Hands to Flying Stations Scimitars and Sea Vixens
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FAA/RAF Formation over Aden, 1967
Beancounter: thanks for the advice that the flypast was 55 strong - now I know why it looked so good! And for David Parry, a link suggesting that it was Hermes relieving Victorious:
Victorious & Hermes at Aden
In May 67, with final withdrawal from Aden some 6 months off, things were a bit fraught, particularly for families living offbase. If the flypast was intended to be a show of strength, I'm not sure how successful it was. Just a month later came the Aden Police mutiny and a bitter day in Crater for the Northumberland Fusiliers. Some days later, that area was reoccupied by Colin Mitchell and his Argylls, and some of the withdrawal plans were advanced. Nonetheless, the flypast was a tonic on the day.
Victorious & Hermes at Aden
In May 67, with final withdrawal from Aden some 6 months off, things were a bit fraught, particularly for families living offbase. If the flypast was intended to be a show of strength, I'm not sure how successful it was. Just a month later came the Aden Police mutiny and a bitter day in Crater for the Northumberland Fusiliers. Some days later, that area was reoccupied by Colin Mitchell and his Argylls, and some of the withdrawal plans were advanced. Nonetheless, the flypast was a tonic on the day.
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60/61 Hermes Scimitars http://www.axfordsabode.org.uk/pdf-docs/hermes03.pdf
Sir
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Chief Bottle Washer
looks like a Wessy at planeguard
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Planeguard is a Westland Whirlwind, but was substituted by a Wessex when they went sick. Bottom Vixen is 890 (Witch on a broom stick), top Vixen I am not so sure of as it looks like an 899 Mailed Fist on the tail...The aft gun sponsons under the round down were exciting if not exactly the recommended or authorised places to view from
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893 Sea Vixens from My 65/67 commission
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John Sillett?
All fascinating and evocative images guys, thank you. And I echo the question; how could we afford a handful of proper aircraft carriers and aeroplanes to fly from them then and not now? The costs must be relatively the same.
I think it must have been that sort of era - early to mid sixties - that my Senior Scout Leader suddenly decided to stop being a Lloyds bank clerk and join the Navy as a pilot (eventually). We lost track of him after a few years, but I do know he was a Gannet pilot in HMS Eagle. We know he and his single backseater (I believe he was on a mail run) survived ditching off very short finals when one of the Mamba's quit. I think it was in the Med somewhere. His name was John Sillett and I'd love to know where he ended up.
Roger.
I think it must have been that sort of era - early to mid sixties - that my Senior Scout Leader suddenly decided to stop being a Lloyds bank clerk and join the Navy as a pilot (eventually). We lost track of him after a few years, but I do know he was a Gannet pilot in HMS Eagle. We know he and his single backseater (I believe he was on a mail run) survived ditching off very short finals when one of the Mamba's quit. I think it was in the Med somewhere. His name was John Sillett and I'd love to know where he ended up.
Roger.