Wednesday 23 March 2011
What's 50MU????
In 1939, the Air Ministry decided that Maintenance Units (the MU bit) would be renumbered in the interests of tighter security. The number represents a designated area. My dad was based at Cowley I think (he did work at the Morris Motor works pre war) and his unit was 50MU. I am referencing David Thompson on The Aviation Forum where he lists others.......My dad was the gang leader of 50MU and they recovered aircraft from many places, often in difficult circumstances sometimes with the use of horses, including Chesil Beach, Cornwall, Wales and even one (at least) somewhere half way up Snowdon.
Friday 18 March 2011
Saturday 5 March 2011
Diary of a 50MU man
This is a log, written during the 2nd. World War, by James Wilson (Rose's Dad) born in Accrington, Lancashire in 1900. He married Rose's Mum on Easter Sunday 1927, and Rose is putting this on the internet in his memory and for their 70th. Wedding anniversary present.
It is a detailed account of the aircraft recoveries made by Jim Wilson and his gang, written in his diaries and later typed up by himself. It is a fascinating description of events little written about in the history of the war.
This first part covers January to August 1940.
We have formatted this journal as near as possible within our IT skills to match the way it was originally typed
The Journal
Thursday 21/1/40
First job: Fairey Battle L6065: St Brides, Nr. Cardiff
Via Witney, Burford, Gloucester, Chepstow, Newport.
Very bad travelling, roads badly frozen over. Located aircraft in wood with tail resting on high bank of ditch and undercart smashed. Had to cut through bank and fill in ditch to allow aircraft to be towed over on sledge. Had to be towed over three fields to place of loading. Job lasted eleven days. Snow and rain all through this job.
Merlin III .__________Cat. B
Hired horses for towing aircraft parts on sledge.
Must have special spanner, square shape for bolts round wheel pits.
Loaded fuselage on platform lorry by hand and busted one of my ribs during loading. Had to be strapped up by doctor. Had to dig under wings to get to main bolts.
Change of cloths necessary on salvage work
Friday 9/2/40
Second job: Hawker Hart N9062: South Cerney.
Only tailplane, elevator and rudder to be removed, also centre section which is petrol tank.
Wings were removed by Unit, also engine.
King and Queen were visiting aerodrome, so had to, leave job ready for loading.
Cat. B.
Box spanners required are B.A.s and ordinary 1/8" upwards. These will be of great importance during salvage.
Kestrel Engine.
Thursday 15/2/40
Third Job: Two Blenheims at Bicester: Cat. E2.
These aircraft had been burnt out and only required loading. 1/2 day loading.
Saturday 24/2/40
Forth Job: Hawker hart: Lower Chatford, Nr. Andover.
Via Avingdon, Newbury, Andover.
Located crash in garden belonging and behind selling-out shop.
Tangled heap, and engine buried 6ft. in ground. Some parts on railway line. 40 chickens killed as aircraft dropped on chicken run.
Kestrel Engine: Cat. E2.
Always leave site tidy and clean as possible.
Monday 26/8/40
Fifth job: Two Hawker Harts: Cardiff Airport.
Via Witney, Burford, North Leach, Gloucester, Chepstow and Newport.
These airframes were dismantled by unit and were ready for loading.
Loaded and returned to Cowley 9.30pm 27/2/40
Stayed overnight on way to job at Newport.
Thursday 29/2/40
Sixth job: Hawker Hart: Rudder Townsend Farm, Devizes.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Avebury.
Located crash on Downs 3½ miles from nearest place of loading. Had to have crane to carry aircraft parts and engine from site.
No trace of pilots foot.
Got digs in Devizes for night.
Very muddy job.
Loaded and returned Cowley 10.30pm 30/2/40
Fred Grey crane driver.
Kestrel engine.
Monday 4/3/40
Seventh job: Miles Magister: Horton Nr. Slough.
via Henley, Maidenhead, Slough.
Located crash in middle of stubble field. Removed engine, Gypsy Major. Starboard wing o.k. Port smashed. Manhandled the aircraft parts and engine to place of loading. Only half gang. Loaded and returned Cowley 7.30pm.
gypsy Major engine.
Wednesday 6/3/40
Eighth job: Queen Bee: Penrhos, Nr. Pwllheli, North Wales.
Orders were for Penrhos Nr. Monmouth, half gang to travel with transport, platform lorry. Ern Whibread driver and Bobby Fenn - mate.
Via Whitney, Northleach, Gloucester, Ross, Monmouth.
Located Penrhos but no trace of Queen Bee. Phoned Mr. dale, told to go on to Penrhos North Wales. Stayed overnight Monmouth then travelled via Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Corwen, Bettws-Y-Coed, Tremaddock, Pwllheli. Stayed overnight Pwllheli, located aircraft in hanger next to Harrow. removed wings loaded and travelled via Tremaddock, Bettws-Y-Coed, Curwen, Shrewsbury, Worcester where we stayed overnight. Arrived Cowley 1.30pm Sunday 10/3/40.
Gypsy Major :Cat b.: 623 miles.
Tuesday 12/3/40.
Ninth Job: Fairey Battle: Bryn Berion, Prescelly.
Mountains near Cardigan, South Wales via Witney, Burford, Northleach, Gloucester, Monmouth, Abergaveny, where we stayed overnight. Then via Brecon, Llandillo, Crmmych, had position of crash pointed out to us by the nearest farmer to site. Too late to climb mountain so went to Cardigan for digs. Started on job next day 14/3/40.
After crossing three miles of bogland before climbing last peak of mountain, job resting on top, 2,100ft above sea level. Managed to salvage Merlin Engine and instruments. Had to dig hole 30ft x 16ft x 5ft deep to bury airframe after dismantling and using 140 gallons of petrol to burn airframe. Worked in rain and cloud most of the time. Brought engine back in lorry. Stayed at Abergaveny on way back to Cowley. hire of horses £4 per journey. Farmer would only go up the mountain twice. Job lasted 10 days.
Monday 1/4/40
Tenth job: Hawker Hart: Cat. B.: Woodley Nr. Reading.
Via Dorchester, Wallingford, Pangbourne, Reading. Half gang - Woods, Wills. Located aircraft in hanger undergoing final overhaul of engine. Ready for testing in air. Chief engineer played the dickens but Mr. Dale ordered me to carry on with the job. Worked on aircraft for 1½ hours then message came from Mr. Dale ordering me to suspend work on job and return to Cowley. Chief engineer in rage and said I was to re-rig aircraft but let me return Cowley after I put struts streamline stress rods back slack so that they would know what had been tampered with. Arrived Cowley 7.30pm.
Thursday 4/4/40
Eleventh job: Hawker Hart: Theddingworth, Nr. Market Harborough.
Half gang - Woods and Wills.
Via Banbury, Rugby. Located crash in middle of 100 acre field, upside down.. Wheel brakes relined, stopped to quick and turned completely over. Pilot unhurt. Rudder and fin, and cockpit roof slightly damaged. Got digs in Husbands Bosworth. Removed wings and phoned Mr. Dale for crane which arrived 1.30 pm. Fred Grey driver. Slung aircraft and lifted and spun round on spine, well packed with bags. Then carried on crane to place of loading exactly 1/2 mile. Loaded and returned Cowley 8.30 p.m. 5.4.40
Kestrel engine.
Tuesday 9/4/40.
Twelth job: Hawker Audax: Hullavington.
via Farringdon, Swindon. half gang. Located aircraft in hangar at aerodrome. Wings removed by Unit. Removed tail unit and airscrew, loaded and returned Cowley 8.00pm
Kestrel engine.: Cat. E.
Monday 15/4/40.
Thirteenth job: Hawker Hind 49 MU: Faygate, Nr. Brighton.
Via Reading, Guilford, Hotsham. 49 MU had done the job so had to return empty-handed. Arrived Cowley 6.15pm. Then Mr. Kingerly ordered us to Abingdon to remove Hurricane obstruction. Arrived Abingdon to find that job cancelled. Returned Cowley 7.15pm.
Thursday 18/4/40.
Fourteenth job: Hurricane: Cat. B.: Abingdon.
Mr. Dale accompanied us on this occasion and we removed wing farings slung from mainplane spars. Lifted with crane and towed from field. Put OX3 across undercarriage to stop collapse as hydraulic jack was damaged. Placed in hanger, returned to job in afternoon. Removed wings and airscrew and left job ready for loading. Finished job next day.
Merlin engine.
Monday 22/4/40.
Fifteenth job: Tiger Moth: Tanworth in Arden, Nr. Birmingham.
via Woodstock, Stratford-on-Avon. Located crash in awkward place, three fields from place of loading. Removed wings engine. Unable to get digs, had a good night at "Jack Hoods" public house and had to sleep in lorry. Went in to Birmingham for breakfast next mourning. Hired horses to tow engine and airframe. Loaded and returned Cowley 5.15pm 23/4/40.
Gypsy Major engine.
Wednesday 24/4/40.
Sixteenth job: 5 Hawker Audax: Rissington.
Via Witney, Burford. Working in conjunction with No. 9 gang. Removed engines and all instruments also wings and tail units. Engines, airscrews, and instruments to be returned to Cowley. Airframe to be sent to Canada. Finished Friday night 26/4/40.
Kestrel engines.
Monday 29/4/40.
Seventeenth job: Hurricane; Cat. B.: Rissington.
Via Witney, Burford. Located aircraft in hangar. On this occasion the new steel fuselage stand was to be fitted in long low-loader. Mr. Dale came out to job to see how it was fitted, we found it quite simple and Hurricane rested lovely with a slight adjustment of ball and socket fittings. Removed engine next day at Cowley - 2 hours, ready for lifting out (myself and H. Trafford) 1/2 hour to lift out.
Merlin engine.
Friday 10/5/40.
Eighteenth job: Hampden: Soldern, Nr. Fritwell.
Located crash in field, only tail unit intact. Myself and H. Trafford dismantled same, loaded all on one long loader. L.L. got stuck in the muddy field, crane had to lift side of loader and put timbers under wheels, then tow it out of field. Mr. Dale played the dickens next morning as too much weight on lorry.
Pegasus engines: Cat. E2.: burnt out.
Monday 13/5/40.
Nineteenth job: Tiger Moth: Yatesbury.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Avebury. Located aircraft on landing field near hangar. Removed engine and wings, used small hand crane for loading. Arrived Cowley 6.15pm.
Gypsy Major engine.
Tuesday 14/5/40.
Twentieth job: Oxford: Lew, Nr. Hayford.
Located crash in field in tangled heap, cut stern section away, removed wings and engines. Had to dig part of centre section out of ground. Run capillaries back to instrument board as they were luckily undamaged. Loaded and returned to Cowley 7.00pm.
Cheetah engines.
Sunday 19/5/40.
Twenty First job: Hereford Bomber (same type as Hampden only Dagger (Napier) engines).
On this occasion we were duty gang and had to report to works twice daily from Saturday to Sunday night. When reporting 10am Sunday we were ordered to "Astch Downs" to remove one Dagger engine from aircraft and dispatch it to Henlow for investigation purposes. Driver lost his way and only discovered his error when we were on Bath - Bristol road. Had to return to Cirencester and finally located airfield and aircraft 6.00pm. Engine ready for lifting out nearly, only a few controls and pipes to disconnect. Loaded and returned Cowley 11.45pm.
Monday 20/5/40.
Twenty second job: Hawker Audax: Wooton Basset.
Via Farringdon, Swindon. Located crash in field near practice bombing field. Aircraft had nose dived and engine in large hole. Some practice bombs underneath fuselage not exploded. Phoned for armoury officer from Cowley who came and removed them. Then we removed wings and cut engine away from bearings. No difficulty in loading. Returned Cowley 12.00 midnight.
Kestrel engine.
Tuesday 21/5/40.
Twenty third job: Hawker Hart: Hullavington.
Via Farringdon, Swindon. Located aircraft in hangar with engine removed by Unit, also wings removed for us by Unit We removed all instruments and tail unit, then had to leave job as no transport available. Returned Cowley 8.00pm.
Wednesday 22/5/40.
Twenty fourth job: Hawker Hart: Hullavington.
Half gang. Ordered to proceed to Hullavington to load above airframe and deliver and off load to 32nd Air Defence Squadron cadets, 2 Little John Street, Bristol. For instructional purposes. Arrived Bristol 5.30pm found above address, had difficulty getting load anywhere near, streets too narrow. Wheel fuselage down 9x3 from lorry and had to wheel it over 100yds. and into small yard. Lifted wings up through lift door, also tail unit and farings etc. but left fuselage in yard. Received signature from adjutant and returned Cowley 12.15 midnight.
Monday 27/5/40.
Twenty fifth job: Hawker Hind: Old Sarum, Nr. Salisbury.
Via Abingdon, Newbury, Andover, Amesbury. Located aircraft in hangar, removed wings, centre section and undercarriage as we had a long low-loader with us. No difficulty with loading with small local hand crane. Old Sarum is Canadian advance training station or school. Returned Cowley 2.30 a.m. 28.5.40
Last job with No. 10 Gang.
Tuesday 18/6/40.
Twenty sixth job: First job as Gang Leader No. 24 Gang. Had to start training new men. Hope I make success of the job.
Ordered to Farnborough on Wellington N 2901.
Via Dorchester, Wallingford, Reading, Ascot, Farnborough. Located aircraft in hangar, dismantled. Used station crane, had two platform lorries, one long and one short low loader. Stayed overnight Farnborough and loaded last two loads next day. Dispatched them to Weybridge and sent Cook 7340 and Hawksworth as escort with loads. Returned Cowley 8.00pm 19/6/40.
The above aerodrome is Air Force Experimental Station and they had the first M.E. 109 undegoing trials at the time.
Monday 15/7/40.
Twenty seventh job: Hawker Hind K6658: Shepton Mallet.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Devizes, Trowbridge and Frome. Located aircraft in field across 10ft wide ditch, 8ft deep and 3ft water in bottom. Aircraft upside down 20yds. from road, 9yds. of thorn hedge torn away. Removed wings and airscrew and towed fuselage from ditch cab on long platform lorry, Bobby Fenn driving. Held up for loading next day by crash examiners. Then rolled fuselage over, used ground gantry for first time for loading. Very tricky job for platform lorry. used six ties to steady gantry as couldn't get high enough lift, bottom of fuselage scraping platform also had to move gantry three times for loading. Returned Cowley 7.30pm 18/7/40.
Three days. But good digs at Cannons Grave Hotel.
Kestrel engine.
Friday 19/7/40.
Twenty eighth job: Wellington fuselage: Weybridge.
Via Henley, Ascot, Stains, Chertsey. Located fuselage in workshop, parted fuselage, loaded on two long low loaders. Sent J. Cook as escort to Brooklands Aviation Co., Sywell, Northhampton, then had to telephone to Cowley for van to bring gang back to Cowley. Arrived 10.45pm.
Saturday 20/7/40.
Twenty nineth job: Miles Magister N3798: Theale Nr. Reading.
Via Wallingford, Pangbourne. Left works 4.00pm, located crash 6.00pm. Removed wings and found three engine feet broken so removed engine for safty. Drained petrol tanks - 15galls. Started loading 8.30pm finnished 10.30pm, arrived Cowley 12.00 midnight.
Gypsy Major engine (4 cylinder 8 plugs).
Wednesday 24/7/40.
Thirtieth job: Audax K5172: Hullavington.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Wooton Bassett. Arrived at site 5.30pm, informed that aircraft was not released. Telephoned Cowley, advised to stay overnight and carry on with job sent for. Finnished 1.30pm. Had to remove centre section (overhead petrol tank) on the road, as couldn`t get under bridge. Returned Cowley 7.00pm.
Kestrel engine: Cat. E2 burnt.
Ordered to Taunton Saturday 27/7/40. Left Cowley Sunday night 7.30pm 28/7/40, arrived No. 1 Section 9.00am Monday 29/7/40. Crossley HMP 417, 4 wheel drive, gang lorry. Giles (pop) Holland driver.
Gang made up as follows:-
J. Wilson G/L, K. Williams, R. Wood, B. Godding, J. Cook and L. Hawksworth.
Reported to Mr. G. Leggett, supervisor. (124 miles)
Tuesday 30/7/40.
Thirty first job: Spitfire N3287: Herford, Nr. Chudleigh, Devon.
Via Wellington, Exeter, Chudleigh. Located crash in middle of field 3.30pm. Engine in large hole and airframe scattered over large area. Telephoned Cowley for transport. Cut away 16ft of high hedge to allow aircraft to be loaded on own lorry which had to make detour of three more fields, as lane, or track was too narrow to traverse with gang lorry. Transport, long low loader (J. Bastin) had to stop over, jammed one mile from crash. Pulled down wall and removed gate to allow him to turn. Stayed overnight. Loaded next day, rebuilt wall and filled in hole, repared hedge and returned Taunton 2.00pm 1/8/40.
Merlin engine: (94 miles).
Saturday 3/8/40.
Thirty second job: Spitfire P9493: Mawla, Nr. Redruth, Cornwall.
Left Taunton 4.30pm via Exeter, Okehapton, Launceston, Bodmin, Truro where we stayed overnight. Left Truro 7.30am via Redruth to Mawla. Located crash in field at top of tin mine shaft. couldn`t getinto field with gang lorry, borrowed 30cwt Bedford truck (Hawksworth driving) and removed aircraft to place of loading. Stayed at Mrs. Middle`s house. Scorrier transport arrived 3.30pm Monday 5/8/40. Bill (Taffy) Francis driving, loaded and returned Taunton. Stayed overnight Bodmin, arrived Taunton 7.30pm 6/8/40.
Merlin engine: (294 miles).
Thursday 8/8/40
Thirty Third job: Spitfire K9879: South Brewham, Nr. Bruton, Somerset.
Located aircraft in field adjoining garden and cottage. Engine 12ft. deep. phoned Cowley for 30cwt. lorry - all that was necessary. Stayed at cottage overnight. Removed aircraft to place of loading. Transport arrived 3.30pm 9/8/40 loaded, filled in hole, cleaned up and returned Taunton 9.30pm 9/8/40.
Merlin engine: (68 miles)
Sunday 11/8/40.
Thirty Fourth job: Hurricane: Exeter Airport.
Via Wellington, Cullompton. Mr. Leggett and his wife accompanied us in his car. Aircraft removed and placed in hangar. Then recieved orders to travej to Langton Matravers, Nr. Warham, Dorset.
(32 miles).
Sunday 11/8/40.
Thirty fifth job: Spitfire R6811: Langton Matravers.
Ordered to travel srraight on from Exeter Airport by Mr. Leggett. Traveled via Newton Poppleford, Lyme Regis, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham and Corfe Castle. Got digs in Wareham. Started job on Monday 12/8/40. burnt out from cockpit to tail but wings and engine only slightly burnt. Removed wings, engine, airscrew and 8 Browning guns. Telephoned transport, recieved orders to another job in Wareham. Stayed 1 East Street, Wareham. Loaded next day Tuesday 13/8/40.
(92 miles).
Tuesday 13/8/40.
Thirty sixth job: Spitfire K9894: Five minutes from Wareham on marsh flats.
Located crash in irrigation ditch at tee junction, nose down in water, tail straight up in air. Ditch 8ft wide, 8ft of water. Borrowed three shear legs and pully block from shipbuilders salvage depot. lifted aircraft bodily and towed it clear of ditch. Removed wings, guns, wireless, remote and master contactors. Removed two gates to allow transport to get to aircraft. Aerial battle overhead. Saw three german bombers bought down. Stayed overnight Wareham, loaded with crane and finnished job 12.00 noon. Recieved orders via police (Wareham 5 tel.) to proceed to Lulworth, Nr. Cove to pick up one of the Jerries we saw bought down.
(2 miles)
Wednesday 14.8.40.
Thirty seventh job: M.E.110: East Lulworth.
Had dinner Wareham, left 1.00 pm and ordered to contact Adjutant, Tank Corpse, as aircraft had crashed on gunnery ranges. Telephoned Mr. Legget and informed that Mr. Kingerly and Mr. Dale on way from Cowley with metric kit. Met Hallaway on his way to another job and calling for metric kit, which I had no need for as aircraft scattered over large area. Mr. Dale phoned for transport for me and gave me orders to go on to another Jerry we saw bought down, when I had finnished this one. Transport arrived next day 9.00 am, loaded and proceeded to next job.
Mercedes Benze engines: (11 miles)
There's lots more to come and we will try to get it on as quickly as possible.
Any suggestions or additional information please email me at jim@jimwaite.com
If you are interested in the history of World War 2 you can do no better than visit The warlinks excellent site
This is a log, written during the 2nd. World War, by James Wilson (Rose's Dad) born in Accrington, Lancashire in 1900. He married Rose's Mum on Easter Sunday 1927, and Rose is putting this on the internet in his memory and for their 70th. Wedding anniversary present.
It is a detailed account of the aircraft recoveries made by Jim Wilson and his gang, written in his diaries and later typed up by himself. It is a fascinating description of events little written about in the history of the war.
This first part covers January to August 1940.
We have formatted this journal as near as possible within our IT skills to match the way it was originally typed
The Journal
Thursday 21/1/40
First job: Fairey Battle L6065: St Brides, Nr. Cardiff
Via Witney, Burford, Gloucester, Chepstow, Newport.
Very bad travelling, roads badly frozen over. Located aircraft in wood with tail resting on high bank of ditch and undercart smashed. Had to cut through bank and fill in ditch to allow aircraft to be towed over on sledge. Had to be towed over three fields to place of loading. Job lasted eleven days. Snow and rain all through this job.
Merlin III .__________Cat. B
Hired horses for towing aircraft parts on sledge.
Must have special spanner, square shape for bolts round wheel pits.
Loaded fuselage on platform lorry by hand and busted one of my ribs during loading. Had to be strapped up by doctor. Had to dig under wings to get to main bolts.
Change of cloths necessary on salvage work
Friday 9/2/40
Second job: Hawker Hart N9062: South Cerney.
Only tailplane, elevator and rudder to be removed, also centre section which is petrol tank.
Wings were removed by Unit, also engine.
King and Queen were visiting aerodrome, so had to, leave job ready for loading.
Cat. B.
Box spanners required are B.A.s and ordinary 1/8" upwards. These will be of great importance during salvage.
Kestrel Engine.
Thursday 15/2/40
Third Job: Two Blenheims at Bicester: Cat. E2.
These aircraft had been burnt out and only required loading. 1/2 day loading.
Saturday 24/2/40
Forth Job: Hawker hart: Lower Chatford, Nr. Andover.
Via Avingdon, Newbury, Andover.
Located crash in garden belonging and behind selling-out shop.
Tangled heap, and engine buried 6ft. in ground. Some parts on railway line. 40 chickens killed as aircraft dropped on chicken run.
Kestrel Engine: Cat. E2.
Always leave site tidy and clean as possible.
Monday 26/8/40
Fifth job: Two Hawker Harts: Cardiff Airport.
Via Witney, Burford, North Leach, Gloucester, Chepstow and Newport.
These airframes were dismantled by unit and were ready for loading.
Loaded and returned to Cowley 9.30pm 27/2/40
Stayed overnight on way to job at Newport.
Thursday 29/2/40
Sixth job: Hawker Hart: Rudder Townsend Farm, Devizes.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Avebury.
Located crash on Downs 3½ miles from nearest place of loading. Had to have crane to carry aircraft parts and engine from site.
No trace of pilots foot.
Got digs in Devizes for night.
Very muddy job.
Loaded and returned Cowley 10.30pm 30/2/40
Fred Grey crane driver.
Kestrel engine.
Monday 4/3/40
Seventh job: Miles Magister: Horton Nr. Slough.
via Henley, Maidenhead, Slough.
Located crash in middle of stubble field. Removed engine, Gypsy Major. Starboard wing o.k. Port smashed. Manhandled the aircraft parts and engine to place of loading. Only half gang. Loaded and returned Cowley 7.30pm.
gypsy Major engine.
Wednesday 6/3/40
Eighth job: Queen Bee: Penrhos, Nr. Pwllheli, North Wales.
Orders were for Penrhos Nr. Monmouth, half gang to travel with transport, platform lorry. Ern Whibread driver and Bobby Fenn - mate.
Via Whitney, Northleach, Gloucester, Ross, Monmouth.
Located Penrhos but no trace of Queen Bee. Phoned Mr. dale, told to go on to Penrhos North Wales. Stayed overnight Monmouth then travelled via Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Corwen, Bettws-Y-Coed, Tremaddock, Pwllheli. Stayed overnight Pwllheli, located aircraft in hanger next to Harrow. removed wings loaded and travelled via Tremaddock, Bettws-Y-Coed, Curwen, Shrewsbury, Worcester where we stayed overnight. Arrived Cowley 1.30pm Sunday 10/3/40.
Gypsy Major :Cat b.: 623 miles.
Tuesday 12/3/40.
Ninth Job: Fairey Battle: Bryn Berion, Prescelly.
Mountains near Cardigan, South Wales via Witney, Burford, Northleach, Gloucester, Monmouth, Abergaveny, where we stayed overnight. Then via Brecon, Llandillo, Crmmych, had position of crash pointed out to us by the nearest farmer to site. Too late to climb mountain so went to Cardigan for digs. Started on job next day 14/3/40.
After crossing three miles of bogland before climbing last peak of mountain, job resting on top, 2,100ft above sea level. Managed to salvage Merlin Engine and instruments. Had to dig hole 30ft x 16ft x 5ft deep to bury airframe after dismantling and using 140 gallons of petrol to burn airframe. Worked in rain and cloud most of the time. Brought engine back in lorry. Stayed at Abergaveny on way back to Cowley. hire of horses £4 per journey. Farmer would only go up the mountain twice. Job lasted 10 days.
Monday 1/4/40
Tenth job: Hawker Hart: Cat. B.: Woodley Nr. Reading.
Via Dorchester, Wallingford, Pangbourne, Reading. Half gang - Woods, Wills. Located aircraft in hanger undergoing final overhaul of engine. Ready for testing in air. Chief engineer played the dickens but Mr. Dale ordered me to carry on with the job. Worked on aircraft for 1½ hours then message came from Mr. Dale ordering me to suspend work on job and return to Cowley. Chief engineer in rage and said I was to re-rig aircraft but let me return Cowley after I put struts streamline stress rods back slack so that they would know what had been tampered with. Arrived Cowley 7.30pm.
Thursday 4/4/40
Eleventh job: Hawker Hart: Theddingworth, Nr. Market Harborough.
Half gang - Woods and Wills.
Via Banbury, Rugby. Located crash in middle of 100 acre field, upside down.. Wheel brakes relined, stopped to quick and turned completely over. Pilot unhurt. Rudder and fin, and cockpit roof slightly damaged. Got digs in Husbands Bosworth. Removed wings and phoned Mr. Dale for crane which arrived 1.30 pm. Fred Grey driver. Slung aircraft and lifted and spun round on spine, well packed with bags. Then carried on crane to place of loading exactly 1/2 mile. Loaded and returned Cowley 8.30 p.m. 5.4.40
Kestrel engine.
Tuesday 9/4/40.
Twelth job: Hawker Audax: Hullavington.
via Farringdon, Swindon. half gang. Located aircraft in hangar at aerodrome. Wings removed by Unit. Removed tail unit and airscrew, loaded and returned Cowley 8.00pm
Kestrel engine.: Cat. E.
Monday 15/4/40.
Thirteenth job: Hawker Hind 49 MU: Faygate, Nr. Brighton.
Via Reading, Guilford, Hotsham. 49 MU had done the job so had to return empty-handed. Arrived Cowley 6.15pm. Then Mr. Kingerly ordered us to Abingdon to remove Hurricane obstruction. Arrived Abingdon to find that job cancelled. Returned Cowley 7.15pm.
Thursday 18/4/40.
Fourteenth job: Hurricane: Cat. B.: Abingdon.
Mr. Dale accompanied us on this occasion and we removed wing farings slung from mainplane spars. Lifted with crane and towed from field. Put OX3 across undercarriage to stop collapse as hydraulic jack was damaged. Placed in hanger, returned to job in afternoon. Removed wings and airscrew and left job ready for loading. Finished job next day.
Merlin engine.
Monday 22/4/40.
Fifteenth job: Tiger Moth: Tanworth in Arden, Nr. Birmingham.
via Woodstock, Stratford-on-Avon. Located crash in awkward place, three fields from place of loading. Removed wings engine. Unable to get digs, had a good night at "Jack Hoods" public house and had to sleep in lorry. Went in to Birmingham for breakfast next mourning. Hired horses to tow engine and airframe. Loaded and returned Cowley 5.15pm 23/4/40.
Gypsy Major engine.
Wednesday 24/4/40.
Sixteenth job: 5 Hawker Audax: Rissington.
Via Witney, Burford. Working in conjunction with No. 9 gang. Removed engines and all instruments also wings and tail units. Engines, airscrews, and instruments to be returned to Cowley. Airframe to be sent to Canada. Finished Friday night 26/4/40.
Kestrel engines.
Monday 29/4/40.
Seventeenth job: Hurricane; Cat. B.: Rissington.
Via Witney, Burford. Located aircraft in hangar. On this occasion the new steel fuselage stand was to be fitted in long low-loader. Mr. Dale came out to job to see how it was fitted, we found it quite simple and Hurricane rested lovely with a slight adjustment of ball and socket fittings. Removed engine next day at Cowley - 2 hours, ready for lifting out (myself and H. Trafford) 1/2 hour to lift out.
Merlin engine.
Friday 10/5/40.
Eighteenth job: Hampden: Soldern, Nr. Fritwell.
Located crash in field, only tail unit intact. Myself and H. Trafford dismantled same, loaded all on one long loader. L.L. got stuck in the muddy field, crane had to lift side of loader and put timbers under wheels, then tow it out of field. Mr. Dale played the dickens next morning as too much weight on lorry.
Pegasus engines: Cat. E2.: burnt out.
Monday 13/5/40.
Nineteenth job: Tiger Moth: Yatesbury.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Avebury. Located aircraft on landing field near hangar. Removed engine and wings, used small hand crane for loading. Arrived Cowley 6.15pm.
Gypsy Major engine.
Tuesday 14/5/40.
Twentieth job: Oxford: Lew, Nr. Hayford.
Located crash in field in tangled heap, cut stern section away, removed wings and engines. Had to dig part of centre section out of ground. Run capillaries back to instrument board as they were luckily undamaged. Loaded and returned to Cowley 7.00pm.
Cheetah engines.
Sunday 19/5/40.
Twenty First job: Hereford Bomber (same type as Hampden only Dagger (Napier) engines).
On this occasion we were duty gang and had to report to works twice daily from Saturday to Sunday night. When reporting 10am Sunday we were ordered to "Astch Downs" to remove one Dagger engine from aircraft and dispatch it to Henlow for investigation purposes. Driver lost his way and only discovered his error when we were on Bath - Bristol road. Had to return to Cirencester and finally located airfield and aircraft 6.00pm. Engine ready for lifting out nearly, only a few controls and pipes to disconnect. Loaded and returned Cowley 11.45pm.
Monday 20/5/40.
Twenty second job: Hawker Audax: Wooton Basset.
Via Farringdon, Swindon. Located crash in field near practice bombing field. Aircraft had nose dived and engine in large hole. Some practice bombs underneath fuselage not exploded. Phoned for armoury officer from Cowley who came and removed them. Then we removed wings and cut engine away from bearings. No difficulty in loading. Returned Cowley 12.00 midnight.
Kestrel engine.
Tuesday 21/5/40.
Twenty third job: Hawker Hart: Hullavington.
Via Farringdon, Swindon. Located aircraft in hangar with engine removed by Unit, also wings removed for us by Unit We removed all instruments and tail unit, then had to leave job as no transport available. Returned Cowley 8.00pm.
Wednesday 22/5/40.
Twenty fourth job: Hawker Hart: Hullavington.
Half gang. Ordered to proceed to Hullavington to load above airframe and deliver and off load to 32nd Air Defence Squadron cadets, 2 Little John Street, Bristol. For instructional purposes. Arrived Bristol 5.30pm found above address, had difficulty getting load anywhere near, streets too narrow. Wheel fuselage down 9x3 from lorry and had to wheel it over 100yds. and into small yard. Lifted wings up through lift door, also tail unit and farings etc. but left fuselage in yard. Received signature from adjutant and returned Cowley 12.15 midnight.
Monday 27/5/40.
Twenty fifth job: Hawker Hind: Old Sarum, Nr. Salisbury.
Via Abingdon, Newbury, Andover, Amesbury. Located aircraft in hangar, removed wings, centre section and undercarriage as we had a long low-loader with us. No difficulty with loading with small local hand crane. Old Sarum is Canadian advance training station or school. Returned Cowley 2.30 a.m. 28.5.40
Last job with No. 10 Gang.
Tuesday 18/6/40.
Twenty sixth job: First job as Gang Leader No. 24 Gang. Had to start training new men. Hope I make success of the job.
Ordered to Farnborough on Wellington N 2901.
Via Dorchester, Wallingford, Reading, Ascot, Farnborough. Located aircraft in hangar, dismantled. Used station crane, had two platform lorries, one long and one short low loader. Stayed overnight Farnborough and loaded last two loads next day. Dispatched them to Weybridge and sent Cook 7340 and Hawksworth as escort with loads. Returned Cowley 8.00pm 19/6/40.
The above aerodrome is Air Force Experimental Station and they had the first M.E. 109 undegoing trials at the time.
Monday 15/7/40.
Twenty seventh job: Hawker Hind K6658: Shepton Mallet.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Devizes, Trowbridge and Frome. Located aircraft in field across 10ft wide ditch, 8ft deep and 3ft water in bottom. Aircraft upside down 20yds. from road, 9yds. of thorn hedge torn away. Removed wings and airscrew and towed fuselage from ditch cab on long platform lorry, Bobby Fenn driving. Held up for loading next day by crash examiners. Then rolled fuselage over, used ground gantry for first time for loading. Very tricky job for platform lorry. used six ties to steady gantry as couldn't get high enough lift, bottom of fuselage scraping platform also had to move gantry three times for loading. Returned Cowley 7.30pm 18/7/40.
Three days. But good digs at Cannons Grave Hotel.
Kestrel engine.
Friday 19/7/40.
Twenty eighth job: Wellington fuselage: Weybridge.
Via Henley, Ascot, Stains, Chertsey. Located fuselage in workshop, parted fuselage, loaded on two long low loaders. Sent J. Cook as escort to Brooklands Aviation Co., Sywell, Northhampton, then had to telephone to Cowley for van to bring gang back to Cowley. Arrived 10.45pm.
Saturday 20/7/40.
Twenty nineth job: Miles Magister N3798: Theale Nr. Reading.
Via Wallingford, Pangbourne. Left works 4.00pm, located crash 6.00pm. Removed wings and found three engine feet broken so removed engine for safty. Drained petrol tanks - 15galls. Started loading 8.30pm finnished 10.30pm, arrived Cowley 12.00 midnight.
Gypsy Major engine (4 cylinder 8 plugs).
Wednesday 24/7/40.
Thirtieth job: Audax K5172: Hullavington.
Via Farringdon, Swindon, Wooton Bassett. Arrived at site 5.30pm, informed that aircraft was not released. Telephoned Cowley, advised to stay overnight and carry on with job sent for. Finnished 1.30pm. Had to remove centre section (overhead petrol tank) on the road, as couldn`t get under bridge. Returned Cowley 7.00pm.
Kestrel engine: Cat. E2 burnt.
Ordered to Taunton Saturday 27/7/40. Left Cowley Sunday night 7.30pm 28/7/40, arrived No. 1 Section 9.00am Monday 29/7/40. Crossley HMP 417, 4 wheel drive, gang lorry. Giles (pop) Holland driver.
Gang made up as follows:-
J. Wilson G/L, K. Williams, R. Wood, B. Godding, J. Cook and L. Hawksworth.
Reported to Mr. G. Leggett, supervisor. (124 miles)
Tuesday 30/7/40.
Thirty first job: Spitfire N3287: Herford, Nr. Chudleigh, Devon.
Via Wellington, Exeter, Chudleigh. Located crash in middle of field 3.30pm. Engine in large hole and airframe scattered over large area. Telephoned Cowley for transport. Cut away 16ft of high hedge to allow aircraft to be loaded on own lorry which had to make detour of three more fields, as lane, or track was too narrow to traverse with gang lorry. Transport, long low loader (J. Bastin) had to stop over, jammed one mile from crash. Pulled down wall and removed gate to allow him to turn. Stayed overnight. Loaded next day, rebuilt wall and filled in hole, repared hedge and returned Taunton 2.00pm 1/8/40.
Merlin engine: (94 miles).
Saturday 3/8/40.
Thirty second job: Spitfire P9493: Mawla, Nr. Redruth, Cornwall.
Left Taunton 4.30pm via Exeter, Okehapton, Launceston, Bodmin, Truro where we stayed overnight. Left Truro 7.30am via Redruth to Mawla. Located crash in field at top of tin mine shaft. couldn`t getinto field with gang lorry, borrowed 30cwt Bedford truck (Hawksworth driving) and removed aircraft to place of loading. Stayed at Mrs. Middle`s house. Scorrier transport arrived 3.30pm Monday 5/8/40. Bill (Taffy) Francis driving, loaded and returned Taunton. Stayed overnight Bodmin, arrived Taunton 7.30pm 6/8/40.
Merlin engine: (294 miles).
Thursday 8/8/40
Thirty Third job: Spitfire K9879: South Brewham, Nr. Bruton, Somerset.
Located aircraft in field adjoining garden and cottage. Engine 12ft. deep. phoned Cowley for 30cwt. lorry - all that was necessary. Stayed at cottage overnight. Removed aircraft to place of loading. Transport arrived 3.30pm 9/8/40 loaded, filled in hole, cleaned up and returned Taunton 9.30pm 9/8/40.
Merlin engine: (68 miles)
Sunday 11/8/40.
Thirty Fourth job: Hurricane: Exeter Airport.
Via Wellington, Cullompton. Mr. Leggett and his wife accompanied us in his car. Aircraft removed and placed in hangar. Then recieved orders to travej to Langton Matravers, Nr. Warham, Dorset.
(32 miles).
Sunday 11/8/40.
Thirty fifth job: Spitfire R6811: Langton Matravers.
Ordered to travel srraight on from Exeter Airport by Mr. Leggett. Traveled via Newton Poppleford, Lyme Regis, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham and Corfe Castle. Got digs in Wareham. Started job on Monday 12/8/40. burnt out from cockpit to tail but wings and engine only slightly burnt. Removed wings, engine, airscrew and 8 Browning guns. Telephoned transport, recieved orders to another job in Wareham. Stayed 1 East Street, Wareham. Loaded next day Tuesday 13/8/40.
(92 miles).
Tuesday 13/8/40.
Thirty sixth job: Spitfire K9894: Five minutes from Wareham on marsh flats.
Located crash in irrigation ditch at tee junction, nose down in water, tail straight up in air. Ditch 8ft wide, 8ft of water. Borrowed three shear legs and pully block from shipbuilders salvage depot. lifted aircraft bodily and towed it clear of ditch. Removed wings, guns, wireless, remote and master contactors. Removed two gates to allow transport to get to aircraft. Aerial battle overhead. Saw three german bombers bought down. Stayed overnight Wareham, loaded with crane and finnished job 12.00 noon. Recieved orders via police (Wareham 5 tel.) to proceed to Lulworth, Nr. Cove to pick up one of the Jerries we saw bought down.
(2 miles)
Wednesday 14.8.40.
Thirty seventh job: M.E.110: East Lulworth.
Had dinner Wareham, left 1.00 pm and ordered to contact Adjutant, Tank Corpse, as aircraft had crashed on gunnery ranges. Telephoned Mr. Legget and informed that Mr. Kingerly and Mr. Dale on way from Cowley with metric kit. Met Hallaway on his way to another job and calling for metric kit, which I had no need for as aircraft scattered over large area. Mr. Dale phoned for transport for me and gave me orders to go on to another Jerry we saw bought down, when I had finnished this one. Transport arrived next day 9.00 am, loaded and proceeded to next job.
Mercedes Benze engines: (11 miles)
There's lots more to come and we will try to get it on as quickly as possible.
Any suggestions or additional information please email me at jim@jimwaite.com
If you are interested in the history of World War 2 you can do no better than visit The warlinks excellent site
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