Score : -/10

Hi to all,

Regarding HCU training accidents / Violent swings on take-off.

I would like to relate a recent conversation I've have with a gentleman ( Dennis Over from England )who flew two tours, one with 106 and the other with 227 Squadron.

This is an amazing short story on Stirling bombers and the crews who trained on them.

It has to do with a conversation I had with him about (Rear Tail Wheels)
why there where so many accidents involving Stirlings during HCU training. The rear twin wheels would oscilate getting more severe as the aircraft picked up speed, ie- (they were not correctly aligned on take off. So the crews came up with a solution.


When the aircraft turned onto the runway, they would stop, at which stage the rear gunner swung the turret to port, slid open the twin doors & with feet secured under turret structure, leant right out and slightly down giving full view of the wheels, advising the skipper that 'wheels in view'. The pilot then began slow forward movement gradually increasing speed & when the gunner called 'wheels straight' take-off commenced. The gunner had to promptly get back in, close his doors.

On one occasion, Dennis fell completely off, he has stated that he wasn't the first or the last to do so. at 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit.

Because of the limitations on amount of letters to be used in this message, I could not relate it all but you can still appreciate what these guys went thru just to get airbourne.
Regards

Score : 10/10

your site is very interesting. i had an uncle, now deceased, who flew 30 missions in a stirling. his name was james kerevan, born 1911 - 1981.
i wonder if anyone remembers my uncle jim and has any further information on his squadron, rank, job etc.
any information would be great as i am researching my family tree and like all the historical stories.

Score : 9/10

I flew in modified Mk4 Short Stirlings at Tempsford 161 Sqn 1944/45, Skipper S/Ldr L. Madders, D.F.C. Best wishes to all. Noel

Score : -/10

Hi Bruno,

Been a while since we spoke, thought I'd touch bsae with the great news of some actual Stirling footage available on youtube. It runs for about 5 minutes, be careful not to stop watching halfway through. It shows the end but then continues.

It starts with the construction phase then you see some 'take offs' and 'inflight' action. I would say to all that this footage is of very good quality and value.

All you need to do is type in to google ..........................

Short Stirling Bomber (good quality footage) .......... and it will

bring up this clip on Youtube. I welcome your thoughts and feedback on this detail.

Regards,
John

Score : -/10

Hello,

Due to a major update of the host of the website the former Guest Book was cancelled. I'm really sorry and I'll do all my best to retrieve the messages written before.
Best regards.

Bruno LECAPLAIN