Post by eightgunbeauty on Mar 26, 2008 1:53:47 GMT 1
Very recently I was privileged to view North Weald's new gate guardian which will adorn the entrance to the airfield and get its first public viewing on this coming May 18th. A full size plastic replica of a Hawker Hurricane in 56 (F) Squadron's markings. The aircraft will be finished as US-F, V7313, which when on September 1st 1940, when 249 (F) Squadron took over 56 (F) Squadron's aircraft, became the personal mount of Tom 'Ginger'
Neil, DFC, RAF. Somewhat of a favourite of Tom's the aircraft was lost whilst Tom was away on a spot of leave by Adj Perrin over Kent. The crash site of V7313 has never been excavated and the location has now been found, so with a lot of luck the real V7313 may soon appear, subject to MOD permission. I will keep you posted,
the work behind North Weald's new acquisition is down to allot of hard work by Arthur Moreton. His efforts have seen a Hurricane replica at North Weald in the markings of the longest serving Squadron to be stationed at the airfield prewar and during the war. When 249 arrived on the 1st September 1940 from Boscombe Down in twelve new Hurricanes, it was found that their TR9 radio's would not operate in 11 Group. So 56 returned to Boscombe Down for a well earned rest with 249's twelve new Hurricanes, whilst 249 began their term of service using 56's war weary veterans which were equipped with VHF radio's, that did work. 249 (F) operated from North Weald until May 1941, when they moved to Malta, and further Battle honours - so the new gate guard may wear 56 (F) Squadrons markings - but for the climax of the Battle of Britain was operated by 249 (F) Squadron.
PUGNIS ET CALCIBUS - WITH FISTS AND HEELS.
Camm Followers.
Neil, DFC, RAF. Somewhat of a favourite of Tom's the aircraft was lost whilst Tom was away on a spot of leave by Adj Perrin over Kent. The crash site of V7313 has never been excavated and the location has now been found, so with a lot of luck the real V7313 may soon appear, subject to MOD permission. I will keep you posted,
the work behind North Weald's new acquisition is down to allot of hard work by Arthur Moreton. His efforts have seen a Hurricane replica at North Weald in the markings of the longest serving Squadron to be stationed at the airfield prewar and during the war. When 249 arrived on the 1st September 1940 from Boscombe Down in twelve new Hurricanes, it was found that their TR9 radio's would not operate in 11 Group. So 56 returned to Boscombe Down for a well earned rest with 249's twelve new Hurricanes, whilst 249 began their term of service using 56's war weary veterans which were equipped with VHF radio's, that did work. 249 (F) operated from North Weald until May 1941, when they moved to Malta, and further Battle honours - so the new gate guard may wear 56 (F) Squadrons markings - but for the climax of the Battle of Britain was operated by 249 (F) Squadron.
PUGNIS ET CALCIBUS - WITH FISTS AND HEELS.
Camm Followers.