FAIREY GANNET TO FLY AGAIN IN UK SKIES? MA LNitiO) is) ; i 3 U WI IT 3 WE a “EN wens erm rarCy Tac ed mee a orl Nae Ceed ELH Re eC Cae td eed WARTHUNDER.COM/FLY Sr te aca re oo Cee Hivindows Lk" Src QR el Besa Bxexone BPS Bxeoxseniesxis ~WELCOME The suf of dreams! The perhaps once ina fede fine up ae RAF Coningsby ‘on|une IB HErJane fan Ears itn ae “They don’t make ‘em like they used to” espite a worrying weather week, the Messerschmitt Me 262 made it across the English Channel and Thope many of you were able to see itin all its glory during its memorable five-day visit to the UK. My thanks _g0 out to everyone who helped us put this month's cover story together. Another top highlight of the summer was the return of Flying Legends. Despite a clash of dates and challenging weather, the organisers delivered a solid start at the show’s new Leeds East Airport venue. Ifyou didn’t make it this time, you missed something special, and I recommend visiting next year. This month, we delve into the murky world of military intelligence. On page 40, Barry Wheeler looks at Britain’ early attempts to extract operational secrets from downed Luftwaffe aircraft during World War Two. We also visit opposite ends of jet aircraft development, starting with the Messerschmitt Me 262. replica before leaping forward to the amazing Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Retired USAF Lt Col Bredette Thomas gives us an insight into the once top secret world of one of the fastest aircraft in history. ‘Somewhat slower was this month's Classic aircraft, the Lockheed Hudson, It ‘was an unsung hero and never captured the headlines in the same way as more famous aircraft types did. Hudson crews are equally ‘worthy of recognition. The type has a special significance for us because the grandfather of FlyPast’s Steve Beebe was lost on a Hudson ‘op’ in 1942. Turning to the modern RAF - and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, in particular ~ there's also a look at the detailed preparations for the impressive aerial display over London to mark King Charles II's Birthday Parade in June. “They don't make ’em like they used to’ is a phrase that springs to mind when you consider the life ofthe late Wg Cdr Ken Wallis of ‘autogyro fame. During his time with the RAF in World War Two, he almost used up all of his ‘nine lives’, Just over 20 years later he was appearing as a stunt double for Sean Connery in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. Thope you enjoy our tribute to the multiple recordbreaking pilot and aircraft designer. Finally, another big thanks is due to everyone who has written in with such excellent material for our FlyPost letters section. Keep up the good work! Feiror Tom Allete tomaletifheypublshingcom Qccober 2023 / FLYPAST / 3CONTENTS / No.507 Messerschiee Me 262 IMT fies with che BBM Supermarine Spitfire MieVb ‘AB®10 wile ona brief UK tour. Soe page 8 Daren Has 8 Over here Defying the unforgiving British weather, Messerschmitt Me 262 D-IMTT recently visited the UK and participated in some “unforgettable flypasts 16 Reviews A unique Focke-Wulf ‘wristwatch and the latest historic aviation books ‘come under the FlyPast spotlight in our product round-up 18 News and letters 30 Airshow season 34 Flying Legends 40 War wreck secrets The latest historic aircraft and restoration news, plas your letters. This month we include news about a Fairey Gannet being returned to flight, plus an update on a Buropean warbird collection changing hands FLYPAST / October 2023 Jamie Ewan reports from the successful Summer Air Show at Duxford and braves less favourable conditions for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo Having left its spiritual home at Duxford, Europe's premier wwarbird show has a new venue at Church Fenton, Tom Allett witnesses a new dawn ‘World War Two was not just about the combat - the intelligence services fought a clandestine battle too. Barry Wheeler uncovers their story50 Lockheed Hudson, FLYPAST CLASSICS It is one of World War ‘Two's unsung workhorses, but the Lockheed Hudson has more than earned its place in history. Steve Beebee documents its evolution 66 Forgotten hero ‘The Hudson's fighting career extended to all theatres of war. Andrew ‘Thomas provides an overview of this undervalued campaigner’s military service What was it like to fly Lockheed’s legendary SR-71 Blackbird? USAF Lt Col Bredette Thomas recalls his time in aviation’ fast lane 86 BBMF flypast ‘The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was recently part of a massive flypast to mark the King’s Birthday Parade 94 P-for-Preddie A look back at a ‘memoir from BBC war correspondent Wynford Vaughn Thomas, who took part in a bombing. raid on Berlin 100 Bombers to Bond Renowned for his patronage ofthe autogyro, the late Wg Cdr Ken Wallis DSO MBE had a colourful career. We salute a long and varied life in aviation 108 In our sights Having trekked around many east coast locations, Mick Britton looks atthe dwindling number of UK target ranges Subscribe EU Wy err) ean cere our digital pa Cccober 2023 / FLYPAST / 5SUBSCRI From the Editor Tom Allett For over 40 years, FlyPast has been at the heart of historic aviation, The magazine prides itself on providing the best coverage of the world of living history: Each issue is packed with the latest restoration news, aircraft movements, preservation, products, events, and air shows. Our team of dedicated freelance and in-house writers also produce fascinating in-depth features on historical subjects covering the men, women, and aircraft from World War One to the Cold Wa Dont miss out on this great subscription offer!SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE TWO FREE GIFTS ONLY £46.99 by annual Direct Debit Please quote: FP1023 when ordering Hast bin ORDER DIRECT FROM OUR SHOP shop. nA eateoneetlanls soebbda eit r call +44 (0)1780 480404ado ee Rae eee ea OP roel ee Nit eRe ne CUR runt 8 / FLYPAST / October 2023(Tan Liaty eco Poe eee erie pee ne eee nin eee tea POP eatery ee sr ts ee cern es ocean onan a ete ‘week-long visit, but a break in the eee een seg thousands of spectators to see it cet eng Royal International e aircraft is owned by The Messerschmitt Foundation and eee oes ce Bearers ronan Tate ee ag Cel ceetemntr gro) Pee Pica hentea ied Sener eee) Povey was believed to be a unique nary the public as the Tattoo's Pore on eon ree) prepreg eaes eee experimental test pilot Geri pepe eine] eee ey ieee ey ee ee Paterna ton ety Cccober 2023 / FLYPAST °UK TOUR Liat a ABOVE: The Me 262 det) arrives overnead RAF Fuirford in the company of the RolrRoyce Herage Fights Spire PRAIK (ah) and P-S1D Mustang ‘Alina: KEVanie RIGHT: After the countless hove fof permission fecking. meetings and paperwork fd wating for "Moher Nature the Me 262 takes tothe sees of Fairford onthe Sandy ‘The need for a 2,000m runway to take off lft few options ~ and at least three initial touch- down airfields were considered, including MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and Bournemouth Airport on the south coast. The first was selected, subject to the ‘weather conditions on the day. Geri later explained that the reproctuction jet “wants to fly at 110kts", yet because ofthe risk of losing an engine during take-off, the air speed indicator needs to be showing 142kts before getting airborne, The Messerschmitt’s range is very limited. It can only fly sectors of about 250 miles, ‘meaning its transit from southern Germany to the UK had to be staged. The intial plan envisaged it leaving its Manching home ‘on Monday, July 10, but the departure had to be rolled back 24 hours. The jet was accompanied by a Beechcraft King Air 200, D-ICHG, acting as.a chase plane and carrying sgroundcrew and equipment. Into UK airspace The route chosen was Manching to Zweibricken in the southeast of Germany, then on ta the Belgian city of Ostend, where the two aircraft stayed overnight. ‘The following day, the weather forecast over southeast England and the Channel was workable rather than ideal, but a window cof opportunity enabled the jet to reach the UK, where a 10) FLYPAST / October 2023 momentous rendezvous over the iconie White Cliffs of Dover with ‘Suggs’ in the cockpit of Spitfire Mk.Vb AB9I0 took place, before the 262 flew on to Boscombe Down. Geri later said that meeting ‘Suggs’ and the camera- ship over Dover was great fun, before adding: "I performed a classical intercept on a turning two-ship!” On arrival, D-IMTT became the first ofits type to fly in British skies since 1946, That last flight had been undertaken by legendary test pilot Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown when he ferried a captured German ‘example from the Royal Aircraft Establishment’ airfield at Farnborough in Hampshire to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for storage The stay at Boscombe was bri with D-IMTT ‘hopping’ over to Fairford the following afternoon in the company of the Rolls- Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire PR.XIX (PS853 / G-RRGN) and P-SID Mustang ('413774° 7G-CMDK). With the latter leading, the 262 in the number two slot on its starboard side and the Spit making up the ‘Vic’ formation, the trio arrived over the Gloucestershire base in broken sunshine, accompanied by their respective soundtracks. ‘The roar of the Spitfire’s Merlin and snarling Griffon of the Mastang tried in vain to drown cout the shriek of the 262's CJ610 turbojets ‘While watching the Me 262 curve round on final, one thought occurred to FlyPast’s Jamie Ewan: had the story of the 262 in the UK come full circle? Could this, very jet have flown through the same piece of sky that ‘Winkle Brown did nearly 80 years before? Afterall, Brize Norton sits just 11 miles to the northeast of Fairford ‘As they say, no aeroplane is confirmed until it touches down,“Had the story of the ‘262 in the UK come full circle? Could this very jet have flown through the same piece of sky ‘Winkle’ Brown di After weeks of ‘will it, won't it’, RIAT had its star. Who ‘would have thought an Me 262 would evar headline the Royal International Air Tattoo? ‘The following day, Geri took to the skies over Fairford for a practise display, which captured the attention of the thousands in and around the base during arrivals. Geri’s practice display provided those down the west end of the airfield with a ‘bonus ~ while waiting to enter Runway 27 for departure, Martin-Baker’s gloss-black Gloster Meteor T7 (Mod) A638 arrived forthe weekend, passing by D-MITT at the hold. A truly incredible sight! Unfortunately, the weather was about to spol things. Commiserations to those of you who attended the first of RIAT's three public airshow days. It rained persistently from start to finish, wiping ou of any historie types getting airborne. Indeed, so bad was it that it was a case of ‘hats off” to the ‘heavy metal’ pilots who were able to put on any kind of display in such dreadful conditions. Understandably, the Me 262 remained hangared for the day. Saturday was better. Friday's solid overcast turned to broken cloud and ar less rain, but the ere still too strong to allow the 262 to even gusting crosswinds taxi, Nevertheless, attendees did get to see the jet after it was towed across the airfield to sit beside Martin-Baker’s Meteor for a memorable ‘first jets’ duo. aa Sunday provided a break in the weather, After the countless hours of permission-seeking meetings and paperwork, was able to display in front of the near 100,000 strong crowd. The primary objective was achieved and, afterall the work involved, brought a huge sigh of relief from those who had tolled to make it happen, As head of the Messerschmitt Foundation’s Museum of Flight, Matthias Kobler said: “The aim is to keep as many of our aircraft airworthy as possible. ell and see them in theie natural element ~ the air! ‘The spectacle was certainly appreciated by those who witnessed it. On landing, the shriek of the jet’s engines w. overwhelmed by the rapturous applause and cheers of the crowd. The response was akin to that which greeted the likes of Avro Valean XH5S8 or the incredible pairing of the BBMF's Laneaster with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum's example almost a decade ago Speaking of RIAT, there had been other ‘spectacles’ involving the 262 mooted too, ineluding an airborne Meteor/Me 262 pairs display, but sadly it was not to be. The show goes on The following day, the 262, accompanied by its escorting Spitfire and Mustang, flew north to Coningsby, where October 2023 / FLYPAST / 11Tan ME16) ABOVE:A Margn-Bker Gloster Meteor 117 (Mod) WAG38 fies fal for 27 8 Ger holds in the Pe 262 2 real one! — former wartie Mosquito plot Fie Lt Colin Bl (let) describes his 1945 Me 262 encouneer to OC ROMP Marke Suge’ Sugden (centre) snd modermay “362 plot Gent Krahenbil ed they were to overnight in the BBME's hangar. Arriving in a loose formation under the callsign ‘Merlin Flight, this was the precursor to another unique formation flight. Early plans for July 18 had envisaged an Airbus- sponsored first jets symp a series of Me 262-related lectures at the Petwood Hotel of 617 Squadron fame in nearby ‘Woodhall Spa, followed by a late afternoon flypast to conclude the tour. This was scheduled to include the 262, a BBMF fighter and another early jet, the de Havilland Vampire TIL WZS07, However, technical problems put paid to the British jet’s participation and plans were ppt in place for another unique formation, On the day, the weather ‘was overcast and predicted to deteriorate, putting the programme's proposed flying element in a ‘now or never’ situation, The schedule had to be turned on its head With the BBME having announced that i would be hosting the 262 following its headlining appearance at RIAT, crowds lined the fence alongside the Lincolnshire base as the aircraft were prepared for what ‘Suggs’ told gathered guests was “probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. Coningsby, with its six Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons, isa very busy station, with a near constant stream of movements. 12./ FLYPAST / October 2023 Coningsby one by one, Suggs said: “I never thought I would get it to the BBME... 'm still pinching myself!” Just moments later, the scream of Typhoons was broken by the cacophony of a mixed-propellor and jet formation led by the aeroplane hhe was talking about as Geri in =the 262 led a unique four-ship ‘diamond’ with a Spitfire off each wing and the Mustang at the rear. With the BBMF's MkVb ‘AB910 flown by Sqn Ldr Andy Preece, Spitfire PR.XIX with former BBME OC Mark ‘Disco’ Discombe in the cockpit and the Mustang piloted by Rolls- Royce Heritage Flight chief pilot ‘Steg’ Williams, the four fighters With the veteran warbirds ready completed a trio of flypasts over to take off, they were held at the base. their parking positions for afew _After weeks of build-up, the ‘minutes while their modern- flying clement ofthe occasion day equivalents taxied in. There was over in mere minutes, but was a nice moment when one ite behind memories that of the Typhoon pilots gave the _those present will keep for the ‘perfection’ rest of their days. Then it was forefinger hand signal as his time to move to the Petwood machine went past the 262; a for the lecture series. These gesture likely appreciated by ‘would include presentations Geri, who had recently retired about the Me 262's role in from test-lying the Eurofighter World War Two, Britain and from Manching. Germany's race to develop the AAs the aeroplanes climbed first jet propulsion systems and. into the brooding skies over the UK's most celebrated test “The veteran joked that he hoped he would never have to see the damn thing again!”fad (CI www.corgi.co.uk aia oy ee Oa ae MU ua UL Government Aircraft Factories (GAF] Canberra Mk.20, A84240 id e'Royell Australian Ait Force aircraft of thet fought in both the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War on secondment to the United States Air Force. The aireraft wos ‘operated by RAAF No.2 Sqn, know as The Magpies’. AB4-240 ‘survived and is tday proudly maintained and preserved ‘at The Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Ths release marks the return of he Canberra fooling tothe Aviation Archive range forthe firs fime in sixteen years, and isthe rst fime Corgi has modelled a RAAF version ofthe lype. ee aE eaTan ME16) RIGHT Friend fn foe: the incredbe sight of, four of the most feared fighuers cof World War “wo nthe shee together over RAF Coningsby Perfocoon A 12 Squadron “Typhoon pict shows his Spprovl ofthe 262 reproduction ae Coningsby on| July 18 pilot, Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, The latter would focus on the British perspective of the Me 262. ‘The day would conclude with a talk on the operation of first- generation jets in the 2ist century and a panel discussion on the future of heritage aviation, Past and present Despite the recent memory of watching these magnificent machines in the sky and the subjects subsequently discussed, the real star of the day was 102-year-old Flt Lt Colin Bell, a former de Havilland Mosquito pilot from 608 Squadron, who ray be the last living airman to have survived an Me 262 attack. In March 1945, while returning to base with his navigator after a night raid on Berlin, his aircraft's cockpit radar warning device illuminated, indicating the presence of an enemy aircraft behind them. Racing for home at around 25,000f, Colin stood the Mosquito on its wingtip and dived steeply to gain even more speed and hopefully avoid his would-be assailant. However, after pulling out ofthe dive, the ‘warning light lit up for @ second time. There must have been a very high-performance machine on thei tail, as ew aircraft could keep up with a Mosse. 14 / FLYPAST / October 2023 eS = _ see Set “With the demise of a British ‘Pigeon Mk.I’, the type had claimed the last Messerschmitt ‘kill’ in UK airspace!” Colin repeated his evasive action, this time successfully, which was just as well given the altitude they had lost, and the Mosquito made it home without further incident. While recounting the incident, he joked that when his navigator wasn't initially convinced the type on their tal was one of Germany's fabled jet fighters, he answered: "Do you want me to hang around and find out?” as, he fought to get away from the formidable contact. (On seeing the type up close almost 80 years later, Colin joked that while seeing the 262 at Coningsby was memorable, he hoped he would “never have to see the damn thing again!” He later clarified his comment, adding: “Unless it's this one, flown by my new friends.” Daring the closing conversation, it was mentioned that the 262 had suffered a bird strike on the port wing's inner leading-edge slat that morning = with the demise ofa British “Pigeon MILI, the type had claimed the last Messerschmitt ‘kill’ in UK airspace! Someone suggested that if photographs of any damage were posted on social media, they may prevent the jet’s next day return to ‘Manching, prompting jokes from the audience aimed at keeping the jet in the UK all summer. twas a nice try, but the party was over and the very special machine returned to Bavaria the next day. ‘The vist was a credit to all involved in making it happen. As Jeremy Greaves, vice president of corporate affairs and strategy for Airbus UK and the head of UK Heritage, pat it: “It has been the most incredible five days! ‘One question lingers: when, if ever, will we see a Me 262 back in UK skies? Fingers crossed it isn’t another 77 years! @Se Meet Maa a aa Ce a es oe eg od ae Geen eR ee Aa Cre TT) BET For complete specifications and photos: Platinumfighters.com Cet d aeREVIEWS. Focke-Wulf Wiirger Il watch ‘With October marking Focke-Walf’s centenary, an eye-catching new ‘wristwatch has been launched to mark the ‘occasion, Just as the Fw 190A fighter series gradually gave way to the more streamlined Fw 190D, the Wiirger I picks up on the key themes of the original ‘Wiirger Ito create something familiar, but engagingly different. ‘The case dimension and Swiss Ronda 5021.D movement are the same, and the layout and general feel have a familiar air with subtle differences. 16 / FLYPAST / October 2023 ‘The timepiece has a sepia-toned face with understated black numerals, while the hands are a striking, clean, flat black and are a blend of the plume and pencil style. The watch specialist has also added a Flieger-style triangle at 12 o'clock to really underscore the Tinks this watch has to the skies. Taken asa whole, the Wiirger I seems sleeker, simpler and maybe even a Title softer - a natural progression of an already great design If you're looking for a smart timepiece that’s well built, looks great and connects you to the ‘world of classi aviation, thisisa worthy contender and is well placed to impress Nuclear airmen V Force Boys Tony Blackman & Anthony Wright warubstrecticouk SBA WLUS.208PR £1499 Softback editions of books in this popular series are always welcome, and aviation enthusiasts are unlikely to lose their thirst for more tales from the cockpits of such genuinely iconic aircraft as the Vulcan, V Force Boys is the latest in this publisher's long-running Boys series. It's something of a page-turner ~ a highly readable account that covers a multitude of stories from former Vulcan, Valiant and Victor aircrew. It's never predictable, thanks to the variety of material included. The highlights perhaps come from those who had the weighty responsibility of being on muclear Quick Reaction Alert through the 1960s. Other contributors recall roles such as nuclear testing, radar reconnaissance and flight refuelling from the mid-1950s to the Gulf War. 1's a fascinating and enjoyable read - if you missed it in hardback it’s well worth getting now. Andrew Thomas Vietnam naval aviators The Tonkin Gulf ache Cob ‘Thomas Mekehey Clever vwoespreypublshngcom SAK ILLUS. 400PR £1599 The 17 chapters of this highly readable book recount the highs and lows of US Navy air operations during the Vietnam conflict. Superbly researched, author Tom Cleaver's easy style cleverly stitches together technical, tactical and doctrinal detail with relevant personal accounts. He initially examines the background to the controversial bombing campaign against North Vietnam, one result being the creation ofthe famous ol. The descriptions of the many combat search and rescue operations highlight the often desperate efforts to THOMAS McKELVEY CLEAVER Tonkin Gulf YACHT CLUB rescue downed aviators from the horrors of capture. These are impressive and moving in equal measure. This narrative grabs the attention from the very first page and there is an eight-page section of colour photographs and maps. Itwill appeal greatly to both the general reader as wel as aviation bufls Highly recommended. Andrew Thomas100 years of elegant precision Limited centenary edition CN aera fockewulf-aircraft.comNEWS / The latest in aviation heritage Fairey Gannet could be on its way ‘home’ ‘The Navy Wings charity located in Yeovilton, Somerset, is hoping to bring US-based Fairey Gannet T.5 XT752.to the UK, ‘The aireratis currently in Woodville Wisconsin, where it’s being prepared for what's described as a‘one flight only move to Spokane, Washington. Once there, it will be subject to a full maintenance programme. Ina statement, Navy Wings said: “All going wel, the intent in the near future is to repatriate it tothe UK, where we hope to bring it under our care” xT ofthree Gannets maintained in airworthy condition afer withdrawal from service, and was sold to the Polar Aviation Museum in the US. Following some work, it proceeded to Ay on the US airshow circuit, including an appearance at 2014's EAA AisVenture, until being put up forsale. It has been grounded for several years. www. navywings.org.uk GGannetTS XT7S2 during its fying days KEY Mustang gathers pace in Italy : rebuild ‘The Mustang is beng retuned co fightin Kay Gabi North American P-51D Mastang Lil Margaret is currently being rebuilt to fly in Italy. Following an accident, it was acquired by an Italian owner and is being restored at the Volandia Park and Flight Museum, adjacent to Milan-Malpensa Aitport It’s hoped that within 2 few months the fighter wil be airworthy again, and should make a return to the skies from an airfield near Mantua, ‘Accepted by the USAAF in July 1945, 44-73822 initially served with the 363rd TRS in Texas, An outstanding restoration incorporating parts of 44-84786, it was crowned WWI Grand Champion at 1993's Oshkosh EAA AirVenture. Painted to represent the later machine, Lil Margaret, the mount of USAAF ace Clyde B East, it was sadly damaged in a take-offaccident at Kent's Woodchurch airfield in 2018, and has been under restoration since then. 18 / FLYPAST / October 2022 New owner for German warbird collection ‘The Hangar at Aalen-Elchingen. “It 10 collection at is very important to me Heringsdorfon the to keep the German German island of __ collection together as a Usedom has been whole," he confirmed. sold via Swiss-based Apart from its vintage aircraft broker Messerschmitt BF109s Boschung Global. and Focke-Wulf FW It’s been acquired by 190, other types in well-known historic the flet include a BF aeroplane operator Karl 108, a Biicker Bii 131 FGrimminger, who Jungmann and Bii 133, will maintain the fleet Jungmeister, and a atits existing location, Fieseler Fi 156 Storch. complementing his | Kal is considering Lftraum Sid facility changing the name of the Heringsdort collection to Luftraum Nord (Airspace North), to match Luftraum Sid Boschung Global's news release said: “The goal was to sell the collection asa single package - not only the aircraft, but the ‘museum, hangars and associated facilities. The collection was not to be sold piecemeal and dispersed across the ‘world if tall possible.” ‘An stmospheri view of wo Heringort BF 10% 8 FEighty years celebrated by OFMC's legendary Spitfire Stu Golspink ying MH434 on August 7 Oren Haar ‘The Old Flying Machine Built in 1943, this _in the 1969 film Battle Company's much loved — storied machine of Britain. Ithas been Spitfire Mk.IX MH434__ recorded two-and: owned by OFMC since (G-ASIV) recently ahalfkills with the 1983, with its legendary ‘celebrated’ its 80th birthday. Stu Goldspink was in the cockpit for a special flight from its Duxford home on August 7, RAF's 222 Squadron __ status cemented by the inwhose colours it spirited and evocative continues to fly. Italso displays flown by the served with the Dutch late Ray and Mark and in Belgium after the Hanna, www.ofme. war, and participated co.uk Veteran Wren flies in Shuttleworth’s Magister Christian Lamb, 2 103-year-old Wren veteran, went flying with pilot Richard Crockett in the Shuttleworth Collection's Miles Magister G-AJRS on ‘August 6, The flight from Old Warden in Bedfordshire ‘commemorated a Magister flight made by Ms Lamb with a Polish pilot in 1943. Although ‘much noisier” than she remembered, she described the flight as “such an exciting and thrilling experience Photo-Darren Harbar Phantom "Vandy | atts new home on ly 28 Caste Air Mise October 2023 / FLYPAST / 19NEWS / The latest in aviation heritage British classic to be completed in France Sea Fury could return to action next year [Navy Wing is hoping to operate Hawker Sea Fury FB. VRS30 during next yar ashow searon. Before returing the arcrafe othe sy, wil replace the array Bristol Centaurs ‘Auster MicV FAZRX receiving steon at Montlard | engine wha Pate & Whine RIBDD det be devare to the Yeovitonased operator ae Ieee ti eas crarigt rg ok Do lege “The French Ieserved several Montbéliard Dassault —_ flying clubs and was 312 Assocation, which atone pat uted by D-Day Skytrooper marks ‘operates Dassault MD yarachutists. S12 Flamant -AZES, "From 1981 until 2021 80th anniversary hhas begun restoration it was owned by the ‘work on an Auster Duvernoy family at MW atits base in Montbéliard, with eastern France. whom restoration. Painted to represent began. A few: NJ745 of the months ago it was RAF’s wartime acquired by its new (654 Squadron, the owners who plan to machine's history is ‘complete the project. described as being The association rather vague, although is continuing to it seems to have search for relevant nly spent ayearin documents and parts. The rand Empire Wingo the Conmeroratve lr Force eebrated the Bch Inilitary service before ‘They can be contacted | J rehde of ks faghp, Douglas C-53D D-Day Dol on Jy 7 Entering rice wth entering civilian hands. via their website Inport cl oe Normandy train and me urna h Operon aia Itarrived in France www.montbeliard- Garden Now based ac Calforna’s Riverside Municipal Apore the ©53 lew four during 1961, initially dassault312.fr passenger fights to mark ks anniversary Fark BMormilo flying as F-BGRX. Eric Janssonne Spanish Super Saeta returns to airshow circuit ‘Aformer Spanish Air Morén dela Frontera association and has Force Hispano Aviacién Air Base. In 1981, when since become the HA-220 Super Saeta the type was withdrawn third airworthy isairworthy again from service, itwas Super Saeta in Spain. after many years of stored until auctioned This summer it has restorative work. The in March 2002. New _appeared at airshows aircraft, which flew owner Club Acrobitico at Motril and in with the military as del Mediterrdneo made _Braganza, Portugal A10C-107/214-107, _itairworthy, but in 2011 A3H can also offer now flies on Spain's the aircraft once again 45-minute passenger civil register as EC-IFJ. entered storage due to experience flights in Built in 1971 in Sevilie, its high running costs. the jet from its home itfirst operated with In 2019 it was base, Burgos. 214 Escuadrén at acquired by the ASH Roberto Yaiiez Super Sasa EC: is thing agin in Spin Poti rer 20 / FLYPAST | Cctober 2023Jaguar GR.| delivered Work begins on to Elvington Newark Shackleton SEPECAT Jaguar airframe by No2 on to see outs service ae GR1XZ383 arrived School of Technical with 41 Squadron 1 == atthe Yorkshire Air Training (as based at Norflk’s Museum, located “3901M') RAF Coltshal the jet at the former RAF First flown on was withdrawn from Elvington near York, March 11, 1977, use and transferred to on August 6. Ithad _XZ383 was delivered Cosford in October previously been at_ to 14 Squadron at 1986, where it Cosford in Shropshire Briiggen in Germany remained until being where itwas used asa whereitwas assigned put up for disposal ground instructional the code ‘AP. Going earlier this year. Seafelng was erected around WROT7 co ly 25 Howat ese A scaffolding system painting ofthe was erected around Shackleton’ forward the nose and forward section. I's hoped fuselage of Avro to keep WR977’s Shackleton WR977 at cockpit open to the Newark Air Museum public for mos ofthis recently, Iwill petiod. Contributions enable the attractions received for onboard volunteers to begin visits willbe added the significant task to the fundraising of restoring and campaign to cover the repainting the aircraft. scaffolding hire costs The work is set to and weekly safely include sealing the inspections. The work cockpit glazing and _is scheduled to be in-depth cleaning completed by mid- followed by the October, Jnpiar GR.1 XZ383 has ben received at Ehingzon 4 conservation and Howard Heeley Spitfire recovery project reaches next stage call = , Lax earn app as hunched find he serch Spi Mb ADIT which oc nein he Nor Bronson Ape 192. Boh he appa and subset mopntometar sve neuen acre crane Ses fcovredsome recta The oe sages eae sang of the marten A ped oe poe al eta ropes canbe fund one meron -The Lhe eA Sorte October 2023 / FLYPAST / 21| The latest in aviation heritage Vietnam veteran Albatross being refurbished while another arrives in UK The restoration of retired in 1971 and Grumman HU-16B became one of the first Albatross 51-7144 aireraft to feature atthe is under way at the Museum of Aviation in Museum of Aviation 1983, in Warner Robins, Following decades on Georgia, USA. external display, during Delivered to the which its condition USAF in 1954 and __ inevitably deteriorated, assigned to the 4lst_ the Albatross was Air Rescue Squadron moved indoors (ARS) at Hamilton pending a complete AFB in Canada, it was overhaul. This is now transferred to the 33rd taking place within ARS in 1964, flying __the attraction’s Scott from Naha in Okinawa, Exhibit hangar. Japan. During its ‘Meanwhile, a second alptross 51-7144 is being worked on inthe US tenure with the 33rd it Albatross, the fully flew numerous search _airworthy NO8TP, flew 72-year-old machine, flight from Bergen, is expected to remain and rescue missions into the UK recently, which served the USAF Norway, as part ofa _in the UK for a few in Vietnam, The landing at Southampton as SA-I6B 51-7186, European tour. This months before departing amphibian was finally on August 5. The completed a four-hour charismatic machine _for the US. Peer ere emer ee ieee i row irl Ae es eae eee AE ere Lenten erry peyote 22 / FLYPAST | October 2023British classics reunited in New Zealand as restoration project accelerates The Air Force Museum of New Zealand's ing restoration of Vickers Vildebeest NZ102 has been made easier thanks to the loan of Vickers Vincent 6357 from a family in Auckland, and the pair now sit side-by-side in the attraction's hangae, with the Vincent providing 3D model for the restoration team to study, The Vincent and Vildebeest are identical in almost every detail, except that the Vildebeest’s torpedo bay was replaced in the Vincent with an auxiliary fuel tank “Imagine a 10,000: piece jigsaw puzzle with “That's what we have a boost for the team. _the Vincent and we are airframe extant no plans and not much been dealing with, and hoping we can learn a has been in the ofa cover photo,” said while we've Subriteky family enough lot more. Wigeam collection for “The museum’ Sgt Raz Malkin and Philp Boyce with NZ102 (and the Vincent colons manage fra Theyremade, NZIO2isthe mest movethan 20 yeas serch the word possible, but soly no detalled engineering ofthe Vincent represents & inthe teams quest tofily restore NZ103 to display condition. www Anarhie ew Videees NZIOARNZAFWhpam ——-Aslnge ry senses AZO aac e——_aforcemuseum, October 2023 / FLYPAST | 23NEWS / The latest in aviation heritage Messerschmitt project visits exhibition Along-running project Sh 14 engines have to build a flying been sourced - one Messerschmitt M.35 was previously fitted replica made arare toa Focke-Wulf Fw public appearance at 44 Stieglitz - and will Friedrichshafen’s Aero eventually power the exhibition earlier this M.35, year, Hans-firgen has Only 15 examples of already spent some the German sports §,800 hours working plane were built, on this ambitious starting in 1933, and recreation and he none have survived. estimates that another ‘The new-build machine 2,000 will be required can trace its roots to before a first flight. 1989, but in recent years The latter is likely ithas been progressing to be undertaken by under the auspices of experienced German Hans-Jiigen Storck’s _warbied pilot Klaus Fliergerwerft group Pasa, who is also at Wildberg in the closely involved with Black Forest. pair the project. Erie “The M35 replica at Wiberg in June Hloren Siok of Siemens & Halske —_Janssonne Former Italian Harvard Veteran Huey due for flies in France refurb in Spain North American T-6 Italian collector Franco Harvard F-AZOJ has Actis, who began a recently arrived at a restoration to flight new home, Haguenau programme. Acquiring airfield in Alsace, the Italian registration France. L-RYGA, it successfully Built under license in returned to the air on May 15, 1991 itwas intially delivered Following stints in during the 1950s to the Switzerland and a Italian Air Force, then second spell on the earmarked for disposal civil register in Italy, following its military it was sold to new service. ‘owner Georges Kern in However, in the late France last year. 1980s, it was rescued by Eric Janssonne Bell UH-IH roquols HU.10-75 a Calaayd recently Robrio\inee Bell UH-1H Iroquois Academy) at Calatayud supporting ground HUL10-75/ET-245 isin Zaragoza, having forces with air patrols awaiting restoration, arrived by road from over the Lebanon/Israel after which it will storage in Madrid. border. be installed on a was withdrawn from _ET-245 is among roundabout in Spain. use in December 2018. several retired Hueys The helicopter, which Duringits military held by ACLOG, with formerly served the service, it participated the facility also home US Army as 77-22953, ina UN missionto to MBB/CASA Bo-05s is currently at Lebanon in 2008- and former Spanish Academia de Logistica some oftthe Spanish Air Arm Eurocopter (ACLOG; Spanish _Hueys were deployed EC-665 ET-702. Harvard AZO) ats new home in France Army Logistics to Marjayoun, Roberto Yaiiez 24 / FLYPAST | Qctober 2023Spanish Stieglitz flies in German livery flown in civilian hands for many years, it was imported to Spain in 2002 and has been a regular, flying addition to the FIO’s monthly shows at Cuatro Vi After a long period of restoration, the sole Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz, ECJSE, of the Fundacién Infante de Orleans (FIO) was shown in public on July 2 wearing fresh livery. Tenow represents @ liaison Fw 44 used by the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front in 1942. ‘The aircraft is one of 190 built under licence by Fabrica Militar de Aviones in Cérdoba, Argentina, between 1937 and 1942. Having Classic Swedish trainer receives anniversary colours Saab 105 60105 fying in commemorative Wvery on june 29 To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Saab 108's first flight, the manufacturer has painted 60105 in an eye-catching new scheme. The new look machine made its public debut on Johan Elvin, who were inspired by the historic colours ‘worn by Swedish Air Force Tiger Moths in the 1930s, ‘The Saab 105 is still used by the air force as a trainer, June 29 in the hands based at Malmen, of Fredrik Miichler. Linking, It’s due ‘The colourful livery to be replaced by the Grob G 120TP/SK 40 in the near future, Gunnar Akerberg was the brainchild cof Saab’s Tobias Holmbom and Lightning F.| tailfin on display in Farnborough After beingheld in flown by Fit Lt Jim all Lightning fins storage for many years Burns. Hehad been __were strengthened, at Farnborough Air flyingas part ofa tight including XM4I's, Sciences Trust, the remains ofthe fin once “finger four’ formation, practising a high- which was repaired on-site by 71 fitted to Lightning 1 speed pass over the Maintenance Unit XMIt have been put runway at Coltishall The aireraft was on show, in Norfolk. Despite _scrapped in 1966, but ‘The former 74 the damage, Burns _ thankfully this superb Squadron jt first flew in 1960. The following year, on May 16, it lost its rudder and part ofits fin while being successfully landed and subsequently gained the nickname ‘Finless Jim. Following the incident artefact, featuring its original 74 Squadron tiger head badge, is now on public display. Richard Hall ‘The tain on display a Farnborough Rehr Hl We Salute You AVM Neville Howlett CB - flew Vampires in Egypt, plus Hunters, Javelins and later Phantoms as station commander at Leuchars ~ died on June 1, aged 97; Fg Off Arthur Joplin - flew a 617 Squadron Lancaster on the raid that sank Tirpitz = on March 20, aged 99; Rear Admiral Ray Rawbone AFC - flew Seafires in the Italian campaign and later Seahawks during the Suez campaign - on March 12, aged 99; Cdr Alan Tarver GM ~ Sea Vixen pilot who made a gallant attempt to save his observer after a double engine failure flying from Ark Royal ~ on March 23, aged 84; AM David Walker CB (CBE AFC Harrier pilot, commander in Northern Iraq and Bosnia and later AOC 1 Group and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff ~ on June 18, aged 66 October 2023 / FLYPAST / 25FLYPOST / Readers comment, events and more Is the Kent Battle of Britain Museum’s Heinkel German or Spanish? In the August issue of FlyPast there was an article about the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. In that article they mention the CASA 2.111 [Heinkel] they have, and stil maintain that its origin is German ~ this is false. All the examples of the Heversion were made ‘completely from scratch in Seville. Spain did not receive any H-version aircraft from Germany, much less in 1943 when the German situation was already very difficult and all aircraft ‘were necessary for the war effort. ‘Mention is also made in the article that two Heinkel plates have been found. I'd like to see them to see what they correspond to, Still, this may be true and could be due to the use, on some visit to the maintenance shops, of certain parts common with the German Band E versions received during the Spanish Civil War (or from their spare parts stocks). Finally, there isa.comment about a bullet hole repaired in the German style. This is surely because this aircraft was used in the war actions in the former Spanish Sahara and the mechanics repaired it as they La had been taught, the German way. Paco Rivas Madrid, Spain ‘The museum was approached for ‘comment and has supplied the following reply: The first time we were made aware that ‘what we thought was a CASA 2.1118 was infact a Heinkel He 11H was on our first Visit to WM Duxford when we were told by a member oftheir staff that she was a Heinkel He 111H-16 and therefore German-built. On accessing the faselage one of the first things we were shown was a badly corroded plate stating ‘He I11H- 16’ and not CASA 2.111B (see photo). A farther one can be seen in the cockpit and behind the navigator's position, ‘We were also told that 59 former Luftwaffe aircraft had been delivered to the Spanish Air Force, sometime during late 1943 to bolster their air force, ‘We were told that the Heinkel that CASA used for reference to build their first batch of aircraft from was Werke No.55 50 it made sense that our example came from the Heinkel or CASA? The Kens Bate of Britain Museum's magnicent exhib can be found a ks Hawkinge base i 208 Post, PO Box 100, facebookcom’ Sypastoil Aypastmag Inseagramecom! Aypastmagazine same batch. Several months before the fuselage was delivered, we were working on the wings from the Heinkel and itwas noted by our camouflage expert, Clint Mitchell, that all the internal colours/ wing roots were RLM 66 ~ Luftwaffe colours. ‘When working on the tailplanes, Dave Brocklehurst noted that there were two forms of construction. One that matched wreckage we have from a Heinkel that crashed in Norway in April 1940, and for every pair of spars in the tailplane it had its own skin, The other tailplane matches examples of CASAS. that we have viewed and has one skin covering every three spars. Daring the restoration cof wings and fuselage two styles of repairs to damaged areas, were noted. One was beautifully repaired with a perfect round patch and rivets equally spaced on both sides ~ exactly the style of repair seen on many excavated remains of Luftwaffe aircraft The other style was, just a square patch of aluminium over a damaged area with random rivets, the rps aypublahing corn Corer rom render says wee er eters empredin fort are at acne tote of th Eder br Lar maybe aed oe eg [Note ocr sot yea wl ot be publi ue he covert ce thr ul pox ares for posse cone Lats ade oc Fyfe be Car ah 2sch Who wa cedenour fie mar enor 2s we ek Sploge oa ern who av akan de bm wr mbt reo rie 26 / FLYPAST | October 2023Henkelindcontined agniving German - LOW-level Canberra what Davebslivel owfctine thee tule padireede dadedarasteds | thackyou forthe the navigator wate ‘ofGerman origin, as control columns, —_—_‘July issue's tribute to company boffin who veg at tit I otk aoecarnge fe eaioa meta ct Mat eran ca deomtcecctinfiny igraihakelara™ |e encrroscdel lchet ede falta with the Luftwaffe and more, flying machine. descend to the missile's Tarp Water “Atfectone where we | Pfike e000 evel opera ack construction pa ‘Two. On inspecting the would expect tofind times during my two _height of 100f. By now Gensrstin pte hg inside ofthe fuselage, Heinkel manufacture years asOC Radar it was really rough, SGpotcnlsiyi” fartolacethmaglont | RevarhSquction anltwss and keep same style as we've cockpit, he noted many the fuselage and wings, based at RAE Bedford. 100ft on the radar Ricqualyiocrwhle Gictastoneas ” webaalibarnoy ©” | thers nencetie, etnete been the restoring the CASA (other than those had been drilled off, sortie was when we sea was going up and aa Crete Liteccts” | Rdatatea Sameeneene Duvagthe retrain ‘Snniacietnwale, codekcdawaron |tipiioteanr tnx tathepa ofthe fuselage, Dave Royce Merlins) were of _ the wing mounting in the North Sea Twas doing my best Gaede ale SEMEL Doors ace eM eae DeLee eee zante el eee repair on the starboard 1940 manufacture.A found ‘werk numbers’ Scotland and Norway. for any sight of the SEigrosotsaches | ferberdiscorersinide onvarsesCaroin', [wished eves shite Sealy epoiared wetichassnen tieermessics* Gieafisnees | alotietispeen fatvesieatie te the wrecks of several revealed another these were found tobe anti-ship missile ‘as we flew down their Uinwiicak Souataden sie poudlaiiarwrdd) |fansibSieistabee nator ie'we From the position of that's clearly of German find part numbers that ample nose. then proceeded to do iG oa WM ERG ed Sn aR ed oan ray TAR ngs a a ho could only have been ‘werk no’ (see photo). font identical to those transit into gradually _different directions Schinedfomaten! Alleanaser¢ fund wecammenipseren’ | worsening Sehr ay onthe man inthe Stumdctsirame tharieemens Gomadanh’” | Cederemranccd” Seaseita heed anos CASA 2B See nee ee coord ‘was ever involved in an aerial dogfight. We later discovered a bullet hole area. We broke cloud all my time flying at atabout 1000ft above low level ina variety a steel grey sea, heavily of aircraft types, L was repair on the bathtub streaked with white never happier to climb gondola breakers and spume. back into the gloomy ‘A few weeks Imade radio contact sky and fly home! after the discovery with the ship andwe Mike Brooke, Wg Craig Charleston, a steered towards its. Cdr RAF (Ret’d) leading expert on the stated position. Sitting Peterchurch, restoration of Luftwaffe A corroded plate stating hat he aireraftisa‘He 111H-16 inthe back next to. ‘Herefordshire Remembering the Berlin Airlift Your article about Avro Tudor G-AKBY painting Operation one,” waiting for pleased to hear that the the Berlin Airlift is annotated ‘Giltersioh Plainfare sat proudly dad to chip in with: _airlift’s importance was, Giuly issue) prompted November 1948 onhis bedside table “That'snotanear stil being recognised. me to dig out some Sadly, that particular for many years.In miss, wehad them Andrew S Bates photographs from my airframe was lost in the addition to their work much closer than South Yorkshire latefather, Stanley Llandow airdisaster at Gitersloh, dad and that! Bates of March 12, 1950, his ATC colleagues _—_—Sadly, dad passed In 1948, dad was 19 when 80 people lost. would rotate into away last September, anda humble LAC their lives. For almost Gatow, where they'd and I knew that Air Traffic Control two years this held the provide relief for dementia had taken assistant posted to. unfortunate distinction their hard-worked hold of him when he RAF Gitersioh. of being the worst counterparts. Asa could no longer recall Although famous airliner crash on record. child, whenever the his time in Germany. asa fighter airfield, My father was always news reported a‘near Thank you for Giitersloh was no proud ofhis service miss’ by airliners, mum _ bringing back some stranger to airlift ontheairliftande and I would look at one happy memories activity as his photos postcard:-sized print another and silently of dad, I'msure he sanley Bates during his RAF show. One featuring of Timothy O'Brien's mouth: “Three, two, would have been sevice Courtesy Are Stes October 2023 / FLYPAST / 27FLYPOST / Readers comment, events and more Who are Unexpected artwork these men? ound the Canberra were the US Nay who ina Canberra PRT features in July's were there at the same (WJ825). As a ground- FiyPast particularly ime. ts this the biggest based technician interestingas Iwas tain ‘2p ever seen, certainly made my day Stationed at Wyton I wonder? The detallis Thad t sion a Old~ fase AS cok) ccomatagodchdewe a ews Sete” eet 1971 where of course the footprints, feathers next to the entrance vwehad Canberras. and that large stomach door. If there was an Ceumrden! ontmtgn Matiaw scmgasy Thal lip neighbour worked as taken afew hours at on my parachute and pounce Se cigte aiyt dive out that door 1 ‘Squadron - it was Perhaps there are spent the latter part of he'that geveme this some 88 Squadron the rip ying up Font PetoctCerincn wwhematoct hem what ein ba oles PR? WTSI2, recall the full story, position looking out ithad Been zapped? albeit twas rather ofthe Perspex noe aitearemcee Might younmel— agl in Norway during While a Wyton I id_Johm Phillips Can you ideray es 418 Squdron crew! Va Seen Na 1969. The culprits manage to get one fight Via email As the patron of the RAF Bradwell Bay (Essex) Preservation Group and having had a life-long interest in the history of the aerodrome, 1am always on the lookout for contemporary ephemera associated with its wartime activities. I recently purchased this photograph, which shows an anonymous 418 Squadron Boston crew at Bradwell in 1943. Two of the men are officers, the other a sergeant. Pilot and wearing ‘Escape Pattern’ flying boots, introduced in 1943. A note on reverse of the photo reads: "Graham, 4418 Squadron 1943 (Intruders). ‘The building in the picture looks like ‘Canada House’ 48's Nissen Hut accommodation at Bradwell. This is areal long shot, but I don’t suppose any FlyPast readers recognise any of the men in the picture? [We will pass on any information received ‘observer/navigator ED] brevetsacevinle. Stephen P Nan They ae alo Maldon, Essex. canbera WTSI ater esig meet’ ome U Nay een i A family affair For many yeats,my time with the MOD 1. lowevel fying taining. sols now doable to pictures dad (ex-RAF and was treated to the Red over Labrador and read FlyPast (although The magazine is quite MOD civilian) would Arrows flying over my Newfoundland. we're hoping he'll be brilliant, we loved the purchase FyPastand he maied quarters in” On myfinal MOD abe toenjoy the digtal Dames memorial Would pass ton tome. Epskopi during theit tourin Germany version on his iPad issue and dad, my wife Dad worked on the preseason training took dad tothe Mohne where he should be and saw the Lancaster Volcan at Boscombe at RAF Akrotiriin _Damtoreflect on the able to increase the font doing afypast at Down back in the day Cyprus. Later on T Dambusters’ missions size). Every cloud has a small air show at and later with army helicopters at the Army Air Corps centre at Middle Wallop. In my enjoyed three years at during World War Two. a silver lining in that 1 Middle Wallop in July. Goose Bay in Canada Dad turned 90 in late now read the magazine Keep up the great work seeing the RAF fastjet August and sadly has words to him as well as. Tony G Hodge pilots undertaking their macular degeneration showing him the superb Salisbury, Wiltshire 28 / FLYPAST | October 2023DUXFORD SUMMER AIR SHOW DUXFORD DELIGHTS! se It would be easy to say that the weather for Duxford’s Summer Air Show, held over the weekend of June 24-25, occupied both ends of the spectrum. While the early morning cloud of Saturday was replaced by bright blue skies and temperatures pushing well into the 30s, the Sunday show was marred by a near 30kt crosswind — but that didn’t stop near capacity crowds descending on the historic Cambridgeshire airfield. Duxford opened its 50th year of airshows with a delightful mix of aeroplanes old and new. FlyPast’s Jamie Ewan shares images of some of the highlights... =... T RIGHT Making its pubic spay ‘debut Inthe hand of on Corley, Fehter Avation Engneerings receney retuned 0 he ahs Lockheed 12A Electra inion (G-AFTL was jones by the ‘Aires Restoration Companys Spire PRXI (PLBB3 — own by Paul Borhomme) for a number of iypass on both days 20 / FLYPAST | October 2023eee October 2023 / FLYPAST / 31RIAT 2023 FAIRFORD FANTASTICS! While many consider the Royal International Air Tattoo to be solely for diehard fans of fast or heavy jets, this year’s event revealed that historic types and warbirds are equally important — especially in the days when military air arm attentions are focused elsewhere. With more than 250 aircraft from 25 nations descending on RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 14 to 16, many of those touching down were historic. FlyPast's Jamie Ewan shares some of the highlights 69-0867 32./ FLYPAST | October 202347827} eae ers October 2023 / FLYPAST / 23FLYING LEGENDS: LEEDS EAST a De eee ec ea eg eT xR Pee eee cau eee eee ne ee Rumen non) RIGHT: A wronderfl panorama FAR RIGHT: ‘The ieeet's back! Flying Legends, the best warbird ai fon July 15/16 after a thre interruption. I should start b admitting I am unashamedly a fan of this prop-powered aerial It was a highlight of the Duxford summer for 26 years, but could even such a well established and prestigious event simply ‘up sticks’ and relocate quite J the ion was, could the ‘magic’ transferred to the event's new home at Leeds East Airport, the jurch Fenton, Yorkshire? must confes ofthe mq Thadn’t visited when I heard e to Leeds East, a site #40 year Legends deburne, road network handle such an event’? Duxford has certainly had big traffic problems in the past, even with the major MIL and ASO the traffic, s ‘Church Fente the Sunday I without any si and friends Saturday told me the same story. to accommodate hat chance did ave? Well, on That easy arrival likely had more to do with reduced attendance Fuvpast / a5FLYING LEGENDS: LEEDS EAST “The event delivered a solid start for the relaunch of this much-missed piston-powered feast — ABOVE: Fgheer Legend. “wo Veta era Cessna O-1A Bird Dogs graced the fren incidng 0-1 Aviation G-VNAM FEE RIGHT: Navy Wing’ Swordtsh, WSES6, combined Its Legends sppearance with a thing vit Is birthplace the former Bhekiurn ‘Avrrsfe factory fe at Sherburn- Inskimee long may it figures than organisational efforts but, nevertheless, it was a very positive start to the day. Itwas unfortunate that Flying Legends took place on the same weekend as the Royal International Air Tattoo (RAT) at Fairford. Events such as the Private Flyer Fest already booked at Leeds East Airport for the previous weekend, plus other ‘oceasions in the surrounding area limited the options in July. Legends tickets were not on sale until mid-May, and this will have affected attendance figures. For example, before the show a group of usually died-in-the- ‘wool Legends attendees told me they had faced the dilemma of whether to buy a ticket for RIAT = complete with its star guest Me 262 replica ~ or wait to see if Legends would go ahead. Faced with the possibility of Legends being cancelled after RIAT had sold out, thereby leaving them with nowhere to goto on the airshow weekend ofthe year they took the ‘safety-fist’ option of heading for Fairford, In the run up to Legends, a few friends and associates based “down south’ had also told me they wouldn't be making the 26 / FLYPAST | October 2023 continue” trip ‘up north’ due to the length of their journey. Thankfully, at the event I met people who were making their Legends debut, not only the seemingly many visiting from the nearby city of York, but others from Newcastle and Scotland who were delighted Legends was now some 300 miles or more (round trip) loser to home. Let's hope the new catchment area boosts audiences in the years ahead. ‘Whatever your opinion about the new site, every aspect of the weekend should be considered with the RIAT date clash in mind, For those who have attended the event during its Duxford tenure, by comparison there was relatively ‘little to do’ once inside the ‘new’ airfield. There appeared to be far fewer traders and there's no museum to walk around but the trader numbers ‘must surely have been a result of competing with RIAT. Many small businesses simply couldn't be in two places at once but, hopefully, that problem won't exist next time. From an entire UK perspective, it was probably the worst weather weekend of the year so far. ‘Thankfully Legends escaped the worst ofit although the gusty winds affected the flying on both days, Sunday was the better of the two, with no rain during the display itself However, despite fewer cancelled displays on day two, Sunday's windspeed did prevent The Fighter Collection’ Gloster Gladiator and The Horsemen two-ship P-51 ‘Mustang team from displaying, although the later did get airborne for a practice routine shortly after the traditional Balbo hhad closed the show. For me, the star of the show was the beautiful Lockheed L-I2A (see page 30) which arrived from its Sywell home to make its Legends debut. Another impressive Legends debutant was the W Air Collection’s Spitfire FRXIV RM927 'X’ which provided the grow! of a Griffon among the many Merlin melodies. Later, a once frequentCreated by an aviator, The World's Only Hard Shell Leather Fl SPARES WW2 AVIATION ORS dais ‘SPECIALISTS a Nel ert ere og PRIVATE COLLECTION EEN air PNT dco) ss VIS R aaa Romeo Kevlarbard shel rtetion : Rags flair sleee ° ‘utentclok and bespoke www.SplifireSpares.com Berlin 1948, earl cty Inthe ruins of ie’ former capital, the Russian bea is preparing to crush the forces of PASCO democracy. Farmer RA ofcers ands woman platform 0 ia anairambulance company which flesa glimmer oh hope inthe darkness. ‘utwhen a Soviet ighter brings down a Bish aiiner, Sd ‘the world stands on the brink of World War Three. ‘Anovel by award-winning Helena P Schrader "This isthe best book on the Battle of Britain have ever read” RAF Batle of Britain Ace, Wing Commander Bob Doe 2a tibute to those who fought for freedom.” ‘The Foreign Service Journal Riding the iy, moonlit sky, they tok the war to Hite ‘Their chances of survival were less than 50%, Their average age was 21. Tiss the story of one Lancaster skipper, his crew and the woman he loved. ‘Where Eagles Never Flew shows the Battle of Britain from both sides of the channel through the eyes of pilots, ‘ground crew and women auxiliaries. Winner of the Hemingway Award 2020, a Maincrest ‘Media Award and a Silver Medal in the Global Book ‘Awards. Finalist inthe Feathered Quill, Book Excellence ‘and Readers’ Favorites Literary Awards, Winner of the Hemingway Award 2022, a Maincrest ‘Media Award anda BRAG Medalion Finalist fora Book Excellence Award. een een eae eeeFLYING LEGENDS: LEEDS EAST —eses airshow entertainer that is now a a far rarer sight, was Navy Legends simply Wings’ Swordfish WS856, The woul sem | charismatic torpedo-bombers right without ts appearance coincided with its SSetenfeon Visit to the former Blackburn his ocesion Aircraft factory site at Sherburn- Eee Alt in-Elmet where it had rolled off the production line in 1943. More familiar airframes included The Flying Bulls dazzlingly polished B-25) and -38 pair, always a sight to behold in sunny skies. ‘The new venue is unquestionably a winner for photographers. With no motorway or immediately adjacent local village to consider, ‘many of the display pilots flew largely ‘oval’ patterns allowing RIGHT: Nike Grey performed the eas! Joker routine in The Fier Calecion’ ‘Spite LFV, BPIZO Gre Rowse 38 / FLYPAST | October 2023 “Many flew largely ‘oval’ patterns allowing the top sides of these wonderful aircraft to be seen on pass after pass — excellent!” the top sides of these wonderful _the crowd line near the centre, aircraft to be seen on pass after __forcing anyone walking from ppass — excellent! I still rate Old one end to the other to divert, Warden as the best airshow around it. This unavoidable photography venue in the UK, _ situation adds a couple of but for me Leeds East has taken minutes and some extra yards photography’ ‘silver medal’ at its to the journey but in my first attempt. [feel sure this very experience, once you are settled ‘welcome aspect will be a big draw in your chosen spot, the view for future visitors, is first class - the corporate ‘A minor gripe is that the marquees haven't overwhelmed location of the control tower splits the flightline yet. Looking forward, the ‘talk on the ramp’ suggested a four-year deal had been signed between ‘The Fighter Collection (TFC) and Leeds East, but the TFC PR spokesperson’s statement of August 2 said: “All we can say right now is that discussions regarding the future of Flying Legends are ongoing and at this stage it is not appropriate to comment further.” Whatever the truth, the event delivered a solid start for the relaunch of this much-missed piston- powered feast. 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MFR: Code A11006 a ONS a CNB a: STC) aU ee ia WET f cy oro ita Paice cio co OR A ReCRASH INVESTIGATIONS WAR WRECK War was not just about combat; the intelligence services fought a most secret conflict too. uncovers the story id-way through machine and chose a recently fighter; his name was Pilot the Battle of harvested field alongside the Officer Horace Frederick King, Britain, Feldwebel Minster Road at Westgate-on. and his speciality was German Herbert Bischoff Sea, Holding off to ‘belly-in’, he armament. His particular of the Ist Staffel clipped the port wing on an anti- ‘trade’ had been honed over the Jagdgeshwader 52 was on an slider concrete post and bent previous 12 months but wartime early afternoon sortie supporting all three propeller blades ashe _intelligence-gathering in the UK Luftwaffe bombers over the ploughed his way to a stop. Itwas was very much a multi-strand Thames Estuary. Operating August 24, 1940, and for Bischoff from the French airfield of his ie as prisoner of war Coquelles, Bischoff was flying _stretched ahead, Messerschmitt BFI09E ‘White Quickly apprehended, he left 9 when his aircraft suddenly the scene with Army guards lost power, though not from Soon after, an RAF car arrived the enemy! Spiralling down, he at the site with an officer from desperately looked for a suitable Air Ministry Intelligence A.1.2g place to land the now-silent to look over the relatively intact 40 1 FLYPAST | October 2023 affair. The most secret material of all was that obtained by the Government Code & Cypher ‘School at Bletchley Park ~ later renamed GCHQ - which would break the German and Japanese military codes. At a much lower level was the need to determine the equipment used by theenemy, its capability and how best to combat any advances discovered. To do this, the Allies ~ USA, Britain, and Russia ~ established technical intelligence arms whose role was to search for changes and improvements to frontline equipment introduced by the enemy. As the Third Reich expanded, Germany too undertook the task of gathering information on potential enemies using a military arm created for this very special mission. ‘The rapid re-armament programme, starting in 1933, saw the establishment of new aviation companies supported by huge investment in production plants and test bases to provide the new Luftwaffe with advanced and highly capable equipment. By September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, it did so with a front line of modern functional designs that proved markedly superior to those of the Poles. The important aspect in those first months of war was to discover just how ‘invincible’ the much-vaunted fighters and bombers really were. In London, the Air Ministry's Air Intelligence section had the job of finding out. ‘Working on the staf ofthe Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), a group of around a dozen officers were assigned the task of investigating and where possible examining enemy aircraft that had crashed or been shot down. Some individuals had scientific and/or technical experience, others showed a flair for particular areas such as armament, engines or airframe design. A number could also speak and understand German, a major advantage when discovering notes, handbooks and, in some cases, even complete manuals in the wrecks. ‘The department's sections employed specialists such as HF ‘Rex’ King, a talented writer for the weekly Flight magazine and an acknowledged expert on aircraft guns, Asher Lee who later become a wing commander in A.1.2 and John Peskett, a multilingual officer who began his air intelligence work in France and went on to advise oon the BBC's daily propaganda broadcasts beamed to occupied Europe. In those last years of the 1930s, the rising threat of a new niltarised Germany concentrated the minds of government and industry. Diplomacy was the watchword and both sides extended invitations to each other for select delegations of military chief to view some of the equipment that was in service or being introduced into use. For the German visit to the RAF in 1937, a display of ‘frontline’ types allowed the Luftwaffe delegates to climb into cockpits, inspect equipment and receive briefings on most of the fighters and bombers then in use. While the Fairey Hendon monoplane bomber was hardly the most ground-breaking of new designs, the two aircraft that would initially be Britain's greatest adversaries for the Luftwaffe, the Spitfire and Hurricane, were noticeably absent and unavailable for close inspection. So proud was he of his burgeoning aireraft industry, Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goring encouraged visits by British journalists to German aviation manufacturers to see October 2023 / FLYPAST / 41CRASH INVESTIGATIONS production of the new types. He also agreed that Messerschmitt should display the new BE 109 fighter at the fourth International Flying Meeting held at Zrich- Dubendorf between July 23 and August 1, 1937, Five examples were displayed and Air Ministry ‘observers’ gained their first close look at the three prototypes and two production examples that were flown, raced and crashed — the latter by World War One ace Ernst Udet ~ at the international competition. In this period of détente, the Air Ministry even passed Hermann Goring an invitation to revisit Britain. He had been a tourist fora brief time in 1926 but, while flattered, he politely declined, War breaks out With Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 and Britain's declaration of war two days later, the UK mobilised and began the ‘phoney wat’ period which saw Bomber Command begin its frst, tentative night missions over Germany, initially dropping propaganda leaflets before switching to bombing attacks against naval targets. Likewise, the air component of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) with fighters, army 42 | FLYPAST | October 2023 co-operation squadrons as well as support units flew to France as the newly named RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. Already in France was a force of 160 Fairey Battles, a move triggered by the attack on Poland, to help repel the expected German onslaught. Once again, only 21 years since the end of the last war in Europe, the RAF found itself co-operating closely with the French Armée de I’Air. The two air forces began patrols and joint operations as the Luftwaffe started probing the defences, a task that gave Air Ministry Intelligence a number of ‘windfalls’ over the UK. On October 16, 1939, a group cof nine Ju 88s of 1/ KG30 from ‘Westerland/Sylt attacked ships in the Firth of Forth and it fll to Fit Lt Pat Gifford of 603 Sqn at Turnhouse to send one of the bombers into the sea. Such was the interest in the type that the RAF requested the wreckage be recovered from the relatively shallow water by the Royal Navy and brought ashore for closer inspection. A greater, more intact ‘prize’ arrived 12 days later when the first Heinkel He 111H ground its way across the heather at Long Newton Farm, Humbie, near Edinburgh, carrying four crewmen, two of which had been killed in the exchange of fire with Spitfires of 602 and 603 Squadrons. The surviving navigator Lt Rolf Niehoff and pilot Uff Kurt Lehmkuhl ‘managed to get the damaged machine down on rising ground on the Lammermuir Hills, Coded 1H4JA of the Westerland/ Syit-based Stab/KG26 ‘Lion Geschwader’, the aircraft had smashed its nose transparencies, but the haul of equipment and information gathered included much of interest, in particular, the standard blind landing receiver, which, after hearing two German prisoners discussing Knickebein (crooked leg), proved to be the means by which Luftwaffe bombers flew along radio beams to more accurately bomb their targets. Dismantled by No 63 Maintenance Unit, the aircraft ‘was transported down to RAE Farnborough where engineers produced a 59-page report on their findings, while Rolls-Royce had removed one of the Heinkel’s Jamo engines for bench-testing and providing a separate report on their assessment. ‘Through September, on mainland Europe, both the Allies and Germany sustained casualties, smal in number through reconnaissance flights cover and around the long border between the English Channel and Switzerland with the first coup for the Allies being an example of the new Messerschmitt BF109E, shot down by a French Moraneiy 406 near Rimling on September 24. Geffeiter Hesselbach of JagdGruppe 152 was captured unhurt, but the French, who naturally had priority in the examination of enemy aircraft on French soil, quickly repaired the fighter at Nancy to evaluate its performance, only to crash the aircraft on atest flight 12 days later! Reports indicate the "109 ‘was repaired again and after some unrecorded assessments, was flown from Coulommiers to RAF ‘Tangmere by Wing Commander JF McKenna, but seemingly never made the short hop to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) Boscombe Down. Next to arrive was Feldwebel Kari Hier who was forced to land near ‘Werth on November 22, 1939, when fog prevented his return across the border into Germany. Recovered by the French, it was flown in mock combat against a Hawker Hurricane of No 1 Squadron and an Armée de I’Air Hawk 75A with performance figures noted and forwarded to the various Commands for transfer to the operational squadrons; the captured aircraft LEFT: The same Heinkel as seen con page 48, naw photographed in 2 nearby French ‘lags ns wy foan Armée de TA base for techni tevauation.The personnel aboard fhe Chroen- Kegreste tractor, ‘carrying one of the bomber’ fin enka wll at twing the lowoader, Iookerater pleased wich thei eforin Siamaraing he fener machine arrived at ANAEE Boscombe Down on May 3, 1940, for more trials as AE479, It confirmed that the ‘Emil’ was superior in speed and manoeuvrability to the Hurricane, except at ow level where the British fighter could out-turn the German machine. Against a Spitfire, the '109 could out-climb it up to 20,000f%, above which the British fighter had the edge. The direct injection fuel system in the Daimler-Benz, DB6OLA engine was found to be far superior to the float carburettor on the Rolls-Royce Merlin and gave German pilots a greater chance of avoiding combat ifit was LETH I Hea IA of called for by pushing over in a semi-bunt’, which, ifcopied by a the frat ator the firs Luferafe Spitfire, would cause the engine aera of World to splatter and stop! Wario be In the meantime, German pene Dorniers and Heinkels ~ air bid in near Edinburgh. ves this rate that gave up the secret of enabled German bombers ty along a beam and became fair game for the British and French fighters and the first victory for the RAF's Air Component occurred on November 2, 1939, when Flight Lieutenant ‘Bobby’ Voase Jeff of Hurricane-equipped made eres: '87 Squadron attacked a He pester 1111-2 of 2.(F)/122 forcing it to crash-land at Staple, near October 2023 / FLYPAST / 43CRASH INVESTIGATIONS ‘TOP: Dornier with difference Shot down by French Cures Haws, cis Do 17S0wae 3 rare bird Brought own while fing photo sor hove the cameras already removed fon the lef a ABOVE: Perched North Berwick aw on 9 February 1940, thi rately Ieee 1114 3 from SKG 26 was to become AWTT with the Ai Fitting Development Une at Dunford ‘rom September 19al Varathor Hazebrouck in northern France. Remarkably intact, the airframe ‘was soon disassembled by French engineers and the parts transferred to a nearby airfield for investigation. Rich pickings But what was the aim of the scavenging Air Int officers? In his book, Strange Intelligence, ‘Wing Commander John Peskett outlined his job as an Air Intelligence officer. He said “A shot-down or force-landed enemy aircraft. is of the greatest tactical, scientific, echnical and industrial interest. The Air Ministry had priority in the handling of such aircraft. They were usually roped off by the local police and provided with ‘a military guard until one of us arrived to make the preliminary 44 ( FLYPAST | October 2023 report. Dead members of the crew or any survivors were dealt with by another branch of Air Intelligence, and they had often been removed either to a local ‘mortuary of to an interrogation centre by the time we appeared on the scene. OF immediate importance were such items as identification of the unit and where it came from. Next, any new type of armament or different location of armament or armour protection together with ares of fire of the guns which had to be reported at once for the benefit of our own fighters. Engines, petrol, oil, radio, radar, bombsights and other instruments, quantity and type of ammunition, de-icing equipment and any novel features such as balloon-cable cutters had to be investigated and recommendations for further examinations made.” ‘Thus, depending on the state of the wreckage, the small band of A officers posted to France in autumn 1939 found themselves, closely involved with their French opposite numbers and in the early-war period most enemy casualties proved to be of interest and detailed reports were compiled on what was found. In Britain, one surprising type to make landfall on December 6 was a twin-engine Heinkel He 115 reconnaissance and mine- laying floatplane that had the misfortune to fly into a Chain Home radio mast at West Beckham in Norfolk. All three crew members died in the crash their remains being retrieved and sent for burial. However, Air Ministry personnel were keen to inspect the wreckage asthe previous month, coastal dwellers near Shoeburyness had spotted an object dropped by parachute from a German aircraft into the sea; this turned out to bbe a magnetic mine. Clearly a fearsome weapon for shipping, the mine prompted urgent action and the crashed Heinkel could have been carrying just such ‘a weapon, but the wreck was devoid of such ‘treasure ‘The New Year saw no let-up in German operations and on January 13, 1940, an unexpected arrival occurred near Calais- Marck when a Dornier Do 17 bellied-in after a tussle with Armée de ’Air Curtiss Hawks of GC 2/4, When Air Ministry officials arrived, they found the aircraft to be a modified, long range, unarmed reconnaissance version of the ‘Flying Pene but instead of the usual rakish nose, this Dornier sported the enlarged cockpit and forward fuselage of the Do 172, Daimler- Benz DB6OL in-line engines in place ofthe standard BMW radials and forward of where the bomb-bay was, there now nestled a camera system of two Rb 50/30s and a single Rb 20/30. These were of particular interest to both the British and French and provided an indication ofpossible targets overflown and photographed by the aircraft. The ‘machine was subsequently found to be one of only three special high-altitude Do 178-0 versions built and had conducted a sortie over southern England before being forced down on its return journey. Wk Nr 2502 carried the code TS+FH which indicated its attachment to the specialist Kommando Rowehl’ unit based at Oranienburg, near Berlin, The crew of Lt Rosatius, Geft Schaal and Uffz Kuge were captured to become PoWs, but like most of the imprisoned Germans, after the fall of France they returned to their units to continue the fight, Theodore Rosarius subsequently forming the special ‘Zirkus Rosarius,, which test-flew and demonstrated captured Allied aircraft later in the war. Having closely checked over the wreck of the He 111 retrieved from Scotland in October, the Intelligence section was called north of the border once again to look over another ofthe type “Coded |H+EN, it became AW177 with the Air Fighting Development Unit at Duxford from September 1941 before transferring to No 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight” which had made a much more ‘measured landing at North Berwick Law, East Lothian, on February 9. Unteroffizer Helmut Meyer of 5/KG 26 managed a conventional landing after an attack by Sqn Lar Andrew Farquhar of 602 Sqn which Killed Uffz Wieners. A low hedge brought the bomber to a halt with its tail in the air and the surviving three crew were swiftly taken prisoner. Not dissimilar to the H-2 version acquired earlier, this H-3 incorporated ‘minor differences, but its greatest offering was its virtually airworthy state, After dismantling and a road journey to Turnhouse, it was re-assembled to flying condition over some six months and after two test flights on ‘August 13, 1940, it departed for RAE Farnborough via Finningley the following day. Coded IH+EN, itbecame AW177 with the Air Fighting Development Unit at Duxford from September 1941 before transferring to No 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight Demonstration flights by its new owners gave RAF pilots a clearer idea what the type was capable of. It survived until destroyed in a fatal crash at RAF Polebrook con November 10, 1943, in which seven of the 11 people on board were killed ‘Among enemy types identified as of particular technical interest to the British was the Junkers Ju 88 and the Messerschmitt BF 110, One of the latter fll to the guns of Moranes from GC 2/2 and GC 11/3 on April 2, 1940. However, the hoped: for prize proved nothing more than remnants, including the crew, buried nose down in the ‘ground near Lungville. Retrieved in due course from the debris were ammunition drums of 20mm cannon shells which proved useful to determine in which order the rounds were fired ~ tracer, explosive and ball = while other bits of wreckage provided metal plates indicating the manufacturer and equipment suppliers, details methodically October 2023 / FLYPAST 1 45CRASH INVESTIGATIONS pemeceeeny ety petits rere included in true German fashion troops assaulting major strong Henschel Hs 123 single-seat, and duly noted by the British! points. To the Allied pilots biplane dive-bombers, from 5 ‘meeting this invasion, the enemy Staffel LG 2, which had been shot appeared to fill the skies, but down by Hurricanes of 60° Following the German the air forces of France, Belgium from Vitry-en-Artois during the ‘occupation of Denmark and and the Netherlands gave a ‘morning of May 14. These had Norway on April 9, the threat good account of themselves been forward-based at Guise, east ofan attack across the Low and casualties from all sides of St Quentin in Belgium. While Countries and France appeared were soon falling around the considered absolete compared. inereasingly likely and the Allies targets hunted by the Germans. _with the similarly tasked Stuka, relocated aircraft to reduce their Such destruction provided they proved capable attackers vulnerability to air attacks should rich pickings for the small Air Another Henschel type, the invasion occur. Reconnaissance ‘Ministry team hunting for Hs 126 observation aircraft, by the Aufklarungsgruppe information ~ but which wrecks began to be downed by Allied continued with an He 111 of would be worth the drive through fighters as the parasol-win 3(F)/121 from Frankfurt-Main the criss-cross of lanes that scout succumbing to attack in the early formed most of the northern moving German armour and ‘morning of April Il, crashing at is of the two countries? A while relatively slow and rather Amifontaine. The resulting fiery notable revelation discovered basic, their remains provided wreck produced another large in an He 1 brought down by useful detritus in the form of camera among the cinders to fighters near Arras that day was maps and personal items from investigate and sundry items for the addition of two extra machine the crews ~ both dead and alive. the searchers. Various aircraft guns mounted one each side of One located near Cambrai gave ‘arrived’ for checking out, the fuselage, firing tothe side and map co-ordinates on the planned including the shot-down remains aft. The discovery was rapidly moves of certain Panzer units. of one of the first Ju 88s to fall signalled to the frontline fighter. A He ILL shot down on May into Allied hands outside the UK, squadrons. Interesting, but of 19 crashed near Lizy-sur-Oureq greeted with much interest, but little technical value, were two in central France and revealed a not as much as another example cone which yielded a manufacturers PERERA handbook on the type ~ strictly Meee verboten (forbidden) by th RAM Luftwaffe, which was ‘pure gold’ for the technical intelligence section who would translate the text and when flyable examples were acquired later in the year, the information proved exceedingly useful ‘On May 10, the Germans launched their attacks on the Low Countries and France in a Blitzkrieg of massed armour supported by Stuka dive- bombers, waves of medium bombers with free-ranging fighters, as well as parachute 46 ( FLYPAST | October 2023OTe ea eu A a La beet a RCE es URE lol) mail@specialauctionservices.com PEM yas Cima ere eed Newbury Ce te 01635 580595 Eno rae eR ICS Md Cee Lod Te OVER 20 MILITARY AND de HAVILLAND CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 10.30 TO 17.00 7 OPENING - NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY TuRsOaY TO UNOAY 10.02 701520, sa SUMMER Eee Se mare: kel ce en OdRASH INVESTIGATIONS BELOW:One ofthe mary losses incurred by he Lufewate bomber force con May 1, 1940, twas ts He TI of 9 Safe ko 'vaeor were to quote propaganda sory apprehended by an unarmed Bris war grave beeper who requested they hand over the rms which they 4 Va athor new type of bombsight that had not been seen before. Details ‘were shared with the French and became the subject of much interest when examined at their Orléans-Bricy technical establishment. Having been called-up and commissioned in the RAF Volunteer Reserve, Flight’s young Rex King joined AL2g, and was hurriedly despatched to France to assist with gathering what he could from the increasing number of downed enemy aircraft. He visited Rouvres, near Verdun, and the RAF fighter boys of No 73 Squadron. Between missions, Rex managed to discuss eurrent tactics and gunnery with Cobber Kain DEC, the lofty and highly popular New Zealander who was adding to his score with aggressive hunting in his Hurricane. Witnessing the end cof one of Cobber’s victims - a Do 17 downed within view of the airfield - Rex heard that while close harmonisation of the eight 303in machine guns was vital, the young ‘ace’ felta cannon armament would prove more deadly against the enemy. Cobber “On the ground, RAF Inte! continued his score through the last month of battle, but it was to be the exuberance of youth which ultimately claimed the 22-year-old’s life. On June 7, 1940, he opted to have one last flight in his Hurricane before returning to Britain. Climbing over the temporary airfield of Echemines, Kain dived down for alow beat-up, but on the third roll he crashed on the airfield - his score was 17 enemy aircraft destroyed and two damaged. It was a painful loss. ‘With German armour heading north towards the coast, most of the RAF Air Component had withdrawn to the UK by May 22, Nevertheless, it still provided fighter and air reconnaissance cover over France from bases in Kent and the last few Allied- held airfields in northwest France. On the ground, RAF Intelligence personnel remaining on the continent continued to investigate what crashes they could, but their time in France was rapidly coming to an end with evacuation becoming increasingly urgent. An overview on the state of the Luftwaffe recognised that despite the significant losses suffered, its equipment was remarkably good with current production making up for the losses. However, it was clear to the German aircrew that fighting over Western Europe was a different matter from that experienced over Poland. Urgent upgrades were made to the bombers as those shot down soon afterwards were found to carry more armour plate and. defensive guns. ‘With May giving way to June, RAF personnel still in France or Belgium made for the Channel ports, most gaining passage to Britain by whatever ship was available, To the east, Dunkirk was witnessing the final withdrawal ofthe surviving BEF troops. The handful of Air Intelligence staff took everything they could carry, each harbouring thoughts of what the next phase of the war would bring. ‘The Battle of France was over, but the methods for extracting secrets from crashed aircraft were established and would bear fruit forthe rest ofthe conflict. @ ence personnel remaining on the continent continued to investigate what crashes they could, but their time in France was rapidly coming to an end” 48 / FLYPAST | October 2023Aircraft Covers & {Catmbrat Ground Equipment .— » 1809001 Acsredes ‘Aerospace Approves Yee Waray Retutistment Sree Protect your valuable aircraft now - call us today! ++44(0)01977 267426 ifo@eambaicovers.com wwwcambaicoers.com To advertise please contact Cer CULO OAS LS ea Ld De eee ety RSS aay ke Trustpilot cee Wee allie when you could have a real lift? AStiltz Homellt is an ideal and affordable alternative toa stairlift. You can now safely travel ‘between the floors in your home while keeping * Your stairs the way they have always been. + comettctve + salfootpint + eestanding desir lof the vacuum cleaner... forthe lift, it's the best Coes ee cd (oe) Nast MelgR (0): 3° (07-0-1-11| ee eer CANCLASSICS ~ LOCKHEED HUDSON Hudson Mik AM746 served 38a transport, aircraft before being suck off charge on Alger 1945 AI EY ules ned ne of World War ‘Two's most durable and trusted aircraft, the Lockheed Hudson ‘was put to good use in numerous roles. It served as a bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, trainer, transport and in an anti- U-boat capacity, giving some idea ofits versatility. Although designed 50 / FLYPAST | October 2023 and builtin the US, it was primarily operated by the RAF, whose initial request surpassed any previous order that the pre-war Lockheed had received. ‘Aeronautical innovator Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson, who went on to play major roles in the development of the Lockheed U-2 and SR-71 reconnaissance jets, is often credited with the design of the Hudson, but the bomber actually owes its creation to an earlier machine. Lockheed had flown its Model 10 Electra forthe first time on February 23, 1934. The sleek all-metal monoplane airliner was designed by Hall Hibbard, though Johnson certainly contributed. The distinctive twin-finned, H-shaped tail that was to feature on the Hudson was his idea, following wind tunnel tests, The resulting Electra is,HORSE It may have originated from a pre-war design, but the Lockheed Hudson went on to become one of the most versatile — and overlooked — aircraft of World War Two. remembered today as the type in which Amelia Earhart made her ill-fated round-the-world expedition in 1937. ‘The Model 10 evolved into the Super Electra, which made its frst flight on July 28, 1937. This sealed-up version of the Model 10 was the eivil aireraft fon which the Hudson was based. A Lockheed cutaway illustration showing a Super Electra converted into alight bomber prompted much interest in the years leading up to the war. The RAF in particular was seeking a maritime patrol aircraft to support its existing Avro Anson. The original iteration of Lockheed was the Loughhead (pronounced Lock-heed’) Aircraft Manufacturing tells its story Company, which opened its doors in 1016. The brothers that rant, Allan and Malcolm Loughhead, did not make a success of the business - of at least, not at first. With only four aircraft built, the company folded in 1921, but was set up a second time five years later. In 1928, it first moved in to its headquarters at Burbank, California October 2023 / FLYPAST / 51CLASSICS ~ LOCKHEED HUDSON ABOVE: Lockheed Hudson A-28 (Mk) Electra became the first American all- landings, but could also be retracted, rene metal production passenger aireraf..felitaing beter airspeed. The wing ‘The subsequent Model 12 Electra also introduced integral fuel tanks. BELOW:Hudsoe of 216Sqaton inthe Junior impressed with ts speed, ut Orders fr the innovative machine Westar Desert Note che caret have been the real breakthrough came in July ‘were quick to come ~ more than oe 1937 with the debut of the Model 3,000 Model 14s were built over the 14 Super Electra. Capable of seating next eight years, with sales inthe netow mcuriHuson MANANZ2006 14 twas fitted with pair of 840hp region of $263m, cane es eset Wright Cyclone engines, and, inthe "The Super Electra also attracted ‘Santo during 1943 AFMNZ via A Thoms hands of chief test pilot Marshall ‘overseas interest, not least from the Heal itreached 257mph on its British military, With the threat of “The company was purchased by maiden Flight. "Kelly Johnson, then war looming nthe ate 1830s, the UK the Detroit Aircraft Company in’ aesearch engineer was also ia the government despatched a commission 1929, which subsequently went cockpit thet day. fovisit Lockheed ithad an allocated bankrupt, although Lockheed ‘The aircraft was somewhat ahead budget of $25m. Among their number itself remained salvent. Inthe ofits time. The design ofits single was We Cdr Arthur T Harris 210 carly 1930s, company boss Carl B Spar wings included newly developed and 58 Squadron veteran who was ‘Squier was successful in attracting Lockheed-Fowler flaps, which later to be immortalised in RAF investment and 1934’s Model 10 acted as a brake to ensure safer folklore as ‘Bomber’ Harris. 52 / FLYPAST | October 2023Despite the intensity of British interest, the visit is thought to have caught Lockheed unawares. With only their Model 14 to showcase, the team feverishly developed a concept for a military version, sueceeding in 4 period of just five days and nights. Ina task that would normally take ‘months, they produced a full-scale mock-up of a Super Electra converted into a medium reconnaissance bomber. In those five days, the Hudson was born, Drawing board to airfield ‘The British were clearly impressed with Lockheed’s concept, but asked for several changes, all of which were swiftly implemented. Johnson later recalled that further redesign work ‘was carried out in England: “In a period of 80 hours, working alone, 1 ‘was required to revise our proposal to incorporate English armament such as turrets, torpedoes, mines, bombs and forward-firing guns.” Data was swiftly sent to Burbank s0 that production could begin. “When the first three airplanes were delivered to Martlesham Heath, our test pilot Milo Bursham and I spent a number of months checking oat pilots and crew,” Johnson wrote. “T was given an RAF uniform so that I could be considered an official member of “The team feverishly developed a concept fora military version... ina period of just five days and nights they produced a full-scale mock-up” the crew during our long flights over TOP: Hudson MI FEB9 operated with ngland, Scotland and Wales.” 301 Ferry Training Une and 500 Squadron ne comsons Wele during World War Two Perhaps little suspecting the true versatility oftheir new charge, the RAF's initial intention was to employ ‘ABOVE: Hudson MKINT9431 VX) of 206 Sgundron Thi aterafe was lst when the aircraft in a maritime role with ic crashed on aloof a Aldergrove, Co Coastal Command. Due to this, the ‘rin. on Apel 8.1942 type was named after Henry Hudson, an early 17th century English sea according to the London Evening explorer and navigator. The contract, News, each cost £17,000, signed on June 23, 1938, called for TThe new machine retained the the supply of 175 Hudsons plus "as Model 14's integral fuel tanks and many more as could be delivered up Lockheed-Fowler flaps, plus the to 250" by December 1939. The first armament provisions required by flight of the Hudson took place on the RAF. They also incorporated a December 10, 1938. All the aircraft for bomb bay and a compartment in the the RAF's initial order were completed nose for the navigator, along with an several weeks ahead of schedule and, _astro hatch in the roof that provided October 2023 / FLYPAST / $3CLASSICS ~ LOCKHEED HUDSON RIGHT. The crew of AMS9E ae Bircham Newton shorty before thelr dsappearance, Let righ: Don Foley Daniel McCann, Norman Leckie and Mervyn Lowry BELOW: Lockheed Hudson MV AMG96 ‘RR-D" of 407 Squadron in 1942 BOTTOM: Hudson MAINAVH-AG) in service with Adaera in che ently 19605 KEC extra visibility and could act as ‘an emergency exit in the event of ditching, Several further escape hatches were installed ~ more than enough for the Hudson's typical crew of four. The first three marks were equipped with Wright Cyclone engines, similar to those that powered their civil predecessor although the Mk.II introduced Hamilton constant speed propellers. The Mk.III had uprated Cyclones and a retractable ventral gun position in addition to the existing turret. Subsequent variants - the Mk.IV, V and VI ~ were powered by 1,200hp Pratt & ‘Whitney Twin Wasps. ‘Typical armament comprised two fixed forward guns operated by the pilot and the Boulton & Paul turret, which featured a pair of 0.303 Brownings. Additional guns were later fited to both side hatches, with a single Browning occupying a ventral position. The Hudson could carry a variety of bomb loads, with total ordnance of up to 1,200Ibs. Depending on the type of sortie, some aircraft carried four 2501b bombs, with others bearing ten 100-pounders. Those engaged on 54 / FLYPAST | October 2023 “All four members of the 407 Squadron crew remain missing in action, with their names recorded on the Runnymede Memorial near Egham, in Surrey” anti-submarine duties might be fitted with four 250Ib depth charges, as well as a pair of 1001b bombs. Despite the virtues ofthe new aircraft, itwas not without drawbacks. The turret was regarded as unusually cramped and a crewman of average build would struggle to occupy the space while wearing the requisite Tevin jacket, Mae West life jacket and parachute harness. Most of them simply opted for the Mae West, and even that was frequently problematic. ‘The Hudson nevertheless proved to a worthy and valuable weapon of war. It ‘was quickly ‘blooded’ in the early days of World War Two, and went on to prove itselfin a multitude of roles, some of which had not been envisaged by its designers First blood Hudsons were already in service with, the RAF when war broke out. The first batch had been delivered in February 1939, equipping 224 Squadron at Leuchars, Scotland, in May of that year: Seventy-eight were in use at the start of hostilities. Due to US neutrality, the Hudsons had first to be flown from the Lockheed