Air Cadet Gliding pix in the 80s (pre glass)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Petersfield
Age: 66
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nice to see Sealand getting a mention.
We must all have been at Sealand around the same time - 1972-73 in my case. I have posted a very grainy photo of my first solo in this thread - post #53.
I remember the instructors named above: Westaway was my instructor, Walton-Smith sent me solo. This was the first solo for some time at 631 since there was a temporary restriction on solo flying, I think something to do with ballast weights.
I always regarded WB993 as "my" Sedbergh, although I solo'd on WB927. XN157 is another serial I remember. We had one Mark 3, and I remember a single seater (Prefect?) at Sealand for a short period. All gliders were finished in silver/dayglo, before the red/white/black scheme.
I remember soaring in thermals over John Summers, seeing the Dee bore from the air, rounding up sheep in Landrovers and so on. Happy days!
We must all have been at Sealand around the same time - 1972-73 in my case. I have posted a very grainy photo of my first solo in this thread - post #53.
I remember the instructors named above: Westaway was my instructor, Walton-Smith sent me solo. This was the first solo for some time at 631 since there was a temporary restriction on solo flying, I think something to do with ballast weights.
I always regarded WB993 as "my" Sedbergh, although I solo'd on WB927. XN157 is another serial I remember. We had one Mark 3, and I remember a single seater (Prefect?) at Sealand for a short period. All gliders were finished in silver/dayglo, before the red/white/black scheme.
I remember soaring in thermals over John Summers, seeing the Dee bore from the air, rounding up sheep in Landrovers and so on. Happy days!
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Former Home of the Hercules, Wilts
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
7 of 9
You are always welcome to come and fly the Barge. I still have the Prefect and a MK3
And yes I see the 'Gash one' almost every other weekend.
You are always welcome to come and fly the Barge. I still have the Prefect and a MK3
And yes I see the 'Gash one' almost every other weekend.
J1N I've just checked my 3822 and we could well have crossed paths. My first glider flight (MkIII XE791) was at Burtonwood in October 71 with my picture featuring in the Manchester Evening News - trying to smile whilst scared stiff; the landing was also pictured and the toothy grin remains with me to this day.
I got to Sealand in August 72 and went straight from ppt to prof on Sedburghs WB993, WB989, XN157, XN185 with first solo of three on 185 on the 24th Aug. I had one AEF trip in March 73 and I must have asked about an advanced course because I started that in May and did the last of my 10 solos on the 10th of June.
I remember well the sheep round ups, the Dee bore and especially the lift from Summers steel works, if only for the fact that my solos were usually flown with spoilers out from the top of the launch
Having moved south I joined 612 at Benson and by the time we converted to the Venture I'd reached the dizzy heights of G1 and my total time on Sedburghs and Mk 3 was exactly 24 hours.
I got to Sealand in August 72 and went straight from ppt to prof on Sedburghs WB993, WB989, XN157, XN185 with first solo of three on 185 on the 24th Aug. I had one AEF trip in March 73 and I must have asked about an advanced course because I started that in May and did the last of my 10 solos on the 10th of June.
I remember well the sheep round ups, the Dee bore and especially the lift from Summers steel works, if only for the fact that my solos were usually flown with spoilers out from the top of the launch
Having moved south I joined 612 at Benson and by the time we converted to the Venture I'd reached the dizzy heights of G1 and my total time on Sedburghs and Mk 3 was exactly 24 hours.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Petersfield
Age: 66
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VX275 - I cannot currently find my 3822 to confirm dates but on reflection I would have gone solo in early 74, hence most of my instruction would have been mid to late 73. The serials WB989 and XN185 also trigger memories - the five gliders we have listed must have been the whole Sealand T21 fleet at that time.
Chris - I remember Roscoe, who was a staff cadet at Sealand, mostly because he was from Chester ATC squadron to which a school friend also belonged. Mintey rings a bell, and I can't remember Mossman or yourself - sorry! I'm sure a few more anecdotes would reawaken the memory cells.
A few other names from my squadron (2193 Prestatyn) who were on courses at Sealand around this time: Peter Burns, Atherton (can't remember first name) and Dave Close. The first two subsequently joined the RAF.
Chris - I remember Roscoe, who was a staff cadet at Sealand, mostly because he was from Chester ATC squadron to which a school friend also belonged. Mintey rings a bell, and I can't remember Mossman or yourself - sorry! I'm sure a few more anecdotes would reawaken the memory cells.
A few other names from my squadron (2193 Prestatyn) who were on courses at Sealand around this time: Peter Burns, Atherton (can't remember first name) and Dave Close. The first two subsequently joined the RAF.
VX 275 .. I would have been at Burtonwood a while before you in (probably) the winter of 69 - 70 but my 3822 is long gone. I cannot remember a single name or face .. do you have any from your time that might jog my memory ?
I was in 1330 ATC sqn in Warrington.
My other recollection from that time was an Air-Ex flight in a Chipmunk at Woodvale. All I remember is that it was a pretty murky day with lousy vis and I couldn't see forwards for the pilots head.
DGG
I was in 1330 ATC sqn in Warrington.
My other recollection from that time was an Air-Ex flight in a Chipmunk at Woodvale. All I remember is that it was a pretty murky day with lousy vis and I couldn't see forwards for the pilots head.
DGG
VX275 - I though I Cat 5'd you back in 1966; must be mistaken.
I was doing AEG at Halton one evening - I was a P2 grade now known as G1; the instructor i/c (now one of the top gliding coaches in the country) told me if I overshot the launch point I'd have to pull it back myself; well in my efforts to spot land , I managed to land in the field next to the airfield (last one on the right coming from the main camp) and they assessed the damage (visibly just a broken main skid) as Cat 5. They took the aircraft back to Slingsby's where it was rebuilt.
I was doing AEG at Halton one evening - I was a P2 grade now known as G1; the instructor i/c (now one of the top gliding coaches in the country) told me if I overshot the launch point I'd have to pull it back myself; well in my efforts to spot land , I managed to land in the field next to the airfield (last one on the right coming from the main camp) and they assessed the damage (visibly just a broken main skid) as Cat 5. They took the aircraft back to Slingsby's where it was rebuilt.
I only went to Burtonwood once but it must have been a good day as I had 5 launches split between a Mr Beaver and a Flt Lt Jones.
As to using Mrs Hepple (VX275 had been presented by a lady of that name) as my identity, being into old aircraft I held out to use her to take my first passenger when I got my G1 just because she was the oldest barge in the cadets (albeit written off at least twice). I still hold her dear to my heart and would like to get to the RAF museum's store at Stafford to say hello to her again.
As to my first G1 flight I remember it as being a 25 minute flight, soaring around a stubble fire, which I only came out of, having had what looked like a bale of flaming straw pass close to the wing. I was then, and remain, a devout coward and I considered that fire and doped fabric were best kept apart.
Its thirty years ago now but those two years of conventional ops at Benson have many memories which I might get around to describing. They are mostly related to Operation Blue Goshawk, HRH Prince Edward's proficiency course and revolve around a mutiny and a suspected kidnapping of the prince.
As to using Mrs Hepple (VX275 had been presented by a lady of that name) as my identity, being into old aircraft I held out to use her to take my first passenger when I got my G1 just because she was the oldest barge in the cadets (albeit written off at least twice). I still hold her dear to my heart and would like to get to the RAF museum's store at Stafford to say hello to her again.
As to my first G1 flight I remember it as being a 25 minute flight, soaring around a stubble fire, which I only came out of, having had what looked like a bale of flaming straw pass close to the wing. I was then, and remain, a devout coward and I considered that fire and doped fabric were best kept apart.
Its thirty years ago now but those two years of conventional ops at Benson have many memories which I might get around to describing. They are mostly related to Operation Blue Goshawk, HRH Prince Edward's proficiency course and revolve around a mutiny and a suspected kidnapping of the prince.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: LOWTON
Age: 81
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re your Burtonwood Query The people you refer to where Henry Beaver and Ian Jones Later to Become Wing Commander Jones of Merseyside Wing.
Also you may recall at that time
Flt Lt Bryan Trunkfield Officer Commanding
Flt Lt Peter McLachlan Deputy Officer Commanding and Equipment Officer
Flg Off Tony Williams CFI
Flg Officer Alan Howard Deputy CFI
Flg Off John Manny Adjutant
Civ Inst Ron (Surname escapes me)Technical Officer
Civ Inst Cyril Colman Ex 631 Sealand
Civ Inst Tony Hanfry
There have been many other Instructors but not Necessarily at the time you refer to
Hope this helps
Also you may recall at that time
Flt Lt Bryan Trunkfield Officer Commanding
Flt Lt Peter McLachlan Deputy Officer Commanding and Equipment Officer
Flg Off Tony Williams CFI
Flg Officer Alan Howard Deputy CFI
Flg Off John Manny Adjutant
Civ Inst Ron (Surname escapes me)Technical Officer
Civ Inst Cyril Colman Ex 631 Sealand
Civ Inst Tony Hanfry
There have been many other Instructors but not Necessarily at the time you refer to
Hope this helps
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ball gazing
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you any 631GS pictures to post?
- it could get quite cold in the open cockpit of the barge!
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: LOWTON
Age: 81
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
correct in fact Bob Fowler came over from 631 then located at Harwarden with BHT and Bill Ravenscroft. He took the post of CFI for a few years before entering the RAF ending up as a Group Captain, Station Comander at RAF Chivenor (Now closed).
Two of the unit's Cadet MKII's at that time Feb 1960 where XN248
& XN244
Two of the unit's Cadet MKII's at that time Feb 1960 where XN248
& XN244
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
631 Gliding School - 1969
I've just stumbled across this thread courtesy of a Google search for images of WB927.
I solo'ed at Sealand sometime in the Summer of '69 - I can't currently lay my hands on my 3822 so can't confirm the date.
I was a cadet with 273 (Wallasey) Squadron, and I recall that there were a few of us there together. Bill Tyson is a name that I remember - I flew with him several times before being sent off on my own in WB927.
I remember well soaring in the foul-smelling (but hot!) chimney fumes from John Summers, and looking down on the traffic queues.
Back in '94 I was flying at Dunstable, and there was a consortium there who owned a "Barge" - still in red & white with roundels and registration markings. I talked my way into getting a flight in her, although sadly I can't remember the registration. I do recall however, several pilots who owned modern, carbon fibre gliders expressing considerable surprise at the soaring qualities of the old T21.
When talking over the radio to the winch we had to be very careful to ensure that the driver understood that it was a "T21" on the end of the cable, and not one of the club "K21s". If they had tried to launch the barge at K21 velocity it would probably taken the wings off!!!
Just read through this thread from the beginning - some fascinating stuff, that Pathe film certainly took me back even if it was shot slightly before my era. I remember turning up at Sealand on my first Saturday and being greeted with the sight of a pile of wreckage in one corner of "A" hangar - we were told that it was from a student who had spun in on his first solo. I also recall that whilst I was there another cadet from 273 Squadron deliberately stalled the Barge on his down wind leg - all Hell broke loose when he landed!
Most of my flights were in the T21, I think I only did one in the "Flying Brick" and I was shocked by the lack of performance - a significantly lower height on the launch and a greatly inferior glide rate resulted in a much shorter flight.
I didn't know that Ian Jones went on to become WingCo of Merseyside wing - I assume that he replaced Peter Vine, who was Squadron Leader of 273 when I joined. A wonderful gentleman with a superb Handlebar moustache.
I actually worked with Ian Jones at a certain pharmacuetical company based at Moreton on the Wirral - as far as I recall he was something to do with Export whilst I was in IT.
Happy Days!!!
Bernie
I solo'ed at Sealand sometime in the Summer of '69 - I can't currently lay my hands on my 3822 so can't confirm the date.
I was a cadet with 273 (Wallasey) Squadron, and I recall that there were a few of us there together. Bill Tyson is a name that I remember - I flew with him several times before being sent off on my own in WB927.
I remember well soaring in the foul-smelling (but hot!) chimney fumes from John Summers, and looking down on the traffic queues.
Back in '94 I was flying at Dunstable, and there was a consortium there who owned a "Barge" - still in red & white with roundels and registration markings. I talked my way into getting a flight in her, although sadly I can't remember the registration. I do recall however, several pilots who owned modern, carbon fibre gliders expressing considerable surprise at the soaring qualities of the old T21.
When talking over the radio to the winch we had to be very careful to ensure that the driver understood that it was a "T21" on the end of the cable, and not one of the club "K21s". If they had tried to launch the barge at K21 velocity it would probably taken the wings off!!!
Just read through this thread from the beginning - some fascinating stuff, that Pathe film certainly took me back even if it was shot slightly before my era. I remember turning up at Sealand on my first Saturday and being greeted with the sight of a pile of wreckage in one corner of "A" hangar - we were told that it was from a student who had spun in on his first solo. I also recall that whilst I was there another cadet from 273 Squadron deliberately stalled the Barge on his down wind leg - all Hell broke loose when he landed!
Most of my flights were in the T21, I think I only did one in the "Flying Brick" and I was shocked by the lack of performance - a significantly lower height on the launch and a greatly inferior glide rate resulted in a much shorter flight.
I didn't know that Ian Jones went on to become WingCo of Merseyside wing - I assume that he replaced Peter Vine, who was Squadron Leader of 273 when I joined. A wonderful gentleman with a superb Handlebar moustache.
I actually worked with Ian Jones at a certain pharmacuetical company based at Moreton on the Wirral - as far as I recall he was something to do with Export whilst I was in IT.
Happy Days!!!
Bernie
Last edited by BernieS; 17th Oct 2009 at 09:17. Reason: Just read the rest of the thread!
Join Date: May 2006
Location: 2 m South of Radstock VRP
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by J1N
I always regarded WB993 as "my" Sedbergh, although I solo'd on WB927.
From 8 DEC 68, I was a "Sunday boy" flying with A Williams, J Chaplin, R Capewell, P Eyes and K Higgins.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: kent
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
great to read these posts, happy days.
I remember watching the gliding at RAF Hendon in the mid 60's, joined the cadets in 1969, 14F squadron at RAF Northolt, we did our gliding at Henlow and then I solo'd at west Malling in the flying brick on my 16th birthday 1972 with 618 gliding school.. I remember an old Ambassidor parked next to the control tower, but only got one flght in the T21. does anyone else remember these airfields? must try to find my old log book.
I remember watching the gliding at RAF Hendon in the mid 60's, joined the cadets in 1969, 14F squadron at RAF Northolt, we did our gliding at Henlow and then I solo'd at west Malling in the flying brick on my 16th birthday 1972 with 618 gliding school.. I remember an old Ambassidor parked next to the control tower, but only got one flght in the T21. does anyone else remember these airfields? must try to find my old log book.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Petersfield
Age: 66
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did the ex-631 guys on here see the thread about Sealand South Camp being closed and sold? Apparently unsucessful efforts were made to list some of the hangers: would these be the large hangers where the gliders used to be kept or the strange curved-roof ones covered in grass?
I guess it will turn into a retail park...
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...f-sealand.html
I guess it will turn into a retail park...
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...f-sealand.html
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ball gazing
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I seemed to do a lot in WB989
Happy days indeed.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Either somewhere in the 3rd world, the land of cheese and wine, or possibly very occasionally, at home.
Age: 59
Posts: 488
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To keep up the vintage theme, they use an old barrage balloon winch...you never forget how to drive one
WE992s XA310, which spent most of its life with 621;
WE992s XA310, which spent most of its life with 621;