Vampire T.11 XH278

Just to add to this story:

Vampire T11 XH278 was built at Chester and was test flown on 13 September 1955. It was delivered to the RAF Cranwell on 30 December 1955. Apart from one minor collision with a fuel bowser on 8 January 1957, it remained in service until 3 February 1960 when it went into storage at RAF Shawbury. In 1964, the Vampire was transferred to RAF Upwood for Ground Instruction Training. In 1984, it was moved again to Henlow (ATC) and later to RAF Henlow. XH278 ended its service career two years later.

The Vampire was bought in October 1992 by David Thompson, a farmer at Felton in Northumberland, who restored the aircraft during 1992/3. It remained on display at the farm until it was donated to the Yorkshire Air Museum by David and his young son Martin in November 2001.

Hope this clears thigs up 😉

Regards,

Phil.