71sq Vampire FB.5, Gilze-Rijen AFB (NL)

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Member for

20 years 1 month

Posts: 129

Hi forumreaders,

In March an article is to be published in the local spottersmagazine (250 subscribers) "Take-Off" about "life" at Gilze-Rijen AFB in the early 1950s.

In October 1951 a group of Vampire FB.5s from 71 squadron, based at Gutersloh in those day, was stationed at GZRY; some kind of deployment "Pinacole" (or was it Pinacle?). On October 6. during take-off WA222/L-J crashed, killing pilot Hudson. The article is describing the accident.

I am looking for a picture of a 71 Squadron Vampire FB.5 that can be used in this article. Full credit of course. When you have one, please send me a PM.

Thanks in advance, Benno (text editor Take-Off magazine)
www.gras-spotters.nl

Original post

Member for

20 years 1 month

Posts: 129

Another 71 squadron Vampire FB.5 down, October 1951

Hi again,

The article mentioned above is to be published shortly. The crash of WA222, killing pilot Michael Richard Hudson happened on Saturday October 6, 1951. Obvisiously another Vampire of 71 squadron had the make a forced landing (at Gilze-Rijen AFB?) the other day. Anyone having the serial and/or other details? All help very much appreciated.

Regards,

Benno
www.gras-spotters.nl