Vampire ejections
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Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Bristol
Vampire ejections
This is a long shot, I know. But here we go.
As part of an upcoming 'Vampire Stories' book, I'm collecting anecdotes from those who flew and worked on her (so if you have any, please do message me!)
However, one outstanding chapter hasn't been covered - finding somebody who ejected (or bailed, before the retrofit bang seat in the T.11) from a Vampire in operational service.
Martin-Baker have been very helpful with images, but in respect to data protection rules, can't point me in the direction of anyone on their records.
Any help or leads greatly appreciated!
As part of an upcoming 'Vampire Stories' book, I'm collecting anecdotes from those who flew and worked on her (so if you have any, please do message me!)
However, one outstanding chapter hasn't been covered - finding somebody who ejected (or bailed, before the retrofit bang seat in the T.11) from a Vampire in operational service.
Martin-Baker have been very helpful with images, but in respect to data protection rules, can't point me in the direction of anyone on their records.
Any help or leads greatly appreciated!
Joined: Jul 2008
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 175
From: Australia OZ
BTW found this old VAMPIRE thread: Vampire rips up runway...
& anotherie: RAAF 50th Reunion
LINK to post about Fred Goodfellow from 1st thread: PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Vampire rips up runway...
Sadly this [ejection history] website was very detailed about 'ejection seat history' however it is archived in the WAYBACK MACHINE but sadly it won't allow me access: www.ejection-history.org.uk & the WAYBACK MACHINE (for Oz for example): Australia (archive.org) UK does not have a link? Anyway there are a few RAAF Vampire ejections noted. The 3 page PDF attached is PRN meaning it has been reprinted to remove extraneous fonts to reduce the file size. LCDR Fred Goodfellow RAN crashed whilst ejecting so he went into the front windshield frame surviving with a broken back. IF you search this forum you will find more detail. I'm investigating more about the WAYBACK ' Project: Get Out & Walk' for Vampire Ejections.
& anotherie: RAAF 50th Reunion
LINK to post about Fred Goodfellow from 1st thread: PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Vampire rips up runway...
Sadly this [ejection history] website was very detailed about 'ejection seat history' however it is archived in the WAYBACK MACHINE but sadly it won't allow me access: www.ejection-history.org.uk & the WAYBACK MACHINE (for Oz for example): Australia (archive.org) UK does not have a link? Anyway there are a few RAAF Vampire ejections noted. The 3 page PDF attached is PRN meaning it has been reprinted to remove extraneous fonts to reduce the file size. LCDR Fred Goodfellow RAN crashed whilst ejecting so he went into the front windshield frame surviving with a broken back. IF you search this forum you will find more detail. I'm investigating more about the WAYBACK ' Project: Get Out & Walk' for Vampire Ejections.
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 25th November 2021 at 23:00. Reason: spelink & links
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: The Winchester
Sadly this [ejection history] website was very detailed about 'ejection seat history' however it is archived in the WAYBACK MACHINE but sadly it won't allow me access: www.ejection-history.org.uk
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Kent
The Rhodesians used them extensively so maybe ask in the comments section of the many Youtube videos that have been appearing lately from John Van Zyl. He might be able to put you in touch with some experts. Perhaps the last combat loss of a Vampire was the RhAF one in November 1977 when the pilot, Air Lt Haigh was killed. Surely no other air force was using them in combat after this date??
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Australia OZ
The WAYBACK MACHINE has archived some of the Project Get Out & Walk website - for example the Australian section is at the link mentioned above which has some RAAF Vampire ejection information: Australia (archive.org)
There are other parts of the 'Project' website however I don't know your particular interest except VAMPIRES. The WAYBACK MACHINE seems to be difficult to navigate while my time to do so is limited along with my own interest which would be SKYHAWKS and I have those pages already.
There are other parts of the 'Project' website however I don't know your particular interest except VAMPIRES. The WAYBACK MACHINE seems to be difficult to navigate while my time to do so is limited along with my own interest which would be SKYHAWKS and I have those pages already.
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Under the clouds now
I cannot remember any T11 ejections during my flying training time on Vampires at Swinderby in 1956/7. However a very good friend of mine, who was on the same Piston Provost course at Ternhill and went on to Oakington suffered a flame out in a Vampire FB5. He could not relight it, so he decided to carry out a forced landing in the flat country side. Just before touch down he put both feet up on the instrument paned and waited for the Vampire to come to a stop. He said there was nothing left of balsa wood nose, which saved both of his legs. Unfortunately he then left the RAF and joined the BBC, where he eventually became a successful producer.
Last edited by brakedwell; 26th November 2021 at 19:04.
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dublin
There was an ejection from an Irish Air Corps Vampire T.55 in 1961.
From An Cosantóir, the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces
An Cosantóir - October 2011
JAS
From An Cosantóir, the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces
An Cosantóir - October 2011
JAS
Joined: Jul 2008
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 2,978
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From: Australia OZ
Thanks QP. Meanwhile this link will give a list by informative URL of the pages available for the PGO&W website archived on the WAYbentMachina:
Wayback Machine (archive.org) [bleedin' useless UNTIL BINGO! see below]
___________________
Perhaps :-) this URL more useful: Project Get Out and Walk - Contents (archive.org)
&
years (archive.org) Ejections and Bale-Outs by Year [so I selected 1961 for the IRISH LAD]
to:
1961: 2005 (archive.org)
to: IRISH entry then a T11 RAF in 04 Sep 1961 example entry
Wayback Machine (archive.org) [bleedin' useless UNTIL BINGO! see below]
___________________
Perhaps :-) this URL more useful: Project Get Out and Walk - Contents (archive.org)
&
years (archive.org) Ejections and Bale-Outs by Year [so I selected 1961 for the IRISH LAD]
to:
1961: 2005 (archive.org)
to: IRISH entry then a T11 RAF in 04 Sep 1961 example entry
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 27th November 2021 at 19:10. Reason: HIT&miss then BINGO for example
Joined: Jul 2008
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 2,978
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From: Australia OZ
PDF page attached made with LIVE LINKS per year as seen on this page: years (archive.org)
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Huntingdon,Cambs,U.K.
Hi Charlotte,
I was one of the founder members of the Vintage Pair along with the late Sqn Ldr Bruce McDonald - but I never ejected fortunately. If I can provide you with any relevant information I am at your disposal.
George L;ee
I was one of the founder members of the Vintage Pair along with the late Sqn Ldr Bruce McDonald - but I never ejected fortunately. If I can provide you with any relevant information I am at your disposal.
George L;ee
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Eastbourne
Vampire ejections
Two T11s, both solo students, collided on the Cranwell approach in 1959. I remember being on the funeral parade, so at least one did not make it. Could be the 17 April entry on the above records.