Now have the notes from Steve Marples the ex-CFI at Sunderland who has 1970 hours on type

The helicopters are taking part in a flypast over greenwich for 100 years of the Navy.

There were 5 Merlins, 8 Sea Kings and 5 Lynx

They were followed by 4 Jetstreams

Captured pilots

It is always good to be able to put names to faces.

I am sure that there are many on the forum who would welcome seeing the photos.

I have been fortunate to have established contact with the son & grandson of a former pilot from a photograph that I posted some time back. This has lead to his family learning more of his exploits.

Sunderland Flying Club had two for many years

G-ATCI & G-ATCL

The later is still around. I will pester the former CFI who has many thousand hours on the type to see if he can give you some recollections

Probably no more significant than there is a good photograph of the aircraft

See attached.

I have discusssed the IIE designation in the past with Graham Boak who is also knowledgeable on 607 Squadron aircraft. 174 Squadron was formed from 607, and we believe that they retained there individual aircraft letters on receiving the XP codes, I have some photos showing BE505 with both XP & AF codes with the same individual letter.There is no mention in the ORB or any log book copies that I have. I suspect that it should be IIB and is merely a typographical error.

The IIE designation was the fore runner for the Mk IV which was later than the IIB.

Used the digital service and can recommend it

http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1950/1950%20-%201024.html?search=cooper%20air%20trophy

This is the background to the Trophy which was competed for by Royal Auxilary Air Force Squadrons.

There are more details in the flight archives if ypur search for Cooper Air Race or Cooper Air Trophy

I knew Brian quite well and visited his home on several occasions.

His pet dog also followed him to many airshows such as North Weald etc.

I am pretty sure that he is still with us but has disposed of his collection.

I think Albert Ross might also know a bit more if he is still posting on the forum