Despite an assertion by the National Archives that WW1 diaries would be available on-line, it isn’t quite that way at the moment: coverage is patchy, and in any case (and including WW2 and more recent ORB’s), the only on-line coverage is generally restricted to AIR 27: therefore I’d alwsays recommend a visit to Kew, to make sure all corners are covered. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are often nuggets to be had in the lesser AIR files, as well as WO, AVIA etc.

The AIR files (ORB’s) are either on microfilm (easy access/no need to order) or available as the original ORB. In the latter case you can order them when you get there, and it’s usually only a 30-minute (max) wait before they turn up in your cubby hole.

Get there early to renew your ticket though, as it does get busy in there!

Funny thing I could of been killed by a Luftwaffe bomb in the UK, in 1976.

…or even could have?

It was repainted in either 2012/13 in the scheme below. I’m sure I read that the markings have some connection with Manston

512th FIS from Bentwaters. 512th was parented by 406th FIW, which was based at Manston, but it’s just a shame they didn’t paint it as a Manston-based T-33; similar scheme too!

Well from the uni-head rivets and domed screws, I’d say it’s from something slow-moving. Skyhawk seems unlikely, based on colour alone. I know Heinemann designed his stuff a bit agricultural, but I’d be pretty sure it’s all flush-rivetted on an A-4.