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1 January
RAF Signals Command is disbanded and reformed as No.90 (Signals) Group,
Strike Command.
10 January
A disbandment parade is held for the squadrons of the North East Air Force
Strike Wing (Nos. 6, 32, 73 and 249 Squadrons). The squadrons proceeded
to disband during January and February 1969. Subsequently, a new Central
Treaty Organisation dedicated Strike Wing was formed from No.9 and No.35
Squadrons, each equipped with 8 Avro Vulcan B2 bombers.
11 May
An air race between London and New York is sponsored by the Daily Mail
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first transatlantic air crossing.
British
military participation in the air race was co-ordinated by an RAF team
under the codename Blue Nylon and included aircraft and crews of No.1
Squadron (Hawker Siddeley Harrier), No.55 and No.57 Squadrons (Handley
Page Victor tankers), No.72 Squadron (Westland Wessex), No.543 Squadron
(Victor SR2 reconnaissance aircraft) and No.892 Squadron Fleet Air Arm
(McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG1).
The shortest overall time between London and New York was achieved by Squadron Leader Tom Lecky-Tompson of No.1 Squadron (Harrier GR1) and the shortest time between New York and London was set by Lieutenant Commander Brian Davies (pilot) and Lieutenant Commander Peter Goddard (observer) of No.892 Squadron (Phantom FG1).
30
June
The RAF's 'V-force' relinquished the Quick Reaction Alert role and responsibility
for Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent passed to the Polaris missile
submarines of the Royal Navy.
14 July
The first detachment of Royal Air Force (RAF) support helicopters is despatched
to Northern Ireland to assist British Army units attempting to control
inter-communal violence between the Protestant and Catholic communities.
Four Westland Wessex helicopters of No.72 Squadron were despatched to
Ballykelly. The detachment was relieved by a detachment from No.18 Squadron
in March 1970.
September
The British Aircraft Corporation Jet Provost T5 enters service with Central
Flying School.
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