Little has been told about Royal Marines aviation, initially Unit Air Troops which transmuted into 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, a small and select unit which operated light helicopters between 1965 and 1995. Royal Marines Officer and SNCO pilots had the unique privilege of being Commando soldiers, flying from ships and operating ashore in support of marines in a variety of environments, including the Arctic, mountains and deserts.
The talk contains many aviation anecdotes, accidents and incidents many amusing, several chaotic and some tragic. The author gives a vivid first-hand account of military rotary wing flying which includes:
• The evolution and technological advances of Royal Marines aviation flying the Sioux, Gazelle, Scout and Lynx helicopters.
• The challenges of military basic and advanced flying training from both a student’s and flying instructor’s perspectives.
· Deck landings and flying operations from ships at sea.
• Operating globally from Malta, the jungles of Brunei, the Pyrenees, Arctic Norway and the UK.
• Operations in Northern Ireland and in Northern Iraq in 1991 protecting the Kurds during Operation Haven.
• The pressures of display flying and leading a helicopter display team.
Robert served in the Royal Marines from 1969 to 2000, qualifying as a pilot and thus serving through most of the span of the Royal Marines Air Squadron from a junior pilot through to commanding officer. He was a flying instructor and served an exchange tour at the Army Air Corps Centre. He retired as a Colonel with the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air and the US Legion of Merit. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
This unusual story should appeal to aircrew both civil and military, aviation enthusiasts and military historians.
Robert is the author of ‘Flying Light Helicopters with the Royal Marines – Collective Tales from Marine Air 489’ and you will be able to buy a signed copy on the day.
The content of talks are based on the research and views of the guest speakers.
The Museum is an independent charity and all proceeds from this event go towards supporting the work we do in preserving the history of British Army aviation.
