FLY NAVY 100

 

These pages record the events of the Fleet Air Arm's Centenary Year.     

 

    

Photo: Of the Royal Navy's Hawks with thanks to Lee Howard who designed the livery.

 

FLEET AIR ARM CELEBRATE CENTENARY OF NAVAL AVIATION WITH A SERVICE OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING

A service of dedication and thanksgiving in celebration of 100 years of Naval Aviation took place in The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, St Bartholomew’s in Yeovilton Village on Friday 9 October 2009.



This year marks the centenary of naval aviation and the service at St Bartholomew’s celebrated the courage, commitment and professionalism of all Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm personnel.

The service remembered the 6,749 Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air arm personnel who have given their lives over 100 years and dedicated a plaque in honour of the four naval aviators awarded the Victoria Cross during WW1 and WW2.


Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff (Aviation and Carriers) and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm was in attendance alongside Lady Gass, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, current serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, together with veterans and families and Fay Erskin, a descendant of the first Victoria Cross winner Flight Sub Lieutenant Reginald Warneford.

In June 1915 Warneford intercepted and destroyed a Zeppelin airship high above enemy ground. His aircraft was turned upside down by the force of the blast and upon regain control he discovered damage to his own aircraft and was forced to land behind enemy lines. In true can-do spirit he repaired the aircraft himself, took off again in thick fog for the flight back to base.

Speaking after the Service, Rev Scott Brown RN said, “The Fleet Air Arm is very fortunate to have St Bartholomew’s as its Memorial Church. Today’s Service and dedication of the VC plaque gives the opportunity to remember the brave sacrifices that Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm personnel have shown over 100 years.”

The Royal Navy has enjoyed a close friendship with the parish church of St. Bartholomew, which began in 1940 with the commissioning of RNAS Yeovilton. During 1940 -42 fifteen victims of air accidents were buried in the churchyard before the opening of the Naval Cemetery on its southern boundary in 1942. In 1988, much of the church structure had become unsafe and it was made redundant.

It was then that the often-discussed idea of using St.Bartholomew’s as the Anglican Church for RNAS Yeovilton was put into action. The Royal Navy seized the opportunity and bought the ‘job-lot’ for £1. This triggered a series of national and international appeals to restore the church to its former glory under the guardianship of the newly formed Trustees.

An Order in Council signed by the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother formally sealed this process. St.Bart’s, as it was affectionately known, passed from the local Diocese of Bath and Wells to assume the mantle of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Chapel.

As part of the Centenary Commemorations the Fleet Air Arm's Arboretum Memorial was dedicated on the 11th September 2009

 

WWI Naval Air Station Remembered

In the centenary year of the Fleet air Arm it was highly appropriate that the Great Yarmouth Archaeological and History Society provided a ‘blue plaque’ to be placed on the wall of the building in which the headquarters of RNAS Great Yarmouth was located from 1913 to 1920. 

This coincided with the town’s Armed Forces week on 22 June 2009.

The air station was one of eight similar airfields built just prior to WWI to provide both air defence of the mainland – and also anti-submarine spotting for Fleet and convoy protection. 

From a modest beginning with just one Farman Longhorn aircraft and 6 men, it grew rapidly to have about 400 men and 40 aircraft split between land and sea planes.  

Sopwith Camels and Pups up to the mighty Fairey Felixstowe were based there.  The site on the South Dene is now subsumed in the Outer Harbour development.

In addition, Great Yarmouth’s most famous sailor – Henry Allingham who has just died aged 113, was based at Great Yarmouth for training and service as a Naval Air Mechanic.

Rear Admiral Scott Lidbetter spoke at the dedication accompanied by Councillor Tim Smith, Mayor of Great Yarmouth.  Members of the FAA Norfolk/Suffolk areas attended the service and luncheon in the Nelson Museum.

Rear Admiral Lidbetter and members of the East Anglia Fleet Air Arm Association's First of the Month Meetings.

Rear Admiral Lidbetter and Mayor Tim Smith at the site of the HQ of Royal Naval Air Station Great Yarmouth. (1913 – 1920)

 

Official Opening of the Fleet Air Arm Museum's Exhibition - A Celebration of Naval Flying - Fly Navy 100

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The official opening of the Fleet Air Arm Museum's Fly Navy 100 was performed by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on 3 July 2009 at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Over 200 employees of the Museum, Trustees, Friends of the FAA Museum, Members of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, Veterans and Serving members of the Fleet Air Arm attended.

The following pictures may hopefully give at least a flavour of one of the memorable events as the Royal Navy celebrates 100 years of service by it's Fleet Air Arm. 


From The Court Circular: Buckingham Palace July 3rd.

The Duke of Edinburgh ... opened the Fly Navy 100 Exhibition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton, and was received by Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset)

The opening Reception under the wings of Concorde 002

Pictured are Doug MacDonald. lately Admin Director of the Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association, Mike Rawlinson and on the right Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi.

Tim Bolt and Hugh Drake

Mike Rawlinson, Keith Leppard and Bob McQueen

Andy Haughton from Australia

Bill Hart from Australia and Chris Blower

Rear Admiral Colin and Mrs Sue Cooke-Priest, Sue Eagles (Fly Navy 100) and on the right Lady Elspeth and Admiral Sir Michael Layard with Graham Mottram, (Director Fleet Air Arm Museum)

Admiral Sir Michael Layard and Captain Jon Pentreath

Alan Leahy, Vice Admiral Sir Edward Anson and at the far end, Ronnie Crayton

Doug MacDonald, Alan Leahy, Ron Crayton and Mike Cooper

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with Graham Mottram, Director Fleet Air Museum, Rear Admiral Terry Loughran, Chairman of the Trustees, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Ben Bathurst, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm. (Photo: Crown Copyright).

HRH The Duke of Edinburg with Graham Mottram, Director Fleet Air Arm Museum (Photo: Crown Copyright)

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with Rear Admiral Terry Loughran meets with Mike Ryan, one of the Trustees. (Photo: Crown Copyright)

HRH The Duke of Edinburh with Rear Admiral Terry Loughran inspect the presentation volume of the history of the Fleet Air Arm. (Photo: Crown Copyright)

His Royal Highness with Ronnie Clayton.  With Rear Admiral Terry Loughran (Chairman of the Trustees), Rear Admiral Ray Rawbone, Alan Leahy and Vice Admiral Sir Edward Anson

His Royal Highness with Neill Thomas and also, from the left, Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, Rear Admiral Terry Laughran, Graham Mottram and John de Winton

Lieutenant Tim Elliott and Lieutenant Becky Frater, serving officers in today's Fleet Air Arm

Some of the Vixeners who attended gather by the FAA Museum's Mk 2 (Picture by Bill Hart)

 



 

 

From the report from "Wings" (David Mahony) presented in full on Royal Navy Operations pages.

May 2009

HMS Ocean celebrates Fly Navy 100 

HMS OCEAN has been deployed on Taurus 09 the Amphibious Task Group deployment to the Mediterranean and Far East. 

Leaving Plymouth in February with 820 NAS Merlins embarked, we have also had detachments from 847 NAS Lynx Mk7s, 857 NAS Sea King Mk7s, 845 NAS Sea King Mk4s and Chinooks from 18 Sqn RAF for various periods and the deck has been in constant use. 

Singapore gave us the opportunity to celebrate Fly Navy 100 in style and Captain Simon Kings, Commanding Officer of HMS Ocean, was guest speaker at a mess dinner held in the glorious surroundings of Raffles Hotel organised by 820 NAS.  Over 90 members of 820 NAS, 815 NAS, 847 NAS, 6 Sqn RNZAF, COMATG staff and the Wardrooms of HMS Ocean, HMS Somerset, RFA Wave Ruler and HMNZS Te Mana enjoyed some recollections from the FAA’s past as well as looking forward to the next 100 years! 

 

Scenes from the visit to London of HMS Illustrious to celebrate Fly Navy 100

Photo: Crown Copyright by LA (Phot) Dave Jenkins

Photo: Crown Copyright by LA (phot) Kelly McAlvinden

Photo: Crown Copyright by LA (Phot) Alex Knott

 

In view of the Dedication of the FAA Memorial in September during the Fly Navy 100 Celebrations the details of a talk at Sherborne will be of interest.

“Growing Remembrance” the story of the National Memorial Arboretum by David Childs was a memorable evening that raised nearly £2000 towards the All Saints Church, Hinton Ampner repair fund.  The Ralph Dutton legacy, had been depleted after essential repairs, required by the quinquennial review.  (Recent events have shown, better to replenish funds while the sun shines, rather than wait for the rains to come in).

The sun shone.  Over eighty ticket holders came to see the recently completed works and, thanks to the generosity of the National Trust, wander the formal gardens on a warm, spring evening.  Wine too was donated by The Naked Grape at Alresford, and a number of guests took advantage of both the setting and the glass of wine to enjoy a picnic at Hinton Ampner House, before settling down to listen to David Childs’ absorbing, illustrated talk about the National Memorial Arboretum.

“Growing Remembrance” had sold out two weeks before the audience crowded into the ornate dining room of this elegant National Trust property.  The perfect backdrop for a thought provoking talk by the founder of the; National Memorial Arboretum, Millennium Chapel and Armed Forces Memorial, crafted out of 150 acres of disused gravel workings, near Lichfield, in Staffordshire.  Commander David Childs was determined to turn his vision of Remembrance into reality, so he retired from the Royal Navy and set about it.

We soon discovered the breathtaking scope of the concept and the tenacity with which the project was tackled, plus of course the inevitable set backs.  There are no worms in a disused, sterile quarry, so how do you even begin to grow trees?  David was presented with a worm by one grateful organisation and a CBE from a grateful nation.  We learnt about the thought and sensitivity needed to turn a gravel pit into trees and memorials devoted to the concept of remembrance.  How the inspiration came from the Leonard Cheshire Foundation.  The phone calls to acquaintances and the frustrating waits between them.  A flood that set back planting and the occasional rejection, before the project gained a momentum of its own and could be handed over to the Royal British Legion as a national icon.  How a section of the Burma Railway was transported courtesy of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and how at the opening ceremony survivors sat lost in memories on that symbolic track.  How too the Armed Forces Memorial, dedicated to those who have died serving their country since World War 2 was opened by the Queen in October 2007.  We heard about the empty tablets of stone waiting for new names to be cut each spring at the rate of 3 letters an hour.  We learnt about the Millennium Chapel and the Remembrance Service held at 1100 every day.  The altar, pulpit and lectern were all carved by the inmates of Swinfen Hall Young Offenders Institute, just a few miles from the Arboretum.  David shared all this and much more with us, keeping us enthralled until the end, so that the audience were left in no doubt about the importance of this remarkable feat, spoken so modestly by its founder.

David signed copies of his Book “Growing Remembrance” after the talk and gave the profits to the “Ralph Dutton” fund.  Raffle prizes including visits to historic gardens and properties were also given by; David Childs, The National Trust, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Titsey Estate, Weald and Downland Museum, Jane Austen’s House and West Dean Gardens.  Champagne was donated by Charles Stanley and UPM Tilhill and flowers by The Real Flower Company.

Debbie Thompson concluded the evening by thanking David Childs on behalf of All Saints.  Debbie likened David’s ability to that of Capability Brown, which will endure for generations, mature and evolve, but always be there.  His concept of Remembrance is an inspiring legacy to leave to future generations.  We could not fail but be touched by David’s talk so now it’s off to the Arboretum to seek out a memorial or even plant a tree.

Anyone who would like to donate to the repair fund or buy a copy of “Growing Remembrance” by David Childs can do so by contacting David Templeman (templeman@turnpike-cottage.freeserve.co.uk or telephone 01962 793009).

8 May 2009

From the Royal Navy website

A service of Thanksgiving took place in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 8 May 2009 to celebrate the Centenary of Naval aviation and pay tribute to the courage, commitment and professionalism of everyone who has served with the Royal Naval Air Service or Fleet Air Arm over the past 100 years.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, The Duke of York KG were in attendance, alongside dignitaries from the City of London, the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope and 2,000 current serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, together with veterans and families.

The service will also remember the 6,749 Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm personnel who have given their lives in 100 years of Naval aviation. The perils of flying from flight decks of ships are much greater than flying over land resulting historically in many more Naval air casualties from accidents than from combat. During the service the traditional Royal Navy bosun’s call will pipe the ‘still’ as the Books of Remembrance are laid on the altar in a poignant replica of a burial at sea.

One of the readings during the service was read by the internationally acclaimed actress, Kristin Scott Thomas whose father, a Fleet Air Arm pilot died in a Sea Vixen in 1966. Her mother remarried but tragically was widowed a second time. Kristin’s step father, another Fleet Air Arm pilot died in a Phantom in 1971.

After the service HRH The Prince of Wales took the Royal salute as the Guard from HMS Illustrious, serving members of the Fleet Air Arm and veterans marched past the Cathedral. HMS Illustrious is affiliated to the City of London and members of the ship’s company supported the service, lining the steps of St Paul’s as guests arrived. Receptions were held after the service in The Guildhall, Merchant Taylors’ Hall and Skinners’ Hall.


 


The very moving and memorable Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral included:

The presence of The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens:

Participation by The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Portsmouth (Royal Band); The Trumpeters of The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band); The Fanfare Trumpeters of The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Portsmouth (Royal Band)).

During the Service The Queen's Colour of the Fleet Air Arm rested on the Dome Alter. 

Throughout the Service the nave of the Cathedral was decorated with White Ensigns.

A passage from the Bible was read by Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm.

HIGH FLIGHT by John Gillespie Magee was read by Kristin Scott Thomas, daughter of a Fleet Air Arm pilot who died in a Sea Vixen in 1966 and step daughter of a Fleet Air Arm pilot who died in a Phantom in 1971.

The Still and the Carry On were sounded by the piping party of HMS Illustrious (Captain B J Key RN).

The Books of Remembrance were placed on the Dome Alter.

Over 2000 serving and retired Fleet Air Arm personnel attended the Service.



 

On completion of the Thanksgiving Service, serving and retired members of the Fleet Air Arm marched past.  The salute was taken by HRH The Prince of Wales and the Lord Mayor of London locum tenens Alderman Sir Michael Savory.


From the Defence website

A service paying tribute to everyone who has served in the Royal Naval Air Service or Fleet Air Arm over the last 100 years took place in London's St Paul's Cathedral on Friday 8 May 2009.

Sailors march from St Paul's Cathedral in London
[Picture: LA(Phot) Kelly McAlinden]

This year marks the centenary of naval aviation and the service at St Paul's cathedral also celebrated the courage, commitment and professionalism of all Royal Naval Air Service or Fleet Air Arm personnel.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, The Duke of York, were in attendance, alongside dignitaries from the City of London, the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope and 2,000 current serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, together with veterans and family members.

The service remembered the 6,749 Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm personnel who have given their lives in 100 years of naval aviation and the traditional Royal Navy bosun's call piped the 'still' as the books of remembrance were laid on the altar in a poignant replica of a burial at sea.

One of the readings during the service was read by the internationally-acclaimed actress, Kristin Scott Thomas, whose father, a Fleet Air Arm pilot, died in a Sea Vixen in 1966. Her mother remarried but tragically was widowed a second time. Kristin's stepfather, another Fleet Air Arm pilot, died in a Phantom in 1971.

After the service HRH The Prince of Wales took the Royal Salute as the Guard from HMS Illustrious, serving members of the Fleet Air Arm and veterans marched past the cathedral.

HMS Illustrious is affiliated to the City of London and members of the ship's company supported the service, lining the steps of St Paul's as guests arrived. Receptions were held after the service in The Guildhall, Merchant Taylors' Hall and Skinners' Hall.

© Crown Copyright/MOD 2009

From the Daily Telegraph 9 May 2009

Reception

City of London Corporation.

The Lord Mayor locum tenens, Alderman Sir Michael Savory, accompanied by the Sheriffs, was the host at a reception held by the City of London Corporation yesterday at Guildhall following a service in St Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the centenary of naval aviation.  The Lord Mayor locum tenens and the Prince of Wales took the salute at the veterans parade held afterwards.  The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of York attended the reception and the speakers were the Lord Mayor locum tenens and Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, C-in-C Fleet.

 

Peter Holland, who is the official photographer for the City of London Corporation has on his website pictures (for purchase) of the event at the Guildhall.

The link is http://gallery.me.com/peterholland304/100096

The order form is at pdf  Peter Holland Order Form.pdf


 

From the defence website.

[Picture: by LA(Phot) Kelly McAlinden]

 


HMS Illustrious arrives at Greenwich

A 771 Search and Rescue Sea King painted in the original 1969 livery performs in front of a crowd of 9000 people during a display over the birthday weekend on the Thames.

7 May 2009

From the Defence website.

The main event surrounding the centenary celebrations of Fly Navy 100 kicked off this morning, Thursday 7 May 2009, as four Merlin helicopters lifted in unison from HMS Illustrious which is moored at Greenwich in London.

 

HMS Illustrious passes the O2 on her way to Greenwich [Picture: POA(Phot) Amanda Reynolds]

 
HMS Illustrious, the nation's strike aircraft carrier, is visiting the city for the anniversary and forms the focal point for the celebrations marking the centenary of naval aviation.

On board the carrier for its stay in London are Merlin, Sea King and Lynx naval helicopters which, alongside historic aircraft, performed a massed flypast over the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, which HMS Illustrious is situated next to.

Commanding Officer of HMS Illustrious, Captain Ben Key, said:

"We very much value our close affiliation with the City of London and I'm delighted that the Royal Navy have chosen Illustrious together with the city to lead the Fly Navy 100 celebrations.

"We will be remembering with our veterans some of the triumphs of the past 100 years but we will also be looking to the future; maritime air power is essential for the security and prosperity of the UK.

 

Two of the four Merlin helicopters lift off from the deck of HMS Illustrious
[Picture: LA(Phot) Caroline Davies]


"Our visit will be especially memorable as we will have the honour of hosting His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York and Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm - himself a distinguished naval helicopter pilot."

On Friday 8 May 2009, 52 members of the ship's company will form a Guard and Colour Party in St Paul's Cathedral for the centenary service of naval aviation.

On Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2009, there will be a static flying display set up for the public in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. One of the attractions will be a flying demonstration over the Thames at 1400hrs each day, with helicopters launching from HMS Illustrious.

Naval Airman James Labrum, from Forest Gate in London, said:

"It's brilliant to be part of the Fleet Air Arm and I am excited about returning home for the Fly Navy 100 celebrations."

The ship will not be open to the general public, but will be conducting pre-arranged tours for local schools and other affiliated bodies.

The celebrations mark the decision by the Admiralty on 7 May 1909 to place an order for its first aircraft, His Majesty's Airship 1, and to embark upon a far-sighted development programme of naval aeronautics. The new capability - naval aviation - was to transform naval warfare as radically as had the gun and the steam engine.

© Crown Copyright/MOD 2009

FLY NAVY HERITAGE TRUST

LAUNCH OF POSTAGE STAMPS CELEBRATING

THE CENTENARY OF NAVAL AVIATION

On 7 May 2009, the Fly Navy Heritage Trust hosted the launch of the latest Commemorative Postage Stamps of Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The Trust has been central in the production of these stamps, which depict significant naval aviators, aircraft and events in the history of the Fleet Air Arm. The decision to launch the stamps on 7 May is deliberate, as it was on 7 May 1909, that the Admiralty placed the first order for an aircraft specifically for military use in a bold act that ultimately led to the Admiralty leading the way in naval aviation around the world and the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918.

Ascension Island will be issuing eight stamps to celebrate the four naval aviators who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Four stamps have a portrait of the man and four have a picture of the action after which the award was made. A First Day Cover has also been prepared.

The Falkland Islands series has five stamps that depict the naval aircraft that have flown over the area since 1982. The series also highlights the close link between the Royal Marines and the Islands by showing several of the aircraft of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, which flew extensively during the Falklands War of 1982. A First Day Cover and Miniature Sheet have also been prepared.

The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands set depicts naval aircraft that have operated in the Antarctic from the first aircraft in 1938 to the latest naval helicopters. Once again, a First Day Cover has been prepared.

Stamp Previews.pdf

 

1st MAY 2009
FROM THE DEFENCE WEBSITE 6 MAY 2009.

The celebrations marking a century of aviation within the Royal Navy have begun with a flypast by some of the Service's most impressive aircraft at the place where naval aviation began.

Hawk and Falcon aircraft fly over the town of Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey
[Picture: LA(Phot) Owen King]

A ceremony celebrating Fly Navy 100 was held at the Pioneer Memorial at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent on Friday 1 May 2009. It climaxed with a flypast of Harrier GR7 and GR9, Hawk and Falcon aircraft together with a historic Sea Vixen, which was watched by current and former serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, veterans, guests and local residents.

Eastchurch was where the first four Royal Navy pilots learned to fly in 1911 and in the same year Eastchurch also became the first Royal Naval Air Station.

Communications Director for Fly Navy 100, Commander Sue Eagles, said:

    "The historical importance of Eastchurch in the early development of naval aviation is immense. Not only were the first four naval pilots trained at Eastchurch but the first naval aircraft were also built there. Sheppey was the cradle of aviation in this country and the budding naval aviators found themselves immersed in the wealth of pioneering aeronautical technology and endeavour being built up there."

This year's centenary of naval aviation marks the decision by the Admiralty on 7 May 1909 to place an order for its first aircraft, His Majesty's Airship 1, and to embark upon a far-sighted development programme of naval aeronautics.

The new capability - naval aviation - was to transform naval warfare as radically as had the gun and the steam engine.

The core business of naval aviation is operating from ships at sea and the early naval aviators soon began putting their new found skills to use in the fleet.

The first take-off from a ship underway, anywhere in the world, was carried out by Lieutenant Commander Samson in May 1912.

Soon they were working out schemes for fitting floats to the wooden undercarriage skids, developing the early seaplane, and experimenting with folding wings for parking and stowage on deck.

An historic Fleet Air Arm Sea Vixen flies over fields of rape on the Isle of Sheppey. The two-seat jet fighters were introduced into service in 1959 and retired in 1972
[Picture: LA(Phot) Owen King]

 

Guest of honour at the celebrations on Friday was Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo KCB, who took the salute with Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff Aviation and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm.

© Crown Copyright/MOD 2009

Sea King HU5 SAR of 771 Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose in the dark blue paint scheme it wore when it was originally delivered to the Service in August 1969. (Photoo:  Lee Howard)