The Forcest'e favourir pape
Win, win Copies of classic cult films ● R'n'R p8
Name game Joe Thomas hits the boards
Friday October 4 2019 No 1476 70p
● R'n'R p4-5
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Remembering heroes of Arnhem 75 years on
See p18
Rugby League Tributes to tragic Stevo
Typhoon powers Penang mission
● Sport p35
Simon Mander
Windsurfing IS glory for wave riders
● Sport p29
THIS STUNNING picture by Cpl Tim Laurence of RAF Halton (right) has been voted the People's Choice winner at the 2019 RAF Photographic Awards.
The image, titled Stargazer, shows a RAF Chinook in the Arizona desert at night during a training exercise, with its pilot looking on.
TYPHOON FIGHTERS have arrived in Malaysia to begin preparations for Exercise Bersama Lima, the annual Five Powers Defence Arrangements exercise. Six jets and 200 personnel from Lossiemouth based II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, and other stations, deployed to the Malaysian Air Force base at Butterworth, near Penang. They touched down after a stopover in Sri Lanka after completing Exercise Magic Carpet in the Middle East. The OC II(AC) Squadron Wg Cdr Em Rickards said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to train together with our Commonwealth Allies in Asia. "During the exercise we will all be sharing knowledge ● Continued on p3
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P3
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I’m hoping the heat won’t be too much of an issue
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People think it’s lazy, but it takes a lot of effort
I like the name Raff, which I know sounds a bit posh
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SAC Izzy Petit who has qualified for the Ironman World Champs in sunny Hawaii p11
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Sgt Curtis Williams-Ward after passing his first beard inspection p9
Actor Joe Thomas as he hits the boards RnR p4-5
Typhoon Powers up lContinued from front
RAF News Room 68 Lancaster Building HQ Air Command High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE Editor: Simon Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497412 Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497563 Features Editor: Tracey Allen Email: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497622 News Editor: Simon Mander All advertising: Edwin Rodrigues Tel: 07482 571535 Email: edwin.rodrigues@rafnews. co.uk
and expertise in the tactical environment, continuing to develop our combined skills and procedures." The move from Scotland was supported by Brize Norton-based Voyager aircraft that conducted Air to Air Refuelling over the Indian Ocean and C17s which undertook freight runs from the UK. The Five Powers Defence Arrangements brings the militaries of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom together in the event or threat of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore. While there is no specific commitment to intervene militarily, the 1971 pact is the only multinational defence structure in the region. UK membership costs £750,000 a year for staff and HQ overheads which is seen as a modest price for demonstrating Britain's continuing commitment to the security of SE Asia. RMAF Butterworth was originally built as an RAF Air
ARRIVING: Typhoon lands at RMAF Butterworth
station in 1941 and was used extensively during the Malayan Emergency, from 1948 to 1960.
PHOTO: SAC ED WRIGHT
In 1957 the RAF closed the base and it was transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force, who handed
it over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force who renamed it RMAF Butterworth Air Base.
This Week In History 1953
Subscriptions and distribution: JPIMedia Print Holdings Ltd 26 Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 1BE Tel: 0207 855 7574 Email: rafnews@jpress.co.uk
London to New Zealand Air Race
An RAF Canberra PR3 flown by Flt Lt R.L.E. Burton and Flt Lt D.H. Gannon won the speed section: 12,270 miles in 23 hours 50 minutes. 1949
Berlin Airlift
Operation Plainfare: A Hastings flew the last RAF Sortie for the Berlin Airlift.
1938
Wellington enters service
The Wellington entered operational service with No. 99 Squadron at RAF MildenHall.
Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (Sutton Publishing).
SIE RR A. A L PH A . VI C TO R. ECH O. We ’ r e p r o u d t o o f f e r c u r r e n t a n d f o r m e r m i l i t a r y p e r s o n n e l s a v i n g s o n s e l e c t e d v e h i c l e s.† Search: Ford Militar y Sales
† Selected vehicles only. Eligibility criteria applies. See ford.co.uk/militarysales for more information.
Model shown is a Fiesta ST-3 3-Door 1.5 200PS Manual Petrol with optional Full LED Headlamps. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Combined 40.4 (7.0). *CO 2 emissions 136g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. * There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P5
News
Navy carrier breaks cover
Typhoon blasts school for terror
BRITAIN’S NEWEST aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has sailed from Rosyth Dockyard for the first time. More than eight years after her first steel was cut, the 65,000 tonne warship will head under the iconic Forth Bridges in the coming week to begin initial sea trials. The carrier will conduct extensive drills off the coast of North East Scotland before arriving at her home port of Portsmouth later this year.
A DAESH weapons cache and terrorist training camp were blasted by RAF aircraft flying armed reconnaissance missions over Iraq and eastern Syria. In one operation a Reaper patrolling Iraq’s Anbar province tracked two armed terrorists at a secret arms dump concealed in the desert. A single Hellfire missile was fired by the Reaper’s crew, which struck the terrorists and destroyed
the weapons cache. In a second strike, two Akrotiribased Typhoons armed with Paveway IV guided bombs hit a cluster of buildings 25 miles southwest of Ash Sharqat in northern Iraq believed to be used as a training camp for jihadi fighters. Surveillance aircraft monitored the site and confirmed there was no risk to civilians before authorising the attack, a MoD spokesman said.
Tributes to rising rugby star Stevo FORCES SPORT has been rocked by the loss of rising RAF rugby league star Scott Stevenson, who died after suffering a serious head injury during an InterServices clash with the Army at Aldershot. Sports chiefs and team-mates paid tribute to the 25-year-old full back, who has been described as one of the game’s rising stars. The Marham-based airman was rushed to St George’s Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery but lost his fight for life two days later. RAF rugby league coach Sgt Martin Wood said: “From his first appearance he proved what a great player and great team-mate he was. “His last action for RAF Rugby League was helping his team-mates stop a certain Army try.” Former RAF and UKAF head coach Flt Lt Damian Clayton added: “He was a fantastic player and an even greater person.” lSee p35 for tributes to Scott Stevenson.
French honour for WWI pioneer Tracey Allen RAF AIRMEN and French civic leaders joined forces to honour the first British pilot to die in WWI on French soil. The ceremony in the town of Amiens paid tribute to Royal Flying Corps pilot Second Lieutenant Evelyn Walter Copland Perry, who died when his BE8 biplane stalled shortly after take-off in August 1914. He was buried at St Acheul Cemetery in Amiens. A road sign bearing Second Lieutenant Perry’s name, Allée du 2nd Lt EWC Perry, was unveiled, followed by wreath laying, the sounding of The Last Post and national anthems sung by local schoolchildren. The ceremony was attended by Flt Lt Alex Lock, on exchange with the French Air Force Mirage 2000D unit and 3 Sqn engineers Chf Tech Gordon Cutting and Flt Lt Harry
Baldock. Flt Lt Baldock said: “We are honoured to be here to represent the current day 3 (Fighter) Sqn, a direct descendant of 3 Sqn Royal Flying Corps from 1914.” “We cannot express our gratitude to the people of Amiens for helping keep the memory of our fallen colleagues alive. “Whilst we are here to
acknowledge the sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Perry, we are also reminded of the similar sacrifice of Air Mechanic Parfitt who was also sadly killed in the crash.” Also attending were representatives from the British Embassy in Paris, the Mayor of Amiens Brigitte Fouré and president of the local university, the University of Picardy Jules Verne, Mohammed Benlahsen.
CYPRUS-BASED CANINE Saiid is Top Dog after winning the 2019 RAF Police Military Working Dog Trials. It’s believed to be the first time ever that an overseas team has won the coveted champion’s title at the contest.
Saiid and handler Cpl Christopher McLean from Akrotiri took first place ahead of Coningsby’s Cpl Pete Mason and Demon who came second with Lossiemouth’s Cpl Laura O’Brien-Bunn and Harrier taking third spot.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P7
News News bulletin
Grad all over Cpl Sophia Pegg and Cpl Lou Webb are a class act – taking top honours in a business degree course aimed at military personnel. The Wycombe-based duo are among more than 50 Royal Air Force students who enrolled on the course at New Bucks University. Royal Air Force Director of Music Wg Cdr Piers Morrell was given an honorary doctorate during the graduation ceremony.
SWANSONG: The RAF’s Tucano training aircraft is retiring from service after 30 years.
Tuc bows out THE VETERAN Tucano trainer signed off with a final public display at Southport Air Show. The aircraft is being retired from service after more than 30 years of training the UK’s frontline combat pilots at Linton-on-Ouse. It is being replaced by the Texan II turboprop at RAF Valley.
Carers in crisis CHARITY CHIEFS are recruiting an army of volunteers to support serving RAF personnel caring for loved ones with dementia. The Royal Air Forces Association and the Alzheimer’s Society have issued the call after a national survey of more than 4,000 people revealed 15 per cent of Service respondents were unpaid carers. An estimated 850,000 people nationally have dementia with numbers set to rise to more than one million by 2021. RAFA spokesperson Prema Nirgude said: “We need volunteers from the serving RAF community to test our ideas, so we can ensure we put the best possible support in place.” Sessions for volunteers to help with the study will be held at RAF Benson, Cranwell and Leeming throughout October. Alzheimer’s Society spokesman Simon Lord added: “Too many people are facing dementia alone. Living or working in a different location to the person needing care can be particularly challenging.”
Rock star
WG CDR Annella Doherty has been appointed as Station Commander at RAF Gibraltar. Airwoman Nel qualified as a weapons controller and has served on the frontline in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands along with taking part in exercises across the world. She was awarded the MBE for supporting Air Force security operations during the 2012 London Olympics. She takes over the post from outgoing station chief Wg Cdr John Kane who is now base commander at Ascention Island.
Forces failing abuse victims
Fear of losing married quarters and lack of confidentiality means many suffer in silence research 34 domestic violence and abuse services had been identified as providing specialist services for those in uniform.
Simon Mander DOMESTIC ABUSE victims in Service families are not getting the support they need according to a new report. Latest research by the University of Bristol found fewer than one in 10 care services provided specialist support to relatives of military personnel. The findings build on other work which showed victims viewed Service welfare support as lacking confidentiality. And they thought seeking help was a sign of weakness which could damage their partner’s career and risk them losing married quarters. Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust Ray Lock said:“More work needs to be done to ensure victims of domestic violence and abuse in the Armed Forces community are encouraged to seek
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We must do more to ensure victims of domestic violence in Forces come forward
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FUNDING RESEARCH: Ray Lock, FiMT Chief Executive
the help they need without stigma or fear of reprisal.” He said that as a result of the Forces in Mind Trust-funded
The report titled Domestic Violence and Abuse in Military Families: Improving Signposting to Specialist Support also says a lack of communication between the civilian and military sectors is hampering efforts to support victims and perpetrators. It highlights the need for a joined-up support network which strengthens and better coordinates
the services available. A National Conference will be held in Birmingham in March 2020 to bring together both sectors. University of Bristol project leader Dr Emma Williamson said: “Better communication across sectors can make a real difference in improving practice for families. “The conference in March 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for us to make that a reality by bringing the two sectors together to encourage local and national collaboration.” An MOD spokesperson said: “We launched a strategy to help prevent domestic abuse in all its forms, including taking action in many of the areas identified in this report. “We also work closely with agencies such as local authorities and the police to ensure those affected have access to the support they need.”
On target at Bisley shootout l Sport p33
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P9
Beard News
INSPECTION: Flt Lt Lisam Summerfield and SWO Shaun Noble.
Gunners grow for it
BEARDED WONDERS in the RAF Regiment have sprouted face fluff to raise cash in memory of a comrade killed in Iraq. SAC Peter McFerran died in a rocket attack in Basra in 2007 and every year his family raise money for the maternity ward where he was born eight weeks premature. Now his 1 Sqn comrades have come up with a hair- raising scheme to buy an incubator for for the Countess of Chichester Hospital.
WINNER: L/Cpl Glenn Lewis was voted Best Beard in the charity grow-athon.
Sgt Lee Baddeley, who served alongside Peter in Iraq, said: ”The family raise money on Peter’s birthday each year with a sponsored walk from their home to the hospital wherePetere received life saving treatment.” More than 150 Gunners 150 took up the challenge and have signed up for a chit for permission to stop shaving. The idea came from Officer Commanding 1 Sqn RAF Regiment, Squadron Leader Alex Jones, with all proceeds going towards the Remembering Peter McFerran Charity. The best beard award went to L/Cpl Glen Lewis from HQ Flight who donated his £60 prize to the £500 that the event raised. The Squadron hopes to hit its £11 000 target as it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021. Warrant Office Noble said: ”We are getting an old incubator soon that we can adapt for sponsored runs and hope to have it running in the London Marathon.” lDonations can be made direct to the Charity using the Just Giving – Remembering Peter McFerran.
News
Hair-raising Gulf drill Staff Reporter Oman COMBAT TRAINING is getting hairy out in the Gulf - as Typhoon crews taking part in war drills join the growing trend for beards in the RAF. More than 30 members of 3 Sqn hit the parade ground in Oman sporting whiskers after Air Force chiefs relaxed the Air Force’s 100-year-old beard ban. UK crews are carrying out simulated combat sorties alongside Omani F-16s and Eurofighters on Exercise Magic Carpet. Under strict Air Force regulations airmen need approval to grow a beard which will be inspected after two weeks to make sure their growth is upto scratch. WO Glen Hadgraft said: “There has been lots of good-natured banter across the Squadron about who would pass or fail the inspection. “Although a small handful were given a week’s grace to allow their beard to develop further, none of them failed. “After 36 years I’ve seen lots of policy changes. We need to change when our society changes, especially if it helps recruitment.” Speaking after passing his first beard inspection, Sgt Curtis Williams-Ward (right) said: “I
INSPECTION: Beards pass muster in Oman
think a lot of people think it’s lazy, but I think you have to put more effort into having a beard. “I also think it’s good when you go out in groups as you look less military.” Some have been put off by the sweltering 40˚ Gulf heat but SAC Hugh McMillen recently joined the RAF’s band of beards. He said: “It only started to get
a bit itchy near the end of the two weeks and it actually cools your face when you get a breeze.” Official figures across the RAF are hard to source however the RAF Regt has received more than 250 applications from a total headcount of 1500 – just over 16 per cent.
DFC-winner George relives the glory days A 97-YEAR-OLD Second World War veteran took to the skies in a Spitfire once more to mark the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Former Flight Lieutenant George Dunn DFC last flew the iconic fighter in 1947 and thought his flying days were over when he left the Service a year later. But a chance meeting with trainee Top Gun Flight Lieutenant Dan Whatmough at Bournemouth Air Show inspired him to arrange the flight. During the Second World War George flew 44 operations with Nos 76, 608 and 104 Squadrons, 30 in Halifax bombers over targets in industrial Germany and 14 in Mosquitos bombing Berlin. He took part in the Peenemunde Raid in August 1942 when a late change of plan switched his squadron from the fourth to the first wave. The fourth wave lost 46 aircraft. After the war George continued to fly for the RAF until 1947, testing Mosquitos, Spitfires, Hurricanes
BOY DUNN GOOD: George gets ready for his flight (right)
and Mustangs for a maintenance unit in Ismailia, Egypt. In 1948 he returned to his prewar employment with Pickfords, the removal firm. In recent years George has spent his summers touring air shows in the UK, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the RAF
Benevolent Fund with appearances and book signings. On completing his first flight in a Spitfire in 72 years, he said: “I could have done with a little bit longer up there!” Flt Lt Whatmough, who is
training at Linton-on-Ouse, coordinated George’s trip to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar after discovering they had both served on 76 Squadron and signed up at the same RAF careers office in Chatham 63 years apart. Dan said: “Meeting George was an absolute honour. “As soon as I found out about his service and his incredible support for the Fund, I was determined to repay him. And what better day to do that, than Battle of Britain.” The RAF Benevolent Fund’s centenary campaign was launched following research which identified there are up to 100,000, mainly older, members of the RAF Family in urgent need of support but are not seeking it. It found potential beneficiaries are often reluctant to ask for help, or come forward too late.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P10
News
Stu’s Tokyo touchdown Gamers unleashed FORCES GAMERS have launched a new E-sports channel on Twitch to help fight loneliness on stations and hone cyber-defence skills. The RAF Gamers Network now covers 38 military bases in the UK and abroad and has won backing from welfare chiefs for supporting young troops who run the risk of becoming isolated, a spokesman said.
RAF RUGBY star Stu Robinson will be leading the British bid for glory in the World Wheelchair Rugby showdown in Tokyo. The double Invictus medallist and Millie winner is one of two injured Forces veterans who will be squaring up against seven top-ranked other nations including Australia, France, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. The tournament runs alongside the Rugby World Cup, which kicked off in the Japanese capital earlier this month. The event is a warm up for Stu’s 2020 paralympic games campaign
Invictus rugby star powers British team’s Japan bid
and his bid for a place on the Team GB wheelchair rugby side. He said: “It is a great opportunity to see where we are in the final year of the paralympic cycle and test ourselves against the top teams. “I am hoping to play a part in Tokyo 2020. It has always been a dream of mine to get to the paralympics.” Former Royal Air Force Gunner
Stu (pictured left) lost both legs when his patrol vehicle hit an IED during a tour of Afghanistan with 31 Sqn in 2013. He fought back to fitness after surgery and helped Britain win gold in the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014 and captained the team in the Orlando event two years later, winning a bronze medal.
Paras relive the horrors of Arnham
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TRIBUTE: A wreath is laid at the memorial on behalf of the RAF by Gp Capt Mark Smith
Ken Pike The Netherlands A MASS parachute drop of 1,500 current and veteran troops from eight Hercules aircraft marked the 75th anniversary of the Arnhem campaign. The re-enactment of the famously botched 1944 Operation Market Garden, immortalised in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far,’ was watched by Prince Charles and Dutch Royals. More Allied troops – around 11,500 – died during the nine days of the raid than on the D-Day landings a few months earlier. The airborne assault was an attempt to create a 64-mile salient into Nazi-held territory, but the failure to take the bridge over the Neder Rhine at Arnhem meant the route to Germany’s industrial heartland remained closed. Among the week-long
commemorations was the unveiling of a monument to RAF Victoria Cross winner Flt Lt David Lord, who repeatedly flew a 271 Sqn Dakota through heavy enemy fire to deliver supplies despite taking massive damage including an engine fire. The aircraft eventually crashed killing 31-year-old Lord. According to eye witness accounts the battlefield went silent as mesmerised soldiers stood in their trenches saluting as the airman made his last desperate run across enemy lines in the burning aircraft. An Arnhem Parade was attended by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston and Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. Troops from the UK, Poland, Holland and America paraded through the city followed by a short service at the city’s Operation Market Garden Memorial. O See p18-19 for Arnham feature
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P11
News The RAF’s smallest aircraft, a Grob 115EA Tutor, is pictured against one of the world’s largest aircraft, an Emirates Airbus A380, at Glasgow International Airport. The picture was taken by Flt Lt Doug Galletly as a cadet prepares for an air experience flight.
Izzy Irons it out in Hawaii
FORCES ENDURANCE star SAC first time competing in those kind Izzy Petit booked a showdown of conditions so it will be a new with the world’s toughest athletes experience.” in Hawaii. The super-fit information The 28-year-old Forces triathlon systems expert is hoping to complete star blew away the competition the course is under 12 hours. in a UK qualifier to win The Ironman contest a place at this year’s is one of the world’s Ironman World toughest events, Championships at featuring a 4km Kailua Kona. swim, 180km cycle She will line up ride and a full against a field of 600 marathon, back to of the world’s best back. triathletes later this She added: “I am month. feeling confident. I am KONA TRI-STARS Wycombe-based Izzy part of a great group who said: “I was ecstatic when I qualified together. realised I had qualified. “We train together and it’s “I’m hoping the heat won’t great we can travel together and be too much of an issue. It is my then compete together.”
Gulf drill primes Typhoon for East Asia adventure
Simon Mander TYPHOON JETS are preparing to leave the Omani desert for tropical Malaysia and the latest stage of their four-month tour of the Middle and Far East. The Coningsby-based 3(Fighter) Sqn aircraft have been operating alongside Omani Eurofighters and F-16s on Exercise Magic Carpet, where their hosts pilots have been sharpening their air-to-air refuelling skills with a Brize Norton based Voyager tanker. Typhoon pilot and Squadron boss Wg Cdr Steve Kenworthy said: “It’s a phenomenal training environment for operations; the weather, the climate and the desert. “We’re here is to build on our long-standing relationship with the Omanis and build on the good work we did during Exercise Saif Sareea last year” Oman received its final pair of 12
Eurofighters from BAE Systems in January to replace its Jaguars and is believed to be maintaining them in the same configuration and armed with the same weapons as those used by the RAF. Wg Cdr Kenworthy said: “The Omanis are very professional. They work to very similar standards, techniques and procedures as us, so integrating with them is pretty straightforward. “We are working together as equal partners. We plan, brief and we fly alongside each other.” Supported by more than 200 RAF ground personnel from technicians to chefs and medics, the Typhoons have flown a range of realistic training sorties with both countries’ air operations controllers, fire fighters and photographers working side by side. Former RAFO Jaguar pilot Wg Cdr Waleed Al Naabi said: “The aim of this exercise is to
News Bulletin
UK drone war nets funding DEFENCE GIANT Leonardo has joined a multi-million pound RAF programme to target rogue drones threatening UK airspace. The three-year project will develop new techniques to track and destroy hostile devices, the MoD said.
FALL GIRL: Flt Lt Harrison is the second woman to lead the RAF parachute display team
Mikaela’s move
provide realistic air combat training for all participating pilots and their crew members.” Next the Typhoons fly to Malaysia, refuelled on the way by a Voyager, where they will be handed over to Lossiemouth’s II(AC) Sqn to take part in the multi-national Exercise Bersama Lima.
AIR FORCE parachute ace Flt Lt Mikaela Harrison is moving on after two years with the Falcons. She said: “The standout highlight was jumping into the British Grand Prix and delivering the Constructors’ Championship trophy. “I have many memories that will last a lifetime – it’s been an amazing two years.” Team-mates Sgt Dan Cartwright, FS Worboys and Cpl Mark Bishoprik are also leaving the team. Flt Lt Ashley GreySmart will head the Falcons for the 2020 season.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P12
News
Don’t leave it to chance
Staff Reporter RAF PERSONNEL will soon be able to book leave from their mobile phones instead of logging on to an MoD computer. From next month personnel with an active Defence Gateway account can input the days they want off and their application will automatically be processed. “Quick and simple, it’s a lot easier than navigating the JPA screens every time someone wants to put in leave, particularly if they don’t have immediate access to a terminal,” said Sqn Leader David Lewis. On first use, leave balances will show zero, but are updated as applications are made. If the application fails or the
individual doesn’t have enough leave remaining a message detailing the reason will be returned. “When using this method, there is a mandatory tick-box to indicate that line lanagers have agreed the leave period,” said Sqn Ldr Lewis. “The application can’t be used for requests more than a year or less than 48 hours in advance. Neither can leave be cancelled or amended through the application.” Trials at RAF units found the system easier, straightforward and quicker than finding and using a JPA terminal. Other processes such as changing personal information and setting appraisals are currently being assessed to see if they can be accessed on personal devices.
FOUR-MONTH-OLD TERRIER pup Dilyn is proving he’s top dog in Downing Street after stealing the show at a reception for the Armed Forces. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s partner Carrie Symonds introduced the Jack Russell cross to Forces personnel during the event. PHOTO PA
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P13
Fast jet rookies’ Texan triumph BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE: Thousands of RAF families turned out for this year’s Brizefest. PHOTO: STEVE LYMPNEY
Brizefest blast THE RAF’S biggest station was turned into a mini Glastonbury as thousands of visitors flocked to Brize Norton for its blockbuster families day. An estimated 15,000 people enjoyed funfair rides, static aircraft displays and music by the station’s Military Wives Choir, Band of the RAF Regiment and a line-up of local performers.
Wycombe welfare NEW FAMILY welfare facilities at High Wycombe were opened this month after a £95,000 refurbishment programme. Speaking after the formal opening ceremony Kate wigston said: “The quality of the provision to the wider Wycombe family is so impressive.”
Dave Williams RAF Valley THE FIRST generation of fast jet pilots to fly a new fleet of training aircraft have completed a course on the Texan T1 aircraft at Valley. The Basic Flying Training programme is the second phase of instruction for rookie RAF and Royal Navy combat pilots after they graduate from the smaller Grob Prefect basic trainer at Cranwell. Officer Commanding the Texan Integration Squadron Wing Commander Chris Ball said: “Under the Military Flying Training System, our fighter pilots train on world-leading aircraft. “They start on the Prefect, move on to the Texan and finish on the Hawk T2, making the process more efficient and representative of the jets they will eventually fly. “The Texan is the ideal lead-in to the Hawk T2 advanced trainer that they will move on to here at Valley. “We look forward to building up and developing our training system and later in the year will be adopting the historic 72 (Fighter) Sqn, which will transfer from RAF Linton-on-Ouse.” The US-made Texan is a tandem-seat turboprop aircraft, equipped with the latest digital glass cockpit and a major upgrade
from the Tucano it replaces. The transfer of Basic Flying Training to Valley from Linton-on-Ouse was planned around the retirement of the Tucano which has 30 years’ service. The training system uses advanced mission planning
systems and highly-realistic flight simulators that enable sorties to be practised on the ground before they are flown for real. Valley has seen investment in refurbished buildings, hangars, and classrooms to accommodate its fleet of 10 Texans. The move means two-thirds of fast jet training is now at one location, increasing efficiency and saving taxpayers money.
Grob grad Jim’s one in hundred Staff Reporter
WITTERING STATION chief Gp Capt Jo Lincoln chats to 98-yearold RAF veteran WO Bert Salvage in Stamford as the Lincolnshire town marked Battle of Britain Day. Station personnel and local
residents gathered at the town’s medieval almshouses to mark the anniversary, where local poet Darren Rawnsley performed ‘Chocks Away’, a work he composed for the occasion.
FLYING OFFICER Jame Bell is on a high – after becoming the 100th student to complete his basic flying training on the RAF’s new Grob Prefect. He hit the personal milestone after flying a supervised sortie testing his flying and navigation skills over Lincolnshire and carrying out a simulated emergency version into Coningsby – home to the RAF’s Typhoon fleet.
He said: “The performance of the Prefect is enough to put a smile on any student’s face. “Finishing my elementary training is a great milestone for me, and to be the 100th graduate is an unexpected, added pleasure.” Fg Off Bell will now be selected for either multi engine, rotary or fast-jet training as the next stage of training, before earning his coveted pilot wings and joining his squadron.
Ascent Flying spokesman Brian Braid said: “The students on this course are the first to have completed their training in the new suite of training aircraft.” One trainee said: “It is a great honour to be the first students flying a fleet of new and capable aircraft that will lead us to the frontline, where we will be operating state-ofthe art technology. Our wings will be very special to us”
Q
We are excellent. We are QE.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has found Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate to be ‘Excellent’ across all schools, praising our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.
Queen Ethelburga’s has a long-standing relationship with the British Forces, welcoming students from military families for over 100 years. We currently have over 300 such students living as part of the QE family. We welcome day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years. We are CEA accredited and in recognition of our commitment to Forces families, we offer a significant reduction in fees. In 2017/18 this meant that our Forces families paid just 10% of fees. In 2018/19 Forces families will pay just £955 per term, per child (with the benefits of Childcare Vouchers this figure can be as low as £614 per term). We pride ourselves on our wrap-around specialist pastoral care for our students, providing a secure and supportive home from home. We are focused on creating the right learning and living environment so that every one of them can thrive. For further information or to arrange a visit contact our admissions team on: Tel: 01423 33 33 30 Email: admissions@qe.org
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P15
News News Bulletin
No place like Dome
Nato Kabul tribute NATO FORCES stationed in Kabul paid tribute to Churchill’s Few as they marked Battle of Britain Day. RAF teams supporting the multi-national peacekeeping mission in the Afghan capital were joined by personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and the US as they celebrated the anniversary of the World War II fight for Britain’s skies.
DISABLED CHARITY crusader Sean Allerton hauled his wheelchair to the top of the O2 Arena in London’s Docklands to boost his fundraising total for his Push 500 charities. Veteran Gunner Sean, who was left paraplegic after a motor smash in Cyprus, scaled the 50m dome built to mark the millennium, with a little help from some air cadets and Forces pals.
Eagle swoops on Israel’s UK debut F-15s clash with Typhoons on air combat exercise Simon Mander Waddington ISRAELI JETS have trained in British airspace for the first time during Exercise Cobra Warrior. F15 Eagles flew simulated combat sorties alongside UK, Italian and German Typhoons during the multinational combat drill at Waddington. Around 50 aircraft took part in a range of complex scenarios
with personnel developing, planning and practising tactics and strategies to counter potential adversaries in crisis and conflict situations they could encounter on operations. Israeli Air Force Brigadier General Annon Ein Dar said: “We see how the operational planning process is set up because we set up a little bit different. “We see what we can learn out of their drills and the way they are flying and speaking to other guys, it’s
a huge lesson learned.” Waddington was the main operating base for reconnaissance and refuelling aircraft as well as fighter jets. Spadeadam training area hosted most of the tactical training with Boulmer, Brize Norton, Coningsby, Fairford, Leeming, Lossiemouth, Marham, Mildenhall and Odiham also participating. 29 Squadron OC Training, Sqn Ldr Mike Child, said: “We bring tactics into it, we look at how other nations – with their capabilities – will fight. “We take the shared lessons we get in terms of mistakes that we all make, and take them forward so we that we don’t repeat those mistakes in future.” Cobra Warrior is the RAF’s premier annual tactical training event, designed to complete the training of instructors in Weapons, Tactics, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Space Operations.
FORCE PROTECTION: A 30-strong team of RAF Regiment Gunners with Waddington-based 2503 Sqn provided security during the high stakes training exercise. PHOTO: SAC JAMES SKERRETT
STANDING S TA ANDING SIDE BY S IDE B Y SIDE SIDE W IT TH TH HE RAF R AF WITH THE FAMILY FOR F AMILY F OR 10 0Y EARS 100 YEARS IIff y you ou serve ser ve o orr h have ave with sserved er ved w ith the the RAF, R AF, you y ou and and your your family family ccan an request requ q est h elp. help.
FREE CALL FREE CALL 0 800 1 69 2 942 0800 169 2942 rrafbf.org/help afbf.org/help
FINANCIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE WELLBEING WELLBEING B BREAKS REAKS F FAMILY AMILY A AND ND R RELATIONSHIPS ELATIONSHIPS
EMOTIONAL W EMOTIONAL WELLBEING ELLBEING IINDEPENDENT NDEPENDEN E T LIVING LIVING TRANSITION TR ANSITION
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P17
Feature
Struggling? There is hope of a Rosie future
RAFBF links up with counsellors at Relate Tracey Allen
W
hen he was given a new posting it almost spelt the end of airman Dan and his wife Rosie’s eight-year marriage. The RAF wife said it if wasn’t for the help the couple received from relationship counselling service Relate, they could easily have ended up getting divorced. The problems started when Dan’s new job meant he was often away from home, having to leave her and their two young children, aged nine and six, for long periods. She said: “When he went back to a demanding frontline squadron he had to do a lot of training at first and that took him away from home, then he was on operational tours almost immediately after that. “He spent about seven months of the first 13 not at home for
one reason or another. It was an enormous shock for both of us and the children.” Rosie said that, like any military family, they had moved around a lot and she had made sacrifices in her own career to support Dan in his, but things came to a head when they reached what she called ‘the end of a brilliant and stable posting that had become a second home with a fantastic support network’. She added: “I struggled to settle into the new posting, effectively alone, with no help from his new squadron. The time difference, together with poor communications, meant that when Dan was away we barely spoke and when we did, it was far from supportive or helpful to either of us. “By the time he returned and had a lengthy period at home, we realised it was more than just the usual post-operational tour
DESPAIR: But help is available
adjustments to each other again. We were barely communicating and when we did it was with anger on both sides.” She said there wasn’t much prospect of re-establishing her own career because she had no support.
“
Without the Benevolent Fund we would be divorced right now
”
“Dan was frustrated that I wasn’t happy and didn’t know what to do to help us both. We were on the brink of separation,” she added. After confiding in a friend that the couple were having difficulties, the friend told Rosie about the free service Relate offered via the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Rosie said: “I was reluctant to apply at first as I didn’t want to have to tell anyone what was going on. But arranging the counselling was really easy – we just had to phone the Benevolent Fund Welfare department and give them my husband’s service number, as proof that we were eligible, and that was it. We didn’t have to give any information about why we thought we needed counselling or anything else.” They had six counselling sessions over a three-month period. Rosie added: “The counsellor helped us to communicate with each other and really listened. We developed better strategies to cope when my husband is away and it brought us together again as a team. “I can honestly say without the Benevolent Fund we would be divorced right now. “I am really happy the
counselling led us to stay together but if it had led to us splitting up that would have been better than staying in the situation we were in. “If other RAF couples are having relationship problems I would urge them to contact Relate. I was embarrassed about it initially but sometimes you just have to speak up and say you are struggling – there’s no shame in that.” Rosie said if the RAFBF’s free partnership with Relate had not been available, she would have struggled to pay for the counselling service. Since the Fund started working with Relate 10 years ago, more than 5,600 RAF personnel and their partners have been helped, receiving more than 300,000 hours of relationship support. The scheme is also open to retired RAF couples. ■ Go to: www.rafbf.org to find out more.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P18
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P19
Feature Arnhem: 75 years on
A Bridge Too Far The gallantry and sacrifice of the airborne forces and the men of the RAF who delivered them to Arnhem has attracted widespread coverage in books and in the film world. The action understandably has become known as ‘A Bridge Too Far’. On the 75th anniversary of the gallant failure, it is appropriate to remind ourselves of the events that cost so many lives RIVER WAAL: The road bridge (left) and the rail bridge in Nijmegen, Holland, September 22, 1944
ABOVE: Paratroops of 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st (British) Airborne Division, descend on Drop Zone ‘X’ on September 17, 1944. The area is already littered with parachutes from a previous drop. Inset top, Dakota. LEFT: The scene at RAF Harwell in Oxfordshire shortly before the start of the airborne invasion of Holland. British airborne troops wait to emplane by their Horsa glider. September 17, 1944.
BRIEFING: Wg Cdr GE Harrison (left), CO 190 Squadron, with his crew, recounts their experiences towing Horsa gliders to Landing Zone ‘N’ near Nijmegen to Gp Capt A Wheeler, station commander RAF Fairford. Photo ALL PHOTOS: AIR HISTORICAL BRANCH (RAF) dated September 17, 1944.
B
Y MID-SEPTEMBER 1944, almost exactly five years after the beginning of the Second World War, the British Second Army had advanced from the River Seine to reach the Dutch border. To the north of this frontline, three rivers – the Maas, the Waal and the Neder-Rijn (Lower Rhine) – formed natural lines of defence against any northern thrust by Field Marshal Montgomery’s 21st Army Group. Montgomery devised an audacious plan to advance across these three rivers and secure the area north of Arnhem in order to continue his attack into northern Germany. The main axis of the advance was northeast through Eindhoven-Grave-
Air Cdre (Rtd) Graham Pitchfork Author and military historian
Nijmegen and on to Arnhem. The task of capturing and holding the main river crossings was given to the First Allied Airborne Army, consisting of the 1st British Airborne Division, the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade Group. The British and Polish airborne forces were to capture bridges at Arnhem and establish a bridgehead
HERO: Flt Lt David Lord, the only man in Transport Command to receive the Victoria Cross for gallantry
around them until relieved by the forces as the subsequent resupply missions. advancing northwards. The US forces The IX United States Troop Carrier were to seize the bridges in the south, at Command was tasked to undertake all Grave and Nijmegan. the parachute drops. Six landing zones were Operation Market, the air chosen in the Arnhem part of Operation Market sector. Although only Garden, commenced six to seven miles west on the morning of of the bridge, this September 17 when 358 proved to be too far tug glider combinations away. comprising the first lift The operational took off from airfields plan issued on in southern England September 13 tasked in weather that was not the Stirlings, Halifaxes, ideal. 320 were destined ON TOW: Horsa gliders behind Halifaxes Albermarles and Dakotas for the landing zones of Nos. 38 and 46 Groups at Arnhem. Only light RAF to undertake the pathfinder opposition was met over Holland dropping and all glider towing, as well and 305 gliders landed safely. The main
body of the 1st Parachute Group was dropped successfully from US Dakotas. On the first day of operations, no less than 3,887 aircraft and 500 gliders became airborne during that morning. These included 1,240 fighters and 1,113 bombers used in support of the operation. The second lift on the following day was delayed by five hours due to poor weather. This had a major impact; the lack of reinforcements and supplies allowed the ground situation to deteriorate to such an extent that it could not be redeemed and allowed German reinforcements to arrive in the area. By late morning the weather had improved and 297 British gliders headed
for the landing zones. By this stage, the ground forces had not been able to consolidate and German resistance increased so that the airborne forces had been split into three parts with only one defending the vital bridge. In the meantime, despite the success of the US landings to capture the bridges at Grave and Nijmegan, the advancing ground forces made slow progress towards Arnhem. By the third day, the situation had become extremely serious. Almost all the day’s air activity was devoted to resupply. Operations were again severely delayed by the weather before 163 aircraft of the two RAF Commands were able to fly on the large-scale resupply mission. Despite intense and
accurate anti-aircraft fire, 147 aircraft on fire. He was three minutes from the dropped their supplies accurately, dropping zone and decided to press on although 13 were lost and 97 to deliver the vital supplies. others were damaged by As he descended to 900 enemy fire. feet, the wing was burning Amongst very many furiously and the ground gallant acts by the gunners singled out aircrews of the resupply his aircraft. He kept aircraft, that of Flight the aircraft steady and Lieutenant David Lord dropped his supplies. DFC deserves special At the end of the run mention. A Burma two canisters remained, veteran, he was the so he re-joined the pilot of a 271 Squadron stream for a second run. ARNHEM: Landing zone Dakota. He dropped the supplies As he approached then ordered his crew Arnhem at 1,500 feet the starboard to bale out. Now at 500 feet he wing of his aircraft was twice hit by made no attempt to escape himself. A anti-aircraft fire and the engine was set few seconds later, the starboard wing
collapsed and the Dakota crashed. There was one survivor. For his supreme valour and selfsacrifice, Flt Lt Lord was awarded the Victoria Cross, the only man in Transport Command to receive the nation’s highest award for gallantry. By the fourth day, some of the dropping zones were in enemy hands yet more than 150 aircraft attempted to drop supplies in other areas, but much fell to the enemy. Throughout the following days, when the weather again played a crucial role, and until the final collapse on September 28, the transport aircraft endeavoured to support the beleaguered forces on the ground but the battle was lost. It had indeed been A Bridge Too Far.
Regulars Announcements l p 6-7
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Win tickets to film festival l p4
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ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY Preparing for the move to civilian life? Whether or not you already have a career option in mind, take a look into the H[FLWLQJ DQG UHOHYDQW TXDOL¿FDWLRQV WKDW ZH RႇHU <RX¶OO HQMR\ WKH UHDVVXUDQFH WKDW ZH¶UH D ZRUOG OHDGLQJ SURYLGHU of distance learning and that over 1,500 forces personnel DUH FXUUHQWO\ VWXG\LQJ ZLWK XV
Find out how we can help you develop your career path for civvy street visit openuniversity.co.uk/rafnews
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 3
R'n'R TV Worzel Gummidge BBC One
Playlist Top 10
New series
Worzel gets a makeover
P
IRATES OF The Caribbean, Detectorists and The Office star Mackenzie Crook is to star as the mischievous scarecrow Worzel Gummidge in a new adaption, set to enchant BBC One viewers later this year. Due to be broadcast in two one-hour films, this family treat is inspired by the classic books by Barbara Euphan Todd. Crook, who has written and directed the shows, will be joined by a host of big names including Sir Michael Palin (inset) as The Green Man, creator of the scarecrows. Palin said: “It’s a lovely part for me, but the whole script is very memorable and touching, and very funny too. It quite skilfully weaves in something for everybody all the time.”
LAURA PATCH (Afterlife, Star Stories) stars with The Inbetweeners' Joe Thomas in the hit comedy What's In A Name? (below) now on tour – see RnR p4-5. Here's her Top 10 Playlist: Platten 1 Rachel Fight Song Mac 2 Fleetwood Landslide Don 3 Stefflon Sixteen Shots Aid Kid 4 First Silver Lining Bareilles 5 Sarah Brave Keys 6 Alicia Girl On Fire Babe 7 Lion Wonder Woman 8 Charlene I've Never Been To Me Mitchell 9 Joni Both Sides Now + The Machine 10 Florence Shake It Out
Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone) will play the eccentric local aristocrat, Lady Bloomsbury Barton. She said: “The whole thing is so charming and inventive. It’s the sort of thing I’d watch. I’m sure it will be a huge success. I know it will – it’s divine.” And Vicki Pepp erdine ((Getting On, The Windsors Windsors) who takes on the role of the formidable Aunt Sally, added: “There’s something for everybody. It’s got this heart to it, and you’d be hard pushed as an adult not to engage with it.” Parents will have fond memories of the 1979-81 series that starred Jon Pertwee (Doctor Who) as Worzel, Una Stubbs (Sherlock) as Aunt Sally and Geoffrey Bayldon (Catweazle) as The Crowman. India Brown (Hetty Feather) and Thierry Wickens – making his TV debut – will play Susan and John, two city children spending their summer at Scatterbrook Farm who quickly befriend Worzel and begin a summer of adventures. Steve Pemberton (League of Gentleman, Benidorm) who plays
Competition
Marty MacDonald's Toy Machine
DOWN ON THE FARM: Mackenzie Crook, below left and above, stars as the famous scarecrow, with Thierry Wickens and India Brown, in a new version of Worzel Gummidge that Crook wrote and directed. Inset, above as Gareth in The Office with Ricky Gervais
Mr Braithwaite, the farmer, said: “This is the kind of show the whole family can enjoy together. It has a lot of humour, a lot of visual humour too, and I think kids will enjoy watching the children being central to the story.”
Rosie Cavaliero (Gentleman Jack, Cleaning Up) will play Mrs Braithwaite. She added: “It’s a story about the imagination, and children escaping into this different world. Mackenzie’s version is totally contemporary.”
Win!
UK Box Office Top 10
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
Win tickets to fun family show
1 Downton Abbey
JOIN MARTY, Sally the Scarecrow, Pongo the Pig (voiced by CBeebie’s Justin Fletcher), Molly-Moo the Cow and Sheena the Sheep in the fun, musical, interactive adventure Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s Second Space on Thursday, October 31. Featuring songs including Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes, The Wheels On The Bus, The Hokey Cokey, The Grand Old Duke Of York, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Old MacDonald Had A Farm and many more, the show is set on a colourful farmyard and features a host of lovable puppet characters. This family show is particularly suitable for two to seven year-olds and has a special cast meet and greet after the performance. Come in your spookiest Hallowe'en costume and take part in the biggest fancy dress competition in town. For your chance to win 2 x tickets to see Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine on October 31 at 1.30pm at Aylesbury’s Waterside
3 It: Chapter Two
2 Ad Astra
4 Rambo: Last Blood 5 Hustlers 6 The Lion King
Win! Theatre, simply tell us what farm animal is likely to be found in a sty: a) Cow b) Sheep c) Pig Email your answer, marked Marty MacDonald tickets competition, to: competitions@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to:
7
Casino Royale (Secret Cinema 2019)
8
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (below)
9
Dora & The Lost City Of Gold
10 Toy Story 4
RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 18. ■ You can book tickets by calling 0844 871 7607 (calls 7p per min plus phone company’s access charge) or visit: atgtickets.com/ Aylesbury.
Source: BFI
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 4
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 5
R'n'R Film
The Top Dog Festival
Win!
UK dates
Shaggy dog stories A
FILM FESTIVAL featuring a in a gruelling adventure race in cinematic celebration of dogs Ecuador when a surprise addition and their people is touring the UK to the team changes their course. for the first time this autumn. The athletes were approached by The Top Dog Film Festival is a stray dog, severely injured with a collection of canine-inspired a large wound on its back. This short movies, all celebrating the chance encounter led to a 10,000km unbreakable bond between dogs journey for one dog to join a team and humans. From the scruffiest and find a home. street dogs to the most pampered In The Dogist after unexpectedly pooches, these stories are moving, losing his corporate job Elia Weiss uplifting and inspiring, said the Friedman, aka @thedogist, set out festival’s organisers. onto the streets of New York City Tour director Nell Teasdale with a camera and a squeaky tennis added: “Humans and dogs share ball. He’s photographed 30,000 a precious, heart-warming dogs around the world bond and this brand since then, racking up new collection of films 3.2 million Instagram celebrates the canine followers. companions that enrich We have a pair of our lives. tickets to win to the “Whether you’re a festival at the Amey dog owner or you just Theatre, Abingdon, like dogs, these films are on November 12. To guaranteed to make you be in with a chance of laugh, cry and fall in love winning them, simply ist og D he T ICS: with man’s best friend all P send us the correct over again.” answer to this question: Featuring a collection of stories from independent film-makers all Where was the UK premier of over the world, the Top Dog Film the Top Dog Film Festival held? Festival originated in Australia. Its UK premiere was in Edinburgh in Email your answer, marked Top May and the tour continues with Dog Film Festival competition, dates around the country until to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk November 13. or post it to: RAF News, Room Film highlights include Arthur 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air and The Dogist. Arthur tells the Command, High Wycombe, HP14 story of a Swedish team taking part 4UE, to arrive by October 18.
Music
Michael Kiwanuka
New tour
New LP and UK dates
I'm no Ziggy Stardust M
ICHAEL KIWANUKA explores what it means to be a brings out his third album, human being today. Kiwanuka, on October 25 – the “When I first signed a record follow-up to his number 1 album deal, people would ask me, ‘So what Love & Hate. Released back in are you going to be called?’ And I July 2016, it netted the singer- never thought of that; calling myself songwriter his second Mercury Johnny Thunders or whatever, like Prize nomination. singers from the past. Kiwanuka was So, on this album it’s recorded in New York, kind of a defiant thing; LA and London, with I’m engaging with who Michael returning I am and I’m not going to the studio with to have an alter ego, or Danger Mouse and become Sasha Fierce Inflo, the same or Ziggy Stardust, production team who even though everyone’s worked with him on telling me I need to be Love & Hate. this, that or the other. He said: “The last I can just be Michael album came from an Kiwanuka.” introspective place Following a headline and felt like therapy, performance at this I guess. This one is KIWANUKA: ‘Happy being me’ year’s End of the Road more about feeling Festival in September, comfortable in who I am and asking Michael begins a UK tour on March what I want to say. Like, how could 2, 2020, taking in venues including I be bold and challenge myself and Southampton, Bournemouth, the listener? London, Birmingham, Cambridge, “It is about self-acceptance in Newcastle and Glasgow. a more triumphant rather than ■ Go to: michaelkiwanuka.com melancholy way. It’s an album that for details.
The Big Interview
Thomas is never Inbetween jobs.. Joe hits the boards after huge television and movie success
H
E MADE his name as the hapless S i m o n in the hit comedy series and spin-off films The Inbetweeners and as lovelorn Kingsley in the hilarious Channel 4 show Fresh Meat. Now Joe Thomas has swapped the screen for the stage with his first major theatre role – he plays Vincent in What’s In A Name? the international hit by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patelliere, translated from the French by Jeremy Sams. The show, that’s been described as a ‘ferocious comedy’ and also stars Bo Poraj (Miranda, Musketeers), ), Laura Patch (Afterlife, Star Stories), ), Summer Strallen (Top Top Hat, Young Frankenstein) and Alex Gaumond (Company, Company, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), ), tours until November 23 and visits venues including York’s Grand Opera House, Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre and the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Joe said: “This play is a bit like a long sketch. It’s got that momentum that good sketch comedy gets into.” The show is 90 minutes long,
with no interval, and focuses on father-to-be Vincent’s announcement of the name chosen for his and his partner Anna’s (Strallen) expected child. The couple have been invited to dinner by Vincent’s sister Elizabeth (Patch) and her husband Peter (Poraj). They are joined by childhood friend Carl for a mature and sophisticated gathering. The startling revelation about the baby’s name becomes the catalyst for a destructive argument which spirals hysterically out of control. Egos, childish resentment and unspoken feelings are hilariously exposed for the first time – and Carl reveals a secret of his own… The comic masterpiece was adapted by theatre director, writer and translator Sams from the award-winning French film and stage sensation Le HIT FILM: The Inbetweeners Movie, Joe second left Prénom. It became
TV
Name game
Joe Thomas
Doc is back
Doc Martin
ITV, 9pm, Wednesdays
Doc Martin fights to save his career
M
ARTIN CLUNES has returned to play the nation’s favourite grumpy medic in the ninth series of ITV’s Doc Martin, with Caroline Catz as his wife Louisa. Also back are Dame Eileen Atkins as Doc Martin's formidable Aunt Ruth, Ian McNeice as Bert Large with Joe Absolom as his son Al, John Marquez as PC Joe Penhale and Selina Cadell as pharmacist Mrs Tishell. They’re joined by special guest stars Tom Conti, Caroline Quentin, Conleth Hill and Danny Huston. Clunes said: “We are thrilled to have been joined by such prestigious guest stars for this new series. “We love going to Cornwall to make Doc Martin and we miss it when we are not there. The county is so beautiful and the people have been so warm and welcoming.” In the new series the Doc’s career is hanging in the balance. His future as a GP is under scrutiny from the General Medical Council following complaints about his irascible approach to students. Louisa has resigned as the local school’s headmistress to pursue a new career as a child counsellor. She is concerned their son James Henry is becoming too much like his father and considers whether they should try for a little brother or sister. Clunes said: “Everyone in the
CHALLENGES AHEAD: Doc Martin, Louisa and mini-me James Henry, with their dog
village seems to think the Doc is going to be thrown out. His patients are supporting him, they don’t want to lose him.” He added: “James Henry chooses not to spend time with other children, he might be a mini Doc Martin. He’s not lonely, he is solitary – he is not worried by it. He just doesn’t think much of his schoolmates. “Elliott Blake [aged three], who plays him is the sweetest little boy. He is absolutely adorable, he always seems pleased to see us. He is tiny, but unfazed by any of it, the number of people or the amount of
Theatre STAR TURNS: (l-r) Bo Poraj, Alex Gaumond Summer Strallen and, inset, Laura Patch joins Thomas
FLASH: Joe's character Vincent
an international hit, playing more than 30 countries, and is now on its first UK tour. Joe explained: “The main challenge of the role is that Vincent shifts – he comes in as this very brash guy and his main priority is essentially to demonstrate that he’s got more money than other people. When you first meet him he’s quite hard to like. By the end of the play you like him, he’s funny, he’s a good component of that group. “Essentially he’s talking about fatherhood by the end and it’s obviously broken him down a bit. “He’s got some brilliant lines. The show’s gag rate is very high. It should be as funny as watching an hour of sketch comedy. I liked it as soon as I read it. Vincent is a big role, it’s given me a great opportunity.” What’s in store for Joe after the tour ends? He said: “If the tour goes well we’d like to bring the play into the West End. At the moment I’m quite consumed by it. I’ve not done much theatre for a while.”
He added: “I’ve always been interested in writing [he co-wrote the satirical comedy Chickens with Inbetweeners co-star Simon Bird] and this is another example of very, very good writing that I’ve been privileged enough to be in. Most of the stuff I’ve been in I’ve chosen because I’ve loved the writing, like Fresh Meat. “I always want to write more – it’s just that other people are so bloody good at it.” Joe is one half of a glamorous showbiz couple – his fiancée is fellow actor Hannah Tointon (left), ( who played his character Simon’s girlfriend Tara in The Inbetweeners Inbetweeners. Although there’s no mention of parenthood yet, Joe did reveal the name he’d choose for his own son. He said: “I like the name Raff, which I know sounds a bit posh but it sounds so friendly, like a friendly dog. “Also, when I was at university I had a friend called Johnny Sweet, which is hands down the best name I’ve ever heard.” ■ Go to: atgtickets.com and ents24. com for What’s In A Name? tour details.
The Entertainer UK tour
repetition. He is a joy to work with. “It was great coming back to Cornwall to play Doc Martin after such a busy time playing different characters in Vanity Fair, Manhunt, Warren, and presenting Islands of America in the last year,” said Clunes. “Doc Martin is a character I enjoy playing. I like the machinations of the medical procedures – I have always enjoyed those. I love Caroline and I love [the dog] Dodger (Buddy).” ■ Doc Martin continues on ITV at 9pm on Wednesdays.
Shane stars
EastEnd Richie takes on Olivier role
I
T’S A role probably most associated with Laurence Olivier – now it’s Shane Richie’s turn. Best known as Alfie Moon in EastEnders, he’s starring in a nationwide tour as Archie Rice in John Osborne’s classic The Entertainer. The snarling protagonist is a washed-up music hall star: an old-school comedian and second-rate stand-up still stepping out, well past his prime, to deliver out-of-date gags. Director Sean O’Connor has changed the setting of the play from 1957 to 1982. It was written less than a year after Look Back In Anger launched Osborne’s career at the Royal Court Theatre. O’Connor said: “People might think Osborne only wrote kitchen sink plays, but it’s absolutely not that. It’s part music hall, part family drama and part nowhere-land. It’s a very ambitious, powerful play.” He added: “It’s set so specifically in 1956 that you need to know all about the Suez Crisis and the music hall. It’s become a slightly holy grail set text when, in
actual fact, Osborne always said he really wanted to move people.” By the early Eighties comedy tastes have changed forever – the sexist, racist jokes at the core of Archie’s act are gone as a new breed of alternative comedians make their names. His soldier son is off to The Falklands and his daughter is campaigning against the war. The song and dance man’s professional and personal lives are about to implode with devastating consequences. The show also stars Diana Vickers (X Factor finalist, Josh) as Archie's idealistic daughter Jean and Sara Crowe (Four Weddings and a Funeral) as his neglected wife Phoebe. Richie (left, as Archie) cut his teeth on the comedy circuit in the late 80s before finding fame on primetime TV. He said: “I’ve done stand-up, I’ve done game shows. The thing you do is, ‘Come on, I know you love me, course you do.’ Now I’ve got to fight against that.
RICE FAMILY: Phoebe and Jean
I’m playing a comic who’s fallen from grace and hates, loathes, the people in front of him. “I made a decision two years ago; I wanted to play some characters that would give me my fear back. I wanted to stand in the wings and go, ‘Oh my god. I don't know if I can pull this off ’.” The Entertainer tours to venues including Wolverhampton, Brighton, Manchester and Cheltenham, finishing at Richmond Theatre on November 30. By Matt Trueman ■ Go to: theentertainerplay.co.uk for more details.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 6
R'n'R Your Announcements
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
Deaths HAY Brian Allen born December 9, 1939 – died March 29, 2019. (Brian’s former surname was Cronin.) Joined the RAF in 1956-57 as a Boy Entrant. He rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant Aircraft Technician and served at many bases all over the world including RAF Murraq, Akrotiri, Tengah and Butterworth. He was awarded several medals and commendations including the Air Officers Commanding in Chief Commendation 1977 (Queen’s Birthday Honours List) and the General Service Medal ‘Northern Ireland’ 1979. Brian retired from the RAF in 1979 after 23 years of loyal and outstanding service. He never married – he always said he ‘married’ the Royal Air Force. He was born on the North West Frontier, India, after World War II began. He later attended a military boarding school near Simla and came to England when he was 12. Having had the strict discipline of a military school he settled easily into the
disciplined life of the Royal Air Force. After he retired from the RAF he joined Lakers, British Caledonian then British Airways and gave outstanding service, receiving more commendations for the excellence of his work. Brian very sadly developed dementia and went to live with his sister and brotherin-law for a few months before having to enter a nursing home where he died peacefully a few weeks later.
JOHNSON Derek Leonard Sqn Ldr. Passed away peacefully on September 11, aged 80. Loving husband to Anne. Father to Nicola, Andrew and Richard. Devoted grandad and bandad to Gemma, Laura, Alister, Isabel and Raymond. SLOAN Hugh Archibald (Flight Sergeant) passed away peacefully in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on September 12. He was proud to have served from 1967 to 1997, gaining promotion in the engineering technician electronics trade. His postings covered the UK, Singapore and Cyprus. Greatly missed by his wife, Maureen, his children and their spouses Catherine and Tim, Steven and Alison, his grandchildren Christianne, Matthew, Finlay and Euan and his great-granddaughter Elizabeth. His funeral was held at Dunfermline Crematorium on September 20.
Seeking BRIAN HAY pictured in 1974
ON behalf of my father, Ernie Bennett, I am trying to trace some of the men who
How to use our 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. Help us to avoid errors by typing your announcement or using block capitals. We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by post to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Naphill, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE or by email to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
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he served with on National Service in Cyprus on Troodos Mountain between 19571958. Ernie was a technician and he served with Tom Richardson, originally from Ashington, and Lonny Fletcher, originally from Jamaica. Also looking to find any other RAF personnel who were on Troodos during this time. Please contact Julie Catton on: 07760 451403. I am looking to contact Stuart Taylor aged 49 approx. He was based at RAF Brize Norton in the 00s, I think as a member of the ground crew. He lived in Blackpool in the 1980s and worked in Blackpool Tower for a short time in 1987. If anyone can please help with any information please get in touch with Marie via email: whiskymac73@gmail.com. LOOKING for Heather Appleford, Dawn Bryant, Karen Dear, Dawn Greenstreet, Kim Deighton and Julia Coyne who attended Forres Academy between 1970-1976. Their fathers were stationed at RAF Kinloss. Some of us met up last year for our 60th birthday year and are having another reunion in October. We would love to see them or anyone else from our year. Please contact: alexandra. bayne@yahoo.co.uk. XIII Sqn are looking for family members of Flt Lt Peter John Michael Mosley (pilot), killed on September 1, 1994 in the crash of Tornado ZG708, along with fellow crew member, Flt Lt Patrick Peter Harrison (navigator). This year is the 25th anniversary of the crash and XIII Sqn will be holding a commemoration service at the crash site in Scotland. We are in contact with the Harrison family, but have so far been unable to contact anyone from the Mosley family. If you can help, please email: Lorraine.raanes725@ mod.co.uk. I am seeking some former colleagues who worked with me at the Flying Refresher School at RAF Finningley, Yorkshire in 1949-50: Ron Welsch, who came from Bermondsey (RAF No: 2426169); Roy Wilkin, who came from the Woodseats area of Sheffield (RAF No: 2438595); Len Hagens (RAF No: 2424749); and Norma Pritchard, who came from Horley, Surrey, (RAF No: 2810376). Please contact Nobby Hill on: 01869 252903 if you can help to locate any of these people or their families.
Tribute to the fallen
AIR MARSHAL Sir Roger Austin (inset, above) was the Reviewing Officer for the Parade and gave the address at St Benet’s Minster, Beccles, at the recent Battle of Britain Service for the Beccles and Southwold Area branch of the RAF Association. Those invited included senior officers from all three Services, serving RAF personnel and veterans, civic guests including Waveney MP Peter Aldous, mayors and councillors of Beccles, Bungay, Southwold, Halesworth and Kessingland, Royal British Legion branch members and ATC Cadets. A reception followed in the church hall. Branch President Brian Vousden said: “We owe a debt to those brave airmen and airwomen, and others who gave their lives in the defence of freedom in 1940. We will remember them.”
LOOKING for Andy Blanchard from Hull who was with me at RAF Swinderby 1967 or 69 and the Moyse Brothers (boxers) 67; Clyde Anderson (Gaedor 67), Peter Morell. Please contact: Rick Pinto, 34 St Pauls Square, Preston, Lancs PR1 1XA.
RAF and Defence Fire Service Association Annual Reunion and AGM, October 18-21 at the Ettington Chase Hotel, Banbury Road, Ettington, Stratford-UponAvon. Details from: Neil via email: crashmark6@sky.com; Mike via email: fire.bucket@ btinternet.com.
I am trying to trace ex 97th Entry ex Halton Aircraft Apprentices January 61-December 63: Derrick Loughran, George Rowan, Doug Thorne and Eric Murphy. Please call David Truscott on: 01752 778474.
23 Sqn Association Reunion AGM and Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the Double Tree Hotel, Lincoln LN1 1YW. For more information please contact Colin Woolfson by email: woolfsonc@googlemail.com or phone: 07803 617818.
Reunions 314 CA Telegraphist 50th Anniversary Reunion. A reunion of the 314 CA TELEG entry will be held at RAF Cosford in October. Any former 314 Entry members who have not yet been contacted should contact Mac Halliwell by email: definitas@gmail.com. COASTAL Command Officers' Reunion, RAF Club, October 12, 2019, October 10, 2020. Please contact Ray Curtis, call: 01264 735349 or email: hjn3@btinternet.com. RAF Boy Entrants 45th Ground Wireless Reunion We s t o n - s u p e r - M a r e , October 12. Email: suddesr@ aol.com or call: 07840125396.
THE Red Arrows Association is calling for new members. It organises various events, has a Facebook page and biannual newsletter and holds a popular annual reunion. Membership is £5 a year and is conditional on having served on the Red Arrows (including the Yellowjacks) as either aircrew, ground crew or civilian support staff at any time since its formation in 1964. Associate membership is also available to people closely connected to the team. Please email: secretary@ redarrowsassociation.co.uk or visit: redarrowsassociation. co.uk. 31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association Annual Reunion will take place on
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 7
R'n'R Your Announcements
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the Magherabuoy Hotel, Portrush, Co Antrim. Email: paddyj31@btinternet.com. 158 Squadron Bomber Command. The 158 Association is very active and we want to contact any veteran or relative of a veteran. We are planning a Reunion and Memorial Service for autumn 2020. Contact: KevB@silenicus. com.
Memorial event 100 Squadron will be commemorating the two pilots (Sqn Ldr Mike Andrews and Flt Lt Steve Todd) who lost their lives in the Hawk T1 crash on October 22, 1999. All family and friends are welcome to join the Sqn in Shap for the memorial event. For further information contact Flt Lt Miriam Aicheler: Miriam. aicheler877@mod.gov.uk.
5131 Sqn event APRIL 1, 2020 will see the
formal disbandment of 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron, the last remaining bomb disposal unit in the RAF. To mark the event, the squadron will be taking part in a final parade followed by an evening of celebration at RAF Wittering. Anyone who has served on the squadron or undertaken EOD duties is invited to express an interest in attending. Final date to be confirmed but will be held in April, 2020. For further details please email: 5131bd75@gmail. com including name, rank held, and phone number and please indicate whether still serving or not. Once numbers of attendees are known, formal invitations will be sent.
Catering Assoc MEMBERSHIP is open to those who are serving or have served as a Warrant Officer or Flight Sergeant in Trade Group 19 and former RAF Catering Officers. Pleas email Eddie Jones: janedjones6@tiscali.co.uk or
call: 01487 823480 for more information.
Pop-up exhibition A pop-up exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II is on at the National Army Museum until October 11. Curated by the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk – in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – the exhibition tells the story of the Polish campaign at the start of WWII and the effect of the conflict on the people of Poland. Visitors can also learn about the formation of the Polish Army in the United Kingdom and France, and their contributions throughout the war. These included fighting in the Battle of Britain and helping to break the Enigma code. Go to: nam.ac.uk/whatson/fighting-and-sufferingp ol i s h - c it i z e ns - du r i ng world-war-i for more information.
Museum makes it large MODEL AIRCRAFT enthusiasts are in for a treat when the British Motor Museum hosts the 11th ‘Large Model Aircraft Show’ on Sunday, October 27. Visitors can see more than 100 large static radio controlled model aircraft at the annual indoor show at Gaydon, Warwickshire. Organised by the Large Model Association, the family event offers visitors the chance to see the models ‘up close’ without the restriction of flight line fencing, say organisers. There will also be the chance to attend three modelling technique workshops and the show will have a large trade area where visitors can buy everything from miniature propellers to small jet engines and pre-assembled models. The cinema will show footage of the aircraft flying during the show season. Tom Caren, the museum’s show manager, said: “There
IMPRESSIVE: One of the eye-catching exhibits on display at the museum
is so much to see and do – from admiring the range of static models, browsing the trade area to find that perfect airplane project, attending workshops, and speaking to builders and pilots about their projects to get some handy tips and advice.” The show coincides with
half-term so there are plenty of other family friendly activities to enjoy at the same time. These include making rockets, the Black Cat trail, family tours and a rocketfuelled science show, all included in the entry fee. See: britishmotormuseum. co.uk for more information.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 R'n'R 8
R'n'R Prize Crossword No. 258
Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 11 letters in yellow squares to find a famous aircraft.
Name ................................................................................................................... Address ............................................................................................................... ..............................................................................................................................
No. 268 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.
Across 7. Weep about a North American bird (6) 8. Give weapons to our military protection (6) 10. After chum reaches Arizona, Australia returns beautiful building (7) 11. Bird that love exploring? (5) 12. Coin found within recently (4) 13. Fool old Ugandan in middle of sabotage (5) 17. Exhausts, by the sound of it? No, other parts of a car! (5) 18. Bear with excellent breath control? (4) 22. Farm division loses its head (5) 23. Legendary hero uses sly manoeuvres (7) 24. See 3 Down 25. Frenchman takes old flame as I offer little company in country (6) Down 1. It’s cool to combat swelling (3,4) 2. Surprising country for African antelope to eat new grass at first? (7) 3. And 24 Across. Bronze or tin combined on station (5,6) 4. And 5 Down. Maybe I proofread my first UK Poseidon (5,2,5) 5. See 4 Down 6. Cheese: French and sharp (5) 9. Sketch insect, a threat in WWII (9) 14. Phony to confuse RAF jet (7) 15. Is this food warm and comforting? (7) 16. Stowing away new Chief of the Air Staff (7) 19. Honest old European money, we hear (5) 20. Neither points about very boring thing (5) 21. Some country derails golf cup (5)
Prize Su Doku
Solutions should be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Prize Crossword' with the number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE to arrive by October 18, 2019.
Name ...................................................................... ................................................................................. Address ..................................................................
The winner of Crossword No. 256 is John Young of Tamworth who wins a copy of The First Helicopter Boys by David Taylor (frontlinebooks.com) Solution to crossword No. 256: Across – 6. Pilatus 7. Table 9. Bombs 10. Promise 12. Transporter 14. Caterpillar 18. Fillies 19. Crews 21. India 22. Penance. Down – 1. Pilot 2. Barber 3. Cue 4. Hammer 5. Cluster 8. Grapple 11. Snapper 13. Valiant 15. Eclair 16. Abroad 17. Twice 20. Red.
..............................................................................................................................
RAF word: Missiles
Famous aircraft: ............................................................. Crossword No. 258
Competition
Blaxploitation releases on Blu-Ray
Fabulous Films Limited/Fremantle Media Enterprises
................................................................................. Solutions should be sent in a sealed ....................................................Su Doku No. 268 envelope marked 'Su Doku' with the Solution to Su Doku No: 267 number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, to arrive by October 18, 2019. Su Doku No. 267 winner Jim Cooper from RAF High Wycombe wins a copy of Sydney Camm Hurricane and Harrier Designer by John Sweetman (pen-and-sword. co.uk)
Win!
Win Seventies classic films R ELEASED ON Blu-Ray on October 14, the 1972 classic Black Gunn (certificate 18) stars 'Blaxploitation' legends Jim Brown (He Got Game, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka), Brenda Sykes (Mandingo, Cleopatra Jones), Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball), and Bruce Glover (Ghost World, Diamonds Are Forever) with a cameo by pro US football star Vida Blue. When a group of revolutionaries rob a Mafia-run gambling operation, nightclub owner
Win!
Gunn (Brown) tries to protect his politically radical brother Scotty from the mobsters and the police. After Scotty is violently murdered, Gunn hits the streets looking for revenge. Chasing down the killer in his white Rolls-Royce, Gunn hooks up with his brother’s revolutionary friends and the cops for an explosive showdown with the mob boss and his gang. Before turning to acting, Jim Brown was a professional American football player. His record of scoring 100 touchdowns in only 93 games stood for more than 40 years. Also released on Blu-Ray on October 14 is The Take (certificate 15) starring Billy Dee Williams, better known as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Williams also spent a few years starring in Dynasty as well as playing Harvey Dent in Tim Burton’s blockbuster Batman. In The Take Terry Sneed (Williams) is a well-known cop brought in by police chief Ray Berrigan (Eddie Albert) to quell a crime wave that has gripped Paloma, New Mexico.
Win!
Churchill and the movie mogul ■ We have copies of each title to win. For chance to own both titles on Blu-Ray, answer this question correctly: Who stars as Gunn in Black Gunn? Email your answer, marked BluRay competition, to: competitoins@ rafnews.co.ukor post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP12 3El, to arrive by October 18. Entrants must be over 18.
THERE'S STILL time to catch writer and director John Fleet’s excellent documentary Churchill And The Movie Moguls on the BBC iPlayer. Using previously undiscovered documents, this absorbing film, premiered on BBC4 recently, examines the working relationship between celebrated film producer Alexander Korda, inset, top right, (The Third Man) and Winston Churchill, inset, bottom right. Churchill was a firm film buff and Korda signed him up as a screenwriter and historical advisor. The film is full of fascinating
revelations – apparently Churchill was so enthralled by the glamorous star couple Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh (pictured above) as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton in That Hamilton Woman that he watched the movie eight times, and each time it made him cry. When war broke out, Korda and Churchill’s collaboration became of immeasurable importance. Korda was sent on a spy mission to Hollywood with the aim of bringing America into the war – with spectacular results. ■ Go to: www.bbc.co.uk to watch the film.
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Timeless desert dream BRITISH MOVIE director Jacob Sutton and Italian race and aerobatic pilot Dario Costa have combined their passion for aviation and cinema to produce an inspirational short film, Dreams of Flight. Excited by the sweeping and sculptural lines of the Namibian dunes, and over a two-year period, US watchmaker Hamilton supported Jacob and Dario to plan and execute this remarkable project. The resulting film is a celebration of flight in its purest form. Jacob was drawn from the world of fashion photographer by the greater narrative and emotional scope of film and started directing in 2010, finding success with online productions such as A-Z of Dance and LED Surfer. The unique tone and energy of this work has led to commissions from brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Nike. Dario’s journey to the fabled Namibian dunes started with his childhood desire to fly. By the age of 16 he was a qualified pilot and by 2018 he was competing in the Red Bull Air Race. He was also the very first and only Italian Red Bull Air Race pilot with flying experience on more than 50 types of aircraft. Jacob was drawn immediately by the
cinematic elements of Dario’s sleek black machine, silhouetted against the majestic dunes, its white smoke trail suspended in the air. Dario’s focus was to fly fast along and above these huge natural sand structures. Their aim to create a film of both beauty and power. The shoot took place in the Swakopmund dunes. For three days an international crew including Europeans, South Africans and Namibians worked with multiple cameras to capture the footage. A helicopter crew, a crew on the ground and cameras mounted on the fuselage were used to record the action. The team used a specially adapted all-black aerobatics plane for the shoot. Though visually attractive, the matte black wrapping caused the temperature inside the plane to be extremely high. In
addition to exterior temperatures of of low-level flying over the snow40°C (104°F), the team contended capped Alps, and prepared at home with high winds, sand and fog that by visualising the scene thousands would roll in from the sea, impairing of times, over and over in my head,” visibility and creating nearly says Dario. un-flyable conditions. For Hamilton, the film is What appears wonderfully both a passion project and a simple on the surface is full huge achievement. of complexity and is a “We are proud to be masterful achievement. the force that has finally The challenges for Dario brought these two creative were manifold. Low greats together to make air density changed a unique movie sure the aerodynamics to inspire others that and reduced engine you can do anything you performance, making this dream of if you put your one of his greatest mental mind to it. and physical challenges “This is exactly the spirit to date, with smooth flight we live at Hamilton,” says proving incredibly difficult. RAF ORIGINAL: Sylvain Dolla, Hamilton No one before has ever The classic W10 CEO. flown an aerobatic plane Hamilton was founded so close to these dunes with a in 1892 in Lancaster, speed of more than 370Km/h. Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton “Depth perception over sand is watches combine the American so difficult. I used my experience spirit with the unrivalled precision
of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. The aviator essence is fused to the company’s ethos and demonstrated in the drive for precision. Hamilton supplied the US Armed Forces in the 1940s and the British Army throughout the 60s and 70s. The classic W10 timepiece the company produced for Royal Air Force pilots from 1973 to 1976 became a signature product. With that military heritage in mind, Hamilton has just released its Khaki Pilot Pioneer collection – an exact remake of the W10 with a range of 21st Century touches for today’s aviators. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in more than 500 films. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch Group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P21 n Please note letters must be a maximum of 300 words and any accompanying pictures sent as attached, hi-res jpeg files
Ban lift a bitter pill
THE SUBJECT of your front page story (RAF News No. 1474) ‘RAF axes beard ban to recruit millennials’ resulted in a few harrumphs from yours truly – a trait surely shared by fellow octogenarians when confronted with any drastic change in policy. Whilst I must accept this diktat in these days of inclusivity and diversity, it nevertheless came as a bitter pill to
swallow, having accepted that all ranks were clean shaven during my time in uniform. I have no doubt most bearded personnel will keep beards neatly trimmed and continue to uphold the standards of dress the RAF has so proudly exhibited over the years. Bernard Goodenough Ex-Warrant Officer Via email
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FOUNDING FATHER: Lord Trenchard sported a traditional RAF ’tache, but banned beards in 1918
RAF axes beard ban to recruit millennials ROYAL AIR Force chiefs have overturned more than a century of military tradition by lifting the Service-wide ban on beards to boost recruitment among fashion-conscious millenials. The landmark ruling comes into force next month and will allow Regular and Reservist personnel to sport ‘neatly trimmed’ beards for the first time in the RAF’s history. Although guidelines have yet to to be finalised, recruits hoping to cultivate a trendy full hipster-style beard may be disappointed. A spokesman said: “Personnel may still be required to shave their facial hair for occupational, operational and safety reasons.” ● See pages 4-5 for full story.
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OUR STORY: RAF News front page
Summer dress call NOW THAT global warming and the prospect of hot summers is accepted generally, might it be time for the RAF to consider ‘summer dress’. The Army has an exceptionally smart lightweight uniform for officers and although MTP can be configured for the hot weather, it is not really appropriate for anything other than working dress. The Royal Australian Air Force has a lightweight blue and the RAF already has a No. 6 uniform. Perhaps the time to trial something more appropriate than a heavy winter-weight ‘best blue’ has arrived. Colin Cummings Via email
I Ken do better, at 94 Star letter
Peter pips it to claim oldest surviving ATC veteran title I RECENTLY read a copy of RAF News (No. 1473) in which 93-year-old Ken Muddimer claimed to be the oldest survivor of the ATC. I think I can go one better. I also joined the ATC on the day that it started in 1941 at East Ham, London. More than 300 turned up forming 282 & 1320 Squadrons. As numbers grew eventually 1375 Sqn was added to the Wing. We had nearly 600 members. I joined the Royal Air Force in June 1943 and trained as a navigator, finally qualifying in May 1945. I
served in Bomber Command flying Lancasters, Lincolns and Mosquitos, then Flying Training Command, flying Wellingtons and Varsitys. This was followed by a tour with 2nd TAF in Germany. On return I was posted to Coastal Command flying Shackletons. I also did a tour back in Bomber Command, this time with Thor IRBMs, returning to Coastal Command until I retired in 1968. I am now 94 years old. Peter Morris Via email
OLD SQUADRON: Ken Muddimer returned to No. 1 (City of Leicester) after 80 years
I shared common bond with Beaufighter Boy I HAD the great pleasure of knowing Beaufighter pilot former Flt Lt Bernard Lloyd Hammond, (pictured), who lived in the village of Marham, Norfolk, close to the RAF airfield. I first met him in 2005 when he was looking for someone to care for his large garden. When he found out that I had spent many years in the jet age RAF as an armourer, gardening sometimes got put on the back burner. He soon realised he’d got a captive audience and the flood gates opened – like many World War II veterans, he had no one with whom to share his experiences. Following his basic training in the UK, he sailed for America, arriving in Texas where, in August 1941, as an LAC aircrew cadet, he started his flying training on the Stearman P.T.18, going solo in September. In January 1942, he successfully completed his flying training, was commissioned Plt Off and returned to the UK. Following a long period of illness, he didn’t fly again until December 1942, when he converted to twin engines flying the Oxford
Win bottle of spirits
plus a lengthy period flying the Beaufort. During April and May 1943 he piloted the Beaufighter doing various courses before being declared operationally ready. During this course, he crewed up with his Observer, Sgt Gardener, with whom he was to do most of his operational flying. His log book shows Gardener’s promotions to FS and later WO. After the war ended they remained firm friends for many years. In late May 1943, they both joined 235 Sqn at RAF Leuchars. After further training with the squadron they flew their first operational patrol on June 26 when, as Bernard put it, life started to get exciting. In July while detached to Predannack in Cornwall, their formation was attacked by four FW90s, who shot down one of the escorts.
On September 28 attacked Ju88s engaged in combat with Mosquitos, when one of his own high explosive 20mm cannon shells exploded in the gun’s blast tube, forcing him to return to base with airframe and engine damage. Bernard enjoyed his detachments to Cornwall, billeted at The Watergate Hotel (still there today) where during off duty time he learned to surf. He described the Beaufighter as ‘two engines hotly pursued by an airframe.’ In May 1944 he started his conversion to the Mosquito, continuing to fly both this aircraft and the Beaufighter on ops with 235 Sqn until July, where his final squadron assessments were ‘average’ as pilot and ‘above average’ in air gunnery. He was then posted to the ‘most secret’ 618 Sqn, joining them in
August 1944, flying the Mosquito Mk.VI as part of Operation Highball, the objective of which was to bounce bomb the German Pocket Battleship Tirpitz, but that, as they say, is another story. Bernard was one of thousands of wartime aircrew who didn’t win any gallantry awards, but he did finish up with six campaign medals which he never bothered to claim. Between us, my wife and I soon sorted that one out – the smile on his face when he received them said it all. The long chats we had will forever remain in my memory as will his “good morning, old boy” or “see you next week, old boy.” Like many former aircrew, after the war he never flew again, but described it as the most exhilarating time of his life. In 2008 aged 86, he passed away. I was happy to have known him for those three short years. We shared the common bond, albeit at different times, of service in the Royal Air Force. You couldn’t wish for more than that. Alan Mudge Kings Lynn Norfolk
Letters
Belgians remember
I AM pleased to announce the official launch of the ‘Belgians Remember Them’ database. It is a personal gesture by which, on this 75th anniversary of the liberation of my country, I wanted to celebrate the memory of the RAF airmen who paid – often with their lives – having fought the enemy who had invaded the nations of Europe. I also realised that many of the descendants of RAF airmen are still looking for information about their heroes. That is why, in addition to the tribute I wanted to pay to these brave men. I also wanted to gather all available information about each airman in one place on the internet. Thus, when someone searches the internet, for example giving the name and role number of a crew member who has fallen in Belgium, they will arrive directly on the page dedicated to the subject of their search. This base contains all RAF and Commonwealth Air Forces aircraft crashes that occurred in Belgium between May 10, 1940 and May 10, 1944. All information related to these crashes can be found in the database: date, squadron, aircraft type, code no., location, province, number of KIA, MIA; POW; EVD and SVD as well as the aircraft’s mission. The names of the aircrew and their information are also included in the database. Each squadron that has fallen in Belgium is listed in the ‘Squadrons’ pages, where you can see all the details about it. There are also pages relating to the aircraft used during the war, the airfields used by the RAF in Belgium after September 1944 and the Belgian Resistance, some groups of which were responsible for rescuing survivors of the crashes. The internet user can download lists of crashes in Belgium and those of crew members who have fallen in Belgium. To date, I have recorded 721 crashes and more than 4,000 airmen killed in Belgium between 1940 and 1945. I have included the so-called ‘Unaccounted’ who were part of the RAF personnel sent to the Continent as soon as the country was liberated by the Allies. More than 300 of them died, mainly when they arrived by boat off the Belgian coast, when they jumped on underwater mines. I thought they too deserved our recognition. Visit: belgians-remember-them. eu to use the website. Wilfred Burie General Secretary belgian.remember@gmail.com
THE WRITER of our star letter or email of the month wins their choice of either a bottle of refined Spitfire Heritage Gin or smooth Supermarine Vodka ‘built to be the best’ from spitfireheritagegin.com. Spitfire Heritage Distillers support the Spitfire Heritage Trust.
Royal Air Force News Friday, August 23, 2019 P23
Auto-Sleeper Fairford
Motoring
A vroom with a view TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent
Verdict Pros l Fast and agile l Well-equipped l Good living area l Two lounges l Premium feel
TOO MANY V8s. How can you possibly have too many V8s? That’s like saying you have too much money or too much luck. Apparently there are however a few of our readers who prefer Adventure Sports and living off the grid to poncing around in supercars. To cater for these adventure seekers we decided to do something new and cover some of the most versatile vehicles in the world. Americans call them RVs, short for Recreational Vehicles, but in the UK they’re known as either motorhomes or campervans. They’re brilliantly clever bits of engineering that offer comfortable mobile accommodation. Worthy reading, but my plan had one slight flaw. You see, I didn’t know a blithering thing about motorhomes, or campervans, or camping in general come to think of it. So I decided to get expert help. My first port of call was the Camping & Caravanning Club. The C&C Club was established in 1901 and is the world’s oldest camping club. It’s primary aim is to help its 700,000 members to enjoy the simple pleasures of camping with expert advice, so it was the ideal choice. After they’d been thoroughly interrogated, I was a lot wiser and had a good handle on my new subject matter.
Campervans v motorhomes, what’s the difference?
Putting it in its simplest terms, a campervan is a commercial van that’s been adapted to provide a workable living space. It’s a vehicle for touring first and foremost, with sleeping areas and facilities added to make that spontaneous lifestyle more comfortable. A motorhome is a larger vehicle that is designed around a purposebuilt living area. Motorhomes range in size from those based on large vans up to vehicles that are almost the size of a coach. There are many categories of each on the market so we decided to give you three great examples that span the range. Here we give you the first and the other two will follow in future editions of RAF News. To find these we needed a UK importer who offered a full selection of products. Very quickly our enquiries led us to Marquis Leisure, main agents for AutoSleeper and Mobilvetta. With the help of the company’s 45 years worth of experience, it was then fairly easy work to whittle down our shortlist to our three finalists. The first test vehicle would be the Autosleeper Fairford campervan,
Cons l No automatic option l Modest 81-litre fridge l No full-length wardrobe l Small bathroom
STUNNER: AS Fairford
DECEPTIVE: The size of an ambulance but very roomy inside
the second a Coachbuilt Motorhome and the third, an A-Class Mobilvetta K Silver i59. It was an impressive line-up and with the stage now set all I needed was a few outstanding destinations. I’d heard horror stories about poor camp sites so I decided to go back to the C&C Club for a bit more advice. It turns out that the club has over 100 of its own campsites dotted around the UK, many with facilities that include Motorhome Service Points. So after a brief bit of research I decided to head for their Dartmouth site in Devon where we would conduct our first RAF News campervan review.
Auto-Sleeper Fairford
The Fairford is a nice looking campervan based on the Peugeot Boxer. Its extra long wheel-base is put to good use and it somehow manages to squeeze a full-sized living area into something the size of an ambulance.
On the road
The 2019 Auto-Sleeper Fairford is powered by 2.0 HDI that produces 160hp. The power unit features Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and a particulate
Overall The Fairford is a nice vehicle to drive on long runs. Its living area feels spacious and it has some very clever features. At £58,995 it’s a well-priced camper too. It does have a few drawbacks. Reliability of the Truma heating system may be an issue over time. Ours developed a fault that took out the hot water and the heating. This could be a single faulty unit of course but it did start alarm bells ringing. The tight bathroom and the lack of a full length wardrobe are slight drawbacks but the attention to detail is otherwise outstanding. What it really has going for it is the two lounges. Reverse it down to a hot beach, open the back doors and you’ll soon discover that the rear end has become a very comfortable room with an unbeatable view. See the pictures, need we say more?
PREMIUM FEEL: Comfy sofas and two lounges are sure to impress
filter to reduce harmful gases from the exhaust. Peugeot claims that the result is a 90% reduction in NOx emissions and a large reduction in CO2. This improves fuel economy, cuts taxes and saves a few polar bears along the way. Perfect for you wildlife photographers. Like most vans, it does have a tendency to sound like a tractor at low speeds but the engine is quieter and less stressed as soon as you’re on the move. It has a good deal of low-end torque and can pull the Fairford’s bulk with ease. It also responds surprisingly well to a heavy right foot and makes rapid progress on the motorway. It’s a comfortable van to be in, providing a smooth ride without losing too much agility. It’s no sports car but there’s a good reason why the Boxer is chosen by NHS Trusts to be a fast response vehicle. It provides an engaging drive, direct steering and good feedback for such a large van.
The cabin
The dashboard is logically laid out with a 5.0in colour touchscreen. This features Sat Nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB connection. You also get electric heated mirrors,
cruise control and air conditioning. Front visibility is good and the mirrors are well sized. There is a clever high-angle reversing camera that uses the interior rear view mirror as a monitor but proximity parking sensors are an optional extra that we’d heartily recommend. The thick leather captain seats are both stylish and comfortable. They provide plenty of adjustment for both the driver and passenger with neatly stitched Auto-Sleeper AS logos on the headrests. Around the windscreen and front door windows Auto-Sleeper has fitted purpose-built blinds that offer privacy when parked.
Living space
The Fairford has something that’s relatively rare in a van conversion because it offers both fore and aft lounges. All windows feature blinds and flyscreens, as do the opening skylights. The front dining area and the rear lounge settees convert neatly into two firm but comfortable double beds and the galley work surface is impressively large for a campervan. The kitchen area is very well designed, featuring racks for crockery and a fitted microwave
that’s invaluable for shorter food stops. The seats are upholstered with light-coloured, hard-wearing cloth and branded AS cushions add to the designer feel. Loose-fitting carpets and shiny, light, modern cupboards complete the airy ambience. Slick, touch-sensitive lighting makes it a nice living space at night too. Standard specification includes a three-way fridge, a Triplex oven/ grill, a three-burner hob, dual fuel central heating and a water heater. There’s an electric flush toilet and a combined shower room that makes the Fairford a comfortable habitat for longer stays. The bathroom is a little cramped for sixfooters but the shower has plenty of pressure and delivers piping hot water on demand. Beneath the sliding side door there’s an electric fold-away step and above, a manually operated roll-out Thule awning to give extra covered space for sitting outside. The Fairford is well insulated to keep heat in and external noise down. It has tinted glass to ensure privacy and comes with stylish Auto-Sleeper graphics. If you opt for the comfort pack you’ll get alloys too.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P25
Obituary
EQUIPPED FOR SURVIVAL: Disaster struck when former RAF DFC John ‘Jo’ Lancaster (left) was the test pilot for the futuristiclooking AW.52 (above), but his life was saved thanks to the introduction of the new aircraft ejector seat. He landed in a field, fracturing two vertebrae, but made a full recovery. The inventor of the ejector seat, James Martin, wrote to Lancaster to congratulate him on being the first to use the contraption and sent him an engraved Rolex in a gift box marked ‘Danger – High Explosive’
First UK pilot saved by an ejector seat J
OHN ‘JO’ LANCASTER, who has died aged 100, became the first man to use a British ejector seat in an emergency when he was forced to abandon an out of control experimental jet aircraft in May 1949. He joined the RAFVR in 1940, trained as a bomber pilot and was posted to No. 40 Squadron to fly Wellington bombers. In the summer of 1941 he attacked targets in the Ruhr and flew on a large raid to Brest to attack the German battle-cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. A large force of German fighters attacked the bombers and Lancaster’s gunners engaged a Messerschmitt Bf 109, which spun away as the pilot baled out. During a tour as a bombing instructor he flew on the first two ‘Thousand Bomber’ raids. On the night of May 30-31, 1942, he attacked Cologne and two nights later went to Essen. In October 1942, Jo Lancaster was posted to a Lancaster squadron,
Flt Lt John ‘Jo’ Lancaster: DFC No. 12 at Wickenby in Lincolnshire. With the introduction of the fourengine bombers, the main bomber offensive gathered momentum. The so-called Battle of the Ruhr intensified in the spring of 1943 and Lancaster attacked the industrial cities. On a mission to Essen in March 1943 his aircraft was ‘coned’ by searchlights and subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire. It was damaged and Lancaster had difficulty escaping from the radarcontrolled beams. He was awarded the DFC, the citation stating: “He displayed exceptional coolness and courage in extracting his aircraft from a perilous situation.” After completing 54 bombing operations, he was rested and in October 1943 sent to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down, where he tested a wide variety
of aircraft, including captured German aircraft. It was at Boscombe that he decided his future was to be a test pilot and he was selected for No. 3 Course at the Empire Test Pilot’s School. At the end of the course in early 1946 he left the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant and joined Saunders Roe. He converted to flying boats, including the Saro SR 1 jet-powered flying boat fighter, which he displayed at the 1948 Farnborough Air Show. The large, unconventional fighter had retractable wing floats to balance it on the water. On one occasion only one deployed for landing, which would have resulted in a dangerous swing once the aircraft settled on the water. To prevent this, Lancaster slid back the canopy, immediately unfastened his harness as the aircraft alighted and, as he cut the two engines, he leapt on to the port wing to maintain the balance until a tender came alongside. In early 1949 he joined Armstrong Whitworth (AW)
Aircraft. The company had proposed building a flying wing jet airliner and to test the high-speed flying characteristics of the laminar flow wing of the tail-less aircraft, two experimental half size aircraft, the AW.52, were built. On May 30, 1949 Lancaster took off from the Armstrong Whitworth airfield at Bitteswell to test the high-speed characteristics of the first prototype AW.52 (TS 363). It was his third flight in the aircraft. The aircraft was fitted with the first version of the Martin Baker ejector seat. Lancaster put the aircraft into a shallow dive at 5,000 feet and had reached 320mph when a series of oscillations in pitch set in. These built up rapidly and became so severe that Lancaster was almost incapacitated and he decided to eject. He landed in a field and a witness took him home and offered a cup of tea. Lancaster appeared to have suffered no more than light bruising but a hospital examination showed that he had a compression
fracture of two vertebrae and severe bruising. He made a full recovery. His ejector seat was recovered and is now part of the Science Museum’s collection. James Martin (later Sir James), the managing director and chief designer, wrote to Lancaster to express his congratulations at being the first to use his seat in an emergency and included a gift in a crafted box marked ‘Danger – High Explosive’. Inside was an engraved Rolex watch. After he resumed flying Lancaster was heavily engaged in the testing of the night-fighter version of the Meteor, the Sea Hawk and Hunter fighters before retiring in 1965. Flying was Lancaster’s passion and he continued with it; initially aerial crop spraying in the Middle East, before becoming general manger of Meridian Air Maps flying Ansons on aerial photography and survey flights from Shoreham in Sussex. When he retired he had accumulated 13,000 flying hours on 150 different aircraft types.
R'n'R
Your fortnightly leisure guide
The confirmed Whole Force Prize 1st ÂŁ5,000 Cash 2nd ÂŁ3,000 cash
The closing date 8 Nov 19
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P27
Feature
the crate escape
Show some bottle and win a round on us
T
HE BRITISH military thrives on tradition – but there is one Air Force custom RAF News is happy to call time on. Getting ‘crated’ by your pals for appearing in the Forces’ favourite newspaper could cost you more than a few quid these days. So we’ve teamed up with the UK’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame to offer readers the chance to win a crate of Spitfire Ale by featuring in the paper. Show some bottle and send us a pic of yourself or your colleagues reading RAF News and we’ll pay your debt to society by buying YOU a round of beers.
BRIZE WINNERS: Brize Norton based duo SAC Boz Boswell (left) and Cpl Mike Rickwood take in the News in Budapest after a 1500 mile trip with the RAF rowing team
● To be in with a chance of winning a crate of Spitfire Amber Ale send your pictures to: editor@rafnews.co.uk along with your postal address and phone number.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P28
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Sport
7 pages of RAF Sport start here l Tributes pour in for Stevo: p35 RUGBY LEAGUE
Sunk by Golden Point So close for RAF but new ruling sees them come up just short in Inter-Services Army RAF Senior Men
15 14
Royal Navy RAF Senior Men
4 22
IT WAS a tale of close but no cigar for the Service’s rugby league men’s team as they dominated both IS matches only to come out runners-up overall. After an emotional encounter at Aldershot (see back page), Chf Tech Garry Dunn’s team must have wondered what they had to do to win their opening match against the Army. Having dominated for huge parts of the game, they suffered at the hands of poor decisions from the officials, losing 15-14 under the new ruling of Golden Point. They then ran amok on a highlycharged night at Featherstone Rovers LD Nutrition Stadium, crushing the Royal Navy 22-4 to take the runners-up spot. Speaking after the Navy game, Dunn said: “I think under any circumstances tonight’s performance was a good one; but under the exceptional circumstance we have found ourselves in this week, it was outstanding. “Our defence was extremely brutal and dominant, as it has been all year, which allowed us to control large parts of the game, and when we did make chances, we took them. “I can’t single any individual out for additional praise. It was a real team effort on a really emotional night across the board. All of the squad were fantastic. “I think overall we were the best team in the competition this year, losing out on the Golden Point last week was hard to take. If we had played under last year’s rules we would be IS champions.” Golden Point is enforced when a game is level after 80 minutes, with one five-minute period of play followed by a timeless period, with the first score in either winning. Dunn’s team took advantage of a sluggish Army side, dominating the half but only scoring late through a SAC Elliott Kerry penalty. SAC Kristian Burns picked up a loose ball to score four minutes after the break, with Kerr converting the extras – 8-0 RAF. SAC Juite Tupua touched down after the break to extend the RAF lead to 14-0. The hosts replied late, with the injury
BREAKING THROUGH: Army defence destroyed by SAC Juite Tupua
to SAC(T) Scott Stevenson causing a lengthy delay in the game and the Army then levelling from the following play and kicking to win minutes later in Golden Point. It was a 15-14 Army win. Against the Navy SAC Sam Breeze stormed over early for the first of a brace of tries, to open and close the scoring. The visitors were outrun in huge parts of the game, with the RAF’s running out wide a thing to behold. The scoring only really slowed when they were reduced in numbers with SAC Tupua sin-binned after 22 minutes. RN made it 6-4 on the half hour, but a stunning chip by SAC Adam Flintham to Bournes made it 14-4, before a penalty try which Kerry converted made it 16-4. Breeze struck again for his double and 22-4. In the other fixtures against the Navy, the women drew 10-10, while the Academy match was 34-18 to the RAF. Reports on both games will be in the next edition of RAF News. n Follow RAF Rugby League on twitter @RAFRugbyLeague.
NAVY SUNK: SAC Sam Breeze got two tries PHOTOS: SBS
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Sport WINDSURFING
RAF’s riders on the Portland storm net second IS crown
GALE FORCE: Above, right and below, action from the Royal Navy-hosted Inter-Service windsurfing championships in Portland Harbour, Weymouth
GALE FORCE winds failed to halt Air Force windsurfers’ imperious route to back-to-back InterService glory at Weymouth. The team backed up the overall win with pro and novice individual titles, through SAC Alex Smith (pro) and Sgt Howard Hague (novice), Smith going one better than last year’s event, where he finished runner-up. Team captain WO Mark Rich said: “This was an outstanding display from the team, demonstrating skill, strength and endurance to win the Inter-Services for the second year in succession. “Special mention must go to SAC Alex Smith who blew away the competition with a string of bullets to become the new individual champion.” The Navy-hosted event at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, sailing in Portland Harbour, saw two days of racing with around 40 windsurfers competing. Known as a ‘slalom’ style of race, the course consisted of a cross-wind start followed by a series of gybes in a figure of eight pattern. The discipline tests the racers’ positioning and timing, along with
straight-line speed and technique. Competitors battled to keep their kit upright as the light breeze, which produced surprise results on day one of the tournament, escalated to a storm force wind. The RAF’s Pro Fleet produced closely grouped finishes with SAC Alex Smith coming first, Flt Lt Mark Thompson fourth, Wg Cdr Simon Kent fifth and WO Mark
Rich seventh. Outside the top 10 Flt Lt Fred Hunter came 16th, SAC Rob Griffiths 17th, Flt Lt Giles Smith 18th and FS Andy Maddison 20th. In the Novice Fleet Sgt Howard Hague came first and Sqn Ldr Chris Wooler third.The top six riders producing the lowest scores win, with the RAF recording 42, RN 58 and the Army in third with 71
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P30
Inside line
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Getting behind the face of RAF sport
Flights of Concordia Training fortnight helps climbers acclimatise Staff Reporter High Wycombe MORE THAN 40 Tri-Service mountaineers from across the UK have spent two weeks in SaasGrund, Switzerland completing alpine mountain training for the British Services Mountaineering Expedition to Pakistan in 2020 (BSME20). The expedition, entitled ExAlpine Concordia, aims to summit Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world. The project saw more than 400 personnel initially apply, with the field being cut down to 100 for the training fortnight. This will then be reduced to about 30 for the Pakistan expedition. A mixed field of experience meant that at the end of the fortnight, 19 students had successfully completed their alpine mountain foundation qualification, giving them a chance to make the team for Pakistan next year. During the training, the teams were summitting 4000m+ peaks, over three times as high as Ben Nevis. With altitude one of the difficulties faced by personnel, stays in mountain huts were introduced to help climbers acclimatise, along with learning life-saving glacier travel and crevasse rescue drills. The teams then summited
peaks including Bishorn and the Allalinhorn. The teams undertook glacier travel to certain areas, meaning team members spent the majority of their time spaced evenly apart on a rope. The hard work was paid back with incredible views, while rocky ridges provided a change of scenery from the persistent plods along glacier terrain and allowed the team to practise their climbing skills in a multi-pitch environment. A RAF mountaineer said: “It was really hard to start with, but you could feel the difference as you
acclimatised throughout the trip. “The rescue techniques are tough, but it gives you the confidence that you and your team are safe when you are out on the glacier. “It was an amazing expedition, hard work, but worth it for the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment. “Now I just can’t wait to see if I’ll be selected for the Pakistan team next year.” n Follow the expedition on Twitter @BSME2020, on Facebook at: bsme20 and on Instagram: bsme20.
SO LONELY: Above top, a group of climbers work through some rocky ridges, below, a solo climber walks along a rocky ledge during the twoweek training camp in Switzerland
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Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P31
Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk Telephone: 01494 497563
Sports roundup SNOW KINGDOM: Clockwise from top left, teams of climbers take on all terrains during the fortnight in Switzerland for ExAlpine Concordia
Round clock Tri FANCY YOURSELF as an extreme motivator? Then Cpl Scott Worthing could do with your skills as he attempts a 24-hour triathlon. The High Wycombe PTI will carry out the 24-hour charity event on October 9. He will undertake a continuous 400m pool swim, 20kms on an indoor bike and then 5km on the treadmill to equal a sprint distance triathlon. Worthing has undergone intensive training to ensure he is ready for the challenge which will raise funds for SSAFA. He is currently looking for motivators throughout the day and night to help him ensure he completes the challenge. Sponsor Cpl Worthing at: justgiving.com/ fundraising/24hoursoftriathlon.
On the record UK ENDURANCE athlete AC Paddy Doyle pushed hard to gain his 652 documented career physical endurance challenges and World Record in record time. The multi-Guinness World Record holder set a new 18km mountain bike cross-country course time of one hour, nine minutes and three seconds, carrying a 30lb back pack. The route Doyle took was the Grand Union Canal and Heart of England Way footpaths at Rowington, Warwickshire.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P32
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Sport
Double joy at Masters ROWING
Two golds for SAC Elkington
OARSOME: RAF Wyton’s SAC Lou Elkington was inspired to take up the sport by her daughter, who’s in the Army
SAC LOU Elkington, an Intelligence Analyst from 7010 Sqn at RAF Wyton, won two gold medals at the FISA Masters World Regatta in Hungary. Rowing with her partner Dawn Zala, Lou secured convincing wins in both the Double Sculls and the Coxless Pairs in the Women’s Masters D category. Speaking after winning her second medal of the Regatta, Lou said: “Fantastic. Really good row and well worth all the hard work in training.” SAC Elkington only took up rowing in 2007 after seeing her own daughter, Jess, taking part in the sport. She has gone from strength to strength, rowing out of Newark Rowing Club and competing and winning in Masters events across the UK. Jess, now serving in the Army, continues to compete too. The RAF Rowing Club sent a 14-strong squad of senior rowers to World Masters. The five-day event was held at Lake Velence, near Budapest, and saw the team training on the eight-lane international course and then competing in a total of 15 events. The rowers performed better than expected against stiff opposition from a truly
international field. More than 3700 rowers from 52 countries took part in the event with crews coming from as far afield as Japan, Australia, Canada and Argentina. The team were supported by two dedicated drivers from 501 Sqn RAuxAF, based at RAF Brize Norton. Acting Cpl Mike Rickwood and SAC Craig ‘Boz’ Boswell towed the heavily laden Club trailer on a round trip of 3970 miles. Speaking after returning the boats safely to the RAF’s home for rowing at Danesfield, Marlow, Boz said: “This was a great opportunity for us to get experience of driving abroad. The mileages were some monster distances, but we really enjoyed being part of the overall team effort.” Fresh from success in Hungary, the RAF Rowers were in action again at Peterborough at the Joint Services Regatta. SAC Elkington was competing again in the Inter-Services coxed fours event, with her daughter Jess rowing against her in the Army boat. Sadly the Army won that event, but the RAF team performed well overall, with the men beating their Army and Navy opponents and the women coming second overall.
BUDAPEST FLOATS Brize-based Boz Boswell’s boat - he scooped the top prize of a new canoe during a RAF rowing tournament. The RAF man netted the £3500 machine while supporting the Service’s Rowing Club Masters’ overseas tour to Lake Velence, Hungary. Boz entered a raffle and amazingly won a brand new French made Falcon singlesculling boat. Speaking afterwards about his lucky win, Boz said: “I haven’t so much as won a keyring before now and winning a boat that I didn’t have a home for and don’t need, yep, completely stunned.”
STUNNED: Boz, centre, with his new boat
Brize prize guy
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Sport SHOOTING
Shooting stars gun down rivals and storm to Service crown
SIMON MANDER HQ AIR Command AIR FORCE sharpshooters beat Army and Navy rivals to win the Service Pistol Championship for a record-breaking fourth year in a row. FS Pete Guard and SAC(T) Nathaniel Webb took the prestigious Whitehead Trophy after winning the right to represent the RAF at the Operational Shooting Competition on Bisley Ranges. The Odiham team brought
home seven trophies from the contest including titles for firing the Service rifle and pistol and the Queen’s Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces. At the same time the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army ran their shoot-outs, with all three Services establishing their top shots who then competed against each other and foreign teams in the InterServices and International matches. The competition is arduous, involving 11 range days in full webbing and body armour
weighing no less than 12kg, plus helmet, weapons and ammunition. The Rifle matches involve firing the L85A2/3 at ranges from 500 to 25 metres from several firing positions at variable targets. This also includes ‘Run Downs’ where Shooters advance to battle, running 100m at a time in 30-second bursts. During the Close Quarter Battle matches, the shooter switches weapons shooting fast pace targets, ‘dropping’ the rifle onto its sling and drawing the pistol to rapidly engage the enemy.
ON TARGET: Above, left and below right, action from the storming RAF shooting triumph
MARTIAL ARTS
BJJ stars get to grips BRIZE NORTON was the venue for the first ever 24hour ‘grapplethon’ staged by the station’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Team, to raise funds for charity. Organised by Cpl Gareth Melling and Cpl Joshua Holleran, the event took its inspiration from BJJ, which is a grappling based martial art with strong roots to Judo. Members of the station’s team chose the ReOrg charity, a Royal Marines charity designed to help Servicemen and women overcome mental and physical struggles through the sport of BJJ. The Head
RAFBJJ coach and some senior members of the RAF Team are ambassadors to ReOrg. The sport was recently recognised as an official one to compete at Service level. Participants of all ages, gender, abilities and rank turned up to compete. Despite all participants starting with enthusiasm by the halfway point, just six of the team were left to carry on into the evening. Showing amazing
determination, the team relocated outside to perform the last five hours of the event in front of the public, as part of the station’s Families Day on a specially set up stand. Cpl Melling said: “This was a great cause to raise funds for SSAFA. A small number of our team went the full 24 hours without sleep and it showed. Our camaraderie really helped get us through.” The team raised £920.
Royal Air Force News Friday, October 4, 2019 P34
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Sport
Ace of clubs keeps making waves DIVING
Lossie divers ahead of pack THE AWARDS just keep on rolling in for the Lossiemouth Sub-Aqua Club making it the go to club for experienced and novice divers alike. Having picked up the prestigious RAF Darrol Stinton Trophy for the Service Club of the Year two years ago, Lossiemouth has continued to grow and now provides regional training and also Service diver training along with lake and ocean dives, boasting five qualified ocean divers and the same level from CUAS (Cambridge University Air Squadron). The DS award originated in the mid-1960s to recognise the high achievements of sub-aqua clubs. Having collected the award in 2017, the club went on to record 18 organised group dives, before winning the premier British SubAqua Club award, the Heinke Trophy, while Sqn Ldr Mike Mason collecting diver of the year award in 2018. A spokesman said: “We have had some amazing years since our conception and to be voted RAF
ABOVE AND BELOW: Action from Lossiemouth dives
club of the year was incredible. We are always pushing to increase our numbers of divers from ocean; club, sports, advanced and firstclass. We are open to all, and now
boast three coaches working across the Northern Scotland region along with our diver training program. Our positioning means we have immediate availability of superb dive sites and expeditionlocations, along with our excellent relationship with CUAS and other civilian branches.” The club aims to improve the scientific aspect of its dives, with the launch of three new projects. Project one will investigate a recently discovered World War II bomber, another will survey the wreck of the oil tanker San Tiburcio to produce up-to-date pictures and resources. The third project is designed to find and survey sunken Valentine tanks lost during the D-Day rehearsal landings. A total of up to eight tanks were lost during March 1944, with five still remaining undiscovered. Sqn Ldr Mason said: “Currently the club has more than 30 members with around two thirds being active on a weekly basis. The remaining third are not located at RAF Lossiemouth, so they are mainly involved in the club’s expeditions. We have members from across all the ranks.
“We are fortunate with the quality of our membership. We find ourselves in the lucky position that we have both a mixture of reserve and full-time personnel. “This allows the club to consistently provide valuable training and supervision while at the same time giving club members
an environment in which they can thrive.” The club’s diary of events for this year was jam-packed with expeditions covering the West Coast of Scotland, Orkney, the Moray Firth and Belize with CUAS.” For further information on the club and sport contact Station Ped Flt.
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Unforgettable Team pays tribute to tragic league sensation Stevo
TRIBUTES HAVE poured in for RAF rugby league star SAC(T) Scott Stevenson who tragically died following the Service’s Inter-Service match versus the Army at Aldershot. Stevenson, 25, was playing at full back for the team who were leading the tough encounter when he was stretchered off the pitch with serious injuries. He later died at St George’s Hospital in London. (Match report page 28). Marham-based Stevenson was an exhilarating player of great promise. He narrowly missed out on representing UKAFRL at the Defence Forces World Cup in Australia in 2017 due to injury. A year earlier he helped the light blues win the Inter-Service championship in style in 2016, beating the Army heavily at Hull KR’s Craven Park ground. Speaking from the team’s Cranwell training camp, first team head coach, Chf Tech Gary Dunn, said: “Having both played with and coached Stevo, it has shown how well he was thought in the way everybody has spoken about him, along with the number of messages of support we have received. “My sincerest thoughts are with his family and I hope that they
PRIDE AND POWER: Main, SAC(T) Stevenson leaves an Army opponent in his wake during his final game for the Service, inset, wearing a broad smile wearing his RAF training kit. PHOTOS: SBS AND GORDY ELIAS
will remain part of the RAFRL family that they have belonged to since Scott’s first game.” RAFRL first team assistant coach, Sgt Martin Wood, said: “Stevo’s first Inter-Service appearance for the RAF was back in 2014 and my abiding memory of him will be how he proved from that moment what a great player and great teammate he was. “I think it’s fitting that in his last action for RAF Rugby League, he was helping his teammates stop what looked a certain Army try.” Flt Lt Damian Clayton, former RAF and UKAFRL Head Coach said: “Stevo was a fantastic rugby league player and an even greater person who I had the pleasure to coach at UKAF level. “Given his slight frame, he never ceased to amaze me with the impact of his tackles and go forward; courage, timing and just outright exceptional technique left many in awe. A true competitor and one destined to achieve great things within Armed Forces rugby league.”
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