My dreams of becoming a Hunter pilot were dashed by a short sighted politician by the name of Duncan Sandys! Our course (Vampire) passed out of Swinderby in July 1957. There were 18 of us, 11 regular and 7 national service - who were demobbed immediately after receiving their wings. I was the only student with a posting to Hunters. My course was not due to start until December, so I was detached to Valley (RN Vampire FTS) to beg borrow and steal as many hours as I could muster. On the 17th of October, which just happened to be my birthday, I was informed that all the RAF courses at Chivenor had been cancelled and I was to report to 242 OCU Dishforth to start a Hastings second pilot course the following week. I was a very pissed off pilot officer!
Last edited by brakedwell; 8th Apr 2011 at 18:08.