Fly Past 201312

SPECTACULAR SPITFIRE AND FOCKE-WULF PHOTOSHOOT
Britain’s Top-Selling
Aviation Monthly
HURRI-
BOMBER SPITFIRE
REBORN
EXCLUSIVE Air-to-airs
First air-to-air
WITH A HARD-HITTING photo sortie
HAWKER HURRICANE **EXCLUSIVE**
FROM THE
WORKSHOP
Hawker Hunter back
fom the brink
RESTORATION
Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111
The Luftwaffe's
infamous bomber
MAN-EATER COLD WAR
in focus HISTORY
North American's F-107
www.flypast.com
FOUR MONTHS BAD BOYS WARBIRDS DECEMBER 2013 £4.25 CAN $9.75
IN ’44 WORLD WAR 2 OF PYLON CITY

One man's road to ‘ops’ Air-racing Sea Furies
with Bomber Command over Reno
01_December fc_fp.indd 1 18/10/2013 16:33

Royal British Legion F_P.indd 1 14/10/2013 11:29
Welcome
T
he old adage about ‘time flying’ seems particularly appropriate as I write this foreword to our
December issue – the year appears to have gone by in the blink of an eye for me. It seems like only
yesterday that I was writing the editorial for the January issue! It’s been a good year though, and I hope
you’ve enjoyed the articles, news reports and stories in FlyPast during 2013. It’s certainly been a pleasure
for the team and me to put the magazine together for you each month.
As you’ve probably already noticed, this issue comes complete with a free 2014 Museums of the World
calendar – just to help organise your plans for the New Year and beyond. We also have a very varied issue for you again this
month, with features on one of Britain’s most famous post-war aircraft builders (page 40), an American Cold War ‘super
fighter’ project (page 100), plus plenty of veterans’ stories and, of course, lots of warbirds! Air racers don’t quite fit into the
latter category, but it’s a fascinating subject and we’ve a major feature on some of the leading pilots who perform each year at
the Reno races. The feature’s author also took some incredible photos and we’ve used the best of his work on pages 114 to 120,
plus the contents page main image.
A number of readers have contacted me and asked if we can feature a Luftwaffe aircraft as the subject of our Spotlight
section. I’m happy to oblige and we feature the German’s infamous medium bomber, the Heinkel He 111, within the special
section that starts on page 65. I hope you find it interesting, and that you enjoy reading the rest of this special issue.
This is the month that was... This is the month that is...
Boeing’s high-altitude 307 Stratoliner took to flight 75 years ago, Today, Boeing’s super fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner continues to push
making its first test sortie on December 31, 1938. It paved the way for the boundaries of technology, in the same way its ancestor did before
Nigel Price the company’s highly successful future in producing airliners. BOEING the outbreak of World War Two.
Editor
Assistant Editor EDITORIAL: MANAGING DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER: FlyPast (ISSN: 0262-6950), December, is

Editor – Nigel Price Adrian Cox published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box
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3_editorial_fpSBB.indd 3 21/10/2013 16:52

Features
22 Lancaster memories 54 ‘Hurri-bomber’ raid 100 Cold War ‘Man-Eater’
The first instalment of a two-part Rachel Morris recounts the history John Fredrickson describes the F-107,
feature charting one man’s road behind the paint scheme of Hangar the last of North American’s fighter
to courageous ‘ops’ with Bomber 11’s magnificent ‘Hurri-bomber’, with dynasty.
Command. photography from John Dibbs.
32 Focke-Wulf meets
Spitfire
Gavin Conroy captures New Zealand’s
airworthy Focke-Wulf FW 190 alongside
its wartime adversary, a Spitfire Mk.IX.
Contents
December 2013 No.389
Front Cover
Hawker Hurricane IIB ‘BE505’ of the North Weald-based Hangar 11 collection. See feature beginning on page 54. JOHN DIBBS
This page, main image: Two modified Hawker Sea Fury aircraft, T.20 ES8502 (nearest camera) and FB.11 TG114. See our air racing
feature, beginning on page 114. MICHAEL O’LEARY
32 Focke-Wulf meets Spitfire 54 ‘Hurri-bomber’ raid 114 Air racing heroes
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News Regulars
106 Shuttleworth Camel 40 Manufacturers – Shorts
Darren Harbar reports on the Northern In our series on Britain’s famous aircraft
Aeroplane Workshop’s Old Warden- builders, Ken Ellis profiles the company
based Sopwith Camel project. started by the Short brothers in 1908.
114 Air racing heroes 48 Museum –

Michael O’Leary talks to pilots of the • Last ever VC10 flight Jet Age Museum
world’s fastest propeller-driven racers. • Mew Gull arrives at Old Warden Steve Beebee visits a newly opened
• Biggin Hill Spitfire flies attraction in Staverton, Gloucestershire.
• Avro Arrow on the move
• US Stinson to fly 52 FlyPost and ‘Ops’ Board
• Ryan’s Goodwood triumph Readers’ letters and dates for your
diary.
92 Airshow
Reports and images from shows at
Duxford, Dublin and Old Warden.
96 From The Workshop –

Hawker Hunter
Ron Fulton of the Boscombe Down
Aviation Collection talks to Hugh Trevor
about the museum’s newly restored
Hunter.
110 What’s New

The latest books, artwork, and other
aviation-related products receive the
FlyPast verdict.
122 Finals
Shuttleworth’s Bristol M.1C.
Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111
66 Origin and History 80 Inside the He 111
Cutaway artwork of a He 111H-16.
GIVE THE GIFT 68 Men Behind

the He 111
84 In Combat
Chris Goss describes an unusual
THAT LASTS
Chris Goss relates the experiences World War Two combat that resulted
and fortunes of three He 111 pilots. in the loss of Oskar Broderix’s
Heinkel He 111.
ALL YEAR! 76 He 111 in Profile

Artwork of a downed Heinkel. 90 Warriors
Some rarely seen images of the
A subscription to FlyPast makes a great gift this 78 Contemporaries World War Two bomber.
Christmas. See pages 94 and 95 for details or compared
visit www.flypast.com to find out more about our We compare the Heinkel to two
digital packages. other Luftwaffe bombers.
4-5_contents_fpSBB.indd 5 21/10/2013 16:22

NEWS THE LATEST IN AVIATION HERITAGE
Night run for airworthy ‘Lanc’

On a chilly September 21, the Canadian of only two airworthy examples in event. As the sun set, the Lancaster of groups of about 35 at a time. The
Warplane Heritage Museum held a the world (the other being the RAF was positioned on the tarmac, and to aircraft then performed a successful
night-time engine run for supporters BBMF’s PA474). Tickets were limited to accommodate all photographers three taxi run. www.warplane.com
of Avro Lancaster B.X FM213, one 100 and sold out months before the engine tests were performed in front ERIC DUMIGAN
Avro Lancaster B.X FM213 running its engines on September 21. ERIC DUMIGAN
Mew Gull joins the Fw 190 goes on display at Cosford

Shuttleworth Collection The RAF Museum Cosford has placed
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 313 on display
Hill. In 1986 it went on loan to IWM
Duxford where it was given corrosion
Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF has recently displays. following a period of maintenance treatment and painted in an authentic
been acquired by the Shuttleworth On February 5, 1939, Alex Henshaw at the attraction’s Michael Beetham day fighter scheme.
Collection. In the hands of Tony ‘Taff’ left Gravesend, Kent, for Cape Town in Conservation Centre. Four years later, the Focke-Wulf was
Smith, the 1936-built racer flew to its South Africa at the controls of X-Ray- The fighter – once part of a ‘Mistel’ moved to IWM Lambeth and put on
new home at Old Warden on October 6. Foxtrot. Four days later he was back, twin-aircraft drone combination with display, suspended from the ceiling.
The machine was previously based at having flown 12,754 miles (20,521km) at a Junkers Ju 88 – spent several years It remained here until December 2012
Breighton, Yorkshire. an average speed of well over 200mph. on display at Cranwell, Lincs, before when it was moved to Cosford.
The Mew Gull resided at Old Warden His record was to stand for more than a short period in storage at Biggin www.rafmuseum.org
during the 1990s, leaving for Breighton 70 years.
on June 15, 2002. The Shuttleworth “It was a feat of superlative
Collection already owns another of airmanship and navigation, as well Sqn Ldr Duncan Mason flying recently repainted
Britain’s great long-distance racing as human endurance, that placed it Spitfire IXe MK356 on October 17. JAMIE EWAN
aircraft, de Havilland DH.88 Comet on a par with Charles Lindbergh’s

G-ACSS, the winner of the 1934 England solo crossing of the Atlantic,” said
to Australia air race. Now these two Shuttleworth flying boss Sir John
famous aircraft have been brought Allison. “Mew Gull G-AEXF is the UK’s
together at Old Warden, and from next Spirit of St Louis.”www.shuttleworth.org
year the Mew Gull will be flown at WITH THANKS TO SIR JOHN ALLISON
The Shuttleworth Collection’s Roger ‘Dodge’ Bailey (left) and Sir John Allison welcome
Tony ‘Taff’ Smith (right) and Mew Gull G-AEXF on October 6. DARREN HARBAR
New colours for BBMF Spitfire

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight red spinner from its previous livery – this
has repainted its Supermarine Spitfire has since been changed to a ‘Sky’ colour.
Mk.IXe MK356 into the colours of 5J-K, The Spitfire now represents ML214, the
a fighter that flew with 126 Squadron in machine flown by Sqn Ldr John A Plagis
June 1944. DSO DFC. He named the aircraft Kay after
Previously in an overall silver scheme, his sister. His unit provided fighter escort
the fighter was painted at Humberside for bombers operating over north-
Airport and flown back to its Coningsby, western France and flew patrols over the
base on October 17 by Sqn Ldr Duncan Allied invasion fleet.
Mason. For its return flight, it retained the www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf
6 FLYPAST December 2013
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www.flypast.com
Victor cockpit moves to Newark

Newark Air Museum took delivery of Having completed the short journey
its latest exhibit, a Handley Page Victor to Newark from its previous home
cockpit, on October 5. near Lincoln, the cockpit will soon be
It is believed that the cockpit was repainted.
originally intended for an operational Internally complete, it will form a
Victor, but before being allocated a serial significant part of the display at the
number it was converted by Redifon into museum’s Tribute To The V-Force event
a simulator and procedures trainer. on May 17, 2014, and will also feature at
It was once used to train Victor crews Cockpit-Fest on June 14 and 15. www.
at Marham, Norfolk, and has now been newarkairmuseum.org
placed on long-term loan at the museum. HOWARD HEELEY
The interior of Newark Air Museum’s Victor cockpit. HOWARD HEELEY
New home for Iskra jet Panavia Tornado GR.1 ZA326 is prepared
for transportation from Boscombe Down
on October 1. JEFF WILLIAMS-QINETIQ
PZL-Mielec TS-11 Iskra G-BXVZ was Manston-based TG Aviation, with
acquired in late August by the RAF the intention of displaying it on the
Manston History Museum at Manston airshow circuit.
Airport in Kent. Tragically, Ted was killed while
Victor-Zulu was the third Iskra demonstrating an Aero L-29 Delfin at
prototype and initially registered Eastbourne in 2000. Until recently
SP-DOF when it appeared at the the Iskra was being stored outside,
Farnborough Airshow in 1978. After but on August 21 it was moved to its
a period at Shoreham, West Sussex, new home. www.rafmanston.co.uk
it was purchased by Ted Girdler of WITH THANKS TO DAVE TAYLOR
PZL-Mielec TS-11 Iskra G-BXVZ

arriving at the RAF Manston
History Museum. VIA DAVE TAYLOR
Tornado GR.1 joins Cold
War Jets Collection
Panavia Tornado GR.1 ZA326 has “The aircraft has arrived with
been moved from Boscombe Down most of its components in boxes,
to Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire and so a few months of sorting and
where it is to join the Cold War Jets cataloguing is now required. The
Collection. wings, fin and tailerons should be
Ending its flying career as refitted in the next few weeks. The
the world’s last airworthy GR.1 jet is in really good condition and the
in December 2005, the Tornado paint work looks good, so we should
continues to wear the distinctive be able to get her looking her best
Skytrain migrates to Germany Boscombe Down ‘raspberry ripple’ reasonably quickly.”
Douglas C-47A Skytrain 42-23936 Airways. Kilo-Kilo is no longer in flying colour scheme. It was acquired by Led by Elliott, a team is being set
G-DAKK, a veteran of World War Two condition, and will make the journey Elliott Atkins earlier this year, who up to look after the preservation
operations Torch, Overlord and Market to Germany by truck. Once at Weeze has donated it to the collection at needs of ZA326, and volunteers –
Garden will shortly leave its current airport (formerly RAF Laarbruch), Bruntingthorpe. The jet will hopefully particularly those with experience of
home in the Netherlands for Germany. Classic Wings will commence be restored to fast taxiable condition. Tornados – are being sought, as are
Since arriving from the UK in 2006, restoration work on the fuselage. “After a lot of hard work and sponsors.
the Skytrain has been on display at the The machine may ultimately be made many trips to Boscombe Down we A website, monitoring the jet’s
Aviodrome in Lelystad, painted in the airworthy, though this is likely to take eventually managed to move her progress, has also been set up.
red and cream livery of South Coast several years. ROGER SOUPART here,” engineer Max Waldron told The Cold War Jets Collection would
Douglas C-47A Skytrain G-DAKK at Lelystad awaiting
FlyPast. “She seemed reluctant to like to thank QinetiQ, TH Sharnford
transportation to Germany. ROGER SOUPART leave – we spent six hours doing the Ltd, Jasmine Roadways, JARTS, Jet
final prep and loading on October 1 Art Aviation and Al Giles for their
before we drove her out of the gate. assistance. ZA326 will be on public
The unloading at Bruntingthorpe was display during the next Cold War Jets
done under flood lights; it was a long open day, in May 2014.
and rewarding day. www.za326.com
December 2013 FLYPAST 7
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Biggin Hill
Spitfire flies again
Peter Monk flying Supermarine Spitfire

LF.XVIe RW382 in September, shortly
after its first flight. JOHN DIBBS
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Supermarine Spitfire LF.XVIe RW382 in 1957. It appeared as a static Spitfire
took to the air for a successful in the 1969 film Battle of Britain, and
first test flight from Biggin Hill on was later at Uxbridge, London, from
September 18 in the capable hands of 1973 until 1988, where it was displayed
Clive Denney. The flight followed the on a pole at the airfield entrance.
completion of restoration work by the Acquired by Historic Flying Limited,
Spitfire Restoration Company Ltd. the fighter was restored to flying
Built at Castle Bromwich in 1945, it status and sold to David Tallichet of the
was issued to 604 (County of Middlesex) Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation
Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron in California. During an airshow
(RAuxAF) on April 1, 1947, then based appearance on June 3, 1998, it was sadly
at North Weald. After serving with this involved in a fatal accident.
unit for three years, RW382 was sent to The Spitfire returned to the UK Clive Denney getting airborne in RW382 on September 18 at Biggin Hill. PAUL CAMPBELL
No.33 MU at Lyneham, Wilts. Following a during 2005 and a rebuild began at
stint with No.3 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co- Airframe Assemblies Ltd on the Isle
Operation Unit at Exeter from June 11, of Wight. It arrived at the Biggin Hill
1950, it was transferred to the Control Heritage Hangar for further work
and Reporting School at Middle Wallop during 2010 and was rolled out for
on October 17, before retiring from engine test runs during August 2013.
service on July 14, 1953. Fifteen years after it last flew, RW382
After a year in storage it was is once again back in the air, and
allocated to Church Fenton-based 609 registered as G-PBIX. Privately owned,
(West Riding) RAuxAF Squadron as an it will be kept at the Heritage Hangar
instructional airframe on November 28, for the foreseeable future.
1955, before being moved to Leconfield, www.bigginhillheritagehangar.co.uk Another view of the Spitfire during its first post-restoration
Yorkshire, to serve as a ‘gate guardian’ ROBIN J BROOKS flight on September 18. PAUL CAMPBELL
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VC10 bows out of service VC10 K.3 ZA147 about to

touch down for the final
and makes final flight

time on September 25.
DARREN HARBAR
The Vickers VC10 has been withdrawn when ZA147 flew from Brize Norton known as ‘BOB’ due to its distinctive tail hugely important for us to have
from RAF service after 47 years of to Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire, number. This aircraft’s future is unclear, saved this aircraft as the last heavy
worldwide operations. where it is destined to be scrapped. but hopes are high that it will be airliner ever to be completely built at
To mark the occasion on September In an emotional finale, the jet touched preserved. A spokesman from the RAF Brooklands – and indeed in the UK. But
20, the last two VC10s flew a final down at around 4pm in the hands Museum told FlyPast: “The possibility it is also significant as its retirement
formation pass over their Brize of Gp Capt Steve Lushington and his of moving a VC10 to Cosford by road marks the end of an unbroken century
Norton, Oxfordshire, base after crew. Steve, station commander at is currently being investigated.” The of frontline service by Brooklands-
making several farewell flypasts Brize, has completed four tours with identity of the airframe in question has built aircraft with the British armed
across the country. The two K.3 101 Squadron, including 3,500 hours not been disclosed. forces. We are delighted that Dunsfold
tankers, ZA147 and ZA150 of 101 on the VC10. On September 24, ZA150 made its Park has made it possible for us to
Squadron, both left Brize at 10.30am “It’s very poignant, and I feel very final flight, arriving at Dunsfold in house this symbolic aircraft back in
to fly over Newcastle, Warton, privileged,” he said, after landing. Surrey where it will be looked after Surrey.” STEVE BEEBEE WITH ADDITIONAL
Coningsby, Marham, Birmingham, “There were a few weepy eyes on by the Brooklands Museum. REPORTING BY ADRIAN BALCH
Lossiemouth, Leuchars and Prestwick, the flight deck, but this should Director Allan Winn said: “It is www.brooklandsmuseum.com
before returning at 2pm. be a celebration of the VC10 – it’s
Both were originally Super VC10s, an incredible aeroplane and has
serving initially with East African been involved in everything. In my
Airways – ZA147 first flew on October retirement I’ll look back with a big
12, 1966, as 5H-MMT, while ZA150 was smile and fond memories. I’ve been
the last to be built (at Brooklands, very lucky.”
Surrey), first flying on February 16, Also resident at Bruntingthorpe is
1970, as 5H-MOG. VC10 C.1K XR808, a former 10 and 101 VC10 K.3s ZA147 and
The last flight ever made by a Squadron machine, which flew in on ZA150 flying over Brize
Norton on September
VC10 took place on September 25, July 29. This aircraft is affectionately 20. ADRIAN BALCH
Gp Capt Steve Lushington and crew with Inside the cockpit of VC10 C.1K XR808.
ZA147 at Bruntingthorpe. DARREN HARBAR DARREN HARBAR
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Arrow
replica
on the
move
The Canadian Air and Space Museum’s
full-scale replica of Avro Arrow RL203
was moved from its old Downsview,
Toronto facility to Malton for an
exhibition on September 22.
After an appearance at the Canadian
Manufacturing and Technology Show,
it was scheduled to be stored at
Toronto International Airport while the
museum searches for a new home for
its collection.
Downsview officially closed its doors
in September 2011, although certain
exhibits – including the Arrow –
remained on site. Avro Lancaster B.X
FM104 was also recently moved to a
secure location for storage (see April
issue). www.casmuseum.org Avro Arrow replica ‘RL203’ on the move
from Downsview, Toronto. ERIC DUMIGAN
ERIC DUMIGAN
Scotland’s Bristol Bolingbroke restoration

The National Museum of Flight at Scotland’s East Fortune airfield is continuing to make progress in restoring Bristol Bolingbroke IVT 9940. Built by Fairchild Canada, the Bolingbroke was a variant
of the Blenheim IV bomber, and was used mostly as a maritime patrol aircraft by the RCAF during World War Two. www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/museum_of_flight.aspx PHOTO: BRUCE SWINDELLS
A rare R2 Soviet clone of a German V2 rocket The wreck of Short Sunderland II W3998 has RAF personnel paraded through the streets
has been put on display at the St Petersburg been discovered off the Devon coast. Four of York on September 18 to commemorate
briefings
Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers airmen survived, but 11 lost their lives (several those who served in the Battle of Britain.
and Signals Corps. First launched in 1949, the of whom remain missing) when the 201 An annual service is held at York Minster
R2, which was given the NATO name ‘Sibling’, Squadron flying boat crashed shortly after to commemorate ‘The Few’, but this year’s
is a more sophisticated version of the R1, an take off on December 21, 1941. The wreckage event held extra significance as it coincided
almost identical clone of the wartime V2. was discovered in the sea off Plymouth with the 75th anniversary of nearby Linton-
KETTY NIELSON VIA ROGER SOUPART Sound, Devon, by diver Danny Daniels. On-Ouse becoming an operational RAF base.
12-13_News_fpSBB.indd 12 21/10/2013 11:45

www.flypast.com
Fly a Spitfire – in New Zealand Freddie March Spirit of Aviation winner Ryan ST-A NC14986. IAN FRIMSTON
Given the stunning scenery, climate that more than half of the bookings for
and impressive flying display, there is the Wanaka flights were from overseas
already plenty of incentive to visit the visitors. “Because of the cost we
Warbirds Over Wanaka event in New tend to attract the pure enthusiasts –
Zealand from April 18 to 20, 2014. A individuals with the interest, desire and
lucky few, however, have also managed money to have this once-in-a-lifetime
to book a flight in the back seat of experience,” he added.
Supermarine Spitfire Tr.IX MH367. The Spitfire, owned by Auckland- Ryan wins top award at Goodwood
The half-hour flights around Wanaka, based pilot and businessman Doug The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation Menasco four-cylinder in-line engine.
each costing around $3,750 (£1,908), Brooker, completed nearly 90 combat Concours d’elegance award, presented The latter was soon upgraded to a
have unsurprisingly already sold out. missions with three different squadrons annually at the Goodwood Revival 125hp C-4 unit. Six aircraft were built
They will take place on a new ‘Rides operating over Europe during World event in West Sussex, has been won by in 1935, and a further 27 – including
Day’, on Monday, April 21, the day after War Two. Currently, flights in UK-based 1936-built Ryan ST-A NC14986. NC14986 – followed in 1936, at
the airshow. Frank Parker and his Spitfires are not generally available. Alain Grisay flew into the event Lindbergh Field, San Diego.
wife, Liz Needham, recently started www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com on the weekend of September 13 to The aircraft was imported to the
a business at Ardmore Airport near 15 to collect the trophy. Prepared UK in 2010 by Vintage Flyers who
Auckland offering rides in the Spitfire, by engineers Steve Chittleborough are also presently restoring a DHC
a Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk and a North and Jon Eades of Vintage Flyers, Chipmunk for Alain at their base
American Harvard. the aircraft had been polished to a in Gloucestershire. The runner-up
Although the Spitfire ‘sorties’ are sold ‘mirrored’ finish for the occasion. at Goodwood was Miro Reiser with
out, there were still a few slots available Originally designed in 1934 by T 1939-built Monocoupe 90A G-AFEL,
in the Kittyhawk as FlyPast closed for Claude Ryan, the first S-T took to which flew in from Straubing in
press, priced at $2,500 each. Frank said the air that year with a 95hp (70kW) Germany. IAN FRIMSTON
Stinson to fly soon in US

Stinson AT-19 FB715 (nearest camera) with already airworthy FK817. VIA RANDY PHILLIPS
A former Royal Navy Stinson AT-19 where it joined 752 Naval Air the Far East. Little of its wartime and T1115 radios, F24 camera, camera
is rapidly approaching the end of a Squadron. It was one of five AT-19s history is known, but it is recorded as counter, motor drive unit, and
17-year restoration to flying condition subjected to field testing to validate having been assigned to the Civilian observer compass.
in Minnesota, US. the effectiveness of the aircraft. Maintenance Unit at Tamworth in New The Stinson completed initial taxi
Owned by Stinson enthusiast With the design formally approved, South Wales, Australia, in September trials on September 20, the first time
Randy Phillips, FB715 will soon join 500 further machines were built, 1945 and to nearby RNAS Schofields it had moved under its own power
his other airworthy AT-19 FK817, also including FB715 which was the 443th the following month. since December 1953. Once relevant
a former Royal Navy machine. The aircraft to roll off the production line. During the restoration of FB715 all paperwork has been completed,
latter departed the Stinson factory Accepted in September 1944, it flew original UK equipment was installed, FB715 is expected to make its first
in Detroit, Michigan, on February 22, from Detroit to Newark in New Jersey including Air Ministry-approved post-restoration flight in next spring.
1943, arriving at Piarco, Trinidad, where it was crated and shipped to connectors, headsets, R1147, R1116 WITH THANKS TO RANDY PHILLIPS
The Cambridge Bomber and Fighter Society An unusual memorial with connections to
has made progress on its restoration of Nottinghamshire’s aviation heritage was
Hawker Fury K1928 (see feature in November unveiled on September 15 at Radcliffe-on-Trent.
2012 issue). The tail section and fin have A 17-foot tall totem pole, carved by artist
been made and fitted, while the stringers Christopher Smith, honours the 205 RCAF
and inspection hatches are also nearing families who lived in the town from 1956 to
completion. The aircraft will eventually be 1963. The pole features a range of symbols
finished in 43 Squadron colours. PHIL JACKSON representative of Canadian life. HOWARD HEELEY
12-13_News_fpSBB.indd 13 21/10/2013 11:45

Fifth Reno victory for ‘Stevo’

Steven ‘Stevo’ Hinton clinched ‘Stevo’ celebrates his fifth Unlimited title.
his fifth Reno Unlimited National BOTH FRANK B MORMILLO
Championship title in Nevada on
September 15, flying North American
P-51D Mustang Voodoo. His previous
four championships were earned while
flying Strega, another highly modified
Mustang.
Steven has followed in the footsteps
of his father – Steve Hinton Snr – and
is already the youngest pilot to have
ever won an Unlimited race. Starting
off from the pole position alongside Steven Hinton flying P-51D ‘Voodoo’ at
Reno, Nevada, in September.
his father in the Lockheed T-33 pace
aircraft, the younger Hinton went
on to win his fifth championship at other competitors to finish second modified Yakovlev Yak-11 Czech Mate at efforts of his support crew. For more
an average speed of 482.074 mph in Strega at 474.926mph, he was 455.770mph. on Steven and his air-racing friends
(775.823 km/h). Although Matt Jackson unable to match Voodoo. Sherman With characteristic modesty, the see our feature beginning on page 114.
managed to surge past most of the Smoot finished third in the highly champion attributed his victory to the www.airrace.org FRANK B MORMILLO
Swedish Caravelle on external display

The newest outdoor exhibit at the
Swedish Air Force Museum at Malmen,
near Linköping, is Sud Aviation
Caravelle SE-DAG.
A bridge will eventually be
constructed between the museum
building and the aircraft so that visitors
can walk onboard and see the recently
restored interior. Alpha-Gamma was
one of two Caravelles (designated Tp 85 Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-DAG at the
in Swedish Air Force service), the other Swedish Air Force Museum. LENNART BERNS
being SE-DAI, which were modified with
SIGINT (signals intelligence) equipment
when the English Electric Canberra
was phased out. Both of the Caravelles, Cranwell display for Dominie
HS Dominie T.1 XS727 has recently been placed on static display at the RAF College in Cranwell,
formerly used by Scandinavian airline Lincs. The aircraft retains the markings of 55 (Reserve) Squadron with which it served until
SAS, began military duty in 1972, and retirement in January 2011. DYLAN EKLUND
the type made its last flight in 1999.
SE-DAG is now the centrepiece of a
new outdoor exhibition at the museum.
It also includes a Vickers Varsity,
Douglas C-47 and a Canberra. A Hunting
Percival Pembroke, until recently on
external display, has been moved
into the workshop for a thorough
restoration. www.flygvapenmuseum.se
LENNART BERNS
The RAF’s Jaguar Building headquarters on Gibraltar has been renamed the A reproduction of a 1914-era Bristol Boxkite made a successful first flight on September 11
René Mouchotte Building in honour of the French Battle of Britain fighter pilot. at Point Cook, Victoria, Australia, with AVM Mark Skidmore at the controls. The brainchild
briefings
René Mouchotte escaped from Vichy French-controlled Oran, eventually arriving of Gp Capt Ron Gretton and Wg Cdr Geoff Matthews, the Boxkite replica was painstakingly
on Gibraltar and sailing to England to join the RAF. He flew 382 sorties, claiming built at Point Cook’s RAAF Museum, and will eventually be put on public display. The
two enemy aircraft destroyed, one probable and one damaged. He was shot Boxkite has a rich history in the evolution of military aviation in Australia and was the
down and killed in combat with Focke Wulf Fw 190s of JG 2 while escorting first military aircraft to be built in the country. It was mostly used as a trainer. The
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses over France on August 27, 1943. His body was reproduction is expected to be among participants at the Centenary of Military Aviation
repatriated after the war and buried in Paris. Air Show, at Point Cook on March 1 and 2, 2014. www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum
14_News_fpSBB.indd 14 21/10/2013 11:40

Osprey F_P.indd 1 16/10/2013 10:16
Fresh paint for Newark Hastings
HP Hastings T.5 TG517 undergoing paint

work at Newark. HOWARD HEELEY
Newark Air Museum is making good wings and is now under way on the former RAF Winthorpe airfield on June to the public. Inside it is possible to
progress with restoration work on engine nacelles, propellers and upper 22, 1977, and is now making a significant see the equipment that was fitted
Handley Page Hastings T.5 TG517. wing surfaces. Subject to continued contribution to Newark’s display of at Lindholme, South Yorkshire, and
Most sections of the fuselage have good weather, the repaint should be training aircraft. It saw service during the Scampton, Lincs, where it was used
now been cleaned, de-corroded finished before winter. Berlin Airlift and Operation Heliotrope, to train crew members preparing for
and repainted. Work has also been TG517 was flown in to join the the so-called Icelandic ‘Cod War’. conversion to the Avro Vulcan. www.
completed on the undersides of the collection, landing on the runway at the The aircraft is regularly opened newarkairmuseum.org HOWARD HEELEY
F-16 two-seater Roll-out for US Corsair project

to be restored
F-16B 81-0817 at the Russell

Military Museum recently. NATE LEONG
The Russell Military Museum in Russell, California.
Illinois, has acquired General Dynamics This jet was used by Lockheed Martin The Connecticut Air and Space Center in Stratford, Connecticut, briefly rolled out its
F-16B 81-0817, an aircraft that still as a chase plane in the F-22 Raptor Goodyear FG-1D Corsair project on September 8, revealing significant progress on 92460,
wears the colours of its final operator, development programme. The museum a former US Marine Corps machine. The fighter’s undercarriage has been re-installed, and
the aircraft is now sitting on its landing gear for the first time in over four decades. www.
the 416th Flight Test Squadron, which is hoping to restore it to static display corsairrestoration.org JERRY O’NEILL
is currently based at Edwards AFB, condition. NATE LEONG
Return of the Jungmeisters Two Bücker 133 Jungmeisters have Thomas Holz has acquired its ‘sister’
‘re-surfaced’ in Germany this summer, aircraft, D-EIIV. The latter – formerly
having been kept in storage for many U-88 with the Swiss Air Force – is now
years by their previous owner, the late based at Siegerland airport in the west
Hans Dittes. of the country. Both machines have
Jungmeister D-EIII is now with already been displayed several times
Bücker Jungmeister D-EIII flying at Rainer Berndt who flies the machine at Oldtimer Meeting events in Germany
September’s Hahnweide air event. STEFAN SCHMOLL from Landshut in southern Germany. during the summer. STEFAN SCHMOLL
The Quax Flieger group, based in Paderborn, Sikorsky H-34G-III 58-1515 has been transferred
Germany, has acquired 1961-built Cessna from Kiel-Holtenau in Germany, where it
briefings
150C D-ENMW for its growing collection of performed ‘gate guard’ duties, to Nordholz
historic light aeroplanes. The aircraft, which for an event marking 100 years of German
carries the name My First Flight on the nose, naval aviation. The helicopter, formerly a naval
features the 150’s original ‘straight’ tailfin machine now painted to represent 80+52,
design and an immaculate aluminium-style has entered storage at Nordholz following the
finish. www.quax-flieger.de ROGER SOUPART closure of its former home. FLORIAN MORASCH
16_NewsSBB.indd 16 21/10/2013 16:46

Cotswold company’s classic jet progress

Blériot to fly in Norway
Hawker Hunter T.7 ‘G-VETA’ (recently re-registered as G-RAXA) at Cotswold Airport. GEOFF JONES
Several classic jets are getting the soon be given a silver paint scheme,
Warbirds of Norway’s airworthy Blériot XI-2 at Jarlsberg recently. WARBIRDS OF NORWAY
C2 Aviation treatment at the new similar to that of the Canberra, and will
Warbirds of Norway chairman home at Jarlsberg, near Tønsberg company’s Cotswold Airport (formerly fly together next year as the Midair
Øyvind M Ellingsen has taken in southern Norway, Koleman Kemble) base. Squadron. Attention is also being
delivery of his airworthy Blériot XI-2 Mayrhofer and Sebastian Knapp The restoration firm was launched given to former Royal Navy Hunter
reproduction, which was built by from Craft Lab re-assembled the earlier this year and occupies the T.8C XE665 and T.7 G-RAXA (previously
Craft Lab in Vienna, Austria. Blériot. A successful engine test hangar previously used by Vintage G-VETA).
It represents the machine flown was carried out on September 13. Flyers at the Gloucestershire airfield. Engineers are working on two former
by Norwegian polar explorer and Subject to the aircraft receiving its The operation is backed by the RAF Dominie T.1 jets in anticipation of
aviation pioneer Tryggve Gran when Permit to Fly from the Norwegian Lausanne, Switzerland-based aircraft their export to the US, and another
he made the first flight across CAA, it is likely to be flown near leasing company Midair SA, which owns hangar resident is Sir James Dyson’s
the North Sea on July 30, 1914. His Orrevatnet, a southern Norwegian English Electric Canberra PR.9 XH134. BAe Harrier GR.7 ZD462. C2 recently
journey took four hours and ten lake, where Gran completed his The latter recently returned to the air completed work on Rolls-Royce’s
minutes – at that time the longest journey in July 2014, to mark the and takes pride of place in the hangar. Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX PS853,
sea crossing ever performed by an centenary of the original flight. Teams at C2 are currently which made a successful return trip
aircraft. www.warbirds.no overhauling two Hawker Hunters, to its Duxford base on September 20.
Following transportation to its new WITH THANKS TO TOR NØRSTEGÅRD T.8 XL600 and T.7 XL577. The trio will www.c2aviation.com GEOFF JONES
UK Phantom and Harrier for sale Swedish-built Hawker Hart to fly

Swedish vintage aircraft enthusiast by British restorer Guy Black before
Joakim Westh has announced plans being acquired by Joakim.
to return a Swedish-built Hawker Currently under rebuild by
Hart to the air. Guy’s East Sussex-based company
Substantial fuselage and wing Retrotec, the Hart is expected to fly
sections, comprising of around half within three or four years. Initial
a complete airframe, will form the flight tests will take place in the UK,
basis of the rebuild. An investigation although the aircraft will eventually
into the machine’s precise identity be based in Sweden. One other
McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 XT597 at Bentwaters on October 6. BOB ARCHER is currently underway. One complete Swedish-built Hart, ASJA-built ‘714’,
McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 components that had been removed Bristol Mercury radial engine, built survives, and is on static display at
XT597, formerly of Boscombe Down’s for transportation had been refitted. by Nohab (later Svenska Flygmotor) Flygvapenmuseum near Linköping.
Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Also at Bentwaters, the team has is available for the project. Joakim would welcome any
Establishment (A&AEE), was acquired recently repainted Hawker Siddeley The Hart wreckage was discovered assistance in sourcing contemporary
by Everett Aero of Suffolk in mid- Harrier T.4 XZ145 to represent T.8 at an undisclosed location in documentation such as drawings, parts
September, arriving at Bentwaters ZD993, an 899 Naval Air Squadron southern Sweden during the late catalogues, technical manuals and
mounted on a wooden rig. machine. Both aircraft are currently 1980s. The remains were purchased photographs, as well as actual parts.
By October 5, the jet was back on for sale. www.everettaero.com by well known enthusiast and pilot E-mail: joakim.westh@telia.com
its wheels, and the majority of the BOB ARCHER Mikael Carlson, and later obtained JAN FORSGREN
Newark Air Museum is continuing to make Panavia Tornado GR.4 ZA452 arrived at the BAE Systems delivered an historic
progress on its restoration of Auster AOP.9 Midland Air Museum in Coventry in early prototype of the S600 radar to the RAF
briefings
(the precise identity of which is unknown). September. This aircraft, a 32-mission Gulf Air Defence Radar Museum at Neatishead,
The nose cowlings and panels have been War veteran once marked up as Gulf Killer, Norfolk on September 20. The S600 was an
de-corroded, primed and fitted to the main was operated by 31 Squadron. The museum air surveillance radar that came into use in
fuselage frames, as has the cockpit glazing. is awaiting parts for its completion, after 1968. The system could be used in a static
Inside, the main instrument panel has also which it will be put on display. www. configuration or deployed by road or air.
been restored. HOWARD HEELEY midlandairmuseum.co.uk www.radarmuseum.co.uk
18_NewsDec SBB.indd 18 21/10/2013 16:55

Bradford Exchange F_P.indd 1 07/10/2013 11:48
Avro 504K replica arrives in UK

Avro 504K replica LV-X430 ‘Olivia’ at
Goodwood. PHIL WHALLEY
A surprise exhibit among aircraft Sang Aero Historic, and was the second worked on historic cars, is located at examples are under construction. LV-
on static display in the Freddie of the type. The first, LV-X373, made Paraná City Airport. The Avro 504K was X430 took to the air in November 2010
March Spirit of Aviation enclosure its maiden flight in February 2009 and chosen because it was the first aircraft and is still owned by Pur Sang, but is
at September’s Goodwood Revival went to Jerry Yagen’s Virginia, US-based to be manufactured (under licence) in being offered for sale by Personal Plane
was airworthy Avro 504K replica LV- Military Aviation Museum, although it Argentina. The Fábrica Militar de Aviones Services of Booker while in the UK.
X430 Olivia. It arrived in the UK from has recently been sold as part of the (FMA) of Córdoba built around 34 from It will return to Argentina if unsold.
Argentina two weeks earlier. museum’s downsizing. Pur Sang, a 1928. Both replicas are powered by www.personalplaneservices.co.uk
It was built by Argentine company Pur restoration company that has previously Rotec R3600 radials, and three further PHIL WHALLEY
Pre-war glider emerges in Germany Youth benefit from Air League

scholarships
Eight young people from Skinners’ pivotal to our success.”
Academy in Hackney recently Another beneficiary of the scheme
undertook a two-week gliding course is Karl Hinnett, a Staffordshire
at the London Gliding Club. regiment soldier who was seriously
The Air League flying scholarships, injured in Iraq. Karl is one of six
supported by Boeing, were former members of the armed
intended not only to give them the forces to be awarded an inaugural
opportunity to learn to fly, but also Air League/Boeing powered flying
to boost their confidence and self- scholarship.
esteem. A particular effort was made “Ever since I was fully rehabilitated
to reach those from urban areas. All I’ve been pushing myself to
participants reached the milestone overcome new challenges,” he said.
of achieving a first solo flight. “It’s difficult but very rewarding,
The DFS Meise glider awaiting assembly in Germany. GEOFF JONES Air League Trustee and British and after I gain my licence I plan
The Deutsches Museum at Committee had officially ‘recognised’ Airways pilot Andrew Perkins said: to continue training to become a
Schleissheim, Germany is restoring a gliding as a sport the previous year. “The Air League’s role is to promote commercial pilot.”
rare, 1939-built DFS Meise glider. The Meise was embraced by gliding ‘air-mindedness’ in young people Karl received tuition from
Designed by Hans Jacobs, the precise enthusiasts in other countries, and and to illustrate to government Aerobility at Blackbushe, Surrey, and
identity of the aircraft remains uncertain, built in the UK by Elliotts of Newbury how vital aviation and aerospace on September 19, exactly eight years
but it may have been the one used as the EoN Olympia. In France the type are to the economic wellbeing of after sustaining his injuries, he flew
alongside an Mu-17 Merle by the German was constructed as the Nord 2000 the UK. Inspiring young people with solo in a Piper PA-28.
gliding team during a 1939 competition and in Czechoslovakia as the Zlin Z-25 such challenges – made possible by www.airleague.co.uk
in Italy. The International Olympic Games Sohay. GEOFF JONES leading aerospace companies – is WITH THANKS TO ANDREW BROOKES
Two former English Electric Lightning pilots A replica of a Curtiss P-6E Hawk fighter
were reacquainted with T.5 XS420 during a recently arrived at Gilze-Rijen in the
briefings
visit to the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Netherlands. Painted in the colours of the
on September 24. Wg Cdr John Ward (right) Indonesian LVA (Air Force Department), it
and Sqn Ldr Ken Bailey had both flown the will be assembled by the RNLAF Historic
FAST machine during their RAF careers. Flight Foundation. Upon completion it will
John later gave a well-received lecture on be presented to the Friends of the Military
the type at a local hotel. RICHARD HALL Aviation Museum. BOB FISCHER
20-21_News_DecSBB.indd 20 21/10/2013 16:48

www.flypast.com
Dakotas acquired
The RAF Transport Command
Memorial (RAFTCM) has announced
that it will operate two Douglas DC-3s
next year from North Weald, Essex.
Although it emphasises that final
contracts have yet to be signed,
the identity of the two aircraft was
revealed as G-ANAF and G-AMPY,
both formerly with Coventry,
Warks-based Air Atlantique.
“G-ANAF will become our
passenger aircraft for 2014,
whilst G-AMPY will continue on
her current contract for pollution
control,” RAFTCM’s David Petters
told FlyPast.
Among other provisional
We salute you
Full-size Spitfire bookings is participation
Flt Lt Stanley Andrews DFC – wireless operator on HP Halifaxes with 578

replica restored in the 70th anniversary
commemorations of the Allied
Squadron who later flew on Dakotas during the Berlin Airlift – died recently, A full-size model of Supermarine Spitfire invasion of occupied Europe, in
Mk.IX NH238 has been refurbished and
aged 96; James ‘Jim’ Barker – flew 31 ‘ops’ as a Lancaster flight engineer with currently resides in the hangar of the Normandy next year. RAFTCM is
622 Squadron, surviving a ‘Schräge Musik’ attack over Stuttgart – on August Royal Netherlands Historical Flight at Gilze still seeking additional funding,
27, aged 94; Sqn Ldr Kenyon Bowen-Bravery DFC – Avro Lancaster pilot on Rijen. It represents H-60, a 322 Squadron plus help with marketing
Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Air Force
550 Squadron who dropped the first bombs in the opening raid on D-Day – on machine that was flown operationally and aircraft spraying. www.
September 1, aged 90; Wg Cdr Gordon Clegg DSO – Bristol Beaufighter pilot against guerrillas in the NEI (now Indonesia) raftransportcommandmemorial.
who destroyed four aircraft before flying long-range bombing operations in in 1948 and 1949. The real NH238 is currently co.uk
in storage in Berkshire. ROGER SOUPART
Consolidated Liberators – on September 18, aged 97; AM Sir John Curtiss KCB
KBE – wartime Halifax navigator and Berlin Airlift veteran who later commanded
RAF Bruggen and was an air commander during the Falklands conflict – on
September 14, aged 88; W/O Jack Hodges DFC – flew Hawker Typhoons on 174
Squadron in North West Europe – in August; Flt Lt Matt Holliday DFC – flight
engineer who flew 53 operations over North Africa and during the Battles of
the Ruhr and Berlin – on September 13, aged 93; Flt Lt Bill Holmes – completed
33 ‘ops’ as a Lancaster pilot and flew three sorties on Operation Manna – on
August 6, aged 91; Lt Cdr Peter Marshall AFC – saved a Phantom after the
radome disintegrated and both engines flamed out, later serving in the RAN –
on August 3, aged 82; Sqn Ldr Edward Smith DFC – Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot
with 610 Squadron credited with destroying five enemy aircraft – on September
15, aged 98; W/O Reginald Parissien – Wireless Operator in Lancaster ‘C-for-
Charlie’ of 156 Squadron during World War Two – in September, aged 91; Flt Lt
Ferguson Smith CVO DFC* – Lancaster navigator who completed two tours on 101
Squadron – on October 5, aged 98; Flt Lt Everett Starink DFC – Halifax pilot on
158 Squadron who served post-war flying the Canadair Argus with the RCAF –
on September 14, aged 91; Air Cdre Gordon Steege DSO DFC – Australian fighter
‘ace’ on 3 (RAAF) and 450 Squadron in the Desert Air Force, later flying Gloster
Meteors in Korea – on September 1, aged 95; Flt Lt Ken Trott – Typhoon pilot
who survived a mid-air collision with a Messerschmitt Bf 109, later becoming a
PoW – on September 12, aged 90; Gp Capt James Walton AFC – navigator shot
down in a Halifax becoming a PoW and later retraining as a fighter pilot – on
September 14, aged 90.
The first phase in the development of the Gliding Heritage Centre at Lasham, Hants,
has been completed. The Chris Wills Memorial Hangar was officially opened in August,
housing a collection of vintage gliders, many of which can be seen in the air on flying
days. The primary aim of the centre is to preserve Britain’s gliding heritage and
make it accessible to the public. It is also an educational resource where visitors can
learn about the history of the sport. Flying takes place on most Sundays, weather
permitting, and those wishing to visit the museum are advised to contact the centre in
advance. www.glidingheritage.org.uk
20-21_News_DecSBB.indd 21 21/10/2013 16:48

BOMBER COMMAND FLIGHT ENGINEER
F UR MO In the first instalment of a two-par

road to ‘ops’ with Bomber Command,
K
nown universally as Ted, Buck & Hickman as an assistant in
Edward Benton Peck was the stores.
born on May 9, 1925, in the “I had been at work for a week
Custom House area of London, the when war broke out. I remember
only child of Harry and Elizabeth. listening to the radio with my
Ted’s father worked in the bonded mother and one of the neighbours.
tobacco warehouse in the Victoria They were upset; my mother had
Docks complex, visible from lost a fiancé and my father a brother
the bottom of their street. Ted’s during the Great War.”
proximity to the docks was to take The family now had to adjust to
his life in a direction he had not wartime living, with Ted’s father
planned. asking for an air raid shelter. “The
“I struggled a little at school, council came and built us an
always finding it easier to work Anderson shelter but, because of
with my hands. I won a scholarship the high water table near the docks,
to a college that taught furniture it was always flooded. They came
design and manufacture, but didn’t and built us a brick and concrete
go because my father said that shelter – much more substantial.”
woodwork was a dying art. Instead, War invaded Ted’s world, with his
when I left school at 14, I joined home at the centre of the Battle of
22-29_Bomber_fpSBB.indd 22 21/10/2013 10:52

MONTHS
IN ’44
wo-part feature charting one man’s
and, Dean Wright talks to Sgt Ted Peck
Britain and the Blitz. “I remember almost as bad as being above them. hell of a time getting my father to Above
getting off the bus and running I was angry that these people were let me go. I think it was the loss of A modern day scene of a
home, with the ‘rat-a-tat’ of trying to take my life in a direction his brother that made him that way: preserved Lancaster at
dispersal. It would have
machine-guns high above us. I ran different to the one I thought it he just didn’t want to see me hurt. been a familiar sight to
into the shelter where my mother might be taking. This was one of In the end he relented. I enjoyed Ted during his time with
and grandfather were waiting, and the things that made me join up: I the ATC – we did lots of drill and 622 Squadron. ANDREW
then I heard bombs being dropped wanted revenge.” we went to lectures, including ABBOTT
for the first time. It was a horrible There was also another influence engine theory, which is what made
sensation; if you heard the whistle that made Ted eager to take up me apply for the role of flight Far left
Sgt Ted Peck, complete
you knew it wasn’t going to hit you, arms. “There was a shipping engineer [FE] later on.” with flight engineer
or so it was believed. I remember clerk at Buck & Hickman, Percy It was about this time that the Peck ‘wing’. COURTESY TED PECK
sitting on the steps with my father Graham, who went off to join the family left home for Walthamstow,
at night, watching the fires burning RAF. He came back a few months the move proving incredibly
within the docks.” later in his best uniform and I fortunate. “While we were living
thought to myself, I want to be in Walthamstow, a house near to
SEEKING REVENGE like that. It was a little bit of hero our old home took a direct hit. The
I asked Ted if his experience of worship.” blast lifted the concrete roof off the
being on the receiving end of the Ted was too young to enlist: “I shelter the council had built us to
bombs shaped his outlook when went and joined the Air Training replace the Anderson. If we’d been
the roles were reversed: “It was Corps [1014 Squadron], but had a inside we’d have had it.”

Below AIR MINISTRY LETTER be a pilot’, to which I responded ‘no, centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Ted Peck started his Finally Ted was old enough to begin Sir!’ I knew that the PNB [pilot, When I arrived there was a cricket
flying with Stirlings the process of joining up. navigator and bomb aimer] roles match on. I remember feeling a little
at Shepherds Grove.
Illustrated are Mk.Is of
“At 17¼ I was old enough to apply involved maths, and I couldn’t see strange – it hit me that I was away
1651 HCU based at Woolfox to join the RAF. I went to the myself taking that sort of step – I from home, that there was no going
Lodge. KEC aircrew enrolment centre on Euston didn’t have that sort of confidence – back. We were at Lord’s for about
Road for an interview, wearing so decided to apply as a direct entry a month, constantly on the go. My
my ATC uniform, which by that FE. They gave me an instant ‘yes’, ATC days certainly helped, as it
point bore the rank of corporal. I provided I passed a medical.” gave me a head start with things
had an interview with a squadron Several weeks later Ted was called like square-bashing.”
leader and two flight lieutenants. I for his medical, back at Euston
was nervous being in the company Road. “I was there nearly all day. It ON THE MOVE
of aircrew with brevets and medal was quite searching, checking your Together with other trainee FEs,
ribbons. fitness, sight and hearing.” Ted was Ted was then posted to Usworth,
“They wanted to know why I still not old enough to actually join near Sunderland. “We arrived at
wanted to join, and what I wanted up, having another six months to Washington station, where there
to enrol as. I told them all about wait until he could begin training. were some trucks waiting for us.
what I’d been up to with the ATC, “I remember the day the letter We chucked our gear in and then
including the engineering courses I’d arrived from the Air Ministry. It was marched to the base, which was
been to. I remember the squadron an official-looking thing, telling me fairly basic. We were billeted in
leader saying ‘I expect you want to to report to the aircrew reception wooden huts. Thankfully I was

staying with two of my pals from the Left
Reception Centre.” A view from the cockpit
Usworth continued where Lord’s of a 1657 HCU Stirling in
1944. R S MACKAY VIA ANDY
had left off, with more drill. “We THOMAS
were still doing our basic training,
lots of physical training [PT] and
drill, as well as lectures on general
service matters, such as the rules
and regulations of the RAF. It was
tedious, but I was used to it from
my ATC days.”
The final fortnight of this posting
took place in different surroundings:
“We were sent to Bridlington for
two weeks as they were doing some
work to Usworth. We did plenty of
drill and PT down the seafront, as
well as aircraft recognition using big
Bakelite models hanging from the
ceiling.” Ted had a week’s leave, his
first since leaving home, before
“The FE’s panel was rear of the cockpit in the Stirling. It always
reminded me of what I imagined it was like to be in a submarine,
with banks of dials and wheels to change the supercharger gears.
I wasn’t keen on the Stirling”

“I arrived at the HCU, which was where I knew I’d be crewing up.
The procedure was simple. They put us all together and told us not
to come back until we’d got a crew”
Above
Stirlings LK508 ‘S’ and ONCE
BK527 ‘B’ of 1657 HCU AND ONCE ONLY
circa 1944. J WHITEHOUSE
VIA ANDY THOMAS Ted: “I’ll never forget the morning we
were given our service numbers. It
always reminds me of [the TV comedy]
’Allo ’Allo, as the chap giving out the
numbers said: ‘I will say this once
and once only!’ We were petrified of
forgetting our number: those that did
got a real dressing down. Needless to
say I remembered mine. Later on we
were given our identity cards, as well as
our dog tags.”
starting his next posting to begin

his specialist training as an FE at
St Athan in South Wales.
ANOTHER
WOODEN HUT
Right Ted arrived at St Athan to find yet
Woolfox Lodge in 1943. another wooden hut to call home.
The A1 – the Great North He was still with his pals from
Road – formed the
western boundary. KEC
Lord’s, and they began training for
war, having been judged to have
mastered the basics. “We began
to train on both the Rolls-Royce
Merlin and Bristol Hercules, because
we would have been no use if we
were posted to a Halifax unit and
only knew about Merlins. [Some
variants of the RAF’s Halifax fleet
were powered by Merlins, others
by the Hercules.] Our primary
instruction was engine and fuel
management, such as how to balance
the fuel tanks by transferring fuel.
“They also taught us about how
to manage the extinguisher systems

and feather propellers in the event
of engine failure. Everything centred
around flying for range, calculating
the highest revolutions you could
use to get the furthest. There was
more maths than I’d been used to
but I got there in the end.”
Remarkably, during the entire six
months spent at St Athan, Ted never
actually ran an engine. This doesn’t
mean it was an easy course: “We
rarely went to the pub, we studied
hard, all determined to make the
grade. We got Saturday and Sunday
afternoons off, but we were always
back on the station by 6pm, even
though curfew was at 11.59pm –
we wanted the extra studying.
“I preferred the Merlin to the
Hercules because it was on the
Lancaster, which was the aircraft I
wanted to go on. It was love at first
sight when I’d seen the aircraft in
the propaganda.”
3 Group station and home to the Top

ground school element of 1657 A flight engineer and his
Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU). skipper in the cockpit of a
Lancaster ready for take-
At first, he said, “we did very little, off. KEC
other than I learnt to drink and play
darts! Though we did see an armada Above
of aircraft pass overhead which Stirling I EF252 ‘AK-C’ of
turned out to be heading for France 1657 HCU. PETE WEST
and the D-Day landings. Left
“I went home and visited the Conditions at the
offices at Buck & Hickman. While Lancaster Finishing School
I was there I saw a V-1, which at Woolfox Lodge were
landed a few miles away. I felt fairly basic – a hut on the
rather insignificant: I was there in south camp, 1942. KEC
my uniform and there was nothing
I could do.
“I arrived at the HCU, which
was where I knew I’d be crewing
up. The procedure was simple.
I asked Ted if news of Bomber to draw his sergeant’s stripes and FE They put us all together and told
Command’s horrendous losses was brevet from the stores. A big jump us not to come back until we’d got
filtering through to the recruits: from the pay of an aircraftman, a crew. We mingled and a W/Op
“We were kept in our own little second class (AC2) to sergeant [wireless operator] came up to me
bubble, but did see bits and pieces followed. and asked if I was looking for a crew.
in the papers when on leave, but He took me to his crew, who had
you kept it to yourself.” CREWING UP come together as a team elsewhere.
Ted passed the final exams, which In the spring of 1944 Ted was I was the last member to join. The
were all verbal, and was permitted posted to Stradishall in Suffolk, a captain was a pilot officer, and

Ted Peck reacquainting

himself with the interior
of a Lancaster at
Coningsby. DEAN WRIGHT
the navigator an Australian, the first school before we were posted

time I’d ever met one.” onwards.”
The new team began ground The crew were sent to Shepherds
training on the Short Stirling, Grove in Suffolk, where 1657
having to learn its systems, despite HCU carried out the flying side
knowing they were certainly of operational training. “Our first
heading for Lancasters as 3 Group flight as a crew was with a screened
FIRST GLIMPSE operated no other types. pilot, who was tour-expired. The
OF A ‘LANC’ “We were taken around the FE’s panel was rear of the cockpit
Stirling, and learned the pre-flight in the Stirling. It always reminded
From St Athan, Ted and his fellow trainees were sent on a checks as well as the other things me of what I imagined it was like
week-long residential course at the Avro factory at Woodford, to look for. At this point I had still to be in a submarine, with banks
near Manchester. He remembers: “We were in civvie digs and never flown. The Stirling was very of dials and wheels to change the
given lectures on flying the ‘Lanc’, with a rundown on what you different from the Lancaster, which supercharger gears. I wasn’t keen on
could and couldn’t do with one. We also had lectures from senior I would become very familiar with the Stirling.
designers, though I don’t think we saw Roy Chadwick. We were later on, as it had 14 fuel tanks, all “We did circuits and bumps. One
given free rein to go round the factory. It was the first time I’d in the wings. We all had our own of the jobs the FE had to do was
actually seen a Lancaster – I couldn’t wait to get inside one.” individual training at Methwold make sure that the undercarriage had
[Norfolk]; I had a week’s ground locked up or down. During our first

landing I heard the ‘Skipper’ call as sweet as a nut; we could have been did some fighter affiliation, practising Left
for gear down, so I began checking landing on silk. We’d been in the the corkscrew and spending time on Stirling I R9304 of 1651
for the two greens on my panel and air for 4½ hours. When we woke the bombing ranges.” HCU, Woolfox Lodge. KEC
then ran down the fuselage to crank up in the morning, the Skipper was So, with a little over ten hours on Below
down the tail wheel, which needed missing. We found him helping the ‘Lancs’, Ted and the rest of his crew Lancasters of 622
12 turns. groundcrew to refuel the aircraft. were posted to 622 Squadron at Squadron taxiing out for
“I then had to get back to the That’s the kind of chap he was.” Mildenhall in Suffolk. a daylight sortie to Essen
panel to confirm to the pilot that The crew returned to Shepherds “We never thought we were on October 25, 1944. VIA
the gear was down. I remember the Grove: “Within hours of getting stepping into dead men’s shoes, ANDY THOMAS
response I got from the Skipper: back we were classed as fit for rather that we were replacing a
‘You’ll have to be quicker than that, operations and posted to a Lancaster lucky crew who had finished their
Engineer, we’ve landed and are Finishing School. We were excited; tour. The only time we thought of
three parts down the runway!’ we were finally going to put our the former was when the station
I never got it wrong again. training to use. I’d managed to police were emptying lockers,
“We did 8 hours dual and 10 hours accrue 40 hours airborne.” which was daunting.
solo flying, with plenty of local and “We were given an arrival chit,
cross-country flying. I’ll never forget FINISHING SCHOOL which you presented to the various
our final flight at the HCU, on July Ted’s crew were posted to 3 Lancaster sections such as stores, the MO
25, 1944. It was a night-time cross- Finishing School, based at Woolfox [medical officer] and the Air Engineer
country, with take-off at 10pm. We Lodge, up the A1 from Stamford, Leader. Then it was time to find
had flown along the south coast, past in Rutland. “We did a couple of the mess for food, beer and, most
Land’s End and north-east towards days of ground training on the importantly, the notice board where
Newquay when we hit an electrical Lancaster, which to me was more the Battle Order was posted.
storm that affected the instruments. straightforward than the Stirling. It “We had a couple of days before
The rain was incredibly heavy and it was nice to be able to stand next to our first operation, taking a couple
was pitch black outside. the pilot and see what was happening of flights to familiarise ourselves
“The pilot came on the intercom instead of being further down the with the local area. The Skipper did
to ask us all to keep our eyes open fuselage. a ‘Second Dickey’ [second pilot]
as he was flying on instinct. The “The FE’s panel was much more trip to Bremen one night, and we
rear gunner came on a few minutes compact too. We felt as if we were pestered him to tell us what it was
later to say he could see a red light going up a gear – they’d given us a really like, but I think he wanted
above us on the starboard side. really workmanlike piece of kit.” to wait for us to experience it for
Suddenly the throttles opened and The crew began to fly with a ourselves. He told it straight and
the aircraft began to climb sharply. screened pilot, notching up 4½ hours didn’t go over the top.”
The Skipper had recognised the before gaining a further 6½ hours
light as a cliff-top beacon. ‘solo’. “We were on the station less Concludes in the January issue, on
“We put out a ‘Mayday’ and got in than a week. The aircraft were tired sale November 29, when Ted Peck
at St Eval. The Skipper put it down but we found it an easy transition. We gets to go to war in a Lancaster.

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WARBIRDS FOCKE-WULF FW 190
Storm Gavin Conroy captures New Zealandƒs

airworthy Focke-Wulf in a Spitfire encounter
32-37_Warbird_fpSBB.indd 32 21/10/2013 15:33

of Steel
A
s the Focke-Wulf Fw 190’s Classic Fighters event at Omaka, Left
pilot banks to port, the New Zealand, were Spitfire IX Spitfire IX ZK-SPI closes
in on FW 190A/8N ZK-RFR.
menacing shape of the PV270 (ZK-SPI) and FW 190A/8N The word ‘Stahlgewitter’
Supermarine Spitfire still fills the ZK-RFR Stahlgewitter. can just about be seen on
rear view mirror. The Allied fighter Eagle-eyed FlyPast readers will the FW 190’s reflection-
is just waiting for the right moment have noticed the capital ‘W’ in covered upper cowling.
to open fire...but, instead, the the designation. Fox-Romeo is the
Spitfire draws level and waggles prototype of the batch of new-build
its wings in an invitation to swap ’190s created by Germany-based
places. Thankfully for all involved, Flug Werk and the company’s initials
this isn’t a scene from the latter years are used to denote its products.
of World War Two but a recent In 2009 the aircraft was purchased
one over the friendly skies of New by the Chariots of Fire Collection
Zealand. based in Omaka at the northern end
It was, in fact, the first time ever of South Island. Graham Orphan
that a Spitfire and a Focke-Wulf manages the collection and spent a
190 had flown together at a warbird lot of time and effort negotiating the
airshow in the southern hemisphere. purchase of the ’190 and getting it
Two of the stars of the renowned shipped to New Zealand.

Also with Chariots of Fire is undercarriage doors which had to Above Zealand in 2010. This fighter was
rotary-engined Sopwith Pup replica be made from scratch by the JEM A powerful 14-cylinder also powered by an ASh-82, giving
‘A8192’ (N54T) and Spitfire XIV team. ASh-82 radial has been Frank ‘live’ experience of the big
shoehorned into the FW
RM797 (ZK-XIV). The latter Once JEM had put the ’190 190.
radial.
is nearing completion following through a series of system and Fox-Romeo made its maiden flight
long-term restoration by Avspecs at engine checks it was signed off by Above right in New Zealand on April 20, 2011,
Ardmore, near Auckland. the Civil Aviation Authority and Spitfire pilot Sean Perrett. and over the next few months
registered as ZK-RFR. The only Frank flew it regularly to get used
Kiwi ‚Wulfƒ task left was to fly it! Below
The FW 190, complete
to its unique characteristics, as well
Arriving in early 2011, the FW Experienced pilot Frank Parker with an under-fuselage as ironing out any ‘bugs’.
190 project was handed over to was enlisted to assume the role and drop-tank. Having gained valuable
Jay McIntyre’s JEM Aviation, also he spent a lot of time learning all experience, at the end of one test
in Omaka. The engine, a version he could about the type. Frank also flight on a sunny winter’s day Frank
of Arkadiy Shvetsov’s magnificent drew on the experience of well- gave an aerobatic display in the FW
2,000hp (1,492kW) 14-cylinder known US race and warbird test 190. This not only looked fantastic
ASh-82 radial, was ground run pilot Steve Hinton, who had flown but sounded equally as good as the
before the ’190 was shipped to the FW 190, so when the time ASh-82’s roar thundered around
New Zealand. Although it was in came he was more than ready for the valley.
great condition, the fighter hadn’t the task. In between test flights
been test flown before leaving Frank includes the Curtiss the JEM team
Germany due to bad weather. Kittyhawk, Spitfire and Yakovlev researched the
There was some in-transit Yak-3 in his logbook. He was paint scheme
damage to the aircraft and a little the last person to fly the former of legendary
work was needed to finish it off, Old Flying Machine Company German
such as the complex Lavochkin La-9 before it left New flying

Left
Frank Parker at the
controls of the FW 190.
ace Erich Rudorffer of II/JG
54. Ending the war as a major, FW 190A/8N ZK-RFR
Rudorffer reached an incredible FW 190A/8N is the prototype Flug Werk new-build, serial number 990001, and had been
total of 224 victories. He became
registered as D-FWWC. Assembled at Gammelsdorf, in Germany, the aircraft rolled out
the first jet ace, scoring a dozen
kills while flying the Messerschmitt in the spring of 1999 but didn’t make its first engine runs until 2002.
Me 262. But it was in the cockpit It made its first flight from Manching on July 22, 2004 and, after a period of storage,
of the Focke-Wulf that he achieved was shipped to the Chariots of Fire Collection in New Zealand in early 2011.
the bulk of his score.
One special touch, specified by
Chariots of Fire, was the word
‘Stahlgewitter’, or ‘Storm of Steel’
which appears just ahead of the
canopy on both sides.

Right
Spitfire IX ZK-SPI owner
Brendon Deere (left) with
test pilot Keith Skilling.
SPITFIRE IX ZK-SPI
Built at Castle Bromwich in 1944, Mk.IX MV270 served in the Mediterranean Theatre of
Operations during World War Two. It was transferred to the Italian Air Force in 1946 as
MM4014 and sold to Israel, becoming 20-80, in 1953. The following year the aircraft joined
the Burmese Air Force, as UB-425. Last flown on January 12, 1956, it was used as a ‘gate
guardian’.
Shipped to the USA in 1999, the Spitfire was acquired by Brendon Deere and moved to
New Zealand in 2001. After an epic restoration it took to the air again on March 18, 2009.
Spitfire encounter
During Classic Fighters, Fox-Romeo standing on his balcony watching
flew several times to the delight the ’190 flying
of the crowd. It was also involved overhead. It always
in solo and dogfight displays with brings a smile to his
the two Spitfires present, Brendon face knowing that he
Deere’s Mk.IX PV270 (ZK-SPI) played a major part
and Doug Brooker’s two-seat Tr.9 in bringing this very
MH367 (ZK-WDQ). special aircraft to
Since its airshow appearance, New Zealand.
the Focke-Wulf has been flying But what’s the
regularly. Recently, the under- FW 190 like to fly?
fuselage rack and drop tank were Frank Parker says it is
fitted and trials with these have gone a challenge and he is
well. Fox-Romeo has already become honoured to pilot the
one of the most active examples aircraft. He has no plans
of the new-build ’190 type flying to hand the keys over
worldwide. anytime soon!
Chariots of Fire manager Graham
Orphan has a hangar at Omaka
and enjoys
“But what’s the FW 190 like to fly?

Frank Parker says it is a challenge and he is
honoured to pilot the aircraft”


After the Battle F_P.indd 1 07/10/2013 11:43
MANUFACTURERS SHORTS
Short Story
In our series on Britain’s post-war aircraft builders, Ken Ellis examines Shorts, today a
world-beating aerostructures business
T
ruth be told, this feature Belfast prospects bomber closed its doors in July flying-boats took its maiden flight
really should have been As part of the massive ramp-up 1948. from the waters of Belfast Lough
titled Long Story. It starts in in the production of warplanes In 1977 the name reverted to on September 15, 1947. Aimed at
November 1908 when the three in the late 1930s, the British Short Brothers Ltd and the firm the airline market, the giant wasn’t
Short brothers, Oswald, Horace Government financed a huge was privatised in 1984. With the a sales success and was scrapped
and Eustace, formed a company factory at Sydenham in Northern Thatcher Government writing off in 1951.
to make aeroplanes and started Ireland, alongside the Harland and huge debts, Shorts was acquired Conversions of Sunderlands to
building a factory at Leysdown on Wolff shipyard at Belfast. This was by the Canadian Bombardier civilian Sandringham status and
the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. They’d managed 50:50 by Short Brothers Group on June 7, 1989 (see the new-build Solents satisfied civil
had contact with other siblings, and the shipbuilders through panel on page 45), and became flying-boat operators through
Orville and Wilbur Wright, and Short and Harland Ltd and known as Bombardier Aerospace to 1949. BOAC Solent 2 G-AHIY
had a licence to build six of the nationalised on March 23, 1943. Belfast – but it was not until the Southsea was flown off the River
Americans’ Flyer biplanes. The employment potential 1990s that the title Shorts was Medway on April 8, 1948, bringing
Before we go any further, is it of aircraft manufacturing in phased out. The missile division a magnificent era to a close – it
Short, Short’s or Shorts? From Northern Ireland was considerable kept the name until 2001 when it was the last flying-boat built at
late 1947, the company announced and in November 1947 a forced became Thales Air Defence. Rochester.
it was to be known as Shorts. merger of the Short operation at If large flying-boats were
This was explained as not being Rochester, Kent, and Sydenham Flying-boat legacy no longer in vogue, there was
plural, or possessive, but as a resulted in Short Brothers and Going back to the early post-war a demand for smaller, more
contraction of Short Brothers. Harland Ltd. The iconic factory years, contracts for the Sunderland versatile examples. To this end,
That said, it was a Short Belfast, alongside the River Medway in extended through to 1946 and the Sealand twin-engined five to
not a Shorts Belfast, but, by the Kent that had conceived the support of the RAF fleet would seven-passenger amphibian was
time the company had moved incredible Imperial Airways flying- keep elements of the Sydenham developed, powered by DH Gipsy
into commuter-liners, its flagship boats, the Sunderland maritime plant active into the late 1950s. Queens. The prototype took to the
aircraft was called the Shorts 360! patrol aircraft and the Stirling The second of the Shetland air from Belfast Lough on January
40-47_Manufacturers_fpSBB.indd 40 21/10/2013 11:26

Bread and butter work at
Sydenham 1948 – Sunderland MR.5s being
reworked for the RAF in the background; Solent
2s for BOAC in the foreground, with G-AHIO
‘Somerset’ nearest. SHORTS-KEC
Above
Visitors to the 1951 Farnborough Airshow could
pick up a souvenir brochure illustrating most
of the Shorts aircraft built since 1908 up to
the Sperrin bomber, which displayed at the
event. KEC
Below
With the Harland and Wolff shipyard in the
background, the prototype Belfast bashing the
circuit at Sydenham, 1964. SHORTS

Members of the press inspecting the first Sperrin, VX158, at the 1956 Farnborough Airshow.
The two lower Avons had been replaced with Gyron Juniors, in readiness for the new
Buccaneer aircraft. SHORTS-KEC
Brochure for the Sealand published in 1948; it included details of sales agents in 15 countries. KEC
22, 1948, but it faced massive 7, 1946. It turned out to be the last
competition from war-surplus landplane built and flown at the through much of the 1950s. Two jet Sperrins were to be completed as
flying-boat types such as the Kent factory. Events overtook the bombers ordered in August 1947 experimental test-beds. The first
Grumman Goose and Widgeon and Merlin-powered Sturgeon and it was also showed promise. Aimed at flew from Aldergrove – preferred
the larger Consolidated Catalina, redesigned as a target-tug for the replacing the Avro Lincoln, the four- over Sydenham as it had a longer
which were readily available at Fleet Air Arm (FAA). Twenty-three engined Sperrin was distinctive for runway - on August 10, 1951, with
bargain prices. These greatly production TT.2s were churned having its Avon turbojets mounted the second following a year and a
reduced the Sealand’s sales and in out up to early 1952. A radically one above the other on the wings, day later.
November 1953 the last of just 23 redesigned airborne early warning giving it the ‘look’ of a twin. During 1951 the Royal Navy
examples left the factory. variant, the Mamba turboprop- Vickers had come up with a larger issued Specification M.123 for
powered SB.3, took to the air on alternative which was far more a simple, long-endurance patrol
Military contracts August 12, 1950, but this lucrative appealing: it was ordered as the type to supplement more complex
Rochester’s design department contract fell to Fairey with the Valiant, the prototype flying on submarine hunters. As well as the
had conceived the Sturgeon twin- exceptional Gannet AEW.3. May 18, 1951. Shorts were informed FAA, there was the likelihood that
engined carrier-borne torpedo Licence-produced Canberras of the decision in October 1950, but RAF Coastal Command would be
bomber and test pilot Geoffrey helped to keep the factory floor such was the employment situation interested. Shorts was awarded
Tyson flew the prototype on June busy (see the panel on page 43) in Northern Ireland that the two the contract with the Mamba

The first Sturgeon TT.2, TS475,
under test in early 1949. SHORTS-KEC Shorts
for Others
Shorts was boosted by work for other UK manufacturers, starting with
60 English Electric Canberra B.2s for the RAF, delivered from 1952 to 1954,
followed by 49 B.6s, 1954 to 1955. Shorts took full design authority for the PR.9
reconnaissance version, building 23 between 1958 and 1960.
Two DH Comet 2 jetliner fuselages were completed in 1956 before the variant
was terminated. To compensate, Bristol Britannias were assembled 1956 to
1960, including C.1s and C.2s for the RAF. In 1965 Shorts won a contract with
Vickers for fuselages for the RAF’s VC10 jet transports.
In March 1985 the Brazilian-designed EMBRAER Tucano turboprop won the
RAF’s competition to replace the Jet Provost T.5 jet trainer. Built by Shorts,
the first flew at Sydenham in December 1986 and the last, ZF516, was delivered
in January 1993. Exports were made to Kenya and Kuwait, 160 units being
completed in total. When ZF516 was flight tested, it turned out to be the last
Shorts-built aircraft to take to the air at Sydenham.
The prototype Canberra PR.9, XH129, on its maiden flight at Sydenham on July 27, 1958.
SHORTS-KEC
turboprop-powered, fixed-gear Sturgeon, on July 14, 1951. As

tail-dragger Seamew. outlined in the February 2012
The first example flew on FlyPast, the SB.1 was rebuilt as
August 23, 1953, and an order the twin jet-powered Sherpa
was placed for 41 – mostly FAA which first flew on October 4,
AS.1s and some RAF MR.2s. 1953. It remained a research
Production began immediately, project only and today this
but the requirement was fascinating prototype is under
cancelled by the RAF in 1956 and restoration at the Ulster Aviation
by the navy the following year. Collection at Long Kesh.
Despite this, 26 flowed off the Contracts for experimental
Sydenham line, many going from types were offered by relevant
flight test almost directly into the ministries across the industry,
hands of the scrapman. often providing work for
design departments that might
Pushing boundaries otherwise be closed down. Such Tucano T.1s, the last aircraft built and flown by Shorts from Sydenham. RAF CHURCH FENTON
In 1948 Shorts engaged a lifeline arrived on the
Professor Geoffrey Hill as a Sydenham drawing boards
Three Sealands in 1951: YU-CFK and ’J
consultant, looking into new in the early 1950s: an urgent
bound for Yugoslavia, and G-AKLV in the
formats for a strategic bomber. requirement for a low-speed background. YU-CFK survives in the Museum
Pre-war, Hill had been with jet to investigate highly-swept of Aviation, Belgrade, Serbia. SHORTS-KEC
Westland at Yeovil evolving the swings and to trial conventional
Pterodactyl series of tailless or ‘T’ format tailplanes. This was
aircraft. By the late 1940s, he not for academic curiosity, but
had devised the ‘aero-isoclinic’ to help smooth the way for
wing, pivoting elevons at the end what was to become the English
of which did away with the need Electric Lightning.
for horizontal tail surfaces. Powered by a single Derwent
To test it out, Shorts came up turbojet and with 50-degree
with the SB.1 glider – its first sweep and a ‘T-tail’, the one-off
aircraft wholly designed and SB.5 first flew at Boscombe
built in Belfast – which first flew, Down, Wiltshire, on December
fittingly behind a target-tug 2, 1952. The sweep was

Left
Low-speed testbed for the Lightning’s
highly-swept wing, SB.5 WG768, in 1960 with
the wing set at 69 degrees. ROLLS-ROYCE-KEC
The Sherpa aero-isoclinic wing test-bed in

1954. Today it is with the Ulster Aviation
Collection at Long Kesh. SHORTS-KEC
soon increased to 60 degrees, for a single-seat, tailless, fixed- Establishment Bedford, Brooke- Large and small
which could only be done by undercarriage delta. Powered Smith performed very first of its By 1960, Sydenham had seen the
reconfiguring in the workshop – by five RB.108 turbojets, one kind vertical-to-conventional flight last of the PR.9 reconnaissance
this was not a ‘swing-wing’ design. provided thrust and the others transition. Canberras and airlifter Bristol
In 1957 the SB.5 adopted its final were mounted inside the portly Seven months later, at Dunsfold Britannia C.2s completed for the
format, 69 degrees of sweep, a fuselage, giving lift. in Surrey, Bill Bedford carried out RAF. Future hopes rested with two
low-set tail and a Bristol Siddeley Test pilot Tom Brooke-Smith the first tethered hover of the transport projects, one regarded
Engines’ Orpheus powerplant. flew XG900 conventionally – with Hawker P.1127, which had just one by some as whimsical while the
The last Short experimental only the tail-mounted RB.108 engine providing lift and thrust other would keep Shorts in the
aircraft was a pioneer of vertical installed – at Boscombe Down on – the precursor of the Harrier ‘big league’. From the mid-1950s
take-off and, of much greater April 2, 1957. The following year, had taken its first steps. This did the RAF had been looking for a
long-term benefit, complex he piloted the second machine, not negate the work of the SC.1; high-capacity strategic airlifter
automatic stability systems. The XG905, for the first time in its contribution to flight control and Shorts came up with several
SC.1 met Specification ER.143 free hover. At Royal Aircraft systems was immense. formats, all employing the
Seamew MR.2 XE174 in the static park at the

1956 Farnborough Airshow. It was scrapped
in 1959 with just 34
hours ‘on the
clock’. KEC

“...the SB.1 was rebuilt as the twin jet-powered Sherpa which first flew on
October 4, 1953. It remained a research project only and today this fascinating
prototype is under restoration at the Ulster Aviation Collection at Long Kesh”
Northern Ireland’s
biggest
Bombardier Aerospace is the world’s third-largest civil aircraft builder. Its
four plants in Northern Ireland have a total workforce of around 5,000,
making it the largest manufacturing firm in Northern Ireland. Belfast
is a major contributor to the Canadian parent’s product line, currently
building complete fuselages for Learjet 70 and 75 executive jets, forward
fuselages for Global 5000 and 6000 corporate jets and major fuselage
sections for Q400 turboprop airliners and CRJ twin-jet airliners, among
others. The plant is busy working up on advanced composite wings for the
upcoming CSeries twin-jet airliner. Production of engine nacelles remains
a major operation, supplying Rolls-Royce, Airbus and General Electric.
A jubilant Tom Brooke-

Smith after test flying SC.1
XG905 in 1958. SHORTS-KEC
The first Learjet 45 fuselage completed at Sydenham, October 1994. SHORTS-KEC

The last Skyvan – the 153rd – 1988, Philip Foreman had helped
came off the track in 1986. Its transform Shorts and taken it
box fuselage and wing structure through privatisation. He had made
had also been used in the Short Belfast an aerostructures centre
330 twin-turboprop 30-seat of excellence and it was this that
‘commuter-liner’ which first flew attracted Bombardier. Sir Philip
on August 22, 1974. It was a huge Foreman died on February 23 this
export success with 179 units, year, a gifted and determined man
including freighters for the US who saved a company
military, built until August 1992. stuck in the past and
Stretched and given a single fin, put it on the road to
the Short 360 version had its becoming the backbone
maiden flight on June 1, of a global industry.
1981, and the last of 164
was rolled out in 1991.
Retiring in
As well as finding a good market with commuter airlines, the 330 was ordered by the US Army as
the C-23A – the first example, 83-0512, on flight test in 1984. SHORTS-KEC
Britannia’s wing and called the

‘Britannic’ to reflect this.
By the spring of 1959 the design
was frozen: a high wing, four
Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprops,
a capacious fuselage with
undercarriage bogies in
sponsons mounted on
either side and a rear
loading ramp. In 1960 an
order for ten for the RAF, named
Belfast C.1s, was placed and the oblivion. The giant transport was
prospect of up to 20 more was built to keep the workforce going; Above
mooted for Transport Command. Sydenham was being treated Short 360 G-BNFB in Philippines Airlines
The first Belfast had its maiden as though it were a shipyard – colours, 1987. SHORTS-KEC
flight at Sydenham on January a strategic resource. But the
5, 1964. It was an exceptional political viewpoint was changing
design, with such refinements and the factory would need to
as an autoland system, but it stand up for itself.
was doomed to a tiny production As the TPE331-powered Skyvan
run. Only the US Air Force had entered flight testing, Shorts
a need for anything this size had a new managing director,
and Lockheed was in the throes Philip Foreman. He could see its
of building the mother-of-all- potential to ‘grow’ into a mini-
transports, the C-5 Galaxy, which airliner and fought to keep the
first appeared in June 1968. project going.
The last of ten Belfasts was Foreman’s background was with
delivered to 53 Squadron at the company’s so-called ‘firework
Brize Norton in June 1967. Only a department’ – guided missiles – a
decade later the fleet was axed as very lucrative part of the business.
a cost-saving exercise. It also promoted expertise in
A year before the Belfast got complex structures and novel
airborne Shorts flew a private materials, leading Shorts into
venture, box-like, two-fin, twin another specialised area – building
piston-engined utility aircraft parts and major structures for
on January 17, 1963. Called the other manufacturers.
Skyvan, it was under-powered Wings for the Dutch Fokker F28
and given a French Turboméca jetliner prototypes were made in
Astazou turboprops to Belfast in 1967 and Shorts went on
compensate, but this was another to manufacture sets of wings for
poor choice. In December 1967 two decades. Boeing contracted
the superb US Garrett-AiResearch Belfast to create sub-assemblies
TPE331 turboprop was chosen, for its airliner family. Nacelles for
transforming the aircraft’s appeal. the Rolls-Royce RB.211 turbofan
followed and led to a wide range of
Back from the brink similar contracts.
Were it not for the Skyvan, as the
last of the Belfasts were being Diagram showing the versatility of the Short
created Shorts would have been 360, made possible by its large freight door on
laying off its workforce and facing the port side. KEC

“As the TPE331-powered Skyvan entered flight testing, Shorts had a new
managing director, Philip Foreman. He could see its potential to ‘grow’ into a
mini-airliner and fought to keep the project going”
Skyvan, the turning point for Shorts: Series

3 G-AWKV at a Caribbean dirt strip, 1968.
SHORTS-KEC

MUSEUMS JET AGE MUSEUM
New Age
Dawns
Steve Beebee takes a sneak preview of
Gloucestershire’s new Jet Age Museum
I
t seems strangely appropriate that what was then a trading estate on
to enter the new Jet Age Museum the former GAC site. With a few other
at Staverton, Gloucestershire, you exhibits in hand, they opened to the
must first pass through its huge set public once a month.
of sturdy, wrought iron gates. Not A bid was put in to the Heritage
only is the entrance redolent of the Lottery Fund in an attempt to
county’s proud industrial heritage refurbish a deteriorating Belfast
but, more importantly, the self-same hangar, offered to the museum in
gates once provided access to the matched funding by the developers
Gloster Aircraft Company (GAC) who acquired the site. Sadly – and
factory at nearby Hucclecote. surprisingly, given the museum’s
The long since disused gates relevance to the local area and
were donated to the museum by a its connection to Britain’s first jet
generous farmer. They now form an aircraft – the bid did not succeed.
historic entry point to a modern and Darren Lewington, operations
rapidly expanding museum. On a site director at Gloucestershire
overlooking Gloucestershire Airport, Airport and publicity officer
the Jet Age Museum will officially for the museum, takes up the
open next Easter (though it can story: “The tenacity to achieve Main exhibits
be previewed during weekends in something nevertheless continued,
November) and is the culmination of and the group continued in its Current displays or viewable items are listed below. Not included are the
many years of hard work, dedication aims. They moved to temporary museum’s Gloster Gladiator and Hawker Typhoon projects, being restored
and an unwavering, never-say-die accommodation at Gloucestershire elsewhere, and its numerous stored aircraft, cockpits and parts, some of
spirit. Airport, even though the site they which can be seen at a short distance from the museum site.
The museum today represents the were on was always going to be Gloster E28 (replica) ‘W4041/G’
completion of phase one of three, redeveloped at some stage. They
but its modern, well-equipped acquired the Javelin on loan from Gloster Javelin XH903
hangar is already well worth a visit. the RAF Museum and the collection Gloster Gamecock (replica) ‘J7904’
The free-to-enter attraction relies was really starting to grow. There Gloster Meteor T.7 VW453
entirely on charitable donations was always plenty of support from
and, even on the six ‘preview’ the public, but the museum was Gloster Meteor T.7 (outside) WF784
weekends prior to FlyPast’s visit, essentially housed in a place that Gloster Meteor F.8 WH364
more than 2,200 people had was waiting to be demolished, so its Hawker Hurricane I (replica) ‘V6799’
attended and donated almost future was uncertain.”
£8,000 towards construction of On leaving its original base, Avro Vulcan (forward fuselage) XM569
phase two. Featuring most of the the collection became somewhat Airspeed Horsa (replica project) n/a
great Gloster classics, including nomadic – there were a couple of
Meteors, a Javelin, an E28 replica initiatives that came to nothing
and its most recent acquisition, a for various reasons – but eventually
Gamecock reproduction, the Jet Gloucestershire Airport struck a deal
Age Museum is a fine tribute to whereby they would release a plot
both its home county and British of land if the museum could come up
aviation in general. with the required funding.
“The team kept at it,” says Darren.
Early days “John Lewer, who has been the
The Jet Age Museum can trace its chairman since 1991, did a terrific
roots back to 1986 when a group job. Together they raised more
of like-minded volunteers decided than £250,000 through donations,
the time was right to assemble an grants, matched funding and various
aviation collection relevant to the other sources, which, over the last 18
local area. By 1990, plans to create months has been boosted to around Above: The forward fuselage of Avro Vulcan
an exhibition at the airport had been £330,000, securing a permanent B.2 XM569. KEY-STEVE BEEBEE
shelved, but the passion remained. home for the collection. That has got Left: Inside the E28 cockpit. DARREN LEWINGTON
The group was loaned a Meteor T.7 us through phase one, and to where Right: The Hawker Hurricane replica used
in the 1969 film ‘Battle of Britain’. DARREN
and they secured some space on we are today.”
LEWINGTON
48-50_Museums_DecSBB.indd 48 21/10/2013 16:16

Above: Aircraft in the new Jet Age Museum. KEY-STEVE BEEBEE
Below: Personnel from the Jet Age Museum with some of its key exhibits. DARREN LEWINGTON

MUSEUMS JET AGE MUSEUM
Location
The Jet Age Museum is located just 15 minutes from the M5 at the Meteor
Business Park on Cheltenham Road East (B4063), Staverton, Gloucestershire,
on the north side of the airfield. It is free to enter (though donations are most
welcome), and is open on Saturdays and Sundays in November up to and
including November 30 and December 1. Further opening times have yet to be
confirmed – check the website, Facebook or Twitter feeds for details.
www.jetagemuseum.org
The collection’s magnificent Gloster Javelin XH903. DARREN LEWINGTON
Gloster classics That will see us expand by about a products from the Gloster stable, but “It belongs here because lots
Taking pride of place at the museum third, and the plot here lends itself on aircraft and technology that owe of Gloucestershire companies
are its classic jets – three Meteors, to further development, so it’s their roots to the county. The Vulcan and airfields were involved in the
two T.7s and an F.8, and Javelin definitely onwards and upwards over cockpit features instrumentation construction of Horsas in World
XH903. A replica of a Gloster-built the next few years. from Smiths Industries (now owned War Two,” says Darren. “We have
Hawker Hurricane is also inside, “An important element is the deal by General Electric as part of its GE three Horsa pilots who live locally
while a Vulcan cockpit can be we’ve done with the airport for this Aviation Systems division), based and are tremendous supporters of
visited outside, along with yet to be land. Thanks to the generosity of my locally at Bishop’s Cleeve. The what we’re doing. We’re very keen
restored airframes, cockpits and predecessors at the airport, the Jet type also had a Dowty fuel system to get the cockpit project complete
other parts of a Meteor, Harrier, Age Museum now has a sound future, developed nearby, while Dowty’s in time for the commemorations
Hunter, Canberra and more. with a roof over its head in a modern landing gear and propeller factory next year.”
“We’d like to get as many as we facility. This is our building, with a is just next door on the aptly- “Also, the Hawker Hurricane is a
can indoors, although a few will 45-year lease on the land, and it has named Meteor Business Park. replica of a Gloster-built machine
probably remain outside for external already brought thousands of people In a project co-ordinated by Trevor flown by Wg Cdr Ken Mackenzie in
display, but at least now we’ve got a to the site, overlooking the airport Davies, Paul Webb is currently the Battle of Britain, and ours was
facility to get the restoration process and its activity. This is good for both constructing a full-size replica of used in the film of the same name.
moving,” says Darren. “Now that the museum and the airport – we an Airspeed Horsa cockpit. Using Gloster built 2,750 Hurricane Mk.Is at
the Gamecock has arrived, we will want to inspire the next generation of original drawings and building Brockworth. In fact, Gloucestershire
be opening in the short term on pilots and engineers. People can see techniques, the project will continues to play a major role in
weekends until the end of November. both the collection and the ongoing commemorate the 70th anniversary global aviation, and we’re delighted
Then, if all continues to go well, we flying activity at the airport.” of the Allied invasion of occupied to have a small part in that.”
plan to fully open at Easter in 2014. Europe, in which the all-timber At the time of writing, the
We are hoping to arrange a special Local interest gliders were used to deliver troops to museum had been open for just
event to mark the opening, and The collection is not just focused on the heart of the action. six weekends, but had already
we’d love to include some Gloster- exceeded its most optimistic
related flying activity.” predictions of visitor numbers. This
The museum needs around kind of support, plus those essential
£100,000 to complete phase two, donations, should see the attraction
which will see an expansion to achieve its aim of expansion in the
the existing exhibition space, and not too distant future. For an annual
indications so far are very positive. fee of £10, it’s also possible to join
“As a result of that,” adds Darren, Jet Age’s membership scheme,
“we’re already thinking about phase which offers a regular newsletter
three – a further expansion – and and a chance to attend special
how we will need to manage phase events. Well worth supporting,
two to incorporate it. Ideally, we the Jet Age Museum is a story
should be able to finish the next not just of a fine British aviation
stage of building in 2015, or even Above: The new museum’s entrance and café. DARREN LEWINGTON establishment, but of genuine
next year if things go really well. Below: Gloster Meteor T.7 WF784 is among those aircraft on external display. DARREN LEWINGTON passion and a job well done.

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FEATURES INCLUDE
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Detailed directories of RAF and
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Breakdown of each and every variant
and the incredible roles the Wellington
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Note that letters sent by e-mail will not be published
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email: flypast@keypublishing.com may be edited for style or length. FlyPost should be clearly marked as such.
Eagle Squadron
Tribute to the Hornet Winners
Congratulations to the following
lucky readers who each won a prize
in our Eagle Squadron competition,
run in our August issue. Well done
to Mrs Sonia Clayton, of Leeds,
Yorkshire and Mr R Welch of Hitchin,
Herts, who have each won an Eagle
Squadron signed goody pack. Two-
runners up and each winners of a
signed John Dibbs Flying Legends
2014 calendar, were Beverley
Fairhead, of Market Deeping, Lincs,
and Angela Walton, of Southport,
Merseyside. Thank you to all who
took part and to the Eagle Squadron
team for supplying the prizes.
Slowing the jets

I read the articles on the early jet
aircraft in the June 2013 issue with
great interest. Over the years, I have
noticed that all of the first-generation
operational, or near operational, jet
aircraft such as those you discussed:
Visitors at the recent signing in the hangar at Salisbury Hall. GARRY LAKIN (COPYRIGHT) Messerschmitt Me 262; Heinkel He
163; Arado Ar 234; Gloster Meteor;
The DH Hornet and Sea Hornet home of the de Havilland Aircraft fundraiser was staged in its main Bell P-59A and Lockheed P-80 shared
took centre stage when Capt Eric Heritage Centre. hangar, which also contains the a common failing. While Warren
‘Winkle’ Brown headed a group The September 28 event marked largest remaining piece of a Sea Thompson alludes to it on page 50, I
of retired RAF, Royal Navy and de the launch of two new Hornet Hornet, a five-foot long piece of the have never seen it stated explicitly:
Havilland service and test pilots at oil paintings by Dorset-based rear fuselage. There are no surviving none had air brakes. All of their
the Salisbury Hall, London Colney, artist Philip E West. The museum examples of either aircraft. designers overlooked the need for
one. The Luftwaffe paid a significant
penalty for in the war – their jets
My father and the last raid of the war needed a long flat approach when
I read your Far East Finale article with the maximum landing weight, he back). Thus, by mischance, it was landing, which made them potential
great interest as W/O Rendell, whom headed out to sea to ditch his bomb he who dropped the last bombs of prey to Allied fighters patrolling
you mention as having been injured load. Before he was able to do so, that final mission, and possibly of German airspace late in the war. The
whilst serving with 110 Squadron in the problem suddenly rectified itself. the war, much to the annoyance of Meteor almost certainly required the
Java, was my late father, Alan Rendell. He then decided to proceed to the the Commander of A Flight, who same landing approach, but paid no
It has been a long-held belief in my had won the toss earlier, and to the such penalty since German fighters
family that my father dropped the amusement of his colleagues in B were not hovering around their bases.
last bombs of World War Two. Your Flight. Contemporary propeller-driven
article, confirming that the bombing I am enclosing a contemporaneous aircraft had large props which
raid carried out by his squadron newspaper article together with functioned as air brakes when the
on August 20, 1945 was the RAF’s copies of the relevant extract from engines were throttled back, so
last offensive action of the conflict, his logbook where he has recorded they did not need air brakes. I feel
tends to lend support to that view. against this particular mission, that, as a result, it simply never
How it came to be that my father somewhat emphatically: “The last occurred to any of the designers of
dropped the last bombs of that raid bomb of the war in S E Asia”. any of the first-generation jets that
is a story in itself. There had been an We have no way of knowing the air brakes were needed.
expectation that this was going to be veracity of that claim, or whether This deficiency was very quickly
the last mission of the South East Asia these turned out to be the last bombs made up in the next round of
campaign and the commanders of dropped in World War Two, but we design activity. I believe that this
A and B flights of his squadron were would be interested if any readers failing is analogous to the case in
rumoured to have tossed a coin to could advise if they were aware of any which everyone except the Wrights
decide which of them would have the information to corroborate or reject overlooked the need for roll control
honour of dropping the last bomb. that assertion or, indeed, if they in the earliest aircraft: Roll control
Events turned out rather differently, The newspaper cutting which details W/O are aware of any competing claims. was not needed by machines
Rendell’s actions during the last bomber
however. The undercarriage on my I am also enclosing an extract of operating on the ground, by craft
raid of the war. VIA ADRIAN RENDELL
father’s aircraft initially failed to his log, which may be of interest, operating on water nor even by
retract after take off (evidently the target zone some distance behind his covering the bombing mission in machines then operating in the air
only problem he ever experienced comrades to complete the mission Java where he received the shrapnel (dirigibles). History sometimes lays
with a Mosquito) and, as he couldn’t as originally planned (but not before injuries mentioned in your article. traps – people often fall into them.
have reached the target with the having to dive beneath the rest of the ADRIAN RENDELL LESLIE C TAYLOR
undercarriage down and was over squadron whom he met on their way LONDON BETHESDA, MARYLAND, USA
52-53_FlyPost_fp.indd 52 21/10/2013 16:03

Jottings...
While we endeavour to include as many
contributions as we can, we apologise to all those
readers who have taken the time to write in but
didn’t get into print. Letters in Brief
Thruxton ‘Mossies’
OPS BOARD
I am most grateful to John Berkeley for his ‘Mossies that slipped the
net’ letter and photograph in the October issue. He has resolved a
question that I have had for over 40 years.
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------ Back in the late 1960s, when we were searching for a new home
for Lancaster NX611 (now Just Jane at East Kirkby), one place we
Fine aviation artwork on show investigated was Thruxton. A meeting was arranged with the airfield/
A special exhibition showcasing the racetrack management and on the appointed day I was able to explore the
aviation paintings of Tony Cowland airfield, and stumbled across a heap of rusting undercarriage legs which I
opened at the RAF Club in central immediately recognised as coming from Mosquitos. Despite being largely
London on October 16. Many of the buried under brambles, I reckon there must have been probably ten or
fine works of art by the one-time twelve there. From memory, I think this would have been late 1968.
Chairman of the Guild of Aviation Nothing came of our enquiries and of course, we eventually moved to
Artists are for sale. Although the RAF Lavenham in Suffolk. Whilst there, we acquired the cockpit section of
Club isn’t open to the general public, a Mosquito and also tailplane and rudder assemblies, and had made a
exceptions are being made for anyone rudimentary start on their renovation. This cockpit section was from HJ711
with a serious interest in purchasing and has now been incorporated into the Mosquito rebuild at the Yorkshire
Tony’s work. For more details on the Air Museum, although where it originally came from I do not recall. I
exhibition, which is set to run until don’t know whether they used any more of the bits that we had, and
November 26, 2013, please contact Tony Cowland’s moving DH.9 painting, just haven’t yet had the chance to go to see it.
the club on 0207 3991000, or see one of the many that are featured in the Having abandoned aircraft preservation after the painful demise of
www.rafclub.org.uk new display at the RAF Club. Reflectaire at Blackpool, I returned to Thruxton in 1984 as a participant in a car
fleet vehicle driving day and took the opportunity to see if anything was left in
November 3, Elvington – November 10-16, Cosford – Sir the same area. Apart from a beautifully restored Harvard (whose serial number
Nimrod ‘Fincastle Trophy’ 40th Michael Beetham Conservation I failed to record), there was nothing of warbird interest, and certainly
anniversary event, Yorkshire Air Centre open week, RAF Museum no Mosquito remains left – the area had been completely tidied up.
Museum, Elvington, York – 01904 Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 MARTIN COLLINS
608595 8UP – 01902 376200 LINDFIELD, WEST SUSSEX
www.yorkshireairmuseum.org www.rafmuseum.org.
November 7-8, South Cerney – November 11, London – Book Starring role in Ceylon
Historic Aviation and transport signing by Capt Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown,
memorabilia sale, Dominic Winter The Royal Aeronautical Society,
Auctioneers, Mallard House, Hamilton Place, London, WIJ
Broadway Lane, South Cerney, 7BQ. For more details contact the
near Cirencester, Glos, GL7 UQ – Aviation bookshop – 01892 539284
01285 860006 www.aviation-bookshop.com
www.dominicwinter.co.uk
November 12, Milton Keynes –
November 9, Hendon – ‘Trace ‘Royal Navy Historic Flight and
your RAF Ancestors’, a talk by Fleet Air Arm Heritage’, a talk by
Peter Devitt, plus a tour of the Lt Cdr Ian Sloan of the RNHF, Milton
archive, RAF Museum, Grahame Keynes Aviation Society, Kents
Park Way, London, NW9 5LL – Hill Community Centre, Frithwood
020 82052266 Crescent, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes,
MK7 6HQ – 01234 742057
November 9, Bruntingthorpe
– Rolling reheat twilight run by November 13, London – ‘Horsa Following David Coeshall’s letter and photos in the November issue, Andrew Thomas and Peter
an EE Lightning. Event by prior Assault Glider’, a talk by Brian Green have sent in further shots taken during the filming of the Purple Plain in 1954. One of the
tickets – for more details see the Howett, London Society of Air- pictures, submitted by Andrew, shows the film’s star, Gregory Peck, with some of the Mosquito’s
groundcrew – the latter names haven’t yet been traced. Peter’s photo is of Mosquito PR.34
Lightning Preservation Group’s Britain, The Victory Services Club,
RG238 wearing its film identity ‘FP136’. Two of the servicemen in the photo have been identified
website: www.lightnings.org.uk 63-79 Seymour Street, London. – Brian Wright is sitting on the tail and Ray Jervis is standing next to him.
E-mail: james.dale@tesco.net
November 10, Biggin Hill –
Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar November 16, Hendon – Historic
Remembrance Day flypast at Aircraft Association Annual
approximately 11am. Symposium, RAF Museum,
Hendon, Greater London – 01536
November 10, Duxford – 267989 www.haa-uk.aero
Remembrance Sunday special
events, Imperial War Museum November 16-24, Rushden –
Duxford, Cambridgeshire – 01223 Exhibition of the aviation, railway
835000 www.iwm.org.uk and military art of Keith Hill, with
visiting veterans. Free admission
November 10, Elvington – and parking. Rushden Hall, Hall
Remembrance Sunday special Park, Rushden, Northants, NN10
event, Yorkshire Air Museum, 9ES – 01933 350283
Elvington, York – 01904 608595 www.keithhillstudios.co.uk
52-53_FlyPost_fp.indd 53 21/10/2013 16:03

WARBIRDS HAWKER HURRICANE
Hurri-bomb
Pride of place in the Hangar 11 Collection is a Hurricane, restored and
repainted as ‘Hurri-bomber’ ‘BE505’, a 174 Squadron aircraft lost over
Dieppe. Rachel Morris recounts the history behind the paint scheme
Right French harbour at Dieppe.
A relaxed looking F/Sgt Operation Jubilee would be a
Charles Bryce Watson mass practise invasion designed to
perched on the chock of seize and hold the French harbour
his Hurri-bomber BE505
‘Pegs’. JOHN W BROOKS/
town, inflicting as much damage to
HANGAR 11 COLLECTION German infrastructure as possible,
before making a tactical
withdrawal back to
England.
Vice-Admiral
Lord Louis
Mountbatten
controlled
more than
6,000 infantry
troops, mostly
Canadians,
who would
stealthily
slip
T
he sun was nowhere near to On August 14, they were
rising as the pilots of 174 dispatched from their base at RAF
(Mauritius) Squadron forced Manston, Kent, to join five
down hot cups of tea on August other squadrons at RAF Ford
19, 1942, readying themselves to on the West Sussex coast.
deliver one of the opening airborne Finally, August 18
strikes of Operation Jubilee. They brought the briefing
had known something big was afoot that confirmed
for weeks. Their Mk.IIB Hurricanes their suspicions
usually carried one 250lb bomb of impending
under each wing, but in June they ‘Ops’– the
practised with 500lb bombs instead target
alongside their ten 0.303 machine was
guns. Their Operations Record the
Book (ORB) diarist noted that they
considered this to be “flogging a
willing horse!” but the exercise was
successful.
54-60_Fighter_fpSBB.indd 54 21/10/2013 17:02

mber
across the Channel in a flotilla of and casualty rates were high. In
Royal Navy vessels. AVM Trafford March 1942, No.607 was posted
Leigh-Mallory was in charge of the to India. Eight of their men and
airborne assault. With more than 70 17 machines remained at RAF
squadrons involved, Jubilee would Manston to form 174 (Mauritius)
be one of the RAF’s largest one- Squadron.
day air battles of the war. Leigh- Australian F/Sgt Charles Bryce
Mallory’s fighting force was larger Watson was one of those eight men.
RAID
than that available to Fighter Hailing from Victoria, 24-year-old
Command at any point during Watson enlisted on June 5, 1940,
the Battle of Britain. As well as and married his sweetheart Peggy
48 Spitfire squadrons, he had later that month. By the following
eight Hurricane units – six August he was a fully trained pilot
armed with cannons, and heading for the RAF. He bade
two flying Hurri-bombers. farewell to Peggy and his newborn Left
As the race for supremacy daughter and Peter Teichman at the
over European skies controls of ‘BE505’ during
a recent photo sortie
continued especially for FlyPast.
boarded ALL COLOUR IMAGES BY JOHN
a ship at DIBBS
Sydney bound for England
and the war. After converting
fiercely, new onto the Hurricane at 59 OTU
marks of Spitfire, at Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, he
Messerschmitt joined 607 Squadron in December
and Focke-Wulf 1941. Watson would become the
were constantly in regular pilot of Hurricane BE505
development. Soon and marked his Antipodean heritage
out-paced by its on to the fighter. The cowling
German rivals, sported a small boxing kangaroo
the rugged and with machine-gun firing joey in its
reliable Hurricane pouch. Aft of the artwork was the
was adapted to name Pegs, his Hurricane christened
new roles including in tribute to the wife who waited for
ground attack. No.607 him on the other side of the world.
Squadron used the On the day of Operation Jubilee,
Hurricane as a fighter Watson and BE505 Pegs would
during the Battle of make their final flight of the war.
Britain, and became
the first unit to THE FIRST ATTACK
operate the Hurri- At 04.40, the first flight of 174
bomber in August 1941. Squadron Hurri-bombers took off
With their payload of two 250lb from Ford, West
bombs, they frequently teamed up
with cannon-armed
Sussex to head
across the Channel, lead
Hurricanes, or by Sqn Ldr Emil Fayolle
Spitfire squadrons, to dive-bomb of the Free French Air Force. The
German shipping in the Channel darkness prevented their usual
or fixed targets in occupied Europe. forming up as a squadron, and
The cannon aircraft would usually forced the unit to instead venture
go in first to ‘soften up’ the target, out in three sections. Code-
swiftly followed by the Hurri- named ‘Hitler’, the target for their
bombers. Dropping their deadly 500lb bombs was a heavy gun
loads at low-level, in easy range of emplacement to the rear of the
enemy flak, was dangerous flying town in range of the sea and

Top, left to right

The Hurricane’s
immaculate cockpit.
The wing mounted guns,

plus the re-created nose
art and name.
A Hurri-bomber being
armed with 250lb bombs
at RAF Manston in
November 1941. JOHN DIBBS
COLLECTION
waves at low level to preserve the

element of surprise.
Looming through the darkness
were the flames of a burning
German ship that had wandered
into the invasion fleet. Fayolle
decided that stealth was no longer
required; it was time to lead his
aircraft up to a few thousand feet to
give them sufficient height to dive-
bomb their target.
Although the ‘Hitler’ guns
were not firing, the German flak
operators were ready for them, as
Brooks recalled: “The light flak
was coming up thick and fast and
“Frequently flying at low level, the pilots of we were flying at a very vulnerable
height. I could see the 40mm stuff
174 Squadron had little opportunity to bail curving up towards us, for all the
out, and pulling up to altitude made them world like a strike of bright glowing
beads on a string. It would flash past
easy targets for flak” us and explode just above our heads
– or so it appeared. Flak always
beaches where Canadian troops payload, with the 500lb bombs looked worse at night.”
would soon be landing. instead of the usual 250lb, but they After spotting the target, Brooks’
To preserve the element of surprise, would be formation dive-bombing section started its dive, releasing
no previous bombardment from in the dark. F/Sgt John W Brooks bombs at the last possible moment:
ship or air to ‘soften up’ the targets, remembered his dismay upon “Some light flak came up from the
had been sanctioned. The first wave hearing they would be ‘the first lot gun site but it wasn’t really
of pilots from 174 Squadron faced a in, before first light’. Brooks recalled enough to put us off.
double challenge – not only would it took them about 40 minutes to My main concern was that
they be carrying twice their usual cross the Channel, skimming the we would all pull out and

miss the surrounding trees.” After in the radiator could quickly cause TACTICAL
feeling the crump of the released the loss of an aircraft. Frequently WITHDRAWAL Below
bombs’ exploding shudder through flying at low level, the pilots of 174 The scheduled withdrawal was Line-up of 174 Squadron
his Hurricane, Brooks looked for the Squadron had little opportunity to hastily brought forward by several Hurri-bombers at their
home base, RAF Manston.
other members of his section, while bale out, and pulling up to altitude hours to 11am. To distract the HANGAR 11 COLLECTION
firing his guns at anything that made them easy targets for flak. enemy’s attention from the
moved below, weaving frantically to Brooks was friendly with Charles incoming naval vessels, the RAF was
avoid incoming rounds. Bryce Watson, and the Australian tasked with simultaneously bringing
The dawn light revealed the had visited him at his home in down an onslaught to defensive
landing craft and troops arriving London. On the day of Operation positions inland. No.174 Squadron
on the beaches. Turning back out Jubilee, Watson had completed approached Dieppe and received
to sea, and giving the trigger-happy around 100 hours on Hurricanes instruction from the Allied control
Royal Navy a wide berth, he formed and by Brooks’ estimation had ship to bomb the eastern heights of
up with other members of the gained the necessary operational the town. Low hanging smoke and
squadron to make their way back experience required for survival. a 2,000ft cloud base hindered their
to Ford. Three never made it home, Watson went up on 174 Squadron’s ability to locate their targets and
including Sqn Ldr Fayolle who had second sortie of the day, with three prevented them setting up a steep
been in charge of the unit for just sections taking off at 10.25 hours. dive.
19 days. The 12 aircraft joined their escort of As they commenced a turn
two Spitfire and one cannon-armed bringing them over the target area,
DANGEROUS BUSINESS Hurricane squadron and headed out the Hurricane flown by Plt Off van
Brooks described the high to sea. Wymeersch, Free French Air Force,
turnover of pilots caused by the As the morning wore on, it became had its wing destroyed by flak. His
dangerous nature of fighter-bomber apparent that the raid was turning aircraft was seen falling away into
operations: “…sometimes you into a disaster. The harbour’s terrain the smoke below.
hardly got to know a chap before he was awkward and German defences Frustrated by the poor visibility,
was killed or went missing. It was had been under-estimated by the the Hurricanes set up a shallow
said that if you managed to survive planners. The majority of troops were dive and dropped their bombs in
your first three ‘ops’ then you had pinned down on the beaches amid a wooded area to the east of the
a good chance of completing your heavy fire and scenes of carnage. town where enemy troops had
tour.” While the Hurricane could After a slow start, the Luftwaffe was been reported.
take severe punishment, a bullet making its presence felt above. High above Dieppe a massive

LEARNING FROM THE MASTERS

Although Peter Teichman, the Hurricane’s owner, is a highly experienced warbird
pilot, he still listens to the experts – men who have flown the piston-engined fighters
in battle:
Peter: “Some years ago, I attended a lecture by a famous World War Two veteran. He
had flown many missions in Spits and Hurris in those dark days of 1940-1945 and he said
that if he went to battle, he would take a Hurricane in preference to a Spitfire. I was
surprised, but did not think much past that.
“Now I have several hundred hours in the Hurricane, I see exactly where he was coming
from. This aircraft can out-turn any other fighter I have flown. No doubt slower than a Bf
109 and less well-armed, but no way the ‘Hun’ would be able to get guns onto a Hurricane
if she was flown by a competent pilot. Her ten 0.303 calibre Browning machine guns were
‘pea shooters’. No doubt pretty ineffective against the armour plated German fighters
of the later stages of the war but during the Battle of Britain, two thirds of the enemy
aircraft were downed by Hurricanes and not Spitfires. So this often poor relation to the
Spitfire is exposed, as a wonderful, crisp handling legend. I love mine and would not
trade the experience for a fistful of dollars.”

air battle was now taking place but Off D Linton of 411 Squadron, did the Free French Air Force reported Above
the low flying Hurricanes, ducking not survive his injuries. missing. Sgt J Brooks (right)
through the smoke and cloud, avoided The ORB records that in the space and Sgt J Yates in
conversation by BE505
any enemy aircraft. When they HITTING ‘ROMMEL’ of ten hours, the squadron had during its 607 Squadron
realised F/Sgt Watson and Sgt James No.174 Squadron sent its third made 34 sorties, dropping a total service at RAF Manston
were missing from the formation they and final flight of the day up at of 25,500lbs of bombs. The unit’s in 1942. When No.607
deduced later in the ORB that the 13.30 hours with ten remaining commanding officer noted that departed for India, Brooks
heavy flak must have got them. serviceable aircraft. This time they 500lb bombs were ineffective when and BE505 remained
In his service records, Watson carried 250lb bombs enabling conditions forced shallow dive low- to join newly-formed
174 Squadron. HANGAR 11
later reported: “Whilst flying over them to make a more successful level attacks, just one of the many COLLECTION
our own shipping convoy at approx low-level attack on the heavy costly lessons learned by the Allied
2,000 feet I received a hit from flak. gun emplacement code-named forces that day. Below left
Damage done to port mainplane ‘Rommel’. They scored at least Despite the incredible bravery Personnel from 174
and a/c developed slight glycol one direct hit on the guns, but flak of the forces involved, Operation Squadron pose with one
of the unit’s Hurricanes.
leak in port side. Dropped out of over the target cost them another Jubilee had been a spectacular WATSON FAMILY VIA JOHN
formation, nursing engine and Hurricane with Plt Off du Fretay of failure, barely achieving any of its DIBBS
received another hit which caused
engine to splutter and eventually
die. Fair amount of smoke and
glycol came from port side of
engine. Decided to bale out. Height
approx 700 feet. Aircraft crashed
in sea approx 2 miles off Dieppe
Harbour.”
Watson survived his low-altitude
egress with only an injury to his
knee. Having got into his dinghy,
he spent seven long hours battling
an onshore wind in a desperate
attempt to get back to the English
coast. He came across another
dinghy containing a severely injured
Canadian Spitfire pilot. At this point
Watson stopped fighting the tide,
and took both dinghies directly
towards the French coast. They were
captured by the Germans as soon
as they reached the beach. Despite
Watson’s decision, the Canadian, Plt

Above objectives. The planned withdrawal DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

The cannon-armed left more than half of the infantry
Hurricane IIs of 3 Caught out by bad weather when crossing the Channel in ‘BE505’, Peter Teichman
behind, with 3,623 men either dead,
Squadron were tasked was reminded of the challenges frequently faced by those who flew the Hurricane in
with destroying light wounded or taken prisoner.
It was also the most costly single combat: “In September 2013, I flew ‘BE505’ out to a great airshow in southern Germany.
gun positions during
the Dieppe Raid at dawn day in the history of the RAF, with It’s a bloomin’ long way in a Hurricane, which clearly was never designed to go that far,
before the landing force more than 100 aircraft destroyed. but she performed perfectly and the trip was a great success. However, the weather was
reached the beaches. No.174’s valour had cost them not kind for the return journey and there I was, coasting out over Belgium on the final
BD867 ‘QO-Y’, seen
here at the end of the
dearly, with the loss of five Hurri- leg, passing the nearby French ports, with the weather looking decidedly ‘iffy’.
formation, was shot down bombers and five missing men. Of “As we approached mid-Channel we were drifting down to 1,000 feet and below to avoid
by flak and forced to ditch those, only van Wymeersch and cloud in increasingly misty conditions. Then came the rain, obliterating vision through
at sea resulting in the loss Watson survived the raid, both the windscreen as it mixed with the few traces of oil that the 27-litre Merlin often
of Canadian pilot Sgt S D becoming prisoners of war. Watson breathes out, causing the screen to go opaque. As the rain got heavier, water started to
Banks. FG OFF DAVENTRY VIA spent a year enduring unpleasant
JOHN DIBBS COLLECTION drip past the canopy seal and onto my map and flying suit.
conditions at Stalag VIIIB in Silesia,
“By my calculations, the white cliffs of Dover were dead ahead but where…? The visibility
[then part of Germany and now
part of Poland] before ending up was now awful and we were down to below 500 feet. When the cliffs finally loomed into
in Stalag Luft III at Sagan, Lower view, we could not manage to fly over them, as cloud was far too low and I was forced to
Silesia, for the remainder of the turn hard right to follow the coast, passing Deal pier at very low level, peering through
conflict. In July 1945, he finally the low cloud and rain and keeping that coast in sight for all I was worth. I at least had the
returned to his family in Australia. comforting words of Manston ATC assisting with weather and traffic updates.
He passed away in 1963. “Passing all the way around the Kent coast, not daring to go overhead Manston, the
weather did break and we got home safely. During those moments of discomfort, I
The author and photographer would connected closely with those brave young airmen, who made the crossing in time of
like to thank Peter Teichman, the war to defend the freedom that we all enjoy today. How must it have been in 1942, with
Hangar 11 team, and the National
pilots returning from missions, low on fuel, tired and stressed, perhaps injured, aircraft
Archives of Australia. Tim Ellison
flew the cameraship. For more of J W damaged by flak or German fighters, with their controllers trying to guide them home? I
Brooks’ accounts of Operation Jubilee, could only imagine how the Hurri-bomber pilots of 174 Squadron felt as they crossed that
please refer to the excellent Hurricane seemingly endless strip of water with their 500lb bombs, ready to rain destruction upon
at War book by Chaz Bowyer, the enemy at Dieppe. The sight of the British coast must have been incredibly heart-
Ian Allan Publishing, ISBN-10: warming for those who survived the raid to make it home.”
0711005648.
60 FLYPAST

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62-63_Centres_fpSBB.indd 62 21/10/2013 16:58
The Hangar 11 Collection’s Hawker
Hurricane IIb ‘BE505’ (G-HHII) in the
summer of 2013. JOHN DIBBS
62-63_Centres_fpSBB.indd 63 21/10/2013 16:58

Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111
25 Pages in detail
66 Origin
and history
68 Men Behind the

He 111
76 Artwork -
Dunkirk He 111
78 Contemporaries
compared
80 Inside the
Luftwaffe
bomber
84 In Combat -
Heinkel at war
90 From the
archive
Main picture Spotlight this month focuses on a twin-engined bomber

A typical Luftwaffe airfield scene during
the winter of 1940 to 1941. These III/KG that was vital to Germany’s war effort – the much-feared
55 Heinkels are pictured at Villacoublay
in northern France. CHRIS GOSS Heinkel He 111.
65_Spotlight Opener_fpSBB.indd 65 21/10/2013 10:48

Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111
He 111
Scrutinizes the history of...
The Heinkel
We trace the history of one of the Luftwaffe’s key weapons in World War Two
O
f the three types of twin- aircraft, or operating an air force. version, the He 111A-0, manufacture
engined bombers used In its earliest incarnation, the He of which began in mid-1935.
by the Luftwaffe in large 111 masqueraded as a transport,
numbers during World though its actual purpose was to Success in Spain
War Two, it is probably the Heinkel eventually provide the Luftwaffe By the spring of 1936, the first He
He 111 that is the best remembered. with a fast medium bomber. 111 was undergoing trials at the
The distinctive ‘greenhouse’-style Its design can be traced back to Luftwaffe’s test centre in Rechlin.
glazed nose section of later variants 1934, when the brothers Siegfried It was found to have superb
and the use of the Spanish-built and Walter Günter began to handling qualities, though its
CASA 2.111 version in the 1969 evolve an all-metal, twin-engined BMW-built engines were deemed
film Battle of Britain (see panel monoplane. Their plans began after to lack sufficient power. As a
on page 67) may well account a visit to Heinkel’s offices in June consequence, the first ten He 111s
for this. It fared extremely well in 1933 by Albert Kesselring, the head were rejected by the Luftwaffe
the early years of the war, but was of the Luftwaffe’s administration and sold to China. Development
virtually obsolete by 1945. It was office, who was hoping to build a continued with the installation of
nevertheless used until the end of new air force for Germany. Daimler-Benz powerplants, and in
hostilities – although the Luftwaffe The He 111V1 prototype made its 1937 the He 111B-2 was among
favoured the Junkers Ju 88, first flight on February 24, 1935, in several new German aircraft to
which was produced in far greater the hands of chief test pilot Gerhard participate in the Spanish Civil War,
numbers. Nitschke. Three other prototypes where it was flown regularly by the
The Heinkel machine was were built, two of which were Condor Legion.
developed in some secrecy in the completed as ten-seat commercial The new bomber’s performance
early 1930s, in violation of the passenger and mail transports. The in the conflict was impressive. Its
Treaty of Versailles which prohibited third of the four, the V3, served as the speed was such that it could evade
Germany from building armed model for the pre-production military most of the enemy fighters sent to
66-67_Spot history_fpSBB.indd 66 21/10/2013 10:10

SPOT FACT The last major production
variant was the H-20 of 1944 Origin & history
He 111H, became the most widely Left
used series of all, with over 5,000 ‘Heinkels’ in action during
being built before production ceased the filming of ‘Battle of
Britain’. KEY
in 1944.
Below left
Luftwaffe warrior An He 111 belonging to III/
The ’H was the Heinkel used in KG 55, at Villacoublay,
the early years of World War Two, France, circa 1940-1941.
CHRIS GOSS
including the Battle of Britain
in 1940. However, the bomber’s
days of being able to outpace
enemy fighters were numbered.
Gathering of Eagles Over Britain, the He 111s were
mauled by Hawker Hurricanes
In assembling aircraft to fly in the film Battle of Britain, produced in the late 1960s, those and Supermarine Spitfires, their
machines representing the Luftwaffe were sourced from Spain, which had built various escorting Bf 109E fighters rarely
German designs under licence for use in its own air force. Hispano Buchóns represented able to remain with them for the
Bf 109s, while the CASA 2.111 – the Spanish-built version of the He 111 – portrayed the duration of their raids. Reacting
Luftwaffe’s armada of bombers. The producers obtained 32 of the CASAs, enabling them to this, Heinkel rapidly equipped
to film the memorable sequences of ‘massed’ bomber formations. Two were also flown to the ’H series with greater levels of
the UK to complete the filming. A pair of Spanish-built Junkers Ju 52 transports was also defensive armament, the number
featured. Around fourteen 2.111s survive today in storage or on display, but sadly the last of crew members being increased
flying example was destroyed in a fatal accident in the US on July 10, 2003. to five or six depending on the
number of guns.
Though its vulnerabilities had
intercept it, and could therefore wings used on earlier types for a been exposed, the He 111 continued
carry out unescorted raids. The new straight and tapered design, the to serve throughout the war in the
war also proved a profitable testing latter being easier to manufacture. medium bomber role. The H-6
ground for the Messerschmitt Bf Although the ’G attracted very few proved to be an effective torpedo
109, rapidly emerging as Germany’s orders, the new style of wings was bomber, while other ’H sub-types
principal single-seat fighter. To retained and introduced on the He were adapted to carry the Henschel
conserve supplies of the DB600 111F bomber variant which was the Hs 293 glider bomb and the more
engine for the ’109, the He 111E next to enter production. infamous V-1 ‘Doodlebug’. Some
was produced next, powered by a The short-lived ’P version was the were used as glider tugs, while the
pair of 1,010hp (743kW) Junkers first to feature the new glazed nose. H-23 was an eight-seat paratroop
Jumo 211As. Flown with Daimler-Benz engines, transport. After the war, licence-
Another civil version, the He it was only ever built in small built versions of the He 111H-16
111G, was developed by Heinkel numbers due to their scarcity, but served with the Spanish Air Force
substituting the semi-elliptical its Jumo-powered counterpart, the until the early 1970s.
808 were built before World War Two began

66-67_Spot history_fpSBB.indd 67 21/10/2013 10:10

Spotlight
Battle
Heinkel
He 111
Flights Chris Goss relates the

experiences and fortunes of three
Heinkel bomber pilots
“A
Top right n He 111 bomber Kark declared: “Reichsmarshall signal from his plane that the attack
Von Buttlar (right) under the leadership Göring had already announced in his had been successful’.
being interviewed of Oberleutnant von last visit to the airfields in the west that “That night I was with him [von
after the Derby
attack.
Buttlar had reached the bomber squadrons, in addition to Buttlar] and his crew – far out in
a particularly sought-after target formation flights, should bring heavy the accommodation on the edge of
Below and hit it with devastating effect.” damage to England’s defence and the airfield. There they stood – with
A rare photograph So ran the narrative of German industrial centres by flying individual whom I have been flying many a raid
of an He 111B of the war correspondent Werner Kark, attacks by especially capable crews. over England in recent weeks – in the
Legion Condor’s K88 describing a raid of September 29, “In the afternoon hours [of the 29th] midst of their comrades in jubilant
unit landing in Spain.
1940. Generalfeldmarshall Kesselring had enthusiasm. Seven times in this period
Buttlar was commanding Heinkel been with a bomber group, which had of time they had taken off, and seven
He 111 ‘A1+FH’ of Major Fritz proven itself mainly in these kinds of times they had to turn back because of
Winkler’s 1/Kampfgeschwader 53 missions, namely especially daring the weather conditions which did not
(1/KG 53), based at Vitry-en-Artois ‘shock troop’ sorties. In the course of allow the attack.
Above in France. Kark’s words should be his remarks the Generalfeldmarshall “Day and night, in their mind’s eye
A VA-54 Skyraider treated with a degree of scepticism also pointed to this important target of they were already approaching the
flying by Japan’s as the ‘sought-after’ target was the the German operations over England. target, knowing exactly every detail
Mount Fuji in 1954.
W C ZIMMERMAN
Rolls-Royce factory in Derby and “Hardly a few minutes had gone of the map sheet, which could lead
there is no record of any air attack by when the Adjutant of the Gruppe to the mentioned attack, and knew
that day. Buttlar and all of his crew entered the room and interrupted his only one job: to throw the bomb of
were awarded the Iron Cross First speech with the words: ‘Oberleutnant the heaviest calibre into the middle of
Class for this exploit. von Buttlar has just sent a wireless the factory.”
68-74_Spot Men_fpSBB.indd 68 21/10/2013 16:25

SPOT FACT The He 111A was powered Men behind
by BMW engines the He 111
Legion Condor to have been posted to 12/KG 6 at
veteran Brétigny in France in September
Dietrich-Hermann von Buttlar was 1942 for conversion to the Junkers
born in Berlin on March 6, 1910. Ju 88, after which he went to 2/
s
Apparently he was involved in KG 6 in February 1943, taking
politics as a young man but did not command of 2 Staffel on April 22,
join the Wehrmacht [military] until 1943.
1935. He undertook training and On the night of May 7/8, around
was commissioned as a Leutnant in nine German aircraft carried out
1938. He headed off to Spain that nuisance attacks in the Portland-
September. Swanage-Weymouth-Shaftesbury-
It is thought that he flew He 111s Southampton area. Bombs were
with K88 of the Legion Condor. scattered all around, mainly in open
He completed at least 27 operations countryside.
and was awarded the Spanish Cross At 11.10pm, a Luftwaffe bomber
in silver with swords and the Cruz inexplicably flew into the ground
de Guerra. Some records have on the outskirts of Ringwood
confused Dietrich with Hauptmann in Hampshire. It exploded and
Horst Freiherr von Buttlar who wreckage was strewn over several
commanded 2/K88. Although they fields. One eyewitness later wrote
were related, Dietrich was too junior that he: “Looked up to see an
to have held such a position. aeroplane flying fairly low. It was
At the start of World War brightly lit up – it may have been on
Two, Dietrich was promoted to fire...”
Oberleutnant and joined a training There were no claims by anti-
unit at Breslau, where presumably he aircraft guns or night-fighters.
was an instructor. In April 1940 he Fg Off Geoff Oxlade and Don
was posted to the advanced training Shanks flying in a Mosquito of 456
school at Alt-Lönnewtiz before Squadron RAAF witnessed a lit-
going to 1/KG 53 at the end of the up enemy aircraft simply explode
Battle of France. without a shot being fired. “He completed at least
Exactly how many missions he The next day, the crash scene was
flew with the He 111 is unknown, one of carnage. An assortment of 27 operations and was
but he was awarded the Operational
Mission Clasp in silver at the end of
medals were recovered including a
Gold Operational Mission Clasp awarded the Spanish
May 1941 which meant that he had
flown in excess of 60 combat sorties
(which would have been awarded
to one of the crew for over 110
Cross in silver with
over the UK, including the raid on missions). One body was thought at swords and the Cruz de
Rolls-Royce.
Although given command of 6/KG
the time to be that of ‘Unteroffizier
Hans Wieser’, but three other Guerra”
53 in April 1941, Dietrich’s time crewmembers were unidentified. All
flying He 111s was limited as the four were buried as ‘unknowns’ on
following month it is thought that May 12. Below
AD-4s from VA-702,
he was sent to the advanced flying Huge efforts were made by all assigned to Air Group 101
school at Zeltweg. He appears then combatants to identify ‘unknowns’ on the USS ‘Kearsarge’, in
the early autumn of 1952.
AUTHOR’S COLLECTION
32 Spanish-built versions were used in the 1969 film Battle of Britain


SPOT FACT The ‘B series had modified rudder,
wing tips and supplemenatary radiators
Right Norwegian campaign

Officers of I/KG 53 Born on May 7, 1915 Hermann
in late August, 1940. Riedel joined the Luftwaffe in 1937,
Dietrich Von Buttlar
and started his training at Berlin’s
is second from the
right. Gatow airfield. He eventually
became a bomber pilot flying He
111s with 8/KG 26, commanded
by Hauptmann Josef Stefan, part
of Major Viktor Von Lossberg’s III/
KG 26.
Hermann and his crew, observer
Feldwebel Willi Scholl, radio
operator Oberfeldwebel Paul
Süssenbach and flight engineer
Oberfeldwebel Karl Müller took
Right lying in war graves. This applied

The Von Buttlar crew to the four men who had perished
funeral. in the impact of a Ju 88 near
Below Ringwood on that fateful night.
He 111s on a mission They were later identified as
over Norway. Dietrich von Buttlar, his observer
Oberfeldwebel Karl Pflitsch, radio
operator Feldwebel Johannes Wieser
and Unteroffizier Josef Sturm,
the flight engineer. All four were
exhumed in 1963 and they now lie
in the German military cemetery
at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.
The cause of their aircraft’s crash
remains a mystery. “All four were exhumed in 1963
Another Ju 88 of 3/KG 6, flown
by Unteroffizier Paul Czommer,
and they now lie in the German
was found burning on the ground military cemetery at Cannock
at Winfrith near Wool in Dorset on
that night. Just 15 minutes after the Chase in Staffordshire. The cause
Ringwood crash. The reason for its
demise is also unresolved.
of their aircraft’s crash
remains a mystery”

Men behind
the He 111
Left
Willi Scholl and pilot
Hermann Riedel.
part in the attacks on and around which showed Norway at its best.”
the strategic port town of Narvik, The weeks that followed saw KG
in northern Norway. Their only 26 establishing itself at its new base
incident came on June 7, 1940 of Sola, in southern Norway. Crews
when their He 111 was intercepted attended briefings, physical training
by two Hurricanes of 46 Squadron, and made recreational visits, and
probably flown by Fg Offs John much time was spent getting used to
Drummond and Michael Mee. astro-navigation.
The Hurricanes managed to hit the
Heinkel 365 times including putting Harassing attacks
36 bullet holes into one of the fuel The crews of III/KG 26 were told
tanks. Hermann managed to get that they would be carrying out
back to Vaernes on one engine, Karl harassing attacks against mainland
Müller being slightly wounded. Britain by night. One or two
With the campaign over, III/KG aircraft, fully loaded with fuel and
26 transferred to Stavanger on the bombs, would take off at dusk and
west coast of Norway in preparation approach the Midlands, northern Meanwhile, in southern England Above
for attacks on shipping in the England or Scotland. the Battle of Britain was raging KG 26 badge, as painted
North Sea and mainland England. It was stressed that their task was to and on August 15, the airmen on its bombers.
Hermann remembers his transit to harass and to only bomb identifiable of I and III/KG 26 were briefed
Stavanger clearly: “I followed with targets. If needs be they were to to attack military and industrial
my crew and First Mechanic a day return to Norway and to jettison targets in northern England. Initial
after the rest of the unit. This flight, their bombs just off the coast. escort duties would be performed
without pressure, stress and mission, Hermann flew several missions in by Messerschmitt Bf 109s of II/
will forever stay in my memory. We July and early August 1940 and was Jagdgeschwader 77 after which Bf
flew most of the time at low level surprised on a number of occasions 110s of I/Zerstörergeschwader 76,
over and between the mountains to encounter RAF aircraft at night. equipped with long range tanks,
would take over.
Hermann Reidel’s crew In total radio silence, the massive
formation approached England and
After the war, Hermann joined Lufthansa, before retiring to live on the River Mosel in the aircrews became nervous as they
1973. Of his crew, Willi Scholl became an officer and was awarded the Honour Goblet in heard British radio traffic. They
September 1941. He was killed in action attacking shipping in the Mediterranean on April crossed the coast unmolested even
20, 1944 as Staffel Kapitän of 6/KG 100. He was posthumously promoted to Hauptmann though their fighter escorts were
and awarded the German Cross in gold. Karl Müller, an experienced flight engineer who battling for their lives. They turned
had flown with the Legion Condor in Spain, got through the war only to be knocked off south, but target airfields were covered
his bicycle and killed in the 1950s. Paul Süssenbach survived the conflict but his eventual by cloud so they headed north-east
fate is not known. and dropped their bombs on what
they stated was Newcastle harbour.
10 passengers could be carried by the He 111C transport version


SPOT FACT The experimental He 111D was fitted
with Daimler-Benz powerplants
Above field. The mine-sweeper then

A Heinkel He 111 of headed off to recover the crew of
9/KG 55, circa 1940. the Do 24 that they had seen the
Right day before. The flying-boat had
Damage to been badly damaged landing on
Hermann Riedel’s the sea. Hermann reported to his
Heinkel, June 7, Geschwader the following day to be
1940. informed that they had declared him
as missing, believed killed.
Hermann stayed with 8/KG 26
until early 1941 after which he
Right flown by Plt Off Guy Watson,

Karl Müller left, Paul Twice rescued which shot them down.
Sussenbach middle, As the bombers crossed the coast, Again, Hermann and his crew
inspect the damaged
propeller on
III/KG 26 was attacked: “My escaped injury but Lt Siegfried
Hermann Riedel’s He Heinkel was immediately under Börner, the He 59’s observer and
111, on June 7, 1940. heavy fire. The bullets, like rain, commander, was mortally wounded.
passed my head left and right and Luckily for the survivors, the biplane
into the instrument panel. We were did not sink. The crews awaited
just about able to keep formation rescue.
when we were attacked again. The At noon on August 16, they
starboard engine stopped with a jolt were spotted by a Dornier Do
and began to burn. A Spitfire then 24 three-engined flying-boat of
flew alongside – the pilot waved his Seenotflugkommando 1. Later that
hand and then disappeared…” afternoon a ship appeared which,
The He 111 was a mess, but still the following day, was identified as a
flying. Amazingly, all of the crew German mine-sweeper.
were unharmed. It was obvious that After much difficulty, the body of
they were going to have to ditch, the dead observer was transferred to
and this was carried out successfully. the mine-sweeper. The ship’s motor
The crew got into a dinghy and launch sank during the rescue and a
pondered their future. rowing boat had to be used to collect
That evening they were rescued the survivors. Soon after they were
by an He 59 twin-engined float- safely on board the ship, the He 59
equipped biplane from Norderney, capsized and sank.
northern Germany, taking off into Herman asked why the vessel
the night. It was shortly after that had stayed away from them for so
the seaplane was intercepted by a long and he was told it was because
Lockheed Hudson of 206 Squadron they were in the middle of a mine

Men behind
the He 111
was sent to be an instructor at the 2nd Class on September 18 and the Luftwaffe personnel for special Above
Luftkriegsschule 4 at Dresden and 1st Class 12 days later. He quickly achievements) on May 17. June 25 Hans Thurner at the
later Fürstenfeldbruck. He did not proved himself to be a gifted pilot; saw the war with the Soviet Union controls of his He 111.
fly the He 111 again. In 1944 he he and his crew specialising in begin and Hans moved to the Below
was posted to fly the Me 262 at attacking high-value targets such as Eastern front. He 111 of KG 26 gets
Lechfeld and then given command the Westland factory at Yeovil and On the second day of action airborne from Stavanger,
of 9/Ergänzungs-Jagdgeschwader 2 the Birmetal plant in Birmingham. against Russia and its sister states, his Norway, in August 1940.
in November 1944. He ended the A propaganda report issued in bomber was damaged by flak while In the foreground is a
war testing another jet, the He 162. 1941 mentioned Hans and his attacking troops in the Ukraine, Bf 110 of I/ZG 76.
crew: “At the beginning of flying and his observer, Unteroffizier Alois
Wrong place missions to England, Thurner had Heugenhäuser was killed and gunner
Hans Thurner was born in a look at the ‘colleagues over there’. Gefreiter Erich Engler wounded.
Innsbruck, Austria, on October 24, He landed on a British airfield Hans and the remainder of his crew,
1918. Training as a medical student, and rolled up to a large, brightly- Feldwebels Herbert Pottlkämper and
he became a Reservist in the lit hangar. There he saw a sign: Werner Heinde, were unharmed.
Austrian Army in September 1936, ‘Royal Air Force’. Surprised, he Two days later, their aircraft
reaching the equivalent rank of noted: ‘We are certainly wrong!’ He suffered further flak damage while
Corporal before transferring to the turned, stepped on the gas, ran over attacking a railway line at Kowel in
Luftwaffe. Following the annexation everything that stood in the way and the Ukraine and Hans flew home
of Austria in September 1938 and flew home.” 111 miles on one engine. His luck
the declaration of war in 1939, on ran out on July 2 when he was
March 12, 1940 Thurner qualified Eastern front wounded by ground fire, for which
as a pilot and was commissioned By April 13, 1941 Hans had he was awarded the Wound Badge
on April 1. Completing training in qualified for the Operational in silver and did not return to flying
Kraków, Poland, he was posted to Mission Clasp in silver for 60 ‘ops’ until September. On August 6, he
the He 111-equipped 9/KG 55 at and on June 25 the Mission Clasp was awarded the Knight’s Cross for
Villacoublay, France, in the early in gold for 110 sorties. In between his achievements.
stages of the Battle of Britain. this he received the Honour Goblet For a ‘rest’ III/KG 55 was
He was awarded the Iron Cross (a rare award given by Göring to withdrawn to Nantes in France in
90 He 111J torpedo bomber variants were made


SPOT FACT The E-4 was the first to
feature underwing bomb racks
Brétigny in Ju 188A-2 ‘3E+EB’ to

attack the beachhead – they failed to
return.
Mosquito night-fighters were
understandably busy that evening,
their crews claiming to have destroyed
a Ju 88, three Ju 188s and an He 177.
Although it was easy to confuse a
Right Ju 88 with a Ju 188, the three ’188s
An III/KG 55 He 111
shortly after making
destroyed were credited to Fg Off Bob
a crash landing. Fullerton and his radar operator Plt
Off Pete Castellan (one ‘kill’) and Fg
Below Offs Charles ‘Chuck’ Preece with W
The He 111 ‘belonging’ H Beaumont of 409 Squadron RCAF
to Maj Von
November 1941, not returning to the 6 and promoted to Hauptmann (two).
Lossberg, Gruppen
Kommandeur III/ Eastern front until the end of April at the start of March 1944. This Preece’s first victory crashed near
KG 26. ALL IMAGES VIA 1942, by which time Hans had been followed the death of Major Helmut Bretteville at 0.34am and his second
CHRIS GOSS promoted to Oberleutnant. Almost Fuhrhop when he was shot down by near Falaise at 4.15am. His second
constant operations soon began to Typhoons of 609 Squadron during a victim was 11 Group’s 5,000th ‘kill’ of
take their toll, as at the end of May, daylight transfer flight on February the war.
he was diagnosed with dysentery and 29, 1944. Thurner was apparently buried in
pneumonia which kept him away Hans Thurner did not get to see a field grave near Vaudeloges, south-
from the front until December. his 26th birthday. Following the east of St Pierre sur Dives which
His time at the helm of an He 111 Allied invasion of Normandy, KG matches with the location of Preece’s
came to an end in July 1943. Hans 6 was heavily committed. On the second engagement. The body of Kurt
converted to the Ju 88 and was night of June 10 Hans and his Henning was recovered and today
posted to be Staffel Kapitän of 6/ crew, Unteroffiziers Gustav Thäter lies in an unmarked grave somewhere
KG 6, commencing missions in the (observer), Joachim Bosch (radio in the German military cemetery at
Mediterranean and Aegean. operator) and Feldwebel Kurt Orglandes. Thäter and Bosch are still
Henning (gunner), lifted off from missing.
Baby blitz
By the end of 1943, 6/KG 6 had A father’s determination
been withdrawn to fly against the UK
mainland and he had been awarded Hans Thurner’s story does not end with a field grave in France. In 1965, having
the German Cross in gold and the ascertained the crash site of his son’s Ju 188, his father sent a request to the German
Operational Mission Clasp in gold war graves organisation for the burial location of his son. It was then revealed that in
with a pendant for 300 sorties. 1948, an unknown German airman was recovered by a British grave registration unit
He continued to fly during and transferred to La Cambe German Military Cemetery Block 9, Row 4, Grave 124. The
Operation Steinbock (or the ‘Baby co-ordinates of the recovery of this body matches with the information from Thurner’s
Blitz’ as it is more commonly father and in 1966, the unknown airman was confirmed as being Hauptmann Hans
known) from January 1944, Thurner.
being given command of I/KG

Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111
Dunkirk
Dunkirk
Downfall We look at a Heinkel He 111 that was brought down over Dunkirk,
with artwork by Pete West
D
Above uring late May and the British efforts as “a miracle of With the action becoming increasingly
and right first few days of June deliverance”, with over 338,000 men focused on the area surrounding Dunkirk,
Heinkel He 111P
1940, the Allied war effort rescued from the beaches. B3+BL was part of the bomber force
B3+BL of 3/KG 54,
France, May 1940. stood on a precipice. In In the skies over France and the attacking British destroyers, with one ship
Photographic northern France, British, French and Channel, the RAF clashed with reported by the Gruppe as damaged on
evidence shows Belgian troops had been cut off by the Luftwaffe as it endeavoured to June 1.
that part of the German Army in what Winston protect both the waiting soldiers and During this vital week of the war,
its code was Churchill described as “a colossal the flotilla from attack. Among the B3+BL was hit by fire from Allied
obscured. The
reason for this
military disaster”. German bombers tasked with striking aircraft defending the beaches. The
is unclear. On May 26, the order was given to British shipping and the French He 111 attempted to fly to safety,
PETE WEST-2013 evacuate as many soldiers as possible harbours was Heinkel He 111P but its crew was eventually forced to
from the beaches around Dunkirk, B3+BL of 3/KG 54 Totenkopf. Earlier make a crash-landing near Cambrai,
and a hastily prepared flotilla of in May, this unit – easily identified by in Northern France with at least
more than 900 boats and ships set its ominous ‘death’s head’ skull logo one of those aboard believed killed.
off across the Channel. Failure would – had attacked airfields in Belgium Between May 10 and June 21, the
have almost certainly led to hundreds and France, and bombed troop Gruppe lost nine Heinkels with 12
of thousands of soldiers being taken concentrations and rail junctions men killed in action. The entire
prisoner, a severe – and possibly fatal along the Belgian-Dutch border. Kampfgeschwader bomber group
– blow to Allied hopes of victory. Rotterdam and Lille were among (KG) had converted to the Junkers
On June 4, Churchill hailed the cities struck later in the month. Ju 88A by November 1940.
76-77_Spot profile_fpSBB.indd 76 21/10/2013 12:06

SPOT FACT The ‘He 111U’ was a spurious He 111
designation used only for propaganda
in profile
1 converted bomber was put to civilian use in Romania

76-77_Spot profile_fpSBB.indd 77 21/10/2013 12:06

Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111 Talons
of the Eagle
One of three twin-engined bombers used in large numbers by the
Luftwaffe, we look at how the Heinkel compared to its ‘sisters’
B
y 1939, the Luftwaffe was areas. The Do 17’s was enlarged numbers. The newer Junkers Ju 88,
in the position of having at and fitted with more machine- also used over Britain, was both
its disposal three relatively guns. Its new nose was fully larger and quicker – it was more
similar bombers. All were glazed and dubbed ‘Beetle Eye’. robust than the Dornier and could
powered by two engines and were Similarly, the Heinkel acquired carry more ordnance than either of
broadly equivalent in size, if not in its new ‘greenhouse’-style nose, its contemporaries.
performance and bomb load. vastly enhancing visibility. The He Too late to serve in the Spanish
Two of the three – the Heinkel 111H, regarded as the definitive Civil War, it proved itself broadly
He 111 and the Dornier Do 17 version, served on all fronts and was superior to any other German
– were in military service in time produced until October 1944. It bomber of World War Two, and was
to see action in the Spanish Civil was favoured over the Dornier due made in far greater numbers – double
War. The success of these relatively to its greater range, superior load, that even of the Heinkel. The Ju 88A
new designs suggested that speedy, handling and armament, though it made its combat debut on September
medium-sized aircraft were effective could not get up as high. 26, 1939, against British shipping
in the bombing role. Both aircraft By the time of the Battle of in the Firth of Forth and was
were often quick enough to escape Britain, however, both aircraft were subsequently successful on all fronts
opposing fighters, and lessons were vulnerable to defending RAF fighters including against Allied convoys
soon learned regarding the use of which were considerably faster. The to Russia. Unlike the Dornier and
defensive armament. smaller bomb load and insufficient Heinkel, Ju 88 production continued
Both consequently received speed of the Dornier meant it was until the factories were overrun in
redesigns to the nose and cockpit produced in comparatively small early 1945.
Heinkel He 111H
Construction: Around 6,500 He 111s of all variants were built, the majority of which were
‘H models.
Above right First flight: The prototype He 111V1 first flew on February 24, 1935. The first of the ‘’H
Heinkel He 111H 9K+CP of KG 51. series flew in January 1938.
PETE WEST-2013 Powerplants: Two 1,200hp (895kW) Junkers Jumo 211D-1 inverted V12s. Later versions
had two 1,350hp Jumo 211F-1/2 engines.
AT A GLANCE: BOMB LOAD (lbs)
Dimensions: Span 74ft 2in (22.6m). Length 53ft 10in. Height 13ft 2in. Wing area 943 sq
0 3,000 6,000 9,000 ft (87.6 m2).
Weight: Empty 19,136lb (8,680kg). Loaded 26,500lb.
7,165 Performance: Max speed 252mph (405km/h) at 19,685ft (6,000m). Service ceiling
21,980ft. Range 1,280 miles (2,060km).
Armament: One 20mm cannon in forward fuselage, up to seven 7.9mm machine-guns
in ventral, beam and nose positions, plus one 13mm machine-gun in
2,205
dorsal position. Max bomb load 7,165lb (3,250kg) carried both internally
and externally.
Crew: Five – pilot, navigator/bombardier/nose gunner, ventral gunner, dorsal
4,409 gunner/radio operator, side gunner.
78-79_Spot compared_fpSBB.indd 78 21/10/2013 10:24

SPOT FACT Early He 111s had a Contemporaries
conventional ‘stepped’ cockpit windscreen compared
Dornier Do 17Z
Construction: Around 1,200 of all variants were built including approximately 535
Do 17Zs and 112 Do 215s.
Above right First flight: The first of three Do 17 prototypes with single fin and rudder flew on
Dornier Do 17-Z2 U5+BH of KG 2. November 23, 1934. Subsequent aircraft had the more familiar twin fin
PETE WEST-2013
design, the first flying on May 18, 1935.
AT A GLANCE: SPEED (mph) Powerplants: Two 1,000hp (746kW) Bramo Fafnir 323P nine-cylinder radials. The Do 215
had two 1,100hp Daimler-Benz DB601A inverted V12 units.
0 100 200 300 Dimension: Span 59ft 1in (18m). Length 51ft 9in. Height 14ft 11in. Wing area 592 sq ft
(55 sq m).
252 Weight: Empty 13,145lb (5,962kg). Loaded 18,937lb.
Performance: Max speed 263mph (423km/h) at 16,400ft (5,000m). Service ceiling
26,740ft. Range 720 miles with 1,100lb bomb load.
263
Armament: Six 7.9mm machine guns. Max bomb load 2,205lb (1,000kg).
Crew: Four – pilot, radio operator/gunner, bombardier/gunner, observer/gunner.
Note: performance and weights varied according to role and configuration.

280
Junkers Ju 88A
Construction: Built by Junkers and sub-contractors at various locations; 14,980 were

made of all models, including over 7,000 ’A variants.
Above right First flight: December 21, 1936, by prototype D-AQEN with Capt Kindermann
Junkers Ju 88A-14 3Z+DH from KG 77. at the controls.
PETE WEST-2013 Powerplant: Two 1,200hp (895kW) Junkers Jumo 211B/G inverted V12s.
Dimension: Span 59ft 11in (18.26m), length 47ft 2in, height 15ft 11in, wing area 565 sq
AT A GLANCE: RANGE (miles) ft (52.5 sq m).
0 600 1,200 1,800 Weight: Empty 16,975lb (7,700kg). Maximum loaded weight 27,116lb.
Performance: Max speed 280mph (450km/h) at 18,050ft (5,500m). Cruising speed
1,280 230mph. Service ceiling 32,150ft. Range 1,696 miles (2,730km).
Armament: One 7.9mm machine-gun in the nose, one machine-gun in the rear cockpit
and one gun in the rear ventral. Maximum bomb load 4,409lb (2,000kg).
Crew: Four – pilot, navigator/bomb aimer, radio operator/gunner and rear
720
gunner.
Note: performance and weights varied according to role and configuration.

1,690
12 civilian versions were made in Germany

78-79_Spot compared_fpSBB.indd 79 21/10/2013 10:25

Spotlight
Heinkel 24 Additional 7.9mm MG 52 Stringers
He 111
15 machine-gun (fitted by 53 Starboard tailplane
forward maintenance units) 54 Aerial
25 Repeater compass 55 Starboard elevator
26 Bomb aimer’s folding seat 56 Tailfin forward spar
Heinkel 1 Starboard navigation light 27 Control column 57 Tailfin structure
He 111H-16 2 Starboard aileron 28 Throttles 58 Rudder balance
3 Wing ribs 29 Pilot’s seat 59 Tailfin rear spar/rudder post
4 Forward spar 30 Retractable auxiliary 60 Rudder construction
5 Rear spar windscreen (for use when 61 Rudder tab
6 Aileron tab pilot’s seat in elevated position) 62 Tab actuator (starboard
7 Starboard flap 31 Sliding entry panel surface)
8 Fuel tank access panel 32 Forward fuselage bulkhead 63 Remotely-controlled 7.9mm
9 Wing centre section/outer 33 Double-frame station MG 17 machine-gun in tail
panel break line 34 Port bomb bay (vertical cone (fitted to some aircraft
10 Inboard fuel tank (700 stowage) only)
litre/154 Imp gal capacity) 35 Fuselage windows (blanked) 64 Rear navigation light
position between nacelle and 36 Central gangway between 65 Elevator tab
fuselage bomb bays 66 Elevator structure
11 Oil tank cooling louvres 37 Double-frame station 67 Elevator hinge line
12 Oil cooler air intake 38 Direction finder 68 Tailplane front spar
13 Supercharger air intake 39 Dorsal gunner’s (forward) 69 Semi-retractable tailwheel
sliding canopy 70 Tailwheel shock-absorber
40 Dorsal 7.9mm MG 15 71 Tail surface control linkage
machine-gun 72 Fuselage/tailfin frame
41 Dorsal gunner’s cradle seat 73 Control pulley
74 Push-pull control rods
75 Master compass
76 Observation window fairing
77 Glazed observation window in
floor
14 Three-blade
VDM airscrew
15 Airscrew pitch
change mechanism
16 Junkers Jumo 211D-1
12-cylinder inverted-V
liquid-cooled engine 42 FuG 10 radio equipment
17 Exhaust manifold 43 Fuselage window
18 Nose-mounted 7.9mm 44 Armoured bulkhead (8mm)
MG 15 machine-gun 45 Aerial mast
19 Ikaria ball-and-socket gun 46 Bomb flares
mounting (offset to starboard) 47 Un-armoured bulkhead
20 Bomb sight housing (offset to 48 Rear fuselage access cut-out
starboard) 49 Port 7.9mm beam MG 15
21 Starboard mainwheel machine-gun
22 Rudder pedals 50 Dinghy stowage
23 Bomb aimer’s horizontal pad 51 Fuselage frames
80-81_Spot Cutaway_fpSBB.indd 80 21/10/2013 10:14

SPOT FACT The H-5 had increased fuel
Inside the
capacity but could only carry external bombs He 111
78 Ventral aft-firing 7.9mm MG 93 Retraction mechanism 103 Flap and aileron coupling
15 machine-gun in tail of 94 Mainwheel door (outer) 104 Flap structure
‘Sterbebett’ (‘Deathbed’) bath 95 Multi-screw wing attachment 105 Aileron tab
79 Ventral bath entry hatch 96 Trailing-aerial tube (to 106 Tab actuator
80 Ventral gunner’s horizontal pad starboard of ventral bath) 107 Rear spar
81 Forward-firing 20mm 97 Rear spar attachment 108 Forward spar
(Oerlikon) MG FF cannon 98 Port outboard fuel tank (1,000 109 Port aileron
(for anti-shipping ops) litre capacity) 110 Port navigation light
82 Rear spar carry-through 99 Flap control rod
83 Forward spar carry-through 100 Landing light
84 Oil cooler 101 Pitot head
85 Anti-vibration engine mount 102 Pitot head heater/wing leading-
86 Oil tank edge de-icer
87 Engine bearer
88 Exhaust flame-damper shroud
89 Radiator air intake
90 Radiator bath
91 Port mainwheel
92 Mainwheel leg
Wings of the Luftwaffe

This drawing has kindly been supplied by Simon Blacker via Crécy
Publishing and was used in Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown’s highly
recommended Wings of the Luftwaffe book.
For details of how to purchase Eric’s seminal work on the
wartime German air arm, and others in the series, simply visit
Crécy’s website, or call 0161 4990024. www.crecy.co.uk
400 He 111Hs were in service when World War Two broke out
80-81_Spot Cutaway_fpSBB.indd 81 21/10/2013 10:14

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Bachmann F_P.indd 1 14/10/2013 10:27
Spotlight
Heinkel
He 111 Two for th
T
A pair of Hurricane pilots here were thousands of One German loss can positively
instances of combats be attributed to RAF fighters.
may have had a part in the between Allied fighters Ironically, neither of the pilots
destruction of Oskar Broderix’s and Heinkel He 111s involved claimed to have shot down
throughout the war. One of the the bomber.
He 111. Chris Goss describes an most spectacular occurred to The crew of He 111H-2 2630
the west of London on the early coded ‘A1+ZD’ of Stab III
unusual combat evening of Monday, September 9, Kampfgeschwader 53 (Stab III/
1940. KG 53) were experienced. None
A massive formation of bombers more so than the pilot, 25-year-old
and an even bigger formation of Bavarian Oberfeldwebel Oskar
fighters were reported heading Broderix.
for the capital. In the battles that Broderix remembered the
followed, the RAF claimed to have afternoon of September 9: “Thirty
destroyed 57 German aircraft with aircraft from III/KG 53 took off
14 ‘probables’ and another 15 from Lille Roubaix [in France] to
damaged – all between 5pm and bomb the Queen Elizabeth Docks
6.15pm. Actual German losses were in London. I was flying in the lead
24 destroyed with 12 damaged. aircraft of the Stabskette instead of
84-89_Spot Combat_fpNP.indd 84 21/10/2013 10:37

SPOT FACT The night bomber version He 111
was the He 111H-10 in combat
the price of one Left

Hauptmann Heinz Zorn, Staffel
Oskar Broderix is seen
Kapitän of 7/KG 53. Another here on the far right.
aircraft was flown by Oberleutnant
Barth. Below
“This was my 50th war flight. I He 111s over the Thames
didn’t think it would be any different Estuary during the
from the others so I had brought summer of 1940.
my camera to photograph London.
My observer was different for this
trip. Usually it was Oberst Erich
Stahl, the Geschwader Kommodore,
but today it was my old observer
Oberleutnant Kurt Meinecke.
Feldwebel Ernst Wendorff [radio
operator] and Feldwebel Willi
Wenninger [fight engineer] had
flown with me many times but for
Feldwebel Willi Döring [gunner],
this was his first trip.”
242 were destroyed in the Battle of Britain (July to October 1940)


SPOT FACT The H-22 could carry a V-1 flying
bomb under its port wing
Right
Pilots of the RAF’s
609 Squadron. Battle
of Britain Hurricane
pilot Jim Humphreys
is third from the left,
under the unit badge.
Below
A flight of Heinkels
over France in 1940.
“The squadron was ordered off

at about 5pm and after some 15
minutes ‘B’ Flight was detached
and vectored onto a raid. We
made contact at about 5.25pm”
Climbing to engage There were some 20 to 25 He 111s
Meanwhile at Croydon, Hurricanes with Me 109s as close and high escort.
of 605 Squadron were being “Our vector placed us awkwardly
scrambled. One of the pilots was at the rear of the formation and
21-year-old New Zealander Plt Off slightly below, and it seemed that we
Jim Humphreys. were climbing for ages to get into
Humphreys recalled: “The squadron an attacking position. All this was
was ordered off at about 5pm and complicated by the odd peck from the
after some 15 minutes ‘B’ Flight was close escorts…”
detached and vectored onto a raid. No.605 Squadron was one of
We made contact at about 5.25pm. a number of RAF fighter units

He 111
in combat
approaching III/KG 53. Broderix formation, and I turned Green Above

continued: “We flew at an altitude Section in to pick off any of the Heinkel He 111 ‘A1+ZD’ of
of 3,000 metres and waited for our scattered Heinkels. At this point we Stab III/KG 53. PETE WEST
escort. Then all of us flew towards were ‘bounced’ by Me 110s, which I Left
London. Soon after crossing the coast, had not seen. The He 111 lost on
the RAF fighters attacked us and I saw September 9, 1940 with
many aircraft going down in flames. Friendly fire crew Wendorff, Wenninger,
“I cannot remember whether we “My aircraft was hit three or four Meinecke and Broderix.
were to do one pass or two over the times, one being a 20mm high-
target but we did drop some bombs explosive right beside the throttle
and then flew on west. We were quadrant. I went down in an aileron
then attacked by Hurricanes which turn for 2,000 to 3,000ft and took
seemed to pick on the Stabskette.” stock. There was a sizeable hole in the
Humphreys takes up the story: “As cockpit wall, the throttle quadrant
the high escorts were starting to show had gone, the cockpit was full of
a little too much interest, I moved smoke and petrol fumes, and I was
Green Section (myself and Plt Offs feeling mighty sick. It seemed that
Cyril Passy and George Watson) she was about to burn, so I baled out.
outwards. Blue Section (Flt Lt Archie “I did not want to stay in that area
McKellar, Sgt Jan Budzinski and Plt so I did a free-fall from 12,000ft
Off George Forrester) then managed down to cloud level at 3,000ft and
to attack, breaking up the bomber opened my ’chute. My hand was
8 paratroopers could be conveyed in the H-23 version


SPOT FACT Heinkel built a factory
at Oranienburg to cope with demand
‘UP-N’, crashed inverted into the

end of a long garden at the village of
Kingsley in Hampshire. The knock-
out escape panel in the side of the
cockpit, which carried his personal
emblem, a Maori Tiki [carved figure],
was returned to him some days later
when it was found by the same troops
that had shot at him. Jim still had it
in his possession when he passed away
in 1986.
‘Rammed’
by a Hurricane
Despite what Jim thought, it would
appear that even though there were
Bf 110s escorting the bombers, no
claims were made. However, Oskar
Broderix seems to give the reason
for the New Zealander’s downfall: “I
heard Ernst Wendorff shout with joy
– he had just shot down a Hurricane
and it was going down.
Above and a mess – blood, flesh, bone and glove Case dismissed
below all mixed up together so for the rest of
An He 111 of KG 53 There was a curious postscript to this incident. The crash of Heinkel ‘A1+ZD’ caused
the descent I was hanging grimly onto
seen after a crash much excitement and interest in the area and the local paper noted that “everyone took
landing in early the pressure point [to try and stop the
bleeding]. things”.
1940.
“I came out of cloud over a However, removing items wasn’t tolerated by the authorities. For example, Lt Gen
Canadian Army camp at Bordon Sir Thomas Humphries, formerly of the Lancashire Fusiliers, and Captain Norman Hair,
[Hampshire] and drifted across it formerly of the Royal Flying Corps, as well as grave digger Orby Cox were charged with
with the breeze. The natives were taking items from the crashed He 111.
most unfriendly and treated me as a A report from the trial makes interesting reading: “A German airman [Meinecke]
one-man invasion force. One feels so landed from his parachute and he [Sir Thomas] and his gardener who was in the Home
helpless listening to stuff going past Guard came across him first. [Sir Thomas] had a shot gun and the gardener a rifle.
from a Lewis gun!
He told the gardener to relieve the airman of his revolver. The gardener handed him
“I was lucky – six holes in the
canopy, one rigging line cut and one the revolver and [Sir Thomas] put it in his pocket, and the belt and holster around his
through the left breast pocket of my middle when the police arrived. It was his intention to take the things to Alton Police
tunic which left a weal on my side. I Station at the first opportunity.
landed just outside the camp beside “After other evidence, the Chairman said: ‘We are of the opinion that the defendant
a railway line and I was taken into should have reported it forthwith but taking everything into consideration, we have
Aldershot. There I was put in the decided to dismiss the charge with costs’.” The other two charges, for possessing a
Cambridge Military Hospital and maker’s plate and fuel pump and a gauge, were similarly dismissed.
remained there for about four weeks.”
Jim’s Hurricane, Mk.I P2765

He 111
in combat
in the collision was being flown by Left
Plt Off George Mathwin, 26, who The distinctive lines of an
had only joined 605 Squadron at He 111 are evident in this
photo, almost certainly
Drem in Scotland the previous taken in France during the
month. His Hurricane, Mk.I Battle of Britain period.
L2059, smashed into farmland just
to the north-west of Alton, from Below
where his body was later recovered. The cramped crew
compartment of an He 111,
His remains were taken to Odiham
circa the Battle of Britain.
airfield and at the request of his ALL VIA CHRIS GOSS
next-of-kin was buried privately in
the village cemetery.
In the early 1980s, Oskar Broderix
visited Jim’s crash site and George’s
grave where he paid his respects and
laid flowers. He had no idea that
Forrester’s brother, Major General
Michael Forrester CB CBE DSO* MC*,
had retired to live just south of
Alton from where, coincidentally, he
could see the site where his brother
had come down.
As well as Oskar, Kurt Meinecke
survived the crash of the Heinkel
but the remaining crew were
“I heard Willi Wenninger say all killed. They were buried at
Chawton, about a mile from where
over the intercom ‘I’ve got him!’ the bomber came to grief; their
and then there was a crash and bodies were exhumed in the early
1960s and now lie in the Cannock
the controls went slack. The Chase German Military Cemetery
in Staffordshire.
Hurricane had rammed us!
“Then another Hurricane attacked swinging in my parachute. I landed
us. I heard Willi Wenninger say in a field and was quickly captured
over the intercom ‘I’ve got him!’ by soldiers who had been
and then there was a crash and the brought by two girls. Later
controls went slack. The Hurricane I was taken to where my
had rammed us! I looked back and aircraft had crashed –
saw that the tail had been torn away all that I saw was a
and that the Heinkel was starting to pall of oily black
break up. smoke.”
“I remember pushing Oberleutnant The
Meinecke out of the cockpit and Hurricane
then I lost consciousness. I awoke involved
24 He 111F-1s were bought by the Turkish Air Force


Spotlight He 111
Photo File
Luftwaffe
Heinkel
He 111
The remarkable He 111Z-1, essentially two Heinkels joined together and

fitted with a fifth engine, was used as a glider tug for the giant
Messerschmitt Me 321. VIA CHRIS GOSS
Warrior
We present some rarely seen images of the World
War Two bomber
This Heinkel He 111H-2 belonged to 10/KG 1 and was shot down by a Hawker
Hurricane flown by Plt Off John Greenwood of 253 Squadron on August 30,
1940, after the bomber had attacked Farnborough. It crash-landed at Haxted
Farm in Lingfield, Surrey. One of the crew was killed in the fighter attack and
the remaining four were captured, two of them were wounded. China was supplied with small numbers of P-51Bs and around 100 ’Ds during World War Two, or shortly
VIA ANDY SAUNDERS afterwards. This example served with the Chinese Nationalist Air Force’s 5th Fighter Group at Nanking, China,
in early 1946. GEORGE MCKAY VIA WARREN THOMPSON
Spotlight Next Month

North American
F-100 Super Sabre
Our next Spotlight focuses on a
potent ‘Cold War’ jet, the North
American F-100 Super Sabre. Initially
designed as a more powerful
successor to the F-86 Sabre, the ‘Hun’
(as it was nicknamed) was the first
USAF fighter capable of supersonic
speed in level flight – and it was used
extensively in the Vietnam War. Our
January issue is on sale in the UK on
November 29 – or see page 94 for our
latest money-saving subscription
offers.
On May 22, 1941, this He 111H-8 of 4/KG 27 – modified with a ‘fender’ to cut down barrage balloons – hit the top
of a mist-covered hill during a sortie to Yeovil, Somerset, and crashed at Chideock Farm in Chaldon Herring,
Dorset. Three bombs were still on board. Oblt F Bartels, Ofw H Hahn, and Ofw H Grimmel all landed safely
with the aircraft, but Ofw H Funk and Gefr K Kohler both baled out too low and were killed. The aircraft was
removed to Farnborough for detailed examination of the balloon fender, which Luftwaffe crews were finding
too cumbersome for effective use. The remaining 30 or so machines that had been modified as H-8s were
eventually stripped of the fender and re-designated as H-8/R2 glider tugs. VIA ANDY SAUNDERS
90_Spot Warriors_fpSBB.indd 90 21/10/2013 11:55

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AIRSHOW UK
Shuttleworth’s Sunny Finale

Darren Harbar attended the traditional end-of-
season show at Old Warden
A typical Old Warden scene – classic aircraft waiting to take off, while another – Westland
Lysander V9367 – flies overhead.
T
he final flying event of 2013 days of vintage air racing were
at the Bedfordshire-based recreated, with a pair of Chiltons,
Shuttleworth Collection was a quartet of Miles aircraft and a
blessed by a beautifully sunny Comper Swift battling it out for
autumnal day on October 6. first place. The collection’s Avro
As an especially large crowd 504K, Sopwith Triplane and Pup
poured into the Old Warden also graced the skies, and there
aerodrome for the October Flying was a welcome display from the
Day, early spectators were treated Bristol M.1C (see Finals, page
to the sight of a new Shuttleworth 122), making its second show
arrival, as Percival Mew Gull appearance following a long time
G-AEXF completed its delivery out of action. Hawker Sea Hurricane
flight from Breighton, Yorks, in the Closing the main section of the Mk.Ib Z7015 in action on
October 6.
hands of Tony ‘Taff’ Smith (also show in spectacular fashion was
see News). Hawker Hunter T.7 WV372, flown
Most of the usual favourites by Chris Heames. With the wind
graced the flying programme, being a tad brisk for the majority
with some popular visitors adding of the ‘Edwardian’ fleet, it was left
to the end-of-season line-up. In to the Avro Triplane to conclude
a cleverly crafted sequence, the another memorable airshow year.
Sopwith Triplane N6290

was among the
Shuttleworth favourites flying
Chris Heames flying on October 6.
Hunter T.7 WV372.
The collection’s Avro Triplane reproduction

Avro 504K E3273 flying at the concluded another memorable Old Warden
Shuttleworth event. flying day. ALL DARREN HARBAR
92-93_Airshow_fpSBB.indd 92 21/10/2013 17:26

Spitfire finale at Duxford. Duxford
Curtain Closer
T
he final airshow of the UK’s the colourful jet’s fast pass was
2013 ‘season’ took place at worth the price of admission
Duxford on October 13. Some by itself. Martin Willing in his
wet and windy weather looked North American T-28S Fennec
set to ruin the Autumn Air Show was making his final appearance
during the morning, but thankfully before retiring from the airshow
the weather cleared sufficiently scene, and Jonathon says he
for some excellent flying later on. is likely to follow suit. A pair of
Among the highlights was Hispano Buchóns also impressed,
the powerful display given by as did a four-ship Supermarine
Jonathon Whaley in Hawker Spitfire finale, featuring two Mk.Vs
Jonathon Whaley flying Hawker Hunter F.58 Hunter F.58 Miss Demeanour – (EP120 and BM597), Tr.IX ML407
‘Miss Demeanour’.
one spectator commented that and Mk.IX MH434.
Dublin’s
Flightfest
A pair of Hispano Buchóns

were among the show highlights.
Around 150,000 people gathered on the

banks of the River Liffey in Dublin, on
September 15 to witness a remarkable
flypast. Around 35 aircraft, ranging
from historic ‘warbirds’ (such as Boeing
B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ and
Golden Apple’s North American F-86A
Sabre) to modern airliners and military
aircraft participated in Flightfest. Air
Contractors’ Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules
EI-JIV (pictured) was among the
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ with
highlights. PHOTO: IAN SHIPLEY
smoke effect on. ALL DARREN HARBAR
92-93_Airshow_fpSBB.indd 93 21/10/2013 17:24

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FROM THE WORKSHOP HAWKER HUNTER
Old Sarum Beauty

Ron Fulton of the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection talks to Hugh Trevor about the
museum’s newly-restored Hawker Hunter
A
s readers may be aware, the a ‘work in progress’, but that or at Boscombe Down, when Hunter before they progressed to
Boscombe Down Aviation progress is confirmed by the ETPS moved there in December XF375 as the single-seater.”
Collection (BDAC) moved recent emergence of a stunning 1967. It was used for spinning
from that research establishment scarlet and white Hawker Hunter training – in fact BDAC member Air To Cranwell
to a listed 1917-vintage Belfast to act as the museum’s ‘gate Commodore Colin Cruickshanks Following its service with ETPS,
Truss hangar at nearby Old guardian’. flew the aircraft when he was XF375 was moved to Cranwell in
Sarum airfield, Wilts, in June project pilot on the [SEPECAT] 1982 for instructional use by RAF
last year. Ron Fulton, Technical In service Jaguar. It was known that spinning engineering officers, and there it
Director and one of the museum’s Built by Armstrong-Whitworth at the Jaguar was a distinctly ‘iffy’ was camouflaged in a green/grey
founders, explains: “We are Coventry, Hunter F.6 XF375 first prospect and pilots would need scheme.
now using the BDAC title as the flew in August 1955 and was then to be ‘at the top of their game’ in Ten years later it was obtained by
‘Boscombe Down’ name caused issued to Rolls-Royce for use as an terms of spin recovery practice. the Old Flying Machine Company
visitors confusion with regard Avon 203 engine test-bed. Three They therefore worked-up on at Duxford, Cambs, which intended
to our location. The museum years later it was employed by the Hunter, including inverted to put it back into flying condition;
is also broadening its remit, as English Electric at Warton, Lancs, spinning, before every Jaguar however more suitable Swiss
although most of our exhibits as a ‘target’ aircraft for Lightning spinning flight. Hunters then became available
have Boscombe Down or flight trials work, following which it “There is no gunsight fitted and it was sold on, moving to
test history, we are now looking to was assigned to the Empire Test to XF375, instead there is now Spanhoe airfield in Northants, in
represent aviation in Wessex to a Pilots School (ETPS), then at a blank plate, which is where a 2002, prior to BDAC obtaining it
greater extent.” Farnborough in late 1962. spin recovery panel was fitted. in 2007.
With the collection’s relocation Ron takes up the story: “For On ETPS courses, spin recovery The aircraft then remained in a
having occurred relatively the next 20 years XF375 flew instruction for trainee test pilots dismantled state until it was finally
recently, the museum is still with the ETPS at Farnborough, would take place in a two-seat put back on to its wheels within a
Contact
Location: Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Hangar 1 South, Old Sarum
Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury, SP4 6DZ. Tel: 01722 323636. There are as yet no
tourist ‘brown signs’, so for directions please see the website.
Opening times: From March 5 to November 10, 2013 – open daily 10am-5pm but
closed on Mondays, apart from bank holidays. From November 16, 2013 until
March 2, 2014 open 10am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays only. Closed December
24-26 and January 1. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Entrance costs £8.50,
with concessions available. www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk
96-98_Workshop_fpSBB.indd 96 21/10/2013 16:10

couple of months of the move to Above left
Old Sarum. The components of Hunter XF375 arriving at Old
Ron Fulton describes the Sarum from Boscombe Down. HERBIE FATHERLY
restoration task: “New panels
Above
were made to replace several that
Refurbished Hunter XF375 and some of the
were missing, and the damaged BDAC team. Project Director John Sharpe and
port aileron was repaired. Technical Director Ron Fulton are first and
However, by that time, scaffolding second from the left. KIM FULTON
was surrounding the hangar for
Left
necessary roof maintenance and
The Hunter after reassembly at Old Sarum in
so it was several months before September 2012. HUGH TREVOR
the stranded Hunter could be
towed in for further restoration. Below
“When we acquired the aircraft The newly refurbished Hunter on display
the canopy was slightly open, outside Hangar 1 South at Old Sarum. HERBIE
FATHERLY
but it was jammed solid and
“The repaint overall took about three months, with rubbing down and then
applying primer, undercoat and two coats of gloss”

FROM THE WORKSHOP HAWKER HUNTER
The cockpit after seat removal and

repainting. Some instruments have yet to
be fitted. HERBIE FATHERLY
BDAC Director Ron Fulton

undercoating XF375.
HERBIE FATHERLY
BDAC Project Director John Sharpe (left)

discusses the restoration of the ejection
seat with volunteer Dave Quigley, an
aircraft armourer. HUGH TREVOR
couldn’t be opened or closed. get the seat free. But the canopy open for visitor access, enabling the public, although not directly
When we got the aircraft inside now works, it’s motorised and people to become familiar with, accessible for safety reasons.
we found the rails were corroded operates electrically – along with and enjoy sitting in, an aircraft’s As it does for so many
into the runners and the only way the navigation and anti-collision ‘office’. In many cases the exhibits organisations, the current financial
we could get access to the cockpit lights which are switched on when have working cockpit lights and climate creates difficulties, but
was to dismantle the canopy the museum is open. The repaint simulated engine starting, and funds are also being generated by
by drilling out the screws and overall took about three months, local air traffic control is ‘piped hiring out the conference room to
removing the Perspex. with rubbing down and then in’. In addition, some flight test groups – such as the Light Aircraft
“We then discovered about 18 applying primer, undercoat and equipment, weapons and delivery Association, the Spitfire Society
inches [0.5m] of water inside two coats of gloss.” systems are on show. and the Guild of Aviation Artists
the cockpit, which hadn’t done Visitor access obviously increases – and holding spring and autumn
the cockpit floor much good, nor Hands On the chance of damage to exhibits, ‘Aerobilia’ aero-jumbles.
the ejection seat, which was well BDAC is very much a ‘hands on’ but overall the breakages have not BDAC currently has about 30
and truly corroded in. When we museum for visitors, a philosophy been as bad as was feared, and the to 40 active members, but there
tried to crane the seat out, the that is summed up in the website very positive feedback received is always more work to do than
aircraft nose lifted up with it – it banner, ‘Sit in Fast Jet Cockpits’. is considered to outweigh the there is manpower available, so
was only when we put a trestle The museum currently has nine risks. A number of artefacts are new volunteers to act as guides
under the rear fuselage to stop airframes and 19 cockpits on currently under restoration and or for metal bashing are always
it tail-sitting that we managed to display, with most of the latter these projects are also visible to welcome!
The refurbished Hunter. HUGH TREVOR
Ron Fulton applying the Hunter’s gloss red

paint. HUGH TREVOR

Man Eater
COLD WAR WARRIORS NORTH AMERICAN F-107
I
Right t was a winner-take-all fly-off for flight. It was already the underdog weapon, the Republic F-105
Cutaway of the F-107. a highly valuable USAF future to the Republic YF-105A, and the better fitted the ‘Cold
fighter-bomber contract – the F-107 had no official name. Its pre- War’ expectations of
Below
Tracks made by the stakes could not be higher. Maiden production batch had already been many senior USAF officers. Six
speeding YF-107A on the flights were always tense occasions trimmed in phases from 33 to just prototypes were constructed and the
Rogers Dry Lake bed at and, as he awaited clearance for three examples. first YF-105 had flown on October
Edwards. take-off, Bob Baker needed to NAA’s dominance of the fighter 22, 1955. It was heavier than and
concentrate on the job in hand market started during World War lacked the agility of the F-107, but
and not on the ‘big picture’. North Two with the legendary P-51 both were to be built around a single
American Aviation (NAA) chief Mustang. The post-war advent of Pratt & Whitney J75 afterburning
test pilot Robert Baker JR was at the swept wings and turbojets resulted turbojet and capable of Mach 2.
controls of YF-107A 55-5118 at in the F-86 Sabre of 1947 and
Edwards Air Force Base, California, the F-100 Super Sabre of 1953. Crash test dummies
on the morning of September 10, Next step was the F-107, a fighter- While it was of fairly conventional
1956. This vital flight would end bomber conceived for maximum construction, NAA’s new fighter
in an embarrassing failure, and climb, manoeuvrability, altitude and included some very advanced
ultimately the famous company speed. All of this combined to make features, such as its flight control
would move out of the fighter it a lethal dog-fighter as well as a systems and avionics. Initially it was
market. ground-attack platform. designated the F-100B, but as the
The prospects for the project Built around an internal bomb design evolved it became clear that
didn’t look great even before the first bay intended to deliver a nuclear it owed little to its forebear, and
100-104_Americam_fpSBB.indd 100 21/10/2013 15:53

r F-107 was allocated.
The vertical and horizontal tail
surfaces were not hinged but all-
moving. The wing, its outline owing
much to the Super Sabre, had no
ailerons; all of the trailing edge
was occupied by flaps and spoilers
damage from items ingested from
the ground, which was a big plus
feature. The intake also included
an advanced system of movable
ramps to condition the airflow for
supersonic flight.
The proximity of the intake to the
John Fredrickson describes
the last of North
American’s incredible
fighter dynasty
static YF-107 airframe and test-firing

the seat.
A rocket sled on a railway track
was fabricated to validate ejection
at speed and 11 such tests were
conducted during 1956 and 1957.
Some failures were encountered; but
Below left
NAA chief test pilot Bob
Baker in front of an F-100.
provided lateral control. But the cockpit gave rise to the nickname fortunately, no human ever found it
most startling feature of the F-107 ‘Man-Eater’ for the F-107. With the necessary to eject from an F-107.
was a huge air intake on top of the exit trajectory of the NAA-designed
fuselage, immediately behind the ejection seat so close to the gaping Pushing sand
cockpit. Apart from providing the maw, extensive testing using crash The trio of YF-107As (55-5118,
shortest and most direct route for test dummies set out to make sure -5119 and -5120) were conceived
the airflow to enter the engine, it the name didn’t become a reality. at NAA’s Inglewood plant on the
kept the nose clear for the radar and Manufactured by Sierra edge of Los Angeles International
a cluster of four 20mm cannon. The Engineering, the dummies – all Airport. The project was fast-paced,
underside of the centre section was named ‘Sierra Sam’ – were the with less than 18 months having
available for a large, free-fall weapon size and weight of a typical pilot elapsed between the start of design
or auxiliary fuel tank. and hinged to replicate human to the maiden flight – for which
The unconventional layout greatly movement. Initial tests were the prototype was loaded on a flat-
reduced the chance of foreign object performed by placing nets behind a bed lorry for transportation to
‘Man Eater’ versus ‘Lead Sled’

YF-107A YF-105A
Span 36ft 7in (11.15m) 34ft 11in (10.64m)
Length 61ft 10in (18.84m) 61ft 5in (18.71)
Wing area 376ft2 (34.9sq m) 385 (35.7sq m)
Empty weight 22,696lb (10,295kg) 21,010lb (9,530kg)
All-up weight 39,755lb (18,033) 28,966lb (13,139 kg)
Max speed 1,295mph (2,084 km/h) 857mph (1,379 km/h)
Service ceiling 53,200ft (16,215m) 49,950ft (15,225m)
Combat range 788 miles (1,268km) 1,010 miles (1,625km)
Bomb load 1,000lb (453kg) 8,000lb (3,628kg)
20mm cannon 4 1
Note: The YF-107A flew with the intended P&W YJ75 rated at 17,200lb st (76.50kN) while the
YF-105A had a P&W J57 of 10,200lb st, and it was not until May 1956 the YF-105B got a J75.
Data for the YF-105A apply to the less powerful engine.

Far right Edwards in the high desert 105 either side.” He managed to get the main gear tyres did not fail, but were
The gear tucking away miles north-east of LA. prototype fighter on final approach stripped down to the cords under the
on the third YF-107A, So that NAA executives would to land and knew he had just one rubber. As the aircraft slowed down
55-5120.
have time to drive to Edwards chance to get down in one piece: another problem developed - the nose
Right to witness this crucial company “If I added power to go around, the gear started to shimmy.
The first YF-107A showing milestone, the test was scheduled engine could seize at any time. I had The strut then broke and the entire
its F-100 lineage. for mid-morning. Accompanied to land on this approach.” assembly snapped off as the nose hit
by an F-100 chase-plane, the take- The approach was faster and at a the dry lake. The forward bulkhead
Below
off was normal. After a couple of heavier weight than desired and the of NAA’s hottest fighter ingloriously
The YF-107A is examined
on the dry lake bed. Bob attempts, the landing gear was landing speed was very close to the ploughed sand before the F-107
Baker managed to walk raised and secured. While climbing design limits of the tyres. Things finally came to a stop. Baker opened
away from the incident. to 36,000ft (11,000m) a warning got worse when they screeched onto the canopy and climbed out and
light indicated low oil levels and the concrete of Runway 04 after the later wrote that NAA’s Manager of
Bottom right forced preparations for a premature brief 40-minute flight. Research and Development, Harrison
The first YF-107A showing
the drag ’chute fully
landing. The 16ft-diameter drag parachute Storms, “never forgave me for the
deployed. Mach 1 did not deploy when activated. F-107A nose gear strut failure”.
was exceeded Investigators later determined the pilot While the photos and
during the ’chute had opened with such force measurements were being completed,
hasty descent. that it broke the link between it and a mobile crane and flat-bed lorry
Bob Baker, who the main canopy. The landing run- were en route to retrieve the
passed away at reducing parachute remained neatly wounded bird before the sun had set.
the age of 91 in stowed in its compartment at Nobody was hurt, the damage was
November 2001, the base of the vertical tail, repaired in a few weeks and the nose
wrote in 1999: and the YF-107A charged gear strut was strengthened.
“As I went through down the length of the All three YF-107As completed
15,000ft I could not runway and then the remaining phases of their flight
keep the wings level – onto the dry lake test duties without further major
the F-107A was rocking bed beyond. incident. Pilots who flew the F-107
left to right with about Thankfully agreed that it was a fine aircraft with
30 degrees of bank on the much potential.

“The landing run-reducing parachute remained neatly stowed in its
compartment at the base of the vertical tail, and the YF-107A charged down the
length of the runway and then onto the dry lake bed beyond”

Right End of an era

The proximity of the Both competing programmes
cockpit and the jet intake had plenty of test challenges.
led to the nickname ‘Man-
Eater’.
Deficiencies with the YF-107As
included chronic drag ’chute
problems, fuel leaks caused by
fasteners that abraded the bladders,
flight control issues and a fuel
system-related defect that eroded
subsonic performance above
40,000ft. All could have been
quickly resolved.
In the end, Republic was awarded
production contracts for the
F-105 and it was given the official
name Thunderchief. Informal
monikers included ‘Thud’ and
‘Lead Sled’, the latter a reference to
its manoeuvring limitations. After
Right many developmental stumbles, the
An ejection seat, complete bugs were eventually eliminated and
with ‘Sierra Sam’, leaving the Thunderchief served well during
the test sled during trials.
the Vietnam War.
Below Many of the advanced features
The third YF-107A on take- of the F-107 found their way into
off. ALL BOEING HISTORICAL NAA’s A3J (later designated A-5)
ARCHIVES UNLESS NOTED Vigilante strike bomber built at the
Columbus, Ohio, plant.
North American suffered another
defeat in 1959 when its proposed
twin-engined Mach 3 long-range
F-108 Rapier interceptor was
cancelled before a prototype could
be built. When NAA merged with
Rockwell-Standard in September
1967, to become North American
Rockwell, the famous name had
only six years left, becoming
Rockwell International in February
1973. With the F-107, Inglewood’s
highly successful fighter dynasty
petered out.
“When NAA merged with Rockwell-Standard in September 1967, to

become North American Rockwell, the famous name had only
six years left...”

AIR-BRITAIN
The International Association
of Aviation Historians &
Enthusiasts
Contact: Barry Collman
1 Rose Cottage,
179 Penn Road,Hazlemere
High Wycombe
Bucks HP15 7NE
Tel: 01394 450767
membenquiry@air-britain.co.uk
www.air-britain.com
THE SHACKLETON
ASSOCIATION
Membership Secretary
Wally Allaway
1 Deepdale, Wilnecoat
Tamworth, B77 4PD
Tel: 01827 892 332
memsec@thegrowler.org.uk
(RAF/USAAF)
MARTLESHAM
HEATH
Contact: R W Dunnett
341 Main Rd. Martlesham
Suffolk IP5 2QU
Tel: 01473 624510
robert4.mhas@btinternet.com
control.tower@mhas.org.uk
www.mhas.org.uk
THE BLENHEIM
SOCIETY
Contact: Mr R J Scott
25 Herongate Road
Cheshunt, Herts EN8 0TU
Tel: 01992 442608
r.j.scott@ntlworld.com
blenheimsociety.org.uk
THE GREAT WAR SOPWITH CAMEL
Last in the line

A
Above ugust 28, 2013 was a three World War One era aircraft Soon afterwards the team
The Camel replica gets an stand out date for the Old built by the Northern Aeroplane was presented with a number
airing at Old Warden on Warden-based Shuttleworth Workshop (NAW) craftsman for of manufacturer’s drawings by
September 20.
Collection and its dedicated the Bedfordshire-based museum. Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd
band of volunteers and workers. It all started over 40 years ago, and this prompted discussions
On that sunny day a faithful back in March 1973 to be precise. between Shuttleworth and
copy of a Sopwith Camel rolled John Langham had an idea to set NAW about building a Sopwith
through the gates and joined the up a society that would perpetuate Triplane, a project that started in
aircraft fleet. What made this the skills required to build aircraft 1974. The Triplane was finished
especially significant was that using wood, wire and linen – and in 1990 and flew two years later.
this masterpiece is the last of the NAW was born. By this time work was well under
106-107_Biplane_fpSBB.indd 106 21/10/2013 15:59

The Northern Aeroplane Workshop’s latest
masterpiece is also set to be its last. Darren Harbar
reports on this very special project
way to make a Bristol M.1C, has been faithfully reproduced by winter, once the Hawker Tomtit Top right
which was successfully completed this dedicated team at its Yorkshire – currently in the workshop – is Some of the people who
in the late 1990s and is now also facility. finished. The Camel’s 130hp made it all happen. Left
to right are the Northern
at Shuttleworth. Its delivery to Old Warden Clerget rotary engine is being Aeroplane Workshop’s
With the M.1C finished, marks the end of the NAW, overhauled at Shuttleworth, and John Thompson, Robert
attention turned to a third set of but the memory of what has it will be ready to install when the Richardson and Geoff
plans, those of a Sopwith Camel. been achieved since 1973 lies airframe is complete. If all goes to Kilner, with Shuttleworth’s
Under the watchful inspection in the three machines that now plan, the Camel could be flying in Andy Preslent.
of the LAA (Light Aircraft form part of the Shuttleworth 2014. It will be a fine tribute to
Association) through Shuttleworth Collection. Work on the Camel’s the great work of the NAW over
pilot Rob Millinship, the Camel fabric covering will begin over the the last four decades.
106-107_Biplane_fpSBB.indd 107 21/10/2013 15:59

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with the layout of each airfield
Running time 90 minutes. the RAAF based at Elsham Wolds,
shown alongside its role in the
Region 2 (PAL) DVD – Please Charlwood writes sympathetically
overall battle. 32 airfield plans.
check that your player is and understandingly of the
178 b/w photos.
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This is the story of an exceptional The Bristol Blenheim was originally New in Paperback. The story
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of his time. Starting with lively first. When it was found to out- However, accounts of summer
descriptions of the Royal Air Force perform existing fighters. 1940 have tended to centre on the
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moves on to cover his fascinating Region 2 (PAL) DVD – Please and on the ground, whilst the story
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attacks from his operations base
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in Malta. After the war, he went on
collision in Canada, then, at greatest symbols of British
to set a new speed record while
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the Sky Trust, Vulcan XH558 will Johnson, who served with Fighter to come.
go down in aviation history as the Command squadrons throughout
final V-Bomber to take to the skies. the war, scoring his 38th and final
Legendary RAF pilot Flt Lt Martin victory in September 1944. From
Withers, who commanded Vulcan the moment the author joins his
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WHAT’S NEW NEW PRODUCT REVIEWS
book briefs
309th AMARG (MASDC IV) Davis-Monthan RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second has amassed a wealth of new information, Skyways At Lympne, Dick Gilbert, The
AFB Arizona, Martyn Swann, British Aviation World War Vol 1 1939-40 2nd Edition, W doubling the number of pages in the Aviation Bookshop, 88pp, illus, sbk, £12.99
Research Group, 176pp, illus, sbk, £32.99 – a R Chorley, Ian Allan Publishing, 368pp, second edition. Packed with meticulously – this charming book by former Skyways
detailed and well illustrated inventory of illus, sbk, £20, ISBN 9781906537401 - This researched data, not just on the aircraft but employee Dick Gilbert charts the story of
disused aircraft at the immense Davis- comprehensive book is an updated edition also on the crews involved, this reference the company’s days operating out of Kent’s
Monthan storage facility. A useful reference of what was then the definitive version first book provides a genuinely exhaustive so-called garden airport. A labour of love
guide to the Arizona ‘boneyard’. published in 1992. Since then the author account of Bomber Command losses during for the author, it is now available to buy
www.aviation-bookshop.com has continued to explore the subject and this period. www.ianallanpublishing.com from: www.aviation-bookshop.com
Hands of time
www.topoftheclocks.com
Top of the Clocks is a specialist manufacturer of wall clocks, and many of their designs have a ‘retro’ or
wartime feel that is bound to appeal to the discerning FlyPast reader.
The Cambridge-based company provides everything from World War Two-era RAF operations room sector clocks
to regimental pieces and those commemorating specific planes such as the Avro Lancaster and Supermarine
Spitfire, and it also designs bespoke clocks to your own specification. If you’ve always had a penchant for a
clock reminiscent of those used during World War One, or if you wish to celebrate a certain squadron, aircraft
or parachute regiment unit, then Top of the Clocks can probably make one, even if they don’t currently have
anything suitable. Their wooden and chrome clocks come with a quartz mechanism and a one-year guarantee.
For more details see their website.
Come rain or shine

www.poppyshop.org.uk
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is the nation’s
leading Armed Forces charity providing care and
support to all members of the British forces, both
past and present, and their families. As such, we think
it’s a very worthwhile charity to support. You may not be
aware that the RBL sells a wide range of products to back up
its donations to good causes. In its newest range is a unique
and stylish ‘colour changing’ umbrella. Black and white
when dry, the ‘brolly’ is transformed as soon as it gets wet,
when beautifully detailed red poppies appear. Each umbrella Time is precious
features eight tough fibreglass ribs and a black plastic crook handle with a 37in www.bremont.com/codebreaker
(94cm) diameter when open. It costs £15.99 from the website, and all proceeds go directly The Bremont watch company and the Bletchley
to good causes. Park Trust have collaborated on the release of
Codebreaker, a new Bremont limited edition watch.
Mustang Gift Set Unsung Heroes Its creators describe it as being unlike any other
watch ever made and state that a percentage
www.stallion51.com www.pen-and-sword.co.uk of the proceeds of the sales will be put towards
Just in time for Christmas, 1 Group: Swift To Attack, Patrick Otter, Pen and Sword, the ongoing restoration of Bletchley Park. The
the good people at 368pp, illus, hbk, £25, ISBN 9781781590942 Park played an extremely important role during
Florida-based Stallion 51, Writer and historian Patrick Otter presents a World War Two when it was converted into a
who offer warbird flights comprehensive and intensively researched account codebreaking factory and became the site of the
in North American P-51D of the largely ‘forgotten heroes’ of the RAF’s 1 UK’s main decryption establishment.
Mustangs, have released Group, Bomber Command, during World War Two. Inspired by a classic, 1940s-style officer’s watch,
a special international gift set. It comprises the The accuracy and level of detail Patrick achieves is the Codebreaker features a beautiful and
colourful book Legends In The Air and the DVD certainly not something you find in every book on unique Flyback Chronograph GMT automatic
The Gathering of Mustangs & Legends - The Final this subject, and the narrative moves at a lively pace, movement. Each one also incorporates some
Roundup. Legends In The Air features profiles of charting operations, aircraft used, bases and incidents, relevant and authentic materials from the historic
51 men who flew and serviced the Mustang in with background details that set the unit’s exploits Buckinghamshire site. These include pine from
World War Two. All of the interviewees attended within the wider context of the unfolding war. Above the famous Hut 6 (the centre of operations to
the 2007 Gathering of Mustangs and Legends all, it is the human aspect of the story that shines decrypt the German codes) and paper from one of
event in Columbus, Ohio. The 105-page book so brightly. The sheer determination and bravery of the few remaining punch cards (used to analyse
contains biographies and photos, both new and young British, Commonwealth and Polish aircrews are the vast amount of coded data created from
from the archive. The 90-minute DVD documents relayed, making this an the daily communications). Part of the rotor of
this amazing airshow, which brought together overdue tribute to those the watch is made from the wheel of an original
numerous surviving US-based Mustangs. The who contributed so much Enigma machine. A total of 290 of these desirable
camera takes us behind the scenes, and also towards the ending of timepieces have been made, 240 in steel and
features air-to-air footage, interviews with war in Europe. The book 50 in rose gold. Very much a ‘high-end of the
veterans, pilots and owners, and aerobatic is complete with maps marketplace’ product, owning one will set you back
displays. The gift set can be bought for $30 (about and numerous rarely seen £11,995 for the steel addition, and £21,950 for the
£19), including international shipping. photographs. rose gold version.
110-111_Whats New_fpSBB.indd 110 21/10/2013 16:13

s page
They Spread Their Wings, Alastair Goodrum, Tangmere – Famous RAF Fighter Station,
The History Press, 224pp, illus, sbk, £14.99 – An Authorised History, Reginald Byron and
around 70 years on, this book tells the story David Coxon, Grub Street, 352pp, illus, hbk,
of six courageous airmen who flew in World £25 – the first full history of RAF Tangmere
turners
War Two. An excellent collection, these in West Sussex, this well researched book
stories are based on original research from covers everything from its beginnings
logbooks, diaries and family archives. during World War One until its closure in
www.thehistorypress.co.uk 1970. www.grubstreet.co.uk
Best of British
www.grubstreet.co.uk
Buccaneer Boys – True tales by those who flew the ‘last all-British
bomber’, Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork, Grub Street, 224pp, illus, hbk,
£20, ISBN 9781909166110
Former Buccaneer navigator and FlyPast contributor Air Cdre
Graham Pitchfork is in a better position than most to reflect on
experiences of flying in the famously robust British jet. In this
absorbing book, he presents the stories of 24 aircrew who manned the low-level
strike aircraft with the Fleet Air Arm, the RAF and the South African Air Force
(SAAF). Arranged in chronological order, it traces the history of the Buccaneer
and the tasks it fulfilled. The author also provides an insight into the lifestyle of
a squadron and explains exactly what it meant to be a ‘Buccaneer Boy’. One of
the chapters addresses the intensive but little-known Bush War operations by 24
SAAF Squadron on the borders of Angola. Well illustrated throughout, the book
concludes with accounts of the jet’s final days in RAF service and reflects on its
impact and legacy.
Hurricane versus Heinkel

www.kimbellpencilart.co.uk
In Freedom’s Name
www.aviation-bookshop.com
The latest pencil-drawn illustration from Andrew Kimbell, entitled Pemberton Polish Air Force Aces, Robert Gretzyngier, Wojtek Matusiak and
Alight, is an eye-catching depiction of Sqn Ldr David A Pemberton of 1 Squadron, Józef Zielinski, SWAT/Bellona, 188pp, illus, hbk, £29.99, ISBN
flying Hawker Hurricane I P2751 into an attack against Heinkel He 111s of KG 55 9788311123946
over Sussex. The engagement, which took place on August 16, 1940, resulted in When the Allies stood on the precipice of defeat in 1940, the
the German bomber being shot down in flames. Then, as David turned to attack fate of Britain and beyond lay largely in the hands of a relatively
another, his fighter’s engine was hit and caught fire. With great courage and small group of RAF pilots. While the majority of these were
skill, he managed to pilot his damaged aircraft back to Northolt where he made British a large number were airmen who had escaped from occupied Europe to
a successful landing. The artist has spent two decades studying military history continue the fight against Germany, and a great many of those were Poles. This
with special emphasis on air forces and aircraft. “As I gained in experience and A4-sized book is a colourful (and well overdue) tribute and, aptly, half of it is
technique, I began doing some pieces on commission and in 2009 started my written in Polish with an English translation beneath. It profiles the top aces, with
own business,” he told FlyPast. “I’ve since built up an archive of art covering a superb photographs and artwork of the fighters they flew. Included is Sgt Josef
broad range of subjects but with a special passion for military aviation.” For more František, a Czech who flew with the Poles and went on to become one of the
information, or to contact Andrew, see his website. Battle of Britain’s top-scoring fighter pilots, before being killed in October 1940.
Also included is Fg Off Witold Urbanowicz, the Battle’s highest scoring Pole, who
survived the war and retired with the rank of Air Vice Marshal. A fine tribute to a
USAAF-style Leather Jacket band of particularly dedicated and determined men.
www.epicmilitaria.com
Epic Militaria is currently selling a fine quality reproduction of the famous World Dive Bomber
War Two USAAF A2 leather jacket. Made from a very soft and supple brand of dark www.grubstreet.co.uk
leather, the jackets have a noticeably luxurious feel. Each has two button-down Stuka Attack! The Dive-bombing assault on England during the Battle
front pockets, at the side of which are two additional ‘hand warmer’ pockets - not of Britain, Andy Saunders, Grub Street,192pp, illus, hbk, £20, ISBN
strictly part of the original design but a most welcome modern addition, 9781908117359
especially with those chilly winter months ahead. The jackets “First I saw a Junkers Ju 87 being chased by six Hurricanes. I felt
also feature the correct knitted cuffs and waist like cheering when the bomber went down in flames. Immediately
bands, shoulder straps and button- afterwards another Junkers flew right across my bows. I hared
down shirt style collar, as well as after him for all I was worth.” The quote, from 501 Squadron pilot Flt Lt George
the appropriate ‘storm flap’ Stoney, is typical of the immediacy and first-hand information that comprises
over the zipper. The lining this definitive look at Luftwaffe Stuka operations during the Battle of Britain.
is made from cotton in a Respected historian and FlyPast contributor Andy Saunders takes a critical look
russet brown colour, and at every operation by Ju 87s against British targets in 1940 – both on land and
two internal pockets are at sea. Each raid is charted, covering all aspects of the attacks, including the
included as well as dual participants and the defending RAF fighters. The Stuka had certainly been an
leather pen holders. Each effective weapon in the early stages of World War Two, and in Stuka Attack! Andy
jacket costs £120 – see the website makes the case that its subsequent ‘failure’ over Britain was caused not so much
for more details. by the aircraft but by how it was used.
110-111_Whats New_fpSBB.indd 111 21/10/2013 16:13

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Sunday 9th March 2014
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WARBIRDS AIR RACING
BAD BOYS Michael O’Leary talks to pilots of the

world’s fastest propeller-driven racers
Dennis Sanders
“...the Sea Fury picked up a
chunk of speed and immediately
became popular as a Reno pylon
racer”
Korey Wells
“’924’ comes to life and has her
own feel and sound that’s hard
to put into words”
N estled in the foothills

of the massive Sierra
Nevada mountain range,
the small California town of Ione
first came to prominence during
It’s also home to a 4,000ft-long
airstrip known as the Eagle’s
Nest. Scattered among the native
oak trees are hangars housing an
interesting variety of aircraft. Most
over Ione was being torn asunder
by a tight trio of Sea Furies. What
made this sight even more unusual
was that each Hawker classic was
powered by a completely different
the Gold Rush on the mid-1800s. noteworthy are the three belonging engine.
Today, it has a population of a few to Sanders Aeronautics – often To the chagrin of some British
thousand and is a popular tourist referred to as the ‘Sea Fury Kings’. enthusiasts, Sea Furies in the hands
stop. On a warm August day, the sky of American pilots and owners have
114-120_Racing_fpSBB.indd 114 21/10/2013 17:13

often been extensively “So, a number of years ago along Above
modified. The most obvious came the idea of replacing Three from Sanders
change is usually from the firewall problems; the Centaurus with Aeronautics – the ‘Sea
Fury Kings’, all with
forward. none of those have the Wright R-3350. different engines. Top to
Dennis Sanders explains why: to do with the operation of the With a bit of bottom: ‘Dreadnought’
“The Bristol Centaurus is a engine. Simply put, they are parts work, the engine fits. The variant (R-3350), ‘Argonaut’
wonderful motor. It’s rugged, and overhaul. It’s not easy to get a of choice was the R-3350 that (R-2800) and ‘924’
reliable and pumps out a lot of Centaurus overhauled today and went into the Douglas Skyraider. (Centaurus).
pony power but it has a couple of parts have gotten rare and costly. Combined with the Skyraider

WARBIRDS AIR RACING
Matt Jackson
“...ever since I could start
forming thoughts,
I knew I wanted to race
Unlimiteds”
Above prop, the Sea Fury picked up a and before long we had an R-2800 the military test pilot schools.
Matt Jackson flying chunk of speed and immediately stuck on the front of Argonaut. Referred to as just ‘924’, the Sea
‘Strega’ for the first time, became popular as a racer. “Flight-testing proved the Fury saw a lot of hard work on
in August 2013.
“We put an R-3350 in Argonaut installation extremely reliable and airframe and engine, and about
[a Sea Fury FB.11] and started to we now have over 150 hours on the 15 years ago the brothers decided
enjoy a good racing career. Then we engine. We also have interest from to rebuild it while also having the
had a failure, then another. Some several Sea Fury owners who have Bristol radial zero-timed.
of the other R-3350 pilots also had their aircraft parked in hangars with “We keep pretty busy, so the
problems. Not good. The R-3350 is broken R-3350s.” (See the panel for overhaul was a spare time thing
an expensive motor to overhaul. more detail on individual aircraft.) – little did we realise how long
“So my brother Brian and I put it would take,” said Brian. With
our heads together and came up Proper Sea Fury the pressure of business, building
with an answer: Pratt & Whitney’s Brian Sanders: “Sea Fury N924G Smokewinders for a variety of air
magnificent R-2800 radial. Nobody has been a real workhorse for our forces, overhauling and restoring
had ever installed an R-2800 into a company. Over the years we’ve used other aircraft, the restoration
Sea Fury. It is not quite as powerful the aircraft for aerobatic displays stretched and stretched, but when
as an R-3350, but it is lighter and at airshows [fitted with Sanders completed the Sea Fury had been
has a much better reliability record. Smokewinder pods on the wing rebuilt nose to tail and wing tip to
We got busy with the engineering tips], for racing, fun flying and at wing tip, plus it had a fresh Bristol

Featured racers: ‘Who’s Who’
Name Race No Type Civil Military Engine
Argonaut - Sea Fury FB.11 N19SF TG114 P&W R-2800
Conquest One 1 F8F-2 Bearcat N1111L 121646 P&W R-2800 [1]
Dreadnought 8 Sea Fury T.20 N20SF VZ368 Wright R-3350
Rare Bear 77 F8F-2 Bearcat N777L 122629 Wright R-3350
Strega 7 P-51D Mustang N71FT 44-13105 Packard V-1650 [2]
Voodoo 5 P-51D Mustang N5551VC 44-73415 R-R Merlin
232 232 Sea Fury FB.11 N232MB TG114 Wright R-3350 [3]
924 924 Sea Fury T.20S N924G VX300 Bristol Centaurus
Notes: [1] Now on show at the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center at
Washington-Dulles, Conquest One, flown by Darryl Greenamyer, took the world air speed record
for a piston-engined aircraft to 483mph (777km/h) on August 16, 1969. [2] The V-1650 is, of
course, a Rolls-Royce Merlin built by Packard in the USA. [3] Previously named September Fury.
mounted on the front. the left-turning propeller and the after

Brian continued: “Between our automatic prop control, it’s truly a championship
own personal Sea Furies and those pleasure to fly.” at Reno. This year, it’s my turn.
we have restored and maintained Strega is an amazing aircraft, about
for customers, I have developed Team number two as finely tuned aerodynamically as
a real fondness for the Hawker Across the state, Matt Jackson possible.
design. It’s the ultimate piston- regularly straps into the cockpit “The plane has many, many,
engine fighter.” of multiple event-winning racer modifications – some very obvious,
Korey Wells, who rebuilds and and highly-modified P-51D some very subtle – and they all
races the Sea Furies at Sanders Strega (Italian for witch), which add up to one very fast aircraft.
Aeronautics, described flying ‘924’: is owned by ‘Tiger’ Destefani. Mike Nixon’s Vintage V-12s
“Starting is very easy. She comes to It’s based at Shafter, Californian, built the ‘tube’ Merlin. A ‘tube’
life and has her own feel and sound an airfield that has a few of its Merlin is constructed from many
that’s hard to put into words. Flying wartime hangars and buildings still components but the basic engine is
‘924’ with its left hand-turning standing. a late model transport version that’s
Bristol Centaurus and five-blade Matt: “A few years ago, Tiger been heavily modified. This Merlin
Dowty Rotol propeller is unique. It decided to retire from racing and will produce 3,800hp at 135in of
has a very distinctive sound and is since then Steven Hinton has been manifold pressure and 3,400rpm.
very smooth. Once you get used to flying the racer to championship A tube Merlin is very, very

WARBIRDS AIR RACING
Steven Hinton
“I started working on ‘Strega’ as
a crewman when I was 16 and I
began flying Mustangs
at 19”
Above expensive — $340,000 to $400,000 thoughts I knew I wanted to race any strange characteristics like some
‘Stevo’ Hinton displaying and that’s if you can find all the Unlimiteds.” of the modified Yaks I’ve flown. It’s
‘Voodoo’s’ very slick
airframe and amazing
parts to build one.” Asked about his favourite an honest, fast racer.”
colour scheme. Unlimited category air racers,
Favourite racer Jackson had an interesting reply. All a pilot could
Matt is in a unique position to “Dreadnought – no doubt about it. want
judge Strega since he has flown It’s truly the ‘Cadillac of the Sky’. It’s Meanwhile, at Yolo County in
more Unlimited racers than any big, tough, comfortable and, when northern California, Bob Button, the
other pilot – 15 different aircraft. you push that throttle forward, you owner of a large trucking company,
He is definitely no stranger to the have 4,000hp. That said, I had two has a highly modified Mustang he
annual Reno event in Nevada: “I engine failures in the five years I named Voodoo. This aircraft has
was there at the first one in 1964. raced it. [Dreadnought is a modified undergone considerable work in
My dad had built up an engine for Sea Fury T.20 – ED.] 2013, including the building of a
a Cosmic Wind Formula 1 racer “As for the most interesting racer, full-race super-Merlin, plus a spare.
and he took me along. Of course, I undoubtedly it’s Rare Bear, an F8F “Over the years, we’ve tried lots of
was just a couple years old and sat Bearcat, which is a difficult and different modifications on Voodoo
and played in the dirt. Since then tricky aircraft at the best of times. but I think we now have it down
I’ve only missed two Reno events, Strega is like a thoroughbred horse – right. Plus, in my opinion, we now
and ever since I could start forming it’s built for speed, but doesn’t have have the best driver there is.”

Button was referring to Steven was so young I couldn’t see over the ‘Kerch’, as he is known to one
Hinton, sometimes nicknamed instrument panel.” and all, started his career on
‘Stevo’. Aged 25, Hinton has four Starting his official flight training Unlimiteds in 1968 with Darryl
Reno championships under his belt – at 15, Stevo worked his way towards Greenamyer, who was attempting
all won with Tiger’s Strega. Growing his pilot’s licence and other ratings. to break the world propeller speed
up with a famous father like Steve “I started working on Strega as a record with his Bearcat Conquest
Hinton and a grandfather like Ed crewman when I was 16 and I began One. Since then, Kerch has crewed
Maloney doesn’t mean a young man flying Mustangs at 19.” for numerous racers and scored an
will automatically be interested in Going through his son’s logbooks, impressive string of Reno victories.
aviation, but he did attend his first Steve Hinton commented: “With For 2013, he has really fine-tuned
Reno when he was just two weeks Voodoo, Stevo has now flown Voodoo into what could possibly be
old! seventeen different P-51s.” the fastest propeller-driven racer of
Stevo: “I was always captivated by Stevo: “Voodoo is everything a pilot all time.
the planes. As I got older, I loved the could want in a highly modified
sound, look and feel of the World racing Mustang. It’s a great airframe And not
War Two fighters. My dad often took with some amazing aerodynamic forgetting…
me flying in the Mustang. I would mods, has a great owner, a great crew Last but not least in our racer
sit in his lap and he would let me and perhaps the world’s best crew aircrew profiles is Robert ‘Hoot’
hold the stick and ‘fly’. Of course, I chief in the form of Bill Kerchenfaut.” Gibson. A true gentleman,

WARBIRDS AIR RACING
Hoot Gibson
“There is nothing quite like
pylon racing… I believe it
calls upon all the
pilot’s skills”
Above his aviation résumé is almost machine than the new generation foundation for the ‘Sea Fury Kings’
‘Hoot’ Gibson piloting unbeatable – model builder, of Mustangs with their super- – a tradition now proudly carried
Sea Fury ‘232’, grass roots pilot, US Navy ‘Top Merlins. However, I think ‘232’ has on by sons Dennis and Brian.
probably second only
to P-51 ‘Voodoo’ in
Gun’ fighter pilot, homebuilder, proven them wrong.” Mike Brown Hoot: “I have a lot of faith in the
the flamboyance of its Unlimited air racer, airline captain successfully campaigned ‘232’ as R-3350. Properly maintained and
scheme. ALL AUTHOR and Space Shuttle commander. September Fury before retiring from operated, it’s a very competitive
At Reno 2012, Hoot surprised air racing and selling his racers. motor – after all Rare Bear is
almost everyone except himself Hoot added: “Race 232 is pretty powered by an R-3350 and it’s run
when he roared past Rare Bear much a turnkey machine. The crew up a huge number of victories,
and chased after Stevo in Strega to has it in absolutely superb shape. including the world speed record.
take second place. He was flying There’s nothing quite like pylon “I have a great time at Reno. The
Sea Fury race number ‘232’: “This racing. I started out around the flying is just fantastic and of course
aircraft was originally built up by pylons in Formula One racers and I like the companionship of the
Mike Brown and has had just about I believe it calls upon all the pilot’s Unlimited pilots because they’re
every speed modification possible,” skills.” a diverse group with some really
he said. “A modified Wright R-3350 This particular Sea Fury, an amazing flying experiences. One
radial powers it. The Sea Fury is ex-Royal Canadian Navy machine, of my racing highlights has been
a big aircraft and it’s often been was the first example restored by putting Rare Bear in the rear view
derided by some as being a lesser Frank Sanders and served as the mirror!”

FINALS BRISTOL M.1C
Making a welcome return to

airshow action this year was
the Shuttleworth Collection’s
stunning reproduction of a
Great War-era Bristol M.1C
fighter. The aircraft, now
registered G-BWJM, was built
by the Northern Aeroplane
Workshops (see page 106), and
was delivered in October 1997.
Fitted with an original 110hp
(81kW) Le Rhône engine, the
distinctive monoplane has
been resident at Old Warden in
Bedfordshire since making its
first flight on September 25,
2000. It is painted to represent
C4918 of the Royal Flying
Corps’ 72 Squadron in 1917. The
aircraft is pictured here at
the Shuttleworth Collection’s
Flying Day on October 6
(see Airshow, pages 92-93).
PHOTO:DARREN HARBAR
next In next month’s bumper 132-page issue we mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Berlin –
Bomber Command’s campaign to cripple the Nazi capital. We look at the weapons used by both
sides in the battle, and profile one of the squadrons that flew to the ‘Big City’ many times during
the winter of 1943-1944. Don’t miss this very special issue, in the UK shops on November 29.
* Overseas deliveries are likely to be after this date.

122_Finals_fpSBB.indd 122 21/10/2013 11:51

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SPECTACULAR SPITFIRE AND FOCKE-WULF PHOTOSHOOT

IN ’44 WORLD WAR 2 OF PYLON CITY

01_December fc_fp.indd 1 18/10/2013 16:33

Assistant Editor EDITORIAL: MANAGING DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER: FlyPast (ISSN: 0262-6950), December, is

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flypastofficial Britain’s top-selling aviation monthly

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32 Focke-Wulf meets Spitfire 54 ‘Hurri-bomber’ raid 114 Air racing heroes

4-5_contents_fpSBB.indd 4 21/10/2013 16:21

114 Air racing heroes 48 Museum –

96 From The Workshop –

110 What’s New

GIVE THE GIFT 68 Men Behind

ALL YEAR! 76 He 111 in Profile

4-5_contents_fpSBB.indd 5 21/10/2013 16:22

Night run for airworthy ‘Lanc’

Mew Gull joins the Fw 190 goes on display at Cosford

aircraft, de Havilland DH.88 Comet on a par with Charles Lindbergh’s

New colours for BBMF Spitfire

6 FLYPAST December 2013

6-7 News Dec SBB.indd 6 21/10/2013 15:49

Victor cockpit moves to Newark

The interior of Newark Air Museum’s Victor cockpit. HOWARD HEELEY

PZL-Mielec TS-11 Iskra G-BXVZ

December 2013 FLYPAST 7

6-7 News Dec SBB.indd 7 21/10/2013 15:49

Peter Monk flying Supermarine Spitfire

8 FLYPAST December 2013

8-9_News SBB.indd 8 21/10/2013 16:42

8-9_News SBB.indd 9 21/10/2013 16:42

VC10 bows out of service VC10 K.3 ZA147 about to

and makes final flight

10 FLYPAST December 2013

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Scotland’s Bristol Bolingbroke restoration

12 FLYPAST December 2013

12-13_News_fpSBB.indd 12 21/10/2013 11:45

Stinson to fly soon in US

December 2013 FLYPAST 13

12-13_News_fpSBB.indd 13 21/10/2013 11:45

Fifth Reno victory for ‘Stevo’

Swedish Caravelle on external display

14 FLYPAST December 2013

14_News_fpSBB.indd 14 21/10/2013 11:40

Fresh paint for Newark Hastings

HP Hastings T.5 TG517 undergoing paint

F-16 two-seater Roll-out for US Corsair project

F-16B 81-0817 at the Russell

16 FLYPAST December 2013

16_NewsSBB.indd 16 21/10/2013 16:46

Cotswold company’s classic jet progress

UK Phantom and Harrier for sale Swedish-built Hawker Hart to fly

18 FLYPAST December 2013

18_NewsDec SBB.indd 18 21/10/2013 16:55

Avro 504K replica arrives in UK

Pre-war glider emerges in Germany Youth benefit from Air League

20 FLYPAST December 2013

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Flt Lt Stanley Andrews DFC – wireless operator on HP Halifaxes with 578

December 2013 FLYPAST 21

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