Prcks!! these idiots need to run into a couple of hungry dobermans!.

these sorst of dumn asses systematically stole the entire instrument panels, rudder pedals and almost the seat from Hunter E430 at Gatwick over a couple of winter nights. We are gutted that we just didnt get the chance to catch them. To kicK the *sh*it out of them!

very nice pics John, thanks for sharing. I also like the fact that some punter very thaughtfully dropped a pen on to the starbaoard Vulcan top wing skin for scale!:D

Its an amazing raid in WWII history, that is well known and revered in the millitary, yet it has remained low profile for many years to the public, despite events such as the crossing having been re-created in the early nineties, using the royal yacht Britania and a large flotilla of small boats, which was televised.

All of the St Nazaire participants are Honorary members of the SAS club. I met many of the surviving commandos and ML crews 8 years ago at one of the last big St Nazaire reunions in Falmouth (my grandfather was a survivor on one of the few ML’s that came home), and I was bowled over by what a fantastic bunch of guys they all were.Their accounts were rivetting. I was struck by how energetic they were, despite being old men. Most were in agreement about one thing. They all realised that it was almost a suicide mission, but eagerly went anyway. I remember my grandfather, and a few of his ship mates telling me how the ML’s were like paper and cut to pieces around them very quickly indeed, and how utterly gob smacked the German guards and soldiers were at British sheer madness and audacity.

Considering what the raiders had seen and been through, they were all very modest and happy to talk about.

Its about time an accurate and quality film was made about this raid.

the society web page link.

http://www.stnazairesociety.org/Pages/index.html

never got the chance to meet baz unfortunately, wish I had taken the time though, sounded like a jolly nice fellow indeed, never looked like a frightening mech, rather like a 70’s rock band front man:D

home james sat, along with amcu hopefully! .home land security got very very twitchy with one of the crew at airport yesterday after finding explosive residue on some avionic parts. All got a little unpleasant:o

Chaps,

Im not a member of the association as such, but know Charles the owner, and many of 724’s crew well, and just to assure every one, although 724 isnt as active as she once was, shes not rotting away, she is being cared for as best as possible in a very difficult situation. The guys have no workshop on site, not even a porta cabin, and are situated on what is basically a commercially owned premises, hence 724 is lucky just to have a parking space, rent free. Although her paint is worn out, shes still in good condition. a re-paint isnt really an option where she is, and manpower is as always a problem. As for moving 724, it would be a viable option where workshop space and facilities were available. where she is?, well, its a problem. The best thing to do is, if anyone wants to volunteer to help charles keep 724 looking clean and tidy, I know the chappies that try to keep her clean, would be most happy to have more hands. if you like, drop me a pm, and I will be happy to forward on.

Sorry for digging this thread up, but did somebody say they had the stencil data for a Saudi Lightning. I’m after the same to finish the attached profile off (bits that have been done are based on the Lightning at Norwich). Any info would be gratefully received.

Regards BigVern

they are only tetchy if you use the shahada without permission.take the time to go to the saudi embassy, they are very amenable. If you do them the courtesy of showing them what it is you are doing, they will show an interest.

XF708 flew in to Duxford from Kemble on the 23 sept 1972.

She has over thirty years at Duxford and very little attention done to it.

The Shacks down at Charlwood near Gatwick get some attention to them as they are kept with help from friends and on there open days they run them up.

Nice for the neigbours.

Not quite, WR982 used to get run on public open days, but not any more, since the public open days stopped in 2001. WR974, has never run, all 4 engines are seized, and theres no point in changing that, since finances, spares and manpower wouldn’t stretch anywhere near far enough to keep two shacks live.

XF708 is actually an inherantly better airframe than both of the two at GAM, since it has never been taken apart. She’s catching up pretty fast, last I saw 708 is starting to look quite smart. Gam crew could have xf708 up and running in 6 months over the summer no problem:) , it presents very few difficulties in comparison to the mamoth task WR982 presented.