A SEX scandal shaming the RAF’s Red Arrows has been revealed in a report.
The investigation exposes a toxic culture of predatory sexual abuse among male members of the aerobatic display team.
Sordid behaviour included affairs, groping, flashing, bullying and women being treated as “property”.
Terrified female crew even formed “shark watch” groups to protect each other on booze-fuelled nights out.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton yesterday said he was appalled by the squadron’s behaviour and “unreservedly” apologised.
Two pilots have been sacked and nine others disciplined in the biggest crisis to hit the display team since it was formed in 1964.
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However, Mr Knighton said he never considered disbanding the RAF Aerobatic Team.
He added: “I want to say I am sorry and offer my unreserved apologies to any individuals subjected to unacceptable behaviours during their association with the Red Arrows.
“These included sexual harassment, bullying and an alcohol culture.
“The situation was compounded by a bystander culture — meaning people did not challenge what was happening.”
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The RAF launched a non-statutory probe in 2021 after three women complained to then-RAF chief Sir Mike Wigston.
The report, going back to 2017, was finally published yesterday more than 15 months after it was finished — alongside a second into leadership failures.
Many pages are redacted, including details of at least 64 examples of “unacceptable behaviours”.
But in between the censor’s black pen, the report warns the Red Arrows was “not a safe environment for females”.
It found women were highly likely to face “harassment because of their sex”. And female staff who dared speak out were accused of being “over-sensitive” or a “typical woman”.
Harassment included groping, sexting, sexual propositions and “male sexual entitlement”.
The report said women were viewed “as the property of either individuals or the squadron”.
Mr Knighton said: “Where the inquiry found evidence of possible criminal behaviour, this was passed to the service police.
“But the service police were unable to gather sufficient evidence to begin any prosecutions.” He denied suggestions of a cover-up.
All of the pilots who flew for the Red Arrows between 2017 and 2021 have moved on and only three ground crew remain, sources said.
Flt Lt Will Cambridge, who flew as Red 4, and Flt Lt Damon Green, Red 8, were dismissed last year.
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Phil Ingram, of the Independent Defence Authority which represented some of the victims, said they felt “badly let down” by both inquiries.
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