WIX Archives
Corsair IV KD251 in 1850 Squadron
Posted by Tracey on Tue Apr 02, 2002 05:11:00 AM
In reply top Re: Corsair IV (KD251 in Don Muang, Bankok) posted by Rob Mears on Mon Apr 01, 2002 09:27:36 PM
Rob & Co.
Corsair IV's KD161 ( Bu14592 ) through to KD254 ( Bu14685 ) were delivered progressively to FAA 1850 Squadron from August 1944, after the squadron's formation at the beginning of the month. KD251 was attached with 1850 Squadron on HMS Vengeance.
The ship and her squadron served throughout Asia ( from India to Hong Kong, Ceylon, and down to Sydney, Australia, whilst attached to the British Pacific Fleet.
This would give credence to that particular aircraft being in the region, and that what remained of it ( I assume ) being located somewhere. 1850 Squadron were disbanded two years later on 12th August 1946.
As you are aware many of these lend-leased Corsairs and Avengers were unceremoniously dumped into the ocean off the east coast of Australia following the cessation of hostilities. Only 40 Corsairs amongst the 4 squadrons remaining at the end of the war ( 1831, 1846, 1850 and 1851 ) were retained.
Other than that I have no other information.
Regards.