Quite a story here! It was suggested that I might like to portray the last ejection from a Lightning before it was retired…
April 11th 1988, weeks before being retired, 4 Lightnings of 11 Squadron were to take part in a training exercise over the North Sea with 4 Phantoms of 74 Squadron.
The first of the two Lightning formations comprised Flt Lt Ian Black (Schubert 1) and wingman Flt Lt Dick Coleman, RAAF (Schubert Two). Soon after the exercise commenced, a Mayday call went out from Schubert Two, F6 XR769.
Ian took F6 XS901 alongside to investigate, spotting a 20ft flame scorching the port underbelly of XR769. 20 miles out from RAF Binbrook, at 300 knots and 10,000ft, Dick opted to eject. Ian kept a safe distance and observed Dick‘s escape.
The stricken aircraft continued on track in level flight until – fuel ran out, in a spiralling descent it crashed into the sea. Dick landed safely and was soon rescued by SAR SeaKing from Leconfield and quickly delivered to Binbrook
F6 XR769 was the last English Electric Lightning (of 74) to be lost in 34 years’ Royal Air Force frontline service.
When I was working on the scene I had help from a friend in the Lightning Preservation Group and in the latter stages from Ian Black himself. Between the two I arrived at a successful conclusion. Later on prints were produced and the last one went to Dick Coleman in Australia.
I’ve got to know the Lightning and this story very well!