English Electric Canberra PR9, G-OMHD / SH.1724, Midair SA
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: G-OMHD
Construction Number: SH.1724
Code Number: XH134
Model English Electric Canberra PR9
Operator: Midair SA
Airport: Cotswold Airport (Kemble) (EGBP), UK - England
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 11/05/2011
Date Submitted: 06/06/2011
Photographed just prior to an engine run this beautiful Canberra still looks mission ready despite having retired from RAF service on the 31st July 2006. Her illustrious service started almost 47 years previously on the 9th October 1959 when she was delivered initially to the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment before joining 58 Squadron at RAF Wyton. In 1962 she joined 39 Squadron at RAF Luqa in Malta who were working up with the PR9 as a replacement for their PR3s. From December 1971 until August 1973 she returned to the A&AEE for trials work before rejoining 39 Squadron who were by this time based at Wyton. She would stay with 39 until the squadron disbanded on the 1st June 1982. The PR9 force were then operated under the banner of No.1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit until the 1st July 1992 when the unit revived the 39 Squadron identity. The squadron moved to RAF Marham in December 1993 and became the last remaining military operator of photo reconnaissance Canberras before finally disbanding on the 30th July 2006. Thankfully this wonderful old lady is preserved at Kemble after arriving with her two sisters the day after 39 Squadron disbanded. Crews for the final RAF flight to Kemble were: XH131 - Sqn Ldr Dave Piper/Wg Cdr Clive Mitchell. XH134 - Flt Lt Ronnie Fairbrother/Sqn Ldr Garry Winwright. XH135 - Flt Lt Ernie Taylor/Sqn Ldr Kim Smith.
Picture ID:1294614