Lee, I can confirm Ernesettle as the location for VP441 after it left RNEC Manadon. Have never been able to find out where the Saltash reference came from. The aircraft was never there. I did a full, or as full as I could get at the time, rundown on 441’s history which appeared in the July 2004 edition of FlyPast. If you would like a copy of the narrative PM me.

The reference to Biggin Hill also confuses quite a few. Biggin Hill was the name of the main road into Ernesettle and, like the majority of other road names in the estate, it was named after well known RAF stations. The huts that housed 335 Sqn’s HQ were just off Biggin Hill.

Roborough, I joined 335 in May 1960. The airframe remained pretty much intact until around early 1963. At that time there was an arson attack on the training hut nearest the Transit School. After that, it was pretty much ‘open house’ for the local numptys that had not been able to get at it before.

We were more than happy to hear that it was to be moved to Culdrose. That happened mid-January 1964.

Shown below is the last photo that I took of it at Ernesettle as it was being dismantled by MARTSU for road transport to Culdrose. I was also lucky enough to be able to view it at its new home in Montana in May 2005. What a difference!! To see and hear it in the air was experience that I will never forget.

Flanker_man, thanks for posting your photo. One of the better ones that I have seen from VP441’s time at Blackpool.

Memories!!! My favourite aeroplane.

Crystal Lakes, 20 May 2005.
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J Boyle is absolutely right. But for the present owner’s investment and Ezells excellent restoration, this aircraft would probably still be in pieces gathering dust somewhere. It was a great privilege to be able to see and hear it in the air in May 2005.

Good to see more examples of the type following this aircraft back into the air.

Hi all, the ‘History Wall’ is almost done, thought you might like to see the result, and thanks to all those who contributed.

Rick, very nice indeed.

Thanks for confirming that Mark. I have bookmarked it.

Good to see you posting again.

Dave, apologies. Had forgotten to respond to that. Reply now sent.

I’m guessing most of No. 100 Squadron’s records may have been lost when the Japanese invaded? Or did they get them out ok?

Dave, 100 Sqn’s pre-war ORBs had been sent to the UK at the outbreak of hostilities in Europe. I have just downloaded digital copies of those for the period March 1919 – 3 Sep 1939.

Been going through them this afternoon. Unfortunately, there is no record in them either of this accident or the fitting of the non-standard prop to K2929.

The search continues.

Good questions, Dave. No answers though at the moment.

I have a contact for the 100 Sqn Association and will approach them to see if anything exists. However, I suspect that most, if not all, of the records didn’t make it away after the Japanese invasion.

Paul,

Many thanks for that link. Why did I not think of that!?

I am now following a different train of thought on this aircraft. If you look between the wheels, there is some form of equipment mounted under the fuselage. Also, look behind the labourer wearing the turban. There seems to be something projecting out of the aircraft from where the Lewis gun would normally be mounted. I am now wondering if this aircraft was a target tower.

No.4 AACU in Singapore operated Vildebeests in that capacity. That unit also had a few Swordfish on charge from around 1939 onwards. The prop fitted to the aircraft in the photo is very similar to that fitted to Swordfish.

Have another look and see what you think.

Apologies to Dave H for hijacking his German Bombers thread.