One of the Vampires hired by the RNZAF from the RAF for use by 14 Sqn on Cyprus. Retiurned to the RAF and scrapped in 1957. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Photo: Jens Schmidtgen

7705M

Gate guardian at Thunder City on the campus of Cape Town International (CPT)

Gate guardian at Thunder City on the campus of Cape Town International (CPT)

The RNZAF's 14 Squadron based at Nicosia hired aircraft from the RAF as needed. The photo is captioned as at the Suez Canal. The RAF operated several air bases in Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. By the time the RAF abandoned its Suez presence in 1956, 14 Squadron had moved to Singapore. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Built at DH's Chester factory in 1952, serving with 60 Squadron RAF before transfer to the RNZAF. It wears the orange and red markings of the latter's 14 Squadron on its boom during preservation at MOTAT.

WL505 became an instructional airframe in 1961, 10 years after entering RAF service. Sold in 1991 as G-FBIX. Registration cancelled in 2005 without being returned to the air. Stored.

Freshly re-painted in spurious RAAF markings, this Vampire FB Mk.9 was originally delivered to the South African AF as 252. It transferred to the Royal Rhodesian AF/Zimbabwe AF as R1382. It sat in open storage at Gweru 1980-88 until purchased and shipped to Tyabb, Vic, as part of a batch. Eventually acquired by Moorabbin Air Museum and repainted by Precision Aerospace, Wangaratta. The FB.9 was only operated by the RAAF in Malta, 1952-54, and the aircraft retained their UK serials.

Built in October 1951 as WL505 and operated by 73 Squadron; later served as an advanced trainer with the RAF College. To 7705M and G-FBIX.

Built by Fairey Aviation at Ringway, first flying on 23 October 1952. It served 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron from June 1954 until March 1957.

Newly built by Fairey Aviation at Manchester Ringway, having made its first flight on 11 March 1953. Delivered on 31 March and served the RAF College at Cranwell as a T.9 advanced trainer. Struck off charge in April 1961.

Built by DH at Chester in late 1952. WR240 served as a T.9 advanced trainer with 208 AFS, 5 FTS and 7 FTS. Obtained from DH many years ago.