THIS month Operations Black Buck 1 to 7 were presented by Member Richard Stark. These were the Royal Air Force long-range bombing missions conducted during the Falklands War to drop 21,000lb of bombs Stanley Airport runway.

Aeronautics lover Richard explained how almost obsolete Vulcan bombers and Victor Tankers were used for the operation.

Vulcan lacked the range to fly 3,400 miles directly from the Ascension Islands to the Falklands and so an in-flight, relay, refuelling plan was devised which allowed 20 Victor tankers to get one Vulcan Bomber there and back.

Minimal damage to the runway and radars were quickly repaired but the shock to Argentine morale more than made up for that.

The next meeting is on June 17 at St Luke’s Church Hall, Headless Cross and will be ‘Operation Market Garden – A bridge too far!’ and will be told by member Steve Bullock.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start. (Normal £3 door charge applies).

Contact Ron Gallivan on 01527 545450 or e-mail ronnieg33b@ hotmail.co.uk for full details.