Pumas in the province 88-91 request for info
 

Hi all, I’m looking for information of photos of Pumas’ that would have been in NI during this period. Would anybody recollect how many cabs were out there at one time and I assume all were 33 Sqn provided cabs on a rotation basis. This is research for a modelling project that’s coming to an end where I make a decision on which one to finish it off as.

anything would be helpful. I’ve read the SHFNI thread but info is still wanting.

Or 230 Sqn

When I’ve googled 230 it says they’re at Gutersloh and reformed it Aldergrove in 92. Would 230 have supplied cabs before the relocation?

'Nobody heeds them, nobody needs them, **** *** 33 /230':) from the SH songbook ISTR :)

14 October 1980 30 April 1992 RAF Gütersloh, West-Germany Dets. at Belize and Northern Ireland


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._230_Squadron_RAF

I was a crewman on 33 Sqn 81-83 (only I airframe in NI at a time*, Sssh:E); and 230 Sqn (Gut) 83-86. On the latter tour, I don't recall a single pilot or crewman being detached to NI.

CG

*of course only the creme de la creme operators were sent on that det. Go on, ask me!:}

I was detached to NI for five months of 1991 to fly the Puma. I was not really on 33 or 230 squadron at the time, because in theory I was on a fixed wing tour...a strange setup, but I’m fairly sure that the aircraft were on 33’s inventory. Things were a little complicated due to many airframes being in sunnier climes...

The Puma fleet was effectively managed between 4 locations: Odiham, Gütersloh, Aldergrove & Belize. At the latter 2 locations they were allocated to 72 Sqn D Flt, and 1563 Flt; not 33 Sqn nor 230 Sqn.

I can’t recall the exact allocation, but believe there were 6 or so in NI and 4 in Belize. The main serviceing all being completed at Odiham with ac ferried between as and when!

Aircrew all came from either 33 Sqn or 230 Sqn, being Detached to NI or Belize, apart from the Flt Cdrs. OC D Flt (72 Sqn) was a posting as was OC 1563 Flt.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....454c33213c.jpg
This was the hand over of 72 in 1990 from Wg Cdr F****** to Wg S***** There were 3 Pumas on D Flt at the time.

Aah. A picture of some REAL helicopters, with a few interlopers.

230 definitely had a det starting in late '87 and running for IIRC a few months into '88

PUP

Thanks everyone for your contribution. I actually first went there in 88 although not a squadron member and I wish I’d taken more of an interest. Shocking memory sometimes, probably from a life time sniffing glue making models.

now which cab markings to do.....

Steve.

cheers NL got that one.

I flew “Trembling Two” XW222 many times on 230 (it wasn’t known as per the paint marking it now wears). I also have her green Decometer right here...with a serviceable label stating that it was removed as part of ‘SEM 205’ in 1995.

Don't forget how dirty they get down the tailboom from exhaust and the black bodge tape on the nose as the nose bay used to leak and the avionics are in there

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/...on-sa330-puma/

I have the end fitting of a Collective with the landing light controls, jettison etc, working on building a PC collective with it.

Notice the tape and the dirt



https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...01cbe40b_c.jpgXW224 - Westland Puma HC1 - No. 33 Squadron, RAF by Karl Drage, on Flickr

Gotcha, this is going to be one dirty bird:rolleyes:

But have you got??? Matching shorts available :D

https://www.merchgift.com/products/k...hDWSyoG5OGUiww


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....579da8c8c0.jpg



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....7300cf6066.jpg