Fairey Firefly (Fairey) (Canadian: 65 )
Fairey Firefly
Fairey Firefly Mk. VI
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Firefly was designed by Fairey Aviation, UK, in 1940 to meet a British Admiralty requirement for a carrier borne, fighter reconnaissance aircraft. The Firefly prototype first flew in December 1941 from Fairey's Great West Aerodrome, (now Heathrow Airport). Successful flight trials were completed by the end of 1942 and the first production aircraft, Mk. Is were delivered to the Royal Navy in March 1943.
Fireflies went into squadron service in October 1943 and later saw action in July 1944 against the German battleship Tirpitz, in Norway, when flying from HMS Indefatigable. From January 1945 onwards, the main area of operations for the Firefly was the Far East. Flying from HMS Indefatigable and HMS Implacable, they fought against the Japanese in Sumatra, the Caroline Islands and in the waters surrounding Japan. Later, Fairey Fireflies served with the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, during the Korean War.
A total of 64 Fairey Fireflies served with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), between 1946 and 1952. Based at Dartmouth, NS, they were flown from the aircraft carriers HMCS Warrior and HMCS Magnificent by No. 825 and 826 Squadrons. The Mk. V anti submarine version was ordered in 1949 to meet a NATO role for the RCN in anti submarine warfare. Firefly Mk. Vs operated in this role until late 1950, when they were replaced by Grumman Avengers.
Manufacture of the Fairey Firefly ceased in April 1956, after 1,702 aircraft had been produced. About 20 Fireflies survive. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Firefly
CWHM FlightlinesCASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF On Strength (64)Firefly (Fairey) DK445
s/n
DK445
TG
Z
T. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
ZT. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*Z". 2024-03-05
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK485
s/n
DK485
F.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for the Caribbean cruise of 1947. 2024-03-05
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK535
s/n
DK535
ABC
F.R. Mk. I
CF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 826
Operated by 826 Squadron, coded "AB*C". 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK537
s/n
DK537
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK545
s/n
DK545
BDR
F.R. Mk. I
RF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
With No. 825 Squadron, operated from HMCS Warrior, coded "BD*R". 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK555
s/n
DK555
General Aircraft Limited
F.R. Mk. I
F.R. Mk. I
Launched from HMCS Magnificent on 31 March 1946, to become the first Firefly to land in Canada. Crashed on approach to Dartmouth on 28 May 1946, while still on RN books. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-August-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-August-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK560
s/n
DK560
B
F.R. Mk. I
F.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for its west coast cruise of 1946/47, coded "B". 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK561
s/n
DK561
ABK
General Aircraft Limited
F.R. Mk. I
KGeneral Aircraft Limited
F.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 825; 826
Originally operated with RN style Type A roundels. With 825 Squadron on board HMCS Warrior for its west coast cruise of 1946/47, coded "S". Later with 826 Squadron on board HMCS Magnificent, in full RCN markings, coded "AB*K". Ethiopia serial number was 616. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength Loaded on board HMCS Warrior at Glasgow 2020-10-27
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold to Ethiopia. 2020-10-27
Firefly (Fairey) DK563
s/n
DK563
ABF
F.R. Mk. I
FF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 826
Operated on USS Saipan in 1949, for trails with US style deck landing techniques, coded "AB*F". Damaged on landing. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK564
s/n
DK564
H
F.R. Mk. I
F.R. Mk. I
Coded "H". 2024-03-05
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK565
s/n
DK565
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DK569
s/n
DK569
F.R. Mk. I
The first Firefly in Canada, originally on RCAF charge for winter testing. To Rivers Camp, Manitoba, fall of 1946. Stopped at Winnipeg on 19 to 21 October 1946, en route to the Winter Experimental Establishment at RCAF Station Namao, Alberta. No codes marked, carried RN style roundels. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-April-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-April-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) DT975
s/n
DT975
TGY
T. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
YT. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
Known Squadron Assignments: TAG
Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*Y". 2024-03-051948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB433
s/n
MB433
TGX
T. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
XT. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
Known Squadron Assignments: TAG
Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Operated by the Training Air Group at HMCS Shearwater, initially with RN style roundels with small blue maple leafs added to central spot. Coded "TG*X". 2024-03-051948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
1949-October-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB443
s/n
MB443c/r
VG‑TGX
TGX
T. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
XT. Mk. I
Griffon IIB
Known Squadron Assignments: TAG
Brought to Canada onboard HMCS Magnificent, leaving Belfast on 25 May 1948. Damaged in forced landed following engine failure on 5 September 1949. Pilot asked passenger to switch radios, instead he switched off master switch in rear cockpit. Carried full code "VG-TGX" on wings, "TG*X" on fuselage, and had small blue maple leaf on red part of roundels. 2024-03-051948-May-24 Taken on Strength in the UK 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB566
s/n
MB566
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB579
s/n
MB579
ABU
F.R. Mk. I
UF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 826
With 826 Squadron on baord HMCS Magnificent for her 1950 Caribbean cruise, coded "AB*U". 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB588
s/n
MB588
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-March-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB668
s/n
MB668
F.R. Mk. I
Crashed on landing on HMCS Warrior on 7 March 1947, still in RN markings. Reported as crashed at sea near Musquadaboit, NS on 17 July 1947. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-September-20 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-September-20 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB694
s/n
MB694
TGW
T. Mk. II
WT. Mk. II
Known Squadron Assignments: TAG
Converted from F. Mk. I by Fairey Aviation of Canada Ltd. Arrived at Fairey on 19 March 1949, back to RCN in spring of 1950. Operated by the Training Air Group, coded "TG*W". Carried red and blue Canadian roundels at one point. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1947-April-10 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) MB748
s/n
MB748
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-May-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) PP402
s/n
PP402
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) PP408
s/n
PP408
TGV
F.R. Mk. I / T. Mk.
VF.R. Mk. I / T. Mk.
Known Squadron Assignments: 826; TAG
Operated by 826 Squadron, coded "AB*C", as an F. Mk. I. Later converted to T. Mk. 2 by Fairey Aviation Canada. Arrived at Fairey on 21 March 1949, back to RCN in early 1950. Coded "TG*V" after conversion. Very little use after conversion, appears to have been held as a spare. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-November-25 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) PP411
s/n
PP411
F.R. Mk. I
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1947-December-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) PP412
s/n
PP412c/r
G‑ABK"
ABK
F.R. Mk. I
KF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 826
Repainted in Canada in RCN style camouflage. Carried registration "VG-ABK" under wings, marked "AB*K" on fusleage. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1951-August-31 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) PP413
s/n
PP413
F.R. Mk. I
Coded "S", possibly while with RN. Category A accident on board HMCS Warrior on 1 June 1946, apparently repaired. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP426
s/n
PP426
ABJ
F.R. Mk. I
JF.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 826
With 826 Squadron at Rivers Camp, Manitoba summer of 1948, for armament training, coded "AB*J". Operating from HMCS Warrior when lost, still coded "AB*J". 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1949-April-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost at sea on 12 March 1949. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP431
s/n
PP431
F.R. Mk. I
Category A accident on board HMCS Warrior, on 18 July 1946. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1950-February-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1950-February-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP456
s/n
PP456
F.R. Mk. I
Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 10 August 1946. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1947-December-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, returned to Royal Navy. 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1947-December-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, returned to Royal Navy. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP457
s/n
PP457
F.R. Mk. I
Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 15 July 1946. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP460
s/n
PP460
F.R. Mk. I
Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 17 July 1946. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1952-June-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Denmark. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP462
s/n
PP462
F.R. Mk. I
Known Squadron Assignments: 825; 826
Had served with 825 Squadron, RN from late 1945, still with this unit when it was transferred to RCN on 24 January 1946. Transported to Canada on HMCS Warrior's maiden voyage, flown off to RCAF Station Dartmouth on 31 March 1946. Government records show the aircraft stored at Dartmouth from June 1946 to October 1946, but operated by 824 Squadron during this period. With 825 Sdn. for its west coast cruise of November 1946 to May 1947. To 826 Squadron on 19 May 1947. Damaged when wing tip dragged during cross wind landing at Quebec City on 29 May 1947. Repainted in RCN colours by Canada Car and Foundry early 1947. Officially transferred to RCN ownership on 12 July 1947. Damaged on landing on HMCS Magnificent on 19 November 1949, struck mobile crane after snagging wire. Back in service by February 1950. Placed in storage April 1950. Stored at Derbert, NS until March 1954. Transported to Ethiopia on board HMCS Magnificent. Stored outdoors in Ethiopia after retirement there. Five stored aircraft seen in desert, badly deteriorated, by Canadian Air Attache to Egypt in 1993. Later two returned to Canada by CF Hercules, delivered to Shearwater Aviation Museum. Parts used to rebuild one aircraft, with PP462 name plate. Restoration still underway summer of 2006. Intent is to restore to airworthy condition. 2024-03-05 RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Ethiopia. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) PP467
s/n
PP467
T
F.R. Mk. I
F.R. Mk. I
Operated on HMCS Warrior, coded "A", with RN style roundels. Later seen in full RCN markings, coded "T". Category C damage on board HMCS Warrior, on 7 May 1947. Stored at Derbert, NS when withdrawn from service. Transported to Ethiopia on board HMCS Magnificent. 2024-03-05
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Ethiopia. 2019-08-20
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1946-June-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1954-March-01 Struck off Strength Struck off, later transferred to Ethiopia. 2019-08-20
Firefly (Fairey) TW741
s/n
TW741
F.R. Mk. IV
On RCAF charge when tested at the Winter Experimental Establishment at Watson Lake, BC. In RN markings, no codes, at that time. First Firefly Mk. IV in Canada. 0000-01-01
RCAF Aircraft Record Card
1948-February-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1948-November-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
RCAF Aircraft Record Card1948-February-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1948-November-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) TW753
s/n
TW753
F.R. Mk. IV
Wound up in the catwalks on HMCS Magnificent on 2 September 1948. 0000-01-01
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VG963
s/n
VG963
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VG966
s/n
VG966
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VG971
s/n
VG971
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1948-June-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VG979
s/n
VG979
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1954-March-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VG997
s/n
VG997
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH123
s/n
VH123
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH125
s/n
VH125
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1950-March-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1950-March-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH126
s/n
VH126
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH128
s/n
VH128
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH129
s/n
VH129
F.R. Mk. IV
Wound up in the catwalks on HMCS Magnificent on 11 August 1948. Still carrying RN style markings and codes on this date. Carried code "209" on 11 August 1949, when it nearly left the edge of the deck on HMCS Magnificent. 0000-01-01
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH130
s/n
VH130
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1951-January-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1951-January-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH131
s/n
VH131
F.R. Mk. IV
1948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH134
s/n
VH134
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH135
s/n
VH135
BDK
A.S. Mk. V
KA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Painted by Fairey Canada on 24 June 1950. With No. 825 Squadron on board HMCS Magnificent for the European cruise of 1950, coded "BD*K". 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1950-October-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH136
s/n
VH136
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-July-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-July-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH137
s/n
VH137
A.S. Mk. V
Operated on USS Saipan in 1949, for trails with US style deck landing techniques. 0000-01-01
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH138
s/n
VH138
BDA
A.S. Mk. V
AA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Coded "BD*A". 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH139
s/n
VH139
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH140
s/n
VH140
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH141
s/n
VH141
BDH
A.S. Mk. V
HA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Coded "BD*H". 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH142
s/n
VH142
A.S. Mk. V
1949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1950-June-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1950-June-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VH143
s/n
VH143
F.R. Mk. IV
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
With No. 825 Squadron on 3 September 1948, when it engaged the barrier on HMCS Magnificent, with minor damage. 2024-03-051948-May-24 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-January-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX414
s/n
VX414
BDN
A.S. Mk. V
NA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
First Mk. V with power wing folding. Completed on 24 January 1949. Painted by Fairey in the UK, in RN style camouflage and markings. Operated by 825 Squadron, onboard HMCS Magnficent in 1949 in full RCN markings, coded "BD*N". Right main gear collapsed on landing, 19 November 1949, during Caribbean cruise. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX415
s/n
VX415
BDO
A.S. Mk. V
OA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Operated by 825 Squadron. Coded "BD*O". 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX416
s/n
VX416
A.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Operated by 825 Squadron. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX417
s/n
VX417
BDR
A.S. Mk. V
RA.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Operated by 825 Squadron, coded "BD*R" in 1949. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1950-June-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX418
s/n
VX418
A.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Operated by 825 Squadron. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX419
s/n
VX419
A.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Operated by 825 Squadron. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) VX421
s/n
VX421
A.S. Mk. V
Known Squadron Assignments: 825
Initially operated in RN markings, with legend "Royal Navy" above serial number. Operated by 825 Squadron. Damaged during hard landing on USS Saipan on 3 November 1949. 2024-03-051949-February-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) WH632
s/n
WH632c/n
F.8755c/r
C‑GBDG
Rolls Royce Griffon
formerly Royal Navy Firefly.
The Museum's Firefly was built in 1951 and first served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, at Ford, UK. Later, it was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1953. It was retired from the RAN in 1960 and ended up in a museum in New South Wales, Australia. The Museum purchased it from them in 1979. Although a Mk.VI, it has been restored in the colours and markings of a RCN No. 825 Squadron Firefly Mk. V operating from HMCS Magnificent in 1949-50.
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