Description:The RAF Mountain Rescue Service Headquarters was based at RAF Stafford until 2004 and coordinated the RAF's five mountain rescue teams based at Kinloss, Leuchars, Leeming, St Athan and Stafford. Each team consisted of 7 full-time personnel and up to 30 volunteers. The unpaid volunteers give up their spare time for training and each team trains regularly with its civilian counterparts for the best possible cooperation and effectiveness. Their high standard of training and fitness enables them to search difficult terrain rapidly and effectively in adverse conditions.
The RAF's mountain rescue teams were originally formed during World War II to go to the aid of crashed aircrew. Once a crash site was located, they could provide first aid to any survivors and guard the area until crash investigators and assistance arrived. The team moved to Stafford from RAF Harpur Hill (Buxton) around 1962. On 17 December 2004 the Mountain Rescue Team relocated to RAF Valley after 42 years with RAF Stafford.
Pictured here are: standing (left to right) Ian Ellis, Dixie Rose, "Woody", Al Sylvester, Carl McKechnie, Eddie Hemmings, Dick Gerry, Pete Winn, Steve Main, Paul Currie.
Sitting - Steve Evans, Danny Danford, Jimmy Clethero, Jim Smith, Scoobie Patterson, Bob Foreman, Barry Foster, Mick Feeney, Jimmy Whitehead.