Welcome to: The Royal Navy Historic Flight Support Group LEEDS BRANCH YORKSHIRE U.K. established to: 1. Raise funds to keep the RNHF aircraft (Swordfish, Sea Fury and Sea Hawk) where they belong....IN THE AIR and 2. Make sure that we NEVER FORGET the huge contribution made by the Fleet Air Arm. (Last updated 26 August 2005)   Here you will find our UNIQUE 'Tribute Series' of Collectable Aeronautical items, including SIGNATURES of aviators from many of the campaigns of the infamous Swordfish BISMARCK (4 x signatures) CHANNEL DASH (3 x signatures) TARANTO (3 x signatures) Atlantic Convoys - ESCORT Carriers Atlantic Convoys - MAC (Merchant Aircraft Carriers) SHIPS Special - Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown RN U-Boat Huters (3 x signatures) New - Sir George Martin / Don Bunce (Training School)   as well as signed books and other merchandise...............     About us: W5856 'The City of Leeds' In 1939 Britain went to war with a number of obsolescent aircraft types still serving in front line squadrons. One of these aircraft types was the Fleet Air Arm's FAIREY SWORDFISH, the biplane affectionately called the 'STRINGBAG'. This noble aircraft went on to sink over 350,000 tons of enemy shipping, at least 12 U-boats and sank or crippled 30 major Axis warships. Some of the most famous single actions include the Sinking of the Bismark, the Battle of Taranto (the blueprint for Pearl Harbor?) and the Channel Dash. Of the 2,391 built between 1935 and 1944, 1,699 Swordfish were built in and around LEEDS, Yorkshire (UK)   Currently (sadly) there are no SWORDFISH flying in the world......BUT the 3 Swordfish of the RNHF are all at different stages of restoration to flying condition at British Aerospace Systems, Brough and we are hopeful that we will see one back in the air in 2006. ........ quite clearly, the future of the Royal Navy Historic Flight depends on continuing funding to keep this aircraft flying, along with the other equally important types such as the Sea Fury, Firefly and Sea Hawk. ABOUT THE LEEDS BRANCH: Ben Pearce lives in Leeds and was a TAG (Telegraphist Air Gunner) who flew in Swordfish throughout the Second World War. In total he flew in 77 different Swordfish in over 400 separate active missions. Two of the most famous Aircraft Carriers that Ben flew from were H.M.S. Eagle and H.M.S. Indefatigable, both of which Ben remembers with pride. In 1996 Ben succeeded in convincing the City of Leeds Council that, because of the significant part played by the engineering companies and the local workers in the construction of this legend, they should adopt one of the two remaining airworthy examples. So it was that in September 1996, the Mk II Swordfish W5856 was named 'City of Leeds'  thus beginning an ever strengthening link between the Swordfish Heritage Trust and the City of Leeds. For the past 6 years we have raised over £2,000 per year at our stands at various aeronautical events in the region, many of which were also attended by our most honourable colleague Lieutenant Commander John Wellham DSC RN The money came from generous donations from people clearly impressed by the elegant and yet purposeful 'Stringbag' and also from those who purchased items from our exclusive (and growing) range of merchandise, which, where appropriate, can be signed by our distinguished friends and guests.   EVERY PENNY RAISED GOES TO HELP KEEP 'The City of Leeds' and the other aircraft of the RNHF where they can be most appreciated - IN THE AIR   What better tribute to all those who braved the elements and fortunes of war - of which 6,000 made the ultimate sacrifice in two conflicts ? Please visit our merchandise page and see what is available.   We can also offer a selection of Illustrated Presentations/Lectures by eminent members of the RNHF Support Group.