The Fall And Rise Of WT555

Apart from the historic significance of 2003 in the history of aviation there are two important Hawker anniversaries this year. Fifty years ago, on 7th September 1953, the modified Hunter prototype, WB188, broke the World Air Speed Record and a few months earlier on 16th May the first production Hunter Mk 1, WT555, took to the air for the first time, both aircraft being piloted by Neville Duke.

After a career of Contractor's trials from Dunsfold and Ministry trials at Boscombe Down WT555 was, in 1957, relegated to ground instructional duties as 7499M at RAF Locking before transfer to the Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford in 1967.

However, one little-publicised event took place at Dunsfold on 19th May 1953, three days after its first flight. The Duke of Edinburgh, following a factory tour, 'christened' WT555 by withdrawing his Royal Standard, which had been draped over the silver Hunter's nose, to reveal his crest which had been painted on the port side just below the windscreen.

Amongst the attendees were Sir Frank and Neville Spriggs and the event was recorded by a group of press photographers. WT555, accompanied by WB195, the second Hunter prototype and WB202, the first Sapphire powered Hunter, took off for a celebratory flypast.

Presumably, after WT555 left Dunsfold for Boscombe down and eventual retirement, the significance of the Duke's crest meant little to those dealing with the aircraft and when it came to be camouflaged the crest was simply sprayed over.

When the RAF decided to dispose of the aircraft from Cosford it was purchased by Vanguard Holdings and removed to their storage facilities alongside the A40 at Greenford, West London, where the owner displayed it, somewhat incongruously, on the roof of the building, where it remained for a few years.

When it disappeared from this position the writer called in at the main office fearful that it had simply been dumped but was relieved to find that the absence was only temporary and that the owner intended to return WT555 to its perch where it was, he asserted, a useful publicity tool.

The owner proved enthusiastic and aware of the aircraft's history so the writer decided to 'take the bull by the horns' and try to convince him that in view of the upcoming 50th anniversary it would be great if he could see his way to returning WT555 to its original livery. He was provided with details of the Dunsfold ceremony, photographs and a copy of the Duke of Edinburgh's crest obtained from Windsor Castle.

Helped, no doubt, by the subtle hint that the Hunter was more likely to be noticed in an all silver paint scheme, the owner decided to repaint it in its Dunsfold colours. He hopes to have WT555 ready for display by May and to invite both 'Dukes' to re-enact the historic unveiling!