Gütersloh Gunslingers.
The RAF operated from various German locations in NATO air defense. The Lightnings were placed at
Gütersloh - and unlike the widely known QRA work, this work - around 1974 - was often low level intercept. Nominally in the F2, and F2A, They grew renowned for bouncing anyone and everyone.
The radar and missiles were often not optimal for low level, so it rolled over to the Aden Cannons and pilot skill.
Cowboy country.
"During the period when the Lightning F.2A was operational in Germany, it generally outperformed all comers in the quick reaction low-to-high-level visual interception role that was so crucial to NATO’s forward air defence against possible attack from the East. The Lightning’s outstanding performance and its simple weapon system made it a match for any other aircraft that it was likely to tangle with, either in training or for real. Most of the fighter and fighter-bomber types on both sides at that time were either cannon-armed only or, if fitted with air-to-air missiles, had a capability no better than the Lightning and its stern-sector heat-seeking missiles." -
Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley MBE - 19(F) Sqn, RAF Gutersloh
January 1974 – January 1977
Squadron pilot
"You asked for my impressions of the Mk.6. They were all good. I had flown F-86Ds, F-94B and Cs, F-89Js, F-104s, F-100s, F-86Fs, F-102s and F-106s. In the UK, I flew air-to-air against F-4s and F-104Gs. At no time did I lose a 1 v 1 or a 1 v 2. And I was not very good at air to air. Yes, short legs, but a great turning radius and excellent acceleration, especially when you can unload a little.
There’s life in the old dog yet - two F-15s, an F-5 Aggressor and a Sea Harrier caught where they shouldn’t have been by the gun cameras of Lightning pilots of 11 Squadron."
Bill Beardsley (ex USAF exchange pilot)