The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan nuclear bomber pilot (318)

Nov 18, 2023

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Kevin was born in Wigan in North West England and joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1956 with only 3 O Levels. He came top of his course but was posted into supplies at RAF St Mawgan. However, he quickly became in charge of their clothing stores and via a fortuitous route became a trainee pilot.

By May 1963 he joined the RAF V Force as a Vulcan pilot and served with 44 Squadron where Vulcan crews were being converted to low-level flying.

He describes the challenges of low-level flying, Vulcan handling, and the immense power of the Vulcan’s engines and training in Canada.

We also hear about the different methods of nuclear bomb release, what it was like to be on Quick Reaction Alert, and his targets in the Soviet Union.

Kevin also flew a number of the Queen’s birthday flights up the Mall and describes a near collision on one of these events in cloud.

He also remembers some of his colleagues who never came back from missions.

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0:00 Introduction and Background of Kevin

3:35 Kevin's Journey from Corporal Supplier to Vulcan Pilot

9:49 Kevin's Experiences and Training as a Vulcan pilot

18:20 Low-Level Flying, and Navigating