[2000] A recovery
operation has been hastily undertaken by members
of the East Surrey Aviation Group (Now Known as
the Wings Museum) to save a De Havilland Devon,
serial number VP967 (G-DOVE) from potential scrapping.
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 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.
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. 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 re-painted 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.
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:
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.
FlyPast August 2005 Starring role for Sea Devon Filming recently took
place at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, for a soon-to-be
released two-hour TV drama about HRH Princess
Margaret. Centre of attention during the shoot
was the East Surrey Aviation Group's de Havilland
Sea Devon C.2 VP967 (G-KOOL), which recently underwent
an extensive restoration programme carried out
by ESAG members. The scene required not only both
Gipsy Queen engines to run but also for the aircraft
to taxi. After a frantic few weeks of activity,
the volunteers brought the Sea Devon back up to
running condition - with just hours to spare before
filming was due to start! The film is set in the
1960s [sic] and portrays Gp Capt Peter Townsend
being met at the airport by the Princess. Brothers
Daniel and Kevin Hunt, who founded ESAG, were
roped into playing the ground crew in the scene!
VP967's military markings were temporarily - with
a bit of artistic licence - transformed into a
Festival Air Dove for the filming. Margaret will
be aired later this year on Channel 4.
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