Bill Bedford OBE AFC

Bill Bedford OBE AFC FRAeS (1920-1996)
Bedford was a World War II pilot, flying Hurricanes and Mustangs. From 1956 until 1963 he was Hawker Aircraft Ltd.’s Chief Test Pilot, “and then chief test pilot for Hawker Siddeley Aviation at Dunsfold from 1963 to 1967. He worked on the development of the Sea Hawk, the Hunter and the P.1127, Kestrel and the Harrier aircraft, making the first flights of all of the last three aircraft.” During this time the family lived at Primemeads Farm on Dunsfold Aerodrome. Primemeads Farm, used as wartime flight offices by 180 Squadron, is an historic building in its own right, dating from 1685.

There is a superb audio interview with Bill here.

 

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3 Replies to “Bill Bedford OBE AFC”

  1. Dear Sirs
    I have recently purchased a rare Airfix 1:72 scale model of the P 1127 flown in Feb 1961 by Bill Bedford.
    I would like definitive answers to the following questions if possible.
    Firstly , the colour of his flying suit at the time. Olive green or white? Secondly, the colour of his helmet.Silver or white?
    The colour of the visor.Black?
    I have tied the on line forums without success and ther do not appear to be colour images available. Hope you can help before I start painting
    Kind regards
    Barry Buck

  2. Hi Barry
    We’ll make some enquiries and see what imagery we can find to confirm. Thanks for your your enquiry.
    DAHS Webmaster

  3. I can remember Bill and PZ865
    Using Gatwick in the mid 60S
    To I assume to clear customs
    And then leaving for Dunsfold
    Great days
    Alan J

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