Where was this Chipmunk photo taken?
So why would you bother sanitising a photograph of all evidence that the RAF operate the aircraft - to use the photograph in the RAF's own Pilot's Notes. That was an awful lot of work to be undertaken for what is only a basic picture to ensure Bloggs went to the right aircraft if there was more than one type on the dispersal.
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When the Valiants folded in 1965 the co-pilots were allowed a Chipmunk to keep their hands in. We on 90 Sqn at Honington were issued with WP 850, which now resides in the USA.
When we got it from the Maintenance Unit it had a Grey Green camouflage finish. We were told that this was because it had been used in Cyprus for recce. etc. during the Emergency.
Was this true or was there another reason for camouflaging it?
When we got it from the Maintenance Unit it had a Grey Green camouflage finish. We were told that this was because it had been used in Cyprus for recce. etc. during the Emergency.
Was this true or was there another reason for camouflaging it?
Spin strakes arrived around 1959
The notes I have (courtesy of the late Geoff Ambrose) confirm WP850's camouflage scheme; is the inference though that it was delivered to 114 Sqn already camouflaged? Silver overall with yellow bands certainly isn't appropriate for a tactical reconnaissance aircraft!
to 114 Squadron Nicosia 10/12/1958 coded B delivered that day by Beverley [Air 27/2758]; camouflaged grey/green; to 103 MU Akrotiri 18/3/1959; issued to UK 17/2/1961; to 27 MU Shawbury 24/3/1961 work completed 11/1964 [Air 29/4030]; to Honington SF 1/1/1965 for 90 Squadron pilots to”keep hand in” while their Valiants were grounded-a/c was still