In FlyPast a couple of years ago a Paul Herbert of Bicester related a story about AW Argosy XP409.
RAF Argosies were under construction at Baginton at the time of the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962. The story goes that six prominent Coventry firms were each presented with a nail from the roof of the old cathedral (destroyed in the blitz 14/11/40) and Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft fixed theirs into Argosy XP409 (given the name “Homer” by 70 Sqdn in 1970).
Retired in 1972 XP409 went to Halton as an instructional airframe. It has been suggested that it was later transferred to Winterbourne Gunner (DERA?) and I am trying to find out if that is correct and if, by any slim chance, any of it survives.
It would be nice to return the nail (and some of the aircraft) to Coventry – if it still exists.
C’mon people ideas please.
Roger Smith.
By: ALBERT ROSS - 28th April 2005 at 23:55
23rd June 1984 still at Halton – XP409 Argosy C.1; 8221M
she was the “Red Devils” support a/c at Chivenor 23rd August 1969
photo is at Halton, December 1975
…err “Falcons” support! “Red Devils” are the Army’s team who use an Islander. 🙁
By: DGH - 28th April 2005 at 19:37
Wrecks and Relics has her as being put up for tender at Winterbourne Gunner ( Nuclear, Bacteriological and Chemical Defence Centre ) and scrapped by July 1985. If you find the nail it will probably glow. 😉
By: RPSmith - 28th April 2005 at 16:37
[QUOTE=DamienB] might be worth enquiring with the Cathedral first QUOTE]
Damien, thanks, tried that once last year but the gent I spoke to never got back to me. Will try again.
Roger Smith.
By: Swiss Mustangs - 28th April 2005 at 10:34
23rd June 1984 still at Halton – XP409 Argosy C.1; 8221M
she was the “Red Devils” support a/c at Chivenor 23rd August 1969
photo is at Halton, December 1975
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April 28, 2005 at 10:19 am