An unnecessary loss
Dear All,
The saddest thing about this accident was the sheer foolishness of it. The squadron concerned had asked for a 'phase briefing' for AAR, which was delivered, though only covered 'buddy-buddy' refuelling from a Buccaneer aircraft. That briefing was concluded with the strongest emphasis on the fact that any AAR with Victor tankers required the statutory course at Marham which, as we know, was not carried out. Instead, a Victor tanker was requested and the result was a totally avoidable and unnecessary loss of life.
The Cold War put great stress on a military system of which we can all be proud. Regrettably, it also resulted in some decisions of which we can be ashamed. This was one of them.