Sharkey Ward has got a blog
Everything that bitter, deranged person writes in his blog is absolutely true. THe RN are fantastic, the RAF are cowardly and useless. Oh, and they plotted against the Navy to cause the downfall of FAA fixed wing - which we may never see again. And the Harrier won the Falklands War all on their own.
Not quite Courtney - it was the SEA Harrier that won the war (and only those flown by the FAA, not the RAF exchange pilots). The GR3s were just there to fill in the gaps on the ATO. 
Originally Posted by Courtney Mil
Everything that bitter, deranged person writes in his blog is absolutely true. THe RN are fantastic, the RAF are cowardly and useless. Oh, and they plotted against the Navy to cause the downfall of FAA fixed wing - which we may never see again. And the Harrier won the Falklands War all on their own.
I think his biggest problem is that he completely discredits himself by being so increadibly poisonous and single-issue. Scrapping the Harrier must really be eating him up. As you say, Wrathmonk, especially the Sea Harrier.
As for your mistaken identity, JAJ, an easy mistake to make, I know.
As for your mistaken identity, JAJ, an easy mistake to make, I know.
(and only those flown by the FAA, not the RAF exchange pilots)
A friend and colleague of mine (ex Lightning) who flew the Sea Harrier during the conflict.
From what I can remember of reading his book it was an even more select group than that. It was just the Sea Harriers from his own Squadron. I recall him frequently lambasting the guys on Hermes who were clearly not as good as his own unit.
I remember finding it slightly strange that, considering Sharkey won the war single handedly, he merited no mention whatsoever in Max Hastings' (a reasonably well respected journalist) book about the Falklands.
Clearly very misunderstood.
BV
I remember finding it slightly strange that, considering Sharkey won the war single handedly, he merited no mention whatsoever in Max Hastings' (a reasonably well respected journalist) book about the Falklands.
Clearly very misunderstood.
BV
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
FB,
Without checking, I believe there were 5 flat tops off Aden. They included the Commando carriers and of course fixed-wing top cover. It was in anticipation of a debacle such as Saigon 6 years later but it all went pretty smoothly.
The troops were able to pour quick setting cement down the toilets and fill those globe lamp shades with water, having smashed the bulbs first. allegedly
Without checking, I believe there were 5 flat tops off Aden. They included the Commando carriers and of course fixed-wing top cover. It was in anticipation of a debacle such as Saigon 6 years later but it all went pretty smoothly.
The troops were able to pour quick setting cement down the toilets and fill those globe lamp shades with water, having smashed the bulbs first. allegedly
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
As one who was there, I can confirm that it was a combined operation of all services. The Wessex of 78 Sqn (of which I was a member) were embarked aboard HMS Intrepid for the final few days and operated from there. Eagle and Bulwark were there up until the end and the RN Wessex were also operating in support. As always in these things, the "poor bloody infantry" had the worst of it, but we did what we could to help. Not our finest hour by a long way, but the political story is someone else's.
I respect Sharkey for having flown some highly demanding war missions in carrierborne single seat fighters whilst coping with filthy weather during the South Atlantic conflict. BZ..
Regrettably, such respect can only be eroded by the rants he insists on posting. Mate, you had your war and we respect that, but the bolleaux you continue to post earns you your 'Bearded Bull$hitter' nickname.
Nevertheless, enjoy your twilight years in your Caribbean rum-sozzled retirement, but please, please..........stop?
Regrettably, such respect can only be eroded by the rants he insists on posting. Mate, you had your war and we respect that, but the bolleaux you continue to post earns you your 'Bearded Bull$hitter' nickname.
Nevertheless, enjoy your twilight years in your Caribbean rum-sozzled retirement, but please, please..........stop?
Last edited by BEagle; 23rd Jan 2013 at 16:14.
FB,
Without checking, I believe there were 5 flat tops off Aden. They included the Commando carriers and of course fixed-wing top cover. It was in anticipation of a debacle such as Saigon 6 years later but it all went pretty smoothly.
The troops were able to pour quick setting cement down the toilets and fill those globe lamp shades with water, having smashed the bulbs first. allegedly
Without checking, I believe there were 5 flat tops off Aden. They included the Commando carriers and of course fixed-wing top cover. It was in anticipation of a debacle such as Saigon 6 years later but it all went pretty smoothly.
The troops were able to pour quick setting cement down the toilets and fill those globe lamp shades with water, having smashed the bulbs first. allegedly
I knew there had to be a logical explanation, I know the Hunters from Khormaksar carried out regular offensive air support over the Radfan Mountains against insurgents, but I didn't know the Navy flew in anger against anyone after the R.A.F, inevitably, had to up sticks and leave.
FB
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Surely Martin Withers (and the other 84-86 flying members of each Black Buck sortie - 7 in total) had a part to play in the Mirage III, IAI Dagger & Etendards being withdrawn to Comodoro Rivadavia.
Last edited by unclenelli; 23rd Jan 2013 at 18:02.
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Sharkey, like many officers of previous generations, is irrelevant and the sooner he realizes this the better.
I was brought-up in a tri-service environment and not long before I left the military we really started to think Joint. If Defence is to remain relevant, we don't need idiots spouting-off about what colour a particular capability should be painted.
IMHO, the really good senior officers I worked for were purple through-and-through. They understood and respected the individual attributes and skills that we all brought to the party.
I was brought-up in a tri-service environment and not long before I left the military we really started to think Joint. If Defence is to remain relevant, we don't need idiots spouting-off about what colour a particular capability should be painted.
IMHO, the really good senior officers I worked for were purple through-and-through. They understood and respected the individual attributes and skills that we all brought to the party.
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not long before I left the military we really started to think Joint
CGB, thank you for saying that. I was beginning to feel the divisions again, but you reminded me of just how well the Services really do work together.
Good one.
Coff, can't you get rid of that picture?
Good one.
Coff, can't you get rid of that picture?
Last edited by Courtney Mil; 23rd Jan 2013 at 18:25.
One of the AEOs on my squadron had left te RAF shortly before Aden was evacuated. He joined the Aden Levees or whatever the local regiment was called. When the last British elements were leaving landrovers were driving up to him and the occupants were giving him the keys. It must have been all right subsequently because he came back on leave and told us all about it.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
CGB, having retired only recently from a joint enterprise, joint meant green.
Basically green had the mass and green therefore led the way even if they seemed to defer to light blue from time to time and referred to us a purple veneer, ie blue on the outside and green on the inside.
Basically green had the mass and green therefore led the way even if they seemed to defer to light blue from time to time and referred to us a purple veneer, ie blue on the outside and green on the inside.
Last edited by Pontius Navigator; 23rd Jan 2013 at 18:45.
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Some of you may find this of interest. It's apparently a copy of the Op Order for the withdrawal. It itemises who and what was involved.
Khormaksar rundown and withdrawal plans
And this is fun:
BRITISH TROOPS WITHDRAW aka SIR HUMPHREY TREVELYAN LEAVES ADEN - British Pathé
Khormaksar rundown and withdrawal plans
And this is fun:
BRITISH TROOPS WITHDRAW aka SIR HUMPHREY TREVELYAN LEAVES ADEN - British Pathé