TIMEPIECE [Main Title]

A round-the-world, round-the-clock picture of the activities of the RAF in the mid-1960s.

The film alternates between four principal plot elements: an RAF pilot in the USA for conversion training on Phantoms at the McDonnell plant near Saint Louis; navigator training using Hawker Siddeley Dominies from No 1 Air Navigation School, Stradishall (night exercises, and a daytime flight to Malta); a schoolgirl returning to the UK from Hong Kong by RAF VC10; and a major exercise in Cyprus, including ground forces (RAF Regiment) flown in by Hercules and Argosy transports, and Lightnings from UK-based Squadrons (principally No 29 Squadron, but with aircraft from 56 and 111 Squadrons also seen) flying, with in-flight refuelling from Victors, to intercept Canberras "attacking" from Turkey. Ancillary activities are also seen - crash tenders and ground crew (including loading of drill missiles to Lightnings), WRAF personnel in Ops Room at NATO HQ Near East. RAF police dog patrol, air-sea rescue launch etc - together with glimpses of off duty life.

35mm