The Historic Aircraft Preservation Society obtained this CL-13 Sabre 4 but after the demise of the society it morphed into Reflectaire Limited and the Sabre was moved from Biggin Hill to Lavenham where I photographed it late one Sunday afternoon just before Christmas 1969. I don't know when the USAF markings were applied but note the Italian Air Force roundel on the wing upper surface. The first flight was made as RCAF 19607 on 18-Mar-1953. Already in Jun-1953 it went to the RAF as XB733 and in Aug-1956 to the Italian AF as 19607. In Mar-1966 it was registered G-ATBF and that was cancelled in Feb-1979.

Ordered by the RCAF as 19607. Delivered to the RAF as XB733 in 1953. To the Italian Air Force as 19607 in 1956. Registered as G-ATBF in 1966 and preserved at Biggin Hill. Moved to Blackpool in 1969. Stored at Plocks Farm, Much Hoole, Lancashire from 1977 then at nearby Dandy's Farm from 1983. To Duxford for auction in 1984. Not reported since. It may be the one preserved at Frankenmuth, MI.

Ex Italian Air Force 19607, RAF XB733, RCAF 19607. Registered in the UK on 24 March 1966, presumably intended for restoration to flying condition. That never happened, and after some wandering it went to the USA where it was eventually scrapped. The UK registration was cancelled on 16 February 1979 as permanently withdrawn from use.

Part of the Historic Aircraft Preservation Society's collection at Biggin Hill, donated by the Italian Air Force. This was the second aircraft to be allocated G-ATBF, delivery of the first one MM19477 having fallen through. This airframe was one time XB733 with the A&AEE at Boscombe Down. It was subsequently painted as "17617" in USAF colours and then "JA-120" in Luftwaffe colours. It passed to Lavenham in 1969 and Hullavington finishing up at Blackpool in 1970 where the remains of the collection were auctioned in 1972. Note the people all over the wings of NX611 in the background!