Another pilot is axed from Red Arrows in shame
Two shocking cases that bring disgrace to our Armed Forces
A SECOND Red Arrows pilot has been sacked and up to five members of the squadron disciplined after an official investigation into sexual misconduct and bullying.
Flight Lieutenant Will Cambridge, a former Tornado and Typhoon pilot, flew as ‘Red 4’ in the famous aerobatics team, which is embroiled in the biggest scandal in its 58-year history.
More than 40 crew members, including vulnerable women, have told commanders they suffered sexual assaults, sexual harassment and physical attacks by Red Arrows pilots who considered themselves ‘untouchable’ due to their status.
The shock findings of an RAF Non-Statutory Inquiry prompted top brass finally to respond to abuse claims which had been raised as long ago as 2019. Last night, RAF sources confirmed the Air Force Board’s decision to terminate Cambridge’s service and lesser punishments for other officers who were suspected of misconduct.
Controversially, despite the testimonies of victims and witnesses, none of those subject to RAF ‘administrative action’ will face criminal prosecutions. According to women,
‘No criminal prosecutions’
who broke their silence in the Daily Mail last week, the failure to charge any officers was intended to avoid the negative publicity of a court case.
Cambridge, from Kent, allegedly propositioned female personnel and was said to have had a physical relationship with a colleague. The Oxford University modern history graduate joined the Red Arrows in 2019 when he described the move as a ‘great privilege’. His departure, after 11 years in the RAF, comes days after the service dismissed Flight Lieutenant Damon Green, who was accused of sexual assaults and a physical assault.
Last night, a source close to the investigation said Cambridge felt that he had been made a ‘scapegoat’.
He is also said to be angry, claiming that senior officers did not seem interested in hearing his side of the story.
A disturbing picture of misconduct and ill- discipline inside the Red Arrows has emerged this year – starting with a report in the Mail in May. Since then it has been revealed how male officers targeted female colleagues, particularly those who were inexperienced or of low rank.
They bombarded the women with requests for sexual favours and made inappropriate advances, often when drunk.
When they were refused they frequently became abusive.
Victims later called for the Red Arrows to be disbanded due to the ‘toxic culture’ which they claim still exists.
They have also demanded a public apology from the RAF’s most senior officer, Chief of the Air Staff Sir Mike Wigston.
They claim there are also safety issues surrounding the squadron’s Hawk jets which should be addressed.
Last night the RAF confirmed an inquiry had revealed a ‘broad range of unacceptable behaviours’.
A spokesman said: ‘These investigations have resulted in a range of outcomes including dismissals from the RAF.
‘The inquiry also recommended a variety of measures to improve behaviours, including extensive training on what is and what is not acceptable.’
They added: ‘The RAF commends the actions of those who came forward with evidence. It is important for unacceptable behaviour to be called out. We take all allegations extremely seriously and will take decisive action against anyone who fails to uphold our high standards.’
The Red Arrows, based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, was formed in late 1964 and has performed nearly 5,000 daredevil displays in 57 countries.