Farley Fruitbat

Gallery Article by Dave Bailey, aka "The Rat" on Jan 6 2014

Silly Week 2014

 

 

A recent death of an old friend has brought into my possession a couple of pictures of the legendary Farley Fruitbat. Although they do not contain any new information, they are definitely of interest to the aviation historian.

The photo above shows a Fruitbat (believed to be the nightfighter variant) banking to port on approach. Both navigation lights are clearly seen, and the twin landing lights are only just warming up after being turned on. No exhaust flame is visible, probably because the engines have been throttled back to idle. The base may be RAF Little Fartington, Rutland.

Photo #2 below is obviously the ground attack variant on a night exercise, tracer fire can be clearly seen. Faint notation on the back of the print gives the pilot as Squadron Leader Neville Pratt-Bottomly. Location is probably the island of Upper Down, sadly now obliterated as a result of years of live-fire exercises.

Enjoy the photos.

Dave Bailey

      

Photos and text © by Dave Bailey