Search and Rescue Training Unit
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Some were simply not happy working in the water on the end of the wire or not up to the physical demands, and I know having tried it on many occasions. A lot however struggled with the co-ordination of winch operating and "pattering" to form a word picture of what what going on down below within the format of the correct wording.
Join Date: Feb 2010
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The requirements of the Hercules loadmaster are quite different.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Oxon
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: RAF Valley
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Not wishing to open old wounds......
Update and final call. SARTU 50th celebrations, open day and dinner Fri 18 and Sat 19 May. Open to all former staff - aircrew, ground crew, engineers etc.
Please pm for more info.
Update and final call. SARTU 50th celebrations, open day and dinner Fri 18 and Sat 19 May. Open to all former staff - aircrew, ground crew, engineers etc.
Please pm for more info.
Chopped at SARTU
Mmmm, despite a good pre- selection, I was told by one of the mafia that I would fail the main course. It came as no surprise that his prediction came true!
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Safe to say that the rearcrew mafia described here are now gone (although only to the staff at Tesco's in Holyhead in some cases). SARTU is unrecognizable now, and is a denizen of instructing prowess par excellence (Well, maybe a few too many eggs in the pudding...) - but it is a LOT better than it was. And let's be honest - it was pretty dire in the 90's.
If you are a fan - go the reunion, have a jar or 5, and enjoy it.Iif you are bitter, twisted, sour etc etc. then simply stay away.
If you are a fan - go the reunion, have a jar or 5, and enjoy it.Iif you are bitter, twisted, sour etc etc. then simply stay away.
Just snook in!
Having been informed by 'Stan the Man' that I'd never make a SAR pilot as long as my bottom had a hole in it (back in 1972 and computer out never really mastered) I went off to SH disappointed but stoical. I PVR'd during my second tour (didn't we all back then - it was 1978 after all and Bristows were at every happy hour) I suddenly found myself on C Flt 22 flying the Wessex. Since SARTU still had Whirlwinds a very nice Mr R'shaw gave me a cat on the squadron. Persauded to withdraw PVR I then spent the next 22 years flying Wessex and Sea Kings entirely without the benefit of a SARTS/SARTU education. I did use to enjoy wandering down the corridor to chat to them during my final Valley tour though. Hope they have a nice party 
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Hmmm, wish I'd come across this thread a bit earlier than just now 'cos I might have considered popping down for a pint and maybe see a few old faces. Gotta say it was a major pain in the 'arris having to refit the bloomin' cabin door every time Messers B**l and C***p took a dislike to it and popped it off... which happened way too often!
On the other hand, Geoff Whitehead (I'm led to believe he passed away back in the 90's), one of nicest blokes in uniform I've ever come across.
SARTU g/crew - 81 - 86. Had quite a good time on our side of the house!
On the other hand, Geoff Whitehead (I'm led to believe he passed away back in the 90's), one of nicest blokes in uniform I've ever come across.
SARTU g/crew - 81 - 86. Had quite a good time on our side of the house!
Last edited by Walrus75; 11th May 2012 at 00:27.
Walrus, thanks for keeping me safe when I went through as a stude in '85. Concur; Geoff Whitehead, a real gentleman.
Went back '89-92 as an instructor. Can't make the party though, never mind.
Went back '89-92 as an instructor. Can't make the party though, never mind.
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Dear Walrus75,
Apologies for intruding on your chat, but re: msg 10/5/12, I would just like to say thanks!
It's now been a few years, but Jeff Whitehead was my Dad and I find it pretty damned wonderful that he's thought of in that way.
Ww
Apologies for intruding on your chat, but re: msg 10/5/12, I would just like to say thanks!
It's now been a few years, but Jeff Whitehead was my Dad and I find it pretty damned wonderful that he's thought of in that way.
Ww
How does SARTU winchman course compare to say the USCG Rescue Swimmer school at Mobile, out of interest (apart from jumping in the water of course to pull victims to the winch)
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Jeff Whitehead
I'll second that, a thorough gentleman and consumate professional. As a student in the 80's it was always a relief to see his name on "my" plaque. Sadly missed.
Jeff Whitehead
I concur - last time I flew with him (I think) was IF at Coltishall. We Wessex bods were on detachment during the SK holiday down south. He was flying, I was safety pilot. I tried, but usually failed, to achieve the same accuracy thereafter! Uncle Geoff
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Originally Posted by Welshwitch
It's now been a few years, but Jeff Whitehead was my Dad and I find it pretty
damned wonderful that he's thought of in that way.
damned wonderful that he's thought of in that way.
He was a good man, whenever I think back over the highpoints of my RAF career he always pops up. At the time I held, and maintain to this day, the greatest respect for him and hold him in high esteem. He was one of the folk who provided me with a model for civility in how to treat people as I advanced up the rank structure. I was genuinely sorry to hear of his passing.
Last edited by Walrus75; 4th Jul 2012 at 10:21.
Join Date: May 2013
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Hey everyone!
Hi Mum (welshwitch) and everyone else,
Jeff Whitehead was my grandfather and from what I remember of him I can say he was truly a wonderful man. I got the pleasure of hearing numerous Winnie The Pooh stories told to me as a child and remember when he one year decided to dress up as Father Christmas and flew over the back garden with his SARTU pals Christmas morning. He rope descended down to us and handed me and my brother a present. I guess I just wish I had more time to get to know him as an adult. I would certainly love to hear from anyone that worked with him, maybe find out a little more about him and what he was like
Speak soon all.
Owen
Jeff Whitehead was my grandfather and from what I remember of him I can say he was truly a wonderful man. I got the pleasure of hearing numerous Winnie The Pooh stories told to me as a child and remember when he one year decided to dress up as Father Christmas and flew over the back garden with his SARTU pals Christmas morning. He rope descended down to us and handed me and my brother a present. I guess I just wish I had more time to get to know him as an adult. I would certainly love to hear from anyone that worked with him, maybe find out a little more about him and what he was like
Speak soon all.
Owen
Just read Geoff Leeming's http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/From-Borneo-to-Lockerbie/p/3872/
For anyone from the early SH and SAR days will know Geoff, I knew him from SARTU. Good read with many familiar faces.
For anyone from the early SH and SAR days will know Geoff, I knew him from SARTU. Good read with many familiar faces.
Last edited by chinook240; 20th May 2013 at 07:17.