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On March 31, 2006 the Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit (FJ&W OEU) was renamed 41(Reserve) Squadron. Previously 41(F) Squadron operated the Sepecat Jaguar from RAF Coltishall before its disbandment. 41(R) Squadron operates the Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4 and the Harrier GR.9.
The role of 41(R) Squadron is the development of operational tactics and the evaluation and exploitation of weapons, avionics and software in preparation for their use by the front-line. The Unit's tasks are carried out in close liaison with approved defence manufacturers, research institutions and front-line squadrons.
World War Two codes applied at start of 2010
Base and aircraft codes used by aircraft flown by prominent 41 Squadron pilots during WW2 have now been applied to the tails of the current 41(F) Squadron jets.
Tornado GR.4 (ZA611 is now coded 'EB-L') - Wg Cdr Ted 'Shippy' Shipman AFC who flew at least 26 different Spitfires with 41 Squadron, including a Spitfire Mk 1a K9805 coded 'EB-L' from May 5, 1940 during the Battle of Britain when based at RAF Catterick. His son John Shipman, author of the book "One of The Few" has used his father’s memoirs to tell the full story his career, which included the downing of several Luftwaffe aircraft at various locations, including kills over the North Sea, Durham and the English Channel.
Other aircraft with new codes applied are:
Tornado GR.4 ZA447 ‘EB-R’ - P9428 Spitfire Mk Ia, Sqn Ldr Hilary Hood, Sqn CO
Tornado GR.4 ZA600 ‘EB-G’ - N3162 Spitfire Mk Ia, Plt Off E Lock, 5 shoot downs in single mission during Battle of Britain.
Tornado GR.4 ZD996 ‘EB-B’ - MB882 Spitfire Mk XII, Flt Lt Terry Spencer, who shot down Emil Lang (171 kills) CO of JG26.
Harrier GR.9 ZD328 ‘EB-Q’ - R7304 Spitfire Mk Va, Sgt Plt Bill Brew,
Harrier GR.9 ZD437 ‘EB-J’ - X4559 Spitfire Mk Ia, Plt Off George Bennions, (11 kills and 5 probable)
Harrier GR.9 ZD503 ‘EB-Z’ - P7666 Spitfire Mk IIa, Sqn Ldr Donald Finlay, Sqn CO
I would like to thank John Shipman for providing this information. |