Sea Fury (Total: 734, Canadian: 75, Group 0)

Hawker Sea Fury

Source: Harold A Skaarup Web Page (DND Photo)
Hawker Sea Fury FB Mk. 11 RCN (Serial No. TF947) with HMCS Magnificent in the background

The Hawker Sea Fury is a British fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Hawker Aircraft. It was the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy, and one of the fastest production single reciprocating engine aircraft ever built. Developed during the Second World War, the Sea Fury entered service two years after the war ended. It proved to be a popular aircraft with a number of overseas militaries and was used during the Korean War in the early 1950s, and by the Cuban air force during the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion.

The Sea Fury's development was formally initiated in 1943 in response to a wartime requirement of the Royal Air Force (RAF), with the aircraft initially named Fury. As the Second World War drew to a close, the RAF cancelled their order for the aircraft; however, the Royal Navy saw the type as a suitable carrier aircraft to replace a range of increasingly obsolete or poorly suited aircraft being operated by the Fleet Air Arm. Development of the Sea Fury proceeded, and the type began entering operational service in 1947.

The Sea Fury has many design similarities to Hawker's preceding Tempest fighter, having originated from a requirement for a "Light Tempest Fighter"; both the Sea Fury's wings and fuselage originate from the Tempest but were significantly modified. Production Sea Furies were fitted with the powerful Bristol Centaurus engine and armed with four wing-mounted Hispano V cannons. While originally developed as a pure aerial fighter aircraft, the definitive Sea Fury FB.11 was a fighter-bomber, the design having been found suitable for this mission as well.

The Sea Fury attracted international orders as both a carrier and land-based aircraft. It was operated by countries including Australia, Burma, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, West Germany, Iraq, and Pakistan. The type acquitted itself well in the Korean War, fighting effectively even against the MiG-15 jet fighter. Although the Sea Fury was retired by the majority of its military operators in the late 1950s in favour of jet-propelled aircraft, a considerable number of aircraft saw subsequent use in the civil sector, and several remain airworthy in the 21st century as heritage and racing aircraft. Wikipedia

Wikipedia Wikipedia Hawker Sea Fury

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Sea Fury TF901, Mk. 10

s/n TF901

TF 901

Loaned to Canada for trials with the Winter Experimental Establishment at RCAF Station Namao, Alberta. Carried RN markings. Destroyed in fatal accident on 17 January 1948. Taken on strength for book keeping purposes.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-February-12 Struck off Strength Taken on strength struck off same day. 2019-08-20
   1948-February-12 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1948-January-17 KIFA RCN Lieutenant Gerald Quarton 2023-07-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF985, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF985

TF 985

With 871 Squadron when lost.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-September-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, after ditching on 10 August 1951. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF992, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF992

TF 992

With 803 Squadron, coded "BC*A". Still with this unit when lost.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-April-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost at sea on 12 March 1949. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF993, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF993

TF 993

Turned over on night landing, date unknown, while with 880 Squadron, coded "BC*A". Also served with 803 and 870 Squadrons, and VF 871, dates unknown.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-February-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF994, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF994

TF 994

Delivered to RN in December 1947. With 803 Squadron as "BC*L" shortly after arrival in Canada. Took the barrier onboard HMCS Magnificent on 16 August 1948, marked "BC*C". With No. 883 Squadron in November 1948. With 870 Squadron in 1951. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF995, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF995

TF 995


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-January-05 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Dartmouth, NS on 15 October 1948. 2019-08-20
1948-October-14 KIFA RCN Lieutenant John Stanley Berge 2022-12-12
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF996, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF996

TF 996

Initially served with 803 Squadron. Coded "BC*F" by March 1950, still in early RCN paint scheme. In full RCN markings by November 1950, when it visited Gibralter. Still with 803 Squadron, coded "BC*K". Destroyed by post crash fire on board HMCS Magnificent on 18 May 1955, reportedly only Sea Fury fire on any RCN ship. Coded "294" (or 254?) at the time.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-June-10 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash, see comments. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF997, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF997

TF 997

With 803 Squadron, coded "BC*G". Went missing during ferry flight on 30 June 1950. Aircraft was returning to Shearwater from overhaul at Avro Canada in Toronto. Left Quebec City, performed brief aerobatic display over airport, and headed east into worsening weather. Wreckage not found until 1968, near Millinocket, Maine. Had struck trees on a ridge while in a descent. Accident report theorizes pilot Lt. M.C. Hare was attempting a forced landing in a nearby creek, due to low fuel or engine problems, and was probably too low to bail out, because of the low ceilings and high terrain. Wreckage still there in 1979, when a memorial plaque was placed on the site.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1950-November-12 Struck off Strength Struck off after going missing on 30 June 1950, see comments. 2019-08-20
1950-June-03 KIFA RCN Lieutenant (P) Mervin Charles Hare
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF998, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF998

TF 998

With 803 Squadron, coded "BC*H".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-March-28 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1949-March-28 KIFA RCN Acting Lieutenant-Commander Robert Allen Monks 2024-07-11
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TF999, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TF999

TF 999

With 803 Squadron, coded "BC*J". Later with 871 and 870 Squadrons.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-August-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TG113, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG113

TG 113

With 803 Squadron by September 1948, coded "BC*K", with name of pilot fitter, and rigger marked belwo the windscreen, roundels with small blue maple leaf on red background, and an RCN ensign on the rudder. Visited RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario in these markings on 11 September 1948.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-May-29 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost at sea on 1 May 1951 off HMCS Magnificent. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TG114, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG114

c/n 41H/609972

TG 114

On board HMCS Magnificent, with 803 Squadron, coded "BC*L", in March 1949 when the ship passed through the Panama Canal. Flown from Malton, Ontario to Shearwater, NS in 1:45 on 15 December 1949, by LCDR R. A. Creeery, setting new record. One other aircraft in this flight, serial not known. Was with 870 Squadron at the time, coded "BC*F", and carried coloured word "NAVY" on fuselage, probably for air show displays. At HMCS Shearwater June 1952, with no squadron codes. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Sold to Brian Baird of Toronto, Ontario for $500, c. November 1962, registered as CF-OYF. Moved to Louisiana c. 1963, reportedly to protect the aircraft from repossesion by banks. To J. W. Fornof of Houma, LA, 1966-1969, registered as N54M. Overturned during landing, Houma, LA, 1967. To Brian Baird, Phoenix, AZ, 1969, wreckage stored at Mesa, AZ. Restoration started using parts from VR918 & VR919 at Phoenix, AZ. To Frank C. Sanders of Chino, CA, 1971-1976, registered as N232J. Restoration completed, converted to 2-seat configuration. First flight, 1971. Flown as N232/232/0. To Lloyd A. Hamilton, Santa Rosa, CA, 1980. To William E. Sims, Charleston, IL, 1982-1987. To Ronald M. Runyan, Springdale, OH, May 1988-1995. Leased to Robert J.Lamplough, North Weald, UK, 1988-1994. Delivered by air to North Weald, Apr. 24, 1990. To Aces High Ltd, North Weald, UK on June 13, 1994-1995, registered as G-BVOE. To Maruna Airplane Co, Akron, OH, Jan. 1995. To Gallant Corp, Dover, DE, Feb. 1, 1995, registered as N232J. Shipped to USA from North Weald, UK. To Michael Brown, Carson City, NV, Mar. 21, 1996-1997. To Michael Brown/Sea Fury Ltd, Carson City, NV, May 1997-2004, registered as N232MB. Restored, Ione, CA, 1996-1998, fitted with Wright R-3350. First flight, 1998. Flown as race #232, "September Fury". Additional modification done for racing, including small canopy.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength TOS changed from 1947-05-24 to 1948-05-24 per Griffin 1968 & CASPR record Sea Fury Individual History Geoff Goodall 31 May/17. 2020-09-29
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590 | 1968 634

Sea Fury TG115, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG115

TG 115

Wings folded on take off on 24 November 1948, repaired and returned to service. With VF 870 when it disbanded in late March 1954, coded "106". Still carried these markings after transfer to School of Naval Aircraft Maintenance, at HMCS Shearwater.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TG116, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG116

TG 116


last update: 2025-March-10
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-April-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost at sea on 22 March 1949, off HMCS Magnificent. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TG117, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG117

TG 117

To Winter Experimental Establishment at RCAF Station Namao, Alberta, and Watson Lake, Yukon, from winter of 1948 / 1949. Coded "ZZ*A" while there. Painted red on horizontal stab and outer wing panels. Destroyed in crash at Watson Lake on 30 January 1951.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-February-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1951-January-29 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Walter William Mollon 2023-02-27
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 590

Sea Fury TG118, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG118

TG 118

To RN in January 1948. Transported to Canada on board HMCS Magnificent, in RN markings. Loaded in UK on 25 May 1948. Served with 803 and 871 Squadrons. Survived mid air collision with Firefly PP426 on 26 January 1949. Carried codes "VG-AA*B" and "160". Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Broken up and sold as spares in 1960s, probably most parts went to Germany.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG119, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG119

c/n 41H/609977

TG 119

Served with VF 870 and VF 871, coded "AA*B" and "108". Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Sold to Bancroft Industries in 1963. To National Aeronautical Collection same year. Now in Canada Aviation Museum, Ottawa, coded "110".
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG120, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG120

TG 120

Used for deck landing trials onboard HMCS Magnificant, in UK waters, from 4 May 1948, in RN markings. Still in RN markings during early days at Shearwater. Took part in first Naval air show in Canada, at Shearwater on 21 July 1948, in early RCN markings by then, including blue maple leaf over red centre of RN roundels. Group Commander's aircraft summer of 1948, coded B*GC. With VF 870 when it ditched on 12 June 1951.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength TOS changed from 1947-05-24 to 1948-05-24 per Griffin 1968, & per CASPR record Sea Fury - Kaehler List 01 Mar/17. 2020-09-29
   1951-July-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG121, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG121

TG 121

Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG122, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG122

TG 122

With 870 Squadron in June 1952, coded "BC*H". Visited Mount Hope airport, Hamilton, Ontario, in these markings.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-September-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG123, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG123

TG 123

Crashed on 28 March 1949, while on test flight.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-July-12 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG124, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG124

TG 124

With 870 Squadron, coded "BC*F", in September 1952. Also with 803 and 883 Squadrons, no dates.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG125, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG125

TG 125

Loaded on board HMCS Magnificent on 18 May 1948, for transport to Canada. With 883 Squadron detachment to CJATC, Rivers Camp, Manitoba for armament training fall of 1949. With 803 Squadron when it crashed on 27 March 1951.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-May-02 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash. 2019-08-20
1951-March-27 KIFA RCN Sub-Lieutenant John Harwood Morehouse 2023-02-08
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG126, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG126

TG 126

Lost at sea on 28 February 1951. with 883 Squadron at that time.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength TOS changed from 1947-05-24 to 1948-05-24 per Griffin 1968. Cross reference to CASPR record Sea Fury - Kaehler list 01 Mar/17 lists TOS 1948-06-01. 2020-09-29
   1951-April-12 Struck off Strength Struck off, see comments. 2019-08-20
1951-February-28 KIFA RCN Lieutenant John Bertrand Hartle 2022-12-10
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG127, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG127

TG 127

Coded "127" in September 1953. With VF 871 detachment to CJATC, Rivers Camp, Manitoba in January 1954. Also with 883 and 870 Squadrons, no dates known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG128, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG128

TG 128

Nosed over on landing on HMCS Magnificent on 12 September 1950, coded "AA*F" at that time. Gear collapsed on landing, date unknown, coded "113" at the time. Also coded "113", with 870 Squadron, when it took part in the 1952 Canadian National Exhibition air show. Based at Malton during the show. Also served with 883 Squadron and VX 10, dates unknown. Still coded "113" when it crashed on 10 August 1955, while with VT 40.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength TOS changed from 1947-05-24 to 1948-05-24 per Griffin 1968. Cross reference to CASPR record Sea Fury - Kaehler list 01 Mar/17 lists TOS 1948-06-03. 2020-09-29
   1955-December-04 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash, see comments. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury TG129, F. B. Mk.11

s/n TG129

TG 129

With 883 Squadron detachment to CJATC, Rivers Camp, Manitoba for armament training fall of 1949. Carried no codes at that time. With 871 Squadron, 30th Carrier Air Group in May 1952, coded "AA*D". Coded "114" by 1953. Also with 803 Squadron, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-August-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VR918, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VR918

VR 918

To Royal Navy in February 1948. Shipped to Canada on board HMCS Magnificent. With 803 Squadron when it took the barrier onboard Magnificent on 19 Narch 1949. Forced landing at Dartmouth with severe engine vibrations and power loss on 11 July 1949. With 883 Squadron when it landed gear up at Dartmouth on 3 May 1951. With 871 Squadron, coded "115", in April 1952. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Broken up for spares, some parts, including tail unit, sold to Bill Baird to be used in repair fo VX686 and shipped to Queen Creek, Arizona.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VR919, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VR919

VR 919

To Royal Navy in February 1948. Shipped to Canada on board HMCS Magnificent. Damaged in bird strike on 4 January 1949, while with 803 Squadron. Gear up landing at Shearwater, on 26 May 1949. By then was in early RCN markings, including blue maple leaf on red centre of RN roundels, no code marked. Served with VF 871by May 1951, coded "AA*L". With 870 Squadron November 1951. Onboard HMCS Magnificent with 870 Squadron later that month, marked "AA*L". Overhauled July 1956, and placed in storage. In storage at RCAF Station Scoudouc, NB in August 1959, no codes marked. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Broken up for spares, some parts, including wing centre section, sold to Bill Baird to be used in repair fo VX686 and shipped to Queen Creek, Arizona. Instrument panel and some other parts to Shearwater Aviation Museum.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW225, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW225

VW 225

With 883 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW227, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW227

VW 227

To Royal Navy in July 1948. With 883, 870 and 871 Squadrons. Coded "AA*H" and later "118". Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Broken up and sold as spares in 1960s.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength while onboard HMCS Magnificent in UK 2019-08-20
   1956-May-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW230, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW230

VW 230

With 883 and 871 Squadrons.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW231, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW231

VW 231

To Canadian Joint Air Training Centre, Rivers Camp, Manitoba, with VF 871, spring of 1953, coded "120". Unit was working up for detachment to Korea, but war ended before unit was sent. Also seen on HMCS Magnificent with this code, when it struck the barrier on 20 September 1953. Also with 883 and 870 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-June-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW239, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW239

VW 239

With 871 Squadron, coded "AA*D", when it visited Kindley Field, Bermuda, in early 1950s. Later coded "121". Also with 883 Squadron, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW552, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW552

VW 552

Arrived at Shearwater June 1949 with RN roundels, no fin flash, and "Royal Navy" marked above serial number on fuselage. Seen with 802 Squadron crest on cowl, but no codes, date unknown. By May 1950 with 803 Squadron, coded "BC*A", when it caught the barrier on board HMCS Magnificent. Also with 870 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2020-09-29
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW563, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW563

VW 563

Coded "100". With 883 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW571, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW571

VW 571

Damaged in collision with truck at Shearwater, on 7 April 1952. Coded "AA*K" at that time. Nosed over while taxiing at Shearwater on 24 February 1954, with VF 870, coded "123" by then. With 883 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VW584, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VW584

VW 584

Group Commanders aircraft summer of 1949, coded "B*GC". With 883 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 591

Sea Fury VX675, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX675

VX 675

With 803 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX682, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX682

VX 682

With 803 and 871 Squadrons, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX686, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX686

VX 686

With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*P" on 23 March 1951, when it nosed over after engaging the barrier on HMCS Magnificent. With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*T", during HMCS Magnificent's Mediterranean cruise of 1952. Onboard HMCS Magnficent, coded "127", in 1953. With 803 and 871 Squadrons and VX10, dates not known. Last Sea Fury overhauled by Fairey Canada, delivered on 2 November 1956. Ferried to Scoudouc, NB for storage, by VX 10 pilot. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Sold to Brian Baird of Ottawa for $500, c.1962. Registered as CF-PRN. Damaged in hanger fire at Moncton, remains shipped to Queen Creek, Arizona for restoration but owner was killed in plane crash on 7 August 1959. Restoration completed by Frank Sanders od Santa Ana, California, on airshow circuit for many years. Several subsequent owners in UK and US, won the 2006 Unlimited Gold Championship at Reno, Nevada
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-November-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX688, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX688

VX 688

With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*A", when it visited Gibralter on 7 November 1950. Operating off HMCS Magnificent at the time. Still carrying this code when lost at sea on 1 March 1951.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-April-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX690, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX690

VX 690

To Royal Navy in December 1949. First with 883 Squadron. Served with 803 Squadron and VF 870, coded "BC*O". Coded "128" in May 1951. Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside at McEwans Airfield, still coded "128". Still there in 1961. Broken up and sold as spares.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX692, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX692

VX 692

With 871 Squadron in January 1952, coded "AA*C". With 881 Squadron when it ditched on 10 September 1952.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-October-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury VX695, F. B. Mk.11

s/n VX695

VX 695

With 803 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1950-October-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-June-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG564, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG564

WG 564

With VF871 and VX10.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG565, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG565

c/n 41H/636292

WG 565

With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*A", early 1950s. Lead aircraft of VF 871 detachment at Coronation Review fly past in the UK, 15 June 1953. Coded "131" at the time. Flew last official RCN Sea Fury flight, on 3 April 1957. Later ferried to Calgary, Alberta for use as a training aid at the Southern Alberta Institiute of Technology. Still there till 1966. Gate guardian at HMCS Tecumseh, Calgary from May 1966 to 1984. Restored from 1984 by Aero Space Museum of Calgary. To Naval Museum of Alberta, in Calgary, from 1988. Displayed in "AA*A" markings.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1957-April-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG566, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG566

WG 566

With 870 Squadron in June 1952, coded "BC*A". Carried F-24 camera in fuselage. Coded "132". Destroyed in mid-air on 10 April 1953, with 870 Squadron at the time.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1953-April-10 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1953-April-09 KIFA RCN Lieutenant Robert Christie O'Neil 2023-03-02
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG567, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG567

c/n 41H/63294

WG 567

To Royal Navy in June 1951. Onboard HMCS Magnificent in 1952, with 871 Squadron, coded "133". Sold to Charlie McEwan, flown to his privately owned airport near Moncton, NB in 1959 and stored outside. Sold to Robert P. Vanderveke of, Pierrefords, Quebec, September 1961, registered as CF-VAN. Painted red with gold stripe on fuselage. To Michael D. Carroll, Long Beach, CA, 1965-1969, registered as N878M, modifed as racer. Military equipment removed, airframe lightened, fule capcity increased from 240 to 588 gallons. Outer wing panels clipped (removing 6.5 ft. total). Small bubble canopy installed. First race appearance at Reno 1966. Flown as race #87 "Signal Sea Fury" by Lyle Shelton. To Sherman Cooper, Merced, CA, 1969-1972. Flew as Race #87 "Miss Merced". Nosed over during forced landing after engine failure near Mojave, CA, 13 November 1971. To Frank C. Sanders, Chino, CA, 1980-1981, acquired wreck. To James A. Mott, South Gate, CA, 1984-1999, acquired wreck from Frank Sanders. Rebuilt at Chino, 1984-1988, back to nearly stock condition excpet for Centaurus 175 engine. Flew as race #42 "Super Chief". Period between 1992-1999 unknown. To Stephen Bolander and Jim Michaels/J&S Aviation, Oconomowoc, WI, 24 March, 1999-2002. Trucked from Chino to Ione, CA for restoration. Fitted with Wright R-3350 and additional racing mods. First flight, Ione, CA, Mar. 2000. Flown as race #87 "Miss Merced". To Eric Woelbing, Franksville, WI, July 21, 2003-2004. Flown as race #87 "Miss Merced", based at Kenosha Airport, WI.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength on board HMCS Magnificent at Hal Far, Malta 2019-08-20
   1957-February-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592 | 1968 636

Sea Fury WG568, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG568

WG 568


last update: 2025-March-10
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1953-October-04 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing at Dartmouth on 21 September 1953. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG569, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG569

WG 569

Ground looped on landing on board HMCS Magnificent, off Brermuda, on 5 November 1952. Coded "135" at that time. With VF871, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG570, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG570

WG 570

With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*A", early 1950s. Carried these markings when operated from HMCS Magnificent.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG571, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG571

WG 571

With 883 Squadron, coded "AA*B", when it struck the barrier on board HMCS Magnficent on 12 June 1952. Also with 870 Squadron, dates not known.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG572, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG572

WG 572

On board HMCS Magnificent in September 1954, coded "138", for Exercise New Broom II. Carried Popeye art work on cowling. With VF871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG573, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG573

WG 573

With VF 871 detachment to CJATC, Rivers Camp Manitoba in January 1954, for armament training. On board HMCS Magnificent, coded "139", date unknown.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-August-28 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG574, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG574

WG 574

With VF 870 and VF 871. Carried pennant number 140 when itr was at CJATC, Rivers Camp, Manitoba for armament training.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WG575, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WG575

WG 575

Flown to the Mediterranean in June 1951 to meet HMCS Magnificent. With VX 10, where it was known as "The Pet". Carried pennant number 141 while with this unit.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1951-August-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-July-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WJ300, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WJ300

WJ 300

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-August-23 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing on HMCS Magnificent on 14 July 1954. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WJ301, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WJ301

WJ 301

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. With VF 871. Used by VX 10 for target towing trials in August 1956, one of the last operational Sea Furies.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM472, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM472

WM 472

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. Served with VF 870. With VT 40, coded "801", when it crashed, date unknown.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-January-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM473, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM473

WM 473

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. Ditched, off HMCS Magnificent, in early 1955.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-March-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM474, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM474

WM 474

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-April-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM475, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM475

WM 475

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. Served with VT 40.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-August-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM476, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM476

WM 476

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. Crashed, burned, and exploded during Field Carrier Landing Practice at Shearwater on 9 March 1955. Coded "146" at this time. Pilot J. W. Searle pulled from burning wreck shortly before it exploded, by Lt. D. Muncaster, who had just arrived by helicopter. Muncaster was awarded George Medal in 1956 for this rescue.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-May-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM477, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM477

WM 477

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. In storage at RCAF Station Scoudouc, NB in late 1950s.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-May-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WM478, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WM478

WM 478

Ferried to Norfolk, Virginia by USS Midway in October 1952, collected there by HMCS Magnificent in November 1952. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1952-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ633, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ633

WZ 633

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-April-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ634, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ634

WZ 634

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. With VF 871 when it crashed on 4 June 1955.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-June-16 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash, see comments. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ635, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ635

WZ 635

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871 and VT 40.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ636, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ636

WZ 636

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Later carried code "354", signficance not known. With VF 871 when it crashed on 4 October 1955.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-February-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ637, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ637

WZ 637

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-May-03 Struck off Strength 2020-09-29
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ638, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ638

WZ 638

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-April-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ639, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ639

WZ 639

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VX 10.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-June-28 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1955-June-15 KIFA RCN Lieutenant William Reynold Poulton 2023-04-04
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ640, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ640

WZ 640

Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-April-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592

Sea Fury WZ641, F. B. Mk.11

s/n WZ641

WZ 641

Last Sea Fury produced. Loaded onboard HMCS Magnificent in the UK, early October 1953, for transport to Canada. Already in RCN markings, including 3 digit pennant number, by then. Served with VF 871.
last update: 2025-February-05
   1953-November-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 592