The picture below is of a Seven Squadron Alouette carrying out hoist training in Seke just outside New Sarum Air Base Salisbury -probably circa 1975 note no strela shroud around the engine. It was always a good idea to borrow someones kit if you were to hang on the strop because you WERE going to be dunked into the Dam.
Cpl Pete Caborn manning winch with myself hanging off strop as we practise Hoisting drills in Chiredzi 1976 -The Lundi and Nuanetsi Rivers were in flood and we carried out some rescues of Africans caught up in the deluge. Note that we flew in shorts in those early days -this practice was halted by Air HQ after the death of Rob Nelson when his helicopter was hit by ground fire and caught fire resulting in him being killed.
From time to time 7 Squadron were called on to carry out rescues using the winch which had to be fitted to the Alouette as a kit- it was removed when not in use due to weight limitations.
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I welcome comments from everyone on my book Choppertech.
I am interested especially on hearing from former ZANLA and ZIPRA combatants who also have thier story to tell.