When I was in Fighter Command (1953-1956), 56 Sqn was based at Waterbeach and equipped with the first Swifts until they were withdrawn with handling problems.
I took this photo of 56 Sqn (Waterbeach - based) Swift F1 WK207 ‘N’ complete with squadron red and white checkerboard markings in the spring of 1954. The Swift was introduced into the RAF in February 1954, becoming the RAF's first British-built and into service 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.
