RAF probes 'helicopter golf trip'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Pictures of the yellow Sea King landing at Willingcott Valley Golf Course near Woolacombe, Devon, were published in the Daily Mirror.

A dozen passengers climbed out of the aircraft to play nine holes on Wednesday after flying from a nearby air base, the paper said.

As questions were asked about the appropriate use of military resources, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "There are strict rules in place regarding use of military aircraft and we are urgently investigating this incident to ensure regulations have been observed.

"Search and Rescue cover was not compromised in any way while this sortie took place."

The helicopter is thought to have carried mostly non-commissioned officers from RAF Chivenor in north Devon.

Lib Dem defence spokesman Nick Harvey told the Mirror "If true, this is an outrageous abuse of an exceptionally precious commodity.

"Soldiers' lives are being put at risk because of helicopter shortage and search and rescue is under great strain. The public will want answers on how the MoD this is an appropriate use of resources."