Manston SAR
The post mentions that fuelling arrangements for BHL's Manston SAR contract were entirely satisfactory from the outset etc. Not quite true. As the chief engineer throughout the contract (May 1971 - Sep 30 1974), I can update: The station's C.O. Wg Cdr Scott, made no secret of his dislike of BHL being there instead of an RAF unit. He refused to give us priority for fuel over any visiting RAF aircraft, even though we were SAR so the Company bought a small bowser which was partially buried adjacent to the dispersal pad and refuelled by the RAF's bowser periodically. Bowser drivers were civilian and sympathetic to us (a Peter Smith particularly) and generally refuelled us in a timely manner. G-AYTK & G-AYNP both carried HF as well. We also introduced a range of on-board equipment hitherto denied to our military counterparts to make lifesaving more efficient. The 22 Sqdn flight we replaced were withdrawn in 1969 to support Col Gadaffi's coup in Libya. The ensuing public outcry at the loss of SAR helicopters led to BHL's contract. There were other contenders. In spite of the enormous success of the operation, it was a political decision to return the RAF with 2 x Wessex. It is a sad fact that about half of the staff on that contract are no longer alive.