This photo shows Lancaster G-ASXX (NX611) accompanied by an RAF Victor of 57 Sqn. and an RAAF Canberra B.20 ‘A84-307’ of No.2 Sqn. on 6th May 1965 as the Lanc resumed her epic journey back to the UK from RAAF Butterworth, Malaysia, on the next leg to ‘Dum Dum’ Airport, Calcutta, India.
I have been able to research the subsequent history of the Canberra (currently under active restoration by ‘The National Vietnam Veterans Museum’, initially at San Remo and then inside their newly constructed display hangar at Newhaven on Phillip Island, Victoria (South of Melbourne). The aircraft is described as “The world’s oldest surviving Canberra”. (See link http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a84a.htm and 2nd photo shows the ‘Restoration Notes’.
My current project is to try to positively identify the serial of the Victor aircraft in the photo – if anyone out there can help I’d really appreciate it. I have tried enlarging the shot sufficiently but to no avail. The photographer who took this shot was an MoD photographer named Maurice Cooper (FEAF) – he flew alongside the 3-ship formation in an RAF Vickers Valetta of 52 Sqn. Maybe someone from the 57 Sqn Association, or one of the ‘RAF Butterworth and Penang Association’ members may hold the clue.
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By: R J A Taylor - 25th March 2016 at 21:06
[ATTACH=CONFIG]244858[/ATTACH]Having finally obtaining an enhanced version of one of the series of Lancaster ‘formation’ photos taken on 6th May 1965, I have definitely managed to confirm the serial of the RAF Victor (57 Sqn) as indeed being ‘XH591‘ (and not ‘XH621’ as has been muted in a number of articles elsewhere on the web. Thanks to all those who responded to this request.
By: CAF-UK - 10th February 2016 at 16:42
Nice photo on the link below of XH591 in an earlier scheme when with 15 Squadron
http://www.aviationphotocompany.com/p838728255/h4B58A381#h4b58a381
and in colour (for what its worth in this scheme) along with her history
http://www.millionmonkeytheater.com/victorpics/xh591.jpg
Originally built for the SAAF as “8005”, but order cancelled.
1/20/1959: Delivered to the RAF.
1959-60: 15 Squadron.
1963: 55 Squadron.
1965: 57 Squadron.
7/1966: Converted to BK.1A tanker.
1967-71: 55 Squadron.
1975: 57 Squadron.
1976: 214 Squadron.
11/5/1976: Struck off charge at RAF Saint Athan.
Info from here http://www.millionmonkeytheater.com/Victor.html
Interesting site, which I will pay a visit to later when I have an hour or two to spare
Chris
By: Trenchardbrat - 10th February 2016 at 16:14
XH591 Mark No
Actually it is a B1A because all Mk1 put through the Conversion Programme the last part was a total repaint The radome at the tail cone gives it away
Looking up the Jet pipe at the Thermo Couples were 8 in a B1A and 4 in the B1
By: Robbiesmurf - 10th February 2016 at 13:55
I didn’t deny that, merely pointed out it had not been updated yet, B1A or K1A…..
By: AMB - 10th February 2016 at 12:49
..and confirmed as XH591
By: Robbiesmurf - 10th February 2016 at 08:42
Indeed, in the photo it’s still in B1 configuration.
By: DaveF68 - 10th February 2016 at 08:27
XH591 was converted to a K1A then struck off charge in 1976 and scrapped in 1978
By: TonyT - 9th February 2016 at 22:48
Other Lanc pics with Sabres
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=191&t=1231449&i=40
By: Arabella-Cox - 9th February 2016 at 22:47
Just looked in V-Bombers by Robert Jackson, page 12, it’s the same picture and listed as K1A XH591.
By: CAF-UK - 9th February 2016 at 22:39
Better quality shot of the three ship at the link below. Will need to scroll down to the bottom – The Victor looks like XH591
http://www.adf-messageboard.com.au/invboard/index.php?showtopic=1467
cheers
Chris
By: TonyT - 9th February 2016 at 22:31
I would suggest you contact this chap on the link he has his logbooks and was in the victor crew, indeed there is another picture of it too.
http://www.finesthourwarbirds.co.uk/blog/v-force-victors-in-malaya/
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February 9, 2016 at 10:11 pm