Shackleton WR 963

Welcome to the website of the SHACKLETON PRESERVATION TRUST. The object of our interest is SHACKLETON WR 963. This aircraft has been stored at Coventry Airport since it last flew with the RAF in 1991 and was purchased by the Trust. My name is John Cubberley and I am currently the project manager overseeing all aspects relating to the preservation and restoration of this magnificent aeroplane. In July 1972 WR 963 was allocated to No 8 Squadron having been converted to perform the essential role of airborne early warning. The Grey Lady was originally designed as a Maritime Patrol Aircraft and this is how she is displayed today, resplendent in her 38 Squadron identification markings, prefix X, her Luqa (Malta ) squadron code. The restoration team has worked hard since 1991 to bring WR 963 to her present standard. Below are some pictures to bring back memories of this aircraft, which was designed by ROY CHADWICK and built by A.V. ROE.

To really appreciate this aircraft why not come and visit WR 963 at Coventry Airport. While there you can, if you wish, join our support group "FRIENDS OF WR963", meet the engineering team, see engine runs and talk to our members who flew on 963, keeping intruders from our air and sea space. You will then understand how ten young men spent their time on patrols of eighteen hours or more, hunting down enemy submarines, at times flying at fifty feet above the waves to locate their target. WR 963 was involved in many different duties throughout her service career; search and rescue; dropping essential mail to Navy warships on patrol and controlling dissidents with bombs and nose-mounted guns. She represents the last of the big four- engined piston heavyweight bombers and is, in my opinion, the finest tribute to British design and construction of the fifties.

As a Squadron Leader, I served in the RAF for thirty-five years as an Air Electronics Officer. My Shackleton experience includes operational tours on 269, 201, 120 and 38 squadrons. I have flown over 400 hours in WR 963 and am now the liaison officer between the TRUST and AIR ATLANTIQUE, who own Coventry Airport. They have a collection of vintage aircraft there, which are flown and displayed at various air-shows around the country. Do not miss the opportunity of visiting and being a part of such an enduring piece of Aviation History.