On 3rd October Upper Warden Christopher
Laing, Renter Warden Andrew Panter and Past
Master John Mills visited RAF Coningsby to
meet members of our newest Services Affiliate
from 29 (R) Squadron RAF. We were
accompanied by Air Commodore Euan Black
who had very kindly facilitated our arrangements.
From the moment we arrived at Coningsby we
were given special treatment being met by Flt Lt
‘Bruffy’ Brough before being introduced to Sqn
Ldr Jonny Springer the Officer Commanding 29
Squadron. After an outline of the Squadron’s
history and activity in the main briefing room we
set off for the hanger in which were housed the
RAF’s newest fighting machine, the Typhoon –
also known as the Eurofighter. This is the most
technical of all flying machines and without the
aid of computers would not be at all stable in the air. Messrs Laing, Panter and Mills were allowed to sit in
the hot seats for a tour of the cockpit, but were warned to keep hands off the ignition key!
Left to Right: Air Commodore Euan Black, Andrew Panter, Christopher Laing and John Mills
Throughout the tour the ever present noise of jet engines reminded us that this was an active station and
made everyone feel that we were most fortunate to have secured this affiliation. After sampling the Typhoon
we were taken across the base to visit one of the other occupants of RAF Coningsby – The Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight, who have celebrated 50 years as a unit in 2007. Sqn Ldr Al Pinner showed us around the
display of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster which were all in maintenance, having completed their summer
programme of displays. This was a special moment for us all as we witnessed the care and attention being
bestowed upon these venerable aircraft, some of which still carried bullet scars from their exploits in the
Battle of Britain.
After a lunch with other officers it was time to take to the air – not literally but at the helm of the Typhoon
simulator. Flying fast and low over Wales and Lincolnshire this was an amazing experience, which all
fortunately survived without having to recourse to the ejector seat! It was a taste of the training offered at
Coningsby to pilots who are converting to the Typhoon from other aircraft and although the simulators
themselves are very expensive this is nothing compared to the cost of a pilot and the new aircraft. As we
neared the end of our visit we exchanged plaques and discussed how our two organisations could work
together. Past Master Mills is to act as our liaison with 29 (R) Squadron and through this arrangement we
will attend dining nights, hold golfing challenges and support a competition for the leading aircrew of the
year.
Keys please?
Our grateful thanks go to all members of the Squadron for their hospitality and interest and we look
forward to further visits in due course.