What a hellova shame, Manby was a great station under G/ C Pat Bailey
As the senior standards QFI at SORF I flew with every rank from P.O. to AVM ( Stack, commandant designate of Cranwell) and had the best time of my 12 years in the RAF. Every refresher student, regardles of rank seemed to really enjoy his time there . Probably learned more than I taught, flying with such experienced pilots!
My wife and I still remember Pat Bailey telling me my Australian wife had invited so many pretty Australian friends from London that we had a bigger summer ball table than him! That was not supposed to happen but he was delighted to see them all there ! Typical of Pat.
The JP 4 was not the most exciting of aircraft, but what wonderful times !
So sad to see the mess destroyed.