As a member of the Oxfordshire branch of the Royal Observer Corps Association, I had the opportunity to put my name forward for a visit to RAF Brize Norton for a “tour of the airfield and the possibility of a flight, conditions permitting”.
The day started in a secure lay-by, where our party of twenty-five or so parked our cars, just outside the main gate. From there we were bussed to the main terminal, which was almost like a mini Heathrow arrival and departure terminal, devoted exclusively to service personnel. After going through security where we were electronically ‘searched’ for dangerous weapons or in one case, steel capped shoes. We were given a briefing by the station commander, who outlined the future development of Brize Norton, destined to be the largest RAF station in the country. With the forthcoming closure of RAF Odiham and RAF Lyneham, the Hercules and possibly the Chinook moving to Brize Norton. The inventory of C17’s was being increased from the present four aircraft and with the VC 10’s being phased out in six years time new facilities were being built for their replacement, a version of the Airbus A 330. It also transpired that we were going for a flight in a VC 10 K2 tanker on a fully operational refuelling sortie over the North Sea out from Flamborough Head.
We then boarded the bus again to be taken across the airfield to the 101 Squadron dispersal area for coffee and buns and a briefing on the history and commitments of 101 (refuelling) Squadron worldwide. We boarded the aircraft at around 14.15 hrs and after a short delay we took off. Shortly after we were all issued with a “tuck box”, tea or coffee and the settled down for the flight to the refuelling area off Flamborough Head.
Once there it was a bit of a scrum to get the best view for photographs and over the next hour or so we refuelled (I think) six Typhoons and three or more Tornados. Refuelling duties completed, we headed south via RAF Waddington where we did an approach and overshoot before returning to Brize Norton and a perfect landing by our captain and his crew at around 17.30 hrs.
We boarded our coach again for the short trip to the officers’ mess for a well-earned drink, followed by an excellent meal. We finally departed from the car park at around 20.00 after what was certainly a day to be remembered.
G.P.G. |
