I have recently been shown a photo of a slightly 'bent' Vildebeest.
The photo was taken in the Malaya/Singapore area either late 30s or very early 40s. It shows the aircraft having come down in what could be a rubber plantation with damage to the right mainplanes. There is a recovery crew at work on the aircraft. Unfortunately, there are no serial/identification markings visible in the photo.
The one thing which is confusing me, as well as the person that emailed the photo, is the fact the aircraft is fitted with a three-bladed propeller which very closely resembles the type of prop fitted to the Fairey Swordfish. The aircraft in the photo does not appear to be a Mk IV version which had the Perseus engine and three-bladed prop, but is more likely a Mk III.
AFAIK, all the aircraft operated by the two Vildebeest squadrons (36 & 100) in the area at that time only had two-bladed props fitted.
Is anyone aware of any trials which involved the fitting of a three-bladed propeller to Vildebeest aircraft in the Far East? Have done a pretty thorough search on the Net but not turned anything up.
Would be grateful for any assistance.