I think MT took over 402 after 7 Squadron left. The last time I went down with my neighbour was March 1980 and 402 was definately ‘owned’ by 7 Squadron. It was a Sunday and I’m sure he only asked me down to help lift auxiliary fuel tanks into the bomb bays of three TT18s that were due to fly up to Kinloss for an exercise the following day (back breaking – no H&S back then!) I remember walking behind one as it was towed from 402, in front
of the Tower to South Pan.

I’m not sure what 401 was used for in the 70’s.

I have a station map in front of me;
404 Hangar – ex Nimrod / HMF
403 Hangar – now demolished – used by 7 Squadron
402 Hangar – ex 203 Sqn, used by 7 Squadron then MT. My neighbour was an armourer and serviced the ejection seats behind this hangar (203 Sqns offices).
I certainly remember 4 Canberras being serviced in 402 Hangar both times I visited.
401 Hangar – next to Treloy Line.

If you have a look at page 28 of the 1981 air day prog there is a picture taken of two air traffic controllers in the tower, visible in the background on South Pan are a number of Canberrras, not parked in any particular order except they all face south. That’s how I remember them. Things may have been different in the early 70s though.

Those are great photos of the 76 show, being a spotty teenager at the time my only record of the show was from a kodak 126 camera, I’ve still got them but they are terrible! I was down at Mums last week and found some old Air Day Programmes in the garage, unfortunately time and damp have done them no favours but there was one from every show from 1973 right up until the last one in 1998.
1976

1975

I had a look around St Mawgan last week, including the RAF side of Treloy line. I was surprised at how quickly the concrete has started to crumble – what a shame!

I heard the Sea Vixen did a brilliat display in the rain is that true?

James

Yep, she certainly displayed – not in the rain but in near perfect conditions just before 1800 Hrs, well worth the wait!

RAF St Mawgan held a Battle of Britain Display every September until 1972. From 1973 the show became ‘International Air Day’ and was held on the first or second Wednesday in August except for 1977 (July) and 1988 (no show due to Runway work). The final show was 1998.

Excellent photos, pity the weather wasn’t always that good!

I guess the ADV would be a better choice. A larger airframe with potential for updates, more fuel and lower airframe hours with little of the stress incurred by the low flying IDS fleet.
I seem to remember talk of the RAF using the F3 for a ‘wild weasel’ role, maybe that was just a rumour.

Just another to add to the long list – Airwork looked after 7 Squadrons Canberras at RAF St Mawgan. My neighbour was an ex FAA armourer employed by Airwork, among other things he was responsible for the ejection seats and Rushton Winch packs. As far as I am aware the arrangement was very successful.

Rescue was a ‘Scottish Television’ production made by Paul Berriff and Paul Beaver. A book was also produced by PSL (Patrick Stephens Limited) ISBN 1-85260-291-0 which contained some excellent photos.
It would be interesting to hear what has happened to some of the crew. I guess that some have now retired – Flt Lt John Prince for example? I heard that Paul Readfern eventually went on to command the SAR force.