8 Hawk CHIVENOR formation, 16 June 1982

[Addlepate]

Was just on Lundy - there's a photo in the pub of an eight Hawk formation over the island, with tail letters spelling C H I V E N O R

Was wondering what prompted it. Anyone here involved? Any recollections?

[99 Change Hands]

I was a student nav on 151 Sqn at the time and flew in 'N', I am the only person with a white flying helmet. My understanding was that a tail letter had been allocated which made CHIVENOR possible for the first time. We were photographed by BAe's air photog and all promised a print - of course that never happened.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1282/chiv_02_f857f660e8a550b3f643c8f9d29e8dc0134734e8.jpg
This was the two 4-ships coming together on rehearsal day.

[mopardave]

I was a student nav on 151 Sqn at the time and flew in 'N', I am the only person with a white flying helmet. My understanding was that a tail letter had been allocated which made CHIVENOR possible for the first time. We were photographed by BAe's air photog and all promised a print - of course that never happened.

This was the two 4-ships coming together on rehearsal day.
Ooof.......lovely photo but I thought i'd developed dyslexia!!

[MPN11]

MMM ... NORA. I remember her well.

[sycamore]

Just trying to get the `wrinkles` out....

[Addlepate]

I was a student nav on 151 Sqn at the time and flew in 'N', I am the only person with a white flying helmet. My understanding was that a tail letter had been allocated which made CHIVENOR possible for the first time. We were photographed by BAe's air photog and all promised a print - of course that never happened.

Thanks. I wondered about the tail letters - it seemed a bit convenient that the right tail letters were available! It was the BAe photo that was in the pub (The Marisco Tavern), presented by someone but I didn't make a note of who. I should have taken a photo of the photo - a quick hunt about the interwebs found this fairly cropped version, with the aforementioned white helmet clearly visible above 'E'.This crop doesn't show how nicely aligned with the island (north-south axis) the formation was, but also doesn't show the wing tip of the chase plane the BAe photog got in the shot!

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1964x852/d5f48803f878ae5fc2d3361fcc138844_dc38a415b93b439838ca0f8da0f 90e91f4346375.jpg

[Woodsy2417]

Now a similar photo of North Luffenham Javelins would have been something to see.

[622]

...and what if Valley had been placed a few miles south east ...imagine getting this lot lined up!!Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogo ch

[beardy]

I can't recall the authorisation required for close formation size. Was it station commander or squadron commander for 9?

[Hubstrasse]

Looking at my framed copies,
I was in the back seat of the lead as a Nav on 151. If I can work the scanner and get them loaded I shall. I got a formation print and a solo of the lead jet against the sunset from the BAE photog who was using a 'Blad' for any camera spotters out there. I also seem to recall some discussions in our jet in response to my timing and direction corrections not being executed particularly promptly along the lines of - one foot at number one endes up being hundreds of feet at the end of the ripple at number nine. But I was but a callow youth at the time.

Coincidentally, one of the ground crew- not sure 63 or 151 was having their wedding reception at the slightly elevated Staunton Sands Hotel not far off the airfield. an offset pass of Chiv was made to enable photos to and from the field which just happened to correspond to an "almost " level pass of the hotel Forecourt and gardens where I sear I saw glasses raised.

Hubs

[El Grifo]

What is the significance of the St Andrews Crosses may I ask ?

[ETOPS]

Possibly something to do with being reformed after WW2 at Leuchars?

[Deep Throat]

Possibly something to do with being reformed after WW2 at Leuchars?

In view of 151's Squadron's association with Scotland, it having been disbanded at Qullane in 1919 after World War I, and re-formed at Leuchars in 1951, it seemed appropriate to have new markings for the aircraft.

With Leuchars being in sight of St Andrews, the St Andrew's cross was chosen as the Squadron motif.

The black border round the motif was chosen to emphasise the night defence aspect of its role, for which it was formed in 1918, and in which role it had distinction in World War II. The design for the Squadron markings was submitted for approval and accepted.

[El Grifo]

Thanks Guys !!

[Martin the Martian]

...and what if Valley had been placed a few miles south east ...imagine getting this lot lined up!!Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogo ch

Did we ever have that many Hawks?

[sharpend]

I was a Flt Cdr & QFI/TI on 151 (F) Sqn at the time. Dick Bealer was Boss. I flew 'E'. We struggled to spell CHIVENOR so had a few tail letters altered. That is why you may never see the whole formation from the other side. From my log book, I note we flew practice on the 15th (2 sorties) and the actual on the 16th. I flew XX330, 348 & then 331 on the day. I led the second 4 ship.

[sharpend]

Dick sadly passed away a few years ago from throat cancer. He lived in Cyprus. A great bloke, RIP.

[Tarnished]

Hi Blunty,
I have a framed and signed copy that was a wedding present whilst a student going through 151 in 1982. There is no getting round it, but my version spells out RONEVIHC unless you convert to reading right to left. Had not heard of Dick Bealer's passing, but I do recall two very rotund Labradors that were always in the crewroom. John Hall replaced Dick in early 83, I know because his signature is on my collection of "Best" certificates that I amassed. I returned to instruct on 151 and ended up with being OC for a few months while a "small disciplinary glitch" was resolved. Paul Croasdale - me - Andy Cairncross. Dream team baton exchange.
I will never forget your birdstrike, nor Shunty's MDC detonation.

[Addlepate]

We struggled to spell CHIVENOR so had a few tail letters altered. That is why you may never see the whole formation from the other side.

I did wonder! Thanks all for your replies, nice to have a bit of background.

[sharpend]

Hi Tarnished, actually I replaced Dick Bealer as OC in Jan of 1983, before being 'retired hurt' in the Spring.