Big Cat Diary: The Last Year of the Jaguar with 6 Squadron RAF

This book was conceived as a personal gift by the last Commanding Officer of an RAF Jaguar Squadron, to the personnel of Number 6 Squadron as a record, primarily through pictures, of their achievements in the final year of the Jaguar’s service. Now available more widely, this book nevertheless remains a very personal, and thus unique, perspective on the closing of a chapter in RAF history; the retirement from service of the Jaguar after 33 years of stalwart performance on the front-line of the RAF as a ground attack fighter.

The Jaguar is a very photogenic aeroplane, with a complementary blend of businesslike angles and shapely curves and this book follows the Jaguar, and the personnel who supported her, through training in the UK and detachments overseas. The Jaguar was never more at home than when flying fast and low, and many of the images in this book were donated by the legions of aviation enthusiasts who had ample opportunity to capture her in her element.

The performance of the Squadron in its last year remained strong to the very end, testament to the dedication of the Jaguar Force personnel and their ‘Jaguar Spirit’. Enveloped in the cloak of ‘Jaguar Force Excellence’, they deserve the highest praise for their energy, commitment and loyalty. This book is principally about them and for them, but also for all with an interest in aviation, or excellence, to enjoy.