Seek and Strike - RAF Br ggen in War and Peace is an anecdotal history of the largest RAF station in Germany. Optimised for a new breed of aircraft, and to NATO requirements, this huge airfield was cut out of the Elmpt Forest, on the German border with Holland, and completed in one year to become operational in 1953. First occupied by a fighter wing equipped with Vampires, Sabres and Hunters, its Seek and Strike’ motif took on real meaning when the station re-equipped with strike, attack and reconnaissance Canberras, followed by strike/attack Phantoms, Jaguars and finally Tornados. RAF Br ggen was at the forefront of the Cold War, during which innovation and determination brought it many accolades. It further distinguished itself in the Gulf War and continued to play its part in subsequent monitoring operations in that theatre; it was also the only Tornado Wing to operate directly from its home base during the Kosovo campaign. This is the story of a station at war, of the men and women at the sharp end and in support. At work and play, it was they who made Br ggen what it was, excelling in all things and justifying a claim to have been RAF Germany’s jewel in the crown’. With its closure in 2001, the RAF relinquished its last main operating base outside the UK. Br ggen was indeed last and best’. AUTHOR: Nigel Walpole joined No.26 (Hunter Day Fighter) Squadron in 1955, served on Swift and RF-101 (USAF) tactical reconnaissance squadrons, commanded No.234 (Hunter FGA), No.II (Hunter FR10) and No.12 Buccaneer Squadrons, before his appointment as OC Operations Wing at RAF Br ggen in 1977, flying Jaguars. He gained another perspective of air power as Brigade Air Support Officer, 16 Parachute Brigade, was made responsible for fast-jet operational training in the MOD and completed his career as the Assistant Chief of Staff Offensive Operations, Second Allied Tactical Air Force, in Germany. Retiring from the Service in 1988, he became the air weapons adviser to British Aerospace. 260 colour and b/w illlustrations
