yes, 602 had a one (XD550) for a month or so before the order to cease flying was given. It had previously been used by 608 Sqn (along with another t11) – I suspect they were trialling them as replacements for the Meteor T7s.

T11s were also used on operational regular squadrons, including some that didn’t use vampires

Yeah, Canopy is gone on that, but the distorted fuselage to the rear of the cockpit is causing an illusion

Looked at the Merewether book, there is no record of Winkle flying any of the P1127s during their flight testing, which means it must have been after they were sent to the RAE/AAEE. It would be useful if anyone knew when or where he flew as that might tie it down. Checked Wings on my Sleeve and it doesn’t mention it. Disposition of the surviving P1127s from the flight test program was:

XP381 – RAE Bedford – Feb 1965 (retired 1972)
XP976 – RAE Bedford – July 1965
XP980 – A&AEE Boscombe Down – Jan 1966
XP984 – RAE Farnborough/Bedford – September 1968 (In 1966, it flew ~20 flights by RAE Pilots who are not individually named)

I suspect the only way to be sure will be to check his logbook.

Hugh merewether’s book on the p1127 has details of each individual Uk flight up to when the aircraft went to the RAE, can’t recall if it mentions Winkle, my copy is not immediately accessible.

Chris, Have a look at the Canadian ones for comparison. They were diverted from UK production and delivered and flown in Temperate land Camouflage

US versions of Dark Earth/Dark Green/Sky would be most likely, although not many Kittyhawks came directly to the Uk

Wonderful shots