WHEN squadron captain David Hamilton first flew the VC10 refueller aircraft, he was joined by his close-knit crew.

And when he decided to retire from service at RAF Brize Norton 24 years later, Flt Lt Hamilton, from Carterton, knew exactly who he wanted on board for his farewell flight.

Just as it was on October 27, 1986, the 60-year-old took off with co-pilot Flying Officer Paul Smith, navigator Flying Officer Steve Sansford and air engineer Sgt Bill Barbour.

Flt Lt Hamilton, who has been in the RAF for 38 years, said: “Our very first flight in a VC10 took off from RAF Brize Norton for a general handling exercise.

“We were a student crew and under the watchful eyes of our instructors.

“The aircraft from that first flight is also still in service, but sadly was not available as it was undergoing main- tenance at RAF St Athan.”

The airmen took to the skies for an air-to-air refuelling trip over the North Sea on October 27, exactly 24 years to the day since they first flew together.

The flight lasted three hours and 40 minutes, during which time they refuelled nine Tornados, dispensing 37,800 kg of fuel.

Father-of-four Flt Lt Hamilton, who has five grandchildren, said: “On landing back at Brize Norton, we were met by Officer Commanding 101 Squadron, Wing Commander Steve Lushington, who was accompanied by a large group of squadron and station personnel, several of whom were clutching bottles of Champagne.

“But best of all, my wife Pat was there to share the very special moment with me.”

Between them, the servicemen have flown 34,446 hours, 28,412 of them in the four-engined VC10, which can fly at 43,000ft and is manned by four men.

The aircraft is now being phased out by the RAF, but upgrades mean it can still be used in war zones across the globe.