Adrian Dwyer

18 minutes ago, Adrian Dwyer said:

Squadron codes matched to aircraft.  This seems interesting: <https://air-war.org.uk/GENERAL/rafcode.htm>

So, using that resource, squadrons that had: a first initial of B C D G O P R or S; had a second initial of K V X or Y; and flew Spitfires, were as follows: 19, 129, 134, 165, 275, 313, 314, 315 and 452.  Any other runners and riders?

A

Squadron codes matched to aircraft.  This seems interesting: <https://air-war.org.uk/GENERAL/rafcode.htm>

52 minutes ago, Adrian Barrell said:

You can discount several options by looking at what squadrons those codes related to.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_RAF_squadron_codes

Thanks Adrian.  Yes, I looked at wiki but I'm not sure the list is comprehensive or adequately accommodates changes over time.  Indeed, comparing it with 'known' images showing squadron designators, it seems quite badly deficient.

Speaking of visiting aircraft and shared fields, the Mustang shown taxiing behind 'Blag's kite' is interesting.  Research by the Aircrew Remembered site <https://aircrewremembered.com/> has identified it as the P-51C ’66’ named 'By Request'. 

I quote: 'It was flown by Commanding Officer Col. Benjamin O. Davis of the Tuskegee Airman, 'Red Tails', 332nd Fighter Group. This was one of a few unique P-51B/Cs that had the extended tail fillet fitted to the D-model Mustangs. The name 'By Request' was apparently added after the Tuskegee Airman proved themselves as ferocious escort fighters and Bomber Groups requested them as escorts.'  Once you know the tail is red, you just can't stop seeing it.

Great image!

All the best.

A

11 hours ago, Adrian Barrell said:

Looks like DX which was 4 sqdn SAAF. They were in Italy in 44 flying ground attack sorties.

Thanks Adrian.  Of the options for the second letter - X Y and K - I thought K seemed the most likely (particularly by studying the aircraft in the background); but I accept X and Y also fit.  The first letter is trickier.  Depending upon the font, it could be: B C D G O P Q R or S!

The SAAF link is entirely reasonable.  I had assumed the aircraft must have been his but I suppose it may have been a visitor to 145 (squadron designation ZX), they may have shared a field or he got diverted.  So, more research required: what a blow!

Thanks again.

A

Also, early B-17s? <http://www.aviation-history.com/boeing/b17.html>

Just found this image- Blag with a different Spitfire: auxiliary tank and wing pylons.  I am assuming this was whilst flying with 5 RFU (Italy or Sicily in '44).  Does anyone know which RAF Squadron within DAF was designated as shown [?] K?

All suggestions gratefully received!

All the best.

Adrian

Building on the theme.  Source (not secure) <http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=73961>

In the interests of completeness, here is what was left of the Puma (AE-501) before the scavengers got really stuck in.

5 hours ago, Charlie2356 said:

Both these chinooks went to the Falklands... One was destroyed (AE 521) and the other was taken back to the UK for RAF service (AE 520)

The destruction was apparently due to cannon fire, a 30mm gun run by a Harrier FRS1 and then finally finished off with a BL775 by a different Harrier.

Thanks for the images, Charlie.  Yes, the history certainly credits 30mm cannon fire and supposes the BL755 (of 21 May) was wide of the mark.  As I say, the very burned submunition in the gearbox suggests at least one bomblet found its mark - but failed to detonate or 'cook-off'.  By 26 May (the second fighter sweep) the Chinook was burned out (i.e., the submunition had been there since 21 May).  Many bomblets were recovered from various sites hit by Harrier but this was the only 'cooked' one I came across.

Do you have images of AE-521 in theatre?

All the best.

A

On the morning of 21 May, 1982, Argentinian helicopters were caught on the ground on the northern slope of Mt. Kent by Sqdn Ldr Jerry Pook and Fl Lt Mark Hare (with a second attack on the damaged but potentially serviceable aircraft on 26 May). It was reported that the Chinook (AE-521) was destroyed by cannon fire.

Six-years later, the Stanley Detachment of 33 Engr Regt EOD undertook a survey of some crash sites on west and East Falkland (the insomniacs amongst you may recall the 'Dagger' fighterbomber post of August 2023).-Despite being set ablaze - and comprehensively consumed by fire - it was discovered that AE-521 still contained a BL755 submunition wedged within the rotor gearbox.  This was very much a burnt offering and, for my money, had been in place since 21 May.

A few weeks ago I came across some excellent and recent photographs of the Mt. Kent site (see: <https://www.flickr.com/.../intr.../albums/72157718720425022/>) - and dug out some of my own.  Through the wonders of google, I also found an image of AE-521 burning merrily on 21 May.  

If anyone has images of AE-521 in service, I'd love to see them.

All the best.

Adrian

9 hours ago, Charlie2356 said:

Ad

Lovely pics, I dont think your too late... it was revived in 2022 by myself and a few others and we managed to figure quite a lot out!

 

03 FD 45 is not a Falklands CVRT, the destroyed Scorpion was 02 FD 76

Morning Charlie - so pleased the old warhorse didn't end it's days with Fred Scuttle!

All the best.

A

Evidence of effective fire from Scorpion.  Recovered from Wireless Ridge.

The attached is from Martin Middlebrook's book ( 'The Fight for the Malvinas' p.255)

Very late to this thread but I thought the attached may be of interest.  The last image is really sad!

All the best.

A

16 hours ago, 10FM68 said:

This is the only photo I can find in my collection of a Land Rover Lightweight in factory paint.  Clearly, it has been taken from storage in an ordnance depot (Ashchurch?) and given to SARO of Gloucester (I think) to convert to 'bog frog' for the Falkland Islands (so this has to be late 82 at the earliest).  The stencilling is still on the windscreen from its time in storage and the paint is standard Land Rover IRR 'NATO' green.  (Obviously the modifications have been touched-up to match the rest).  But, note, the galv is unpainted.

Bog Frog: Stanley, 1988

1 hour ago, MatchFuzee said:

An  article on gunnery training:-

https://tailendcharlietedchurch.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/gunneryrailway.jpg

Photo of RAF Hells Mouth Airfield Moving Target Range. 

Great pictures!  A

Interesting that the 'Dark Side' took its inspiration from the Sperry ball turret . . . and not the Beaverette.

23 hours ago, Adrian Dwyer said:

Thank you for both helpful replies.  The absence of fitted armour certainly suggested a role short of combat.  Do we know if these trucks were stationary; or were they used as mobile training platforms in some enormous and unpopulated desert?  As the article notes, the shotgun training vehicle was used on-the-move: but this would seem less likely for the twin MG turret.

As an aside, the Sperry-trainer must have been something of a challenge!

All the best and thanks again.

A

And here is another phase of ball-gunner training <https://www.facebook.com/planehistoria>

The link has some great images.  If I had looked a little closer at this picture - rather than being seduced by the turret images - I think I could probably have answered my own question.  Good to see the risk assessment meant the jeep carrying the target was unmanned whilst traversing the range!

Thank you for both helpful replies.  The absence of fitted armour certainly suggested a role short of combat.  Do we know if these trucks were stationary; or were they used as mobile training platforms in some enormous and unpopulated desert?  As the article notes, the shotgun training vehicle was used on-the-move: but this would seem less likely for the twin MG turret.

As an aside, the Sperry-trainer must have been something of a challenge!

All the best and thanks again.

A

This image appeared on FB.  Not a Beaverette but an interesting mod.  Does anyone know for what specific purpose these vehicles were developed?

On 11/7/2020 at 10:16 PM, 0644hunt said:

Ok Thanks, If you see another about please contact me. I need a set for my Chieftain.

Richard

'I need a set for my Chieftain': such a great line!  I salute you!

All the best.

A

6 minutes ago, Ron said:

The replica armoured 3SW was built by Sean Walsh. He brought it to our Goodwood revival motorcycle field workshop display one year. I literally couldn't lift it off its side stand. But I have got a knackered right elbow. 🥴 

Sean said he did actually ride once in the quiet road where he lives. Ron

Morning Ron.  I guess this is the two-wheel version of the Beaverette: a needs must development.  I wonder in what manner the builder of the replica notified his insurer of the modifications?

1 hour ago, welbike said:

Here an article about it, and the replica.

Lex

Re: the caption under the first image on the magazine page, here is a Nazi vehicle in the 'Pill-Box' role.  I think they may have given the concept a little more thought...