Firefly (Fairey) (Total: 268, Canadian: 65, Group 0)

Fairey Firefly (Fairey)

Fairey Firefly Mk. VI
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Firefly was designed by Fairey Aviation, UK, in 1940 to meet a British Admiralty requirement for a carrier borne, fighter reconnaissance aircraft. The Firefly prototype first flew in December 1941 from Fairey's Great West Aerodrome, (now Heathrow Airport). Successful flight trials were completed by the end of 1942 and the first production aircraft, Mk. Is were delivered to the Royal Navy in March 1943.

Fireflies went into squadron service in October 1943 and later saw action in July 1944 against the German battleship Tirpitz, in Norway, when flying from HMS Indefatigable. From January 1945 onwards, the main area of operations for the Firefly was the Far East. Flying from HMS Indefatigable and HMS Implacable, they fought against the Japanese in Sumatra, the Caroline Islands and in the waters surrounding Japan. Later, Fairey Fireflies served with the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, during the Korean War.

A total of 64 Fairey Fireflies served with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), between 1946 and 1952. Based at Dartmouth, NS, they were flown from the aircraft carriers HMCS Warrior and HMCS Magnificent by No. 825 and 826 Squadrons. The Mk. V anti submarine version was ordered in 1949 to meet a NATO role for the RCN in anti submarine warfare. Firefly Mk. Vs operated in this role until late 1950, when they were replaced by Grumman Avengers.

Manufacture of the Fairey Firefly ceased in April 1956, after 1,702 aircraft had been produced. About 20 Fireflies survive. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

YouTube Firefly

General CWHM Flightlines

Firefly (Fairey) DK445, T. Mk. I

s/n DK445

DK 445

Griffon IIB

Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*Z".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK485, FR. Mk. I

s/n DK485

DK 485

Griffon Xll

TOS RCAF 7 Nov 1946. Transferred to RCN 12 July 1947. With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for the Caribbean cruise of 1947. Returned to FAA 27 Dec 1947.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK535, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK535

DK 535

Operated by 826 Squadron, coded "AB*C".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK537, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK537

DK 537


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK545, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK545

DK 545

With No. 825 Squadron, operated from HMCS Warrior, coded "BD*R".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK555, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK555

General Aircraft Limited

DK 555

Launched from HMCS Magnificent on 31 March 1946, to become the first Firefly to land in Canada. Crashed on approach to Dartmouth on 28 May 1946, while still on RN books.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-August-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK560, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK560

DK 560

With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for its west coast cruise of 1946/47, coded "B".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK561, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK561

General Aircraft Limited

DK 561

Originally operated with RN style Type A roundels. With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for its west coast cruise of 1946/47, coded "S". Later with 826 Squadron on board HMCS Magnificent, in full RCN markings, coded "AB*K". Ethiopia serial number was 616.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength Loaded on board HMCS Warrior at Glasgow 2020-10-27
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold to Ethiopia. 2020-10-27
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK563, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK563

DK 563

Operated on USS Saipan in 1949, for trails with US style deck landing techniques, coded "AB*F". Damaged on landing.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK564, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK564

DK 564

Coded "H".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK565, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK565

DK 565


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DK569, F.R. Mk. I

s/n DK569

DK 569

The first Firefly in Canada, originally on RCAF charge for winter testing. To Rivers Camp, Manitoba, fall of 1946. Stopped at Winnipeg on 19 to 21 October 1946, en route to the Winter Experimental Establishment at RCAF Station Namao, Alberta. No codes marked, carried RN style roundels.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-April-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) DT975, T. Mk. I

s/n DT975

DT 975

Griffon IIB

Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*Y".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 531

Firefly (Fairey) MB433, T. Mk. I

s/n MB433

MB 433

Griffon IIB

Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*X".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
   1949-October-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB443, T. Mk. I

s/n MB443

MB 443

Griffon IIB

Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Damaged in forced landed following engine failure on 5 September 1949. Pilot asked passenger to switch radios, instead he switched off master switch in rear cockpit. Carried full code "VG-TGX" on wings, "TG*X" on fuselage, and had small blue maple leaf on red part of roundels.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB566, F.R. Mk. I

s/n MB566

MB 566


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB579, F.R. Mk. I

s/n MB579

MB 579

With 826 Squadron on baord HMCS Magnificent for her 1950 Caribbean cruise, coded "AB*U".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-June-30 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB588, F.R. Mk. I

s/n MB588

MB 588


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-March-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB668, F.R. Mk. I

s/n MB668

MB 668

Crashed on landing on HMCS Warrior on 7 March 1947, still in RN markings. Reported as crashed at sea near Musquadaboit, NS on 17 July 1947.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-September-20 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB694, T. Mk. II

s/n MB694

MB 694

Converted from F. Mk. I by Fairey Aviation of Canada Ltd. Arrived at Fairey on 19 March 1949, back to RCN in spring of 1950. Operated by the Training Air Group, coded "TG*W". Carried red and blue Canadian roundels at one point.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1947-April-10 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) MB748, F.R. Mk. I

s/n MB748

MB 748


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-May-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) PP402, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP402

PP 402


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) PP408, F.R. Mk. I / T. Mk.

s/n PP408

PP 408

Operated by 826 Squadron, coded "AB*C", as an F. Mk. I. Later converted to T. Mk. 2 by Fairey Aviation Canada. Arrived at Fairey on 21 March 1949, back to RCN in early 1950. Coded "TG*V" after conversion. Very little use after conversion, appears to have been held as a spare.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-November-25 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) PP411, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP411

PP 411


last update: 2025-March-10
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) PP412, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP412

PP 412

Repainted in Canada in RCN style camouflage. Carried registration "VG-ABK" under wings, marked "AB*K" on fusleage.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 589

Firefly (Fairey) PP413, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP413

PP 413

Coded "S", possibly while with RN. Category A accident on board HMCS Warrior on 1 June 1946, apparently repaired.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP426, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP426

PP 426

With 826 Squadron at Rivers Camp, Manitoba summer of 1948, for armament training, coded "AB*J". Operating from HMCS Warrior when lost, still coded "AB*J".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-April-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost at sea on 12 March 1949. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP431, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP431

PP 431

Category A accident on board HMCS Warrior, on 18 July 1946.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1950-February-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP456, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP456

PP 456

Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 10 August 1946.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1947-December-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, returned to Royal Navy. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP457, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP457

PP 457

Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 15 July 1946.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP460, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP460

PP 460

Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 17 July 1946.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP462, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP462

PP 462

Had served with 825 Squadron, RN from late 1945, still with this unit when it was transferred to RCN on 24 January 1946. Transported to Canada on HMCS Warrior's maiden voyage, flown off to RCAF Station Dartmouth on 31 March 1946. Government records show the aircraft stored at Dartmouth from June 1946 to October 1946, but operated by 824 Squadron during this period. With 825 Sdn. for its west coast cruise of November 1946 to May 1947. To 826 Squadron on 19 May 1947. Damaged when wing tip dragged during cross wind landing at Quebec City on 29 May 1947. Repainted in RCN colours by Canada Car and Foundry early 1947. Officially transferred to RCN ownership on 12 July 1947. Damaged on landing on HMCS Magnificent on 19 November 1949, struck mobile crane after snagging wire. Back in service by February 1950. Placed in storage April 1950. Stored at Derbert, NS until March 1954. Transported to Ethiopia on board HMCS Magnificent. Stored outdoors in Ethiopia after retirement there. Five stored aircraft seen in desert, badly deteriorated, by Canadian Air Attache to Egypt in 1993. Later two returned to Canada by CF Hercules, delivered to Shearwater Aviation Museum. Parts used to rebuild one aircraft, with PP462 name plate. Restoration still underway summer of 2006. Intent is to restore to airworthy condition.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Ethiopia. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) PP467, F.R. Mk. I

s/n PP467

PP 467

Operated on HMCS Warrior, coded "A", with RN style roundels. Later seen in full RCN markings, coded "T". Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 7 May 1947. Stored at Derbert, NS when withdrawn from service. Transported to Ethiopia on board HMCS Magnificent.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Ethiopia. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Firefly (Fairey) TW741, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n TW741

TW 741

On RCAF charge when tested at the Winter Experimental Establishment at Watson Lake, BC. In RN markings, no codes, at that time. First Firefly Mk. IV in Canada.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-February-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-November-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) TW753, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n TW753

TW 753

Wound up in the catwalks on HMCS Magnificent on 2 September 1948.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VG963, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VG963

VG 963


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VG966, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VG966

VG 966


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VG971, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VG971

VG 971


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VG979, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VG979

VG 979


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1954-March-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VG997, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VG997

VG 997


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH123, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH123

VH 123


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH125, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH125

VH 125


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1950-March-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH126, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH126

VH 126


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH128, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH128

VH 128


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH129, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH129

VH 129

Wound up in the catwalks on HMCS Magnificent on 11 August 1948. Still carrying RN style markings and codes on this date. Carried code "209" on 11 August 1949, when it nearly left the edge of the deck on HMCS Magnificent.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH130, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH130

VH 130


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1951-January-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH131, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH131

VH 131


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH134, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH134

VH 134


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH135, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH135

VH 135

Painted by Fairey Canada on 24 June 1950. With No. 825 Squadron on board HMCS Magnificent for the European cruise of 1950, coded "BD*K".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1950-October-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH136, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH136

VH 136


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-July-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH137, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH137

VH 137

Operated on USS Saipan in 1949, for trails with US style deck landing techniques.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH138, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH138

VH 138

Coded "BD*A".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH139, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH139

VH 139


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1953-February-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH140, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH140

VH 140


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH141, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH141

VH 141

Coded "BD*H".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1953-February-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH142, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VH142

VH 142


last update: 2025-March-10
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1950-June-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VH143, F.R. Mk. IV

s/n VH143

VH 143

With No. 825 Squadron on 3 September 1948, when it engaged the barrier on HMCS Magnificent, with minor damage.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX414, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX414

VX 414

First Mk. V with power wing folding. Completed on 24 January 1949. Painted by Fairey in the UK, in RN style camouflage and markings. Operated by 825 Squadron, onboard HMCS Magnficent in 1949 in full RCN markings, coded "BD*N". Right main gear collapsed on landing, 19 November 1949, during Caribbean cruise.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1953-February-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX415, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX415

VX 415

Operated by 825 Squadron. Coded "BD*O".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1953-February-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX416, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX416

VX 416

Operated by 825 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX417, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX417

VX 417

Operated by 825 Squadron, coded "BD*R" in 1949.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1950-June-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX418, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX418

VX 418

Operated by 825 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX419, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX419

VX 419

Operated by 825 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Firefly (Fairey) VX421, A.S. Mk. V

s/n VX421

VX 421

Initially operated in RN markings, with legend "Royal Navy" above serial number. Operated by 825 Squadron. Damaged during hard landing on USS Saipan on 3 November 1949.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Firefly (Fairey) WH632,

s/n WH632

c/n F.8755

WH 632

Rolls Royce Griffon

formerly Royal Navy Firefly.

The Museum's Firefly was built in 1951 and first served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, at Ford, UK. Later, it was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1953. It was retired from the RAN in 1960 and ended up in a museum in New South Wales, Australia. The Museum purchased it from them in 1979. Although a Mk.VI, it has been restored in the colours and markings of a RCN No. 825 Squadron Firefly Mk. V operating from HMCS Magnificent in 1949-50.

last update: 2025-February-05