Arts wiv ooks.

http://www.time-capsules.co.uk/picture/number596.asp

As the caption on this link shows, I am wondering which aircraft are shown here (that is presumably the easy question) and, perhaps much more difficult, which squadron is it and where? All I know is that my father is in the picture, but I’m not even 100% sure which is him! He was 563828 Aircraft Apprentice (Halton) C.F.W. Langsdale, and went on during the war to serve with the Fleet Air Arm on HMS Eagle.

I think that they are a mix of Audax (or Hart)and Hart Trainer. The nearest one on the left is a T and on the second one on the right the gun trough is visible on the side. Both types have the early twin intakes on the cowl top and not found on Ospreys. Also no wing fold evidence and short lower stub struts found on Ospreys. Virtually the only distinguishing feature between the Audax and the Hart is the “hook” . An Audax is “an Art wiv a ook” as they used to say.

In the 30’s most FAA personel were RAF.

John