Nigel Tooth from West Norfolk Aviation Society recounts Chairman Chris’ talk at their April meeting.
Chairman Chris was this month’s guest speaker, sharing his fascinating and often humorous account of life during the Falklands conflict. His talk mixed personal anecdotes with a good dose of pathos and satire—without any claims of heroics.
In 1982, Chris reported for duty at RAF Coningsby, where he was informed that the British colony in the Falkland Islands had been invaded and that a task force was being assembled. His initial, slightly naive reaction was: “Why would a force from the South Atlantic be interested in attacking Scotland?”
(Maybe Fair Isle?)
Chris and his ground-crew colleagues set sail from Southampton aboard the converted hospital ship, SS Uganda. Ten days later, they arrived at Ascension Island, before transferring to a flat-bottomed vessel fitted with stabiliser wings—essential for surviving the Force 10 winds.
At Port Stanley, they were greeted by a daunting reception committee of standby aircraft: Phantoms, Hawks, VTO Harriers, Sea King helicopters, Hercules freighters and tankers, as well as the accompanying carriers.
Their first jobs included servicing and painting the temporary floating hotel and moving a 30mph road sign—considered a hindrance to the speeds needed for essential services. Chris illustrated his talk with colourful photographs of his living quarters, workshop facilities, and bomb storage racks.
Other Falklands veterans in the audience added their own memories, including tracking the days with miniature punch cards, £15-a-minute phone calls home, and the warning: “If you don’t like it here, you’ll be given 90 days’ notice to quit.”
After victory, Chris and his team were flown home aboard two Tristars—a flight to freedom.
The evening ended with the traditional banquet from Bowls Club hosts Val and Len. There was also news that Mick’s raffle prize was being reoffered by Steve: an Electric Microlight Simulator Experience.
Next month, WNAS member Barry Raphael returns with a talk titled ‘V’ for Victor.
Nigel Tooth
www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk
