RAF News Edition 1558, 21 April 2023

“Flying intercepts from the Islands keeps our QRA skills sharp”

1435 Flt’s

Sqn

See page 7

CHIEF OF the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin joined military leaders from northern Europe for high-level talks on boosting Nato defences in the Baltic and High North.

Chiefs of Defence from the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden gathered in Helsinki as Nato looks to bolster defences across the nothern regions.

Last year the UK took part in training in the Baltic and Arctic Circle in Norway.

Sir Tony said: “The past year has demonstrated that the security of Europe can never be taken for granted, but it was also the year when the Joint Expeditionary Force came of age.

“While President Putin has sought to divide, this 10 nation partnership is another example of just how strong and united we have become.

“They are a great group who thoroughly deserved to win both fixtures”

Cpl Chris Hamilton after his charges retain the IS trophy

See page 27

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“We discussed how the JEF can continue to complement Nato through its focus on the security of the North Atlantic, High North and Baltic Sea, and consider how to better coordinate future exercises and operations.”

CDS: Admiral Sir Tony Radakin

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ARCTIC TRAINING: UK looking to step up multi-national exercises in the High North to boost security

Forces join celebrations as UK and Commonwealth mark King’s historic day

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More than 6,000 Armed Forces personnel will take part in the largest military ceremonial operation for 70 years.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am incredibly proud of our brilliant personnel who are preparing to honour centuries of military tradition by taking to the streets, skies and seas to pay tribute to our new King and Queen.

“As they stand shoulder to shoulder with our Commonwealth friends and allies, I know the hard work of thousands of our Servicemen and women during the past weeks and months will culminate in an incredible display that will amaze crowds at home and across the world.”

The flypast will feature vintage Spitfires, new P-8A Poseidon subhunters, state-of-the art F-35B Lightning II jets and the first flypast by the new Envoy IV CC1 aircraft.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “We can be enormously proud of the professionalism and precision of our Armed Forces as they honour His Majesty, their new Commander-in-Chief.

“From the Procession on The Mall to the flypast over London, with gun salutes at sea and across the country, it will be a spectacular and fitting tribute and a privilege to take part in for all those involved and watching from afar.”

Around 5,000 Armed Forces personnel will accompany the

Sovereign from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and back in two separate processions.

The first, smaller, King’s Procession, features 200 members of the Household Cavalry who will travel down The Mall to Trafalgar Square, turn on to Whitehall before marching to Westminster Abbey, flanked by more than

Chief toasts Founders’ Day

TOP BRASS joined serving personnel, veterans and cadets with a connection to the RAF at this year’s 105th Founders’ Day service at St Clement Danes Church.

The Central Band of the RAF under the Principal Director of Music, Wg Cdr Piers Morrell, played as guests made their way into the 1000-year-old building designed by Sir Christopher Wren on a gloriously sunny day under the watchful eye of the Service’s Ceremonial Team.

The service was conducted by resident chaplain The Rev Sqn Ldr Mark Perry with the sermon given

by The Ven Dr AVM Giles Legood, RAF Chaplain-in-Chief.

The theme this year was ‘Selfless Service,’ and readings were given by the Chief of Air Staff and C-17 pilot Gp Capt Kev Latchman, who won the AFC for airlifting Afghans fleeing the Taliban from Kabul International Airport during Operation Pitting.

It marked the debut performance at a Royal Air Force event of the RAF’s new hymn entitled Per Ardua Ad Astra, with words by Grahame Davies and music by Paul Mealor – both of whom were in the congregation to hear the piece played publicly for the first time.

1,000 uniformed route liners. The Coronation Procession, featuring 4,000 personnel, follows the same route back.

A display of unique and historic uniforms and flags from across the Commonwealth and 20 different bands will guide Their Majesties back to Buckingham Palace before there is a Royal Salute.

PRIDE OF A NATION:

Huge crowds are expected to line the route to Westminster Abbey for the ceremony

The Royal British Legion will provide a Guard of Honour of 100 standard bearers to line the route in Parliament Square, representing Armed Forces charities.

From military bases in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and on Royal Navy ships at sea, 21-gun salutes will sound out to herald the moment The King is crowned.

Eastern promise

Staff Reporter

TYPHOONS ARE conducting fighter integration drills with Jordanian F-16s to mark the close ties between Britain and the Middle Eastern kingdom. Lossiemouth-based 6 Sqn jets landed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base to take part in Exercise Agile Oryx, named after the tuft-tailed medium-sized antelope that is Jordan’s national animal.

KEY DATE: CAS, ACM Sir Mike Wigston, joins serving personnel, veterans and cadets to celebrate Founders Day

Links between the two Air Forces date back to 1919 and were developed by former RJAF Commander HRH Prince Faisal.

In 1950, 6 Sqn received a Royal Standard from King Abdullah I and in 1995 both militaries exchanged Flags of Friendship.

F-35 LIGHTNING

BBMF LANCASTER RED ARROWS

Canadian Ukraine aid flown in by RAF Knighton on NATO mission

BRITISH and German Typhoons staged a Quick Reaction Alert training scramble for Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton on a visit to Estonia.

The Deputy Commander (Capability) visited personnel deployed on the combined Nato Air Policing mission Operation Azotize in one of his first engagements since the announcement of his appointment as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He said: “This impressive display of air power overseas, operating with our German allies and Nato partners, is an

important demonstration of our agility and commitment to bolstering security in the Baltic Region.”

Typhoons flown by 140 Expeditionary Air Wing and

Luftwaffe jets will operate alongside each other until the end of April, when the Germans depart, leaving the RAF to continue the mission until August.

£656m boost for Tempest

UK will collaborate with Japan and Italy to develop 6th-gen fighter jet

MILITARY AID donated by Canada for Ukrainian forces fighting Russian invaders has been flown in by the RAF.

A Brize Norton-based 99 Sqn C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft flew to the RCAF 8 Wing’s Trenton Base on the shores of Lake Ontario to pick up the consignment before delivering it to an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe.

Air Cdre AJ ‘Noz’ Lyle said: “This is just one example of the speed and reach of the RAF Air Mobility Force, collaborating closely with our allies and partners to rapidly deliver critical logistical support.”

The sortie was conducted under the 28-nation ATARES military air transport mutual support program.

Britain has taken a leading role in

supplying Ukraine with equipment including artillery, air defence and armoured vehicles via the International Donor Coordination Centre.

THE DEVELOPMENT of the RAF’s most advanced aircraft ever has been boosted by a £656 million deal to propel the sixth-generation Tempest fighter jet programme into its next phase.

Under a contract with BAE Systems, British firms Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce will collaborate with Japanese and Italian partners to develop more than 60 innovative technology demonstrations and digital concepts for the aircraft.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The next tranche of funding for future combat air will help fuse the combined technologies and expertise we have with our international partners – both in Europe and the Pacific – to deliver this worldleading fighter jet by 2035, protecting our skies for decades to come.”

Tempest is designed to be an innovative supersonic stealth fighter equipped with state-of-the-art sensing and protection capabilities, making it one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected jets.

The deal is part of £2 billion worth of public spending on the project up to May 2025, which the government hopes will support 21,000 jobs a year and contribute an estimated £26.2 billion to the economy by 2050.

BAE Future Combat Air Systems Managing Director Herman Claesen said: “This important work is at the core of the newly-created Global Combat Air Programme [GCAP]; a major international partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy with the shared goal to deliver the next generation

of combat air fighter jets by 2035.”

The announcement follows the UK, Japan and Italy joining forces at DSEI Japan to display GCAP publicly for the first time.

In March, the Defence Secretary visited Tokyo to view the technology that is driving the programme.

The collaboration is designed to ensure the UK and its partners deliver the military capability to overcome fast-evolving threats, share costs and ensure the RAF remains interoperable with Britain’s closest allies.

MISSION: 99 Squadron C-17 Globemaster

ESTONIA VISIT: AM Sir Richard Knighton watched training QRA scramble

FUTURE COMBAT AIR: Tempest at BAE’s Warton site and CGI of aircraft over London, above

Simon Mander

Four-ship flight for Falklands

Mount

TYPHOONS FLEW a four-ship formation over the Falklands Islands in a formidable demonstration of the RAF’s global operational commitments.

The flypast over Mount Pleasant by 1435 Flight jets, whose crews provide Quick Reaction Alert protection of the South Atlantic islands, was a reminder

that Air Force personnel are well used to routinely deploying around the world.

Crews from Lossiemouth and Coningsby spend between six weeks and four months on the deployment that started in 1986 with Phantoms, then Tornado F3s, and now Typhoons.

1435 Flt’s Sqn Ldr Joe Murphy said: “The daily flying here provides us with great training opportunities that we do not often experience back home in the UK.

“Intercepting the various aircraft arriving in the Islands keeps our QRA skills sharp.

“Having a dedicated Voyager tanker is a real bonus too, extending the time we are airborne and able to defend the Islands if required.”

Cyprus salute for Griffin SAR stars

SERVICE: AVM Withnall retires after 35 years with Defence Medical Services

Royal medic AVM retires

THE DIRECTOR of Defence Healthcare and Honorary Surgeon to King Charles AVM Rich Withnall has retired after 35 years’ service.

Before leaving the Air Force he presented a two-star commendation to Defence healthcare staff at a ceremony at the Defence Medical Services centre in Lichfield. Medical Services Director General Peter Homa said: “AVM Withnall has improved the lives of thousands of patients, their loved ones and Defence personnel through 35 years’ dedicated service.

Search and Rescue icon takes a bow at Akrotiri

Simon Mander

CYPRUS’S ICONIC Griffin search and rescue helicopters flew for the last time over Akrotiri on a farewell flight.

Since 2003, the grey HAR Mk2 aircraft have been flying over the Mediterranean island and last year its 84 Squadron crews marked more than 50 years’ non-stop operations including firefighting and joint military training missions.

The official transition of the role to the Puma Force was witnessed by Chief of the Air Staff Sir Mike Wigston and Commander British Forces Air Vice-Marshal Peter Squires.

The flying formation, led by the Griffin, included the newer, faster and bigger 33 Sqn HC2 helicopters that arrived from Benson in February to take over.

Since 1972, 84 Sqn has conducted SAR duties in Cyprus, becoming the most senior

Rotary Wing Squadron in the Air Force.

The Puma II becomes the island’s fourth SAR helicopter, mirroring the situation in 1981 when the Wessex replaced the Whirlwind.

The arrival of the Griffin came with the first woman to command an RAF flying squadron, Sqn Ldr Nicky Smith.

In 2016, 84 Sqn became the last UK Search and Rescue flying unit in Defence and remains one of the few RAF squadrons to have been based overseas for its entire Service history.

“As the new chief executive of the Faculty of Medical Management and Leadership he will invest his extraordinary expertise, experience and passion to develop healthcare leaders across the globe.”

Forces widows out in the cold

A NEW report claims that almost half of military widows feel lonely or socially isolated.

Researchers at Northumbria University found up to 40 per cent of the widows they spoke to suffered from loneliness.

An FiMT spokesperson said: “For many people, marrying someone in the Forces can mean living on base, regularly relocating and losing connections with family and friends.

“If their partner then dies not only are they far from home but many feel abandoned by the military community.”

Laura McGarvey

Pleasant

SQN LDR MURPHY CYPRUS SWANSONG: 84 Sqn crews take their last flight in a Griffin as SAR duties are handed over to Puma

Vets’ send-off for mascot Sam

Staff Reporter

JACK RUSSELL Sam who became a parade mascot to RAF Lintonon-Ouse was given a military send-off by veterans in York.

The loyal 16-year-old terrier won the hearts of Air Force personnel across the region with his regular appearances alongside owner Army vet Daran Walker at ceremonies.

The duo also regularly tended Air Force war graves at nearby St Catherine’s Church for more than a decade, marking the anniversaries of crews killed in World War II.

Sam was even presented with replica medals for his devotion to duty and long service to pin on his RAF blue dog coat by his Linton fans over the years.

RAF veterans and members of the local Royal British Legion lined the route as Sam’s ashes were taken through the city on board a WWII jeep to Pocklington aerodrome, home to 102 Sqn during the war, where his remains were scattered.

Sam and Daran travelled the area on his Vespa scooter and the canine cortege was followed by Daran’s pals from the local bike club.

Daran, whose father served with 72 Sqn during WWII, said: “Sam paraded with the Royal Air Force hundreds of times, mainly in York where he would join his pals from RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

“He helped me look after the graves for more than 14 years.

“I never trained him to parade or sit proudly by the headstones

of the fallen. I just think he sensed something and wanted to do his bit.

“Sam had an amazing life, he was loved by thousands. We have

Bernie backs ’Phoon fund

TRIBUTE: Military veterans lined the route for RAF mascot Sam’s final journey on board a WWII Jeep. Top, Sam stands vigil at war graves at St Catherine’s Church. PHOTOS: UGC

received around 5,000 messages of condolence and bouquets have been delivered from as far as the Cayman Islands.”

TYPHOON DISPLAY pilot Flt Lt Matt Brighty and WWII Typhoon flier Bernard Gardiner met up recently at a showcase event for a fundraising project to restore one of the wartime fighter aircraft to airworthiness.

Bernard, now 101, came from his home in Jersey to attend the event at Duxford, where he also met two frontline pilots from 3(F) Sqn. Project director Sam Worthington-Leese said: “It was a delight to facilitate this meeting and to see modern Typhoon pilots talking to Bernard about his wartime activities.”

The veteran made 71 combat operations on the Typhoon and flew through fierce flak on almost all of them. The Hawker Typhoon restoration project is aiming to raise between £5.5 and £6.5 million so that Typhoon RB396 can take to the skies once again. l Go to: hawkertyphoon.com for more information

Drone trials speed up safety checks

Simon Mander

DRONES ARE being tested to see if they can conduct crucial preflight aircraft inspections.

Stations eye awards night

THE RAF Benevolent Fund has announced the shortlist of nominees for its annual awards, taking place later this month.

Cranwell, Coningsby and Waddington are in the running for the RAF Station of the Year title and 282 (East Ham), East of Scotland Universities Sqn and the University of London Air Sqn are shortlisted for Air Training Corps or University Air Squadron of the Year.

The public were invited to make their nominations earlier this year via the Fund’s website and the shortlist was finalised by a panel of judges.

Traditionally performed for 40 years by RAF engineers, it is hoped the innovative technology will be able to scan 95 per cent of an aircraft’s exterior in half an hour without the need for ground crew to work at height.

Trials are currently taking place on one of Lossiemouth’s Poseidon MRA1 subhunters.

FS Andy Fleming, whose idea it was, said: “There is a real excitement around this technical evaluation and what it can offer to the RAF.

“Now the drone has been delivered, we have started training people to safely operate it around an aircraft in a hangar.

“The next step is to teach it the specifics of each tail number

so it can clearly identify even the smallest areas of damage.

“It’s great to see the RAF embracing the cutting-edge technology to streamline and improve inspection processes”

Manufacturer Donecle cofounder Matthieu Claybrough said: “Drones can make maintenance inspections faster, safer and more dependable while increasing aircraft availability.

“We’re really excited about working with the RAF on this project and hope it will help to demonstrate the capabilities that these innovations can bring to military engineering.”

The drone uses a Basler Ace 2 PRO 24MP camera to capture over 1,300 images, producing around 5Gb of data per scan.

If successful, the technology could be rolled out for use on other aircraft.

RESTORATION: WWII Hawker Typhoon pilot Bernard Gardiner with Typhoon display pilot Flt Lt Matt Brighty

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Typhoon takes on NATO security duties in Estonia

Staff Reporter

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A DETACHMENT of RAF Typhoons is spearheading security in air space over the Baltic as German crews hand over command of the Nato security mission to the UK.

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Nato air chiefs joined British and German crews at Amari air base as the UK officially assumed command of air policing operations during a ceremony timed to coincide with the ascension of Finland to the Alliance.

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Last month RAF and German jets were scrambled three times to intercept Russian military aircraft closing in on Nato airspace – the first joint mission the two air forces have launched together.

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AVM Phil Robinson said: “What a privilege it is for the UK to work alongside Germany to deliver Nato’s first combined air policing mission.

“This combined leadership paves the way for future interoperability across a broad range of Allies and Nato Partners.

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“What we’ve seen here is the culmination of a long process of enhancing that level of integration, and I congratulate both detachments on this great achievement. The Estonian Armed Forces, our hosts here at Ämari, have also been a role model when it comes to integration.

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“We live in uncertain times, but 74 years after the formation of Nato, the skies over the Baltics are in safe hands.

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“Since 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and Nato responded with the Assurance Measures, Ämari has hosted a continuous series of Allied fighter detachments. With today’s ceremony we deliver an important message – the mission continues.”

Lightning Force lands £161m deal

Staff Reporter

DEFENCE CHIEFS have signed a £161 million contract with US aero giant Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems to develop the UK’s F-35 Lightning fleet. The four-year deal will increase flying hours and enhance maintenance and pilot and ground training at RAF Marham. It will also safeguard 130 jobs in the UK and ensure the growing fleet of fifth

Pride signs on

A CHARITY founded by the UK military’s first openly transgender officer, Caroline Paige, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Fighting With Pride was founded to campaign for justice for gay veterans affected by the ban on homosexuals serving in the Forces, repealed in 2000.

generation fighters remain equipped for combat operations around the world.

Minister for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk said: “Our F-35 Lightning stealth jets are a formidable fighting force, putting us at the cutting edge of airborne military capability.

“Supporting more than 100 jobs in the East of England, this investment will ensure our jets remain equipped for combat operations around the world.”

The contract follows a previous agreement

due to end this year and was signed by the US Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin as F-35 prime contractor. BAE Systems will carry out the work as a sub-contractor.

Air Cdre Phil Brooker, Head Lightning II Delivery Team, said: “The contract is a significant milestone.

“It demonstrates confidence in Lockheed Martin and BAE’s ability to enable the nation’s critical F-35 capability and delivers the necessary support to the UK war fighter.

“Adopting lessons from the previous two-year contract, it offers value for money whilst also increasing the overall scope from the previous contract and introducing significant capability enhancements.”

The Lightning is a multi-role stealth aircraft flown by both the Royal Navy and the RAF. Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, it also operates from the UK’s two new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and forward operating bases.

Rivet Joint sets record as NATO looks East

Simon Mander

SURVEILLANCE AIRCREW have set a record for flying hours after a busy year of frontline sorties across Europe and the Mediterranean.

Waddington-based RC135 Rivet Joint aircraft clocked up more than 1,380 hours in the 12 months to April, smashing the previous best of 875 hours.

51 Sqn’s Wg Cdr Keith Bissett said: ‘This has been an extraordinary year for the team, providing an exceptional operational output.

“They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved, and we look forward to building on our recent successes.”

The RC-135W, dubbed Airseeker by the RAF, uses its sensors to ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar and other systems.

It has played a crucial role in Britain’s support for Ukraine, flying more than 125 intelligence gathering missions across the High North, Baltic and Black Seas. Its data enabled Defence Intelligence to be at the forefront of exposing Russia’s intentions and galvanised the international community.

Also, this year British and American Rivet Joint aircrew teamed up for the first integrated crew training flight for several years on Exercise Red Flag, when 51 Sqn

personnel joined the USAF 55th Wing on intelligence gathering sorties for fast jets simulating combat missions.

The RAF took delivery of the

UK’s first Rivet Joint in 2013, operating its maiden operational sortie on 2014 since when it has deployed extensively on Operation Shader.

PIONEER: RAF veteran Caroline Paige

Fighting scourge of

DEFENCE CHIEFS are stepping up efforts to combat problem gambling after recent research revealed serving personnel face higher risks of developing harmful addiction which can spiral into debt, drug use and mental health problems.

The MOD has joined forces with researchers at Swansea University to probe levels of gambling across the British military following recent investigations by welfare groups.

The move follows a startling report commissioned by the RAF Benevolent Fund which revealed that serving personnel are four times more likely to develop an addiction to online sites and High Street bookies than civilians, with more than 13 per cent admitting they were at risk.

Almost 70 per cent of the 2,000 serving members of the RAF who took part in the RAFBF survey admitted to the occasional flutter on the National Lottery, while 23 per cent said they used online gambling sites.

Just under 10 per cent assessed themselves at ‘low risk’,

four per cent admitted to ‘moderate risk’ while two per cent were problem gamblers.

Most at risk are NCOs aged between 18 and 24 and the survey highlighted links between heavy drinking and mental health problems.

Men are three times more likely to be problem gamblers than women and of those surveyed 24 per cent

were categorised as at ‘increasing risk’ of alcohol use, three per cent admitted to problem drinking while two per cent were dependent on alcohol.

And researchers say frontline deployments can contribute to escalating gambling as personnel develop a high-risk mindset to cope with anxiety.

The problem is even more severe among Service veterans, who are 10 times more likely to develop a problem than Civvie Street punters and at higher risk of drink and drug use, according to an investigation by the Forces in Mind Trust.

The MOD campaign follows government moves to tighten controls on High Street bookies and online sites.

Last year the Entain group, which owns gambling giant Ladbrokes, was fined a record £17 million by the Gambling Commission for failing to operate proper checks to support struggling customers.

Problem gambling is estimated to cost the UK up to £1.6 billion in economic, health, societal and criminal justice costs.

The RAFBF backing calls factors, training and better education for recruits.

The latest Defence on previous studies experiences to serving military Principal Swansea Simon Dymond community are from gambling this survey is experience of gambling personnel. We don’t need to have matters, so please l Visit: tinyurl.com/SAGEgambling survey.

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Survey finds: l Vets are 10 times more likely to have an addiction

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l Online sites a big problem l Young, male NCOs ‘at danger’

By Tracey Allen

of Forces gambling

Air Traffic Controller warns of dangers in ‘just a bit of fun’

FOR YEARS Peter Buckley was living a lie – he had a secret life as a compulsive gambler. After being in recovery for four years, the RAF Shawbury-based air traffic controller has spoken out about his experience to help others who find themselves in the grip of this debilitating obsession.

The WO, who has been in the Air Force for 20 years, is particularly keen that anyone who has recently started gambling, and may not view it as a problem, can learn the dangers of what might first seem to be just harmless fun.

And he wants hardened gamblers, like he was, to know that it’s never too late to stop.

Peter, 39, revealed that, at its worst, his gambling addiction caused him to deceive his wife and put gambling ahead of his family and friends.

Although he’s not gambled for four and a half years, he said he will consider himself a compulsive gambler for the rest of his life.

He said: “My recovery is really strong now, I work a 12-step recovery programme, I have a sponsor and attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

Stigma

“I want to help remove the stigma that having a gambling problem means your career will be ruined, I want to help people whose gambling may have just started to become a problem and help educate even new gamblers who may wish to learn about the dangers if gambling becomes uncontrolled.”

Peter is reluctant to divulge how much debt he was in when gambling; he stated the money spent is nothing compared to the time lost and lies told in order to gamble, but admitted that he took out loans secretly to fund his addiction. He now owns a house with his wife, something he could never save for when he was actively gambling.

RAFBF is among the Forces welfare groups for screening serving personnel for risk training for health professionals and managers education about the risks of having a flutter Defence online survey is designed to build studies by exploring military gamblers’ develop online learning platforms for the military community.

Swansea University Investigator Professor Dymond said: “Members of the Armed Forces are at increased risk of experiencing harms compared to the general population and one of the first of its kind to explore the gambling and related harms among Service are keen to hear from all personnel – you have gambled to participate. Your opinion please get involved.”

tinyurl.com/SAGEgambling to take part in the

He started gambling young, at just 11 or 12, with bets on the Grand National, then playing fruit machines in snooker halls as a teenager.

He said: “All my friends were doing it, I didn’t know I had a problem, but when I look back I realise I was doing it more, and secretly. I spent less time playing snooker and a lot more gambling.”

Aged 19, Peter was posted to Lossiemouth and, with access to the internet in his quarters, his gambling got worse.

He explained: “It became a lot easier, I didn’t have to wait for the bookmakers to open, I could gamble at 2am in my room if I wanted to. And the money I was spending online didn’t seem real.

“Then I had stages where I was gambling a lot more, to deal with problems, using it as an escape when life became harder at

times. But I didn’t fully realise I had an addiction until I was caught out by my wife looking at bank statements, and she contacted the GA helpline for

“I got to the stage where I stopped looking at my bank statements, I was gambling a lot more money than I could afford. I didn’t want to admit I had a Peter placed bets on horse racing, on football matches and before going into recovery for the first time, on online casinos where he could get a faster He said: “Understanding my addiction better now, I can see that I needed to do things more frequently and quicker to get my fix.

“What I regret so much about it is the time lost gambling and that I prioritised it over time with my friends and my family – I was with them but thinking about gambling instead of focusing on what was important in life.”

Recovery

Peter revealed that he first realised he was a compulsive gambler about 11 years ago and went into recovery for around 18 months, but he stopped attending GA meetings as he thought he was ‘cured’. He went back to gambling a year later, but placed his last bet on December 23, 2018, and returned to recovery.

He admitted: “It sounds bizarre but I feel really lucky now that I am a compulsive gambler because I have learnt more about myself as a person and can work on my defects. I feel I’m a much better person now, I’m a lot happier, I have nothing to hide, I haven’t got this horrible, anxious feeling in my head, I don’t have to live a lie. But I will always refer to myself as a compulsive gambler.”

He added: “It was really hard for my wife but she stood by me – she’s been fantastic. She is grateful I’m in recovery and she gets the best of me now.”

Once he’s completed the 12-step recovery programme, Peter hopes to become a GA sponsor himself. He’s now a mentor for several people and has been interviewed about his addiction for a film on the RAF Benevolent Fund’s website. The Fund commissioned a research report that looks at the extent of gambling as an issue among serving RAF personnel. Go to: rafbf.org/get-support for more information.

ONLINE: Phones mean you can gamble anywhere, at any time

LADBROKES: Fined a record £17 million

Dam raids in Johnny’s own words

New film to have premiere

Tracey Allen

A NEW film about Dambusters

veteran Sqn Ldr George ‘Johnny’ Johnson receives its premiere next month.

Attack on Sorpe Dam, directed by Andrew Panton, follows the story of Johnny – the last surviving original member of 617 Sqn, who died last December aged 101 –and his aircrew from March 1943, on joining a newly-formed squadron, for a top secret, special operation that has the potential to shorten the war in Europe.

Johnny describes the dangerous low-flying training and events leading up to the operational briefing on May

16, 1943. The bomb aimer and his crew finally discover what they are expected to do and are presented with what seems like an impossible task. They are to fly at 100 feet in a fourengine Lancaster at night, over many

miles of occupied enemy territory. On reaching the target, they need to drop a new weapon that has never before been tried operationally, with pin-point accuracy and in a way they had not practised, and then make their way back home safely. Nothing like this had ever been attempted, said Andrew.

The film has its first screening on May 13 at Bristol Aquarium’s Auditorium, then shows at the Kinema in the Woods at Woodhall Spa on May 16 and 17, Duxford Air Museum on May 20 and at Stratford Manor Hotel on June 18.

Andrew said: “Johnny and I wanted this film to provide an accurate representation of what actually happened

and be true to the facts. He was involved throughout the production, reviewing the research and screenplay as well as checking through the final edit to make sure he was happy with it.”

He added: “Johnny provides the entire narrative telling the story in his own words, exactly as it happened. For people who are looking for a historically accurate first-hand account of what it was like to be a part of the Dambusters operation, brought to life with new visual effects, this film is for them.”

Andrew explained that he and visual effects producer Piotr Forkasiewicz had the idea for the

film, subtitled In Pursuit of Victory, in 2017 after first meeting Johnny who told them that the attack on the Sorpe Dam wasn’t featured in the 1955 movie The Dam Busters Andrew said: “With this in mind we decided to create a film that tells Johnny’s Dambusters story in a way he wished it to be remembered.

“All the hard work and effort was worth it when I last saw Johnny and he acknowledged how happy he was with the film. It feels satisfying to know Piotr and I achieved what Johnny wanted and his complete story in his own words is preserved in film.”

l Go to: attackonsorpedam.com for more details.

UNTOLD STORY: Attack on Sorpe Dam wasn’t in The Dam Busters film. Below left, Johnny with director Andrew Panton. Below, scene from new film

By Tracey Allen

AMAZING COLOUR

shots of different types of aircraft – from Jet Provosts, Buccaneers and Hawks through to Tornados, Typhoons and F-35 Lightnings – are featured in a new book, a pictorial display of low flying in Cumbria and beyond.

The UK has some of the most dramatic landscapes used by pilots to hone vital low-flying skills, including parts of Scotland and the world-famous Mach Loop in Wales. These locations offer excellent opportunities for photographers to capture close-up and dramatic shots.

Scott Rathbone, who has been taking low-level photographs for more than 20 years, has now written Military Low-Level Flying, From F-4 to F-35 (published by Air World, pen-and-sword.co.uk, rrp £35).

He said: “In the early days of aviation aircraft had to fly low simply because they didn’t have the power or means to gain much height, but as technology improved to allow them to fly higher, further technology evolved that basically forced military aircraft to fly low tactically.

“The modern art of military low-level flying was conceived to avoid detection by enemy radar and defence systems by flying below the radar detection envelope, with any useable valleys helping to further mask the position of attacking aircraft.”

He explained: “During the Cold War it was considered an essential tactic by Nato to be employed should the world’s worst fears have been realised, and strike aircraft developed during the period were designed with a primary lowlevel role; the Panavia Tornado is a perfect example, possibly the ultimate low-level strike aircraft.

“With the end of the Cold War and Soviet threat, there have been arguments about the current effectiveness of low flying, with many calling for an end to such operations by claiming that the tactic is outdated. However, the counter argument is that low-level flying has evolved over the years and while its use for avoiding enemy radar might now be limited due to newer radar technology and smart weapons, low-level can still be used effectively in several scenarios, such as Close Air Support operations and ‘show of force’ fast passes, which have been used with great effect in recent conflicts.”

The author added: “The biggest stronghold for the low-level photography fraternity is that of the Mach Loop in the southern

The lowdown on RAF’s vital valley training

available and the nature of the dynamic images that can be captured there.

“To drive the roads through the valleys that make up the Loop takes approximately an hour for the 25-mile journey –something a fast jet can do in approximately three minutes.

WE HAVE copies of Military Low-Level Flying to win. For a chance to own one, answer the following question correctly:

Snowdonia area of North Wales… the Loop has gained its fame due to the wealth of photographic locations

“One of the joys of low-level photography is that you never know what you might see, and while this

has diminished somewhat over the years, it has been especially true of Cumbria and in particular the Thirlmere valley.

“As arguably one of the most picturesque valleys in the whole of the UK’s Low Flying System, it has been regularly used by RAF squadrons to give visiting foreign units a taste of the UKLFS, particularly as its proximity to Spadeadam makes it an ideal route for any aircraft routing low-level to the range.”

Where in Wales is the Mach Loop?

Email your answer, marked Low-Level Flying 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 May 5. Please include your full postal address.

54(F) Sqn Jaguar GR.1A, 1991, by Adrian Walker

Typhoon of IX (B) Sqn, by Tom Gibbons

12 Sqn Tornados, by James Bird A400M Atlas, 2020, by Scott Rathbone

C-130J Hercules with special livery, 2019, by Kevin Wills

Op honours for morale booster Rev

Personnel excel overseas

Awards

APPOINTMENT TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Member

l A/WO J.W. Putland

JOINT COMMANDER’S COMMENDATION

l Gp Capt J.T.W. Hough

l Sqn Ldr C.E. Gonzalez

l Rev (Sqn Ldr) C. Lacey

l Sqn Ldr D.M.N. Morrison

l Fg Off (now Flt Lt) C.K. Carey

l WO R.A. Grimshaw-Else

l Flt Sgt J.S. Aitchison

l Flt Sgt J.P. Lewis MBE

l Flt Sgt J.G. Murphy

l Sgt J.A. Bailey

l Cpl A.V. Carre

l Cpl L.S. Dawson

l Cpl D.C. Suttie

CPL SUTTIE: Op Shader engineer

FOUR AIR Force personnel are recognised in the latest Armed Forces Operational Honours for their achievements worldwide. A chaplain who battled Covid in the Gulf, ground crew who kept Typhoons flying against Daesh Islamist terrorists and in defence of Nato and a rookie air operations officer who excelled on his first overseas mission all receive Joint Commander’s Commendations.

Akrotiri-based Typhoon engineer Cpl David Suttie was supervising frontline support on Operation Shader when the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in the jets being ordered to support Nato – effectively doubling the workload.

He said: “It is with heartfelt pride that I accept this award on behalf of II(AC) Sqn. This award is recognition of the team, those who support us and our ability to deliver. It is an honour to be amongst such a group of individuals.”

WO Richard Grimshaw-Else’s phenomenal performance over one 24-hour

Team Commendation

l Force Movements Control Centre Forward (Middle East)

Foreign Awards

US Bronze Star Medal

l Sqn Ldr R.J. Hurcomb

l Sqn Ldr A.J. Swan

period saw II(AC) Sqn jets fly four separate operations across three continents from Cyprus – double the normal output, with only a 40 per cent increase in personnel. He said: “This deployment saw the highest tempo of operations in the history of Typhoon; this was only made possible by the efforts of the entire deployment team and the direct support received from RAF Lossiemouth.”

Rookie Air Operations Flt Lt Colin exceptional efforts on Operation Biloxi in Romania and a deployed exercise to Turkey are also recognised. With no prior experience,

having joined 140 EAW and 3 (F) Sqn with just two weeks’ notice, and only four months into his first tour, his remarkable output quickly merited acting higher rank and special recognition.

He said: “I am immensely proud to have served on the Operation and it is without doubt one of the highlights of my career so far.”

83 EAG chaplain Rev Sqn Ldr Christina Lacey boosted morale on Operation Kipion, reinforcing team spirit despite the setbacks posed by Covid restrictions.

She said: “It is so humbling to receive this commendation. To be a chaplain is to serve and to love, so that is what I try to do.

“It’s an awesome honour to live and journey alongside those who give so much in the Armed Forces, especially whilst on deployment, to play my part in loving and valuing people not just for what they do, but for who they are.”

OPERATION BILOXI: Flt Lt Colin Carey WO GRIMSHAW-ELSE

All aboard for the Universal Express

$90 extra to jump queues a really good investment

THERE CAN be no question, Hollywood is the film capital of the world. The studios here have created the biggest cinema blockbusters for a century, and they’re still at it.

Everything, from Psycho to War of The Worlds, was shot right here in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. It’s one of the oldest studios in Hollywood, founded in 1912, and every movie buff’s dream location. In my book it’s worth the 11-hour flight from the UK, without question. It’s a working movie studio incorporating, what is probably, the best theme park on the planet.

To really get the best out of it, I have two words that will change your life… Universal Express.

Rides

The lines for the best rides can be long, especially during the holidays, and Express tickets allow you to use a separate lane to hop to the front. You can use the express lane once a day for every major ride, and we walked straight on to everything during our visit. Sweet!

Express tickets aren’t cheap, costing $199 per person. That’s $90 more than standard park entry, at $109, but the time saving is well

worth it unless you’re visiting Universal for several days.

The rides at Universal Hollywood are brilliant and the best of all is the Studio Tour. This is an immersive tram ride that takes you around 13 blocks of film sets. The tour takes you down many of the street sets that you’ll recognise from countless films, including LA LA Land and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Your tram also makes stops inside a number of world-class immersive experiences that turn it into a 4D ride.

You’ll be blown away by the effects as your tram gets involved in a high-speed car chase through the streets of LA on the Fast & Furious –Supercharged ride and marvel at the detail in the King Kong experience. The part where half of your tram is ripped away by a T Rex is ruddy good… I’ll stop there before I give away any more ‘spoilers’.

Moving on, you’ll find yourself on Amity Island where you come face-to-face with Jaws. This giant animatronic shark does sterling work, attacking tourists night and

day. As you learn from the tour, this is a massive improvement on the original mechanical shark that left crew repeatedly announcing over the radio “the shark is not working, repeat, the shark is not working”.

The War of the Worlds set is just as Tom Cruise left it, destroyed airliner and all, while Jurassic Park is once again operational. The fences aren’t the most reliable, but hey, what could go wrong? You’ll also get caught up in earthquakes and floods during your tour. Stay calm though, you’re the hero in this picture, you’ll probably live. The tour is the centrepiece of a day at the park so take it twice, if you get the chance. The sets take on a totally different feel at night. Jaws, for example, causes so much devastation that the dock explodes around you in a ball of flames, while the spooky Bates Motel, from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, has a really eerie vibe. You may even encounter Norman Bates, out for an evening stroll with his knife.

Away from the tour, you’ll discover a different set that you can actually walk around. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter places you in the centre of the mythical village of Hogsmeade. Pop into Ollivanders and see how a wand chooses a wizard first-hand. If you have children with you, it may even be one of them that gets chosen. It’s an entertaining show that they’ll never forget. Just have your wallet ready, those wands aren’t cheap.

Hogwarts

Next you head through the iconic winged boar gates of Hogwarts itself and explore its iconic sights before strapping in for the main ‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ ride. This is stupendously well designed, allowing you to follow Harry as he flies over the castle grounds on a broomstick. Battle Dementors, Lord Voldemort and everything in between.

I could rave on about every ride and fill pages, because they’re

all so good, but my favourite was Jurassic World, one of the latest additions to the park. The animatronics and effects are just outstanding, allowing you to come face to face with a Mosasaurus and Stegosaurus, before being chased by the terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex. What a classic dino flick moment!

At Universal you really feel like you’re on a film set and the adventure never stops. Off the rides, I paused for a pint of Duff beer with the Simpsons at Moe’s Bar, while Tilly was talking to this guy… He really wanted her to say his name three times, for some strange reason… Betelgeuse, Beetlejuice… You know the script. So there we are, ‘it’s a wrap’ as they say. As theme parks go, Universal Hollywood is up there with the best, but this is more than a bunch of rides. This is the spiritual home of cinema, the lifeblood of Hollywood and if there’s one attraction that should be on everyone’s bucket list, this is it. l visittheusa.co.uk

POTTER ABOUT: See Hogsmeade and Harry (inset above)

LAND OF THE GIANTS: King Kong battles T-Rex

SCI-FI: War of the Worlds set

SAY MY NAME: Tilly and Beetlejuice

The Forces Pension Societyis an independent, not-for-profit organisation which acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community.

Can you help to identify a vet with an unclaimed pension?

AS PART of a campaign to encourage Veterans with unclaimed pension benefits to come forward with their claims, the Forces Pension Society encourages you to help identify anyone you think might qualify.

We know there are thousands of Veterans who have not yet made their claims. Our recent Freedom of Information request showed that during the 24-month period alone, between 1st June 2020 – 31st May 2022, over 4,000 Armed Forces pensions went unclaimed.

The AFPS Annual Report (July 2022) identified a larger total of 16,518 unclaimed benefits, with some Veterans having more than one entitlement.

Maj Gen Neil Marshall, CEO of the Forces Pension Society said: “We can all play our part in encouraging Veterans we know, to come forward if they have not claimed their preserved pensions or preserved lump sums. These can be significant amounts of money. For example, a preserved pension of £1,500 for someone who left in April 1985, would now have a value of £4,500 pa.

Anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an unclaimed pension. AFPS pensions earned before April 2005 are payable at age 60 but will not be paid automatically – they have to be applied for.

“We urge you to encourage anyone who

From Maj Gen Neil Marshall,CEO of the Forces Pension Society

might be eligible, to visit the Veterans’ Gateway website without delay at: https://support. veteransgateway.org.uk/app/answers/detail /a_id/395

“Of course the Government also has a role to play in signposting the issue to the Veterans’ community, and we continue to encourage them to do just that.”

* The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community. If you would like to find out more about our work and how we empower our Members to make the best pension choices, visit our website –www.forcespensionsociety.org

● Neil Marshall, CEO, Forces Pension Society

Pulling power

THE SEAT Ateca is one of those cars that does what it says on the tin. It’s practical family motoring that gets you to where you want to go in reasonable comfort, without breaking the bank. Its only direct rival is Skoda’s Karoq, and it pips that on handling. It’s therefore a refreshing outrider in the wider crossover class, and a car that doesn’t disappoint.

Outside Good lines, plenty of neat styling features and an overall modern feel make the Ateca a nice-looking car. It looks particularly good in Lava Blue… Nuff said really.

Inside The Ateca has a particularly spacious cabin so passengers can spread out, front and back.

There’s plenty of adjustment on the driver’s seat and everything aligns well. The pedals, seat and steering wheel all sit in the right place to allow you to get comfortable. The seats have a good amount of side support to hold you in place through the bends too.

The upholstery is nicely stitched and some thought has clearly gone into making some of the most visible surfaces look more upmarket. The dashboard surface has also been upgraded with a rubbery feel that makes is nicer to the touch. Unfortunately, it still looks like hard plastic at a glance however, which dates the interior slightly.

On the upside, physical buttons remain for all the major dashboard features – way easier to operate on the move.

On the road

Our test car was the 1.5 TSI EVO XPERIENCE model, producing 150PS. 0-62mph in nine seconds, a top speed of 126mph and a fuel economy figure of between 39.8 to 42.2mpg.

The 1.5 turbo-charged engine worked well with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox to provide enough power for a spirited drive. All-in-all, it felt well suited to the car, ensuring that it didn’t feel underpowered. It was also pleasantly quiet and refined, with enough oomph for overtaking. In fact, the set-up delivers so much mid-range power that it pulls like a

Seat Ateca

Pros

l Pulls like a train

l Engaging drive

l Spacious interior

l Well-equipped for the dosh

Cons

l Interior slightly dated

l Jolts over potholes

l Some rivals offer better space-saving tricks

Verdict

The Seat Ateca is a goodlooking car, with plenty of attention paid to detail. It handles well for a crossover and is impressively spacious. In the mid-range it has plenty of grunt and pulls like a train. It’s well equipped and competitively priced. Unless you have your heart set on a crossover SUV, the Leon Estate is possibly a better all-rounder but, if you do, the Ateca remains one of the best five-seat crossovers on the market.

train on long uphill overtakes. It’s one of the better handling crossovers out there too, with precise steering and good body control.

Marathon man Ken's on target to join the '100 Club'

Endurance athlete has raised £1000s for SSAFA

Laurence Parker

ENDURANCE RUNNER Sgt Ken

Ivory has made a habit of going the extra mile to raise thousands of pounds for Forces charity SSAFA.

A keen runner at school, his enthusiasm for the sport was rekindled when he joined the military in his 20s.

With the greater demand for fitness, he turned to cross country and then longer distances. Soon he was covering 40 or more miles and even ran 100 miles from Hull to RAF Waddington with colleagues, in 27 hours, “to get to know the guys I was working with a little better.”

So, how do you mentally train yourself to do a long-distance run? “There is no hard and fast rule…it is just breaking down the distance. Once you get to the next checkpoint you reset,” he said.

And what about hitting ‘the wall’? “In races like the 100-milers you must acknowledge that you are going to have a bad patch. This is the bit you have to work through. It is so easy to give up and adopt the ‘I won’t bother’ attitude,” Ken said.

“When I run, I like to mull over what is happening in my life. It is a great way to de-stress. I don’t use headphones, I like

to listen to and watch nature and wildlife,” said the dedicated father of three.

“I know I am never going to win these races. I do it for my own challenge. I like to do different challenges. I have done the London Marathon seven times since 2006. I have done mountain races, flat ones, coastline runs. The Mont Blanc took me nine hours.”

Ken, married to Tracey, who recently also began running, said his toughest race was the Malayan Marathon, that took 6.5 hours to complete over difficult terrain in exhausting heat.

“Going downhill is not as easy as many people think,” he said. His favourite? Undoubtedly the South African Comrades Marathon –considered by many to be the oldest ultra-marathon in the world. Competitors run a road race of 56 miles. Last run by Ken in 2013, you are not deemed a true ‘Comrade’ unless you have completed the ‘Up’ run and the ‘Down’ run.

Televised over 13 hours, the national event sees competitors run the distance in 12 hours or less or risk disqualification.

More than 20,000 runners compete annually for the

glory of doing this arduous race, with Ken having run a respectable 8hrs 26mins and just over 9 hours on a couple of other occasions.

To secure a place in the Comrades, competitors need to have run at least one 5-hour ultramarathon.

For those who complete 100 marathons or ultra-marathons combined, a special status awaits; membership of the coveted ‘100 Marathon Club.’ The steely sergeant is well on his way to that, having done 70 so far, with 16 more lined up for this year and another 15 for 2024.

This is the dream before the 54-year-old – who is currently in People Ops at High Wycombe – leaves the RAF after 30 years’ service.

Although he does it for the love of the sport, Ken also runs for SSAFA, for which he is Honorary Treasurer, quietly raising thousands over the years for the Armed Forces charity. “It is just something I do,” he said modestly.

The next challenge is to pass the

Dark Blue Fitness Test. Involving sit-ups, press-ups and multi-stage fitness, Dark Blue is the gold standard of military tests. “Not many have the Dark Blue. There would be immense pride for me in achieving that,” said Ken. The other

big challenge on the agenda now is three marathons in three days in October, finishing at Land’s End. Is there any advice to someone wanting to take up running? “Start small, with a 5k run, build up the distances and get fit.”

THE WHITE STUFF: Sgt Ivory taking part in the Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix (CCC) 100km race around Mont Blanc

EXHAUSTED: Ken finishes the 2013 Comrades Marathon in South Africa after 9hrs 15mins

Army kill Inters hopes Battling men run out of steam in second half

Daniel Abrahams

RAF MEN’S head coach FS

Justin Coleman described his side’s 48-17 defeat to the Army as ‘disappointing’ but vowed to ‘work hard to come back from this’.

Not one to hide behind excuses, Coleman added: “We lost our way in the second half and never really got a foothold in the game to play our style of rugby, which was disappointing.

“The lads gave everything, but we struggled to deal with the Army’s big Fijian runners. Everyone’s worked really hard to make it a great season, only losing the first and last game, and I’m gutted for the players. We’ll come back from this though and improve for next season.”

The RAF started where they left off following a blistering secondhalf fightback against the Royal Navy in their IS opener, with Cpl Jonathan Taylor touching down after just three minutes, with Cpl Mark Williams converting. The hosts then ran in two quick tries

to make it 14-7, but the RAF didn’t take it lying down and hit back.

AS1(T) Sam Sheppard pushed his way over the try line among a bundle of players, with Williams missing the conversion, to make it 14-12 at the break.

The new-look RAF team have a bright future ahead of them, but they struggled to push on in the second half, conceding Army scores, before losing AS1 Connor Morris to a yellow for foul play in the 73rd minute with the score at 36-12.

Playing his last match in light blue, team captain AS1(T) Isaac Norton scored a terrific 77th-minute sprinting try, to make it 41-17 before the Army went over again.

Return of internationals isn't enough for women

IT WAS a frustrating day for the RAF’S women’s team with injuries impacting them and the rub of the green alluding them, losing 36-8 to the Army.

Even the return of internationals Fg Offs Amy Cokayne and Carys Williams-Morris – back from Six Nations duties with England and Wales respectively –couldn’t make the difference for the light blues.

Speaking after the game, assistant coach Sqn Ldr Ian Cokayne said: “We couldn’t have asked for better conditions and we got off to a great start, our game plan was working well and we led early on.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t stick to the plan due to the Army’s resilience and some unfortunate injuries hurt us.

“If we can keep this group of players together, we can address a few areas in preparation for the next IS campaign.”

Captain Flt Lt Lucy Nye got the ball rolling for the RAF as she kicked the game into life following a penalty score from Flt Lt Sarah Graham.

Nye set Cokayne into motion, and she broke the Army line before finding Flt Lt Nicole Burger. Burger found Williams-Morris, who burst out wide to score a terrific opener.

The hosts replied almost immediately after what would prove to be the light blues’ only score of the game.

With Cokayne not returning to the field after the restart, the frustration continued with Williams-Morris seeing a superb second half break fall short, while Burger, given the chance to show her speed and agility out wide, also saw the chance come to nothing after the ball broke free.

The game ended in similar style for the RAF, who saw the hosts force a turnover as Nye tried to spark another attack in the middle of the field. From there the hosts kicked the ball out to end the game and RAF IS hopes.

RUGBY

SIGNING OFF IN STYLE: RAF captain AS1(T) Isaac Norton scores a try in his last game in light blue

PHOTO: NEIL KENNEDY

OPENER: AS1(T) Sam Sheppard goes over

PHOTO: NICK FLEXMAN

HIGHLIGHT: Wales international Fg Off Carys Williams-Morris's try PHOTOS: ALLIGINUK

POWERHOUSE: England international Fg Off Amy Cokayne on attack

MOTOR SPORT

Wonder WO

Gearbox woes hit sidecar duo

IT PROVED to be a frustrating FSRA British championship opener at Croft for the Service’s F2 sidecar team, as gearbox issues hit their hopes of glory.

With regular driver Cpl Rob Atkinson absent because of work commitments, Cpl Mark Middleton was joined by Shane Colbrook at the Darlington track.

Middleton said: “A successful test at Brands three weeks earlier meant we were feeling confident heading in.

“A wet test session on Friday helped Shane

RUGBY

find his way around the bike and was time well spent. We were both happy and ready for the weekend.

“What was to come was a frustrating weekend, but being able to hang on the back of the pack with a second-hand gearbox shows great promise.”

Mixed conditions and luck were waiting for the duo and with the correct tyre choice being a major issue the RAF pair stuck with the wet tyres they had practised on for the first race.

The decision looked a good one as they pushed through the ranks, sitting third on the grid. The advantage of their great qualifying spot

Bonar eyes Six Nations return

FG OFF Sarah-Ann Bonar has targeted Scotland’s final Six Nations clash versus Ireland for her international rugby return on April 29.

The Scottish and RAF lock, who has suffered a frustrating Tik Tok Six Nations and InterServices, watching the opening two rounds from pitch side, said: “Nobody wants to be injured, but it comes with the territory. The collar bone is healing well, I am awaiting a scan next week, but I’m able to work on my fitness and planning my return.

“I have had to support Scotland

and my Service [in the InterServices] from the sidelines, which is frustrating, but I have been able to see both tournaments from a coaching lens, which is interesting.

“Scotland are in a transition period this year, seeing lots of new players coming through and coaches it’s exciting to be around, while the RAF girls have really built on the platforms already created, which is fantastic.”

Bonar carried out TV duties, chatting during the half-time break of Scotland’s opening clash versus England as part of the BBC Sport coverage.

was cancelled out by a slow start and after the first corner their gearbox issues began to show.

Unable to change down the duo were entering corners in the wrong gear, dropping back to 10th as a result before bullish riding from stand-in Colbrook saw them finally finish seventh.

A night of extensive mechanical work followed and on a sunny Sunday the pair were ready to hunt down a top three finish, until, after another average start, the pair were hampered by further mechanical problems, which saw them again finish seventh.

The duo will now move on to Donington Park for the championship’s second round.

Tony Stead almost swept the board at the RAF Championships.

In all, 49 players from the UK and overseas stations took part in the tournament at Halton.

In his 34th RAF Champs, WO Stead won two of the four finals.

For the 11th time in 12 years the 54-year-old secured the Veterans title and in the Mixed Doubles retained the trophy for the second successive year with fellow medic FS Gwen Robb, from Lossiemouth.

Despite winning the Open Doubles six times previously, he came second on this occasion. And he was also runner-up in the Open Singles.

A clearly jubilant Tony was upbeat about his successes and said: “For me at my age to still be highly competitive with the younger players just shows that as a sport table tennis is not exclusively for the younger generation.”

Lord's first

BOTH the men’s and women’s RAF cricket teams will star at the annual IST20 at Lord’s on May 10.

The Home of Cricket in St John’s Wood, London, will host the day of action, which kickstarts the summer game in style in the TriService short game T20.

The day will, for the first time, see both sets of Service teams battle it out for bragging rights and glory.

Tickets are £20 for adults, £10 for over-65s, £10 for Service personnel and veterans with proof of entitlement and free for under16s and are available from: tickets. lords.org.

l Visit: interservicest20.co.uk or @UKAFCricket on Twitter for more details.

Swim champs

THE RAF Swimming Association holds its championships on May 23-27 at Cranwell.

Swimming, diving and water polo will all feature and the event is open to all abilities; those hoping to make the RAF team and those looking to develop.

TABLE TENNIS stalwart WO

Daniel Abrahams

STEAD: 34th RAF Champs

BONAR: Pundit

RAF PAIR: Mechanical issues

PHOTO: SIMON HEATH

RAF cup double Delight as both teams take IS titles in

fine style

ALDERSHOT SAW a winner takes all Inter-Services clash which the RAF sealed to retain their title, as WO Andy Kuchta’s mean beat the Army 2-1.

Speaking to RAF News following the win, Kuchta said: “This was a very difficult IS campaign with the Navy and Army posing very different challenges.

“The togetherness the team showed during the two games was forged by the fantastic pre-IS training camp in Spain.

“Three tough games out there allowed us to play every player in the squad, as well as letting us cement the different strategies we would need to overcome the Navy and Army.”

The Airmen’s late equaliser against the RN in Portsmouth and the Army thrashing the RN 3-0 at Aldershot set up the clash, and the RAF came out of the blocks quickly, nearly scoring in the first minute.

The RAF kept probing then a 22nd minute thunderbolt from Flt Lt Aaron Eyett (Coningsby) opened the scoring, but the Army drew level just before the break against the run of play.

The second half continued in a similar vein with the RAF looking by far the more likely side to score, but a mixture of good defending

and luck denied them, until Cpl Sam Rawlings (Brize Norton) rose to meet a great cross and head home.

The hosts were stirred into action again, but despite a flurry of corners and several half chances and a goal line clearance, the Airmen held on to retain both the IS and win the Constantinople Cup.

Kuchta added: “Congratulations to AS1 Joe Spalding and Flt Lt Aaron Eyett for their recent call-ups to UKAF and Cpl Sam Rawlings for scoring his first ever SRT goal to bring the IS trophy back home.”

Team captain Sgt Michael Campbell said: “This win is a particularly proud moment for me,

wearing the armband this year, but coupled with sadness as we have to say goodbye to another legend

of RAF football, Cpl Tom Claisse, a great player who retired through injury before our first clash.”

Cpl's perfect hat-trick seals victory

“THIS IS a great group who thoroughly deserved to win both fixtures,” said WRT head coach Cpl Chris Hamilton after their 4-1 IS-clinching win.

He added: “There is always a bit of pressure on the players and staff to go and retain the InterServices, but they all handled it really well.”

Having sealed a 3-0 championship opening win over the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, Hamilton’s charges took to the field at Leek Town FC’s Harrison Park Stadium having seen the Navy thump the Army 5-2, and wanted to get an early goal, which proved difficult to find.

It was finally the visitors who broke the deadlock after 25 minutes of total RAF dominance, which saw the Army keeper produce a string of saves.

The hosts were shell-shocked and played that way for the following 10 minutes, before

Shawbury’s Cpl Pip Wilson levelled with a right-foot finish.

Wilson then turned provider, following a great turn and run into the box, her shot was palmed clear by the Army keeper, but she couldn’t react quickly enough to stop the follow up from AS1 Lucy Farrow, to make it 2-1 just before the break.

The RAF again took control from the restart, with Wilson making it 3-1 with a header, before completing her perfect hat-trick (head, left foot and right

foot) with a left-foot finish. Hamilton added: “We expected a reaction from the Army after their defeat to the Navy but initially felt comfortable in the game until they scored through a bit of an error.

“I think going 1-0 down actually calmed us down and we started to produce some entertaining football, totally dominating the game. In the end I feel that the 4-1 win was the least we deserved, we could have scored more.”

CELEBRATION: The fizz flies as the RAF men retain the Inter-Services trophy and win the Constantinople Cup

PHOTO: IAN FORSHAW

Daniel Abrahams

Film Review

Never Forget Tibet (PG)

In cinemas now

Keeping Tibet struggle alive

NEVER FORGET TIBET is a documentary – inspired by the book An Officer and His Holiness by Rani Singh – centred around His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama that sheds light on the ongoing struggle for Tibet’s freedom.

The film takes us on a journey through Tibet’s tumultuous history, from its peaceful existence as a Buddhist kingdom to the violent Chinese occupation that began in 1950.

As he is interviewed, we hear the

Dalai Lama’s personal account of this hostile takeover and the tense details of his exile in 1959.

The film is hosted by journalist Singh, whose own uncle Har Mander Singh was the Indian officer who escorted his holiness to safety. This documentary touchingly unites the two men as they speak with considerable compassion for each other and the practices of Tibetan culture.

The effect of the Dalai Lama and his presence is clear: the film opens with his appearance on

West End calls again for Helen

the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in 2015, and we see the groups of people who trek to his place of residence to merely see him in person. More than a spiritual celebrity, he uses his platform to promote Tibetan teachings in the face of adversity, and to urge a peaceful resolution to the continued conflict with China. The documentary features interviews with many others, including Tibetan activists, scholars, and historians. The structure is a little choppy, doing its best to

string anecdotes along coherently, dropping its style and form on occasion, with intermittent narration by Hugh Bonneville.

Never Forget Tibet might not be polished or even the most

DVD

Blade of the 47 Ronin (15)

On DVD and Blu-ray from April 24 Dazzler Media

Top martial arts

IN THIS exciting martial arts adventure, an evil witch named Yurei, whose ancestor was slain by one of the legendary 47 Ronin [samurai], has surfaced in modern day Budapest, determined to take his revenge.

Yurei seeks to completely destroy all samurai by uniting both halves of the powerful Tengu Sword. A prophecy claims only a descendant of the original 47 Ronin can wield the blade and defeat this great evil.

The samurai are shocked when Lord Shinshiro identifies a streetwise New Yorker named Luna as the one who was prophesied. He charges ronin Reo and apprentice Onami with training Luna to be the hero they desperately need.

comprehensible at times, but there is a lot of heart and its message is undeniably noble.

Two out of five roundels

Review by Sam Cooney

Win!

action

Pang (Crazy Rich Asians) and Mike Moh (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), this fightfilled extravaganza is directed by actor and stunt veteran Ron Yuan (Mulan).

We have copies on DVD up for grabs. For your chance to win one, tell us:

Who directed Blade of the 47 Ronin?

Email your answer, marked 47 Ronin 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 May 5.

THE HIT musical The King and I is set to return to London’s West End next year starring Call The Midwife’s Helen George as Anna Leonowens, following its current UK tour.

Directed by Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, My Fair Lady, To Kill A Mockingbird), this Rogers and Hammerstein masterpiece will open at London’s Dominion Theatre on January 20, 2024 for a six-week season.

George, known to millions over the past decade as Trixie in the hugely popular BBC One drama series Call The Midwife, will

return to the stage to reprise the lead role she is currently playing on tour across the UK. She will be reunited on stage with her co-star, Darren Lee, who played The King on Broadway. Both have been receiving rave reviews on the tour, which continues until November this year.

The timeless romance from the golden age of musicals includes the songs Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance

l Go to: KingandIMusical.co.uk to book tickets.

With most of the samurai lords dead or missing, and a traitor hiding among them, the remaining warriors must summon all their skills as martial arts masters to combat Yurei’s mystic magic and fulfil their destiny.

Featuring rising star Anna Akana (Ant-Man), Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Chapter 3 –Parabellum), Chris

Cook couple can't to spring into summer

D-Day Darlings in coronation treat

WARTIME INSPIRED singing group and Britain’s Got Talent finalists the D-Day Darlings have announced the release of their new single, I Vow to Thee My Country, on April 23, to celebrate the King’s coronation. They will also be setting off on a 24-date UK tour from April to June.

Joining The D-Day Darlings on selected dates of the tour will be Britain’s Got Talent winner (2019) war veteran Sergeant Major Colin Thackery, young trailblazers The D-Day Juniors

– a group of performers aged between 6 to 17 – and the newlyformed The Brand New Voices Choir, a vibrant community of people from Birmingham, which was founded by the D-Day Darling’s lead singer Katie Ashby.

The tour will visit various towns and cities including Leeds, Clacton-on-Sea, Lancaster, Aldershot, Dundee, Weymouth and the Isle of Wight. Some of the shows are matinee performances.

The D-Day Darlings was formed by Katie in 2008 and

reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018. Their debut album I’ll Remember You charted at number 5 on the official album charts. Dame Vera Lynn was one of their supporters.

Katie is ambassador of The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, which supports under fives with cerebral palsy and other motor learning difficulties. Last year Katie was invited by Dame Vera’s family to be the voice to raise funds to erect a memorial statue of the World War II Forces sweetheart. l Go to: ddaydarlings.co.uk/tour for more information.

can't wait summer

Edited by Tracey Allen

We've had the musical, now its Op Mincemeat the album

THE FULL original London cast recording of the criticallyacclaimed Operation Mincemeat –A New Musical will be released on May 12.

The show starts an eight-week run on May 9 at the West End’s Fortune Theatre.

The album includes recordings from the off-West End awardwinning cast featuring David Cumming, ClaireMarie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone and Zoë Roberts.

“The album is launched alongside the new track Sail On, Boys. Fans were invited to vote for their four favourite songs which would be released ahead of the album, with Sail On, Boys following the first track God That’s Brilliant,” said a spokesperson for Sony Music. “Two additional fan favourites, All the Ladies and Das Übermensch, will be released soon.”

The show was inspired by

historian and Times columnist Ben McIntyre’s bestselling book of the same name that tells the true story of a far-fetched secret mission that saved tens of thousands of lives in World War II.

The book also inspired a film (left), released last year, starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Johnny Flynn as Naval Intelligence Officer Ewan Montagu, Flt Lt Charles Cholmondeley, who was seconded to MI5, and James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

Operation Mincemeat – A New Musical won The Stage Debut award for Best Composer/Lyricist and the Off-West End award for Best Musical Production and Best Company Ensemble.

The musical was written and composed by Cumming, Felix Hagan, Hodgson and Roberts –who form SpitLip.

l Go to: operationmincemeat. com for show details.

It's take Two for Gareth

FOLLOWING THE success of his 2022 tour, Gareth Malone is back with more dates for 2023 –with a selection of new songs.

JOHN AND Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen has returned to ITV1 and ITVX for series eight.

Hosted by culinary couple John Torode and Lisa Faulkner, the new series features 10 episodes, after their autumn and festive airings for series seven achieved their highest audience share since the show first launched in 2019.

Lisa said: “I try to not wish the days away but when you wake up and it’s light outside and it’s the daylight that wakes you up, the days just feel so much longer. You want to go out for a walk more, you can just fit more into the day and looking around you’re seeing spring springing – everything just feels more hopeful. I don’t think I’m as good with winter.

“We are so happy to be back; the show is such a pleasure to do.”

John added: “There’ll be some episodes heading into summer as well so we’ve tailor-made some rather brilliant new recipes for that time of year. There’ll be plenty of green, tasty, seasonal and healthy stuff.”

Lisa agreed: “Yes, there will be a lot more fresh and light

ideas...Some real classic British flavours and some perfect family feasting suggestions, as well as some picnic favourites too.”

John revealed: “We’ve also tried to introduce a few new ingredients here and there and gone a little bit offpiste... but we’ve kept our one meatfree dish in every show, we’ve kept a bake on every show and there are definitely some classics with modern twists – but there are some new and outrageous things too!”

Do the couple find it harder to think of new dish ideas?

“Not at all,” said John. “I think spring and summer opens up a huge box of delights.”

Lisa said: “It’s been really lovely actually do some spring and summer dishes – it’s been really nice to come up with new things this time round that are more for the light, longer days we’re having, and include things that are a bit more green like delicious warm salads. There are lots of lighter

options that are still very costeffective that we want viewers to explore with us.”

John added: “With these seasons there are options to also do more grilling outside too for instance and incorporate lots of spring veg. You can learn how to do asparagus properly for example or how to make the most of the garden pea... We actually do a whole show about everything green. So this time of year I think is packed full of really luscious and good-foryou stuff.”

Do the husband and wife’s daily routines change as they approach summer?

Australia-born John said: “Almost automatically I think your body wants to start eating differently. It does yearn for different things and what we’ve tried to reflect this series is exactly that, so yes, our days are completely different.

“We get up a lot later, we light the barbie outside, we have people outside in the garden, and just enjoy sitting outside more.”

Lisa, also an actor, added: “To start having the windows and doors open more is so nice – that gives me joy.”

l The series continues on Saturdays at 11.35am on ITV1.

Together with his band and singers, he brings his new tour, Sing-Along-A-Gareth-Two, to venues across the UK this autumn, starting on November 2 at Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre.

The tour will then travel around the UK before culminating on December 11 at London’s Cambridge Theatre.

He said: “After the barnstorming, whirlwind success of Sing-AlongA-Gareth in 2022, I’m back – new and improved – with Sing-AlongA-Gareth-Two, featuring a whole new list of classic tunes for you and your friends to sing your hearts out to. I’ll be up and down the nation warming your larynxes in a feelgood evening of fun that will leave you with a song in your heart.

Playing piano, guitar and bass, Gareth will create songs on the spot and help the audience to write their own too, discovering some hidden talent along the way. The song list will be available to download in advance for those wanting to practise.

Gareth’s achievements as choirmaster, presenter and populariser of choral music include three number one singles, two BAFTA awards and countless popular television shows over the last 15 years – including The Choir and The Choir: Military Wives

He was also the pioneer of the

Great British Home Chorus, which saw thousands of people across the country sing with him from their kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms during the pandemic.

l Go to: garethmalone.com for more details.

MALONE: Choirmaster's walking on air

THE GOOD LIFE: John and Lisa

Your Announcements

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

Seeking

SEEKING Leonard Stockall, who was an old school friend of mine, joined the RAF in the 1960s and may have been a Warrant Officer at some time, possibly in Norfolk, though, like me, would have retired years ago. He would be in his late 70s by now. He came from Woolhope Road in Worcester and had a sister called Marilyn. Please contact Keri Moreman via email: jokerclover4@gmail. com if you can help.

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.

Reunions

RAF TG11 Reunion – calling all ex T/phonist/TPO/Teleg/ TCO/TCC/WOP/TRC personnel in TG11, also any contemporary comms trades that superseded the above, all are welcome to the forthcoming TG11 reunion on the weekend May 13-14. Venue is the Marriot Delta Hotels Nottingham Belfry, Mellors Way, off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham NG8 6PY. Please find further details at: tg11association.com where, if you are not already a member of the association, there is a facility to become one (just press the register motif at the top of the website page).

RAF CHANGI – did you serve there between 1946 -72? The RAF Changi Association (inc. HQFEAF) would like to hear from you and a warm welcome awaits you. Membership is open to all ranks, ex RAF/WRAF/ WAAF, also including civilian personnel who served there. Why not join us for our 25th Annual Reunion and AGM which

How to use our service

has been booked for the weekend of May 12-14 at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Warwick, CV34 6RE?

Please contact our Membership Secretary, Malcolm Flack, on: 01494 728562 or email: memsecchangi@outlook. com or please visit the website: www.rafchangi.com for more details.

THE 60th anniversary reunion of the 49th Entry

2 Sqn Clerks Boy Entrants at RAF Hereford is to be held from May 15-17 at Thoresby Hall, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. If you are interested in attending the reunion please contact Dave Beaumont on: 07538651712 or you can email: beaumont.d@sky.com or please contact Bob Cuss via email at: rbc324@john-lewis. com for more information.

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

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.

IF you trained as an RAF Administrative Apprentice (or are related to one) we would be delighted to welcome you to the RAFAA Association. See website: rafadappassn.org; or contact Membership Secretary on: 07866 085834 or the Chairman on: 01933 443673.

RAF Catering WOs’ and Seniors’ Association (RAF CWO & SA): all serving or retired TG19 Warrant Officers or Flight Sergeants and all former Catering Branch Officers are invited to join the RAF CWO & SA. We meet twice yearly. Please email: davescott10@hotmail.co.uk.

Charity concert

New TVs for Akrotiri

The TV Loan Pool for Service personnel and civilians has launched at RAF Akrotiri, writes Cpl Sharna Squibb.

The scheme allows them to borrow a TV while they wait for their personal effects to arrive on the island – a process that sometimes takes months rather than weeks.

With funding secured from the RAF Benevolent Fund, BFBS Welfare Fund and the Nuffield Trust, 27 new smart 42-inch flat screen TVs have been purchased.

The station’s Community Support Officer, Flt Lt Kieran Nevin, said: “We would not have been able to make this possible if it wasn’t for the help of the charities. We are very thankful for all of their support.”

While the TVs are free

to borrow, there is a €1 voluntary donation per week which will be used to pay for maintenance and to replenish stock.

RAF Akrotiri’s Station Commander, Gp Capt Simon

Cloke, said: “It is really important that we are able to support all our new arrivals, so they feel the transition from the UK to overseas is made as comfortable as possible for them.”

Unique chopping boards for sale

READER SIMON Pugh, a former Air Cadet, has created handmade wooden chopping boards featuring the Red Arrows and the Union Jack.

He said: “I hope they can find homes ready for King Charles’s coronation next month.

“The boards were hand-crafted in Essex using maple, padauk and American walnut –silk to the touch.”

Nine’ – with red border and juice groove –43x33cm – £150; ‘Union Jack 1’ – 47x29cm – £150; and Union Jack 2’ – 45x31cm – £150. All the boards are 4cm thick including rubber feet, and are oiled and waxed, with hand holds. Supplied with wax tin – £10 p&p. Simon said he will donate 10 per cent of all sales to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

THE RAFA Cranwell Branch Bomber County charity concert, featuring the Miller Magic Big Band, takes place at Sleaford Masonic Rooms on May 7, starting at 7pm. The concert has a 1940s-themed evening. The Miller Magic Big Band is a 17-piece swing orchestra formed in 2015 under the auspices of the Sleaford Concert Band. Rod Whiting, who hosts the Sunday morning breakfast show on national Boom Radio, will be Master of Ceremonies. Tickets, £10 each, are available from Hockmeyer Motors, Holdingham, Sleaford, Moore & Scrupps, Sleaford, and Sleaford Jewellers.

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.

He has four boards for sale: ‘Diamond Nine’ – plain – 41x31cm – £130; ‘Diamond

Email: simon.pugh787@gmail.com for more information.

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 will be held at St Clement Danes Church, Strand, on Wednesday, May 31 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.

HANDMADE: Simon Pugh's wooden chopping boards are crafted from maple, paduak and American walnut

FLAT SCREEN SCHEME: Service and civilian personnel at the TV Loan Pool launch

Your Announcements

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

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SSAFA’s head of network and community fundraising, Helen Fergie-McGowan, is taking part.

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BEST FEET FORWARD: Participants on a previous Cross Bay Walk for SSAFA

Across

Prize Crossword No. 337

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the eight letters in yellow squares to find an RAF aircraft

1. Eggs companion when no taxi pulls up (5)

4. Not much of a gamble? (4,3)

8.See 18 Down

9. She cares national union is remorseless at heart (5)

10. I study image (4)

11. Musical state? (8)

13. Good sport to turn left oddly (4)

14. Milligan loses head to fish (4)

16. It protects Croatian perhaps from elements (8)

17. High-fliers from Cognac, especially (4)

20. Air base where ‘Sound of Music’ heroine goes from last to first (5)

21. The French bilge becomes distinct (7)

22. Observe fewer blind people (7)

23. Grand girl in mirror (5)

Down

1. No ball will result if this line is crossed (7,6)

2. Goods first carried across river Ganges obviously (5)

3. Nothing gains top mark for Spike (4)

4.And 15 Down. Fighters attack birds of prey (6,6)

5. Supporter of the first continent to show classic movie (8)

6. Everyone is welcome! No exceptions! (3,4)

7. Flying heroes smashed butter up (3,10)

12. It makes driving difficult lice back problematic (5,3)

13. Scowl of dreadful pilot (7)

15.See 4 Down

18.And 8 Across. RAF exercise horse in front of Royal Artillery soldier (5,7)

19. In the past German leader waiting with bated breath (4)

Name

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

RAF aircraft:...................................................................

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 May 5.

Prize Crossword No. 335 winner is: David Masters, Sheffield.

Prize Su Doku No. 347

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 May 5.

The winner of Su

Doku No: 345 is: Michael Porter, London.

Filipino B-movie action

REALITY IS folded in on itself in this playfully mind-bending Filipino drama turned pulp action romp.

Leonor (Sheila Francisco), an ageing screenwriter with a taste for violent movies, is suddenly thrust into one of her own films when she is hit on the head by a television that puts her into a coma, leaving her in the thick of an unfinished vengeance story she had just dug up for a screenwriting competition.

Now a fly on the wall, she writes the story as she goes, observing action hero Ronwaldo (Rocky Salumbides) as he aims to avenge his brother (Raion Sandoval) and save the girl (Rea Molina) from a gang of drug-dealing street-toughs. Meanwhile, Leonor’s son Rudy (Bong Cabrera) with whom she is living back in the real world, tries to

comfort his mother and pay the bills, by shopping around her unfinished script.

And so the film jumps from the domestic struggles of Leonor’s family to stunt work and high body count shootouts. What makes the film within

Dexys show their feminine side

DEXYS ARE back – 11 years since the release of their last album of original music, One Day I’m Going to Soar, the band return with a new album The Feminine Divine, out on July 28.

The first single from the album, I’m Going To Get Free, is just out, soaked in horns and with a heavy dance-hall feel.

“The character is optimistically breaking free from internalised trauma, depression and guilt,” frontman Kevin Rowland said of the track.

The Feminine Divine is Dexys’ fifth album of original material produced once again by Pete Schwier, along with acclaimed session musician and producer Toby Chapman.

After taking some time out to refocus his energy, Rowland came back to music with a fresh perspective and newfound positivity. He shot to fame in the early 1980s as lead singer of Dexys Midnight Runners, who scored massive number one hits with Geno and Come On Eileen. Rowland re-

launched Dexys Midnight Runners as Dexys in 2012.

Much of the new album’s first half was written with original Dexys trombonist Big Jim Paterson. The second half is described as ‘like nothing Dexys have done before –saucy, synth-heavy cabaret, steamy, fizzing and sultry, at times doomladen and heavy and at other times raunchy and funky.’

Today Dexys is made up of Kevin, Jim (a non-touring band member), Sean Read and Mike Timothy. Dates for live shows are on the website.

l Go to: dexysofficial.com

the film so watchable is the B-movie aesthetic straight out of 70s Filipino cinema: funky bass scores, and sound effect-heavy fight scenes that have instant replays.

Leonor Will Never Die is fun and inventive, able to dip into the action whenever it pleases. It continues to get more complex as it progresses, adding layers and blurring lines of what is in the reality of the story – at one point Leonor’s family cannot find her in the hospital, only to find her in the action movie on the television.

Building to the classic genre showdown, it stays fun but gets a little greedy, piling on the self-awareness and deconstruction until it has nowhere else to go.

Three roundels out of five Review by Sam Cooney

IN THE PINK: Kevin Rowland and Dexys have a new album, The Feminine Devine(inset left)

SCREEN DRAMA: Leonor (here with son Rudy) is hit on the head by a television

HAMMER HORROR: Leonor's dream world