Exercise FLUSHBEAM, 04 Nov – 02 Dec 76

This is not a complete list, missing a couple of F-4s, and the Shackleton and Canberra target-towing aircraft.

Squadron lost four banners during the detachment, two being shot off, the other two lost in transit.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FGR.2	XV496/H	c/n 3442. Issued to 17 Sqn passing to 228 OCU in 12/71 and issued as 41/G in 10/72. Unmarked with the unit in 8/73 returning to Briiggen and 14 Sqn in 1/75. To 17 Sqn in 4/75 but back at Coningsby unmarked in 8/75. To 23/H in 2/76 until at least 5/77 receiving RWR at 60 MU in 3/76. With 92 Sqn in 10/77 becoming 'W' in 11/77 until despatch to 19 MU in 10/79. Re-appeared as 19/J in 12/79 and noted unmarked in grey c/s at Coningsby in 10/81 but had reverted to 19/J by 2/82. Re-coded 'L' following another period at St Athan in 9/84 transferring to 92/V in 1/86. To BAe 30/1/89.
FGR.2	XT906/P	c/n 2657. Issued to 31 Sqn but passed to 2/T in 12/71. To 228 OCU by 5/73 and on to 17 Sqn in 7/74. Back with 228 OCU in 2/76 and passed to 29/T on 8/6/76. Returned to 228 OCU as 'S' in 8178. Repainted in grey c/s 3/83 and issued to 56/X in 7/84. Back with with 228 OCU as 'CH' in 10/87. No details 10/87 – 05/94. Scr. Hanningfield Metals, Stock, Essex 06/1994.
FGR.2	XV408/N	c/n 2946. Issued to 6 Sqn as 'L' passing to 228 OCU in 1/74 with whom it served until undergoing an overhaul at 60 MU on 3/3/76. Reissued to 23 Sqn in 9/76 becoming 'N' gaining a grey c/s in 10/81. To 29/P in 2/83 passing to 92/S in 7/87. To 19 MU St Athan for overhaul in 10/88. To 19 Sqn 10/3/89 becoming 'C' in 4/89. (No details after 04/89.) To 9165M. Preserved, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
FGR.2	XV422/C	c/n 3068. Issued to 6 Sqn as 'E' passing to 31 Sqn in 11/73 remaining with the unit until attention with 60 MU in 10/75. Having received RWR reissued as the unit's first grey aircraft and was one of the jets despatched to the Falklands. Returned to the UK on 23/5/86 as 23/G but diverted into Tenerife with technical problems and upon return despatched to BAe at Scampton. Reissued as 228/CD in 10/87 again sent to the Falklands on 17/3/88 becoming 23/A. (No details 03/88 – 08/93) l/f 08/08/1993 to Stornoway Airport, to 9152M, scr. 10/1998.
FGR.2	XV434/J	c/n 3167. Issued to 31 Sqn but 54/G in 9/72 passing to 41 Sqn in 10/72. Coded 'E' in 3/73 but uncoded again by 1/74. To 228 OCU in 5/74 passing to 14 Sqn in 4/75. Issued to the reformed 23 Sqn as 'J' at Coningsby 12/12/75 and to Wattisham 2512/76 until at least 2/79. After painting in grey at 19 MU issued to 92/V in 1/80 passing to 19/F in 10/80. With 56 Sqn as'G'in 5/81 returning to Coningsby unmarked in 6/82. It became 29/J in 5/83 and was lost in a crash in the Yorkshire Dales on 7/1/86.
FGR.2	XV435/M	c/n 3174. Issued to 14 Sqn returning to Coningsby in 6/75 having received RWR at HOSM a few months before. To 23/M by 7/76 remaining with theunit until at least 5/77 although spending 11/8/76 to 8/9/76 with 60 MU, to 228/Y in 5/78 and 92/0 in 8/78 being re-coded 'X' in 1/79. To 19 MU in 10/83 where repainted returning as 228/P but to BAe on 518/84. Reissued to 92/P in 3/85 being re-coded 'R' in 7/87. To 19 MU St Athan during 88. No details 88 – 92. To RAE Llanbedr, Wales fire dump 1992, scrapped 12/2004.
FGR.2	XV472/L	c/n 3298. Issued to 228 OCU until attn by 60 MU on 5/8/75 and although back at Coningsby in 2/76 had become 23/L by 4/76 serving with the unit until at least 2/79. To 29/B in 10/80 until despatch to 19 MU in 7/81. Following repainting in grey reissued as 1 g/E. To BAe at Brough for overhaul and modification before being issued as 'A' to 56 Sqn. No details 81 – 92. scr. and buried at Mount Pleasant Airport, 08/1992.
FGR.2	XV483/O	c/n 3367. Issued to 31 Sqn but with 17 Sqn by mid-72 remaining with the unit until at least 11/74 being transferred to 41 Sqn by 1/75. Coded 'U' in 6/75 and remained as such until being reissued to 23 Sqn following fitting with RWR at 60 MU in 8/76 receiving the code 'O' by 12/76. To 92/Y in 5/78 and lost by the unit in a crash at Hoxter on 24/7/78.
FGR.2	XV497/Q	c/n 3454.Issued as 41/H until at least 10/72 passing to 228 OCU by 4/73. With 17 Sqn in 10/74 returning to 228 OCU on 11/2/76. To 56/G in 3/76 and 23/N in 9/76 before despatch to 60 MU for RWR fitting between 28/9/76 and 13/10/76. Returned to become 23/Q in 12/76 and to 92/V in 10/78. To 19/A by 2/79 and was the first aircraft to receive blue/white checks on the RWR in 10/81. To 19 MU in mid-85 for repainting into grey being reissued to 29 Sqn in 9/85 although back with 19 Sqn as 'W' in 5/86 being re-coded 'B' the following month. At some point transferred as 92/X before taking part in 'Fire Focus' to the Falklands on 17/3/88 eventually becoming 23/D in 5/88. (Missing details.) To 9295M, to Waddington 23/06/2002 for display.
HP Victor	XL160		All tankers were from 55 Squadron. Arrived at Luqa on 30th November, refuelling the squadron back to Leuchars on 2nd December.
HP Victor	XL188		Refuelled the Phantoms to Malta on 4th Nov, departing on the 5th, refuelling a Phantom left over from a previous detachment.
HP Victor	XL189		Arrived at Luqa on 30th November, refuelling the squadron back the Leuchars on 2nd December.
HP Victor	XL190		Refuelled the Phantoms to Malta on 4th Nov, departing on the 5th.
HP Victor	XL233		Arrived at Luqa on 30th November, refuelling the squadron back the Leuchars on 2nd December.

Operation Timid Fawn, 14 Oct - 4 Nov 75

First visit using the F-4 Phantom. Squadron arrived on 14 October, with a 41 Squadron machine joining them on the 15th. On one occasion a Phantom taxying out for a sortie was recalled back to his parking slot as news had been received that the banner towed by the Canberra had been shot off. All seven aircraft carried basic 29 squadron markings, with red code letters on fin outlined in white. Last three digits of serial number reproduced on top of fin and ‘B’ style roundels.

The visit by 29 squadron with Phantoms coincided with the mid-air explosion of Vulcan XM645. The aircraft had made a heavy landing on the runway’s undershoot area, tearing of the starboard wheel bogey, and rupturing fuel pipes, leading to a fire, and the eventual disintegration of the aircraft in mid-air.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FGR.2	XT910/P	c/n 2709. Issued to 2280CU until at least 10/72. Briefly on charge with 2 Sqn as 'T' in 5/73 before returning to 228 OCU in 8/73, Passed to 29 Sqn in 1/75 becoming 'P' in 5175. RWR fitted late 75 by BAe, the aircraft returning to 29 Sqn before once again being taken on charge with 228 OCU in 5/76. Coded 'I' in 2/78 passed to 29 Sqn again in 9/81 following repainting into grey by 19 MU and taking dp its old code of 'P'. Once again back with 228 OCU in 2/82 as 'B' but re-coded 'J' by 4/83 with which it remained before passing on to 56 Sqn as 'Z' in 10/85. Back with 228 OCU as 'J' by 6/86 and re-coded 'CJ' in 3/87. No details 04/87 – 07/95. scr. Shawbury 08/1995.	All 29 squadron F-4s arr. on the 14th.
FGR.2	XV418/C	c/n 3036. Became part of 6 Sqn's initial complement and was coded 'F' by 12/7 1. Passed to 41/C in 10/72 becoming uncoded by 4/73 in which form it remained until passing on to 29 Sqn as 'C' in 10/75. It remained with this unit until transfer to 92/Y in 2/77 passing to BAe at HOSM only to return to Wildenrath in 4/78 but was 19/D in 5/78. This period was short-lived with the aircraft returning to 19 MU for overhaul shortly afterwards. It was returned to 92 Sqn in grey colours on 29/12/78 and received a low vis badge in 7/79. It was allocated 'S' but never carried same, being lost in a crash near Osnabriick on 11/7/80.
FGR.2	XV420/H	c/n 3053. Issued as 54/D passing to 6 Sqn in 7/73 as 'H' until taken on strength by 29 Sqn as 'H' in 2/76. It was then transferred to 56/J on 14/6/76 with whom it served until at least 2/78 when it was transferred to 19/E being re-coded 'L' in 8/79. Returned to 19 MU to become 4 Sqn's 100th overhaul and was marked as such on the starboard fin. It was then issued to 23/W in grey colour scheme in 3/81 and passed to 29/I in 2/83. It then travelled south to the Falklands becoming 23/B returning to the UK in 5/86 and then Germany as 92/S. Following a period with Bae, it was reissued to 56 Sqn in 1/88 becoming 'T'. (Missing details). to 9247M, scr. Neatishead, Norfolk 2005.
FGR.2	XV423/R	c/n 3075. Issued to 228 OCU until coming on 6 Sqn's strength as 'R' in 10/72. Passed to 29/R in 11/74 being re-coded 'P' in 4/76. Re-issued as 23/E in 2/79 until at least 9/80. To 19 MU then emerged in grey as 56/G in 12/81 but was unmarked at Coningsby in 6/82. Despatched to the Falklands, eventually becoming 23/D until returning to the UK on 21/5/86. To BAe Scampton before issue as 56/F in 12/88. No details 12/88 – 10/92, l/f 05/10/1992 to Leeming for G.I, scrapped 08/1991.
FGR.2	XV438/A	c/n 3201. Issued as 6/A remaining with the unit until at least 8/73. To 29/A by 1/75 until attention at HOSM in 3/78 returning initially to 29 Sqn but passing to 228 OCU as 'Y' by 2/79 and remaining as such until overhaul at 19 MU in early 82. Re-issued to 29 Sqn in grey colours in 5/82 but without marks until 3/83 when it became 'Y'. Noted unmarked with 228 OCU in 10/87 and despatched to the Falklands on 17/3/88 to become 23/C. (No details 03/88 – 04/92), to Wattisham dump 13/04/1992, scr. 09/1992 by Mayer & Perry.
FGR.2	XV442/F	c/n 3226. Issued as 6/E becoming 'F' by 3/74. Passed to 29/F in 1/75 and to 41/R in 8/76 but back as 29/F in 2/79. To 19 MU for overhaul in mid-81 and reissued in grey c/s as 29/H in 12/81 with whom it served until passing to 228/U in 11/82. However, it was back with 29 Sqn by 8/84 as 'R' until issued to 56 Sqn in 4/86 and despatched to the Falklands becoming 23/E. Returned to the UK by 10/86 and issued as 19/H in 1/87. Underwent modification at BAe Scampton in 88 returning to the unit on 26/9/88. Noted as 'B' 10/88. (No details 10/88 – 08/92), scr. and buried at Mount Pleasant Airport, 08/1992.
FGR.2	XV482/L	c/n3361. Issued as 54/K but with 41 Sqn as 'E' in 10/72. By 10/73 it had returned to 54 Sqn as 'L' passing to 6 Sqn with the same code in 12/73. By 2/76 had become 29/L receiving RWR at 60 MU in 8/76. Transferred to 56/C by 10/77 and although receiving a major and repainting at 19 MU in 1982 returned to the unit adopting its old code. Noted uncoded with 92 Sqn in 6/88. (No details 06/88 – 07/91), to Leuchars, Scotland 12/07/1991 for G.I, scr. 1995.
FGR.2	XV401/L	c/n 2885. Issued to 228 OCU passing to 41 Sqn in 10/72 as 'A' but was uncoded by 10/73 in a change of unit policy, remaining as such until 12/75 when it adopted the code 'I' which it retained until passing to 111 Sqn at the beginning of 77. It was coded 'U' with the unit until some time between 2/78 and 4/80 when it was transferred to 56 Sqn as 'N' changing to 'V' in 1/81. Repainted in grey c/s and allocated to 228 OCU in 7/82 as 'B'. To 29/L in 10/83 remaining as such until transferred to 23 Sqn as 'A' on 17/5/86. It remained in the Falklands returning to the UK on 23/3/88 and passed to 56 Sqn's charge. To 19 MU and delivered to 19 Sqn on 16/12/88 becoming 'AA' 5/1/89. Noted with an all-black fin 24/1/89. (No details.) pres. Boscombe Down Museum, Wiltshire.	41 squadron. Arr. on the 14th. Carried last digit of serial as code on fin
HP Victor K.1A			57 squadron. Serials not known.
EE Canberra B.2	WD948	d/d 17/10/1951, loaned to RNZAF 07/58 to 01/62, to 8530M, perished Manston Fire School 1981.	85 Squadron. Previously coded ‘E’, and finished in overall light grey with orange dayglo strips.
EE Canberra B.2	WE113/H	Cockpit preserved Woodhurst, Cambs.	85 Squadron. Finished in standard camouflage, but with old style large serial number on fuselage.

20 Jan – 22 Feb 77

This was another month long APC, during which 29 squadron became the first Phantom squadron to qualify all its pilot to the SACEUR ACE standard. Not all of the aircraft carried 29 squadron markings.

An advance party from the squadron arrived on the 14th to make the necessary preparations to receive the squadron. Arrival should have been on the 19th, but delayed by 24-hours due to bad weather over the UK, with the 8th aircraft arriving on the 21st via Istres.

Apart from practicing air-to-air gunnery, the squadron also participated in two other exercises. The first was exercise Macex on 10th February against HMS Falmouth, 40 nautical miles north of Malta.

The second was a Malta ADEX (Air Defence Exercise) held on the 17th, with sorties against Victors, Canberras, Jaguars and Orion targets, along with AEW from two Shackletons. 33 kills claimed by squadron pilots, of which 30 were confirmed by the Weapons Instructor after film analysis.

On 10th February, Group Captain D.T. Bryants, OBE, OC RAF Coningsby, and S/L RJ Rogers, OC simulator, arrived in F-4 XV465/B. They flew two sorties daily, departing on the 16th.

Some of the air/ground crew departed on 22nd by C-130, the remainder by VC-10 the following day.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FGR.2	XT912/F	c/n 2742. One of the first aircraft for 14 Sqn with which it served until the unit deactivated on the type at which time it became part of 111 Sqn as 'K'. Taken on charge by 23 Sqn as 'K' on 25/2/76 until undergoing attention with 60 MU at Leconfield between 13/3/76 and 28/10/76 and was reportedly the last F-4 to receive attention with the unit. With 29 Sqn as 'F' in 77 before passing to 228 OCU as 'L' in early 78. Re-coded 'F' after re-spray at St Athan in 1/81 and collided with XT903 on T/0 from Coningsby on 14/4/82 crashing near Billinghay.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
FGR.2	XV400/I	c/n 2877. Issued to 6 Sqn as 'R' but transferred to 54/C by 10/72. With 228 OCU in 2/74 but passed to 41 Sqn by 9/74 eventually becoming 'F'. Transferred to 29/X on 12/12/75 but served briefly with 41 Sqn again before being reissued to 29/I on 9/8/76 with whom it served until 7/80 when despatched to 19 MU for a major. In this period it had received its RWR in early 77 and, upon completion of its overhaul at St Athan, was issued to 19 Sqn during 1/81 in grey c/s and coded 'F'. To BAe in 83 then being placed on 56 Sqn's charge during 10/85 coded 'D'.	Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsigns Rafair 991-5. Photographed with arrestor hook lowerd on 26.01.77.
FGR.2	XV404	c/n 2910. Issued to 228 0CU passing to 54 Sqn as 'J' in 12/71 remaining with the unit until disbandment when it became 111/J. To 31 Sqn 14/1/76 but sent to 60 MU at Leconfield on 9/6/76 to become the last F-4 to undergo a major overhaul with the unit. During this period it received its RWR and was issued to 228 OCU on 19/11/76 becoming 'R' by 8/77. To 23/H between 3/79 and 9/80 before receiving the grey c/s at 19 MU and being issued to 56 Sqn as 'B' in 7/81. To 29/E in 3/83 and to 19/I in 4/87. To 19 MU for overhaul in 7/88, returning to 19 Sqn by 1/89.	No squadron markings. Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 998.
FGR.2	XV423/P	c/n 3075. Issued to 228 OCU until coming on 6 Sqn's strength as 'R' in 10/72. Passed to 29/R in 11/74 being re-coded 'P' in 4/76. Re-issued as 23/E in 2/79 until at least 9/80. To 19 MU then emerged in grey as 56/G in 12/81 but was unmarked at Coningsby in 6/82. Despatched to the Falklands, eventually becoming 23/D until returning to the UK on 21/5/86. To BAe Scampton before issue as 56/F in 12/88.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
FGR.2	XV425/R	c/n 310O.Issued to 31 Sqn serving with same until deactivation on type when it passed to 111 Sqn becoming 'Q' in 9/76. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s from 19 MU in 4/80 becoming 'Q' but was unmarked at Coningsby in 7/82. Despatched to the Falklands eventually becoming 'Q' although re-coded 'H' in 5/85 and returned to the UK as 'F' on 21/5/86. Taken on 56 Sqn charge as 'P' with whom it still serves.	Arr on 21 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 997.
FGR.2	XV430	c/n 3131. Issued as 2/S until at least 5/74 when it was re-coded 'R'. With 228 OCU in 5/75 until 7/76 shortly after being transferred briefly as 23/0 in 12/76. Back with 228 OCU in 4/77 becoming 'S' in 8/77 but to 23/F again in 9/78. To 19 MU and after repainting in grey reissued as 19/C until at least 2/83. It then returned to St Athan to receive RWR being one of the few jets not fitted returning to 19/A on 14/5/85.	Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 996
FGR.2	XV438/A	c/n3201.Issued as 6/A remaining with the unit until at least 8/73. To 29/A by 1/75 until attention at HOSM in 3/78 returning initially to 29 Sqn but passing to 228 OCU as 'Y' by 2/79 and remaining as such until overhaul at 19 MU in early 82. Reissued to 29 Sqn in grey colours in 5/82 but without marks until 3/83 when it became 'Y'. Noted unmarked with 228 OCU in 10/87 and despatched to the Falklands on 17/3/88 to become 23/C.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
FGR.2	XV465/B	c/n3261. Issued as 54/G passing to 41/G in 3/73. To 31 Sqn by 7/74 until issue to 23 Sqn in 11/75. Noted as 'E' at Coningsby on 12/12/75 moving to Wattisham as such on 25/2/76. To 60 MU on 1/4/76 being reissued to 29 Sqn in 8/76 and coded 'B' by 1/77. Passed to 228 OCU in 4/78 becoming 'Z' in 8/78 but as 92/N by 9/78. Re-coded 'Z' in 2/79 until attn at 19 MU in 1/85. After repainting into grey issued to 19 Sqn as 'F'.	Arr on 10 Feb 77. Callsign Mission 520.
FGR.2	XV481/E	c/n 3355.Issued as 6/H but re-coded 'E' in 9/73. To 29 Sqn in 11/74 becoming 'E' by 4/75. To 19/J in 12/77 and after attn by BAe at HOSM to 19/G in 11/79. To 19 MU for repainting into grey c/s in 1983 and fitting of RWR returning to 19 Sqn as 'H' in 11/83. Despatched to the Falklands as 23/F on 17/5/86 returning to the UK on 23/3/88 and becoming 92/X.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
HP Victor K.2	XH671	d/d 04/05/1960, w/o 15/03/1993, scr. Marham.	57 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 802.
HP Victor K.2	XH673	d/d 01/09/1960, to 8911M. Displayed at RAF Marham, Norfolk.	57 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 801 respectively.
HP Victor K.2	XL162	To 9114M, (N) scr. Manston 1999.	57 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 803.
HP Victor K.2	XL188		55 sqd, arrived on 16th February, participated in ADEX exercise. Refuelled the Phantoms back to the UK on the 22nd.
HP Victor K.2	XL190		55 sqd, arrived on 16th February, participated in ADEX exercise. Refuelled the Phantoms back to the UK on the 22nd.
HP Victor K.2	XL191		55 sqd, arrived on 16th February, participated in ADEX exercise. Refuelled the Phantoms back to the UK on the 22nd.
HP Victor K.2	XL232		55 sqd, arrived on 16th February, participated in ADEX exercise. Refuelled the Phantoms back to the UK on the 22nd.
HP Victor K.2	XL511		55 sqd, arrived on 16th February, participated in ADEX exercise. Refuelled the Phantoms back to the UK on the 22nd.
EE Canberra B.2	WJ753/L	w/o 19/06/1978, s.o.c. 23/06/1978 as CAT5(c) and reduced to spares and produce.	100 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign MAAOE. Target towing duties.
EE Canberra B.2	WK162/A	w/o 08/08/1985.	100 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign MAAOF. Target towing duties.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL756	First flown 1.4.53 and A/Cn 30.4.53. To 23MU 5.5.53 and prepared for issue to MEAF Delivered to Luqa by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson, 28.7.53 and after acceptance checks issued to 37 Sqn 5.8.53 and coded G. To CAPMF St Mawgan 1-19.2.54 for mods and on return to 37 Sqn damaged in Cat.3 flying accident 7.5.54 when the pilot stalled the aircraft on final approach and the tailwheel assembly collapsed on touchdown in the undershoot. Transferred to 137MU Safi for repairs the same day. A 'special fitment' was made 21.10.55 - 5.12.55 after which WL756 was transferred to 38 Sqn 16.12.55 and recoded T. To 49MU for mods 9.10.57 - 19.11.57, returning to 38 Sqn and suffered Cat.3 damage in flying accident 19.3.58. presumably at Akrotiri because it was allocated to 103MU for repairs the same day. Probably also modified to Phase I standard before allotment to HQ British Forces Arabian Peninsula 30.4.59. Issued to 37 Sqn 18.7.59 coded C. To Avro 23.1.61 for Phase II mods, completed 30.4.62. Allocated to FEAF and issued to 205 Sqn 11.6.62 still as C. To HSA 30.10.66 for Phase III mods at Langar and on completion went to the Ballykelly Wing 26.10.67 and was coded V. To HSA for mods 29.10.69 - 10.12.69 when returned to Ballykelly Wing. To 204 Sqn 10.70, retaining code V until going to 5MU 18.1.71 for preparation for despatch to HSA Bitteswell 2.4.71 for AEW.2 conversion. Flown as AEW.2 2.3.72 and redelivered to 5MU 22.3.72 for repainting and acceptance. Flown to Kinloss 4.5.72 and issued to 8 Sqn the following day. To Lossiemouth 19.5.72 for installation of radar before return to Kinloss as 'Mr Rusty' 21.6.72. Transferred to Lossiemouth with unit 17.8.73. To 60MU for modification 29.4.75, but returned to 8 Sqn 5.75. To HSA Bitteswell for major overhaul/mods 7.3.79, returning to 8 Sqn 1980. Currently at St Mawgan on the Station Fire Dump and can be seen from coast road (13,676 hrs at 9.3.89).	Arrived 14 Feb, departed on the 22nd. 8 squadron advance arrived on the 11th. Callsign MTBQA.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL790	First flown 23.6.53 and A/Cn 17.7.53. To 38MU Llandow 7.8.53 and stored. Prepared for issue to 240 Sqn 6.10.53. Uncoded. Port wing damaged when aircraft struck hangar while taxying at St Eval 31.3.54. Cat.3 damage repaired by Avro CWP and on completion aircraft transferred to 204 Sqn 9.8.54, nominally coded T-T, but probably only carried unit marking T. Autolycus installed at 49MU Coleme 18.5.55 - 7.6.55 and completed by CCMC St Mawgan, Wl,790 returning to 204 Sqn 10.7.55. Suffered Cat.3 damage when the aircraft was landed heavily in the undershoot at Aston Down 9.8.57. Repaired on site by Avro CWP 23.8.57 - 30.1.58. WL790 returned to 204 Sqn 10.2.58, but was again damaged 31.7.58 when the tailwheel assembly broke off during landing at Ballykelly, causing Cat.3 damage. Repaired by Avro CWP 27.8.58 - 6.11.58 and transferred to 269 Sqn 11.11.58 and to 210 Sqn 1.12.58 still uncoded. To 49MU 7.1.59 for Phase I modification, completed 16.4.59. Returned to 210 Sqn 12.5.59 and coded X. To Avro Langar 10.1.61 for Phase II update, completed 28.5.62, and allocated to FEAF. Issued to 205 Sqn 21.6.62 coded E. Allotted to HSA 29.8.66 for Phase III modification, arriving Langar 10.66. On completion 8.67 the aircraft was returned to 205 Sqn and recoded D. Cat.3 repair 21.3.68 - 16.5.68, WL790 remaining with 205 Sqn until allocated to 5MU, arriving Kemble 4.1.71 for temporary storage. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell 30.9.71 for AEW.2 conversion, flying in the new configuration 7.72. To 5MU 3.8.72 for repainting and delivered to Lossiemouth 19.9.72 for radar installation. ToC 8 Sqn Kinloss 20.9.72. To RRE Pershore 2.1.73 for flight trials of Marconi (AMTI), which commenced 1.3.73 and were completed 11.5.73, when the aircraft returned to Kinloss and named 'Mr MacHenry'. To Lossiemouth 15.8.73 with unit on transfer. To 60MU for mods 19.3.75 - 10.4.75, returning to 8 Sqn until sent to HSA Bitteswell 1980 for re-sparring and refurbishing. Returned to 8 Sqn Lossiemouth 28.7.81 (the last on contract). Current (13,891 hrs at 9.3.89). Sold at Auction and currently at Pima Air Museum, Arizona, US.	Arrived 14 Feb, departed on the 22nd. 8 squadron advance arrived on the 11th.Callsign MSNSB.

Exercise Ferry Boat 78, 13 Jan – 14 Feb 78

As in 1977, the first APC for 1978 was again by 29 squadron, although bad weather in the UK delayed their arrival by 24-hours. The majority of the aircraft came on the 13th, but additional Phantoms continued to trickle in until much later, see notes.

Midway through the detachment, on the 23rd, a 111 squadron F-4, XV491/O, c/s rafair 995, made an appearance. Also noted (or accompanying it) was Victor K.2 XL160 of 55 sqdn, c/s rafair 898. I’m not sure if this was in connection with 29’s visit.

Two Shackletons arrived on 2nd February, and scheduled to stay until the 14th. On the 7th, one aircraft was flown to RAF Gibraltar, the crew returning with one whose radar needed rectification. According to Form 541, I understood WL741 was the one taken to Gibraltar, the crew returning with WR960.

Unfortunately, the only day the Shacks could train with the Phantoms was on 10th February, with both aircraft’s radar going u/s.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FGR.2	XT906/T	c/n 2657. Issued to 31 Sqn but passed to 2/T in 12/71. To 228 OCU by 5/73 and on to 17 Sqn in 7/74. Back with 228 OCU in 2/76 and passed to 29/T on 8/6/76. Returned to 228 OCU as 'S' in 8/78. Repainted in grey c/s 3/83 and issued to 56/X in 7/84. Back with 228 OCU as 'CH' in 10/87. No details 10/87 – 05/94. Scr. Hanningfield Metals, Stock, Essex 06/1994.
FGR.2	XV399/P	c/n 2869. Issued to 228 OCU passing to 31 Sqn in late 72. With 6 Sqn mid-73 as 'P' but back in Germany with 14 Sqn in 7/73 only to return to 228 OCU in 4/75. Issued to 2 Sqn by 10/75 and after receiving RWR to 41 Sqn in 3/77. This period was short-lived, passing to 29 Sqn initially as 'X' in 4/77 and then 'P' in 2/78. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s in 1/82 as 'N' and to 56/L on 23/6/82 with which it is still current.
FGR.2	XV400/I	c/n 2877. Issued to 6 Sqn as 'R' but transferred to 54/C by 10/72. With 228 OCU in 2/74 but passed to 41 Sqn by 9/74 eventually becoming 'F'. Transferred to 29/X on 12/12/75 but served briefly with 41 Sqn again before being reissued to 29/I on 9/8/76 with whom it served until 7/80 when despatched to 19 MU for a major. In this period it had received its RWR in early 77 and, upon completion of its overhaul at St Athan, was issued to 19 Sqn during 1/81 in grey c/s and coded 'F'. To BAe in 83 then being placed on 56 Sqn's charge during 10/85 coded 'D'.	Arrived on the 24th.
FGR.2	XV425/R	c/n 310O.Issued to 31 Sqn serving with same until deactivation on type when it passed to 111 Sqn becoming 'Q' in 9/76. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s from 19 MU in 4/80 becoming 'Q' but was unmarked at Coningsby in 7/82. Despatched to the Falklands eventually becoming 'Q' although re-coded 'H' in 5/85 and returned to the UK as 'F' on 21/5/86. Taken on 56 Sqn charge as 'P' with whom it still serves.
FGR.2	XV436/E	c/n 3183. Issued to 228 OCU until 10/75 when it became 111/B. Spent 76 somewhat undecided serving with 31 Sqn briefly and receiving RWR, to 29/E in 10/77 until lost following a hydraulics failure at Coningsby on 5/3/80. Fuselage allocated 8850M for BDRF at Abingdon.	Arived on 1st February.
FGR.2	XV438	c/n3201.Issued as 6/A remaining with the unit until at least 8/73. To 29/A by 1/75 until attention at HOSM in 3/78 returning initially to 29 Sqn but passing to 228 OCU as 'Y' by 2/79 and remaining as such until overhaul at 19 MU in early 82. Reissued to 29 Sqn in grey colours in 5/82 but without marks until 3/83 when it became 'Y'. Noted unmarked with 228 OCU in 10/87 and despatched to the Falklands on 17/3/88 to become 23/C.
FGR.2	XV442/F	c/n 3226. Issued as 6/E becoming 'F' by 3/74. Passed to 29/F in 1/75 and to 41/R in 8/76 but back as 29/F in 2/79. To 19 MU for overhaul in mid-81 and reissued in grey c/s as 29/H in 12/81 with whom it served until passing to 228/U in 11/82. However, it was back with 29 Sqn by 8/84 as 'R' until issued to 56 Sqn in 4/86 and despatched to the Falklands becoming 23/E. Returned to the UK by 10/86 and issued as 19/H in 1/87. Underwent modification at BAe Scampton in 88 returning to the unit on 26/9/88. Noted as 'B' 10/88. (No details 10/88 – 08/92), scr. and buried at Mount Pleasant Airport, 08/1992.
FGR.2	XV461	c/n 3237. Issued as 54/N and passed to 228 OCU in 2/74 remaining with the unit until issue to 111/F in 1/77. With 29 Sqn uncoded in 2/79 becoming 'H' by 5/79. To 19 MU in late 81 emerging in grey to 56/G on 1/6/82 staying with the unit until attn by BAe in late 87 returning in 7/88.
FGR.2	XV471	c/n 3293. Issued to 17 Sqn serving with the unit until at least 7/74. To 41 Sqn in 11/74 and coded 'T' by 6/75. Received RWR by 5/77 when noted unmarked at Coningsby and with 228 OCU in 2/78. Operated unmarked with 29 Sqn a few weeks later and transferred to 19/F by 7/78. Passed to 92/V in 10/80 until 2/83 but back with 19 Sqn as 'G' in 12/85. Lost on a test flight 5 miles short of Wildenrath on 3/7/86.
FGR.2	XV487/L	c/n 3386. Issued to 31 Sqn and passed to 17 Sqn by 1/73 serving with the unit until deactivation on type when transferred to 29/L following fitting of RWR at 60 MU. To 92/Y by 8/78 until loaned to 23 Sqn in those marks in 2/81. To 19 MU for repainting into grey then reissued as 56/K in 7/81. To 29/C in 2/83 re-coded 'Q' in 2/85 and passed to 19 Sqn as 'AA' in 4/87.
FGR.2	XV495/X	c/n 3434. Issued as 6/K passing to 54/L in 12/71 but back as 6/K in 10/72. To 41 Sqn in 2/74 and suffered a Cat 3 accident with the unit whilst at RAF Akrotiri on 2/8/74. Upon its eventual return from Cyprus on 5/11/74 it displayed shark's teeth on the nose and the name 'Brewers Droop'. Became 41/1 in 9/76 still retaining shark's teeth until passed to 29/X in 10/77. To 228 OCU by 11/78 and to 56/L in 6/80. To 19 MU in mid-82 for repainting into grey being reissued as 29/N in 10/82. To the Falklands with 23 Sqn as 'N' in 5/83 becoming 'C' by 9/85 and returned to the UK on 21/5/86 although was forced to divert into Tenerife with XV419 and then placed into store at RAF St Athan.	See anecdote at bottom of table about Cat 3 incident.
HP Victor K.2	XL160	aw/cn 26.01.61, d/d 26.01.61, to Hanley Page Ltd 25.10.68 then Hawker Siddeley 21.05.70 for conversion to K2 standard, to MArham 02.07.86 for BDRT as 8910M, broken up MArham during 06.1994, nose section to Blyth Valley Aviation Collection, Walpole, Suffolk during 06.1994, to Norfolk and Sufflk Air Museum, Flixton during 07.2005.	55, refuelled squadron inbound to Malta.
HP Victor K.2	XL163	aw/cn 15.05.61, d/d 07.02.62, to Handley Page Ltd 14.01.69 then Hawker Siddeley 20.05.70 for conversion to K2 standard, l/f 01.07.86 to St. Athan 2.09.86 for BDRT as 8916M, scrapped during 1291 by Hanningfield Metals, Stock, Essex	55, refuelled squadron inbound to Malta.
HP Victor K.2	XL511	f/f 04.05.62, aw/cn 14.05.62, d/d 26.07.63, to Handley Page Ltd 05.11.68 then hawker Siddeley 01.07.70 for conversion to K2 standard, to CTE Manston for fire training 02.07.86, perished during 08.93.	55, refuelled squadron inbound to Malta.
EE Canberra B.2	WJ640/Q	aw/cn 31.08.54, l/f 14.09.81, o No. 2 SoTT Cosford 06.11.81 for G/I as 8722M, for tender during 05.91, broken up during 08.91, the nose section was reportedly transported to Pinewood Studios.	Arrived on the 20th.
A. Shackleton	WL741	First flown 18.12.52 and A/Cn 30.1.53. To 23MU 4.2.53 and prepared for issue. To 224 Sqn 20.5.53 and coded B-O. To CAPMF St Mawgan 1-11.3.54 for mods and underwent further mods 25.5.55 - 13.6.55, 21.7.56 - 13.8.56 and 25.2.5 - 15.4.57. To Avro 4.12.58 for PhaseI update 19.12.58, completed 4.12.59. Issued to 42 Sqn 7.12.59 and coded D. Cat.3 damage at Brawdy 9.7.60 was repaired by 49 MU 13.7.60-13.9.60 and WL741 returned to 42 Sqn. Transferred to 224 Sqn 11.60 and coded C until allocated to DH Chester (Hawarden) 12.61 for PhaseII conversion. Completed 26.7.62, the aircraft was prepared for despatch to 205 Sqn Changi, arriving 13.9.62 and subsequently coded H. To HSA Langar for Phase Ill modification 29.8.66 and on completion was reissued to 205 Sqn 20.11.67 and recoded F. Despatched to the UK on disbandment of unit, arriving 5MU Kemble 2.2.71 for storage. To HSA Bitteswell for AEW.2 conversion 4.72, first delivery to 8 Sqn 4.4.73. Subsequently named 'PC Knapweed'. Transferred with unit from Kinloss to Lossiemouth 17.8.73. To 60MU for mods 19.12.74, returning to 8 Sqn 13.1.75. Withdrawn from use early 1 98 1 and allocated to the Central Training Establishment, Manston. Flown to Manston 29.5.81 and allotted maintenance serial 8692M. Stripped of engines and other equipment during 6.81 and then quickly cremated.	8 sqdn, arrived on 2nd February. Inbound c/s MAUDB.
A. Shackleton	WL756	First flown 1.4.53 and A/Cn 30.4.53. Tu 23MU 5.5.53 and prepared for issue to MEAF Delivered to Luqa by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson, 28.7.53 and after acceptance checks issued to 37 Sqn 5.8.53 and coded G. To CAPMF St Mawgan 1-19.2.54 for mods and on return to 37 Sqn damaged in Cat.3 flying accident 7.5.54 when the pilot stalled the aircraft on final approach and the tailwheel assembly collapsed on touchdown in the undershoot. Transferred to 137MU Safi for repairs the same day. A 'special fitment' was made 21.10.55 - 5.12.55 after which WL756 was transferred to 38 Sqn 16.12.55 and recoded T. To 49MU for mods 9.10.57 - 19.11.57, returning to 38 Sqn and suffered Cat.3 damage in flying accident 19.3.58. presumably at Akrotiri because it was allocated to 103MU for repairs the same day. Probably also modified to Phase I standard before allotment to HQ British Forces Arabian Peninsula 30.4.59. Issued to 37 Sqn 18.7.59 coded C. To Avro 23.1.61 for Phase II mods, completed 30.4.62. Allocated to FEAF and issued to 205 Sqn 11.6.62 still as C. To HSA 30.10.66 for Phase III mods at Langar and on completion went to the Ballykelly Wing 26.10.67 and was coded V. To HSA for mods 29.10.69 - 10.12.69 when returned to Ballykelly Wing. To 204 Sqn 10.70, retaining code V until going to 5MU 18.1.71 for preparation for despatch to HSA Bitteswell 2.4.71 for AEW.2 conversion. Flown as AEW.2 2.3.72 and redelivered to 5MU 22.3.72 for repainting and acceptance. Flown to Kinloss 4.5.72 and issued to 8 Sqn the following day. To Lossiemouth 19.5.72 for installation of radar before return to Kinloss as 'Mr Rusty' 21.6.72. Transferred to Lossiemouth with unit 17.8.73. To 60MU for modification 29.4.75, but returned to 8 Sqn 5.75. To HSA Bitteswell for major overhaul/mods 7.3.79, returning to 8 Sqn 1980. Currently at St Mawgan on the Station Fire Dump and can be seen from coast road (13,676 hrs at 9.3.89).	8 sqdn, arrived on 2nd February. Inbound c/s MAUDA.

Exercise Ablution, 20/21 February – 23/24 March 1973

The Squadron arrived over two days. On the 22nd, they were joined by aircraft from HMS Ark Royal.

To the squadron’s chagrin, the weather at Malta proved to be even worse than Leuchars, with 45 knot winds, reaching 58 knots on one day, which proved to be strong enough to damage the right-hand wing folding mechanism of one aircraft.

Apart from air-to-air gunnery practice, their primary reason for coming to Malta, the squadron also engaged in mini ADEX (Air Defence Exercise) on the 15th, working with Madliena GCI radar against 13 squadron Canberras, with one aircraft managing in getting through.

The squadron departed over two days, but XV585 suffered intermittent double generator failure, which forced the crew to divert to Istres with XV574, landing at Leuchars on the 27th.

They were re-fuelled by three 55 Squadron Victor K.2, and were joined later on by Shackletons, and Vulcans from Waddington. Canberra B.2s, as usual, towed the banner.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FG.1	XT875/K	c/n 2813. F/F 18/7/68. d/d 22/10/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 27/1/69-30/7/69. To 43 Sqn as 'K' late 69. Received RWR in 3/75 and grey c/s in 9/83. Re-coded 'AK' 9/86.	Arrived on the 20th.
FG.1	XV571/A	c/n 302O. F/F 12/11/68 and d/d 17/6/69 becoming 43/A upon issue from 23 MU. Received RWR in 5/76 and repainted at 19 MU in 4/81. Received special c/s in 6/86.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV572/N	c/n3042. F/F 17/10/68 and d/d 14/2/69. Loaned to 767 Sqn in RAF camouflage as VL156 between 6/5/69 and 24/3/70 then becoming 43/C by 9/72. Re-coded 'N' by 3/73 and received RWR in 10/75 at 60 MU. Re-coded 'AN' in 10/87.	Arrived on the 20th.
FG.1	XV574/B	c/n 3087. F/F 20/11/68 and d/d 14/2/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/B passing to 111/Z in 3/82. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 4/85 receiving its special scheme on 17/3/86.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV576/D	c/n 3134. F/F 29/11/68 and d/d 2/6/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/D and repainted into grey by 3/82. Re-coded 'AD' 9/88.	Arrived on the 20th.
FG.1	XV580/Q	c/n 3218. F/F 25/12/68 and d/d 12/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/Q and lost as such 18/9/75.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV582/F	c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and painted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV583/G	c/n 3268. F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/G received its RWR in 10/75 and passed to 111 Sqn as 'B' in 2/79. Repainted in grey c/s by 11/85 and re-coded 'BB' in 9/86.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV584/I	c/n 3286. F/F 12/3/69 and d/d 11/8/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/I and passed to 111 Sqn in 3/79 as 'F'. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 1/85 and re-coded 'BF' in 7/86.	Arrived on the 21st.
FG.1	XV585/P	c/n 3302. F/F 28/3/69 and d/d 19/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/P receiving its RWR in 11/76 and repainted into grey by 9/83. Re-coded 43/AP in 9/86.	Arrived on the 20th.

Ark Royal aircraft

The following are some of the carrier’s aircraft that deployed to RAF Luqa during 43 squadron’s stay.

AIRCRAFT	SQUADRON	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FG.1	892	XT870/001/R	c/n 2646. F/F 14/5/68. d/d 5/11/68. Passed to RAF charge at St Athan 27/11/78 and issued to 111 Sqn in grey c/s as 'S' 1/80. Re-coded 'BS' 2/87 and still current.	Arrived on the 22nd.
FG.1	892	XT860/014	c/n 2336. F/F 2/2/68. d/d 29/4/68 to 700P Sqn. To PTF 1/78 passing to RAF charge at 23MU 15/3/78. Issued to 43 Sqn as 'L' by 8/78. Repainted in grey c/s 9/85 and re-coded 'AL' 2/87 until w/o 20/4/88 at sea 28 miles east of Leuchars.	Arrived on the 22nd.
FG.1	892	XT865/___	c/n 2502. F/F 7/4/68. d/d 5/9/68 to Min Tech/MOD(PE) and used on approach touch-and-go trials on HMS Eagle 6/69. Following RN service passed to RAF charge at 19 MU 27/11/78. To 111 Sqn in grey c/s 6/80 as 'U'. Re-coded 'BU' 2/87.	Arrived on the 22nd.
FG.1	892	XT867/013	c/n 2546. F/F 27/4/68. d/d 8/8/68. Passed to RAF charge at 23 MU 20/4/78. Issued to 111 Sqn 10/78 as 'H'. Painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 6/85 and re-coded 'BH' 7/86 and current 9/88.	Arrived on the 22nd.
FG.1	892	XT872/005	c/n 2706. F/F 17/6/68. d/d 23/9/68. To RAF charge at St Athan 27/11/78. Issued to 111 Sqn 'T' in grey c/s 5/80. Re-coded 'BT' 2/87. Current status?	Arrived on the 22nd.
FG.1	892	X____/002/R		Arrived on the 23rd.
FG.1	892	X____/007		Arrived on the 23rd.
B. Buccaneer S.2	809	XN977/030	D/D 27/10/64 to RN, transferred to RAF charge by 2/75 when issued to No 12 Sqn as S Mk 2A. Transferred to No 237 OCU 4/76 until 3/77 before being placed in store at No 19 MU St Athan pending conversion to S Mk 2B. Taken by road to BAe Bitteswell for conversion on 28/1/78, returning to service at Laarbruch on 14/1 1/80 with No 15 Sqn. Involved in a serious landing accident on 8/3/82 and placed in store with No 27 MU. Scrapped Oct 1991.	Noted undergoing maintenance at Luqa’s Park 3 on 28.02.73. (Information courtesy John Visanich.)
B. Buccaneer S.2	809	XT275/021/R	D/D 29/7/65 to RN. Converted to S Mk 2A standard and issued to No 208 Sqn in 11/74. Returned to BAe at Bitteswell in the summer of 1978 for mod to S Mk 2B standard then passed to No 15 Sqn on 26/9/78 before finding itself one of the more fatigued airframes and placed in store with No 19 MU St Athan in 8/81. Transferred to long-term storage with No 27 MU Shawbury by 11/83.	Arrived on the 22nd.
B. Buccaneer S.2	809	XT283/023/R	D/D 7/12/65 to RN. Issued to No 208 Sqn by 2/76 passing to No 237 OCU in 4/77 and is one of two S2A airframes still in operational use today.	Arrived on the 22nd.
B. Buccaneer S.2	809	XV154/036/R	D/D 19/5/66 to RN and delivered to BAe Brough from Honington on 9/12/73 for mods before returning to be taken on No 237 OCU charge by 5/75. The aircraft served with this unit until being placed in store at St Athan in 6/84. Allocated maintenance serial 8854M for BDR training at RAF Lossiemouth in 2/86.	Arrived on the 22nd.
B. Buccaneer S.2	809	XV357	D/D 5/1/68 to RN, not coming to RAF charge until issue to No 208 Sqn in 6/75 with which it stayed until transfer to No 237 OCU in 10/77. Placed in store at St Athan in 8/81 and upon being declared surplus was passed to the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PEE) at Foulness sometime after 11/83.	Arrived on the 22nd.
F. Gannet AEW.3	849	XL472/044/R	f/f 04.11.59, d/d 30.01.60, to A&AEE Boscombe Down Apprentice School 06.12.68 for ground instructional use, transferred to the fire section 1985, sold by tender 04.12.90 toGatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood, Surrey for display.
F. Gannet AEW.3	849	XL500/042/R	d/d 09.03.61, to A2701, displayed Chatham Docks to G-KAEW with Kennet Aviation, sold 2008 to private owner, to HFL Exeter Airport for rebuild to flight, transported by road to St. Athan on 04.02.12.

19 November – 6 December 75

The squadron arrived on 19 November, with a ninth F-4 arriving on the 21st. Phantoms coded ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘K’, ‘M’ and ‘S’ carried the then new ECM suite on top of the fin, ‘F’, ‘G’ and ‘S’ were also missing the “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FG.1	XT873/S	c/n 2738. F/F 19/7/68. d/d 14/11/68, to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn 10/1/69 until 17/3/70. To A&AEE/BAe and issued to 43 Sqn fitted with RWR as 'S' 3/75. Transferred to lll Sqn as 'A' 4/78 painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 2/83 and re-coded 'BA' 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
FG.1	XT875/K	c/n 2813. Fr/F 18/7/68. d/d 22/10/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 27/1/69-30/7/69. To 43 Sqn as 'K' late 69. Received RWR in 3/75 and grey c/s in 9/83. Re-coded 'AK' 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin.
FG.1	XV572/N	c/n3042. F/F 17/10/68 and d/d 14/2/69. Loaned to 767 Sqn in RAF camouflage as VL156 between 6/5/69 and 24/3/70 then becoming 43/C by 9/72. Re-coded 'N' by 3/73 and received RWR in 10/75 at 60 MU. Re-coded 'AN' in 10/87.
FG.1	XV573/L	c/n3065. F/F 29/10/68 and d/d 2413/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/L receiving RWR at 60 MU in 6/75 and transferred to 111/D in 6/78. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 3/84 and re-coded 'BD' in 2/87.
FG.1	XV576/D	c/n 3134. F/F 29/11/68 and d/d 2/6/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/D and repainted into grey by 3/82. Re-coded 'AD' 9/88.	arr on 21.11.
FG.1	XV577/M	c/n 3155. F/F 4/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/M receiving its RWR in 10/75 and repainted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AM in 7/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin.
FG.1	XV578/O	c/n 318O. F/F 6/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/0 becoming 111/F in 9/78 and lost as such in the North Sea off Montrose on 28/2/79.
FG.1	XV582/F	c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and painted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
FG.1	XV583/G	c/n 3268.F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/G received its RWR in 10/75 and passed to 111 Sqn as 'B' in 2/79. Repainted in grey c/s by 11/85 and re-coded 'BB' in 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
EE Canberra B.2	WH667/H	d/d 02/02/1953, w/o 07/11/1980.	100 Sqdn, arr. on the 19th. Overall light grey with yellow stripes.
EE Canberra B.2	WK116/Q	w/o 25/02/1982.	100 Sqdn, arr. on the 19th. Finished in white/red/light grey colours.
EE Canberra B.2	WH703/U	To 8490M 29/03/1976, scrapped 03/1994 at Pendine Sands Ranges.	100 Sqdn, finished in white/red/light grey colours. Replacement for WH667 and WK116.
EE Canberra B.2	WH666/R		100 Sqdn, finished in ‘normal’ camouflage. Replacement for WH667 and WK116. Previously served with 56 sqaudron at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
A. Vulcan B.2	XH562	Completed 30.11.60. Olympus 201 engines. 35 Squadron 1.3.63, 230 OCU 11.3.63, 35 Squadron 30.4.63, 230 OCU 19.9.63, Cottesmore Wing 1.8.65, 50 Squadron 8.3.66, Waddington Wing 10.2.67, Cottesmore Wing 24.4.68, Akrotiri Wing 15.1.69, Waddington Wing 9.5.75, 230 OCU 27.9.77, 35 Squadron 16.12.80, 9 Squadron 7.81, 101 Squadron 6.82. Firefighting School Catterick 19.8.82 (8758M). Scrapped 1984.	Arr on 05.11. All Vulcans carried the 44 squadron badge.
A. Vulcan B.2	XM609	Completed 28.1.64. Olympus 301 engines. 12 Squadron 29.1.64, Coningsby Wing, Cottesmore Wing 3.3.65, 230 OCU 7.8.67, Cottesmore Wing 1.10.67, Waddington Wing 8.3.68, 9 Squadron 9.75, 44 Squadron 4.76. To St. Athan 12.3.8 1. Sold to W. Harold & Co. as scrap 31.8.81.	Arr on 05.11
A. Vulcan B.2	XM648	Completed 5.5.64. Olympus 301 engines. 9 Squadron 6.5.64, Coningsby Wing, Cottesmore Wing, Waddington Wing 25.1.68, 101 Squadron 5.72, 44 Squadron 5.75, 101 Squadron 3.77, 9 Squadron 9.80, 101 Squadron 10.81. Grounded 10.9.82. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 8.12.82.	Arr on 05.11, without ECM fairing on fin.
A. Vulcan B.2	XM650	Completed 27.5.64. Olympus 301 engines. 12 Squadron 5.6.64, Coningsby Wing, Cottesmore Wing, Waddington Wing 20.12.67, 44 Squadron 5.75, 50 Squadron 1.77. To St. Athan 28.1.82. Allocated 8748M 16.3.83. Sold to Boumewood Aviation as scrap 22.3.84.	Arr on 05.11
A. Vulcan B.2	XM652	Completed 12.8.64. Olympus 301 engines. 9 Squadron 17.8.64, Coningsby Wing, Cottesmore Wing, Waddington Wing 24.12.67, 44 Squadron 9.75, 9 Squadron 10.81, 50 Squadron 10.82. Sold to Boulding Group 20.2.84. Dismantled and transported to Sheffield 7.5.84. Nose to Burntwood 2.85, rest of airframe scrapped 2.85.	Arr on 05.11
A. Shackleton AEW.2	WL795	First flown 17.8.53 and A/Cn 31.8.53. Delivered to 23MU 8.9.53 for storage. Sent to the CAPMF St Mawgan 30.10.53 for mods before issue to 204 Sqn 6.1.54. Uncoded. Received Cat.3 damage in ground accident 13.3.54. Repair not completed until 13.9.54, when returned to 204 Sqn. Autolycus 'special fitment' at 49MU Colerne 28.2.55, completed by CCMC St Mawgan 22.3.55, when WL795 was ferried back to Ballykelly. Transferred to 269 Sqn11.11.58 and to 210 Sqn on formation 1.12.58. Remained uncoded, and back with 204 Sqn 23.11.59 until allocated to Avro 15.12.59 for Phase I/II update, completed 6.12.60. To 38 Sqn 20.12.60 and coded T. Allotted to HSA Langar for Phase II1 modernization 21.6.66, completed 13.7.67. Issued to 205 Sqn 1.8.67 and coded G. To 5MU Kemble 2.2.71 for storage and overhaul, prior to despatch to HSA Bitteswell 4.2.72 for AEW.2 conversion, first flying as such 8.72. To 5MU 5.9.72 for painting and allotted to 8 Sqn 12.10.72. Delivered to Lossiemouth 18.10.72 for radar installation and acceptance before joining 8 Sqn at Kinloss. Named 'Rosalie'. Transferred with unit from Kinloss to Lossiemouth 14.8.73. Withdrawn 1981 and allocated for crash rescue/fire practice at St Mawgan. Flown from Lossiemouth to St Mawgan 24.11.81 and allocated maintenance serial 8753M. Not used for firefighting, remaining in open storage until 1988, when prepared for display on the station. Reassembled during 3.89 - 4.89 and coded T for display purposes. Current.	Arr on 01.12
A. Shackleton AEW.2	WR960	First flown 5.2.54 and A/Cn 25.2.54. To 23MU 8.3.54 and issued to CAPMF St Mawgan 24.6.54 for mods. To 228 Sqn 22.7.54 and coded L-P. Autolycus 'special fitment' at 49 MU 1.6.55 - 17.6.55, the aircraft visiting CCMC St Mawgan for completion of mod before redelivery to 228 Sqn. More mods at 49MU 5.2.57 - 12.3.57 and in 8.58 WR960 was recoded X. Transferred from 228 Sqn to 42 Sqn 9.3.59 and coded B until allocated to Avro 8.9.59 for Phase I modernization, completed 3.7.60. Ferried from Langar to 49MU Colerne 4.8.60 for further mods, completed 9.12.60. To St Mawgan 18.12.60, but reallocated to 210 Sqn the following day and coded U on arrival at Ballykelly. To Avro 28.3.62 for Phase II update and retained at Langar on completion 30.1.63 , when handed over to the MoA Air Fleet for Tl of Phase III modifications against Contracts KD/L/091 and 092/CB6(a). To A&AEE Boscombe Down 15.12.65 for official trials of Phase III armament by 'B' Squadron. On completion allotted to HSA Langar 14.6.67 for a minor servicing and preparation for servicer arriving 16.6.67. Despatched to FEAF via St Mawgan 2.2.68 and issued to 205 Sqn as A. Ferried to the UK, arriving St Mawgan 8.11.70, and on to 5MU Kemble the next day for storage. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell 27.5.71 for conversion to AEW.2, on completion returning to 5MU for repainting. To Lossiemouth for radar installation 7.6.72 and ToC by 8 Sqn the following day, initially as 'Dougal'. Transferred to Kinloss 21.6.72. To Lossiemouth with unit 16.8.73. To 60MU for mods 2.12.74, returning to 8 Sqn 11.12.74. Cat.3 damage sustained 23.2.77 was repaired, WR960 returning to 8 Sqn 24.3.77. To HSA Bitteswell 17.3.78 for wing re-sparring and major inspection, completed 12.3.79, when the aircraft returned to 8 Sqn. Despatched to Cosford 22.11.82 and allotted maintenance serial 8772M. Subsequently dismantled for transport to the Air & Space Gallery of Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, arriving 27.1.83. Reassembled by 3.2.83 and currently exhibited. Total flying time 9712 hrs.	Arr on 01.12

Exercise Fire Brick, 16 February – 20 March 78

Two of the squadron’s aircraft arrived a week later. Also, the squadron also had a USAF exchange officer on strength.

During its stay, three aircraft were despatched to Akrotiri, Cyprus between 3-6 March.

On 16th March, the squadron participated in a “small” ADEX, which included working with Madliena radar, Shackletons, 35 sqd Vulcans and 13 sqd. Canberras.

Between the 13-14th March, the squadron engaged in an intensive sortie programme, flying 43 sorties per day, between 08:30 - 21:00. (This feat would be repeated by 111 squadron the following month, flying 111 short duration sorties.)

43 sqd thoughtfully left a Spey engine behind, for possible use by 111 squadron, scheduled to arrive in May 1978.

On their return to Luechars, Phantom XV585 developed technical problems, necessitating a diversion to Nice.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
FG.1	XT873/S	c/n 2738. F/F 19/7/68. d/d 14/11/68, to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn 10/ 1/69 until 17/3/70. To A&AEE/BAe and issued to 43 Sqn fitted with RWR as 'S' 3/75. Transferred to lll Sqn as 'A' 4/78 painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 2/83 and re-coded 'BA' 9/86.	Sqdn arr on 16 Feb 78 except for XV571.
FG.1	XT874/J	c/n 2775. F/F 29/6/68. d/d 30/9/68 to 23 MU. Issued to 43 Sqn as 'J' in 69. Appearing briefly in mixed 43/111 Sqn marks in 9/78 but returned to 43/J by 11/78. To 111 Sqn as 'E' 3/79 and received grey c/s in 10/85. Re-coded 'BE' 2/87.
FG.1	XV570/Y	c/n 2995. F/F31/10/68 and d/d to RN 6/1/69. To RAF charge 4/9/72 becoming PTF/Y shortly afterwards. To III/N in ll/79 and repainted in to grey at St Athan in 9/85. Re-coded 111/BN in 9/87.	From Royal Navy OCU, arr on 1st March, callsign Rafair 504.
FG.1	XV571/A	c/n 302O.F/F 12/11/68 and d/d 17/6/69 becoming 43/A upon issue from 23 MU. Received RWR in 5/76 and re- painted at 19 MU in 4/8 1. Received special c/s in 6/86.	Arr on 24 Feb 78, callsign Rafair 962.
FG.1	XV575/C	c/n 3112. F/F 26/11/68 and d/d 8/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/C passing to 111/G in 9/78 but back with 43 Sqn as 'S' in 3/8 1. Repainted into grey at St Athan in 11/81. To 111/BO in 7/88.
FG.1	XV577/M	c/n 3155. F/F 4/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/M receiving its RWR in 10/75 and repainted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AM in 7/86.
FG.1	XV578/O	c/n 318O. F/F 6/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/0 becoming 111/F in 9/78 and lost as such in the North Sea off Montrose on 28/2/79.
FG.1	XV579/R	c/n 3204. F/F 6/9/68 and d/d 22/11/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 19/6/69 and 31/7/72 as VL157. To 43/R on 15/9/73 and re-coded 'AR' in 9/86.
FG.1	XV582/F	c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and paint- ed into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh.
FG.1	XV583/G	c/n 3268.F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/G received its RWR in 10/75 and passed to 111 Sqn as 'B' in 2/79. Repainted in grey c/s by 11/85 and re-coded 'BB' in 9/86.
FG.1	XV584/I	c/n 3286.F/F 12/3/69 and d/d 11/8/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/I and passed to 111 Sqn in 3/79 as 'F'. Repainted in grey e/s at 19 MU in 1/85 and re-coded 'BF' in 7/86.
FG.1	XV585/P	c/n 3302. F/F 28/3/69 and d/d 19/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/P receiving its RWR in 11/76 and repainted into grey by 9/83. Re-coded 43/AP in 9/86.
HP Victor K.2	XH669	d/d 22/12/1959, w/o 21/06/1990, to Waddington 9092M, scrapped 05/1995. Parts of this aircraft with Nigel Towler, Cockpit Collection, Southend Airport, Essex.	57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
HP Victor K.2	XL158	f/f 02/11/1960, scr. Marham 1994.	57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
HP Victor K.2	XL189	To 8912M, scr. Waddington 08/1989.	57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
HP Victor K.2	XL512	Scr. Marham 1994.	57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
EE Canberra B2	WJ567/C	Broken up Wyton 12/1991.	100 Sqdn, arr on the 17th, target towing duties.
EE Canberra B2	WJ603/G	To 8664M at Wattisham, sold as scrap to Hanningfield Metals, Stock 10/1991.	100 Sqdn, arr on the 17th, target towing duties.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL741	First flown 22.1.53 and A/Cn 27.2.53. To 23MU 11.3.53 and issued to 220 Sqn 30.3.53. Coded T-O. Transferred to 42 Sqn 1.7.54 and coded A-E. Modified 6 - 22.9.55 and suffered Cat.3 flying accident 20.6.56 when it landed heavily in poor visibility, resulting in the collapse of the tailwheel assembly and a fire in the rear fuselage. Repaired by Avro CWP 26.6.56 - 18.10.56. Transferred to 120 Sqn 5.11.56 and coded B. Allocated to Avro 18.7.58 for Phase I modification, completed 23.7.59. Issued to 204 Sqn 23.7.59 and coded M. To DH Chester (Hawarden) for Phase II update 18.5.61, the work being completed 9.1.62. Allocated to 205 Sqn, arriving Changi 24.2.62 and coded A. Cat.3 damage in flying accident 24.1.63. Repair completed 22.5.63. Further Cat.3 damage 6.10.65 was patched up and aircraft returned to UK 25.10.65 and allocated to HSA 4.11.65 for Phase III conversion. On completion issued to 204 Sqn 4.2.67, immediately transferred to Ballykelly Wing strength as O. Declared Cat.3 1.6.67, the damage repaired by HSA CWP 8.6.67-27.7.67, On 18.3.70 WL745 was flown to Woodford for performance checks to establish a base against which to measure the effect of the proposed AN/APS 20 radar fitment. Trials completed 25.3.70 and aircraft stored at Woodford pending decision. Allotted to MoA Air Fleet 12.8.70 for TI of Mod 1493 (AEW conversion), the first flight in the new configuration 30.9.71 (still coded O). To Boscombe Down 5.4.72 for official CA Release clearance, which was completed 26.2.73. To HSA Bitteswell 2.3.73 for completion to production standard, the aircraft being delivered as an AEW.2 to 5MU Kemble 30.7.73 for repainting. To 8 Sqn, Lossiemouth,17.9.73 and subsequently named 'Sage'. To HSA Bitteswell 10.10.77 for major overhaul, returning to 8 Sqn 28.9.78. Withdrawn from use 1981 and allocated to the RAF Fire Fighting and Safety School, Catterick. Flown to Catterick 13.7.81 and allotted the maintenance serial 8698M. Burnt 1983.	Aircraft originally meant to stay at Luqa between 13-21 March, but was recalled on the 18th to prepare for a visit to the US.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL790	First flown 23.6.53 and A/Cn 17.7.53. To 38MU Llandow 7.8.53 and stored. Prepared for issue to 240 Sqn 6.10.53. Uncoded. Port wing damaged when aircraft struck hangar while taxying at St Eval 31.3.54. Cat.3 damage repaired by Avro CWP and on completion aircraft transferred to 204 Sqn 9.8.54, nominally coded T-T, but probably only carried unit marking T. Autolycus installed at 49MU Coleme 18.5.55 - 7.6.55 and completed by CCMC St Mawgan, Wl,790 returning to 204 Sqn 10.7.55. Suffered Cat.3 damage when the aircraft was landed heavily in the undershoot at Aston Down 9.8.57. Repaired on site by Avro CWP 23.8.57 - 30.1.58. WL790 returned to 204 Sqn 10.2.58, but was again damaged 31.7.58 when the tailwheel assembly broke off during landing at Ballykelly, causing Cat.3 damage. Repaired by Avro CWP 27.8.58 - 6.11.58 and transferred to 269 Sqn 11.11.58 and to 210 Sqn 1.12.58 still uncoded. To 49MU 7.1.59 for Phase I modification, completed 16.4.59. Returned to 210 Sqn 12.5.59 and coded X. To Avro Langar 10.1.61 for Phase II update, completed 28.5.62, and allocated to FEAF. Issued to 205 Sqn 21.6.62 coded E. Allotted to HSA 29.8.66 for Phase III modification, arriving Langar 10.66. On completion 8.67 the aircraft was returned to 205 Sqn and recoded D. Cat.3 repair 21.3.68 - 16.5.68, WL790 remaining with 205 Sqn until allocated to 5MU, arriving Kemble 4.1.71 for temporary storage. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell 30.9.71 for AEW.2 conversion, flying in the new configuration 7.72. To 5MU 3.8.72 for repainting and delivered to Lossiemouth 19.9.72 for radar installation. ToC 8 Sqn Kinloss 20.9.72. To RRE Pershore 2.1.73 for flight trials of Marconi (AMTI), which commenced 1.3.73 and were completed 11.5.73, when the aircraft returned to Kinloss and named 'Mr MacHenry'. To Lossiemouth 15.8.73 with unit on transfer. To 60MU for mods 19.3.75 - 10.4.75, returning to 8 Sqn until sent to HSA Bitteswell 1980 for re-sparring and refurbishing. Returned to 8 Sqn Lossiemouth 28.7.81 (the last on contract). 13,891 hrs at 9.3.89. Sold at Auction and currently at the Pima Air Museum, Arizona, US.	Aircraft arrived on 13 March. Was meant to depart on the 21st, but technical problems delayed departure until the 23rd.

Exercise Fork Barge, 13 Oct – 15 Nov 77

With the exception of ‘F’ and ‘G’, all Phantoms arrived on the 13th, using callsigns Rafair 950 – 957, but not in the same order as listed here

Four Victor K.2s were logged mid-November, XL188 & XL191 (probably 55 squadron) on the 10th, and XL232 & XL233, from 232 OCU on the 11th.

As usual, two Shackleton aircraft joined 56 squadron on 31 October. Between 4-8th November both aircraft flew to RAF Akrotiri to conduct further exercises there.

Unfortunately, although they were supposed to stay until the 15th, due to a number of unserviceable aircraft at their home base of Lossiemouth, they had to leave on 11th and 12th November.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	SQUADRON/NOTES
FGR.2	XT891/Z	c/n 2250. d/d 20/7/68 to 23 MU. Issued to 228 OCU 23/8/68 and passed on to 54 Sqn at conception. Back with 228 OCU by 10/72 until at least 4/75. 56/Z by 7/76 until 5/80. To 228 OCU in grey c/s 10/80 and coded 'Z'. Crew ejected from aircraft at Waddington on 6/3/84 when nose wheel steering failed forcing aircraft on to grass. Returned to 228/Z by 4/85 but suffered fire damage at Yeovilton on 4/6/85. Returned to ASF at Coningsby and suffered a further fire before finally being returned to the unit. Re-coded 'CZ' 10/87 and noted u/m with 56 Sqn 12/88
FGR.2	XV409/D	c/n 2955. Issued to 228 OCU serving with same until passing to 41 Sqn in 9/74. To 111/J in 6/75 until 9/2/76 when it was sent to 60 MU where it received its RWR returning to service at Coningsby on 19/5/76. Reissued to 56 Sqn as 'D' on 21/6/76 serving with same until at least 9/78. To 11l/Q in 5/79 but back with 56/E in 9/79 before passing to 19 MU and repainting in grey c/s. To 228 OCU as 'U' in 3/80 becoming 'K' in 1/82. Flew unmarked through latter part of 82 but became 29/A in 5/83 until passing into short-term store with 19 MU in 7/87.
FGR.2	XV420/J	c/n 3053. Issued as 54/D passing to 6 Sqn in 7/73 as 'H' until taken on strength by 29 Sqn as 'H' in 2/76. It was then transferred to 56/J on 14/6/76 with whom it served until at least 2/78 when it was transferred to 19/E being re-coded 'L' in 8/79. Returned to 19 MU to become 4 Sqn's 100th overhaul and was marked as such on the starboard fin. It was then issued to 23/W in grey colour scheme in 3/81 and passed to 29/I in 2/83. It then travelled south to the Falklands becoming 23/B returning to the UK in 5/86 and then Germany as 92/S. Following a period with Bae, it was reissued to 56 Sqn in 1/88 becoming 'T' by 9/88. Received an all red fin by 6/89, with checks on RWR. (Missing details.) To 9247M, scr. Neatishead, Norfolk 2005
FGR.2	XV460/E	c/n 3231. Issued to l4S qn passing to 31 Sqn by 12/71 with whom it remained until at least 7/75. To 56/B in 3/76 until attn at 60 MU on 18/8/76. Reissued to 56/E in 2/77 passing to 19/L by 7/79 but re-coded 'G' in 8/79. To 19 MU in early 80 returning in grey colour scheme to 92/W in 5/80. To 228/G in 7/85 and with 29 Sqn unmarked in 12/86. As 92/N in 4/87 but placed in temporary store at Wildenrath in mid-88.
FGR.2	XV464/B	c/n 3255. Issued to 14 Sqn until at least 4/75. Following fitting with RWR to 2/R on 10/5/76 being taken on 19 Sqn's charge as 'B' in 2/77. To 56/B in 10/77 until 9/80 when sent to 19 MU for major and repainting in grey. Reissued as 228/U in 12/81 and despatched to the Falklands becoming 23/U by 5/83. Re-coded 'J' between 6/84 and 5/85 returning to the UK shortly afterwards being noted Coningsby 2/7/85. To BAe at Brough 9/85 and eventually Scampton by 3/86. To 56/N in 4/86.
FGR.2	XV469/A	c/n 3282. Issued to 17 Sqn returning to 23 MU on 6/6/75. Reissued as 2/H with RWR on 10/5/76 passing to 19/E in 2/77. To 56/A in 1/78 but re-coded 'I' by 9/80. To 19MU for repainting into grey before returning to 56 Sqn as 'T' in 11/82 with whom it served until 10/87 at least when it was despatched to BAe at Scampton for attn. Issued to RAFG after upgrading in 6/88 becoming 'AO' with 92 Sqn. Noted with red fin 26/1/89.
FGR.2	XV475/H	c/n 3314. Issued to 17 Sqn but passed to 2 Sqn as 'Y' by 9/73. Transferred to 56/H on 21/6/76 until at least 4/77 then 19/C in 3/78. To 92/P in 8/80 until 2/83 when despatched to 19 MU for repainting only to return as 92/Z in 4/85. Following another period with 19 MU the jet became 19/H in 5/88.
FGR.2	XV482/C	c/n3361. Issued as 54/K but with 41 Sqn as 'E' in 10/72. By 10/73 it had returned to 54 Sqn as 'L' passing to 6 Sqn with the same code in 12/73. By 2/76 had become 29/L receiving RWR at 60 MU in 8/76. Transferred to 56/C by 10/77 and although receiving a major and repainting at 19 MU in 1982 returned to the unit adopting its old code. Noted uncoded with 92 Sqn in 6/88. (No details 06/88 – 07/91), to Leuchars, Scotland 12/07/1991 for G.I, scr. 1995.
FGR.2	XV486/F	c/n 3282. Issued to 17 Sqn returning to 23 MU on 6/6/75. Reissued as 2/H with RWR on 10/5/76 passing to 19/E in 2/77. To 56/A in 1/78 but re-coded 'I' by 9/80. To 19MU for repainting into grey before returning to 56 Sqn as 'T' in 11/82 with whom it served until 10/87 at least when it was despatched to BAe at Scampton for attn. Issued to RAFG after upgrading in 6/88 becoming 'AO' with 92 Sqn. Noted with red fin 26/1/89.	Arrived on the 31st.
FGR.2	XV490/G	c/n 3401. Issued as 'Q' of 54 Sqn until passed to 41 Sqn in 5/73. To 6/M in 3/74 before transfer to 29 Sqn on 25/10/74 becoming 'M' in 1/75. To 23/G in 11/75 until attn by 60 MU between 8/9/76 and 28/9/76 when re-issued as 56/G serving as such until at least 1 1/78. To 92/P by 8/79 and transferred to 23 Sqn in 2/81 operating in those marks until becoming 23/H in 3/8 1. To 19 MU for repainting in 83 and became 92/S by 2/84 until at least 9/85. Next noted as 228/CG in 10/87. Had markings removed and acted as spare aircraft during Exercise 'Fire Focus', re-adopting its old marks by 7/88.	Arrived on the 14th as Rafair 955.
HP Victor K.2	XH673	57	These three Victors provided aerial refuelling for the Squadron from Wattisham to Malta. C/s Rafair 802. Departed on 14th November.
HP Victor K.2	XL162	57	c/s Rafair 803. Departed on 14th November. This aircraft would again be seen on 31.10.77, providing AAR for a squadron Phantom to Malta, and remaining at Luqa until 4th November.
HP Victor K.2	XH671	57	Arrived on 31st October, participated in an ADEX sortie, and departed Luqa on the 3rd.
HP Victor K.2	XH675	57	Arrived on 1st November, participated in an ADEX sortie on the 2nd, and departed Luqa on the 3rd.
HP Victor K.2	XL231	57	C/s Rafair 801. Departed on 14th November.
HP Victor K.2	XL188		Arrived on 10th November. Performed a sortie from Luqa on the 15th, and departed from Luqa on the 16th.
HP Victor K.2	XL191		Arrived on 10th November. Performed a sortie from Luqa on the 13th, and departed with the squadron on the 15th.
HP Victor K.2	XL232	232 OCU	Arrived on 11th November, departed with the squadron on the 15th.
HP Victor K.2	XL233	232 OCU	Arrived on 11th November, departed with the squadron on the 16th.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL747	First flown 5.2.53 and A/Cn 27.2.53. To 23MU 11.3.53 and prepared for issue to 269 Sqn 3.4.53. Uncoded. To 204 Sqn 11.8.54 and reportedly ended T-W. To 42 Sqn 11.6.58 and coded B. To Avro for Phase I modification 18.9.58. Completed 30.9.59 and issued to 210 Sqn, coded V. To Avro Langar 18.4.61 for Phase II update, completed 22.10.61. To 37 Sqn 4.11.61 and coded C. Allocated to HSA 29.10.61 for Phase III conversion, arriving Langar 8.5.64. On completion despatched to 210 Sqn 12.9.66 and coded X. To Ballykelly Wing 2.67 still as X. Cat.3 damage sustained 30.1.69, repaired by HSA CWP 6.2.69-30.3.69. Transferred to 204 Sqn 10.70, retaining X code. To 5MU 17.12.70 for major overhaul prior to ferry to HSA Bitteswell 2.2.71 for AEW.2 conversion. First flown as such 11.1.72 (first production conversion). Returned to 5MU 8.2.72 for repainting and delivered to Lossiemouth 16.3.72 for radar installation. Ferried to Kinloss 11.4.72 for 8 Sqn, receiving the name 'Florence'. Transferred to Lossiemouth 16.8.73 with unit. To HSA Bitteswell 20.9.78 for major refurbishing, returning to 8 Sqn 9.11.79. Current Paphos Airport, Cyprus. Current.	8 Sqdn. c/s MONVD.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL754	First flown 18.3.52 and A/Cn 24.4.53. To Hawarden 7.5.53 and on to 23MU Aldergrove the following day. Allocated to MEAF and prepared for delivery by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson, 26.8.53. ToC by 137MU Safi 1.9.53 and issued to 37 Sqn 4.9.53 coded A. Suffered a Cat.3 flying accident 7.9.53 when the pilot touched down heavily short of the Luqa runway, damaged the tailwheels, overshot and made a successful landing on the mainwheels. To 137MU 8.9.53 for repair and reissue to 37 Sqn 14.12.53 still coded A. To CAPMF St Mawgan 1 1.3.54 for mods, returning 31.3.54. To 137MU Safi 8.11.54 for major servicing (probably at Langar) Issued to 38 Sqn 27.1.55 and coded Z. Underwent mods 10.2.55 - 24.3.55. Another Cat.3 flying accident occurred 14.11.55 when the pilot made a heavy landing and detached the tailwheels. WL754 was transferred to Safi 21.11.55 for repair and on completion the aircraft was reallocated to 37 Sqn 13.10.56 as G. Mods and Cat.3 repairs by Avro CWP 7.1.57 - 15.3.57, the aircraft being transferred to 38 Sqn 25.6.57 and recoded V. To 37 Sqn 1.8.57 for move to Khommaksar, remaining until allocated to Avro 15.10.59 for Phase I modification, the work commencing 22.10.59. Completed 15.9.60, WL754 was delivered to 42 Sqn the following day and coded F. Damage caused 22.11.61 by Cat.3 flying accident was repaired on site and the aircraft transferred to Avro Langar for Phase II update. This was completed 15.6.62, the aircraft returning to 42 Sqn 18.6.62 still as F. Underwent further Cat.3 repair 6-25.11.63 and allocated to HSA Langar 25.2.66 for Phase II1 conversion. On completion was despatched to 205 Sqn 30.4.67 and coded J. Allocated to the Ballykelly Wing 6.1.69, but the move cancelled and WL754 ferried to HSA Bitteswell 17.1.69 on loan for TI of the Ferranti airstream direction detector (ADD) equipment (improved stall warning). Transferred to MinTech loan 7.7.69 for flight trials, WL754 arriving Woodford 13.8.69. On completion of trials 30.9.69 the aircraft was despatched to the Ballykelly Wing 13.10.69 and recoded H. To 204 Sqn 10.70, still as H, but ferried to 5MU for storage 2.4.71. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell 22.3.72 for AEW.2 conversion. First flew as such 9.72 and sent to 5MU 18.10.72 for repainting prior to delivery to Lossiemouth 21.11.72 for radar installation. To 8 Sqn 29.11.72 and named 'Paul '. To Kinloss 20.12.72, but returned to Lossiemouth the next day and was finally delivered 5.1.73. To Lossiemouth with unit 14.8.73. Withdrawn 1.81 and allocated to Valley for crash rescue/fire practice. Flown from Lossiemouth to Valley 22.1.81 and allotted maintenance serial 8665M, but retained by unit following a local 'Save the Shack' campaign, and put on display.
EE Canberra B.2	WH666
EE Canberra B.2	WJ640	Broken up Wyton 12/1991.	On 01.11.77, this aircraft was photographed getting airborne towing a banner which had “FLY 100 SQN” written on it. (Information courtesy John Visanich.)

Exercise Fastball, 20 July - 19 Aug 76

This was the squadron conducting an APC when a much younger webmaster started going to Luqa. The Victor tankers listed are those that re-fuelled the F-4s back to the UK on 19 August. The five Vulcans may have been on a separate exercise.

On 24th July, the squadron received a Preliminary Warning, which grounded the squadron until the necessary safety checks had been conducted and limiting flying to 3G. Squadron returned to normal operations on the 29th.

An ADEX was held on the 12th.

The squadron had a USMC officer on an exchange visit.

The squadrons’ arrival was supported by five Hercules flights and one by a VC-10 between 19-20 July. For their departure, six Hercules and a VC-10 were used. Fourteen mainwheel and eight nose wheel tyres were consumed.

As usual, two Shackletons of 8 squadron visited Luqa to work with the squadron, arriving on the 9th, and depart on the 19th. But due to high ambient temperatures, they departed four hours earlier, but on the 18th.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	SQUADRON/NOTES
McD F-4 FGR2	XV403/A	c/n 2901. Issued to 6 Sqn but passing to 54/A by 9/72 until the unit's disbandment when it became 111/A. Remained in these marks until 3/77 before being transferred to 23/T but returning to 111/M by 2/78 in whose marks it was when lost in the North Sea off Aberdeen on 4/8/78.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV406/D	c/n 2928. Delivered to Min Tech/MOD(PE) for reconnaissance trials. F/F with EMI recce pod from HOSM In 1969 and delivered to A&AEE for trials during 70-71. Transferred to RAF charge with 228 OCU passing to 54/D by 3/74 shortly before unit's disbandment. Became 111/D remaining as such until 9/76 when despatched to BAe for mods. Returned to 111/M in 10/77 and then 23/A in 1/78 with whom it served until due a major at St Athan in 82. Painted in grey c/s and issued to 29/D in 7/83 passing to 228 OCU a month later as 'K' and being re-coded 'CK' in 5/87. Transferred to 43 Sqn due to the shortage of FGI s becoming 'AV' in 7/88. Reverted to 228/CK 1/89.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV419/J	c/n 3045. Issued to 228 OCU but transferred to 54/G by 1/73 being re-coded 'N' in 8/73. Passed to 14 Sqn in 7/74 serving with it until overhaul at 60 MU where RWR was fitted. Issued from there to 111/J on 9/2/76 until at least 5/79 when despatched to 19 MU. After repainting in grey colour scheme went initially unmarked to 228 OCU then to 29/G in 3/80 as the unit's first grey aircraft and was one of the jets despatched to the Falklands. Returned to the UK on 23/5/86 as 23/G but diverted into Tenerife with technical problems and upon return despatched to BAe at Scampton. Re-issued as 228/CD in 10/87 again sent to the Falklands on 17/3/88 becoming 23/A.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV426/Q	c/n 310O. Issued to 31 Sqn serving with same until deactivation on type when it passed to 111 Sqn becoming 'Q' in 9/76. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s from 19 MU in 4/80 becoming 'Q' but was unmarked at Coningsby in 7/82. Despatched to the Falklands eventually becoming 'Q' although re-coded 'H' in 5/85 and returned to the UK as 'F' on 21/5/86. Taken on 56 Sqn charge as 'P' with whom it still serves.
McD F-4	XV428/U	c/n 3115. Issued to 228 OCU but to 17 Sqn in 10/72 with whom it stayed until deactivation on type at that time passing to 111/H after retrofitting with RWR in 12/75. Re-coded 'U' in 3/76 serving as such until at least 9/76. Next seen as 19/E between 5/77 and 7/81 when it returned to 19 MU for overhaul and repainting into grey. Reissued as 56/I in 3/82 until 10/85 but was seen operating unmarked with 29 Sqn in 12/86 eventually becoming 228/CC upon 29's deactivation in 4/87. Utilised as the 1988 display aircraft until lost in tragic circumstances at Abingdon on 23/9/88.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV476/B	c/n 3115. Issued to 228 OCU but to 17 Sqn in 10/72 with whom it stayed until deactivation on type at that time passing to 111/H after retrofitting with RWR in 12/75. Re-coded 'U' in 3/76 serving as such until at least 9/76. Next seen as 19/E between 5/77 and 7/81 when it returned to 19 MU for overhaul and repainting into grey. Reissued as 56/I in 3/82 until 10/85 but was seen operating unmarked with 29 Sqn in 12/86 eventually becoming 228/CC upon 29's deactivation in 4/87. Utilised as the 1988 display aircraft until lost in tragic circumstances at Abingdon on 23/9/88.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV487/T	c/n 3386. Issued to 31 Sqn and passed to 17 Sqn by 1/73 serving with the unit until deactivation on type when transferred to 29/L following fitting of RWR at 60 MU. To 92/Y by 8/78 until loaned to 23 Sqn in those marks in 2/81. To 19 MU for repainting into grey then reissued as 56/K in 7/81. To 29/C in 2/83 re-coded 'Q' in 2/85 and passed to 19 Sqn as 'AA' in 4/87.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV491/O	c/n 3407. Issued to 31 Sqn until transfer to 111/0 on 16/2/76. To 19/L in 4/78 re-coded 'I' in 4/80 and to 29/F in 7/81 being lost by the unit in the North Sea 35 miles north of Cromer on 7/7/82.
HP Victor K2	XL191	w/o 19/06/1986.
HP Victor	XL233	Scr. St. Athan 1988.
HP Victor K2	XL512	f/f 04/05/1962, scr. Manston 08/1993
HP Victor K2	XL513	w/o 29/09/1976.
EE Canberra B2	WE113/H		100
EE Canberra B2	WH666/F		100
EE Canberra B2	WJ567/C	Broken up Wyton 12/1991.	100
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL741	First flown 22.1.53 and A/Cn 27.2.53. To 23MU 11.3.53 and issued to 220 Sqn 30.3.53. Coded T-O. Transferred to 42 Sqn 1.7.54 and coded A-E. Modified 6 - 22.9.55 and suffered Cat.3 flying accident 20.6.56 when it landed heavily in poor visibility, resulting in the collapse of the tailwheel assembly and a fire in the rear fuselage. Repaired by Avro CWP 26.6.56 - 18.10.56. Transferred to 120 Sqn 5.11.56 and coded B. Allocated to Avro 18.7.58 for Phase I modification, completed 23.7.59. Issued to 204 Sqn 23.7.59 and coded M. To DH Chester (Hawarden) for Phase II update 18.5.61, the work being completed 9.1.62. Allocated to 205 Sqn, arriving Changi 24.2.62 and coded A. Cat.3 damage in flying accident 24.1.63. Repair completed 22.5.63. Further Cat.3 damage 6.10.65 was patched up and aircraft returned to UK 25.10.65 and allocated to HSA 4.11.65 for Phase III conversion. On completion issued to 204 Sqn 4.2.67, immediately transferred to Ballykelly Wing strength as O. Declared Cat.3 1.6.67, the damage repaired by HSA CWP 8.6.67-27.7.67, On 18.3.70 WL745 was flown to Woodford for performance checks to establish a base against which to measure the effect of the proposed AN/APS 20 radar fitment. Trials completed 25.3.70 and aircraft stored at Woodford pending decision. Allotted to MoA Air Fleet 12.8.70 for TI of Mod 1493 (AEW conversion), the first flight in the new configuration 30.9.71 (still coded O). To Boscombe Down 5.4.72 for official CA Release clearance, which was completed 26.2.73. To HSA Bitteswell 2.3.73 for completion to production standard, the aircraft being delivered as an AEW.2 to 5MU Kemble 30.7.73 for repainting. To 8 Sqn, Lossiemouth,17.9.73 and subsequently named 'Sage'. To HSA Bitteswell 10.10.77 for major overhaul, returning to 8 Sqn 28.9.78. Withdrawn from use 1981 and allocated to the RAF Fire Fighting and Safety School, Catterick. Flown to Catterick 13.7.81 and allotted the maintenance serial 8698M. Burnt 1983.	At Luqa between 09-18.08.76.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL757	First flown 10.4.53 and A/Cn 30.4.53. To Hawarden 7.5.53, continuing to 23MU Aldergrove the next day. Allocated to MEAF 28.7.53 and delivered by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson. To 37 Sqn 5.8.53 and coded D. To CAPMF St Mawgan 19.2.53 for mods, returning to Luqa 3.3.53. To 137MU Safi 20.5.54 for Cat.3 repair, completed 3.6.54, and to Avro Langar 18.9.54 - 6.11.54 for a major servicing. A 'special fitment' installed 22.6.55 - 11.7.55 followed by further mods at Safi 9.1.56 23.2.56, the aircraft returning to 37 Sqn three days later still as D. On 8.7.57 WL757 went into temporary storage with 137MU until issued to 38 Sqn and probably coded U. To Avro 29.9.58 for Phase I modifications, completed 29.10.59. To 210 Sqn the following day and coded W. To DH Chester (Hawarden) 27.3.61 for Phase II update, completed 5.12.61. Issued to Z24 Sqn 15.12.61 and coded C, remaining until allocated to HSA Langar 30.3.66 for Phase III modifications. On completion allotted to FEAF and delivered to 205 Sqn 25.5.67. Coded K on arrival. Ferried back to the UK, arriving St Mawgan 12.12.70 for customs clearance before delivery to 5MU Kemble two days later. To HSA Bitteswell 26.8.71 for AEW.2 conversion, first flying in the revised configuration 6.72. To 5MU for repainting 3.7.72 and delivered to Lossiemouth 25.8.72 for radar installation. ToC 8 Sqn 29.8.72 and named 'Brian', moving over to Kinloss 6.9.72. To 60MU 2.5.73 for mods, returning to 8 Sqn and moved to Lossiemouth with the unit 17.8.73. Loaned to MoD (PE) 7.12.73 for service trials and CA clearance of SRIM 3825 (AMTI facility for AN/APS 20F radar) by 'B' Squadron, A&AEE Boscombe Down. Part of trial conducted at Lossiemouth 18 - 20.12.73 and aircraft returned to 8 Sqn 1.3.74. To HSA Bitteswell 25.10.79 for re-sparring and major servicing, returning to 8 Sqn 1981. Current (13,932 hrs at 9.3.89) at Paphos Airport, Cyprus.	At Luqa between 09-18.08.76.
A. Vulcan	XH557	Completed 13.5.60. Olympus 201/301 engines. To Bristol Siddeley for engine trials 21.6.60. Fitted with Mk.301 engines in outer nacelles, later fitted with four 301s. First B.2 with enlarged intakes. Cottesmore Wing 6.12.65, Waddington Wing 8.2.66, Akrotiri Wing 19.4.74, Waddington Wing 15.1.75, 50 Squadron 3.81. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 8.12.82.	9
A. Vulcan	XL389	Completed 11.7.62. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 230 OCU 13.7.62, Scampton Wing 20.5.65, 230 OCU 11.11.70, 617 Squadron 12.70, 230 OCU 7.4.72, 617 Squadron 30.6.72, 230 OCU 12.1.73, 617 Squadron 16.1.73, 9 Squadron 26.6.74, 44 Squadron 7.79, 101 Squadron 6.80. To St. Athan 6.4.81. Sold to W. Harold 31.8.81 as scrap.	9
A. Vulcan	XJ780	Completed 10.1.61. Olympus 201 engines. 83 Squadron 16.1.61, 12 Squadron 26.11.62, 230 OCU 16.8.63, Waddington Wing 10.10.67, Cottesmore Wing 6.12.68, Waddington Wing 18.4.69, Akrotiri Wing 12.1.70, Waddington Wing 17.1.75. Modification to B.2(MRR) standard 31.3.76. 27 Squadron 23.11.76. Allocated for spares recovery 31.3.82. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 11.82.	9
A. Vulcan	XL388	Completed 13.6.62. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 9 Squadron 14.6.62 (Coningsby Wing), 230 OCU 19.4.71, 617 Squadron 15.9.72, 230 OCU 29.9.72, 617 Squadron 2.2.73, 230 OCU 14.5.73, 617 Squadron 1.11.73, 230 OCU 5.3.741 617 Squadron 6.3.74, 44 Squadron 1.4.74. To Honington fire dump 2.4.82 (875OM). Sold to Swefeling Group as scrap 13.6.85.	44
A. Vulcan	XL389	Completed 11.7.62. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 230 OCU 13.7.62, Scampton Wing 20.5.65, 230 OCU 11.11.70, 617 Squadron 12.70, 230 OCU 7.4.72, 617 Squadron 30.6.72, 230 OCU 12.1.73, 617 Squadron 16.1.73, 9 Squadron 26.6.74, 44 Squadron 7.79, 101 Squadron 6.80. To St. Athan 6.4.81. Sold to W. Harold 31.8.81 as scrap.
A. Vulcan	XL391	Completed 22.5.63. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. A & AEE 22.5.63, BCDU 15.6.65, A & AEE 6.1.66, Cottesmore Wing 31.7.68, Akrotiri Wing 5.2.69, 9 Squadron 17.1.75, 101 Squadron 6.80. Selected for 'Black Buck' modifications, but not used operationally. 44 Squadron 21.6.82. Sold to Manchester Vulcan Bomber Society 11.2.83. Delivered to Blackpool 16.2.83.	9

24 Apr - 26 May 78

With the squadron during this detachment was Maltese pilot, Sqdn Ldr Mark Micallef Eynaud.

Two additional Phantoms joined the squadron later on, including one from the RN’s Phantom Training Flight, also based at RAF Leuchars. Callsigns for Phantoms arriving on the 24th were Rafair 951-959.

Between 18/19th May, the squadron flew 60 and 51 (111) short duration sorties.

MARK	SERIAL	HISTORY	SQUADRON/NOTES
McD F-4 FG1	XT598/E	c/n 1669. F/F 21/3/67. d/d 6/1/68 to Min Tech/MOD(PE). Brought to production standard and delivered as first FG l to 111 Sqn 4/78 becoming 'E'. W/0 23/11/78 in St Andrews Bay off Leuchars.
McD F-4 FGl	XT857/C	c/n 2097.F/F 18/9/67. Used as back-up aircraft in carrier trials on USS Coral Sea and used on approach touch-and-goes with HMS Eagle in 6/69. Following RN use to PTF/U by 9/74. To 111/C in 3/78. Painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 12/84. 111/C until wfu 9/86 and allocated 8913M for ground instruction.	Arrived on the 27th, c/s Rafair 516.
McD F-4 FGR2	XT892/K	c/n 2285. Issued to 6 Sqn early 69. With 228 OCU by 12/71 before being passed to 111 Sqn as 'K' in 8/75 serving as such until 5/79. To 19MU then in grey c/s to 228 OCU in 2/80 as 'V' serving as such until passing to 56 Sqn as 'X' in 7/87. To 228 OCU as 'CQ' in 10/88 with whom it is current.
McD F-4	XV401/U	FGR2 c/n 2885. Issued to 228 OCU passing to 41 Sqn in 10/72 as 'A' but was uncoded by 10/73 in a change of unit policy, remaining as such until 12/75 when it adopted the code 'I' which it retained until passing to 111 Sqn at the beginning of 77. It was coded 'U' with the unit until some time between 2/78 and 4/80 when it was transferred to 56 Sqn as 'N' changing to 'V' in 1/81. Repainted in grey c/s and allocated to 228 OCU in 7/82 as 'B'. To 29/L in 10/83 remaining as such until transferred to 23 Sqn as 'A' on 17/5/86. It remained in the Falklands returning to the UK on 23/3/88 and passed to 56 Sqn's charge. To 19 MU and delivered to 19 Sqn on 16/12/88 becoming 'AA' 5/1/89. Noted with an all-black fin 24/1/89. (No details.) pres. Boscombe Down Museum, Wiltshire.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV403/M	c/n 2901. Issued to 6 Sqn but passing to 54/A by 9/72 until the unit's disbandment when it became 111/A. Remained in these marks until 3/77 before being transferred to 23/T but returning to 111/M by 2/78 in whose marks it was when lost in the North Sea off Aberdeen on 4/8/78.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV419/J	c/n 3045. Issued to 228 OCU but transferred to 54/G by 1/73 being re-coded 'N' in 8/73. Passed to 14 Sqn in 7/74 serving with it until overhaul at 60 MU where RWR was fitted. Issued from there to 111/J on 9/2/76 until at least 5/79 when despatched to 19 MU. After repainting in grey colour scheme went initially unmarked to 228 OCU then to 29/G in 3/80 as the unit's first grey aircraft and was one of the jets despatched to the Falklands. Returned to the UK on 23/5/86 as 23/G but diverted into Tenerife with technical problems and upon return despatched to BAe at Scampton. Re-issued as 228/CD in 10/87 again sent to the Falklands on 17/3/88 becoming 23/A.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV424/B	c/n 3084. Issued as 6/H passing to 54/E by 12/71 and back to 6/B in 10/72. With 228 OCU briefly in 5/74 but with 29 Sqn as 'B' by 1/75 serving until 3/77 when it became 111/B. Stayed with the unit until attention at HOSM in 12178 then to 56/D. Repainted at St Athan in grey early 79 and in the Alcock and Brown c/s. Made the record-breaking run to celebrate the anniversary on 21/6/79 to Greenham Common then issued to 56 Sqn. With 228 OCU as 'M' in 1/80 but 29/I by 10/80 although returned to 228/G in 11/82. Passed to 92/W in 6/85 returning to Coningsby in 86 eventually 228/CN in 4/87. After further attention by BAe it was reissued to 56 Sqn as 'Q' in 4/88.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV426/Q	c/n 310O. Issued to 31 Sqn serving with same until deactivation on type when it passed to 111 Sqn becoming 'Q' in 9/76. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s from 19 MU in 4/80 becoming 'Q' but was unmarked at Coningsby in 7/82. Despatched to the Falklands eventually becoming 'Q' although re-coded 'H' in 5/85 and returned to the UK as 'F' on 21/5/86. Taken on 56 Sqn charge as 'P' with whom it still serves.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV478/X	c/n 3336. Noted as 41/D in 10/72 and following attn by 23 MU in 2/73 became 54/0 until being taken on 111 Sqn strength with the same code. With 228 OCU in 8176 and with 41 Sqn again in 1/77 but was unmarked by 4/77. To 111/X in 10/77 until attn by BAe at HOSM in 12/78. Returned briefly to 228 OCU before becoming 23/M in 11/79 staying with the unit until 9/80. In this period with both 111 and 23 Sqns the aircraft was used in two recruiting posters. After repainting in grey at 19 MU it was reissued as 29/J in 1/82 but had passed to 56 Sqn in 6/82 as 'Q'. To 19/C in 5/85. Noted with red fin 24/1/89, to BAe 28/2/89.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV485/O	c/n 3377. Issued as 2/W re-coded 'H' in 9/73 and transferred to 14 Sqn in 4/75. To 29/K in 5/75 until attn by 60 MU between 27/8/76 and 22/9/76 when it was reissued to 228 OCU taking the code 'X' in 9/77. Passed to 111 Sqn as 'X' in 4/78 but re-coded 'O' in the same month. Back as 228/X in 3/79 until attn by 19 MU in early 80. Following repainting into grey c/s became 23/P in 4/80 and was the only jet to receive 23 Sqn's low vis colours. To 228/W in 5/83 and 29/W in 1/84 until early 85 when despatched to St Athan. In this period it received a RWR, one of the last aircraft needing to be so fitted. To Wildenrath unmarked in 8/85 eventually becoming 19/M. To 19 MU St Athan in 5/88 returning to Wildenrath on l2/9/88 becoming 92/R but returned to 19 Sqn taking up its old code of 'M' by 26/9/88.
McD F-4 FGR2	XV494/T	c/n 3428. Issued as 2/N until at least 6/74 and noted unmarked at Biiiggen in 4/75 being used by 17 Sqn. To 31 Sqn by 4/76 and delivered to Coningsby on 1/7/76 as part of 228 OCU. To 111/T in 10/77 until 2/78 next being noted as 56/G in 7/79. To 23/M in 12/81 passing back to 56 Sqn following the former's relocation becoming ’M' with the unit in 6/83. To 29/T in 10/86 and 19/L in 4/87.	Arrived on the 25th, c/s Rafair 515.
EE Canberra B.2	WH666/F		100, arrived on 11th May.
EE Canberra B.2	WJ640/Q		100, arrived on 12th May.
EE Canberra B2	WH667/J		100
EE Canberra B2	WJ753/L		100
HP Victor K.2	XL191		Re-fuelled Phantoms to Malta, c/s Rafair 801.
HP Victor K.2	XM715		Re-fuelled Phantoms to Malta, c/s Rafair 802. Returned on 24th May to refuel Phantoms on return trip to Leuchars, c/s Rafair 802.
HP Victor K.2	XL189		Re-fuelled Phantoms to Malta, c/s Rafair 803.
HP Victor K.2	XL161	55	Arrived on 24th May to refuel Phantoms on return trip to Leuchars, c/s Rafair 801.
HP Victor K.2	XL163	55	Arrived on 24th May to refuel Phantoms on return trip to Leuchars, c/s Rafair 804.
HP Victor K.2	XL233	55	Arrived on 24th May to refuel Phantoms on return trip to Leuchars, c/s Rafair 803.