Hi – received the following e-mail from the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton today;-

Dear Mr. Brewer

Thank you for your recent enquiry. I can confirm that the Blackburn Firebrand TFIV had a 2,520 hp Bristol Centaurus IX engine driving a four bladed Rotol Propellor which was wood composite.
With reference to Firebrand EX724, it ditched 5 miles south east of Brighton after suffering engine failure on 18th April 1952. Commissioned Pilot J.F. Plant was picked up by a Newhaven RAF Launch
Yours Sincereley
Catherine Rounsfell
Assistant Curator
Fleet Air Arm Museum

So, this looks to be a very likely candidate – the location is right, the propellor and its construction seem right as does the engine, what happens to it now, ive no idea, for myself I would like to see it in the Museum as, I believe, that they have a cockpit section which may well be the only bit left of a Firebrand. Id like to thank every one for their help – its been most interesting, and im honestly amazed at the wealth of knowledge out there – may well be after more help in the future – once again, thanks – all the best Martin B.