What are these? Aerial photo.

Coincidently I’ve just been reading a piece on Llandow where it does mention that they were still processing Whitleys and Hampdens just after the war had ended.

Hi Ian – just checked the part number on that round inspection panel – it is Whitley – fits on the bottom engine cowling. Found on the same spot occupied by the rather Whitley-like aircraft in your aerial pic. I think that wraps it up nicely!

SWHAPS dug and rummaged in overgrown areas between some hangars in the mid seventies at Llandow. They found parts from Mustang,Anson, Lincoln that I recall.

If you can positively identify any of the aircraft in the photo, look up the type’s published wing span, then accurately measure the wingspan on the image with a ruler. If you have to enlarge the image, make sure you use the same factor for all the area under question.
You can then use that measurement to fabricate a very accurate scale, with which you can get very good estimates of the lengths and widths of the unknown aircraft.
You can then compare the estimates to the various types you would expect to see on a 1945 airfield – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results…

I’m with Aldertag and Al (Al knows a thing or two about spotting Whitleys from the air). I think the back three look like Whitleys – the front three might be but the wings don’t look quite right – could just be artefact.

Ian – is that access panel available? It looks like Whitley – I have a few but they are in poor condition.

Cheers

Hi Ian, I forgot to ask which area your pics come from, surprisng how many finger dispersals there are?:o
I copped a look at the large pictures today, they are better in detail but not brilliant due to being a giant blow-up of original images, however there are clearly a number of Bristol twins, inc Buckingham/Buckmaster & Beaufighter (with rounded tailplanes obviously) parked on these type of dispersals.
Might be Brigands there aswel but would think too early for these to be awaiting the torch.

I’m struggling to see how the aircraft in your pics can be Albermarle, Whitley etc as they appear to have very light upper surfaces.

I think the best hope of ID is to get access of the originals from the WAG.

I thought Albermarle as well but they have more tapered wings. Whitley has a twin tail and hopefully Pagen will get a look at the big clear photo at St Athan and say for sure. There were a few Albermarle bits as well, SP stamped (thanks Elliott for the ID)

Sorry Ian, I have had a hard day!
I had a picture in my mind of a Whitley with a central tail fin. I have done enough work for Elliott that I ought to know better!!

Pete

I thought Albermarle as well but they have more tapered wings. Whitley has a twin tail and hopefully Pagen will get a look at the big clear photo at St Athan and say for sure. There were a few Albermarle bits as well, SP stamped (thanks Elliott for the ID)

I think Al may have it. Pretty much where the photo was taken found these access panels. Both have AW stamps/ part numbers. Also found a fuel transfer **** and a Ryan Aeronautical piece.

Bigger clearer photos here:

http://warrelics.eu/forum/battlefield-archaeology/even-more-airfield-scavenging-26450/#post201324

They still look twin tail to me. Albemarle?

Pete

I think Al may have it. Pretty much where the photo was taken found these access panels. Both have AW stamps/ part numbers. Also found a fuel transfer **** and a Ryan Aeronautical piece.

Bigger clearer photos here:

http://warrelics.eu/forum/battlefield-archaeology/even-more-airfield-scavenging-26450/#post201324

I think the rear fuselage on those airframes is too slender for a Catalina hull which is much broader when viewed from above.

I wondered if this was because the upper wings were white but the fuselage top surfaces were camou.

Mark

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/resrc/images/hst/l-g/catalinaa70.jpg

I think the rear fuselage on those airframes is too slender for a Catalina hull which is much broader when viewed from above.

Electronic eyes and a very low tide for that one I think!

Sounds good, also went down to Nash and walked west, see what you mean about the ridge formed when the tide goes out, no sign of ‘treasure’ to my untrained eye.

Count the aeroplane time, St Athan Llandow taxiway 1945

Yes, beautiful day Pagen. I took Mrs H out for a drive. Now have permission to detect the other site if you fancy another beano. Some unusual stuff about but mostly burned. Pics to follow.
Whitley a possibility but there seems to be a slight taper to the wings in the photo. Also rules out a Cat I suppose. Would love to have seen them taxying up the Taff.

Any water access at Llandow?

Most certainly not Mark.
I was there again today, fantastic weather to wonder around these great old ASUs.

ps Ian the full size images are at work in one of the messes, I will try and have a quick looksie, I’m also going to try and obtain hi rez versions from the WAG archives.

Almost certainly Whitleys – here’s some at 19 OTU at RAF Balnagieth (Forres)…

Harrows on the left?

Before seeing that it was in the uk had thought that the smaller twins be Do-17/215.

Me too!
Nothing to say they are not I suppose!
I am sure they are twin fin.

Pete

Could it be Catalina’s with Halifax and or Sunderlands in the 2 nd photo?

Before seeing that it was in the uk had thought that the smaller twins be Do-17/215.