March 12, 2011 at 12:12 pm
This set of Chipmunk photos seems to show the very first airframes delivered to RAF training units. All taken at Cambridge in 1950, they were entering service with Cambridge UAS (RUC-codes) and 22RFS (RCU- codes).
Perhaps a Chipmunk specialist could confirm that WB562 was the first in service?
Photos as usual taken by the late Gerald Lawrence, digitised and made available by Tony Clarke.
WB562 (W/O 29-7-75):
WB563 (To G-AOTF 1956 and still active Bicester 2011):
WB564 (To G-AOSV 1956, then OH-HCD):
WB565 (To G-PVET 1997 and still active 2011):
WB566 (To HB-TUB, then ZK-TNR):
WB567 (To VH-JHN):
WB568 (To VH-REW):
WB569 (To SE-BON, then G-BYSJ and still active 2011):
WB573 (W/O 30-11-68):
WB575 (To F-AZPD):
WB582 (To G-AOTP 1956,and W/O 11-6-59):
WB584 (To 7706M and now preserved Newcastle):
WB584 (To VH-UEK):
Two of the Tiger Moths that were being replaced:
DE241 (To 6746M / G-APYV / G-AREH and on rebuild 2011):
NL984 (To EI-AHJ / N8722 and still active in USA):
By: T-21 - 16th May 2011 at 20:28
Very nostalgic shots how clean the aircraft look . Notice no spinning strakes on them.
By: avion ancien - 16th May 2011 at 19:35
It’s a long way from Rennes to Panshangar!
By: bravo533 - 16th May 2011 at 18:55
Well I never….great to see WB575 again.
This was the aircraft in which I flew my one and only Chipmunk solo – Royal Navy Flying Grading Unit, Plymouth, May 8th 1978.
I’m attending the Chipmunk bash at Panshangar on Sunday . . .she might be there!
By: Wyvernfan - 12th March 2011 at 20:21
Excellent.. especially the fourth from bottom showing the old cement works off Coldhams Lane in the background. A Cambridge landmark now long gone.
Never realised the Chipmunk and Marshalls had such a long association together.!
By: Sky High - 12th March 2011 at 16:20
Wonderful stuff – you certainly know how to reach our soft spots! And they all look so bright and shiny!:) I treasure those AEFs in Chippies whist in the CCF.
By: sagindragin - 12th March 2011 at 15:26
” i’m in heaven”
fantastic, keep posting:)