Bullied Light Pacific 34072 257 Squadron - Restoration

Bulleid Battle of Britain classmates 257 Squadron and Manston side by side in Herston Works.

Our 257 Squadron pages are broken down as follows:

  257 Squadron introduction

  257 Squadron in regular service

  257 Squadron Restoration

  257 Squadron on the Swanage Railway

  257 Squadron Gallery

Please select from the above links to view more information.

With the steam era coming to an end, 257 Squadron was withdrawn from service in 1964 and sent to the famous Dai Woodham's Barry scrapyard for breaking up.

In 1984 257 Squadron was purchased from the Barry scrapyard by a group of enthusiasts and moved to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway's headquarters at Blunsdon. Here she languished in the open until going into Swindon Works in 1987. The actual overhaul began in late 1988.

257 Squadron at Barry in 1983 - photo by Bill Trite

In September 1990, after one of the fastest overhauls of its kind in history, 257 Squadron proudly took her place at the head of the celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. A rededication ceremony was held at Folkestone Central Station attended by survivors from the original 257 Squadron air crews, military top brass, a cluster of celebrities and hordes of media.

257 Squadron at Norden in 1995 - photo by George Moon

Following this she returned to Swanage in November 1990 before moving around the country visiting various heritage railways. She finally resided permanently in Swanage the following year.