SECRET
Annex "D" to Historical Report
The 439 Squadron representation to the sixth NATO Tiger Meet at RAF Leuchars, 5-9 Jul 66, was headed by S/L JL Frazer, Officer Commanding, and comprised six pilots, one photo interpreter and 25 ground crew officers and men. The three CF-104's were supported on arrival and departure by Dakota and Bristol aircraft of 109KU.
The flying programme consisted of two sorties per aircraft per day. The absence of air traffic congestion and the favourable weather conditions which prevailed were in marked contrast to last year's Meet in Bitburg, and enabled the full programme to be completed. With the exception of two missions devoted to a combined aircraft formation fly-past and two to public relations photography, low-level reconnaissance missions were flown in the Scottish low-level structure. These were of particular value to pilots, as the terrain and in many cases the targets presented a fresh challenge. Film was processed in the groundphoto section, a minimum of photo equipment being deployed.
Other visiting aircraft present were F-4Ds and F-100s (USAF), F-104Gs (RBAF), Mystere MB-2s (FAF), and Sabre 6s and T-33s (GAF). The flying display on 8 July consisted of solo performances by Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lightning F-4, a formation of four Lightnings of 74 Squadron, and combined formation fly-past, consisting of one aircraft from each squadron.
After the rehearsal for this display, the CF-104 crossed the field with Spitfire and Hurricane forming a "vic". One other unexpected highlight of the Meet was the arrival of the cruiser HMS "Tiger" in Bosyth dockyard. A signal was received extending good wishes from the "seaborne Tigers" to the airborne "Tigers". A brief telephone conversation arranged the identifying smoke-puff seen in the accompanying photograph.
439 Squadron groundcrew once more proved their worth by servicing the Belgian contingent on their arrival and by repairing a hydraulic leak on a German Sabre 6. Their efforts were a credit to 1 Wing and to the RCAF, and to a man they expressed satisfaction with the manner in which they were received and entertained at Leuchars.
74 Squadron proved outstanding hosts, the social programme including, for the officers; a cocktail party, an evening at a ten-pin bowling alley, and a Mess Dinner, and for the airmen; a brewery visit in Edinburgh, bowling, and a dance. As at least years meet, our photo interpreter, F/L Hornal, and Photo Officer, F/L Harrington, maintained a photo display in the Mess of each day's work, all appropriately annotated.
Distinguished visitors for the flying display and Mess Dinner included General RM Lee, Air Deputy SHAPE, Air Marshal Sir Frederick R Rozier, AOC-in-C Fighter Command, and General Hardy, Commander 3rd Air Force.
Continuity of the "Tiger Meet" is assured by the offer of 52/1 Squadron (GAF) to host the 1967 Meet at Leck, and 439 Squadron the 1968 Meet.
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Updated: October 13, 2004
