Crusader Gallery

Krak des Chevaliers, famous Crusader Castle near Homs, Syria

Krak des Chevaliers, famous Crusader Castle near Homs, Syria - View from the South West. Although surviving in wonderful condition up to the early 21st century, it has been reported that the castle was shelled in August 2012 by the Syrian army, with the Crusader chapel has been damaged. The castle suffered further damage in July 2013 from an airstrike during the Siege of Homs. Date: 1930s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate

Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate. Founded by Royal Charter in 1630 as a college, guild of parochial clergy and almshouse, under the 1623 will of Thomas White. Copperplate engraving by John Thomas Smith after original drawings by members of the Society of Antiquaries from his J.T. Smith's Antiquities of London and its Environs, J. Sewell, R. Folder, J. Simco, London, 1800

© Florilegius

Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703

United States Navy - Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703 (call-sign 103'), target tug, of the Pacific Missile Centre, at Point Mugu Naval Air station, on 15 May 1965. At least forty-five F-8A's were modified to serve as target-director aircraft; designated DF-8F. In practice the DF-8F pilot spooled out a target on a cable from the port wing, which was towed at a safe distance behind. While in tow, fighters would practice gun-and missile-firing exercises, shooting at the target in tow. After the practice, the pilot retrieved the target, or empty cable. 143703 is currently aboard the USS Hornet Museum, Alameda, CA, on loan from National Naval Aviation Museum. Date: 1965

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans