R-H of the Central Gunnery School, its last working unit…in grey/green camouflage Mark

Oops, sorry Mark. Yes CGS not an OTU (but I was incorrectly thinking it was brown/green as it was relatively early WWII scheme) and it has been retained that way in its c1942-43 markings.

Spitfire IIa P7973 at Australian War Memorial is in its original camouflage scheme. It was on 452 Sqn and subsequently to an OTU post 1942, before shipping to Aust in 1945. Retains the OTU markings and the original green/brown camouflage.

I think g-anyb is talking about old B&W glass slides, not 35mm colour.

Hi Graham

Haven’t seen you since Biggleswade in the 80s, and I have your early DH series – I had provided you some details on the Oz Dragons, Rapides, Express, etc.

I agree with Don Clark’s comprehensive input. I prefer a book – I do enough of staring at computer screens as it is (and yes, it does send you blind).

Some of the books that have been produced in Oz may be of interest – you may have come across them over there.

The “In Australian Service” military aircraft series, light blue glossy card covers with coloured sideviews. Perfect bound, up to 250 pages. These don’t seem to give way, as the pages appear to be glued up to 5mm from the spine. Easily read spine and readily found on the bookshelf.

The “Red Roo” series, red taped spine with titling, laminated cover, up to 120 pages. These are not glued to the same extent as above, but none of mine to date have given way.

Spiral & Comb binding. Yes I don’t care much for either as well. Have some. The early “Red Roo” (up to 180 pages) used plastic comb binding with no spine titling – but that could be possible. I have several wire spirals. One is Ian Baker’s “Colouring Book” series – a compendium of Vols 1 to 25, 100 pages – but no spine titling possible with this. Also have some of the RAF Squadron Profiles, so with a few it is a bit of fumbling around.

The “In Australian Service” approach of additional glue on the perfect bind is the most prefereable of these options.

Merry Christmas everyone. 🙂

15 at amberly and one still in the states

No, 15 now at AMB, and the remaining 9 still in the States (in the process of acceptance).

The “one in the states” was the first, A44-201, which had been retained at China Lake for OT&E, but was delivered with three others last week to make 15 (ie 201 to 212 with 1 SQN, 213 to 215 are 6 SQN with the Growler wiring).

Final 9 a/c will be delivered next year to give 6SQN IOC, and FOC for 82WG.

RAAF puts F-111 out to pasture THE RAAF’s principal tactical strike aircraft, the F-111 flew its last mission today before being retired after 37 years service. F-111s from Amberley-based No 6 Squadron conducted low-level flyovers in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast for the last time.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/raaf-puts-f-111-out-to-pasture/story-e6frg8yo-1225965159612

Netta, to ensure this item is in the correct historical context, that newspaper item was dated 3 Dec 2010. And indeed, the last flights were made 10 days ago on 3 Dec.

Felt this was worth a new thread as this is a rather big game changer for the UK. Argentina is joining the KC-390 program with the intention of purchasing six transports.

Isn’t UK a member of Airbus? If A390 tankers were a problem, has UK any veto over cancelling the deal??

I know that in 1942, 54 OTU with Beaufighters was based at RAF Church Fenton, Yorkshire. Later that year it moved north to RAF Charter Hall, Berwickshire, where it stayed and later converted in 1944 to the Mosquito.

Also I see in “Fighter Nights, 456 Sqn RAAF” that Mark Stokes was a navigator who had previously served on 456 Sqn (where he had been crewed with pilot Fred Stevens) prior to his fatal crash on 54 OTU.

His bio details are: “FLGOFF M A Stokes, 402620, 456 Sqn, 51 OTU, 54 OTU. Originally motor mechanic of Sydney NSW. Born Sydney 24 Feb 1919. Killed in flying accident 23 Nov 1943.”