RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Hello,
Seeking details of the following Harvard's.

Alk served with the RAF and I believe with 1340 Flight.

KF379 ( 41-13119 - 14A-1418 ).
KF326 ( ??? ).
KF390 ( ??? ).
JF395 ( ??? ).
KF398 ( ??? ).
KF625 ( ??? ).

Many thanks
Alex

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Alex

Don't you have Air Britain's book the Harvard File?
This book has one flaw, it does not list any acceptance dates or MU deliveries which means you have no real take off point, if you understand what I mean.
Apart from that, it seems all units and so on are all there.

All except one served with 1340 Flt, but, mind you, that was post war in the 1950s!

Since none of these Harvards entered service during the war (scheduled deliveries to UK was mid to late 1944) I think they were initially classed as not needed and stored with various MUs or other storage facilities until actually needed.

If you want full data, just ask

Cheers
Stig

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Hello,

Harvard Serial Numbers (p.13)

KF100-757 - IIb - Bu.Nos. - Qty. 658 - Not in strict order.

Construction Numbers (p.13)

KF100-757 - 14A.1801-2458

Operating Units - Rhodesia, West Africa, Kenya (p.32)

Other units:

1340 Flt - Eastleigh - IIb - 3.53 - 6.53
----------- Mwerga ---IIb - 6.53 - 2.54
----------- Nanyuki ---IIb - 2.54 - 4.54
----------- Eastleigh --IIb - 4.54 - 9.55

Aircraft Histories.

KF379 (p.122)
London UAS 6.47 - 6.47
22 RFS ----- 6.47 - 11.47
1 FTS (FCB:E) 1.51 - 3.55
Sold for Scrap - Aviation traders.

KF326 (p.120)
No service in UK
desp. S. Rhodesia 5.51
4 FTS 5.52 - 6.52
1340 Flt 6.53 - 9.55
SOC 23.3.56

KF390 (p.123)
7 SFTS - 12.47
desp. S. Rhodesia 3.51
5 FTS (53) 5.51 - 6.53
1340 Flt 6.53 - 9.55
SOC 23.3.56

KF395 (no JF395), (p.123)
1 OFU 10.49 - 9.50
OFU (QO:A) 9.50 - 1.53
desp. Kenya
1340 Flt 9.54 - 9.55
SOC 23.3.56
Photo of KF395 (p.122) Caption: No.1340 Flight KF395 in trouble in Kenya (E.W.Hughes). Aircraft shown on its belly with wheels in a ditch - no markings other than serial and anti-glare panel.

KF398 (p.123)
64 Gp. CF 6.49 -
desp. S. Rhodesia 6.51
4 FTS 5.52 - 8.52
1340 Flt 3.53 - 9.55
SOC 23.3.56

KF625 (p.131)
No service in UK
desp. S. Rhodesia 11.51
4 FTS 3.52 - 9.52
1340 Flt 3.53 - 9.55
SOC 23.3.56

See:
The Harvard File
Hamlin,John F. (Comp.)
Tonbridge:Air-Britain (Historians),1988.

Col.

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Hello Stig & Col,

Many thanks for your time and input.
But what is missing except for KF379 is any USAAF serial numbers match and the "14A-" numbers.
Thanks again, you both are always their for all forum members.

Alex

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Alex

Since Col so gallantly already took the time to list what the Harvard File states, your question is easy to answer

There were no USAAF (or Navy) numbers issued.
All were Noorduyn built in Canada and as such a direct delivery to RAF

Cheers
Stig

PS: Your c/n 14A-1418 was ex 43-13119 and delivered as FT378

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Hello Stig,
Thanks for the update.
So would they have had RCAF numbers or were they to RAF direct from factory ?
I suspect the latter :)
So no other number :(

Alex

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Alex

Without having access to either record cards or any kind of Noorduyn production details, I would say no, not to/bypassing RCAF in any form.
These aircraft are not mentioned in either Griffin's Bible nor in the Fletcher/Macphail's specific RCAF Harvard book, so I am pretty certain you can rule out any such connections.

Also looking in Air Britain's Lend Lease book, I interpret these Harvards (and loads of others) were outside any Lend-Lease contract and in fact a direct deal by Britain with either the Canadian Govt or Noorduyn.

So, yes direct delivery to RAF
Cheers
Stig

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Alex

Did you get my answer to your PM?

Cheers
Stig

Re: RAF NA Harvard IIa service numbers/
 

Hello Stig,
Yes, many thanks for your reply and for your guidance on the numbers.
I have today gone through the Air Brit Harvard book and found that there remains mysteries around these aircraft.
Thanks again,
am sending pm.
Alex