No 4 (AC) Squadron

Operation DELIBERATE FORCE

IV (AC) Squadron had the honour of proving the GR7 in combat during Op DELIBERATE FORCE in 1995. Detailed below are two of the many stories that came out of that operation:

“It all happened quite suddenly – we only had a day of warning that the air strikes were to go ahead. We had one Jaguar equipped with a TIALD pod, which had arrived from the UK 29 August. The Boss, Wg Cdr Chris Moran, arrived from Laarbruch with 2 other pilots in 3 jets the morning that the first missions were getting airborne, 30th August 1995. The second Jaguar also arrived that morning. Two attack packages were flown that day – the first 6 ship, led by Sqn Ldr Andy Suddards the Exec, went according to plan, although it was 2 QFIs who had the honour of spiking and dropping the first Laser Guided Bombs (Flt Lts Blake and Linney). On the second package Sqn Ldr Stuart Atha and Major Mike Hile the USMC exchange officer, were tasked as mission commanders of a multi national package. Twenty-four British, French and American aircraft were tasked against targets surrounding Pale, a Bosnian Serb stronghold. When the IV(AC) Sqn aircraft approached Pale the scene was reminiscent of World War 2 footage with most of the storage buildings and factories surrounding the town already ablaze. As Sqn Ldr Atha prepared for his bombing run, his wingman Major Hile called for him to break and drop decoy flares. Looking over his shoulder as he spoke, Atha could see two surface to air missiles arcing towards him. Fortunately the first missile detonated close to the flares, some 2000ft from the aircraft, and the second missile continued to fly straight between the two aircraft. The two shaken pilots then reformed formation and re-attacked the target from a different direction. Although Maj Hile successfully destroyed his target, Sqn Ldr Atha was less fortunate; his bombs stayed on the aircraft due to a wiring problem in the pylon. Two French aircraft were even less fortunate. After attacking their target they were shot down by missiles fired from the same area as those fired against the IV(AC) Sqn aircraft. The two French aircrew survived and were released four months later."

After this incident a friendly rivalry grew between the French and British Sqns. This was best exemplified by the “race” to be the first to destroy an enormous mast north of Tuzla. Both nations had made attempts but had been thwarted by the weather. However on 7th September 1995 the weather was beautiful and it was IV (AC) Squadron’s turn against the mast. To ensure success four aircraft armed with a mixture of slick and laser guided bombs flew on the mission. These aircraft were joined by a fifth Harrier that was re-tasked in the air to join the formation.

“Unfortunately it was rather late in the afternoon and only one pass was allowed against this prestigious target. Therefore all five aircraft dropped their bombs in very quick succession. Unsurprisingly, the mast was successfully downed. As the Squadron aircraft also carried reconnaissance pods, a photograph of the mast lying on the ground was sent to the French detachment. 7th September 1995 will not only be remembered as the day that we got one over the French, but also the first and only day that every combat ready member of IV (AC) Squadron successfully dropped bombs in an operational environment.” Excerpts from: A HISTORY OF IV (Army Co-Operation) Squadron

Commanding officers whilst at RAF Laarbruch