RAF News Edition 1560, 19th May 2023

l See R'n'R page 4-5

Saving lives of 7,681 crew

l See p21

Friday, May 19, 2023

No. 1560 £1.20

Coronation special report

See pages 15-19

Race return

Storm Force

l See page 27

Rugby League

Our boys Dunn good

l See page 29

Motorsport Boxing

RLC hit for 6

picture

l See page 30

Concert.

l See p18-19

BRITAIN HAS supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine in response to the deliberate targeting of civilians by Russian forces.

The air-launched bunker buster is designed to destroy fixed or stationary targets and has been used by the RAF in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya since being brought into service in 2003.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the House of Commons that the weapon, initially flown by Tornado bombers and now Typhoon jets, would enable the Ukrainians to repulse the invaders within their own territory.

He said: “The donation of these weapon systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality, especially the deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Their use of Storm Shadow will allow Ukraine to push back Russian forces based within Ukrainian sovereign territory.”

POP STAR Olly Murs poses with RAF musicians Sgt Adam Smith, AS(1) Alan Thomas and Sgt Jonty Hill for a

at Windsor Castle

ahead of the Coronation

The Fanfare Trumpeters of the RAF performed with legendary dance music DJ Pete Tong and pop

royalty Take That at the concert, which had a TV audience of more than 12 million.

BUNKER BUSTER: RAF Typhoon armed with long-range Storm Shadow missiles used in the fight against Daesh

special report l See p21 l See R'n'R page 4-5 Battle Proms tickets The Forces' favourite paper Win! See pages 15-19 Win!

RLC hit for 6 See page 29 l See page 27 Friday,May19,2023 1560 £1.20 Rugby League Motorsport Boxing Our boys Dunn good Race return See page 30 Saving lives of 7,700 pilots

Bohemian Raptor-y

Staff Reporter Estonia

BRITISH TYPHOONS flew fighter manoeuvres alongside futuristic US Air Force F-22 Raptors in a dramatic display of Allied air power.

Lossiemouth-based IX(B) Sqn fighters currently in Estonia on Nato Baltic air policing duties were joined by the fifthgeneration American jets at Amari.

The USAF’s 94th Expeditionary Fighter Sqn has deployed 12 Raptors from Langley, Virginia to Powidz airbase in Poland to support the Alliance’s air shielding mission along its 1,500-mile eastern flank.

It’s the RAF’s fourth stint at Amari air base and its first since 2019.

The 140 Expeditionary Wing Typhoons will remain in Estonia until August, then hand over to the Spanish Air Force.

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“We were just in full-on guitar mode” Virtual Racing Champ Cpl Ryan Martin See page 31

RAFBF chief AVM Chris Elliott at Service charity’s annual awards ceremony See p7

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Simon

Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk

POP STAR Olly Murs poses with RAF musicians Sgt Adam Smith, AS(1) Alan Thomas and Sgt Jonty Hill for picture at Windsor Castle ahead of Coronation Concert. The Fanfare Trumpeters of the RAF performed with legendary dance music DJ Pete Tong and pop royalty Take That at the concert, which TV audience more million. See p18-19 BRITAIN HAS supplied Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine in response to the deliberate targeting of civilians by Russian forces. The air-launched bunker buster is designed to destroy fixed or stationary targets has been used by the RAF the Gulf, Iraq and Libya since being brought into service 2003. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace the House Commons that the weapon, initially flown by Tornado bombers and now Typhoon jets, would enable Ukrainians repulse the invaders within their own territory. “The donation these weapon systems gives the best to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality, especially the deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Their Shadow allow Ukraine to push back Russian forces based Ukrainian sovereign territory.” BUNKER Typhoon long-range Shadow missiles used fight against Daesh

Special delivery for slum kids

Simon Mander

AIR FORCE fundraisers have delivered their largest convoy of aid to Kenya in 17 years in memory of a teenager killed in a car crash.

A 16-strong team from Shawbury-based Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal dropped off 19,000 items including 5,800 football shirts for children and adults in the massive slums of Kibera, Kibagare and Mathare, and visited schools, orphanages and football teams.

And in Gilgil, two hours north of Nairobi on the Great Rift Valley, founder Wg

Cdr Neil Hope made an emotional return to the Restart Centre loved by his daughter Charlotte, who died in a car crash on April 9, 2022

Wg Cdr’s charity mission of Hope in memory of his late daughter

in which her mother Helen was seriously injured.

He said: “This, being my 17th Kenya delivery trip was special, especially given the emotional issues in returning to the country and people my daughter cherished.

“Charlotte intended to gain her Primary Education degree and move to teach in Kenya to allow her to continue her

Karim’s royal connection

SQN LDR KARIM ZID, based at RAF Benson, was the Puma aircraft captain flying ‘Lifter 4’ in the Coronation flypast.

He said: “Our aircraft was positioned with three Chinook helicopters, the last element of the rotary wing package. As well as flying the Puma I was responsible for coordinating the parking and refuel plan at RAF Benson for more than 25 helicopters – a challenging feat.

“It was a career highlight to be a part of the flypast. I was awarded my RAF wings back in 2010 at RAF Shawbury by The King [then Prince of Wales] when I went through my flying training with Prince William.

So to fly over on the King’s Coronation completes the circle for me.”

l See pages 15-19 for more on the RAF’s part in the Coronation of His Majesty Charles III.

Charlotte

voluntary work with the Restart Centre.

“As the first trip since Charlotte passed away it was poignant that two of her university flatmates and one of her work friends joined the team.

“The trip was emotionally difficult but made easier by the excellent team of people supporting me. Helen and I continue to raise funds for the Restart Centre as a

legacy to our beloved daughter.”

Among the latest kits delivered were donations from Premier League giants Leicester City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, key supporter Shrewsbury Town FC of League One, and items from the sport’s grassroots including County Football Associations.

The Appeal, set up in 2006, quickly became global and has to date delivered 348,570 items, including more than 98,935 football shirts, to 63 countries worldwide.

Boulmer-based 19 Sqn Master Controller Sqn Ldr Mark Smales has coordinated 16 aid convoys across the world this year, including to new countries the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Georgia.

Wessex Storm for the Gurkhas

ELITE troops stormed into action on an Air Force A400M and four Chinooks as part of their air-land combat drill.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles were dropped off by a fleet of the battlefield workhorse helicopters during an air assault on RAF Keevil airfield in Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army’s 6th Battalion Bihar Regiment practised their rapid air landing drills from the back of an Atlas transporter. The training on Exercise Wessex Storm was designed to test the Gurkhas’ readiness for duties as the Army’s Air Manoeuvre Battle Group 1 and the Indian Army’s ability to fully integrate into the 2 Ranger Battlegroup.

MAMMOTH CHARITY EFFORT: Shawbury team led by Wg Cdr Neil Hope (inset above, on left) dropped off 19,000 items to children and adults in Kenya shanty towns in memory of daughter Charlotte, below on earlier trip

SQN LDR ZID: Trained with Prince William

BATTLE-READY: Chinooks bring in Gurkhas during Wessex Storm drills, inset

NATO Eagles have landed

Glenn blitzes chess rivals

Emma Stacey

CHESS ACE Wg Cdr Glenn Parker blitzed the board at the Armed Forces Championships.

The RAF man powered his way through the high speed blitz challenge where competitors have just five minutes to topple rivals to take the title.

WO(II) Dave Onley took the overall UK Forces crown with FS Paul Officer clinching the Royal Air Force category.

Simon Mander

TYPHOONS FLEW alongside jets from six other nations in a major multinational exercise in Turkey.

Dubbed Anatolian Eagle, the international flight tactical trials are said to be one of the largest and most complex joint air force training missions in the world.

Designed to evaluate and develop the pilots’ capabilities operating with unfamiliar aircraft, the 10-day training mission saw RAF

fighters conduct large-scale joint combat flights against simulated enemy aircraft.

Qatari Eurofighters, Turkish, Emirati and Pakistani F-16s, Turkish F-4s and Azerbaijani SU-25s were coordinated by a Nato E-3A and a Turkish Air Force E-7T Peace Eagle AWACs with an RAF Voyager aircraft providing air-to-air refuelling.

The seventh annual air combat

drill is based at the purpose-built Konya training facility, named after the peninsula which constitutes most of modern Turkey.

The RAF jets flew with their Qatari counterparts in one of the QEAF’s first deployments after establishing their own Typhoon capability through the joint training programme run by 12 Sqn at Coningsby. joint

The RAF Wittering-based tournament is used to select the British team to compete in the annual Nato Chess Championship, in Slovenia later this year.

Forces chess chairman Flt Lt Ben Woolf said: “Many thanks to all the staff at RAF Wittering who enabled the successful running of our largest Armed Forces Chess Championships to date.”

Lossiemouth unleashes Allied firepower

Simon Mander

JETS FROM Italy and France flew in to Lossiemouth for the largest drill of its kind in the North Atlantic and High North that Nato will run this year.

Exercise Formidable Shield involves 13 Allied and partner nations with 4,000 personnel operating more than 20 ships, 35 aircraft, radars, surface-to-air missile and high mobility rocket batteries.

FAREWELL: WO Ozficici (right) dons the tradition bowler as he leaves High Wycombe

Tech wizard Oz bows out

HIGH WYCOMBE-BASED WO

Kemal ‘Ozzie’ Ozficici bowed out of the RAF after 38 years. He joined up in 1985 as a MT mechanic and during his career took on a range of technical posts across the UK, serving on deployments in Turkey, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Oman, Ascension Island, Belize and completing five tours of the Falklands.

The combat drill aims to improve Nato interoperability in a live-fire environment, a spokesman said.

Wg Cdr Tim McAuley added: “Formidable Shield is an excellent example of the UK taking a leading role in the development of integrated air and missile defence with our allies.

“Low-level flying areas in Scotland and Tain Range allow our allies to incorporate challenging and realistic targets.”

Led by the US Navy 6th Fleet, the exercise will showcase Allies’ ability to operate against subsonic, supersonic and ballistic targets.

Besides

has

RAF Typhoons and Poseidon aircraft, French Navy

Rafale M jets and Italian Air Force Eurofighters supported by an Italian Air Force KC- 767A tanker will fly from the Moray base. Other Nato aircraft flying from

other bases will take part off the Scottish coast and at UK Defence ranges in Northern Scotland.

Nato Commander Task Group Integrated Air and Missile Defence

embarked aboard ESPS Blas de Lezo, the Spanish Navy Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate, which will command and control the exercise alongside the US 6th Fleet.

EYE IN THE SKY: French Navy Grumman E-2C Hawkeye comes into land at RAF Lossiemouth

WG CDR PARKER

Wadd a result – station nets top honours

WADDINGTON WAS named Station of the Year at the annual RAF Benevolent Fund awards.

Hellboy and Rush film actor Alistair Petrie, whose father served in the Air Force for 40 years, presented the Lincolnshire station with the Challenge Cup at a glitzy ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

RAFBF Controller AVM

Chris Elliott said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all of the great work that allows

us to continue supporting RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families and making a real improvement to their lives.”

Julie Corbett from Londonderry won the Above and Beyond category and Volunteer Caseworker of the Year was Alan Roberts from Hawarden, Flintshire.

Medal citizens

MEMBERS OF the Armed Forces are among the more than 400,000 people who will receive a Coronation Medal.

The medal is described as a gift from the nation to commemorate the Coronation and those who took part, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.

Around 7,000 Armed Forces personnel from across all three services took part in what is the largest military ceremonial operation for 70 years.

Royal salute

AIR MARSHAL Johnny Stringer led the Coronation salute in Ramstein, Germany, as 170 UK and Nato personnel marked the event with a Royal toast.

A HERCULES transport completed the final UK flight from Sudan ending what has been described as the largest and longest Western evacuation from the war-torn African state.

A Brize Norton-based 47 Sqn aircraft lifted off from Port Sudan for Cyprus after an eight-day, multi-route airlift that rescued a total of 2,450 people in 30 flights.

Landing at Larnaca, the captain of the C-130, who was part of the first crew to land at the Wadi Seidna airfield near Khartoum where the exodus started, said: “47

Now

Now in its 11th year, the RAFBF awards celebrate the charity’s fundraisers, volunteers and partners.

The April Fools Club won Fundraising Team of the Year, 282 (East Ham) Air Training Corps was named Corps of the Year and the Airplay Project of the Year went to MOD Boscombe Down.

BAE Systems won the Special Recognition award for making £835,000 in donations since 2008 and the Outstanding Supporter title went to Thales Charitable Trust.

Herc crews first in and last Sudan saviours out of war-torn country

Sqn Hercules were the first ones in and the last ones out.

“We have been flying back and forth to Sudan for the past week, helping British nationals return to the UK or another place of safety.”

Britain has announced it will provide £5 million of lifesaving aid to people fleeing Sudan in neighbouring South Sudan and Chad.

Violence has led

to aid workers in the country being attacked and killed, humanitarian supplies being looted and many relief agencies ceasing operations.

The UK is working with international organisations and regional partners to ensure food, shelter, medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of people reaches the most vulnerable.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Our Armed Forces have evacuated more than 2,000 people from Sudan from over 20 countries,

supported by the Royal Air Force.”

People had been making their way to the UK Emergency Handling Centre in Port Sudan to board the last RAF flights to return to the UK.

Personnel from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Home Office and Border Force processed people for onward travel assisted by a small military contingent who provided planning, organisation and medical expertise.

Additional military aircraft including an Atlas A400M were deployed to Akrotiri to support the evacuation.

ROYAL REWARD: King Charles III Coronation medal will be awarded to military personnel and civilians

RAFBF AWARDS: Far left, Brit screen star Alistair Petrie with RAFBF chief Chris Elliot; inset, Boscombe Down winners Anne Parkin (left) and Lydia Lea

Simon Mander

MERCY MISSION: 47 Sqn crew on board the UK’s last evacuation flight from Port Sudan

Baltic Bear hunt

BRITISH AND Norwegian fighters scrambled in response to a Russian military aircraft operating near UK airspace.

A Tu-142 Bear-F was intercepted by a Lossiemouthbased Typhoon and a Norwegian F-35A over the North Atlantic, north of Scotland.

The operation was coordinated by Boulmer’s Battlespace Managers and

the National Air and Space Operations Centre at High Wycombe and was supported by a Voyager tanker from Brize Norton.

Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons are held at continuous high readiness 24/7 to take off within minutes to protect UK sovereign airspace.

VC Victory

Museum lands

Lotto funding to stop medal leaving the UK

Simon Mander

THE ONLY VC won by the RAF in the Far East during World War II is to stay in Britain following a successful fundraising campaign.

The gong – awarded to Sqn Ldr Arthur Scarf for a single-handed assault on a Japanese airfield after seeing enemy bombers wipe out his unit – faced being lost to the nation after being sold at auction to a private overseas buyer.

But following an appeal by the RAF Museum for cash to match the winning bid the medal and bar will now go on display at its London and Cosford sites.

Museum CEO Maggie Appleton said: “To have raised £660,000 in three months is simply amazing.

“Special thanks to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for their major donation of £390k, and to our good friends at the RAF Historical Society and the Bomber Command Association.

“We will be displaying Arthur’s Medal this summer, so come and visit and discover more about this

remarkable story.”

On December 9, 1941, Scarf took off to lead a formation of 62 Sqn Bristol Blenheims in a daylight attack on Japanese airfields in Burma, when minutes later enemy bombers destroyed every British aircraft on the ground.

Determined to complete the mission he flew on alone, hit the target and evaded attacks

by Japanese Zeros despite being outnumbered, outgunned and in a slower aircraft.

Mortally wounded, Scarf was held upright by his crewmates as he flew and made a controlled crash landing at a British airfield, saving his comrades but dying shortly afterwards.

The VC was presented to his widow, Elizabeth, by King George

VI at Buckingham Palace in 1946.

National Heritage Memorial Fund Chief Executive Eilish McGuinness said: “The Fund works to safeguard the UK’s most significant heritage and form a lasting memorial to those who gave their lives. This rare and unusual medal, which will now form part of the national collection, perfectly encapsulates what it stands for.”

SURVIVOR: Flt Lt Partrick adds his name to the Cranwell Wall of Gallantry

Chinook hero Tom signs on

A FORMER Chinook pilot who was shot down in Afghanistan on his first mission has signed on at Cranwell’s survival school.

Flt Lt (Ret’d) Tom Partrick was on a two-ship operation when a rocket-propelled grenade slammed into his side of the cockpit, causing a fire and disabling an engine.

He told Aircrew SERE Training Centre students how the stricken aircraft landed and the crew quickly evacuated, regrouped and were recovered by their lead Chinook.

Instructor Mark Fairhead said: “He talked about the build-up and post trauma of that Op and the next mission where they lost one of their personnel who succumbed to injuries.

“Tom spoke candidly on the importance of leading by example, of building trust, of collaboration and being able to quickly recall and apply the principles and priorities of survival in a traumatic incident.

“Having been shot down, they had to quickly remember and apply training they had learned many years previously.

“He underlined the importance of sharing traumatic experiences, not bottling them up, and speaking with trained and experienced personnel as a recovery process.”

Flt Lt Partrick went on to fly for 10 years on special operations, including flying VVIPs on the Augusta 109 helicopter.

After leaving the RAF he set up a joint venture flying and managing Augusta 109 and 119s for corporate commercial clients, known as Thunder Aviation.

Among the Tri-Service aircrew audience were future fast jet pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force and Qatari Air Force.

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US lift for Protector

Geoffrey books his place at Waddington

COMBAT HELICOPTER

pilots turned ocean-going rowers helped Geoffrey the Giraffe launch his latest fundraising effort at RAF Waddington.

off Port Sudan during the evacuation.

AIRCREW TRAINING on the RAF’s new Protector remotely piloted air system has begun in the United States.

The course will see the first pilots, sensor operators and mission intelligence coordinators qualify to operate a fleet of 16 aircraft that will replace the Reaper later this year.

The unmanned aircraft operated by XIII Sqn at Waddington recently provided intelligence to support the UK’s evacuation of British nationals and others from Sudan.

Crews supplied real-time imagery of evacuation areas to HMS Lancaster, acting as a command and control centre

Extra flights were arranged from the city on the Red Sea to rescue Sudanese doctors working in the NHS and others following the handover of the Wadi Seidna airfield near Khartoum, from where more than 2,000 people were airlifted to Cyprus.

The Reaper’s high-definition live video feeds highlighted potentially dangerous areas around Port Sudan to troops on the ground and identified buildings suitable for temporary shelter, medical facilities or locations to process passengers.

Meanwhile, future Protector crews flew out to Grand Forks in North Dakota to learn to fly the Reaper’s successor, which

has a wingspan of 79ft and is armed with Paveway bombs and Brimstone missiles.

ISTAR Force Commander, Air Cdre Simon Strasdin, said: “Reaper has been at the core of our combat operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East for almost two decades, demonstrating the effectiveness of RPAS in the modern battlefield.

“The increased capability Protector brings will see a step change in how we support UK Defence.”

The 12 weeks of simulator and live flying training includes the real-time exploitation of data gathered by the aircraft’s multi-spectral targeting system, synthetic aperture radar and mission intelligence station.

Atlantic Flyers’ Wg Cdr Phil Holdcroft, who led the epic voyage from the Canary Islands to Antigua, joined boat skipper and former Abercrombie model Flt Lt Chris ‘CS’ Carrington-Smith to unveil the intrepid toy’s tall tale Stowaway, at the station’s Pip Beck Centre.

In the audience was Wg Cdr Holdcroft’s daughter Isla, whose childhood battle with leukaemia inspired the 3,000-mile ocean voyage.

They were joined by Ian Conway, who founded Giraffes on Tour to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in the name of his daughter

Matt’s back in the saddle

Matt Tebbutt is serving up a recipe for fundraising success for Forces charity RAFA by saddling up for the group’s annual cycling challenge.

The Saturday Kitchen presenter will be joining hundreds of riders across the UK and abroad and hoping to clock up 100 miles and beat last year’s £100,000 fundraising total.

Matt, who has been a keen supporter of the Association since 2019, has a strong family connection to the RAF, with both his grandfathers serving in the RAF Regiment during WWII. Matt is already in training for next month’s RAFA Rides event

and will be hoping to cover the distance around a track at Kendrew Barracks – the former site of RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. He said: “I had the chance to speak to some of the team at last

year’s event and the atmosphere was amazing.

“That inspired me to get involved this year, and I can’t wait to hit the road with the other cyclists and raise as much money as possible.”

Louise, who died from the illness.

The RAF rowers found out the globetrotting giraffe had stowed away and was planning a book on the adventure the night before they set off and drew on Geoffrey for inspiration throughout the 36-day challenge.

Author Carrie Knight turned up in a customised white dress featuring imagery from the book, with illustrator Lily Steel.

The event, hosted by XIII Sqn personnel, raised £1,500 for charity. Copies and prints

ENGINEERING ACE Cpl Richard Saunders has been presented with an AOC’s Commendation for keeping 902 EAW’s fleet of vehicles on the road.

A spokesman said: “Cpl Saunders has brought a breadth of experience and knowledge with him to the EAW, coupled with an infectious and inclusive sense of humour. His work ethic is second to none.”

RECOGNITION: Cpl Saunders (left) receives award from Wg Cdr Robert Anderson

Simon Mander

tribute to His Majesty

Pride shines through the Coronation

Staff Reporter

HELICOPTERS AND the Red Arrows staged a flypast over Buckingham Palace in a dramatic finale to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

And while bad weather prevented the more than 60 scheduled aircraft taking part in a planned sixminute-display, RAF musicians took centre stage during celebrations watched worldwide by an audience of millions.

Inside Westminster Abbey seven Fanfare Trumpeters marked key ceremonial moments in the service, including the Taking of Oaths and the historic Crowning of the Monarch.

Outside other personnel lined the procession route with the Band of the RAF Regiment the first to play the Royal Salute as the new King and Queen

made their way back to Buckingham Palace. The 80-piece Combined Bands of the RAF, consisting of performers from all four official Air Force music units, led personnel marching with pinpoint military precision down the Mall.

The display was the reward for hours of painstaking practice at Halton and Odiham that saw almost 1,000 personnel rehearse their drill and timings for their roles in the largest ceremonial military operation for 70 years.

A total of 894 RAF airmen and women, including 140 musicians, took part in the ceremony with medics, police, drivers, armourers and caterers supporting behind the scenes.

And on display for the first time was the

REDS LETTER DAY: Arrows leave their mark over the Mall PHOTO: AS1 RYAN MURRAY

GUNNER REMEMBER THIS: RAF Regiment gunner on the Coronation parade

CROWD: Sea of wellwishers greet the Royals

BALCONY Queen

NEWLY CROWNED: King and Queen in Gold State Coach

through clouds

light blue silk of the new King’s Colour for the Royal Air Force, consecrated at Buckingham Palace on April 27 –the first of the seven RAC Colours to bear the new royal cipher.

The flypast, when it came, as the crowds in cagoules raised their umbrellas against the central London rain featured 16 Juno, Wildcat, Merlin, Apache, Chinook, and Puma helicopters.

Nine Red Arrow Hawks painted the grey London skyline with their patriotic red, white and blue contrails watched by the King, Queen and working Royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The involvement of the rotary aircraft in the display lasting two minutes and 30 seconds was a reminder that both the King and Prince William flew Wessex and Sea King helicopters respectively during their Air Force careers.

RAF chiefs admitted it was frustrating that the whole

planned flypast had not been possible, to ensure the safety of spectators and aircrew as low cloud even grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

But in a good-natured response, Prince William tweeted his thanks to his former rotary colleagues for doing the ‘heavy lifting’ at the end of the historic day.

And footage of the flypast was posted on the Royals’ Twitter account where they said: “Thank you @rafredarrows for an extraordinary finale to an extraordinary day!”

Military personnel directly involved in delivering the big day and/or those who have completed five full calendar years of service are now eligible for one of the 400,000 Coronation Medals expected to be issued.

The award, made of nickel silver, features a double portrait of Their Majesties, the Royal Cypher, the date, and a laurel wreath on a ribbon in the colours of the Union Flag.

RADIANT: Prince and Princesss of Wales in their carriage

SERIOUS BUSINESS: RAF Regiment marshals the troops

HITTING RIGHT NOTE: RAF musicians cross Westminster Bridge

READY TO GO: Last touches are put to Reds Hawk

PHOTO: AS1 KATRINA KNOX CROWD FAVOURITES: RAF Red Arrows provided a fitting finale to the Coronation

PHOTO: CPL PHIL DYE

BALCONY MOMENT: King and Queen wave to the gathered crowd

DOING THE HEAVYLIFTING: Odiham Chinooks in the flypast

PHOTO: AS1 PALMER

Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camilla

So proud to be part

Almost 1,000 RAF personnel, including 140 musicians, took part in the Coronation ceremony. They included members of the King’s Colour Squadron, regulars, reservists and cadets, from across the UK. RAF News features editor Tracey Allen spoke to some of them about their particular role on Britain’s historic day

It was a whole force effort

Family affair for WO Halliwell and his Guardsman son Josh

TAKING PART in the Coronation parade as Colour Warrant Officer for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Sovereign’s Standard was probably the most memorable occasion of his 31-year RAF career, said WO Andy Halliwell (pictured

The RAF Northoltbased reservist, who joined 600 (City of London) RAuxAF a year ago, was acting as assistant to the Colour Bearer, Fg Off John Rymel, during the historic day which had a global audience of billions.

WO Halliwell said: “It was definitely one of the most memorable occasions of my whole career, if not the most memorable.”

And he was delighted that his son, Guardsman Josh Halliwell (inset above), was also at the parade, with his regiment the Scots Guards.

The proud dad said: “My father was in the Scots Guards and was on duty for

Churchill’s funeral in 1965. To think that three generations of Halliwells have been part of such great state occasions made me feel humbled.” He added: “I was just a very small part of Coronation Day but I feel so proud to have taken part. It was an occasion that I will never, ever forget and it was an honour to be selected to represent my squadron and the Auxiliary Air Force.

“It’s something I will cherish for as long as I live, especially with my son on the same parade.”

The King’s Colour Squadron

FLT LT THOM COVERDALE, based at RAF Northolt, was one of the officers at the head of the RAF marching contingent for the Coronation procession. He said: “It was a massive honour to represent the whole of the RAF, not just those on parade. Preparing for the event was a monumental team effort by everyone involved, not just those in the parade itself.

“There were a lot of people behind the scenes working tirelessly to get us fighting fit for the parade including chefs, drivers and drill and ceremonial instructors.

“I was very proud to have the opportunity to step out in front of the rest of the RAF and I won’t forget the experience any time soon.”

Principal Director of Music

Wg Cdr Morrell

WG CDR PIERS MORRELL (pictured left) is the RAF’s Principal Director of Music, based at RAF Northolt.

He said: “It was an incredible experience to support the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey.

“I am extremely proud to have conducted the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force, who gave a faultless performance throughout the Coronation.”

CEREMONIAL DUTY: FS Kinvig (with sash) in Coronation Tri-Service Guard of Honour FS CAMERON KINVIG is a member of The King’s Colour Sqn (63 Sqn RAF Regiment) based at RAF Northolt.

He said: “It is always a great honour to parade in front of the Sovereign and each time the King’s Colour Squadron parades, it still feels like a privilege to do so.

“My role as Flight Sergeant Ceremonial for The King’s Colour Squadron is to plan, coordinate and assure squadron training for all ceremonial tasks. Throughout the Coronation

parades I coordinated the training for squadron personnel. The rehearsals were intense and daily, for nearly three weeks.

“Standing on the palace forecourt looking up at the balcony as The King and Queen waved at the masses of people on The Mall was a memorable moment that will stay with me for a long time.

“It is always a special feeling leading the squadron out on parade and the support from family, friends and previous colleagues is immeasurable.”

OUT FRONT: Flt Lt Thom Coverdale

of historic occasion

FLAUTIST CPL Sarah Morris, Combined Bands of the Royal Air Force (main picture), said: “As a military musician, taking part in the King’s Coronation was an immense honour.

“Performing The Royal Salute to King Charles III in the gardens of Buckingham Palace was a career highlight – a very proud and special moment.

“Collectively watching the service begin in Westminster Abbey as an RAF contingent was a hugely emotional experience and the team atmosphere it created was incredible.

“Stepping out as a procession band, marching along The Mall to the sound of Zadok the

Priest being broadcast out of Westminster Abbey was electric and made the long hours of rehearsals worthwhile.

“To have been part of such a momentous occasion and a significant moment in history is something I’ll never forget.”

Stuff of dreams for AS(1) Thomas

AS(1) ALAN THOMAS (above), was one of the Fanfare Trumpeters of the RAF. He said: “I was thrilled to play such an integral part in the Coronation at Westminster Abbey –not only sounding the Recognition, Homage and National Anthem fanfares, but also being involved in the Coronation Anthems by Parry, Walton and Lloyd Webber, joining forces with the choirs, organ and the Coronation Orchestra.

“It was a real honour to represent the RAF in such an historic and rare moment, receiving widespread acclaim in both musical and military circles for delivering under

Cheered by Take That

SERGEANT JONTY HILL, RAF

Trombonist and Leader of the Fanfare Trumpeters of the RAF, said: “It was an incredible privilege and honour to be involved in the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey and at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.

“The Coronation itself was an incredibly emotional experience. Being in Westminster Abbey to witness The King vow to serve the country in front of the nation and, indeed, the whole world is something that I cannot properly put into words.

“One particular highlight was that after we had finished heralding The King with the Fanfare to the National

Anthem, we had an uninterrupted view of him processing through the sanctuary into the nave in full regalia including Crown, Orb and Sceptre. Needless to say, there were tears in this profound and once in a lifetime moment, never to be repeated.

“The Windsor Coronation Concert was also an emotional experience, but one with an incredible party atmosphere.

“Hearing the roar of 20,000 people as we played the opening fanfare to Never Forget with Take That was an unbelievable experience. Included in that roar were Take That themselves, who were standing on the stage just in front of us, cheering us on!”

the highest pressure on the global stage.

“Following the service we headed straight to Windsor Castle for rehearsals of the Coronation Concert.

“It was the stuff of dreams rubbing shoulders with superstars such as Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and opening the final number of Take That’s finale in front of a live audience of 20,000.

“The atmosphere was absolutely electric and it was such an amazing view looking out from the stage.

“It was a truly memorable weekend performing in two completely contrasting musical settings – memories I will never forget and opportunities that never would have occurred had I not been a member of RAF Music Services.”

Messages from across the world

SGT JOSH HAYWARD said:

“It was an absolute honour to represent Royal Air Force Music as part of the RAF Fanfare Trumpeters at both the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey and the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.

“The messages of pride and congratulations from family and friends from all over the world has meant so much to myself and the team, serving as a reminder of the scale and reach of our performance – truly a weekend that will never be forgotten.”

“Watching service with RAF contingent was emotional”

STAR TURN: Sgt Jonty Hill played at Windsor Coronation Concert

FAMILY’S PRIDE: Sgt Josh Hayward

Martin-Baker’s lifesaver

7,681 crew have survived air emergencies because of the company’s ejector seats

Tracey Allen

“EJECTING IS the last chance to save your life,” said RAF veteran John Nichol. “It means everything else has failed.”

In his new book Eject! Eject! (simonandschuster.co.uk), out on May 25, the bestselling author and former navigator – famously shot down during the Gulf War and taken prisoner of war – tells the incredible story of the development of the ejection seat.

When Jo Lancaster, the first British pilot to eject in an emergency triggered his MartinBaker ejection seat in 1949, it took 30 seconds before he was safely away from his aircraft and under his parachute.

Nichol said: “I was staggered by Jo’s description of the interminable process he went through to escape. Jettisoning his canopy, wrenching his ejection handle, blasting clear of the aircraft, waiting for the seat to stabilise, then manually unstrapping and pushing it away before finally locating and pulling his parachute-release handle – all while plummeting earthwards.

“After my Tornado was blown apart by an enemy missile over Iraq in 1991, a mere 2.5 seconds separated my ejection initiation to automatic parachute deployment.”

Today modern ejection seats can take the decision out of the pilot’s hands and eject them automatically if they are facing danger and cannot react quickly enough.

Nichol said: “I discovered that ejection is the start of a journey –the book is subtitled ‘escape from the aircraft is just the beginning.’

“While most ejections might be considered ‘routine’ – a life saved from mortal danger in a dying aircraft – there are occasions when the ejectee’s safe return to earth marks the start of a new, sometimes perilous mission to survive. It was a theme which many of those I interviewed for this book echoed.”

The book contains previously unheard first-hand accounts by ejectees and their families,

including pilot Flt Lt Ian McLean and navigator Flt Lt Neil Johnston who ejected from their Tornado in 1990 as it crashed near Hexham after being involved in a mid-air collision with a Jaguar. The Jaguar’s wing had sliced off the Tornado’s fin and the jet was rolling and rotating uncontrollably.

Ian remembered: “As the Perspex canopy was blasted off by its own rocket, bloody great flames were coming down either side of my body. I wondered if they would burn my legs.”

Neil was knocked unconscious by the ejection and both his legs had been snapped in half. Ian had also broken his right leg.

Nichol said: “The severity of the airmen’s leg breaks was a stark reminder of the urgent need to lower the solid personal survival pack when ejecting. Their accident was to pave the way for an automatic lowering system to be fitted to aircrew PSPs.”

The book also covers the harrowing experience of Cambridge University Air Squadron cadet Kate Saunders in 1992, severely burned after the two-seater Harrier trainer she was in, piloted by Ash Stevenson, crashed after it was hit by a seagull. The bird smashed through the aircraft’s Perspex canopy and into Ash, knocking him unconscious.

His chin had been sliced open and he was unable to talk, so he couldn’t tell Kate to eject. His only hope was to eject and pray Kate did the same. Thankfully, she did. Ash ejected at 150 feet from the ground and Kate at just 90 feet.

She landed in the blaze created by the crashing Harrier – heroically, Ash dragged her from the fireball. He later received a Queen’s Commendation for

WE HAVE signed copies of Eject! Eject! to win – for your chance to own one, tell us: Who was the first British pilot to eject in an emergency and in which year?

Win!

Email your answer, marked John Nichol book competition, to: tracey. allen@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 2.

suffering, we are just lucky to be alive.”

Jo Lancaster initially viewed what was an explosive charge under a metal chair, as ‘a curious contraption’ and even ‘a bloody dangerous invention’, said Nichol.

The author added: “And he was not alone in viewing it with a degree of suspicion which bordered, if he and his fellow aviators were prepared to admit it, on something close to fear.”

Jo told Nichol: “I knew that a handful of brave chaps had made a couple of successful trial ejections from other aircraft in ‘cold blood’ tests. But we had not heard of a single one deployed in a genuine emergency. We had very little information about them and I was very sceptical about the whole damn thing.”

fractures. The ejection seat had undoubtedly saved his life. He died, aged 100, in 2017.

It’s estimated that Martin-Baker’s ejection seats have saved 7,681 lives – and worldwide ejection systems made by other nations, such as the Americans, Chinese and Russians have saved probably tens of thousands from almost certain death.

At the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company’s HQ in Denham, near Uxbridge, there is a wall inscribed with the names of thousands of aviators who, as Nichol puts it, were ‘granted a second chance of life thanks to the company’s incredible devices.’

Brave Conduct. After operations and grafts, Kate completed her degree and joined the RAF to start pilot training.

Nichol said: “Sadly, the severity of her injuries meant she couldn’t continue.

“Following a medical discharge, she became a teacher and is now a trained counsellor.”

Ash said: “The ejection seat had saved our lives. But it was really only the beginning of our shared story. We were both so lucky to survive the whole incident: the bird strike, the ejection, the inferno. In spite of all the

A Wellington pilot with Bomber Command, he went on to become a test pilot – he was forced to eject from his AW52 prototype after something went wrong and he could no longer control the aircraft. He realised ejecting was his only means of survival, and ejected successfully at 3,000 feet.

Nichol said: “Jo was now floating serenely towards the ground. But where was the metal seat? Still falling, and if it hit him, he would be in serious trouble… out of nowhere it shot past him and disappeared.”

Jo sustained an injury to his right shoulder and two vertebrae

He added: “After becoming ejectee number 6,089 when I was shot down in combat, my own name is on that wall, alongside those of many of my friends.”

On a visit to the HQ Nichol was shown a recent letter from a 1950s ejectee expressing his ongoing thanks to the company.

During his visit the author met employee Taj who has worked at Martin-Baker for 35 years, packing parachutes – he could even have packed the one that carried Nichol from his burning Tornado into the Iraqi desert.

Taj told him proudly: “I have packed many thousands of parachutes. What you aircrew do up there is always on my mind.”

JO LANCASTER: First man to use MartinBaker ejection seat in a real-life emergency

COMPANY FOUNDERS: James Martin (right) and Valentine Baker

GRATEFUL: RAF vet Ian McLean points to his name on lives-saved wall at Martin-Baker

SURVIVED: Nav Flt Lt Neil Johnston broke both legs ejecting from a Tornado in 1990. He is pictured with fellow ejectee author John Nichol

ROCKET MAN: Harrier pilot Martin Pert ejects after runway crash at Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2009

Get set Row

Staff Reporter

CADETS AMBASSADOR Wg

Cdr Emma Wolstenholme has vowed to conquer a 2,000-mile challenge to row around the UK coastline after gale-force storms scuppered her last attempt.

She will captain a six-strong team of women in this year’s GB Row challenge – billed as the world’s toughest rowing event –and has world records in her sights.

The 40-year-old RAF veteran battled through the worst storms to hit the Irish Sea in four decades which forced rivals to abandon last year’s event before the coastguards stepped in and towed her crew to safety on the Irish mainland.

This year she will captain Team Ithaca to take on the challenge again, braving strong tidal streams, busy shipping lanes and unpredictable weather conditions around Britain’s coast.

She said: “With more ocean rowing experience under my belt, I’m in a

better place than ever to finish this challenge. I’ve also just completed my Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore theory qualification.”

The team will set off from Tower Bridge in London next month and expect to complete the event in around 50 days.

Emma added: “Contending with fast-turning tides, unpredictable UK weather, a rocky coastline and busy shipping areas, this is a greater test of navigation, seamanship and skill than trans-ocean rowing.”

Emma made her seafaring debut with a daring bid to row solo across the Atlantic in 2022.

She was plucked to safety in a daring night-time rescue by the crew of a vast 200m cargo ship 500 miles off the Africa coast when her boat’s electric failed.

She added: “With every unsuccessful attempt comes the opportunity to learn and grow and become stronger. I am determined it will be third time lucky.”

Team Ithaca is the only team to pass the

rigorous entry requirements for this year’s GB Row Challenge so will be completing the challenging 50-day voyage alone. But they have the record books in the sights and hope to be the first six-strong women’s team to ever

complete the course. At 54 years old, veteran Ithaca rower Clair Fennessy will also be the oldest competitor to finish the race.

Emma served for 16 years as a navigator and training officer and was made the National Cadets Ambassador

in 2022 after raising more than £90,000 for the youth organisation. She was the last UK Servicewoman out of Camp Bastion in 2014 and represented the RAF and Great Britain in the skeleton bobsleigh in international events.

The

l Club Yearbook and Autumn Journal magazines –get exclusive insights into the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

l Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

O cial Souvenir Guide –full details of the Flight’s aircraft and their colour schemes

l Four aircraft data sheets (specifications of the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane, and Dakota)

l Wall chart l Car sticker l Poster

THIRD TIME LUCKY: Wg Cdr Emma Wolstenholme will captain Team Ithaca in the GB Row Challenge, inset below, in her role as Cadets Ambassador.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce 2.0 Turbo Petrol 280hp, from £40,595

Alfa’s saloon to make you swoon

ITALIAN FLAIR is renowned the world over and Alfa Romeos have bags of style too. If you want clinical attention to detail, the German market is for you. If, however, you enjoy a bit of peacocking, you’ll want to buy Italian all day long.

The thing is that, like most memorable people, cars with character have to be unusual, they have to have flaws. Alfas and the latest Giulia are no exception.

For example, you’ll need to be an acrobat to get in and out with poise and grace because the front doors are somehow in the wrong place.

It’s usually getting in and out of supercars that poses a challenge, and yet Alfa has inexplicably managed to engineer that eccentricity into a four-door saloon. I love it!

The unmistakeable Alfa face gives the Giulia real presence on the road, while the profile lines are sleek, flowing and organic. The doors and wings are crafted from aluminium to reduce weight. The wheels seem a bit small, in my book, for a sports saloon but they are beautifully designed, with ceramic brake discs and yellow callipers peeping through. The overall look is therefore impressive. Our test car was the 2.0 turbo,

280hp Veloce, which sits toward the middle of the model range. Below it is the Sprint, above, the Competizione. There’s also a stonkingly quick Ferrari-derived V6 Quadrifoglio but that deserves a feature all of its own. A story for another day. Prices start at just under £35k and rise to a stonking £70k.

Interior

Up there with its German rivals in terms of appearance. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces and you can specify the addition of metal inserts on highly visible areas, the panel around the gear selector being a prime example (inset left). That looks goooood.

The front seats are beautifully crafted, well bolstered and hold you in place well through the bends. The driving position is excellent, well aligned, low and comfortable. Shoulder room and elbow room are decent too.

In the back, there’s more head and leg room than you might expect from an Alfa. Putting this into context, it’s more generous than a Volvo S60 but less than a BMW 3 Series.

Everything on the dashboard is well laid out and exactly where you’d expect it to be. You even get physical controls for the air-con,

which are much easier to use on the move than digital alternatives. The start button is on the steering wheel and on the console is a big round version of Alfa’s ‘DNA’ driving mode switch.

The 8.8in infotainment screen can be controlled by touching the screen or using a rotary dial mounted between the front seats. That means it’s easier and safer to use when you’re driving.

Sitting behind the sporty steering wheel you’ll find a 12.3-inch digital dash panel that can be switched between three different layouts: Evolved, Relax and Heritage. Each mode alters the configuration of the driving instruments to display different combinations of information. The result is a driving experience that feels tailored to your personal style.

Alfa eccentricities are present

inside too. The indicators very often have to be cancelled manually after a manoeuvre because the car forgets to do it for you. You then inevitably indicate the other way by pushing the stalk too far.

On The Road

Make no mistake, the Giulia is a real driver’s car. The chassis is beautifully balanced and it handles well thanks to its sharp steering. A light kerb weight of 1,429kg helps the agility too.

A dab of the brakes to throw the weight onto the front wheels and the nose grips nicely into the bends. There’s a good amount of feedback through the wheel and the limitedslip differential, standard on the Veloce, increases the grip as the car powers out of the curve. This is how a sports saloon should feel.

This firmer set up does mean

Pros

l Brilliant handling

l Performs well

l Beautiful styling

Cons

l Rivals have bigger boots

l Slightly expensive

Overall

The Giulia delivers strong performance and a genuinely engaging drive and has style to spare, inside and out.

you sacrifice a bit of comfort but it’s a minor trade-off for the precision. There’s a good amount of wind and road noise but you’d experience worse in the likes of a BMW M3.

The 276bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine fitted in our test car came with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. I found it to be a cracking engine, even if it did feel a little laid back off the mark.

Official figures are 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top end of 149mph.

The lack of turbo lag was impressive and it accelerated rapidly in most circumstances. The gearbox is also cracking. In a world of faux paddle shifts, it’s a joy to flick up and down the gears because it changes so keenly. The chrome paddles help too, delivering a firm, satisfying click.

Combined fuel consumption is given as 38.2mpg, but you’ll never see that if you drive like an Italian of course.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Back at the Sharp end after 13 years

Flight Sergeant Alan is racing again, at the age of 51

THIRTEEN YEARS after his last competitive race, motorbike enthusiast FS Alan Sharp was back on the track representing the RAF – at the ripe old age of 51.

A bike rider from 11, Sharp thought he'd ridden his last race in 2010 after Benson's motorsport association tempted him back to the track after many years by asking him to compete on a pre-2000 750cc Kawasaki they had managed to buy.

Taking part in the No Budget Cup Endurance race series with three others, the team split the six hours of riding between them in the first round at Anglesey and managed to finish sixth in class.

At Cadwell Park a few weeks later just two rode, including Alan, but they finished third overall, claiming some silverware.

Delighted, Sharp hung up his racing helmet again.

Roll on to last year and the roar of the circuit was again calling, this time after Alan was asked by an RAF Odiham bike instructor to consider a return to endurance racing.

And so it was that this April Sharp was wooed back after being invited to join a UK Defence Networks Racing outfit running

a pair of 2022 Triumph 765s prepared by Isle of Man TT legend Peter Hickman.

Alan also uses his own race bike to compete in the Cup 1000cc and alongside the RAFMSA racers in the Inter-Service Championship.

In early April he completed his final test day at a very wet Mallory Park, and all went well. Then it was onto Cadwell Park and racing again after 13 years.

In the 1000cc race he came home a respectable 25th, with a lap time of 1:43.257.

Filling in at the last moment for another UKDN rider, Sharp and an Army teammate then rode the 3-hour endurance race, finishing 9th in class.

In the 8-lap Military race he got off to a flyer, dropping into 4th at turn one. The front three started to pull away and he was leading a small pack behind, eventually finishing an excellent sixth and gaining valuable points in the InterService Championship.

Leaving round 2 the RAF lead the Army by 17 points.

Sharp told RAF News: "Are your sporting dreams or challenges unachievable once you get old? The answer to this is, absolutely not."

BACK IN THE SADDLE:

FS Alan Sharp is racing again in middle-age

LAPPING IT UP:

FS Alan Sharp (right) with the team

Gunning for glory

THREE HONINGTON personnel selected to represent the RAF in July’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Inter-Services Championships joined in a tough training camp at their station.

Officer in Charge of the Combined Martial Arts Club, Flt Lt Wayne Elliott, and Cpl Jai Nembhard won gold medals in the recent RAF BJJ tournament at RAF Digby. L/Cpl Tyrone Heaney took silver.

Flt Lt Elliott said: “In total from 11 entered competitors, RAF Honington came away with an amazing five golds, six silvers and two bronzes.”

The trio joined teammates at the two-week camp at home of the RAF Regiment, Honington, to perfect their technique and learn new fighting skills.

Flt Lt Elliott added: “Although winning is nice, just for the competitors to get through the gruelling camp and display the physical and mental resilience to even step on to the competition floor is a testament to them all. Attention now turns to preparing for the Inter-Services BJJ Championships.”

As the lead RAF instructor for BJJ and team captain for the Honington squad, Flt Lt Elliott and others have built up the club from scratch post Covid, spending the last 14 months securing equipment and training space and attracting more than 35 members.

Flt Lt Elliott routinely trains at Thetford Mixed Martial Arts Club (also known as Carlson Gracie Norfolk), where his coach is 2nd degree BJJ black belt Professor Lee Doski. Prof Doski opened up the Thetford club to the RAF team, letting them experience professional facilities for some of the camp.

BJJ is one of many martial arts practised and actively promoted within the RAF. Anyone in the service is welcome, from novice to black belt.

ANGLING

It's a high five from pairs winners Thomas & Jones

SERVICE ANGLING hooked fast for its season opener at Barston Lakes in the West Midlands with FS Jim Thomas and Sgt Dave Jones taking the honours.

To keep the action fast, a five-fish rule was used to score the match, the combined weight of each pair’s five biggest carp giving them their total weight for the two-day event.

Less than 12 hours into the match, the majority of pairs had recorded multiple catches.

Thomas and Jones led the way on 68lb

with an 18lb common being the pick of the bunch. WO Reg Verney and WO Richard Cooke were close behind weighing in 64lb, with FS Matt Hunt and Sgt Tony Jones on 62lb.

Overnight

FS Matt and Sgt Martin Emery closed in

on the leaders and a 17lb 14oz mirror for Emery the next day took them into third.

Solid action throughout the night resulted in a highly anticipated 9am score update, with two 15lb catches pushing the early leaders further ahead, while Whittaker and Emery moved into second, with Cooke and Verney sat third.

With just an hour remaining, a 17lb 8oz mirror landed saw Hunt and Jones move into third, but the final standings were far from secure.

With 10 minutes to go and heavy downpours hitting the action, a lastgasp bite for WO Verney of a 14lb 8oz fish would surely impact the scoreboard, which at close of play read FS Jim Thomas and Sgt Dave Jones, 79lb 8oz, second FS Whittaker and Sgt Emery, 73lb 12oz, with WOs Verney and Cooke, 72lb 12oz in third.

WIN: Sgt Dave Jones

The boys Dunn good

RAF players help new boss Garry to dream start in President's Cup

Daniel Abrahams

NEW MAN at the helm of UKAF

Rugby League Chf Tech Garry Dunn got things off to a flying start with a 50-4 President’s Cup win over GB Police.

Brize Norton-based Dunn, 42, current RAFRL head coach, took the post in April after being approached by UKAFRL chairman Sqn Ldr Damian Clayton. He will remain in charge for the three-match cup series, before returning to RAFRL for the InterServices in September.

In what is his final year in the Service, Dunn, said: “It’s nice to have been offered the role, it says something about how people around you think of you.

“Initially I said no, but that was not because of the post or role, it was really because I was trying to prioritise things ahead of leaving the Service later this year, but I am sure they knew my heart lies with rugby league when they approached me.

“It’s an honour to be offered this, and the players have been really receptive. I am hoping they have enjoyed it and bought into what myself and Pte Darren Bamford [assistant coach for the series] are trying to do, because it’s all about enjoying it.”

On the nitty gritty of his new role, Dunn said: “It is more a truly representative role, you have the players for two or three sessions then you play.

“We will get together again

HOCKEY

before the next rescheduled match against GB Teachers.

“These guys are as good as it gets in Service rugby league. I am loving working at this level, they are great athletes with technical knowledge and ability. They are genuine rugby league players, and that enables me to develop the game further, but you also do not get the time with them, so it’s a balancing act.”

Dunn assisted the then UKAFRL head coach Sqn Ldr Clayton at the Rugby League Defence World Cup in Australia in 2017. He even ended up donning a shirt for two matches after a spate of injuries hit the squad. He said: “I played my first game for the RAF in a Challenge Cup clash in 2000, so this really is a great way to bow out at the top, in part, but unlike in 2017, the times of me putting a jersey on are long past.”

The delayed President’s Cup game featured a hat-trick of tries from AS1 Juite Tapua after a combative opening 20 minutes at Loch Lane, Castleford, before the floodgates opened for the RAF.

Tupua touched down after a break from inside his own half for the second try, after Army star Jake Boardman opened the military men’s account.

Defending their title, UKAFRL saw Tupua and then Cpl Liam

Bradley go over in what would eventually be a nine-try victory with the RAF also providing AS1 Joe Thresh, Cpl Nathan Barker, Cpl Sam Roberts and AS1(T) Kieran Prescott.

Bradley’s try followed Tupua’s second and saw UKAF take a 22point lead, before GB Police got on the scoreboard through Ryan Pickles.

The second half saw Tupua complete his hat-trick, before further tries secured a 46-point margin win, setting up the team’s rescheduled clash against the GB Teachers in Rochdale.

The final clash of the series will see UKAFRL play England Universities as the Military look to retain their trophy.

India tour closes out season for hockey team

THE SERVICE’S hockey stars took part in the fourth Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament in India.

Organised in Chandigarh and hosted by 3 BRD of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the 12-team tournament saw the RAF side exit at the group stages, but they found time for a friendly match and force development activities.

Player manager, tour project officer and RAFHA deputy chair, Wg Cdr Dave Oatley, said: “This was a great opportunity for the players to be able to pit their skills against some of the best fully professional sides in India.

“Even though results didn’t go our way, it was a fantastic experience for all involved. It will put us in a great place to try to retain the InterServices next year.”

RCF (Rail Coach Factory) were first up for the Service side, and despite the 6-0 scoreline, the RAF did themselves proud with a gutsy display. Goalkeeper

AS1 Daniel Upton-Jillings kept things competitive throughout.

There was no let up for the military men, with a strong CISF side up next. Flt Lt Nick Brocklehurst, Cpl Scott Perry and AS1 (T) Sam Dew all scored in the 7-3 defeat.

That loss signalled the Service side's exit from the competition, but a friendly fixture versus the Indian Air Force was next.

Sgt Kyle Barnes, Cpl Scott Perry (two), Cpl Tom Grimshaw and AS1 Liam Connelly all netted in the 5-8 loss. Oatley, who captained the RAF side the last time they travelled to India in 2005, added: “The tour was the perfect way to end play for the season – a season’ which has seen us win the men’s, ladies and U25s IS titles, both indoor and out, and pick up RAF Engineering as our new sponsors.

“We hope this may also lay the foundation for future participation in this prestigious tournament in India.”

RUGBY LEAGUE

MY SUPER SIX: Garry Dunn (right) with (l-r) Liam Bradley, Joe Thresh, Nathan Barker Sam Roberts, Kieran Prescott and Juite Tupua

GUTSY DISPLAY: But the RAF team were soundly beaten, 6-0, by RCF. Right, Wg Cdr Dave Oatley

PLAYING

DAYS: Dunn turns out for UKAF against Aussies (also inset left)

Count on us

Army fighters hit for six as boxing returns to RAF Odiham

Daniel Abrahams SERVICE BOXING returned to Odiham with a bang as the RAF’s glove stars put paid to a Royal Logistics Corp team with a clean sweep of wins.

The Air Force took all six bouts, with event opener AS1 Jack Matthews of Coningsby kicking off proceedings with a near punch perfect win over Henry Nguyen from Islington ABC. The debutant’s unanimous win signalled lift-off for the evening in front of a crowd of 550 personnel and guests.

Sqn Ldr Andy Parker, OiC and Head Coach RAF Odiham boxing, said: “This was an evening which saw the first Odiham boxing show since 2019, in the unique surroundings of 27 Squadron. The bouts were packed with skill, bravery and an insatiable desire to win.

“I am in awe of what the team achieved. All our boxers worked together to help each other through a rigorous training programme

over the previous eight weeks, where they reaped the rewards with these victories.”

The first home boxer of the evening was Flt Lt Alicia Morgan, who fought Pte Solberg. A telling series of blows from the junior officer forced the referee to stop the contest early in the second round.

A closely-fought points loss from AS1 Ryan Mills to Ash Dejar from Islington ABC, then saw Flt Lt Keith Greer win a split points victory over Pte Smith and the Best Boxer Award on the night.

Odiham’s Cpl Jared Pugh then avenged a previous loss to Christos Panteli of Islington ABC, securing

a deserved victory for the 18 Squadron NCO.

Fresh from his Lord Wakefield’s Championship triumph, AS1(T)

Brandon Carr fought hard to gain victory over Pte Swales of the RLC.

AS1(T) Sam Drake then dismantled Sgt Rogerson with a late first round knockout, before AS1

Kaine Brooks picked apart Pte Ellis for a unanimous points victory.

To the delight of the onlooking crowd, AS1(T) Keiran Gething made his return with a threeround split points decision over the experienced L/Cpl Beswick of the RLC, following an 18-month absence from the ring.

UNANIMOUS POINTS

VICTORY: AS1 Kaine Brooks gives Pte Ellis a little sit down

MAKING HAY: Flt Lt Alicia Morgan lines up a mighty hook for Pte Solberg before fight is stopped

WINNING RETURN: AS1(T) Keiran Gething

ELATION: AS1(T) Brandon Carr celebrates hard-fought win over Pte Swales

BEST BOXER AWARD: Flt Lt Keith Greer works his jab against Pte Smith and takes honours

Daniel Abrahams

IT MAY have been a week late, but the Armed Forces Virtual Racing Challenge 2023 title was finally claimed by the RAF’s Cpl Ryan Martin at Donington Park.

A shocked Martin, who won the championship after finishing fourth in the final race, said: “I didn’t expect to win the Challenge at the very start, but I am buzzing, I cannot believe it.”

Martin maintained two steady drives throughout round 10 of the championship, having seen his opportunity to wrap up the title during the penultimate race at Silverstone the weekend before delayed because of work demands.

Starting the day at Donington Martin sat top of the championship tree on 1,317 points, with fellow RAF driver AS1 Stuart McPhaden second on 1,248 and Fg Off Chris Pawley on 1,241, meaning any one of the three had a chance of taking the 2023 crown.

Martin added: “This championship has shown that the racing we have had is great, it will just hopefully continue on to next season and get even better.”Race one at Donington saw Pawley start superbly, taking third from sixth, as Martin dropped down to fifth, but it was McPhaden who led the pack. Martin, number 85, then showed his calibre, overtaking Pawley on the second lap. That move saw Pawley

Ryan's Virtual Racing champ

He's sim-ply

the best…

slide down the placings and drop out of championship contention, while McPhaden took the chequered flag to keep his charge alive, with Martin third.

The second race saw the simulator ace in 10th on the grid start slowly, while McPhaden once again started well, moving up from seventh to fifth.

The RAF man’s title charge was looking good until it came off the rails with him sliding into the barrier after being nudged from behind by AR Will Foulkes and his season was over halfway through the first lap.

At the finish line Martin, sitting fourth, took the crown on 1,387 points, while Foulkes took the chequered flag. Pawley, second in the race and championship, finished on 1,326 and McPhaden came home third in the

championship on 1,272 points.

The RAF once again showed its strength in depth taking the top five finishing places.

l Follow RAF eSport on: Facebook. com/RAFeMotorsports.

E-RACE: Thrills and spills on screen

Cian's the big man but just a small town boy

Learn to make tough decisions quickly, like top fighter pilots can

HASARD LEE spent his US Air Force career flying the F-16 and F-35. He flew 82 combat missions and led his squadron during one of the most intense periods of fighting during the war in Afghanistan.

CIAN IS one of the lads: a chancer who lures his teammates out for drinks, but when he gets into a scrap at a local nightclub that ends with him unconscious, the repercussions ripple out into his everyday life.

Cian (Éanna Hardwicke) plays Gaelic football, or GAA, in Longford – a county where it is taken seriously. He is the captain of the team, relied on to set the tone for the others, but is partial to the party life. Living with his dad (Lorcan Cranitch, Bloodlands, Cracker), he helps to run the family farm day to day, but hasn’t got much going on otherwise until an old girlfriend turns up in town to look after her sickly father.

Although Grace (Danielle Galligan) is in a relationship, the two share some moments, a quick chip shop date and drink at the local, that allows Cian to reflect on the choices that have kept him

here in his hometown, and the concussion that threatens to take it away.

Lakelands delivers a dose of realism in this small and sensitive drama that looks at ordinary young adults and examines the role of masculinity. Where many films would have the main character return to the town they grew up in, to notice all that has and hasn’t changed, Lakelands shows it from the point of view of the person that

stayed, not criticising, but simply looking at the values of a life lived in one place. Then the question is asked, if everything you’d built your life around crumbled away, what are you left with?

Lakelands avoids sensationalising the story, which results in a measured film that feels true to life, with naturalistic performances that suit its style.

4 out of 5 roundels

Review by Sam Cooney

As a fighter pilot, he had to make frequent high-stakes, splitsecond calls – his life depended on it. Now he’s written a book, The Art of Clear Thinking, A Fighter Pilot’s Guide To Making Tough Decisions (published by Torva on May 25), in which he explains how he was able to do that by implementing the ACE Helix framework – assess, choose the correct course, execute.

Lee shares first-hand accounts from his time in the USAF to illustrate how the ACE Helix can be applied, and is based on his years of experience making decisions as an Air Force fighter pilot.

He flew more than 80 combat missions and became the first fighter pilot to fly two different types of jets into combat on the same day while supporting troops under fire.

He was then handpicked to fly the F-35, the most advanced and expensive weapons system in history, which was still in development at the time.

During his last role on active duty, he became the Chief of Training Systems for the largest

training base in the world, leading the development of new technology and teaching methods to train future fighter pilots. The Art of Clear Thinking is his first book.

See @hasardlee on YouTube and Instagram.

You can win a copy of the book –for your chance to own one, tell us: How many combat missions did Hasard Lee fly during his Air Force career?

Email your answer, marked The Art of Clear Thinking book competition, to: tracey.allen@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 2.

Hairdresser from Glasgow still making the cut after 34 years

Amazingly, it’s 34 years since Texas recorded chart hit I Don’t Want A Lover. Since then, they’ve produced 10 studio albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide. Now the band have announced the release of a special 2LP and 2CD 24-track compilation The Very Best of 1989-2023, out on June 16 ahead of an appearance on the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Screen star power is sprinkled across Texas’s back catalogue as represented in the new album The video for In Demand features frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri’s dear friend, the late, lamented actor Alan Rickman. And the video for Sleep, the final single from 2005’s Red Book, was made by Peter Kay after the comic and Spiteri bonded at the Live 8 all-star concert in Edinburgh.

“We did it in the club that Phoenix Nights was shot in,” Spiteri explained. “And Peter scripted, directed, starred, edited, everything – he did everything on that video on his own. He was phenomenal. A friend for life.”

Those are just some of the highlights of this compilation that includes the hits Say What You Want, Black Eyed Boy, Inner Smile and, of course, I Don’t Want A Lover Looking back over the years and the band’s phenomenal success, Spiteri said: “No’ bad for a hairdresser fae Glasgow!

“But I gotta be honest: I still feel like I’m really close to the beginning. And the energy and the vibe between us all – as a band, I don’t think we’ve ever been happier, and I don’t think we’ve ever been tighter. And I don’t think we’ve ever been more definite about who we are.”

l Go to: Texas.uk.com for more information.

FOOTBALL STAR: But Jack the lad Cian doesn't have much else going on in his life

STAR POWER: Sharleen Spiteri.

Photo: Julian Broad

Prepare for Battle (Proms)

Win tickets to premier festival extravaganza

THE CORONATION weekend may be over, but don’t pack your red, white and blue away just yet!

Keep those flags waving join the Battle Proms for another quintessentially British event this summer, as the UK’s premier picnic concert series returns to some of the country’s most treasured stately homes.

A highlight of the summer social diary, this classical spectacular returns to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on Saturday, July 1 for its opening night. Other venues include the stunning Burghley House in Lincolnshire (July 8), historic Hatfield House in Hertfordshire (July 15) and the iconic Highclere Castle in Hampshire (July 29), which Downton Abbey fans probably all know and love for its starring role in the hit TV series.

The perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, Battle Proms Concerts begin with toe-tapping vintage vocals from The Battle Proms Belles, followed by a thrilling historic cavalry display. Then it’s eyes to the skies as The Red Devils,

Jones & Lynn in album debut

FAR FROM Saints, featuring Kelly Jones of Stereophonics with Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker from The Wind and The Wave, are releasing their selftitled debut album on June 16.

Taking in elements of country, rock, folk, soul and Americana, the new album features 10 songs that touch on themes of love, perseverance, self-doubt, and selfhealing.

Patty said: “It’s an album and it’s meant to be listened to from start to finish. That’s what I’d like for people to do. Listen to the whole thing and see it as a complete work on its own.”

The track Take It Through The Night has been released from the album.

Kelly said: “Patty wrote the whole Take It Through The Night lyric herself. I had a tiny part of a blues riff and Dwight ran away with it and turned the chorus into a bit of an Eagles and Joe Walsh vibe. We were just in full-on guitar mode. We were trying to make an Allman Brothers record with that one.”

The Wind and The Wave supported Kelly during his 2019 solo tour then Kelly, Patty and Dwight started writing songs and committed to working on a project together.

Far From Saints made their live debut with a warmup show at London’s Oslo ahead of Roger Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust gala at the Royal Albert Hall in March. They’ll be supporting Kings of Leon at Wrexham FC on May 27 and 28, headlining a sold-out show at EartH Theatre, London on June 5 and will then play three outdoor shows as special guests of Paul Weller (Westonbirt on June 8, Cannock Chase Forest on 9 and Thetford Forest on 17), as well as the Black Deer Festival in Kent from June 16-18, Glastonbury Festival from June 21-25 and a show at Englefield House, Berkshire, on July 23.

l Go to: farfromsaintsband.com for tour details.

Win!

WE HAVE six pairs of tickets for the Battle Proms, worth £120 each pair, to give away. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, answer this question correctly:

On which date is the Battle Proms held at Highclere Castle in Hampshire?

Email your answer and preferred Battle Proms concert venue and date, to: info@ battleproms.com, subject: RAF NEWS COMPETITION by June 2, 2023 * .

Please note entries must be sent by email so that your prize tickets can be sent out electronically.

Please remember to state on your entry your first and second choice of venue from the four listed above.

Don’t want to leave it to chance?

For tickets go to battleproms.com and be sure to check out their great group offer and gift options and their charity partnership with SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

the Parachute Regiment and British Army’s official display team, perform their daring freefall display in the skies above the concert.

The highlight of the evening is a two-hour orchestral performance of uplifting classical favourites by the New English Concert Orchestra. The stirring opening pieces, Elgar’s Pomp

*By entering the competition, you agree The Battle Proms e-marketing database. JSL never share your personal data with third to use it for their own purposes without your unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe

there are still some great patriotic events to keep the flags flying this summer

NEW DIRECTION: Kelly Jones and Patty Lynn

(Proms)

STIRRING: Beethoven's Battle Symphony will feature 193 live firing cannons. Inset, the Grace Spitfire

and Circumstance March No 4 in G and Symphony No.1 in A flat, will herald the arrival of the legendary Grace Spitfire for a breathtaking and meticulously choreographed aerial display.

As the evening draws in the excitement builds with Tchaikovsky’s celebrated 1812 Overture and the Battle Proms signature piece,

Beethoven’s Battle Symphony, complete with 193 live firing cannons providing a ground-shaking percussion.

The Battle Proms culminates in a jubilant flag-waving sing-along finale with Jerusalem, Rule Brittania, Land of Hope and Glory and more, while spectacular musical firework displays light up the sky.

agree to subscribe to JSL Productions will parties who intend your consent. You can unsubscribe option on JSL

Productions marketing emails. Winners will be selected at random on June 5, 2023 and notified by email. Tickets are transferable but cannot be exchanged for any other goods. Winners agree to abide by concert and estate rules. Please email: info@battleproms.com for full competition T&Cs.

Edited by Tracey Allen

Win!

Baker's popular as hot cakes at a brunch party

HOLLYWOOD BIG-HITTERS Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin star in the comedy It’s Complicated – about marriage, divorce and everything in between. Released on Christmas Day 2009 in America, It’s Complicated became a commercial hit grossing $219 million worldwide surpassing The Holiday as writer/director Nancy Meyers’ third highest grossing project after What Women Want and Something’s Gotta Give With a thriving bakery, a new romance and her divorce finally behind her, Jane Adler (Streep) has her life all figured out... until her exhusband Jake (Baldwin) decides he’ll stop at nothing to win her back.

Rage In Eden 40 years is marked

FOLLOWING THE response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 Tour’, Midge Ure & Band Electronica are back on the road, with the Voice & Visions tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums.

The extensive 2023 leg of the tour culminates at Swindon Meca on May 31 and Rage In Eden and Quartet’s highlights will be showcased alongside landmark hits from Ure’s back catalogue.

He said: “I can’t begin to tell you how great it feels to be back out touring after the uncertainty of the past two years and it is especially exciting to delve back in time and revitalise two standout albums from my career. This is the logical and emotional follow-up to the 1980 tour.

“I felt bad as the tour was postponed twice, which was a double whammy, like being kicked when you’re down, but I felt worse for the audience and for the crew. I could survive and still keep myself occupied by being creative in the studio, but the crew in particular were on their uppers, as their entire world had just ground to a halt.

“The idea that performing music could become unattainable was something nobody had ever considered as a possibility as it had never happened in our lifetimes. Once we just jumped back into it, I discovered that my voice was completely gone, as I hadn’t used it for about two years.

“I had to start all over again and build it back up. The whole

Steve Martin and Streep are re-uniting for Season 3 of Martin’s hit whodunnit Only Murders in the Building (no release date yet) which also stars Selena Gomez and Martin Short.

We have copies of It’s Complicated on DVD up for grabs – for your chance to win one, tell us:

Who was the writer/director of The Holiday?

Email your answer, marked It’s Complicated DVD competition, to: tracey.allen@rafnews. co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 2.

experience really gave me even more of an appreciation of what I already have and what I never thought I wouldn’t have. The day you stop doing what you do should be the day you choose and not something that’s forced on you.”

Ultravox became pop stars almost overnight after the fourand-a-half-minute single Vienna was released in 1980.

Midge explained: “I think popdom had been thrust upon us with Vienna, as the song itself was never designed to ever be played on the radio. It was great to have the success that Vienna gave us as it enabled us to go do Rage In Eden.”

The legendary Beatles producer George Martin produced Quartet, the next Ultravox album.

“We were so dogmatic about what we wanted to do and how we did it, which is why for the next

one, we decided this time we should work with someone who was going to tell us what to do, to intervene in the arrangements and who we’d listen to,” Midge said.

“I think there’s few people who fitted that description more than George Martin, because if he had something to say, you better be prepared to listen, as he always knew exactly what he was talking about.”

He added: “Ultravox were a difficult band, for ourselves, not necessarily anyone else, but we weren’t stoic about what we would or should be doing. We weren’t trying to write hit records, we just wanted to make interesting pieces of music.”

And he still is.

Interview

by Jules Boyle l Go to: midgeure.co.uk for tour details.

Midge Ure is back

Your Announcements

You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk

Seeking

LOOKING for any members of the 47th entry TG19 Hereford 62-64. Any still about? Please contact Jim Cummins via email on: Carol_cummins@aol.com or call: 01302 532865, 07517 416702.

WERE you stationed at RAF High Wycombe? The station’s Media and Communications Officer, Laurence Parker, is looking for personnel based there, from 1940 to the present, who may have old photographs of the station (if the person is in them, that’s not a problem, says Laurence). He is aiming to compile a history of RAF High Wycombe through the ages, and possibly use some in a social media campaign. He would also like to hear from people who have recollections of RAF High Wycombe when they were stationed there. Please email him at: laurence. parker140@mod.gov.uk or write to: Laurence Parker –MCO, RAF High Wycombe SHQ, Walters Ash, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE if you can help.

Reunions

RAF Bawdsey Reunion Association. Did you ever serve at RAF Bawdsey? If so, why not join us at our next annual reunion which will take place at Bawdsey Manor on June 3. For details please contact Doreen at: doreen.bawdseyreunion@ btinternet.com or phone: 07513 301723.

223 Entry, 50 years since graduation reunion, to be held at Mount Pleasant Hotel, Great North Road, Doncaster, DN11 0HW June 15-17. All details on our website: 223halton.hosting. idnet.net/reunion_2023. htm.

How to use our service

THE RAF Masirah and RAF Salalah Veterans Association Reunion Gala Dinner is to be held on Saturday, October 7 at the Hatton Court Hotel, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8DE. All members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining the Association please contact the Membership Secretary, Harry Player, on: chrisarry714@gmail.com for further information.

Blue Light Cycling Club

ARMED Forces charity

SSAFA has teamed up with the nationwide Blue Light Cycling Club (BLCC) – the club is for Armed Forces personnel and members of the police and fire services, the NHS, HM Coastguard, HM Prison Service and the RNLI.

Neil Turner, the co-founder of BLCC, said: “We’re partnering with SSAFA because we want to support Armed Forces personnel, their wellbeing, health, and happiness, because we’re keenly aware of the unique challenges and issues faced by those in the military and emergency services and want to bring like-minded people together, to ride, and to have fun.

More support for SSAFA breaks

ANNINGTON, which leases housing to the Ministry of Defence for Service families, has pledged a further two years’ support for military charity SSAFA’s popular Short Breaks scheme.

The free breaks are for serving families who have a child with an additional need or disability and give families an opportunity to spend quality time together, to try fun adventure activities and meet other Forces families in similar situations, said a SSAFA spokesperson.

There are five breaks at Calvert Trust centres this year – two in the Lake District and three on Exmoor.

Helen Liddell, Annington’s chair, said: “We are acutely aware that for Armed Forces’ families that have a child with a special need or disability, accessing additional support can be difficult and add to

the challenges of life as a military family.

“We have seen for ourselves just how families benefit from a holiday where addressing their child’s needs are central.”

THE RAF and Defence Fire Service reunion will take place from Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5 at the Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa, Sketchley Lane, Hinkley, Leicestershire, LE10 3HU. For more information please visit: rafanddfsa. co.uk/reunions or you can contact Don Pape, email: donaldpape252@yahoo.com or Mike Clapton, email: fire. bucket@btinternet.com for any further questions.

If you are not a member and wish to join, please visit the website to find out how to. We welcome new members.

Associations

RAF Armourers past and present, do you know that the Royal Air Forces Association has an Armourers Branch? The aim of the Branch is to provide welfare support and comradeship for all who have served or currently serve as an RAF Armourer. See website: rafaarmourers.co.uk or contact the committee via: plumbersrest@outlook.com for more information.

“And, as a respected and long-established charity, we feel that SSAFA not only has the same ethos as us, but also actively demonstrates these qualities through its activities.”

The BLCC currently has around 500 members and the club has committed to raising £25,000 for SSAFA through several events, including a ‘three-day cycling extravaganza’ in Shropshire in September.

Club members have access to discounts with some of sport’s biggest brands. Go to: bluelightcc.co.uk for more information.

Service for Cyprus veterans

There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death,in memoriam seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept notices submitted by post.

Important Notice

The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this publication.

Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed.

“FEW PEOPLE know that we lost a total of 372 British Servicemen, 69 of them while serving with the Royal Air Force and 21 British policemen during the 1955 to 1959 Cyprus emergency,” says Les Smith from Cyprus Veterans.

“We will be holding their next Service of

Remembrance at The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire at midday on Sunday, August 20,” he added.

Please email Les at: cyprusveterans@gmail. com for more details and if you would like to attend.

230 Tiger Sqn Families Day

230 TIGER SQUADRON Association, August 30–31, Wallingford Hotel, RAF Benson Visit and Families Day.

230 Sqn is one of the longest-serving squadrons in the Royal Air Force, having been formed in 1918. Contact Rod Goodier: 230assocreunionsec@ gmail.com; Facebook: 230 Squadron RAF Association.

Service for ACM Sir Michael Knight

A THANKSGIVING Service to celebrate the life of Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight KCB AFC FRAeS, will be held at St Clement Danes Church, Strand, WC2R 1DH on Wednesday, May at 11am. Dress:

Lounge suit or uniform, medals may be worn.

If you wish to attend the service please email Lisa Thomas: bryn.lisa@icloud. com who is managing the guest list.

Your Announcements

You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk

STANDING WITH GIANTS: The eye-catching installation

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VISITORS TO the RAF Museum Midlands this halfterm are being invited to step back in time for a nostalgic adventure through the 1940s.

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THE INTERNATIONAL Bomber Command Centre near Lincoln has installed a tribute to the Dambusters to mark the 80th anniversary, on May 16-17, of the iconic operation.

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Homefront craft workshops, a classic war film series, trying on RAF uniforms of the decade, and a vintage fair are just some of the experiences on offer throughout the school break, said a museum spokesperson.

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“A wide range of craft workshops will have visitors brushing up on their needlework and crochet skills, learning how to reuse fabric to create new accessories. The crafty fun isn’t just for the youngest family members, grown-ups can join in too.

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plant and take home your own pea, bean or carrot plant. Dress up in the RAF uniform handling zone, don a wartime flying jacket and pilot’s helmet and strike a pose for a picture,” the spokesperson added.

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Ironmen & Severn Guilders on June 4. And musical acts taking to the stage over the Vintage Fair weekend (June 2-4) include everything from traditional sea shanties and a jazz orchestra to classic 1940s harmonies.

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Visit rafmuseum.org/ midlands for the workshop timings and recommended age for each activity.

1940s WEEK: You can enjoy wartime music and don vintage uniforms at the RAF Museum Midlands

Across

Prize Crossword No. 339

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the seven letters in yellow squares to find a former RAF station

6. Colonel flies sea eagle to old station (7)

7. Sailor with half-bottle of Benedictine (5)

9. Be suspended at cricket ground, right? (5)

10. Issue alternatives to old RAF planes (7)

12. News of how RAF planes fly (11)

14. RAF aircraft capable of Herculean tasks? (11)

18. To never chew Toffees is the answer (7)

19. Aircraft takes medic inside Indonesia (5)

21. Undertaking assignment (5)

22. Combat aircraft test involving European member (7) Down

1. Proverbially they are dead (5)

2. Cut northern flower (6)

3. Fluid in Korean capital (3)

4. Sailor posted missing (6)

5. It is used for storage bin before Othello’s return (3,4)

8. Hide currency in country (7)

11. Can speakers make a clean breast of things from here? (7)

13.See 20 Down

15. Neither direction leads to country (6)

16. 8 and 15 are part of this (6)

17. Squashing gnats causes anxiety (5)

20.And 13 Down. Raven leads provisionals to first RAF plane (3,7)

Name

Address...............................................................................................................

Former RAF station......................................................

The winners of our Prize Crossword and Prize Su Doku puzzles will receive a recent top aviation title – please send your entries to the address printed in the adjacent Su Doku panel, to arrive by June 2. Prize Crossword No. 337 winner is: Peter Callis, Ringwood.

Prize Su Doku No. 349

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.

Solutions should be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Su Doku' 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 June 2.

The winner of Su Doku No: 347 is: Mr P Carruthers, Pickering, North Yorkshire

Solution to Su Doku No: 348

Solution to Crossword No

Film Review Love According to Dalva

Cert: 15

AYOUNG girl is taken from her home and placed in a shelter after being kidnapped, brainwashed and abused by her own father. Here she must come to terms with what has happened to her, learn to trust the people in her care and reintegrate with kids her own age.

Rather than focus on the abuser, or the acts of abuse, this powerful Belgian drama instead focuses on the victim, eagerly trying to understand the world through her eyes.

Dalva (Zelda Samson) is 12 years old but dresses well beyond her years in lace frocks and pearl earrings. Though her father was arrested, she wants nothing more than to see him again, making desperate attempts to flee the shelter to the prison where he is being held. Far beyond Stockholm Syndrome, she has been convinced that the sexual relationship that they had was an expression of love that others simply don’t understand.

At the shelter, her new roommate Samia (Fanta Guirassy) is hardly sympathetic – coming from a place of neglect herself. Samia is tough, but will ultimately become a friend and guardian of Dalva – especially when she is dropped into school, where there is a difference in social standing. Other children speak forwardly about Dalva’s experiences, trauma that she has not yet even begun to process.

Love According to Dalva is an interesting film that burrows into some difficult and uncomfortable ideas, but does so with complete consideration for the victim, played with believable conviction by Samson; a darkly complex idea that shows an insidious form of abuse from the point of view of the victim to whom everything has been normalised.

Three out of five roundels

Review by Sam Cooney

Competition

Restart The Earth (12) On Blu-ray, DVD and download-to-own from May 22 (Dazzler Media)

Atwisted love Win!

GET READY for thrilling scifi action in Restart the Earth, directed by Lin Zhenzhao – it’s been described as The Last of Us meets Starship Troopers…

When a drug to replicate plant cells creates a sentient form of flower, the planet is overtaken by plant life and humankind is depleted.

A Chinese task force, a widowed father and his young daughter fight to survive in a mission to inject an antidote to the core of the plants to reverse their growth.

We have copies of the film on DVD to add to your collection. To be in with a chance of winning one, tell us: Who directed Restart The Earth?

Email your answer, marked Restart The Earth DVD competition, to:

tracey.allen@rafnews. co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 2.

ABUSED: But 12-year-old Dalva thinks her father just loves her

ROOT OF ALL EVIL: Plants go rogue