During Dr Patrick Moore's visit to Cyprus last week he took time to give a lecture on 'The Sky at Night' to the personnel and their families of Royal Air Force Akrotiri. Approximately 400 people sat under the stars to listen to Dr Moore's lecture and see his amazing collection of slides.

The following morning Group Captain Paul Grey, the Station Commander, took Dr Moore on a visit around Royal Air Force Akrotiri. One ot their first stops was 19 (F) Squad on who are here on their Armament Practice Camp.

For the first time in his life Dr Moore climbed into the cockpit of a fighter aircraft. His obvious enthusiasm for the aircraft was rewarded when he was made an honorary member of the Squadron and presented with the Squadron tie to mark the occasion. Dr Patrick Moore was in fact renewing his acquaintance with the Royal Air Force. He was an officer, a navigator, during the Second World War, serving from 1940 - 1945

Patrick Moore Gets to Grips with his monocle and the Avionics of a 19 SQN Phantom.

Picture. Ray Johnston

When Mrs Jackie Sanderson, of Akrotiri Primary School, decided to take her class 'to sea' on an educational trip, I'm sure she had no idea that one of the parents she 'bulldozed', sorry, asked to come along to help, would suddenly leap off the stern of The Hyperion and flounder helplessly in the sea, far from the coast. . . shades of 'JAWS!'

However, all was well, as a Whirlwind helicopter of 84 Sqn, piloted by Fit Lt Mike Sims and with 'McCleans/Signal/Crest' star winchman/Navigator, Fit Lt Dave Heslam-Eley (Why does he keep cropping up in Flamingo?). . . . where was I anyway? Yes, A genuine 'Yellow Bird' was in the vicinity at the time and managed to pluck the potential suicid8 victim, FIt Lt Mike Wilson (disguised as a sunburned Father Christmas) from the waves and deposit him at Akrotiri Mole, conveniently near to a Carlsberg. One of Mrs Sanderson's class won the competition for the best drawing of the scenario and here is her winning entry. Thank you Melanie Scott. we like your drawing.

22 (or so) Children
in a Boat 

Historic Plaque Presented
At a recent presentation to RAF Akrotiri, Group Captain Pallister, Commanding Officer of The Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Hospital presented a very attractive copper plaque to the Officers Mess. It was accepted on behalf of the Mess by the Deputy PMC, Squadron Leader Cranfield. Also at the presentation was the visiting Principal Medical Officer, RAF Strike Command, Air Vice Marshal Atkinson and the Station Commander, Group Captain Gray.
The plaque, one of two, was on the gate post of RAF Hospital, Habbanya, I raq which was closed in 1959. The other plaque can be seen in the foyer of TPMH. BP

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Sheridan's  Air  Force

Colour Bar
"Dad, I've decided to join the Army." My son's fist thumped defiantly on the table as, eyes bla­zing, he made his preposterous but determined declaration. You could have knocked me down with a feather. 'Where had we gone wrong,' I thought. 'We had given all our kids a good home, plenty of food, and even a cat. So where had we gone wrong?'

"That's what comes of  lettin' them live next door to US," screamed my wife at me over the breakfast table. She then proceeded to achieve the impossible by squeezing a slice of toast past the cigarette which was firmly attached to her lower lip. You give everything to your children and that's all the thanks you get," she added grimly. By this time tears were streaming down her face, taking with them much of the heavy mascara which had been painted on for last Saturday's party.

Depressed
Seeing her sitting there, wearing those enor­mous curlers and her Mum's old moth-eaten bloomers, I felt heavily depressed. "We set them such a good example too," she exclaimed blo­wing out the cigarette ash that had dropped into her soft-boiled egg. I couldn't take any more and my control finally broke. So I made for the 'fri­dge to have my first beer of the day, which even shook my wife because, as a rule, I never drink until after breakfast.

Racial Integration
When I told my mates at work they were as shocked as we had been. "Mind you:' said Chiefy puffing his pipe thoughtfully, "I've been told some of them 'brown jobs' are all right. I know they are a different colour from us, but take those khaki uniforms off and what have you got?"

"Khaki underwear?" I suggested helpfulIy.
"Well look at it this way," continued Chiefy unbashed.

"Their kids go to the same schools as ours, some of them live next door to us, and they use the same shops. They even share our Messes. Racial integration that's what it is.
"Ah! But would you let your daughter marry one?" I asked.
"I ain't got a daughter," replied Chiefy
"But what if you had?" I demanded.
"I dunno, I think so - cos' I'm broad-minded and I've got a modern outlook. I admit it would be 'ard to live down and the wife would go spare. "

"There you are then!" I exclaimed triumphantly. I knew I was right.

Sins

My wife was drunk when I got home,  but then she usually was! "I really must pop down to the NAAFI and get her a new nightie," I thought. It might do something for her - but then again it might not. Best leave well alone, what she's got on covers a multitude of sins and, in any case, its sort of a family heirloom. One day they'll belong to my little girl!

Flight Commander

Sighing heavily I dragged her away from the 'fridge and propped her up against the wall. Then, eating some left-over cold toast in yester­day's warmed up Campbell's soup, I pondered on what my next step should be. 'Perhaps my Flight Commander could help out,' I thought.

Understanding

He was just .getting ready to go to the TPMH golf course when I arrived at his house. "My dear chap, you look terrible, "I he cried. " But then you nearly always do. What on earth has happened?" When I explained he was very un­derstanding. Don't worry old thing, I know what a blow this must be. I'll see what I can do. I Then after a  little thought he added "ldon't think you'll have to resign." Then more angrily " That's what comes of letting them have our Quarters. But there are worse things - there must be, tho' I can't think of any just at the moment."

I know what, I'll send the wife round to see yours sometime. That should cheer her up - but then again it might not! Must go now - though I tell you I'm tempted to scrub the game I've got with some Army chap, I feel so angry about it all. What makes it worse is that he always beats me! I should have a word with the Padre if I were you!"

The Padre was most understanding, and as we prayed together for guidance I knew I had done everything I could. My wife was still lying prostrate when I got home. The kitchen was full of kids playing 'Star Wars' - with my uncons­cious wife - curlers and all - being used as the 'enemy'. Immediately, I knew I would have to act so threw all the Army children out­enough is enough. Then leaving the others in the kitchen I proceeded to drown my sorrows. " "

Spaceman

That night my son came to see me. "I've cha­nged my mind Dad," he said. "I'm going to be a spaceman instead when I grow up." My heart leaped with joy, and I knew that our attendance at the Patrick Moore lecture had not been was­ted. Then I rushed into the kitchen to throw a bucket of water over the wife. "She cried as she woke to hear our good news." "Lesh have a drink to celebrate." So we did!

Worrying

Now the only thing that worries me is that he might change his mind again, this afternoon, when his class at the Primary School visits the frigate that's parked off the Mole. There's some­thing about a sailor. . .

Sheridan

As Flamingo goes to press, we are pleased to announce the arrival of 92 Squadron who recently powered into Akrotiri at the start of their annual Armament Practice Camp.
Commanded by Wing Commander John Graham, the Cobras made an impressive sight as they overflew Akrotiri in a perfect 'Diamond Nine.' Welcome back, lads. Pictured, signing in with the SBA Customs, Wing Commander Graham declares that he has no livestock, parrots. . . or Cobras in his baggage. For the uninitiated, 92 Sqn concoct an evil red and yellow drink, known as a snakebite. You have been warned.

The second picture shows one of 92's Phantoms taxying in at Akrotiri waving the squadron colours. That's really showing the flag!

Pics by Graham Mills

DC10 INTO AKROTIRI

Tuesday 26 June 1979 saw the arrival of a DCl0 a wide bodied jet at Royal Air Force Akrotiri Air Terminal. The last occasion on which this happened was following the events of 1974 when Turkish Airlines flew one in to evacuate Turkish Cypriots from Happy Valley.

As the Royal Air Force Transport Force had an increased commitment to convey troop reinforcements to Hong Kong there were no VC 1 0 aircraft available to do the regular Cyprus run. The only aircraft available for charter that day was the 345 seat DCl0 from Laker airways, due to the Sky train flight being suspended to the USA.

So 140 pox flew in and 242 pox flew out. It was A real bonanza for indulgees as many got home who would never otherwise hove done so. The pox were very impressed with the comfortable journey - their only complaint being the lock of a bar and the in-flight movie!  JB

Photo Shows members of fire section at Akrotiri getting acquainted with the Glamorous Hosties of Sir Freddy laker. Can you spot the Air Trafficker? 
Photo by Ray Johnston