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l See page 27 Friday August 12 2022 No. 1542 70pl See R'n'R p5 l See page 21 WINfavouriteForces'Thepaper l See page forGamesTriathlon31goldPollardMartialartsFlyingstart l See page 28 bookSikhFlying Win this £475 watch from Elliot Brown On the Finnish line with gotBravoNATONovemberundermyskin
Simon Mander LOUISE CLARK paid tribute to the iconic Chinook Bravo November she says saved her father’s life during the Falklands War – by having it tattooed on her arm She revealed her artwork at the RAF Museum Midlands, where she joined dad Ian and a group of Regiment veterans for a unique reunion beside the famous helicopter,DubbedZA718.‘The Survivor’, Bravo November took off from the Atlantic Conveyer in the South Atlantic with a team of RAF Regiment Gunners onboard just minutes before the vessel was destroyed by an Argentinian Exocet strike. She said: “Local press reports said Dad had gone down with the ship. Luckily, he managed to phone us from Ascension to say ‘I’m safe, I’m fine, it’s ok’. I’ve always loved Chinooks and I wanted a tattoo to always remember Dad“Theby. artist gave me a picture of a Chinook he wanted to use, but I said it couldn’t be just any helicopter, it had to be Bravo November.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P2 1987Hercules flies last Nazi Luftwaffe1940 raid This Week In History1971Princegraduates HRH THE Prince of Wales graduates from RAF College Cranwell and is awarded his pilot’s badge by Chief of the Air Staff, ACM Sir Denis Spotswood. THE LAST surviving Nazi war criminal, Rudolf Hess, dies in Spandau Prison. His body is flown out of Berlin by a RAF Hercules and presented to his family. Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre PitchforkGraham(TheHistoryPress) LUFTWAFFE LAUNCH 1,500 sorties and shoot down 13 RAF fighters for the loss of 47 of their own aircraft, during the Adler Tag (Eagle Day) Operation. Defence hits the beach “I can’t wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself “My takethesquadrontrainingmedicalonthegavemeconfidencetocontrol New ComeStrictlyDancing pro CoppolaVito See pagesR’n’R4-5LukewinnerGamesCommonwealthgoldAS1Pollard See page 31 WO victimOAPlifesavehelpedPrior,Jasonwhotheofancrash See p15 “I am very proud ForceswiderandtheEngland,representtoRAFtheArmed ” RAF News Room Lancaster68 Building HQ Air Command High HP14BuckinghamshireWycombe4UE Editor: Simon Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Features Editor: Tracey Allen Email: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk News Editor: Simon Mander Sports reporter Daniel Abrahams Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 07966 429755 All advertising: Edwin Rodrigues Tel: 07482 571535 Email: rafnews.co.ukedwin.rodrigues@ Subscriptions and distribution: RAF News Subscriptions c/o UnitIntermedia,6eEnterprise Centre, Kelvin Lane, Crawley RH10 9PE Tel: 01293 312191 Email: subscriptionhelpline.co.ukrafnewssubs@
DEFENCE CHIEFS turned to sand art to highlight the dangers of Forces training areas which are open to the public. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation commissioned an artist to create a 300ft image of a RAF Chinook at Saunton Sands beach in Devon, a popular spot with holidaymakers which also doubles as a military training site. The striking image is part of DIO’s Respect the Range campaign which has been rolled out at other sites accessible to the public, including Barry Buddon in Scotland, Donna Nook and Holbeach in Lincolnshire, Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and Lulworth in Dorset. DIO’s Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew said: “These beauty spots are shared land, where families, tourists and locals spend time. “But it’s also where our Armed Forces practise live-fire training, so it can go from tranquil to treacherous by the hour, 24 hours a day.“It’s key that we work together to share these spaces with respect and consideration.”
90 SU’s Wg Cdr Dave Collins added: “This project is a change in mindset. Rather than having an operational capability which takes years to deliver, the concept was to get something in the hands of users which offers an 80 per cent solution and then work with the operators to iterate quickly and develop the rest. “Testing new technology in the hands of users is a better way of doing things. Raven has been driven by a group of highly-skilled aviators empowered and funded to take it Ravenforward.”could now be used during the RAF’s contribution to security at the forthcoming Football World Cup in Qatar.
THE 2022 ROYAL Edinburgh Military Tattoo is now under way with more than 800 performers from across the world taking part. As well as the Armed Forces aspect, the event features cultural showcases and musical presentations by performers from Mexico, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, plus homegrown talent from the UK. Military acts, including the RAF’s bands, will continue to play a central role at the Tattoo, on until August 27. l Go to: edintattoo.co.uk.
90 SU specialists are also looking at ways to scale it up for use on more complex exercises and operations, Gp Capt Fashade added. Alongside the RAFdesigned cloud-based Nexus command and control system, Raven is at the vanguard of the Service’s drive towards faster digital AirChiefSpacerecentaccordingcommunications,toairchiefs.SpeakingattheAirPowerandConference,oftheAirStaff,ChiefMarshalSirMikeWigston,said: “Our new approach to command and control depends on battlespace connectivity, and that functioning, interoperable, digital network is one of the most important technological challenges we all face. “At the heart of the RAF’s Future Air Command and Control system is Nexus and Raven, our virtual communications node. “Between them they create a common operational picture by fusing data from multiple sources to provide actionable intelligence of the battlespace in real time. “Nexus and Raven are flexible, secure, proven and have been developed by the RAF at a fraction of the cost of comparators, and because we developed it in-house, it is open and available to our allies and partners.” OC: Gp Capt Ola Fashade
In brief No bones about it, that’s culture
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P3 News
It uses a cloud-based software defined network to deliver higher speed and improved cyber-security, according to operators.
NCOs make combat data breakthrough
WORTH RAVEN ABOUT: New comms system (inset top) will be invaluable on operations such as Biloxi Nato air policing (above) Pilots can share battlespace info 10 times quicker WG COLLINS:DAVECDR “This project is a change in mindset” Simon Mander A frontlinebeenfastercombatcanRAFdesignedcommunicationsGROUND-BREAKINGnetworkbyateamoftechnicianswhichtransferdatafromjets10timesthanexistingkithasdeployedonitsfirstoperation.
90 SU
IN POST: 617’s Wg Cdr Stew Campbell STRIKING: Performer from Mexico WING COMMANDER Stew Campbell has taken command of 617 Dambusters Sqn at RAF Marham.Speaking after taking up the post he said: “I am looking forward to working with the squadron personnel, both old and new, as we prepare to join our colleagues onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth for another deployment and then to look ahead to next year when we commemorate the Dambusters’ 80th Anniversary.”
90 SU innovation
getDambustersnewchief
The Raven system built by the four-strong team of NCOs from 90 Signals Unit has been described as a breakthrough by Air Chiefs after being deployed on the recent Nato air policing mission in Romania. The network was developed by FS Carl Barker, Sgt Benjamin Gray, Sgt Andrew Archer and Cpl Ryan Lee to increase cyber-security and provide military personnel across the combat zone with real-time data.90 SU Commanding Officer Gp Capt Ola Fashade said: “Critical Typhoon data which normally takes 35 minutes to transfer was done in just four minutes. “We had a group of relatively junior aviators who looked at the system we were using and thought they could do it better” “This project is about capability at the speed of relevance. Operations evolve quickly and being able to get the information to the decision-makers across the battle space faster enables us to make those critical decisions faster. “We had a group of relatively junior aviators who looked at the system we were using and thought they could do it better. “There was trust in the guys at unit level and HQ level which provided the funding we needed to get it done. There was a risk involved but Raven is decades ahead of where we were.”
The project took just three years to complete and was flown out to Romania alongside the existing Falcon system as a concept demonstrator. The slimmed-down kit weighs a fraction of the Falcon network, requires one small generator to power it and can be operated by just four people, instead of a team of between 15-20 specialists.
During the parade seven UK personnel were presented with the Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour and detachment commander Wing Commander Dutch Holland was awarded an Emblem of Honour of the Defence Staff.Since the mission started in April the RAF has flown more than 325 sorties, totalling 850 hours of flight time: more than three times that of any previous UK enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania. The peak of activity in early May saw Typhoons scramble 34 times and deliver missions totalling more than 350 hours of flying in a threeweekTheyperiod.handed over the enhanced Air Policing responsibility to the Royal Canadian Air Force before returning to the UK.
OFFICER GRADUATE Ciara McAleese hit the parade ground with her parents, former Chief Tech Mike and retired air traffic grandfatherherparents,following22-year-oldfamilygenerationbecameCranwellSamantha,controlleratasshethefourthofhertoserve.Theproudisherbothgrandfathers,grandmotherandhergreatintotheService. She said: “The RAF is a dream that has now become a reality and following in the footsteps of so many of my family and friends makes it even more special.“Itis an honour to graduate next to so many amazing people. I have so many people to thank for supporting my journey, and I am looking forward to living my dream for years to come.”
G/GRANDAD: Sam GRANDAD: Dennis GRANDMOTHER: Maggie Charity raises cash support for bereaved Forces families
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P5 News
Staff Reporter AIR FORCE family dependents could receive up to £20,000 if a serving partner dies either on or off duty after the RAF Benevolent fund raised its support to bereaved families by £2,500. The charity offers a single, taxfree payment following the death of RAF personnel either on or off duty, who have signed up to the scheme.Welfare Director Air Cdre Paul Hughesdon said: “Our vision is that no member of the RAF Family will ever face adversity alone. “It is difficult to think of a more challenging time than losing a loved one who is serving and so, for subscribers, I am pleased that we can provide an additional layer of support to their families, when they are faced with the heartbreaking, unexpected loss of a loved one.”
Simon Mander
TYPHOONS RETURNED home to Coningsby in dramatic style after completing Air Policing duties in Romania. The 3 (F) Squadron jets flew in a rarely seen eight-ship formation over the Lincolnshire station to mark the end of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing’s mission protecting the airspace over the Black Sea region. Earlier, personnel who spent four months on the Nato mission paraded alongside their Romanian comrades at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base while Eurofighters and F-16s staged a farewell flypast. Air Officer Commanding No 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Robinson, said: “The level of operational flying we’ve seen is an incredible achievement. We’ve asked a lot from you, and you have delivered. We could not have achieved our mission without the support of our host nation and Nato partner nations. Our greatest strength is our partnership.”
l The Dependants Fund is open to all regular and reserve personnel. Go to: rafbf.org for details.
UKTyphoonreturn
Blue-blooded
Coningsby crews complete NATO Black Sea mission
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Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P7 News
Flown by mixed crews of RAF and civilian pilots, the Envoy replaces the BAe146 which was retired from service in April.From April 2024, the aircraft will be modified with military upgrades and operated solely by 32 (The Royal) Sqn.
Lauren’s Wembley pride
Envoy fleet complete
WHISKY A GO GO:The fundraising team roll up the Highbarrel. spirits
Simon Mander THE RAF’S newest fleet of jets is complete with the arrival of a second Envoy jet to Northolt. Two of the Dassault 900LX aircraft will be used in a Command Support Air Transport role to move high priority military personnel and mission critical freight to, from and within operational areas. Each of them can carry 14 passengers and three crew with a range of 4,750 nautical miles, or 8,800km, without refuelling. The declaration of full-service capability comes two months after the delivery of the first aircraft. Assistant Chief of Staff, Air Mobility, Air Cdre Andy Martin, said: “The aircraft will be working hard to deliver UK influence and diplomacy around the world in the coming months and years.”
Martial arts fighters hit the mat at Inters See Sport p28
ROYAL COMMAND: The jets will be operated by 32 (The Royal) Sqn following military upgrades
A FOUR-STRONG team of RAF Regiment personnel have hit the heights with a whisky-flavoured challenge, raising £1,800 for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The team, from RAF Honington, climbed Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, while carrying a 52kg whisky barrel, getting to the summit of the 4,413ft mountain in just eight hours and 40 minutes. The zany fundraising idea came from Flt Lt Stuart Clark, who said: “It seemed like something unique. “How many people can say they carried a whisky barrel up the UK’s highest mountain? “I honestly expected to be up there in the dark, 12 hours after we’d started, hating each other and debating about pushing the barrel off a “Butcliff.we smashed it, getting up and down in a time some people would struggle to manage without the barrel. The weather was fantastic and the looks of disbelief were worth it.”
AN ALL-FEMALE Hercules crew got the Lionesses’ historic Euros finals win off to a roaring start with a flypast over Wembley stadium.The47 Squadron transporter flew wing to wing alongside two Typhoons over the venue as the England team (pictured right) took to the pitch. Hercules captain, Flt Lt Lauren, said: “I’ve flown missions all over the world with the RAF, but this is one of the most memorable.”
PITCH PERFECT: 47 Sqn pilot Flt Lt Lauren in the Hercules C-130J ahead of the Wembley flypast.
Stuart’s teammates were Flt Lts Campbell Steel and Robert ‘Bobby’ Holmes, and Sgt Michael ‘Smudge’ Smyth.
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UK and US test for Finland’s frontline fighters ahead of NATO membership
HERCULES CREWS with 24 Sqn hone their combat landing skills alongside Tactical Air Traffic Controllers on a makeshift runway at Pembrey Beach in Wales.
The exercise comes ahead of Finland’s expected accession to Nato and involved more than 750 ground troops, including C Company, 2 Rifles Battlegroup –currently deployed to Estonia. UK fighters joined Finland’s high-readiness forces from the Jaegar, Karelian and Pori Brigades and the US 3rd Armoured Brigade launching offensive and defensive operations and helicopter assaults. Chinook detachment commander Flt Lt Henry said: “The Finnish Army and US Army aviators we worked with were top class. “After a couple of briefs, it was just like working with another familiar partner, they just use different equipment. Carrying out complicated tactical training far away from home in mixed formations is a formidable demonstration of capability. “We now know that US, Finnish and UK support helicopters can work seamlessly together whenever the need arises.” Nato forces honed command and control procedures and tactical drills using live and blank firing and urban operations. Col Jukka Nurmi, Deputy Chief of Training, Defence Command Finland, said: “The exercise is an effective way to demonstrate the competence of our conscripts and to verify and develop the international compatibility of our own troops.” Britain signed a joint security declaration with Finland in May. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey added: “Vigilant Fox has demonstrated the strength and interoperability of our Armed Forces with our US and Finnish allies and reaffirms our commitment to the defence and security of the Baltic Sea region.” RAF Chinooks with the Odiham-based Aviation Task Force arrived in Estonia last month taking over from a Puma detachment to take part in Nato training.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P9 News
RAF CHINOOKS flew in more than 100 UK troops taking part in war games in the Baltic as British and US forces tested Finland’s frontline fighters as the country prepares to join the Nato alliance. UK aircrews with the Aviation Task Force based in Estonia flew low-level combat sorties alongside US Chinooks and Black Hawks and Finnish NH90 helicopters to insert troops in assault force combat drills during the four-day exercise, dubbed Vigilant Fox.
Beach for the sky US SPACE ace Sgt Scott Streepy says receiving an award in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours is out of this world.The Britain-based American serviceman with the US Space Force received a commendation in the last round of Royal honours for his work with the UK’s Space Command. He said: “Receiving the commendation and representing United States Space Force is the highlight of my career. Being able to do that in such a beautiful country has truly made for a once in a lifetime experience for me and my wife Katie.”
Beam me up, Scotty
Staff Reporter
Chinooks join NATO combat training on the Finnish line
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TINDERBOX BRITAIN: RAF Northolt Fire tenders called in as emergency services struggled to cope with outbreak of wild fires. Pictured right, smoke billows across carriageways and runways.
Royal Air Force News Friday,August 12, 2022 P13
Staff Reporter
Northolt crews battle wildfire
DRONE HOME : RAF Gunner controls a drone during training to counter the threat to military bases from UAVS Orcus radar kit to roguedefeatUAVs
PRESENTER ROSS Kemp and historian Bruce Compton checked out the collection of vintage aircraft at the RAF Museum ahead of the launch of their new TV series on salvaging wreckage from the ocean floor, Shipwrecks and Diving for Sky Arts.
GP CAPT Cameron Gibb has taken command at RAF Cosford and the Defence Schoo of Aeronautical Engineering. He replaces outgoing station chief Gp Capt Gareth Bryant who has taken up a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies.
THE NEW Defence AI Centre set up to help develop military artifical intelligence programmes has been declared operational. The unit is a collaboration between existing Defence Digital teams, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the triService Future capability Group.
RAF FIREFIGHTERS and Middlesex emergency service crews battled a blaze which swept across parched grassland near Northolt. The wildfire erupted as temperatures hit record levels across the UK, engulfing a 40hectre area close to the Air Force station billowing smoke across the runways.Police closed down the A40 as smoke swept across carriageways as two RAF crews battled the blaze alongside Hillingdon borough fire fighters.Defence fire crews equipped with new Oshkosh Striker tenders were called in as North London emergency services struggled to cope with an outbreak of fires caused by the soaring temperatures.
AINewsInBriefisA-Okay
Drone Busters
The system is currently being used on Operation Shader to protect aircraft. RAF Force Protection Commander Air Cdre Jamie Thompson said: “The opportunities for the RAF Regiment are significant and I look forward to being at the vanguard of such an important and relevant Defence task.”Gunners from 2 FP Wg, which includes 34 Sqn, 63 Sqn and 609 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment personnel – many of whom have experienced first-hand the threat posed from UAS on operations –will lead the initiative.
Cosford chief in
HANDOVER: Gp Capt Cameron Gibb takes command. Simon Mander GUNNERS ARE being trained to use new technology to counter hostile drones menacing airbases around Britain and abroad. And they are being prepared to deploy anywhere in the country to back up emergency services in a crisis caused by the malicious use of unmanned air Leeming-basedsystems.2 Force Protection Wing has taken on the role of delivering protection for the whole of Defence using the Orcus system.Built by Leonardo it has an air surveillance radar to detect intruders, a camera to track and identify them and an attack turret that uses electronics to defeat drones. Elements of the system were used at the 2012 London Olympics and to deal with disruption at Gatwick and Heathrow in 2018 and 2019 when both airports were brought to a standstill by rogue drones.
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4626 Sqn Reservist Jason moved the man to safety and carried out emergency checks, monitoring the injured victim’s vital signs and assessing his injuries as paramedics struggled to get to the scene. He said: “The individual was lifeless and drifting into unconsciousness with only one eye partially open. He wasn’t responding to voice commands and unable to give his name. “His breathing was very laboured and I could see that it was taking a great deal of effort to breathe.“Wegot blankets and towels to position under his head so it wasn’t directly on the tarmac and kept him“Iwarm.continued to talk to the casualty, who started to periodically open his eyes to my voice and occasionally squeezed my hand.”
saves M4
TRAINING: RAF Regt’s Sgt Enoe is set for Nato leadership course in aGunnerSwitzerlandonSwissrole
Police closed off the eastbound carriageway near Barry, Wales, and an air ambulance was put on standby before paramedics transferred the man to Cardiff University Hospital by road. Jason, who was on his way to the Welsh coast with his wife, added: “I provided a handover of the casualty’s condition and conscious levels and assisted the medics as directed. “It was only as a result of the medical training that I have received during my time on the squadron that I had the confidence to deal with the situation and take charge.”Theinjured man was said to be in a stable condition as RAF News went to press. the The injured crash pensioner
Forces families in line for childcare bonanza
£3,000
BEN WALLACE WELCOME HOME: Deployments can take a toll on Forces family life
A HALTON-BASED Gunner is one of only two across Defence to be selected for a prestigious Nato course. Sgt Shenten Enoe will join students from 23 Alliance countries in Neuchlen, Switzerland, later this year for an intermediate leadership course as part of the Partnership for Peace training programme.
The scheme is part of a package of policies to support military families, including the introduction of flexible working hours, housing reforms and the Help to Buy scheme which offers serving personnel cash to cover the cost of deposits. Air Force mum Cpl Vicki Taylor said: “Everyone I have spoken to who also benefits from wraparound childcare agrees it’s a fantastic scheme. “For my family it saved us financially, reduced our stress levels, and has given us more quality time with our children.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P15 News
Her-WO Warrant Officer Jason
ROADDRAMA:CRASH medicalBrize-basedsupportReservistWOJasonPriorhasbeenpraisedforhisswiftaction
Staff Reporter
FORCES FAMILIES with young children will receive free child care worth up to £3,000 a year, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said. Military parents with children aged between four and 11 will qualify for 20 hours of care a week after a pilot scheme rolled out in 2020 won the backing of ministers. The cash is designed to ease pressure on families struggling to cope with deployments and frequent house moves, and could help up to 20,000 military families, the MOD said.Mr Wallace said: “Our Armed Forces personnel sacrifice a great deal in the service of their country and whether it is providing flexible working accommodationor options, I am determined they feel supported in their family life. “Providing free wraparound childcare is another clear way of supporting the unique challenges they face as parents and will go a long way to helping them to enjoy a thriving family life as well as a thriving career.”
OFF-DUTY WARRANT Officer Jason Prior has been hailed a hero for helping to save the life of a pensioner seriously injured in a motorway crash. The quick-thinking medic stepped in when he spotted the seriously injured and semiconscious 67-year-old man lying in the carriageway at the scene of the two-car accident, on the M4.
“One of the other ship’s anti-aircraft missiles went rogue and came straight for us. Me and my mate thought ‘that’s it’ but at the last minute it went straight over the top and exploded in the“Evenair. now fireworks, flashes, bangs will start a flashback. At the time PTSD wasn’t recognised and we never had any treatment. I’ve had help from Combat Stress but being back with the lads and talking about what happened, that’s what really helps.”
“I wanted to reunite as many of the lads as possible as I know some of them are suffering mental health issues from the war,” said Len. “I have PTSD, depression, anxiety and physical problems – my spine and hips have been rebuilt and my knees have gone – through carrying heavy weights and running around in the RAFHeRegiment.”andanother Gunner were on anti-aircraft duty during an Argentine attack when something happened that still haunts him.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P16 Feature Falklands 40th anniversary
“We didn’t know the Atlantic Conveyor had been hit at the time communicationstherebecausewereno” RAF rigger Cpl Alan Clark
REMEMBERING BRAVO
Falklands veterans gather at RAF Cosford 40 years on to be reunited with one of aviation’s great survivors, Chinook ZA718 VETERANS WHO served on one of the RAF’s most famous aircraft were reunited at Cosford to remember their role keeping Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ flying during the Falklands war.
Ex
ConveyorAtlantic
GUNNER: Len Hames
The unique gathering of 22 former 18 Squadron personnel organised by ex-Gunner SAC Len Hames, 62, could be the last time some of them share memories that help heal the unseen scars they carry from the conflict.
tonsPoWshundredscasualties,troops,thanmovingconflict,FalklandsduringmissionsflewNovemberBravoWORKHORSE:numerousthemore2,00095ofand550ofstores
From dispensers,equippedTaskpreparedreturnavoidintotonjobsaction.workhorsenewtoonlyunit1982invasionArgentiniantheinApriltheOdiham–reformedayearbeforereceivethethenbattlefield–wasinOneofitsfirstwastoflyafive-propellerbearingHMSInvincibletheChanneltoanembarrassingtoportforrepair.SixaircraftweretojointheForce,eachwithchaffflaredecoys,radarwarning receivers and a General-Purpose Machine Gun. Five went on the container ship MV Atlantic Conveyor which dropped off one at Ascension Island, while the remaining four headed south to help recapture the Falklands. Arriving at Ascension on May 5 within 90 minutes Chinook ZA707 was delivering supplies, which it continued to do throughout the war including carrying an early warning radar to the top of Green Mountain –a job only a ‘Wokka’ could do. As British forces stormed ashore in the South Atlantic on May 21 it was clear helicopters were essential – with no proper docks, troops and stores were ferried ashore by landing craft or air. And even then, there were no roads across the island. As the RAF Chinooks could lift five times more than the Royal Navy’s Sea King, they were expected to play a vitalBravorole.November had its blades fitted on May 25 and took off on an air test. Within 15 minutes two Argentine Dassault Super Étendards armed with Exocet missiles swooped setting the Atlantic Conveyor ablaze, killing 12 personnel and destroying tents, vehicles, helicopter spares and threeFormerChinooks.RAF rigger Corporal Alan ‘Nobby’ Clark, 78, was on Bravo November at the time. He said: “We didn’t know the Atlantic Conveyor had been hit at the time because there were no father’sthemilitarydandelioncommunications.“Ididn’tknowanyonehadbeenkilledonitbecauseall18Sqnpersonnelsurvived.IonlyfoundoutwhenIwentdowntheFalklandsonmynexttourin1986andsawtheinscriptionsonthememorialthere.”HisdaughterLouiseproudlysportsatattooofBravoNovemberonherforearmalongwitha–thesymbolofchildren.Shesayshelicoptersavedherlife.
BRAVO NOVEMBER
ZA718 got under my skin
PROUD daughter Louise Clark displays her tattoo of legendary RAF Chinook Bravo November – that she says saved her dad’s life – at a unique veterans reunion.
She said: “It was reported in the local press at the time that he’d gone down with the ship. Luckily, dad managed to phone us from Ascension to say ‘I’m safe, I’m fine, it’s ok’. “I’ve always loved Chinooks and I wanted a tattoo to remember dad by. I researched an artist I was happy with, and he gave me a picture of a Chinook, but I said it couldn’t be just any helicopter, it had to be Bravo November!”
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P17 by Simon Mander
The aircraft, since nicknamed ‘The Survivor’, then landed on HMS Hermes, where the captain threatened to push her overboard as she was hampering the carrier’s air operations.Withonly one aircraft, 18 Sqn reorganised. Those on the Atlantic Conveyor were sent home, leaving two aircrews and 27 groundcrew who sailed on the MV Norland and RAF Regiment personnel. Without manuals, tools, or equipment, humping personal belongings, they headed for San Carlos to prepare the aircraft for flight – spending three nights in the open in freezing conditions.Former Sergeant Lyle Thomson, 81, squadron operations officer, said: “When we went ashore all we had was what we could carry in our packs, I’ve never been so hungry in my life. We had no tents, nothing, just what we stood up in. “I had a big green bag full of sealed paperwork for the Chinooks, which I had to carry everywhere. Eventually the Squadron Leader told me to burn it in case we were captured by the Argies, which we did. “Back in the UK the RAF coppers turned up and asked where it was, and I had to admit I’d destroyed it and they wanted to put me on a charge.”AtSan Carlos they billeted in farm outbuildings and Navy tents and from there fought to keep the helicopter airworthy in conditions that would normally ground it. The immediate priority was to get weapons to frontline troops and Rapier missile batteries to positions around Falkland Sound to protect the fleet in what became known as BombBravoAlley.November played a key role in 2 Para’s assaults on Argentine positions around Darwin and Goose Green joining Royal Navy Sea Kings moving guns, artillery shells and mortars before airlifting the wounded to the field hospital at Ajax Bay. But it was returning from a mission to deliver three 105mm guns and 22 gunners to Mount Kent overlooking the besieged capital Stanley that nearly ended her bodyandtheskythroughBattlingwar.thenightinsnowshowersaltimeterfailedtheaircrafthitaofwaterlosingadoorcontainingmapsandvital codes without which the Rapiers might mistake her for an enemy Chinook.Turning on and off their lights to show she was friendly, Bravo November was met by a Sea King and escorted back. Her next action was to help 2 Para capture Fitzroy and Bluff Cove flying two sorties, carrying 81 then 71 heavily armed soldiers, despite a maximum capacity of 30 perIronically,flight. the earlier damage to her airframe kept her safe. Thinking she was Argentinian an artillery position was about to open fire when one astute corporal recognised her missing door. For 18 days, Bravo November flew every day except one, carrying 2,150 troops, 95 casualties, 550 prisoners of war and 550 tons of stores. For his efforts at Mount Kent, Sqn Ldr Dick Langworthy won the Distinguished Flying Cross – one of four pilots to win the award on the helicopter.Onthe 40th anniversary of the war British military personnel were awarded the Freedom of the Falkland Islands.Butonly those in the warzone won a campaign medal with a coveted rosette denoting active service, among them former avionics Junior Technician Guy Greenwood, 64. He said: “I went down as part of the second Chinook crew, and we arrived just as the ceasefire was called and stayed there until the end. “I was one of the ground crew who removed a door from a captured Argentinian Chinook and fitted it to Bravo November, which it flew with for many years afterwards.”SQN: RAF veteran
SURVIVOR: Bravo November above Atlantic Conveyor. Inset, being taken off the landing pad for the removal of all the rotor blades PHOTOS: AIR HISTORICAL BRANCH (RAF)
18
REUNION: The former members of 18 Sqn gather in front of Bravo November at RAF Cosford PHOTOS: AS1 HAYDN BRUMLEY BANKS
NEW RECRUITS: ButRAF LACs are now Air Specialists (Class 2), SACs are Air Specialists (Class 1)
bother on history page
Spotter
VIP GUESTS: Relatives of the WWII aircrew at the unveiling
Here in spirit
IT HAS been brought to my attention that the Royal Air Force has introduced new genderneutral titles for certain ranks. My first reaction on seeing the changes was that it was a late April Fool’s joke. The changes introduced are: Aircraftman (AC), replaced with Air Recruit (AR); Leading Aircraftman (LAC), replaced with Air Specialist (Class 2) (AS2); Senior Aircraftman (SAC), replaced with Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1), and Senior Aircraftman Technician (SAC(T)) replaced with Air Specialist (Class 1) Technician (AS1(T)). In my 22 years in the RAF I do not recall anything so stupid coming from above. We have an old saying in the military: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Another was: leave well enough alone. This change was brought about following consultation with aviators across the RAF. The aviation side of the RAF is a comparatively small element of any flying unit, there is a huge support element behind the flying element. You have the Catering Squadron, the only trade in the RAF who are trade tested three times a day, the Engineering Squadrons, the Motor Transport Squadrons, and then my guys and girls, the Supply Trade. The aviators and their planes cannot function without the support of these squadrons. The idea for this change could only have come from an officer who doesn’t really understand what the RAF is about. The order for the name change needs to be rescinded immediately.
John Seán
RE: PAGE 2 This Week In History 1955 Supersonic ejector in RAF News No. 1541, July 29 – I do not believe the aircraft pictured is a Hawker Hunter F5, the nose/air intake is all wrong, maybe a Supermarine Scimitar. Phil McCabe (ex RAF) EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks for raising the question, perhaps one of our readers could give us a ruling on this.
Gender-neutral rethink
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P19 Post: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk LettersPlease note letters must be a MAXIMUM of 300 words and any accompanying pictures sent as attached, hi-res JPEG files
A LIFESIZE monument of wartime pilots who were caught on camera at RAF Hawkinge, Kent in 1940 has been unveiled at the former station, now the home of the Kent Battle of BritainSpiritMuseum.ofthe Few was the idea of the museum’s chairman Dave Brocklehurst and the monument was created by artists from the Ramsgatebased studio SPACER following a public fundraising drive. More than 70 next of kin of the seven airmen depicted attended the unveiling last month, exactly 82 years after the black and white photo (left) was taken – some travelling from as far away as Australia, America and the Bahamas. The museum houses the world’s largest Battle of Britain collection of memorabilia. l Go to: kbobm.org for more information.
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UK WATCH brand Elliot Brown has received the highest badge of honour, an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, for their outstanding support to the Armed Forces community. To celebrate being the first watch brand to receive this award, RAF News has teamed up with Elliot Brown to give away a Holton Professional watch worth £475 to one lucky winner. The Holton Professional was developed in collaboration with a specialist branch of the British Armed Forces and is the first new military watch to be created by a British company in more than 10 years.Perfect for daily duty no matter how harsh the conditions, the design of the watch echoes that of vintage military watches with functional enhancements, including an unobtrusive triplesealed screw down crown, tough
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As soon as you’re through the turnstile you find yourself in the ‘Rocket Garden’, surrounded by veteran space behemoths. Exhibits include the Redstone, Atlas and Titan rockets that first put NASA Astronauts into space. You can also climb into examples of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules and see how cramped early spacecraft reallyMovingwere. on, you’re into a 360-degree discovery bay and the show What is a Hero? This explores how society defines heroism and identifies several qualities that heroes should have. At the end of the show you walk through into a custom-built IMAX theatre. The next show, Through the Eyes of a Hero, is a multisensory 4D experience that takes you on a journey with four space-age heroes – Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn and James Lovell. Next up you’re into the main Visitor Complex where each module tells a different story. These are brought to life with clever projection and sound effects. Walk through into the next section and you find yourself in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. By now you’ve started to get into the spirit of space travel and are ready for some real adventure. Jump on the bus tour and you’re on your way to see where it all happens, the gargantuan space vehicle assembly building and the launch sites.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P23
Visit l visitorlando.com/gb l kennedyspacecenter.com
OUR TIM:Man from Atlantis
this is a living piece of history and a cutting-edge, modern space port. The site covers a whopping area of 190 square miles (500 sq km), part of which is now open to the public. It’s the only place in the world where you can see the space shuttle Atlantis, touch a moon rock, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, tour a NASA space flight facility and get an up-close view of a real Saturn V moon rocket. To get the best out of your visit you’ll need to allow a whole day. Even then it’s a push to get around everything, especially if you want to take any of the bus tours. These I would heartily recommend however, so start early, with bags of energy.
ORLANDO IS a truly amazing place and yet most people never really get to see it. Traditionally, holidaymakers arrive at Orlando International Airport and head straight for the theme parks. It is, after all, what the area is best known for internationally. In the rush to meet that wellknown giant mouse, the city, which actually lies 15 miles north-east of International Drive, often gets overlooked.Thethriving beat of modern culture, outstanding restaurants and vibrant nightlife are all there to be savoured, if only you take the time to look around. If that’s not enough, beyond the city there are many attractive districts to explore. Ivanhoe Village, Winter Park and Lake Eola are all worth a visit but sadly it was not meant to be on my latestNo,trip.this time I had just 12 hours on location and a real dilemma. You see, I had so much to see and so little time. What should I do with my precious hours? Space Center Visit Orlando had very kindly given me a tremendous amount of information, but I had to pick just one attraction and I wanted to see something authentic, something out of this world. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is situated on the east coast, between Cocoa Beach and Titusville. Often referred to as Cape Canaveral, it’s been home to America’s space programme since 1949. It was world-famous long before the theme parks arrived and exactly what I was looking for. It’s home to America’s manned space program and now also hosts several private space travel companies too, including SpaceX. The Apollo missions blasted off from here as Neil Armstrong plotted a course to the Moon and the space shuttle missions, that I grew up watching on TV as a child, all launched from this very spot. This is not a pretend theme park, its Mickey Mouse theme park
Travel by Tim Morris
There's more to Orlando than its Mickey Mouse theme park
The tour guides are incredibly well informed, with real gems of information to share. Their live sections are supported by prerecorded videos that are played as you travel around the facility. At no point are you allowed off the bus to wander around active parts of the site, but this is just as well because the island is home to around 5,000 wildYouralligators.next stop is the Saturn/ Apollo exhibition area and for me this was the highlight of the tour. The Atlantis exhibit, which features the $60 million Launch Experience ride is incredibly well designed. It lets you experience the sights, sounds and excitement of a vertical launch of a space shuttle in a simulator, a bit like the Star Tours simulator at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Injust a few short hours I’d experienced so much and there were many things that I didn’t have time to take in. Admission is not cheap, but most attractions are included in the price. The Astronaut Training Experience includes a G-Force simulator. You can feel the pressure of four times the force of gravity, experience what it’s like to walk on the moon, ride a rover across the rocky Martian terrain or guide the Space Shuttle to a smooth landing. Outside the main exhibits you can purchase additional guided bus tours that offer a range of experiences. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance for these however as there is limited availability.Finally,make sure that you visit the Astronaut Memorial, a moving tribute to those who have died during the space programme. Here visitors remember crews including those of the Challenger and Columbia Space shuttle disasters. More than 20 million people have visited the memorial since it was dedicated in May 1991, and I felt proud to join them.
TIM MORRIS CorrespondentMotoring
Exterior The Supra is infinitely better looking than the BMW Z4, with sweeping haunches. It has a great shape, and everything is perfectly proportioned. The rear end looks like a true GT car and, at the other end, it has a nose so long that you could have an accident and not even notice. The attention to detail is seriously impressive, but look again and you’ll notice that the vents, pretty much all of them, are fake. There’s no plan to reduce the build-up of air pressure at speed here, they just make the car look good. Interior Your brain expects Toyota but it’s unmistakably BMW. The rev counter is bespoke but almost everything else is German, from the switchgear to the door handles. It even has BMW’s clever iDrive system and the same graphic display. The build quality is good and everything is sturdily put together.Theinfotainment is intuitive and you get masses of kit for your cash. Our ‘Pro’ test car came with everything as standard. The only option fitted (the only one available) was the special metallic paint job. There’s a 12 speaker, JBL, sound system, sat-nav, adaptive LED lights, adaptive suspension, active differential, adaptive cruise, lane control, auto steering, auto main beam and a raft of other cleverThestuff.driving position is near perfect. You sit on the deck, peering through the steering wheel at the clocks and down the sleek nose. You’re surrounded by nicely stitched leather and carbon fibre effect panels. Behind you is a narrow, supercar style rear window that slopes away to the tail. Visibility at the rear isn’t great but it wouldn’t feel like a GT car if it was. Behind the seats sits the boot, which is more generous than you might expect. On the road In ‘Normal’ mode, the Supra feels almost too laid back. It has the poke of a big GT car and is comfortable enough to be a longdistance tourer. Put it into ‘Sport’ however and much of the old Supra makes a comeback. The limited-slip differential is dialled back and the throttle response increases so the GR Supra once again wants to break traction whenever it can. This is most noticeable when you’re powering around undulating, winding roads because you can feel the rear wheels leave the ground momentarily as you crest over hills, before stepping out as you land. If you don’t lift the throttle pretty quick when you land on a damp surface, you’ll soon be into a slide. This time the step out is progressive however so it’s fun, rather than terrifying. Steering is otherwise precise too but, perhaps, a bit too quick for my liking. It could also use more feedback.
The 3.0-litre, in-line 6, turbo, with its 8-speed automatic gearbox, hits 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and is electronically limited to a top end of 155mph. It develops a thumping 335bhp and returns a reasonable 34.4mpg on a combined cycle. Give it some welly and it produces a deep roar, complete with pops and crackles from the exhaust, so it certainly feels the part. Nice!
STILL A STUNNER: New Supra (top) is almost as striking as the original bug-eye (above)
Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro, £57,495
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P24
Motoring
Pros l Looks great l Sounds suitably fast l Flexible power delivery l Surprisingly comfortable Cons l Unpredictable handling, predictably engineered l Steering responds too fast at speed l Interior a bit too clinical –it’s lost that Supra simplicity Verdict Some may complain that the 2022 Supra doesn’t hold the road well enough to be a real sports car but they clearly don’t remember what made the Supra special. This is the most mild-mannered version of the UXB ever built and it feels more like a GT car than something that wants to kill you. It’s easy to live with in the real world and you get lots of kit for your money. It’s also reasonably cheap to run, for a car in this class, and, being part German, part Japanese, should be jolly reliable. It’s quiet on a motorway, comfortable on a run and has an excellent driving position. Stick it into ‘Sport’ however and a lot more of the Supra spirit comes back. You can still push it to the limits quite easily but, these days, you won’t leave the house thinking ‘did I leave a will?’ Toyota GR Supra
“THIS THING is an unexploded bomb with bucket seats… it’s only a matter of time before it goes off and kills you.” That’s what I said when I first drove a Toyota Supra. I was only 17 at the time and completely out of my depth. There were few rules then. I passed my driving test on a Friday and by Sunday I was sitting in the passenger seat of my friend’s car, as a qualified driver, while he learnt. On the Monday I was handed the keys to a 7.5 tonne artic and sent to London.Many cars were insured for any driver by their owners so, by the time I encountered the Supra, I’d already driven Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Jags and a RollsRoyce. None of them prepared me for Toyota’s UXB – a 1989 3.0 litre, turbo-charged A70 . It was a machine that really taught me how to drive, mainly by virtue of the fact that it nearly killed me several times. The 2022 Supra GR handles well and has loads of power on tap but it is the most predictable version of the car I’ve ever driven, clinical almost. Considering my long, turbulent, relationship with the UXB, this didn’t make sense at first. Then I read the press pack and it all became clear. You see, underneath the skin, the latest Supra is a BMW Z4. Same floorplan, same straight
Supra’s still dynamite … but it’s less lethal than its predecessor six, same predictability. That’s not to say that it can’t be brilliantly terrifying to drive but, these days, you have to arm the bomb.
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SHEVINGTON SHARKS’ Vicarage Lane ground saw RAF rugby league stand-in coaches WO Dave Moll and rising Regiment coach Sgt Tom White oversee a tough 42-16 defeat. The Northern Men’s Premier League side proved too strong for the military men in the end, but it gave the pairing of Moll and White the opportunity to look at a host of new players ahead of September’s Inter-Services. The scoreline didn’t do the Service side’s first-half display justice, with AS2 Keiron Prescott scoring in the first minute, before putting in a standout performance throughout.AS1Joe Williams and AS1 James Jaundrell were the other RAF try scorers as the military men went in 16-12 up at the break. Using the second half to introduce all of the players from the 24-man RAF squad meant the hosts were able to run in several scores as the Service side rejigged their set-up throughout the final 40 minutes. l Follow RAF rugby league on Instagram @rafrugbyleague. In brief Rugby league Shark attack
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P27Follow us @rafnewssport Sport Would you like to see your sport featured in RAF News? Send a short report (max 300 words) & two or three photographs (attached jpegs) to: Sports@rafnews.co.uk
BRIZE: Second cricket festival friendly USAF SOS Photos by Cpl RaimondoSally 47 SQUADRON held its second annual Summer Cricket Festival at Brize Norton Village Cricket Club playing 67th Special Operations Squadron (USAF at RAF Mildenhall).Thefriendly game saw the USAF side, led by 67th SOS Commander Lt Col Mike Bien, fielding several novice cricketers. In soaring temperatures, the result went the way of the hosts. Wg Cdr James Sjoberg, OC 47 Sqn, said: “I was particularly pleased that our friends from the 67th SOS at Mildenhall made the journey down for the day: Lt Col Bien and his colleagues put in some amazing performances on the pitch during a terrific day.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P28 Follow us @rafnewssport Sport Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk
Daniel Abrahams
Improved Pumas get Rourke's drift ICE HOCKEY
RED-HOT TEMPERATURES and red-hot competition were the order of the day at the Inter-Services Martial Arts championships, with the RAF coming first and second in the two disciplines. The historic heatwave welcomed competitors to HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, for the long-awaited return of the championships, which featured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Taekwondo (TKD) teams.With conditions meaning a gruelling test of athletes' stamina and endurance, team captain FS Paddy Bonner said: “The team did all that was asked and so much more. It was great to see the RAF Martial Arts Association team really push themselves and earn not just medals, but the respect of their opponents. “The three Services intermingled and enjoyed the day while making sure every single match was an absolute battle.” Cpl Fran Gavin put in an excellent performance in several gruelling rounds with her Navy and Army counterparts, securing two gold medals for her efforts.
CLOSE GAME: Pumas were beaten 3-2 late on against Telford's Wrekin Raiders
The runners-up spot was the best RAF BJJ Inter-Services performance to
TAEKWON DO
BLOOD AND GUTS: Sgt Karl Dawson, left, survives a brutal fight. Inset right, 'Flying' Officer Kyus Martin
…and Jiu Jitsu players runners-up
NO CHOKER: Cpl Fran Gavin, above, attempts a stranglehold on her way to gold
PICTURES:
THE FIRST building blocks for the bright future of RAF ladies ice hockey were firmly laid by new head coach Cpl Andy Rourke in Telford. Rourke, who held a training session with his new charges last month, had his full team of assistant coaches – Cpl Taylor Savidge and AS1(T) Gareth Schofield-Downing – and was able to begin preparing for their tour to Vancouver in October.“Starting from scratch and building from the ground up is how we are doing things. During our initial meeting we began creating the team’s ethos and standards, and from there it has been fantastic to see the players being so open to new ways of thinking and agreeing to stick to the plans discussed,” said Rourke (pictured right “The camp was intended to be a testing one to allow my staff and I to properly assess where the team needed to develop.”Featuring teambuilding activities as well as physical sessions on and off the ice to assess fitness levels and mental toughness, the players were also put through a series of skills development drills along with positional play, tactics and small area games.Team captain Cpt Joanna Van-Damme said: “This team has come so far and we continue to improve our team cohesion and hone our hockeyTheskills.”focal point of the week was a game against local side Wrekin Raiders, who beat the Pumas 8-2 in their thetheconcededencounter.previousHavinglateinfirstquarter,Pumasbuiltupa head of steam, but having taken the lead with two excellent quick-fire goals succumbed late on to lose 3-2. Rourke, who had his players straight back in training the following day before a light training game closed out the camp, said: “We will go again and keep learning and developing as a team. The win will“Thiscome.was a thoroughly enjoyable week for players and coaches and everyone is looking forward to the nextPumaevent.”player Nikola Zabinska added: “After only three days into the camp, we all pulled together and gave our all in the game. “Coming back from 1-0 down to leading in the game 2-1 was an amazing feeling; the team was buzzing. We all know we have got the win next time.” AS1 SectionPhotographyLeemingJones,LeahRAF
The RAF Taekwondo team went one better, taking the senior overall trophy; winning the men’s heavyweight dan grade sparring and women’s middleweight dan grade sparring, women’s kup grade sparring and male dan grade patterns on their way to overall victory. Match of the tournament for the Air Force saw Sgt Karl Dawson in the intense heat narrowly missing out on a medal in sparring, before taking gold in weapons demonstrations. l Follow the association on Instagram @ rafmartialarts. date.
THERE’S NO downtime for the Service’s Windsurfing Wave Team at their home in Rhosneigr, North Wales. As soon as the weather is right they are honing their skills and testing the new boards and kit bought with support from the RAF Sports Lottery.
Eleven competitors took part in the Deca-Ironman during the July heatwave, with two unable to continue past day 3. Regularly finishing in the early hours of the morning, D’Arcy often had less than two hours sleep before commencing the next punishing day. Regular medical attention and equipment modification was required to keep him on track, including having the front of his trainers removed because of painful foot injuries. He finished his 10th and final consecutive Iron Man at 01:30hrs, alongside only seven of the starters. D’Arcy said: "I feel terrible, but I am still smiling. I am so thankful for the support. I could not have done this without every single piece of support from everyone. “Everyone who learns about IPF through my efforts is so important. People have been so generous, I cannot thank them enough.”
Wave Hunter WINDSURFING
Flt Lt Freddie Hunter said: “Being based at RAF Valley, the ‘locals’ keep a keen eye on the weather forecast, and when the wind and tide are right we are in the ideal place to throw our kit in the car and get out on the water.”
THESCOTLANDBRAVE: An exhausted Flt Lt Iain and,Deca-IronmanfinishesD'Arcythe top right, his footwearcustomised
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P29Follow us @rafnewssport SportEmail: sports@rafnews.co.uk Would you like to see your sport featured in RAF News? Send a short report (max 300 words) & two or three photographs (attached jpegs) to: Sports@rafnews.co.uk IRONMAN JACKPOT WINNER: Flt Lt Freddie Hunter puts his new Sports Lottery-funded board through its paces PHOTO: VINCENT SCOTHERN
Hunter added: “It is fair to say we have been working on new moves to impress the judges.” To find out more about RAF Windsurfing or to join RAFSA(W) at Rutland Water for the remaining courses of 2022 visit: SeptemberWaveSeptemberChampionshipsTherafsailing.co.uk/windsurf.Inter-ServiceareinWeymouth,12-16,followedbytheChampionshipsinTiree,30–October8.
ONE GRUELLING Ironman wasn’t enough for endurance athlete Flt Lt Iain D’Arcy, so he decided to take on 10 instead. Raising money in memory of his father, who died of lung disease, the MOD Abbeywood engineering officer has become one of an elite handful to have completed the toughest event in the UK – the York Deca-Ironman.Testingthestamina of the fittest to the very limit and dubbed The Brutal Event, it consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112mile bike ride and a marathon EVERY day for 10 consecutive days.D’Arcy trained for four years to give himself the best chance of completing the event, raising awareness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and funding for the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, who supported Iain and his family during his father’s illness and after his passing. He said: “My dad was a man who said if you try your best you can succeed and I wanted to find something to honour him, something which drove me, but was extreme. So, this was the hardest thing I could find, and I have given it my best. The whole thing has been an absolute rollercoaster. It started in the heatwave, it’s been brutal.”
Brutal feet of stamina for Ironman D'Arcy
The group of regulars have scored some big sessions this summer already, with unseasonal winds blowing 40kt+. The time on the water is not just for fun, the team have been in full preparation for the main event in the windsurfing calendar, the Wave Championships in Tiree, Scotland, this autumn.
He has raised more than £5,000 so far. l Visit: gofund.me/e7f47ee1 to donate.
Here come the Brady bunch
THE SERVICE’S gliders secured second place to the Army by a narrow points margin at the recent Inter-Services championships at Husbands Bosworth, Market Harborough. The eight-day event was severely hampered by the extreme hot weather throughout July. With only two days of flying staged, the team of eight RAF flyers totalled 246.8 points to the Army’s 264.6, with the Royal Navy third on 231.3.
springs a thermal... Testing conditions in heatwave Britain
The gliders flew in three classes, handicapped by experience: Roobarb, Custard and Crumble. Engineer Craney and gliding trainer at RAF Syerston, flying in Custard class, came home 10th overall, having ended his first IS flight two kilometres short of the target, landing in a farmer’s field. He said: “There are so many things to think about, even eating while flying, and of course they have been a great challenge, plus your own safety and that of the glider. “I was in the air for more than five hours for my 280km flight, which in itself is a challenge. Thermals have been difficult, due to the extremely hot weather we have had clear blue skies, so no moisture and no lift.“The leading flyer in my group was absent for the last weekend’s flying, so I was hoping to climb the pack, but again the weather denied me the chance, so I remained where I was on the scoreboard.” l Follow the association on Instagram @ rafgliding.
RAF TEAM: Only managed two days in the air instead of expected eight RAF LADIES tennis captain Flt Lt Sarah Wilkie is looking forward to causing some upsets at this year’s Inter-Service championships at Wimbledon Tennis Club. She oversaw the Service’s last IS win in 2019 and says her team has enough talent to upset reigning champions the Army this time“I’maround.using this year to give players the experience of playing at Wimbledon. It can be very daunting, so I want to let the new players soak it in and deal with the nerves that it can cause at this stage of their careers,” she said. “It is awesome being at Wimbledon, even the grass there is so perfect, you sort of don’t want to damage it. It is slightly overwhelming, it has to be a bonus if you win. If you are simply dealing with your emotions that first year, then for me that’s almost a tick in the box on the road to development.” One of the new starlets, AR Eve Brady, could be an ace in Wilkie’s pack, but the process of selecting the team has proved once again to be a difficult one for the captain. She said: “I am hoping AR Brady will ruffle some feathers. I am also really excited to have the opportunity to select the new players and also to bring in the older players again, so everyone has a experience to be able to lean on. and play some good tennis.”
l Follow RAF tennis on Instagram @raflta.
IS debutant glider Sgt Ross Craney, who won the Stanbridge Trophy for best RAF novice, said: “This has been a huge learning curve. I think as a team we have done well, we have battled hard, but with such limited time things were difficult. “It was all very close, we were hoping to get more time to chase the Army down, but only got two days in the air. "We have had new gliders here getting used to the event in duo flight and for me it was all new, so we have done OK.”
RISING STAR: AR Eve Brady and inset left fellow memberteamAS1TillyHarrisWilkieSarahFltCAPTAIN:Lt
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P30 Sport
TENNISGLIDINGHope
action5 BOBSLEIGH RAF BOBSLEIGH: Bright future
Daniel Abrahams
A FOUR-MINUTE gap made AS1 Luke Pollard’s Commonwealth Games triathlon gold as guide for visually-impaired Dave Ellis more of a procession in Birmingham. Pollard called the win – which lays to rest any ghosts of the pairs’ Tokyo Olympic disappointment – one of the proudest moments of his Ellislife.and Pollard finished in a time of 57 minutes and 39 seconds, with Sam Harding coming second in 1 hr, 2 mins and 9 secs, with Jonathan Goerlach third in 1:5:21. Their lead meant that the AS1 and Ellis, current world number one para-triathlete could take in the reaction of the crowd as they romped home to Pollardvictory.said: “It was unreal, the crowd were deafening. Going round the course, it was amazing. I am so proud to be representing England, it is one of the proudest moments of my“Andlife. then also the bonus of representing not only the RAF but the whole Armed Forces. We wanted to give it everything, leave nothing in the tank and showcase what this sport is all about.”
The news will boast hopes of a medal finish at the winter games in Italy in 2026. The RAF made up a large number of the backroom team at the recent Beijing Olympics for Team GB, with current RAF Elite athlete FS Mark Silva GB bobsleigh manager. He was also heavily involved in the Jamaican bobsleigh set-up, which featured RAF driver L/Cpl Shanwayne Stephens. Both FS Silva and Sqn Ldr Ratnage-Black worked closely on the financial submission to UK Sport and had their bid scrutinised at the highest level. Ratnage-Black, who has just handed over the role of chair of the RAF Bobsleigh Luge and Skeleton Association to Sqn Ldr Lisa Mitchell, said: “It is through the talent of all of our GB athletes, many of whom are RAF, that we have been able to demonstrate the firm foundations that we can build on. “We hope this encourages the next generation of aspiring bobsleighers to try out for our novice camps and aim to be the future of this exciting sport.” Sqn Ldr Ratnage-Black will remain in post as UKAF skeleton chair and Inter-Services event director.
l Email: gmail.comRAF.Bobsleigh101@formoreinformationonattendingatrialday.
VICTORYPARADE: AS1PollardLuke (right) and Dave Ellis jog to gold Birminghamin GarryPHOTOS:Fox(Army)
RAF BOBSLEIGH chief Sqn Ldr Heather Ratnage-Black has welcomed the news that funding is to be restored by UK Sport. It means an award of £1.9million over the next Olympic cycle. The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association co-director said: “We are delighted with the return of bobsleigh to a funded position and feel that the future is very positive for our sport.”
The pair suffered disappointment in Japan when a broken bike chain ruined their chances of aTalkingmedal. about the backing he has received from the Service, Pollard added: “The support I’ve been given over my whole career has been unbelievable and I’m really glad we’ve been able to get this result and show how valuable that support has been.”
Ellis added: “I can honestly say without the RAF’s support of Luke we would not be here, and this moment feels like the best thing ever, especially coming after one of the worst of our lives in Tokyo.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 P31Follow us @rafnewssport SportEmail: sports@rafnews.co.uk
cashBobsleighboost Gold's a stroll for Pollard and Ellis GAMES the best of RAF Sport
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Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 1 Announcements l PuzzlesP6-7 l P8 R'n'R Jump for joy – Motsi joins Strictly return l p4-5 Win – story of RFC's only Sikh pilot l p5 Win!
CHALK AND CHEESE: Aïssa and ( LukumuenaDéborah ) and Georges (Depardieu) of the future and an electronic world, or you can fall back into the past – away from technology and into ideas of memory and nostalgia – both thematically and musically. Or you can choose fullon dancefloor heartbreak escape.” With the original album on part one, part two continues some of the themes and narrative from the original record, including technological dependence, human connection and the limitless possibilities of life online. Part three acts as a mini return to the band’s acclaimed Other People’s Heartache mixtape series. Bastille have been appearing at festivals this summer including Boardmasters and Sziget and are due to take two mammoth subheadliner spots at Reading and Leeds Festivals, from August 26 –28. Following that, they’ll take the Give Me the Future tour to South America, stopping in Argentina and Brazil, before moving on to Europe. l Go to: bastillebastille.com for more details.
Diva Georges is hard work for his minder Bastille are dreaming of brighter future for us all
DREAMERS: Bastille boys and, left, latest album TRAVEL TO the far corners of the planet and discover the secrets of Earth’s few remaining untouched lands, all brimming with life. From the Namib Desert to Patagonia, only a handful of places on Earth can claim to be largely unchanged.Theirremoteness and hostile climates have protected them from the most damaging effects of human interference. In these lands, life still exists as nature intended. They are delicately balanced, species-rich, unique ecosystems. Eden: Untamed Planet, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, embarks on a breathtaking journey, using the latest technology to showcase these incredible landscapes, revealing new and thrilling behaviour from the world’s most iconic animals.RANDY RHOADS’ guitar riffs re-shaped rock’n’roll and raised the stakes for guitarists around the world. Known primarily as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and for his groundbreaking guitar work on the albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, Randy spent most of his life playing in the band Quiet Riot. After leaving Quiet Riot to play, record and tour with Ozzy, Randy was tragically killed, aged just 25, in a plane crash in FloridaNarrated by Tracii Guns (Guns N’ Roses, LA Guns) and featuring interviews and archive footage never seen before, this is a tribute to one of rock’s guitar gods, marking the 40th anniversary of hisWepassing.have copies of Eden: Untamed Planet and Randy Rhoads: Reflections of a Guitar Icon to win. For your chance to own one, simply answer this question correctly: Randy Rhoads was the lead guitarist for which legendary English rock star? Email your answer, marked DVDs competition, to: co.ukcompetitions@rafnews.orpostitto: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by September 9. Please mark on your entry if you prefer to win a copy of Eden or Randy Rhoads.
Randy Rhoads: Reflections Of A Guitar Icon (E) On Blu-ray, DVD and download-to-own from August 15 (Dazzler Media)
Comedy benefits from its subtlety
Win!
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 3 R'n'R
Review Robust
Eden: Untamed Planet (E) On Blu-ray, DVD and download-to-own from August 22 (Dazzler Media)
WRESTLER: Minder Aïssa has other strings to her bow EARLIER THIS year Bastille released their hotly anticipated No.1 album, Give Me the Future Now, the band are adding a further instalment to that release, sharing a three-part extended edition of the album, dubbed Give Me the Future + Dreams of the Past, featuring another album’s worth of new songs, collaborations, covers and reprises. Comprising 27 tracks, it will be released on August 26 and is led by new single Revolution Lead vocalist Dan Smith said: “In releasing this version of the record, we wanted to give the complete picture of what we intended with this album and also explore the idea that you can choose your own adventure.“Youcan dive into the ideas WHEN A young female security guard, with a penchant for wrestling, is assigned the detail of a stubborn, ageing actor, their differing perspectives and personalities don’t seem to matter too much in this refreshingly grounded comedy. Aïssa (Déborah Lukumuena) is heavyset with an unflappable demeanour, offset perfectly by the chaotically petulant Georges, played by Gérard Depardieu (right), who brings with him some baggage depicting a Hollywood star. Clearly a man of some significance, he feels a constant need to push back, not even learning the name of the young director of his next picture. One hilarious moment sees Georges hurriedly escaping out the back door to evade his fencing lessons. The set-up is familiar, and in fact is reminiscent of the French comedy classic Intouchables (forgettably remade in more recent years as The Upside), in which a paraplegic aristocrat sparks up an unlikely friendship with an ex-con immigrant who becomes his carer. Not only is the status mirrored here, but also the difference in race. Where the former is larger than life and provides expected moral teachings for everyone involved, Robust is far more subtle and underplayed.Thisdoes result in fewer laughs and more subdued drama, but means that we are presented with genuine people. Although Aïssa is quiet, especially in comparison to Georges, she breaks typical characterisation by having an active sex life and being a successful wrestler on the side. She is the one who is able to impart some discipline, though Georges doesn’t undergo a massive change in sensibility.Refreshingly undramatic, it is so subtle that you could wonder what the point of the story is, but this feature debut from Constance Meyer should be commended for avoiding the obvious and offering something more honest. Review by Sam Cooney 3 roundels out of 5 Film (15) In cinemas now Competitions
Strictly's
pond
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 4 R'n'R
ADVENTURES AND ORDEALS: Lettie (Nia Towle) and The Boy (James Bamford)
Old farmhouse is the door to a mysterious world out of comfort zone
your
DARN IT: Old Mrs Hempstock (Penny Layden) and Ginnie Hempstock (Siubhan Harrison)
Theatre The Ocean at the End of the Lane UK and Ireland tour Travel
YOUNG STAR: Brummie Lauren Oakley CHINESE CHAMPION: Carlos Gu F-ab unveiledfour
STRICTLY COME Dancing will have its biggest professional dancer line-up in history when it returns this autumn to BBC One. The four new world class dancers completing this year’s professional troupe are European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.Theyjoin the pros already revealed for the upcoming series: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and NancyAndXu.returning to the judging panel are Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas. Plus former Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke (inset, right) will be taking up residency on the judging panel this year after his successful stint as a judge for the 2021 series. Anton said: “This is brilliant news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regularCraigjudge.”saidhe was ‘beyond thrilled to be to be returning to Strictly, it will be my 20th series.’ Motsi said: “Last year’s series was one of the highlights of my career, it has had such a real impact – which has been incredible to witness. I am so proud to be a part of this show and I am so looking forward to returning for my fourth series.” Shirley added: “Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me, and I can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle. Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves and I know they have some brilliant plans in store for 2022.”
PALIN: KoreaGoodmove pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible... Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them. On the road for a total of 40 weeks, this is the largest tour mounted by the National Theatre since before the Covid-19 pandemic. It follows a six-month run at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West GaimanEnd.said: “It is about memory, magic, family. It’s about who you were and who you are. It’s not like anything else I’ve ever been involved in. It’s not like anything else you’ll ever see at the theatre.”
Director Katy Rudd said: “We hope we have created something both profound and visually exciting that will appeal not only to regular theatre audiences but also to younger people from the ‘Netflix generation’ who might not have been to the theatre before.”
Suitable for ages 12+ The Ocean at the End of the Lane tour starts at The Lowry, Salford on December 12 and ends at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre on September 30, 2023, visiting venues including Leicester, Plymouth, Bath, Belfast, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Norwich. l Go to: atgtickets.com and nationaltheatre.org.uk for further information.
Eleven-time Italian Latin American Champion Vito Coppola began dancing at the age of six and was winning competingscreenrankingworldleftWinner.Europeanchampionshipsnationalbythetimehewas10.Hiscareerhighlightsincludebeingathree-timeWorldChampionshipfinalistandCupIn2021hethecompetitionasoneofitshighest-athletestoexploreon-opportunities,mostrecentlyinandwinning Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing Talking about joining Strictly UK, he said: “I am really excited to become part of this family. I cannot wait to CHAMP: THE NATIONAL Theatre’s critically-acclaimed adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane will tour the UK and Ireland later this year, direct from the West End. It’s the first major stage adaptation of Gaiman’s work and is described as a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship that takes audiences on a journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a MONTY PYTHON legend and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin brings tales of two of the most extraordinary journeys he’s ever made to the stage this autumn in a new solo tour, From North Korea Into Iraq The tour will see Palin deliver first-hand accounts of journeys through two countries on the dark side of history. Using photos and film shot when he visited both, he will tell the story of his challenging adventures in the People’s Republic of North Korea, and in Iraq – torn apart over the last 30 years by brutal war and bloodshed. The two countries are often portrayed as international pariahs, and among the last places you’d want to visit, but, for Palin, the best part of travelling is looking behind the headlines and getting to know what life is really like for the people who live there. He said: “We shouldn’t forget that we share a common humanity with the people of North Korea and Iraq and in both these tough and difficult countries we found, as you will see, humour and hope, ambition, expectation, warmth, hospitality and extraordinary resilience.“These journeys were for me a total eye-opener. From North Korea Into Iraq may take you out of your comfort zone but I hope, like me, that once we’ve travelled together, your feelings about these two countries, and the wider world we share, will never be quite the same again.”The tour follows his new Channel 5 series, Michael Palin: Into Iraq, which launches in the autumn and will be accompanied by Michael’s new book, Into Iraq, published by Hutchinson Heinemann on September 15. The tour kicks off in Colchester on October 1 and finishes in Edinburgh on October 21. l Go to: ticketmaster.co.uk for more details.
Edited by Tracey Allen
Strictly fans when he joins the pro troupe MAESTRO: Choirmaster Gareth Malone start this new adventure and to challenge myself.”
THE CHOIR’S Gareth Malone takes his new tour Sing-AlongA-Gareth! to venues across the UK this autumn. He will be joined by his band, four stellar singers and a choir local to each venue. Starting on October 26 at The Lowry in Salford, the show will then tour around the UK before culminating on December 16 at the Poole AudiencesLighthouse.willget to enjoy an evening of songs that Gareth has sung on TV over the last 15 years, and many of the tracks that were performed by him along with the hugely successful Great British Home Chorus, which saw thousands of people around the country sing with him from their kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms during the pandemic. Playing piano, guitar and bass, Gareth will create songs on the spot during the show and help the audience to write their own songs. The show is described as a feel-good evening of upbeat fun tracks which everyone can easily sing along to. And you’ll be able to download the song list in advance to practise.Garethsaid: “I cannot wait to get out on the road and sing with people this autumn. Wherever I go, people are so excited about being able to listen to live music and to enjoy singing once again. This is going to feel like a real party.” l Go to: garethmalone.com for ticket details. THE FLYING SIKH by Stephen Barker tells the unique story of Fg Off Hardit Singh Malik, the only Sikh airman to fly with the Royal Flying Corps and the RAF during World War I. Published by Air World (pen-and-sword. co.uk), it is the account of a remarkable man’s struggle to enlist, against discrimination, and details his service as a fighter pilot over the battlefields of Flanders.The book represents the only detailed study of an Indian national enlisting in Britain’s Armed Forces during WWI. It is an account of India’s role in the war; the rise of Indian nationalism and the challenges of Indians to take up the status of a commissioned officer in His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Malik started his new life in Britain as a 14-year-old public schoolboy, who went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, before attempting to join the RFC after graduation with friends from university, but he was denied a commission.Keentoparticipate in the war, he served with the French Red Cross in 1916 as an ambulance driver and then offered his services to the French Air Force. Ultimately, one of his Oxford tutors wrote on Malik’s behalf to Gen David Henderson, the former head of the RFC, and secured Malik a cadetship. It is also the story of a man who was a county cricketer who played for Sussex and Oxford University, and was an outstanding golfer and fighter pilot who fought over Passchendaele in the autumn of 1917. Being a devout Sikh, he wore a specially-designed flying helmet that fitted over hisMalikturban.claimed two kills until he was shot down, crashing unconscious to the ground behind Allied lines. His Sopwith Camel was riddled with more than 400 bullet holes. He was one of only a small number of Indian nationals who served with the RAF during the war. In later life, Malik became the first Indian High Commissioner to Canada, and then served as the Indian Ambassador to France.Foryour chance to win a copy of this fascinating book, simply tell us: What was the name of the Oxford University college where Malik was a student? Email your answer, marked The Flying Sikh book competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by September 9. Please include your full postal address with your entry.
Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas first started dancing aged six in her home country of Cyprus where she was undefeated, winning national titles consecutively from 2001-2011 before moving to London to study, and continuing to compete, representing England at major international championships before joining the world-touring dance show Burn The Floor Michelle said: “Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. I cannot believe my dream has come true.” The show also welcomes back hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Further details about the new series will be confirmed in due course, said the BBC.
Carlos Gu is a multiple world semi-finalist, placed third at the German Open Championship and became Amateur Latin Rising Star Runner-Up at the 2017 UK Open.“I’m thrilled to join Strictly and very excited to get started. It’s a new chapter of my life and a new challenge as well,” he Birmingham-bornrevealed.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 5
Gareth's on song
LOAD OF Italian beisVitodanceAmericanLatinchampCoppolasuretoabighit
CHAMP: Michelle Tsiakkas
Malik, the only Sikh RFC pilot in First World War Competition The Flying Sikh pen-and-sword.co.uk Win!
Lauren Oakley started dancing at just two years old and began competing soon after. Early successes include becoming Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both ballroom and Latin disciplines. She was also crowned Under 21 British National Champion before launching her stage career. She has toured all over the world and most recently has been leading lady to Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke in their national tours. She said: “I’ve grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most. Now that it’s happening, it doesn’t quite seem real.”
Reunion Luncheon at The RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London on October 22. New members always welcome to join. Email: suearnold474@ gmail.com for further details.
How to use our service
David Gillett
THE RAF & Defence Fire Services Association was formed in 1995 and would like to attract new members of all ranks, serving and retired. The annual subscription fee is £16 and for that you receive three Association magazines a year called the Flashpoint, to which members are invited to contribute their stories. We meet for a reunion and AGM once a year. For more information and how to join visit the website: rafanddfsa. co.uk. The RAF & DFS Association also has close links with the Museum of RAF Firefighting, visit: firemuseum.uk. Seeking I was stationed at Stanmore Park from 1968 to October 1969 and was known as SAC Christine Warrington. I moved to RAF St Mawgan in October 1969, where I was employed as a civilian at the Icamp.am seeking news of JT Roger (Ginge ) Summerfield/ Somerfield who was on detachment at Stanmore Park where we met. He was training on the Nimrod Simulator at Borehamwood. It would be good to hear from Roger, who was a very good friend. I am also trying to locate Bob Somerville, who was on detachment from Marham to Binbrook between 1967 and 1971. I attended Bob’s wedding in Belfast. Please contact: christineacaley@ gmail.com.
l volunteers.Britishbecomingukpvaja@britishlegion.org.Email:formoreinformationonpartoftheRoyalLegion’snetworkof
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
THE ROYAL Air Force commemorates the Battle of Britain each year at a service in Westminster Abbey. We would very much like to hear from the widows, family descendants and any other family members of those who participated in the Battle. We are seeking to improve our knowledge of this unique demographic and to offer places at the formal Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service, this year on Sunday, September 18, and in subsequent years. If you are a family member, or know someone who is, please write to: Mrs Michèle Small (RAF Ceremonial Office, Bentley Priory Building, RAF Northolt, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG), providing details of your relationship to your relative who served in the Royal Air Force between July and October 1940 and your email address and a contact phone number. Additionally, for the purpose of allocating tickets, please send your full name, home address, date and place of birth and passport or driving licence number. This information is also required for any additional guests who wish to attend the service with you.
2620 SQUADRON (County of Norfolk) RAF Regiment marks 40 years since the formation of the squadron and 20 years since its deployment on Op Telic. The squadron intends to hold an event at RAF Marham in the form of a family day and evening function and a visit to the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre is also planned. The event will be held at 2620 Sqn on March 31, 2023. If you wish to attend then please email the ProjO: philip.lister513@mod.gov.uk. This is unique for 2620 Sqn and for all other personnel who have served with or alongside the squadron in the UK and on operations all over the world.
Assoc RAF Women Officers ALL WRAF and RAF Women Officers are invited to the Association’s Annual Deaths GILLETT David, Flt Lt Air Traffic Controller (Ret’d). Passed away March 1, 2022, aged 64. David joined the Royal Air Force in 1974 and served at RAF Shawbury, Brawdy, Cosford, Wildenrath, Binbrook, Lyneham, Brize Norton and West Drayton. Sadly missed by his wife Susan and his two sons Darren and Ryan and daughter-in-law Claire. Always in our hearts forever. If you wish to contact Susan please email: tracey.allen@ rafnews.co.uk and your email will be forwarded.
The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this publication. Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed. Reunions A reunion dinner will be held in Ramsgate on Saturday, September 10 for all military and civilian personnel who served or trained at RAF/ DFTDC Manston. A short memorial event will also take place the following morning at the Spitfire Museum. For further information please email Andy gmail.com.Andrew.callander122@Callander:
Important Notice
THE 60th anniversary reunion of the 49th Entry 2 Sqn Clerks Boy Entrants at RAF Hereford is to be held from May 15-17, 2023 at Thoresby Hall, Ollerton, Notts. If you are interested in attending please contact Dave Beaumont on: 07538651712; or you can email beaumont.d@sky.com or Bob Cuss, email: rbc324@ john-lewis.com.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 6 R'n'R Your Announcements
LOOKING for any members of the 47th entry TG19 RAFAA Association IF you trained as an RAF Administrative Apprentice (or are related to one) we’d be delighted to welcome you to the RAFAAA. Our aim is to promote friendship and general wellbeing among our veterans, via social gatherings and assorted activities, as devised by an elected committee, and a regular newsletter. Please see website: rafadappassn. org or contact Membership Secretary on: 07866 085834 or Chairman on: 01933 443673 Battle of Britain memorial service
There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death,in memoriam seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept notices submitted by post.
Can you help with Poppy Appeal? was very sociable, he forgot no one and was always ready with a story or anecdote related to his career or comrades. He passed away suddenly but peacefully on July 26 just six days short of our 40th wedding anniversary. He is sorely missed by family, friends and many, many comrades.
Sgt Barrie Turner and wife Anita Service for Lancaster crew On January crash Memorialperpetuity.inthe A PLEA has gone out for volunteers to help as Poppy currentlyVajafundraiserBuckinghamshire.HighRisborough,inorganisersAppealPrincesnearWycombe,CommunityPoonamsaid:“Iamlooking for an individual or a group of volunteers that would be interested in helping with this year’s appeal. Poppy Appeal organisers are vital in enabling us to support our Armed communityForcesthroughthickandthin–ensuringtheiruniquecontributionisneverforgotten.”
Squadron marks landmark anniversary
TURNER Barrie 036 Sgt, aged 68. 217 Entry Craft Apprentice RAF Halton (Oxford Flight) Armourer and Bomb Disposal. Served 1974 to 2001, RAF Halton, Wyton, Laarbruch, Coningsby, Leuchars, Laarbruch, Wittering and Cottesmore. Also served 1982 RAF Stanley Falkland Islands, 1990 RAF Muharaq Bahrain and 2000 HMS Illustrious (Sierra Leone). 2001 AOC Commendation for meritorious service. A kind, generous and wonderful man who continued to uphold the standards of the Royal Air Force to the very end, never missed a Veterans Breakfast, marched each year at Remembrance and a lifetime RAFA/Halton Apprentices/ British Legion member. Proud to have served, Barrie Hereford 62-64. Any still about? Please contact Jim Cummins on: Carol_ cummins@aol.com or: 01302 532865,07517 416702.
THE ANNUAL Sibsey Lancaster Memorial Trust service of remembrance for the crew of IX (Bomber) Squadron Lancaster ED 503 will take place on September 25 at 2.30pm at Sibsey Northlands.OnJanuary 29, 1943, RAF Lancaster ED503, on a training flight from RAF Waddington with a six-man crew on board, crashed into a field at Sibsey Northlands, near Boston in Lincolnshire. The body of one member of the crew was recovered and is buried in Scotland. The other crew members and the aircraft could not be saved, despite desperate efforts, and they lie where they fell. After the war the families of the crew, with the landowner’s permission, built a memorial on the exact spot of the (pictured). It is known as the Memorial in the Field. The Sibsey Lancaster Memorial Trust was formed with the aim of maintaining the memorial and the commemoration of the crew, in Routesperpetuity.to the Memorial in the Field will be signposted as you approach the area of Sibsey Northlands (approx. PE22 0UF) and refreshments will be available after the service at Sibsey Village Hall.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 7 R'n'R Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page to: Battletracey.allen@rafnews.co.ukofBritain
AUTHOR: Dilip Sarkar
A TEAM of medics, exercise rehabilitation personnel and physios from RAF Odiham completed the gruelling Fan Dance – part of the SAS selection course – and raised more than double their fundraising target for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
“The aim of Battle of Britain: The People’s Project is to unearth all the other stories – tales of groundcrew, of volunteers, of factory workers and family members who ‘did their bit’ on the ground while the fighters tackled the threat in the air. These are stories I want to tell as part of a comprehensive history of perhaps the most important battle fought by this country in the whole of the 20th century.” Sarkar said he was inspired in part by visiting the family of Sqn Ldr Tom Gleave, a Hurricane pilot based at RAF Kenley with 253 Squadron in 1940, while researching another book. “Although I clearly knew the Tom Gleave story, during my visit I was shown a wealth of unpublished material and photographs, which made me wonder what other material people have tucked away in attics and cupboards,” he “After,added. all, if such a huge amount of material relating to someone who was once as famous as Tom Gleave could stay undiscovered for many decades, then what else is out there? “There must surely be many untold stories, particularly about less wellknown aircrew, ground crew and civilians who found themselves caught up in this incredible story. “I’m looking for anecdotes and family stories that highlight the bravery, the sacrifice and the determination shown by those who may not have flown a Spitfire or Hurricane but were an integral part of the Battle of Britain.”
SUCCESS: triumphant team YoYou tYoYoucano:trace ouncemeur Ann hotosforannouncementfoail pem y.y.allen@rafnews.co.uk
A NATIONWIDE search for untold stories about the Battle of Britain has been launched by well-known author and historian Dilip Sarkar as he sets out to write the ultimate book about the event. The author of more than 50 books, many about the Battle of Britain and the men who fought it, he is planning a definitive, seven-volume history of the 1940 aerial conflict that saw the Royal Air Force deny Hitler’s invasion plans. The work is being published by Pen & Sword in association with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, custodians of the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne in Kent, with the aim of including previously untold stories from around the country. “The central story of the Battle of Britain, when fewer than 3,000 aircrew stopped Hitler in his tracks in the summer of 1940, is relatively well known, but it goes much wider than just the bravery of the men who took to the skies to defeat the Luftwaffe,” said Sarkar.
The event is a challenging 24km SAS Selection test march over Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons.
The other team members were AS1 Dawid Leszczynski, Cpl Scott Perry, Steven Cain and Stephen Jennings. AS1 Lisa Lamberton organised the event but was unable to take part. Go to: fan-dancegofundme.com/f/raf-benevolent-fund-pen-y-fan-todonate.
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If you think you have stories to tell or material that could be included in Sarkar's book, go to the Battle of Britain: The People’s Project website at: battleofbritainpeoplesproject.com.
author Dilip wants YOUR stories for the 'ultimate' book Fan Dance heroes
Team member AS1 Dulcie Atkinson helped to raise more than £400 for the charity – the initial goal was £200. She said: “We decided to raise money for the RAFBF because, as medical personnel, we see a variety of people from all walks of life benefiting from the resources the Fund delivers. We all felt great for finishing – it was super tough. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we managed to raise and are incredibly proud.”
Competition Mr Bean's Holiday (PG) On Blu-ray now The Equalizer Season 1 (15) On DVD now (Both Fabulous Films Ltd/Fremantle Media Enterprises) Win!
James said: “I have always loved live theatre, so it’s been thrilling to watch how much audiences around the UK have loved the plays. Theatre and the escapism it provides for us all is so important –particularly now. “Inside the safe cocoon of a theatre, audiences love to be on the edge of their seats and sometimes shocked, always hoping when that final curtain falls, order will have been restored and the world will seem just a little bit of a better place. “I am incredibly grateful for the support regional theatres and their audiences have shown our plays and it will be fantastic to see another one of my books being adapted for the stage – the sixth one – and audiences enjoying it, inThe2023.”stage play of Wish You Were Dead follows DSI Roy Grace and Cleo Morey as they take a much-needed holiday together. Cleo hopes that she will finally get Grace to herself for a few days and away from his crime-solving exploits but their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell, as the past comes back to haunt them. l Go to: PeterJames.com for tour details.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 12, 2022 R'n'R 8 R'n'R Crossword No. 322 Su Doku No. 332 Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9. Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 11 letters in yellow squares to find an RAF station 7.AcrossLight Infantry accomplished and responsible (6) 8. Obedient medic and I join the French (6) 10. Country medical officer takes mythical bird for company (7) 11. Criticise batting performance (5) 12. Test once morning arrives (4) 13. Firm equipment requires identification (5) 17. Sign six are right to leave (5) 18. Draw right and row (4) 22. Inside a house originally was flooded (5) 23. Prohibited we hear, it’s enemy aircraft (7) 24. See 3 Down 25. Franklin’s working at RAF station (6) 1.DownSouthern shuffle puts you to sleep (7) 2. Attractive route for any golfer? (7) 3. And 24 Across. South Korean team of angry birds (5,6) 4. Pick cot up in pilot’s place (7) 5. See 14 Down 6. Cracked revelation that you started (5) 9. Consign by turning into station (9) 14. And 5 Down. Top firelight smashed by RAF operative (7,5) 15. Smallest metal that is on way (7) 16. A gift for now (7) 19. Colour left after fogginess (5) 20. Some human goodness is used in chutneys (5) 21. Bury without a retina disturbed (5) Solution to Su Doku No: 331 Solution to Crossword No 321: Across – 6. Typhoon 7. Denim 9. Corfu 10. Bulldog 12. Eurofighter 14. Globemaster 18. Boulmer 19. Comet 21. Cadet 22. Bristol Down – 1. Byron 2. The Flu 3. Cow 4. Wealth 5. Disobey 8. Ju-jitsu 11. Roomier 13. Also-ran 15. Ballet 16. Egoism 17. Heron 20. Ark RAF term – Sea King
ALTHOUGH THERE were only ever 15 episodes of the TV series produced, Mr Bean – famously played by Rowan Atkinson – has become a household name across the world broadcasting in more than 200 countries and spawning two movies, an animated series, a video game and various books. The comedy classic Mr Bean’s Holiday is just out on Blu-ray and we have copies up for grabs. Our hapless hero wins a trip to Cannes, France, but on his way there he is mistaken for both a kidnapper and an award-winning filmmaker when he travels with a Russian filmmaker’s son and with an aspiring actress in Althoughtow.Atkinson said this 2007 film would be the last appearance of Mr Bean he reprised the role as a symbol of British culture in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Summer Olympics… and again in 2015 for a Comic Relief sketch celebrating the TV series’ 25th anniversary.Thefilm’s title is a reference to French screen legend Jacques Tati’s Les Vacances de M. Hulot (1953). Atkinson has cited Hulot as an influence for Bean.
Simm takes to stage as DSI Grace
The major fivemonth nationwide UK tour will start in February 2023 at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley then travel to theatres across the country until late July.
Mr Bean and reworked classic Theatre Wish You Were Dead UK tour
FOLLOWING THE critically acclaimed smash-hit ITV series Grace, based on the bestselling novels by crime author Peter James, the world stage premiere of James’ novel Wish You Were Dead – featuring John Simm (pictured) as DSI Roy Grace – has been announced.
THE EQUALIZER is an actionpacked reimagining of the classic series and stars the multi-talented Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a mysterious former CIA operative who draws on a vast range of skills to defend innocent people in desperate need of a helping hand. Robyn may appear to be an ordinary single mum who is busy raising her teenage daughter, but when injustice arises she takes covert action as The Equalizer, an enigmatic vigilante who evens the odds and brings justice to those who need it most.The boxset, containing all 10 Season One episodes, is just out and we have copies to win. The original starred Edward Woodward and ran for four seasons on CBS between 1985 and 1989. It was then adapted into two feature films starring Denzel Washington in the title role in 2014 and 2018. For your chance to win a copy of Mr Bean on Blu-ray or The Equalizer Season One box set on DVD, just tell us: Who starred in the original version of The Equalizer? Email your answer, marked Films competition, to: competitions@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by September 9. Please remember to state on your entry which title you’d prefer to win.
