Born in Liverpool on 2 June 1945, CHRISTOPHER COVILLE joined the RAF straight from grammar school in 1964. Early in his career he flew Lightnings and Phantoms, before, amidst other postings and promotions, the Tornado F3. During his service he frequently flew with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows. Promoted to air vice marshal, he became Air Officer Commanding Training Units in 1992, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff Operational Requirements (Air Systems) in 1994 and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Central Europe in 1998. appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2000 New Years Honours, Sir Christopher retired from the RAF in 2003.