Warmtoast
1st Aug 2016, 20:24
I bought a copy of the August 2016 Aeroplane Fighter Command Special issue and was intrigued by the large poster-sized pull out featuring various Fighter Command aircraft from 1938 - 1968, intrigued because the poster contained a picture of Swift F1 WK207 of 56 squadron. The selfsame aircraft that I photographed at the Royal Observer Corps "Recognition Day" whilst stationed at Biggin Hill way back in 1954.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Biggin%20Hill%20Early%201950s/SWIFT%20from%20Aeroplane%20Mag%20Aug%202016_zpsbpnz5dtb.jpg
In the early 1950's it was the custom for a variety of RAF, RN and USAF aircraft to be flown in to Biggin Hill so that members of the Royal Observer Corps and the Army Anti-Aircraft Command (then an integral part of the UK’s air defences) could examine up close on the ground the friendly aircraft they were expected to recognise in the air.
I took this photo of 56 Sqn (Waterbeach - based) Swift F1 WK207 ‘N’ complete with squadron red and white checkerboard markings. The Swift was introduced into the RAF in February 1954, becoming the RAF's first swept-wing aircraft, but unfortunately, because of major control problems when flying at high altitude which resulted in several accidents, they were grounded for a while in August 1954 whilst attempts were made to sort out the aircraft's problems.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Biggin%20Hill%20Early%201950s/56%20Sqn%20Swift%20Mk%201_zpsdrpeyfib.jpg
As can be seen it was the object of attention for Biggin based airmen (and others) normally used to Meteor Mk 8’s.
In the background a USAF B-45 from Sculthorpe and just visible two USAF F-86's from Manston can be seen.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Biggin%20Hill%20Early%201950s/SWIFT%20from%20Aeroplane%20Mag%20Aug%202016_zpsbpnz5dtb.jpg
In the early 1950's it was the custom for a variety of RAF, RN and USAF aircraft to be flown in to Biggin Hill so that members of the Royal Observer Corps and the Army Anti-Aircraft Command (then an integral part of the UK’s air defences) could examine up close on the ground the friendly aircraft they were expected to recognise in the air.
I took this photo of 56 Sqn (Waterbeach - based) Swift F1 WK207 ‘N’ complete with squadron red and white checkerboard markings. The Swift was introduced into the RAF in February 1954, becoming the RAF's first swept-wing aircraft, but unfortunately, because of major control problems when flying at high altitude which resulted in several accidents, they were grounded for a while in August 1954 whilst attempts were made to sort out the aircraft's problems.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Biggin%20Hill%20Early%201950s/56%20Sqn%20Swift%20Mk%201_zpsdrpeyfib.jpg
As can be seen it was the object of attention for Biggin based airmen (and others) normally used to Meteor Mk 8’s.
In the background a USAF B-45 from Sculthorpe and just visible two USAF F-86's from Manston can be seen.