Is there such a serial number as VS863?

[Hanglands]

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.

[Trevor Matthews]

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

[Hanglands]

Fantastic information. Thank you very much.

Regards,

H.

[Larry]

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

[Hanglands]

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.