The Boeing B-29 Washington was a four-engine long-range bomber which was loaned to the Air Ministry by the USA to enable the RAF to meet its needs during the Cold War.
It was utilised by the squadron for training purposes from February 1950 to September 1951 [whilst it formed the nucleus of the Washington Conversion Unit] and for operational and training purposes from September 1951 to March 1954
Boeing B-29 [Washington] Profile © Malcolm Barrass
Aircraft on charge of No. 35 Squadron
On 23rd February 1950, the squadron was disbanded and its personnel were transferred to RAF Marham to form the nucleus of the Washington Conversion Unit.
On 1st September 1951, No. 35 Squadron reformed with:
- “A” Flight continuing to train replacement crews for the Washington Squadrons (ie as per the role it had performed at the Washington Conversion Unit)
- “B” Flight carrying out normal conventional training exercises equipped with the B-29 Washington
The following shows the serial numbers of the aircraft that are known to have been on charge of the squadron (from September 1951 to March 1954), along with the period that they were on charge:
| Serial No | On Charge | Off Charge |
| WF437 | 19/12/1952 | 22/07/1953 |
| WF495 | 11/03/1953 | 26/01/1954 |
| WF498 | 25/03/1953 | 22/07/1953 |
| WF570 | 29/06/1951 | 14/12/1952 |
| WF571 | 28/06/1951 | 24/04/1953 |
| WF572 | 29/06/1951 | 22/02/1954 |
| WF573 | 29/06/1951 | 15/01/1954 |
| WF574 | 04/07/1951 | 02/09/1953 |
| WW343 | 05/07/1951 | 24/04/1953 |
| WW344 | 16/07/1951 | 22/02/1954 |
| WW345 | 30/07/1952 | 22/02/1954 |
| WW346 | 09/10/1952 | 14/10/1952 |
| WW347 | 18/02/1953 | 16/03/1954 |
| WW348 | 30/07/1952 | 05/01/1954 |
| WW350 | 11/06/1952 | 22/02/1954 |
| WW351 | 11/06/1952 | 15/01/1954 |
Note: Information based on the Aircraft Movement Cards; other serial numbers were utilised for some exercises etc
Photo Gallery
Aircraft losses and incidents
Aircraft losses and incidents were as follows:
1952
- Boeing B-29 [Washington] WF570 (14/12/1952)
- Boeing B-29 [Washington] WW350 (Nov. 1952)
- Boeing B-29 [Washington] WW351 (16/10/1952)
1953
1954
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Crew
The Washington was typically crewed by a Pilot, Co-pilot, Nav. Plotter, Nav. Radar, Signaller, Engineer, Central Fire Control, Right Gunner (Scanner), Left Gunner (Scanner), Tail Gunner
No. 35 Squadron 