Sankey Trailer history

[peterb110]

Am in the process of restoring a Sankey trailer 76BN93 that went into service 01/01/54! In 1963 it was converted to a Radio Repeater Station trailer for use by Royal Signals. In 1986 it was converted into an Aircraft Battle Damage Repair trailer. Between 04/99 and being cast 04/01 it was used by RAF no 4 Squadron who used Harriers and were based at Wittering. The EMLRA history print out is good from 01/86 but I'm going to have to look elsewhere for pre '86 history. However EMLRA search has thrown up the following which I don't understand. "04/05/00 F7371A Deploy USAS D" Could this relate to a docket that I found in one of the trailer lockers that refers to "Operation Deny Flight"?
I believe this operation was / is taking place over northern Iraq. Could USAS refer to U S Air Support as I think 4 Squadron were operating out of Incirlik in southern Turkey which is a USAF base?
Or am I clutching at straws? Advice please folks!
Cheers
Peter
71FL01
101 EW Truck

[Bob]

Peter,
Op DENY FLIGHT is the Yank name for the on-going air operations in the northern and southern 'no-fly' zones over Iraq. The RAF names are Op RESINATE NORTH & Op RESINATE SOUTH. RAF aircraft tasked to RESINATE NORTH work primarily out of Incirlik. I believe 4 Squadron may have bit the dust under the Joint Harrier Force reorganisation. Afraid you are going to have to speak to a plane spotter for more info on squadron deployments. There are specialist aviation books available that almost go as deep as detailing the colour of underpants worn by pilots of particular aircraft on any specific day.
Try trawling through :-
http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafhome.html
Bob

[peterb110]

Thanks Bob - the RAF chit found in the trailer that I was referring to is a U10/GDD Yellow and Pink copies! (Anorak country this!) The form dated 17/07/95 states "REQ'D FOR ABDR KIT IN PREPARATION FOR OP DENY FLIGHT" and was made out to Sgt Saunders of 4 Sqn. I believe 4 Sqn was still flying Harriers in 1995 and they were operating out of RAF Laarbruch. Any further comments? Thanks again.
Cheers
Peter
71FL01
101 EW truck
pecifically to n

[peterb110]

Thanks Bob - the RAF chit found in the trailer that I was referring to is a U10/GDD Yellow and Pink copies! (Anorak country this!) The form dated 17/07/95 states "REQ'D FOR ABDR KIT IN PREPARATION FOR OP DENY FLIGHT" and was made out to Sgt Saunders of 4 Sqn. I believe 4 Sqn was still flying Harriers in 1995 and they were operating out of RAF Laarbruch. Any further comments? Thanks again.
Cheers
Peter
71FL01
101 EW truck

[Bob]

If anyone from 47AD or UKMAMS is reading this post, we need your help with the above. Anything else from me will be purely speculative.
Bob

[peterb110]

Thanks for the appeal Bob - what does 47AD and UKMAMS stand for?
Cheers
Peter
71FL01
101 EW truck

[Bob]

In simple terms,
Air Despatchers - rig Land Rovers on aircraft to chuck them out the back
Mobile Air Movers - unload transport aircraft at the other end
Bob

[Norman]

Just moving a bit Off-Topic: how do I know whether I own a .75T or a .5 T sankey? I bought it from a private owner who used it behind his 88 and duly painted over the identification plate and I dare not clean it for fear of ruining the data.

[peterb110]

Norman
Try using Nitromors to take the paint off the data plate. The data should be stamped into the plate so you should n't loose any info using a paint stripper. To protect the stamped info use a plastic ice scraper to help the Nitromors get the paint off - use rubber gloves as well to protect your hands. I'm told brake fluid will also shift the paint off data plates - but I've never used it so can't really say. Happy stripping!
Cheers
Peter
71FL01
101 EW

[Norman]

Thanks Peter! All I need now is some paint stripper and a sunny day...not too many of them, lately:(

[Time Bandit]

Yes Brake Fluid will take the paint off (says he who spilt 0.5 litre on his Lt/Wt when the Ezibleed decided to imitate a fountain!! :eek: :( :rolleyes: ).
Cellulose thinners usually shifts all sorts of paint fairly well also, maybe worth a try, probably cheaper than Nitromors also.