Having not visited this site for a good many years I recently made a return to site some 20 years since i first came here.It is now a shadow of its former self and the days when there would something new on site whenever you went seem a long time ago.
Only four aircraft remain on site facing a uncertain future.
Avro Shackleton MR3/3 WR985/8103M
A/Cn 17.4.58 and delivered to 23MU 23.4.58. Issued to 206 Sqn 6.58 and coded E. Despatched to the A&AEE Boscombe Down 3.4.59 for trials of the Maritime Tactical Position Indicator (OR/3042). The acceptance trial was completed 22.5.59 and the aircraft returned to St Mawgan 29.5.59. To 49MU 10.59 for Phase I modification by Avro CWP, completed 12.59, when issued to 203 Sqn and coded J. Cat.3 damage was repaired on site 8.61, when WR985 was sent to 49MU for Phase II update by Avro CWP. To 206 Sqn 2.62 and coded A until despatched to Avro Langar 6.63 for Phase III modernization. Completed 2.65, when WR985 returned to 206 Sqn and was coded T. Cat.3 damage sustained in flying accident 13.9.65 was repaired by 60MU 10.65 - 11.65, the aircraft returning to 206 Sqn until transferred to 120 Sqn 5.66 as H. To HSA Woodford 6.66 - 10.66 for Viper installation, when WR985 returned to Kinloss for 201 Sqn (still as H). Transferred to Kinloss Wing 2.67 as H, remaining until 9.70, except for a visit to HSA Bitteswell 10.68 - 12.68 for mods. Delivered to Cosford 25.9.70 for use as instructional airframe with No.2 SoTT. Allocated maintenance serial 8103M on arrival. Offered for sale in 'fair condition' by MoD 1988 and sold to a private purchaser.It has being at Long Marston since late 1989.As it formed a part of the ill fated Stratford Aircraft Collection.
Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332
Service History:
A bit light on history for this Aircraft it had served with the Station Flights of Lossiemouth and Ford before seeing service with the Fleet Requirements Unit.
Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 XP346/8793M
Service History:
Much like the Meteor the history is a bit light, this aircraft had served with 225 sqn,22 sqn and 84 sqn before ending its days in storage at RAF Shawbury.It has being at Long Marston since 8/88
Hunting Percival Sea Prince WM735/G-RACA
Service History:
This machine had served with the A&AEE Boscombe Down, Bombing Trials Unit and finally seeing service with 750 Sqn before being retired to 5 MU at RAF Kemble for Storage until it was disposed of to a Dealer at Staverton airport.The aircraft came to Long Marston 12/5/89.
Sources Wrecks & Relics 12th Edition by Ken Ellis.
Only four aircraft remain on site facing a uncertain future.
Avro Shackleton MR3/3 WR985/8103M
A/Cn 17.4.58 and delivered to 23MU 23.4.58. Issued to 206 Sqn 6.58 and coded E. Despatched to the A&AEE Boscombe Down 3.4.59 for trials of the Maritime Tactical Position Indicator (OR/3042). The acceptance trial was completed 22.5.59 and the aircraft returned to St Mawgan 29.5.59. To 49MU 10.59 for Phase I modification by Avro CWP, completed 12.59, when issued to 203 Sqn and coded J. Cat.3 damage was repaired on site 8.61, when WR985 was sent to 49MU for Phase II update by Avro CWP. To 206 Sqn 2.62 and coded A until despatched to Avro Langar 6.63 for Phase III modernization. Completed 2.65, when WR985 returned to 206 Sqn and was coded T. Cat.3 damage sustained in flying accident 13.9.65 was repaired by 60MU 10.65 - 11.65, the aircraft returning to 206 Sqn until transferred to 120 Sqn 5.66 as H. To HSA Woodford 6.66 - 10.66 for Viper installation, when WR985 returned to Kinloss for 201 Sqn (still as H). Transferred to Kinloss Wing 2.67 as H, remaining until 9.70, except for a visit to HSA Bitteswell 10.68 - 12.68 for mods. Delivered to Cosford 25.9.70 for use as instructional airframe with No.2 SoTT. Allocated maintenance serial 8103M on arrival. Offered for sale in 'fair condition' by MoD 1988 and sold to a private purchaser.It has being at Long Marston since late 1989.As it formed a part of the ill fated Stratford Aircraft Collection.
Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332
Service History:
A bit light on history for this Aircraft it had served with the Station Flights of Lossiemouth and Ford before seeing service with the Fleet Requirements Unit.
Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 XP346/8793M
Service History:
Much like the Meteor the history is a bit light, this aircraft had served with 225 sqn,22 sqn and 84 sqn before ending its days in storage at RAF Shawbury.It has being at Long Marston since 8/88
Hunting Percival Sea Prince WM735/G-RACA
Service History:
This machine had served with the A&AEE Boscombe Down, Bombing Trials Unit and finally seeing service with 750 Sqn before being retired to 5 MU at RAF Kemble for Storage until it was disposed of to a Dealer at Staverton airport.The aircraft came to Long Marston 12/5/89.
Sources Wrecks & Relics 12th Edition by Ken Ellis.
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