RAF Chipmunk WB 550 - RCAF Museum CFB Trenton. Info req'd on names on aircraft

[Hueymeister]

The museum know some of her provenance, but they want to know about the names of the aircraft; I know one very well, Sqn Ldr Bill Purchase, Sqn Ldr I Torrance, Mr M Ions and Mr D Gill.

Can any one help?

She was built in 1949 and is the oldest Chippy the RAF owned.

[SammySu]

Bill Purchase was the Boss of 7 AEF when it was Chipmunks at Newton. Iain Torrance was the Boss of East Midlands UAS at the same time. Circa 1995-96. Iain was a previous Nimrod pilot.
The other gents ran the contracted civilian ground engineering and line support I think but their full names are escaping me for now.

7 AEF/EMUAS are now at RAF Cranwell and may have some history they can provide on that period and aircraft.

[Old-Duffer]

Was this aircraft one of those used on the epic RTW trip and isn't there a book about it?

O-D

[David Thompson]

Was this aircraft one of those used on the epic RTW trip and isn't there a book about it?

I don't think it was and yes there is ;
Book here ;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chipmunks-A.../dp/1899808310
Aircraft details here ;
http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/document...munk-WP962.pdf

I think one of these gentlemen or possibly both flew with 11 AEF at Leeming and later with NPAS at Teesside Airport and may well still live in this part of the world ?

[Hueymeister]

Thanks chaps, info passed on to museum. I get a tad nostalgic every time I see it in the museum, having flown it a few times.

[Aerials]

Hueymeister, I'm not 100% certain, but I think this aircraft was at the Flying Selection Squadron based at RAF Swinderby from the late 70's until the Squadron closed.

I just found this but perhaps you've seen it before? https://www.squadronprints.com/item/..._0_2076_1.html

I'm pretty sure I have one of those put somewhere safe, carrying messages of goodwill when I left!