Talk: The first RAF 'Top Guns' at Red Flag

Join the Army Flying Museum for a fascinating daytime talk on Wednesday 4th November at 10:30am featuring Squadron Leader Stuart Ager, who led the first RAF contingent to participate in the legendary Red Flag exercise.

In the middle of the 1970s, No. 208 Squadron RAF reformed with Buccaneer aircraft based at RAF Honington in Suffolk. As a frontline squadron, 208 Squadron flew various missions across Germany, Scandinavia and beyond, maintaining readiness for ground attack operations and nuclear strike capabilities.

Red Flag, developed by the United States Air Force, represents the largest air-war exercise designed to enable fighter and fast-jet aircrews to survive and flourish in combat operations. In 1977, 208 Squadron was selected as the first RAF squadron to participate in this prestigious exercise. Squadron Leader Stuart Ager, accompanied by navigator David Wilby, led the inaugural flight of four aircraft to Nellis Air Base near Las Vegas. Over the subsequent two weeks, the USAF acknowledged the Buccaneers and their aircrew as formidable opponents.

During this talk, Stuart will recount his extensive experience flying the Buccaneer across 208, 237 OCU, XV and 16 Squadrons, including his participation in no fewer than six Red Flag wargames. The talk content is based on the speaker's research and personal experiences.

As an independent charity, the Army Flying Museum dedicates all proceeds from this event towards preserving the history of British Army aviation.