CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
test, under exercise conditions, the effectiveness of their air
defence systems. Home-based air defence and offensive support
aircraft, and aircraft of RAF Germany, have carried out exchange
visits with squadrons from other NATO countries. Strike Command
aircraft competed successfully in the Allied Forces Northern Europe
Tactical Reconnaissance Competition and came second in both the
individual and squadron competitions. RAF Germany also participated
with distinction in the 1974 Allied Forces Central Europe Tactical
Weapons Meet. In November 1974, the Royal Air Force retained the
Fincastle Trophy, after the annual competition held between the mari-
time air forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and
Canada. In the same month, Vulcan crews of Strike Command achieved
their best-ever results in the United States Strategic Air Command
Bombing and Navigation Competition, winning both the Mathis Trophy for
combined Bombing and Navigation and the individual Navigation Trophy.
THE REST OF THE WORLD
OPERATIONS
Suez Canal
62. At the request of the Egyptian Government, the Royal Navy took
part in the clearance of explosive war debris from the Suez Canal.
HM Ships Abdiel, Maxton, Wilton and Bossington, with members of the
Fleet Clearance Diving team, took part in the operation from April
to November 1974, and disposed of some 8,000 items of explosive
ordnance. The operation was carried out in conjunction with
Egyptian, United States and French forces. Facilities were made avail-
able at RAF Akrotiri and at Dhekelia for United States forces aring their
deployment to the Canal Zone for the mine clearance operation.
J
48
CONFIDENT JAL
The