Canberra squared

[francophile69]

P&O's S.S. Canberra and R.A.F. Canberra.

As an ex Canberra Engineer (the P&O one) I was interested in coming across this photograph.

I was wondering if anyone could supply any information, such as Mark and Squadron of the R.A.F. one?

[Kieron Kirk]

It looks like a TT.18 847/WH887 from FRADU, Yeovilton.

Ciarain.

[The Eternal JP]

Hiya,

I think this was taken for the last voyage of the Canberra into Southampton. I know a 100 Sqn Hawk went down to photograph that. I may be wrong and put 2+2 together with the dates though.

[francophile69]

Thanks for the replies.

Looking at the FRADU Canberra web-site it seems the last one was withdrawn in 1985. So I'd have thought it unlikely this photograph was taken during the SS Canberra last trip which was 15 years ago this month...1997.

Definitely post Falklands though as she has the Falklands shield fitted above the Bridge windows. So between 83-85 would be my guess.

[goudie]

Those underwing pods should be a clue. What was their purpose?

[DaveReidUK]

Looking at the FRADU Canberra web-site it seems the last one was withdrawn in 1985. So I'd have thought it unlikely this photograph was taken during the SS Canberra last trip which was 15 years ago this month...1997.

Definitely post Falklands though as she has the Falklands shield fitted above the Bridge windows. So between 83-85 would be my guess.

According to FRADU's English Electric Canberra aeroplanes - TT.18 WH887, WH887 was one of the last 3 FRADU Canberras to retire.

The underwing pods are the target winches, by the way, seen better here: