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From Borneo to Lockerbie (ePub)

Memoirs of a RAF Helicopter Pilot

Aviation Military > Biographies > Military Biographies

By Geoffrey Leeming
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
File Size: 24.7 MB (.epub)
Pages: 220
ISBN: 9781783469642
Published: 2nd May 2013

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In 1961 Geoffrey Leeming achieved his boyhood ambition to become an RAF pilot. After a period as co-pilot on the tanker variant of the Valiant bomber, a sudden change of circumstances resulted in most of his subsequent service flying being as a helicopter pilot. The helicopter most in use at this time was the Whirlwind, a good aircraft but of limited performance and lacking the technical aids enjoyed by later types of helicopters.

He next flew in the little-known Borneo Confrontation of the 1960s. Living in primitive jungle bases alongside loyal and friendly natives, the Whirlwind crews supported the land forces operating along the Indonesian border with long and hazardous flights over dense, frequently uncharted, jungle.

Most of the Author's remaining helicopter service was in the Search and Rescue role, firstly from RAF Lossiemouth, then from RAF Valley, flying in the mountains and over the surrounding seas of the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia. Many lives were saved by Geoffrey and his crewmen in weather conditions frequently exceeding the safety limits in which they were supposed to operate.

His final postings were as an instructor and as commander of the Search and Rescue Training Unit at Valley. This period culminated in his traumatic involvement in the immediate aftermath of the explosion of the Pan Am airliner over Lockerbie.

From Borneo to Lockerbie is an exciting flying memoir enhanced by the Author's natural modesty.

A well-written account of an interesting career.

Aeromilitaria

An exciting memoir enhanced by the Author's natural modesty.

Forces Pension Society

First hand experiences, written with charm and modesty.

FlyPast

This account is a good read and will interest many in this society. In the historical arena, it will prove, in years to come, to be valuable insight into daily life in the RAF for a typical aircrew officer.

RAF Historical Society

In 1961 Geoffrey Leeming achieved his boyhood ambition to become an RAF pilot. He flew in the little-known Borneo Confrontation of the 1960s flying Whirlwind helicopters which supported the land forces operating along the Indonesian border with long and hazardous flights over dense, frequently unchartered, jungle.

Britain at War

While most of us appreciate the skill of SAR pilots and their crews, what this book brings out is the dedication and determination with which they carry out their task. I wouldn't have believed that an SAR Whirlwind could have located a vessel in fog by following the rubbish trail they'd asked the ship's crew to jettison until I'd read Geoffrey Leeming's description of how they did it. Great Stuff!

Pilot

About Geoffrey Leeming

Geoff Leeming served with the RAF from 1961 to 1990 flying a wide range of aircraft including Valiant V-bombers in the Cold War but mainly in RAF helicopters.

He is now retired and lives on Anglesey.

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