Lancasters at RAF St Mawgan

Without stealing this amazing thread here’s,another cracking shot of a Aeronavale Lancaster, with the camera.

The tail extension may have had more than one use but most things I’ve read seem to point to it being a camera. Duggy started a thread a few years back on that subject. It includes a cracking pic of Aeronavale Lancasters –

https://www.key.aero/forum/historic-aviation/140776-french-lancaster-ta…

That’s the one

To keep this thread rolling, a couple more maritime Lancasters to illustrate further:

RE186/H:C, Lancaster, School of Maritime Reconnaissance. At Blackbushe during SBAC Farnborough week, 10th September 1955

SW366/H:Z Lancaster.  Also at Blackbushe during SBAC week, year not known, but mid 50’s.

SW367 Lancaster (full code likely H:X), date and location not known, but judging by that hill beyond is certainly not Blackbushe!

I take it that the fitting below the former rear turret position that is just discernable on the lower shot, is what the previous postee is asking about.

Anyone know for certain what the thing sticking out for umder the rear turret is? I’ve seen it described as a camera, a flare chute and a tail radar. The last makes sense to me but I’d like to know

From my dad’s log bookAug/Sep 1953:

SW338 W-H
RE211 B-H
RE165 T-H
RE165 T-H
RE181 S-H
RE181 S-H
RF325 D-H
RF325 D-H
RF325 D-H
RF325 D-H
RE181 S-H
RE222 K-H

Love that last shot!

Late to the request but I discovered relevant information from my Dad’s pilot log books  which might be interesting for some.  Its from when he was posted to St Mawgan for a navigational training course at the School of Maritime Reconnaissance (The course was 14 May to 26 July of 1954)

Lancasters flown included the following, totalling 50 hours, flying dates are between 18 June 1954 and 21 July 1954

SW285 N-V (had an undercarriage collapse landing at St Mawgan 8 Mar 55 and was written off)

RF305 O (had an undercarriage collapse landing at St Mawgan 2 weeks after the course and was written off)

SW367 X (he flew this one on 9 separate occasions.  Flights  included “sonics” and simulated depth charges with HMS Springer and with HMS Subtle, both RN S class submarines) 

(no serial noted) N-P

(no serial noted) T

Aviation Photo Company have a couple of photos of SMR Lancs for sale on their eBay shop at present, they look like ME52? H-T and RF322 D-H.

DD

No more details on the photo of RF322 I’m afraid. As you say, the code is more commonly associated with RF325. I’m constantly surprised at how few photos of RF325 seem to have survived, considering its significance.

Location unknown.

Image:- A/Cdr J W Frost

Not a great shot of the Blackbushe Lancasters from September 1955 but Im guessing the penultimate time they would appear in public? Of course I think photography was still banned at the RAF BofB airshows?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]237368[/ATTACH]

The D-H code was also worn by RF325 in 1956 when it made the last Lancaster flight from St Mawgan to meet the scrapman.

I assume it went to Wroughon or scrapping?

QP

I photographed the fuselage from front to the code letter D at Coleys scrap yard near Heathrow circa 1958.

Mark

Thanks for all the help so far, your efforts are much appreciated.

WH904 do you have a date for that picture of RF322? The D-H code was also worn by RF325 in 1956 when it made the last Lancaster flight from St Mawgan to meet the scrapman. There is a nice, nostaligic, sad, piece of film of the event here:

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/goodbye-to-the-lancaster/query/Last+Lancaster

I assume it went to Wroughon or scrapping?

QP

This photo shows RF322 also carrying the DH codes 🙂
[ATTACH=CONFIG]237365[/ATTACH]

From Coronation Wings:-

RF325 H-D

RE181 H-S

RE164 H-U

SW344 H-H

Mark

SW334 H-H …a static at the Coronation Review at RAF Odiham on 15 July 1953.

Plus RE181 and RE164

There were four in total

Images from my uncle – Air Commodore ‘Jack’ Frost.

Mark

If any photos do crop us, do let us all know. I’m always fascinated to see images of SMR Lancasters! 🙂