SPLENDIDLY detailed models of two First World War aircraft have been added to the new displays at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.

They have been made by centre volunteer Peter Mitchell, a member of the Penfro Model Club which meets monthly at the centre.

There is a special, and tragic, local connection with one of the models – of a Sopwith Baby seaplane.

Peter said: “I have modelled the actual aircraft, serial number N1033, which crashed at Fishguard Harbour in April 1917.

“It was operated by the Royal Naval Air Service which had a base at Fishguard during the last two years of the war.

“The aircraft crashed after hitting power cables when taking off.

“The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Richard Eldon Bush, was rescued but sadly died two days later. He was 24.”

Peter made the model by converting a 1:28 scale kit of a Sopwith stablemate, the famous Camel, creating the twin floats, engine cowling and other parts from scratch.

And for good measure he has also modelled a Sopwith Camel, one of the Great War’s most successful fighters.

The Camel flew with the Royal Flying Corps and, ultimately, the RAF.

The models have joined the First World War exhibition at the Heritage Centre which includes a battlefield scene with a replicated trench.

The exhibition remains on display until the end of April.

Both of Peter’s new models, and many others, will be on view when the Penfro Model Club stages its first model show at the Heritage Centre, on Saturday, March 30.

This is being supported by many groups from west Wales.