The RAF in colour 50s and 60s

[dinomartino1]

A pilot of No 54 Squadron RAF at RAF Waterbeach signs a cheque in an airside office.

The Navigator-Radar’s position in the rear crew section of an unidentified Avro Vulcan B.2. He is watching the green screen of the H2S radar during a simulated bombing run. He would adjust the direction of the radar to fix on the target by using the joystick in his right hand.

Delivering the Avro Blue Steel stand-off nuclear bomb from storage to the awaiting Avro Vulcan B.2A. A tractor pulls alongside preparing a 'dolly' to take the bomb to the aircraft. This image was taken at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, home of No 617 Squadron. As was procedure an RAF Police dog handler and his 'Air Dog' guard the aircraft and ordnance.

A Douglas Thor intermediate range surface to surface ballistic (IRBM) missile formerly of No 97 (SM) Squadron at RAF Hemswell on a flatbed lorry at RAF Scampton prior to being loaded on to a USAF C133 Cargomaster transport for transport back to the United States as the missile program is disbanded.

Avro Blue Steel Missile being transported from its store to an awaiting Vulcan B.2A of No 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.

Trainee navigators at work in a Vickers Varsity T.1 aircraft flying with the No 2 Air Navigation School based at RAF Hullavington, Wiltshire.

A Blue Steel stand-off nuclear bomb being fuelled whilst in its storage area at RAF Scampton, home of 617 Squadron RAF. The service personnel fuelling it are wearing flame-retardant protective clothing due to the highly corrosive nature of the HTP (High Test Peroxide - a form of liquid oxygen) and the flamability of the kerosene propellant used.

Aircraft past and present of the Central Fighter Establishment (CFE) at RAF West Raynham, Norfolk, in October 1962, as the unit moved to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. The aircraft pictured here represent the various aircraft used by the constituant organisations which merged to form the CFE. The aircraft are (left to right): Supermarine Spitfire (P5853) of the Central Fighter Establishment, English Electric Lightning F.1 (XM136) of the Air Fighting Development Squadron, Gloster Javelin, Hawker Hunter F.6 (XF515) and Hawker Hunter T.7 (XL595) both of Fighter Combat School. In the background are training versions of (left to right) Avro Anson, two Gloster Meteors and a De Havilland Chipmunk. In the foreground are personel representing the CFE including RAF, Fleet Air Arm, Army Air Corps and United States Air Force

Mechanics work on an English Electric Lightning F.1As of No 111 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk.

Members of the RAF Regiment, wearing battledress, disembark from a De Havilland Comet C.4 aircraft (XR396) of No 216 Squadron RAF Transport Command at RAF Lyneham.

 

[dinomartino1]

An Avro Vulcan B.2A of No 617 Squadron undergoing final preparations at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire prior to a sortie with a Blue Steel stand-off nuclear weapon.

A pilot and his dog called 'House' (holding his master's helmet in his mouth) walks away from a line of Gloster Javelin FAW.9s of No 33 Squadron at RAF Middleton St George, c November 1962. This is one of a set of photographs which may have been taken to mark the disbanding of No 33 Squadron. The aircraft, and some of the pilots, were passed to No 5 Squadron based at RAF Geilenkirchen, Germany.

Colour transparency taken at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall where the aircrew of a Coastal Command Avro Shackleton of No 228 Squadron prepare for a long mission, circa 1957

Hawker Hunter of No 111 Squadron's aerobatic display team 'The Black Arrows' undergoing servicing at its home station.

maintenance of an RAF Coastal Command Avro Shackleton MR2 of No 228 Squadron at RAF St Mawgan, circa 1957

Flying Instructor Flight Lieutenant J Davis with his student, Flight Cadet TC Porteous of No 76 Entry, in a De Havilland Vampire T11 at the RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire. (As a Senior Under Officer, Porteous won the Sword of Honour on graduation in December 1959).

Flying Instructor Flight Lieutenant J Davis briefs his student, Flight Cadet TC Porteous of No 76 Entry, for a solo flight in a De Havilland Vampire T11 at the RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire. (As a Senior Under Officer, Porteous won the Sword of Honour on graduation in December 1959).

Armourers replace the Aden gun pack on a Hawker Hunter F.4 of No. 74 Squadron at RAF Horsham St Faith, Norfolk, during Exercise Vigilant, on 25 May 1957. Note the aircraft’s white tail markings adopted for this exercise. Ex Vigilant was the main air defence exercise of 1957.

 

[Flightengineer]

Thanks for the photos, especially for rare Javelin photos. Always fascinated by this plane, in childhood I built several of its models (the first was from Frog).

 

[dinomartino1]

An RAF De Havilland Comet C4 aircraft arrives at Narvik, Norway for the annual commemorations to mark the Battle of Narvik of 1940.

An Avro Shackleton MR2 of No 203 Squadron at RAF Ballykelly, Northern Ireland, in RAF Coastal Command prior to a flight to Iceland and Norway.

Three airmen from 37 (Field) Squadron, RAF Regiment, each armed with a L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle, man a piquet overlooking the airfield at Thumeir, in the Radfan region of the Federation of Southern Arabia, now Yemen, circa May 1964.

Six Avro Vulcan B.2 aircraft of No 617 squadron and six Handley Page Victor B.2 aircraft of either No 100 or No 139 Squadron (from RAF Witttering) lined up at RAF Scampton. These Vulcans and Victors are painted in their 'anti-flash' white paint-scheme.

One of its crew pre-flight checks an Avro Shackleton MR.2 of of No 37 Squadron in the Air Forces Middle East based at RAF Khormaksar, Aden before an operation over the Radfan region of the Federation of Southern Arabia (now Yemen).

The Avro Blue Steel stand-off nuclear bomb, on its transportation 'dolly' underneath an Avro Vulcan B.2 A prior to being attached to the bomb-bay. The aircraft was of No 617 Squadron and the image was taken at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.

 

[Officer Dibley]

Thank you for posting !!

 

[Micawber]

Fantastic images, thanks for posting them. Always had a soft spot for the Hunter, especially the "Black Arrows"!

 

[Edward]

wow! very cool!

 

[B-Man2]

Great post!
Keep em coming.
Thanks

 

[dinomartino1]

Lowering the Avro Blue Steel stand-off nuclear bomb from its conveyor vehicle to an awaiting 'dolly' to take the bomb to the Avro Vulcan B.2A. This image was taken at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, home of No 617 Squadron

Westland Wessex HC.2 (XR501) undergoes a rotor head check at RAF Odiham in September 1963, shortly after its delivery to the Wessex Intensive Flying Trials Unit. XR501 was one of four Wessex (XR499, XR500, XR501, and XR502) delivered prior to RAF acceptance for use with operational units. The Intensive Flying Trials Unit formed the nucleus of the RAF's first operational unit to be equipped with the Wessex when No. 18 Squadron was established in January 1964.

Four Westland Whirlwind HC.10s of No 225 Squadron airborne from RAF Odiham, Hampshire, hovering over a landing zone in Southern England during an exercise.

A Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 of No 230 Squadron over forbidding terraine in the Radfan region of the Federation of South Arabia, new Yemen.

A Blue Steel stand-off missile being lowered from a transporter on to a trolley prior to be loaded on an awaiting Handley Page Victor, probably of No 100 Squadron at RAF Wittering, Northamptonshire.

Children crowd around Squadron Leader R L Topp, Commanding Officer of No 111 Squadron RAF and leader of the 'Black Arrows', the RAFs Hawker Hunter aerobatics display team. Other pilots from the RAF are also present. This could be an RAF stand at the 'Schoolboy's Own Exhibition' held annually during the late 1950s.

A pilot wearing helmet and mask in the cockpit of a Hawker Hunter F.6 belonging to No 111 Squadron RAF's 'Black Arrows' aerobatic display team. The aircraft is on the ground at the squadron's base at Wattisham, Suffolk.

A view of the underside of an Avro Vulcan B.2 bomber of the Scampton Wing at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire showing the fitted Blue Steel weapon. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons. A safety suited technician fuels the Blue Steel. (XM571 can be seen undergoing pre-flight preparations in the background)

A view of a Vickers Valiant B(K).1 aircraft of No 49 Squadron undergoing preparations for a flight at its base of RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire.

An RAF apprentice learns the principles of chemistry. An instructor shows the student a model depicting the atomic structure of carbon.

 

[dinomartino1]

A Handley Page HP.80 Victor B.1aircraft is prepared for flying. This is probably at 232 Operational Conversion Unit, RAF Gaydon in late 1957 or early 1958.

An Avro Vulcan B.2 of the Scampton Wing preparing for a flight at RAF Scampton. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons.

Four RAF servicemen, wearing white boilersuits over their uniforms stand proudly before a Bristol Bloodhound surface-to-air guided missile mounted on its launcher. It is unclear whether this is a test or operational missile.

A Blue Steel stand-off missile being lowered from a transporter on to a trolley prior to be loaded on an awaiting Handley Page Victor B.2 aircraft (XL158) [unseen], probably of No 100 Squadron at RAF Wittering, Northamptonshire.

An Avro Vulcan B2 (XM571) of the Scampton Wing prepares to be loaded with a Blue Steel stand-off missile. A tractor manoeuvres the weapon into place. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons.

Avro Vulcan B.2, XM751, of the Scampton Wing as seen from the tail, at its base of RAF Scampton. Underneath the aircraft, on a trolley can be seen four bottles of pressurised nitrogen used within the aircraft's Electronic Counter Measures suite. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons.

 

[dinomartino1]

Handley Page Victor B.2 aircraft (XL158) [unseen], probably of No 100 Squadron at RAF Wittering, Northamptonshire. Pre-flight preparations

Inflated life jacket testing in a swimming pool. A man, a woman and a baby in a pool. The man and woman are wearing different types of life-vest. The baby is in an inflatable cot.

An RTTL (Rescue/Target Towing Launch) Mark II of the RAF Air Sea Rescue at speed off the south coast of England. This particular vessel is HMAFV (His Majesty's Air Force Vessel)

Ground crew work on a Hawker Hunter FGA.9 aircraft of 20 Squadron RAF at RAF Tengah, Singapore.

A view from under the delta-wings of an Avro Vulcan B.2A (probably XM571) of the Scampton Wing as the aircraft is being refuelled at RAF Scampton. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons.

 

[dinomartino1]

A Blackburn Beverly aircraft of No 84 Squadron RAF flying over Aden during operations in the region.

Flight Lieutenant Chales Muldownie of No 72 Squadron stands beside the tail of Gloster Meteor F.8, WK749, at RAF North Weald, Essex.

An English Electric Canberra B.15 bomber of No. 45 Squadron at RAF Tengah, Singapore. Ground crew load 2-inch rockets into the wing-mounted pods.

A view of an Avro Vulcan B.2 bomber (probably XM571) of the Scampton Wing at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons. The Captain is briefed by the Chief Technician.

Ground trades at RAF Scampton, home of the Scampton Wing consisting of No 27 Squadron. No 83 Squadron and No 617 Squadron. The units of the Scampton Wing all fly the Avro Vulcan B.2 bomber, one of the V Bomber force providing Britain's nuclear deterrent. In a hangar, maintenance crews work on the engine of a Hawker-Siddeley Dynamics Blue Steel stand off weapon.

 

[dinomartino1]

A Blackburn Beverly aircraft of No 84 Squadron RAF flying over Aden during operations in the region.

A view of a Vickers Valiant B(K).1 aircraft of probably No 214 Squadron at its base at RAF Marham, Norfolk, undergoing preparations for a flight. A technician checks the refuelling basket.

Ground crew at RAF Scampton load the landing-retarding parachute into the tail compartment of an Avro Vulcan B.2 aircraft of No 83 Squadron RAF.

Avro Vulcan B.2, XM751, of the Scampton Wing as seen from the tail at its base of RAF Scampton. Underneath the aircraft, on a trolley, can be seen four bottles of pressurised nitrogen used within the aircraft's Electronic Counter Measures suite. The bottles would be loaded through the open tail hatches seen. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons.

A view of an Avro Vulcan B.2 bomber (probably XM571) of the Scampton Wing at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. The Scampton Wing consisted of Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons. The crew prepare to climb on board.

Ground trades at RAF Scampton, home of the Scampton Wing consisting of No 27 Squadron. No 83 Squadron and No 617 Squadron. The units of the Scampton Wing all fly the Avro Vulcan bomber, one of the V Bomber force providing Britain's nuclear deterrent. The members of the RAF Fire and Rescue Squadron based at RAF Scampton scramble to their vehicles.

 

[Steve27752]

They always provoke questions?
Why do the Flight Sgt's? have there stripes on upside down?

 

[dinomartino1]

They always provoke questions?
Why do the Flight Sgt's? have there stripes on upside down?

And it is on purpose as the crowns are the right way up

 

[dinomartino1]

A view of an RAF swimming pool in Singapore, probably at Changi Sea Sports Club. This view shows the club's prominent position overlooking the Jahore Straights. There are many parasols and sun loungers around the pool and it is populated by RAF personnel and their families

An unmanned 5.5 inch medium gun of the RAF Regiment situated at Labuan airfield during operations in Indonesia.

Ground trades at RAF Scampton, home of the Scampton Wing consisting of No 27 Squadron. No 83 Squadron and No 617 Squadron. The units of the Scampton Wing all fly the Avro Vulcan bomber, one of the V Bomber force providing Britain's nuclear deterrent. Checking an aircraft.

Ground crew work on a Hawker Hunter FGA.9 aircraft of 20 Squadron RAF at RAF Tengah, Singapore.

Anti-aircraft gunners of the RAF Regiment man their 40mm Bofor light anti-aircraft gun at RAF Tengah, Singapore

Ground crew at RAF Scampton lower the cockpit-escape canopy onto an Avro Vulcan B.2 of No 83 Squadron RAF

Ground crew load Firestreak missiles on to a Gloster Javelin FAW.9 of No 60 Squadron RAF at RAF Tengah

A Bristol Belvedere twin rotor helicopter of No 66 Squadron RAF at Kuching, British Borneo during operations in Indonesia.

A Handley Page Victor B.1A (XH645) being 'bombed up' with conventional ordnance at RAF Tengah, Singapore.

An RAF camp in a clearing in Borneo during the Indonesian campaigns.

 

[dinomartino1]

A Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer taking off from Sepulot airfield in Borneo during operations in the region.

RAF apprentices (probably Storemen or Clerks Apprentices) off duty listenng to a performance by a pop band formed by fellow apprentices at RAF Hereford

 

[dinomartino1]

A Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer at Sepulot airfield in Borneo during operations in the region.

Two Senior Aircraftmen check an F.52 camera before placing it in a Vickers Valiant B(PR).1 aircraft of No 543 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron RAF's base at Wyton, Cambridgeshire

An aerial view of Labuan airfield.

A Bristol Belvedere twin rotor helicopter of No 66 Squadron RAF taking off at Kuching, British Borneo during operations in Indonesia.

An observation post manned by the RAF Regiment in Borneo (possibly Sepulot) during operations in the country.

A Scottish Aviation Pioneer of 209 Squadron RAF at Sepulot airstrip in Borneo during operations in the country. RAF Personnel sit on supplies in front of the aircraft.

A Handley Page Victor B.1A (XH645) of No 57 Squadron RAF being 'bombed up' with conventional ordnance at RAF Tengah, Singapore.

An RTTL (Rescue/Target Towing Launch) Mark II of the RAF Air Sea Rescue at speed off the south coast of England. This particular vessel is HMAFV (His Majesty's Air Force Vessel) 2758.

An RAF Westland Whirlwind helicopter lands supplies, possibly dispatches, airfield in Borneo during the Indonesian campaigns.

 

[Steve27752]

And it is on purpose as the crowns are the right way up

But why? that is the question.

 

[Lorenzo_l]

Great post and pictures. Thanks for posting and, naturally, keep'em coming!