lost in an accident in Egypt.
