Callsigns
At the same time as we started the Banner Bs and because of the threat of IRA SAMs or gunfire on the approaches, somebody high up decided that we should start using call signs which sounded like civilian operators in the hope of fooling the opposition. The plan was to use the standard ASCOT until handover to local NI ATC then adopt the "civilian" one. The only source was the tactical call sign registry already mentioned. After we had culled the obviously useless for the subterfuge we had about 20 or so. We used those for a few weeks and then felt that another selection was needed. This time the C/S registry grumbled slightly but gave us another selection of about 40. When we went back the next time the grumble became a complaint and after we went back further it became a serious complaint direct to Gp Capt. AT/AAR that we were using them faster than they could generate them and please would we desist.
The answer was somewhat unequivocal.