Sharkey Ward
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Sharkey Ward
ok guys,after reading through the Nimrod thread, and that I've read Sharkeys book, I'd like to hear your thoughts about the guy/war.
Now I'm just a budding wannabe so please excuse my ignorance.
Is it true, however, that the RAF 'moved' Australia a few hundred miles in an MOD briefing to show they could provide fighter cover for the fleet anywhere in the world?
Also that the vulcan raids were mainly ineffective, and were simply a PR exercise for the RAF.
Reading through the book, it doesn't seem that the RAF were his only problem, even the FAA seemed against him.
He certainly doesn't seem to have had appropriate backing from his lordships, however, I'm very keen to hear what you've all got to say!!
Now I'm just a budding wannabe so please excuse my ignorance.
Is it true, however, that the RAF 'moved' Australia a few hundred miles in an MOD briefing to show they could provide fighter cover for the fleet anywhere in the world?
Also that the vulcan raids were mainly ineffective, and were simply a PR exercise for the RAF.
Reading through the book, it doesn't seem that the RAF were his only problem, even the FAA seemed against him.
He certainly doesn't seem to have had appropriate backing from his lordships, however, I'm very keen to hear what you've all got to say!!
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Not going to get in to the "He was a hero/zero" argument because I've never met the man nor read his book.
But...
"Also that the vulcan raids were mainly ineffective, and were simply a PR exercise for the RAF."
I believe an underlying objective, amongst other things, was to tell the Argies...
"See? You're not beyond range..."
But...
"Also that the vulcan raids were mainly ineffective, and were simply a PR exercise for the RAF."
I believe an underlying objective, amongst other things, was to tell the Argies...
"See? You're not beyond range..."
Is it true, however, that the RAF 'moved' Australia a few hundred miles in an MOD briefing to show they could provide fighter cover for the fleet anywhere in the world?
Also that the vulcan raids were mainly ineffective, and were simply a PR exercise for the RAF.
Also, bear in mind that the Sharkey Ward alternative reads well, but AOC-in-C STC at the time has pointed out that using the SHAR for bombing the runway, given how important the SHAR's A/A role would not have been a wise course of action, given the potential risk of losing half a dozen literally irreplaceable aircraft.
The PR exercise thing has taken on a life of its own. Given that Victor AAR & MRR, C-130 airbridge, Chinook, Nimrod (see other thread) were key components of the Falklands, it's hardly as though the RAF didn't pull its weight. Also, about 25% of the SHAR force were light blue, obtaining about 25% of the kills.
Reading through the book, it doesn't seem that the RAF were his only problem, even the FAA seemed against him.
Like TR, I don't know the man, and don't see the point of a 'Top bloke'/ 'Utter *******' debate.
[edited to rephrase last but one para so it says what I meant]
Last edited by Archimedes; 21st Jan 2004 at 18:57.
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The bomb craters from the ordinance that was dropped, and missed the runway, came in extremely useful as storage positions and emergency water supply receptacles, for the fire boys, once we took over Stanley Airfield.
I think we were just pre empting our requirements, for once the airfield was re taken.
I think we were just pre empting our requirements, for once the airfield was re taken.
Suspicion breeds confidence
Vulcan rumours
The story goes that the RAF managed to drop 21 un-fused bombs on Port Stanley airfield during one of its trips.
Presumably if it could reach the Falklands, it could have gone on to Rio Grande and dropped bombs on the Super Etendard's their. I'm quite confident that the ESM/ECM kit on a Vulcan could keep it safe(ish).
How would have felt about that trip Vulcan drivers?
Presumably if it could reach the Falklands, it could have gone on to Rio Grande and dropped bombs on the Super Etendard's their. I'm quite confident that the ESM/ECM kit on a Vulcan could keep it safe(ish).
How would have felt about that trip Vulcan drivers?
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From my memory of events I believe it was a situation where the RAF looked at how they could best contribute using availiable resources. Allowing for the fact that the Vulcan had no operational capability in the bombing role at that time I believe its' contribution to the war proved to be a major thorn in the side of the Argies even if only the first of 63 bombs hit anything worthwhile.
I also understand that the last 21 were dropped tail fused only which is not the best way to use a nose mounted airburst fuse.
Notwithstanding what actually happened, it is not surprising that the book in question played down the value of the RAF's contribution. The Navy's view of the whole operation was that it was 'predominantly Navy' and they were reluctant to acknowledge the efforts of the other two services.
I also understand that the last 21 were dropped tail fused only which is not the best way to use a nose mounted airburst fuse.
Notwithstanding what actually happened, it is not surprising that the book in question played down the value of the RAF's contribution. The Navy's view of the whole operation was that it was 'predominantly Navy' and they were reluctant to acknowledge the efforts of the other two services.
As I recall from writing a dissertation (partly) on the CVA01 decision, there seemed to be a strong possibility that the "mobile Oz" story had a certain element of truth to it - after all, the same studies also assumed using various very small, obscure rocks which it was "assumed" had been developed as major airfields, which it was further assumed would be far cheaper than the carrier even including all the logistics and engineering needed...
Yes, that's the key: the staffing for the F-111 case did make certain ....ahem... interesting assumptions, but the smoking document on geography hasn't yet emerged. I am looking for it, though...
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Just for a bit of banter. I can't remember the name of the tune, but I'm sure you'll work it out.......the same as the sea king rescue one.
We are the vulcan bombers no f*****g use are we,
We flew down from ascension and dropped bombs in the sea,
And if we hit the runway we shout with all our might,
Per Ardua Ad Astra, f*** you jack, I'm allright.
We are the vulcan bombers no f*****g use are we,
We flew down from ascension and dropped bombs in the sea,
And if we hit the runway we shout with all our might,
Per Ardua Ad Astra, f*** you jack, I'm allright.
