The Sywell Aviation Museum at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton is seeking donations of military/aviation books, models and model kits in order to raise funds for the restoration of the collection’s Hawker Hunter F.2.
The aircraft, WN904, was constructed by Armstrong Whitworth in 1953/54 and performed its maiden flight on July 27, 1954 before being delivered to 257 (Burma) Squadron, RAF. However, its service with the squadron was cut short in January 1956, when it was reported as damaged and in need of manufacturer/contractor repair. Documentation suggests that the incident may have been an emergency landing at RAF Kenley that saw it go through two hedges and over a public road.
Gloster carried out the repairs on the machine, but by this time, 257 Squadron was upgrading to the F.5, which resulted in WN904 being struck off charge in November 1957.
After this, the aircraft operated as a ground instructional aircraft with No.12 School of Technical Training at RAF Melksham and No.9 SoTT at RAF Newton before being donated to the Imperial War Museum in 1974, where it is seen it the photo above.
In 1989, it was loaned for use as a gate guard at Waterbeach Barracks, and following the announcement of its closure in 2011, WN904 was acquired by Sywell Aviation Museum.
The current initiative seeks to return the machine to its original 257 Squadron markings. Check out the post below to read the full announcement complete with contact details.
SYWELL AVIATION MUSEUM SEEKING DONATIONS
Sywell Aviation Museum based at Sywell Aerodrome is currently undergoing its…
Posted by Sywell Aviation Museum on Friday, January 12, 2018
(via Sywell Aviation Museum Additional Information via Sywell Aviation Museum Top Photo: Steve Fitzgerald via Wikimedia Commons)
