65th Anniversary of the sinking of the TIRPITZ
12 November 2009 marked the 65th anniversary of the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz by a force of Lancaster bombers from IX (B) and 617 Squadrons. To commemorate this anniversary a bombing competition was arranged, with the agreement that the successful Squadron would be presented with the Medium Bomber Efficiency Trophy (MBET).
The bombing competition was integrated into the training schedules of each squadron and took place at the RAF Wainfleet Range near Boston, Lincolnshire. To participate, IX (B) Squadron interrupted their operational work-up preparations for their forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The competition was witnessed by veterans from both Squadrons and invited guests.
The competition took the form of 4 waves of bombing runs by 4 Tornado GR4 aircraft (2 from each Squadron), using 14kg practice bombs. Staged throughout the day, each wave of bombing runs comprised a Medium Level attack from 15,000 feet; a Laid Down Attack from 500 feet; and a High Dive Attack from a 30º angle. Appropriately each bombing run was made against Range Target 4 – a disused barge; and it is believed the aircrfat's normal navigation systems were switched off to mimic the World War II conditions.
The first and second waves of the day were carried out under the call signs of 'Fang' and 'Bulkhead' respectively; and each culminated in a 'Show of Force' flyby of the range tower at 150 feet. Unfortunately one of the Tornados of the 'Bulkhead' wave is believed to have suffered a bird strike after delivery of its practice bomb, sustaining possible minor damage to its tail. The aircraft and crew recovered safely to RAF Marham, Norfolk.
The competition saw 617 Squadron emerge with the MBET, which was presented at a dining in night at the Officers Mess at RAF Marham.
Show of Force flyby.
Range schedule for 12 November 2009.
Pictured right is Air Commodore M J Milligan CBE [Chairman of the IX (B) Squadron Association] with one of the RAF Wainfleet Range Controllers.
