I think you refer to XM296, now there is another debate, did she ever become a Sea Heron or just Heron in Royal Navy service. Again several designations used. (C.3 C.4 and also CC.4).
And while we are on the subject of Heron’s, I seem to recollect XR391 being used for a short time in 1970 by the Royal Navy while still in Queens Flight colours (If anyone can confirm or deny this I would love to hear from them)
At the time of my visit in 1971 the aircraft housed in the barn consisted of the Surrey Flying Services AL1 G-AALP, Taylorcraft Plus C2 G-AFTN, and 3 BA Swallows G-AFGC, G-AFHC and BK-897.The Taylorcraft moved on to Leicestershire County Council Museums (stored?). BK-897 was restored (G-AFGD) to flying condition and owned by a syndicate including Bertram Arden, Later deregistered and stored. G-AALP, G-AFGC and G-AFHC still with Bertram Ardens family (stored unknown)
I also have fond memories of St Mawgan and managed to see a few Mirage IV’s at different times and also the distinct privilege in seeing all 12 French Air Force C-135F’s over many years
My most memorable year at St Mawgan was 1976 when on the 22nd October I was sat at home on a cold wet and windy Friday, I had heard jet aircraft flying overhead on 2 or 3 occasions and thought perhaps I should get on the motorcycle and make the 20+ mile journey to the SM, I dressed up against the elements put on my crash helmet and away I go.
Now Nick mentioned the wooded valley through Carnanton and I remember thinking what am I doing here when all of a sudden I was confronted by 12 x A-6E Intruder’s and 4 x EA-6A Intruder’s of the USMC sat on the dispersals ahead of me. Parked up at VASS which at that time occupied the area to the South of the Civil Terminal where 4 x KC-130F’s again all USMC. I then carried on to the 13 approach just in time to see the first of 11 x USMC F-4J Phantom’s arrive. Also noted RAF Gnat T1 and VC-10 C1 and the RAE Varsity T1.
I unfortunately was not able to visit again over the weekend when 5 x KA-3B Skywarrior’s also arrived. On the Sunday the Intruder’s left with the KA-3B’s going to Lajes. 3 x KA-3B’s returned later.
I was able to visit SM on Monday 25th October a much more pleasant day weather wise I remember. The F-4J’s left in the morning accompanied by the 3 remaining KA-3B’s in 3 waves. The sight of 4 Phantom’s 2 each side of the Skywarrior on Mawgans 300′ wide runway taking off in formation is a memory that I shall take to the grave. Also on the field this day KC-130F, KC-130R, CAF CP-107 Argus 2, FAF C-135F approaches, RAF Argosy E1, VC-10 C1, 4 x Hercules C1, Phantom FGR2, 6 x Jaguar GR1 and last but not least a FRADU Hunter T8. Those really where the good old days – RIP St Mawgan I already miss you.
Thanks Dave – I had previously found this photograph on the net and thought it inconclusive but having had another look there are some noticeable differences and the one that stands out the most is in my image the lack of wires from the canopy to the tail and the other is at the rear of the canopy in my photograph there appears to be a red disc in the other the disc is white
HFL can you throw any light on the discrepancies between these images
It is looking like this may be XJ324?
HFL thank you for your input – I believe we can definitely rule out XJ319 which leaves a direct contest between XJ324 & XK895
CU Airday 1988 was held on the 27th July – FONAC Heron XM296 certainly brought in VIP’s on the day but certainly do not recall any Devon’s flying – I most certainly would have photographed it
Thanks again all who have read and participated in this thread
I guess that I am 1 step forward 2 back in that hopefully we have eliminated XJ319 from the frame and substituted it with XJ324
Lee did you attend Culdrose 1988 or do you have another source for your information – any photographs with a Sea Devon lurking in the background perhaps – and did both aircraft appear in the static or was 1 a hangar display?
I live in hope – some of these issues can take a long time to be resolved – one day perhaps
So I guess now my only hope is perhaps somebody else photographed either Sea Devon at Culdrose and that one can be confirmed or eliminated by its position in the static
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