The reason given was that the indonesians were using P 51s against us.Therefore some idea of the tactics that might be used against us needed to be established. (Can't remember the full details as I left the paper on the flight deck for the next crew.)
Confrontation 1960-1966
I have an old accaintence who once told me of a sortie he flew in a Buccaneer. He was some what startled to see a Mustang flash past down his right hand side and thought no more of it until he recovered back on the carrier. Then it was pointed out to him that he had a few holes in his tail.
Does any one out there know if this incedent prompted the tests? Were the Navy and RAF talking to each other any way?
No and not as far as I know.
From 1963 to 1967 HMS Victorious was in the Far East. She was equipped with Buccaneers therefore the incident couldhave occurred.
http://www.seavixen.org/index.cfm?fa...l&pageId=56720
Dr David Easter's book, Britaina nd the Confrontation with Indonesia 1960-1966 makes no mention of such an incident. A flashpoint would have occurred in Sep 1964 with the RN exercising right of passage through the Sunda Strait. Two of Victorious destroyer escort would force the strait from the south with Victorious and Centaur providing air cover.
In 1964 60 Sqn and 64 Sqn Javelines were deployed to Malaysia and Singapore.
What were the chances of deploying Lightnings to the Confrontation?
High although Confrontation came to an end in Aug 66 and 74 Sqn Lightnings did not deploy until Jul 67. Clearly there were plans afoot to deploy them if needed. They may had deployed earlier had the Valiant tanker force not been grounded in Jan 1965. From 1965 until the Victor bombers had been converted UK AD Tanker Support was provided by KC135 out of Mildenhall under Exercise Billy Boy. I doubt they would have been used for a Tiger Trail.