NEWSLETTER No. 1 – Spring 2011 - Typhoon Entente Cordiale Trust

NEWSLETTER No. 1 – Spring 2011
Vapour streams away from the XI Squadron Eurofighter Typhoon at the 2009
Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. Photo © Garry Ridsdale, ARPS.
Welcome to our new logo and newsletter with their evidence of TECT‟s continuing progress. See the stories, maps and
pictures spanning more than 65 years – the heritage and remembrance – the skills and commitment – and our valued
relationship with the people of Basse Normandie. I commend them to you. “Typhoon to Typhoon” – or should it be
“Passing on the Torch”? – is certainly alive and well.
But TECT is about much more. As we have met on various occasions since 2007 there has been a growing
awareness of shared values and mutual support – of pride in a great Service – of belonging together. We can, and we
must, build on that even as the veterans fade away.
2011 is the first year in which TECT has set up four events. They appear today on our website www.tect.org.uk
and will be updated periodically. Their success depends crucially on you the members. Come to as many of them as you
can. Each one has something special, Normandy, with ASAVN on 28th-29th May, could be the last with a significant
Canadian presence. It includes a Chateau Dinner generously given by the Baron d‟Huard and a very special gift for each
surviving veteran which must be collected in person!
No. XI Squadron has been the Coningsby link and host for TECT since early 2008. They have looked after us
superbly on all our visits and have joined the Normandy Remembrance to most excellent effect for the last three
years. A big „Thank You‟ to Wing Commander Jez Atteridge and his team. That responsibility passed to No. 3 Squadron
at the year end and we look forward to meeting them shortly. But we shall not forget our friends in XI.
We welcome Group Captain Sampson, the new Station Commander and are delighted that he has agreed to
become President and a Trustee of TECT. Group Captain Hitchcock, on his departure from Coningsby, has graciously
agreed to become a Vice President and we look forward to seeing him again.
David Ince – Chairman TECT.
REMINISCENCE
- Photos 164 Squadron records.
In the first of a series of articles in which Typhoon veteran‟s describe a memorable event in their wartime career, the
former Officer Commanding 164 Squadron and Battle of Britain pilot, Percy H. Beake, DFC, AE recounts an operation
flying MN523, FJ-L, in which he describes one of the earliest records of a combined bomb and rocket „pinpoint‟ attack
by Typhoons: a tactic that would be developed by Group Captain Denys Gillam and used with much success by the
Typhoon squadrons that specialised in what became known as „Cloak and Dagger‟ operations.
164 Squadron at B7, Martragny, Normandy, July 1944. S/L Beake is seen astride the spinner.
“My most memorable combat mission of the war was an attack we carried out on a German Army HQ in a chateau at St.
Sauveur Endelin on 27th June 1944. At the time I was OC 164 Squadron stationed at Hurn and living under canvas. We
had been released at midday but, not withstanding that, a signal was brought to me in the Mess tent where we were
having lunch requiring four aircraft to be sent to Needs Oar Point to take part in an evening operation.”
“I was disappointed and annoyed for, having released the squadron, I now had to countermand that for some. I
summoned up my two Flight Commanders, told them the situation and said that I wanted two pilots from each flight ~
volunteers preferably but, if necessary, they would have to detail participants.”
“Although only a section of four was required, I made it a practice to take a „spare‟ with me part way so that if anyone
had to drop out with engine trouble, or for any other reason, in the early stages of the mission I had an airborne
replacement I could call on. If I considered everything was going well I would waggle my wings and the „spare‟ would
return to base.”
“Having eaten I gathered the four nominated pilots together and went to dispersal where we donned our flying
kits and took off for the 15 minute flight to Needs Oar Point. On the way there my airscrew developed an oil leak. On
landing I was warmly greeted by members of 193 squadron with whom I had been a Flight Commander from its
formation to three months previously. One pilot climbed up to me in the cockpit and, seeing the oil on the windscreen,
said “I certainly wouldn‟t take this kite if I were you, boss”.”
“We were eventually called in to the briefing where we were told what the target was and shown a map for its
location. The general plan was for eight „Bombphoons‟ (Typhoon Bombers) in two sections of four to go in first at low
level, I had to follow with my rocket firing section and the last sixteen would dive bomb from high level to finish off
the attack. The low level bombs would be fitted with 11 second delay fuses. Coming from the briefing all of my thoughts
were negative and for some reason my confidence was at an all time low.”
“I was still suffering annoyance at having been called on when already released, my aircraft had developed an
oil leak and could be termed unserviceable, our target would undoubtedly be very heavily defended, I had neither the
surprise element of the low level bombers to protect me nor the partial protection of height afforded to the dive
bombers. In fact I was beginning to think this may well be my last „op‟.”
164 Squadron Typhoon 1b, MN304, FJ-N, armed with 8x60lb rockets taxiing ready
for takeoff from Thorney Island early June 1944 before application of i.d. stripes.
“We took off as planned and these
thoughts were running through my mind as
I watched the specks of oil gathering on
my windscreen. How much oil was I losing
and how much could I afford to lose ~
thinking of the 90 odd miles of water we
had to cross before reaching France and
of the fading daylight that would not
leave a lot of time for rescue if I had to
bale out. These thoughts nagged at me
and I was sorely tempted to call in my
„spare‟ and turn back to safety. But no! If
I did that and any of my four failed to
return I would find it very hard to live
with myself so I waggled my wings and my
„spare‟ broke away to return to base.”
“We arrived in the target area
at 9.30pm. The first section of four low level bombers was led by W/Co Baldwin and the second section in had to allow
at least an 11 second gap before going in to avoid being blown up by the bombs of the first section. Similarly I had to
allow a like interval after the second section had gone in before diving down and releasing my rockets. When the first
bombs were dropped flak erupted from all around with tracer shells showing up starkly in the gathering dusk. By the
time it was safe for me to lead my section down the flak was tremendous and, looking down, it seemed quite impossible
for anyone to dive down into that inferno without getting hit ~ but we did and there were no casualties. The chateau
and all that was within it was completely destroyed. We withdrew over the Cherbourg Peninsula and made our way
across the Channel to our respective bases.”
“So why was this so memorable to me? Firstly this was very satisfying to have taken part in such a hugely
successful operation without sustaining any casualties. Secondly my confidence at the outset was at its lowest point
ever so that the cards seemed heavily stacked against my survival and I really had to steel myself to stay with the
formation in an aircraft leaking oil and not knowing how serious that might become. I guess there was a bit of self
satisfaction in that I had resisted the very strong urge to “chicken out” even though there was a justifiable reason for
doing so.”
Brief technical specification of Hawker Typhoon 1b
Maximum Speed
Range
Weight (Empty)
Weight(Loaded)
Max takeoff weight
Engine
Armament
Guns
Rockets (or)
Bombs
412 mph at 19,000 ft
600 miles (1090 miles with 2 x 45 gal LR tanks)
8690 lb
11780 lb Fully fueled and armed, no external stores
13250 lb
Napier Sabre IIA, 2180 hp, supercharged H-24
cylinder liquid cooled engine fitted with sleeve valves
4 x 20 mm Hispano II cannon
8 x RP3, 60 lb, air to ground rockets
2 x 500 lb or 2 x 1000 lb bombs
Hawker Typhoon 1b, MN686, one of Hawker‟s
R+D aircraft, photographed late 1944.
Photo courtesy Trustees of RAF Museum
Ref – Performance figures from manufacturers‟ test reports
TECT DATES FOR 2011 DIARY
28th-29th May, Normandy Remembrance. Unveiling of crash site memorial
plaques. Anglo-French Service at Noyers Bocage Church followed by a ceremony at
the Typhoon Memorial.
Early July, TECT AGM and Member's day at RAF Coningsby. Date to be agreed.
4th September, Lunch and air display - Shuttleworth Trust at Old Warden
Airfield.
17th November, Brooklands Museum Trust. Buffet Supper followed by evening talk.
TRUSTEES:
DHG Ince, DFC, BSc, FRAeS (Chairman)
Group Captain, ME Sampson, DSO, MA
Wing Commander, JJ Attridge, MBE, MSc
AV Knight, BSc, CEng, FIET
CC Woodcock, BSc, IEng, LRPS
VM Ince, MCSP, DC, BSc, LCSP, BHSI
E-mail: [email protected]
Membership Sec: [email protected]
Website: www.tect.org.uk
The sites of commemorative plaques dedicated to Typhoon Pilots by the
“Association pour le Souvenir des Ailes de la Victoire de Normandie” (ASAVN)
1.
F/Sgt R.A. Thursby – GB, 198 Squadron, killed 9 August
1944, at Mittois, SE of St-Pierre-sur-Dives.
2.
G/Cpt C.H. Appleton, DSO, DFC – GB, 124 Wing, killed 12
August 1944, at Mesnil Guérard, SE of Falaise.
3.
F/Lt L.J. Greenhalgh – GB, 245 Squadron, killed 7 June
1944, at Espins, NW of Falaise.
4.
F/Lt A.E. Miron – CAN, 245 Squadron, killed 17 August
1944, at Les Autels-Ste-Bazile, W of Vimoutiers.
5.
P/O D.W. Mason – AUS, 198 Squadron, killed 18 June 1944,
at Boulon, S of Caen.
6.
F/O G.H. Sharpe – CAN, 438 Squadron, killed 18 August
1944, at Orville, SE of Vimoutiers.
7.
F/O J.A. Inglis – GB, 193 Squadron, killed 12 June 1944, at
Potigny.
8.
F/O A.E. Roberts – AUS, 164 Squadron, killed 6 June 1944,
at Frénouville, SE of Caen.
9.
F/Sgt R.R. Blair – GB, 257 Squadron, killed 6 July 1944, at
St-Martin-de-Bienfait-la Cressonnière, NW of Orbec.
10. F/O I.C. Hutcheson – NZ, 137 Squadron, killed 27 August
1944, at Auzebosc, near Yvetot, NW of Rouen.
11.
F/O G.R. Trafford – NZ, 164 Squadron, killed 25 August
1944, at Fresquiennes, near Barentin, N of Rouen.
12. P/O J.K. Stellin, CdeG – NZ, 609 Squadron, killed 19
August 1944, at St-Maclou-la-Brière, NW of PontAudemer.
13. W/O D.L. Burke – NZ, 247 Squadron, killed 15 July 1944,
at Vieux, SW of Caen.
14. P/O P.M. Price – NZ, 609 Squadron, killed 27 July 1944, at
Poussy-la-Campagne, SE of Caen.
15. P/O R.B. Hemmings – NZ, 247 Squadron, killed 8 August
1944, at Potigny.
16. P/O S.D. Thyagarajan – IND, 263 Squadron, killed 25
August 1944, at La Lande-Saint-Leger, near Pont-Audemer.
17. W/O G.J. Stokes – AUS, 198 Squadron, killed 7 June 1944,
at Les Moutiers-Hubert, E of Livarot
18. W/O H.C.B. Talalla – MALAY, 182 Squadron, killed 25 July
1944, at Airan, SE of Caen.
19. W/Cdr E.R.Baker, DSO, DFC and Bar – GB, 146 Wing, killed
16 June 1944, at Cheux, W of Caen.
20. F/Sgt G.J. Howard – AUS, 181 Squadron, killed 6 June
1944, at Mouen, W of Caen.
21. F/O F.M. Thomas – CAN, 439 Squadron, killed 8 July 1944,
at Le Manoir, E of Bayeux.
22. F/Sgt E.W.J. Taylor – GB, 174 Squadron, killed 10 August
1944, at Sassy, SW of St-Pierre-sur-Dives.
23. F/Lt C.W. Hicks – CAN, 440 Squadron, killed 8 August
1944, at Ussy, NW of Falaise.
24. F/O J. Kalen – CAN, 439 Squadron, killed 18 July 1944, at
Cagny, SE of Caen.
25. W/O C.E. Stratford – GB, 198 Squadron, killed 22 August
1944, at Martainville, SW of Pont-Audemer.
26. W/Cdr J.M. Bryan, DFC and Bar – GB, 136 Wing, killed 10
June 1944, near Saint-Nicholas, Vignats, SE of Falaise.
27. S/Ldr R.H. Fokes, DFC, DFM – GB, 257 Squadron, died 16
June 1944, at Soulangy, N of Falaise.
28. W/O J.C. McConvey - CAN, 440 Squadron, killed 16 July
1944, at B9 airfield, Lantheuil, E of Bayeux.
29. F/O S.V. Garside – CAN, 440 Squadron, killed 7 June
1944, at La Vacquerie, Caumont L‟Éventé, W of Caen.
30. F/Lt G.J.F. Jones – GB, 181 Squadron, killed 16 June 1944,
at Lingèvres, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, W of Caen.
31. F/O L.R. Allman – CAN, 440 Squadron, killed 6 June 1944,
at St Manvieu Norrey, W of Caen.
Typhoon Pilot Memorial Plaques unveiled by ASAVN in 2010
OC 257 Squadron, Sq/Ldr R.H. Fokes, DFC, DFM, aircraft hit by
flak and baled out at low level near Avenay, 12 June 1944. Died
of his injuries, Soulangy, north of Falaise, 16 June 1944.
OC 136 Wing, W/Co J. M. Bryan, DFC and Bar, shot down by flak
and killed near Saint Nicholas, Vignats, south east of Falaise, on
10 June 1944. Photos © TECT
XI SQUADRON NEWSLETTER
- Photo © UK MOD Crown Copyright 2010
2010 has been another busy year for the Squadron with detachments to Oman, India and the UAE as well as a
Combined Qualified Weapons Instructor Course in Scotland. We also celebrated the 95th Anniversary of the
Squadron‟s formation and have seen a changeover in a number of key Squadron personalities.
In March the Squadron conducted Composite Air Operations and Mixed Formation Flying Operations training.
During this period 6 aircraft were deployed to Oman to take part in Exercise MAGIC CARPET, the Exercise also
enabled Defensive/Offensive Counter-Air, Air Interdiction, Close Air Support and Self- Escort mission profiles to be
conducted. A key function of the deployment was to support the Typhoon Export Campaign, and underpin support to our
closest regional ally by demonstrating the capabilities of the Multi-role aircraft to Royal Air Force of Oman personnel.
We flew 9 Omani personnel and successfully dropped a total of 17 High Explosive Paveway II bombs all of which hit
their intended target!
The engineers did a fantastic job providing jets to service a busy 3 wave flying programme, which included
both a bombing and a night wave. They also had to cope with temperatures which peaked at 55°C. The junior pilots
gained experience of conducted large force exercises with the RAF of Oman as well as honing their air-to-air refuelling
and bombing skills. A number of pilots completed elements of their combat ready and multi role work ups and F/Lt
Etienne Smith qualified as a 4 Ship Leader, a significant achievement at the end of his first tour.
In July the Squadron joined the annual 2 week pilgrimage to Scotland to take part in the CQWI Course hosted
this year at RAF Kinloss. The exercise gave the pilots an excellent opportunity to fly with the rest of 1 Group in large
force exercises and was the culmination of the QWI course. On completion of the course F/Lt D‟Aubyn was posted
into the Squadron as our second QWI. Over the summer months the good weather and continued strong engineer
performance allowed us to maximise flying. As we moved into the autumn the Squadron prepared to take the lead for
the Wing deployments to India on Exercise INDRADANUSH 10 and the UAE for AIR KHANJAR.
In October the first Typhoon deployment to India gave the opportunity to work with SU-30, Mirage 2000 and
MiG-27 aircraft in a large force engagement series of exercises. It also allowed the Typhoons to work with our friends
from 8 Squadron in their E-3D and 101 Squadron with their VC-10 Tanker. The Typhoons and E-3D were located about 3
hours from Calcutta and were extremely well hosted by the Indian Air Force. The exercise gave the pilots an
opportunity to have some trips and conduct Basic Fighting Manoeuvres against new aircraft as well as operating out of
an austere location with a particularly bumpy runway. The engineers, under new SENGO Mark Butterworth, again
performed extremely well, especially considering the challenging supply chain and working environment.
In the middle of November the Wing quickly redeployed from India to the UAE changing a couple of pilots and
support staff to give others the chance to escape the freezing Lincolnshire weather! AIR KHANJAR was a Rehearsal
of Concept that saw 6 Typhoons along with 2 E-3Ds from 8 Squadron undertake enhanced tactical training with Mirage
2000-9, Hawks and F-16s of the UAE Air Defence Forces based at Al Dhafra Airbase, near Abu Dhabi. AIR KHANJAR
culminated in a combined Royal Flypast which the Queen and the Emirati Crown Prince attended as guests of honour.
The social highlight of the year remains the 95th Squadron Anniversary Dinner in May. We were absolutely
delighted that so many old friends were able to attend and mark the occasion in such a fitting manner. The sight of
Percy Proctor once again behind the stick of a Spitfire will linger long in the memory.
NEWS FROM CONINGSBY
Unless noted otherwise all photos © UK MOD Crown Copyright 2010
Typhoon fighter squadron to RAF
Leuchars – On 6 September 2010, the
reformed No. 6 Squadron became the first
of three planned Typhoon squadrons to be
based at RAF Leuchars. The Squadron will
take over responsibility for providing the
northern element of the Quick Reaction
Alert force in March 2011, providing
aircraft and crews on high alert to
scramble and intercept unidentified
aircraft approaching UK.
During its long and distinguished history
No 6 Squadron had two periods at RAF
Coningsby where in 1969 (-1974) it became
the first Phantom Squadron and latterly in
2006 when it was the last squadron
equipped with Jaguar fighter bombers
before its disbandment in May 2007.
Typhoon Tribute to „The Few‟ – During
September 2010, as part of the 70th
Anniversary of the Battle of Britain,
three Typhoons from RAF Coningsby now
bear the markings of Battle of Britain
aircraft. One aircraft each of 3(F), 17(R)
and 29(R) Squadrons have been decorated
with temporary tail markings to reflect aircraft and personalities from the Battle of Britain period July to October
1940. Each aircraft has been given period squadron identification letters and an individual aircraft identity letter
together with a roundel. The names of the aircrew are also commemorated below the cockpit.
The aircraft commemorate: 3(F) Sq, QO-J, - Hurricane Mk1, P/O J. Lonsdale. 17(R) Sq, YB-F, - Hurricane Mk1,
F/O Count M.B. Czernin. 29(R) Sq, RO-S, - Blenheim Mk1F, P/O R.A. Rhodes and rear gunner Sgt W.J.Gregory.
Station Commander G/Cpt Jon Hitchcock said, “The Battle of Britain was of course an enormously significant
event in the history of the RAF and the United Kingdom. We are immensely proud of these men and we are honoured to
pay a tribute to a few of „The Few‟ in this small way.”
Harrier last flight – On 4 November 2010,
41 (Reserve) Test and Evaluation Squadron
flew the Harrier aircraft for the final
time from RAF Coningsby. To mark the
occasion, three Harrier GR9 aircraft and a
Tornado GR4, also from 41 Squadron, flew
in formation over the airfield. The
Harriers then departed and landed at RAF
Cottesmore. S/L Steve Berry said, “It is a
day of conflicting emotions, enormous
pride to be seeing the Harrier out of
service with the Squadron, but of course
sadness that this is the beginning of the
end of a unique era.”
Change of Command – G/Cpt Jon Hitchcock has
reached the end of his two year tour as Station
Commander at RAF Coningsby. On 10 December
2010 he handed over command to his successor
G/Cpt Martin Sampson.
G/Cpt Hitchcock said, “It has been a
privilege to have held the post of Station
Commander at RAF Coningsby. I would like to
thank all of the personnel, both Service and
Civilian, for their support over two years, and
wish them well for their future.”
G/Cpt Sampson said, “The aircraft and
personnel of RAF Coningsby have a vital role to
perform for Defence. I am looking forward
enormously to joining such an important team and
working with, and on behalf of, all personnel on
the Station.”
With his posting from RAF Coningsby G/Cpt Hitchcock has become a Vice President of the TECT. G/Cpt
Sampson has agreed to become the new President and a Trustee.
RAF
Coningsby
Typhoon
Squadron
„hosting‟ the TECT to change - In
January 2011, No. 3(F) Squadron became
the „hosting‟ squadron linked with the
TECT and takes over the role previously
performed by No. XI Squadron.
In 1912 No. 3 Squadron became one
of the three founder squadrons forming
the Royal Flying Corps. On the 31 March
2006 the Squadron moved to RAF
Coningsby to become the third RAF and
first front-line RAF Squadron to be
equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon.
During WWII it was equipped with
both Typhoon 1b and Tempest V aircraft.
In February 1943 the Typhoons began
anti-shipping and intruder operations over
No 3(F) Squadron Typhoon, ZJ921, seen in the „low fly zone‟ near Machynlleth.
France and the Low Countries. In April
Photo © Garry Ridsdale, ARPS.
1944 it was fully re-equipped with
Tempests taking on the defensive role of destroying V1 flying bombs being launched on London. Of the 632 V1s
destroyed by Tempests 288 were destroyed by 3 Squadron. In September 1944 it became part of the 2ndTAF and
moved to the continent supporting the Allied advance for the remainder of the war.
TYPHOON ENTENTE CORDIALE TRUST
NEWSLETTER
Editor: Ginnie Ince, Design + Picture Editor: Chris Woodcock
Secretary: Anthony Knight: [email protected]
Website: www.tect.org.uk