230Sqn John Sankey
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230Sqn John Sankey
John was a crewman on 230Sqn early to mid 70's. His son has asked me to investigate an incident he was involved in, with a Puma force landing in France. My understanding was they took off from Cognac and shortly afterwards they made a forced landing near Rochefort, Charente-Maritime.
I seem to remember the incident and think the crew were interrogated by the Gendarmes as they made an unauthorised landing. After release they spent a week in a local pension.
If anyone knows more and especially where the incident took place as his son wishes to visit the location and stay in the pension.
Many thanks
I seem to remember the incident and think the crew were interrogated by the Gendarmes as they made an unauthorised landing. After release they spent a week in a local pension.
If anyone knows more and especially where the incident took place as his son wishes to visit the location and stay in the pension.
Many thanks
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Certainly does. I had a similar one when I arrived in Copenhagen, by Wessex, and found a gearbox restraining strap broken. We stayed 6 nights and were recovered by a Hercules, Puma from RAFG and another Wessex. All on rate 1's and the embassy invited us in to use the bar.
It wasn't the last time either; when 7 and 230 supported one of the D-Day commemoration events at Caen they 'borrowed' our diplomatic clearance number for the transit. All would have been well but the weather for the return to RAFG was p***s and the Pumas ended up landing on the beach somewhere near Calais. The Gendarmerie duly turned up and I understand things got a little interesting for a while when the dipclear was found to be for Chinooks!
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All sounds very complicated. Many years ago I was number two in a Puma formation, en route Denmark for a winter exercise. The weather steadily deteriorated, much worse than forecast. We eventually had to turn away from freezing fog just after crossing the River Elbe. As it was a Sunday, military diversions were unavailable. As soon as the leader turned 90 degrees right, we already had Hamburg Approach dialed up because we had worked out it was the only place we could reach on the fuel remaining. We were marooned there for eight days. BA were the dedicated military handling agent at Hamburg and did us proud regarding looking after us. "Awful" place, especially on rates... and with top cover to take the flak. I don't remember the name of the best hotel we stayed during that week but the door staff wore top hats and tails even at breakfast time! 
I was on 230 from 72 to 76. Remember John, but don't recall the incident. Story rings true though - I spent 3 years on exchange with the FAF and had to hold a licence. The Gendarmes would expect any helicopter pilot - military or civilian - to produce one when asked (and I was asked to show it frequently while there)
Anyone needs to force land on the way across the southern Vendee (and we had an RAF Chinook over low about 3 years back) then we can offer a big garden in which to land, and huge welcome. Two gites can provide accommodation at a nightly rate that would hardly dent a Rate 1. Safe flying all.
