94099 RWD-13 SP-BFM

2 decal markings for Poland and British Palestine

Two R.W.D 13s were purchased by airline "Aviron", in 1938 and were operated out of Lod Airport under registrations VQ-PAL & VQ-PAM were employed by the airline until January 1947 when they were sold to two private owners. On November 2nd 1947 the Jewish leadership in Palestine was form the "Shirut Avir", the IAF's predecessor, and operate the two aircraft. On December 17, 1947, the R.W.D became the first Israeli aircraft to fly combat action. Piloted by Pinhas Ben-Porat the aircraft left for a Jewish settlement in the Negev with a doctor. During return to Tel Aviv when they were informed of an ongoing attack against the nearby settlement of Nevatim . The pilot then removed the two doors and installed a machine gun. The pilot and a gun operator then left for Nevatim. The R.W.D overflew the attacking Arabs, straffing and dropping hand grenades. Ben-Porat then landed at Nevatim and evacuated one of the wounded.