Air/Sea Warfare Development Unit

1952, My late father, Ray Wickenden, served as an Aircraft Wireless Mechanic with the ASWDU during his National Service. I believe the sqn personnel were split between St Mawgan and St Eval airfields. He had several photos of WV781and 782 including one taken during a camp at the rifle range at Chickerell near Weymouth. WV783 (now in RAF Hendon) was assigned to the unit following the loss of 782. I am currently trying to make a model of WV782 but I have failed to find out in the aircraft were overall silver or yellow. Can anyone enlighten me? -

1952-54, I was stationed at this unit and was the first to try to be winched by the sycamore first at the end of the runway later taken to sea to be rescued from a dinghy. I was a engine mech doing my national service. I remember the sycamores in 1953 were fitted with sonar to detect submarines and the later Shackleton Mk 2 aircraft arrived with the dustbin underneath. My name is M Hawkins Sac 3137130

1955-1956, I was a ground crew wireless fitter posted to ASWADU at St Mawgan. We had a Sycamore copter . Pilot was Sq. Ldr Powell. Did some "bather rescue" trials at Watergate Bay. Main purpose for ASWADU then was keeping our four Shackletons serviceable K, B, A, and D. CO was Wing Cdr Le Band, and Ground Crew Flight Sergeant Powell . Adjutant, Fl Lt Jimmy Wishart. Admin Serg eant, Voller. WJ Whitaker 2730873

1956, I was first line servicing officer, having previously been E&I officer at St Mawgan main station. We had 3 Shackletons 2 Sycamores and 1 Oxford (or was it an Anson?) which we lost when it cut a field of corn near Oxford. F/O John Fieldsend

1956, I joined ASWDU early 1956 at SM and was de mobbed Nov 1057.I was an air radio mech and we had Cpl Moory, Sgt Murphy, Alan Gooding, Taff evans ( 2 of ) JT Barry Hawken . Jimmy the wish was adjutant and CO was W/C McBratney.. $hacks:- D the MAD one - WL789, WG953 : A. K a MK1 and the unforgettable beast VP285, the ASV21 test bed. We also had an Anson C19 or 20. It was a good unit to be on, good cameradie and inter4sting work with Blue Silk, MAD Autolocus Orange Harvest and ASV 21 among our playthings. The aircraft were noisy but to stand in the cockpit and see the gently wagging wings was quite an experience. wonderful days! 3148086 SAC Phil

1956, F/O John Fieldsend. First line servicing officer

1957, I was stationed within ASWDU during the 50's and was located in a Hut on the far side of the Airfield. I believe the Group Captain was named Laird? I believe Sgt Voller was our "Boss". Would be interested to hear from others who may have been there at the same time as me. Keith FitzGerald