Twin Bases - RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge


Photographs of RAF Woodbridge


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Can you positively identify this picture?

Vickers Valetta C.mk1 or C.mk2.

Ron Burrell and I (what would I know?) thought this was a C-39 or C-47.

Mike Carroll says:
"... could be a C-47 however the picture is not clear enough."

Philip Smith says:
"...an RAF Valetta transport ..." For more info see below.

Vic Flintham disagrees, adding: "... almost certainly not a Valetta but a Viking. This conclusion is based on the form of the roundels and fin flash. The Viking was used as a VIP transport and some were used for the King’s/Queen’s Flight which might explain the human interest.(1998)

Philip Smith continues

"...... In the picture you can see the RAF Roundel (on the rear fuselage). The aircraft is definitely a Vickers Valetta C.mk1 or C.mk2. These are a totally British designed piston engined transport aircraft that were built by Vickers Aircraft Ltd at Weybridge in Surrey.

The RAF used them from the late 40's to the late 50's all over what was then still the Empire, and in Europe for light cargo and passenger transport.

Although it is a British design I think that it certainly has shades of Dakota about it, even though the designers might not care to admit it.

The Valetta (there are a couple still preserved in the UK - one at Flixton in Suffolk coincidentally not too far from Woodbridge) was eventually updated by Vickers and produced as the Varsity for training purposes. The last one being retired from UK service only about three or four years ago. [this comment was written 1998].

 


 

Collecting and sharing contributions about the Twin Bases of RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in Suffolk, England since 1995. Copyright © 1995-2009 Linn Barringer, All Rights Reserved.