Warthogs - Gone but not forgotten

[F3]

Whilst checking through' my photo collection to see if I had any of the BCWM A-10 I was surprised how few of the type there were. I put this down to an over familiarity with it as they were over N.Yorks almost every day, incl. some Bank Holidays. Also the low viz camo and lack of Sqn. markings in the early days gave them a certain anonymity making it easy to overlook them for more photogenic subjects in static displays. Things did improve in the late 80s when the introduction of Sqn. fin markings gave them a much needed bit of colour and even more so after the Gulf War from which they returned with nose art. Anyway it would be churlish not to share with Hawg fanciers out there so here they are.

A10 - Over the Moors by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10s - low level N.York Moors by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10 -Teesside Airshow 1981 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A-10 - U.Heyford '83 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10s - Flypast Ch.Fenton by Michael Britton, on Flickr

'89 - A-10 arriving by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10 - Coningsby by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10 - Teesside '90 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Exercises - A10 @ Wattisham Elder Forest '92 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Honington - A10 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

A10 - Air Fete '92 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[marinergaz]

I think you got that spot on, they were always around doing overshoots and on the ranges , it got to the point we stopped shooting them. Good to see some memories, thanks.

[paddyboy]

Hi Michael

Wonderful, nostalgic pics

Do we miss that distinctive whistle over East Anglia or what

Best regards

Paddyboy

[Sparts99]

Would love to see an A-10 display again.

[tin can alpha]

Sitting on Hunstanton beach listening to the Gatling parp as they race tracked over the Wash for Sutton Bridge.

[brewerybod]

Thanks for taking the time to look for photos of the BCWM A-10 and also for posting theses shots

- Graham

Bentwaters Cold War Museum

[F3]

Thanks for taking the time to look for photos of the BCWM A-10 and also for posting theses shots

- Graham

Bentwaters Cold War Museum

You're welcome Graham. Only sorry that I could nt find one of your Hog. You seem to have a really interesting set up down there and a visit is now high on my bucket list.

Regards

Mick

[The Phantom]

Always great to see those lizard camo Hogs

[TankBuster]

Love the A-10's, definitely my all time favourite aircraft, probably because it was the first military jet I got up close to on the ground when I was younger.

When I was in the Cub Scouts the 81st TFW hosted us on Woodbridge base for a 'Friendship Jamboree' with the American Scouts for a whole weekend, and during part of that weekend 30 or so Cub Scouts were let loose to wander around an A-10 with the pilot and ground crew, we even got to sit in the cockpit .
That weekend would be another destination for my time machine!!!

Great pics & thanks for sharing.

TankBuster

[Knife 04]

A great post of the A-10s - although over East Anglia most of the time also ventured down south and can remember watching them swooping over Wiltshire in my games lessons at school

You seem to have a really interesting set up down there and a visit is now high on my bucket list.

Regards

Mick

Make sure you do Mick - it is well worth it for everything - exhibits, museum and staff - top day out

Darren

[Blackcat1]

Nice selection of a true classic , miss the A10s being based here. Seeing them at low level in the valleys of Wales and strafing Pembrey range are great memories.

Thanks for sharing.

[TankBuster]

The Hogs out of Bentwaters & Woodbridge would also frequently do mock strafing runs by picking out moving vehicles as they travelled along the A12 and A45 (Now A14) roads through Suffolk.
I know that because a Hog pilot told me that's what they did at the time, he also said that there were many vehicles travelling around East Anglia with imaginary bullet holes in them

TankBuster

[Thunderbolt II]

Superb. Any more would be gratefully received!