967 (BAE Warton) Sqn ATC - Canberra WT520

Canberra - WT520

Introduction

'Friday the 13th' is generally considered unlucky but not for the English Electric Canberra; it first flew on Friday, 13 May 1949, taking off from Warton Aerodrome. Nobody who witnessed that event could have believed that over 50 years later, it would be still flying in front-line service with the RAF (and no I wasn't there either!!). Over 1000 Canberra's were built between 1949 and 1963 and were used by the air-arms of 16 countries worldwide. The Canberra has been used in various roles throughout its life covering bombing, reconnaissance, electronic counter-measures and target towing.

The first RAF Squadron to receive the Canberra B2 was No. 101 based at RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire, on 25 May 1951. The first photo-reconnaissance version, the PR3, first flew on 19 March 1950 but was soon superseded by the PR7. The PR Canberra's had a 14-inch extension to the forward fuselage to accommodate an additional fuel tank, a camera bay and a flare bay. Our Canberra cockpit at the Sqn was WT520; a PR7 from 17 Sqn.

No. 17 Sqn

No. 17 Sqn originally formed at Gosport on 1 February 1915 and soon embarked to Egypt. The Sqn has been constantly active throughout, flying various aircraft.

During the 1950's, 17 Sqn was part of 2 TAF in Germany and was reformed at Wahn on 1 June 1956 as a Canberra photo-reconnaissance squadron. Moving to Wildenrath in April 1957, the squadron continued in this role until 31 December 1969.

17 Sqn then reformed at Bruggen and was re-equipped with Phantom FGR MK IIs but in 1975, the Sqn then converted to Jaguars.

17 Sqn Aircraft Badge displayed on the Canberra's

They continued flying the Jaguars until 1985 when they were replaced by the Tornado GR1.

With the pending withdrawal of the RAF from Germany, 17 Sqn disbanded in 1999. 17 Sqn has now reformed as the Eurofighter Typhoon OEU here at BAe Warton and will now remain as a Sqn, moving to RAF Coningsby in 2005/6. It will not be formed as part of the 'Fast Jet OEU' at Coningsby; as previously thought.

WT520

Most of the RAF Germany Canberra's were refurbished and sold to overseas air-arms. However, WT520 ended its days as 'Gate Guardian' at RAF Swinderby.

All that remains of this fine aircraft is the cockpit - it was detached from the fuselage just behind the nosewheel bay and is currently on a wheeled stand at our Sqn Headquarters. It's looking a bit worse for wear and desparately needs a respray. You can find more information on this aircraft at the English Electric Canberra site.