Recorded interview with Group Captain Pip Harding, 2024-2025

Pip Harding served as a pilot in Puma and Merlin helicopters, operating in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He also gives detail on his leadership experience and several ground tours.

Pip Harding reflects on his father’s career as an RAF pilot and on his own experience as a pilot in Puma and Merlin helicopters. He describes his experience of Puma operations in Northern Ireland with 230 Squadron and the build-up of the Merlin force with 28 Squadron. He comments on the Merlin’s capability, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the development of 78 Squadron with Merlin and several later ground tours.