214 sqn Vickers Valiants

[Inverted81]

Hi,
I'm doing some research on the valiant fleet in the early 60's. I'm also looking to build a model of an aircraft from 214sqn whilst they were working up to in flight refuelling capability. Could anyone who worked or knows someone who worked with 214 during the time help? Various references I have are showing incomplete info on the markings carried by the aircraft.

I want to build an anti flash white aircraft but need to know if the airframes all had the toned down roundels on the fuselage AND the upper surfaces. Some refs seem to show the earlier "high viz" roundels on the wings. Also were the aircraft serials underneath black or the pale blue. Again I have conflicting refs.

I'm looking to build XD816 whilst at Marham in 1962 (not later when she was resparred)....

Any pics of any 214 airframe would be welcome!

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

Slightly off topic - only slightly!

Flt Lt J G Wynne flew Valiants with 214 Sqn at Suez in 1956. He was also with 214 Sqn during the war; during a sortie over Germany on 15/16 Mar 45 in Fortress III HB779/214 BL-U he ordered his crew to abandon the ac. Flt Lt Wynne managed to get his ac home; 4 of the 9 who abandoned were interred whilst the other 5 were murdered by their captors - members of the local Hitler Youth. The perpetrators were subsequently called to answer for their crimes.

The Murder of Five Captured RAF Officers. - World War 2 Talk

Duncs

[ghostnav]

Fascinating information.

[Fareastdriver]

IIRC they had anti flash roundels and light blue registrations on the fuselarge and the lower wing. I do not think they had any markings on the upper surfaces at all. Somebody may know better than I do.

[FinelyChopped]

Presumably you've just got your hands on the new Airfix kit? AirDecal sheet ADTS7214 has markings for XD816 214 Sqn at Marham in 1962, and AirDecal's research is pretty good, so I'd be inclined to follow their instructions. Hope this helps.

[Art Field]

Inverted81

Check your PM's

[windriver]

Inverted81 - you may be interested in taking a look at the galleries on the Victor Association Website - there are some spectacular Valiant images of the period - I believe the webmaster may have higher resolution images available for reference.

[Fareastdriver]

Nice picture pre 1962. 90 Sqn converted to a tanker squadron in 1962 and XD 865 was not on the squadron strength at that time.

[Tankertrashnav]

There are also Valiant images on the V-Force Reunion website gallery, although I do not know if any will be of particular use to you.

Windriver - nice piccies, but when I first visited this site I was somewhat puzzled why a site devoted to the Victor had so many pictures of her ugly sister

[windriver]

why a site devoted to the Victor had so many pictures of her ugly sister

- Same thing really

Actually it's more to do with the individuals that served on more than one of the "V's"

A few greedy types had a go on all three!

[ian16th]

I was on 214 from Feb 59 to Oct 62. When I joined the sqdn, we were still doing the trials; we later became the 1st 'Operational' tanker Sqdn. I was posted out during the 'Cuban Crises'!

I was a Radar Fitter and worked on all of the Sqdn's a/c.

As for when the roundels changed to the low vis type, it was when they went into the hangar for a Minor or Major!

I cannot remember it being done by any specific date. It wasn't a significant thing in my life as it didn't interfere with the flying program.

The marking on the tailfin was unique, a combination of the Nightjar from the Sqdn crest and the Flight Refuelling Ltd logo. We were told that this was the only instance of a company trademark being used by the RAF.

I still possess my personal notebook with details of the ‘Radio Fit’ of each a/c on the Sqdn, but the shade of paint?? Sorry.

[knarfw]

Have a look on the 214 Sqn site (if you haven't already):

214 Squadron