489 Sqn was a RNZAF unit under the command of the RAF. It was attached to Coastal Command. The Hampdens were replaced by Beaufighters in 1943. After VE Day, 489 started converting to Mosquitos ahead of being deployed to the Pacific. With Japan's surrender, this did not happen and the squadron was disbanded. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

The former RAF Thorney Island. Seen from British Airways A380-841 G-XLEG inbound to Heathrow from Los Angeles. We had run along the south coast to the Portsmouth area before turning north for Heathrow. Opened in 1938 the RAF occupied this airfield until it closed on 31 March 1976. The last units here were 242 OCU and 46 Squadron flying the Andover C1. In 1984 the Army took over the site, specifically the Royal Artillery and the base is currently known as Baker Barracks.

Later flown by 24 Squadron at Colerne before being retired to the Skyfame Museum at Staverton in January 1968. Following the museums closure in 1978, the aircraft moved to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

242 OCU

242 OCU