Corgi AA34212 Boeing Vertol Chinook HC1B ZA705/EZ, RAF, Beirut, Lebanon, 1983

Ravaged by Civil War, Lebanon required the presence of a UN’s peace keeping force which in 1983 comprised elements of the US, British, French and Italian armed services. To support the British forces, known as BRITFORLEB (British Forces Lebanon), Chinook helicopters, including ZA705/EZ of 7 Sqn, RAF Odiham, were fitted with extra long-range fuel tanks and additional self-defence equipment before flying out to the Beirut in September 1983. As well as providing logistical support for the British troops, the Chinooks were heavily involved in the evacuation of British civilians and service personnel from Beirut up to the completion of the mission in March 1984 RAF Chinooks operating over Lebanon were distinctive by the large union jacks displayed on the tail and underside as featured on our model.