Planes and Choppers Photos

Planes and Choppers

 No: 10219   Contributor: Peter Langsdale   Year: 2003   Manufacturer: Westland   Country: United Kingdom

Westland-Sikorsky Dragonfly HR.5 WH991

Photographed at Elvington on 23 September 2003.
First flew on 4 February 1953, delivered to the Royal Navy at Gosport on 24 February 1953. Joined HMS Illustrious flight on 20 April 1953. After damage and repairs, delivered to the helicopter holding unit at Gosport on 25 November 1953, joining 705 Sqn (Fleet Air Arm) on 14 January 1954. Arrived at Donibristle (HMS Merlin), Fife in Scotland on the 29th April and thereafter joined the ships flight on HMS Centaur on 18 December 1954.
Known to be at HMS Daedalus (Lee-On-Solent shore base) from 16 May 1956 for a series of modifications before being issued to the station flight at HMS Gannet (Eglington Northern Ireland) on the 14 June. It was subsequently converted to an HR5 and this work was completed by the 1st May 1958.
From 9 March 1959 undergoing trials work on board the survey ship HMS Vidal. Contemporary photographs show that the upper surfaces were painted in a light colour to reflect the sun and reduce the heat in the cabin. At this time it carried the number 969 on the fuselage.
After July 1960 served with 700H sqdn (FAA) at Yeovilton (HMS Heron) from 2 May 1961 and was involved in trials with the Indian Navy carrier INS Vikrant.
Rejoined 705 Sqn at RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) and is reported to have been the last Dragonfly to fly with the squadron. It may have ended up with the station flight at Culdrose before going into store there in 1964.
Having moved to Fleetlands RN aircraft yard in 1967, WH991 was struck off charge by the Royal Navy in June 1970 and sold to W.Sparke of Taunton. Eventually stored at Blackbushe with several others during the 1970's and reportedly sold to a third party in Cyprus. It appears to have been damaged at London docks and instead went to the Tattershall Collection in Lincolnshire. It later went to Melbourne Autos at Storwood where it was purchased by Ray McElwain in July 1994 in an almost scrap condition. Restoration was completed on 27 September 1998.