More common and frequent were the detachments of squadrons for the month long Armaments Practice Camps or APCs. During these detahcments, the crews fired coloured shells at a banner towed by a Cnaberra, way out at sea. This page deals with Lightning squadrons, and the table below gives the month and year when visits are known to have occurred. Further details re provided in the individual tables further down. No claim is being made that the list is complete, and for this reason, anyone who can supply additional information is welcome to e-mail me .

Unlike the other major front-line aircraft of the time (Buccaneer, Harrier, Jaguar and Phantom), the Lightning’s notorious short range meant that it never came to Malta, unless it was with tanker support. There are two known exceptions.

A fellow enthusiast has received a photograph of an F.2 in metal finish at RAF Luqa, exact date unknown, but it should be around 1967/68. This was quite a surprise, as the only visit by an F.2/F.2A variant was always thought to be by a 92 squadron example, XN787/L, on 27 October 1975, piloted by Flt. Lt. Mark Micallef Eynaud, one of only two Maltese-born pilots to have served with the RAF. The other was Dr. C. Grech during WW I.

SQUADRON	DATES	NOTES
5	10/67, 11/74, 04/76 04/77
11	11/70, 08/73, 10/76, 06/78*	* Last full squadron strength detachment seen at RAF Luqa, see separate table.
23	05/70, 02/74
29	05/69
56	10/65, 10/66	These two detachments were made when the squadron was still based at RAF Wattisham.
56	06/69, 08/70, 01/71, 12/71, 05/73, 06/74	These visits were made when the squadron was based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. The visits weren’t necessarily by the entire squadron, see separate table.
111	08/68, 07/74	111 Squadron is unique amongst Lightning users as having utilised all Lighting variants, no matter for how brief a time, except the F.1, which was only operated by No. 74.

Individual Squadrons

56 Squadron, Dec. 71

Detachment of four Lightnings F.6s from RAF Akrotiri. Exercise included scrambles, night flying, and in-flight re-fuelling with the Victor.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
EE Lightning F.6	XR759/P	c/n 95224. f/f 9.9.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 18.1.66 'E' 5 Sqn. 27.2.67 replaced and to 60 MU overhaul. 18.7.67 BAC Warton for mod to full F6. (274hr 45min.) 2.8.68 60 MU store. 1.11.68 'R' 5 Sqn. 6.70 'A' 5 Sqn. 6.71 'G' 74 Sqn at Leuchars. 30.8.71 'P' 56 Sqn.9.6.72 60 MU overhaul. 26.10.72 'P' 56 Sqn. 26.6.75 Binbrook store. 14.7.75 'P' 11 Sqn. 8.12.75 re coded 'H' 11 Sqn. 9.77 store. 8.8.78 'H' 5 Sqn. 3.10. 79 lent to 11 Sqn for APC, Akrotiri with dayglo red code 'B'. 8.11.79 returned to 'H' 5 Sqn, later 'AH' 5 Sqn, then stored late 81. 11.2.82 St Athan light grey respray, returning 3.3.82. 14.5.82 LAF. 6.82 used as 11 Sqn display aircraft. 8.82 returned to 'AH' 5 Sqn. 31.1.84 St Athan respray in dark grey scheme, returning 29.2.84 into store. 15.5.85 'BJ' 11 Sqn. Active 24.9.87, withdrawn end 8.87 for spares. Scrapped 4.88. (3,748.35hr.)	All Lightnings & Victor arr on 11 Dec 71 & dep on 20 Dec, except for this aircraft, which remained behind due to engine trouble. Left on 4 Jan 72.
EE Lightning F.6	XR761/A	c/n 95226. f/f 30.9.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 15.2.66 'J' 5 Sqn. 23.3.67 60 MU. 5.67 'P' 23 Sqn. 19.1.68 BAC Warton mod to F6. By 10.69 60 MU. 23.10.69 'A' 5 Sqn. 6.70 'B' 74 Sqn. 9.71 'A' 56 Sqn. 6.2.73 60 MU overhaul. 8.6.73 'A' 56 Sqn. 1.7.76 60 MU overhaul. 17.7.76 Binbrook store (26.6.79 painted in 74 Sqn marks for 25th anniversary). 15.8.79 'F' 11 Sqn. 11.80 re-coded 'BF' 11 Sqn. 8.81 St Athan light grey respray. 18.10.81 returned. 2.82 'AC' 5 Sqn. 10.10.83 St Athan dark grey respray returning 8.11.83, into store. 8.11.84 crashed North Sea seven miles east of Spurn Head, after pitch trimmer failure after take off and then Nos 1 and 2 re heat fire warning lights came on while pilot burned off fuel preparatory to landing. Smoke and fire caused him to eject being rescued after 25min in sea.
EE Lightning F.6	XS897/S	c/n 95243. flf 10.5.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 21.12.66 'K' 74 Sqn. 30.8.71 'S' 56 Sqn. 6.9.72 60 MU overhaul. 29.1.73 'S' 56 Sqn via Binbrook. 7.76 'K' 5 Sqn. 11.76 store. 10.77 'H' 11 Sqn. 3.79 store. 10.4.81 'BE' 11 Sqn. 6.9.81 St Athan for respray, returning 12.10.81. 8.82 store. 2.83 re coded 'BC' 11 Sqn. 12.83 re-coded 'BD' 11 Sqn. 1.84 store. 2.84 'BC' 11 Sqn. 12.84 store. 13.2.86 'AC' 5 Sqn. 10.10.86 old style camouflage and 'D' roundels, original 5 Sqn markings as part of squadron's 21st anniversary of Lightning operations. Remained in this scheme until 5 Sqn disbanded 12.87 when put into store. Scrapped 4.88. (3,391.55hr.)
EE Lightning F.6	XS932/J	c/n 95265. f/f 9.4.67, Salmesbury Warton. 21.6.67 'H' 11 Sqn. 14.5.71 60 MU overhaul. 25.10.71 'J' 56 Sqn 25.9.75 60 MU overhaul. 25.2.76 'R' 56 Sqn. 01.07.76 60 MU overhaul. 17.7.76 Binbrook store. By 8.77 Coningsby, stored in BBMF hangar. 4.79 'F' 5 Sqn. 2.80 store. 25.8.83 St Athan for respray in dark grey scheme, returning 12.9.83. 29.9.83 'AM' 5 Sqn. 10.83 re coded 'AC' 5 Sqn. 4.85 store. 15.1.86 'AG' 5 Sqn. Last flown 10.86 (3,655.30hr). Salvaged 4.88.	Seen as “H” with 11 Sqdn during Lime Jug 70.
Victor K.1A	XH651		57 Sqdn, provided tanker support. Worked with Lightnings during their stay.

23 Squadron, Feb. 74

Last seen in 1970, the Lightnings’ badge was now bigger with a white outline, instead of a small disc.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
EE Lightning F.6	XR753/A	c/n 95218. f/f 23.6.65 as F3A, SalmesburyWarton for store. 16.11.65. 33 MU store. 26.11.65. 'T' AFDS. 2.66 re coded 'U' FCTU 10.8.67 23 SqD becoming 'V' 23 Sqn. 21.3.68 BAC Warton mod to full F6. 18.7.69 60 MU. 9.69 'B' 5 Sqn. 3.71 60 MU overhaul. 16.8.71 Leuchars. 21.8.71 'A' 23 Sqn mid-74 60 MU overhaul. 9.8.74 'A' 23 sqn. 3.11.75 Coningsby. 12.11.75 'F' 5 Sqn (Binbrook). 15.6.76 60 MU overhaul early 10.76 'A' 5 Sqn, during 1980 used by LTF. 6.81 'BA' 1 1 Sqn. 4.83'AG' 5 Sqn. 11.84 store. 28.3.85 'AC' 5 Sqn. 2.86 uncoded 5 Sqn, by 10.86 'BP' 11 sqn. 24.5.88 Leeming for BDR (3,487.20hr).	The following F.6s arrived on 11 Feb 74. This Lightning also had a small Canadian flag on the nose, next to squadron colours. It was also the first Lightning to be seen in the two-tone camouflage.
EE Lightning F.6	XR754/D	c/n 25219. f/f 8.7.65 as F3A Salmesbury Warton for storage. 3.12.65 Handling Sqn/A&AEE. 2.2.66 'G' 5 Sqn. 31.1.67 BAC Warton mod to full F6 (296hr 7min). 29.2.68 'M' 23 Sqn. 13.11.70 60 MU overhaul. 5.71 'M' 23 Sqn 7.71 re coded 'D' 23 Sqn. 3.11.75 Binbrook. 21.4.76 'E' 11 Sqn. 17.7.76 'D' 5 Sqn. By 7.77 'A' 11 Sqn. By 4.81 'AE' 5 Sqn. 6.1.83 St Athan light grey respray, returning 25.1.83, placed in store. 20.8.84 'AE' 5 Sqn. (21.8.84 departed APC Akrotiri, when 'sharksteeth' mark ings applied). 3.86 stored. 10.12.86 'BC' 11 Sqn. Reinstated 'BC' 11 Sqn by 8.87. 24.6.88 Wattisham for BDR.
EE Lightning F.6	XR770/L	c/n 95235. f/f 16.12.65, Salmesbury- Warton for storage. 9.66 shown SBAC Farnborough in RSAF marks as '53- 770' and flew 10 flights at show. 26.9.66 'C' 74 Sqn. 14.9.71 60 MU overhaul. 5.72 'L' 23 Sqn. 4.3.75 60 MU overhaul. 6.75 'L' 23 Sqn. 9.75 'D' 56 Sqn. 28.6.76 stripped down at Wattisham. 10.76 moved to Binbrook, and placed in storage 6.78 'B' 5 Sqn. 3.79 store. 12.79 'A' 5 Sqn. 8.80'C' 5 Sqn. 9.80'A'5 Sqn. 26.11.80 re-coded'AA' 5 Sqn. 4.81 uncoded. 6.6.81 'AA' 5 Sqn. 15.7.81 St Athan for light grey respray, returning 5.8.81 as first Lightning in new scheme and over- size pink/pale blue roundels. 'AA' 5 Sqn. Cat 4 10.81 after u/c damaged in bad landing. 3.83 'X' LAF (roundels now reduced in size), loaned to 5 Sqn. 7.3.83 for APC, Cyprus. 13.4.83 Binbrook. 7.83 'AA' 5 Sqn. 20.8.84 APC during which 'shark's mouth' markings applied. 21.1.85 uncoded, placed in store. 11.85 'AJ' 5 Sqn. 1.86 re-coded 'AA' 5 Sqn. 1.10.86 received smaller nose marks, and all red fin and maple leaf emblem for 5 Sqn's 21st anniversary with Lightnings. By 5.10.87 red extended to spine and wing leading edges. 12.87 following disbandment of 5 Sqn all unit marks removed, fin and wings painted light grey. By 2.88 fitted with over wing tanks and operated (by 11 Sqn) for BAe Tornado F3 radar development trials from Binbrook. Coded 'BN' 11 Sqn early 4.88, last flight 29.4.88 re coded 'JS' LTF mid 6.88 for display in Grimsby. Dismantled.
EE Lightning F.6	XR747/K	c/n 95212. f/f 2.4.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton for store and conv to F6. Late 67 to 60 MU storage. 4.1.68 'K' 23 Sqn. 4.6.73 60 MU overhaul. 20.9.73 'K' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'X' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 Binbrook. 11.74 'P' Sqn. 2.76 first 5 Sqn to receive grey/green camouflage scheme. 16.2.77 recoded 'E' 5 Sqn. 9.77 Cat 3 with persistent fuel leaks, placed in store until 10.1.78 when returned to service as 'E' 5 sqn. 4.79 stored. 5.6.81 due to be placed on fire dump, Binbrook but fell off low loader and left on belly ('5' Sqn marks), and used as 'photo mount' for 'Families Day' 6.6.81. Repaired, 18.5.82 air tested and transferred to LAF as 'X' 8.82 'BF' 11 Sqn. 2.85, Mod, 9 to give 400 more flying hours. 23.8.85 air tested. 24.9.85 'AL' 5 Sqn. 7.8.87 Lost part of rudder in flight, made emergency landing, Coningsby. 22.8.87 (last flight) to Binbrook. Scrapped 4.88. (3,650.40hr.)
EE Lightning F.6	XS899/E	c/n 95245. f/f 8.6.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 23.1.67 'G' 5 Sqn. 18.10.73 60 MU overhaul. 28.1.74 'E' 23 Sqn. 17.7.75 engine runs, Binbrook. 27.8.75 returned to 'E' 23 Sqn until disbandment 30.10.75. 3.11.75 Binbrook store. 1.76 noted camouflaged, coded 'W' in black. 24.3.77 flying with 5 Sqn, still coded 'W'. 29.3.77 'L' 5 Sqn. 12.77 store. 4.78 'C' 5 Sqn. 12.78 store. 5.79 'C' 11 Sqn (18.7.79 painted in 92 Sqn markings for 25th anniversary). 6.8.79 reverted to 'C' 1 1 Sqn, later coded 'BC' 1 1 Sqn. 10.80 store. 3.81 'BL' 11 Sqn. By 10.81 'AA' 5 Sqn. 3.3.82 St Athan for light grey respray, returning 17.3.82, to 'AA' 5 Sqn. 11.7.83 St Athan for further respray in dark grey, returning by 8.83. 9.83 store. 4.84 'AJ. 5 Sqn. 11.85 store. 1.10.86 'AM' 5 Sqn. 5.87 store. 7.8.87 lost rudder in flight due to strong winds, diverted safely to Coningsby. By 10.87 'AF' 5 Sqn until disbandment 12.87 then 'BL' 11 Sqn. 30.6.88 Cranfield for Mr Arnold Glass.
EE Lightning F.6	XS936/B	c/n 95269. F/f 31.5.67, Salmesbury- Warton. 27.7.67 60 MU. 18.8.67 'B' 23 Sqn. 28.8.68 to Toronto Air Show in 7hr 20min non-stop. 3.9.68 returned. 26.5.72 60 MU overhaul. 4.9.72 'B' 23 Sqn. 3.11.75 Binbrook store. 21.4.76 60 MU. 7.76 'G' 11 Sqn. 8.77 store. 2.79 'G' 11 Sqn. 9.80 store. 29.4.81 'AK' 5 Sqn. 10.81 'AL' 5 Sqn. 17.3.82 St Athan for light grey respray, returning 1.4.82 into store. 8.82 'DF' LTF. 7.4.83 'Pool' aircraft. 5.83 'L' 5 Sqn. 12.83 'DF' LTF, replaced by 4.84. 17.5.85 'AS' 5 Sqn. By 25.9.87 'AB' 5 Sqn. Last flown 10.87. Scrapped 4.88 (3,961.50hr).
HP Victor K.1A	XH588 XH589 XH614		All three 55 Sqdn, arr 11 Feb.
EE Lightning F.6	XR752/G	c/n 95217. f/f 16.6.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for store. 26.11.65 'V' AFDS. 6.67'U' 23 Sqn, later re coded 'C' 23 Sqn. 20.10.67 BAC, Warton conv full F6. 24.10.68 Leuchars pool coded 'W'. 1.7.70 'G' 23 Sqn. 7.73 60 MU overhaul. 17.8.73 'G' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'Y' 111 Sqn. 15.10.74 'B' 5 Sqn. 16.12.75 store. 3.76 'H' 5 Sqn. 22.4.76 60 MU overhaul. 11.76 Binbrook store. 9.77 'H' 5 Sqn. 29.9.77 Cat 2 wheels up landing Binbrook (first F6 to do so), cost £99,000 to repair. 25.1.78 air tested. 6.78 'D' 11 Sqn. 9.80 'E' 5 Sqn then 'BH' 11 Sqn by 11.80. 3.82 store. 1.4.82 St Athan light grey respray, returning 21.4.82, stored. Temporarily used 5 Sqn without codes, periodically 83 and 84. 5,84 'BL' 11 Sqn. 11.85 stored after suffering fire on landing. 22.4.87 decoy, scrapped by 9.87.	Following F.6s arrived on 12 Feb.
EE Lightning F.6	XR756/M	c/n 95221. f/f 11.8.65 as F3A, SalmesburyWarton, for storage. 10. 12.65 'B' 5 Sqn. 19.4.67 BAC Warton mod to F6. 13.6.68 Leuchars (401hr gmin). 14.9.68 Leuchars pool as 'U', flying with 11 Sqn. 23.2.70 60 MU overhaul and storage 14.12.70 'H' 23 Sqn. 1.71 re coded 'M' 23 Sqn, 20.8.73 damaged when venting fuel from No 1 engine caused flash fire on ground (1,722hr 5min). 20.9.74 60 MU overhaul. 6.2.75 'M' 23 Sqn. 3.11.75 Binbrook, store. 3.76 used by both 5 and 11 Sqns. 21.4.76 60 MU and became 'M' of Leconfield Pool. 21.6.76 11 Sqn (Coningsby) coded 'J' by 8.76. 28.1.77 store. 5.79 'G' Sqn. By 10.79 re coded 'AG' 5 Sqn. 1.81 store. LAF (coded 'F') by 29.7.82. 11.1.83 LTF. 2.83 'BB' 11 Sqn. 3.85 store. 26.9.85 'BH' 11 Sqn. Last flown 6.87. Salvaged 4.88 (3,889.50hr).
EE Lightning F.6	XR760/H	c/n 95225. f/f 20.9.65 as F3A, Salrnesbury Warton for storage. 27.1.66 'F' 5 Sqn. 9.1.67 BAC Warton mod to F6. (297hr 40min.) 9.10.67 60 MU store. 28.11.67 'H' 23 Sqn. 25.9.70 60 MU overhaul. 3.3.71 'H' 23 Sqn. 9.10.73 undershot and hit approach lights, Luqa, Malta (1,846hr 55min). 3.11.75 Binbrook store. 8.3.76 60 MU overhaul. 7.76 5 Sqn coded 'G' 5 Sqn by 8.76. 7.77 re coded 'B' 5 Sqn. 6.78 store. 4.81 5 Sqn (uncoded). 27.4.81 St Athan respray (in light grey scheme.) by 7.81, with 5 Sqn (uncoded). 3.82 'AA' 5 Sqn. 27.4.82 'K' LAF, later stored. 3.83 'Z' LAF. 7.83 'BD' 11 Sqn, then stored by 12.83. Active 'BD' 11 Sqn 1.84. 22.1.85 St Athan dark grey respray, returned as 'BD' 11 Sqn by 3.85 along with XR773 also coded 'BD', which it replaced 4.85, then stored 5.85. 1.86 'BL' 11 Sqn. 15.7.86 crashed into North Sea seven miles north of Whitby after rear fuselage fire believed caused by fuel leak. Pilot ejected, rescued by 22 Sqn Wessex from Leconfield.	Remained in Malta for repairs after heavy landing (See history).
EE Lightning F.6	XS895/N	c/n 95241. f/f 6.4.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 5.12.66 'H' 74 Sqn. 8.71 'J' 5 Sqn. 11.71 60 MU overhaul. 24.3.72 'J' 5 Sqn. 24.6.72 re coded , B' 5 Sqn. 12.72 'N' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'Z' 111 Sqn. 14.10.74 Leuchars Station Flight (operated by 23 Sqn). 11.74 grounded until 2.76. 3.2.76 to Binbrook, specially decorated in Scottish markings similar to those of Leuchars TFF. Store. 16.1.79 first flight for three years. 2.79 'B' 5 Sqn. 9.80 'AL' 5 Sqn. 10.81 'AK' 5 Sqn. 6.83 store. 4.84 'DF' LTF. 20.8.84 loaned to 5 Sqn for APC, Cyprus. 29.4.85 on loan to 11 Sqn. 10.5.85 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning later same month, into store. 7.85 'BC' 11 Sqn. 15.1.86 slightly damaged after running off runway. 10.12.86 store. 9.7.87 noted during overhaul. By 22.8.87 'AO' 5 Sqn, remained active until disbanded 12.87. Scrapped 4.88. (3,275hr.)
HP Victor K.1A	XA926, XH616		57 Sqdn, arr on 12 Feb.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL741	First flown 22.1.53 and A/Cn 27.2.53. To 23MU 11.3.53 and issued to 220 Sqn 30.3.53. Coded T-O. Transferred to 42 Sqn 1.7.54 and coded A-E. Modified 6 - 22.9.55 and suffered Cat.3 flying accident 20.6.56 when it landed heavily in poor visibility, resulting in the collapse of the tailwheel assembly and a fire in the rear fuselage. Repaired by Avro CWP 26.6.56 - 18.10.56. Transferred to 120 Sqn 5.11.56 and coded B. Allocated to Avro 18.7.58 for Phase I modification, completed 23.7.59. Issued to 204 Sqn 23.7.59 and coded M. To DH Chester (Hawarden) for Phase II update 18.5.61, the work being completed 9.1.62. Allocated to 205 Sqn, arriving Changi 24.2.62 and coded A. Cat.3 damage in flying accident 24.1.63. Repair completed 22.5.63. Further Cat.3 damage 6.10.65 was patched up and aircraft returned to UK 25.10.65 and allocated to HSA 4.11.65 for Phase III conversion. On completion issued to 204 Sqn 4.2.67, immediately transferred to Ballykelly Wing strength as O. Declared Cat.3 1.6.67, the damage repaired by HSA CWP 8.6.67-27.7.67, On 18.3.70 WL745 was flown to Woodford for performance checks to establish a base against which to measure the effect of the proposed AN/APS 20 radar fitment. Trials completed 25.3.70 and aircraft stored at Woodford pending decision. Allotted to MoA Air Fleet 12.8.70 for TI of Mod 1493 (AEW conversion), the first flight in the new configuration 30.9.71 (still coded O). To Boscombe Down 5.4.72 for official CA Release clearance, which was completed 26.2.73. To HSA Bitteswell 2.3.73 for completion to production standard, the aircraft being delivered as an AEW.2 to 5MU Kemble 30.7.73 for repainting. To 8 Sqn, Lossiemouth,17.9.73 and subsequently named 'Sage'. To HSA Bitteswell 10.10.77 for major overhaul, returning to 8 Sqn 28.9.78. Withdrawn from use 1981 and allocated to the RAF Fire Fighting and Safety School, Catterick. Flown to Catterick 13.7.81 and allotted the maintenance serial 8698M. Burnt 1983.	8 Sqdn, arr on 12 Feb.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WR965	First flown 7.4.54 and A/Cn 30.4.54. To Kinloss 11.5.54 and on to 23MU Aldergrove 13.5.54 for storage. Allocated to MEAF 3.11.54 and on delivery issued to 37 Sqn 5.11.54 coded B. To 49MU Colerne for Autolycus 'special fitment' 9-23.7.55, the mod being completed by CCMC St Mawgan before WR965 returned to 37 Sqn. To Safi/Avro Langar for major servicing 13.6.55, returning to 37 Sqn 4.11.56. Transferred to 38 Sqn 8.7.57 and coded S. To 49MU for 'special fitment' 5.6.58 - 23.7.58, but remained on 38 Sqn charge until allocated to Avro Langar 23.5.59 for Phase I modification, completed 31.3.60. To 224 Sqn 6.4.60 and coded T. To DH Chester 28.8.61 for Phase II update, completed 29.3.62. Immediately despatched to the A&AEE Boscombe Down on loan to the MoA for trials on redesigned flame-float launching chute (mod 1013). Released 5.4.62 and allocated to Ballykelly, WR965 being ToC by 203 Sqn 9.4.62 and coded K. Cat.3 damage 9.6.64 repaired by 23MU and aircraft returned to 203 Sqn 23.6.64. Again sustained Cat.3 damage 12.8.65, repaired by 60MU 20.8.65 - 21.9.65, and WR965 was back with 203 Sqn the following day. To HSA Langar 17.3.66 for Phase III modernisation, and on completion despatched to 205 Sqn, arriving 24.5.67, when coded L. Recoded E specially for a formation display 8.11.68 to record the retirement of WL759, the last Phase II aircraft on the Squadron. WR965 was also soon to leave Singapore, transferring to the Ballykelly Wing 2.12.68, when recoded Q. Allocated to HSA 18.12.68 and fitted with revised tailplane de-icing panels. Loaned to MinTech 24.3.69 for flight trials from Bitteswell to determine optimum flow rate, completed 9.5.69. Returned to Ballykelly Wing 15.5.69, transferring to 204 Sqn 10.70 still as Q. To 5MU Kemble 2.4.71 for storage. Delivered to HSA Bitteswell for AEW.2 conversion 28.4.72. First flight in revised configuration 15.11.72. To 5MU 28.11.72 for repainting before delivery to Lossiemouth 18.1.73 for radar installation. To Kinloss 31.1.73, returning to Lossiemouth 17.8.73 with unit. Named 'Dill'. To HSA 16.4.74 (after standing in open storage 1.74 - 4.74) for refurbishing. Returned to 8 Sqn, but to 60MU on 29.4.75 for mods and to HSA Bitteswell 1.9.76 for major servicing and re-sparring (2nd in contract). First flight after mods 12.10.77, WR965 returning to Lossiemouth 19.10.77 and 8 Sqn charge two days later. Crashed 30.4.9.0 near Northton, South Harris, Outer Hebrides. Ten killed.	8 Sqdn, arr on 12 Feb.
EE Canberra B.2	WK116/Q, WH739/S		100 Sqdn, arr on 13 Feb. “Q” was in new trainer colours.

111 Squadron, July 74

This was 111’s last visit with Lightnings. On 01.07.74, the squadron reformed with Phantom FGR.2s, previously used by 54 Squadron.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
EE Lightning F.3	XP740/B	c/n 95168. f/f 1.2.64. 30.12.64 'J' 111 Sqn. 1.70 rear fuselage fire at Binbrook, 60 MU for repairs. 7.70 '740' 226 OCU. 12.70 60 MU. 2.71 'B' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 Wattisham store. 19.4.75 dumped after being SOC. 10.75 PEE Shoeburyness.	Had small-style badges and normal fin flash. F.3s arr on 26 Jun 74. Departure dates have been listed as 17 & 18 July. Presumably the aircraft left in the same group as their arrival.
EE Lightning F.3	XP746/J	c/n 95174. f/f 26.3.64. 3.65 33 MU. 15.4.65 'K' 56 Sqn. 12.11.69 60 MU. 4.8.70 'J' 111 Sqn. 10.74 Wattisham store. 4.75 SOC. 10.76 PEE Shoeburyness.
EE Lightning F.3	XP754/R	c/n 95182. f/f 5.6.64. 31.7.64 'M' 74 Sqn. 9.66 Wattisham. 1.67 'X' 5 Sqn. 2.67 'X' 111 Sqn. Between 18/29.9.67 re-coded 'A' 111 Sqn. By 18.3.68 'H' 111 Sqn. 13.6.68 60 MU. 9.68 'R' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 SOC and scrapped.
EE Lightning F.3	XP759/F	c/n 95187. f/f 14.8.64. 1.10.64 'J' 23 Sqn (6.67 Paris Salon, coded 'I 16'). Late 67 to 60 MU. 28.3.68 'T' 56 Sqn, by 1.70 'C' 56 Sqn. 29.2.72 60 MU. 4.5.73 'S' 29 Sqn. 29.8.73 damaged by engine fire in flight, but repaired (1,846.55hr). 10.73 'G' 111 Sqn. 15.5.74 'R' 23 Sqn. 8.74 'F' 111 Sqn. 10.74 Wattisham store. 4.75 SOC and scrapped, parts to Binbrook.
EE Lightning F.3	XP762/C	c/n 951 90. f/f 3.9.64. 26.1.65 'M' 111 Sqn. 3.69 60 MU. 11.69 'C' 111 Sqn. 7.74 noted as 'D' 111 Sqn, by 8.8.74 reverted to 'C' 111 Sqn. 9.74 'A' 29 Sqn. 9.1.75 60 MU for disposal. 25.6.75 SOC and scrapped.
EE Lightning F.3	XR713/A	c/n 95196. f/f 21.10.64. 8.1.65 'C' 111 Sqn. 10.69 60 MU. 6.70 'B' 111 Sqn. 9.2.71 60 MU. 25.11.71 'A' 111 Sqn. 29.8.74 Binbrook. 31.10.74 'S' 5 Sqn. 3.76 LTF. 8.78 'C' LTF. 10.78 'C' 11 Sqn. 7.80 store. 5.5.82 'AR' 5 Sqn. Store 10.4.83-8.85. 9.85 'DD' LTF. 31.10.85 'DC' LTF. 5.3.87 Lossiemouth. 11.3.87 Leuchars. Allocated 8935M, restored as 'C' 111 Sqn c65 for display purposes at 111 Sqn HQ.
EE Lightning F.6	XR747/X	c/n 95212. f/f 2.4.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton for store and conv to F6. Late 67 to 60 MU storage. 4.1.68 'K' 23 Sqn. 4.6.73 60 MU overhaul. 20.9.73 'K' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'X' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 Binbrook. 11.74 'P' Sqn. 2.76 first 5 Sqn to receive grey/green camouflage scheme. 16.2.77 re-coded 'E' 5 Sqn. 9.77 Cat 3 with persistent fuel leaks, placed in store until 10.78 when returned to service as 'E' 5 sqn. 4.79 stored. 5.6.81 due to be placed on fire dump, Binbrook but fell off low loader and left on belly ('5' Sqn marks), and used as 'photo mount' for 'Families Day' 6.6.81. Repaired, 18.5.82 air tested and transferred to LAF as 'X' 8.82 'BF' 11 Sqn. 2.85, Mod, 9 to give 400 more flying hours. 23.8.85 air tested. 24.9.85 'AL' 5 Sqn. 7.8.87 Lost part of rudder in flight, made emergency landing, Coningsby. 22.8.87 (last flight) to Binbrook. Scrapped 4.88. (3,650.40hr.)	The F.6s had a bigger badge and swept fin flash.
EE Lightning F.6	XR752/Y	c/n 95217. f/f 16.6.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for store. 26.11.65 'V' AFDS. 6.67'U' 23 Sqn, later re coded 'C' 23 Sqn. 20.10.67 BAC, Warton conv full F6. 24.10.68 Leuchars pool coded 'W'. 1.7.70 'G' 23 Sqn. 7.73 60 MU overhaul. 17.8.73 'G' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'Y' 111 Sqn. 15.10.74 'B' 5 Sqn. 16.12.75 store. 3.76 'H' 5 Sqn. 22.4.76 60 MU overhaul. 11.76 Binbrook store. 9.77 'H' 5 Sqn. 29.9.77 Cat 2 wheels up landing Binbrook (first F6 to do so), cost £99,000 to repair. 25.1.78 air tested. 6.78 'D' 11 Sqn. 9.80 'E' 5 Sqn then 'BH' 11 Sqn by 11.80. 3.82 store. 1-4.82 St Athan light grey respray, returning 21.4.82, stored. Temporarily used 5 Sqn without codes, periodically 83 and 84. 5,84 'BL' 11 Sqn. 11.85 stored after suffering fire on landing. 22.4.87 decoy, scrapped by 9.87.
EE Lightning F.6	XS895/Z	c/n 95241. f/f 6.4.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 5.12.66 'H' 74 Sqn. 8.71 'J' 5 Sqn. 11.71 60 MU overhaul. 24.3.72 'J' 5 Sqn. 24.6.72 re coded ‘B' 5 Sqn. 12.72 'N' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'Z' 111 Sqn. 14.10.74 Leuchars Station Flight (operated by 23 Sqn). 11.74 grounded until 2.76. 3.2.76 to Binbrook, specially decorated in Scottish markings similar to those of Leuchars TFF. Store. 16.1.79 first flight for three years. 2.79 'B' 5 Sqn. 9.80 'AL' 5 Sqn. 10.81 'AK' 5 Sqn. 6.83 store. 4.84 'DF' LTF. 20.8.84 loaned to 5 Sqn for APC, Cyprus. 29.4.85 on loan to 11 Sqn. 10.5.85 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning later same month, into store. 7.85 'BC' 11 Sqn. 15.1.86 slightly damaged after running off runway. 10.12.86 store. 9.7.87 noted during overhaul. By 22.8.87 'AO' 5 Sqn, remained active until disbanded 12.87. Scrapped 4.88. (3,275hr.)
EE Lightning T.5	XS421/T	c/n B 1/95006. f/f 25.2.65. 11.5.65 '42 1' 226 OCU. 4.5.71 'T' 111 Sqn. 23.11.71 60 MU. 9.72 'T' 111 Sqn. 11.74 'S' 23 Sqn. 23.4.75 60 MU. 5.75 'S' 23 Sqn. 22.10.75 Binbrook, open store, then decoy. 24.9.76 wingless airframe to Boscombe Down by road for FOD injection tests (allocated 8503M). 27.9.76 P&EE/AWRE Foulness.	Carried markings similar to F.3s.

5 Squadron, Nov. 74

For this detachment, held between 18 Nov. till 16 Dec., No. 5 brought a mixture of F.3s and F.6s, as well as the obligatory two-seat T.5. Some of the aircraft had been seen previously at RAF Luqa with other squadrons.

This squadron’s details were added on 01.05.06.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
Lightning F.3	XR76(?)_/_
Lightning F.3	XR713/S	c/n 95196. f/f 21.10.64. 8.1.65 'C' 111 Sqn. 10.69 60 MU. 6.70 'B' 111 Sqn. 9.2.71 60 MU. 25.11.71 'A' 111 Sqn. 29.8.74 Binbrook. 31.10.74 'S' 5 Sqn. 3.76 LTF. 8.78 'C' LTF. 10.78 'C' 11 Sqn. 7.80 store. 5.5.82 'AR' 5 Sqn. Store 10.4.83-8.85. 9.85 'DD' LTF. 31.10.85 'DC' LTF. 5.3.87 Lossiemouth. 11.3.87 Leuchars. Allocated 8935M, restored as 'C' 111 Sqn c65 for display purposes at 111 Sqn HQ.
Lightning F.6	XR726/N	c/n 95209. f/f 26.2.65 as F3 Salmesbury-Warton. Stored and conv to F6 12.7.67 60 MU, used by Stn Flt. 14.11.67 first noted with 'Golden Arrow' markings. 1.2.68 loaned 23 Sqn (unmarked). 29.2.68 'N' 5 Sqn. 24.10.72 60 MU overhaul. 10.1.73 'N' 5 Sqn. 19.10.73 damaged by No 2 engine starter fire Binbrook (1,693hr 15min). 7.8.76 stored. 23.2.68 'K' 5 Sqn. 3.8.79 painted 'K' 23 Sqn for 25th anniversary. 15.8.79 lost rudder in flight, landed safely. 7.80 stored. 12.80 'AE' 5 Sqn. 5.81 stored. 8.12.81 St Athan respray, returned 11.2.82 light grey scheme, stored/used LAF with whom coded'F' in red dayglo. 3.83 'DF' LTF. 12.83 stored. 15.4.85 air tested following 30 week mod programme Binbrook by BAe to extend fatigue life by 400hr. 'BE' 1 1 Sqn same month. 6.86 stored then 'DF' LTF until 26.3.87.30.4.87 'BM' 11 Sqn. 7.87. Withdrawn from use, stripped for spares. (3,976.25hr.)
Lightning F.6	XR747/P	c/n 95212. f/f 2.4.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton for store and conv to F6. Late 67 to 60 MU storage. 4.1.68 'K' 23 Sqn. 4.6.73 60 MU overhaul. 20.9.73 'K' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'X' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 Binbrook. 11.74 'P' Sqn. 2.76 first 5 Sqn to receive grey/green camouflage scheme. 16.2.77 re-coded 'E' 5 Sqn. 9.77 Cat 3 with persistent fuel leaks, placed in store until 10.1.78 when returned to service as 'E' 5 sqn. 4.79 stored. 5.6.81 due to be placed on fire dump, Binbrook but fell off low loader and left on belly ('5' Sqn marks), and used as 'photo mount' for 'Families Day' 6.6.81. Repaired, 18.5.82 air tested and transferred to LAF as 'X' 8.82 'BF' 11 Sqn. 2.85, Mod, 9 to give 400 more flying hours. 23.8.85 air tested. 24.9.85 'AL' 5 Sqn. 7.8.87 Lost part of rudder in flight, made emergency landing, Coningsby. 22.8.87 (last flight) to Binbrook. Scrapped 4.88. (3,650.40hr.)	Seen coded ‘K’ w/23 sqdn during 04.74, and ‘X’ w/111 sqdn during 07.74.
Lightning F.6	XR752/B	c/n 95217. f/f 16.6.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for store. 26.11.65 'V' AFDS. 6.67'U' 23 Sqn, later re coded 'C' 23 Sqn. 20.10.67 BAC, Warton conv full F6. 24.10.68 Leuchars pool coded 'W'. 1.7.70 'G' 23 Sqn. 7.73 60 MU overhaul. 17.8.73 'G' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'Y' 111 Sqn. 15.10.74 'B' 5 Sqn. 16.12.75 store. 3.76 'H' 5 Sqn. 22.4.76 60 MU overhaul. 11.76 Binbrook store. 9.77 'H' 5 Sqn. 29.9.77 Cat 2 wheels up landing Binbrook (first F6 to do so), cost £99,000 to repair. 25.1.78 air tested. 6.78 'D' 11 Sqn. 9.80 'E' 5 Sqn then 'BH' 11 Sqn by 11.80. 3.82 store. 1.4.82 St Athan light grey respray, returning 21.4.82, stored. Temporarily used 5 Sqn without codes, periodically 83 and 84. 5,84 'BL' 11 Sqn. 11.85 stored after suffering fire on landing. 22.4.87 decoy, scrapped by 9.87.
Lightning F.6	XR755/O	c/n 95220. f/f 15.7.65 as F3A SalmesburyWarton for storage. 10.12.65 33 MU store, issued soon afterwards as 'G' 5 Sqn. 3.66 re-coded 'A' 5 Sqn. 7.4.67 BAC, Warton mod, to full F6. (321hr 35min). 3.5.68 flf as F6. 25.5.68 'C' 5 Sqn. mid 71 60 MU overhaul. 11.7.72 returned 5 Sqn, later coded '0'. 8.73 BAC Warton. 1.74 'O' 5 Sqn. 17.7.75 re coded 'D' 5 Sqn. 13.2.76 60 MU overhaul. 15.6.76 5 sqn, coded 'F' 5 Sqn by 11.76. By 9.78 stored. By 1.80 'J' Sqn. By 11.80'BJ' 11 Sqn. 11.81 store. 12.83 'BF' 11 Sqn. (f/f as such 2.2.84). 3.84 store 5.84 'BF' 11 Sqn by 6.85 store. 3.86 'BN' 11 Sqn. 1.87 store. By 8.87 'BN'111 Sqn. Last flown 12.87. Salvaged 4.88 (4,093.30hr). 24.6.88 Castle Air, Cornwall.
Lightning F.6	XS903/A	/n 95249. flf 17.8.66, Salmesbury-Warton for storage. 16.3.67 'A' 5 Sqn (June 69 wore Paris Salon code '9 1'). 10. 69 60 MU overhaul. 10.4.70 seen at Leconfield with black '5' on fin. 4.70 'C' 5 Sqn. 7.1.74 60 MU overhaul. 7.74 returned to 'A' 5 Sqn. 10.76 store. 8.77 'C' 5 Sqn. 4.78 store. 9.79 LTF. 14.9.79 nosewheel up landing at Coningsby (Cat 4 FA). 8.9.80 returned to Binbrook following repairs. 29.10.80 'BC' 11 Sqn. 3.10.81 store. 16.6.82 St Athan for light grey respray, returning on 12.7.82 to 'BC' 11 Sqn. 6.83 store. 21.8.84 5 Sqn to Akrotiri for APC, coded 'AM' 5 Sqn while there. 10.86 store. By 6.87 'AO' 5 Sqn. By 22.7.87 'BE' 1 1 Sqn. 4.8.87 lost part of rudder in flight and made emergency landing. By 3.9.87 replaced as 'BE', and by late 11.87 became 'BA' 11 Sqn with black fin and spine. 18.5.88 delivered by CO Wg Cdr Jake Jarron to RAF Eivington for preservation by Yorkshire Air Museum.
Lightning F.6	XS923/C	c/n 95256. f/f 13.12.66, Salmesbury Warton. 11.1.67 'M' 5 Sqn. 2.67 re-coded 'C' 5 Sqn. 29.3.70 60 MU overhaul. 7.70 'A' 5 Sqn. 7.74 60 MU overhaul. 1.11.74 'C' 5 Sqn. 7.76 store. 8.78 'J' 11 Sqn. 1.80 store. 8.82 'BG' 11 Sqn. 4.84 store. 21.1.85 'AA' 5 Sqn. 1.86 store. 2.86'DF'LTF 20.6.86 'BE' 11 Sqn, placed in store after starter explosion. By 9.87 returned to 'BE' 11 Sqn. 30.6.88 Cranfield for Mr Arnold Glass.
Lightning F.6	XS925/L	c/n 95258. F/f 26.1.67, Salmesbury Warton. 1.3.67 'L' 5 Sqn. 14.9.68 Cat 4 barrier engagement on landing, Binbrook, during Battle of Britain display. 18.11.68 rebuilt by BAc, 24.2.70 f/f after repair. 3.70 'L' 5 Sqn. 28.6.72 60 MU overhaul. 24.10.72 'L' 5 Sqn. 14.8.74 60 MU overhaul. 17.10.74 'L' 5 Sqn. 16.4.75 60 MU overhaul. 21.8.75. 'H' 1 1 Sqn. 18.9.75 re-coded 'J' 1 1 Sqn. 10.75 'L' 5 Sqn. 22.4.76 Leconfield. 3.77 Binbrook store. 20.7.79 'D' 5 Sqn. 3.9.80 ex-APC coded 'B' 5 Sqn, but reverted to 'D' 5 Sqn by 10.80. 3.81 store. 10.82 'AD' 5 Sqn. 16.7.84 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning 31.7.84 into store. 21.8.84 coded 'BA' 11 Sqn, port side only, then stored. 2.85 Mod 9 completed to add 400hr to airframe. 5.6.85'BA' 11 Sqn, re-coded'BD' 11 Sqn by end 6.85. 3.4.86 lent 5 Sqn for APC, coded 'AP' 5 Sqn. 29.7.87 store. 9.87 withdrawn from use, stripped for spares. 25.4.88 to RAF Museum, Hendon, for display purposes, painted as 'BA', 11 Sqn.
Lightning T.5	XS450/450	c/n BI/95010. f/f 25.5.65. 6.9.65 'T' ll1 Sqn. 7.70 60 MU. 9.70 '450' 226 OCU. 2.9.74 Binbrook store. 1.1.75 5 Sqn (unmarked). 3.11.75 open store. 8.11.75 decoy, camouflaged 10.77, allocated 8534M, scrapped late 87.	Coded ‘T’ w/111 sqdn in 1968.
Canberra B.2	WJ640, WP515, WJ603/G, WD948/E		85 squadron.
Shackleton AEW.2	WL745
Shackleton AEW.2	WR963

5 Squadron, Mar. 77

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
EE Lightning F.6	XR725/J	c/n 95208. f/f 19.2.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton. Stored, conv to F6. 15.8.67 60 MU. 16.8.67 Warton, then 'A' 23 Sqn same day. 26.10.67 taxying accident (port u/c sank through concrete) while detached to Sola, Norway, flown 60 MU for repair, then 'A' 28.8.68 Toronto 7hr 20min for air show returning 3.9.68. 1.70 store (60 MU?). 7.70 'A' 74 Sqn. 14.9.71 60 MU, overhaul. 25.4.72 'Y' 56 Sqn delivered via 23 Sqn. 4.75 re-coded 'P' 56 Sqn 13.1.76 60 MU overhaul. 25.5.76 'J' 5 Sqn. 7.78 stored. 6.5.80'F' LTF, 11.80 re-coded 'DF' LTF. 3.81 stored. 5.82 St Athan light grey re-spray, returning 27.5.82 as 'DF' LTF. 8.82 store. 9.82 LAF. 15.10.85 'BA' 11 Sqn. 11.5.87 black fin, soon extended to spine. 12.87 store. Scrapped 4.88. (3,870.20hr.)	Squadron arr on 31 Mar 77. Last visit by this Squadron.
EE Lightning F.6	XR747/E	c/n 95212. f/f 2.4.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton for store and conv to F6. Late 67 to 60 MU storage. 4.1.68 'K' 23 Sqn. 4.6.73 60 MU overhaul. 20.9.73 'K' 23 Sqn. 15.5.74 'X' 111 Sqn. 30.9.74 Binbrook. 11.74 'P' Sqn. 2.76 first 5 Sqn to receive grey/green camouflage scheme. 16.2.77 re^coded'E' 5 Sqn. 9.77 Cat 3 with persistent fuel leaks, placed in store until 10178 when returned to service as 'E' 5 sqn. 4.79 stored. 5.6.81 due to be placed on fire dump, Binbrook but fell off low loader and left on belly ('5' Sqn marks), and used as 'photo mount' for 'Families Day' 6.6.81. Repaired, 18.5.82 air tested and transferred to LAF as 'X' 8.82 'BF' 11 Sqn. 2.85, Mod, 9 to give 400 more flying hours. 23.8.85 air tested. 24.9.85 'AL' 5 Sqn. 7.8.87 Lost part of rudder in flight, made emergency landing, Coningsby. 22.8.87 (last flight) to Binbrook. Scrapped 4.88. (3,650.40hr.)
EE Lightning F.6	XR753/A	c/n 95218. f/f 23.6.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for store. 16.11.65. 33 MU store. 26.11.65. 'T' AFDS. 2.66 re coded 'U' FCTU 10.8.67 23 SqD becoming 'V' 23 Sqn. 21.3.68 BAC Warton mod to full F6. 18.7.69 60 MU. 9.69 'B' 5 Sqn. 3.71 60 MU overhaul. 16.8.71 Leuchars. 21.8.71 'A' 23 Sqn mid-74 60 MU overhaul. 9.8.74 'A' 23 sqn. 3.11.75 Coningsby. 12.11.75 'F' 5 Sqn (Binbrook). 15.6.76 60 MU overhaul early 10.76 'A' 5 Sqn, during 1980 used by LTF. 6.81 'BA' 11 Sqn. 4.83'AG' 5 Sqn. 11.84 store. 28.3.85 'AC' 5 Sqn. 2.86 uncoded 5 Sqn, by 10.86 'BP' 11 sqn. 24.5.88 Leeming for BDR (3,487.20hr).
EE Lightning F.6	XR755/F	c/n 95220. f/f 15.7.65 as F3A SalmesburyWarton for storage. 10.12.65 33 MU store, issued soon afterwards as 'G' 5 Sqn. 3.66 re-coded 'A' 5 Sqn. 7.4.67 BAC, Warton mod, to full F6. (321hr 35min). 3.5.68 flf as F6. 25.5.68 'C' 5 Sqn. mid 71 60 MU overhaul. 11.7.72 returned 5 Sqn, later coded '0'. 8.73 BAC Warton. 1.74 'O' 5 Sqn. 17.7.75 re coded 'D' 5 Sqn. 13.2.76 60 MU overhaul. 15.6.76 5 sqn, coded 'F' 5 Sqn by 11.76. By 9.78 stored. By 1.80 'J' Sqn. By 11.80'BJ' 1 1 Sqn. 11.81 store. 12.83 'BF' 1 1 Sqn. (f/f as such 2.2.84). 3.84 store 5.84 'BF' 1 1 Sqn by 6.85 store. 3.86 'BN' 1 1 Sqn. 1.87 store. By 8.87 'BN'111 Sqn. Last flown 12.87. Salvaged 4.88 (4,093.30hr). 24.6.88 Castle Air, Cornwall.
EE Lightning F.6	XR760/G	c/n 95225. f/f 20.9.65 as F3A, Salrnesbury Warton for storage. 27.1.66 'F' 5 Sqn. 9.1.67 BAC Warton mod to F6. (297hr 40min.) 9.10.67 60 MU store. 28.11.67 'H' 23 Sqn. 25.9.70 60 MU overhaul. 3.3.71 'H' 23 Sqn. 9.10.73 undershot and hit approach lights, Luqa, Malta (1,846hr 55min). 3.11.75 Binbrook store. 8.3.76 60 MU overhaul. 7.76 5 Sqn coded 'G' 5 Sqn by 8.76. 7.77 re coded 'B' 5 Sqn. 6.78 store. 4.81 5 Sqn (uncoded). 27.4.81 St Athan respray (in light grey scheme.) by 7.81, with 5 Sqn (uncoded). 3.82 'AA' 5 Sqn. 27.4.82 'K' LAF, later stored. 3.83 'Z' LAF. 7.83 'BD' 11 Sqn, then stored by 12.83. Active 'BD' 1 1 Sqn 1.84. 22.1.85 St Athan dark grey respray, returned as 'BD' 1 1 Sqn by 3.85 along with XR773 also coded 'BD', which it replaced 4.85, then stored 5.85. 1.86 'BL' 11 Sqn. 15.7.86 crashed into North Sea seven miles north of Whitby after rear fuselage fire believed caused by fuel leak. Pilot ejected, rescued by 22 Sqn Wessex from Leconfield.
EE Lightning F.6	XS899/L	c/n 95245. f/f 8.6.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 23.1.67 'G' 5 Sqn. 18.10.73 60 MU overhaul. 28.1.74 'E' 23 Sqn. 17.7.75 engine runs, Binbrook. 27.8.75 returned to 'E' 23 Sqn until disbandment 30.10.75. 3.11.75 Binbrook store. 1.76 noted camouflaged, coded 'W' in black. 24.3.77 flying with 5 Sqn, still coded'W'. 29.3.77 'L' 5 Sqn. 12.77 store. 4.78 'C' 5 Sqn. 12.78 store. 5.79 'C' 11 Sqn (18.7.79 painted in 92 Sqn markings for 25th anniversary). 6.8.79 reverted to 'C' 11 Sqn, later coded 'BC' 1 1 Sqn. 10.80 store. 3.81 'BL' 11 Sqn. By 10.81 'AA' 5 Sqn. 3.3.82 St Athan for light grey respray, returning 17.3.82, to 'AA' 5 Sqn. 11.7.83 St Athan for further respray in dark grey, returning by 8.83. 9.83 store. 4.84 'AJ. 5 Sqn. 11.85 store. 1.10.86 'AM' 5 Sqn. 5.87 store. 7.8.87 lost rudder in flight due to strong winds, diverted safely to Coningsby. By 10.87 'AF' 5 Sqn until disbandment 12.87 then 'BL' 11 Sqn. 30.6.88 Cranfield for Mr Arnold Glass.
EE Lightning F.6	XS919/C	c/n 95252. flf 28.9.66, Salmesbury-Warton for over-wing tank trials. 14.4.67 'C' 11 Sqn. 2.72 60 MU overhaul. 29.6.72 'R' 56 Sqn. Late 75 60 MU overhaul. 7.76 'C' 5 Sqn. 7.77 re coded 'A' 5 Sqn. 8.87 re-coded 'F' 5 Sqn. 4.79 store. 13.3.81 'AD' 5 Sqn. Late 82 store. 5.84'AL' 5 Sqn 3.5.84 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning 30.5.84. 8.6.84 temporarily coded 'AL' 5 Sqn. 11.6.84 stored, then 'BN' 11 Sqn same month. 7.84 store. 2.85 'BN' 11 Sqn. By 20.11.86 'BB' 11 Sqn, last flown 2.88. Salvaged 4.88 (3,987.25hr).
EE Lightning F.6	XS928/K	c/n 95261. f/f 28.2.67, Salmesbury- Warton. 4.4.67 'D' 11 Sqn. 1.70. L' 74 Sqn. 6.4.70 Cat 4 damage caused by ground fire at Tengah when fuel vented on to wing. 3.11.70 airlifted by Belfast freighter to BAC Warton for repair - new wings fitted (old wings appeared at Gutersloh!). 14.7.72 loaned to 23 Sqn, Leuchars. 16.8.72 'E' 56 Sqn. 4.76 re-coded 'R' 56 Sqn. 1.7.76 60 MU overhaul. 17.7.76 Binbrook store. 9.76 'K' 5 Sqn. By 12.77 'L' 5 Sqn, and by 2.80 'F' 5 Sqn. 10.80 store. 20.10.81 'AJ' 5 Sqn. 6.82 'AU' 5 Sqn. 16.8.82 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning 3.9.82. 5.83 St Athan for further respray, returning 25.5.83 in revised dark grey scheme. 6.83 'BB' 11 Sqn. 5.84 re-coded 'BJ' 11 Sqn. 2.85 Mod 9 completed, adding 400hr to airframe. 2.85 store. 8.85 'AH' 5 Sqn. 7.86 store. 3.87 'AD' 5 Sqn. In use until unit disbanded 12.87 then fitted with over wing tanks and used in BAe Tornado F3 radar trials. By 4.88 delivered Warton for continuation of trials.
EE Lightning F.6	XS935/B	c/n 95268. f/f 29.5.67, Salmesbury Warton. 18.7.67 60 MU store. 1.9.67 Wattisham store. 5.1.68 'J' 23 Sqn. 9.72. 60 MU overhaul. 10.72 'J' 23 Sqn. 22.10.75 Binbrook store. 1.76 'B' 5 Sqn. 7.77 store. 8.80 'J' 5 Sqn. 25.9.80 re-coded 'AB' 5 Sqn. 7.81 store. 9.81 'AB' 5 Sqn. 21.4.82 St Athan for light grey respray, returning 10.5.82 into store. 9.83 'BE' 11 Sqn. 31.7.85 'AK' 5 Sqn. 9.87. Stored. Scrapped 4.88 (3,602.30hr).
EE Lightning T.5	XV328/T	c/n B 1/9502 1. f/f 22.12.66. 31.1.67 60 MU. 3.67 'Z' 29 Sqn. 10.69 badly damaged Coltishall while on detachment. 2.70'Z'29 Sqn. 8.3.72 60 MU. 19.1.73 'T' 5 Sqn. 3.80 'Y' LTF. 11.80 'DY' LTF. 9.12.82 St Athan, returning 6.1.83 in light grey scheme, stored. 10.83 'DU' LTF. 4.87 'BZ' 11 Sqn. 30.6.88 Cranfield, purchased by Mr Arnold Glass.
HP Victor K.2	XL160, XL163, XL188, XL511		All 55 Sqdn. Arr with Lightnings.
HP Victor K.2	XL163	Nose section owned by the HP Victor Association, it resides with the Blyth Valley Aviation Collection	All 55 Sqdn. Victors arrived with the Lightnings.
EE Canberra B.2	WE113/H, WJ567/C		100 Sqdn, arrived on 31 Mar 77 for target towing duties.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL757	First flown 10.4.53 and A/Cn 30.4.53. To Hawarden 7.5.53, continuing to 23MU Aldergrove the next day. Allocated to MEAF 28.7.53 and delivered by the Overseas Ferry Unit, Benson. To 37 Sqn 5.8.53 and coded D. To CAPMF St Mawgan 19.2.53 for mods, returning to Luqa 3.3.53. To 137MU Safi 20.5.54 for Cat.3 repair, completed 3.6.54, and to Avro Langar 18.9.54 - 6.11.54 for a major servicing. A 'special fitment' installed 22.6.55 - 11.7.55 followed by further mods at Safi 9.1.56 23.2.56, the aircraft returning to 37 Sqn three days later still as D. On 8.7.57 WL757 went into temporary storage with 137MU until issued to 38 Sqn and probably coded U. To Avro 29.9.58 for Phase I modifications, completed 29.10.59. To 210 Sqn the following day and coded W. To DH Chester (Hawarden) 27.3.61 for Phase II update, completed 5.12.61. Issued to Z24 Sqn 15.12.61 and coded C, remaining until allocated to HSA Langar 30.3.66 for Phase III modifications. On completion allotted to FEAF and delivered to 205 Sqn 25.5.67. Coded K on arrival. Ferried back to the UK, arriving St Mawgan 12.12.70 for customs clearance before delivery to 5MU Kemble two days later. To HSA Bitteswell 26.8.71 for AEW.2 conversion, first flying in the revised configuration 6.72. To 5MU for repainting 3.7.72 and delivered to Lossiemouth 25.8.72 for radar installation. ToC 8 Sqn 29.8.72 and named 'Brian', moving over to Kinloss 6.9.72. To 60MU 2.5.73 for mods, returning to 8 Sqn and moved to Lossiemouth with the unit 17.8.73. Loaned to MoD (PE) 7.12.73 for service trials and CA clearance of SRIM 3825 (AMTI facility for AN/APS 20F radar) by 'B' Squadron, A&AEE Boscombe Down. Part of trial conducted at Lossiemouth 18 - 20.12.73 and aircraft returned to 8 Sqn 1.3.74. To HSA Bitteswell 25.10.79 for re-sparring and major servicing, returning to 8 Sqn 1981. Current (13,932 hrs at 9.3.89) at Paphos Airport, Cyprus.	Arrived on 25 Mar to conduct exercises with Lightnings.
Avro Shackleton AEW.2	WL790	See No 29 Sqdn above for history of this aircraft.	Arrived on 25 Mar to conduct exercises with Lightnings.

11 Squadron, June 78

This was both the last visit by No. 11, and the last Armaments Practice Camp before the de-commissioning of RAF Luqa as a Royal Air Force station.

The squadron arrived on 29 June 1978, and departed on 3 August. In the afternoon of 27 July, the nine F.6s and T.5 took-off for a photo session over Malta. The squadron then passed over the airfield in an “XI” formation, before proceeding to land.

The Victors and the first two Canberras B.2s arrived on the same day. A third B.2 arrived in mid-July.

AIRCRAFT	SERIAL	HISTORY	NOTES
EE Lightning F.6	XR727/F	c/n 95210. f/f 8.3.65 as F3 Salmesbury Warton. Stored, conv F6. 15.9.67 'L' 23 Sqn, re coded 'F' 23 sqn by 11.67. 10.8.73 60 MU overhaul 4.12.73 air tested, brakes failed on landing and ran off Leconfield runway sustaining Cat 3 damage (1,480hr 5min). 13.12.73 'F' 11Sqn. 11.78 stored. 9.80 'G' 11 Sqn, re coded 'BG' 11 sqn by 12.80. 6.81 stored. 12.6.82 St Athan light grey respray returning 2.8.82 when used LAF. 10.3.84 'AB' 5 Sqn. 15.1.86 loaned 11 Sqn. 22.1.86 stored 25.9.86 'AB' 5 Sqn. 9.87 'BH' 11 Sqn. 5.88 Wildenrath BDR.
EE Lightning F.6	XR754/A	c/n 25219. f/f 8.7.65 as F3A Salmesbury Warton for storage. 3.12.65 Handling Sqn/A&AEE. 2.2.66 'G' 5 Sqn. 31.1.67 BAC Warton mod to full F6 (296hr 7min). 29.2.68 'M' 23 Sqn. 13.11.70 60 MU overhaul. 5.71 'M' 23 Sqn 7.71 re coded 'D' 23 Sqn. 3.11.75 Binbrook. 21.4.76 'E' 11 Sqn. 17.7.76 'D' 5 Sqn. By 7.77 'A' 11 Sqn. By 4.81 'AE' 5 Sqn. 6.1.83 St Athan light grey respray, returning 25.1.83, placed in store. 20.8.84 'AE' 5 Sqn. (21.8.84 departed APC Akrotiri, when 'sharksteeth' mark ings applied). 3.86 stored. 10.12.86 'BC' 11 Sqn. Reinstated 'BC' 11 Sqn by 8.87. 24.6.88 Wattisham for BDR.
EE Lightning F.6	XR758/J	c/n 95223. f/f 30.8.65 as F3A Salmesbury Warton, for store. 11.1.66 'D' 5 Sqn. 10.66 'U' 23 Sun. 16.3.67 BAC Warton mod to F6. 24.4.68 11 Sqn, but allocated to Leuchars Pool (Command Reserve) coded 'V'. 1.69 'J' 74 Sqn. 11.69 Cat 4 starter explosion Darwin, Australia. 16.1.70 air lifted RAF Belfast transport aircraft BAC Warton for repair. 26.4.71 'E' 23 Sqn. 26.9.73 60 MU overhaul. 18.12.73 Binbrook, and 'B' 5 Sqn next day. 9.10.74 Cat 3R after low landing at Binbrook which scraped off after-burner unit. 7.1.77 f/f since 11.74. 28.1.77 'J' 11 Sqn. 8.78 store. 4.79 'E' 5 Sqn. 8.80 re-coded 'AE' 5 Sqn then 'F' 5 Sqn. 12,80 store. 27.4.81 'AF' 5 Sqn, 6.81 store. 6.12.83 'M' 5 Sqn. 1.84. 'AH' 5 Sqn. 8.85 store. 6.86 'BF' 11 Sqn. 26.3.87 'DF' LTF, returned store few days later. 5.87 'BF' 11 Sqn. 9.87 Current. 12.5.88 Laarbruch BDR, as 8964 M.
EE Lightning F.6	XR769/B	c/n 95234. f/f 1.12.65, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 12.9.66 A&AEE. 2.11.66 'B' 74 Sqn. 7.2.70 returned to UK from Tengah. 3.70 'S' 5 Sqn mid 70. 60 MU overhaul. 5.71 'J' Sqn. 8.75 store. 9.75 loaned 5 Sqn. 10.75 'J' 11 Sqn. 17.7.76 store. 28.3.78 noted in 5 Sqn marks (uncoded). 7.4.78 'B' 11 Sqn (10.7.79 painted as 'B' 19 Sqn for 25th anniversary). 3.8.79 reverted to 'B' 11 Sqn. 10.79 store. 21.7.81 'BB' 1 1 Sqn. 8.81 re coded 'BD' 11 Sqn. 7.83 store. 4.84 'BG' 11 Sqn. 2.86 store. 8.86 'BE' 11 Sqn. By 22.7.87 in store. 15.9.87 'AM' 5 Sqn, remained in use until disbandment 12.87, then operated, unmarked, by 11 Sqn until 11.4.88 when it crashed off Humber Estuary following engine fire; pilot Flt Lt Dick Coleman, Royal Australian AF, ejected safely.
EE Lightning F.6	XR772/C	c/n 95237. f/f 10.2.66, Salmesbury-Warton for storage. 21.10.66 'E' 74 Sqn. 21.1.70 60 MU overhaul. 3.71 'E' 5 Sqn. 1.11.74 60 MU overhaul. 12.76 'E' 5 Sqn. 1.77 store. 3.10.77 'C' 11 Sqn. 8.78 store. 22.1.81 A&AEE trials, at Binbrook. 3.81 'LTF' in dayglo on fin. 6.6.81 store, transferred LTF next day. 8.81 'BB' 11 Sqn. 25.1.83 St Athan for light grey respray returning 15.2.83, into store. 8.83 'BA' 11 Sqn. 7.84'AD' 5 Sqn. 6.3.85 crashed North Sea 20 miles northeast of Skegness entered spin from 11,00Oft, possible structural failure. Pilot ejected safely but was killed when parachute failed to deploy.
EE Lightning F.6	XR773/D	c/n 95238. f/f 28.2.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 7.11.66 'F' 74 Sqn. 9.71 'N' 56 Sqn. 13.8.73 60 MU overhaul. 28.1.74 Binbrook. 2.74 returned to 'N' 56 Sqn. 7.75 Binbrook. 2.9.75 'A' 5 Sqn. 16.12.75 recoded 'B' 5 Sqn. 1.76 store. 7.76 'D' 11 Sqn. 11.76 store. 17.1.78 'D' 11 Sqn. 10.78 store. 6.81 'AH' 5 Sqn. 8.82 store. 3.83 'AF' 5 Sqn. 12.83 store. 13.9.84 St Athan for dark grey respray, returning 9.10.84, into store. 11.84'BD' 11 Sqn. 3.85 store. 15.5.85 'DF' LTF. 9.1.86 withdrawn from LTF 22.1.86 'AB' 5 Sqn. 9.86 store. By 7.8.87 'BR' 11 Sqn. Early 88 employed for BAe Tornado F3 radar development (by 1 1 Sqn) with over wing tanks. 27.6.88 Boscombe Down for BAe as spare Tornado trials a/c. Re-reg ZU-BEW with Mike Beachy Head, South Africa.
EE Lightning F.6	XS897/H	c/n 95243. F/f 10.5.66, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 21.12.66 'K' 74 Sqn. 30.8.71 'S' 56 Sqn. 6.9.72 60 MU overhaul. 29.1.73 'S' 56 Sqn via Binbrook. 7.76 'K' 5 Sqn. 11.76 store. 10.77 'H' 11 Sqn. 3.79 store. 10.4.81 'BE' 11 Sqn. 6.9.81 St Athan for re-spray, returning 12.10.81. 8.82 store. 2.83 re coded 'BC' 11 Sqn. 12.83 re-coded 'BD' 11 Sqn. 1.84 store. 2.84 'BC' 11 Sqn. 12.84 store. 13.2.86 'AC' 5 Sqn. 10.10.86 old style camouflage and 'D' roundels, original 5 Sqn markings as part of squadron's 21st anniversary of Lightning operations. Remained in this scheme until 5 Sqn disbanded 12.87 when put into store. Scrapped 4.88. 3,391.55hr.)
EE Lightning F.6	XS901/G	c/n 95247. f/f 1.7.66, Salmesbury-Warton for storage. 20.2.67 'D' 5 Sqn. 19.5.70 60 MU overhaul, returned by 6.70. 2.72 'T' 56 Sqn. 1.7.76 60 MU overhaul final aircraft to pass through 60 MU. 16.11.76 Coningsby store. 5.77 'G' 11 Sqn. 3.79 store. 4.81 'BJ' 11 Sqn. 5.8.81 St Athan for grey/ green respray, returning to 'BJ' 11 Sqn by 9.81. 6.83 store. 1.84 'BH' 11 Sqn. 25.9.85 store. 31.7.86 'AI-I' 5 Sqn, remaining as such until disbanded 12.87. Operated by 11 Sqn coded 'BK' 4.88. 12.5.88 Brdggen, BDR as 8965 M.
EE Lightning F.6	XS929/E	c/n 95262. f/f 1.3.67, Salmesbury Warton. 26.4.67 'E' 11 Sqn. 12.1.73 60 MU overhaul. 20.2.73 'E' 11 Sqn. 12.8.73 'L' 56 Sqn. 1.7.76 60 MU overhaul. 17.7.76 Binbrook store. 10.77 'E' 11 Sqn. 8.79 store. 22.1.81 'BF' 11 Sqn, re-coded 'BB' 11 Sqn later. 10.82 'BC' 11 Sqn. 2.83 store. 21.8.85 uncoded with LTF, becoming 'DG' LTF by 6.9.85. 10.4.86 'BG' 11 Sqn. 20.5.88 Akrotiri, gate guardian.
EE Lightning T.5	XV452/T	c/n BI/95012. f/f 30.6.65. 20.9.65 '452' 226 OCU. 3.2.71 60 MU. 11.11.71 'T' 111 Sqn. 12.71 re coded 'X' 111 Sqn. 2.74 'X' 56 Sqn. 1.75 Akrotiri Station Flight (Flamingo on pink fin, pink blue nose markings), used APC-detached UK Lightning squadrons. 21.5.75 Binbrook, store. 7.75 'Y' 11 Sqn ('C' Flt). First flight in dark green experimental camouflage 18.7.75. 11.75 LTF. 5.4.76 lent 5 Sqn. 10.76 store. 7.77 'T' 11 Sqn. 7.80 'Z' LTF. 11.80 'DZ' LTF. 15.2.83 St Athan returning 2.3.83 in light grey scheme, and stored. 1.4.85 'BT' 11 Sqn. 30.6.88 Cranfield, purchased by Mr Arnold Glass. Re-reg ZU-BBD, Mike Beachy-Head, South Africa.	Aircraft lost its braking parachute when landing on runway 24 on 14.07. Pilot abandoned landing, and asked for permission to land on the longer runway 32. Royal AF aircraft were prohibited from using runway 32/14 unless in case of an emergency.
HP Victor K.2	XH671, XH673		Re-fuelled Lightnings to Malta.
HP Victor K.2	XL231	Aircraft was purchased by Andre Tempest, ('Lusty Lindy'/'Spirit of Godfrey Lee'), and based at Elvington, North Yorkshire. In running order, and regularly taxied.	Re-fuelled Lightnings to Malta.
HP Victor K.2	XL192, XL164, XH671, XH672		57 Sqdn, arrived on 2 Aug as Rafair 801, 802, 803 & 804 respectively, to re-fuel Lightnings on their return to Binbrook.
EE Canberra B.2	WH666/F WJ603/G WH667/J		100 Sqdn, target towing duties. 666 & 603 arr on 29 Jun, 667 on 14 Jul.