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Lerwick-209-colour2.jpg

Recalling his days on the Lerwick J.P Balfour

" I encountered the Lerwick in the summer of 1941,at Invergordon when it was being used by 4 OTU for observer training. 209 Sqd based at Oban flew Lerwicks and, as far as I know their operations were confined to the North-West approaches. I believe pilots found difficulty with the aircraft when taking-off  with full fuel and bomb loads, and  I know they had some accidents. I flew the aircraft later when, with no bombs and about half fuel load and crew of eight, it was quite tricky to get airborne in a straight line. This was due to the high torque re-action with the two Hercules engines on take-off being liable to cause a violent swing to the starboard. Owing to the short waterline and the relatively small fin and rudder, once a swing had started the only safe cure was to abandon take-off and start again, as it was impossible to regain control.

At Invergordon on light loads we found that by using the starboard engine well in advance of the port one, reasonable take-offs could be made, but even then I managed on more than one occasion to get airborne purely on the starboard engine. This of course, would not have been possible when fully loaded.

Once airborne the aircraft was delightful to fly, being as fast as a Spitfire at sea level, at least on half loads. At Invergordon we often were "chased" by Spitfires from Kimloss and could hold our own as far as speed was concerned. "

J.P Balfour

Flare rack, emergency carrier pigeon and galley.

A few more images that I have added some colour.

saro lerwick flare rack.jpg
Saro lerwick pigeon release.jpg

Lerwick camera

SARO Lerwick camera.jpg

Lerwick Navigator

saro lerwick navigator.jpg
SaroLerwick S36 colour.jpg

Here we can see the streamlined nacelles behind the engines. With the bomb doors open.

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