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| PLACE |
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SUMMARY OF EVENTS COMPILING OFFICER __Fg. Off. C. Boyack.___ |
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| R.A.F. JEVER |
1.11.55 |
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With good weather and four aircraft serviceable for most of the day, the
Squadron got off to a fair start to this month's training. The main exercises
completed were high level battle formation including snake climbs and controlled
descents, and dog-fights, and also low level battle formation with dummy attacks.
On all flights cameras were loaded and film taken.
The leader of one of the low level flights had the misfortune to strike a bird
on one of the attacks. The bird entered the starboard intake and caused provisional
Category Three damage.
Flights 25 Hours 17:20 |
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2.11.55 |
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Poor serviceability restricted flying today, and only five Hunter flights were
carried out. Apart from the first exercise when a cine tail chase and cine
quarter attacks were carried out, bad weather circuits, aerobatics and speechless
controlled descents were practised. The airfield closed at 12:30 for a Sports
Afternoon.
This afternoon all Squadron pilots took part in sports, including Soccer,
Rugby, Inter-Station Squash and Cross Country Running.
Flights 5 Hours 4:00 |
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3.11.55 |
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There was no flying today because of fog. This morning all pilots went to
the Safety Equipment Section for a lecture on the Mark 2 Martin-Baker ejection
seat. This lecture was interesting and informative and also gave pilots the
chance to strap in a "safe" seat and practice ejection drill.
This afternoon, Flying Officer Boyack, who recently returned from an escape
and evasion exercise, talked to all pilots on the objects of the Exercise
with special emphasis on measures to be taken in the future for contacting and
??????????????????????????????????????????over enemy territory. After this talk
the pilots went over to the nearby forest where a lean-to of saplings and brush-
wood was built. |
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4.11.55 |
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Fog delayed commencement of flying this morning and even when we did get started
only Green Ticket holders were permitted to fly. After lunch-time however, this
restriction was lifted.
The main flying done was high level battle formation incorporating snake climbs
and controlled descents with cine tail chases and dog-fights. Several "pure"
cine quarter attack flights from 20,000 feet to 35,000 feet were also carried out.
Flights 14 Hours 10:55 |
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5.11.55 |
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Before Meteorological Briefing this morning, Squadron Leader Gilpin lectured
the Squadron pilots on several points of administration, including minutes of
files, and the importance of correct dress and full inspections on parade.
As the airfield was once more enveloped in fog, there was no flying, and
all pilots attended a lecture at the Safety Equipment Section on Dinghy Survival
Equipment. Some concern was felt by the pilots that our only rations consisted
of glucose sweets. Apparently no Mark 5 rations have yet been received by this
Station.
Two training films were also shown to the Wing pilots. |
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6.11.55 |
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There was a full Station Parade in our Hangar this morning to commemorate
Remembrance Day, and the Squadron attended in full strength. |
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7.11.55 |
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There was no flying today because of fog. At Met. Briefing this morning,
the best forecast visibility was 2,000 yards and arrangements were made for a
visit to Wilhelmshaven.
This morning, several films, including one of this year's Farnborough Display,
were shown to the Wing and these ere followed by a debate " That the Defence of
the United Kingdom cannot be carried out without Standing Patrols with Flight
Refuelling". The motion was defeated by a narrow margin, primarily because it
was felt that airborne Early Warning Stations will be cheaper and will still allow
early interceptions to be made.
This afternoon, about 50 of the Wing's pilots went on a visit to Wilhelmshaven
where they were conducted over the now-destroyed U.-Boat pens, and also over H.M.S.
Diamond. H.M.S. Diamond is a "Daring" Class destroyer which is on a visit to
Wilhelmshaven. The remainder of the pilots who were unable to go because of
transport difficulties, took part in Sports including Soccer, Basketball and
squash. |
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8.11.55 |
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Flying was very restricted by fog and low cloud which did not clear until
almost eleven o'clock and returned after lunch. Only four flights were carried
out although for most of the "fly-able" period, two aircraft were standing-by
to take part in an interception exercise which, unfortunately, failed to take
place as far as we were concerned.
A lecture on Barrack Damages with general hints to Inventory Holders was given
by Flight Lieutenant Yates, the Station Secretarial "P" Officer today. The talk
was most informative and should prove of great value to all junior officers.
When flying was cancelled this afternoon, permission was given for inter-flight
Squash and Badminton to be played and six pilots played each game, so that an
enjoyable and beneficial time was had by all.
Flights 4 Hours 2.30 |
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| R.A.F. JEVER |
9.11.55 |
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Today was a full working day. Unfortunately, fog persisted this morning
so that first take-off was not until 10:50. Training films were shown after
Meteorological briefing and included a somewhat out-of-date, but very interesting
current affairs film on European unity.
This afternoon when bad weather stopped flying, the Squadron Commander went
through the second issue of the Wing S.O.P. with all pilots, clarifying all
amendments made to the first issue. After this, there was a session of "five
minute quickies", when approximately nine pilots gave impromptu talks lasting
five minutes, on subjects picked at random. It is some time since this was
done on the Squadron, and most pilots had forgotten how much can be said in five
minutes and how much mental agility is called for.
Flights :- 7 Hours 5.40 |
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10.11.55 |
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This morning, flying was delayed slightly by mist, and the first aircraft were
not airborne until 08:40 hours. From that time onwards however, a good morning's
flying was carried out, the main exercises being high level and battle formation
in fours and in simulated sixes with dog-fights, tail chases, and snake climbs and
descents.
This afternoon the station welcomed the visit of the crew of H.M.S. Diamond
and the object of the visit to R.A.F. Jever was to engage the Station in combat
at Soccer, Rugby and Hockey. In order not to upset the work of the Station,
the weekly Sports afternoon was held today instead of yesterday. The Station
won all three matches, but the play was close and a good standard throughout.
The Squadron had representatives in both the Rugby and the Soccer matches.
Flights 15 Hours 11.50 |
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11.11.55 |
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At the beginning of the day, only two aircraft were serviceable, but two more
came up later and a fair day's training was carried out. A large variety of flying,
ranging from high level battle formation to manual circuit practice was carried out.
Eight pure cine practice flights were completed at heights between 10,000 feet and
30,000 feet.
One pilot from the Squadron took part in a farewell fly-past of nine aircraft
for H.M.S. Diamond. In addition to the flypast, there were also four sonic booms
by a formation of No. 93 Squadron's Sabres, which were very accurately aimed.
Flights :- 22 Hours 16.30 |
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12.11.55 |
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There was no flying today. There was a Squadron Parade before Meteorological
Briefing, which all pilots attended. The briefing gave a warning of a possibility
that fog might come later; less than half an hour later the visibility was very
much reduced, and conditions deteriorated steadily.
The Squadron officers' secondary duties have recently changed somewhat, and the
opportunity to hand and take over inventories was taken by several officers during
the morning. The airfield closed at 12:30 hours for the week-end. |
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13.11.55 |
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Squadron Leader P.W. Gilpin D.F.C., our Squadron Commander, is soon to leave
the Squadron, and as his parting gift, he presented the Squadron with a Cup to be
awarded for Inter-Flight Soccer. This afternoon, the first match of this series
was played : "B" Flight winning a close hard-fought game by three goals to two.
After the match, the cup was presented by Squadron Leader Gilpin. |
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14.11.55 |
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Flying today was very restricted by bad weather which prevented flying for the
first hours of the morning and returned again about lunch-time. The main training
carried out today was high level battle formation practice, incorporating pairs-dogfights
some practice interceptions and snake controlled descents. One cine
flight was also carried out.
Flights 24 Hours 19.10 |
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15.11.55 |
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Good weather prevailed all day, and the Squadron participated in an interception
exercise (SID-1) against Canberra bombers, on which a number of successful interceptions
was made. Apart from the exercise, high level battle formation training figured
prominently in the authorisation book, and several solo exercises of aerobatics,
with normal circuits and landings were completed.
Flights 23 Hours 17.05 |
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16.11.55 |
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After a slightly delayed start to our flying programme, close and high level
battle formation flights were flown. On the high level battle exercises, tactical
descents were made, using a different speed on each flight in an attempt to discover
the best speed for this type of return to base. No fully satisfactory conclusions
have yet been drawn, but the experiment will continue. One cine exercise,
and an aerobatic flight with manual circuit and landing was done.
The airfield closed at 2:30 hours for Sports Afternoon.
Flights 14 Hours 10.45 |
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17.11.55 |
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The weather was again poor initially, but by 10:30 hours it had improved
considerably. Unfortunately, the weather was poor at all our neighbouring stations
and we are unable to fly since we had no diversion airfields until 11:30 hours.
From then on the main emphasis of training was on cine work, although two high level
battle flights were done, on which bombers were intercepted (EXERCISE SID 2).
One of our aircraft was flown to Lyneham, although we have six over
there at present undergoing modifications.
The Squadron Night Flying Programme was cancelled.
Flights 18 Hours 13.05 |
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| R.A.F.JEVER |
18.11.55 |
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The weather at Jever was so bad all day that there was no flying. This morning
the pilots were busily engaged for some time on digging a large trench for holding
the power and communications lines to the new C.R. D/F site on the airfield. Apart
from normal ground training carried out this afternoon, all Squadron pilots attempted
to raise their standard of physical fitness by playing volleyball and a very energetic
time was had by all. Flying Officer Ewens, the Squadron Senior P.A.I. and Flying
Officer Gray returned to the United Kingdom today on completion of their tours.
Flying Officer Ewens served on the Squadron for four years, and during that time
was not only Squadron P.A.I., but also of great assistance to 2nd T.A.F. since
he carried out air-to-air radar firing trials at Sylt on the Sabre A.4 Gunsight.
Flying Officer Gray was on the Squadron for two and half years and the end of his
tour coincides with the end of his engagement in the Royal Air Force. |
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19.11.55 |
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The morning started with a lecture by the Squadron Commander on the Service
custom of "calling". After the lecture, Met. briefing was held and preparations
made for flying. Only one pair from the wing got airborne before the airfield
was enveloped in fog which rolled in from the East. The fog persisted all morning
and there was no flying from the Squadron. |
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21.11.55 |
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The normal winter weather for this part of the country delayed the commencement
of flying today, and no aircraft took off until 11:00 hours. Bad weather also
caused flying to be stopped between 14:30 and 16:15 hours, so comparatively little
training was carried out.
Five pairs of aircraft did cine practices however, varying from ranging and
tracking to quarter attacks at 35,000 feet, and two aerobatic flights were
completed.
Flying Officer Bradley left the Squadron today on completion of his 30 month
tour with 2nd A.T.A.F.
Flights 14 Hours. 10.25 |
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22.11.55 |
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Flying began at 09:00 hours this morning and from then on a fair day's training was
completed. Five pairs of aircraft carried out cine exercises varying from ranging
and tracking to quarter attacks at 35,000 feet. Eight
aircraft took part in Exercise SID.3, on Canberra interceptions, and a fair degree
of success was achieved. Several solo flights on G.C.A.s and aerobatics were
also completed.
The Station received a visit from Neville Duke of Hawkers today. He is passing
through on his way to the Hunter Users Convention at R.A.F. Oldenburg, but took
the opportunity to visit the crew rooms of the squadrons and have a general, informal,
but informative talk with all pilots.
Flights 32 Hours. 24.00 |
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23.11.55 |
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A good morning's flying was done today with the emphasis once more being on high
level battle formation practise. On these exercises dog-fights and/or tail chases
are done and returns to base were either by controlled or tactical descents. Two
pilots practised aerobatics and controlled descents with bad weather circuits.
The airfield closed at 12:30 hours for Sports Afternoon.
Flights 15 Hours. 11.45 |
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24.11.55 |
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In addition to dogfights practise on today's high level battle formation, some
co-ordinated quarter attacks were also carried out. Six aircraft took part in
Exercise "KingPin" which again involved interceptions of Canberras and much success
was achieved. Today, another of our fully modified aircraft was flown back from
the United Kingdom by a Squadron pilot.
Flying stopped at 16:15 hours this evening to permit preparations for night flying
to begin, but the weather deteriorated and night flying was cancelled at 16:00 hours.
Squadron Leader Gilpin went to Oldenburg to attend the Hunter Users Convention
which will last until 12:30 hours tomorrow.
Flights 29 Hours. 13.30 |
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The main training carried out today was high level battle formation, and on the
majority of flights, practice interceptions were made under G.C.I. Control.
These were not altogether successful owing to the height weapon being bent, but
some interceptions were made and good training for the formation leaders in adverse
conditions resulted. One pilot practiced G.C.A.s at Ahlhorn and one aerobatic
exercise was completed.
Flights 27 Hours. 20.15 |
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26.11.55. |
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There was a Station Commander's Parade this morning and as a result, only two
details could be flown before the airfield closed at 12:30 hours for the week-end.
As the majority of our otherwise serviceable aircraft were on Primary Inspections,
only one pair was airborne at a time and both pairs practiced cine quarter attacks.
Flights 4 Hours. 3.20 |
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28.11.55. |
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Bad weather with patchy low cloud and poor visibility, restricted flying all
day. For most of the time only one pair from each Squadron was allowed to be
airborne at once, and no more than two pairs were airborne together at any time,
Our last pair of aircraft were recalled at 15:30 hours because of further weather
deterioration.
Five pairs of aircraft carried out cine training and there was also some close
formation practice, including pairs G.C.A.s at Ahlhorn.
Flights 15 Hours. 11.10 |
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29.11.55. |
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The best visibility today was 2,000 yards, and as that coincided with low cloud
there was no flying at all. The majority of pilots were very busy this morning
digging the trench for the C.R D/F site which started last week, and much
progress was made.
This afternoon officers were initially engaged with their secondary duties.
Later there were three games of volleyball between officers and airmen and the
officers won all three. |
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30.11.55. |
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Poor visibility once more prevented flying all morning. The opportunity to get
all end-of-month returns up-to-date was taken and this kept almost every officer
busy all morning. The airfield closed at 12:30 hours for Sports afternoon.
SUMMARY OF NIGHT FLYING TRAINING FOR NOVEMBER
In all, the Squadron was scheduled to fly on six evenings, but die to bad weather
only one night flying programme was completed. In the majority of cases, no night
flying has been done by our pilots for 18 months and consequently, dual checks in
the Vampire T. 11 are needed before pilots can go off solo in Hunters. We also have
the additional regulation that only operational pilots, i.e. 50 hours on Hunters,
may fly solo at night. However, experience on type is mounting up.
On our only night flying evening, three of our pilots were checked out by Squadron
Leader Gilpin; and one other pilot by the I.R.E. from No. 93 Squadron, Flying
Officer Balfour.
SUMMARY OF FLYING TRAINING
DAY
Hunter 4 Flights 223.05 Hours
Vampire T. 11 Flights - 26.55 Hours
NIGHT
Vampire T. XI Flights - 4.20 Hours |
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| R.A.F. JEVER |
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COMMANDING OFFICERS SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH
The weather was fit for full flying all day on only eight days this month
counting Wednesdays and Saturdays as half a day each. Further short periods of
restricted flying were equivalent to three full days. Thus only eleven "days"
were available, during which 223 hours of Hunter flying were done.
Serviceability during this month has been restricted by aircraft being in the
U.K. on the modification programme, as many as six at a time.
Three pilots left the Squadron this month, Flying Officers Ewens, Gray and
Bradley, bringing our pilot strength down to 17 including the Commanding Officer.
The Squadron ground crew strength is 20% below establishment. The shortage
is felt most in the trade of Engine Mechanic in which we have 50% of our establishment
of six. We still have no armament sergeant. Flight Sergeant Lipscomb arrived
at the end of the month to take charge as N.C.O. i/c "A" Flight. |
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HBIles CBoyack
(H.B.Iles) (C.Boyack)
Flight Lieutenant, Flying Officer,
Officer Commanding Compiling Officer
Number 4 Squadron Number 4 Squadron
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