Whirlwind Mk1 + Parachute Containers

[pfP7063]

Dear Forumites

I'm hoping that you will be able to help me with the following questions relating to the trialling of parachute containers being dropped from the Westland Whirlwind Mk1 in early 1943.

Question 1
What did they look like? Does anyone have a picture or reference that they could direct me to.

Question 2
What were their dimensions?

Question 3
What colour scheme(s) did they have?

I'd like to convert an Airfix Whirlwind to model the containers.

I have the following from 263 Squadron's ORB.

January 194 - APPENDIX A

From :- Commanding Officer, No.263 Squadron, RAF
To :- H.Q., No.10 Group
Date :- 15 January, 1943
Ref. :- 263S/S.46/Air

PARACHUTE CONTAINERS

2 of the Containers sent to us were loaded up 120lb. with sandbags. No difficulty was found in attaching them to the bomb racks and the container did not interfere with the flap. A rather longer run than usual was necessary for the take off, but the machine handled as usual in the air and the stalling speed was the same as when carrying 2 x 250lb bombs. The containers were dropped from 500’, the parachute opening practically instantaneously, and there will be no difficulty in dropping these containers in a very small space.

(sgd) G.B. Warnes
Sqn Ldr, Commanding
No.263 Sqn, RAF

February 1943

8th.
P7094 S/L G.B. Warnes DFC Army Co-Operation Exercise 1540 - 1635
P7095 F/O E. Brearley Army Co-Operation Exercise 1540 - 1635
P7052 F/O C.P. King DFM Army Co-Operation Exercise 1545 - 1625

Equipment Containers were dropped on Netheravon Aerodrome at 1600. F/O Brearley’s containers hung up.

As an aside it should be noted that P7095, as recorded here, was lost the previous month whilst with 137 Squadron. I suspect that it may have been P7059 (or P7099) which was with 263 Squadron at this time.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

Paul