Recorded interview with Squadron Leader Rachael Collier, 11 December 2025

Rachael Collier served as crew in Chinook helicopters in the UK, Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland and the Balkans, and later in Sea King search and rescue helicopters in the UK.

Rachael Collier joined the RAF as a fighter controller, but transferred to train as helicopter crew. She served with 27 Squadron in Chinook helicopters, including deployments to the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland and the Balkans. She later retrained to fly in Sea King search and rescue helicopters. She describes her experience of Sea King operations, including the award of a Queen’s Gallantry Medal for her participation in a hazardous rescue.