After I was in Blue
by Mel Robson
I was fascinated but not unduly surprised to read of how Vulcan Nav Radar, Flt Lt Jim Herbert and his Navigator Plotter managed to expertly pretend and to accurately conduct astro navigation without a sextant, and without the Captain being aware, having left it safely stowed somewhere but not on board. Now that takes real skill !
After my retirement from the RAF, the following day I took up employment as an Avionics Training Officer for a large aircraft company based in Lancashire. Although the work was fascinating and cutting edge for it’s time as theTyphoon slowly emerged from the 4 Nations drawing boards I began to yearn for a return to God’s County. This was after some 3 years of taking my chances on the M62 twice weekly hence my concern. Yorkshiremen will understand.
Whilst doing time in Lancashire, I responded to an advertisement in the Daily Telegraph which was for someone with a suitable background to be employed at one of the Company’s sites based in Yorkshire! After a full 2 minutes of contemplation my ever ready CV was in the post. As this would hopefully be a Company transfer, all I had to do was to advise my then manager and hope for the best.
After a nail biting couple of weeks I was advised that I was to report to BAE Brough for an interview asap. On the day I duly awaited my fate and was delighted to see a familiar Vulcan ex Nav Radar striding purposefully toward the site entrance reception where I was enjoying my 2nd cup of coffee with biscuits. I began to feel at home! It was none other than Mr Jim Herbert.
After the first 10 minutes of pleasantries, more coffee and biscuits in his office, Jim turned to me and said “Well Mel, you’ve got the job - what shall we do until lunchtime?” Clearly a fine judge of character. Thus began a further 20 years of fun and travel once again enjoying aviation alongside my new and very understanding,Yorkshire boss.
During one of the many briefings given by the site manager there was a group of maybe 350 staff awaiting the news (which usually was never very good). Looking around I asked Jim how many people worked on the site. He replied, “10 to 15 percent”.
Jim had an encyclopaedic knowledge and a phenomenal memory, gifts not given to many. He continuously practised and refined his navigational skills, despite not requiring a sextant to fix his position as he explored most of what is worth exploring in Yorkshire. He could name almost every public house of significance at any location in Yorkshire.
I miss him, RIP Jim.
