As a follow on to a previous thread last year this is the final state of affairs regarding the Halifax pannier in Shrewsbury. For some time now living close to Shrewsbury I had been wanting to devote some time to research the location and condition of the pannier . The John Dowly Scrap Yard is now owned by W.J.Furber Ltd. Yes the remains of the pannier were still there. Recently the cattle of a neighbouring farm got into the yard and more or less demolished the pannier. It didn’t want much doing I think, as all the woodwork crumbled in you hands. The hoisting frames were in tack. In fact they are in excellent condition bearing in mind that they have been there for some forty to fifty years. They bear the model number of 88. These frames after discussion with the present owner are now in the care of the Eagle Group of Companies Archives.
A small amount of work has been done on them and reveal many part numbers. The ally which is in excellent condition only needs time and a strong determination to bring back the shine.
In due course the full story and pictures will be put on the Home of Eagle website. I guess it would have been great to have been able to save the whole item but I am told that R.A.F Cosford refused it thirty years ago and other did not move quick enough. However at least something has been saved to remind future generations of the pannier used on the Halifax but for us at Eagle a great reminder of how our airline started.
By: Paul - 31st July 2014 at 12:47
I suppose that the problem always was……………………the lack of a Halifax on which to display the pannier!
So true there should be at least one civilian Halifax preserved for their contribution to the Berlin airlift alone!
By: RED EAGLE - 30th July 2014 at 22:53
Just to say that the recovery and restoration of the Halifax pannier parts found in Shropshire can be seem on the Home of Eagle website. www.britisheagle.net Just go to updates and follow through.
By: RED EAGLE - 24th April 2014 at 18:11
Hello Tim,
Yes it was the thread that you started in 2008. I just hadn’t taken a lot of notice at the time but then whilst doing some research for the Eagle archives and their Halifax operation just recently I came across your pictures and comments. It was that which set me off on researching the pannier. I was on my way back from an hospital appointment and decided to call into a scrap yard that I have passed many times to enquire . Although the owners name is different they were extremely helpful and first allowed me to take pictures. But the archivist bug grabbed me and I thought that what little remained must be saved. They only need a bit of care and attention and they will look nearly new. They have very little corrosion. Many thanks for stirring the archive bugs!!
By: avion ancien - 23rd April 2014 at 22:35
I suppose that the problem always was……………………the lack of a Halifax on which to display the pannier!
By: Consul - 23rd April 2014 at 21:06
Did you mean the thread I began back in 2008?
My friend who’s photo of the pannier appeared in that thread will be delighted that something has been saved – well done.
Tim
By: Creaking Door - 23rd April 2014 at 20:10
It’s a problem with large, ungainly, fragile and none-too pretty artifacts…
…like the Halifax! :dev2:
By: Arabella-Cox - 23rd April 2014 at 19:12
Well done, Red Eagle, for saving the remains of the pannier. It’s good to know that something of it has been saved.
The likely paradox is that the pannier, or what remained of it, has lasted longer being left where it was than being “rescued” by some well-meaning museum or individual, damaged and probably broken down into manageable parts in the process, dumped outside and then, eventually, being scrapped/burned as being beyond saving. I have known this to happen to items like this in the past.
It’s a problem with large, ungainly, fragile and none-too pretty artifacts like the pannier that no-one really wants the responsibility and effort to take care of it. It’s not pretty enough to justify the amount of floor space in most museums – a fact that mitigates very much against its survival. It’s nice to know that at least some of it has been saved.
Anon.
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April 23, 2014 at 5:07 pm