The Night 57 Squadron lost a Canberra
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57 Sqdn did loose a Canberra!
As Beeayeate said, at this time 57 Sqdn were at Conningsby with B2's. So was I, as a Cpl Radar Fitter in the Radar Bay of ARSF.
During my time there, Oct 56 to Sept 57, a 57 Sqdn a/c was destroyed by fire while it was in the ASF hangar with a fuel leak. Apparently leaking fuel dripped onto an unprotected inspection lamp.
I actually emptied a hand held foam extinguisher onto to fire, with little or no effect. The Fire Section arrived on the scene and seemed to have the fire somewhat under control when the spare starter cartridges, which should have been removed before the a/c was put into the hangar, went up. The a/c was burnt in half and a total write off.
During my time there, Oct 56 to Sept 57, a 57 Sqdn a/c was destroyed by fire while it was in the ASF hangar with a fuel leak. Apparently leaking fuel dripped onto an unprotected inspection lamp.
I actually emptied a hand held foam extinguisher onto to fire, with little or no effect. The Fire Section arrived on the scene and seemed to have the fire somewhat under control when the spare starter cartridges, which should have been removed before the a/c was put into the hangar, went up. The a/c was burnt in half and a total write off.
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Missing Canberra
Your version of XH204 is correct as I remember. I was a CPL Weapons Fitter on 59 Squadron at the time and arrived at the line just as Sgt Munn (or was it Minns) realised we were one missing. The only thing I would add was that in addition to "Fingers" suitcase and Pilots Notes, there were rumours that navigation maps were laid around pointing to the East. Did he resort to plan B and head for Mummy when he failed to take off.
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Go West Young Man
I don't think he ever intended flying East but I can understand why people would suspect that.
You can, of course ask him yourself. If you PM me I will put you in touch.
You probably remember, as I do, the multitude of policemen zooming around on the night of the big break out from the cell block.
You can, of course ask him yourself. If you PM me I will put you in touch.
You probably remember, as I do, the multitude of policemen zooming around on the night of the big break out from the cell block.
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Memories Gone
Don't remember too much about the snowdrops. Remember I left with 59 Sqdn to Geilenkirchen about this time. Your incident may have happened after we left for an airfield not so close to the east as Gutersloh.
Soon after we arrived at Geilenkirchen we received our first "special" weapon accompanied by a group of well armed Americans. Obviously it made more sense to carry out LABS trials from an airfield on the Dutch border rather than one 10 minutes flying time from the adopted Russian border.
I really liked your story ColinB especially your humour. Thanks
Soon after we arrived at Geilenkirchen we received our first "special" weapon accompanied by a group of well armed Americans. Obviously it made more sense to carry out LABS trials from an airfield on the Dutch border rather than one 10 minutes flying time from the adopted Russian border.
I really liked your story ColinB especially your humour. Thanks
Last edited by Des Hawgood; 24th Nov 2010 at 09:00. Reason: Reason for Sqdn Move
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57 Squadrons missing Canberra
I was on 69 Squadron at Laarbruch around that time, and well remember the story circulating.
All our Canberras were well and truly dispersed in woodland, and in blast bunds. We were supposed to be a "mobile" Squadron, in the event of the Russians making any moves - had plenty of transport, but Beetles, not Trabbies, they were strictly for "the other side".
Jet
All our Canberras were well and truly dispersed in woodland, and in blast bunds. We were supposed to be a "mobile" Squadron, in the event of the Russians making any moves - had plenty of transport, but Beetles, not Trabbies, they were strictly for "the other side".
Jet
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57 Squadrons missing Canberra
One further thought - how did our budding avaiator plan to invade UK airspace from the direction of Europe without clearance at what was then the height of the Cold War?
Jet
Jet
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One further thought - how did our budding avaiator plan to invade UK airspace from the direction of Europe without clearance at what was then the height of the Cold War?
Unfortunately, J/T Neville chose to make his abortive attempt on a Tuesday, so he was probably knackered anyway - just as well that he got bogged down without leaving the ground, perhaps!
