I have a very informative little Paul Jackson monograph “Hawker Siddeley Gnat” published by Alan W. Hall Publications/Aviation News, although undated. 34 x A5 pages, mainly providing aircraft histories. Agrees with what has been stated so far.

XR992 (C/no. FL586), first flight 8.5.64. Awaiting collection 1.6.64 and delivered to RAF Valley 5.6.64, taken on charge by 4 FTS on 8.6.64.

Appropriately painted it flew with the 4 FTS Yellowjacks team summer 1964, until delivered to No. 5MU at Kemble on 1.10.64 for an overall scarlet re-spray.

On 12.2.65 transferred to CFS for the Red Arrows aerobatic team. Apart from a recondition by HSA between 24.9.68 and 20.3.69 it remained with the Unit until w/o.

On 16.12.69 whilst flying with the team on aerobatic practice, the pilot mis-heard a radioed fire-warning intended for another aircraft (XR995) and baled out of a perfectly serviceable XR992.

Aircraft struck off charge the same day.

The potted history, clearly compiled using the already illustrated history card, ducks the question as to what colour scheme it was delivered in, but as one of the first 3 aircraft delivered specifically for the Yellowjacks it would likely be in the yellow scheme – in which case XR992 would never have been in standard training colours.

Any other Gnat histories wanted, then the monograph is in my bookcase!