Meteor, Hunter, Canberra, Vampire, JP, Gnat etc at Speke

[viscount]

Following on from larger 50's British types such as the Hastings, Beverley, Shackleton, Valetta and Varsity on another thread, this thread looks at the many visits by 50's (and into the 60's) British fighter and training jet aircraft. Looking into these types has been prompted by the arrival of Meteor F.8 for preservation at Liverpool Airport's former airport terminal in the hands of SAHG.

I trust that these type reviews, many stretching back over a 60 year period, will be of interest, especially to the many forum readers who can recall the types in service or have an interest in past activity at the Airport.

Thanks to Phil Butler's researches in to 50s activity, the MGAE/MSAE magazines record and the enthusiast visiting aircraft logs that have been kept, without break, ever since, this is a fairly full account of visits by these aircraft types. However, coverage of the 50s is not complete, so there likely others, not recorded in this period.

Usual rider that, certainly for post 1960 visits, that while I have all the aircraft that visited in each calendar year, but it is possible that I don't have every visit by each individual aircraft for that year. Appearances by aircraft on go-around are difficult to locate in the logs, so not all will appear in these accounts.

For more on the aircraft design and development, then on www.wikipedia.org type in the aircraft name into the search box.

Comments and especially photos of these types at Liverpool Airport are extremely welcome - wonder if we can cover each type with a relevant photo as this thread develops over the next week.

[viscount]

The Gloster Meteor at Liverpool

The Gloster Meteor was the R.A.F.s principal fighter from the conclusion of World War II through to it's replacement by Hunters and Swifts in the mid 50s, and with the R.Aux.A.F. until their disbandment in early 1957. As a night fighter, target tug and trainer, service continued into the 60s, and even then leaving a small number in specialist roles as target facilities, vintage fllight, pilotless drone and ejector seat trials for decades further - more on some of these roles as this account develops.

It is likely that the Meteor visited Liverpool regularly long before the period covered by our records, as the type served with No. 610 Sqdn R.Aux.A.F. just across the River Mersey at Hooton Park May 1946 (initially Spitfires, then Meteors from April 1951) until March 1957, and with No. 611 Sqdn R.Aux.A.F. who moved to Hooton Park July 1951 until March 1957. Both Squadrons initially used Meteor F.4s from 1951, then onto the F.8, along with small numbers of Meteor T.7 two-seaters.

Visits by Meteors that do appear in enthusiast's logs:

1952

On 25th September 1952 WD599 a Meteor NF.11 called, routing from and to Thurleigh.

1953

The only 610 Sqdn, R.Aux.A.F. Meteor visit currently traced by Phil Butler is that by a Meteor T.7 WA743/L on 19th July.

1954

Airwork in 1954 had a large overhaul facility at Speke and worked on large numbers of Sabres and Vampires (qv a post later on this thread). This resulted in a variety of types picking up, or bringing in delivery ferry pilots. On 7th April 1954 Meteor T.7 WN309 operated from and to Hawarden, collecting a pilot that had just brought in Vampire NF.10 WP248. A Meteor NF.14 WS739/X of 25 Sqdn, on 15th October operated from and to West Malling. Interestingly 25 Sqdn had operated Vampire NF.10s at West Malling until March/April 1954 when they converted onto Meteor NF.14. A further Vampire NF.10 delivery, this time WM704 brought in Meteor NF.12 WS591/S on 3rd December 1954 to collect the delivery pilot.

1956

For the first post-War Airshow at Speke, on 21st May, the RAF Publicity Unit of 71 MU at Bicester brought an early Venom and a Meteor NF.11 WM185 by road for the static park. In the flying display 4 x Meteor F.8 formation performed a routine, with WF712/H, WA824/Q, plus aircraft coded /G and /M.

1957

In 1957 the MGAE began to record movements through Speke on a reguar basis. From November 1957 onwards for just over a year, a number of Meteor visits are recorded, all by RAFFC aircraft, due to a senior Officer taking weekend leave and able to regularly 'borrow' his own personal transport. On 2nd November 1957 WF844 a Meteor T.7 which arrived from Strubby - the departure is not recorded. On 9th November WK803 a Meteor F.8 arrived from Strubby, staying until returning there on 12th. On 16th November WH201 a Meteor T.7 arrived from Strubby, leaving for Woodvale on 18th. On 22nd November Meteor F.8 WH301 arrived from Stubby, returning there on 25th.

1958

On 3rd January 1958 two Meteor visitors in the same day, with Meteor T.7 WG984/E noted as arriving from Woodvale, with no outbound recorded, while another Meteor T.7 WF844 arrived from Strubby, returning there on 5th January. Two weeks later on 17th January Meteor T.7 WN319 arrived from Shawbury, returning there on 20th January. A few months later, a return visit by Meteor F.8 WK803 on 29th March, with a few weeks later another repeat, this time by Meteor F.8 WH301 on 19th April, from and to Strubby. On 6th July Meteor F.8 WL176 of the CCCS at Bovingdon visited. On 18th September Meteor T.7 WL356 operated from and to Strubby. The same aircraft WL356 called again on 3rd October and is noted as being operated by RAFFC at Strubby, while on 9th November Meteor F.8 WK803 appeared for the second time in the year.

1959

On 18th March a Meteor T.7 WL419 is noted as operating from and to Ouston.

1961

Meteor WA709 on 14th September arrived from Boscombe Down and continued on to Warton the same day.

1962

For the 1962 'At Home' air display at Speke, a team of 3 Meteor F.8s participated from the RAFFC at Manby. Four aircraft arrived on Friday 25th May from their Strubby base, in the form of WH291, WL161, WL166 & WK968. On Saturday 26th, it is thought that the display routine was flown by WH291, WL161 and WL166. All four aircraft returned home to Strubby on Monday 28th May. It is one of these aircraft, WH291, that has returned to be preserved at Speke (see 2011 entry below). On 20th July 1962 Meteor T.7 WA714 called, routing from and to Farnborough. No Meteors displayed in the 1963 Air Show.

In May 1966 the new runway at Liverpool was opened, no record was kept as to which runway subsequent arrivals operated on.

1968

There were only ever a few civilian registered Gloster Meteors. Rolls Royce's Meteor NF.14 G-ASLW called on 21st November 1968, routing from and to its base at Hucknall. This, rarely seen aircraft was registered in 1963 and cancelled from the register during 1969.

Woodvale based Meteors occasionally appeared at Liverpool on overshoot (go-around), WF791 as 'ANB 06' on 18th February and an unidentified aircraft 'HCS 45' on 18th July.

1969

There are a number of references in the logs to Meteor aircraft performing overshoot/go-arounds at Liverpool. On 28th February WF791 calling 'HCS 45'; WF791 again on 24th March calling 'HCS 46'; and unidentified aircraft on 19th May again calling 'HCS 46'; 24th September possibly 'NCD 45' and finally 30th December noted as 'CS 45'.

1970

A further test Meteor, this time a Meteor NF.13, WM367 called on 19th March 1970, with call-sign 'Evergreen 72' this A&AEE aircraft arrived from Boscombe Down and departed for Thurleigh. Noted on go-around 16th June an unidentified aircraft, calling 'HCS 46', there may have been other occasions too during the year, untraced.

1973

By the mid 70s there were only a handful of Meteors still airworthy in the UK. A few with 79 Sqdn/229 OCU at Chivenor, a couple with Martin-Baker for ejector seat trials, the last few remaining Meteor U.16 drone conversions at RAE Llanbedr and a Meteor T.7 that operated on the airshow circuit, along with Vampire T.11 XH304 as the 'CFS - Vintage Pair'. This Vintage duo display team performed at the 1973 Liverpool Air Show, Meteor T.7 WA669 along with XH304 operated on 12th May from and to Kemble. Both aircraft in 1950's style yellow T-band scheme on bare metal airframes.

1980

On Thursday 24th July, the 'CFS Vintage Pair' pairing of Meteor T.7, now WF791 and Vampire T.11 XH304 returned after a six year break. They arrived at 1709 from Brize Norton, departing at 1829, performing at the St. Helens Show en route home to Leeming.

1981

The next true Air Show at Liverpool (as distinct from Air Rallys) was in 1981, with Meteor T,7 WF791 and the Vampire T.11 participating, arriving from East midlands and departing to their Leeming base on Sunday 21st June.

1982

The 1982 Air Show at Liverpool again show-cased the 'Vintage Pair' duo of Meteor T.7 WF791 and Vampire T.11 XH304. They positioned over from the RAFA Air Show at Woodford on Saturday 26th June, and returned home to Leeming after displaying at Liverpool on Sunday 27th.

The North airfield runways were closed end of March 1982 (although use was permitted for the June 1982 Air Show), all regular operations moved to the South Airfield early 1986.

1984

Although the 1984 'Air & Transport Extravaganza' on the North Airfield at Liverpool was a two day affair, the Vintage Pair, now operating with Meteor T.7 WA669 alongside Vampire T.11 XH304 on Sunday 19th August performed their display on arrival from Lyneham, leaving later in the day back to Leeming. They operated from runway 27/09 on the South Airfield site, although the air show was on the north airfield.This was to be the last appearance by the display team before both aircraft were lost in a collision while displaying at RAF Mildenhall on 25.5.86.

2004

Many cold-war 'warbird' jet operators opted for recently out of service Hunters, Jet Provosts or Gnats, rather than Meteor aircraft which had been out of service for some years. Few Meteors became civilian 'war-birds' The longest lived has been Meteor NF.11 WM167/G-LOSM which was first civil registered in June 1984 and should be airworthy again in 2011. Only visit I can locate by this aircraft to Liverpool was on Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2004. At 1352 it arrived from Bournemouth, departing at 1454 to take part in an Air Display at Caernarfon. It returned from Caernarfon with a dramatic low pass 'go-around' along the runway at Liverpool before landing at 1533, later departing home to Coventry at 1612. Aviation Heritage also brought their Vampire T.55 G-HELV into Liverpool the same day

2010

To the amazement of the few enthusiasts present, including myself, on Thursday 8th July 2010, with very little warning, Martin Baker's ejector seat trials much modified Meteor T.7 WL419 performed a low, fast, throttled back and quiet pass (rather than a formal go-around) along the full length of runway 27 while en route from its Chalgrove base to Warton. Unexpected and fantastic to see this rare aircraft fly-by over Liverpool Airport. It is even in 1960s orange-red day-glo patch colours, genuine rather than retro colours!

2011

Bringing the story upto date, on 23rd March 2011, joining the Speke Airport Heritage Group's collection of aircraft on the original airport apron of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Mike Davey brought his Gloster Meteor F.8 WH291. It had previously been on display with SWWAPS at Lasham, although arrived by road from Booker. Initially dismantled, it is intended to have it back on its own undercarriage by the end of the summer. Reference to the 1962 entry above will show that this aircraft has been here before!

Restoration, cleaning, minor repairs and re-assembly took far longer than the original estimate, some 10 years later it is complete and standing on its own undercarriage again, in need of repaint as its service applied scheme is now very faded.

[viscount]

Although the Hawker Hunter first flew 16th March 1953 and entered into R.A.F. service during July 1954, there is no written record or memory of the type visiting until 1962. Indeed, although there had been subsequent appearances over Liverpool, it was not until 1981 that the second (of seven) landed here!

As always, the challenge is thrown out to illustrate this thread with photos of Meteors, Hunters and Vampires at Liverpool.

The Hawker Hunter at Liverpool

1962

The first post-War air show at Liverpool in 1956, did not feature any Hawker Hunter aircraft. The second, on Saturday 26th May 1962 did, in the form of XL575/80 a Hunter T.7 of 234 Sqdn/229 OCU. Calling 'GLF 31' the aircraft arrived from Chivenor on Friday 25th, returning home to Chivenor on Monday 28th. A solo routine being flown for delight of the spectators on the Saturday. From memory this aircraft was bare metal with yellow T-bands around the wings.

1966

The early Hunter marks did not last long in service mainly due to a very short endurance, and soon ended up in ground training. One such aircraft ended up at RAF Weeton, until the ground school there closed. A while later the aircraft was on the fire dump at RAF Burtonwood. In early January 1966, Hunter F.1 7535M/(WT683) was delivered to the fire service at Liverpool by road and placed on a dispersal on the south-west perimeter, not far from the gun-butts building. Soon after it was joined by the hulk of C-54 Skymaster G-ARIY. The Hunter stayed in place until well into the 1980s, eventually little more than the wing tips and bits of tailplane remained recognisable.

1971

All three of the '70s air displays (the two late 70s air rallies don't count) featured a Hunter in the programme, but none actually landed at Liverpool, all operating from and to their RAF Valley base. In 1971 Hunter F.6 XF509/73 (also incorrectly quoted as coded /76) appeared at the air display on 1st May. While we are today very familiar with the Hawks from 4 FTS Valley appearing on practice diversion, approach and go-around at Liverpool, neither the Hunters or Gnats that had previously equipped the Flying Training School ever appeared on approach and go-around at Liverpool, clearly being familiar with civilian ATC procedures was not a part of the syllabus at the time.

On the ground the recruitment section of 71 MU at Bicester had brought along the nose of Hunter F.6 XE643 into the static display.

1972

For the 1972 display, on 29th April, 4 FTS provided Hunter F.6 XG274/71 again it only flew a display routine, not landing at Speke. The Hunter opened the flying display with a fast and low run in from behind the crowd (a manoeuvre that rules would not allow today), waking everyone up.

On the ground 71 MU brought along complete Hunter F.4 XF946/(7804M) by road for the static display.

1973

At the Air Display in 1973, 4 FTS Hunter F.6 XG185/74 appeared, again flying only, without landing. The Hunter was painted in the (then) very new red and white training colours.

1981

A little under 20 years since the first Hunter to land at Liverpool, come numbers two and three. The next 'proper' air show at Liverpool was on 21st June 1981, by which time 4 FTS had lost its fleet of Hunters (replaced by Hawks). Hunter FGA.9s XE597/F and XF431/O of 1 TWU at Brawdy arrived on Friday 19th. It fell to XE597/F to fly the solo aerobatic routine on 21st, before both aircraft returned home to Brawdy on Monday 22nd.

1982

There was no Hawker Hunter in the programme for the 1982 Air Display. However, on Sunday 15th May, civilian Hunter F.51 G-HUNT operating out of Biggin Hill, having completed its display routine over Barton discovered that the undercarriage would not show locked down. Manchester ATC diverted the aircraft to Liverpool Airport for a precautionary landing. After two passes over the newly opened 'South Airfield' control tower at Liverpool at 1459 and 1501, it landed on 09/27 safely at 1507. The following day, Monday 16th, at 1225 G-HUNT departed for Bournemouth/Hurn with the undercarriage locked down.

1984

The final air show at Liverpool Aiport was the two-day 1984 'Air & Transport Extravaganza'. For the second day, another of the new breed of civilianised Hunters, Hunter T.7 G-BOOM appeared on Sunday 19th August. The aircraft arrived from Bournemouth in the morning, flew a display routine during the afternoon, then returned home to Bournemouth in the evening, each flight using the simple call-sign 'Hunter'.

1988

The fourth and final R.A.F. Hunter to land at Liverpool (indeed only the 6th to do so) was another Hunter T.7, this one operated by Buccaneer unit 237 OCU and operated from and returned to its Lossiemouth base. XL573 using call-sign 'BZD 26' was on the ground at Liverpool 1259-1435. Due to the airport handling Manchester diversions all morning, the Hunter was parked on the 'spur' apron. The visit may have been in connection with the appearnace of Hunter "WT720/B" on the gate at RAF Sealand, replacing Spitfire XVIc TD248.

2010
A gap of over 20 years follows before a visit to Liverpool Airport by Hunter F.58A G-PSST "Miss Demeanour" to participate at the Southport Sea Front Air Show. Brightly painted G-PSST arrived from Exeter at 1917 on Friday 17th, on Saturday a local flight 1625-1652 to display at Southport, then on Sunday 19th a departure at 1349 home to Exeter as the Sunday air show at Southport was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

2011
The following year brightly coloured G-PSST "Miss Demeanour" was back to participate in the two-day Southport Sea Front Air Show again. Arrived at Liverpool Airport on the Friday 22nd July, ready to participate the nexr afternoon.

[Beemer]

WL419 Gloster Meteor over-shooting 27 @ 10:07hrs 08-07-2010 en route Chalgrove to Warton.

WL419 Meteor by Beemer328i, on Flickr

WL419 Meteor by Beemer328i, on Flickr

Sorry for the quality. Completely caught off guard.





I was walking the dog out along the Mersey Way path and was likewise caught off-guard as the aircraft approached quietly at speed from behind, leaving me a rapid point and shoot without checking settings first. I had the feeling of suddenly being transported back 20 years, a flying Meteor in dayglo, impossible!

[viscount]

The English Electric Canberra had a long service life with the R.A.F. from the initial deliveries of mark B.2s in 1951 to the retirement of the final PR.9s in 2006. Visits to Liverpool have been rare and unlike the Hawker Hunter, few have participated in Air Displays at Liverpool. It is possible that Canberras have participated in Wavertree fly-pasts and that a few more, than the one I have traced, have used the ILS and go-around over the years. Even so there remains a big gap between 1961 and 1989!

The English Electric Canberra at Liverpool Airport

.

1953
On 9th October WH667 a Canberra B.2 visited Speke, from and to Scampton. A little later in the month, on 22nd October WE166, a Canberra PR.3 called, operating from and to Binbrook.

1956

As part of the 1956 Air Display on 21st May at Liverpool, a formation of four Canberra T.4 aircraft participated from 231 OCU at Bassingbourne. The aircraft were identified as WE190, WJ863, WN467 and WT490. They did not land at Liverpool though.

1957

Canberra T.4 WT490 called at Speke again on 1st November 1957, operating from and to Wyton.

1958

On 10th July 1958 Canberra PR.3, WF925, which on landing from Bassingbourne burst a tyre and blocked the runway for a while. The following day it was able to return to Bassingbourne. Right at the end of the year, on 30th December Canberra B.2 WJ603, with call-sign 'MMDDA' arrived from Binbrook and departed to Upwood.

1961

Canberra B.2 WK121 on 2nd November 1961 operated by the A&AEE arrived from Warton and departed for Boscombe Down.

1967

Right at the end of the year, WJ825 a Canberra PR.7 'EMZ 11' performed radar runs over the airport on 19th December, followed by Canberra WT514, with call-sign 'DOM 86' performed an approach and go-around on 29th December. Neither did not touch-down though.

1978

Although outside the scope of Canberras that landed at Liverpool Airport, on Monday 9th October 1978 Canberra WK111 performed an approach and overshoot (go-around) at 'Tarnish 9', presumably operating out of Warton.

1989

To help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 90 (Speke) Sqdn ATC (based on the north airfield), a former 90 Sqdn Canberra B.2T WJ731/BK, now operated by 231 OCU, landed at Liverpool at 1524 on Friday 17th March from Wyton as 'RDL 04'. On the Saturday it taxied around onto the now little used North Airfield for inspection by invited guests. At 1647 the aircraft departed home for Wyton as 'PDH 04' via a short display over the north airfield. It was so long since memory of the previous visit, that the NWAN monthly paper magazine of the time billed the visit as the 'first visit of type'. With a gap of 27 years, an understandable mistake, but as shown here certainly an error! There are photos of this visit on another thread, link:[/i] www.derbosoft.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=history&action=display&thread=4356

1995

The first civilian operated Canberra to call at Liverpool was in connection with the Southport Seafront Air Show. Canberra B.6, still marked as XH568 in full RAE 'raspberry ripple' colours, the civil registration G-BVIC was used as the call-sign. The aircraft arrived from Bruntingthorpe via its display routine at Southport at 1513 on Saturday 2nd September. Having night stopped on the spur apron, it departed back to Bruntingthorpe 1510 via it's Sunday display slot at Southport.

1999

A few years later a different Canberra appeared at the Southport Seafront Air Display. This time Canberra B.6 WK163, on the civil register as G-BVWC arrived at Liverpool on Friday 3rd September at 1821. A 'local' was flown on Saturday to display at Southport, while on Sunday 5th it departed 1324 for Bruntingthorpe via a display routine at Southport. This is the most recent landing at Liverpool by a Canberra, and may well be the last visit by the type - time will tell.

2006

Latest known visit by a Canberra into Liverpool airspace, was on Monday 30th January 2006, when R.A.F. Canberra PR.9 XH131 calling 'MRH 45' operated a photo detail over Liverpool, at the conclusion of which a go-around on runway 09 was flown at 1405. The aircraft was retired in March when the type was retired from British military service.

[viscount]

The DH.100 Vampire was the second jet fighter into RAF service (after the Meteor), entering service in 1945. The type served in front line service until 1955 and as a trainer until 1966. Fighter, fighter-bomber, night fighter and DH.115 Vampire T.11 dual seat trainer versions were produced, with around 3,300 Vampires built around the world and served with 31 air forces.

The DH.112 Venom was a development of the Vampire, with a more powerful Ghost engine replacing the original Goblin powerplant and a change in wing shape, entering RAF service in 1952.

The Venom became a popular and cheap warbird, due in part to a number of airworthy Swiss examples entering the civilian market, however the number of airworthy Vampires and Venoms worldwide have dwindled in recent years.

The DH Vampire and Venom at Liverpool

While there could well have been early visits by operational Vampire aircraft, the first that appear in enthusiast records are in the mid '50s.

1954 & 1955

Airwork Ltd established an overhaul facility at Speke Airport, with the first F-86 Sabres arriving November 1952. Airwork closed their Liverpool operation in February 1958. In addition to the work on the Sabres, during 1954 and 1955 36 DH.113 Vampire NF.10 two seaters, arrived for extensive modification to become navigation trainers. The 66 (sources vary) Vampire NF.10s acquired, served front-line with the R.A.F. from 1951 to 1954, equiping 23, 25 and 151 Squadrons.

Phil Butler has provided a list of 32 of the 36 aircraft and details of their arrival at Liverpool. Following conversion, they were (according to Wikipedia) designated Vampire NF(T).10s and served with the Central Navigation and Control School (CNCS) at Shawbury. There is a photo of three parked, shortly after arrival on the West apron at Liverpool in Phil's excellent Liverpool Airport History book, page 106, the same Alan Scholefield photo can be found on link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DH.113_Vampire_NF.10_WM713_25_Sqn_Speke_04.04.54_edited-2.jpg

serial arrival   arrived from         observations & departure details

WM729  05.03.54  Hawarden             the first Vampire NF.10 to arrive for conversion
WM713  17.03.54  Hawarden             on the 4.4.54 photo (see above), in 25 Sqdn colours.
WM670  22.03.54  Kemble
WM672  22.03.54  Kemble
WP245  22.03.54  Kemble
WP235  23.03.54  West Malling
WM711  31.03.54  Hullavington
WP248  22.04.54  Northolt
WM705  08.04.54  Kemble
WM668  08.04.54  Kemble
WP253  26.04.54  Northolt
WZ498  23.04.54  Hawarden             actually a Vampire T.11, left several weeks later, dispatched to Airwork in error ?
WZ512  23.04.54  Hawarden             actually a Vampire T.11, left several weeks later, dispatched to Airwork in error ?
WP256  26.04.54  Northolt
WP233  29.04.54  Hawarden
WP234  07.05.54  West Malling
WP238  07.05.54  Hullavington
WP232  27.10.54  Hawarden
WM730  09.11.54  Hullavington
WP255  10.11.54  Hawarden
WM708  19.11.54  Hawarden
WP236  24.11.54  Hullavington
WM704  03.12.54  Hawarden
WM716  06.12.54  Silloth
WM703  20.12.54  Hullavington         to Silloth 04.11.55
WM714  30.12.54  Hullavington         to Benson 10.01.56
WM718  07.01.55  Hawarden             to Silloth 12.12.55
WM677  19.01.55  Hawarden
WM727  28.01.55  Hawarden             to Hawarden 29.11.55
WM674  02.02.55  Hullavington
WP243  21.04.55  Hawarden
WP249  05.05.55  arr by road          to Hawarden 23.07.56.  Appears to be final departure
WM712  06.07.55  Hullavington         to Hawarden 15.12.55
WP247  10.08.55                       to Kirkbride 01.02.56

1956

For the 1956 air display at Speke Airport, 71MU, Bicester brought a very early DH.112 Venom FB.1 7137M/(WE270) by road to Liverpool to appear in the static with the RAF Publicity Unit.

Taking part in the flying display on 21st May was a formation of 8 Vampire FB.5/FB.9s provided by No.613 Sqdn, R.Aux.A.F. presumably operating from their home base at Ringway Airport.

Possibly linked to the air display, but in a way that is not now obvious, a Vampire T.11 XD540/W operated by 33 Sqdn (a Venom NF.2 equipped unit) from Driffield called on both the Thursday, 18th May before the Air Display, and again on the Monday 22nd May after the weekend - or it could just have been co-incidence.

1957

DH.115 Vampire T.11 XD612 visited Liverpool on 31st July, from and to Shawbury.

1962

Another Vampire T.11 visit, this time WZ553/40 of 4 FTS on 30th November, operating from and to RAF Valley. No reason known for what is likely the only visit by a 4 FTS Vampire T.11, by sheer co-incidence this aircraft was to be at Liverpool again 1973-1979 with the M.A.S. as recorded later on.

1964

A further Vampire T.11 visit, bringing in XD550 calling 'DST 29' on 23rd April. It called en route from Little Rissington to Woodvale, and again later in the day with the reverse routing Woodvale to Little Rissington.

1973

On Thursday 15th March, the Merseyside Aviation Society took delivery by road of a 1955 built DH.115 Vampire T.11 WZ553/40 at Liverpool Airport. It was immediately re-assembled in No.1 hangar, ready for its public debut at the 'Wings over Merseyside' air display on 12th May 1973. This aircraft was to remain in the care of the M.A.S. at Liverpool for six years (see 1979). It was still in it's Training Command day-glo colours and No.4 FTS markings.

The 1973 Air Show on 12th May, featured a R.A.F. pairing of a Gloster Meteor T.7 WA669 and a Vampire T.11 XH304, named the "CFS Vintage Pair", both in silver with yellow T-band training colours. For the 1973 display, the team arrived from and departed to Kemble, their base at the time.

1979

Although Vampire T.11 WZ553/40, had been acquired by the M.A.S. six years earlier with the aim of keeping it dismantled and indoors, preserving it long-term, the costs of hangarage and upkeep grew, so on 10th March 1979 it left Liverpool by road with LLAMPS for a new home at East Midlands Airport.

1980

On Thursday 24th July, the 'Vintage Pair' returned to Liverpool at 1709, departing at 1829 to appear at the St.Helens Show en route back to their Leeming. home. Vampire T.11 XH304 flying alongside Meteor T.7 WF791.

1981

The 'Vintage Pair' were to perform at all three of the 80s air displays at Liverpool Airport. On 21st June they arrived from East Midlands, leaving for Leeming after their display routine. The Vampire T.11 operated continued to be XH304, with Meteor T.7 WF791.

1982

The 'Vintage Pair' arrived on Saturday evening 26th June from Woodford having appeared in the annual RAFA show there. On Sunday 27th the Meteor T.7 WF791 actually flew a solo display as the Vampire T.11 XH304 went 'tech'. It later left for its Leeming base.

1984

The two-day 'Air & Transport Extravaganza' featured the 'Vintage Pair' on the Sunday. The trainer duo flew their display routine on arrival from Leeming, Sunday 19th August. They landed at Liverpool, but operated from the south airfield apron, although the air show public were on the north airfield. They later departed, returning to Leeming. The 'Vintage Pair' of Vampire T.11 XH304 and Meteor T.7 WA669 were not to appear at Liverpool again as the duo collided over Mildenhall 25th May 1986.

1990

On Saturday 21st July at 1454 a pair of aircraft arrived from Cranfield in the form of Vampire T.11 WZ507/(G-VTII) and the first ever Venom visit to Liverpool by Swiss built Venom FB.50 "WK436"/(G-VENI). Both aircraft departed for Humberside Airport at 1953. They are also noted as performing a go-around 'pass' on either arrival or departure. No reason for their visit was recorded at the time, but was presumably in conjunction with an air display somewhere en route while inbound.

1992

On Friday 9th May a Venom FB.50 G-GONE in Royal Navy scheme arrived from Bournemouth at 1701 en route to an air show at Londonderry, departing Liverpool 1803. On Saturday 10th G-GONE returned from Londonderry 1645 and continued onward to Woodford at 1728. The aircraft was owned by Philip Meeson, British aerobatic champion and owner of freight airline Channel Express.

2004

On Bank Holiday Monday, Aviation Heritage brought a Vampire and Meteor into Liverpool in connection with an air show at Caernarfon. Vampire T.55 "XJ771"/(G-HELV) called at Liverpool on Monday 30th August from displaying at Caernarfon, landing at 1350, departing to Coventry at 1505. Despite the colours applied, the aircraft was actually former Swiss Air Force U-1215.

2010

Two Venoms were billed to appear at both days of the Southport seafront air display in 2010. On Saturday 18th September the two aircraft appeared at Southport then recovered to Liverpool Airport. DH.112 Venom FB.1 "WR470"/(G-BHVM) landed at 1608, with another Venom FB.1 "WK436"/(G-VENM) landing a minute later. The Venom, although in the same marks as the first Venom into Liverpool 1990, was a different aircraft. Due to the conditions and dire weather forecast, the Sunday air display at Southport was cancelled, so the two aircraft departed together on Sunday at 1243 from Liverpool for their Coventry home. Despite their RAF 'period' paint schemes, they are both Swiss built aircraft. These are shown in NWAN 2010 Review as 'first visit of type' on my advice, having overlooked completely the two aircraft in the early 90s until 'found' during this research. Oh dear!

[viscount]

The Jet Provost T.1, a development of the P.56 Provost piston-engined trainer, first flew 26.6.54. A limited number of aircraft were introduced into service 1955. However it was with the production of the Jet Provost T.3 from 1958 that the type entered service in some numbers. Wikipedia quotes production for the R.A.F. as amounting to 201 T.3 aircraft, 198 T.4 and 110 T.5 aircraft, before production ended in mid 70s. Including export aircraft 741 Jet Provosts were built. Production continued into the 70s as the Strikemaster, a light strike development of the Jet Provost T.5, with 184 produced for export at Warton.

Like the Hawker Hunter, no visits during the late '50s have ever been traced, leading to the conclusion that the first visit of type was also in May 1962. Like the Hunter, initial Jet Provost visits are mostly closely linked to air displays. The type was retired from RAF service in 1993, replaced by the Tucano. A number entered onto the civil market, where the type made an excellent 'entry' level jet war-bird.

Jet Provosts & Strikemasters visiting Liverpool

1962

First visit of type was by a 2 FTS Jet Provost T.3 XM414, on 10th May, from and to its Syerston base, calling 'HCA 71'. This visit could well have been in connection with the air show two weeks later, as it is likely that the same pilot, now with tri-gram call-sign 'MJJ 71' brought Jet Provost T.3 XN595/17 of 2 FTS from Syerston on Friday 25th May. An aerobatic routine was flown on 26th May at the 'At Home' air display, the aircraft returning home to Syerston on Monday 27th May.

1963

A similar pattern of events in 1963 brought Jet Provost T.4 XP674 of 6 FTS from and to Acklington on 28th May, followed for the Air Show by XR656/54 on 1st June to perform a solo serobatic routine. This time the aircraft operated from and to Middleton St.George

1971

For the next air display at Liverpool Airport, the Royal Air Force College aerobatic team 'The Poachers'' performed bringing not only the four Jet Provost T.5s in the team, but also a spare aircraft. The operated from and to Cranwell, landing in the morning before departing for their display routine. The 'Poachers' used Jet Provost T.5s: XW336/60, XW352/62, XW354/65, XW356/67, XW357/68.

1972

For the following year's 'Wings over Merseyside' air display on Saturday 29th April, 3 FTS at Leeming were selected. They provided a solo aerobatic routine and also the 'Gemini Pair', with their two-ship formation routine. By now 3 FTS also operated the Jet Provost T.5 and brought four aircraft: XW370/49 (spare), XW406/48 (solo), XW407/50 & XW410/51 (Gemini Pair), and arrived from Leeming, but departed for Shawbury.

1973

First Jet Provost to visit without a likely air display connection was a 3 FTS Jet Provost T.5 on 2nd February, when XW406 called routing from and to Leeming with tri-gram 'WDJ 50'. The final '70s 'Wings over Merseyside' air display on 12th May featured the RAFC 'The Poachers' team again. The aircraft had adopted a team colour scheme, and used: XW352/3, XW357/5 (spare a/c), XW359/4, XW360/1, XW363/2.

1974

On 11th June, flying from and to Warton, a Strikemaster G-27-236 made a brief visit. This was the first visit by a Strikemaster to Liverpool Airport, but being a weekday was seen by few enthusiasts! Shortly after was delivered to Ecuador as FAE252.

1976

A second Strikemaster visit, this one G-27-246, flown by 'Tarnish 7', also operated from and to Warton, on Friday 19th March. Apparently it brought in an urgent package to hand over to the crew of a German twin. After test flying, the Strikemaster was delivered for service with the Ecuadorian Air Force as FAE255.

1978

At Liverpool's second 'Air Rally' event, a number of historic and military aircraft added an air show aspect to the event, helped by being the day before an air show at Blackpool. Jet Provost T.5A aircraft of 1 FTS XW404/77 and XW428/70 arrived on the Friday 7th July from Linton-on-Ouse. In addition to a display at Liverpool on the Saturday, XW428 flew upto Blackpool late afternoon, before returning and both aircraft departing for Blackpool.

1984

No Jet Provosts attended the air show at Liverpool in 1981 or 1982, however for the final Liverpool 'Air & Transport Extravaganza' in 1984 a single Jet Provost T.4 featured in the static park. XS219/06 of 1 TWU, Brawdy in camouflage scheme arrived on Saturday 18th August, departing on Monday 20th, arriving from Bentwaters and departing for Brawdy, used 'Tartan' as a formation call-sign with a Hawk from the same unit.

1985

An early civilian operated Jet Provost T.52A, owned by Mike Carlton, G-PROV arrived from Biggin Hill Monday 29th ...... at 1835 and night stopped at Liverpool, before returning at 1610 to Biggin Hill. Seemingly a private visit.

1990

The Jet Provost was a very rare type on overshoot at Liverpool. Indeed I am suprised to have located this one in the logs. On 14th May, 1 FTS Jet Provost T.3A XN509/50 from Linton-on-Ouse performed an approach and go-around on 27 at 1104.

1996

With the Jet Provost now out of R.A.F. service and other air arms around the world releasing their Strikemasters for sale on the civilian market, there were a number of visits during the later '90s. The first, XW293/Z (G-BWCS)arrived from Tatenhill on 31st January and was hangared at Liverpool for the following three and a half years. It was flown rarely, indeed did not fly at all during 1997 or 1998 and was registered to a Derby based company.

On Saturday 20th April Jet Provost T.3A G-BVSP called at Liverpool 1202-1401, operating from and to Manchester Airport. An aircraft was to appear over the next couple of years, called for the first time XW325 (G-BWGF), a Jet Provost T.5A, visited on Monday evening 5th August 1826-1928, from and to Woodford.

Right at the end of the year a second Jet Provost, this one a Jet Provost T.3A G-BWZZ (once XM470) owned by a Stockport based company, arrived from Binbrook on 14th December, and stayed as a resident.

1997

The resident Jet Provost T.3A G-BWZZ did not stay at Liverpool that long, departing for Manchester on Monday 16th June. On Sunday 6th April Jet Provost T.5 XW325/E (G-BWGF) called, from and to Woodford, at Liverpool 1438-1553.

1998

On Saturday 20th June, Strikemaster 87 G-UNNY routed through from Newtownards to Booker, at Liverpool 1626-1737, presumably on its way home following an air display appearance in Northern Ireland.

1999

In a rather exotic black scheme with flames curling around the nose, intakes and tail, G-BWGT called on Wednesday 17th March, arriving at 1451, after night stopping it departed 18th at 1158, operating from and to Sandtoft. On landing at Liverpool, with the aircraft heavier than usual, the pilot suffered 'brake fade', ending up on the grass, but with no damage. A report on the incident later appearing in an AAIB Report. In retrospect, the visit by 'GT might have been in connection with the aircraft stored at Liverpool since January 1996, as G-BWCS, following a change of ownership, departed for Sandtoft on Friday 19th September.

2002

XW325/G-BWGF

2003

G-JPTV

2004

The next Jet Provost to call at Liverpool Airport was G-BWEB.

2011

On Thursday 1st September 2011 RAF red/blue/white schemed Jet Provost T.3 XN637/(G-BKOU), which called for a few hours in the afternoon, parking on the GA apron. However, a technical problem extended the stay, resulting in it departing for Hawarden the following day.

.........found my notes not quite as complete as a thought when I started to type!! Will fill the gaps, hopefully. sometime .......

[viscount]

The Folland Gnat T.1 was developed in the late 50s from the Folland Midge and single seat Gnat lightweight fighter. The type first flew 31.8.59 and entered service in the early 60s. In all, 105 were built and mostly served with the CFS and 4 FTS as a fast jet trainer, a transition between Vampire and operational types such as the Lightning. The Gnat T.1 operated with the 'Red Arrows', the RAF's premier aerobatic team 1964 to 1979. Indeed the type was retired from R.A.F. service in 1979 on replacement by the BAe. Hawk T.1.

The Folland Gnat visits to Liverpool

1963

The Folland Gnat made its debut at Liverpool at the 1963 'At Home' air display. On Saturday 1st June XP506/06 of 4 FTS arrived from Valley at the start of the display at 1400 and landed. However, when it came to time to fly an aerobatic demonstration routine, it would not start. Fixed, it departed back to Valley on Monday 3rd June.

1971

At the next Liverpool 'Wings over Merseyside' air display, a Gnat T.1 XP534/15 of 4 FTS appeared on Saturday 1st May. Also present in the static display was 71 MU publicity display aircraft, Folland Gnat F.1 XK740, roaded in and out.

1972

The 'Red Arrows' made their first visit to Liverpool Airport for the 1972 'Wings over Merseyside' air display. With 10 scarlet red Gnat T.1s, XP514, XP531, XP539, XR981, XR987, XR991, XR993, XS101, XS107 & XS111 they arrived from Kemble on Friday 28th April. On the Satruday they operated from Liverpool to display over Shawbury and later a local flight to perform at the Liverpool air show, before an evening return back to Kemble.

1973

For the final 'Wings over Merseyside' air show, the 'Red Arrows' appeared once again. For the display on 12th May, they brought with them 10 Gnats (two were different from the previous year): XP514, XP531, XR540, XR955, XR987, XR991, XR993, XS101, XS107 & XS111. They arrived from Kemble and departed for Little Rissington.

1978

On Friday 18th August the 'Red Arrows' made an overnight 'operational stopover' at Liverpool, arriving from Woodford and departing on Saturday for Leeming. In the five years since the previous visit there had been 4 changes to the team, the 10 aircraft now in use being: XP515, XP535, XR540, XR572, XR955, XR977, XR987, XR999, XS101 & XS107. This was to be the last visit by the 'Red Arrows' operating Gnat T.1s, next time the team visited, in 1980, they were equipped with Hawk T.1s. Amazed to find that the 'Red Arrows' only performed twice at Liverpool with their Gnat aircraft, visiting only the 3 times.

1993

Some 15 years on, civilian operated Gnat T.1 XR991 (G-MOUR) called twice on Sunday 23rd May. Painted yellow overall in the colours of the 'Yellowjacks' team, and using the call-sign 'Yellowjack 01' it was at Liverpool 0944-1039, from North Weald and out to Londonderry to appear at an air show there. Later in the day it returned from Londonderry at 1831 and continued on for North Weald at 1900.

1995

All yellow Gnat T.1 XR991 (G-MOUR) was back at Liverpool 1351 to 1502, operating from and to North Weald as call-sign 'Yellowjack 01' on Monday 28th August to display at the Bank Holiday fund-raiser display over the Hoylake RNLI station.

2010

After a further gap of 15 years, two Gnats were based at Liverpool for the two-day Southport Seafront air show. At 1051 on Saturday 18th May "XS111" (G-TIMM) (inreality actually ex XP504) in scarlet red 'Red Arrows' scheme arrived, followed a minute later by partner XR538/01 (G-RORI) in 4 FTS scheme. Both arrived from North Weald. In the afternoon both operated a local 1518-1547 to display at Southport. Awful weather forced the cancellation of the Sunday air show, so at 1642 on Sunday 19th the two aircraft departed together for North Weald.

[Beemer]

Some images of these aircraft at Liverpool Airport while taking part in Air Shows:





The 'Red Arrows' only displayed twice at Liverpool while equipped with Folland Gnat T.1s. While these black and white shots don't really show the aircraft in any detail, they are interesting panoramic airfield shots. These are from a cool and cloudy May 1973 'Wings over Merseyside' air display.



Silhouetted against the pale cloud, the 'Vintage Pair' duo of Vampire T.11 XH304 and Meteor T.7 WA669 in typical close formation.



The Merseyside Aviation Society's Vampire T.11 WZ553/40 on its only Liverpool public outing at the 1973 'Wings over Merseyside', displayed in the lee of Viscount Preservation Trust's Viscount 701 G-ALWF.





Again more airfield panorama than aircraft portrait, the 'Poachers'' Jet Provost T.5 display team, May 1973.



Two Jet Provost T.5s of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell team 'The Poachers'' on the ground at the 1973 'Wings over Merseyside' display.





Two views of the CFS's 'Vintage Pair' Meteor T.7 WA669 at Liverpool in May 1973.



The other member of the 'Vintage Pair' duo is Vampire T.11 XH304, seen here 21st June 1981.



Further shot of the 'Vintage Pair' at Liverpool, year not recorded.



Hawker Hunter F.6 XG185 at the 'Wings over Merseyside' display May 1973. An early sighting of the new red and white training colours that were replacing day-glo patch colours. Not the best day for shots of white aircraft against white cloud! Oh, for under-wing serials that size today!



The two Hawker Hunter FGA.9s of No.1 TWU at Liverpool to operate display flights between 19th and 21st June 1981.

[viscount]

Found these two prints, taken during a tour of the hangars on the old north airfield on Grand National Day, 5th April 1997. Neither of these Jet Provosts flew often, indeed were at the time effectively in storage.



Jet Provost T.5 XW293/Z (G-BWCS) was stored in what looks like the back of hangar No.3 until September '99.



While Jet Provost T.3A XM470/12 (G-BWZZ) was stored in the Deltair Hangar No.5, until departure during June '97

[viscount]

A couple of earlier shots to illustrate this thread, from the Alan Pritchard Collection. They do though throw up some questions.



WF778/5 is a Gloster Meteor T.7, and from the tents is clearly on Sunday 20th May, the day before the May 1956 air display.



A line-up alongside the Banks Road fence on the Western apron of Vampire NF.10s for attention by Airwork. Nearest to the camera, WP239 is not on the list (so is presumably one of the missing 4 serials. Next one back appears to be WM714 (or just possibly WM704), but as both were delivered to Liverpool December 1954, this appears to put an approximate date on the photo.



Although not a type covered in these type reviews, as the subject are early jets at Speke, I'll include this delightful shot of F-86 Sabres outside No.1 Hangar, of RCAF Sabres awaiting attention by Airwork. Visible are AO:460, AO:680, AO:659, AO:667, VH:659 VH:702 and --:627, I count a total of 15 visible. The Dakota visible in Hangar 3, seen right through hangar 1 is a Starways aircraft (the titles can be made out when the image is enlarged).

There is a slightly sharper photo, taken on 27th March 1954 with the aircraft outside in the same position, but with the hangar door partly closed, in the 1983 edition of Phil Butler's Airport history book, credited to A.M.G.Armstrong.



Another rare photo from Alan Pritchard of an unusual visitor to Speke. A little distant as it taxis across the main apron maybe, but the aircraft is a Lockheed T-33A in the markings of the Turkish Air Force, although being flown by Airwork. The aircraft is marked 14673 and the date is 18th June 1955.



From a different source, a tiny 3"x2" print, clearly taken with a fixed focal length camera from a vehicle on Speke Hall Road. No amount of digital massaging can correct the blurr of the approaching F-86 Sabre. The back of print is informative. The picture was taken by a R. Egan of Winsford, Cheshire of a Sabre Mk.6 of the R.C.A.F. at Speke for servicing with Airwork, 1957 (the script actually states 1947!). Of interest to me are the immediate post-war pre-fab housing on the edge of Speke estate under the 26 approach. The field shown is now occupied by Dobbies.

[Airbus A346]

Apr 12, 2011 22:33:36 GMT 1 viscount said:

On Thursday 15th March, the Merseyside Aviation Society took delivery by road of a 1955 built DH.115 Vampire T.11 WZ553/40 at Liverpool Airport. It was immediately re-assembled in No.1 hangar, ready for its public debut at the 'Wings over Merseyside' air display on 12th May 1973. This aircraft was to remain in the care of the M.A.S. at Liverpool for six years. It was still in it's Training Command day-glo colours and No.4 FTS markings.

Although Vampire T.11 WZ553/40, had been acquired by the M.A.S. six years earlier with the aim of keeping it dismantled and indoors, preserving it long-term, the costs of hangarage and upkeep grew, so on 10th March 1979 it left Liverpool by road with LLAMPS for a new home at East Midlands Airport.

WZ553 / 40 by MARTIN CHELL, on Flickr

[andrewn]

Apr 11, 2011 21:07:13 GMT 1 viscount said:

The Hawker Hunter at Liverpool

1988

The fourth and final R.A.F. Hunter to land at Liverpool (indeed only the 6th to do so) was another Hunter T.7, this one operated by Buccaneer unit 237 OCU and operated from and returned to its Lossiemouth base. XL573 using call-sign 'BZD 26' was on the ground at Liverpool 1259-1435. Due to the airport handling Manchester diversions all morning, the Hunter was parked on the 'spur' apron. The visit may have been in connection with the appearnace of Hunter "WT720/B" on the gate at RAF Sealand, replacing Spitfire XVIc TD248.

Hi Viscount, do you have a date in 1988 for the visit of XL573?

[viscount]

Wow, that is some "zombie" thread you have dug up! So dead that it has missed re-formatting of titles after a Proboards update circa 2014 and replacing of images after Photobucket's photo mutilation on demand of payment for a formerly free service circa 2018.

To answer the question posed, which should have been provided in the original text, it was Thursday 23rd November 1988. Being a winter weekday, I doubt any photographers were around, despite a run of Manchester diversions inbound that same day.

I have taken this opportunity to refresh this thread with photos re-inserted using a different image host. Reckon I should be able to find further illustrations too.

[andrewn]

Thank you Viscount, and the pictures look good 😊

I've got some of my Dad's old Stretton logs somewhere, I'll have to dig them out.