RAF Chipmunks
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Hi blaireau ...
Could you please check that fuselage serial number reference again (WL540) as I don't believe there was a "WL" allocated to an RAF Chipmunk ? Also checking my records ... a 540 numeric allocation also doesn't seem to have been allocated to a Chipmunk ? There are a few odd serial allocations recorded against the UK Military Chipmunk production run ... so I'd be very interested to know if we have something new here.
Best regards ...
Coff.
Could you please check that fuselage serial number reference again (WL540) as I don't believe there was a "WL" allocated to an RAF Chipmunk ? Also checking my records ... a 540 numeric allocation also doesn't seem to have been allocated to a Chipmunk ? There are a few odd serial allocations recorded against the UK Military Chipmunk production run ... so I'd be very interested to know if we have something new here.
Best regards ...
Coff.
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I agree. I cannot find any record of this registration either. My fellow pilot also records WL540 in his logbook. The flight was at RNAS Yeovilton on 6th Dec '74 and neither of us can remember whose a/c it was. (senile dementia is not a factor) We were visiting 892 NAS pilots on detachment. It could have been Station Flight, or attached to NFSF, or even visiting from Church Fenton.
Anyone got any ideas?
Anyone got any ideas?
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Thanks blaireau ...
I'll drop an eMail to Rod Brown, the UK author of "Chipmunk - The Poor Man's Spitfire" (a splendid read BTW), to see if he might be able to help with WL540.
I will come back ...
Cheers ...
Coff.
I'll drop an eMail to Rod Brown, the UK author of "Chipmunk - The Poor Man's Spitfire" (a splendid read BTW), to see if he might be able to help with WL540.
I will come back ...
Cheers ...
Coff.
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Hi blaireau ...
This from Rod Brown as a quick response ... he's going to do a little more digging.
Here is Rod's picture of the Culdrose Chipmunks ... with WP906 as CU 816 and WP776 as CU 817.
Will revert if more comes to light or I hear from Rod further ...
All the best ...
Coff.
This from Rod Brown as a quick response ... he's going to do a little more digging.
Glad to hear from you ...
Nothing on record covering this one ... bit of a mystery ... as you say ... no Chipmunk in the 540 numerals and the WL range were Vampire FR 9's but there is a gap 519 - 546.
Yeovilton are known to have used WK 574 coded VL 738, WK 635 coded VL 739 & WP 906 coded 739 and three Chipmunks WG 430, WK 517 & WP 803 were used as short term loan aircraft whilst servicing etc was being carried out.
As a quick response I would say that a Chipmunk may have been coded VL or even WL on the fin or rudder and 540 on the cowling for a film or special purpose etc. and they happened to fly it whilst the markings were applied.
Alternatively I will look at the Church Fenton Fleet of Chipmunks as they did have an RN section there within 2 FTS and it might be something dreamt up by them !
I have attached a shot of two Chipmunks used at Culdrose showing the tail and cowling code system and noting that the cowling code is different than the aircraft serial number in the hope that this might help.
I will put this across to the Air Britain team to see if anyone noted it ...
Nothing on record covering this one ... bit of a mystery ... as you say ... no Chipmunk in the 540 numerals and the WL range were Vampire FR 9's but there is a gap 519 - 546.
Yeovilton are known to have used WK 574 coded VL 738, WK 635 coded VL 739 & WP 906 coded 739 and three Chipmunks WG 430, WK 517 & WP 803 were used as short term loan aircraft whilst servicing etc was being carried out.
As a quick response I would say that a Chipmunk may have been coded VL or even WL on the fin or rudder and 540 on the cowling for a film or special purpose etc. and they happened to fly it whilst the markings were applied.
Alternatively I will look at the Church Fenton Fleet of Chipmunks as they did have an RN section there within 2 FTS and it might be something dreamt up by them !
I have attached a shot of two Chipmunks used at Culdrose showing the tail and cowling code system and noting that the cowling code is different than the aircraft serial number in the hope that this might help.
I will put this across to the Air Britain team to see if anyone noted it ...
Will revert if more comes to light or I hear from Rod further ...
All the best ...
Coff.
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Hello Coff,
Thanks for giving me an insight into the kindly AEF pilot who gave me my first ever trip in a RAF ac. The fact that I can still remember his name (spoken over the intercom) when I only ever saw the back of his bone dome, shows how inspirational those 20 mins of GH were! I hope that he would be pleased to know that he set me off on a good course in life.
The tables were turned in the mid-90s; I flew the Chippy again as a part-timer for a couple of years, this time as a 10 AEF pilot at Woodvale. Hopefully, I managed to encourage some youngsters into the Service myself.
I have really enjoyed this thread - just goes to show how we all loved the Chippy!
Banana Boy
Thanks for giving me an insight into the kindly AEF pilot who gave me my first ever trip in a RAF ac. The fact that I can still remember his name (spoken over the intercom) when I only ever saw the back of his bone dome, shows how inspirational those 20 mins of GH were! I hope that he would be pleased to know that he set me off on a good course in life.
The tables were turned in the mid-90s; I flew the Chippy again as a part-timer for a couple of years, this time as a 10 AEF pilot at Woodvale. Hopefully, I managed to encourage some youngsters into the Service myself.
I have really enjoyed this thread - just goes to show how we all loved the Chippy!
Banana Boy
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first chippy flight
Bit of a thread drift but just had to mention my first flight in a Chippy with Bill Purchase at EMUAS. Perfect aircraft with the perfect pilot and gentleman.
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Hi Gordon ...
Many thanks for your post. Log Book errors are possible ... but in this instance Blaireau and a colleague RN pilot both record WL540 ... which may possibly be a cowl/tail ID combination as was the style used by the RN with their Chipmunks. Definitely worth a bit more digging to see if we can tie up the actual serial/airframe number and see if the aircraft is still flying
I'm also interested in your comment about WK540 being UK Military Chipmunk.
I now need to don my anorak ... so please forgive me
The WK series of UK Military Chipmunks was the fourth (of six) production batch consisting of 100 aircraft which were delivered to service between Jan 1952 and Jun 1952. The first serial allocated in that batch was WK509 to airframe C1-0545/DHB.f.430 where subsequent aircraft received sequential numerical WK serial numbers up until WK523 (C1-0561/DHB.f.448). There was then a break in the numeric sequence with the next production aircraft C1-0562/DHB.f.449 allocated WK547 ... so no WK540 ... and no current record of a subsequent out-of-order allocation of that serial number. In fact there is no current record of the numerics '540' being allocated under any of the other production batches ... WB, WD, WG, WP and WZ.
I'd be very interested to hear a little more about the WK540 you mention.
Best regards ...
Coff.
NB. Apart from a personal lifelong 'love affair' with the Chipmunk (sad I know) ... the historic information above is not my work ... so due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher for their dedication through a similar 'love affair' with this wonderful little aeroplane.
Many thanks for your post. Log Book errors are possible ... but in this instance Blaireau and a colleague RN pilot both record WL540 ... which may possibly be a cowl/tail ID combination as was the style used by the RN with their Chipmunks. Definitely worth a bit more digging to see if we can tie up the actual serial/airframe number and see if the aircraft is still flying
I'm also interested in your comment about WK540 being UK Military Chipmunk.
I now need to don my anorak ... so please forgive me
The WK series of UK Military Chipmunks was the fourth (of six) production batch consisting of 100 aircraft which were delivered to service between Jan 1952 and Jun 1952. The first serial allocated in that batch was WK509 to airframe C1-0545/DHB.f.430 where subsequent aircraft received sequential numerical WK serial numbers up until WK523 (C1-0561/DHB.f.448). There was then a break in the numeric sequence with the next production aircraft C1-0562/DHB.f.449 allocated WK547 ... so no WK540 ... and no current record of a subsequent out-of-order allocation of that serial number. In fact there is no current record of the numerics '540' being allocated under any of the other production batches ... WB, WD, WG, WP and WZ.
I'd be very interested to hear a little more about the WK540 you mention.
Best regards ...
Coff.
NB. Apart from a personal lifelong 'love affair' with the Chipmunk (sad I know) ... the historic information above is not my work ... so due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher for their dedication through a similar 'love affair' with this wonderful little aeroplane.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 8th Jul 2012 at 12:06.
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Hi all ...
With a years gap since starting this thread and it's recent reserrection ... I'm both amazed and delighted by the continued interest shown by all in the Chipmunk. Many thanks to all who have contributed both on the PPRuNe Public Pages and via PM's ... long may this continue
A recent PM from Lightningboy has unearthed some 1 AEF Chipmunk pictures from the late 70's which I thought might be of interest to share. Many thanks to Lightningboy for taking the time and trouble to make contact.
I understand all four pictures were likely to have been taken on the same day ... a typical grey/wet day on the North Kent coast ! I've had a go at naming three of the pilots ... I'm reasonably confident with the names as some of their 'postures' and 'physiques' are still a giveaway even after some 30+ years !
WB569 - Pilot - Unknown.
WZ845 - Pilot - Ian Lienster Ex Vulcans.
WK642 - Pilot - Len Brett Ex Spitfires.
WK518 - Pilot - Arthur Standen (Deputy Flight Commander) Ex Beaufighters and Meteors (500 Squadron)
Best regards ...
Coff.
With a years gap since starting this thread and it's recent reserrection ... I'm both amazed and delighted by the continued interest shown by all in the Chipmunk. Many thanks to all who have contributed both on the PPRuNe Public Pages and via PM's ... long may this continue
A recent PM from Lightningboy has unearthed some 1 AEF Chipmunk pictures from the late 70's which I thought might be of interest to share. Many thanks to Lightningboy for taking the time and trouble to make contact.
I understand all four pictures were likely to have been taken on the same day ... a typical grey/wet day on the North Kent coast ! I've had a go at naming three of the pilots ... I'm reasonably confident with the names as some of their 'postures' and 'physiques' are still a giveaway even after some 30+ years !
WB569 - Pilot - Unknown.
WZ845 - Pilot - Ian Lienster Ex Vulcans.
WK642 - Pilot - Len Brett Ex Spitfires.
WK518 - Pilot - Arthur Standen (Deputy Flight Commander) Ex Beaufighters and Meteors (500 Squadron)
Best regards ...
Coff.
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Hi Coffman I just googled the serial and came up with this page
http://ciapoldiescorner.********.co....h-january.html
you will see a rfe to WK540 half way bown the page
Gordon
http://ciapoldiescorner.********.co....h-january.html
you will see a rfe to WK540 half way bown the page
Gordon
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Hi again there is also a ref to it being at the Southampton Hall of Aviation
Gordon
Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton,
Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton, GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540
GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540
Gordon
Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton,
Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton, GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540
GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540
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Thanks Gordon ...
I'll try and do a bit of follow-up with the SHoA on the WK540 serial ... The Construction/Fuselage number will be the definitive tie-up with MOD records.
Will come back when I have more ... intriguing
Best regards ...
Coff.
I'll try and do a bit of follow-up with the SHoA on the WK540 serial ... The Construction/Fuselage number will be the definitive tie-up with MOD records.
Will come back when I have more ... intriguing
Best regards ...
Coff.
Whilst on 22 Sqdn 1964 to 1969 at St Mawgan with Whirlwind Mk 10's we had a Chipmunk, I had a few trips in it as I serviced it. Has anyone got the tail no and where it ended up? Interestingly whenever the ATC visited they were all over the Chipmunk and not really concerned with the helicopters.
Last edited by Oldlae; 9th Jul 2012 at 08:22.
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Chipmunks at RAF Technical College Henlow
I found some pictures of Chipmunks based at the RAF TC from May 1963 and posted them on the Fighter Control "Nostalgia" thread. The link is:
Chipmunks at Henlow • FighterControl • Military Aviation Forum
WK562 is still operating with a private owner in France - details are on the comments.
JB
Chipmunks at Henlow • FighterControl • Military Aviation Forum
WK562 is still operating with a private owner in France - details are on the comments.
JB
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Oldlae, the station flight at St Mawgan had Chipmunk T10 WB586 on charge at some time. Not sure of dates though.
Could it have been that one?
Great thread this on a wonderful aeroplane.
Could it have been that one?
Great thread this on a wonderful aeroplane.
Many happy memories of the Chipmunk on NUAS 1971-74, especially WP845 in which I did my 1st Solo. The others on charge in that period were WG474, WG465, WK573, WK627, WK633, WP799, WP804.
WP 799 forming up
WP 799 breaking away
HF
WP 799 forming up
WP 799 breaking away
HF
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Oldlae, Lauriebe ...
Sorry I can't help confirm the specific dates WB586 was on the RAF St Mawgan Station Flight ... but if she was there during 64/69 under Oldlae's tender care ... you both might be pleased to know that the old girl still appears to be airworth and based in Norway under a Civvy Registration of LN-DHC.
WB586 Norway
It would seem that the current "custodian" of WB586 has kept her in her 6AEF scheme ... which I understand was her last operational tour. Really great to see one of the 1st Production Batch (WB series) Chipmunks still going strong. The WB series numbered 200 aircraft 100 out of Hatfield and the other 100 out of Chester. WB586 (C1-0038/DHH.f.43) was 38th off the Hatfield Production Line back in 1950 !
Hope this is of interest ...
It's just possible that someone out there within the PPRuNe Membership might be able to confirm the St Mawgan dates mentioned by Oldlae
Best regards ...
Coff.
Again ... Due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher's labour of love for the historic detail above
Sorry I can't help confirm the specific dates WB586 was on the RAF St Mawgan Station Flight ... but if she was there during 64/69 under Oldlae's tender care ... you both might be pleased to know that the old girl still appears to be airworth and based in Norway under a Civvy Registration of LN-DHC.
WB586 Norway
It would seem that the current "custodian" of WB586 has kept her in her 6AEF scheme ... which I understand was her last operational tour. Really great to see one of the 1st Production Batch (WB series) Chipmunks still going strong. The WB series numbered 200 aircraft 100 out of Hatfield and the other 100 out of Chester. WB586 (C1-0038/DHH.f.43) was 38th off the Hatfield Production Line back in 1950 !
Hope this is of interest ...
It's just possible that someone out there within the PPRuNe Membership might be able to confirm the St Mawgan dates mentioned by Oldlae
Best regards ...
Coff.
Again ... Due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher's labour of love for the historic detail above
Coff,
Thanks, it could be WB586 it's good to know she is still flying. When I left St Mawgan for Manston I am sure they didn't have a station flight and I don't know when 22 Sqdn finished there so it is possible that station flight was formed then and took over the Chipmunk. My last flight in the aircraft was with the CO S/Ldr David Todman, we took off and turned and climbed and immediately a sea mist appeared and we almost lost sight of the runway, we landed and the was the end of my shortest flight ever.
Thanks, it could be WB586 it's good to know she is still flying. When I left St Mawgan for Manston I am sure they didn't have a station flight and I don't know when 22 Sqdn finished there so it is possible that station flight was formed then and took over the Chipmunk. My last flight in the aircraft was with the CO S/Ldr David Todman, we took off and turned and climbed and immediately a sea mist appeared and we almost lost sight of the runway, we landed and the was the end of my shortest flight ever.
Last edited by Oldlae; 11th Jul 2012 at 21:26.