Just in case anyone is even remotely interested - this is some back story...
Shetland Islands Defence Forces and the Royal Shetland Airforce
Note: One of the ‘What-if’ ideas I’ve had for a while is to set up a completely fictional country, so that I can effectively build my own defence force in whatever markings I like (an idea taken from a Biggles book) – part of the fun of ‘What-if’ is making up the back story.
What if the Shetland Islands went independent rather than Norway giving them to Scotland.
Although the Nation (principality?) is small, it is rich due to its off-shore energy reserves, and the rights to the surrounding North Sea fisheries.
Being fiercely independent, they would have set up their own defence forces to protect the islands and their interests. This feeling increased during the events of WWII. Although its plan for defence would fit into the overall UK mainland defence structure- it would keep its independence. The Shetlands also took on the responsibility of defence for the Orkney and Faroe Islands. The UK mainland pays a sum annually in return for assistance with the defence of its northern borders.
Maritime Patrol, Strike and Air Sea Rescue would be its main areas of expertise, with Air defence coming second (with maybe a minor ground attack role to support the island defence forces).
The Navy would probably consist of small patrol boats, backed up by the patrol aircraft. The ground forces would probably be organised much like the Falkland Islands, in that there is a small full time contingent but most of their numbers would be made up of part time volunteers.
Basic Training for the RSAF is carried out by the RAF under contract.
hey it's Whif - so no reason why they couldn't have tangled with the Russians over control over the North sea at some point....
Royal Shetland Air Force - Squadron Strength & Duties
Number 1 (Lerwick) Interceptor Squadron
10 Aircraft, two flights of 5 - Air Defence, including the Shetland, Faroe and Orkney Isles, the North Sea Oil and Gas Fields and the surrounding waters. Integrated into the UK Mainland Air Defence System.
Number 2 (Orkney) Fighter Squadron
10 Aircraft, Two flights of 5 - Air Defence, Maritime Strike and Ground Support. These aircraft are normally crewed by Carrier capable pilots and equipped with navel aircraft, giving the RSAF the ability of working with the NATO Navies.
Number 3 Reconnaissance Flight
5 Aircraft - Fast Reconnaissance support to the SIDF (Shetland Isles Defence Forces). Secondary Duties Include Patrol, Air Defence and Ground support where possible.
Number 4 (Faroe) Maritime Strike Flight
5 Aircraft - Dedicated Maritime Strike Aircraft.
Number 10 Patrol Squadron
10 Aircraft, two flights of 5 - Maritime Patrol, ASW, Air Sea Rescue.
Number 20 Transport Squadron
15 Aircraft, three flights of 5 (including airliners) - Transport Support for the SIDF and the Shetland Islands Government. Run regular routes between islands for paying civilian traffic (source of income for the RSAF ::)). Secondary duties include patrol and disaster recovery (Oil spills).
Number 21 Transport Squadron
12 Aircraft, Two flights of 5, (and one flight of 2 dedicated Air Sea Rescue aircraft on 24HR rotation).
The RSAF Helicopter Squadron. Duties include support to the SIDF and Shetland Islands Government, Air, Sea Rescue, and Oil Rig Support (another Paying Source of Income ££££
).
Number 22 (Shetland) Communications Squadron
Approx 10 Aircraft of mixed types (Including Light Helicopters) - General duties, including Training.
Ok so all a load of crap - but hey I was bored at work and it filled in five minutes ok!
