Time Capsules
774 Sqn Fleet Air Arm, probably at HMS Vulture
I believe this photo was taken at HMS Vulture, St Merryn, Cornwall. At least I recognise my late father, 563828 Flt Sgt Langsdale, who was attached to the FAA throughout WW2. He is 5th from the left in the second (seated) row. The aircraft must be a Swordfish.
Written on the back is the only text I have written by my late mother, who died of tuberculosis when I was very young, about 10 years after this picture was taken. It says "Hubbie 774 Squadron 1942". She was herself a Wren.
Comments on this photograph would be greatly appreciated. I can provide a very high resolution copy to anyone who may be on the picture or has a relative on it.
Picture added on 30 June 2008
I think that the aircraft is a Fairey Albacore, which was in service between 1939 and 1943. Designed to replace the Swordfish, it left service first.
Added by Robert Maxfield on 14 January 2010
Re St Merryn. The Admiralty requisitioned the Cornish airfield in late 1939; it also acquired the landing ground at Treligga, NW of Delabole, intended for use as a bombing and gunnery range. St Merryn was commissioned as HMS Vulture on 10 August 1940, with four tarmac runways and four hangars constructed. Treligga was re-named Vulture II. Two training units were based here: No. 792 Squadron - an Air Target Towing Unit - and No 774 Squadron. This was an Armament Training Squadron for observers and air gunners/telegraphists. It arrived in September 1940 from Evanton, near Inverness. 774 and 792 squadrons were based at St Merryn for most of the war. A wide variety of aircraft were flown, including the Albacore, introduced to the Fleet Air Arm in March 1940. It was like the Swordfish, but had an enclosed cockpit and a Bristol Taurus XII engine, giving a top speed of 160 mph. The aircraft - over 8000 were built - was phased out in 1944.
Source: Graham Smith, Devon and Cornwall Airfields in the Second World War, Countryside Books, 2000, 228-230
Source: Graham Smith, Devon and Cornwall Airfields in the Second World War, Countryside Books, 2000, 228-230
Added by Martin Bodman on 05 July 2011
Can anybody help I am looking for old Black & White photos of St Merryn when the Base was in use during the War, photos of the buildings inside and out what the buildings were used for, aircraft used, blueprints not sure if these have been lost.
Thank you for your help.
Kind regards
Editor: please email direct for response- milesdawn12@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you for your help.
Kind regards
Editor: please email direct for response- milesdawn12@yahoo.co.uk
Added by Mrs Sue Laity on 27 October 2011
England
