DH Venom NF3 Survivors – Histories Required

A few more details about WX905 that were downloaded from Newark’s Virtual Museum CD ROM – excellent value at £9.99!

“The Venom NF.3 flew for the first time on 22nd February 1953. WX905 was built at Hawarden, Clwyd to contract number 7162. WX905 was awaiting collection on 7th October 1955 and four days later the aircraft was issued to 48 Maintenance Unit also at Hawarden.

In December 1955 WX905 joined 23 squadron at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk. On 23rd March 1956 WX905 suffered a Category 3r flying accident. On-site repairs were effected by a De Havilland working party, these were completed on 19th April 1956 and the aircraft was placed back on charge with 23 squadron. In October 1956 23 squadron moved from RAF Coltishall to RAF Horsham St. Faith.

WX905 was retired to 27 MU RAF Shawbury, Salop., on 28th March 1957 and on 11th July 1957 it was declared a non-effective airframe. In October 1957 it was issued to RAF Yatesbury as an instructional airframe. WX905 later joined the RAF Museum reserve collection and was stored for many years at RAF Henlow, Beds.

The museum purchased WX905 in 1989 and the aircraft was moved to the museum in April 1989”.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

OK – Twin Otter and I posted together – I think he is more likely to be correct regarding ‘905 and ‘853 will be very similar, except it spent time on the gate at Debden, and then came to Salisbury Hall.

Bruce

WX905 and WX853 are both ex 23 squadron. I think they were based at Stradishall, but will check.

WX788 is an ex makers test aircraft.

WX905 is the only one in reasonable condition at present. ‘853 is substantially challenged, and ‘788 is missing a lot of parts.

Bruce

As far as NF.3 WX905 [National Benchmark airframe] at Newark goes its key locations were I believe:

Harwarden
Coltishall
Horsham St Faith
Shawbury
Yatesbury
Henlow – stored
Newark

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Could also try the websites of the three Museums concerned?

Roger Smith.

Hi Philip

A good place to start would be wrecks and relics. This will at least show the previous units they served with. I guess beyond this, a phone call to the RAF museum to get a copy of their movement cards.

hope this helps?