The last three Canberra PR9s still in operational service flew their final RAF sortie today, Monday 31 July 2006, when they left RAF Marham in Norfolk for the last time destined for Kemble airfield in Gloucestershire.
The final flight of these famous aircraft signalled the end of a long career in which they served with distinction. The remaining three aircraft - serial numbers XH134, XH135 and XH131 have now been sold to private buyers and are expected to continue flying, albeit in less hazardous conditions than they have been previously used to.
Their flight into retirement follows a series of events to mark the Canberra's contribution to military aviation. On Friday 28 July 2006 a parade and flypast marked the disbandment of the last Canberra Squadron - No. 39 (1 PRU) Sqn. The parade and flypast, which also took place at RAF Marham, officially marked the end of operational service of this venerable aircraft, which first flew in 1949. Friday's events were followed yesterday, Sunday 30 July 2006, by the laying up of the Squadron Standard at St Clement Danes Church on the Strand in London.
The Canberra first entered operational service in 1951 with 101 Squadron at RAF Binbrook in the high-level bomber role. The PR9, flown by No 39 (1 PRU) Squadron, was introduced into service between 1958-61 to conduct photographic reconnaissance.
The Canberra PR9 was built under licence by Short Brothers, Belfast, and, in total, 23 standard PR9s were built between 1958 and 1962. The first operational sortie by a PR9 was flown by an aircraft from No 58 Squadron in April 1960.
Number 39 (1 PRU) Squadron was formed at Hounslow on 15 April 1916, in the midst of public outcry about German Zeppelin raids on London. After little initial success, Lt W Leefe Robinson succeeded in downing an airship during the night of 3 September, and was awarded the VC - the Royal Flying Corp's first such award.
The PR9's role has mainly been to conduct photographic reconnaissance. Over the last 12 years the aircraft has been active in support of operations all over the world, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda and the Horn of Africa. Additionally the aircraft has been used in a survey role over Kenya, Zimbabwe, Germany, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom.
