Two Sabres vs Eleven F-4 Phantoms

In September 1966, the legendary Col Robin Olds, a larger-than-life leader with the combat record to prove it, took command of the 8th Tactical Air Wing. A double ace with thirteen victories in World War II and four more over North Vietnam, Olds was the driving force behind pushing for high intensity dogfight training between F-4 Phantom crews and our Sabres. His 'Wolfpack', an elite group of top pilots, reflected both his ferocity and his commitment to sharpening air combat skill.

On 12 July 1967, I found myself at the centre of one of the most memorable moments of my flying career. I was on Alert 5 duty alongside my fellow pilot, the late Les Dunn, when the hot phone rang just after midday. Local Radar Control asked if we wanted to launch and intercept a returning flight of Phantoms coming off a mission over North Vietnam. Our answer was an immediate and enthusiastic 'affirmative'.

Once airborne, Lion Radar vectored us towards a four-ship Phantom formation. Thirty miles from the intercept, the Phantoms turned away, but Lion quickly redirected us to another group of four. We made visual contact, and the dogfight began. Moments later, the original flight reversed course and joined in, suddenly it was two Sabres against eight Phantoms.

Five minutes into the swirling melee, Lion advised us that a third formation, three more Phantoms, was approaching from the east. In an instant, the sky became a kaleidoscope of jets, noise, and G-forces. Two Sabres. Eleven F-4 Phantoms. And the fight was on.

After ten more minutes of hard turning at 6 G, the exercise was finally called off. When the dust settled, I had claimed five simulated 'kills'; Les had claimed three. The eleven Phantoms? Not a single one.

As the Phantom crews returned to base ahead of us, we landed and taxied past the Operational Readiness Pad. There, lined up in full view, were all eleven F-4s. To our astonishment, every pilot was standing in his cockpit, applauding. In the lead aircraft stood Col Robin Olds himself, clapping as we rolled by.

It was a moment of pure professional respect - one of the greatest compliments a fighter pilot could receive, and a memory I carry with immense pride.

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