The EE Canberra in b&w photos (all images restored)

[viscount]

B&W Photos of the English Electric Canberra
- an Introduction

A few years ago several drawers and an LP box of assorted b&w photos came back into my possession. The collection had been gathered by MAS 'Flypast' editors in the late '70s through to the mid '80s for possible use in the magazine then sale to members. Nothing has been added since 1986. Regrettably few Liverpool shots remain, however there is an absolute wealth interesting photos of forgotten aircraft.

The quality of photos vary, nearly all b&ws, a number are clearly home processed and others severely cropped with scissors for use in 'Flypast'. I have digitally straightened, altered the contrast, cropped and removed major blemishes whenever necessary before posting.

Very few have the photographer's name on the back, making it impossible to credit these shots, but I will do whenever I can. The credit on the image shows where the photograph originated – in the very few cases where the photographer bothered to put their name on the print, they are credited in the caption. Near half these photos were sent to me by an Air Britain Information Service Canberra specialist in September 1971 (I know that as the envelope is clearly franked over a 2 1/2p stamp, so not long after decimalisation either!), as at that time I regularly corresponded with him while reporting on Warton movements for MSAE, while I was at College on the Fylde.



One image with no registration to tie it to is this A&AEE badged Canberra tail.

British Canberra Marks

For more on the Canberra there are a number of dedicated sites on the web, with Wikipedia useful as a first stop.

Without detailing engine differences or slight changes in dimensions, a run-down on British operated Canberra marks:

B.1 prototypes, known as A.1 by English Electric
B.2 main production mark. Glazed nose
PR.3 new build, longer forward fuselage to accommodate camera ports ahead of the wing
T.4 some new, some converted from B.2 aircraft – has a solid nose
B.5 one prototype built only.
B.6 and B(I)6 both new and converted from B.2 with underwing hardpoints and canon in bomb-bay
PR.7 new build.
B(I)8 some new, some converted from B.2 aircraft. Off-set, tear-drop canopy.
PR.9 new build, also with off-set, tear-drop canopy.
U.10 later D.10 A total of 18 former B.2 aircraft converted as drone aircraft
T.11 a total of 9 converted B.2s with AI radar redesigned nose cones
U.14 later D.14 A total of 6 former B.2 aircraft converted as drone aircraft for Royal Navy
B.15 Canberra B.2 and B.6 aircraft modified , some became E.15s
B.16 similar to B.15 with different internal fit, some to PR.16 with longer nose
T.17 Canberra B.2 with much modified nose for special duties, 24 converted
TT.18 Canberra B.2 converted for target towing, 22 supplied to Royal Navy
T.19 Canberra T.11 with the radar removed
T.22 Canberra PR.3 modified for Royal Navy.

Of the ‘missing’ marks, the B(I)12 was supplied to NZ and South Africa; T.13 to NZ; B.20 to Australia; T.21 converted from B.2 and B.20 aircraft for Australia. Other exports are in the 60 range of mark numbers.

According to Wikipedia’s article author, a total of 901 aircraft were built in the UK, 48 in Australia and a fair number in the USA as the Martin B-57.

The type first flew on 13th May 1949, entering RAF service May 1951. Remained in service with the RAF until the final Canberra PR.9s were retired in June 2006. Quite a record, few types have ever clocked-up 55 years of front-line active service.

Canberra, Part I – Prototypes, and photos from the WD…, WF…, WG…, and WH… registration batches..



1. VN813 with Prototype markings was one of four prototype Canberra B.1s, VN799, VN813, VN828 and VN850. VN813 was fitted with Nene engines (the others with Avons). This M.A.P. photo is dated 1957 in pencil, by which time VN813 was the test bed for the DH Spectre engine (the odd bulge under the belly)



2. Prototype VN828 was later modified by Boulton Paul to test the Mk.8 off-set canopy and radar installations. Date of 1955 pencilled on the back of this M.A.P. photo.



3. Further Canberra prototypes developed the basic design, VX165 and VX169 as B.2s, VX181 as PR.3 and VX185 as B.5. This beautiful M.A.P. study is of VX165 as a Canberra B.2, date of 1950 pencilled in.



4. This M.A.P. photo is labelled VX181, 1950, so is the PR.3 prototype – only the camera ports don’t show on this nose-on view.



5. This M.A.P. photo is labelled VX185 with a date of 1959. VX185 was the sole B.5, later converted, as seen here, to the B.8 prototype with off-set cockpit. The nose section survives with the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.



6. Ordinarily, I would have abandoned any hope of rescuing this grey and off-focus b&w. As crashed Canberra photos are rare, and the caption on the back reveals an interesting location, hopefully we may learn more about the circumstances leading to this photo. “This was taken by Peter Edwards in a field of Bees Seeds, near Queensferry. Don S.”

Further investigation (detailed on post #10) reveals this as very likely WD985 Canberra B.2, taken on charge 4.4.52, which belly-landed near Sealand 8.4.52 while on delivery to 12 Sqdn. The 4 Ferry Pool crew having switched off the fuel in error while in the circuit over Sealand. The aircraft came down during an approach, approx 1 mile SE of the airfield.



7. The first big production batches of Canberras commenced WD929, and with ‘black-out blocks’ finished with WE195, comprising of B.2s and PR.3s. A great number of B.2s were later converted for the RAF or for export. Here is WD955/Q as a converted Canberra T.17, with the moth and trident badge of 360 Sqdn. Note the background tails of a Shackleton MR.3, Argosy and a Beverley, providing a clue that this is likely at a Finningley BofB Display . This photo has been used in MAS ‘Flypast’. WD955 is today with the Royal Norwegian Air Force Museum at Bodo.



8. '7386' is an incorrectly applied 'RAF Maintenance serial'. On the reverse the details: 7386M, formerly 100 Sqdn, Halton, September 1957. 7386M was formerly WF907 a Canberra B.2.



9. On the reverse detailed G-27-161, Samlesbury 14th September 1970. Canberra B.2 WF911 was one of a number purchased in the late 60s against further orders for re-worked Canberras by B.A.C. and stored at Samlesbury. It was scrapped there in 1975. However the nose is now with the Gloster Aircraft Collection at Staverton.



10. WG788 was one of only two Canberras, both B.2s, with WG… serials.



11. WH702 is another Canberra B.2. This aircraft later exported to Argentina as a Canberra B.62 B-105 in 1971.



12. WH720 is a Canberra B.2, devoid of unit code or badges. Photo stamped Air Britain Copyright Photograph, but no picture details.



13. WH724/O of 100 Sqdn as a Canberra T.19 at RAF Leuchars 16th September 1972, pictured here by Gerry Manning.



14. WH773 is a Canberra PR.7, caption on the back states ‘New Zealand Air Race 1953’ RAFM P65. Today preserved with the Gatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood.



15. WH799 is another Canberra PR.7. Probably (from paper quality) another M.A.P., dated 1953 in pencil.



16. Another older shot. The front Canberra defies easy identification, but is known to have been WH715, the aircraft behind is WH903 with a 'solid' nose of the trainer mark. Although the background is different, from numbers on the back of the prints, this photo is a pair with photo 41. Dave Smith identifies the place as Boulton-Paul's flight test base at Seighford, near Stafford, and the Viscount being the Tay-Viscount VX217. The date was 12.7.58, seen during an MGAE mini-bus trip.

[maverick]

The Canberra is/was a fantastic looking aircraft - remember them vividly as a lad at Samlesbury lined up against the fence - always made me Dad do a detour when nearby.

Cracking job you are doing Viscount..

Maverick

[viscount]

Canberra, Part II – photos from the WJ… registration batch.



17. WJ610/G Canberra T.17. On reverse stamped “Craftsman Print by Turners”. As T/100 Sqdn crashed after fire on take-off from West Raynham 26.6.72.



18. WJ614/846 a Canberra TT.18 operated by the FRADU at RNAS Yeovilton. A J.Smith photo, used in the 1977 MAS book ‘British Air Arms’.



19. WJ617/A Canberra T.4 (externally very like the B.2, but with a solid nose). Captioned: “RAF Leeming, Battle of Britain Air Display, 20th September 1958”. This aircraft, still as a T.4 later exported to South Africa as 459.



20. Interesting this, as there are two photos of WJ625, but as different marks! This earlier photo is as a Canberra B.2



21. The second shot of WJ625 shows her as a Canberra T.17. She served as D of 360 Sqdn for much of the 70s – but this 360 sqdn tail badge is not the usual moth and trident (see photo 7.) This photo clearly used in MAS Flypast at some stage.



22. With no code or unit marks, WJ630 is also a Canberra T.17, noted at Cottesmore 17th September 1969.



23. A second shot of WJ630, but with code ‘ED’ of 360 Sqdn with their moth and trident badge. Photo used as some stage in an MAS publication.



24. WJ631 Canberra B.2 at Bassinbourne, for many years home of 231 OCU – the Canberra OCU, although the aircraft wears no unit markings.



25. Probably another M.A.P. photo, labelled 1954 of WJ764 as a Canberra B.2. Later converted to a Canberra T.4, as Y/231 OCU it crashed at Grantham 2.8.73.



26. WJ867/10 a Canberra T.4 with the RAE/ETPS at Blackbushe 6th December 1958.



27. WJ875 a Canberra T.4 at Upper Heyford May 1967 with day-glo bands on the tail and rear fuselage. Later refurbished and supplied 2.71 as a Canberra T.64 to Argentine a B-112. B-112 is thought preserved at Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina.



28. WJ975/X A Canberra B.2 that has been modified to Canberra T.19, in the marks of 100 Sqdn with day-glo stripe colours (similar to the one in photo 13). The code is at the forward base of the fin. This photo used in MAS Flypast at some stage.



29. WJ981 another Canberra T.17 shot with 360 Sqdn, a Gerry Manning photo used in the MAS book ‘British Air Arms’ 1977.



30. WJ992 a very clean Canberra B.2, with no unit markings at an airshow in the early 60’s. The Jet Provost T.4 XP626 behind was built mid ’62. In the early 70s this was a Canberra B.2(mod) with the RRE at Pershore. For some time this aircraft has languished on the fire dump at Bournemouth.

The long '50s ‘Russian Spy’ coats are quite something! Unfortunately nothing on the back of the print to provide the where or when to date the amazing fashion - try walking around IAT Fairford dressed in one of those coats without getting arrested as a flasher!.

[viscount]

The Canberra, Part III – photos from the WT…, WV…, XH… and XM… registration batches.



31. Another standard production Canberra B.2, WK128 without apparent unit markings.



32. WK163 a Canberra B.2, possibly with the same badge as WT327 (photo 34.) on the tail. This aircraft flew until recently with Classic Flight at Coventry as G-BVWC.



33. The capability of the standard Canberra B.2 or B.6 was enhanced as the Mk. B.15 and B.16. WT306 is a Canberra B.16. The flamingo art-work shows it was formerly with the Akrotiri Wing (6 & 249 Sqdns, both disbanded early 1969), seen here in the early 70s in storage at BAC Samlesbury against further export orders for the Canberra (as also in photo 9. & 37.)



34. WT327 is a Canberra B.6 with the RSRE Pershore, seen here at RAF Coltishall 18th September 1971 on this captioned Gerry Manning photo, used in the MAS book ‘British Air Arms’, 1977.



35. WT333 is a further Canberra B.6 (mod), this one in ‘raspberry ripple’ scheme of the RAE at Bedford. Dated 31st August 1984. Today (2012) this aircraft is at Bruntingthorpe, with G-BVXC allocated.



36. WT345 is a Canberra B(I)8 with the band of 16 Sqdn RAFG, seen at RAF Wildenrath June 1970. Note the off-set pilot’s position and tear-drop canopy on this mark of Canberra. This aircraft later became 8150M.



37. The tail of WT306 shows the Akrotiri flamingo on water art-work partially erased. The main aircraft in the picture is WT374 a Canberra B.16 – the walking elephant is the badge of NEAF Akrotiri based 249 Sqdn. As with photo 33. At Samlesbury in the early 70s.



38. WT480 is one of a pair of Canberra T.4s of 231 OCU, note their Puma head badge on tail. Here seen at RAF Cottesmore 17th December 1969.



39. WT480/B Canberra T.4 of 231 OCU at Cottesmore in a Gerry Manning photo. This photo used in the 1977 MAS book ‘British Air Arms’, so is assumed to be the later shot.



40. WT489 is a Canberra T.4 of 231 OCU (although no badge on tail) at RAF Leuchars 17th September 1966



41. WV787 was built as a Canberra B.2, as is seen here. Later modified as a B(I)8 and noted as such 5.72 all black with the A&AEE, with whom it operated throughout its service career. This photo is a pair with No.16., despite the difference in background buildings. Today this is a survivor with the aircraft museum at Newark. Dave Smith identifies the background as being the Boulton-Paul flight test base at Seighford airfield (near Stafford) and date was very likely 12.7.58.



42. XH132 was built as a Canberra PR.9, but modified soon after by Short Bros as the only SC.9 Canberra, seen here in ‘raspberry ripple’ blue/red/white RAE colours. Photo used in MAS Flypast at some stage. This aircraft went to Italy for preservation.



43. Two early photos of Canberra PR.9 XH133. The first is at Aldergrove on 27th August 1959. This batch of 23 Canberra PR.9s were built by Short Bros at Belfast 1958-1961.



44. The second shot, still well before the application of hemp camouflage is of XH133 at BAC Warton, almost certainly on 11th June 1966 at the R.Ae.S. Garden Party. The nose over to the right-hand side is that of TSR.2 XR219.



45. One of the last Canberra bombers to be built for the RAF, XM273/F a Canberra B(I)8, displaying the Cockatrice emblem of No. 3 Sqdn at RAF Wildenrath 5th July 1970.

[viscount]

Canberra, Part IV – aircraft from around the world.



46. A Canberra B.62 for the Argentine Air Force B-102, formerly WJ714. Here dual marked as G-AYHP to appear at SBAC Farnborough September 1970. This aircraft is thought to still exist (2012) at Olivia City, Cordoba, Argentina. This photo has appeared in MAS Flypast.



47. A84-218 is an Australian built Canberra B.20 for the RAAF



48. NZ6109 is a Canberra B(I)12 for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, this photo marked via Rees H.Jones



49. 453 is another Canberra B(I)12, this one supplied to the South African Air Force



50. 0-21489 (52-1489) is a Martin RB-57A – note the British style of cockpit, before the Americans “improved” it with a fighter style cockpit layout. This shot by R. Gebaur dated September 1967, with the unit noted as 4758th DSES.



51. ..499 (likely 52-1499?) a Martin NB-57B (N = special test), seen in May 1965 at ARDC Wright-Patterson AFB. Photo credit S.Kraus



52. 54241 (55-4241) a Martin B-57E (note the cockpit shape), seen here in the UK in this photo which has appeared in MAS Flypast.



53. 54253 (55-4253) as above.



54. 0-54270 (55-4270) a further Martin B-57E, presumably at AMARC Davis Monthan AFB given the stored state and desert conditions.

[avro748]

Another interesting post Brian. I remember seeing the Canberras in storage at Salmesbury in the seventies. I also remember that a RNZAF Canberra (NZ6106) was tucked amongst the numerous former 213 Squadron B(I)6's.

Cheers

Shaun

[Biggles]

I visited a car boot sale on Sunday as usual for me and met a seller who had framed picture of the Prototype Canberra for sale, during the chat he told me he had flown in it and was a retired Wng/Cmd Navigator from Canberra aircraft being based at RAF Wyton and Honington during his service. He told me he had loads of info and history still in his possession from his RAF time. He finished on PR9`s
I will see if I can get in touch again with him, even to introduce him to the forum if he is able.

[viscount]

The boxes of photos, now known as "The MAS Collection" are effectively the 'left-overs' of bring-and-buy photos and those used or submitted for the local MAS enthusiast's magazine, and were available in the clubroom at the airport. As the MAS finished in 1986, the boxes have been little touched since then, but fortunately kept dry. The contents are an eclectic mix of professional prints down to home-processed throw-outs. Most Liverpool Airport shots have been 'picked-out' many years ago, some types too eg there is not a single Vampire/Venom shot. As I have stated before, I'm amazed at how even very average, dull grey, dusty and scratched b&ws can come to life with a little digital massaging.

When going through some of the types, there are many shots I wish were there, but are not. The Canberras stored at Samlesbury have great memories for me too, as at that time I was studying at a College on the Fylde, and reporting on Squires Gate, Warton and Samlesbury for the MSAE/MAS. During that period too I joined several Cliff Hodgson Kirkham school visits around Samlesbury and Strand Road. Just wish I had a photo of the New Zealand Canberra B.12 and the 213 Sqdn (hornet badge) Canberra B(I)6 aircraft at Samlesbury to include above. Mind you memories of 1969 Samlesbury include being fired at (warning shot) by a farmer over on the far side of Samlesbury while with someone trying to get a good angle to read-off some new arrivals - we were on (well close to) a footpath, but were frightening away the rabbits he wanted to shoot. Not a friendly farmer! On the Strand Road factory visit (12/68) surprised to be shown Phantom rear fuselages under construction, complete with flying surfaces, Sets 106-112 for F-4M RAF Phantoms, BAe having built them as a sub-contractor as part of the off-set deal.

It is not impossible that some of the photos on these b&w posts could be considered 'rare' and become a researchers delight. That's the reasons for captioning the registration, even when obvious on the aircraft, so it will show on a Google.

Not too sure what to tackle next, type-wise - but it will certainly be a week or two before my next photo posting. Maybe Gnats and Hawks, or Jaguars & Phantoms, maybe 50s & 60s airliners, maybe a selection of USAF/USN shots (of which there are probably more prints than of RAF/RN aircraft!). There are sufficient 'odd-ball' types for a recognition contest, or two, that would stretch even my skills (fortunately Phil Butler has noted the types on the back of some)! May even be open to requests for favourite types.

[jetjockey]

Brian
How about the Gloster Javelin if there are any in the collection and with reference to American types the Grumman Panther they would satisfy me at present

JJ

[acklington]

Hi Viscount - the Canberra photo restorations are great! I do quite a bit of that myself with old prints worth saving and improving, so thoroughly approve of your efforts to help preserve aviation history.

[viscount]

Fascinated with the incident shown on photo 6 of the first post on this thread, with nothing forthcoming locally, I posted the photo of the belly-landed Canberra on another forum (http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk) and quickly found out more.

From 'Pagen 01' learned that in 'English Electric Canberra' by Ken Delve an incident is related that seems to fit well with all the circumstances shown in the photo.

WD985 a Canberra B.2, newly on charge with 12 Sqdn, belly landed near Sealand 8.4.52 while on delivery by a 4 Ferry Pool crew. The fuel was switched off in error, resulting in the forced landing.

Nice to be able to add this detail to the caption and know the story behind an unusual photo and a 'forgotten' local incident.

Further information has been added to the aviation Forum by 'Wokka Bob', this a quote from Colin Cummings, aircraft losses series "Last Take-Off":

“08 Apr 1952, WD985 Canberra B2, Unit 4 Ferry Pool, nil casualties. The pilot was making his first solo on type and was assisted by another pilot undertaking his first flight in the type! After 6 minutes airborne, the aircraft rejoined the circuit and the pilot began his downwind checks with the second pilot reading from the Pilots Notes checklist. The second pilot incorrectly operated the fuel switches during a fuel check and turned off the low pressure fuel cocks and pump switches in error. The Captain then carried out a forced landing in a field near RAF Sealand”.

Coaxin'tin has also PM'ed a little more background. No.4 Ferry Pool was based at Hawarden, which makes sense of why an aircraft on delivery from English Electric to No.12 Sqdn RAF was training there.

He also points out that seed and plant suppliers 'Bees Seeds Ltd' on the Hawarden climb-out, near Sealand were something of a magnet to aeroplanes with two fatal Spitfire and Mustang crashes, as well as a Vampire or Venom out of Hawarden in addition to the Canberra!!

[stevenbeeny]

Dear Viscount,

You will be pleased to know your efforts to tag these superb photos have indeed worked in Google for the very reasons you hoped for. I am writing/editing a new book on the Canberra focusing on the experiences of those that flew and maintained the a/c around the world. Part of this book focuses on the prototype Canberras (a favourite topic of mine) and in hunting around on the web for any new snippets on them, I came across this superb thread full of your rare b/w photos. VN813 and 799 are two of my particular loves, so it was a pleasure to see a shot of 813 with the Spectre rig that I had not seen before, not to mention the countless other greats on here.

But above all, it was a comment by Biggles about talking to a chap who may have flown VN799 that really grabbed my attention. I have duly PMd him, as I am very much in the phase of interviewing former air and ground crews for the book. The book will be made up primarily of first-hand accounts, and is very much in the vain of the 'Forgotten Voices' series by the IWM some of you may be familiar with. So on that note, if any of you here had experience with the old girl, or know of anyone that did that you think would be interested in contributing, please let me know. Some of you talked about fond memories passing Samlesbury, indeed these are the kind of things I am also looking for, and I would love to chat with you collectively on this forum about those days - or just 'Canberra in general'.

Kind regards,

Steve

[gwoof]

I think the two EB-57Es were from 17DSES at Woodbridge in June 1978 - not sure how long they were deployed but there were 4 in total IIRC!