TANKEX TO SYDNEY

Performing the first non-stop flight from England to Australia was a highlight of No 617 Squadron’s Vulcan years Vulcan B1A XH481 leaves RAF Scampton on the morning of 20 June 1961, bound for Sydney, Australia, and a new aviation record. ZUMA PRESS/ALAMY When the RAF’s ‘V-force’ held the responsibility of providing Britain’s nuclear deterrent, power projection was an important part of its task. Demonstrating the capability of the ‘V-bombers’ to deploy and exercise worldwide sent out a potent message about