RAF Leuchars M.R.T

The primary role of the Mountain Rescue Teams is to search for and rescue the survivors of aircraft crashes. The teams are regarded as the “only all-weather Sea, Air Rescue (SAR) asset” in the RAF and, although they often work closely with the SAR helicopters they pride themselves in reaching all parts of the UK that choppers are unable to reach!

The RAF Leuchars, MRT deploy every weekend to various mountain-training locations in Scotland. All members must deploy with the team on 2 weekends each month to learn and remain current in SAR and mountaineering skills and to maintain the required level of physical fitness. For part-time volunteers, the training commitment amounts to an additional 5 days of duty each month but this level continuation training is essential to enable them to carry out their operational tasks safely.

For information on how to get involved contact MRT Leader Flight Sergeant John Roe Ext 7239.

History – Formation of the Mountain Rescue Team

In 1942 Flight Lieutenant G V Graham, a medical officer at RAF Llandwrog in North Wales was appalled at the number of aircrew lost when aeroplanes were lost in the mountains. He took it upon himself to gather a group of service personnel to form a rescue party. From here, more funding was received in due course, and the Mountain Rescue Service was formally established.

Today the primary remit of the MRT has not changed despite the use of helicopters. Accidents have a tendency to happen during the worst weather conditions and helicopters cannot work in these conditions. The role of the Service has been increased to include the rescue of service personnel while on exercise or Adventure Training and to assist civilian mountaineers, the latter category being the bulk of their work.

There are now 4 teams providing rescue cover for the UK: RAF Valley (N & S Wales & Peak), Leeming (N England), Leuchars (S Scotland) and Kinloss (N Scotland). Each unit has been chosen to host a MRT because of its location and its ability to sustain a viable working team of Service volunteers. All 4 teams are 36 man teams. Each team has permanent staff of 8 volunteers, however the bulk of the teams are made up from all ranks and trades within the Service, each person giving up their free time to train.

Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland

The Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland is the representative and coordinating body for mountain rescue services in Scotland.