This might already have been discussed before I joined the group. If so I apologise!
Is anyone able to remember when the Seafire, that sat in a compound between the canteen and the new armoury, was finally removed? I seem to remember that it was there all the time I was a pupil (1948-53). In spite of being in the RAF section of the CCF I can't remember ever being allowed to get close to it and couldn't, and still don't, understand quite why it was there.
I do remember the "Grasshopper" glider though. I think I "flew" it once. The launch system was by means of bungee ropes attached to a hook on the glider - the glider being tethered to a convenient tree. A number of cadets would walk away from the glider with the bungee and when it had stretched sufficiently the tether was released by the pilot and the glider just about became airborne. I have an idea that there was also a triangular stand that the glider could be mounted on and if the wind was strong enough the machine would answer to the controls (after a fashion)!
John Rowe
> Is anyone able to remember when the Seafire, that sat in a compound between the canteen and the new armoury, was finally removed? I seem to remember that it was there all the time I was a pupil (1948-53).
ReplyDeleteWasn't there when I arrived, John, in 1955.
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From: "John Rowe"
Date: 2002/11/24 Sun AM 11:50:56 GMT
To: "peter symonds, winchester, unofficial nostalgia corner"
Subject: Seafire
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New Message on peter symonds, winchester, unofficial nostalgia corner
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From: John Rowe
Message 1 in Discussion
This might already have been discussed before I joined the group. If so I apologise! Is anyone able to remember when the Seafire, that sat in a compound between the canteen and the new armoury, was finally removed? I seem to remember that it was there all the time I was a pupil (1948-53). In spite of being in the RAF section of the CCF I can't remember ever being allowed to get close to it and couldn't, and still don't, understand quite why it was there. I do remember the "Grasshopper" glider though. I think I "flew" it once. The launch system was by means of bungee ropes attached to a hook on the glider - the glider being tethered to a convenient tree. A number of cadets would walk away from the glider with the bungee and when it had stretched sufficiently the tether was released by the pilot and the glider just about became airborne. I have an idea that there was also a triangular stand that the glider could be mounted on and if the wind was strong enough the machine would answer to the controls (after a fashion)! John Rowe
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I remember the Slingsby glider in 1957, The Seafire was gone but I had heard stories of it landing on the playing fields. although I was told it was a Spitfire.
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember the glider being mounted n a stand
Best regards
Peter Evans 1957-61
Hey John I also remember the "College Glider" which I observed from a distance being a member of the Navy section of the "Corps". You obviously did a lot better with it than I thought and I must revise my recollection. (It seemed to me that Friday after Friday , under the tutelage of "Tom" Pierce, the RAF section succeeded only in removing it from the box, assembling it then dismantling it and putting it back in the box again during the course of the day). I have just made a discovery you may be interested in. The Southampton Hall of Aviation apparently has one of these curiosities on display! See http://www.spitfireonline.co.uk/popup/exhibit10.html Perhaps we’ll make it there one day? Churchie
ReplyDeleteHi Churchie SOMETIME, during my days, (Sept 44 - 50), the 'Seafire' appeared ... although I was an 'Army Cadet', originally in the J.T.C. before the days of C.C.F. and I admit to having 'Senior's Moments' these days, I do seem to remember some sort of 'rivalry' between 'CANY Yates' and his 'Navy Cadets' and 'Tom Pierce' and his 'Air Cadets' as to whether the Seafire was a 'Navy' craft, or indeed an 'Air' craft !!! ... Thanks for your link to the Southampton Air Museum ... I was not aware of its existence and I am finding it VERY interesting and informative !!! All the very best from Western Australia Doug Clews
ReplyDelete