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Wigan Album

Duke of Lancasters Own Yeomanry - TA

4 Comments

Cleared for take off
Cleared for take off
Photo: Graham Taylor
Views: 2,458
Item #: 9058
In July 1984 we called in at RAF Honnington whilst on excercise. Here I have my head stuck out of the cockpit window of an aircraft that was used for practice by the RAF fire and crash teams. I don't have a clue what type it is but I know a man who does. I bet Eric Turner will tell me the type, what year it was made, the pilot's name and what he had for breakfast.
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Comment by: Tyrawhitt on 4th February 2009 at 07:17

The aircraft is a Handley Page Hastings

Comment by: Eric Turner on 4th February 2009 at 17:46

Yes, it is the C1 version, entered RAF service in 1949,used as a troop trunker on the Singapore route, took part in all major troop airlifts in the 50's & 60's until 1967, Flt, Lt Prune was the pilot and thats what he had for breakfast. E.T.

Comment by: Eric Turner on 4th February 2009 at 17:55

The Hastings is a sorry looking hulk, all smoke blackened instead of silver. I was at Honnington the day that Prince Charles did his one parachute jump and he has worn the Para' badge on his Army uniform ever since.As a matter of interest, on Wigan World, click on "Stuff" then scroll up to"Spitfire Crash". E.T.

Comment by: Graham Taylor on 4th February 2009 at 18:27

Thanks tyrawhitt and thanks Eric, I knew you wouldn't let me down. Now I can tell my grandkids I have been in the cockpit of the plane that Fl.Lt Prune used to fly. We did a terrorist insurgent type excercise at Honnington and got arrested for climbing over the fence into the Nuclear store compound. I have already read the Spitfire crash article Eric, it's very interesting. GT

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