In 1958 the arrival of the Avro Vulcan placed 617 Sqn firmly back in the long-range strategic bomber role. Dr Kevin Wright talks with former crew members about their experiences on the unit.
DAMBUSTERS SPECIAL
No.617 Sqn re-formed at its wartime home of RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, on May 1, 1958 with Vulcan B.1s, armed with nuclear and conventional weapons. For success it relied on speed from four Bristol Olympus 101 engines, altitude and the combined skills of its pilot, co-pilot, navigator-plotter, navigator-radar and an air electronics operator.
Retired Wg Cdr, then Sqn Ldr Darrell Hamley was already an experienced bomber captain before flying the big delta. „As soon as I saw the Vulcan prototype for the first time in 1952, [I thought] it was a gorgeous aircraft. I thought ‘I love that airplane’. Afterwards, whenever asked what I wanted to fly next, I just kept saying, Vulcan, Vulcan, Vulcan. Eventually someone gave in and they posted me to the Operational Conversion Unit.”
He joined 617 Sqn as a flight commander in June 1959. „It was a lovely aeroplane, totally delightful, with a vast amount of power. The easiest aeroplane to land you could wish for.” Darrell flew all three versions of the Vulcan: …
