WIX Archives

Re: Twenty Tempest IIs were NOT exported

Posted by MickM on Mon Apr 08, 2002 09:42:37 PM

In reply top Twenty Tempest IIs were exported, what happened to them? posted by Jagan on Mon Apr 08, 2002 12:13:13 PM

Hi Jagan.

These are the Indian Tempests as recorded in the WW directory, first ed,1989. I still have not got round to buying a later version so I don't know if any of the facts on those STILL in India were later altered, bits of this from the current issue of Flypast also where they have a Tempest survivors listing.

MW376, IAF HA564, G-BSHW, last reported in France in store, this is the "Jinx" Tempest. ;-)
MW401, IAF HA604, G-PEST, stored with Tempest Two Ltd at Sandtoft.
MW404, IAF HA557, last reported stored in Sussex UK.
MW741, IAF HA622, reported still stored in India in 1988.
MW758, IAF HA580, last reported stored in Sussex UK.
MW763, IAF HA586, G-TEMT, under restoration to fly at Sandtoft, fist flight possibly 2003, with a following wind !
MW810, IAF HA591, Nelson Ezell, Denton, Texas, stored.
MW848, IAF HA623, IAF Museum.
PR555, IAF HA407, stored at Poona 1969.
PR659, IAF HA???, " " " "
PR756, IAF HA???, " " " "
PR779, IAF HA356, " " " "
PR834, IAF HA603, " " " "
PR867, IAF HA415, " " " "
PR901, IAF HA465, " " " "
?????, IAF HA457, RAF Museum.

Dug out the relevant Warbirds Worldwide Issue 8 story by Graham Trant, yet again, and I quote :-

" In 1969 nine Tempest IIs were found at Poona, most showing traces of the RAF markings beneath very faded Indian paintwork. By 1972 they had moved on to an as yet unconfirmed destination, only to be replaced (in 1977) by 11 more Tempest IIs. The IAF put these aircraft up for tender, and six airframes, complete with engines but missing propellors and in many cases tailplanes and rudders, were purchased by Warbirds Of Great Britain. The fate of the other five aircraft is still uncomfirmed; thus there are some 14 Tempests in India, location uncertain. A real treasure trove for a warbird collector." End quote.

There are three b/w photos in there as well, taken at Poona in 1969, they are of MW758, PR834 and PR901, all three missing engines and props, but complete with tailplanes.

Sounds to me like the unsold five might be the ones that D.A. was said to have buried to stop others getting them....as alledged by someone on this very forum a while back.

And possibly the IAFM and RAFM Tempests came from the first nine found at Poona, hmmmmm ???

So get out there Jagan and find them there FOURTEEN Tempests for us.....and the rest.

BTW, fancy a trip to Pakistan to see if they've still got some, and maybe a few Sea Furies ???!!! ;-)

I'd contact Mr Trant to see if he has any more info, perhaps Mr Coggan could help you ??

TaTa
MickM










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