UNITED KINGDOM

MOBILE AIR MOVEMENTS SQUADRON

Op Ablaut

The new UKMAMS Squadron proved it's worth during the Cyprus airlift. In all 7 teams were sent to Akrotiri under the watchful eye of Fl Lt Gerry Keyworth. Meanwhile at Lyneham the shift system was changed to provide 2 shifts on duty during each 12 hour period to cope with the extra workload. In fact it was decided at the end of the airlift to change the shift system permanently to the proposed 2 days, 2 nights 4 off system.

Each of the Hercules arriving at Lyneham carried 82 evacuees consisting mainly of women and children. The youngest passenger was only 5 days old! By the need of the evacuation, 5,255 evacuees had passed through the arrivals lounge at Lyneham.

Two of the teams in Akrotiri were positioned at Kingsfield (Eastern SBA) to assist the 2 NEAF MAMS teams in situ in handling 70 Sqn (Akrotiri based) Hercules. Several types of aircraft were handled at Akrotiri (Western SBA) including Swiss DC6, Canadian 707 and USAF C-130. The workload in Cyprus was further aggravated by the fact that much of the freight out of Kingsfield had to be double handled.

Odiham - Fg Off Tim Leaning plus 4. Onload and deployment of Puma helicopter and personnel from 33 Sqn to Cyprus

Kingsfield - NEAF MAMS Red and Blue teams, consisting of FS Eric Batty, Cpl Gordon Black, SAC Dick Bullimore, Fg Off Ian Crouch, Sgt Cumbley, SAC Peter Herring, Cpl Alan Jeffs, Sgt Rick Desroches, SAC Tim Jessop, SAC Peter Orton, Flt Lt Roger Wharton and SAC Stu Whitton. FS John Guy.

FS John Guy (Red Team NEAF MAMS) wrote - Whilst the teams were working flat out at Kingsfield, our families at Akrotiri or Limassol were having a hard time of it. The Limassol withdrawl had commenced and the Akrotiri married quarters became miniature barrack blocks. Morale was high, but Eric Batty and myself thought we could improve on it. So, during an infrequent lull in operations, we sauntered across the airfield (if you sat down one immediately fell asleep). On the edge of Dhekelia Garrison we came upon the BFBS studios. Together we entered the air conditioned environs and the female receptionist instantly retreated. Until then it hadn't occurred to us that labouring within engine running metal tunes during a Cypriot summer caused Officers to perspire, and other ranks to sweat. Still clad in working clobber (flying suits) we obviously hummed somewhat and the receptionist kept some distance between un. Determined to complete our mission before we were missed at the workface, we asked if we could make a request and have it played for those near and dear at Akrotiri / Limassol. Our wish was granted and we were asked to leave our request on the desk.

It was then that we played our trump card. We would like to dedicate it live on air, now! Somewhat startled the receptionist disappeared to make enquiries. Returning a few minutes later to usher us into a studio. The current programme was interrupted to carry a live interview followed by a dedication and our record request.

August 1974 - Flt Lt Pat MacKenzie plus 4. Rotation of teams in Cyprus.

Dave Cromb remembers: "I was on first wave in, courtesy of Ian Berry, who dragged me from slumber about 2am, wouldn't have minded normally, but Phyl & I had been at a Lyneham Lanes party until about midnight. Groan. "

The pictures of the MAMS camp site

	Home away from home, Taff Sugg, n/k, n/k (possibly Graham Tye) & Stumpy Friar
	Pictures from Dave Cromb