RAF Lossiemouth Gate guards - Info request

[F3]

Having never been up to Lossiemouth I am seeking info about its Gate guards. Specifically whether there is an ex 8 Sqn. Shackleton AEW2 and if so, it's serial no. Grateful for any info.

[chrisov]

Has been a Tornado for many years, can be seen from main gate but not sure about access for photos - can always ask.
From old memory the Shackleton was scrapped in the 80's and the Bucaneer went to Dalcross the Gannet now rotting near Errol. All due to the one gate guard policy introduced then.
Sure others will come with full information.
If in area there is a Buccaneer S2 at the Bucaneer garage on way into Elgin from Lossiemouth.
Also Morayavia to south of Kinloss think it opens at Easter, Nimrod XV244? visible by fence on Kinloss to Findhorn road.
Enjoy your visit.

[Dan214sqn]

All good info there

The Tornado can be seen from the road, however pointing a camera at the main gate of a RAF station isn't advisable

Another shout for Morayvia at Kinloss - A must if your in the area.

The nimrod is also there to shoot at a more discreet location compared with a main entrance like at lossie. I took the below on my step ladders
Hawker Sidley Nimrod MR.2 XW244 '44' DUKE OF EDINBURGH by Dan Foster, on Flickr

[F3]

Thanks for the info guys but am trying to establish what happened to the 5th. Shackleton AEW2 when they were retired in '91 (WR 965). Four were auctioned by Sotheby's and their whereabouts known but the fate of this one is something of a mystery.
Logically it should have been earmarked for Gate guard duties or donated to a museum and its home base seemed a likely place to begin my inquiries - but obviously not, so if anyone knows please get in touch. I seem to remember that there is one preserved @ Goose Bay which could be it so if anyone can confirm....

[Andy Marden]

WR965 was lost in April 1990 when it flew into a hill on the Isle of Harris, with the loss of 10 lives.
A Vulcan is preserved at Goose Bay, not a Shackleton.

[Mike]

WR965 crashed in 1990 with the loss of all 10 crew :- https://aviation-safety.net/database/re ... 19900430-2

[Vulcanone]

The four that were auctioned were WL747 and WL757 which are in Cyprus

The other pair bought were WL790 which is now in the Pima Air Museum, and WR963 that is still at Coventry.

The 5th and finally aircraft retired in 1991 was WL756 which went to St Mawgan for FCRT and partly now survives (Not sure where exactly)

[Pune]

WR965 crashed in 1990 with the loss of all 10 crew :- https://aviation-safety.net/database/re ... 19900430-2

Shackelton memorial Harris12_06_2018 by Paul Tursner-Upcott, on Flickr
This is the memorial to the crew of WR965 on Harris, sorry it's a huge crop, no time to get up there..

[F3]

Thanks for the info. Now I have the identities and fates of the final five Shacks in service. 56 was the one I was missing. One final trip to the well of aviation knowledge. Anyone know why it was not auctioned with the other 4? Presumably not enough hours left on the clock to be of interest I would guess. At least I now know that I've a strip of negs of the Harris crash Shack.

[stevieiz]

Im sure if you have a pass for the base and speak nicely to the staff in the guardroom, you may get an accompanied visit to the guardian for a photo. Im going to try that next time I am in.

Steve.