May 1957 Danish Delight. Photo Credit Arthur Pearcy.
January 1957
1957 Photo Credit Arthur Pearcy
Circa 1956. The first Anson MK X11. First flew 5th September 1944. After war used by our Air Attache in Madrid as G-AGLB before being restored to NL152 in 1948.
Same aircraft Circa 1964. Location not known.
These images of the Anson reminds me that Bovingdon could perhaps be described as a Confusion of Communications Squadrons.
These are thought to be members of The Southern Communications Squadron on an unknown date but prior to the Summer of 1968 when the Ansons were retired. In January 1969 The Southern Comms Squadron moved to RAF Northolt and flying ceased at Bovingdon. The squadron then became, in February 1969, 207 Squadron which reformed for that purpose. Photo Credit 207 Squadron Album.
All the above types had, over the years, become familiar sights at Bovingdon. I've found it very difficult to locate any decent snaps taken at Bovvy so the following images are of aeroplanes that have certainly been stationed there or have visited.
DH Devon VP958 Metropolitan Comms Squadron probably then based at RAF Hendon. Over Deptford Power Station which I think closed in the mid-sixties. Photo Credit 207 Squadron Album.
VH-EOB ex VP958 at Mackay, Queensland Australia in 1994. Dismantled in 2014 the fuselage rumoured to presently be used as a chicken house. All Credits Geoff Goodall.
Pembroke XL 929 with 60 Squadron at RAF Wildenwrath in 1986. Photo credit Michael Roeser with thanks.
This particular Pembroke of Bomber Command Comms squadron was the personal aircraft of Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst. Based at RAF Booker the Squadron was briefly based at Bovingdon when Booker closed in 1963.
XL 929 later G-BNPU at South Wales Aviation Museum, St Athan in 2020. Photo Credit Stu Carr.
Beagle Basset XS 782 at RAF Coltishall Battle of Britain Day September 1969. Previously with Southern Comms Squadron Bovingdon but now with 207 Squadron at RAF Northolt. Photo Credit R.A. Scholefield.
According to 207 Squadron History 'Always Prepared' : The Basset was plagued by technical problems made worse by a shortage of spares. They were less comfortable than Devons, cramped and noisy, although pleasant to fly.
XS782 at Bates City, Missouri, USA. 1996.