…..and at least one Dragon Rapide (G-AKMH, c/n 6704) from early 1953 – flew punters at the RNAS Lee-on-Solent Coronation Review Air Day that year. Sold on in 1955.

Lee

Thats interesting, the other publication(Somerset at War) I checked first gives a different name(S/Lt Shorte) for that incident, all the other details such as a/c serials are the same

Bob

No S/Lt Shorte listed for any Fulmar incidents. Indeed no incidents for any FAA type during WWII are (currently) known for anyone with a surname spelt that way. The details above came from the individial airframe history and the official FAA Roll of Honour.

Lee

Nice photos. I have an feeling that I might have seen them before, though. Whereabouts did they come from?

Not sure what you mean by “Fleet Air Arm Losses”, but expect you mean “Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939 to 1945”, Sturtivant/Burrow, Air-Britain (soon to be revised/reprinted, now Sturtivant/Burrow/Howard!). Second hand copies command some serious prices, from what I’ve seen.

The photos would suggest that the aircraft were probably written off; going on that, the only incidents that occurred around that time for 761 Sqn Seafire Ibs based at RNAS Henstridge (HMS Dipper) relate to:

PA106 & NX949 3.8.43
NX920 14.8.43
NX982 4.9.43
NX945 28.9.43
PA112 6.11.43
NX913 8.11.43 – hit a tree on approach – most likely the first photograph.

With regard to the “archive section at Yeovilton”, please be advised that the Records and Research Centre at FAAM is currently not taking researchers as they are heavily involved in producing the Fly Navy 100 exhibition exhibits.

Lee

Ahhh … de Havilland!

Above: The main office block with flags of all the countries where de Havilland had subsiduary companies (mid1950s)

That just oozes nostalgia! I always thought this was one of the most iconic buildings in aviation history, and so glad to see that it has been spruced up. Anyone tell me whether the pond and fountain that is in front of the entrance now is original, or a recent addition? Also, anyone know what the current state of the interior is, especially the wood-panelled Boardroom which IIRC was directly above the main entrance doors?

This original negative in this morning’s post looking for a home.

……and arrived on my doorstep this morning, having found said good home 😀 Lovely shots, aren’t they! Yes, I would say Upavon. Lovely to see her a) with wings spread, and b) flying! How I’d love to be able to drag her out onto the dispersal one day in brilliant sunshine and see her in all her glory.

One day!:rolleyes:

Re Ollie’s posts, herewith XN954 going for a swim, watched by most of the ship’s company of Ark Royal during the filming of an RN Safety Film in May 1974 and used as an example of how incorrect chain lashing to the deck could result in aircraft rolling over the side. I did watch the film as an apprentice, and have here on tape somewhere too. She bobbed around a bit before sinking – not surprising considering she had been stripped of engines and all other heavy objects.

:eek::eek: Gooooooood grief!!! I never thought I’d live to see the day!! 😀 Congrats to all. Crikey, just realised this October is 20 years since I first set eyes on that wing as a fresh-faced volunteer at MAM (as was)! Where has the time (and my hair) gone??