Hi all
A friend who is a retired RAF navigator was talking recently of his first operational posting after training……serving as AEW Radar Operator on the Gannet whilst based on HMS Ark Royal.
He mentioned their departure from Malta which was somewhat unusual:
“In 72 when on a visit to Malta Mintoff (Sp?) persuaded the tug crews not to assist us to leave Grand Harbour so we lit up 4 F4s strapped down on the starboard stern quarter to swing “mother” round so we could leave!! It caused quite a stir amongst the locals particularly those pro Brits and got quite alot of applause!”
Anyone have any photos of this please?
By: Mr Creosote - 16th December 2010 at 11:09
I’ve got a dim memory of seeing pictures/news footage of a USN carrier berthing/sailing using piston engined aircraft lined up down both sides of the flight deck as thrusters,I seem to recall there quite a few overheated engines as a result.I guess this must have been late 1940s or early 50s.
Colin.
I think there’s a scene like that in “The Bridges at Toko-Ri”
By: Sky High - 16th December 2010 at 10:33
That’s an understatement! I was working in the north of the island and missed the fireworks, but heard all about them. It was a great two fingers up to that little sh….t of a Prime Minister.
By: PanzerJohn - 16th December 2010 at 09:55
Dom Mintoff was the anti British Premier at the time.
By: springers - 16th December 2010 at 09:51
Precedent.
I’ve got a dim memory of seeing pictures/news footage of a USN carrier berthing/sailing using piston engined aircraft lined up down both sides of the flight deck as thrusters,I seem to recall there quite a few overheated engines as a result.I guess this must have been late 1940s or early 50s.
Colin.
By: Lion Rock - 16th December 2010 at 09:29
Certainly was a surprise – it was to gain experience for the Shackleton AEW!
By: RobAnt - 16th December 2010 at 08:17
An RAF Nav who’s first OP is on secondment to the FAA? That must have been a bit of a surprise for him.
By: Wyvernfan - 16th December 2010 at 08:16
Wow. That would of been something to see… and hear :).
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December 16, 2010 at 7:28 am