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Testing of Air Defences
This report was originally written by my friend, Carmel J. Attard, and first published in 1975. He is both a photographer and constructs scale model aircraft.
Some of his work can be viewed at the following sites. http://www.geocities.com/Aviator_mlt3/MilitaryScaleModels.htm, http://www.airmodel.de/gallery/attard/attard4.htm, http://www.airmodel.de/gallery/attard/attard.htm, and www.avrovulcan.org.uk
In past years, we have had many an opportunity to watch massive NATO exercises taking place in the Mediterranean with our island being a major base from which these exercises were directed. These exercises varied in scale, and on this occasion, I am recording one that took place nine years ago, in October 1966. The object of the air exercise was the testing of the air defences of the Maltese Islands. This purpose was more elaborately described as "to ensure that adequate protection can be given to the Maltese people and military installations during a conventional air attack'.
The aircraft that took part in the exercise were Vulcans, Javelins, Lightnings and Canberras. The Vulcans were a mix of B.IA and B.2 types, and came from three squadrons, Nos. 44, 50 and 617 (Dambusters).
Most of the Vulcans sported the squadron crest on the crew door. The Vulcans carrying live ammunition were easily identified from outside the fence by the presence of a yellow rectangular notice, with the word 'ARMED' in large black capitals, placed along side each aircraft.
The Javelin FAW.9s belonged to No. 29 Squadron, based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. These carried the red-and-white squadron crest on the tail. Some of these aircraft showed signs of heavy weathering, so extensive, that in some cases, the serial number under the wings could barely be made out, despite its large size.
These Javelins had the refuelling probe deleted, and it was frequently seen that one of these aircraft might be carrying a fuel tank under the port inner pylon, and a Firestreak missile on each outer pylon. Another common sight was an aircraft carrying one Firestreak missile as the only store, no fuel drop tanks being carried. The Javelin pilots used the afterburners on their aircraft frequently. The aircraft normally flew in pairs, and despite their bulky fuselage, they often seemed to dive in at an incredible speed before they pulled out and landed on runway 24.
The Lightning contingent comprised five F.3s and one T.5, from No.56 Squadron, based at RAF Wattisham.
Twelve Canberras taking part in the exercise were also spotted. Their details can be found in the table below.
| AIRCRAFT TYPE | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XA910 | Delivered 31.10.57. Converted to B.IA standard 1962. Olympus 104 engines. 101 Squadron, 230 OCU, 50 Squadron, 44 Squadron. Became instructional airframe (7995M) and later scrapped. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XA911 | Delivered 1.11.57. Converted to B.IA standard 1962. Olympus 104 engines. 83 Squadron, 230 OCU, Waddington Wing. Delivered to St. Athan 2.2.67, sold as scrap 8.11.68. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XA912 | Delivered 2.12.57. Converted to B.IA standard 1960. Olympus 104 engines. 101 Squadron, Waddington Wing. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XH502 | Delivered 10.11.58. Converted to B.IA standard 1962. Olympus 104 engines. 617 Squadron, 50 Squadron, Waddington Wing. To Scampton fire dump 1.68, nose section to Waddington for instructional duties. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XH506 | Delivered 17.4.59. Converted to B.IA standard 1960. Olympus 104 engines. 101 Squadron, 617 Squadron, 50 Squadron, Waddington Wing. Withdrawn from use 10.1.68, sold as scrap 8.11.68. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XJ781 | Completed 20.2.61. Olympus 201 engines. 83 Squadron 23.2.61, 12 Squadron 29.10.62, 230 OCU 4.2.64, Waddington Wing 10.2.66, Cottesmore Wing 22.4.68, Akrotiri Wing 18.4.69. Damaged during landing, Shiraz, Iran 23.5.73. Struck off charge 27.5.73. | Arr 11 Oct. | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL319 | Completed 19.10.61. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 617 Squadron 23.10.61, 230 OCU 14.5.70, Scampton Wing 12.11.70, 617 Squadron 22.4.71, 230 OCU 19.9.72, 35 Squadron 16.10.78, 44 Squadron 1.3.82. Sold to North Eastern Aircraft Museum 20.1.83, delivered to Sunderland 21.1.83. | | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XA913 | Delivered 19.12.57. Converted to B.IA standard 1961. Olympus 104 engines. 101 Squadron, Waddington Wing. Stored St. Athan 21.12.66, sold as scrap 20.5.68. | | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XH476 | Delivered 4.2.58. Converted to B.IA 1962. Olympus 104 engines. 101 Squadron, 44 Squadron, Waddington Wing. Withdrawn from use 4.5.67, sold as scrap 21.1.69. | | | A. Vulcan B.IA | XH479 | Delivered 28.3.58. Converted to B.IA standard 1961. Olympus 104 engines. Waddington Wing. Delivered to Halton as instructional airframe (7974M), scrapped 1973. | Arr 08 Oct. | | A. Vulcan | XL388 | Completed 13.6.62. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 9 Squadron 14.6.62 (Coningsby Wing), 230 OCU 19.4.71, 617 Squadron 15.9.72, 230 OCU 29.9.72, 617 Squadron 2.2.73, 230 OCU 14.5.73, 617 Squadron 1.11.73, 230 OCU 5.3.741 617 Squadron 6.3.74, 44 Squadron 1.4.74. To Honington fire dump 2.4.82 (875OM). Sold to Swefeling Group as scrap 13.6.85. | Arr 11 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH848/L | w/o 14/12/1966. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH865 | | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH873/A | d/d 04/07/1960, scr. 1967 at No.27 MU Shawbury. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH882/B | d/d 29/01/1960, scr. 1967 at No.27 MU Shawbury. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH888/S | d/d 28/04/1960, w/o 18/01/1967. | 29 Sqdn, arr 11 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH891/R | d/d 27/04/1960, w/o 12/09/1967, to Chivenor fire dump 13/12/1967. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH892/B | d/d 1960, to 7982M. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | Gl. Javelin FAW.9 | XH899/H | d/d 12/02/1959, scr. 1968 at No.27 MU Shawbury. | 29 Sqdn, arr 10 Oct. | | EE Lightning F.3 | XP743/K | c/n 95171. F/f 18.02.64,. Used by, or served with, 33 Maintenance Unit (MU) 18.02.64, 56 Sqdn ‘G’ 04.65, 60 MU 28.03.68, returned to 56 Sqdn 11.69, 60 MU 09.11.71, 29 Sqdn ‘B’ 21.08.72, store Wattisham 09.01.75. To 60 MU for storage and disposal. SoC 29.01.75, sold for scrap. | All Lightnings from No. 56 Squadron. | | EE Lightning F.3 | XP746/K | c/n 95174. F/f 26.03.64, Used by, or served with, 33 Maintenance Unit (MU) 03.65, 56 Sqdn ‘K’ 15.04.65, 60 MU 12.11.69, 111 Sqdn ‘J’ 04.08.70, stored Wattisham 04.74. SoC 04.75, PEE Shoeburyness 10.76. | | | EE Lightning F.3 | XP748/M | c/n 95176. F/f 04.05.64. Used by, or served with, 33 Maintenance Unit (MU) early 65, Warton 06.65, 56 Sqdn ‘M’ 04.08.65, 60 MU 08.69, 111 Sqdn ‘G’ 05.05.70, 11 Sqdn ‘P’ 20.12.74, storeD Binbrook. Allocated 8446M 19.05.75. Mounted on a plinth on 29.05.77 at RAF Binbrook gate in 5 & 11 Sqdn markings. Scrapped late summer 1988. | | | EE Lightning F.3 | XP717 | c/n 95200. F/f 19.11.64, 56 Sqdn ‘B’ 26.03.65, 60 MU 14.01.69, 56Sqdn ‘B’ 10.70, 60 MU 11.71, A&AEE 29.03.72, Stored 08.74 Boscombe Down, 09.74 Scrapped. | | | EE Lightning F.3 | XR719/D | c/n 95202. F/f 18.12.64, 56 Sqdn ‘D’ 16.04.65, 60 MU 09.68, 56 Sqdn ‘D’ 16.04.69, 60 MU 09.11.71, 226 OCU ‘719’ 12.71. Crashed Coltishall, SoC 07.06.73. | Arr 08 Oct. | | EE Lightning T.5 | XS456/A | c/n B1/95016. F/f 26.10.65, 56 Sqdn ‘A’ 20.12.65, ‘X’ 08.69, 60 MU 23.02.73, 11 Sqdn ‘T’ 16.04.74, ‘Z’ ‘C’ Flt, 11 Sqdn .74, Open Storage 10.76, LTF 02.77, ‘T’ BY 05.77, ‘DT’ LTF 11.80, Stored 08.85, LTF ‘DX’ 02.86, stored 05.87. Scrapped early 1988, 2,314 hours. | Arr 08 Oct. | | Victor BK.1A | XH667 | d/d 03/02/1961, to Hal Far dump, Malta 23/09/1975, perished. | Provided in flight refuelling support for Lightnings. 55 Squadron. Arr 09 Oct. | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH133 | d/d 18/04/1960, (N) scr. Hanningfield Metals, Stock 01/1996 | These aircraft were from no. 13 & 39 sqaudrons. | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH134 | d/d 09/10/1959, d/d 31/07/2006 to Kemble. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH136 | d/d 1959, to 8782M 08/02/1983. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH163 | | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH164 | w/o 07/01/69 | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH165 | | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH166 | d/d 15/10/1982 to FACh as 341. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH168 | d/d 04/05/1960. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH169 | d/d 04/08/1960. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH170 | d/d 1960. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH171/M | d/d 1960. | | | EE Canberra PR.9 | XH176 | d/d 02/11/1960, w/o 25/05/1978. | |
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Lime Jug 70
The following article first appeared in Malta Flypast, Issue 5, published by the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation, and was written by Charles Stafrace.
Since the pre-World War II times Malta was the venue of various types of military air exercises by both Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force. Its position in the central Mediterranean, which throughout history meant being 'in the middle of things', made it the ideal base from where to simulate the air defence of the British Mediterranean Fleet. Being an island also rendered Malta highly suitable as a venue for exercises in sea-air co-operation.
The growing attention given to the Mediterranean by the Soviets in the 1960s had become alarming to NATO. The eastern seaboard of this most ancient of seas was becoming a Soviet lair as more Arab states, shaking off British and French colonial influence, espoused the Soviet cause, though not Moscow's ideology, and accepted Soviet arms in return for port and airfield facilities. The Soviet Black Sea Fleet grew in proportion while Soviet naval and air force reconnaissance aircraft flew from Egyptian, Syrian and Algerian airfields to shadow and spy upon the British, American and other NATO navies. The importance of Malta to NATO therefore assumed another dimension and the aerial reconnaissance component in Malta was bolstered by the re-equipment of the resident RAF's No 13 and 39 Squadrons with the latest Canberra PR.9s for high altitude reconnaissance. The vacuum in maritime patrol which had been created by the disbandment of the Hal Far-based, Shackleton MR.2-equipped No 38 Squadron in 1967 was made good by the transfer to Luqa in 1969 of No 203 Squadron from RAF Ballykelly with its more capable Shackleton MR.3 Phase 3. RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, too, was strengthened, and squadrons from both islands often exchanged visits. The holding of Mediterranean exercises now took a wider aspect and increasingly came to include joint RAF and naval manoeuvres. Malta was the obvious choice for use as a base.
In November 1970 one such exercise was Lime-Jug '70 whose aim was to practice procedures for co-operation between Royal Navy forces and RAF shore-based aircraft in the Mediterranean. After an initial work-up in Malta, the exercise was to continue in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean at which stage activity was to concentrate at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Under the joint command of Admiral Sir William O'Brien, RN, C-in-C Western Fleet, and Air Marshall W D Hodgkinson, RAF, Air Officer C-in-C Near East Air Force, Lime-Jug '70s implementation involved some 50 combat and support aircraft besides a Royal Navy aircraft carrier battle fleet out at sea. RAF and Fleet Air Arm aircraft literally congested Luqa. The airfield had not seen so much activity since October 1966 when the Red Arrows' Gnats happened to be there while Vulcan B.1As of No 44 and 101 Squadrons from Waddington, No 29 Squadron with Javelin FAW.9s from Akrotiri and No 5 Squadron with Lightning F.6s from Binbrook were taking part in an exercise.
Lime-Jug '70 which ran from 2 to 15 November, in fact involved more units, and the complete list of aircraft is shown in the table below.
There is something to say about each unit. For No 11 Squadron, under the command of Wing Commander Jeremy Jones, this was the first major deployment to the Mediterranean since re-equipping with the Lightning F.6 in 1967. They were to provide the most spectacular of all take-offs from Luqa during Lime-Jug '70, its aircraft often taking off in pairs and zooming up with full afterburners while still above the run-way. Wing Commander Geoff Davies' No 12 Squadron was the first RAF unit to receive the Buccaneer and had a mix of ex-RN S.2s, modified S.2As and new built S.2Bs. The latter two versions had weapon pylon changes to accommodate Martel anti-shipping missiles. Until then the S.2Bs were distinguishable only by their XW serials, having not yet been fitted with the bulged internal fuel tank in the bomb bay area. No 43 Squadron was still then the only RAF unit to fly the long-nose-wheeled FG.1 version of the Phantom that had originally been earmarked for shipboard use by the RN. Its commanding officer was Wing Commander I R Hank Martin. No 360 Squadron, flying Canberras with that strange-looking long, bulged nose which we used to compare to the tail-cone of the Vulcan, was a shady unit then, still four years old and engaged in electronic countermeasures training for the benefit of land based, airborne and ship borne radar operators. Its crew component was novel in that it was composed of both RAF and RN officers. No 201 Squadron had just exchanged its Shackletons for the new Nimrods the previous month, becoming the first unit in the RAF to operate the new maritime patrol aircraft. The Marham Tanker Wing, flying the BK.1A tanker version of the Victor, was in fact composed not only of No 55 and 57 Squadrons but also of No 214, which did not, however, send any aircraft to Lime-Jug '70.
The 50,000-ton aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, then the RN's largest warship, had entered Grand Harbour one week before but left with part of her air complement on 29th October to participate in the exercise at sea, during which time her aircraft operated from her and not from Luqa. Before her departure from Malta she did disembark three Buccaneer S.2s of No 809 NAS, three Phantom FG.ls of No 892 NAS, two Gannet AEW.3s of No 849 NAS 'B' Flight, while her newly-acquired Sea King HAS.ls from No 824 NAS shuttled to and from the sea-going carrier to Luqa.
Grand Harbour was as congested by RN warships as Luqa was with warplanes. Besides Ark Royal, there were the guided-missile destroyers HMS London (Flagship, Western Fleet) and Fife, frigates HMS Juno, Scylla, Galatea, Yamouth, Exmouth and Argonaut, and the submarines HMS Alliance and Otus. In addition there were a number of Royal Fleet Auxiliaries either in port or just off Malta, including RFA Wave Ruler, Tidesurge and Lyness. The Commando Ship HMS Albion and the training frigates Eastbourne and Scarborough were also in Grand Harbour but were not taking part in the exercise. In fact they remained in port when all the other vessels had left with Ark Royal on 29th October. The Albion's Wessex HU.5 assault helicopters were conducting their own mini-exercise during the same period, landing 800 Royal Marines of the Singapore-based 42 Commando and some 180 Land Rovers, trailers and pieces of artillery at the Mayesa ranges in Ghajn Tuffieha. This, of course, contributed to the added busy miiitary atmosphere on the Island, especially when the Albion left port and the "evacuation" of the Green Berets, again with their 180 pieces of cargo slung under the shuttling Wessexes, had to be made from Ghajn Tuffieha to the vessel while she steamed off Malta on her way to Corsica where the exercise was continued with French troops.
For Lime-Jug '70 RAF Argosy C.1 transports of No 70 Squadron provided logistics between Malta and their base at Akrotiri, which was also very much involved in the exercise. In fact, on 10th November, No 1l's Lightnings departed for the Cypriot base to continue the exercise from there, followed next day by No 43's Phantoms.
During their stay at Luqa the Lightnings found time, on 5th November, to stage a flypast with the visiting Buccaneers of No 12 Squadron and the Canberra PR.9s of local No 13 Squadron to represent consecutive RAF unit numbers 11, 12 and 13.
The first phase of the exercise came to an end on 4th November and most of the ships taking part returned to Malta for the usual debriefing, HMS Ark Royal and some of her escorts remaining at sea. The vessels left again the day after to continue the manoeuvres in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the end of which they again returned to Grand Harbour. The exercise was considered a success, marred only by a curious incident. On 9th November the Soviet Navy destroyer Kotlin, which was shadowing the RN flotilla during the exercise, came so close that it collided with HMS Ark Royal, some 350 miles east of Malta. Both ships suffered some damage, that on Ark Royal being very visible, though not serious, on the bow.
Needless to say the air activity generated at Luqa by Lime-Jug '70 afforded an opportunity for local aircraft photographers to use innumerable rolls of film.
The table below lists the aircraft mentioned in the aricle. Details of Royal Navy aircraft kindly provided by Keith Wilson-Smith
| AIRCRAFT | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | EE Lightning F.6 | XR723/L | c/n 95206. f/f 2.2.65, as F3, Salmesbury Warton. Stored, conv to F6 9.6.67 to 'L' 11 Sqn. 29.11.67 endurance flight 8 hr 15min with five AARS, pilot Flt Lt W. D. E. Eggleton. 22.3.72 60 MU overhaul and store. 6.73 to 'K' 23 Sqn. 9.73 re coded 'F' 23 Sqn 7.74 re-coded 'A' 23 Sqn 9.8.74 60 MU overhaul. late 74 to 'F' 23 sqn. 3.11.75 Binbrook. 3.76 'D' 5 Sqn; in and out of store, camouflaged. 9.78 A' 5 Sqn. 18.9.79 crashed into sea 15 miles south of RAF Akrotiri after engine fire. Pilot (Gp Capt P. Carter) ejected safely, returned to dry land within 1/2hr. | All Lightnings from No.11 Squadron, based at RAF Leuchars. | | EE Lightning F.6 | XR724/M | c/n 95207. f/f 10.2.65 as F3, Salmesbury Warton. Stored, conv to F6. 16.6.67 to 'M' 11 Sqn. 4.3.72 60 MU overhaul. 5.72 'M' 11 Sqn 11.8.72 re coded 'K' 11 Sqn. 3.76 Cat 3 damage when starter exploded, Binbrook. 17.7.76 Leconfield (temp base for 11 Sqn) as 'K' 11 Sqn 1.6.79 Binbrook display a/c, 5 Sqn marks one side, 11 Sqn the other. 12.79 'K' LTF. 13.1.81 'AG' 5 Sqn. 14.7.82 re-code 'AV', later reverted to 'AG'. 19.10.82 St Athan light grey respray. 9.11.82 returned from St Athan with transposed serial XR742(!) as 'AG' 5. 11.83 'BC' 11 Sqn. Intermittent storage until 2.4.86. 17.4.86 'AE' 5 Sqn. 3.6.86 St Athan dark grey respray, returning 19.6.86, rejoining as 'AE' 5 Sqn. 5.87 stored Binbrook. 8.87 'AE' 5 Sqn remained in use until disbandment 12.87, then fitted with over-wing tanks and used for BAe Tornado F3 radar trials (still as 'AE' 29.3.88). 11.4.88 to BAe Warton for continuation of trials. | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XR757/D | c/n 95222. f/f 19.8.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton, for store. Late 5.67 'R' 23 sqn. 26.1.68 BAC Warton for mod to F6. 21.2.69. 60 MU store. By 9.69 Leuchars Pool as 'V' 2.70 'D' 11 Sqn then 60 MU overhaul same month. 4.5.71 'D' 11 Sqn. 13.1.75 60 MU overhaul. 6.6.75 'D' 11 Sqn. 17.7.76 store. 11.78 'A' 11 Sqn. 7.80 store. 4.81 5 Sqn (uncoded). 4.1.82 St Athan light grey respray with white underwing serials!), returning 26.1.82, into store. By 6.82 'Y' LAF. 8.82 'BE' 11 Sqn. 9.83 St Athan dark grey respray returning 10.10.83, placed into store. 24.2.84 5 Sqn (uncoded), 29.6.84 11 Sqn marks, 7.84 'AL' 5 Sqn. 24.9.85 'BA' 11 Sqn. 10.85 store. 2.7.86 5 Sqn marks applied. 7.86 'BL' 11 Sqn. Last flown 12.87. Salvaged 4.88 (4,316hr). | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XR763/B | c/n 95228. f/f 15.10.65 as F3A, Salmesbury Warton for storage. 11.2.66 'H' 5 Sqn. 3.1.67 BAC, Warton mod to F6. 1.11.67 'G' 23 Sqn. 7.70 'B' 11 Sqn. 14.10.71 60 MU overhaul. 5.72 'B' 11 Sqn . 5.77 store (19.7.79 painted as 'E' 56 Sqn for 25th anniversary). 8.8.79 'E' 11 Sqn. 10.80 re coded 'BE' 11 Sqn. 4.81 store. 9.11.82 St Athan light grey respray, returning 25.11.82, then 12.82 'AL' 5 Sqn. 1.83 re coded 'AE' 5 Sqn. 8.84 store. 31.1.85 'AN' 5 Sqn. 2.86 store. By 7.5.87 'AP' 5 Sqn. 1.7.87 crashed on approach to Akrotiri during APC after engine flame-out following ingestion of part of target banner. Pilot ejected safely. | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XS920/F | c/n 95253. f/f 25.10.66, Salmesbury Warton. 5.12.66 'L' 74 Sqn. 7.70 60 MU overhaul. 11.8.70 'F' 11 Sqn. 19.12.73 60 MU overhaul.7.74'E' 11 Sqn, store. 17.7.76 60 MU overhaul. 9.76 Binbrook. 9.77 'E' 11 Sqn. 12.77 store. 21.9.79 'B' 11 Sqn. 10.80 re coded 'BB' 11 Sqn. 7.81 store. 6.83 St Athan for respray, returning same month, put into store. 11.83 'AF' 5 Sqn. 13.7.84 crashed Heuslingen, 25 miles east of Bremmen, West Germany, while following USAF A-10 at 20Oft, hit power cables; pilot killed. | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XS931/G | c/n 95264. flf 31.3.67, Salmesbury-Warton. 31.5.67 'G' 11 Sqn. 11.8.72 60 MU overhaul. 6.11.72 'G' 11 Sqn. 17.7.76 store. By 12.77 'D' 5 Sqn. 25.5.79 crashed North Sea off Hornsea following control problems. Pilot ejected safely. | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XS932/H | 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. 1.7.76 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. | | | EE Lightning F.6 | XS934/K | c/n 95267. f/f 11.5.67, Salmesbury Warton. 3.7.67 'K' 11 Sqn. 19.7.71 60 MU overhaul. 11.71 'J' 5 Sqn. 3.73 'B' 56 Sqn. 3.4.73, crashed two miles off Cyprus following severe vibration and fire, caused by disconnected air trunking. Pilot ejected safely. (1,775hr 30min.) | | | B. Buccaneer | XN983 | D/D 29/3/65 to RN and delivered RNAY Sydenham to Honington for delivery to No 12 Sqn 29/8/72. Transferred to No 237 OCU by 1/73 until 5/74, passing back to 12 Sqn to at least 2/78. To No 15 Sqn by 2/79, remaining at Laarbruch until 6/81 when passed back to No 12. To No 208 Sqn 3/84 but back to No 12 by 5/84. | All Buccaneers from No.12 Squadron, based at RAF Honnington. | | B. Buccaneer | XV155 | D/D 26/5/66 to RN and passed to RAF charge as one of the aircraft to equip No 12 Sqn in 1969 remaining with the unit until 5/73. Transferred to No 237 OCU between 7/3 and 5/74 and then following update to S2B standard re-issued to No 12 Sqn in 6/75 with which it stayed until being placed in store at St Athan in 8/81. Declared surplus and the fuselage allocated maintenance serial 8716M for issue to BAe Brough on static tests on 29/10/8 1. | | | B. Buccaneer | XV157 | D/D 28/6/66 to RN. Delivered RNAY Sydenham to Honington 18/7/72 for issue to No 237 OCU remaining on charge until 9/76 although in this period spent several occasions on loan with No 12 Sqn. With No 208 Sqn 10/76 to 1/80 passing to No 12 before being placed in store at St Athan in 8/81. Storage passed to No 27 MU Shawbury in 11/83. | | | B. Buccaneer | XV347 | D/D 15/8/67 to RN and became one of No 12 Sqn's original airframes before being destroyed by fire following disintegration of port engine whilst taxying at Lossiemouth on 9/12/71. | | | B. Buccaneer | XV349 | D/D 7/9/67 to RN and became one of the first aircraft for No 12 Sqn in 1969 but returned to RNAY Sydenham on 5/7/72 for major overhaul. When returning to Honington joined No 237 OCU in 5/73. By 9/73 it had been re-located to No 15 Sqn for a short period before receiving mod. to S2B standard. To No 12 Sqn with which it served until being placed in store at St Athan in 1/81. Long-term storage with No 27 MU Shawbury. | | | B. Buccaneer | XW526 | D/D 30/4/70 to No 15 Sqn and loaned to No 237 OCU in 3/76 but back with No 15 by 5/76 although displaying markings of both units. Transferred to No 16 Sqn by 11/76 and lost in a crash at Osnabruck on 12/7/79. | | | B. Buccaneer | XW527 | D/D 3/7/70 to No 15 Sqn but transferred to No 16 in 4/73. With No 208 Sqn in 6/77 but to No 12 by 2/78. | | | B. Buccaneer | XW528 | D/D 4/8/70 to No 15 Sqn with which it spent its entire career until the grounding in 1980. Upon inspection the airframe was found to have a severe fatigue problem in the region of Rib 80 and was taken by road to St Athan for further examination on 19/8/80. Airframe placed in store until declared beyond economical repair and being surplus received maintenance serial 8861M for BDR at Coningsby. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XT874/J | c/n 2775.F/F 29/6/68. d/d 30/9/68 to 23 MU. Issued to 43 Sqn as 'J' in 69. Appearing briefly in mixed 43/111 Sqn marks in 9/78 but returned to 43/J by 11/78. To 111 Sqn as 'E' 3/79 and received grey c/s in 10/85. Re-coded 'BE' 2/87. | All Phantoms from No.43 Squadron, based at RAF Leuchars. | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XT875/K | c/n 2813. F/F 18/7/68. d/d 22/10/68 to 23 MU. Loaned to 767 Sqn between 27/1/69-30/7/69. To 43 Sqn as 'K' late 69. Received RWR in 3/75 and grey c/s in 9/83. Re-coded 'AK' 9/86. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV574/B | c/n 3087. F/F 20/11/68 and d/d 14/2/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/B passing to 111/Z in 3/82. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 4/85 receiving its special scheme on 17/3/86. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV576/D | c/n 3134. F/F 29/11/68 and d/d 2/6/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/D and repainted into grey by 3/82. Re-coded 'AD' 9/88. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV581/E | c/n 3235. F/F 4/3/69 and d/d 28/4/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/E receiving its RWR in 9/76 and repainted into grey in 9/82. Re-coded 43/AE in 2/87. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV582/F | c/n 3253.F/F ll/1/69 and d/d 5/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/F receiving its RWR at 23 MU in 10/75 and painted into grey in 9/83. Re-coded 43/AF in 3/87 and on 24/2/88 became the first RAF F-4 to pass 5,000hr, at the same time undertaking a record-breaking run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 46min 44sec. The flight averaged over 757mph for the 590-mile distance and was flown by 43 Sqn's CO Wg Cdr John Brady with navigator Sqn Ldr Mike Pugh. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV584/I | c/n 3286. F/F 12/3/69 and d/d 11/8/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/I and passed to 111 Sqn in 3/79 as 'F'. Repainted in grey e/s at 19 MU in 1/85 and re-coded 'BF' in 7/86. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV585/H | c/n 3302. F/F 28/3/69 and d/d 19/5/69 to 23 MU. Issued as 43/P receiving its RWR in 11/76 and repainted into grey by 9/83. Re-coded 43/AP in 9/86. | | | HS Nimrod MR.1 | XV236 | | All Nimrods from 201 Squadron, RAF Kinloss. | | HS Nimrod MR.1 | XV238 | Scr. Elgin 1991. | Replaced by XV242 due to technical problems. | | HS Nimrod MR.1 | XV239 | Crashed Lake Ontario, Canada during airshow,w/o 02/09/1995. | | | HS Nimrod MR.1 | XV242 | To MRA4 PA-3/ZJ517. | Replacement for XV238. | | EE Canberra T.17 | WD955 | d/d 1951, to Bodo, Norway 27/04/1995. | All Canberras from No.360 Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. | | EE Canberra T.17 | WH665 | d/d 23/12/1952, to Samlesbury 28/04/1983 for disposal, to Bristol Filton dump, submerged at the National Diving Centre, Tidenham. | | | EE Canberra T.17 | WH740 | Loaned to RNZAF 07/1958 to 01/1962. | | | EE Canberra T.17 | WH902 | Scrapped Wyton 1995. | | | HP Victor BK.1A | XH619 | d/d 25/06/1959, scr. St. Athan 1977. | No.55 Squadron, RAF Marham. | | HP Victor BK.1A | XH587 | d/d 17/10/1958, b/u St. Athan 1975, scr. Siddal 1989. | No.57 Squadron, RAF Marham. | | HP Victor BK.1A | XH616 | d/d 24/04/1959, to Manston Fire School 20/01/1976, perished 1988. | No.57 Squadron, RAF Marham. | | HP Victor BK.1A | XH618 | d/d 15/08/1960, w/o 24/03/1975. | No.57 Squadron, RAF Marham. | | HP Victor BK.1A | XH651 | d/d 01/04/1960, scr. St. Athan 1978 | No.57 Squadron, RAF Marham. | | B. Buccaneer S.2C/D | XT280/033 | D/D 2/11/65 to RN. Converted to S2B standard following demise of 809 Sqn and issued to No 16 Sqn at Laarbruch in 11/83. Following the latter's deactivation on the Buccaneer, airframe passed to No 12 Sqn in 3/84 and following Sea Eagle mod. Taken on strength of No 208 Sqn. | 809 Squadron, based on HMS Ark Royal. | | B. Buccaneer S.2C/D | XV342/027 | D/D 16/5/67 to RN and delivered Sydenham-Honington for No 12 Sqn 24/1/73 with which it served until at least 1/76 when it passed for a short period to No 237 OCU before being taken on charge by No 208 Sqn which operated it until late 1979. To 16 Sqn in 1980 and became one of the last Buccaneers to leave Laarbruch for storage at St Athan where it resided until being delivered to BAe at Woodford for ASR1012 update in 12/86. | 809 Squadron, based on HMS Ark Royal. Identified from photographs. | | B. Buccaneer S.2C/D | _____/023 | | | | F. Gannet AEW.3 | XG790/R040 | d/d 06/02/1957, broken up as spares and produce 1978 at Lossiemouth, remains to Tain Ranges 18/09/1978, since destroyed. | From 849 Squadron, based on HMS Ark Royal. | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV565/R001 | c/n 2872. F/F 30/8/68 and d/d to RN 12/3169. Lost as 892/ROO1 off the Florida coast on 29/6/71. | From 892 Squadron, based on HMS Ark Royal. | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV586/R003 | c/n 3317. F/F 11/4/69 and d/d 23/6/69 to RN. To RAF charge on 11/12/78, to 43/J by 9/83. Repainted in grey at 19/MU and suffered a nose wheel collapse on 18/3/86. Re-coded 43/AJ in 9/86. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV590/R007 | c/n 3394.F/F 12/5/69 and d/d 9/7/69 to RN. Passed to RAF charge on 11/12/78 and issued as 43/X in 12/79. Repainted in grey c/s at 19 MU in 5/84 and re-coded 43/AX in 2/87. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV591/R006 | c/n 3409.F/F 3/6/69 and d/d 22/7/69 to RN. Passed to RAF charge 11/12/78 and issued as lll/M in 8/79. Painted in grey c/s by 6/82 and re-coded 111/BM in 2/87. Reported as wfu in 12/87 due to a structural fault. Fuselage to 19 MU dump, tail and outer wings to Abingdon BDR. | | | McD Phantom FG.1 | XV592/R004 | c/n 3424. F/F 17/6/69 and d/d 17/11/69 to RN. Passed to RAF charge on 7/12/78 and issued as 111/X in 5/79. Re-coded 'L' in 3/80 and repainted into grey in 11/85, finally being re-coded 'BL' in 9/86. | | | W. Sea King | XV657/R053 | f/f 21/01/1970, d/d 11/02/1970, to A2600. | | | W. Sea King | XV658/R054 | f/f 03/02/1970, d/d 26/02/1970, w/o 03/02/1983. | | | W. Sea King | XV659/R055 | f/f 13/02/1970, d/d 03/03/1970, to 9324M. | | | W. Sea King | _____/R052. | | | | W. Soiux | XT112/3CBAS/B | Broken up Wroughton 1977. | | | W. Soiux | XT115/O | w/o 03/08/1976. | | | W. Soiux | XT184/3CBAS/V | d/d 05/10/1965, w/o 11/06/1971. | | | W. Wasp | XS545/452 | | Ship? | | W. Wasp | XS564/AT466 | d/d 21/05/1964, to G-17-22, to Brazilian Navy as N-7038. | Possibly from frigate HMS Argonaut. | | W. Wessex | XS149/FF403 | d/d 18/10/1963. | From HMS Fife. Other Wessex helicopters were coded “D”, “E”, “K”, “P” and “Q”. | | W. Wessex | XT480/RG468 | d/d 04/1966, to A2617, A2603. | From RFA Regent. | | HS Argosy C.1 | XP450 | f/f 29/11/1962, d/d 13/03/1963, to Philippines as RP-C-1192, broken up Manilla 1983. | 70 Squadron, based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. Identified from photographs, but additional aircraft involved. |
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Dawn Patrol, 1974
The exercise started on the 25th with the arrival of two 617 Squadron Vulcans, and continued with the arrival of the remaining aircraft, on unknown dates. The exercise, with participating forces from eleven NATO countries, spanned the width of the Mediterranean from Gibraltar in the West, to Cyprus in the East. The main tasks were photo-reconnaissance, anti-shipping strikes and support for amphibious landings.
All aircraft performed daily sorties, including Sundays, and came to an end on 11 May. All Buccaneers carried ‘B’ type roundels, whilst the Vulcans had a mixture of both ‘B’ & ‘D’ types.
| AIRCRAFT | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL320 | Completed 30.11.61. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 617 Squadron 4.12.61, 83 Squadron 6.71, 27 Squadron 9.71, 230 OCU 29.3.72. Flew 500,000th Vulcan hour 18.12.81. To St. Athan 2.6.81. Sold to W. Harold & Co. 31.8.81 as scrap. | These 5 were from 617 Sqdn, arr 25 Apr 74. | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL360 | Completed 28.2.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 617 Squadron 2.3.62, 230 OCU 13.7.71. Waddington Wing 18.8.75, 230 OCU 21.10.75, 617 Squadron 5.12.77, 35 Squadron 31.5.78, 101 Squadron 5.1.82. Sold to Midland Air Museum 26.1.83, delivered to Baginton 4.2.83. | | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL389 | Completed 11.7.62. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 230 OCU 13.7.62, Scampton Wing 20.5.65, 230 OCU 11.11.70, 617 Squadron 12.70, 230 OCU 7.4.72, 617 Squadron 30.6.72, 230 OCU 12.1.73, 617 Squadron 16.1.73, 9 Squadron 26.6.74, 44 Squadron 7.79, 101 Squadron 6.80. To St. Athan 6.4.81. Sold to W. Harold 31.8.81 as scrap. | | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL392 | Completed 31.7.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 2.8.62, 230 OCU 11.12.70, Scampton Wing 21.12.70, 230 OCU 12.1.73, 617 Squadron 15.1.73, 35 Squadron 4.1.82. Delivered to Valley for crash rescue training as 8745M 24.3.82, later scrapped. | | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL426 | Completed 7.9.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 13.9.62, Scampton Wing, 230 OCU 29.3.72, 617 Squadron 7.4.72, 230 OCU 28.6.72, 617 Squadron 4.7.72, 230 OCU 11.7.72, 617 Squadron 1.8.72, 230 OCU 13.4.73, 617 Squadron 16.4.73, 27 Squadron 6.2.74, 617 Squadron 21.2.74, 50 Squadron 5.1.82, 55 Squadron 1.4.84. Sold to Roy Jacobsen and delivered to Southend 19.12.86. Registered as G-VJET 7.7.87. | | | Avro Vulcan B.2 | XL427 | Completed 29.9.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 2.10.62, Scampton Wing, 617 Squadron 9.69, 27 Squadron 3.71, 230 OCU 29.6.72, 617 Squadron 5.7.72, 230 OCU 25.9.72, 27 Squadron 4.1.74, 230 OCU 11.8.76, 27 Squadron 27.8.76, 9 Squadron 2.5.77, 50 Squadron 4.81, 9 Squadron 10.81, 44 Squadron 6.82. Delivered to Macrihanish for crash rescue training 13.8.82 as 8756M. Dumped 1986. | 27 Sqdn. | | Buccaneer | XT274 | D/D 15/7/65 to RN and converted to S Mk 2A standard by BAe Brough by 5/74 when taken on charge by No 12 Sqn. Passed to No 237 OCU in 2/76 with which it stayed until being placed in store at St Athan in 1/84. Allocated maintenance serial 8856M for BDR training at RAF Abingdon in 1/86. | All Buccaneers from 12 Sqdn. | | Buccaneer | XT276 | D/D 24/8/65 to RN and passed to RAF charge by 7/72 serving initially with No 237 OCU and then with No 12 Sqn between 5/74 and mid- 1980. During this period the aircraft took part in trials at CFB Cold Lake and was suitably adorned with Maple Leaf in front of the fox's head. Transferred to No 16 Sqn by 10/80 after mod to S Mk 2B. Stored at St Athan in 11/81 before passing into long-term storage with No 27 MU Shawbury in 11/83. | | | Buccaneer | XT281 | D/D 11/11/65 to RN. Issued to No 12 Sqn by 12/73 joining XT276 in trials at CFB Cold Lake. Aircraft remained on squadron strength until grounded following the wing spar problems, then taken by Landing Craft Ardennes to Lossiemouth on 17/10/80 to serve as a weapons loading trainer and allocated maintenance serial 8750M for the purpose. | | | Buccaneer | XT286 | D/D 6/1166 to RN. Transferred from 809 Sqn to No 12 Scfn in 5/74 serving alternately with No 237 OCU until passed to BAe Bitteswell for S2B mod on 6/1178. Re-issued to No 16 Sqn by 11/80 with which it served until departing Laarbruch for St Athan and storage in 11/83. The airframe passed to BAe in 12/86 as part of the ASR1012 update programme. | | | Buccaneer | XT288 | D/D 18/2/66 to RN and noted unmarked at RAF Honington in 6/72. Issued to No 12 Sqn until 5/73 when despatched to BAe Bitteswell as the second airframe of S2B mod contract. Re-issued to No 12 Sqn following conversion on 3019/73 serving with the squadron until at least 2/78 before being passed on to No 208. By 1982 the aircraft had bailed back to BAe as one of Sea Eagle test airframes although still resplendent in No 208's colours. Airframe currently serving in Sea Eagle tests with A&AEE at Boscombe Down. | | | Buccaneer | XV165 | D/D 27/10/66 to RN and one of original aircraft issued to No 12 Sqn in 1969, with which it has served since. | | | Buccaneer | XV168 | D/D 13/12/66 to RN and delivered to No 12 Sqn as one of its original airframes in 1969 with which it served until 8/85 when it passed to No 208 Sqn's charge. | | | Buccaneer | XV334 | D/D 612/67 to RN and was delivered to RAF charge from Sydenham on 7/12/72 and issued to No 12 Sqn. It was then taken out of service and despatched to BAe at Brough on 9/12/73 for mod to S2B standard. Returned to No 12 Sqn charge by 6/75 and went on to serve alternately with No 12 Sqn and No 237 OCU until transfer to No 15 at Laarbruch in 1/79. Airframe returned to St Athan store in 1/81 and resides in long-term store with No 27 MU at RAF Shawbury. | | | Buccaneer | XV338 | D/D 29/3/67 to RN and first noted on RAF charge with No 12 Sqn in 8/73. Passed to No 237 OCU by 2/75 until dismantled at Honington for roading to RAF St Athan in 1/81 where it was declared surplus and broken up for spares with the cockpit section being returned to Honington as 8774M on 7/2/83. | | | Buccaneer | XV342 | D/D 16/5/67 to RN and delivered Sydenham-Honington for No 12 Sqn 24/1/73 with which it served until at least 1/76 when it passed for a short period to No 237 OCU before being taken on charge by No 208 Sqn which operated it until late 1979. To 16 Sqn in 1980 and became one of the last Buccaneers to leave Laarbruch for storage at St Athan where it resided until being delivered to BAe at Woodford for ASR1012 update in 12/86. | | | Canberra T.17 | WD955/Q | d/d 1951, to Bodo, Norway 27/04/1995. | All from 360 Sqdn. | | Canberra T.17 | WF914/P | d/d 14/08/1952, sold to BAC 29/03/1965, to G27-302, d/d 07/1966 to FAVenezuela as 1233. | | | Canberra T.17 | WK111/B | d/d 02/1954, sold as scrap 10/94 at Wyton, cockpit preserved. | |
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Dawn Patrol, 1975
This was the last Dawn Patrol exercise held in Malta.
Aircraft continued with the exercise during the week-end, with Buccaneers making night time sorties for the first time.
| AIRCRAFT | SERIAL | SQUADRON | HISTORY | NOTES | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL317 | 617 | Completed 14.7.61. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. A & AEE 13.7.61, 617 Squadron 7.6.62, 230 OCU 24.4.74, 617 Squadron 1.5.74. To Akrotiri as 8725M for crash rescue training, delivered 1.12.81. Later scrapped. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL425 | 617 | Completed 30.8.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 31.8.62, Scampton Wing, 617 Squadron 30.11.72, 27 Squadron 1.11.73, 617 Squadron 1.4.74. Grounded 4.1.82. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 4.82. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL426 | 617 | Completed 7.9.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 13.9.62, Scampton Wing, 230 OCU 29.3.72, 617 Squadron 7.4.72, 230 OCU 28.6.72, 617 Squadron 4.7.72, 230 OCU 11.7.72, 617 Squadron 1.8.72, 230 OCU 13.4.73, 617 Squadron 16.4.73, 27 Squadron 6.2.74, 617 Squadron 21.2.74, 50 Squadron 5.1.82, 55 Squadron 1.4.84. Sold to Roy Jacobsen and delivered to Southend 19.12.86. Registered as G-VJET 7.7.87. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL444 | 617 | Completed 29.10.82. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 27 Squadron 1.11.62, Scampton Wing, 230 OCU 18.6.66, Scampton Wing 19.6.67, 230 OCU 5.4.71, 27 Squadron 11.5.71, 617 Squadron 9.71, 230 OCU/617 Squadron 19.7.72, 617 Squadron 18.12.73, 35 Squadron 31.5.78, 9 Squadron 6.4.81. grounded 10.9.82. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 8.12.82. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XM595 | 617 | Completed 21.8.63. Olympus 301 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 617 Squadron 21.8.63, Scampton Wing, 27 Squadron 16.8.74, 617 Squadron 9.75, 35 Squadron 11.76, 617 Squadron 2.78, 35 Squadron 4.1.82. Grounded 1.3.82. Sold to Bird Group as scrap 11.82. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XM573 | 27 | Completed 26.3.63. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 28.3.63, Scampton Wing, Waddington Wing 25.4.67, 230 OCU 15.2.68, Akrotiri Wing 26.6.70, 27 Squadron 17.4.74, 44 Squadron 9.3.77, 230 OCU 18.12.78, 9 Squadron 7.4.81, Scampton 22.5.82. Delivered to Offutt AFB, USA, 7.6.82, presented to USAF 12.6.82. | Arr. on 13.06 | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XL427 | 27 | Completed 29.9.62. Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 83 Squadron 2.10.62, Scampton Wing, 617 Squadron 9.69, 27 Squadron 3.71, 230 OCU 29.6.72, 617 Squadron 5.7.72, 230 OCU 25.9.72, 27 Squadron 4.1.74, 230 OCU 11.8.76, 27 Squadron 27.8.76, 9 Squadron 2.5.77, 50 Squadron 4.81, 9 Squadron 10.81, 44 Squadron 6.82. Delivered to Macrihanish for crash rescue training 13.8.82 as 8756M. Dumped 1986. | Deployed to RAF Luqa later in the exercise. Date unknown. | | A. Vulcan B.2 | XM569 | 27 | Completed 4.1.63, Olympus 201 engines. Blue Steel modifications. 27 Squadron 1.2.63, Scampton Wing, Waddington Wing 17.11.66, Cottesmore Wing 19.1.68, Akrotiri Wing 26.2.69, 27 Squadron 4.7.74, 9 Squadron 23.11.76, 50 Squadron 6.79, 101 Squadron 9.81, 44 Squadron 8.82. Sold to Wales Aircraft Museum 21.1.83. Delivered to Cardiff 2.2.83. | Deployed to RAF Luqa later in the exercise. Date unknown. | | Buccaneer | XN976 | 12 | D/D 31/8/64 as first service aircraft to RN. Transferred to RAF charge by 9/71 and delivered to NO 237 OCU with which it served until 6/74 when it underwent mod to S Mk 2B standard and was re-issued to No 12 Sqn in 1/75, which it served until 1/87 before passing to BAe in 2/87 as part of ASR1012 update. | Wing Commander’s aircraft. Carried two Martel asm missiles. All Buccaneers arr on 16.06. | | Buccaneer | XT270 | 12 | D/D 31/8/64 as first service aircraft to RN. Transferred to RAF charge by 9/71 and delivered to NO 237 OCU with which it served until 6/74 when it underwent mod to S Mk 2B standard and was re-issued to No 12 Sqn in 1/75, which it served until 1/87 before passing to BAe in 2/87 as part of ASR1012 update. | | | Buccaneer | XT274 | 12 | D/D 15/7/65 to RN and converted to S Mk 2A standard by BAe Brough by 5/74 when taken on charge by No 12 Sqn. Passed to No 237 OCU in 2/76 with which it stayed until being placed in store at St Athan in 1/84. Allocated maintenance serial 8856M for BDR training at RAF Abingdon in 1/86. | | | Buccaneer | XT286 | 12 | D/D 6/1/66 to RN. Transferred from 809 Sqn to No 12 Scfn in 5/74 serving alternately with No 237 OCU until passed to BAe Bitteswell for S2B mod on 6/1/78. Re-issued to No 16 Sqn by 11/80 with which it served until departing Laarbruch for St Athan and storage in 11/83. The airframe passed to BAe in 12/86 as part of the ASR1012 update programme. | | | Buccaneer | XV155 | 12 | D/D 26/5/66 to RN and passed to RAF charge as one of the aircraft to equip No 12 Sqn in 1969 remaining with the unit until 5/73. Transferred to No 237 OCU between 7/3 and 5/74 and then following update to S2B standard re-issued to No 12 Sqn in 6/75 with which it stayed until being placed in store at St Athan in 8/81. Declared surplus and the fuselage allocated maintenance serial 8716M for issue to BAe Brough on static tests on 29/10/81. | | | Buccaneer | XV165 | 12 | D/D 27/10/66 to RN and one of original aircraft issued to No 12 Sqn in 1969, with which it has served since. | | | Buccaneer | XV334 | 12 | D/D 612/67 to RN and was delivered to RAF charge from Sydenham on 7/12/72 and issued to No 12 Sqn. It was then taken out of service and despatched to BAe at Brough on 9/12/73 for mod to S2B standard. Returned to No 12 Sqn charge by 6/75 and went on to serve alternately with No 12 Sqn and No 237 OCU until transfer to No 15 at Laarbruch in 1/79. Airframe returned to St Athan store in 1/81 and resides in long-term store with No 27 MU at RAF Shawbury. | | | Buccaneer | XV340 | 12 | D/D 26/4/67 to RN and delivered to No 16 Sqn from Sydenham in 5/73. By 6/75 had passed to No 12 Sqn and with No 208 in 2/78 but serving with No 15 by 4/79. Following grounding in 2/80 airframe shipped by road and sea to BAe Brough for fatigue testing, being noted in Hull docks on 3013/80. At end of tests it was allocated maintenance serial 8659M and now resides as target on Pendine Ranges. | | | Buccaneer | XV342 | 12 | D/D 16/5/67 to RN and delivered Sydenham-Honington for No 12 Sqn 24/1/73 with which it served until at least 1/76 when it passed for a short period to No 237 OCU before being taken on charge by No 208 Sqn which operated it until late 1979. To 16 Sqn in 1980 and became one of the last Buccaneers to leave Laarbruch for storage at St Athan where it resided until being delivered to BAe at Woodford for ASR1012 update in 12/86. | | | Buccaneer | XW525 | 12 | F/F 8/1/70, D/D 20/1/70 to RAF and retained as development aircraft in use with BAe but delivered to No 237 OCU by 11/74. Transferred to No 12 Sqn by 5/76 but lost when in service with No 208 on 4/4/77 when it crashed into Claerwen Reservoir near Rhayader, Padnor after taking avoiding action to prevent a mid-air collision with another RAF aircraft. | | | Buccaneer | XW531 | 12 | D/D 3/12/70 to No 15 Sqn transferring to No 12 in 2/75 but lost in crash on 29/10/76 off Norwegian coast. | | | EE Canberra T.17 | WD955/Q | 360 | d/d 1951, to Bodo, Norway 27/04/1995. | | | EE Canberra T.17 | WH872/W | 360 | d/d 09/1953, w/o 30/11/1981, cockpit to 8492M, to Bedford dump. | | | EE Canberra T.17 | WH902/N | 360 | Scrapped Wyton 1995. | |
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Vulcans The following deal with Vulcan exercises, usually comprised of between 5 and 7 aircraft. They also came during APC’s involving Lightning or Phantom squadrons, but whether this was a coincidence, or were working with the fighters mentioned remains unknown, at least to this writer. The exact duration of the exercise is also unknown.
| AIRCRAFT | SQUADRON | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | A. Vulcan | 617 | | | Arrived on 31.05.73. | | A. Vulcan | 617 | | | An additional five aircraft arrived on 01.06.73. | | B. Buccaneer | 12 | | | 12 aircraft arrived on 02.06.07 | | B. Buccaneer | 237 OCU | | | 3 aircraft arrived on 02.06.07 |
August 1976
The following Vulcans were all logged on the same day, 09.08.76. Also on a month long deployment was 111 squadron with F-4 Phantoms. This was the official start to my spotting days, and details are sketchy, just the aircraft type. No Vulcans were recorded on my next visit on the 13th.
| SQUADRON | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | 9 | XH557 | | | | 9 | XJ389 | | | | 9 | XJ780 | | | | 44 | XL388 | | | | 9 | XL391 | | |
The Last Farewell
As far as I know, this was the last detachment before the decommissioning of RAF Luqa as an RAF station. According to my log book, these were seen between 4th – 17th August 1978.
| AIRCRAFT | SQUADRON | SERIAL | HISTORY | NOTES | | A. Vulcan | 35 | XL360 | | Callsign M-TJYA on the 14th. Departure? | | A. Vulcan | 35 | XL361 | | Used callsign M-__YC on the 4th, arrival? | | A. Vulcan | 35 | XL444 | | Used callsign COB93 on the 14th. | | A. Vulcan | 35 | XL445 | | | | A. Vulcan | 101 | XM611 | | |
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