XL149 Beverley C1 of 242 OCU RAF at Odiham 5th September 1961
Picture Notes & Links
XL149 had its first flight on July 15th 1957, passing to 242 OCU 3 months later.
Remained with 242 OCU until 28th October 1964 when it became the first Aircraft to
be sent to 32 MU for refurbishment and camouflaging.
On completion XL149 was assigned to 84 squadron in February 1965. During service with 84
Squadron the Aircraft was hit by small arms fire whilst climbing out of Dhala; fortunately
only one soldier was slightly injured.
In August 1967, XL149 was transferred to 30 Squadron, but retained 84 Squadron Markings for
the remainder of the Aircraft's operational service. Chosen to be preserved, so although
the Aircraft was declared NEA on the 18th September 1967, it made one last flight to RAF
Finningly in November 1967 for the base museum. At the time of this flight the Aircraft
had a total of 4,418 hours on the airframe.
Sadly XL149 was broken up in May 1977 to make way for the Royal Review. The Cockpit was preserved,
going initially to Newark, but now hides out its days at the AeroVenture Museum, looking very much
forlorn and worse for wear.
For more information onThe Blackburn Beverley See: Beverley Main Album Notes:
The Blackburn B-101 Beverley
30 Squadron
84 Squadron
242 Operational Conversion Unit
XL149 Beverley Cockpit Survivor
Other sites on the Web of interest:
30 Squadron - MoD Site
RAF 30 Squadron - Wikipedia Entry
84 Squadron - MoD Site
RAF 84 Squadron - Wikipedia Entry
AeroVenture Museum
Newark Air Museum
and
Newark Air Museum - Wikipedia Entry
The Beverley Association
and
Blackburn Beverley - Wikipedia Entry
