Buccaneer 1992 - 1994 (3)
have improved! Undoubtedly, the single most significant event of this period happened shortly after. On 9 July 1992, on a routine training sortie, Flt Lts Jim Henderson and Clive ‘the Bone’ Lamborne tragically died whilst flying XN976 over the Firth of Forth. The Board of Inquiry concluded that the rudder Powered Flying Control Unit (PFCU) had failed, causing a full-scale deflection, which in turn led to the aircraft being uncontrollable at 100ft. A heartfelt loss, particularly for Jan and Ruth: their deaths left an
emotional hole for many months and they will always be deeply missed.
However, life and the Sqn went on, with crews taking part in the Gilroy Trophy. Although 208 won the individual event, 12 Sqn won the overall competition. More overseas travel followed with Scandinavia featuring heavily during Ex Bright Horizon and an OTF to RNoAF Andoya’s northern reaches. In the opposite direction, crews deployed to RAF St Mawgan, or for those young, gullible new boys, Santa Magwan (it always sounded a little bit more exotic) for TLT. It was also the season for Joint Maritime Courses (JMCs) – more opportunities to fly in really strong winds, appalling rain and poor visibility, just to say hello to the RN. At least we were only there for a few minutes rather than days! Despite only having eighteen months to run, 208 Sqn welcomed its final student (on the Buccaneer anyway). A willing volunteer, Ned Cullen would see out his time with 208 before a posting to the Harrier ruined his character forever. 1992 finished with a double whammy of dets to Volkel – the first on Sqn exchange with 311 Sqn (in those days you were expected to drink and be able to fly the next day); this was followed by Ex Volkit, which was pretty much the same thing.
1993 started in the same manner through Ex Triplex (bombing at Wiley Sike v F3s), JMC, Ex Northern Banner and another TLT at St Mawgan (everyone knew the joke now). Two more lucky crews took part in TLP in March, deploying to BAF Florennes. Those of you who have read Graham Pitchfork’s excellent book “The Buccaneer Boys” will realise that despite everyone’s predictions, the Bucc Force were allowed to display in 1993. Not one but two crews, one from each sqn, were selected. Neil ‘Benny’ Benson and Gary ‘Fat Boy’ Davies were the chosen men from 208 Sqn. They completed a very tidy season (despite Benny’s head nearly exploding after an allergic reaction to sun cream – it just goes to show you that Scots shouldn’t be exposed to too much sun, they can't cope with it).
Probably the highlight of the year was the Queen’s Birthday Fly Past (QBFP). To honour the Buccaneer, a diamond sixteen led by Rich Philips was chosen to lead, ahead of formations of Harriers, Hawks and Jaguars.
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