Page 125 - Demo

123they saw us, when we would have to return to our formation.However, as we approached from the traditional up-sun position, there was no change in the Buccaneers%u2019 course or speed, which remained a little less than we had built up in the dive. I rolled out of our descending turn exactly where I had planned (to be honest, rather to my surprise) and, for a few seconds, the Buccaneer formation included a Jet Provost in short trail behind the leader. We were of course unable to maintain the speed we had gained in the dive, so we soon fell behind and climbed back up to rejoin our leader. The planned exercise continued with, I hoped, my student having been suitably impressed by my skill as an interceptor.That evening, as was traditional after work, we went to the Officers%u2019 Mess %u2018Bothy Bar%u2019 to slake our thirst. Soon several members of 12 Squadron walked in, including their Boss whom I had known at a previous station. Anticipating a free beer, I enquired (less than subtly) as to who had been in the formation at such and such a time over Findhorn Bay. Even before I had the opportunity to call the said formation%u2019s lookout into question, the Wing Commander accepted responsibility. %u201cI was leading, and you%u2019re entitled to your beer, Dave, but perhaps a few words in explanation. Did you happen to notice what was going on underneath us as you slipped in behind?%u201d Of course I hadn%u2019t, I%u2019d been far too keen on getting into position! %u201cOh, so you didn%u2019t see the chap standing on the deck of the launch?%u201dWHAT LAUNCH? %u201cSo you wouldn%u2019t have seen him returning the salute as we flew past to welcome him as our new Air Officer Commanding!%u201dFootnote - Knowing that particular Air Officer%u2019s reputation, and having previously met him, I%u2019m pretty certain that incident had no bearing on my subsequent lack of promotion. There must have been some other reason!