PAPA PREPARING FOR FINAL B
Short Sunderland flying boat, ML797 'P' Papa, of No. 205 Squadron, preparing for the final farewell. She would be hauled out of the water for the last time at Royal Air Force (RAF) Seletar. Next, she would be winched up the slipway, stern first past an honour guard who would present arms. The aircraft was flying a paying-off pennant with the 205 Squadron flag (crossed kris) on display.On 14 May 1959, Sunderland DP198 'W', made its last maritime operational sortie by escorting HMS Caprice through the Malacca when it was on its way from Ceylon to Singapore. On 15 May 1959, DP198 'W' and ML797 'P' made a farewell flypast over Singapore. On 20 May 1959, ML797 'P' was allotted the honour of making the very last flight of an RAF Sunderland. Both flying boats were struck off charge at Changi on 29 July 1959 and scrapped at the base.
22/05/1959
20220000214 - 1846
Viewing permitted. Use and reproduction only with permission.
RAFSA Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
This image is from the album of Robin McDermott

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Short Sunderland flying boat, ML797 'P' Papa, of No. 205 Squadron, preparing for the final farewell. She would be hauled out of the water for the last time at Royal Air Force (RAF) Seletar. Next, she would be winched up the slipway, stern first past an honour guard who would present arms. The aircraft was flying a paying-off pennant with the 205 Squadron flag (crossed kris) on display.On 14 May 1959, Sunderland DP198 'W', made its last maritime operational sortie by escorting HMS Caprice through the Malacca when it was on its way from Ceylon to Singapore. On 15 May 1959, DP198 'W' and ML797 'P' made a farewell flypast over Singapore. On 20 May 1959, ML797 'P' was allotted the honour of making the very last flight of an RAF Sunderland. Both flying boats were struck off charge at Changi on 29 July 1959 and scrapped at the base.

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