Canberra bombers carried up to 300 alpha bombs in hoppers. The photo shows it painted all-white at Abingdon around the early 90s where it was awaiting the final axe. British manner, which had all members of the crew, operational as well as support, performing. The amusing feature of this situation was due to the position of the aircraft and. At Abingdon it served as a Rescue Training airframe where the particular crew arrangements and positions of the Canberra were fully utilised. The following is kindly contributed by Ian Hunter, ex-RAF ground crew.
In 1977, it was transferred to RAF Abingdon under Instruction Airframe no 8515M. although in the bomber versions he could lie in the nose and get some. For weeks the aircrews trained to dive their Lancasters down. When 245 Sqd closed down in 1963 WH869 transferred to 98 Sqd at RAF Tangmere where it stayed until 1970 when it was again transferred to 7 Sqd's B.2 Flight, newly formed at RAF St Mawgan. With the operating heights of the Canberra, crews spent much of their time flying. The bomb aimer in Gibsons own crew was RAAF Flying Officer Frederick Spafford. It stayed with 527 until they closed down in 1958 when it was transferred to 245 Sqd which was formed on the same station taking a number of 527's aircraft and crews (ground and air). The crew destroyed the mortar position its crew and the ammo supply. It was delivered first to the RAF Flying College but soon transferred to 527 Sqd at RAF Watton. The Australian built aircraft was designated simply the Canberra Mk.20 (not B.20. Built as a B.2 in 1953, WH869 spent the best part of its working life in service with bomber squadrons in the RAF.