One can only imagine what the Japanese thought when they saw some Vildebeests lumbering towards them in Malaya 41/42. Aircraft or prehistoric birds.
George Howe, e-mail, 21.01.2016 13:16
In about 1954 came across bits of a radial engine in Langdale. `an excellent book by Doug Brown mentions a Vildebeest crash. The master con rod was there, and a 4 valve cylinder head, wonder if all the engines had 4 valves? Hope to get back 2016 WLYK if its still there & findable.
Wellesley, e-mail, 17.05.2015 11:57
Also there were Vincents serving in the Middle East and East Africa during 1940-42. I believe that No.47 squadron in the Sudan is an example that used the Vincents alongside the Wellesley when engaging the Italians in Abysinia. They were then finally retired in 1942.
GERALD LEATHAM, e-mail, 31.01.2013 16:27
My father flew these aircraft in W.W.2 in fiji in the R.N.Z.A.F. IN THE EARLIER STAGES of the war
loulou, 20.06.2011 13:30
I know there were some in the pacific at the outbreak of the war. Also combat of RNZAF and spanish aircraft would be of interest. Thanks.
Ken Gregory, e-mail, 22.05.2009 06:03
I am about to use the three view drawing from whic to draw a 1/12 th. scale plan. From this I will build a 49" wingspan, electric powered model.With the longish nose( for a biplane of that period) it should be easy to balance, and with the large wing area and plenty of drag, should fly in a very scale-like manner.I remember this aeroplane as one of a set of Players Cigarette cards I had as a schoolboy in the 30's.In fact other threads on this aircraft depict that very card!
Old Man, e-mail, 05.12.2007 10:57
The photograph is of a Vildebeest Mk. IV, which had a Perseus engine, instead of the Pegasus of earlier marks, and was fitted with a long-chord cowling for the motor. Two Coastal Command squadrons were still equipped with these at the start of WWII, but were quickly replaced and saw no combat. Vildebeests remained in service at Singapore, and were used in combat against the Japanese in Malaya, and some survivors I believe also in Java, attempting to bomb Japanese troops and landings. They were slaughtered in the air by Japanese fighters. Their principal opponents in Malaya were Oscars, and in Java Zeroes.
The Spanish Vildebeests were fitted with Hispano-Suiza twelve cylinder V motors, and had a very different appearance in consequence. I believe some were employed during the Civil War by the Republicans, but know no details.
Dan, e-mail, 07.09.2007 00:02
The colour picture above is actually a Vickers Vincent, which was the tropical version of the Vildebeest. The engine was left uncowled in order to aid cooling in hot climates.
Damon, e-mail, 09.05.2007 16:59
I was just wondering if the aircraft in the picture is spanish? It looks like it has a different engine from the Vickers manufactured ones. Also I have a 15 year old son who is a terrific aviation artist who loves to paint obscure aircraft and scenes from WW2. Is there any information on the combat careers of the Vildebeest? I know there were some in the pacific at the outbreak of the war. Also combat of RNZAF and spanish aircraft would be of interest. Thanks.
