Halton 1985

Halton is still active, and is home to the RAF Basic Recruit Training (used to be done at Swinderby in my day). I *think* that there’s still a VGS operating off the grass at Halton, but I’m sure some of the current Air Cadets will confirm that for us.

Going back to Halton in the 80’s, I remember going there quite regularly with Herts/Bucks wing, and seeing the pair of Argosys (Argosies? Argii?) sitting there. Wonder what happened to them…?

Going back even further, I have a photo at home somewhere of a Beaufighter 1F attached to a hut at Halton. It saved her life… 😉

The Jaguar lump appears to be of Inidan origin.

Probably one of those RAF-loaned ones that was returned but never used again: J1005 anybody? – Nermal

Excuse my ignorance is Halton still active and if so what types reside there now ???

71 sqn it is then. Thanks curiosity satisfied! 😀

http://www.twobobs.net/index.html?target=p_248.html&lang=en-us
This decal web site shows the diamond pattern as being that of 71 Sqn Bruggen

The Jaguar lump appears to be of Inidan origin. Isn’t there a picture of the sectioned JP (which has been beautifully done) in one of the more recent Wrecks and Relics books? – Think she’s at Cosford now.

One tidy and well organised hangar(s) there.

Thanks for these pictures gents.

Great pictures, as DGH said thanks for sharing them with us!

Just a quick question though. What squadron is the Hunter with the diamond markings from?

I’m not 100% sure, but I think those are 71 Sqn markings. That Sqn flew Mk 4 Hunters at Bruggen from April 56 until May 57.

Have a look at this link: http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/h71.html

No doubt someone will be able to confirm (or deny) that.

BR,

Laurie.

Any idea what happened to the rather mangled looking Hawk in the first shot?

This was abandoned at low level during a display at Sidmouth, Devon after an engine failure. Was flying as No. 8 in the formation at the time.

At the top of a loop in “Vixen” formation, the engine surged and could not be relit.

The pilot, Flt Lt Peter Lees, ejected successfully. The date was 31 August 1984.

BR

Laurie

Any idea what happened to the rather mangled looking Hawk in the first shot?

I was waiting for that! You’re right, it isn’t! It was WV794, which no longer exists. WV795 was in the line also which still survives in Scotland.

Thanks Albert. Now do you have any photos of WV908 taken at Halton 🙂 😉

That isn’t the RNHF’s Sea Hawk WV908 behind the RAF 118 Sqn Hunter?

I was waiting for that! You’re right, it isn’t! It was WV794, which no longer exists. WV795 was in the line also which still survives in Scotland.

That isn’t the RNHF’s Sea Hawk WV908 behind the RAF 118 Sqn Hunter?

If this is going to be a Halton theme thread, I thought I would share this one with you that I took there in May 1971. Nearest Hunter on the left is 112 Sqn. and on the right 43 Sqn.,all Hunters being F.4s then.

Great pictures, as DGH said thanks for sharing them with us!

Just a quick question though. What squadron is the Hunter with the diamond markings from?

Excellent thanks for sharing 🙂

Pictures from locations like Halton are rarley seen.