Camera Trouble

The Squadron currently finds itself much involved with operations overseas in the support of ground forces.  Doubtless many tales of the Gulf and Afghanistan will be told in the fullness of time as and when history and the Official Secrets Act allow.  However, it is gratifying to read of equally worthy endeavours closer to home which proves that the defence budget is being spent wisely and providing benefits to ordinary citizens.

The following account was spotted in the Letters Page of the Daily Telegraph and given the clues therein can only be referring to an event which aircraft most certainly from RAF Marham were involved and, by implication, given the mix/match of crews and aircraft these days would suggest that II(AC) Sqn were involved in some way.   However, if this is not the case, then it still makes for a good story and makes my heart beat a little prouder to think I have mixed with these great people!  Read on:

Sir,

Regarding the increasing amount the Government is receiving from speeding tickets, I found a report in my local newspaper of interest.

Norfolk Constabulary was apparently conducting revenue collection when a fighter from a local airbase came over the horizon.  The camera, to the joy of the officers, registered 300 mph.  However, the camera could not be reset and stopped working, thereby denying further revenue collection.  The Chief Constable was not pleased and fired off a missive to the RAF, pointing out targets had to met. The RAF replied that the radar gun had been identified by the approaching Tornado aircraft as hostile and it had sent a jamming signal back to it.  At the same time the Sidewinder missile was primed for launch.   Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, the pilot overrode the automatic protection system before launch.

A few more fighter aircraft in the vicinity of speed camera sites might be interesting with regard to targets and revenue collection.



Credit to Michael Holmes - Old Catton, Norfolk

Dated - 05 Dec 07