Chipmunks of Nottingham University Air Squadron [Archive]

CoffmanStarter

6th Apr 2014, 09:35

Nuasea ...

I'd be more than happy to try and help you with your quest :ok:

If you post the numbers you have ... I'll try and look up the possible combinations of alphanumeric serials for starters ... we can go from there :8

Best ...

Coff.

Dora-9

6th Apr 2014, 10:40

From that period, all I have is:

WB560
WD345/A
WG363
WP781

Cheers.

teeteringhead

6th Apr 2014, 17:46

AHB may be able to help. They should have the F541s which are essentially transcribed auth sheets. I think ......

Nuasea

7th Apr 2014, 01:25

Great response and thanks.

The serial numbers I have are WK 635
WP781
363
609
778
and a one off 548

Thanks for your replies so far

CoffmanStarter

7th Apr 2014, 07:45

Nuasea ...

So in addition to Dora-9's info, I'm reasonably certain that your missing full serials are ...

WK635 - N546PU USA : Now back in the UK @ Goodwood (RN colours)

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/IMG_1044_zps235b56d9.jpg

Image Credit : CoffmanStarter September 2013 @ Goodwood

WP781 - N31105 USA : Destroyed
WG363 - G-BDIM : Destroyed

WP 778 - G-BBNF : Destroyed
WK 609 - G-BXDN : Believed to be still airworthy/flying (Google for pic)
WK 548 - G-BBMZ : Believed to be still airworthy/flying (Google for pic)

Source Reference : Book : DHC-1 Chipmunk "The Poor Man's Spitfire" ... with due acknowledgement to Dora-9's contribution to that book :ok:

Nuasea

8th Apr 2014, 07:47

Thank you for the information. Sad ending to many!

My instructor, Flt Lt Johny Law put me into a spin at 1000ft over the control tower at RAF Newton saying,"If you can recover you can go solo!"

How times have changed...that was 22nd January 1961!

CoffmanStarter

8th Apr 2014, 08:28

1000 feet ... IIRC for spinning you had to be fully recovered by a min of 3000 feet or progressing an Irvin letdown.

Nuasea

9th Apr 2014, 01:36

That is the truth.....out of sight over the control tower but a surprise!

Unconventional but taught me lots ....after that suffered creamed off QFI's in the RAF proper!

Prangster

10th Apr 2014, 19:40

Slight drift (over the pan perhaps) to 7AEF. Pardon my VRT ignorance in these matters but did the AEF's and UAS pool aircraft?

Would love to source photo of a 7AEF aircraft circa 1970's as I lost all my records in a house move in the 90's

CoffmanStarter

10th Apr 2014, 20:53

Hi Prangster ...

When the Air Experience Flights were first formed in 1958, the Chipmunk fleets were "shared" with the University Air Squadrons as the AEF's operated under the "umbrella" of the RAF UAS scheme. However, from the early 60's, the AEF's operated their own dedicated Chipmunk fleets until their retirement.

A bit more research will be needed to track down individual airframes operating with 7 AEF in the 70's. However, in the mid 90's (just before the Chipmunk was withdrawn from AEF service), 7 AEF at RAF Newton had a fleet consisting of WG308, WG469, WZ856 and WZ877.

As a starter ... it would appear WP844 was with 7 AEF in 74 (she was converted to a Mk22 as G-BWOX but no information on current airworthiness). WZ879 may have also served with 7 AEF in the early 90's

If I come up with any more info ... I'll PM you.

Dora-9

11th Apr 2014, 04:37

Coffman's information is, as usual, spot-on. Bear in mind though that the UAS's had all lost their Chipmunks by the mid-1970's, these being replaced by the Bulldog.

The only other "early 1970's" candidate for 7 AEF that I have is a photo of WP837/L, undated but captioned as 7 AEF.

In answering Nuasaea's original query, I confess I never thought to look in The Tome! In my defence, the UK section was (well) written by the the other Rod....

CoffmanStarter

11th Apr 2014, 07:06

Hi Dora ... Good to chat again :ok:

Just had a quick look at WP837. Seems she was with 5 AEF (Cambridge) in 1978 ... see the "Winged DayGlo V" on the tailfin. I believe she still has the "V" as now registered VH-WPO.

See here ...

WP837 May 1978 : Bassisngbourn Air Show (http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000288432.html)

Best regards ...

Coff.

PS. All four of you did a cracking job on the Tome :D

chipmunkj

11th Apr 2014, 07:13

Chipmunk GBBMZ is still flying. Now in red and white sunburst livery and is kept at Booker (Wycombe Air Park).

Dora-9

11th Apr 2014, 11:44

Yes likewise, Coffman Starter.

Thanks for your kind words re the book - actually a lot of very enjoyable research and work involved, hopefully one day there'll be a second edition as I've learnt a lot more on the subject since the initial publication.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WP837-7-AEF_zpsb742f687.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WP837-7-AEF_zpsb742f687.jpg.html)

Here's the photo of WP837. While it lacks 5 AEF's "Winged V" device on the upper fin, I note that all 5 AEF Chipmunks had identically positioned and sized code letters as appears here - I'm pretty sure the photo has been miscaptioned and it isn't from 7 AEF...

Here's WP837 now as as VH-WPO, taken at Point Cook in 2006:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-WPOatPointCookVic09042006BvDrunickCollection_zpsdf805c73.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-WPOatPointCookVic09042006BvDrunickCollection_zpsdf805c73.jpg .html)

Airstripflyer

11th Apr 2014, 12:32

Just to add some more information, I was in EMUAS at Newton in the early 70's where there were 5 Chipmunks:-

WG308
WZ878
WP984
WZ884
WP901

scorpion63

11th Apr 2014, 12:38

I have WG368 in my log book on 21 Apr1968 if that helps. However looking again it could be WG308, old eyes are not what they used to be!!

octavian

11th Apr 2014, 20:53

Looking through the history of our Chipmunk WB760, now G-BCOO, she spent six periods with Nottingham UAS, although these were prior to her deployment with 114 Squadron in Cyprus in December 1958 - slightly before the period of the OP's interest.

Recently returned to flying condition, 'OO is in fine fettle and handles beautifully. Excuse me, I must fly. Well maybe next week!

CoffmanStarter

12th Apr 2014, 16:21

Dora-9 ...

We agree on WP837 being on the 5 AEF Fleet during the early to mid 70's :ok:

It must have been a Cambridge/Marshall's "thing" with the solitary fuselage Alpha ID as the CUAS Chipmunks had similar Alpha ID's back in the 50's ... but, as you will know, there were a number of secondary ID schemes in operation over the life of the RAF/RN/Army Chipmunks :confused:

Airstripflyer ...

The airframes you mention above all appear still airworthy :ok:

WZ878 now F-AZQZ

F-AZQZ (http://bdd.deltareflex.com/cns_galerie.php?i=11353)

WP984 now G-BWTO

G-BWTO (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1083591/)

WZ884 now G-BXGL

G-BXGL (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1242805/)

WP901 now G-BWNT

G-BWNT (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1060010/)

Scorpion63 ...

Your serial is most certainly WG308 (WG368 was never used) and now G-BYHL

G-BYHL (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1310586/)

Octavian ...

WB760 now G-BCOO

Good to hear another lady is airworthy again :ok:

Would you be able to share a couple of current pictures with us ?

Chipmunkj ...

WK548 now G-BBMZ

Great scheme :ok:

G-BBMZ (http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000719887L.html)

Best ...

Coff.

James R

2nd Sep 2014, 01:09

In late '59 through '60 I was based at Newton. I recall going up with Johny in one of the Chipmunks. We were flying quite low when Johny suddenly said " Osborne! have you got it?". My first experience of half crown sixpence in an aircraft.
Field mushrooms from the airfield were particularly good, picked after landing of course.

NutLoose

2nd Sep 2014, 18:30

If you are feeling flush there is one on evilbay USA

DHC1 Chipmunk | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/dhc1-Chipmunk/231311052218?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D24 901%26meid%3D85d55243c490454ba3dc083b0a365cf9%26pid%3D100033 %26prg%3D10502%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D121416799073)

CoffmanStarter

2nd Sep 2014, 19:18

Ha ha ... I believe that's WG430 ... If so ... she's been over the other side of the pond since 2005.

See my original post #9 here ...

http://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/412255-raf-chipmunks.html

It would seem that someone finally got around to replacing the RAF Manston Vhf Frequency Card ;)

Northernone

11th Sep 2014, 16:57

I know it's about 30 years later than your request, but I've found my Powered Flying Log book from CCF days at school. I remembered it went through the washing machine after a summer camp at Rudloe Manor in 1989, but I can still see that I had 6 flights from RAF Newton between November 1988 and May 1989.

24/11/88 WP984
23/2/89 WZ856
4/5/89 x2 WP984(2 flights in 1 day, don't know how I managed that one!)
18/5/89 WZ877
18/5/89 WZ956
Very fond memories of flying, farming now.

Hope this helps.

johnnylaw

6th Dec 2015, 20:28

Saw your post about NUAS. Johnny Law was my Dad. He passed away in 1999 but I have all his log books from NUAS days from 1956 to 1962. Would be pleased to hear from you. My email address is [email protected].

emu68

1st Nov 2016, 11:21

I was a member of Nottingham/East Midlands UAS from 1968 to 1971.

I have my log book with the serial numbers of the Chipmunks I flew - mostly WD345, WK635, WP781 and WK609 - but not the aircraft letters. Can anyone help?

Unfortunately I have only one photograph of an EMUAS aircraft, WK548, at that time. (I would share it if I understood how to post it here.)

Has anyone got other period photographs that they would be prepared to share?

RetiredBA/BY

2nd Nov 2016, 08:50

Anyone know of a Chipmunk, in A1 condition, all ADs etc upto date for sale?

Mandator

2nd Nov 2016, 11:03

Contact de Havilland Support Ltd. They have their ear to the ground on what might be available - and what might not be advertised.

Contact details on their website de Havilland Support Ltd (http://www.dhsupport.com)

RetiredBA/BY

2nd Nov 2016, 17:24

Thank you, will do!

Dora-9

2nd Nov 2016, 22:34

Emu68, possibly these will help?

WZ884, with WP984 behind (August 1973):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WZ884-East-Midlands-UAS_zpsbgdv7ro9.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WZ884-East-Midlands-UAS_zpsbgdv7ro9.jpg.html)

WK548 (no date location for this, but I'd say around 1965:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WK548-East-Midlands-UAS_zpskokollmc.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WK548-East-Midlands-UAS_zpskokollmc.jpg.html)

WP901 (August 1971):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WP901-East-Midlands-UAS-Aug_zpsyvl17uas.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WP901-East-Midlands-UAS-Aug_zpsyvl17uas.jpg.html)

WZ878 (August 1973):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WZ878-Eat-Midlands-UAS-Laha_zpsdgotth4p.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WZ878-Eat-Midlands-UAS-Laha_zpsdgotth4p.jpg.html)

WD345 - actually when the photo was taken it's with ULAS (note the distinctive form of the tail code "A"), but it still retains the Nottingham UAS fuselage stripe:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WD345-ULAS-but-retaining-Ea_zpsomqtwmwy.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WD345-ULAS-but-retaining-Ea_zpsomqtwmwy.jpg.html)

emu68

3rd Nov 2016, 15:49

Thanks for those pictures.

The 1973 ones are slightly after my time and none of those serials appear in my log book. They look as if they are in grey/dayglo rather than silver/dayglo and they certainly have a later style of Squadron markings.

I attach my photo of WK548 which, frustratingly, does not show the aircraft letter. I seem to recall the letters were on the nose cowl only.

The picture is poor quality because it is a scanned hard copy - taken by me on a very amateur 35mm camera from another Chippy somewhere near Newton.

Dora-9

3rd Nov 2016, 19:30

It's a lovely photo nevertheless - then again all Chipmunk photos are lovely!

BEagle

3rd Nov 2016, 22:24

That photo of WD345 must have been pre-1970 as the aircraft was with the RAF's premier UAS at White Waltham at least by 24 Jan 1970, which was when I flew her for the first time.

24 Jan 1969 Flt Lt Pete Lane + me on 'LP 9 and 11' for 1:05 was my first trip in '345; 17 Apr 1973 was my last trip in her flying '12, 13, 17A' for 1:00. Both flights at White Waltham.

ULAS held its Summer Camp at RAF Newton in 1972 and I flew her on many occasions then, between 26 Jun and 6 July.

In fact '345 was the Chipmunk in which I flew most of my trips in my ULAS student days.

Dora-9

3rd Nov 2016, 22:33

BEAgle - Only just pre-1970! WD345 was allotted from East Midlands UAS to ULAS on 21/9/1969 and remained with them until it went into storage in December 1973.

Emu68 - does this help? It's captioned as Nottingham UAS, Tollerton, 1967:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WP781-Nottingham-UAS-Nottin_zpsznxwlavd.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/WP781-Nottingham-UAS-Nottin_zpsznxwlavd.jpg.html)

emu68

4th Nov 2016, 20:54

I have WD345 on my log - at EMUAS - from the beginning of my UAS flying in April 1968 to December 1968, when I flew her on 21st.

I forgot to say that my photo of WK548 is captioned 1969 on the hard copy.

(Dora-9, I will look at your photo later. The site currently says it is down for maintenance.)

Geezers of Nazareth

5th Nov 2016, 13:18

emu68

5th Nov 2016, 21:16

On closer inspection, I agree. I had tried to enhance and enlarge the image but it loses definition in the process : old pre-digital technology.

And WP781 appears to be "E" so that begins to fill in the gaps for me.

Thank you both.

Ivan aromer

4th Dec 2016, 15:47

Vampiredave

5th Dec 2016, 10:23

I have just found a reference to a display team of two Chipmunks of Notts UAS in 1961 flown by Sqn Ldr Horth and Flt Lt Law. Was this the only display team produced by the UAS?

Nuasea

28th Dec 2016, 06:29

I recall going to a Hucknall Airshow probably in 1963 when a formation of four NUAS Chipmunks took part. This was led by Sqn Ldr Atkinson and certainly Flt Lt Sid Sterling was in the team. I would be guessing at the rest. As I recall these were ad hoc displays with limited practice. I also saw the Beagle 206 perform a very low slow roll, an aircraft I would later like to forget!

Vampiredave

28th Dec 2016, 08:58

Just found a reference to this team in 1952, which was one of a number put up in successive years by this particular UAS:

Two Chipmunk T.10s of Belfast (Queens) UAS, Sydenham, Flt Lt R R Austin and Fg Off R C Jones.

The UAS Chipmunk teams have largely gone unrecorded, probably because they did not have the appeal of the bigger - and more noisy - display teams?