Originally Posted by
Beancountercymru
The tale is told of cadet Bloggs sat in the from seat of a Mark III at 618 at West Malling when what appeared to be a young cadet corporal ran across and said to Bloggs "No-ones looking - shall we take this up for a ride", and promptly jumped in the back, called for a cable and took off with Bloggs in the front terrified.
The young corporal was the CO's son ( and an instructor) who later went on to Fly Navy, and one weekend brought his Sea King, with an all ex Kent Wing crew, to a Maidstone hotel for the Wing Ball - after spending a day giving air experience at , I think, Rochester Airport. The departure next morning from the hotel helipad was a a bit noisier than the normal helicopters they were used to on a Sunday morning
From Noddy
The young corporal was probably Graham Jackson, his father was S/Ldr Dennis Jackson (now dec.), who was a supernumary officer on 618 and a Kent Wing staff officer. Later became Kent Wing ATC's C.O. Graham joined RN as a helicopter pilot and finished as a Lt, Cdr. Went on to fly for one of the Middle East Countries, I can't remember which one. At the time you were talking about S/Ldr. Gerry Fuller was 618's CO.