There was a crated Gannet found in a breakers yard near Godstone in Surrey. As I recall it went to the British Aerial Reserve but no idea what happened to it after that. I think the BAR disappeared in a fog of controversy but I can’t remember what the story was.

Does anyone else know anything about the breakers yard? A school friend used to pass it on the bus to school, always talking about the lumps of Airframe he could see.

This is sad news and unexpected too.

I’ve known Peter for many years, almost from the start of the collection, before it became a museum, and always admired his drive and stamina. He kept going when others would have given up.

I am concerned for the future of the museum and it’s contents, I can’t see the council not taking advantage of this. He never mentioned a succession plan.

Re the original question, Bob Churchill, a ballistics, amongst other things, expert, had to investigate the death of a woman during the Battle of Britain, she’d been killed by a single rifle calibre bullet. He concluded from the angle of entry and other factors that she had been killed by a bullet fired during a dog fight.

Swift
Siskin
Wapiti
Beverley
Shackleton
Lincoln
Varsity
Victor
Boston V
Baltimore
Battle

That’s a case of a newspaper story over blowing things – surprise suprise!
Componants were in deed crated, but whole airfrmaes no, and the Mod/RN were well aware of the two ready to go examples they had in store anway.
WN411 went the usual post service route of A.S. Gannets, LTS and disposal at Abbotsinch, before scrap by Kitson Vickers. The cockpit obviously made into preservation (ish!).

Certainly can’t claim it as a crated aircraft found again.

I remember this one. The crated Gannet that went to BAR was found in a scrapyard in Godstone in Surrey. Not sure of the exact location but it was on a bus route. I’m pretty certain it was in the late 70s but I’m open to correction on that. There was a photo of it in one of the aviation magazines at the time. Don’t know if this was WN411, as I recall there were some issues with BAR and it all went quiet.

Last comment from me on the military vs Civilian issue, most of the comments in support of it don’t actually address it, it’s not really on thread and I’ve better things to do.

Not actually from me but from the horse’s mouth:

Tell him you will convey his thought to those in the real RAF…..What about the last round of compulsory redundancies, What about those who are unfit for full active duty (I’ll find out how many downgraded personnel are currently serving, I’ve heard its as high as 20%?), As for the spares situation well the engineers wouldjust laugh at him…..Its a joke !! Ask him where he gets gen…..Jackanory ?

and:

As an aside the joint RAF / civilian engineering set up is a ** nightmare….The RAF hate it !

Agreed, and I think the Beaufighter Nav/Gunners did too, but the statue is labelled as a pilot.