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- Devonshire's Last Commission 1976 - 78
Devonshire's Last Commission 1976 - 78
- By Robby G
- Published 05/18/2008
- HMS Devonshire
-
Rating:
THE FLIGHT
Devonshire Flight first formed in 1962. Since then the flight has been allocated 11 different aircraft for a variety of reasons, only two however have crashed, unfortunately on each occasion killing one of the pilots.
Since 1962 over 6,200 hours have been flown in day and night sorties.
The present aircraft XP105 was first introduced into service in 1962, delivered to the Royal Navy by Westlands Ltd with 8.20 hrs on the clock. It was then a Wessex Mk1. with 194 sonar and no radar, so the crew had to rely upon DR navigation. This was found to be unacceptable and in 1967 XPI.05 was converted to a Wessex M0 with a new improved sonar and radar set. On 29th August 1967 with 1,267 hrs the aircraft was delivered to 706 Squadron at Culdrose and
later in 1970/71 saw service with 819 Squadron. After a spell at Fleetlands with 2,309 airframe hours XPI.05 became Oscar Flight's aircraft where it saw service off Iceland during the Cod War tracking the fishing fleets on radar and warning the guarding Frigates of the approach of the Icelandic gunboats. 'Hector', as he has become known on board, was finally delivered to HMS Devonshire in January 1977 after the previous aircraft XM844 had been lost over the side with the tragic loss of the Flight Commander.
XP105 was taken on by Devonshire Flight and quickly won the hearts of all on board. With 3,043 hours Hector is the oldest Wessex MW in the fleet, and is even slightly older than the ship. He is however still fit enough to carry our sailors ashore and fetch such vital things as mail.
In his spare time Hector goes hunting for submarines but he is not getting any younger and they seem to be a bit quick for him these days. He will now go back to 737 Squadron at Portland where he will help in the training of Observers.
Devonshire Flight first formed in 1962. Since then the flight has been allocated 11 different aircraft for a variety of reasons, only two however have crashed, unfortunately on each occasion killing one of the pilots.
Since 1962 over 6,200 hours have been flown in day and night sorties.
The present aircraft XP105 was first introduced into service in 1962, delivered to the Royal Navy by Westlands Ltd with 8.20 hrs on the clock. It was then a Wessex Mk1. with 194 sonar and no radar, so the crew had to rely upon DR navigation. This was found to be unacceptable and in 1967 XPI.05 was converted to a Wessex M0 with a new improved sonar and radar set. On 29th August 1967 with 1,267 hrs the aircraft was delivered to 706 Squadron at Culdrose and
XP105 was taken on by Devonshire Flight and quickly won the hearts of all on board. With 3,043 hours Hector is the oldest Wessex MW in the fleet, and is even slightly older than the ship. He is however still fit enough to carry our sailors ashore and fetch such vital things as mail.
In his spare time Hector goes hunting for submarines but he is not getting any younger and they seem to be a bit quick for him these days. He will now go back to 737 Squadron at Portland where he will help in the training of Observers.