My contribution.
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.
This photo was taken at the 1954 Recognition Day. 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.
