Originally posted by Firebird
I’m glad it’s not just me that thought a Derry Turn was attempted….:(
Deleiberately never saw any of the TV footage, so only relying on ‘Mark One eyball’ footage in the memory bank.

I too saw it all. After the manoeuvre at the western end of the field I had a sinking feeling of gloom as the Firefly flew from West to East, This in complete contrast too ANY display I have seen Ray, Mark or any of the other OFMC pilots perform. (and the BBMF, FC and most other recognised display Pilots) I have said a bit on this subject on other threads and have my own conclusions. I am confident I will not be changing those conclusions.

I am sure there is going to be a major debate soon, and I would rather we now wait until April as has been indicated so that we don’t upset family or those who don’t like too much speculation.

On balance would say no. I don’t have my references to hand but the Tempest F6 was used in the Middle East Post war and was initially in the Day fighter scheme of Ocean Grey and Dark Green. Some aircraft were in Natural Metal finish as well.

It has been suggested by another source that a new and undocumented desert scheme was used on Tempests and Spitfire FR18’s, this being from memory Dark Earth and Light Slate Grey uppers with Medium Sea Grey unders. If you need details of this research let me know and I will get the references for you. Its from a recent camo and making series for RAF fighters 1945 to 1950

Formed up for a flypast

Getting airborne

Just found some photos that I had forgotten I’d had scaned. Found this amounst them. Not seen the A36 posted before although I’m sure it has.

Just to help understand where the designation Mk IXB may have came from I have a quote from Dr Alfred Price who suggests that the Mk IXB is in fact the LF IX and coincides with the introduction of the Merlin 66 with its lower rated altitude engine. It appears that the RAF may have used the unofficial designations Mk IXa to describe Mk IXs with Merlin 61 or 63 engines, and the Mk IXb with the Merlin 66. The Merlin 66 was first introduced in the spring of 43 with the Biggin Hill wing.

This situation caused confusion in the field as previously the a,b,c suffix had been used to describe the armament fit. Long after the unofficial designations had become commonplace the Ministry of Aircraft Destruction issued the following designations

LF IXC for the Mk IX b
F IXC for the Mk IX a
HF IXC for the Mk IX fitted with Merlin70 and extended wing tips. (not sure if any of these were produced)

The C designation was dropped soon after it was introduced as all Mk IXs had the Universal wing, (that is until the e wing arrived about the summer of 44)

Some of the early MK IXs were conversions of MkVs and could have had the genuine B wing, but I believe they were never designated MkIXBs.

Hope this helps, but my vote goes to all MK IXs having the Universal wing until the arrival of the e wing. As to the chimneys being present or not I have to leave that to those who are lucky enough to examine at close hand those surviving aircraft.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by trumper
It WAS in the public domain,i was there with 9 other friends and i think it may help as being a closure for people to help them come to terms with what they saw.

I think this is a very important issue and it has not been given enough emphasis.

The Fighter Meet North Weald Late 80’s