Originally Posted by
Brian Abraham
The Swift ended its life with 56 Squadron on the 28th March 1955. However it went on to serve with 2 Squadron until 13th April 1961 and with 79 Squadron until 30th December 1960 when the squadron disbanded. 79's Swifts then went to 4 Squadron which was equipping with Hunter FR10's and the last 4/79 Swift was repatriated from Gutersloh to Church Fenton on 7th February 1961.
We used to have the odd Swift pass through RAF Benson Ferry Squadron? in 1959/60. Whenever one was due to take off, the entire base could be seen peering across the airfield waiting/hoping for the inevitable. Seems that more than one wound up in the watercress beds just off the northeast end of the airfield. The one take off I witnessed was fine and a low level blistering pass followed as a farewell - no idea where the Swift was going - Germany I think.
Those were the days.......
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