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The RAF in colour 50s and 60s
- Thread starter dinomartino1
- Start date
Bombing IP
Well-Known Member
I must thank you for the excellent photos ,I was always a fan of the hunter beautiful looking aircraft . I was working at Hawker Siddeley Kingston in the 70s and we were still making front tandem nose sections for the Swiss Air Force for retrofit of single seater's . The hunter had a 30 year run with the Swiss and was retired in 1994 , the Swiss used to practice take off from highways with them and had a 150 Hunters ready to go at all times . As British aviation writer John Lake put it: "If the Hunter had not existed, the Swiss would have had to invent it". It beat out a lot of competition to win the initial contract award in 1958. We had a full front nose section with cockpit in the training school and a full Hunter MK4 outside to practice on for the apprentices ,this one is now at Brooklands Weybridge Surrey .
BIP
BIP
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Yes their captions should say on operations during the Indonesian confrontation. there where no commonwealth bases in Indonesia.
"Between 1962 and 1966 Indonesia and Malaysia fought a small, undeclared war which came to involve troops from Australia, New Zealand, and Britain. The conflict resulted from Indonesia's President Sukarno's belief that the creation of the Federation of Malaysia, which became official in September 1963, represented a British attempt to maintain colonial rule behind the cloak of independence granted to its former colonial possessions in south-east Asia."
Operation Claret was a long-running series of secretive cross-border raids conducted by British Commonwealth forces in Borneo from June 1964 to early 1966. These raids were undertaken by special forces—including the British Special Air Service, Australian Special Air Service Regiment, and New Zealand Special Air Service—as well as regular infantry.
These patrols—which were highly classified at the time—often involved small reconnaissance teams crossing the border from the Malaysian states of Sarawak or Sabah into Indonesian Kalimantan in order to detect Indonesian forces about to enter East Malaysia. Initially, penetration was limited to 3,000 yards (2,700 m), but was later extended to 6,000 yards (5,500 m), and again to 10,000 yards (9,100 m) after 1965"
Given the sensitivity of these operations and the potential consequences if they were exposed, they were controlled at the highest level and conducted within strict parameters known as the "Golden Rules", whilst the participants were sworn to secrecy.
Claret was largely successful in gaining the initiative for the British Commonwealth forces before being suspended late in the war, inflicting significant casualties on the Indonesians and keeping them on the defensive on their side of the border. The operations were only publicly disclosed by Britain in 1974, whilst the Australian government did not officially acknowledge its involvement until 1996.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
An instructor shows Aircraft Apprentices of No 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire how to load a gun pack of four Aden 30mm cannon into an instructional airframe of a Hawker Hunter.
An Aircraft Apprentice, possibly of 1 Wing, 1 Squadron of 92nd Entry and a Flying Instructor stand in front of a De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 aircraft prior to an 'air experience' flight at the Royal Air Force No 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire.
An Aircraft Apprentice has his parachuite harness adjusted by a Flying Instructor standing in front of a De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 aircraft prior to an 'air experience' flight at the Royal Air Force No 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire.
A Douglas Thor intermediate range surface to surface ballistic (IRBM) missile being raised on its launch pad at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk. Photographers and film cameramen stand at a distance recording the event.
A line of BAC Jet Provost T3s at the RAF College at Cranwell, Lincolnshire, with a Flying Instructor and Flight Cadet pupils in the foreground
Air Chief Marshal Hugh C T Dowding, 1st Baron Dowding (right) at a formal reception believed to be marking the departure from post of Marshal of the RAF, Sir Dermot Boyle, Chief of the Air Staff
A Gloster Javelin FAW.9R (XH890) of No 23 Squadron banking away from the camera clearly showing the identification markers and the missile complement of De Havilland Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is flying from No. 23 Squadron's base at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk
The first Bristol Britannia C.1 in RAF service, XL636 'Argo' of No. 99 Squadron, RAF Transport Command, during a flight from its base of RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, shortly after the aircraft was delivered in June 1959. She banks away from the camera revealing her underside.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Officers of the Women's Royal Air Force working at a radar display consol at RAF Sopley. One officer is using a stylus on the wax paper chinagraph screen
Prime Minister of Great Britain, Harold Macmillan, unveiling a statue commemorating the life of Marshal of the RAF Hugh M Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard, the 'father' of the RAF, in Victoria Embankment Gardens, London.
Flightengineer
Well-Known Member
Bristol Britannia....thanks again
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Aircraft Apprentices from 91st Entry, 1st School of Technical Training at RAF Halton work on rebuilding a Messerschmitt Me 163B 'Komet' rocket-powered aircraft for the Science Museum.
A member of the Women's Royal Air Force at a plotting board at an RAF station, circa 1960.
RAF missile technicians work on the Rocketdyne MB-3 liquid propellant engine of a Douglas Thor intermediate-range ballistic missile.
RAF personnel including RAF Police and dogs stand infront of a Douglas Thor intermediate range surface to surface ballistic (IRBM) missile on its launch pad at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk.
Parachute regt. boarding a Blackburn Beverly aircraft via the rear loading ramp. Possibly during Exercise Red Banner, October 1959.
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dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
A Gloster Javelin FAW.7 (XH890) of No 25 Squadron in straight and level flight showing its missile complement of De Havilland Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. This aircraft is flying from No. 25 Squadron's base at RAF Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
The crew of an Avro Vulcan B.1 bomber pose infront of their aircraft. This aircraft is possibly from No 230 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire.
An Alvis Pyrene Mark 6 fire tender demonstrates its capabilities over rough ground. It passes through a field gate over muddy rutted terrain.
A Gloster Javelin FAW.9 of No 60 Squadron RAF on its dispersal point at RAF Tengah, Singapore.
Two members of the RAF Regiment man a 20mm Oerlikon light anti-aircraft cannon during operations in the Aden.
A Douglas Thor intermediate range ballistic missile arrives in the UK. The missile is on a trolley and is being removed from the cargo bay via the nose of an C-124 Globemaster of the United States Air Force's Military Air Transport Service (M.A.T.S). Royal Air Force Police and doghandlers are nearby.
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dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
An Avro Vulcan B2, of No 617 Squadron, painted in nuclear anti-flash white, takes off from RAF Scampton
Wing Commander B H Howard, Wing Commander Flying at RAF Wattisham, discussing a sortie with Flight Lieutenant J M Curry on his lefft and Flight Lieutenant B J Cheater on his right in front of No 56 Squadron's English Electric Lightening F1As.
A Hawker Hunter FGA.9 of No 43 Squadron based at RAF Khomaksar, Aden fires a salvo of 60 pound rockets at an enemy position during operations in the Radfan region of the Federation of South Arabia, now Yemen.
RAF Flight Cadets at the RAF College, probably from the Equipment and Supply Branch use a Blackburn Beverley training model as used to exercise supply and movement instructiond for loading cargo and passengers.
Three Hawker Siddeley Argosys, either of No 114 Squadron or No 267 Squadron both based at RAF Benson, in flight
Firing an L5 105mm pack howitzer (Oto Melara 105mm Mod 56) possibly by the RAF regiment in a position somewhere in East Malaysia, on the Island of Borneo, during the Indonesian Confrontation.
In a public relations photograph, Sergeant Michael 'Jacko' Jackson, air engineer of Avro Shackleton MR.3 XF707 of No 206 Squadron, checks the wheel bay and undercarriage of his aircraft pre-flight at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall. Just visible in the aircrafts capacious bomb bay are depth charges and eight and one half pound break up bombs. The marshaller's bats are seen tucked under the nose wheel.
A Hawker Siddeley Andover C.1 (XS606) of No 52 Squadron flyig from the Squadron's station at RAF Seletar, Singapore.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Officer cadets of the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) study maps during an orienteering and team building exercise at the Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk.
One of two Avro Vulcan B.2s of the Cottesmore Wing which participated in the 1966 Auckland Air display in New Zealand. This aircraft XM650 took part in the flying show whilst the other aircraft was XM612 which took part in a static display.
Six English Electric Lightning F.3 aircraft on a hard standing at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk.
An Avro Vulcan B.2 (XM612) of the Cottesmore Wing at the 1966 Auckland Air display in New Zealand. A second Avro Vulcan B.2 (XM650) is taking part in the flying displays.
Air Training Corps activities during a summer camp. A member of the ATC walks away from a Hawker Hunter T.7 trainer aircraft at RAF Wattisham.
Six BAC Jet Provost T.4 aircraft of the Red Pelicans, the aerobatic display team of the Central Flying School in close formation flight.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
An Canadair CF104 Starfighter (846) of the Royal Canadian Air Force in flight alongside a Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire (AB910) of the Battle of Britain Flight.
A portrait of British Army Military Policeman with pistol drawn and raised.
Members of an Air Training Corps squadron experience a Link Trainer
A Hawker Siddeley Andover C.1 of the Queen's Flight undergoes maintenance at the unit's base at RAF Benson.
An RAF apprentice working on a jet engine at RAF Halton, the Royal Air Forces No 1 School of Technical Training
An impressive image of an Avro Vulcan B.2 (XL 384) of the Scampton Wing flying over Niagara Falls in North America during a Blue Steel training mission. The W103A Blue Steel training round is clearly visible
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
A de Havilland Heron of the Queen's Flight.
Three Flying Officers of the Women's Royal Air Force relaxing.
Two Avro Vulcan B.2s of the Cottesmore Wing at the 1966 Auckland Air display in New Zealand. The aircraft were XM612 (static display) XM650 (flying).
A Saunders-Roe SRN-5 hovercraft, of the Inter-service Hovercraft Trials Unit, converted for use as a fire tender being inspected by members fo the Fire Brigade. The hovercraft is on grass, to the left is a road and in the distance is a stretch of water providing the demonstrators with suitable ground to illustrate the vehicles capabilities.
A Handley Page Victor K.1aircraft (XA918) prepares to refuel two aircraft flying close to its wings. The aircraft are Royal Navy de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 (XN 685) (starboard wing) and Royal Navy Blackburn Buccaneer S.1 (XN9??) (port wing).
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Six Avro Vulcan B.2 aircraft of No 617 squadron and six Handley Page Victor B.2 aircraft lined up at RAF Scampton.
A Lockheed F104G Starfighter (DC-123) of the Luftwaffe JBG 33 (Jagdbombergeschwader) at RAF Wildenrath, Germany, during the 1967 AFCENT tactical weapons meet.
Donald Campbell's car, Bluebird CN7, in which he set the land speed record in 1964 races around the track during an RAF Debden Motor Gala in 1966. The airstrip was often used a motor racing circuit. Shortly after this image was taken the car crashed off the runway into a cornfield and was severely damage
A marshaller's view of the BAC 221 (WG774) experimental supersonic aircraft.
A Handley Page Victor B.2 under tow from an RAF towing truck. The flight crew talk to the driver of the truck
A Lockheed C130K Hercules C.1 aircraft (XV177) of RAF Air Support Command taxiing at Marshall Aerospace's factory near Cambridge, prior to its delivery to its home at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire.
A Hawker Siddeley P1127 "Kestrel" experimental VTOL aircraft at Dunsfold, Surrey, with a company standing by.
Four English Electric Lightning F.6s of No 11 Squadron RAF in flight. Flying from RAF Leuchars.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
Members of No 188 Squadron Air Training Corps are shown the cockpit of an English Electric Lightning F3 of No 56 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk.
An exterior view of St George's, the chapel at RAF Biggin Hill. Outside the chapel are a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane.
A box of four English Electric Lightnings F.6s of No 74 Squadron flying from their base at RAF Leuchars, Fife.
Participating aircraft lined up aon the hardstanding at RAF Wildenrath, Germany during the June 1967 AFCENT tactical weapons meet. They are from right to left: An English Electric Canberra B.(I) 8 of No 14 Squadron RAF (Serial number XM264), five Lockheed F104G Starfighters of the German Air Force's Jagdbombergeschwarder JBG31 (serial numbers DA119, DA106, DA103, DA112, DA237), four Dassault Mirage 3Es of the French Air Force (serial numbers 3-II, 3-IO, 3-IN, 3-JH). On the top-far right can be seen the referee aircraft for this meet a German Air Force Lockheed TF104G Starfighter of JBG32 (serial number DB371).
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
A striking head on study of a Hawker Siddeley P.1127 'Kestrel' aircraft at Hawker's test centre at Dunsfold, Surrey.
Robert Watson-Watt, the inventor of RADAR, visits RAF Bawdsey an RAF RADAR installation. He is guided by the station's Group Captain. (Possibly Group Captain Rhodes)
Three Lockheed F104G aircraft of the Luftwaffe at RAF Wildenrath, Germany during an AFCENT tactical weapons meet. The aircraft are from left to right DA103 and DA106 of (Jagdbombergeschwader) JBG31 and unidentified.
A pilot of the German Air Force seated in the cockpit of his Lockheed F104G Starfighter aircraft. This aircraft (serial number DC 244) was of JBG33 (Jagdbombergeschwader - Fighter bomber) and was participating in the June 1967 AFCENT tactical weapons meet at RAF Wildenrath, Germany.
A Hawker Siddeley P1127 "Kestrel" experimental VTOL aircraft at Dunsfold, Surrey, hovering.
Ready for a sortie from its home station of RAF Leuchars, Fife, an English Electric Lightning F.6 of No 74 Squadron.. Note the over wing long range fuel tanks.
Members of the Royal Observer Corps on a summer training camp at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, outside one of the training or accommodation blocks.
The BAC 221 (WG774) experimental supersonic aircraft nose on.
The pilot of a German Air Force Lockheed F104G Starfighter climbs out of the cockpit. He is assisted by a member of ground crew at RAF Wildenrath, Germany during an AFCENT Tactical Weapons meet. The aircraft (DA 119) is from Luftwaffe (Jagdbombergeschwader) JBG31.
dinomartino1
Well-Known Member
While the ground crew begin the turn round, the Pilot and Navigator start their walk in from an English Electric Canberra B.(I) 8 of No 14 Squadron at RAF Wildenrath, Germany, after a sortie during an AFCENT tactical weapons meet.
A Royal Navy Westland Wessex HU5 helicopter on display at the 1966 Society of British Aircraft Constructors airshow at Farnborough. Laid out next to the helicopter are examples of the 2 inch rockets as fired by the pod attached to the aircraft.
Ground crew prepare a English Electric Canberra B.(I) 8 of No 14 Squadron RAF at RAF Wildenrath, Germany during an AFCENT tactical weapons meet.
An illustrative image of the kit as worn by an RAF parachutist from the Falcons parachute display team. Side view.
An English Electric Lightning F.6 of No 74 Squadron at RAF Leuchars, Fife, banking sharply to port. Note the Red Top air-to-air missiles mounted on fuselage pylons and the tip of the starboard over-wing long range fuel tank.
An RAF Sky Diver, a member of the RAF parachute display team The Falcons in training. He is descending in free fall.
BAC Jet Provost T.4s of 'The Poachers' aerobatic team of the RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire, in line abreast formation.
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