Daring rescue mission to save pilot is re-enacted to launch 2002 Air Tattoo. (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Daring rescue mission to save pilot is re-enacted to launch 2002 Air Tattoo.

A DARING mission to rescue an RAF fighter pilot shot down over the Cotswolds was carried out by armed soldiers on Tuesday.

Pilot John Stanley was injured when he was forced to eject at low level and parachute to the ground after his jet was hit by hostile fire.

After signalling for help on his radio, the pilot was evacuated from the scene by the combat rescue team of the Queen's Colour Squadron of the RAF Regiment.

Armed with machine guns and rifles, the team came under enemy fire as they carried the pilot onto a waiting RAF Puma helicopter.

In fact the scene was just a demonstration of a real-life scenario re-enacted to launch this year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 20 and 21.

This year's spectacular show will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RAF Regiment and the Queen's golden jubilee.

Squadron leader Harry Burgoyne, said the rescue demonstration will be acted out by members of 33 squadron, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, during the weekend show to highlight the important role of the RAF Regiment.

And the 'enemy' force is played by eight Regiment men led by Flying Officer Jim Smith. The RAF Regiment, formed in 1942, served in world war two providing ground and low-level air defence and has since seen action in every British campaign.

Today there are ten Regiment squadrons based around the Royal Air Force, including the ceremonial Queen's Colour Squadron.

Organisers of Europe's biggest air show are hoping to attract 200,000 visitors over the weekend and some 450 aircrafts from 35 nations are taking part.

Highlights of the show will include an eight-hour flying display featuring the RAF Red Arrows, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a solo Spitfire display, the Utterly Butterly 'aerobabes' wing-walking on pre-war Stearman aircraft and the Royal Navy Harriers.

Tornado, Jaguar, Mirage and F-15 and F-16 arial displays are also guaranteed to set a scorching pace for fast jet fans.

The weekend also features a golden jubilee evening proms concert and a street party.

During the celebrations, special coronation cakes will be raffled in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Tickets are available direct from www.airtattoo, from the office at the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard or by phoning 0870 241 0303.

(BLOB) For up-to-the-minute tattoo news, travel and weather see our RIAT mini site at www.thisiscirencester.com