1950's Mediterranean a/c Registrations/Call-Signs

[Resmoroh]

Hello All,
I'm throwing out some junk. I note that 'VK500' (Valetta/Viking?) was in the Med (several times) in the mid 1950's. Don't know if that was an a/c registration, or a mission callsign. Anybody know?
TIA
Peter Davies

[Oldduffer]

Peter,

Civil aircraft under charter to the RAF sometimes carried temporary RAF serials during trooping flights.

I don't know the full story - but somebody out there will!!!!!

Colin Cummings

[Lyffe]

Peter,

It's the aircraft serial number. If you Google Vickers VK500 you'll get a number of hits, including a photo at http://aviation-safety.net/photos/di...&vnr=1&kind=PC) It disappeared en route between Beruit and Athens on 13 December 1956, but was found six months later in the Tourous Mountains. At the time it was on the strength of the RJAF (http://aviation-safety.net/database/...?id=19561213-0).

Brian

[wwrsimon]

It also gets a mention here too:

http://www.aviationinmalta.com/Airfi...S/Default.aspx

"...the Arab Legion Air Force Viking lB VK-500 ex G-AJDK [was seen] on the 20th. The latter was still virtually in its old B.E.A.C. colours with the addition of A.L.A.F. insignia."

Regards

Simon

[Resmoroh]

Simon/Brian/Colin, Hi,
Tks yr responses. They rang the bells that had caused me to remember that reg! It was the RJAF connection. "big flap" every time it transited!* Can only assume that it was because a chap called Hussein may, or may not, have been masquerading as a Flt Lt in the RJAF.
* Same like when one of the ex-colonies in W Africa acquired a large jet passenger a/c and sent it to Moscow, via El Adem! You can have no idea of the "flap" that ensued when MetOff El Adem signalled Cyprus asking for a Moscow landing forecast!!
HTH
Peter Davies