Mark V:

I bought my copy at the RAF Museum some three years ago. The FAA Museum also had some copies a couple of years back. Don’t know about the present situation. Newark Air Museum Shop also had some copies a couple of years ago. You could try contacting their shop through their web site at:

http://www.newarkairmuseum.co.uk

I haven’t been in the UK for a couple of years, so I’m not up to speed on the present situation.

Mark 12:

I would be very interested in the second FR 47 as well!!!!

Regards,

Laurie

Yeovilton as a backdrop for this aeroplane would really be something! That wasn’t to be though.

I have been researching the history of VP441 for some 4 years now, ever since I discovered that she still existed. I first came across her as a youg Air Cadet with 335 Sqn at Ernesettle, Plymouth. I, and a lot of other people, including those who flew and worked on her, are now eagerly awaiting the time that she takes to the air again.

The shot below is the latest in a series that I have recently received from Ezells and show the spinners in place.

Paul,

Glad to help.

The Museum Pubs are good value. Looked quickly through my copy but can find no mention of wing twist or washout for the Lanc.

Also, the only flap settings given are 15 – 20 deg for take off and down for final approach. Probably the same as mentioned in the pilot’s notes.

Hope the model goes well

Regards,

Laurie.

I have also been trying to track this aircraft down for some time. I have come across no leads since the time that you mention.

It had previously been part of the Reflectaire collection at Squires Gate Airport, Blackpool. That was wound up in 1972 and the collection auctioned off. The most well known part of the collection, Lancaster NX611, now resides at East Kirby. Another former part of the collection, VS Seafire FR Mk47, VP441, is being rebuilt to flying condition presently in the US.

I have been in touch with a former employee of Reflectaire who has also been trying to locate this Sabre. It then carried the registration G-ATBF but there is no trace of it on the register now.

I would be very interested in whatever turns up on this as well.

Regards,

Laurie.

From previous postings on the forum, you will all be aware of the circumstances leading up to the crash involving this aeroplane. You might not be aware of subsequent events. I think that a lot of people believed that this was the first sighting of the wreckage of WG871. I did initially. However, that is not so. It seems that the sight had been known of for some considerable time. In 1957, a ground party was sent in to search through the wreckage at the site for any signs of the pilot. None, unfortunately, were found. Since then the site appears to have been visited on a couple of further occasions, not officially though, I think. I have heard a report of a further search party going into the jungle around 1982/3, hoping to get to the site. It seems that this expedition was unsuccessful, as it went up the wrong river valley. That report is unconfirmed, however.

The location of the wreckage is very remote indeed. To reach it involves a 2 day trek from the nearest access point and, even then, it cannot be found unless guided by someone who knows the actual location. So, there is little chance of the wreckage being disturbed by opportunists. Also, a local dignitary has taken a great personal interest in this find. He and his family, are well known among the Aboriginal community living in that part of the jungle. He has instructed that they do not take anyone to the site and his wishes carry a lot of weight and will be respected. He is also very disappointed that it has not been possible to recover the remains of Flt Sgt Wojiechowsky.

FYI, yesterday afternoon, with the help of another forum member, Mark12, I was able to pass on contact details for Flt Sgt Wojiechowski’s family to the RAF authorities in the UK. They are now in the process of officially informing them of the new sighting of the wreckage. I’m sure that the thoughts and best wishes of all forum members are with them at this time. One further point, the Flt Sgt’s name, along with 52 other RAF Personnel from this period who have no known grave, is recorded on the Memorial Wall of the Military Cemetery, at Terendak Camp, near Malacca. By coincidence, I served at Terendak from March 1967 to April 1968 whilst with a small RAF mobile radar unit.

Unfortunately, not the ending that I think a lot of people were hoping for.

Regards,

Laurie.

Guys,

Many thanks for that info. It confirms what I had suspected. The cockpit area always looked too cramped to be fitted with the early marks of the MB ejection seats.

Regards,

Laurie.

FYI, I have, this morning, spoken to the Defence staff at the British High Commission here in Kuala Lumpur. They are aware of the reported find and are working on it. I was told that the Orang Asli who are aware of the location of the wreckage have been asked not to take anyone else to it until it can be properly investigated. This should ensure that any human remains that might be at the site should remain undisturbed until they can be properly recovered.

I’ll pass on any updates that I get.

Regards,

Laurie.