CAACU ~& THUM Mossies

[KeMac]

Could someone tell me where I could get hold of a history of the CAACUs and THUM Flight? Are there any books on the subject/ I am particularly interested in the aircraft.
Thanks
KeMac

[Wander00]

Flypast I think it was (not at home) a couple of issues back

[Fargo Boyle]

There's an article in Aeroplane, Feb 2018 issue. It covers 3 CAACU history, along with details of the Mossies involved and their subsequent fates. Nothing about THUM aircraft though, but there are some lovely pictures. A good incentive to get me started on my 1/32 scale FB VI!

[KeMac]

That's great - thanks for the heads up. I can't find much on either at all.
KeMac

[Lordflasheart]

Try this for size -

https://www.aerosociety.com/media/4853/the-meteorological-research-flight-and-its-predecessors-and-successors.pdf

[condor17]

Lordflasheart , Thanks for a fascinating read of Met history of my time .

rgds condor .

[KeMac]

Try this for size -

https://www.aerosociety.com/media/4853/the-meteorological-research-flight-and-its-predecessors-and-successors.pdf

A very interesting read thank you very much Lordflasheart

[chevvron]

There's an article in Aeroplane, Feb 2018 issue. It covers 3 CAACU history, along with details of the Mossies involved and their subsequent fates. Nothing about THUM aircraft though, but there are some lovely pictures. A good incentive to get me started on my 1/32 scale FB VI!

The fate of some of the Mossies was to become film stars; several appearing in '633 Squadron' and 'Mosquito Squadron' (both filmed at Bovingdon) were ex CAACU aircraft.

[Planemike]

There is some information on these units in :-
A History of Royal Air Force WOODVALE by Aldon P. Ferguson
published by Merseyside Aviation Society.


Just had a look on Ebay. There appears to be a later edition (1991 ?) available from a different publisher.

[Powers]

As well as the excellent info provided above, a condensed history of 3 CAACU at Exeter appears in 'Devon Aerodromes in old photographs' by Keith A Saunders, first published in 1994. which also includes pictures of the unit's Balliol, Beaufighter, Hunter, Mosquito, Spitfire and Vampire aircraft, A good reminder of those far off days.

On a personal note, in the 1960's I had the good fortune in my teenage years to be stationed at HQ 25 Group, RAF White Waltham, the Flying Training Command Group responsible for a half a dozen FTC stations plus 18 University Air Squadrons and No 3 CAACU. So many nice day-outs for our staff officers, especially during the pre-AOC's season.

From memory, our sister Group, No 23 in the north of England (Dishforth?), may have had 5 CAACU at Woodvale on their books. Regards.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

https://langhamdome.org/about-raf-langham/active-airfield/aa-co-operation-towing-the-line/

[Chris Royle]

See Exeter Memories - Doug Johns CAACU (http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_story/story_109.php)
and
https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/298088-mosquitoes-3-caacu-exeter-1953-1963-a.html
and
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/collections/67-A-595-Mossie-TA639-II.pdf
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmYNBqzOIEA