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Reichenberg Restored

A rare piloted version of the wartime V1 flying bomb has been returned to a museum in Kent following a six-year restoration. There are only six surviving examples of the manned version of the doodlebug, as it was known.

ITV News Meridian has been following the restoration with volunteers from Headcorn's Lashenden Air Warfare Museum. Derek Johnson speaks to Trevor Matthews from the museum and aviation author Robin Brooks.

Flying Bomb Exclusive

by Derek Johnson

A rare wartime aircraft has arrived back in Kent after a six-year restoration. The Reichenberg is a manned doodlebug from World War Two and one of only a handful to have survived. It was part of a top-secret Nazi plan to get pilots to fly the bombs - and locate targets more accurately.

V1
The Reichenberg arrives at Headcorn Credit: meridian
V1
Volunteers with the manned flying bomb Credit: meridian
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ITV Derek Johnson by the V1 cockpit Credit: meridian

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When will Arctic heroes get their medals? Full report

At 86 years old Lawrence Smith has been through a lot and seen a lot. He doesn't want for much - that is except for a medal he's owed before it's too late.

Mr Smith is one of a handfull of surviving veterans who carried out dangerous missions to support the Russian forces in World War Two. These Arctic Convoys claimed 3,000 sailors.

Last week we told you that fellow veteren Eddie Grenfel made a plea from his hospital bed directly to the Prime Minister for the medals.

They will get them say the government - the question is when? Martin Dowse takes up the story.

Arctic Convoy medal plea 'before it's too late'

A pensioner who took part in the treacherous Arctic Convoys during World War Two has spoken for the first time about the need for recognition medals to be handed out sooner rather than later.

86-year-old Lawrence Smith is among 400 remaining sailors who helped supply the Russians with vital fuel, food and munitions as they fought off Nazi Germany.

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