Mallet Blow exercises ??

[PeteHemsley]

Recognise a few of those names Pete, also Keith from Maryport(?), sadly no longer with us. Tristram was a top bloke, I think he rejoined the RAF as a reservist Air Traffic Controller and did a tour in the Falklands. There was also at one point, a Para Major FAC, Scottish bloke, looked a bit menacing at first but was good to talk to. We always got on well the the FAC's and I seem to recall a spotter who turned up and made bacon rolls for them one time. There were more than a few times we'd hear stuff on the scanner and let the FAC's know someone was trying to call them.

Indeed mate, obviously include yourself in the regulars, but just thought id name the guys who aren't on the forum. I felt pained writing their names as i'm sure a number of them are no longer with us. it would be great to get back to spadeadam some day to see if any of the guys are still around, although most of the fun and games no longer exist on the range unless the Dutch are on site.

[Andyph]

Mallet Blow 92/1 - Otterburn: Friday 3rd April 1992

A very low key Friday afternoon session - though probably to be expected that close to EndEx. I notice that British Aviation Review said the following about the exercise in the April 1992 edition:

"Exercise Mallet Blow' was severely hampered by poor weather..."

So perhaps the rest of the week was equally low key?

For what it's worth the following meagre pickings were noted...

"Mission 527" 81st TFW/USAF ['WR' (yw)] A-10 x 4 (ATC c/s "Gunhog")
"Mission 530" JBG-31/German AF Tornado x 5
"Mission 534" 31 Sqn/RAFG Tornado x 4 (ATC c/s "Voodoo")
"Mission 5**?" 2 TWU/RAF Hawk x 4 (ATC c/s "Hatchet")
"Mission 543" 617 sqn/RAF Tornado x 2 (ATC c/s "Vandal")
"Mission 544" 3 Sqn/RAFG Harrier x 5
"Mission 545" 81st TFW/USAF ['WR' (pr)] A-10 x 4 (ATC c/s "Rocky")

That was the last Mallet Blow I attended, and was maybe the last iteration of the exercise full stop as although 'Mallet Blow 92/2' had been expected to take place from 7th-11th September that year, South East Air Review reported at the time that it was actually combined with 'Elder Joust' and ran under the name of 'Northern Banner'.

I know I was never back up at Alwinton post April 1992, as the only aircraft I logged at Otterburn after that time were all British or foreign military helicopters on exercise there.

Merry Christmas or Bah humbug!

Best wishes

Those Logs are amazing - thanks so much for posting Dick. Love it - especially as I was there

Yes the last MB was essentially wiped out by rain and snow. Some missions on the Thursday pm and Friday Am only.

It was such a shame that MB's finished - that said in the internet age how many people would be at Alwinton - it would be crazy!


Northern Banner was OK and had more aircraft than MB but the target set was all over Borders - Spade, Otterburn, West Freugh/ Luce Bay etc. and gone was the low level corridor - bomber went through a wall of fighters on CAP from the lakes to Durham and over Northumberland.
the first Northern Banner coincided with the run down of Wattisham F4s - they were used as escorts for the strike packages (as were 360Sqn Canberra's) rather than as part of UKAD - Saw a good scrap between F4s and Tornado F3s over Brampton....

The second Northern Banner was held in February and again essentially a write off with the weather.

Northern Banner was then replaced by Brilliant Foil and Invader - which I'll save for another post.

[Blackcat1]

Sorry to go off topic but the rarest sighting for me in my locality were 4x Viggens escorted by 4 Jaguars, I think from 54 Squadron low level through the Usk valley between Brecon & Sennybridge whilst having a drink with my family outside the White House Hotel in Sennybridge ( cracking beer garden right on the main low level route) It was around 95/97 I think as I was drinking coke did anyone else see them in LFA7? Did they Loop!? No forum or social media in those days ! Thanks

wow that would have been awesome - I always thought the RAF should have got Viggens and just have a read of this about the RAF exchange pilot going low level - https://www.collectair.co.uk/pdf/interview-hr.pdf

Only super rare things I saw Low Level were Ohio A-7s which were with Harriers on deployment at Wittering

Wow that would have been a good sight too! The Viggens were at Colt on deployment it was either 54 or 6 Squadron Jags accompanying them.

[david coughlan]

Hi what a great topic! Brings back some serious memories, TFM 86, Priory, Mallet Blow these all got me really hooked on Military aviation making the journey from Manchester to Lincolnshire and Suffolk regularly. Anyone remember the multiple Gaf Alphajets into Waddo must have seen 60 in 3 days!

[Andyph]

I saw the German Alphas a few times on the ranges during Elder Forrest/Joust/ Priory era. Usually as a 16 ship.

They always came on and made one or two quick passes of strafe and gone - I always thought they looked great slinging the gun

They paid a visit during Central Enterprise, think it was 1988 (The first day was against targets on the UK east coast) - I saw them at Wainfleet and the range was fully booked with none UK traffic - one of the best days aircraft watching i've had!

[T_J]

Does anyone remember the mid air collision of 2 Harriers from 3 Sqn. which occurred on a Mallet Blow in the early '80/late '70s?

Part answer

There have been two major accidents to low-flying aircraft involved in Mallet Blow exercises: a German air force Tornado aircraft crashed during Mallet Blow 86/4, and two RAF Harrier aircraft collided in mid-air during Mallet Blow 87/3.



From

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=55536

and the Dutch F-104 - there is a memorial to it at Otterburn - Maybe it didn't crash during a MB? it was before my time

12 April 1983, F-104G serial D-8337. Pilot 2nd Lt Martin Sasbrink Harkema sadly killed.

https://www.i-f-s.nl/accidents-incidents-1983-2/

[F3]

Thanks for the info T_J

[T_J]

Thanks for the info T_J

No problem, F3.

[Hymermobiler]

Heard the Bucc story before and can understand how it happened. There was an old 50's style bin lorry on the range that was one of the targets. It was usually the main target and it was painted in large black and white checks. Unfortunately the FAC's caravan was also painted in large black and white checks, so thats probably where the confusion arose there. Mentioned earlier was the Jags setting fire to the range and the FAC's setting of in the Gazelle to put it out. I don't klnow if it was the same day but it happened one day I was there and I think a Lynx may have been involved as well. There were quite a few of us civvys there and I'm sure we were all thinking of lending a hand to put it out, as it required a flight in a helicopter to get to the fire. Anything for a free jolly.

Do they still do FAC training at Spade. Have been there on only a few occasions over the last 5 years or so, mainly for the Dutch helicopters. The now Red and White checked FAC cabin is in a right state. The last time I was there earlier this year, there were Swallows nesting in it.

Could it have been a pair of Apaches instead of Lynx? Ive just put up a couple of Spadeadam vids showing the Gazelle and the Apaches and also the burning moor here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAgZz-5hVPc If you do go to have a look please subscribe and like the videos and leave a comment it helps to get You Tube to push them out to other viewers Thanks. I am slowly going through some old DV tapes and will have more to post soon but I dont currently have any way of playing tapes from my original 8mm camcorder so Im looking out for a second hand one so I can get them digitized as well.

[Hymermobiler]

Talking about bad bombs.....

I think it's time I dug out my "I was bombed by a buccaneer" story !! ( hopefully....some of you here were there to confirm it's true )

T'was a normal FAC exercise at Spadeadam, a bit further down the road than the usual place at WileySike me thinks ?? The range control caravan was set up there, the usual scruffy looking FAC guys directing aircraft onto the range to drop flash bang practice bombs onto target, and us spotters right there next to it all to photograph it. The guys directed some buccaneer's onto the range, at usual bucc height (or lack there of) and unfortunately one of the them mistook the range control caravan for the target !!!! .

I remember distinctly looking through my view finder as the bomb came off and whistled over my head, my brain not quite computing what had happened quickly enough, then looking just past the caravan to see smoke emanating from a small hole in the peat . Calm as you like, as the buc's disappeared in the usual spey engined made smoke screen, a few words were said by the FAC's over the radio about a chat on the phone when back at base, and everything carried on as normal !!

Thank fook the crew were about 20 metres off from a DH that day !!

You can imagine the hats on interview without coffee and bikkies back at station for the crew

Used to happen a fair bit... hope you got a shot?

The usual FAC at Wiley Sike was a top bloke called Tristram if anyone remembers him - think he was TA?. Guess they dont do 'bombing' at Wiley Sike these days?

Top bloke Tristram always welcomed us and all he said was they are SAS so please dont photo faces other than that no problems. Always offered us to stand by the Land Rover with the antenna to listen to the comms and get out of the wind. Always got the last flight to overfly the Land Rover super low for the photo call.

[nds]

Sorry to jump on this but it may be connected with these exercises.
Does anyone remember C-130's about a dozen of them at a time, going through the Lichfield Corridor ? Similar date, quite a regular occurance.
Also had the sight of A10's very low level along the dove valley.
Neal

[AndrewBarclay]

I was present with Keith Fidler,Ken Whitfield Ian Hudson, Geoff Warwick and Peter Nicholson all Thursday Boys as I recall there was a flight of 4 or 5 tj
All in escelon formation the first four were able to turn on to the target the 5th missed the turn but dropped his practice which flew over our heads And landed 86 feet shy of the target RAF measurement on the radio it was suggested that a crate of beer in the mess should be all that was required.The Aircraft were Buccaneers

[AndrewBarclay]

Does anybody remember Exercise Pegasus fury out of Lynham 15 C 130s flew low level on a Saturday afternoon l was on Coms when a short notice NOTAM was generated they flew in three Waves Five from Lynham up the Irish Sea PD Valley into Morecambe Bay onto D510 to Scottish MTA back England D510 Morcambe Bay RTB Lynham.I was on duty for this exercise. But l did get secret early knowledge of a Para drop by US Rangers it that’s another story.

[Hymermobiler]

Sorry to jump on this but it may be connected with these exercises.
Does anyone remember C-130's about a dozen of them at a time, going through the Lichfield Corridor ? Similar date, quite a regular occurance.
Also had the sight of A10's very low level along the dove valley.
Neal

I have a vague memory of a large formation of C130 notamed to go through the lakes. I cant remember who i was with but we went up to the Appleby valley as we thought that was the most likely route only to see them from a distance as they came out of the M6 pass going north. Could have kicked myself for thinking the M6 pass was too narrow for a large formation.

[Hymermobiler]

I was present with Keith Fidler,Ken Whitfield Ian Hudson, Geoff Warwick and Peter Nicholson all Thursday Boys as I recall there was a flight of 4 or 5 tj
All in escelon formation the first four were able to turn on to the target the 5th missed the turn but dropped his practice which flew over our heads And landed 86 feet shy of the target RAF measurement on the radio it was suggested that a crate of beer in the mess should be all that was required.The Aircraft were Buccaneers

Check out my Spade videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOy3ZxSL0c you might hear some familiar voices.

[Andyph]

Sorry to jump on this but it may be connected with these exercises.
Does anyone remember C-130's about a dozen of them at a time, going through the Lichfield Corridor ? Similar date, quite a regular occurance.
Also had the sight of A10's very low level along the dove valley.
Neal

I have a vague memory of a large formation of C130 notamed to go through the lakes. I cant remember who i was with but we went up to the Appleby valley as we thought that was the most likely route only to see them from a distance as they came out of the M6 pass going north. Could have kicked myself for thinking the M6 pass was too narrow for a large formation.

Yeah I vaguely remember seeing that Notam too. But didn't go with you though - guessing I was down south.
Wasnt there a lot of fast jets too - F3 as escorts and muds too.
Cant remember if the drop zone was Spade, Otterburn or West Freugh airfield?

[Blackcat1]

Sorry to jump on this but it may be connected with these exercises.
Does anyone remember C-130's about a dozen of them at a time, going through the Lichfield Corridor ? Similar date, quite a regular occurance.
Also had the sight of A10's very low level along the dove valley.
Neal

I have a vague memory of a large formation of C130 notamed to go through the lakes. I cant remember who i was with but we went up to the Appleby valley as we thought that was the most likely route only to see them from a distance as they came out of the M6 pass going north. Could have kicked myself for thinking the M6 pass was too narrow for a large formation.

Yeah I vaguely remember seeing that Notam too. But didn't go with you though - guessing I was down south.
Wasnt there a lot of fast jets too - F3 as escorts and muds too.
Cant remember if the drop zone was Spade, Otterburn or West Freugh airfield?

Wasn’t that the old “Bullseye” exercises involving lots of C130 nations at Lyneham? I remember seeing Canadian, New Zealand & other Nations flying C130s through Sennybridge & LFA7.

[Blackcat1]

I have a vague memory of a large formation of C130 notamed to go through the lakes. I cant remember who i was with but we went up to the Appleby valley as we thought that was the most likely route only to see them from a distance as they came out of the M6 pass going north. Could have kicked myself for thinking the M6 pass was too narrow for a large formation.

Yeah I vaguely remember seeing that Notam too. But didn't go with you though - guessing I was down south.
Wasnt there a lot of fast jets too - F3 as escorts and muds too.
Cant remember if the drop zone was Spade, Otterburn or West Freugh airfield?

Wasn’t that the old “Bullseye” exercises involving lots of C130 nations at Lyneham? I remember seeing Canadian, New Zealand & other Nations flying C130s through Sennybridge & LFA7 and other LFAs

[Bilvo]

Sorry to go off topic but the rarest sighting for me in my locality were 4x Viggens escorted by 4 Jaguars, I think from 54 Squadron low level through the Usk valley between Brecon & Sennybridge whilst having a drink with my family outside the White House Hotel in Sennybridge ( cracking beer garden right on the main low level route) It was around 95/97 I think as I was drinking coke did anyone else see them in LFA7? Did they Loop!? No forum or social media in those days ! Thanks

Don't recall any visits to Coltishall by Viggen's in the 90's!? In 1983 and 2001 there were exchange visits, I wasn't there for the 1983 visit but in 2001 it was four of the recce Viggens on exchange with 41 Squadron which brought with them the two (at that time) last flying twin seaters in splinter camo.

[Blackcat1]

Sorry to go off topic but the rarest sighting for me in my locality were 4x Viggens escorted by 4 Jaguars, I think from 54 Squadron low level through the Usk valley between Brecon & Sennybridge whilst having a drink with my family outside the White House Hotel in Sennybridge ( cracking beer garden right on the main low level route) It was around 95/97 I think as I was drinking coke did anyone else see them in LFA7? Did they Loop!? No forum or social media in those days ! Thanks

Don't recall any visits to Coltishall by Viggen's in the 90's!? In 1983 and 2001 there were exchange visits, I wasn't there for the 1983 visit but in 2001 it was four of the recce Viggens on exchange with 41 Squadron which brought with them the two (at that time) last flying twin seaters in splinter camo.

It was probably 2001 then I was only 1 years old in 83 , maybe the other 2 Jags were not part of the formation just in the same area at the same time , as we used to get 20-30 passes in those days