A.P.C. - Phantom

The following table lists air defence Phantom squadrons that visited for A.P.C. purposes. Phantoms used in the ground attack role, especially those based in RAF Germany squadrons were also seen, either in transit to other destinations, or as “week-end” visitors. Also seen were Fleet Air Arm Phantoms. Practically all RAF Phantom squadrons were seen at RAF Luqa, except for 19 & 92.

The first RAF Phantoms seen in Malta were XV403 and XV425 on 15 July 1969. Although without squadron markings, they were serving with No. 6 Squadron. They departed the following day, but XV403 had to return to Luqa after losing its canopy in flight. It left on 22 July.

No claim is being made that the list is complete, and for this reason, anyone who can supply additional information is welcome to e-mail me .

SQUADRON	DATES	NOTES
23	11/76
29	10/75, 01/77, 01/78	The first visit by 29 squadron with Phantoms coincided with the mid-air explosion of Vulcan XM645. The aircraft had made a heavy landing on the runway’s undershoot area, tearing of the starboard wheel bogey, and rupturing fuel pipes, leading to a fire, and the eventual disintegration of the aircraft in mid-air.
43	11/70, 02/73, 11/75, 03/78
56	11/77	Unlike the frequent visits by Lightnings, this was the only visit by 56’s Phantoms.
111	07/76, 08/78 *	* One of the pilots during this detachment was Sqdn Ldr Mark Micallef Eynaud. See under Lightning.

29 Squadron, Oct. 75

First visit using the F-4 Phantom. Squadron arrived on 14 October, with a 41 Squadron machine joining them on the 15th. On one occasion a Phantom taxying out for a sortie was recalled back to his parking slot as news had been received that the banner towed by the Canberra had been shot off. All seven aircraft carried basic 29 squadron markings, with red code letters on fin outlined in white. Last three digits of serial number reproduced on top of fin and ‘B’ style roundels.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
McD F-4 FGR.2	XT910/P	c/n 2709. Issued to 2280CU until at least 10/72. Briefly on charge with 2 Sqn as 'T' in 5/73 before returning to 228 OCU in 8/73, Passed to 29 Sqn in 1/75 becoming 'P' in 5175. RWR fitted late 75 by BAe, the aircraft returning to 29 Sqn before once again being taken on charge with 228 OCU in 5/76. Coded 'I' in 2/78 passed to 29 Sqn again in 9/81 following repainting into grey by 19 MU and taking dp its old code of 'P'. Once again back with 228 OCU in 2/82 as 'B' but re-coded 'J' by 4/83 with which it remained before passing on to 56 Sqn as 'Z' in 10/85. Back with 228 OCU as 'J' by 6/86 and re-coded 'CJ' in 3/87.	All 29 squadron F-4s arr. on the 14th.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV418/C	c/n 3036. Became part of 6 Sqn's initial complement and was coded 'F' by 12/7 1. Passed to 41/C in 10/72 becoming uncoded by 4/73 in which form it remained until passing on to 29 Sqn as 'C' in 10/75. It remained with this unit until transfer to 92/Y in 2/77 passing to BAe at HOSM only to return to Wildenrath in 4/78 but was 19/D in 5/78. This period was short-lived with the aircraft returning to 19 MU for overhaul shortly afterwards. It was returned to 92 Sqn in grey colours on 29/12/78 and received a low vis badge in 7/79. It was allocated 'S' but never carried same, being lost in a crash near Osnabriick on 11/7/80.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV420/H	c/n 3053. Issued as 54/D passing to 6 Sqn in 7/73 as 'H' until taken on strength by 29 Sqn as 'H' in 2/76. It was then transferred to 56/J on 14/6/76 with whom it served until at least 2/78 when it was transferred to 19/E being re-coded 'L' in 8/79. Returned to 19 MU to become 4 Sqn's 100th overhaul and was marked as such on the starboard fin. It was then issued to 23/W in grey colour scheme in 3/81 and passed to 29/I in 2/83. It then travelled south to the Falklands becoming 23/B returning to the UK in 5/86 and then Germany as 92/S. Following a period with Bae, it was reissued to 56 Sqn in 1/88 becoming 'T'
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV423/R	c/n 3075. Issued to 228 OCU until coming on 6 Sqn's strength as 'R' in 10/72. Passed to 29/R in 11/74 being re-coded 'P' in 4/76. Re-issued as 23/E in 2/79 until at least 9/80. To 19 MU then emerged in grey as 56/G in 12/81 but was unmarked at Coningsby in 6/82. Despatched to the Falklands, eventually becoming 23/D until returning to the UK on 21/5/86. To BAe Scampton before issue as 56/F in 12/88.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV438/A	c/n 3201. Issued as 6/A remaining with the unit until at least 8/73. To 29/A by 1/75 until attention at HOSM in 3/78 returning initially to 29 Sqn but passing to 228 OCU as 'Y' by 2/79 and remaining as such until overhaul at 19 MU in early 82. Reissued to 29 Sqn in grey colours in 5/82 but without marks until 3/83 when it became 'Y'. Noted unmarked with 228 OCU in 10/87 and despatched to the Falklands on 17/3/88 to become 23/C.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV442/F	c/n 3226. Issued as 6/E becoming 'F' by 3/74. Passed to 29/F in 1/75 and to 41/R in 8/76 but back as 29/F in 2/79. To 19 MU for overhaul in mid-81 and reissued in grey c/s as 29/H in 12/81 with whom it served until passing to 228/U in 11/82. However, it was back with 29 Sqn by 8/84 as 'R' until issued to 56 Sqn in 4/86 and despatched to the Falklands becoming 23/E. Returned to the UK by 10/86 and issued as 19/H in 1/87. Underwent modification at BAe Scampton in 88 returning to the unit on 26/9/88. Noted as 'B' 10/88.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV482/L	c/n3361. Issued as 54/K but with 41 Sqn as 'E' in 10/72. By 10/73 it had returned to 54 Sqn as 'L' passing to 6 Sqn with the same code in 12/73. By 2/76 had become 29/L receiving RWR at 60 MU in 8/76. Transferred to 56/C by 10/77 and although receiving a major and repainting at 19 MU in 1982 returned to the unit adopting its old code. Noted uncoded with 92 Sqn in 6/88.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV401/L	c/n 2885. Issued to 228 OCU passing to 41 Sqn in 10/72 as 'A' but was uncoded by 10/73 in a change of unit policy, remaining as such until 12/75 when it adopted the code 'I' which it retained until passing to 111 Sqn at the beginning of 77. It was coded 'U' with the unit until some time between 2/78 and 4/80 when it was transferred to 56 Sqn as 'N' changing to 'V' in 1/81. Repainted in grey c/s and allocated to 228 OCU in 7/82 as 'B'. To 29/L in 10/83 remaining as such until transferred to 23 Sqn as 'A' on 17/5/86. It remained in the Falklands returning to the UK on 23/3/88 and passed to 56 Sqn's charge. To 19 MU and delivered to 19 Sqn on 16/12/88 becoming 'AA' 5/1/89. Noted with an all black fin 24/1/89.	41 squadron. Arr. on the 14th. Carried last digit of serial as code on fin
HP Victor K.1A			57 squadron. Serials not known.
EE Canberra B.2	WD948		85 Squadron. Previously coded ‘E’, and finished in overall light grey with orange dayglo strips.
EE Canberra B.2	WE113/H		85 Squadron. Finished in standard camouflage, but with old style large serial number on fuselage.

43 Squadron, Nov. 75

The squadron arrived on 19 November, with a ninth F-4 arriving on the 21st. Phantoms coded ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘K’, ‘M’ and ‘S’ carried the then new ECM suite on top of the fin, ‘F’, ‘G’ and ‘S’ were also missing the “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.

They were re-fuelled by three 55 Squadron Victor K.2, and were joined later on by Shackletons and Vulcans from Waddington. Canberra B.2s, as usual, towed the banner.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	SQUADRON	HISTORY	NOTES
McD F-4 FG.1	XT873/S	43	c/n 2738. F/F 19/7/68. d/d 14/11/68, to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn 10/1/69 until 17/3/70. To A&AEE/BAe and issued to 43 Sqn fitted with RWR as 'S' 3/75. Transferred to lll Sqn as 'A' 4/78 painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 2/83 and re-coded 'BA' 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
McD F-4 FG.1	XT875/K	43	c/n 2813. F/F 18/7/68. d/d 22/10/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 27/1/69-30/7/69. To 43 Sqn as 'K' late 69. Received RWR in 3/75 and grey c/s in 9/83. Re-coded 'AK' 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV572/N	43	c/n3042. F/F 17/10/68 and d/d 14/2/69. Loaned to 767 Sqn in RAF camouflage as VL156 between 6/5/69 and 24/3/70 then becoming 43/C by 9/72. Re-coded 'N' by 3/73 and received RWR in 10/75 at 60 MU. Re-coded 'AN' in 10/87.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV573/L	43	c/n3065. F/F 29/10/68 and d/d 2413/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/L receiving RWR at 60 MU in 6/75 and transferred to 111/D in 6/78. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 3/84 and re-coded 'BD' in 2/87.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV576/D	43	c/n 3134. F/F 29/11/68 and d/d 2/6/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/D and repainted into grey by 3/82. Re-coded 'AD' 9/88.	arr on 21.11.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV577/M	43	c/n 3155. F/F 4/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/M receiving its RWR in 10/75 and repainted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AM in 7/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV578/O	43	c/n 318O. F/F 6/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/0 becoming 111/F in 9/78 and lost as such in the North Sea off Montrose on 28/2/79.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV582/F	43	c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and painted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV583/G	43	c/n 3268.F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/G received its RWR in 10/75 and passed to 111 Sqn as 'B' in 2/79. Repainted in grey c/s by 11/85 and re-coded 'BB' in 9/86.	Carried ECM suite on fin. Without “Fighting Cocks” badge on the fin.
EE Canberra B.2	WH667/H	100		Arr. on the 19th. Overall light grey with yellow stripes.
EE Canberra B.2	WK116/Q	100		Arr. on the 19th. Finished in white/red/light grey colours.
EE Canberra B.2	WH703/U	100		Finished in white/red/light grey colours. Replacement for WH667 and WK116.
EE Canberra B.2	WH666/R	100		Finished in ‘normal’ camouflage. Replacement for WH667 and WK116.
A. Vulcan B.2	XH562	44		Arr on 05.11
A. Vulcan B.2	XM609	44		Arr on 05.11
A. Vulcan B.2	XM648	44		Arr on 05.11, without ECM fairing on fin.
A. Vulcan B.2	XM650	44		Arr on 05.11
A. Vulcan B.2	XM652	44		Arr on 05.11
A. Shackleton AEW.2	WL795	8		Arr on 01.12
A. Shackleton AEW.2	WR960	8		Arr on 01.12

29 Squadron, Jan. 77

This was another month long APC. Not all of the aircraft carried 29 squadron markings.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV400/I	c/n 2877. Issued to 6 Sqn as 'R' but transferred to 54/C by 10/72. With 228 OCU in 2/74 but passed to 41 Sqn by 9/74 eventually becoming 'F'. Transferred to 29/X on 12/12/75 but served briefly with 41 Sqn again before being reissued to 29/I on 9/8/76 with whom it served until 7/80 when despatched to 19 MU for a major. In this period it had received its RWR in early 77 and, upon completion of its overhaul at St Athan, was issued to 19 Sqn during 1/81 in grey c/s and coded 'F'. To BAe in 83 then being placed on 56 Sqn's charge during 10/85 coded 'D'.	Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsigns Rafair 991-5
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV423/P	c/n 3075. Issued to 228 OCU until coming on 6 Sqn's strength as 'R' in 10/72. Passed to 29/R in 11/74 being re-coded 'P' in 4/76. Re-issued as 23/E in 2/79 until at least 9/80. To 19 MU then emerged in grey as 56/G in 12/81 but was unmarked at Coningsby in 6/82. Despatched to the Falklands, eventually becoming 23/D until returning to the UK on 21/5/86. To BAe Scampton before issue as 56/F in 12/88.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV438/A	c/n3201.Issued as 6/A remaining with the unit until at least 8/73. To 29/A by 1/75 until attention at HOSM in 3/78 returning initially to 29 Sqn but passing to 228 OCU as 'Y' by 2/79 and remaining as such until overhaul at 19 MU in early 82. Reissued to 29 Sqn in grey colours in 5/82 but without marks until 3/83 when it became 'Y'. Noted unmarked with 228 OCU in 10/87 and despatched to the Falklands on 17/3/88 to become 23/C.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV481/E	c/n 3355.Issued as 6/H but re-coded 'E' in 9/73. To 29 Sqn in 11/74 becoming 'E' by 4/75. To 19/J in 12/77 and after attn by BAe at HOSM to 19/G in 11/79. To 19 MU for repainting into grey c/s in 1983 and fitting of RWR returning to 19 Sqn as 'H' in 11/83. Despatched to the Falklands as 23/F on 17/5/86 returning to the UK on 23/3/88 and becoming 92/X.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XT912/F	c/n 2742. One of the first aircraft for 14 Sqn with which it served until the unit deactivated on the type at which time it became part of 111 Sqn as 'K'. Taken on charge by 23 Sqn as 'K' on 25/2/76 until undergoing attention with 60 MU at Leconfield between 13/3/76 and 28/10/76 and was reportedly the last F-4 to receive attention with the unit. With 29 Sqn as 'F' in 77 before passing to 228 OCU as 'L' in early 78. Re-coded 'F' after re-spray at St Athan in 1/81 and collided with XT903 on T/0 from Coningsby on 14/4/82 crashing near Billinghay.	Arr 20 Jan 77.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV430	c/n 3131.Issued as 2/S until at least 5/74 when it was re-coded 'R'. With 228 OCU in 5/75 until 7/76 shortly after being transferred briefly as 23/0 in 12/76. Back with 228 OCU in 4/77 becoming 'S' in 8/77 but to 23/F again in 9/78. To 19 MU and after repainting in grey reissued as 19/C until at least 2/83. It then returned to St Athan to receive RWR being one of the few jets not fitted returning to 19/A on 14/5/85.	Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 996
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV404	c/n 2910. Issued to 228 0CU passing to 54 Sqn as 'J' in 12/71 remaining with the unit until disbandment when it became 111/J. To 31 Sqn 14/1/76 but sent to 60 MU at Leconfield on 9/6/76 to become the last F-4 to undergo a major overhaul with the unit. During this period it received its RWR and was issued to 228 OCU on 19/11/76 becoming 'R' by 8/77. To 23/H between 3/79 and 9/80 before receiving the grey c/s at 19 MU and being issued to 56 Sqn as 'B' in 7/81. To 29/E in 3/83 and to 19/I in 4/87. To 19 MU for overhaul in 7/88, returning to 19 Sqn by 1/89.	No squadron markings. Arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 998.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV425/R	c/n 310O.Issued to 31 Sqn serving with same until deactivation on type when it passed to 111 Sqn becoming 'Q' in 9/76. Reissued to 228 OCU in grey c/s from 19 MU in 4/80 becoming 'Q' but was unmarked at Coningsby in 7/82. Despatched to the Falklands eventually becoming 'Q' although re-coded 'H' in 5/85 and returned to the UK as 'F' on 21/5/86. Taken on 56 Sqn charge as 'P' with whom it still serves.	Arr on 21 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 997.
McD F-4 FGR.2	XV465/B	c/n3261. Issued as 54/G passing to 41/G in 3/73. To 31 Sqn by 7/74 until issue to 23 Sqn in 11/75. Noted as 'E' at Coningsby on 12/12/75 moving to Wattisham as such on 25/2/76. To 60 MU on 1/4/76 being reissued to 29 Sqn in 8/76 and coded 'B' by 1/77. Passed to 228 OCU in 4/78 becoming 'Z' in 8/78 but as 92/N by 9/78. Re-coded 'Z' in 2/79 until attn at 19 MU in 1/85. After repainting into grey issued to 19 Sqn as 'F'.	Arr on 10 Feb 77. Callsign Mission 520
HP Victor K.2	XH671, XL162		57 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 802 & 803 respectively.
HP Victor K.2	XH673	Displayed at RAF Marham, Norfolk.	57 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign Rafair 801 respectively.
EE Canberra B.2	WJ753/L, WK162/A		100 Sqdn, arr 20 Jan 77. Callsign MAAOE & MAAOF respectively. Target towing duties.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL756	First flown 1.4.53 and A/Cn 30.4.53. To 23MU 5.5.53 and prepared for issue to MEAF Delivered to Luqa by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson, 28.7.53 and after acceptance checks issued to 37 Sqn 5.8.53 and coded G. To CAPMF St Mawgan 1-19.2.54 for mods and on return to 37 Sqn damaged in Cat.3 flying accident 7.5.54 when the pilot stalled the aircraft on final approach and the tailwheel assembly collapsed on touchdown in the undershoot. Transferred to 137MU Safi for repairs the same day. A 'special fitment' was made 21.10.55 - 5.12.55 after which WL756 was transferred to 38 Sqn 16.12.55 and recoded T. To 49MU for mods 9.10.57 - 19.11.57, returning to 38 Sqn and suffered Cat.3 damage in flying accident 19.3.58. presumably at Akrotiri because it was allocated to 103MU for repairs the same day. Probably also modified to Phase I standard before allotment to HQ British Forces Arabian Peninsula 30.4.59. Issued to 37 Sqn 18.7.59 coded C. To Avro 23.1.61 for Phase II mods, completed 30.4.62. Allocated to FEAF and issued to 205 Sqn 11.6.62 still as C. To HSA 30.10.66 for Phase III mods at Langar and on completion went to the Ballykelly Wing 26.10.67 and was coded V. To HSA for mods 29.10.69 - 10.12.69 when returned to Ballykelly Wing. To 204 Sqn 10.70, retaining code V until going to 5MU 18.1.71 for preparation for despatch to HSA Bitteswell 2.4.71 for AEW.2 conversion. Flown as AEW.2 2.3.72 and redelivered to 5MU 22.3.72 for repainting and acceptance. Flown to Kinloss 4.5.72 and issued to 8 Sqn the following day. To Lossiemouth 19.5.72 for installation of radar before return to Kinloss as 'Mr Rusty' 21.6.72. Transferred to Lossiemouth with unit 17.8.73. To 60MU for modification 29.4.75, but returned to 8 Sqn 5.75. To HSA Bitteswell for major overhaul/mods 7.3.79, returning to 8 Sqn 1980. Currently at St Mawgan on the Station Fire Dump and can be seen from coast road (13,676 hrs at 9.3.89).	8 Sqdn, arr 14 Feb 77. Callsign MTBQA.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL790	First flown 23.6.53 and A/Cn 17.7.53. To 38MU Llandow 7.8.53 and stored. Prepared for issue to 240 Sqn 6.10.53. Uncoded. Port wing damaged when aircraft struck hangar while taxying at St Eval 31.3.54. Cat.3 damage repaired by Avro CWP and on completion aircraft transferred to 204 Sqn 9.8.54, nominally coded T-T, but probably only carried unit marking T. Autolycus installed at 49MU Coleme 18.5.55 - 7.6.55 and completed by CCMC St Mawgan, Wl,790 returning to 204 Sqn 10.7.55. Suffered Cat.3 damage when the aircraft was landed heavily in the undershoot at Aston Down 9.8.57. Repaired on site by Avro CWP 23.8.57 - 30.1.58. WL790 returned to 204 Sqn 10.2.58, but was again damaged 31.7.58 when the tailwheel assembly broke off during landing at Ballykelly, causing Cat.3 damage. Repaired by Avro CWP 27.8.58 - 6.11.58 and transferred to 269 Sqn 11.11.58 and to 210 Sqn 1.12.58 still uncoded. To 49MU 7.1.59 for Phase I modification, completed 16.4.59. Returned to 210 Sqn 12.5.59 and coded X. To Avro Langar 10.1.61 for Phase II update, completed 28.5.62, and allocated to FEAF. Issued to 205 Sqn 21.6.62 coded E. Allotted to HSA 29.8.66 for Phase III modification, arriving Langar 10.66. On completion 8.67 the aircraft was returned to 205 Sqn and recoded D. Cat.3 repair 21.3.68 - 16.5.68, WL790 remaining with 205 Sqn until allocated to 5MU, arriving Kemble 4.1.71 for temporary storage. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell 30.9.71 for AEW.2 conversion, flying in the new configuration 7.72. To 5MU 3.8.72 for repainting and delivered to Lossiemouth 19.9.72 for radar installation. ToC 8 Sqn Kinloss 20.9.72. To RRE Pershore 2.1.73 for flight trials of Marconi (AMTI), which commenced 1.3.73 and were completed 11.5.73, when the aircraft returned to Kinloss and named 'Mr MacHenry'. To Lossiemouth 15.8.73 with unit on transfer. To 60MU for mods 19.3.75 - 10.4.75, returning to 8 Sqn until sent to HSA Bitteswell 1980 for re-sparring and refurbishing. Returned to 8 Sqn Lossiemouth 28.7.81 (the last on contract). Current (13,891 hrs at 9.3.89). Sold at Auction and currently at Blaine in the USA operated by Amjet	8 Sqdn, arr 14 Feb 77. Callsign MSNSB.

43 Squadron, Feb. 78

43 squadron was unique in operating the FG.1 version, originally ordered for the Royal Navy, but later cancelled, and transferred to the Royal Air Force. After her decommissioning, HMS Ark Royal’s Phantoms FG.1s were also transferred to the Royal AF, to be operated by 111 Squadron, also based at RAF Leuchars.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
McD F-4 FG.1	XT873/S	c/n 2738. F/F 19/7/68. d/d 14/11/68, to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn 10/ 1/69 until 17/3/70. To A&AEE/BAe and issued to 43 Sqn fitted with RWR as 'S' 3/75. Transferred to lll Sqn as 'A' 4/78 painted in grey c/s at 19 MU 2/83 and re-coded 'BA' 9/86.	Sqdn arr on 16 Feb 78 except for XV571.
McD F-4 FG.1	XT874/J	c/n 2775. F/F 29/6/68. d/d 30/9/68 to 23 MU. Issued to 43 Sqn as 'J' in 69. Appearing briefly in mixed 43/111 Sqn marks in 9/78 but returned to 43/J by 11/78. To 111 Sqn as 'E' 3/79 and received grey c/s in 10/85. Re-coded 'BE' 2/87.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV571/A	c/n 302O.F/F 12/11/68 and d/d 17/6/69 becoming 43/A upon issue from 23 MU. Received RWR in 5/76 and re- painted at 19 MU in 4/8 1. Received special c/s in 6/86.	Arr on 24 Feb 78, callsign Rafair 962.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV575/C	c/n 3112. F/F 26/11/68 and d/d 8/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/C passing to 111/G in 9/78 but back with 43 Sqn as 'S' in 3/8 1. Repainted into grey at St Athan in 11/81. To 111/BO in 7/88.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV577/M	c/n 3155. F/F 4/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/M receiving its RWR in 10/75 and repainted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AM in 7/86.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV578/O	c/n 318O. F/F 6/12/68 and d/d 21/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/0 becoming 111/F in 9/78 and lost as such in the North Sea off Montrose on 28/2/79.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV579/R	c/n 3204. F/F 6/9/68 and d/d 22/11/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 19/6/69 and 31/7/72 as VL157. To 43/R on 15/9/73 and re-coded 'AR' in 9/86.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV582/F	c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and paint- ed into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV583/G	c/n 3268.F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/G received its RWR in 10/75 and passed to 111 Sqn as 'B' in 2/79. Repainted in grey c/s by 11/85 and re-coded 'BB' in 9/86.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV584/I	c/n 3286.F/F 12/3/69 and d/d 11/8/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/I and passed to 111 Sqn in 3/79 as 'F'. Repainted in grey e/s at 19 MU in 1/85 and re-coded 'BF' in 7/86.
McD F-4 FG.1	XV585/P	c/n 3302. F/F 28/3/69 and d/d 19/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/P receiving its RWR in 11/76 and repainted into grey by 9/83. Re-coded 43/AP in 9/86.
HP Victor K.2	XH669	Parts of this aircraft with Nigel Towler, Cockpit Collection, Southend Airport, Essex	57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
HP Victor K.2	XL158, XL189, XL512.		57 Sqdn, arr on 16 Feb.
EE Canberra B2	WJ567/C WJ603/G		100 Sqdn, arr on the 17th, target towing duties.