THE RAF Red Arrows display team has been hit by allegations of bullying, misogyny, assault, sexual harassment and drunkenness just a fortnight before appearing in Jersey.
Accusations of a ‘toxic culture’ within the unit came yesterday, ahead of the renowned team’s headline appearance at this year’s Jersey International Air Display, which will take place on Thursday 8 September.
Coverage in The Times referred to a forthcoming report into the behaviour of team members, with investigators collecting more than 250 hours of evidence, much of which is said to have come from young female recruits.
The investigation was reported to have been launched in December by Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, with publication delayed by more than three months beyond the original target date in May.
Alleged behaviour referred to in the Times report is said to include misogyny, harassment, sexual harassment, assault, the ‘misunderstanding of consent’, sexual assault, victimisation, bullying, intimidation, isolation and indecent exposure.
A source claimed that female recruits were considered ‘fresh meat’ and members of the 130-strong squadron would ‘pester’ female colleagues using the WhatsApp messaging service.
Festival organiser Mike Higgins said: ‘I think the allegations are extremely disappointing and hope they will be fully investigated.
‘I think we need to allow the investigation to finish before making any comments but I can confirm that the Red Arrows will be taking part in this year’s air display.’
It was also reported that the squadron was currently operating below strength, with seven pilots rather than the usual nine, with two members not currently part of displays and said by ‘a defence source’ to be on ‘other duties’.
The Red Arrows have been a regular presence at the Jersey display, although the squadron did not join the line-up in: 2017, as they were ordered to take part in a diplomatic mission in Pakistan; in 2019, as they embarked on a nine-week diplomatic tour of the USA and Canada; or 2020, after the whole display was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Other attractions this year include the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – made up of Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane planes – the RAF’s Chinook Display Team, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, and Spitfire and Mustang aircraft from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight.
