56 Sqn Tooms @ Leeming summer '91 + '92

[F3]

At the start of the '90s, post Gulf War, it often seemed like Leeming was a home from home for 56 Sqn. I expect that during the Gulf War work up there they might have developed a taste for the local beer (well it is Theakstons after all), but it seemed like every time I drove up they would drop in for lunch. I found these pics taken on two different visits a year apart. I've also included a Brucie bonus of an Italian Herc as it was on the same strip as the Firebird trio. (Supporting a detachment of Fiat Ginas - which was the reason for my visit). The black and whites were from the following year's Mallet Blow Ex. Two years later I renewed acquaintance with XV470/D at Akrotiri where it had retired to.

Phantom FGR2 XV407 F 56 Sqn Leeming by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Phantom FGR2 XV494 O 56 Sqn Leeming by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Phantom FGR2 56 Sqn Leeming by Michael Britton, on Flickr

AMI C-130 46-15 Leeming by Michael Britton, on Flickr

XV470 D 56 Sqn. by Michael Britton, on Flickr

XT603 X 56 Sqn. '92 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

FGR2 W 56 Sqn. by Michael Britton, on Flickr

XV470 D ex 56 Sqn Akrotiri '94 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[MR TERRY GREEN]

Loving those Rhinos.

[Andy Marden]

Agreed, but did anyone really call RAF Phantoms Rhinos in those days?

[eLaReF]

I still don't call them Rhinos!!

[iainpeden]

Photo proof of that maple leaf marking at last!

[F3]

Photo proof of that maple leaf marking at last!

Happy to assist Iain. What's the story there, as have always wondered?

[paddyboy]

Hi Mick

Never get tired of seeing pics of ol’ dubly ugly

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[iainpeden]

Photo proof of that maple leaf marking at last!

Happy to assist Iain. What's the story there, as have always wondered?

I have never come across a definitive answer to that. Has to be something to do with either 5 squadron, but they had given up Lightnings by the early 90s, or Canadian and I think their Hornets were still at Lahr.

XV470 is my modelling project; currently have 11 in 1/72 in the different markings she wore. From 2 squadron in grey/green to her last markings with 56. She was one of only 3 FGR.2s to serve with 43 and was the last a/c serviced at Coningsby.

At the last RIAT I was chatting to the pilot who delivered her to Cyprus.

[adderman]

Hi All

The Italian G91 deployment was in May 1992.
Was there on the 19th.

MM6446 MM6449 MM6469 MM6479 MM6953 MM6958 but didn't write down what codes they were wearing.

Same day had a flythrough of 4 GAF Alpha Jets that went into Waddington for lunch(40+27 40+33 41+17 41+28)
A RAF Islander ZH536 was also there.

Great days at Leeming and almost 30 years ago!

[F3]

Thanks for the info adderman. This means that both occasions were actually '92 and just a couple of months apart. For some reason thought the Gina det was just after the Gulf War. I actually have photographs of the Ginas taken on a visit air side if anyone is interested in seeing them. They did nt get over here v. often and as I recall were participating in an Army Ex up @ Otterburn.