14 Sqn Say Farewell to Shoreham Airport
At around 2pm this afternoon Shoreham Airport came to a standstill as everyone looked up to see a flypast from a Tornado from No. 14 Squadron RAF, flown from RAF Lossiemouth as a farewell to Shoreham Airport before the squadron gets disbanded in June after being axed in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).
A 14 Squadron Tornado flies over the Terminal Building at Shoreham Airport.
No. 14 Squadron formed at Shoreham Airport on the 3rd of February 1915 from a nucleus provided by No. 3 Reserve Squadron, and worked up on a variety of types before departing for the Middle East in November with Maurice Farman S.11 and B.E.2 aircraft. It was tasked with Army co-operation duties in Egypt, Palestine and Arabia, and carried out a series of detachments around the region as hot spots occurred. In November 1917, the Squadron received RE8s and concentrated on reconnaissance duties until recalled the UK in January 1919 and disbanded the following month.
On the 1 February 1920 the squadron was reformed in Ramleh by renumbering No. 111 Squadron. The squadron operated Bristol Fighters and used them for various duties including photo surveying and air policing. The squadron patrolled Trans-Jordan and Palestine for the next 20 years, it was during this period that the squadron gained its Squadron Motto which is unique for being Arabic, an extract from the Qur'an, which when translated to English reads: "I spread my wings and keep my promise".
A plaque at Shoreham Airport commemorating the 75th Anniversary of 14 Squadron in 1990.
At the start of the Second World War, the Squadron found themselves equipped with Wellesley bombers. With the expected advance of Axis forces through Africa, the Squadron began bombing targets in Eritrea in June 1940 before re-equipping with Blenheims and a flight of Gladiators by the end of the year. These were used until the summer of 1942 when B-26 Marauders were taken on strength and used in bombing, mine-laying and shipping reconnaissance missions.
In March 1943 it started performing anti-submarine missions out of Algeria before transferring back to the UK in October 1944. On returning to the UK the Squadron was based at RAF Chivenor and carried out anti-submarine mission using Vickers Wellingtons. The squadron was again disbanded on the 1 June 1945 but was reborn the same day, when No. 143 Squadron was renumbered. 143 Squadron were based at Banff at the time and were operating the De Havilland Mosquito. This incarnation of the squadron was short lived, being disbanded on the 31st of March 1946.
A 14 Squadron Tornado flies over Shoreham Airport.
Disbandment did not last long however, the following day No.128 Squadron, operating Mosquitos at RAF Wahn in Germany, was renumbered No.14 squadron and the squadron lived again. In 1951 the squadron received Vampires to replace the Mosquitos, while in 1953 the Vampires were traded for Venoms. The squadron converted to the day-fighter role when it received Hawker Hunters in 1955 while based at RAF Oldenburg, where they stayed for two years before moving to RAF Ahlhorn. The squadron used the Hunters until the 17th of December 1962, when the unit was disbanded at RAF Gutersloh. The same day however No.88 Squadron was renumbered No.14 Squadron, flying Canberras from RAF Wildenrath until disbandment there on the 30th of June 1970.
On that same 30th of June 1970 the squadron was reformed at RAF Bruggen and operated McDonnell Douglas Phantoms until April 1975, when they were replaced with the SEPECAT Jaguar. From 1976 their role at RAF Bruggen, assigned to SACEUR, was support of the army in a European land battle, first in a conventional role, and later in a nuclear delivery role should tactical nuclear weapons be used. The squadron's twelve Jaguars were expected by RAF planning staff to suffer attrition of one third their strength, leaving sufficient survivors to deliver their stockpile of eight WE.177 nuclear bombs. From 1986 the squadron's twelve Jaguars were exchanged for twelve Tornado GR.1s, for use in a similar role. Tornados were able to carry two WE.177 nuclear bombs, and the RAF staff expected that there would be enough survivors of the conventional war phase to deliver an increased stock of eighteen bombs. No.14 Squadron was believed to have relinquished its nuclear delivery role in 1994.
A 14 Squadron Tornado returns to RAF Lossiemouth after performing a flypast at Shoreham Airport.
In August 1990, the squadron was dispatched to Bahrain in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait as part of Operation Granby, before returning to the UK in January 2001 and currently operates from RAF Lossiemouth undertaking precision bombings by utilising the TIALD system.
The Squadron has a long and varied history and the Squadron's Battle Honours list reflects that:
With such a varied history we can hope that we will once again see No. 14 Squadron take to the skies again.
A 14 Squadron Tornado roars into the distance.
Yeovilton Air Day 2011 Press Launch
Each successive Air Day has a theme and, this time, it's a celebration of 40 years of the Westland Lynx helicopter. First flown in 1971, the Lynx has been a bastion of Fleet Air Arm small ship firepower since 1978. It’s very much a local success story – having been designed and created by Westlands of Yeovil and subsequently ordered by 11 navies, including those of France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. The highlight of Air Day’s Lynx anniversary celebrations will be a spectacular mass flypast, featuring current FAA Lynx variants alongside those of other military operators. This will include the very latest model – the brand-new AW159 Lynx Wildcat, which made its public debut at last year’s Air Day.
Additional Lynx participation will feature in the Static Display and this will include a second example of the Wildcat, along with several historic airframes. Among these is G-LYNX which, in 1986, set an all-time World Helicopter Speed Record of 249.1mph, unbeaten to this day. Lynxes will also be a key part of the traditional Commando Assault finale, alongside the resident ‘Junglie’ Sea Kings and other assets. The explosive Commando Assault simulates operations within a modern-day conflict zone and places the role of RNAS Yeovilton’s men and machines, on the global military stage, into real-life context. With the retirement of the Harrier from British military service, there will be no examples of the legendary V-STOL (Vertical Short Takeoff and Landing) strike aircraft taking part, but it is anticipated that other fast jets will be involved.
Augusta Westland Lynx Wildcat Public Debut at Yeovilton Air Day 2010
RNAS Yeovilton has three resident operational Lynx squadrons and among these is No. 702 NAS, whose extremely popular and award-winning display team, the Royal Navy Black Cats, will again be taking part. The UK’s other major FAA airbase, RNAS Culdrose, will send a Merlin Mk1 helicopter for a solo role demonstration, while the Royal Navy’s own parachute display team, the Raiders, will make a dynamic descent from the skies above.
Junglie Sea Kings in Yeovilton Commando Assault
RNAS Yeovilton is also the home base of the Royal Navy Historic Flight and, for the first time in many years, three of the aircraft it operates will participate in the Flying Display. The Flight’s Fairey Swordfish II, LS326, is a hotly-anticipated item, as it’s not been seen flying at Air Day for over a decade. Recently returned to flight, this Swordfish was the RNHF’s founding member and has genuine film star credentials – it appeared in the 1960 motion picture ‘Sink the Bismarck’. The Hawker Sea Hawk has become a regular Air Day performer since its most recent post-restoration flight in 2004. In the hands of one of the RNHF’s highly-skilled and experienced pilots, the world’s only example of this post-war British jet fighter is a nimble, graceful and very watchable performer. The rare Hawker Sea Fury T.20 will also participate in the Flying Display. This is a two-seat training version of the Sea Fury FB.11, which gave piston-engined fighter technology a final few moments of glory in the Korean War, before the faster and more powerful jet designs took over for good. As in previous years, the sleek Supermarine Seafire – a navalised version of the Spitfire – will boost Air Day’s historic naval flying content.
The Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish performs a short display for the gathered press during the 2011 Yeovilton Air Day Press Launch
The history of the Royal Air Force, meanwhile, will be symbolised by the Avro Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Flight, established in 1957, operates as a living memorial to the aircrew that never returned from battle, and its Lancaster is one of just two airworthy in the world. The modern-day RAF will be represented by the Red Arrows aerobatic team of nine Hawk trainers, a solo Hawk display and the solo Tucano turboprop trainer. Additional RAF participation will be announced closer to the show, as will further details concerning other branches of the UK armed forces and foreign air arms. So far, the stunningly-painted and extremely dynamic Belgian Air Component F-16 solo display has confirmed its attendance, and it is hoped that the Royal Netherlands Air Force will send its F-16 demo team, too. The Royal Jordanian Falcons will make a welcome return as part of their European tour.
Belgian F-16 Display at Yeovilton Air Day 2010
Simulator and funfair rides will be provided for younger members of the family, while the latest defence industry innovations will be showcased in dedicated display hangars and there will be all manner of retail outlets present, selling everything from aviation ephemera to local food products. Up to 200 classic cars and former military vehicles will assemble to provide yet another avenue of interest, the Royal Marines will present an Unarmed Combat Display and, as ever, RNAS Yeovilton personnel will be on hand to educate and inform. Finally, the world-class Fleet Air Arm Museum is a year-round attraction although during the Air Day period there will be a 25% discount on its entry prices.
In all, Air Day 2011 promises to be a captivating and unforgettable family day out, with a cavalcade of action, both in the air and on the ground.
Below are a few photos from the Press Launch and Last Year's show.
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- A Formation of Lynx helicopters from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines land at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July.
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- A Formation of Lynx helicopters from the Royal Navy land at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July
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- A Lynx helicopter from the Royal Navy watches whilst another lands at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July.
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- A Pair of Lynx helicopters from the Royal Navy land in front of the Control Tower at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July.
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- Four Lynx helicopters from the Royal Navy land in front of the Control Tower at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July.
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- A Lynx is marshalled into a landing position by a marshaller at RNAS Yeovilton after performing a flyby rehearsal for the Lynx Balbo planned for the Air Day in July.
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- The Sea Fury of the Royal Navy Historic Flight taxies to parking after performing a display at RNAS Yeovilton.
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- The Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Sea Fury sits on the apron at RNAS Yeovilton as the pilot checks the cockpit
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- A Westland Lynx sits on an apron at RNAS Yeovilton for the press to have a look around during the 2011 Air Day Press Launch.
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- The Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish performs a short display for the gathered press during the 2011 Yeovilton Air Day Press Launch
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- The Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish flies over the top of the RNHF Sea Fury taxiing to parking.
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- The Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish and Sea Fury sit on an apron at RNAS Yeovilton during the press launch for the 2011 Air Day.
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- A Marshaller gets caught looking the wrong way as a Sea King hovers behind him.
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- The Royal Navy Historic Flight Sea Fury performs an impressive pass during the 2011 Press Launch for the Air Day.
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- Augusta Westland Lynx Wildcat Public Debut at Yeovilton Air Day 2010
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- Junglie Sea Kings in Yeovilton Commando Assault
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- Belgian F-16 Display at Yeovilton Air Day 2010
F-22A Raptor
I've been at the Royal International Air Tattoo for the past week, it was a really good time even if it was a bit wet for a few of the days.
Still trying to import all of my photos into Lightroom to process them, but just one that stood out for the moment:
The newest toy in the inventory of the USAF, the F-22A Raptor displays in the Summer skies of England over RAF Fairford during RIAT 2010.
Flown by Major Dave 'Zeke' Skalicky from Langley AFB, here he pulls up steeply showing off the Raptor's thrust vectoring ability courtesy of the two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines which propel the Raptor.
Sussex Air Ambulance
Last Weekend I managed to get a chance to take a trip up to Dunsfold to take some photos for the Sussex Air Ambulance.
The Sussex Air Ambulance responds rapidly to 999 calls with a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), serving the people who live, work or travel through the counties of East and West Sussex.
Their highly skilled team of Doctors, Paramedics and Nurses can arrive at the scene of most emergencies anywhere in Sussex within 15 minutes to provide swift medical intervention.
Patients can be transferred by air, fast and unhindered to an appropriate major hospital of specialist unit, dramatically improving chances of survival and a speedy recovery.
Please support the fantastic work they do by Donating Now.
Don't forget to take a trip to Dunsfold yourself on the 11th of July for the Air Ambulance Open Day to meet the crew, have a look around the helicopter and even meet some Daleks and Storm Troopers!
The Sussex Air Ambulance approaches its base at Dunsfold.
The Sussex Air Ambulance lands at its base at Dunsfold, with the Paranedic giving the camera a wave.
Here The Sussex Air Ambulance hovers overhead, the Doctor is attached to a harness inside the helicopter and is surveying the scene before the helicopter lands.
The Sussex Air Ambulance hovers behind the Fast Response Car which the crew use when the helicopter is unavailable.
You Can’t Ask Us That!!
Whilst escorting a film crew at the Shoreham Airshow Press Day this year I managed to grab this photo...
The film crew were interviewing the crews of the various aircraft which were on the ground, but neglected to change it between the Spitfire Pilots and The Guinot Wingwalkers, Kirsty Joly and Danielle Hughes. The interviewer was doing fine until he got to one question which threw Kirsty and Danielle.
Interviewer: So this being a Battle of Britain Airshow and it having been 70 years since The Battle of Britain, what does The Battle of Britain mean to you?
Guinot Girls turn to each other and laugh, then say to the interviewer.....
Guinot Girls: You can't ask us that! We're bimbos!
...The film crew didn't know what to say to that and quickly gave up on the interview.