S&R started in Khormaksar in '55 - log books are distinctly grotty, after being immersed when the house was destroyed, but may be able to decipher dates if necessary. It was set up with 3 pilots and three 'Siggies' from APCSS/ACS on temporary loan because of a shortage of Navs. We did our winch training on the flight - best described as 'interesting!! We had two commissioned pilots and one Master Pilot - 'Tommy' Tomczak - later name changed to Tommy Pavey. He and I flew several times together - flights which emphasised the complete lack of suitability of the Sycamore for hot clime operation ... 44" of boost ... and going down
Phil Clay has just reappeared in memory and ??? Bamber? The other volunteer siggies were Brian Fletcher and Geoff Wigley - the latter is the one nearest camera,
Brian was on stand down. This piccy was included in a related thread in 2013. Only lasted in role for 3 months then back to the Valettas.
No more S&R until back from Bangkok in '64 (someone has to do the hardship posts
), when asked If I would like to try 22 Sqdn Whirlies ... and the rest, as they say, is history!!