Having already done a couple of posts in the Dorset thread I really ought to introduce myself.
I was born on the edge of Salisbury Plain and my youth was full of military airplanes flying overhead. I can remember Meteors (inc NF), Brigands, Hastings, Vampires, Hunters and to my total surprise an unmistakable Convair B36.
Both my father and my uncle were in the RAF during the war but they always asked me what these things were. In 1953 (if that is the year after the DH110 crash) we went to Farnborough and saw all manner of exotic things (such as the bright yellow Boulton Paul P111, now at Coventry). I then went every year up until 1974. By then I was grown up and working for NATO. Having completed A levels I was taken on by the British Aircraft Corp at Filton as a student apprentice. They put me through university. I worked on Concorde (there for the first flight), BAC 211 and their Hunter. I patted the BAC 188. I drifted towards guided weapons and communications and spent the rest of my life designing military communications systems. I still have a very soft spot for aircraft of the 50s and 60s.
My father was stationed at Warmwell Dorset in 1940/41. I have a couple of photos taken at that time and the one I posted shows Spitfires in the background.
He was also at Upavon for the rest of the war so I will try to find a few bits from there.
My home town of Warminster was the home of Crabtree RAF camp. I am trying to find out more about it. There is a tantalising map here:
/community/showthread.php?738-Relocated-Hangars/page14
(post #139)
I have PM'd stevewiltshire to ask for a copy but have had no response. Can anyone help please.
I must say I am in awe of the knowledge you all have and the responses I have received so far. Thank you
Thanks for your welcomes.
Pauline, I read your description of Farnborough 1952. Very chilling.
I will soon depart for my son's wedding in Oz and we will be there until end of November so there will be little AiX activity from me until after that.
Thanks again
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