RAF strength 1953
Thread Starter
RAF strength 1953
This pic showed up on Facebook recently - an impressive display of hardware at Odiham celebrating the recent Coronation, including a 600-ship flypast. Apologies if it's already been posted.
© Crown copyright
© Crown copyright
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Indeed a magnificent display of the technology of the day. 
As to capabilities in 2022, one would have to regard this [sadly] as a Museum Collection.
As to capabilities in 2022, one would have to regard this [sadly] as a Museum Collection.
And at least 3 of them with Battle of Britain victories to their name, Dennis Cowley-Milling, Bobby Oxspring and Paddy Barthropp.
Its also sad to see out of that long list of bases, only Shawbury, Waddington & Marham are left as active RAF bases.
Its also sad to see out of that long list of bases, only Shawbury, Waddington & Marham are left as active RAF bases.
Gentleman Aviator
And another impressive fact about the Coronation Flypast and Static Display: I understand that ALL the aircraft involved were UK based, not a single one from Germany or farther afield.......
These were a stop-gap in the nuclear role until the Canberra was able to take on that role, and all the B-29's were returned to the USA in early 1954.
[...]all the B-29's were returned to the USA in early 1954[...]
Perhaps there were further losses?
By my reckonings the last six aircraft on the list were flown by company test pilots. That would figure as the aircraft were Ministry of Supply aircraft, not RAF squadron aircraft... Could be regarded as " the industry's " contribution to the great show....!!