Casa 2111 photos

A nice film related collection of aircraft there – two BofB film Heinkels, a Mossie from 633 Sqn and a M*A*S*H* helicopter.

FYI…it’s a late model Bell 47G-3….note the oversize fuel tanks.
Judging by the tanks and paint scheme..should be mid-late 60s.

I am not 100%

But you’ll do, old boy… We like you. 😉

I am not 100% but I have the feeling the pilot in the helmet may be John Schooling.

Can anybody confirm?

Mark

Just to add that the airfield was closed to flying in 1969 and then sold off by MoD in 1976. Like several others, I feel sure I should recognise the pilot in the centre of the photo but I just can’t think of his name!

Yes indeed, 100% it is Bovingdon. The hangars were reclad just about a year before the it was decided to close it down, which was not what the RAF wanted.

A nice film related collection of aircraft there – two BofB film Heinkels, a Mossie from 633 Sqn and a M*A*S*H* helicopter.

That chap in the tweed suit smoking looks awfully familiar. Not sure where from.

OOer, I must stop repeating myself, myself, myself

Pardon
MH

OOer, I must stop repeating myself, myself, myself

Hamish Mahaddie

Didn’t they re-clad the hangars at Bovingdon – yes?

That one in the photos looks a bit bright and shiny.

Hamish Mahaddie had an ‘arrangement’ at Bovingdon post BoB film. I suspect a British Civil register check of 1968/9 would show he was also associated with or custodian of both the Casa 2111 the Mosquito ex 633 Sqd. film.

Very nice photos. I have seen the guy in the 1950’s RAF flight suit but can’t come up with a name.

I wonder if Tim Mills can add something.

Mark

It takes you back don’t it…. Pilots wearing their helmets at a jaunty angle, chaps wearing tweed jackets with a cigarette….

It takes you back don’t it…. Pilots wearing their helmets at a jaunty angle, chaps wearing tweed jackets with a cigarette….

Takes you back don’t it…. Pilots wearing their helmet at a jaunty angle, chaps wearing tweed jackets with a cigarette….

The hangar is the common war-time T2 type – as found at Bovingdon not Debden (which was a pre-war permanent type of RAF station) – so, unless its taken somewhere else with T2 hangars, the 1st photo must be of Bovingdon. Bovingdon airfield was of course also used for making the Battle of Britain and Hanover Street films and has quite a unique history for location filming. I believe that a history of the airfield is due for compeltion and publication soon.

Almost certainly Bovingdon, which was used for both these epics. In the second shot you can see the very broad apron which was also to be seen in the film ‘The War Lover’ , when the B.17 beat up the tower at about 6 feet.

The pilot was John Crewdson, and perhaps it was this style of flying that Don Bullock was trying to emulate, when Sally B first appeared in ’77- he used to take her down to the deck in much the same manner, in a style which was not universally admired.

I thought Debden had C Type Hangars? Maybe Bovingdon? I know this was used for 633 Sqdn and Mosquito Sqdn.Anyone recognise the pilot?

That Mosquito looks pregnant. Is it an external fuel tank or something?

Looks like the enlarged doors to take the 4000lb Cookie.

MH