K5054NZ, Thanks for the comments. No-one really knows just how much work actually goes into my commentary and I don’t put it out there. I can only speak for me regarding this but I want everything perfect. As we all know it does not happen that way but if I am commentating on this beautiful machine and there is an Indian aviation enthusiast in the audience, I would want him to be satisfied that the data on the aircraft from his perspective was correct. Who knows…..it may even get me a gig in India !!!  Really hoping I get the opportunity to talk about this magnificent machine. It may not be in its Indian markings but by God it looks fantastic.

Can anyone add to this…..did it move to other squadrons?

Received

Thanks again Paul. I too would be interested in viewing that Air Britain publication. It is unfortunate that record keeping for both Squadron Diaries (ORB) and and Movement Cards is not all that accurate, is subject to the individual tasked with keeping them up to date, but at the same time is the best available information. For example, I am aware that in the case of some RAAF Mustangs, quite a few of their Status Cards, (Movement Cards), indicate that a reasonable number of machines moved from storage at “A” to “B” allegedly on the same day. This event could not have occurred due to the work required to have them all move at the same time. It is presumed that the entries on their Status cards were merely a clerical invention to ease the ‘burden’ of the paperwork.. Notwithstanding, those cards are a primary source and are the best available for us now. Doubtless more information shall come to the surface when the aircraft is ready to fly and Flypast/Aeroplane cover that event. Still trying to get to the bottom of it all for my commentary notes !

K4235, thanks again. How do I access the No.54 Sqn diary to ascertain if MW763 was part of its allocation? I am guessing that if as you have indicated, No.183 Sqn used Tempest II for conversion in September 1945, then the redoubtable F.K.Mason may be correct in indicating that she was “with” but not allocated to No.183. Considering he lists ten aircraft against No.183 that must be the source of confusion as you say. If you do not mind, where did the information arise regarding the conversions undertaken at No.183? The units daily diary should indicate which machines were used for the conversions. If I do not have the ability to access the two unit’s daily diaries from the Antipodes, does someone in the UK have the ability to undertake that work on my behalf for recompense? Am sending a signal to Sywell but they may not have that data either. All help very gratefully accepted.

Kalem……..you were looking into it at the start of October….its now the end of October. I came to work every day early , opened the Historic Forum and went through the listings. Now I hardly bother. Same I think applies to many others. Is it like with architects….when you ask or question “their design vision” they get the hump and retreat into their shell. The loss of people accessing this Forum also means a loss of people looking at other “Key” things. Perhaps that should be considered as well. If everything else ‘came over’ why didn’t Duxford Diary?