aa62:
Argosies, Beverleys and Hastings
We know a song about that, don't we boys and girls?
FED:
An Argosy crew.... decided to hide in the Bath Prohibited Area circling around at 5,000ft with no lights on.
Um, it were two Hastings at 2500ft circling Bath in opposite directions, unless this very unwise procedure was repeated later. It happened after the formation went IMC immediately after take-off from Colerne and was thus forced to scatter. Fortunately pour moi the Stream Leader radioed us further back the line not to get airborne. The Exercise had been postponed previously due wx and this was its final chance. To help it on its way a Wing Commander from Group did the Met Briefing (the Metman had been thanked for turning up but told he was not needed). Strangely, the forecast he gave was for wx conditions exactly on minima. He lied like a cheap Changi watch!
Danny, the RAF had a love affair with Autumn Exercises. Probably something to do with Grouse or Pheasant shooting, or maybe Stag hunting. Anywayoop it all had to be done late September/ early October IIRC. The great annual bean feast for the Tactical Transporters was Exercise Tense Caper. Never was an Exercise more appropriately named!