Red Hawk Rising

would be treated as having equal rank to Squadron Leader Dawson. Griffiths reported officially on behalf of the contractors since his section at Air Ministry placed the contracts, but Squadron Leader Dawson had up-to-date information from his sections attached to each of the contractors. The group captain took them through the status of the equipment and when delivery would be made of each part to RAF West Sanby. The tractor was ready for delivery, as was the launcher. The missile control system would be ready by the end of the week. Dawson reported that they would be moving unit HQ from Low Fenton to RAF West Sanby during the following week. He was asked when the system could be ready for trials. Dawson scribbled some figures on the pad and suggested in three weeks’ time, if they really pushed it. Clarkson looked at Griffiths and Denton with, “Any comments to add to that?” They shook their heads. “Fine,” said Clarkson, “then we’ll set the start of trials for 20th October. We’ll expect all the back-up spare parts to have been delivered by then and the ECM modified Shackleton will be booked for that week. Any questions?” There were no questions. Clarkson then turned to Hamilton. “What is there to report on the security side with the contractors?”

Hamilton replied, “Argonaut and Wensley Electronics are now clean. I’ll be going up to Davis Aviation this afternoon and, all being well, will be at Jennings Engineering on Thursday. The checks should be finished by the end of this week.”

“Good,” replied Clarkson, “then we can expect all components of the system to be on site by a week tomorrow. That will be the 11th October. Mr Griffiths, I’m thinking of having a liaison person in your section for a week or so to co-ordinate components and spare parts supply for the Red Hawk system.”

Griffiths looked startled. “That’s most unusual. We haven’t done it before.”

“No,” replied Clarkson. “I realise that but we are behind schedule and there is some urgency on this programme. Someone from the unit who is familiar with RAF procedures and the system can help to speed things up. Give it some thought and we’ll talk again.” Griffiths nodded his agreement but looked quite unhappy. “Anything else, gentlemen?” asked Clarkson. There were ‘noes’ in reply. “Fine. Let’s meet at the same time next week. Good morning.” And the meeting was closed. Gordon Denton and Squadron Leader Dawson went into a huddle to discuss arrangements. Griffiths left quickly and Clarkson caught Hamilton’s eye and they walked to the other end of the conference room. He asked, “Have you time to have coffee with me before you drive up to Luton? We need to discuss a couple of things.”

“If we can do it now then I’m okay,” replied Hamilton.

“Okay, let’s walk down the street now.” They both left the conference room and took the stairs down to the ground floor. The duty airman came to attention and saluted as they exited the building. Clarkson returned the salute and they walked out onto the street. “How’s MI5’s investigation going with the leak here in London?” he asked Hamilton.

“Nothing certain but it appears to be in the supply section of Air Ministry,” replied Hamilton. “AVM Denby has suggested that you help MI5 flush the person out.”

Then he asked, “Is it worth co-operating on that? I’d like it concluded before trials begin.”

Hamilton came back with a cautious, “What did you have in mind?”

“Two things,” said Clarkson. “I want MI5 to watch for any traffic referring to the 20th October, particularly any going to our ‘friends’ in Moscow and see if it can be sourced. The second is that I floated the idea of putting a liaison into Griffiths’ section to see the reaction. He wasn’t happy. Would it compromise MI5 activities if we pushed to have someone in there?”

Hamilton was silent for a few moments. Thoughtfully, he said, “If it is a joint operation it should be okay but it’s not for me to decide. You would have to go higher up.”

“I understand,” said Clarkson. “AVM Denby can do that. It may be easier for us to get someone in there quickly who is in the RAF and linked to the project. You could find it would take longer for you to get someone in there without a good reason.”

“You may be right,” said Hamilton. “If you want to go down that path then would you consider using young Corporal Hill from the JSTU? He was good at identifying things at Argonaut and also Wensley Electronics.”

Clarkson thought, “He’s fishing,” but replied, “I’d need to talk to Squadron Leader Dawson and get his views. Let’s talk again before you go up to Coventry.” Hamilton nodded his agreement as they turned into a small restaurant for morning coffee.

Major Garasov had the news about the arrest of George Pattison and realised that he would not get the photographs he wanted. On the positive side, he had confirmation of heightened construction activity at RAF West Sanby and news of components of the SAM system to be moved there in the near future. It was time to put another plan into action that would give them knowledge of the tractor. He called in his assistant and gave him instructions to proceed with the preparations for the Coventry operation. That evening, a carpenter in Coventry took his telephonist girlfriend out for dinner and discreetly asked what she knew about that unusual vehicle he had seen being tested in the yard of Jennings Engineering where she worked. Innocently, she told him it was to leave the factory on Wednesday to be delivered to the RAF. The next morning he passed the information on to a contact who then passed it to Major Garasov.

Corporal Hill had organised the allocation of billets and warned the base stores of the expected demand on bedding. The catering officer had also been notified