[2000] A recovery operation has been hastily undertaken by members of the East Surrey Aviation Group (ESAG) to save a De Havilland Devon, serial number VP967 (G-DOVE) from potential scrapping.
G-DOVE (VP967) being readied for dismantling
source: ESAG
VP967 was used as an instructional airframe at the East Surrey College, Redhill, but has recently [2000] been under threat from developers constructing the new Art Centre at the college. Over a three day period, ESAG together with Roger Greenwood (a volunteer from the Mosquito Museum) dismantled the Devon and moved it away from the developers until a suitable home could be found.
During dismantling, the airframe was found to be in a remarkably good condition. VP967's service log was retrieved, revealing that the airframe had only flown about 6,000 hrs. ESAG's recognition that the aircraft was at risk and stepping in to save it has resulted in the aircraft being donated to ESAG by East Surrey College.
It was originally hoped to put VP967 on display at the De Havilland Heritage Centre at London Colney, but due to lack of space ESAG have loaned the aircraft to Redhill & Reigate Air Cadets. On 29th August, under police escort, 150 Recovery Company (TA) - which had volunteered to do the move - took VP967 by road to the Redhill TA & ATC Centre, where it now proudly stands.
The history of the aircraft has yet to be fully established. Apart from service with 207 Squadron at Northolt, it served with 21 Sqn at Andover which operated Devons in a Communications role until 1976 when it disbanded.
VP967 later transferred to RNAS Culdrose, 1978-1981, where it saw service in the Fisheries Patrol at Lee-on-Solent spotting Spanish fishing vessels intruding into British waters. It was retired from service in 1982.
Plans to operate VP967 out of Biggin Hill, transporting consignments of fresh lobsters from Ireland to the Continent, fell through. After several years VP967 was acquired by East Surrey College and used as a gate guardian & instructional airframe.
Over the next 18 months, after preservation measures have been undertaken, it is planned to put VP967 back into 207 Squadron colours.
Contact Daniel or Kevin Hunt, ESAG, email daniel@esag.demon.co.uk
FlyPast March 2003
reports:
One time resident of the East Surrey Technical College, de
Havilland Sea Devon C.2 VP967 (G-KOOL) was transported by
road on November 30 2002 to Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, from
Goodwood, West Sussex. It had been at Goodwood since leaving
the college in the summer of 2001.
VP967 at Redhill Aerodrome: source Daniel Hunt
Brothers Daniel and Kevin Hunt
of the East Surrey Aviation Group have been very busy
returning Oscar-Lima to its former glory and have already
prepared and re-sprayed all the external surfaces. It was
necessary to strip the aircraft back to base metal, so it
could be etched primed and repainted in its original RAF
colours. During this work, many of its former schemes and
badges were revealed, which spanned back some 55 years!
Despite its good condition, many parts were missing and these
have now been sourced from as far away as Australia. A
low-houred Gipsy Queen 175, complete with original storage
box and logbook, has been acquired to replace the starboard
powerplant.
Soon, fine detail paintwork will be completed and VP967 will
wear the badge of either 21 or 207 Squadron, representing its
pre-Royal Navy service. After the rebuild, VP967 will be
parked on Redhill's flight line, where it will hopefully
feature as a static display at open days.
The team would like to hear from personnel who flew in or
worked on VP967 during its service days, or anyone who can
help track down spares and equipment. Contact: Daniel Hunt by
telephoning 01 737 243560 or e-mail daniel@esag.demon.co.uk
FlyPast June 2004
reports:
Devon's smart new colours: Following its
'rescue' from the East Surrey Technical College by Daniel and
Kevin Hunt of the East Surrey Aviation Group in 2000, de
Havilland Devon C.2 VP967 (G-KOOL) has now been re-assembled.
Restoration to static condition took place at Redhill,
Surrey, and this included a complete strip down to bare metal
and a re-paint back into its former RAF colours.
The recently repainted Devon C2 VP967 at Redhill: source:
Daniel Hunt
It is intended to have the aircraft completed in time for the Redhill Fly-in on August 15, where it is hoped that VP967 can be put on static display. Work recently began on building a concrete hardstanding for the Devon on the aerodrome's flight line, where it will be on show all the year round.
The team would like to thank Devon Air at Kemble, Glos, and Heron Airlines in Australia for their co-operation, along with Nick Baulf and Andy Scrase for all their valuable help and expertise. The group would also like to hear from anyone who has a suitable prop nut for one of the Devon's propeller units or a appropriate military spec Varley or Chipmunk 24 volt battery. Tel: 07769 688064.
