Air Cdre John Mitchell (ret’d), flew more than 1,400 hours on Lightnings, including two years as Officer Commanding 92 Squadron at RAF Gütersloh in West Germany. He talks with Dr Kevin Wright about his experiences on this remarkable aircraft.
Lightning F.2A, XN791/D, 92 Sqn about to touchdown at RAF Gütersloh. Hugh Trevor Collection
Lightning F.1, XM136/E, of the Air Fighting Development Squadron – the unit that developed the aircraft’s tactics. Hugh Trevor Collection
John Mitchell started his flying training in Southern Rhodesia during 1949. After graduation during 1950-51 he flew the de Havilland Vampire and Gloster Meteor and was swiftly recognised as instructor material. He was ‘creamed off’ to join the Central Flying School at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire as a qualified flying instructor (QFI).
