The Red Sparrows , who became The Red Pelicans...Mrs Ex-Ascot wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 5:10 pmThey've always been known as the "Dead Sparrows" in RAF circles.
With one's little pink bottom so close to the ground, height judgement was easy.
RogerThe non-statutory inquiry has documented at least 13 alleged incidents of sexual harassment, assault and sexual assault, bullying, intimidation, indecent exposure, victimisation, 'misunderstanding of consent', misogyny and isolation.
well-greased, would serve his time in the barrel on a Friday beer-call .............. Ah! Memories of the Jaguar Squadron's boss's welcome to his new JP.... viewtopic.php?f=45&t=7251&p=337041&hilit=queer#p337041 Was that the nationally known news-reader who signed in at the guardroom under her maiden name in a failed attempt to conceal her identity?
Q1. I believe the tv personality's ex married the Red's ex..... making it a swap of sorts I suppose.
The Red Arrows occupy an exalted place in Britain’s cultural landscape. No moment of national pageantry or civic celebration, from the Platinum Jubilee to the smallest provincial air show, is complete without an aerobatic display from the RAF’s most recognisable squadron. For generations that have known only peace, they are the most visible members of the armed forces. It is for that reason that a litany of squalid allegations of bullying and sexual harassment against its personnel uncovered by The Times is so shocking.
For more than eight months the RAF has been investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour against members of the squadron. Some 40 personnel have given 250 hours of evidence. Among them are several young female recruits disheartened and dismayed by their experiences. Pilots are accused of a culture of heavy drinking that, according to whistleblowers, may have resulted in them flying with alcohol in their systems. The inquiry has also heard allegations of misogyny, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault and indecent exposure.
For Britons with fond memories of the Red Arrows’ skills, reports of such chauvinism, boorishness and alleged criminality will be deeply dispiriting. Those who have endured what one witness referred to as a “toxic pocket” of the RAF are less surprised. Indeed, they warn that these allegations, which have prompted the resignation of the squadron’s leader and the suspension of two of its nine pilots, are far from exceptional.
Witnesses who have spoken to The Times at considerable personal risk describe an exercise in intimidation and obfuscation. Though the inquiry was commissioned in December, its conclusion has been delayed from May repeatedly without explanation. There is no timetable for the release of its findings, still less a guarantee of it. Worse still, alleged victims complain they were warned that the price of their testimony would be dismissal from the force.
Britons have every right to expect better from the armed forces than frat-house idiocy, bullying and worse. So too, for that matter, do the vast majority of recruits, increasing numbers of them young women, who enlist to serve their country and fulfil their duties unimpeachably. Unfortunately, few who wear uniform will be surprised by our reporting, for the problem is not isolated. Rather, it appears endemic. This week we revealed also that allegations of bullying in the army have increased by almost 40 per cent in the past seven years. Most of the reports are thrown out. Some have been linked to suicides. Such scandals are not new. Similar stories have recurred for decades. Scandals with such human costs ought to result in introspection and reform. Yet again and again the military escapes real accountability.
