UK Air Force Museum Displays Combat Helicopter Used in Sierra Leone War

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in the United Kingdom (UK) is displaying a Chinook helicopter used in combat during Sierra Leone’s civil war.

“Famous Chinook ‘Bravo November’ is on display at our Midlands site, and the fuselage of a CH-47D in London,” the Museum said.

Chinook helicopters were used to rescue British troops captured by belligerent forces, West Side Boys at Okra Hills outside Freetown.

In August 2000, the West Side Boys captured British soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment and their liaison officer, Lieutenant Musa Bangura while on patrol.

The UK launched Operation Barras to rescue their troops after unsuccessful negotiations with West Side Boys’ leader, Foday Kallay.

The British used 110 paratroopers backed by three chinook and two lynx helicopters.

Within 20 minutes, the Royal Irish Regiment and their liaison officer were rescued.

25 West Side Boys were killed with the British suffering from one casualty, Bradley Tinnion. Another twelve British soldiers were also injured.

Comment(s)

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| 2023-09-10 14:49:56

Good speech and well said
Sahid Kamara | 2023-09-10 12:10:03

Maada Bio did not like or understand the role of the British government played at that time. He actually wanted the war to continue. Maada Bio advocated for.."Peace before Elections.." That was why he unfortunately said, the Western Powers ( Britain and America) did not help Sierra Leone during the Rebel War. Maada Bio is very ungrateful. He has no sympathy for the suffering masses of Sierra Leone. All what Maada Bio cares for is for himself and his family. Maada Bio's government has led many people into serious trouble. Many of his party supporters and government officers will have to face justice. For example, the former IGP and the present IGP are going to the ICC for Crimes against Humanity ( for killing innocent people at Pademba road prison and at the August ten peaceful demonstration). Maada Bio wants to completely destroy democracy and human rights in Sierra Leone. There are many things to talk about Maada Bio and his PAOPA killer regime.