Two swallows might not make a summer but a dozen Harriers made for a great Summer Camp for cadets and staff from the Wing.

Cadets from across Edinburgh & South Scotland Wing travelled south to the County of Rutland to spend a week at the home of Joint Force Harrier at RAF Cottesmore. With the withdrawal from Service of the Sea Harrier, Joint Force Harrier sees RAF Harriers and Royal Navy Harriers operating as part of a combined force.

A week packed with a wide range of activities awaited the cadets including the opportunity to get close to the aircraft based at the Station.Visits to the various sections were arranged allowing Cadets to get a first hand view of the work of the Ground Staff who keep the Harrier flying.

One of the highlights of the week was a trip to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford which played a key part in the Battle of Britain almost 70 years ago.

Three of the Squadrons involved were the Borders based 1007 (Duns), 1716(Roxburgh) and 2180 (Galashiels).

Cottesmore was  a V-Force base with  Group Captain 'Johnnie' Johnson, the famous Battle of Britain pilot and top scoring British pilot in World War 2,  appointed Station Commander and Victor aircraft of 10 and 15 Squadrons arriving soon afterwards. The Victors carried out Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties from 1962 up until both V –Force Squadrons were disbanded in 1964.

Posted by OC2180 on Wednesday 07 July 2010 - 15:52:19 | |