Fieseler FI-156-C-7 Storch w/nr. 475081Photographed on 5 February 2004 at the RAF Museum, Cosford.
One of 62 Storches captured intact in the British occupation zone, in May 1945. Built by Mraz at Chocen, Czechoslovakia, one of 137 Storches built there in 1944. This was the final wartime production version, introduced 1944. On 5 September 1945 flown via Knokke Le Zoute to RAE Farnborough, Hants by Sqn Ldr McCarthy, in company with Storches AM99 and AM100. (AM 99 is also preserved, at the SAAF Museum).
In September 1945 flown to RAF Hendon to appear at the Battle of Britain Open Day there, where Lt Cdr E M `Winkle' Brown demonstrated its slow-flying capabilities.
Flown extensively by the RAE Aerodynamics Flight on many tasks November 1945. On 26 April 1946 allocated RAF serial VP546. Flew as AM101 until 12 May, and VP546 used as its identity from 15 May 46 onwards. 30 April 1946 allotted to RAE, arrived at Farnborough. Flew from RNAS Ford, Hants to the aircraft carrier HMS Triumph for deck landings 28-29 May 1946, flown by Lt Cdr Brown. By this stage painted silver with RAF roundels and serial in black on fuselage. In the summer of 1948 photographed at White Waltham Airfield.
About 1955 retired due to lack of spares and on 1 November 1955 offered for disposal at RAE Farnborough - trials complete. 25 May 1956 accepted for instructional purposes, in July 1956 allocated ground instructional number 7362M, subsequently transferred to No.49 MU Colerne, thence to the Air Historical Branch collection. 18 October 1956 to No.15 MU RAF Wroughton, Wilts for storage with rest of AHB collection, 1958 To RAF Fulbeck, Lincs with rest of AHB collection. About 1960 To RAF Finningley, Yorkshire, then in 1961 to RAF Bircham Newton, Norfolk until that base closed Dec 1962. About 1963 To RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, and considered for acquisition by the then resident BBMF but after evaluation not adopted.
Restoration began around 1976. To Aerospace Museum Cosford on run-down of St Athan collection.
Picture added on 28 March 2009
