My first post to the forum, but I’ve been a keen reader for months and thought I might as well have my say, too!
First, though, a few queries. I’ve tried to find out, without success, the fates of a few aircraft dotted around the Hereford area as I was growing up.
A thread a few weeks ago mentioned the Swift at Upper Hill. In the early 1970s it was kept company by a Spitfire, which I remember as a low back, presumably a Mark 16. I think at the time that the place was the “Spitfire” pub. I remember my father taking us to see it in around 1973, and it left not long after. I think it went to Canada, but I’m not sure. Information would be great, photos even better!
Another local Spitfire, also a Mark 16, was kept in superb condition on the gate of RAF Hereford at Credenhill (where the SAS are now based) in the company of an equally shiny Hunter. I think it was TE476, went to Doug Arnold, and then in one of his many ‘swopsies’ to the States. Again, an update would be excellent.
Finally, just down the road from our house, the ATC ‘looked after’ a T11 Vampire in Eign Road. A freind of mine was an ATC member in the early 1980s (I refused to get my hair cut, despite being aircraft mad!), when the Vampire was given an attempt at a spruce up, being thoroughly cleaned, then badly painted in overall silver, with no markings. Apparently the cockpit was complete, and the overall condition pretty good. In the mid 80s it disappeared, and was rumoured to be in store at Credenhill, but I’d love to know if it’s still about.
Thanks, guys, and good luck!
By: Moondance - 23rd April 2004 at 18:46
Re: Hereford Spitfires.
Originally posted by Mark12
[B)TD135, converted to high back, ex Genesio environs, briefly in the UK a few weeks back and now in Belgium with a well known middle rank collector – not Karel Bos.Mark [/B]
Mark, got any ancient pics of TD135, the very first Spitfire I can ever recall seeing, when an Air Training Corps machine in Tynemouth? Thanks
By: Moggy C - 23rd April 2004 at 18:15
Hi Growler and welcome!
Mrs Moggy grew up in and around Perth.
Her brother still lives in Mandurah. We visited a few years back and did some flying out of Jandakot.
Keep posting to the forum.
Particularly, can you post some Redback Lite please?
Moggy
By: Flood - 23rd April 2004 at 17:42
Vampire T11 XE982, formerly with 124Sqn ATC, moved to Dunkeswell in 1989.
Still there (unless you know better) according to Wrecks and Relics 18 (just a few weeks until W&R19!;)).
Flood.
By: Mark12 - 23rd April 2004 at 16:57
Hereford Spitfires.
TE392 at LSFM.
TD135, converted to high back, ex Genesio environs, briefly in the UK a few weeks back and now in Belgium with a well known middle rank collector – not Karel Bos.
Mark
By: JDK - 23rd April 2004 at 16:46
And a Pink Floyd fan too.
You’ll like it here.
By: JDK - 23rd April 2004 at 16:45
Gah. I take it all back. Thought the airport folks had stopped the Poms getting in? 😉 Aren’t the £10 fares all over now? Or were you shipped?
I’ll stop.
By: Growler - 23rd April 2004 at 16:39
Im actually a Pommie that’s married to an Aussie, so am out here for a few years savouring the delights of the place!
By: JDK - 23rd April 2004 at 16:34
Greetings to a fellow Aussie; welcome.
Can’t help, but there’s blokes (and shielas) here that can!
Cheers
By: jbs - 23rd April 2004 at 15:47
Re: Hereford historics
Originally posted by Growler
A thread a few weeks ago mentioned the Swift at Upper Hill. In the early 1970s it was kept company by a Spitfire, which I remember as a low back, presumably a Mark 16. I think at the time that the place was the “Spitfire” pub. I remember my father taking us to see it in around 1973, and it left not long after. I think it went to Canada, but I’m not sure. Information would be great, photos even better!
I’m pretty sure that this was TD135 a low-back Mk.XVI that has since dropped off the radar screens.
Another local Spitfire, also a Mark 16, was kept in superb condition on the gate of RAF Hereford at Credenhill (where the SAS are now based) in the company of an equally shiny Hunter. I think it was TE476, went to Doug Arnold, and then in one of his many ‘swopsies’ to the States. Again, an update would be excellent.
This was TE392 (Mk.XVI) which was a low-back at the time and has now been rebuilt as a high-back and is airworthy out of Galveston, Texas with the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Mark12, can you confirm these please 🙂
I hope this information is useful, and welcome to our happy band
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April 23, 2004 at 3:21 pm