Known Squadron Assignments: 421; 1 (F)OTU

RAF serial VP674 assigned, but never applied. Arrived in Canada in Jan 1948. TOS at Camp Borden for use as an instructional airframe. In Sep 1949, transferred to No 6 RD in Trenton to be brought up to mod standard. Assigned to No. 421 Sqn, RCAF Stn Chatham, NB, as of 15 Nov 1949. Cat “C” accident on 17 Apr 1950 when the a/c landed short and u/c struck the lip of the runway collapsing the starboard oleo leg. Another Cat “C” accident with W/C E.B. Hale on 20 Jun 1950. On approach the a/c undershot a landing on runway 28. The a/c struck the ground 450 yds short but the pilot was able to recover to the runway. The starboard wing and nose oleo were damaged beyond repair and were replaced. W/C Hale escaped any injuries. Sent to No. 27 TSD for a major inspection on 25 Jul 1951. Returned to Chatham on 20 Nov 1951 and re-assigned to No 1 (F) OTU. The a/c took off from Chatham on an authorized aerobatic exercise on 4 Jan 1952 and failed to return. Witnesses later reported the jet was seen at 3,000 to 4,000 ft trailing smoke and hearing engine surge noises and loud bangs. The a/c was finally located on 8 Jan 1952 by a ground search party 18 miles north of RCAF Stn Chatham.The pilot, F/L G.W. Rawlings, was found in the wreckage.The BOI listed the official cause as “obscure”. The aircraft apparently struck the ground while in a flat spin to port. The engine was dismantled and the main turbine disc hub shaft was found to have cracks showing fatigue properties. Engine failure was the likely root cause.

source: Kestrel Publications

2023-11-08
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-February-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-24 Struck off Strength after Category A crash at Chatham on 4 January 1952 2023-11-08
1952-January-04 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant George William Rawlings 2023-05-22

Known Squadron Assignments: 400; 438

RAF serial VP675 assigned, but never applied. With No. 400 Sqn, Downsview, ON, 1949 to 1955. The a/c had a Cat “C” crash on 09 Jul 1949. Returning to Downsview, the pilot landed too far down the runway in deteriorating weather conditions. Rather than abort the landing, the pilot let the a/c run off the end of the runway into the grass and retracted the gear while doing so. No injuries to the pilot. On 24 Apr 1950, at Trenton, the canopy blew off while the a/c was taking off. The pilot executed a safe recovery. Later with No. 438 (Aux) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC. Coded “AA-N” and later "BQ" on booms, and "002" on nose. To US register as N6865D when Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin. To Mexican AF in February 1960, serial number FAM-11. Withdrawn from use in 1970.

source: Kestrel Publications

2023-12-15
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-March-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength -later sold 2023-11-08

Known Squadron Assignments: 1

RAF serial VP676 assigned but never applied. Assigned to No. 1 (F) OTU. The a/c suffered a canopy failure at 30,000 ft on 9 May 1949. The pilot recovered the a/c safely. Another blown canopy just after take-off on 2 May 1950 while only at 500 ft AGL. The a/c then suffered a Category “A” crash on 11 Mar 1952. The pilot, F/O K.E. Cross from 1 (F) OTU in Chatham was fatally injured. F/O Cross took-off from Chatham in a two-plane formation to practice GCA approaches and landings. Two approaches had been completed and a third to a full stop landing was underway. F/O Cross apparently flew into the jet wash of the first aircraft and tried to pull up. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed.

source: Kestrel Publications

2023-12-15
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-January-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-March-31 Struck off Strength after Category “A” crash near Chatham, NB on 11 March 1952 2023-12-15
1952-March-11 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Eugene Cross 2023-04-25

Known Squadron Assignments: 421; 441

RAF serial VP677 assigned but never applied. Assigned to CFS in Trenton, ON on 1 May 1948, the a/c had a Cat “C” crash when it settled back down onto the runway after gear retraction on take-off. While still with CFS, the a/c experienced Cat “B” damage on 7 Jan 1949 when the failure of the ammunition door caused debris to shatter the canopy and further damage to the horizontal stabilizer resulting in a temporary loss of control. The a/c was then overstressed in the ensuing recovery. This kind of door failure was then suspected as a possible contributing factor in three other fatal accidents. Assigned to 421 (F) Sqn. On 27 Jul 1950, just after take-off, the starboard drop tank jettisoned by itself due to a material failure. The pilot subsequently jettisoned the port drop tank after some difficulty and returned safely. The next day the a/c suffered another canopy failure after flying at 31,500 ft for 30 min. The a/c was again recovered safely. With No. 441 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC. The aircraft suffered a Category “A” crash on 30 Jan 1952. The pilot, F/O R.J. Barnett from 1 (F) OTU in Chatham was slightly injured. F/O Barnett lost all hydraulic fluid due to a crack in a supply line while in flight and had to perform a wheels-up, flapless landing. The a/c would not stop and overshot the end of the runway, hitting a snowbank causing serious damage to the airframe.

source: Kestrel Publications

2023-12-15
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-January-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-February-12 Struck off Strength after Category A crash at Chatham on 30 Jan 1952; reduced to spares and produce 2023-12-15

Known Squadron Assignments: 421; 411; 400

RAF serial VP678 assigned but never applied. On 07 Apr 1948 while at CFS Trenton, the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage when a pilot on conversion training stalled the a/c during an approach for landing and the a/c landed heavily collapsing one of the oleos and skidding down the runway; no injuries. Assigned to 421 (F) Sqn and coded “AX-E”. On 13 Apr 1950. while on a formation takeoff, due to jet-wash the wing dropped and the port oleo touched the ground while retracting causing damage. The a/c touched down safely but during the landing run, the port oleo collapsed causing the a/c to veer off the runway. Also served with 400 and 411 Sqns at RCAF Stn Downsview. On 27 Jun 1951, the a/c was engaged in air-to-ground firing practice at Lake Consecon near Trenton, ON. After landing, the leading edge of the port mainplane was found to have been damaged by shrapnel from a ricochet. On 08 Mar 1952, W/C A.E. Fleming took off with #17057 piloted by F/O R.C Yeates to practice formation flying at 10,000 ft. The formation flying included “cross-over” turns. The two aircraft collided and F/O Yeates was believed to have committed a error in judgement during the formation. The aircraft crashed near Aurora, ON. Both pilots, W/C A.E. Fleming (400 Sqn CO) and F/O R.C. Yeates (400 Sqn) were killed.

source: Kestrel Publications

2023-12-15
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-January-19 Taken on Strength 2024-01-17
   1952-March-22 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Toronto on 8 March 1952. 2019-08-20
1952-March-08 KIFA RCAF Wing Commander Alan Edward Fleming 2023-02-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400;438

RAF serial VP679 assigned but never applied. Operated by 411 (Aux) Squadron or 400 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s. With 438 Squadron (Auxiliary), RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in 1951. To US register when struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin, as N6869D. To Mexican AF February 1962, their serial FAM-15. Reported preserved at a museum in Mexico City.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1950-April-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;411

RAF serial VP680 assigned but never applied. Operated by the Winter Experimental Establishment in 1948, coded "FB-R". On 4 May 1948, the a/c had Cat “D” damage. While practicing for the Air Force Day display, the pilot lost control during aerobatics at 22,000 ft and the a/c started a series of flick rolls and then entered an inverted spin. Unable to recover, the pilot was preparing abandon the a/c and jettisoned the canopy. He was, however, then able to recover from the spin at 7,000 ft and landed without further incident. On 27 May 1948, the a/c suffered very minor damage while on take-off for a test flight for a radio compass installation when the pilot inadvertently allowed the a/c to settle back down onto the runway after gear retraction. With No. 410 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC in 1949, when it carried special markings as part of the Blue Devils display team. With No. 411 Sqn, Downsview, ON, 1951 to 1955. Also with Central Experimental and Proving Establishment, dates not known. To US register when Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin, as N6880D.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-February-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 401;1 FIS

RAF serial VP681 assigned but never applied. With No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC in 1949. On 12 Sep 1952, at RCAF Stn Trenton, F/O J.N. McLachlan from No. 1 FIS Trenton was killed in a flying accident. He was authorized to perform a rehearsal flight for an airshow to occur on 20 Sep 52. The practice was to occur between 200’ and 9,000’ over the station. The practice should not have included low-level aerobatics. The a/c was observed to dive towards the station from east to west. Before reaching the boundary of the aerodrome the a/c leveled out at 200 ft and commenced a roll to the right. Half-way through the roll, the a/c was partially inverted and lost height rapidly. The roll was completed but the port wing struck the ground and the a/c crashed and exploded. The cause was attributed to pilot error.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-September-24 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash; reduced to spares and produce 2024-01-17
1952-September-12 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Norman McLachlan 2023-01-19

RAF serial VP682 assigned but never applied. Used by the Central Flying School at RCAF Stn Trenton, ON. Crashed into Lake Ontario during a height climb on 16 June 1948, killing S/L S. Broadbent, who was on the Vampire conversion course. A faulty oxygen system and hypoxia was suspected as the probable cause.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-March-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-August-24 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-17
1948-June-16 KIFA RCAF Squadron Leader Stanley Yendle Broadbent 2021-07-28

RAF serial VP683 assigned but never applied. Used by CFS at RCAF Stn Trenton, ON. The airframe was written off during an attempted wheels-up, forced landing. F/O J. A. Robertson from 1 (F) OTU in Chatham was uninjured. The investigation revealed that pilot became lost during a routine cross-country and after fuel starvation had to force land near Louville, New York.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-February-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-March-15 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-17

Known Squadron Assignments: 401

RAF serial VP684 assigned but never applied. With No. 401 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC in 1948. The airframe was written off on 10 Apr 1948 when F/O W.J. Meyers was attempting a landing. The investigation concluded pilot error had occurred during the landing approach. F/O Meyers was slightly injured.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-March-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-June-23 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-17

Known Squadron Assignments: 1;442

RAF serial VP685 assigned, but never applied. Used by CFS in Trenton, ON. On 24 Apr 1950, the canopy blew off shortly after take-off. The ensuing investigation found the canopy jettison mechanism to be in the “jettison” position but this condition could not have been executed by the pilot. A safety modification was subsequently developed. On 16 Aug 1950, the a/c experienced Cat “C” damage to the port wing during a formation aerobatic practice as the No #2 a/c when two large birds smashed through the leading edge of the wing. Then with No. 1 (F) Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stn Chatham, NB. Also served with No. 442 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn Sea Island, BC. Marked with bat's head on front fuselage. Sold to US register as N6882D. Reported to have been stored outdoors at Vancouver airport for several years with US registration marked. Made airworthy in 1960, then flown to new owner, Fliteways Inc., in West Bend, Wisconsin. To Mexican AF in February 1962, serial FAM-13. A different airframe (actually RCAF 17058) displaying this RCAF serial now on display at the Canadian Museum Of Flight at Langley, BC. Still on site in partially covered outdoor display in 2019.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-January-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-February-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 1 OTU

RAF serial VP686 assigned but never applied. With the Central Flying School at RCAF Stn Trenton, ON. On 16 Jan 1948, the a/c suffered Cat “C” damage when the pilot undershot the landing by 160 yards and blew the port tire off completely. Flew lead in the first Vampire public display in Canada, a three-plane formation fly by for the Governor General in Toronto, ON on 29 May 1948. Pilot was F/L "Irish" Ireland. The a/c suffered an accident on 21 Jun 1951. F/O J.R. Archer from 1(F) OTU Chatham took off to practice aerobatics. The a/c was observed at a great height flying straight and level. Seconds later it was seen to go into a spin and/or cartwheel. The aircraft then spun into the ground. The pilot was killed on impact. The pilot was wartime multiengine pilot who had rejoined and re-qualified as a fighter pilot. The final cause was listed as “obscure”. Coded “GJ-A” while with No. 1 OTU.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-February-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-July-06 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-17
1951-June-21 RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Ronald Archer 2023-03-30

Known Squadron Assignments: 438

RAF serial VP687 assigned but never applied. First RCAF Vampire to fly in Canada on 7 January 1948. Flown at Downsview, ON by de Havilland Canada pilot Russ Bannock. Delivered to the Central Flying School at RCAF Stn Trenton, ON on 19 January 1948. Flew this unit's first jet mission on 4 February 1948. On 3 Sep 1948, the u/c collapsed while the a/c was taxying due to a technical failure. The airframe was repaired and returned to service. On 06 Jan 1952 the airframe was written off when the aircraft did a slow wing-over on take-off and crashed inverted. F/O J.A.E.R. Rivest was killed. The investigation revealed that the elevator trim tab had been incorrectly set. The a/c was heavily loaded with drop tanks. With No. 438 (Aux) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, at time of crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-January-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-January-16 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-17
1952-January-06 RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Alexis Hubert Rejean Rivest 2021-08-08

Known Squadron Assignments: 421; 1 (F)OTU

RAF serial VP688 assigned but never applied. With No. 421 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn Chatham, NB as of 14 Oct 1949. Suffered an in-flight fire and suffered “B” Cat crash on landing on 31 Jan 1950. The a/c was sent to de Havilland for repairs on 4 Feb 1950. Returned to No 1 (F) OTU and, on 02 Jul 1951, during a formation take-off, for unknown reasons, the a/c would not become airborne. At the end of the runway, the pilot chopped the throttle and raised the u/c as the a/c ran off the runway. Despite serious airframe damage, there were no injuries. The pilot was very experienced and reported no response to full aft stick input. The technical investigation was inconclusive.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-June-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-July-06 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash; reduced to spares and produce 2024-01-17

Known Squadron Assignments: 410

RAF serial VP689 assigned but never applied. With 401 (F) Squadron, St. Hubert, Quebec, 1948 to 1956. Visited Michell AFB on Long Island, New York in October 1949 while with this unit, for joint exercises. Coded "AB-M". Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and US register as N6870D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, their serial number FAM-1. Reported preserved, on display in Mexico City.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-March-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 401;411;410

RAF serial VP690 assigned but never applied. With 401 (F) Squadron, St. Hubert, Quebec, 1948 to c.1956. Also with 411 (F) (Aux) Squadron, Downsview, Ont., mid 1950s. With 410 (F) Squadron, dates unknown. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and US register as N6873D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, their serial number FAM-3. reported still in existence in 1970.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-07 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;401

RAF serial VP691 assigned but never applied. Ferried to No. 10 Repair Depot at Calgary on 26 July 1948, one of first two Vampires delivered there. With No. 402 Sqn as of 5 Jul 1949 and then to No. 401 Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC as 21 Mar 1951. Later served with 442 (F) Sqn and received “bat” markings. Struck off and sold to US civil register as N6881D, registered to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin, 1957-1958. Sold to Dave White, of Carpenteria, California, 1963. To William H. Boyce, of Pomona, California, 1966. Stored, derelict, at Santa Barbara, California, 1966. To Roland G. Holmes Company, of Long Beach, California, 1969. To Ed Maloney/The Air Museum, Chino, California, 1977-1992. Believed to be stored at the museum, disassembled, for many years. On display at Valle, Arizona by 2005. Also reported as registered as N69RF, not confirmed. Can be seen on Google Maps in outdoor storage at Planes of Fame restoration facility in Valle AZ in 2023, no registration marked.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Planes of Fame Air Museum-Chino CA

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-February-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;441

RAF serial VP692 assigned, but never applied. First assigned to St Hubert, QC on 21 Sep 1949. Also with No. 441 Sqn, dates not confirmed (possibly starting July 1951). With No. 411 Sqn, Downsview, ON as of 10 Jun 1952. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6874D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, their serial number FAM-4. withdrawn from use in 1970.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-April-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 400;442;1OTU

RAF serial VP693 assigned but never applied. With No. 400 / 411 Sqns, Downsview, ON, circa1948, and No. 442 Sqn, Sea Island, BC, 1952 to 1956. The a/c suffered a “B” Cat landing accident on 29 July 1949 while with 400 (F) Sqn Downsview when the pilot raised the u/c after landing instead of the flaps and the a/c slid 50 ft with the u/c raised. Experienced another Cat ”B” accident on 09 Jan 1951 while with 1(F) OTU Chatham. On take-off the pilot experienced an engine failure after the starboard main tire blew. The pilot aborted; the a/c swung off the end of the runway and could not be stopped and the pilot therefore selected the u/c “up”. The a/c continued to slide another 250 yards. Cat ”D” accident on 02 May 1952 while with 1(F) OTU Chatham; the a/c collided with a (Mustang) towed banner during a firing pass, damaging the port mainplane. On 09 Nov 1952, at RCAF Stn Sea Island, BC, F/O C. Dodwell from 442 (Aux) Sqn in #17020 collided with #17061 while practicing close and battle formation cross-over turns. F/O W.J. Ross in #17061 was killed. #17020 suffered Category “B” damage with a large gash in the leading edge of the wing. Struck off and sold, to US register as N6863D, to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin, 1958. To James Cook, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1966-1969. To Gateway Technical Institute, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, 1975-1977. To Crosby Enterprises Inc, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1977-1981?. To Canadian Warplane Heritage, Hamilton, Ontario, 1981-1987. Stored dismantled. To Reynolds Aviation Museum, Wetaskiwin, AB, 1988-1992. US registration cancelled in October 2012. To Royal Western Canada Air Museum Winnipeg MB 2003 (not on display/awaiting restoration?).

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-March-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 438; FIS

RAF serial VP694 assigned but never applied. With 438 (F) Squadron at RCAF Station St. Hubert, QC. Coded “AC-T” with 402 Sqn in 1949. Next assigned to FIS Trenton on 22 Jul 1952. Back to St Hubert, QC on 25 Jun 1954. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6864D in 1958. To Poelman Aircraft Co. Inc., New Orleans LA 1964-1970. US registration dropped 25 Jun 1970.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-19
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 438

RAF serial VP695 assigned but never applied. With 438 (F) Squadron, St. Hubert, Quebec, 1948 to 1953. No other details available. Possibly damaged in some way since it was "reduced to spares and produce" after being struck off.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-19
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-November-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 402

RAF serial VP696 assigned but never applied. With 402 Squadron, Stevenson Field, MB, 1948 to 1950. Carried "City of Winnipeg" crest on nose. With this unit when it crashed on 16 April 1950. Flying Officer V.E. Barber (Reserve), a veteran of the Battle of Britain on his third flight in type, crashed 3000 yards short of the end of Runway 31. Came down in a garden in a rear yard of College Avenue, struck a garage, killing one civilian. F/O Barber was seriously injured.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-19
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1950-May-04 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-19

Known Squadron Assignments: 401

RAF serial VP697 assigned but never applied. With No. 401 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, as of 1948. Destroyed in a mid-air collision with 404 Sqn Lancaster FM102 near Bagotville, QC on 22 Jul 1952. A 401(F) Sqn flight of six Vampires was authorized to intercept a formation of nine Lancasters from 404 (M) Sqn during Operation SIGNPOST. The pilot was thought to have exceeded max speed during the interception and lost control colliding with FM102. The pilot, F/L C.S. Buchanan, and the six Lancaster crew members were all killed.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-19
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-August-19 Struck off Strength 2024-01-19
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Charles Stewart Buchanan MiD 2023-06-14

Known Squadron Assignments: 442

RAF serial VP698 assigned but never applied. On 26 Apr 1948, while on a ferry flight to deliver the a/c to 442 Sqn in Sea Island, BC, the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage when the pilot suffered a complete engine failure after take-off and force landed three miles east of the airport at Armstrong, ON. The pilot, W/C Sommerville, was injured in the crash. Alloted to 6 RD Trenton for salvage on 5 May 1948. The airframe was later written off after being damaged beyond repair during the salvage operation.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-June-23 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-19

RAF serial VP715 assigned but never applied. Assigned to 421 Sqn, Chatham, NB on 14 Oct 1949. Tire blew during taxiing on 15 Mar 1950. On 1 Nov 1951, the engine flamed out at Derby, NB, approx. 10 miles SW of Chatham. F/O Wilkinson was killed in the ensuing crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-June-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-November-20 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 400

RAF serial VP716 assigned but never applied. With No. 400 Sqn at Downsview, ON in 1948. On 11 Sep 1948, the a/c suffered Cat “B” damage when the pilot first landed short of the runway and bounced back into the air. The pilot then completed a “go-around” and belly landed the a/c onto the runway. Became instructional airframe 589B on 2 Feb 1949 and sent to TTS in Camp Borden. Struck off and sold to City Surplus Sales, Toronto ON, 2 May 1955.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-22 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-February-02 Classified Instructional CA A 589 Also identified as 589 B 2020-06-10
   1949-February-02 Classified Instructional CA 589 B 2020-06-11
   1955-May-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 438;411;400

RAF serial VP717 assigned but never applied. First assigned to 438 Sqn, St. Hubert QC. On 25 Apr 1949, the a/c made a wheels-down forced landing in a farmer’s field on a cross-country flight from Trenton, ON to St. Hubert, QC. The nose gear hit a furrow in the the field and collapsed. Then operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. Category “C” damage on 20 June 1954, while with No. 400 Sqn.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 401

RAF serial VP718 assigned but never applied. With No. 401 Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC when it suffered a Cat “A” crash on 9 Mar 1952. No further details available on the accident.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-May-08 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;411;400;401

RAF serial VP719 assigned but never applied. Category “B” damage at RCAF Stn Trenton, ON on 6 Nov 1948. With No. 421 Sqn, RCAF Stn Chatham, NB, 1949 to 1950. Coded "AX-C". On 4 Jul 1950, the a/c had a canopy failure while at only 800 ft. On 27 Jul 1950, the a/c had to be emergency landed at Grindstone Air Strip on the Magdalen Island due to impending engine failure. The a/c was being flown on an operational anti-submarine patrol by S/L Davidson, an experienced Second World War veteran. No damage to the a/c but the engine had to be changed. Then operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in mid-1950s. Also with No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, carrying Sqn code "AB" on booms, dates unknown. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and US civil register as N6861D in 04 Mar 1958. Later sold to Mexican Air Force, their code FAM-14.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;442

RAF serial VP720 assigned but never applied. With No. 442 Sqn, Sea Island, BC, 1948 to 1949. With No. 402 Sqn at Winnipeg, MB, from 1949 to 1952. On 03 Jun 1949, the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage when the starboard main gear tire blew on take-off and jammed the u/c when it was retracted. The starboard main gear then failed to extend for landing and the aircraft was belly landed and skidded off the runway. On 05 Nov 1949 Cat “B” damage occurred at St Hubert, QC on landing due to the failure of starboard brake expander tube. On 15 Feb 1951, the a/c suffered Cat “C” damage when just after take-off the fire warning light came on, the cockpit filled with smoke. The pilot executed an emergency landing. The investigation revealed a combustion chamber failure. To 1 (F) OTU and suffered Cat “D” mid-air collision on 2 May 1952 with # 17036 during a formation exercise. The a/c collided during a cross-over turn. Back to No. 442, 1952 to 1956. To US civil register as N41J, registered to Stinson Field Aircraft, of San Antonio, TX, 1958-1959 potentially for a hurricane tracking contract. To W.H. Boyce, of Ramona, CA, 1966. To Roland G. Holmes of Long Beach, CA, 1969. In open storage, derelict, at Long Beach, CA, 1969-1972. To Western Aerospace Museum, of Lancaster, CA, 1973. To Al Hansen, of Mojave, CA, 1977-1982. To Bill Lamberton/Pacific Flying Service, of Everett-Paine Field, WA, 1982-1992. Rebuilt to airworthy condition. First flight, at Arlington, WA 12 April 1992. Marked as 17031 "SL-031". Significance of the SL code not known. US re-registration issued on 25 February 1985, cancelled on 29 June 2000. Exported to Canada. Traded to Comox Air Force Museum for Tutor 114017. The museum took ownership of the aircraft in flying condition on 5 May 2000. Due to the plywood structure it has always been stored indoors, mostly in one of No. 407 Sqn's hangars at CFB Comox, BC. Permanent covered display at the museum's Heritage Air Park planned for 2024.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Comox Air Force Museum-Comox BC

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-April-24 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 402

RAF serial VP721 assigned but never applied. With No. 402 Sqn at Winnipeg, MB. On 27 Mar 1949 the a/c was destroyed shortly after take-off, when it entered cloud at 1,300 ft but later spun into the ground while inverted approximately 5 mi south of the airport. The pilot, F/O V.J. Bastable, who had escaped from PoW camp in Germany, was killed. The investigation pointed to the pilot’s weak instrument flying skills.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-April-04 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20
1949-March-27 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Vernon James Bastable 2023-06-30

Known Squadron Assignments: 438

RAF serial VP722 assigned but never applied. With No. 438 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951 and coded “BQ-D”. On 31 Mar 1951, S/L G.H. Hackett from 438 (Aux) Sqn, took off with F/L R.W. Leaper in Vampire #17079 to practice a low-level formation flight. They flew to the St Joseph de Sorel area and started the low level exercise. The weather conditions were marginal and it is believed that S/L Hackett flew into a fog bank and in attempting to turn or let down crashed into the St Lawrence River. Both aircraft crashed and both pilots were killed. Limited wreckage/debris was recovered. The crash was attributed to pilot error.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-May-07 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20
1951-May-04 KIFA RCAF Squadron Leader Guy Harding Hackett 2021-02-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 442

RAF serial VP723 assigned but never applied. Assigned to No. 442 Sqn at Sea Island, BC. The a/c went missing on 16 Jan 1949. The a/c was subsequently discovered to have crashed into the south side of Dam Mountain, BC, 2,000 ft short of the peak. F/O J.A. Borrie was killed. An oxygen system failure was suspected.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-21 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-January-25 Struck off Strength after going missing 2024-01-20
1949-January-16 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Allen Borrie 2023-05-08

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;401

RAF serial VP724 assigned but never applied. Visited west coast in May 1948, displayed at several airports in BC. With No. 411 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, early 1950s. With No. 401 Sqn at St. Hubert, QC when lost. On 11 Jun 1954, at RCAF St Hubert, F/O D.R. Wright from 401 (Aux) Sqn took off with F/O J.T.A.R. Bisson to practice ACM and later GCAs. The a/c flicked in attempting to follow the leader in a steep turn. A high speed stall then occurred followed by a spin. The a/c never recovered and crashed into the side of a hill killing F/O Wright. The crash was attributed to pilot error.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-30 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-July-08 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20
1954-June-11 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Ross Wright 2022-01-12

Known Squadron Assignments: 400;401;442;1

RAF serial VP725 assigned but never applied. With No. 400 Sqn and 411 Sqn, Downsview, ON. Coded “AA-O” with 400 Sqn. Identical Cat “C” and “D” accidents on 3 Dec & 5 Sep 1949 when heavy landings (by the same pilot) resulted in nose gear collapsing. Another Cat “D” accident on 8 Apr 1951 when the a/c landed 100 yards short of the runway breaking the nose wheel and damaging the lower fuselage. Assigned to No. 1 (F) OTU and on 25 Jan 1952, the a/c’s canopy failed and blew off breaking the pilot’s goggles while flying at 300 ft. The pilot managed to recover safely. The a/c was later assigned to No. 401 Sqn at St. Hubert, QC and then to No. 442 Sqn at Sea Island, BC. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US civil register as N6884D. Stored outdoors at Vancouver airport for several years, with US registration marked. Made airworthy in 1960, then flown to Fliteways Inc. in Wisconsin. Registered to Airplanes Inc. in Hominy, Oklahoma on 28 Nov 1961. De-registered 25 Feb 1969.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-April-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-February-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: CEPE

RAF serial VP726 assigned but never applied. Assigned to “ADC Rockcliffe” on 29 May 1948. The aircraft was written off on 11 Jun 1948 while the pilot was practicing an aerobatic routine for the upcoming Air Force Day. The pilot, F/O R.A. Hodgins, was killed. The investigation subsequently revealed that the pilot had fallen out his seat harness while performing aerobatics at low level. This was the first RCAF Vampire crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-July-05 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20
1948-June-11 RCAF Flying Officer Rooney Alexander Hodgins DFC 2021-09-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;400;416;411

RAF serial VP727 assigned but never applied. Assigned to No. 402 Sqn at Winnipeg, MB as of 29 May 1948. On 21 Aug 1949, with 402 Sqn the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage when the a/c swung to port on take-off due to tire failure and exited the runway tearing off the port oleo leg in the process. On 31 Jul 1951 at 1 (F) OTU in Chatham, the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage during a formation landing when the pilot, F/O Crowe lost control, stalled and crashed short of the runway at Scoudouc, NB. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. With 416 (F) Squadron at RCAF Station Uplands, Ontario in early 1952. On 02 May 1954 at RCAF Stn Downsview, F/O J.A. Purvis from 411 (Aux) Sqn took off on a practice mission. The pilot lost control while practicing aerobatics and entered a spin. The a/c never recovered and crashed into a wooded area. The crash was later attributed to pilot error.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-May-18 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-20
1954-May-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Albert Purvis 2021-08-11

Known Squadron Assignments: 401;410

RAF serial VP728 assigned but never applied. Served with No. 401 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1956, also No. 410 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951. Category “B” damage on 19 January 1952, while with No. 401 Sqn. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US civil register as N6871D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, serial number FAM-9. Written off on 22 December 1966.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-30 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400;442

RAF serial VP729 assigned, never marked. Ferried to No. 10 Repair Depot at Calgary on 27 July 1948. On 1 Jul 1949, the airframe suffered Cat “B” damage during a ferry flight while assigned to No 442 Sqn, at Sea Island, BC. While landing at Regina, SK in hot weather enroute to the unit’s summer camp in Gimili, MB, the a/c ground looped upon landing and the port oleo collapsed; no injuries. Operated by 411 (Aux) Squadron or 400 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s. Visited St. Hubert, Quebec for Exercise Signpost in July 1952, marked in 411 Squadron colours, coded "AN-T". Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6875D. To Mexican AF February 1962, their serial FAM-5. Preserved, displayed in museum in Guadalajara, Mexico. Online photos of this aircraft in Mexican Air Force colours can be found as recent as April 2023.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-15 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

RAF serial VP730 assigned but never applied. With No. 421 Sqn at RCAF Stn Chatham, NB. On 12 May 1950, the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed. F/O Himmelman escaped successfully. Cat “A” write-off.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-April-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1950-May-23 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: CEPE; 411

RAF serial VP731 assigned but never applied. Coded ‘FB-U” with CEPE circa 1949/50. With No. 411 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, early / mid 1950s. Registered as VC-ANT, marked as "AN-T" on front fuselage.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-June-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-November-25 Struck off Strength reduced to spares & scrap 2024-01-21

RAF serial VP732 assigned but never applied. Never taken on RCAF charge. Crashed and written-off during an aborted take-off (presumably on a test flight) at Samlesbury, England on 03 Nov 1947. Replaced on the contract by # VP787/17086

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: WEE; 411; 400

RAF serial VP733 assigned, but never applied. Used by the Winter Experimental Establishment (WEE) as 02 Oct 1948. While with WEE at Watson Lake on 25 Feb 1950, a test pilot took off on an air to ground firing test and fired all four guns. The starboard outer gun exploded with considerable (Cat “B”) damage to the a/c but with nil injuries to the pilot. The explosion split the gun muzzle and blew a hole in the cockpit floor. A rubber plug had been left in the gun barrel. To St Hubert, QC on 17 Jun 1951 and then to “ADC” on 24 Sep 1952. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early / mid 1950s. Minor damage on 10 Jul 1954, during summer camp at Bagotville. Brake cable broke while taxing, even with engine shut down aircraft was rolling towards excavation. Pilot retracted gear to stop aircraft. To de Haviland Canada at Downsview for repairs. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on to US civil register as N6866D. Sold to Mexican AF Feb 1962, their serial FAM-10. Withdrawn from use in 1970.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-25 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength , later sold. 2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;441;1;411

RAF serial VP734 assigned, but never applied. While with the AAS in Trenton, the a/c suffered Cat "D” damage when the canopy disintegrated while flying at 20,000 ft. To No. 421 Sqn, Chatham, NB, 1949 to 1950. Assigned to No. 1(F) OTU. On 23 Jun 50, while a tech was conducting an engine runup, the brakes failed and the a/c swung and hit a/c #17063 causing Cat “C” damage. On 22 Aug 1950, while cruising at 10,000 ft, the engine’s fuel pump failed causing a flame out. The pilot successfully executed a power-off forced landing at Chatham with no damage. The pilot received a commendation. On 22 Sep 1950, the a/c suffered Cat “D” damage when the canopy broke while the pilot was executing a fighter break. On 4 Apr 1952, while still with 1 (F) OTU, a student pilot after landing long on the runway at Chatham had to intentionally swerve off the runway to avoid a collision with a F-86 Sabre causing Cat “B” damage. Later with No. 441 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC. Then with No. 411 (Aux) Sqn, Downsview, ON, in the late 1950’s. More Category “B” damage while at Downsview, ON on 8 March 1955.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-August-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421; 411; 400

RAF serial VP735 assigned but never applied. Assigned to 421(F) Sqn at Chatham, NB 14 Oct 1949. Landing gear collapsed during landing at St Hubert. Suffered further Cat “B” damage after performing a wheels-up landing in Scoudouc, NB on 26 July 1951. F/O Duncan survived. Also operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-April-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 1;411;400;401

RAF serial VP736 assigned but never applied. First delivered with red and blue maple leaf roundels. “B” Cat damage in belly landing near Mattawa, ON on 12 Jun 1949. Operated by No.411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. Also operated by No. 1 (F) OTU in Chatham. Cat “C” damage with this unit when the nose wheel came off during the takeoff due to a broken bolt necessitating a landing only on the nose u/c fork. Also with No. 401 (Aux) Sqn, dates unknown. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6872D. Sold to Mexican AF in February 1962, serial FAM-12. Reported crashed in Mexico, date unknown.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-May-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410

RAF serial VP737 assigned, but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1950. Flew with this unit's Blue Devils display team in 1949. On 04 Oct 1950, F/O M.J.S. Clow from 410 (Aux) Sqn took off from Dorval on a tactical training mission at high altitude. The a/c had completed battle formations at 35,000 ft. The a/c then descended and was seen to attempt a forced landing at St Hubert. The a/c overshot and touched down 700-800 yards inside the fence and bounced four times and then another five times before striking a dry river bed. F/O M.J.S. Clow was killed in the crash. A subsequent investigation discovered that the engine fuel pump had failed.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1950-October-12 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21
1950-October-04 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Montague James Stewart Clow 2021-05-13

Known Squadron Assignments: 410

RAF serial VP738 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1950. On 24 Jan 1950, the a/c had to be crash landed at St Hubert after the pilot found it impossible to properly retract and lock the u/c. The retraction linkage on the starboard oleo had fractured. Upon landing the starboard gear collapsed completely. Fortunately there were no injuries and very little damage that ensued partially due to the drop tanks that were being carried. Took part in Operation Sweet Briar, from Whitehorse, YT airport in 1950.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-July-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-August-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;411;400

RAF serial VP739 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-July-07 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 400

RAF serial VP740 assigned but never applied. With No. 400 Sqn, Downsview, ON from 1948 to 1951. Coded AA-P, based on ICAO registration VC-AAP. Carried Sqn stripes on nose and booms. Flew chase for first CF-100 flight on 19 January 1950. Pilot was Don Rogers of Avro Canada. On 25 August 1951, F/L D.J. Brown from 400 Sqn was practicing inverted flying for the upcoming CNE Airshow. Upon completing the sequence, the engine flamed out. F/L Brown attempted a force landing but the aircraft stalled and plunged to the ground while attempting to avoid buildings, killing the pilot. The engine was subsequently found to have suffered a severe in-flight fire prior to the accident.

source: Kestrel Publications

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum displays a Swiss-built Vampire FB.Mk. 6 (formerly SwAF J-1145) in the markings of RCAF #17051. 2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1947-May-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-September-05 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21
1951-August-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Donald Joseph Brown 2023-06-13

Known Squadron Assignments: 1OTU; 411; 400

RAF serial VP741 assigned but never applied. First assigned to No. 1 (F) OTU in Chatham, NB. On 14 Mar 1950, a canopy disintegrated at 25,000 ft with Cat “D” structural damage to the tail. Recovered safely. Another similar Cat “D” canopy failure at 20,000 ft on 31 Mar 1950. Then on 23 Jul 1951, the a/c had a Cat “D” accident when upon landing the a/c experienced a violent nose wheel vibration and the nose wheel then separated from the a/c. Still with the OTU, on 18 Apr 1952, the a/c was hit by a ricochet during an air-to-ground firing practice mission causing Cat “D” damage. Later operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn and No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. Crashed while with No. 400 Sqn., on 12 February 1955. F/O Gilroy was on air to ground gunnery mission flying out of Trenton when the engine suffered a flame-out due to fuel starvation. Unable to restart the engine, Gilroy successfully bailed out of the aircraft. Category “A” crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-30 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-February-22 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 410

RAF serial VP742 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951, coded “AM-F”. Used by the Blue Devils aerobatic display team. On 12 Jan 1951 at RCAF Stn Dorval, F/O W.A. Joy from 400 (Aux) Sqn took off on a formation training mission. At 8000 ft, the aircraft was seen out of position and then departed controlled flight. Carbon monoxide poisoning was suspected. The a/c was later seen to attempt an abrupt recovery at low level but the starboard wing failed and folded over. F/O Joy was killed in the crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-January-22 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21
1951-January-12 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Aynsley Joy 2021-03-09

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;421;1

RAF serial VP743 assigned but never applied. Ferried from Downsview to Trenton on 7 Sep1948 for trials with Air Armament School. With No. 410 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, circa 1948 to 1951. Also with No. 421 (F) Sqn at RCAF St. Chatham, NB, same time period. On 28 Sep 1950, the a/c ran out of fuel and was forced landed in the bush due to fog. F/O Tetlock survived and the a/c was restored to service. With No. 1 (F) Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Chatham, NB 1951/1952.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

On 10 July 1954, 401 (City of Westmount) Aux Sqn had deployed to RCAF North Bay, ON from RCAF St. Hubert, QC with eight Vampires for summer training. During a three-plane mission, Vampires 17086 and 17054 collided over Four Mile Lake. Pilot F/O Peter A. Read, flying 17086, died in the collision. The pilot flying 17054 was able to bail out.

source: Aviation Safety Network

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-July-22 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 400; 442

RAF serial VP744 assigned but never applied. Initial assignment to WEE Edmonton, AB 27 Sep 1948. May have been with 400 Sqn., Downsview ON 1951-1952. Transferred to 442 Sqn., Stn Sea Island, BC 27 Oct 1952. Suffered Cat. "B" accident at Boise, Idaho 04 Aug 1955. Into storage Stn Lincoln Park (Calgary) AB 13 Sep 1955. Struck off and sold to to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin as a spares aircraft 14 Mar 1958. 2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-14 Struck off Strength , sold 2024-01-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 442;401

RAF serial VP745 assigned but never applied. Assigned to No. 442 Sqn, Sea Island, BC, 1948 to early 1951 and coded “BU-W”. To No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert QC, 21 Mar 1951. Into storage, first at Downsview 25 Aug 1953 then 6RD in Trenton. Back to 401 Sqn 21 Jan 1954.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400

RAF serial VP746 assigned but never applied. First assigned to No 1 (F) OTU. On 10 May 1951, Cat “D” damage when the pilot landed short of the runway damaging the starboard wing flap. Later operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON. On 08 Mar 1952, W/C A.E. Fleming in #17005 took off with #17057 piloted by F/O R.C Yeates to practice formation flying at 10,000 ft. The formation flying included “cross-over” turns. The two aircraft collided and F/O Yeates was believed to have committed a error in judgement during the formation. The aircraft crashed near Aurora, ON. Both pilots, W/C A.E. Fleming (CO 400 Sqn) and F/O R.C. Yeates (also 400 Sqn) were killed.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-March-22 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-22
1952-March-08 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Charles Yeates 2021-05-30

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;411;400

RAF serial VP747 assigned, but never applied. With No. 421 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn Chatham , NB circa 1950. Suffered an engine failure necessitating a Cat B wheels up landing in Chatham on 28 Feb 1950. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. Sold to US register as N6860D, to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin, on 4 March 1958. Later owners included George Arnold of Indiana, 1966 to 1969. To Calgary Air Museum, Calgary, Alberta, Circa 1968, dismantled. To Don Campbell, of Kapusking, Ontario, 1970-1982. Stored, dismantled. To Canadian Museum Of Flight & Transportation, Langley, BC, 19 September 1982. Arrived dismantled. Restored to static condition in 1986 and on display by 1992. Now with bat's head markings on front fuselage. Marked as 17017 by 2010.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Canadian Museum of Flight-Langley BC

2024-01-17
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-April-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;411;400;401

RAF serial VP748 assigned but never applied. With No. 402 Sqn, Stevenson Field, MB, 1948 to 1950, coded "AC*P". Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. On 09 May 1953 at RCAF St Downsview P/O W.K. Walker from 411 (Aux) Sqn was attempting a landing in hot weather. The a/c left the runway and collapsed the undercarriage. No mechanical causes were found and the crash was attributed to pilot error. The accident was later determined to be a Cat “B” crash. On 09 Jul 1954 while at RCAF Stn North Bay, F/O G.H. Griffin from 401 (Aux) Sqn was attempting a take-off when he executed an abort for unknown reasons. The aircraft left the runway and struck a drainage ditch and caught fire killing the pilot. No mechanical causes were found. The crash was attributed to pilot error.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-June-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-July-22 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-22
1954-July-09 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer George Henry Griffin 2022-01-07

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;411;400

RAF serial VP749 assigned but never applied. With No. 421 Sqn, Chatham, NB, 1949 to 1950. On 16 May 1951, the pilot, F/O Archer, undershot the runway during landing and the airframe suffered Cat. “B” damage. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;401;442

RAF serial VP750 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC in 1949, when it carried special markings as part of the Blue Devils display team. Later with No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at St. Hubert, QC. On 09 Nov 1952, at RCAF Stn Sea Island, BC, F/O C. Dodwell from 442 (Aux) Sqn in #17020 collided with #17061 while practicing close and battle formation cross-over turns. F/O W.J. Ross in #17061 was killed when the a/c landed in the water near the shoreline. This a/c was with No. 442 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn Sea Island, BC at time of crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-December-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1952-November-09 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William James Ross 2023-06-09

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;442

RAF serial VP751 assigned but never applied. With No. 421 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn Chatham, NB circa 1950. With No. 442 (Aux) Sqn, Sea Island, BC, 1948 to 1956. Carried this unit's bat head marking on front fuselage. Into storage for disposal at Stn Sea Island, BC 22 Oct 1956. Struck off and sold to US register as N6885D (also reported as N701NA?) to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, WI, 4 March 1958 as a spare airframe. To E.H. Roybal, of Livermore, CA, 1966-1969. Noted derelict at Santa Ana airport, CA, June 1973. To Letcher & Associates, of Lancaster, CA, 1973-1981. Stored derelict, at Mojave, CA, 1974-1981. US civil registration cancelled 7 Aug 1980.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-22
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1949-April-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-February-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;1

RAF serial VP752 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, 948 to 1951. Carried special markings in 1949 as part of the Blue Devils display team. On 13 May 1949, the a/c had a canopy failure while flying at 26,000 ft. The a/c was recovered safely. Issued registration VC-AMP, marked on front fuselage as "AM-P". Carried this marking when it took part in Exercise SWEETBRIAR, operating from Whitehorse, Yukon in February 1950. While with 410 Sqn a failure of the drop tank suspension lugs on this a/c while executing a 40 degree turn to starboard on 2 Feb 1950, led to a fleet wide ban on aerobatics or high “g” maneuvers for Vampires fitted with drop tanks. On 23 April 1951, while with 441(F) Sqn, the aircraft suffered Cat “B” damage after the pilot became lost, ran low on fuel and made a precautionary force landing near Rimouski, QC. On 20 Mar 1952 at RCAF Stn Chatham, F/O Alan B. Seavy with 1 (F) OTU crashed immediately after take-off striking a telephone pole. The pilot was killed and the cause was listed as “obscure” by the accident investigation but probably was pilot error as the a/c first lifted off and then descended, bouncing four times, before coming to rest 1,500 yards from the end of the runway.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-March-26 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-23
1952-March-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Alan Bryce Seavy 2023-07-04

RAF serial VP753 assigned but never applied. Assigned to 410 Sqn, St Hubert, QC on 5 Jan 1949. To Chatham, NB on 12 Dec 1951. On 1 Apr 52, the engine flamed out while at 10,000 ft, and the pilot attempted a forced landing. The resulting crashed resulted in a Cat “A” write-off. F/O Wilson survived the crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-April-09 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 421;1;438

RAF serial VP766 assigned but never applied. Originally delivered with red and blue maple leaf roundels. With No. 421 Sqn, Chatham, NB., 1949 to 1950. With No. 1 (F) Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Chatham, NB. Category “B” damage at Chatham on 20 March 1952. Also with No. 438 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, PQ, no dates. Coded "BQ" on booms, and "065" on nose. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6862D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, their serial FAM-8. Withdrawn from use by 1970.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength , sold 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 1

RAF serial VP767 assigned, but never applied. On 16 Jun 1949, the a/c suffered a blown canopy while flying at 25,000 ft. Assigned to 1 (F) OTU, Chatham, NB on 23 Nov 1949. The a/c crashed off runway #16 on 13 Oct 1950. F/O Longmuir survived. The a/c was later returned to service. On 6 Jun 1951, the a/c suffered Cat “C” damage after a failed engine start. The correct time and procedures were followed during a 2nd attempted start but smoke in the cockpit and a suspected fire led to an abort. The post-incident investigation revealed electrical problems. The a/c subsequently crashed again in 1954 and was written-off but no further details are available.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-July-08 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash, reduced to spares and scrap 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;441;438;400;411

RAF serial VP768 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Squadron at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, flew with this unit's Blue Devils display team in 1949; coded “AM-L”. On 27 February 1949, the aircraft suffered an engine failure while enroute to Toronto and was force landed at Downsview. Suffered a blown canopy on 16 June 1949. On 28 August 1949, the port tire blew on take-off damaging the u/c and the aircraft suffered Cat “B” damage when it was landed wheels up on the grass beside the runway. With No. 441 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, circa 1951. Coded "BT-O". With No. 438 (Aux) Sqn, St. Hubert, PQ. Coded "BQ" on booms, and "067" on nose. With 441 and No. 410 Sqns, St. Hubert, QC, circa 1951. Then with 400 Sqn, Downsview, ON, circa 1951 to 1955, No. 411 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON., early / mid 1950s. On 20 Apr 1952, on take-off the pilot allowed the a/c to settle back down onto the runway after retracting the gear damaging both drop tanks. The tanks subsequently both detached unexpectedly while in flight severely damaging the wing. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US civil register as N6879D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, serial FAM-7. Withdrawn from use in 1970, reportedly after a flying accident.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 401

RAF serial VP769 assigned, but never applied. With No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC on 15 Feb 1950, coded “AB-D” and still with this unit at time of accident on 18 Oct. 1955. No details of the accident are available.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-21 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-October-28 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400

RAF serial VP770 assigned but never applied. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, Ontario, in early / mid 1950s. Also based at Bagotville, QC on 19 Jul 1951 but unit not confirmed; probably 413 Sqn. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin. Registered as N6877D on 4 March 1958. To Ken Cook Publishing Co, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1963. Purchased in 1964 by ex-403 Sqn pilot Mr. Justice A. Milton Harradence of Calgary, AB, registered as CF-RLK. Operated by Confederate Air Force, South Alberta Division 1964-65 in civil markings "178". Donated to the Centennial Planetarium, Calgary, Alberta, 1972-1988, for display. Displayed from 1988 in the Aero Space Museum of Calgary. Displayed outside until at least 1992. As of 2024 displayed indoors at The Hangar Museum, Calgary AB in its original markings.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

The Hangar Flight Museum-Calgary AB

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;438

RAF serial VP771 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951. Carried special markings in 1949 as part of the Blue Devils display team. While assigned to 410 (F) Sqn the a/c suffered Cat “D” damage when a pilot allowed the a/c to touch the runway after retracting the gear during a formation take-off.

source: Kestrel Publications

On 17 Oct 1953 F/O Louis J.P. Gilles Trudeau of 438 (City of Montreal) Auxiliary Sqn was killed when Vampire 17070 ran off the runway on landing at Cartierville Airport. His aircraft hit a ten-foot ditch off the end of the runway, the front section broke into pieces and the aircraft caught fire. The RCAF determined that F/O Trudeau was attempting an emergency landing as he came in very fast and with no communication with the tower.

source: Aviation Safety Network

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1953-November-02 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash 2024-01-23
1953-October-17 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Louis Joseph Pierre Gilles Trudeau 2023-06-14

Known Squadron Assignments: 442

First flight on 10 February 1948 in the UK. RAF serial VP772 assigned but never applied. Used by No. 442 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn Sea Island, BC and given the sqn’s unique “bat nose” insignia. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US register as N6883D. To E. H. Roybal, Livermore CA 1966-1969. Stored derelict, Orange County CA 1966-1973. To Letcher & Associates, Lancaster CA 1973-1977. Stored dismantled at Mojave CA 1974-1979. To Flight Research Inc, State College MS 10.3.78 and new CofA issued. Sold to Canada, to the Reynolds Museum, AB, and struck-off US civil register 10 April 1992. As of 2024 displayed in the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin, AB in its original codes.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Reynolds-Alberta Museum-Wetaskiwin AB

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-February-21 Struck off Strength , sold 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;411;400

RAF serial VP773 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC circa 1948 to 1951. Flew with this unit's Blue Devils display team in 1949. On 17 Aug 1949, the airframe suffered damage when the aircraft collided with 17064 during the take-off due to pilot error. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. On 21 Feb 1950 while assigned to 410 Sqn, the a/c suffered a Cat “C” crash during a formation landing when, as the #2 a/c in the formation, it ran into jet wash, dropped a wing and hit a snowbank. While assigned to 1(F) OTU in Chatham, NB, on 13 Mar 1952, a pilot undershot the runway by 75 ft, and ground-looped causing Cat “C” damage. Then on 13 Dec 1950, a student pilot, again undershot the runway and struck trees upon landing causing Cat “B” damage (resulting in a starboard wing change). Struck off and sold to US register as N6878D, to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin. To John E. Morgan, Pittsburg, PA, 1958. Marked as "Johny Rocket". To Frank G. Tallman, Orange County, CA, 1959. Displayed at Movieland of the Air, named "Golden Eagle", 1959-1968 and used in filming of TV show "The Kamchatka Incident". To Rosen Novak Auto Co, Omaha, NE, 1966-1968. Sold at Tallmantz auction to James F. Brucker, Somis, CA, 29 May 1968-1969. To Jet Craft Inc, Las Vegas, NV, 1970. Planned for spares for Vampire conversion to 8 passenger "Mystery Jet". Company collapsed before conversion completed. To Pete Regina, Van Nuys, CA, Dec. 1970-1973. Rebuilt at Van Nuys. First flight, Apr. 8, 1972. Flew as VN68/YG. To Al Letcher & Associates, Lancaster, CA, 1973-1981. To John T. Downing, Cumming, GA, 1986. To Greater Leasing Inc, Marietta, GA, Dec. 1987. To Randall K. Hames, Gaffney, SC, Apr. 1988-1989. To John Travolta/Alto Inc, Studio City, CA, Oct1989-1992. To Lake Air Inc, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2001. Restored to airworthiness and flown for several years. Visited Buttonville, Ontario on 11 November 2005. Intended for Wings of Flight Museum in Markham, ON in 2005 but problems were encountered in obtaining a Canadian certificate of airworthiness. Stored at Batavia, New York and damaged while hangared. Registered to Wings of Flight Inc. of Rochester, NY in February 2006, still as N6878D. Reported at the time to be oldest flying jet aircraft in the world. First flight after major repairs and restoration in summer of 2006. Landed gear up on 6 June 2009, after engine vibrations noted in flight, damaged when it struck uneven ground while landing on grass beside paved runway at Batavia. Pilot was seriously injured but recovered. Heavily damaged airframe was moved to Wings of Flight Inc. at Markham airport (CNU8) and stored by Allan Rubin, president of Wings of Flight. US civil registration was cancelled on 10 Sep 2014. With Rubin's passing in 2020, his family donated the airframe to the newly formed New Brunswick Aviation Museum at Chatham NB where it awaits restoration to ground running condition.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

New Brunswick Aviation Museum-Chatham NB

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-07 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400

RAF serial VP774 assigned but never applied. Operated by No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s. On 18 May 1952, F/L A. Vickers suffered a flame-out over Lake Ontario, could not re-light the engine and therefore attempted a force-landing near Port Hope, ON. The aircraft struck power lines on approach to a field and was written-off. The pilot escaped with minor injuries.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-05 Struck off Strength after Cat." A" crash 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 1; 421; 442

RAF serial VP775 assigned but never applied. Assigned to No. 1 (F) Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, PQ, until 1949. Then with 421 (F) Sqn Chatham, NB until 1953. On 16 Oct 1950, the a/c suffered an engine failure on take-off and suffered Cat “B” damage during the abort. F/O Hanna survived. With No. 442 Sqn, Sea Island, BC, in 1956, coded "BU-X". Reserved for display purposes when fleet was retired in late 1956. Ferried from Vancouver to storage at Lethbridge by 442 Squadron CO W/C D. Cameron on 6 December 1956, probably last RCAF Vampire flight. Transferred to National Aeronautical Collection, which later became the Canada Aviation and Space Museum; technically still on Canadian Forces books today.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Canada Aviation and Space Museum-Ottawa ON

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1964 Museum / Display Transferred to museum. 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 442;401

RAF serial VP776 assigned but never applied. Ferried to No. 10 Repair Depot at Calgary on 26 July 1948, one of first two Vampires delivered there. Ferried from there to Vancouver on 30 July 1948. With 442 Squadron, Sea Island, BC, from 948, coded "BU-Y". Later with 401 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec, from 21 Mar 1951.

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 410;411;442;438

RAF serial VP777 assigned but never applied. With 410 (F) Squadron, RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec, 1948 to 1951. Flew with this unit's Blue Devils display team in 1949. With 411 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview Ontario. Forced landed on road short of Downsview runway by Flying Officer P. Hayes, on 12 Apr 1954 with Cat."B" damage. With No. 442 Squadron, Sea Island, BC, to c.1955., coded "BU-V". Carried Squadron bat's head markings on nose while marked as "BU-V". With 438 (F) Squadron (Auxiliary) when it crashed on 6 November 1955.

Three Vampires of 438 City of Montreal (Auxiliary) Squadron were returning to St Hubert on Sunday, 6 November 1955, from two days of training at RCAF Trenton. On final approach to St. Hubert, F/O Gerald P. Marshall’s Vampire, 17076 (BQ-076), ploughed into a field three miles east of St. Hubert and caught fire. F/O Marshall (27) died in the crash.

source: Aviation Safety Network

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-30 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1955-November-23 Struck off Strength and reduced to scrap 2024-01-23
1955-November-06 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Gerald Phillip John Marshall 2021-04-12

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;1

RAF serial VP778 assigned but never applied. Assigned to 442 (F) Sqn on 03 Aug 1948. Category “B” damage while practicing for an airshow in Calgary, AB on 8 September 1948 when during an inverted maneuver as the aircraft was being rolled upright, there was an apparent “explosion”. The starboard armament door had broken open, smashing the canopy and causing further damage to the horizontal stabilizer. To No. 402 Sqn, Stevenson Field, MB on 26 Jan 1950. While assigned to 410 (F) Sqn on 21 Apr 1951, a tire blew on take-off. The a/c was safely landed on just the rim. Transferred to 1 (F) OTU Chatham, NB. On 23 May 1952, during an air-to-ground firing practice mission, the aircraft was seen to attempt a high-speed turn, then “flicked” inverted and spun into the ground at low level. The accident was assessed as a high-speed stall due to pilot error. P/O Gretnoro Pisacreta was killed in the crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-05 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash, reduced to spares and produce 2024-01-23
1952-May-23 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Gretnoro Pisacreta 2023-06-07

Known Squadron Assignments: 438

RAF serial VP779 assigned but never applied. With No. 438 (Aux) Sqn, St. Hubert, QC. Coded "BQ" on booms, and "078" on nose. While assigned to 1 (F) OTU, on 9 August 1949, the airframe suffered “B” Category damage after being belly landed at St Hubert, QC when a student pilot forgot to lower the u/c. More category “B” damage at Trenton on 22 January 1953. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and onto US civil register as N6867D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, serial FAM-6. Withdrawn from use in 1970.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-March-04 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 438

RAF serial VP780 assigned but never applied. With No. 438 Sqn, St. Hubert, QC, 1948 to 1951. On 31 Mar 1951, at RCAF St Hubert, QC, S/L G.H. Hackett from 438 (Aux) Sqn in #17033, took off with F/L R.W. Leaper in #17079 to practice a low-level formation flight. They flew to the St Joseph de Sorel area and started the low level exercise. The weather conditions were marginal and it is believed that S/L Hackett flew into a fog bank and in attempting to turn or let down crashed into the St Lawrence river. Both aircraft crashed and both pilots were killed. Limited wreckage / debris was recovered. The crash was attributed to pilot error.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-September-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1951-May-07 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash 2024-01-23
1951-March-31 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Robert William Leaper 2023-06-14

Known Squadron Assignments: CFS

RAF serial VP781 assigned but never applied. Possibly with Central Flying School, Trenton, at time of crash. On Sunday 19 Sep 1948, Vampire 17080, flown by F/L Les Banner of the Central Flying School (CFS), was one of two RCAF Vampires that had taken part in USAF day celebrations at Niagara Falls, New York. The two aircraft departed Niagara Falls for the one hundred mile return flight to Trenton across Lake Ontario. The two aircraft separated in heavy cloud and witnesses reported a jet flying northeast of Peterborough, some 35 miles off course. The Vampire crashed into a hill near Kendal ON, about 45 miles east of Trenton, killing F/L Les Banner. The other pilot, F/L EG Ireland, arrived safely back at home base.

source: Aviation Safety Network

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1948-September-25 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash 2024-01-23
1948-September-19 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Thomas Banner MiD 2023-12-21

Known Squadron Assignments: 402;411;400

RAF serial VP782 assigned but never applied. With No. 402 Sqn, Stevenson Field, MB, 1948 to 1950. Operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn and No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. While assigned to 401 Sqn on 17 Jun 1949, the a/c settled back onto the runway after the gear retraction; the a/c was recovered safely with minor damage. Then on 4 August 1949, the a/c suffered a “B” Category crash when during the final approach to land, the pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear instead of selecting the speed brakes. While assigned to 1 (F) OTU in Chatham, NB, a loss of brake pressure while taxiing led to a ground collision with a Harvard aircraft. Again while at Chatham, on 31 Dec 1951 during a formation take-off for a cine-camera exercise, a/c ran off the starboard side of the runway in order to avoid the leader on take-off and damaging the starboard u/c when it hit a snowbank and then went airborne. The pilot then made a wheels up landing causing Category “B” damage. On 29 Nov 1953, the aircraft disappeared over Lake Ontario while commencing a let down through cloud at 4,000 ft. The a/c crashed into 350 ft of water off Whitby ON, and only small debris was recovered. Operated by No. 400 Sqn. at time of crash. F/O R.W. Russell was killed in the crash.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1953-December-29 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-23
1953-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Walter Russell 2022-01-18

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400

RAF serial VP783 assigned but never marked. Operated by 411 (Aux) Squadron or 400 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s. Category B damage at Downsview on 1 June 1955.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-September-07 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400

RAF serial VP784 assigned but never applied. With Air Armament School at Trenton for gun firing trials in July 1949. Operated by 411 (Aux) Squadron or 400 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in early/mid 1950s. Category B damage at Downsview on 8 June 1954. Stored at Downsview, withdrawn from use, by March 1957. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and onto US civil register as N6876D. Registered to John E. Morgan of Las Vegas, NV on 12 June 1958 which is actually 5 days prior to the strike-off date. Morgan started an airshow act, painting the aircraft overall gold and calling himself "Johnny Skyrocket". Morgan performed at airshows across the USA at least up to 1962-63. The aircraft was impounded by the sheriff in Beaver County, West Virginia and then sold off in May 1964 to one of his creditors, who may have re-sold it again (possibly back to Morgan himself?). In July 1965 the aircraft suffered a landing accident at Benendum Airport, WV when the undercarriage collapsed after a hard landing. Around 1970, Morgan attempted to launch a business to convert ex-RAAF and RCAF Vampires into 6-seat "Mystery Jet" business aircraft. The The idea was floated in several forms and some mockups may have been produced. The Mystery Jet never appears to have reached the prototype stage. The final disposition of 17083/N6876D is unknown and the US registration was cancelled on 14 Jan 1977. 2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength , sold 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 410

RAF serial VP785 assigned but never applied. With No. 410 (F) Sqn, RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC, from 1948. Used by the Blue Devils aerobatic display team. Crashed during a formation aerobatic display at the 1949 Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto, killing Sqn’s Commanding Officer S/L R.A. Kipp. The a/c was seen to flick during the recovery from a low-level inverted fly-past. It then struck the ground at high speed. The investigation pointed to pilot error and poor proficiency in aerobatics.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-August-25 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1949-August-12 Struck off Strength after Cat."A" crash 2024-01-23
1949-July-25 KIFA RCAF Squadron Leader Robert Allan Kipp DSO, DFC 2021-09-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 411;400;1

RAF serial VP786 assigned, but never applied. Assigned to 1 (F) OTU in Chatham, NB. Cat “D” damage on 6 Feb 1951 when the canopy disintegrated while the a/c was flying at 32,000 ft. On 11 May 1951, the a/c struck trees on approach to landing with Cat “B” damage resulting (requiring a port wing change). Also operated by No. 411 (Aux) Sqn or No. 400 (Aux) Sqn, RCAF Stn Downsview, ON, in early/mid 1950s. Struck off and sold to Fliteways Inc, of West Bend, Wisconsin and on US civil register asN6868D. To Mexican AF in February 1962, their serial FAM-2. Withdrawn from use in 1970.

source: Kestrel Publications

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-June-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-June-17 Struck off Strength , sold 2024-01-23

Known Squadron Assignments: 401

RAF serial VP787 assigned but never applied. To 1 (F) OTU in St Hubert and Chatham from 24 Nov 1948 to 1952. Operated by No. 401 (Aux) Sqn at RCAF Stn St. Hubert, QC as of 28 May 1952. Struck off, reduced to spares and scrap.

source: Kestrel Publications

On 10 July 1954, 401 (City of Westmount) Aux Sqn had deployed to RCAF North Bay, ON from RCAF St. Hubert, QC with eight Vampires for summer training. During a three-plane mission, Vampires 17086 and 17054 collided over Four Mile Lake. Pilot F/O Peter A. Read, flying 17086, died in the collision.

source: Aviation Safety Network

2024-01-21
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1948-July-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-July-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1954-July-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Peter Albert Read 2023-06-14

Known Squadron Assignments: WEE

RAF serial TG372 was shipped to Canada in 1946 and used for extensive cold weather trials at the Winter Experimental Establishment (WEE) in Edmonton and Watson Lake between November 1946 and October 1949. First flight in Canada on 1 January 1947, by S/L S. Baudoux, from Edmonton or Namao, Alberta. The aircraft was initially preserved at the Ontario Science Centre and then transferred to the National Aeronautical Collection in 1968. It is currently in storage, disassembled, in the Reserve Hangar of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, ON. Still technically on strength with the RCAF.

with notes from Kestrel Publications

Canada Aviation and Space Museum-Ottawa ON

2024-01-23
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
   1946-November-22 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1950-January-09 Loan From Other Air Force 421 (F) Squadron RAF Odiham UK VZ225 Based at RAF Odiham between January 9, 1950 and December 2, 1951, 421 (F) Squadron borrowed 22 RAF Vampire FB 5s that were used for operational training alongside the RAF. They were painted a standard RAF scheme of overall natural metal, complete with RAF serials. Small maple leaves were applied to the centre of the standard RAF tail boom roundels and wing roundels. 2023-03-10

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to N421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1950-July-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1959-February-12 Sold as Surplus sold as scrap at No.19 MU St. Athan to Hayes Metals 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. Written off after a wheels up landing after becoming lost in bad weather near Sutton Bridge, West Raynham on 26 April 1952. 2023-03-20
   1950-October-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1960-June-22 Sold as Surplus sold as scrap at No.19 MU St. Athan to H H Bushell & Co 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1950-October-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1950-September-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1959-March-06 Sold as Surplus sold as scrap at No.19 MU St. Athan to H H Bushell & Co 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1950-October-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-June-06 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to No. 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. Heavy landing in bad weather at Odiham on 8 February 1951, damaging undercarriage. Repaired. 2023-03-20
   1950-October-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-November-04 Sold as Surplus sold as scrap at No.10 MU Hullavington to H H Bushell & Co 2019-08-20

Known Squadron Assignments: 421

Loaned to 421 (F) Squadron, RCAF in 1951/1952, at Odiham in the UK. The squadron was training in the UK prior to receiving Canadair Sabres and taking them to France. Carried RCAF style roundels, but remained on RAF books. 2023-03-20
   1951-December-07 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1952-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20