MERT Question

[Home Guard]

I know this is not directly related to badges, but hoping someone may know the answer. I am going to do a small model of a Chinook to display with my MERT collection. I notice in researching color scheme and markings that the MERT Chinooks had no markings that I can see. No roundel or RAF flash on the tail.

Was there a reason for this? I notice the ones used in the Falklands had these markings.

Any thoughts or information is appreciated.

Terry

[Alan O]

I can only presume that there was no need for large roundel 'targets' as the Taliban did not have helicopters.

Unlike the FI when it was a 'come as you are party' the helicopters on Herrick were prepared for theatre incliding a respray.

The MERTS went into very active LZs so they needed to be as camouflaged as possible. As they were landing into 'hot' LZs they were going in relatively slow and on a predictable path. Brave men and women.

Originally Posted by Alan O

Brave men and women.

Concur with this wholeheartedly! Regards Mark

[Home Guard]

OK, makes sense. Thanks guys. Of course the roundel and flash were quite small and add the dust doubt they'd have shown up anyway. They used the standard upper wing style roundel. Here's a picture of how a Falklands Chinook would look to show the markings.






It's also interesting that if they repainted the Chinooks for Afghanistan why did they paint them camo green instead of sand color? here's how a Mert Chinook in Op Herrick looked.



Thanks again,

Terry

[grey_green_acorn]

Terry,
You might consider marking your Chinook as Bravo November ZA718. The aircraft served heroically in the Falklands and in every campaign since. She is still in service today.
See https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...refused-to-die

Tim

[Home Guard]

THANK YOU Tim!!!

That is excellent and yep, she's the one. What an awesome story. As I understand it of the 5 or so Chinooks sent to the Falklands only one made it, the others being lost when the transport carrying them was sunk.

The little model is only 4 inches long, but I can do some of the markings shown. I'm going to have to repaint it as it comes in a US scheme and markings, but should not be a problem. When I get it finished I'll post a picture.

Here's an add on question. In the British army, which seat does the aircraft commander sit in, i.e. the pilot versus the copilot? In the US the pilot sits in the port seat and the copilot the starboard. But, I am wondering if the British system is the same as in driving a car.

Thanks again Tim, you have made my day!

Terry