Thumbs up from John Moffat in a Jet Provost

Sixty years after the end of World War II, former Royal Navy pilot John Moffat was given a true hero’s welcome at RNAS Yeovilton last month.

The team at Yeovilton flew John down from his home in Perth in a Jetstream T2, with the promise of a flight in the Sea Harrier sim. It followed an interview with John in LOOP (February 06) in which he revealed his dream to complete a vertical carrier takeoff in a Harrier.

John is credited with delivering the fatal blow to the German warship, the Bismarck, in 1941, but until now, his efforts had gone almost unnoticed. Thanks to LOOP, he was given a day to remember in honour of his efforts. “The Captain at Yeovilton met me off the plane and it bowled me over a bit!” explains John.

The sim flight proved a real challenge for the veteran pilot, who flies a Piper Colt these days. “It was frightening, so real. It certainly put the wind up me! “Imagine coming up alongside a carrier, with the downdrafts, trying to get the aircraft level.

When I got out I had to close my eyes for a minute, I thought I was actually at sea.” John also had a flight in a Jet Provost. “They fixed me up with a flying suit and within 15 mins I was off,” John told LOOP. “They asked if I thought I could fl y it and I said I’ll give it a go!

“I managed to take off, complete a few circuits and did a low pass. I then dropped the flaps and wheels, and came into land. It was easier than I expected actually.” The day wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the RN Historic Flight where John met his wartime companion, the Fairey Swordfish.

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