Wellington & bouncing bomb
Hi, Baz:
To answer your original posting: I had a look at what we have at the Museum, both on paper and photo’s, but could only come up with the following.
Mutt Summer’s log book mentions the fact that he flew BJ895 on several occasions (although not on all); not all flights supposedly flown by him seem to have been recorded in his log book. Either that, or, he was VERY meticulous in his book-keeping and that it was others (“Shorty” Longbottom and Bob Handasyde and, possibly, even Maurice Summers – “Mutt’s” brother, also a Vickers Test-Pilot) who actually flew the aircraft during the testing period. “Shorty” longbottom’s logbook notes the serial number as “BJ895/G” (For Guard).
Note: Does anybody have access to Bob Handasyde’s Log-book, if it still exists???? (no luck from the RAF Museum…)
“Shorty” also flew this aircraft not only at Manston on 6th April, but up to Turnberry on the 15th, flying back on the 22nd. During that week, he flew on four occasions from that airfield on “Highball” tests…
The general consensus within the Museum suggests that no “Squadron” codes were carried on this , or other Company aircraft, other than the aircraft serial. The colour scheme appears also to be “standard night”.
I shall keep on “delving” into the records, we hold, but be aware that many of the Vickers/Barnes Wallis files were dispersed to various Museums/depositaries when the factory closed down in the 80’s.
PM me if you wish…….
ttfn
Andy Wis
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