Ah yes, of course !

Thanks.

Saigon
 

Now there's a thing. So the pictures of Saigon, Tan Son Nhut airbase and as a result of a night stop the scenes of downtown Saigon didn't happen. What a relief, didn't want to get into trouble after all this time.

Incidentally ref JATFOR I was on the weather aircraft for many of these sorties and took a mass of cine from 1000ft whilst the formations formed up, executed the impressive taxi plan etc and as the only aircraft airborne at the time I guess they are unique. Alas they are on Super 8 format and with no way of playing them they remain part of the loft collection. Seems a shame as they are part of the fleets history.

Enjoyed reading the preceding pages, great memories of a wonderful period in our formative years.

For those involved with JATFOR ... this article from Flight June 1974 might be of interest :ok:

In Support of RAF Strike Command : UK JATFOR

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb9f47492.jpg

Third in the trilogy of this sequence but plenty more to come provided that they are still of interest. There may also be a slight thread drift now and again but today's excuse will be if it was not for the 'K' I would not have been in a position to take the pics ! Hope the originator of this thread and the 'mods' understand and I promise to regain track at the earliest opportunity.
We went into Saigon on a regular basis taking in embassy supplies and the like.
One time we went in we were warned that a Skyraider had just been shot down in the circuit. Rather concentrated the mind !
Brian, the observation domes were removed some time in the 70's. Some were replaced on the tanker and certain SF frames. There will be some pics of the Himalayas along in due course.

Coffman,
thank you for the interesting link. In due course if you can all stand it there will be pics of the JATFOR stream forming up at Lyneham.

Go for it AA62 ... :ok:

Best ...

Coff.

500N
 

I think it was more that John didn't want some explaining to do if I had been seen by a military cop. I do recall a crew member almost being arrested at RAF Akrotiri when using a camera on the pan - perhaps there was a U2 there?


Mind you the next time I went to Tan Son Nhut the skipper was wandering all over dispersal and the terminal building camera in hand - 'no names,no pack drill' as he's a pruner :=.


All through '68/9 48Sqn had 2 or 3, occasionally more, trips to Saigon every week, ostensibly with Red Cross supplies and beer for the embassy - they either had a lot of staff or some seriously heavy drinkers!


In Jan' 68 one of my fellow Plt Off navs was on his first 'big boy' trip and the a/c went u/s in TSN and they spent a couple of nights in a hotel downturn and were able to watch all the action from the hotel roof-top bar. Their aircraft was parked in a remote part of the field where the VC managed to infiltrate one night, IIRC there were some bullet holes in the tailplane.


On another occasion I was on a flight from Kai Tak and listening in to HF we could hear one of the squadron co-pilots trying to pass details of his a/c's fault from on the ground at TSN to FEAFOC. The poor operator just couldn't understand Ron Jeffrey's Belfast accent when he was saying 'fire wire'! We, of course, were wetting ourselves up at FL 260.


It is difficult now to understand why there were 'sensibilities' about RAF aircraft on the ground at TSN, when you consider that both the RAAF and RNZAF were operating there and to a casual observer, especially from a distance, their roundels looked the same as ours. Talking of NZ, on another occasion we took a wounded Kiwi soldier all the way back to Whenuapai.

XV202
 

I managed to blag an invite to Cosford last year for the formal handover of 202 to the RAF Museum, because I had been part of the crew that took her out to Changi late '67. The invite extended to the pilots, Sqn Ldr Alan Colman and ( then ) Flt Lt Pete Sedgwick - sadly Alan had a double booking.


If I could get the hang of posting pictures here, I have a couple with Pete and I with the afore mentioned off-spring, who was CTP at Marshalls at the time. For an ex-single seat guy I couldn't believe how excited he got when flying a K model on an air test for the first time, particularly when he sat in 'my seat'.


I was very surprised at how poorly attended the event was, having expected to see loads of old-timers like me - the only people I recognised were Ian Corbett and Geoff Collins.

Brian ... Check your PM's for help with pic posting :ok:

There are some cracking pics on-line by Gavin Weaver of XV202 arriving at Cosford for retirement ...

Hercules XV202 retirement - RAFM Cosford - 12.08.2011 ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast

Brian,
the dedication event alas coincided with our being out of the country otherwise I would have gone. I have seen over 202 since the arrival at Cosford and was pleased to note that it (and all the others) still leaked !
It is a pity that it is being left outside whilst the Belfast is snug inside the Cold War hangar. Did you notice that there was an MSP heavy drop platform in the Belfast ?

Brian,
when on 48 I did the annual SEATO visit to the USAF bases in Thailand with lots of 'brass' in the back of the Herc. I took a few pics at the various bases we visited which will be along in due course. I too was reluctant to upload my pics on the grounds that I did not wish to bore anyone. Coffman very kindly pm'ed me and then talked me through the procedure. I would love you to join me and any others so that it does not become a photo monologue from me.

A62
Re: your#67,
The Jato cans did have a connection with the Sqdn at the very least. I was at a beercall as the 79 Rodeo team was put together (XV210) and they were specifically pointed out to me then.
It may well be that they they were off an american kite, but an RAF pilot was definitely involved in their use. If IIRC they were donated by that pilot, but cant say more than that. I certainly havent seen any footage or photos to back this up.
Wonderful photos of XV179, Brown, Shiney and NEW!! Always thought that I hadnt seen such a grotty load of a/c as those on the ramp at Rompers, especially as I came towards finishing. There was more activity at Thorney Island washpan in 68 than there ever was 22 years later in sunny Wiltshire.

This thread is getting better every day with each daily installment :ok:

Keep it up guys !

XV 179
 

Couldn't help thinking about The Boys when I saw those pics. :sad:. Nice to see Her in a previous life though :).

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdc63ad21.jpg

Yes XV 179 in her original coat and in happier days. I served through all the losses except 179 by which time I had retired. I was sent pics of the wreckage XV 180 (which I do not intend to show) by someone unknown and without a covering note. My first instinct was to destroy them but they are a part of the 'K''s history and 'there but for the grace of god' and a salutary reminder that it was not all skittles and beer.
This pic is connected to the Herc thread because the Herc replaced it in RAF service and provided a quantum jump in capability. It was taken at Palisadoes Airport in Jamaica where we stopped after taking some of the Belize garrison to Grand Cayman for R and R. We hired the Minor convertible( have you seen how much they cost these days ?) to tour the island. It was far ahead of its time as it had slick tyres long before they got to F1. Inevitably we had a puncture just outside a village in the Blue Mountains. As we were changing the tyre two local Rasta chaps came up to us. Trouble we thought. During the rather terse conversation one of them asked if we were RAF . We confessed to this fact and the mood changed immediately. He had lived in the UK and had served his National Service in the RAF !. Not only that he had been stationed at RAF Yatesbury where I had completed my Air Radar Fitters course. So whist the rest of the crew changed the wheel my new found friend and I discussed life at 'Stalag Luft' Yatesbury. Job done we went on our way.
It was a small world even then.
Pleasantly surprised that others seem to be enjoying the pics and the tales.

pbk,
the JATO 'cans' may well have been brought back by a pilot who had been on exchange with the USAF. Unless anyone has proof to the contrary I still think that they were never used by the RAF on the 'K'.

Seconded :ok:

PS. Just been in touch with Upgently ... hopefully some pics to come from him next week :D

Just waiting to hear from Brian ...

Coff
 

I've replied to your PM; will have a sort out and see what I've - bound to be slides.


Brian

Upgently needs help with posting his pics. Perhaps one of the experts could gently guide him to fruition. I've advised on a PM, but suspect my expertise in this is a bit short. Hopefully someone can help.


Meanwhile, the Bullet on Ground Runs;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5d5930dd.jpg


Smudge:ok:

No worries Smudge old chap ... already made contact with Upgently ... pics next week when he's back with us :ok:

Smudge

The Easiest way is to use www . tinypic . com


No membership, upload photo and cut and paste link into the thread
and photo will appear.

If you need any more help, just ask.

Thanks 500N and Coff,

I'm sure Upgently can make good use of that. Meanwhile, back to Albert, and a little Clint Eastwood.

Load Em Up;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps83fed0f6.jpg

Ship em out;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps07779de3.jpg

Yee haaaaa;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7b3d04c4.jpg

Smudge:ok:

OK, question re that last photo of the Herc over the container with the bloke
diving to one side which I believe was taken in the Falklands.

It looks very very close to the container, how do you as a pilot, sitting higher and
forward of the undercarriage know when doing such a low pass that you aren't
going to hit the containers ???

Can anyone post Herc related photos ?

I found a couple of interesting para load follow photos from my old unit which although I didn't jump are interesting all the same as the WO Amphibious who taught me was on the original trials for doing this and the metal pallets used.

Let me know if OK to post.

500N,

I believe that this "photograph" is photoshopped and never actually happened (I believe :hmm:) . It purportedly comes from the Stanley Det (mid 80s), but I suspect has a rather later date of production. I only included it as it fits the "Yee haa" bit nicely. Of course, you make a valid point reference the pilots eyeline etc, particularly with reference to the tragic accident at Hullavington at a later date. If anyone finds it offensive, I will of course, delete it. I see no reason why any C130 related shots can't be posted mate, this thread is to celebrate the aircraft and it's many achievements.

Smudge

It's not photoshopped, photoshop didn't exist when that photo' was taken!

That photo is posed and the result of lens distortion.

I happen to know who the Co was and when it was taken.

Happened to be looking at my unit's association photos and came across these. This would have been 1987 a year or two before I joined the unit. Am pretty sure this is RAAF base at Laverton - ? RAAF Williams ? - just west of Melbourne and a 10kms due north of RAAF Point Cook (where the RAAF Museum is).

The WO Amphibious who taught me Water Ops was on the original trials for getting Zodiacs out of the Herc and onto th water in one piece, although from his stories it didn't always happen that way :rolleyes: - they had at least one double spear in.

This is one of the few photos I can find of the metal pallets used which were damn heavy.

Still trying to find a photo of the boats inside the aircraft.

I'll look up what Squadron it was, got to find my old folder !




http://i61.tinypic.com/2aj0ui0.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/sqtg2g.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/5cn05e.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/2mdos4y.jpg

Ex Ascoteer,

I bow to your knowledge on this one, perhaps you could give us the lowdown on this "posed" photograph.

500N,

Good shots mate, are we looking at the Australian equivalent of Navy Seals with these shots? I know a funny, "real" story, about US navy seals based at Machrihanish that might make you chuckle. Keep them coming blokes, there must be some more great pictures and stories from 60 years of service.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...pscc056ac8.jpg
I believe this is a Canadian C130 doing the flare spectacular. A nice example of the art.

Smudge:ok:

No, afraid not at that level, a Commando unit. The Cadre staff of the Unit like the WO's and OC were from the "sandy" side.

This was just one of the insertion techniques for raiding.

Smudge

South Cerney not Hullavington

TBT,

I stand corrected sir, South Cerney it certainly was. Thanks for your correction.

Smudge

500n,
post the pics please. And anyone else with RAF herc related pics stories etc. The more the merrier.
Who knows we may eventually catch up with that prince of threads 'getting a pilot's brevet in WW2.'

smudge,
the pic of the free fallers leaving the a/c is from an American Herc is it not ?

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps62484877.jpg

This one is an official old FEAF pic. It is also to encourage Brian as I feel sure he may well have CARPed this during his time on 48. It is the 'old' type of Medium Stressed Platform using the extractor retarder system with a broken Landrover as the payload.

Apologies for the 'double whammy' ! Not sure how it occured but obviousle weekend finger trouble.

smudge,
I doubt that any of us who were at the 'coal face' would be offended by posts/pics put up in good faith. It is a recent phenomenon to my mind. Just think of the innumerable pics of crashed WW2 a/c, bombers in particular.

AA62,

I'm sure something hints at a US C130 for the lads going out on free fall, but the boots and DPM remind me very much of some SF stuff I have been involved with. It's not one I took, but its evocative of many happy times for me. I suspect that the tie down points might be a bit lightweight for an RAF Albert. I understood that the thread was a celebration if the 60th year of the Aircraft, not strictly RAF, hence the Canadian Flare post. Whatever the nationality, the aircraft is truly a stalwart of many Air Forces.

Smudge :ok:

Have seen this one many times as it is just down the road from my house at the RAAF Museum.
A97-214 at the RAAF Museum

I can understand why they chose this one to be kept looking at it's record of service.

Received into RAAF service on 14 January 1959, A97-214 was operated by No 36 Squadron, part of the RAAF's No 86 (Transport) Wing.During A97-214's long service career, servicings were carried out by No 2 Aircraft Depot and No 486 Maintenance Squadron at Richmond, and Qantas at Kingsford-Smith Airport, Sydney.

A97-214 participated in many notable RAAF operations, including support for RAAF forces in Thailand and Vietnam, flood relief and civil aid taskings, and providing relief to Darwin in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. In 1978, A97-214 was withdrawn from service, and was stored at RAAF Base Laverton pending disposal.



Allocated to the RAAF Museum in 1988, the aircraft was transported by road to Point Cook in May 1994

http://i61.tinypic.com/300wv4i.jpg


I think this is Darwin in 1974
http://i60.tinypic.com/2evce15.jpg

Time for some "home photographs" and a request for help first. XV205 on ex Winter Express and I still struggle to remember if this is Fagernes, Trondheim or wherever. I do know that had Santa in a sled pulled by Reindeer crossed the pan that day, it would have been fitting. Anyone know where we were ?

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...psd856e8d2.jpg

The second photo is a bit of a "larf". Me, on the left, and a pal from MSF on the last day of a Month long Andros detachment, at Cape Canaveral. This was taken on the morning of 20 April 1993. It's my 40th birthday and we are about to embark on our trip back to Lyneham. My Birthday started at 0000 Zulu on the 20th April, as that's my birthday, that coincides with 1900 hours local, Florida. Having had a very good night celebrating we departed the next morning (still 20th April) for a night stop Gander 3.5 hours time difference, where I called a halt to my birthday at Midnight Local. My 40th birthday actually lasted 32.5 Hours, and was, to the best of my knowledge an exceedingly memorable occasion:rolleyes:

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8d5fac18.jpg

All happy memories of many years with Albert. I hope you will forgive my indulgence. I hope these shots show what Albert has given to me over the years. I do apologise to any ex VC10 Captain for my headgear, I suspect I had lost my usual pink hat that day. Them, were definitely the days !!!!

Smudge:ok:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd4474e4d.jpg

smudge your indulgence is not only forgiven but welcomed by me at least as this thread has become one about personal experiences. Yes this is supposed to be about RAF 'K' Hercs but I think a little diversion here and there can be allowed. To stop it getting out of hand may I suggest that we only post personal pics, that is those we have taken or those we were involved in when taken by others. We may then not be overloaded by commercial file and library pics which are readily available elsewhere as these personal ones are specific to this thread.
Another pic from my time on 48 at Changi. This is also the first of sequence. This is an airdrop on Op Burlap. This was a relief operation to what was then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh after the annual floods. We airdropped and also airlanded supplies.
The local customs authorities wanted to charge us duty on the relief supplies, on the fuel in the tanks and the oil in the engines ! They also tried to insist that before we airdropped we had to land and offload the supplies for customs inspection. If we had they would still be there now.
The local labour force wanted us to pay them for assisting with the offload.
A subsequent pic will show how we responded.
My neighbour was an RAF photographer and keen to fly on one of our trips. He came on this one and this sequence of pics are his work