Best of British

Flight Lieutenants Ian Goold (left), Mike Moore and Simon Ashworth, all former RAF pilots, along with RAAF Flight Lieutenant Mike Perry (third from left), took part in a flypast during recent Battle of Britain commemorations at the War Memorial. Photo by LAC Clint Siggins.

Probably the last time a Pom showed any real speed down under was during the 1932 Bodyline series when Yorkshire coal miner Harold Larwood carved up Bradman and the rest of the Australian cricket team.

But three other Brits have been displaying plenty of speed as Hawk 127 pilots with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Last month the trio participated in a flypast during Battle of Britain commemorations at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Former RAF Harrier, Jaguar and Tornado pilots, Flight Lieutenants Simon “Slash” Ashworth, Mike Moore and Ian Goold arrived in Australia last year, via Saudi Arabia and Italy.

As part of Project Al’Yamamah, FLTLTs Ashworth and Goold were working in Dhahran and Tabuk teaching Saudi Air Force personnel to fly Hawks.

The project was arranged by the British Government in the mid-1980s to sell Hawks and Tornadoes and provide maintenance and flying instruction to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through British Aerospace and the RAF.

The project involved about 60 pilots, mostly British and Australians.

The Australians, working for British Aerospace Australia, talked of greener pastures and FLTLTs Goold and Ashworth, despite never having visited Australia, applied to make the move to start a new career with the Royal Australian Air Force.

“This is fantastic, I love it – there are so many great opportunities for the kids,” he said.

FLTLT Moore, who had been on exchange in Italy flying the AMX fighter-bomber, joined them in July.
All three are now Hawk instructors based at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The appeal of the Australian lifestyle for families was overwhelming and all pilots have been very happy to settle here.

“Now all the kids want to play rugby and cricket for Australia,” FLTLT Goold said.

Before the collapse of the Berlin Wall, FLTLTs Goold and Ashworth had been stationed in Germany as part of a fast reaction force, 20 minutes flying time from the East German border.

Comparing then to now, FLTLT Goold said, “Here, it’s all about bigger spaces and less cataclysmic scenarios.”

Hawk Lead-in Fighters are to be exhibited publicly for the first time in Australia at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Open Day on October 20. The display will include a simulated airfield attack with pyrotechnics and a solo handling display performed by the Flying Slash.

• By Shane Fairlie
  
  

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