Summary: The training and rôle of Jaguar fighters in RAF strike squadrons on the NATO front line.
Description: A NATO base in Europe; "for the RAF, this is the sharp end". In a simulated air strike, a squadron of RAF Jaguars takes off and flies over Germany (crossing the Rhine) in formation. Cut back to the base: pilots are briefed by Squadron Leader Anthony Monkton. The commentary asks "where are men like this to be found?". There are around 10,000 applicants every year, but only 2,000 make it to Biggin Hill RAF Station where a long selection process takes place - only one in eight of these will become Jaguar pilots. The jets (identified as being from 14th Squadron, operating within NATO and the first outside Britain to be equipped with Jaguars) taxi for take-off and are seen in manoeuvres over Germany. Cut to the Jaguar Training School at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland where four young pilots emerge from building which bears No 2 Squadron plaque; they are at the end of their three-and-a-half year training and have just heard of their posting to RAF Brüggen in Germany, part of the NATO front line. They are identified as Flight Lieutenant Dave Weston (degree in economics), Flying Officer Andy Stephens (joined straight from school), Flying Officer Dave Needham (Shrewsbury School, 10 O-levels and 4 A-levels), Flying Officer Stuart Slater. Against film of the four walking to their aircraft, preflight checks, taking off and flying, Dave Weston (in voice-over) reflects on his training, whilst others describe the experience of flying. Shots of the aircraft flying, striking at ground targets, and returning (above cloudbase) in formation. Back at Lossiemouth the pilots relax, drink coffee and chat. Commentary stresses that fast jet pilots need to be young; Wing Commander F A Trowen explains what he's looking for in a pilot. Brief scene of social life; the officers' bar. The four new pilots pack, ready to become front line pilots at RAF Brüggen. They drive off in a Land Rover. The film ends with a simulated attack: battle drill; gas masks; pilots scramble to their aircraft inside bunkers, take off and attack ground targets. "If the unthinkable ever happens in Europe," the RAF must be prepared.
Production Details: Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
James Garrett Productions (Production company)
Garrett, James (Production individual)
Ashton, Ken (Production individual)
Ashton, Ken (Production individual)
Davis, Mike (Production individual)
Watts, Paul (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 953 ft; Running time: 10 mins
