Help with tracking down the history of Mosquito ML980

d0mokun · Post by **d0mokun** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:07

Hi chaps,

I'm trying to track down the history of a Mosquito, for a family friend. The chap used to fly said Mosquito. I've heard a few memorable stories from him too! Recently he presented me (via my Grandad, on a dog-walk!) a piece of paper with a side profile image of his Mossie, and a few details.

If anybody could provide a bit of history on this airframe, or direct me to wherever could, I'd be most grateful.

The Mossie in question is 'ML980', N/XD . I believe she was a B MK XVI.

Many thanks to those that look or help out.

Dan.

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:10

http://www.mossie.org/production/result ... &series=ML

AND:

http://www.flexi.net.au/~bfillery/mosrefs.htm

d0mokun · Post by **d0mokun** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:20

Aha!

Seems like she even featured on an RAFBF Christmas card!

ML980
Serial: ML980
Build Type: B.XVI, Merlin 72/73 engines
Build Location: Hatfield
Contract Number: 555/C.23(a)
Contract Date:
Delivery Period: Between 24-11-1943 and 4-12-1944
Converted To: TT.39 for R.N. by General Aircraft

Shame that there are no photographs though. TT.39 was a Target-Tug for the RN.. any ideas on what might have happened to her?

Kind regards, THANKS!
Dan.

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:35

I think you could come a good bit further by wandering about on the first link...

d0mokun · Post by **d0mokun** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:58

OK! Many thanks
Dan.

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:59

Always there for a Dan

Ed Walters · Post by **Ed Walters** » 06 Dec 2006, 17:03

You probably wouldn't want to see a picture after conversion to a TT-39 though. Hideous!

d0mokun · Post by **d0mokun** » 06 Dec 2006, 17:08

Ed Walters wrote:You probably wouldn't want to see a picture after conversion to a TT-39 though. Hideous!

On the contrary! I've only read about the TT.39.. never seen!

Please enlighten me!

Also, what would've happened to a TT.39? Just a target tow, or eventually a target itself?

Dan.

Post by **Garry Russell** » 06 Dec 2006, 17:17

http://www.unrealaircraft.com/fowler/pa ... o_TT39.php

:shock: :redface: :sicky:

Garry

delticbob · Post by **delticbob** » 06 Dec 2006, 17:20

Ed Walters wrote:You probably wouldn't want to see a picture after conversion to a TT-39 though. Hideous!

Looks like its had a greenhouse built on its nose :shock:
http://www.unrealaircraft.com/fowler/im ... o_TT39.jpg

Bob