Visit to Unst by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh - 1 May 1995

In May 1995 the Duke of Edinburgh, who was en route to Sweden, paid a short visit to Unst.  He arrived at the Baltasound Airstrip in a 32 Sqn helicopter, went straight to the Top Site, on to the Sgts Mess, saw the new Quarters at SHE and then visited the Unst Leisure Centre. The whole visit was over in less than 3 hours. A copy of the Itinerary from the Admin order is below. (Left click on pictures to enlarge).

The only photos I have of the visit were taken at SHE in the afternoon. The photos look like someone’s private snaps – I would be happy to credit them to the photographer or remove them if so wished. The first phase of the new quarters had just been completed and Prince Philip unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.  In the photos (apart from Prince Philip) I can recognise the Lord Lieutenant for Shetland Mr JH Scott, the CO – Sqn Ldr Hann and Dennis Buddle.

An extract (now declassified) from the Unit History (F540) which describes the visit, is below:-

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AOCs 1972 - AVM IG Broom

The AOCs inspection in 1972 took place on 1 June and was carried out by AVM Ivor Broom, AOC 11 Gp. The Station Commander was Sqn Ldr PCG Woolston. I notice that the AOC is wearing a black armband – I’m not certain why this was but my best guess is that it was linked to the death of Edward, Duke of Windsor, on 28 May 72.

I also notice that there was a pipe band in attendance. I presume that it was from RAF Kinloss from where members of the Band were detached to Saxa on a number of occasions in the 70’s. (Left click on pictures to enlarge).

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AOCs Inspection 1996 – AVM CR Spink

On 3 June 1996 AVM CR Spink CBE FCMI RAF carried out the AOC’s Inspection. At the time the Station Commander was Sqn Ldr Bill Gray.

During his career AVM Cliff Spink flew a variety of fast jets including the Gnat, Hunter, Lightning, Phantom and Tornado. He was the Tornado detachment Commander during the first Gulf War. During his tour as Station Commander at RAF Coningsby, which hosted the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, he flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires. Since retiring he has be active in the restoration of and flying historic aircraft – among them the Spitfire , F86, Bf109 and Sea Fury.

 During his visit AVM Spink awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to 4 Corporals.  The people involved were Cpl S Comben, Cpl R Byrne,  Cpl R Fernley and Cpl S Manley. I only have 3 pictures of the event and I only know the name of one of recipient in the picture. If anyone can attach the correct names to the other 2 pictures or supply a picture of the fourth recipient, it would be appreciated.

 

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LINK 11 at Saxa Vord

Link 11 was installed at Saxa in 1984. The system was designed to provide high speed computer to computer exchange of digital information between ships, aircraft and shore based installations. Planning for the equipment began in the early 50s between UK, US and Canada. When eventually made operational the system was based on 60’s technology and did not operate as quickly as more modern equipment. It was designed to use both HF and UHF but the UHF element was normally for use ship to ship and ship to aircraft. The UHF operations were basically restricted to line of sight whilst the HF links could operate out to about 300 miles.
The introduction of Link 11 to UKADGE was to meet ASR . 894 which I presume means “Air Staff Requirement 894”. Link 11 became part of the ADGE Data Link Buffer System (ADLBS). (Left click on pictures to enlarge).

The following 5 pictures show the installation on the equipment:

The next 3pictures show the Link 11 after installation and the operators console:

The masts are still in situ 4 years after station closure. Whether or not they are being used remotely from another UKADGE site, on care & maintenance or just remaining on site awaiting a scrap merchant I don’t know.

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