RAF Lossiemouth 1977

[@malfunction8165]

The Jaguar is still one of the finest looking aircraft ever made.

[@imatts]

... I agree - however, They were - by far - one of the most leaky, cantankerous, temperamental beasts. To top it all, they were, in the early years at least, woefully underpowered close air support aircraft. (Gallic) Style over substance perhaps?

[@malfunction8165]

@@imatts Oh so you've met my wife then.

[@imatts]

@@malfunction8165😅

[@visorcover]

The legendary Fred Trowern @10:50. When he retired, he and his brother (Bob) taught basic fixed wing at Middle Wallop. Fred was the Sqn commander of the Chipmunk squadron. His brother taught me on my fixed wing phase (Army Pilot) and Fred did my FHT. What a pair of absolute gents. Great video btw.

[@imatts]

Thank-you for the contribution. I have been trying the recall his name since posting. I can recall how the OCU HQ building had a very distinctive 'ready rubbed' ambience!

[@visorcover]

@@imatts lol yep, same with Flying Wing at Wallop. He even had his pipe on the go when he did my Final Handling Test. I thought he was simulating 'smoke and fire in the cockpit' until I caught a whiff of the rough shag from the back!

[@chrisrand4333]

Wow! I have been looking for a video on the Jaguar simulator at RAF Lossiemouth for years and here it is. In 1976 my father and I were visiting his best mate from Hetton, a Flight Sergeant on the base (Gordon H) and during a visit to the base we had a close look at that room, probably with the same officers in attendance. The detail in the model rooms was incredible, especially the local area model which had detail in windows of buildings in some areas. While we were there sadly one of the Queen's deer committed suicide on the front of a RAF land rover. My first experience of poached venison ensued shortly after. Many thanks for the video and awakened memories

[@imatts]

You are very welcome! I was lucky enough to fly in the Sim on a couple of occasions. The technology was very advanced for the time, but positively steam-driven by today's standards.

[@jgwilymp]

This is spectacularly crisp footage. Our family spent three years in Buckinghamshire during the mid-‘70s, and I remember my Dad (a Boeing engineer and field rep) once mentioning that he had been discussing TV cameras with the neighbor (a cameraman for the Beeb), and they both felt that British television cameras were about ten years ahead of American broadcast equipment of the equivalent vintage. This looks like it could have been shot seven years ago, not forty-seven.

[@imatts]

Thank-you for the comment. I used a piece of software called Topaz Video AI to enhance the original 16mm compressed Facebook video. The software upscales,(to HD) retimes (to 50 frames) and uses AI algorithms to enhance the scratchy original. In short, it gives the original a modern look. It isn't perfect by any means, but does improve the original in my opinion. This video too over six hours process from the original to what is now on YT.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

"M' XX148 T2 Jaguar was a 226OCU 1 line aircraft, I remember it well not long before its crash it suffered from un-commanded flying control input problems. The aircraft was grounded for some time. I was a rigger working with the civilian working party on the investigation, to try and find why. The aircraft went back into service and crashed soon after. we all knew the pilots killed. I remember coming into work on nightshift and finding out about the crash. I was one of the squadron members who went to the funeral of the pilot buried in Scotland.

[@imatts]

It was a very sad day indeed when news of the crash was reported. The instructor Flt Lt Taff Hincliffe, was an instructor on the Jag Simulator - I think it's he who helps Dianne Harron out of the sim after her 'jolly'. The student, Fg Off Russ Graham, was a really nice guy (they always are) and apparently was showing great promise. Very sad.

[@misdangered4326]

Very sad. What was the cause of the initial control input problem, and was that connected with the later crash? Thanks.

[@chasb441]

I worked in JASF at the time and the control issue I believe was a loose bearing on the taileron actuators. We worked long shifts for days if not weeks rectifying the issue in 2 man teams. I was based at Lossie from 1975 to 1978 working on VASS then JASF

[@misdangered4326]

@@chasb441 Interesting, thank you for the reply.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

@@misdangered4326 I think in the end it down to spurious electrical signals, certainly with the T.2 as it only had one gun and some of the black boxes were moved to allow for the second Cockpit, which required extra cabling. it was certainly and Issue with the T-birds. M was not the only aircraft to have the same issue. By 1979 I was out on 31 squadron and the issue seemed to have gone. all new aircraft have issues in the first few years in service.

[@zoomer325]

Thank you for posting. I remember watching this on tv before I joined the RAF. The look on her face at the pre flight gives the impression that she may have had a few beers with the boys the night before. Yep she was pretty crook. Spent what seemed like a lifetime at Lossie in the mid to late 90s before retiring from Tornado territory.

[@imatts]

Thank you for the great comments. I think she was 'well hosted' at the Officers' Mess during the filming. The Photo Section took lots of PR photos of her visit, some of the images were hilarious - especially of her getting 'hung and slung' for her harness fitting. There was an individual (can't recall if it was a pilot or SE Fitter, got the lovely job of adjusting the anti-'g' strap. If you're familiar with ejection seats and harnesses you will know where that is!

[@zoomer325]

@@imatts You’re welcome. Not too difficult for me to imagine at all from the point of having one as my office chair for the better part of 17 years 😉

[@johncone9516]

Thanks for posting. i lost touch with a Sgt Keith Rowlands of the Jag flight Sym at Wildenrath mid 70's. As an MT driver it was an experience to fly the sym.

[@imatts]

I don't think the RAFG Jaguar simulator was at Wildenrath - that was a Phantom base in the mid 70s. The Jag sim would have been at Bruggen or Laarbruch - a few miles up the road from Wildenrath. Both bases operated Jags - IIRC - 2(ac), 14, 17, 20 and 31 Sqns

[@johncone9516]

@@imatts i can assure you it was but don't ask me why. The crews used to come down by coach for their training that was in 76.

[@imatts]

@@johncone9516I have just done some digging, and I stand corrected! There was a Jag sim at Wildenrath, but according to the references I have, that was from 1977. Unlike Lossiemouth's full-flight sim, the sims at Wildenrath and Coltishall were instrument simulators.

[@PATWENTY8R]

What a superb bit of film and showing just what it takes before you even get to ride in Jaguar fighter( and presumably any RAF fast jet nowadays) I was lucky enough to have a great friend who flew Jaguars based at Coltishall, and was also fortunate enough to have a go in their flight simulator. I was invited to do some aerobatics and sadly crashed coming out of a loop.....I climbed out of the simulator full of apologies and the sim operator smirked and commented "ah you didn't notice we failed one of your engines half way through your loop ! " No , I hadn't but what a hell of a difference between that aircraft and the passenger jet I was flying at the time. Thanks for such an excellent film and really enjoyed the shots of the low level 4 ship flying the low level routes....think I'd have probably honked too.... 🤣🙃🤮

[@imatts]

You're very welcome! I was based at Coltishall 1977 to1979. I loved every minute.

[@xw1ngnutsx952]

Excellent! Thanks for uploading it.

[@imatts]

My pleasure! I have some similar video of my own while I was in the RNZAF.

[@imatts]

She was asked by the BBC producer to provide a 'commentary' of what she was experiencing. In fact, she was pretty crook from wheels up to finals.

[@theflyingfool]

Great video thanks! She gave it all a good go didn't she!

[@imatts]

Absolutely!

[@carldowd406]

Nice view of Suilven

[@martinanderson4721]

He's a very hands on instructor. 😮

[@Craft-oh7uv]

Old school old chap 😅

[@billb7876]

I arrived at Lossie in early 78 was lucky enough to have 2 Jag jollies, down the valleys and Lochs it was fantastic. I have a picture somewhere of a mate of mine just about to get in "T" for an air test jollie. (the joys of ASF)

[@imatts]

I had left Lossie early '78 for my fitters course. I worked in the building behind ASF - the OCU HQ building. I was one of the photogs developing the HUD camera films.

[@billb7876]

I just watched again and realised one of the aircraft I flew in was on here "K XX841" they walked past it lol

[@LessAiredvanU]

The T.2 was the prettiest of all the Jaguars; looked like a millionaires sports jet.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

For year I worked out on the line on one line as an NCO, spent many a day watching T.2 coming into land across the golf course and perimeter fence.

[@bertiewooster3326]

The jag got it's heyday in gulf war1

[@EddieWhitehead-e7z]

Was there in1974 until 76 a good spot . Still H M S Fulmar, just. But then just an airman doing a job. Good memories.

[@imatts]

As was I! I arrived at the end of '75 and left early '78 for my fitters' course. Lots of memories of the 'Electric Wrestling' discos in the Fulmar block NAAFI, and The Rock House in Lossie. Happy days!

[@ianjackson8643]

I was at Lossiemouth arriving in 1978 worked on 226ocu in the cine processing section

[@imatts]

As was I! We had a nickname for the section - 'ARSE' Air Recording Systems Exploitation'. I had left Lossie early 1978 for my ACFitt course. I think the old 226 OCU HQ building is long gone now.

[@joeldiggle1891]

The OCU briefing Officer (I can't remember his name) was the Army Air Corps - Civilian Chief Flying Instructor on the Chipmunk Elementary Flying Training Sqn at Middle Wallop in 1996-97 when I was there and the type was retired from its final full-time British military unit role.

[@imatts]

Thanks for that! I wish I could remember his name too... I recall him being around the 226 OCU HQ building 1976-77. His pipe smoke was everywhere. I was a humble SAC in those days, and it was very unusual for a Wing Commander to take time to chat to we lowlings; but chat he did! Another recollection was the regular attendance of student pilots going for the OC OCU 'debrief' regarding their 'marginal performance in his office!

[@visorcover]

@@imatts Fred Trowern. He and his brother, Bob spent many years teaching at Wallop. Bob was ex Shackleton I think. Bob taught me on my fixed wing phase and Fred did my FHT (with pipe...). I went through Middle Wallop in 93 and went back to teach in 2000. The pair of them were absolute gents.

[@imatts]

@@visorcoverThank you! Another piece in the puzzle.

[@buffplums]

She did a great job, it’s no mean feat to wear all that gear

[@johnstirling6597]

First instructor sounds like an Australian on exchange.

[@imatts]

Yes, I think you're right. I have done some digging to try and identify him. He's a Wg Cdr Doctor - almost certainly a RAAF on exchange. This was RAF North Luffenham - long since closed - so information is sketchy. I'm guessing he could still be around - probably in his 80s or 90s by now!

[@markgordon2260]

@@imatts Thanks - thought the same myself. By the way, he may have known AVM David Morgan, who at that time was Director General of Air Force Health Services, and husband of who would become my violin teacher...

[@daveshea3067]

I'm pretty sure that guy's a Kiwi........either that or he's spent a lot of time up at Ohakea.😎

[@throttlegalsmagazineaustra7361]

​@@daveshea3067 Nope he's Aussie

[@michaelredmond3540]

The Instructor is Dr Greg Herring RAAF

[@AeroAvery-in9df]

Was there in 1977, did not know anything about this (why would I?). Left in the summer for 14sqn

[@imatts]

I think the whole thing was a little 'low-key'. The only reason I was aware was because of the need to cover the visit for RAF PR. At that time, the IRA were quite active and there were concerns that Harron, being from NI, might bring unwelcome attention. Over cautious I think, but that was where things were at that time.

[@abagatelle]

Marvellous

[@imatts]

You're very welcome... thanks to FB for the original video.

[@philipbrooks402]

Was the first part, in the depressurisation chamber, filmed at North Luffenham?

[@imatts]

Yes. looks like it.

[@johnleigh349]

My oc.sqd.Ldr.Mick Shannon was the education officer at 4stt RAF Valley 1970/71 ,iused togo to BAE Warton for update documents at that time happy days

[@misdangered4326]

She sounds a ‘try anything once’ kind of girl… 😁👍

[@Spudgun747]

No way was that Lossie ! I could see blue sky and possibly the sun ?

[@imatts]

As Ah-Ha once said; '...the sun always shines on TV'!

[@grahamwilson5835]

The Briefing Officer is an Australian.

[@imatts]

I think he is... it would be great to identify him.

[@richardm7004]

For a moment, at the start, I thought it was a RAAF Squadron.

[@imatts]

It was (is) quite common in the RAF for officers to exchange between Air Forces. Normally, they will complete a 'tour' of 2.5 to 3 years before going home. I remember that around this time 226OCU hosted a number of Ecuadorian pilots as Ecuador had bought Jaguar aircraft.

[@TomThumb-d1r]

I knew it as HMS Fulmar.

[@imatts]

All of the time I was at Lossiemouth (1975-1977) the only people who called it as RAF Lossiemouth were the RAF! 849 Sqn, and certainly the many of the locals still called it 'Fooolmar'!

[@Johnbg81327.]

I’m pretty sure I was no 2 on that flight.

[@imatts]

Log Book time! It doesn't help identifying who was where when the captains were identified as 'OC OCU', OC 1/2Sqn', and STN CDR. I recognise FLT LT Smith - he was the CRO at the time. I know the faces of all captains/PAX but names escape me apart for the Stn Cdr.

[@Johnbg81327.]

Difficult to say. In the DUTY column it might have said low level nav - nothing that specifically said BBC flight. Do you have a date? I was OC 1 Squadron.

[@Johnbg81327.]

I am pretty sure that I was there. As I see more of it I remember her and certainly the event. Fleetingly, at the briefing the names of the crews are up on the board but I can’t quite catch it. Ah halcyon days - a distant memory as I pass my 78th year ☹️. The Jag was a great jet. Loved every minute of flying it.

[@imatts]

⁠@@Johnbg81327.I was a 19-year old bod who processed the HUD cine film for both 1 and 2 lines - I'm now 66. Regarding dates - I think filming was over two days in May - I can't be sure of the precise dates I'm afraid. I recall lots of names as I completed the Recce forms for the HUD films. Ord, Bealer, Griffiths, Schuster, Honey etc, etc. Sadly I recall delivering a film directly to Taff Hinchliff in the weeks before the accident. I worked out of the OCU HQ building (handy for both Squadrons). I recall OC OCU being incredulous with the proposed 'toning down' of the concrete hardstandings and taxiways!

[@stephenmckinnell7791]

@@imattsI realise Smith is a common surname, but would you know if his first name was Ian, who became a Jaguar display pilot and later spent time in Oman?

[@intothemultiverse1033]

7:08 - not her first rodeo 😂

[@misdangered4326]

10:29 We’ve all been there…😁👍

[@markyoungman148]

Good lord, briefing in goon suits and gloves....

[@duartesimoes508]

The RAF was just magnificent back then. Today... you just have a few Typhoons. 😟

[@imatts]

I don't have any Typhoons...

[@duartesimoes508]

"You're going to fly over the sea and you may end into the sea!" Just imagine a briefing given in such terms in an average Airliner! 😂😂😂😂😂 "Where did everybody go?"

[@imatts]

Mmmm - odd comment.

[@patrickkeating7074]

The Empire was over at that time , no need for these very expensive toys that cost many Billions over time.....

[@imatts]

Profound.... I think?

[@HeathLedgersChemist]

AI video looks 'effin 'orrible.

[@imatts]

Not a 'effin' 'orrible' as the original! I agree - still a way to go. Although in fairness, I'm still getting to grips with the myriad of control tweaks and options in the software.

[@simpson7125]

my uncle Graham simpson was based at Lossiemouth at this time ,his first posting unfortunately he was killed in a RTA on leave in Norfolk 21 Dec 77

[@organicpaul]

Nice one!

[@imatts]

Thanks! you're welcome.