29(F) Sqn RAF from BE2c to Typhoon - TeeELLs tribute.

[RayS]

A great tribute to 29SQN and some lovely builds there Tony.

Some great research you have uncovered as well.

I was thinking about doing similar with one of the SQNs I served with during my RAAF career, 77SQN. 1/72 seems like a good scale to go with.

[TeeELL]

Go for it Ray. It gives focus to modelling, I could have chosen 13(PR) Sqn, 44(Rhodesia) Sqn, 100 Sqn or 208 Sqn. I chose 29(F) Sqn because of the particular aircraft and role I flew (F4 in UK air defence).

[TeeELL]

In August 1940, 29(F) Sqn received a Hurricane (P3201) to supplement the Blenheim night fighters. Its first recorded operational use was 27 Aug and final recorded use 3rd Sep. Between 4th and 7th Sep 1940 the aircraft was transferred to 46 Sqn were, on 8th Sep it was lost to enemy action over Sheppey- although the pilot (a Naval officer) bailed out he did not survive.

A second Hurricane is recorded P5195, possibly on the Sqn around 8th Sep, but perhaps earlier, with the first operational sortie flown on 11 Sep. P5195 was a Canadian built aircraft delivered to the UK in August 1940 where it was fitted with its RR Merlin and DH propellor, so despite it being the height of the BoB, ‘29 would have received it ‘brand new’. The aircraft was used by both day and night but has no ‘kills’ recorded. The Hurricane did not prove a success as a night fighter with 29(F) Sqn. The last recorded operational use of P5195 was 28 October 1940.
This then is a model representing P5195; the Sqn ID is correct for the period although, as yet, the aircraft ID ‘V’ is pure guess work.

ARMA Mk1 Hurricane.

[TeeELL]

The latest addition to the collection is a Lightning F3. No 29(F) Sqn operated these out of RAF Wattisham from May 1967 to December 1974.

[wokka]

A very fitting collection Tony.

[TeeELL]

Plenty more to come yet Wokka

[TeeELL]

On 31st May 1943, 29(F) Squadron flew its first operational sortie in the Mosquito, the Squadron would continue to fly Radar equipped Mosquitos until their replacement with the Meteor NF11.
This represents a Mosquito NFXIII flown by 29(F) from RAF Hunsdon in early 1944.









The model has the correct identifying letter and serial number.

[TeeELL]

On the night of 8 Jun 1943, newly received Mosquito NF XII (HK175) is recorded its first operational sortie. Fg Off Goodman (pilot) and Plt Off Backhouse (Nav/Radar operator) of ‘A’ Flight flew a ‘Foreness Patrol’ from 23.42 - 00.26. No enemy aircraft were encountered and the aircraft returned to RAF Bradwell Bay.
The model represents the newly received aircraft, prior to that sortie. The aircraft identity letter ‘H’ is pure conjecture!

[TeeELL]

In July 1925 29(F) Sqn replaced the Snipe with the Gloster Grebe, the first ‘post war’ designed fighter to be selected by the RAF. This is the 1/72 Aeroclub model with some 3D printed parts

[TeeELL]

In the second half of October 1937, whilst based at North Weald, 29(F) Sqn were re-equipped swapping their Demons for ‘turret’ Demons. These were operated for for 14 months, mostly from RAF Debden.
This is my representation of their ‘turret Demons’, based on what little photographic evidence exists. Note the lack of XXXXX on the wings or fuselage, the only Sqn identifier being the ‘Eagle/Buzzard’ in the spear-head.

[TeeELL]

My latest build is a Hurricane based on the only photo of a 29(F) Sqn aircraft at the Cowley repair facility.









The model represents the aircraft prior to its eventful landing on 6 Sep 1939.

[Bissyboat]

Well done on your new additions.

[JohnRatzenberger]

This is just excellent, well done.

[X12A]

Nice Hurricane Tony - and I recognise that background!

[Stuart]

A very nice collection Tony. I'm surprised however that you've not build a Phantom yet?