Is there such a serial number as VS863?
 

Hi there,

Recently I bought a MkIVa Tail Drift Sight. Chalked on the box in three different places, though now barely visible, is what looks like an aircraft serial number, VS863. I noticed today that it is also written in pencil on the inside of the lid of the box.

An internet search I did for this serial number yeilded nothing, I tried a few variations on my search to try to find if there was such a serial range, but again drew a blank.

Im still in the process of building up a good library of reference material, but wondered if one of the forum members here might be able to match it with something?

If it isn't a serial number of an aircraft, what else could it be?

Many thanks,

H.

Re: Is there such a serial number as VS863?
 

VS863 Falls in a batch of 44 Bristol 164 Brigands B1/Met3 VS863 was a B1.

Source British Military Aircraft Serials 1911 - 1979

Trevor Matthews

Re: Is there such a serial number as VS863?
 

Fantastic information. Thank you very much.

Regards,

H.

Re: Is there such a serial number as VS863?
 

VS863 served only with 45 Sqn and was SOC (struck of charge) 55 years ago on 28.2.1953

45 Sqn was based at Tengah from 1949

Unit code was OB

Re: Is there such a serial number as VS863?
 

Thanks Larry. After Trevor Matthews post I went and found Peter Westons excellent photos of 45 Squadron at Tengah http://members.aol.com/famjustin/Brigandphoto.html

I was hoping to find a shot of VS863, but the serials are difficult to read, and unfortunately his email address doesnt seem to be current.

But anyway, as I hadnt really looked at Brigands much before, it was good to find so many photos and to have a reason to read a bit about them and that largely forgotten period of history.

Many thanks for the help.

H.