Ex-Red Arrows flying staff breaks silence on ‘poisonous’ tradition and ‘sexual harassment’ | UK | News | EUROtoday

The 4 whistleblowers have additionally attacked an RAF inquiry into the scandal as a “second wound” which did not clear up the aerobatic squadron.

They informed Sky News the investigation printed final month was a “travesty of justice” through which air chiefs had been “marking their own homework”.

The three women and four men described how female recruits would be leered at, pestered and subjected to lewd banter by male counterparts.

One victim, named only as Kate said: “They need us quiet and suppose it should go away.

“That’s not going to happen because none of us are happy with how it’s been dealt with.”

Last month’s inquiry led to 2 pilots being sacked and 9 people sanctioned for misbehaviour together with sexual harassment, publicity of genitals and predatory exercise.

Kate informed Sky News she skilled horrific sexism from male colleagues after becoming a member of the squadron at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

She stated: “They see it as fresh meat being on squadron and they all kind of wanted to ogle me. So it was almost being in like a fishbowl really.

“I felt really uncomfortable, almost dirty, actually. Some pilots were untouchable. That’s why it was so dangerous.”

One male pilot bombarded her with textual content messages and pursued her on staff night time out whereas they had been on an abroad tour.

“I was plied with alcohol and I woke up with that pilot in my room the next day – not really knowing what had happened.

“He told me if I told anybody I would be kicked out of the air force. I would lose my job and be sent home immediately. I blamed myself.”

Kate reported the incident to her seniors but decided to leave the air force when they took no action.

Another woman, named only as Lucy, said: “I had my backside slapped. I obtained messages from one of many crew asking for intercourse, however to maintain it quiet.”

The third girl, known as Rachel, joined the squadron final yr because it was present process an overhaul geared toward stamping out sexism.

But she stated: “One of the discussion groups I was in was led by another female officer on the squadron.

“People were making lewd comments about the fact that she was wearing skinny jeans because they were tight trousers.

“They tried to follow me to my hotel room. They made comments about my breasts and bum in my work overalls.”

The male whistleblower, named solely as James, wished to offer proof to the inquiry however its’ remit solely lined years after he had left.

He stated he complained about bullying however was informed: “if this information gets out, you know that people are going to close ranks and they’re going to make you look ridiculous.”

An RAF spokesperson stated: “Two complete and thorough investigations have been accomplished regarding unacceptable behaviours throughout the Red Arrows.

“The findings of the investigations led to action being taken against several individuals, up to and including dismissal from the service.

“This was followed by an unreserved apology from the Chief of the Air Staff and the introduction of many changes.”

“Any new evidence on unacceptable behaviours anywhere in the RAF will be thoroughly investigated.”