l See feature on page 19
See pages 16-17
Wadd crew
best drilled
l See page 28
RAF FA changes
l See page 29
Friday, July 28, 2023
No. 1565 £1.20
OCEAN ROWERS are celebrating a new Guinness World Record after becoming the fastest female team to complete a 2,000-mile voyage around the coast of Britain.
The six-strong crew of Team Ithaca, led by RAF veteran and Cadets Ambassador Wg Cdr Emma Wolstenholme, battled torrential rain, high winds, lightning and thunder during their 44-day challenge, which started at Tower Bridge last month. Full story p3
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Tracey Allen
CAMPAIGNERS ARE celebrating after the Prime Minister made a formal apology to LGBT+ veterans who were forced out of the military under the MOD’s hardline rules on homosexuality.
Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace apologised to the House of Commons for the ban, which was in place from 1967 until 2000.
The Prime Minister made the apology following the publication of a review into the impact of the policy.
According to campaigners more than 5,000 veterans have been affected both mentally and financially after being forced out of the Services following ‘intrusive’ police investigations.
Prime Minister Mr Sunak said:
“The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state.
“On behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part
of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.”
Campaign group Fighting With Pride is demanding individual compensation payments of up to £100,000, and the restoration of pension funds denied to those discharged under the ban.
Founders Craig Jones and Caroline Paige joined veterans to
1940 Hitler’s RAF order
hear the apology in Parliament
In a joint statement they said: “This is a watershed moment for LGBT+ veterans who’ve lost careers, homes, families and their sense of honour and justice.
“The Prime Minister’s apology on behalf of the nation marks the culmination of a very long road.
“We’ll be working with government to make sure every
affected veteran gets the reparation and compensation they’re owed.”
Former RAF Police Officer Ken Wright, 62, had to leave the Service in 1990, despite being considered a rising star, because he ‘admitted’ he was gay.
He said: “After being denied the opportunity to defend one’s country, being told you aren’t good enough to wear the uniform, after hiding the truth, shamefaced, from family, friends and employers, it takes huge inner strength to feel reconciled all of a sudden.
“I can’t think of a greater insult than to be told, ‘your country doesn’t want you’. Carrying that insult for 35 years scars you for life.
“On the day I was kicked out, I huddled in the corner of a grubby bedsit and cried my eyes out.
“My partner then, my husband now, recently told me, ‘your hair turned grey overnight’. I was 26 years old.
“Sorry is a small word, one of the hardest to say. I accept the Prime Minister’s apology with good grace, diluted by melancholy for what might have been.”
“I’ve learnt to dig in mentally for longer than my legs want to
“I’m one of many ex-Forces personnel to have witnessed trauma and suffered the effects”
“
a delight
TWO TORNADOS, a Hurricane and a Spitfire formed the backdrop to a parade marking the 85th anniversary of RAF Cosford.
Hundreds of personnel paraded for reviews by the Chief of the Air Staff ACM Sir Richard Knighton to music by the RAF Cranwell College Band.
Cosford Station Commander Gp
Capt Cameron Gibb said: “It has been a pleasure to see all of those on parade to mark our 85th anniversary, the reformation of No.2 School of Technical Training and the award of a new Standard to 605 Sqn.”
The Midlands station supports the training of aircraft engineers, cyber specialists, PTIs, photographers and pilots.
A NEW ID card to help veterans access specialist support is now being issued to Service leavers.
Anyone who has left the military since December 2018 will automatically be given the new document to easily verify their service, with others able to apply for it by the end of this year.
Veterans UK (which manages pensions and compensation payments), local authorities, Service charities, NHS and GPs will benefit, as they will not have to
conduct time-consuming checks.
The cards will complement the NHS commitment to providing specialist health support and dedicated mental healthcare services for veterans.
Anyone in need can contact the 24-hour Veterans’ Gateway for help with housing and financial advice, career guidance and NHS medical care. Go to: veteransgateway.org.uk or call: 0808 802 1212.
Set up in 2017, it has already had more than 20,000 contacts.
l Continued from front Skipper Emma said: “We are ecstatic that we have broken the world record and a bit relieved it is all over after the constant headwinds down the East coast. The GB coastline is beautiful, and I feel privileged to have seen it from the water.
“There are so many highlights. From the biggest shooting star I have ever seen, to dolphins, seals, minke and humpback whales, to the way the girls pulled together when I asked them to dig deep”
Relentless winds forced the crew to repeatedly anchor to avoid being pushed backwards, turning a predicted 34-day circumnavigation to 44 days 20 hours and 19 minutes.
“Living in such a confined space with five other women was more bearable than it sounds,” said the 41-year-old former Wg Cdr and RAF Bobsleigh team member. We listened to music, sang, and laughed a lot. We were even visited by an A400M which used us
to practise Search and Rescue procedures. That was a huge boost to morale.”
During the challenge, the team collected data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution and biodiversity, to be analysed by scientists at the University of Portsmouth.
Director of Fisheries and Research from marine technology specialists RS Aqua, Ryan Mowat, said: “This is a world first and the data will help us study whales and dolphins, identify noise pollution along our coastline, and gain insight into how the warming of the oceans has affected marine life around the UK.”
Emma is now focused on helping a Cadet trio known as the Three Flying Fish prepare for a recordbreaking Atlantic row that could see them become the youngest team to ever row an ocean.
“I have no plans for another rowing challenge. Maybe an Arctic or Antarctic expedition could be next on my list,” she added.
A WORLD War II hero came faceto-face with the modern version of the aircraft he served in during the war, on a recent visit to RAF Lossiemouth.
Former WO Bill Shepherd, 99, was a special guest at Lossie Fest, the Scottish station’s friends and families day, and watched an air display by an F-35 aircraft, which conducts the precision bombing role similar to that carried out by 156 Sqn and the WWII Lancaster he flew in.
He also took a salute from the RAF Falcon Display Team as they landed.
Bill said: “I’ve had such a wonderful day. The RAF has changed a lot but there are still things that are recognisable to me, and it has been nice to see how much the station has grown since I was here during the war.
“It was wonderful to see the F-35 and the Typhoon flying displays –they both move very differently to a Lancaster.”
An Air Gunner, Bill was on the last of 40 wartime missions over Essen in Germany when the aircraft’s oxygen system failed. He single-handedly revived the crew, including the pilot, while simultaneously defending the Lancaster from attack by enemy fighters.
He was awarded the George
Medal, given ‘for acts of great bravery.’
Having lost his original medal, RAF Lossiemouth presented him with a replica in a special ceremony where he was awarded honorary membership of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.
Earlier in the war, Bill was the only survivor when his aircraft
was badly shot up over France and exploded after landing at its Cambridgeshire base.
After the war Bill worked in agricultural sales. He has lived in sheltered housing in Forres, Moray, for the last 15 years.
Gp Capt Jim Lee, Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, said: “The RAF of today, and the nation, owe
a great deal of gratitude to the men and women of Bill’s generation. The technology has changed but the most important thing of all is our people. That’s why Bill’s exploits in the air continue to inspire us and are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago.
“It was RAF Lossiemouth’s honour to have him here.”
THERE ARE 5,000 free tickets up for grabs to the Military Race Day at Chepstow in November in aid of Armed Forces charity SSAFA.
Since 2014, around £200,000 has been raised at Chepstow Military Race Days for SSAFA, the UK’s oldest Tri-Service charity, set up in 1885.
l Go to: tickets.chepstowrac ecourse.co.uk/ssafa-militaryrace-day
Tracey Allen
A CHINOOK veteran who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and published a candid account of her battle with PTSD has been honoured with a prestigious national award.
Liz McConaghy, author of Chinook Crew Chick, was named 2023 Inspirational Woman in Defence by the Defence Discount Service.
Liz, from County Down in Northern Ireland, joined the Air Force aged 21 and served for more than 17 years, racking up 3,000 flying hours on the Chinook. She was the youngest aircrew personnel to be deployed to Iraq and the only female crew
member on the Chinook for four years. She served on two deployments to Iraq and 10 deployments to Helmand in support of Operation Herrick.
Chinook Crew Chick was published last year and Liz now works as a motivational speaker. She said: “I feel incredibly humbled to receive this award, as I’m just one of many Forces personnel who have witnessed trauma and the after-effects.
“I guess I’m just lucky I have the chance now to share my story in the hope that it helps others, and thanks to Defence Discount Services for helping me to do that.’’
Defence Discount Service chief Alidad Moghaddam said: “The Defence community is filled with countless inspiring women who demonstrate incredible commitment and deliver outstanding work, which makes picking just one worthy winner exceptionally difficult.
“Liz’s courage in the face of PTSD and mental health challenges serves as a powerful testament to others facing similar struggles that they do not define us, but rather constitute a part of our life from which invaluable lessons can be learned.
“We’re extremely proud to honour Liz for her altruism and dedication to uplifting the lives of others.”
DEFENCE CHIEFS have released details of the Forces’ drive to slash aircraft emissions ahead of the Government’s 2050 target for Britain to hit Net Zero.
The strategy was signed by Defence Minister James Cartlidge at the Royal International Air Tattoo and pledges to cut the RAF’s reliance on fossil fuels by researching and developing synthetic alternatives with aerospace leaders and UK industry.
Aviation fuel emissions currently account for an estimated 60 per cent of all Defence carbon pollution,
according to the MOD.
Mr Cartlidge said: “It is critical that the aviation sector plays its part in delivering the UK’s net zero commitment and the Government is already supporting a variety of technology, fuel and market-based measures to address aviation emissions.
“For Defence, the need to be ready to fly and fight in the fossil fuel constrained operating environment of 2040 is crucial, which is why we are investing in military sustainable aviation interventions.”
AVM Paul Lloyd, Director Support, added: “The challenge to Defence aviation is to deliver operational output to defend the UK, our interests, and Allies in increasingly volatile conditions, whilst also making our own significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
“This strategy demonstrates our commitment to meet these challenges on a broad front and in a collegiate way, bringing Defence and industry together to eliminate our carbon footprint.”
UK SPACE Command’s WO Carl ‘Baz’ Harrodine has retired from the RAF after 35 years.
Baz took a spin around RAF High Wycombe on a fire engine before colleagues marched him off the station with traditional bowler hat and swagger stick.
He joined the RAF in 1988, starting basic training at RAF Swinderby.
He served in the Middle East and with Nato in Germany and stations around the UK including RAF Buchan, Saxa Vord, Fylingdales and Halton.
Baz said: “Among my career highlights is leading young troops on their first deployments overseas and being chosen to sit on the Nato Space Operations Working Group, helping to shape future space policy. That gave me enormous satisfaction.”
PRINCE GEORGE took matters into his own hands on a visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford.
The future King joined parents Prince William and Princess Kate, and siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, touring the C-17 that transported the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, and even got to raise and lower its ramp.
Despite delays and cancellations due to wind and rain the show ended with an almost complete flying programme featuring 253 aircraft from 25 nations.
Top newcomer was the British display debut of the first-ever military jet – a World War II Messerschmitt Me 262.
Display teams from Spain,
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates put on shows, with the Red Arrows flying an unusual eight-ship formation –expected to return to nine aircraft next year.
To celebrate 100 years of air-to-air refuelling crowds saw a Voyager flying formations with a Finnish F/A 18 and a Swedish Saab Grippen.
Other highlights included a joint F-35 and Spanish Armada Harrier AV-8C sortie, and the popular Odihambased Chinook display team.
On the ground attractions included U-2 spy planes, a B-52
Simon Mander
AIR FORCES need to combat climate change to fight effectively, and the RAF needs to go after green technologies to attract new recruits, military chiefs have been told.
Addressing more than 500 leaders at the Air and Space Power Conference, UK Defence climate change director James Clare said: “Climate change will change where we operate, how we operate and who we operate with. It is a non-state threat.”
He warned the military must react to public climate concerns as Britain transitions to a low carbon economy, to maintain its ‘licence to operate.’
But he added: “That doesn’t mean we should be green for green’s sake – we need to understand how we should adapt to the threat.”
He said the MOD estate, with 40,000 buildings over one per cent of the UK’s land mass, had a duty to cut emissions by 2050.
The RAF is set to release its own net zero strategy to address how to fight in a climate change world, RAF Climate Change chief AVM Paul Lloyd revealed. He said: “Whatever we do we have to ensure it does not degrade our operational effectiveness. By going after innovative technologies in many cases we are finding it helps improve resilience and effectiveness – it has a benefit.”
The use of solar power on overseas deployment will reduce dependency on host nations for energy, while adapting 3-D printing to make parts locally will cut supply chains, he said.
“Climate change and net zero is a factor for many of our younger people. We need to offer them a career they want,” he added.
The RAF is making greater use of synthetic training for F-35 and Typhoon crews to cut emissions, increasing the efficiency of flight planning and developing sustainable aviation fuels.
Last year’s Voyager flight on 100 per cent SAF is part of a Forces bid to ‘kick-start’ the fuel industry, with the UK aiming to have three plants in production by 2025, AVM Lloyd said.
Airbus head of engineering integration Jay Williams warned that the latest inter-governmental climate change report was clear
Stratofortress and a hydrogenpowered Islander.
The US Air Force brought over 12 aircraft including a V-22 Osprey from the 352nd Special Operations Wing at Mildenhall. Other allies included the Italian Air Force celebrating the centenary of its formation.
Chief of the Air Staff
ACM Sir Richard Knighton said: “RIAT is the world’s greatest military air show and the RAF’s flagship international engagement event.” Next year’s Tattoo returns from July 19-21 to mark 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Launchpad has been chosen by the government to help tackle veterans homelessness.
As part of a two-year £8.5 million programme, vulnerable veterans across the UK will have access to ‘Operation Fortitude’, a new online service for ex-Forces rough sleepers.
A housing hotline has been set up to give homeless vets a single point of contact and staff will refer callers to a network of support, including housing providers, charities and local authorities, said a Launchpad spokesman.
As part of the programme, the charity will provide accommodation to homeless veterans at its three houses in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham.
that greenhouse gas emissions are leading to extreme weather events of higher frequency and severity.
He said “We have 30,000 aircraft – we must study these risks. Clean air turbulence is known to be increasing, storms and their severity are also increasing. Damage from icing, hail and lightning is impacting aircraft downtime.”
Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer said: “Everyone deserves a place they can call home, not least those who have served their country.
“There is a lot of great work being done across the country to help veterans get the right level of support.
“Op Fortitude is about bringing all of this together, so any veteran has a clear pathway to get local and customised care.”
ARMED FORCES Minister James Heappey has slammed claims the RAF has ‘gone soft’ after Service chiefs admitted prioritising the recruitment of women and ethnic minorities over white male applicants to hit diversity targets.
Speaking at the Global Air Chiefs conference in London, he said: “To achieve operational excellence the RAF needs cognitive diversity and that requires a recruitment policy to achieve it.
WWII WAAF Phyllis Hales has celebrated her 101st birthday.
The Forces veteran marked her special day with her children and grandchildren at her Royal Star and Garter home in Surbiton. The veteran worked as a bookbinder before signing up in 1942. She was stationed in Germany and Belgium for six months after the war, before demobbing in 1946 and working for a commercial airline.
AIR MARSHAL Sir Simon Bollom is set to become national Chair of Forces charity SSAFA when Sir Gary Coward steps down from the role later this year.
Sir Simon, who became a SSAFA trustee this month, retired from the RAF in 2016 after 35 years as an Engineering Officer. He said: “SSAFA helped almost 60,000 people in 2022, providing a lifeline to the Forces community when they need it, how they need it, and for as long as they need.
“I am immensely proud to be taking on this role within this organisation.”
“There is no doubt that over the last 12 months the RAF has got some of that wrong.
“Unfairly and disgracefully, we have allowed that to be characterised as the Service going soft.
“This is a Service delivering lethal effect day in, day out.
“QRA the Gulf, air policing across Nato, intelligence gathering in the Black Sea, flying into potentially hostile airfields in the Sudan, delivery of Storm Shadow to Ukraine and innovating to help Ukraine defeat Russian air defences – that is not a
Service that has gone soft.
“The RAF is without doubt the most cunning and professional war fighting air force in the world.”
Air Chiefs have agreed to adopt a list of recommendations to overhaul its recruitment procedures following an independent inquiry which found 161 recruits were accelerated onto training courses because they were women or had ethnic backgrounds.
The RAF has agreed to compensate 31 airmen the inquiry ruled were discriminated against.
AIR FORCE MEDICS simulated a long-range tactical aeromedical evacuation in response to a humanitarian disaster on board a Voyager during exercises in the Far East.
Tactical Medical Wing personnel teamed up with specialists from Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the United States for drills designed to allow Allied nations to operate on board each other’s aircraft.
Detachment Commander Wg Cdr Phillip Foster said: “We are showcasing our outstanding medical care teams’ capabilities and their ability to offer support and assistance that could be of value to the Japanese Self Defence Force in a crisis.”
The aircraft’s passenger compartment was fitted to carry stretcher-borne, highdependence ‘patients’ as medics carried out emergency evacuation techniques.
British Defence Attaché to Japan, Captain Colin William, said: “The RAF deployment is the most significant to Japan for many years.
demonstrates the deepening of the UK-Japan bilateral relationship, signalled by the recent signing of the Hiroshima Accord.”
Earlier the Voyager, operated by three crews from 10 and 101 Sqn, flew from Oxfordshire to Eielson Airbase in Alaska to deliver 72 passengers.
The tanker refuelled to its maximum takeoff weight to top up an A400M Atlas over northern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands allowing it to complete a non-stop flight from the UK to Gaum.
The dual-role tanker transporter deployed to Anderson Air Force Base to hone tactical air-to-air refuelling sorties alongside US and French tankers refuelling US Navy F/A-18s, EA-18s, US Marine Corps F-35Bs and French Air and Space Force Rafales taking part in the two-week Exercise Mobility Guardian 23.
Simon Mander
AIR CADETS honed their field craft and force protection skills during recent training at the RAF’s top survival school.
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And future aircrew and volunteer instructors from across the south west of England said they hoped the week at St Mawgan and the Penhale training area on Exercise Pagan Warrior would boost their job prospects.
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St Mawgan’s Flt Lt Jon Lord said: “We’ve been an integral part of the Cornish community for exactly 80 years now and it’s crucial that we continue to help develop the next generation.”
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HUNDREDS OF runners are set to hit the runway at Cosford to take part in the RAF Museum’s 10k challenge later this summer.
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Museum organiser Ulrike Stuebner said: “Our Roll of Honour cards enable runners to carry the name of a Battle of Britain pilot or crew member with them. Knowing you are running in memory of someone is the motivation you need to get you across the finish line.”
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INTERNATIONAL RESCUE: Medics attend to one of the injured
Simon Mander
MEDICS WHO helped save lives during earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people and destroyed 345,000 buildings in Turkey and Syria have won a top accolade.
Brize Norton-based Tactical Medical Wing personnel who flew into the disaster zone won the Most Outstanding RAF Unit award at this year’s National Armed Forces and Emergency Service event.
Aeromedical Response Team member Flt Lt Fleur Sherborne said:
“Being nominated was completely unexpected; winning the award for ‘professionalism and critical efforts in saving lives on the ground in a hugely unstable environment,’ was even more of a surprise.”
Eight people who deployed on the aid mission to evacuate 151 to a medical treatment centre in Türkoğlu were at the awards ceremony at Sunderland’s
AIR FORCE firefighting vehicles are being given to Ukraine to combat damage caused by Russian cruise missiles and kamikaze attack drones.
Ukrainian personnel were trained at Wittering on some of the 15 Rapid Intervention Vehicles and two Major Foam Vehicles due to arrive in Eastern Europe in the coming weeks.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “These specialist vehicles will boost Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure from Russia’s campaign of missile and drone attacks.”
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Medic Sgt Andy Stroud said: “It is great to have been recognised for this award. I would also like to highlight all the other units that were deployed and assisted alongside TMW, including 16 Medical Regiment and the UK Mobile Air Movements Sqn.” British personnel including medical augmentees from UK
TYPHOON DEFENCE upgrades have been showcased at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford. Defence contractor Leonardo unveiled the new capabilities on board a Navajo test aircraft operated by 2Excel.
The first flight trials to evaluate the new defensive aids sub-system on board the fighter are scheduled for early next year.
The existing Praetorian kit protects Typhoon from infra-red and heatseeking and radar-guided missiles. Its sensors and jamming equipment give the aircraft a digital stealth capability with advanced electronic deception techniques.
This latest phase will see
improvements including a digital receiver to allow Typhoon to recognise modern and complex targets and a band extension so it can operate in increasingly complex, congested and contested electromagnetic battlespace.
It will also improve processing speed, capability and memory to allow Praetorian to integrate with E-scan radar options, including the new ECRS Mk2 which incorporates a powerful electronic attack capability.
The upgrades are being proposed for countries currently operating Eurofighter and will also be available for export.
Leonardo is integrating the Praetorian system in Luton, where the company conducts advanced electronic warfare research, development and production.
Strategic Command and 4626 Sqn RAuxAF treated 6,394 patients after the disaster, equating to an average of 450 per day.
Air Mobility Force aircraft also deployed with trained clinicians to transport severely unwell patients from the epicentre to in-country hospitals.
The Disasters and Emergency Management Authority said earlier this year that the February 6 earthquakes had killed more than 44,218 people in Turkey and more than 5,914 in Syria.
Personnel from 5001 Sqn at the Cambridgeshire airbase inspected and prepared the equipment and 2 Mechanical Transport Sqn loaded the vehicles ahead of their journey. Defence Chief Fire Officer Sim Nex said: “We are confident that the equipment provided to date, and associated training, will directly enhance Ukraine’s firefighting capability.”
The UK committed £2.3 billion funding for military aid to Ukraine in 2022 and the Prime Minister has confirmed that this figure will be matched in 2023. It follows previous donations of around eight tonnes of personal protective equipment for firefighting, medical aid and more than 100 industrial-strength generators.
FLIGHT OPERATIONS specialist WO Clare Ryan bowed out of the RAF after more than 30 years.
She joined up in 1990 and has worked across the UK alongside deployments with Nato forces in Aviano, Italy and served with the US Marines in Sennelager, in Germany.
Moving to RAF Valley in 2013 as a Warrant Officer, she was posted to Swanwick with 78 Sqn.
A 78 Sqn spokesman said: “WO Ryan has made immense contributions to the RAF. Her professionalism, expertise and unwavering commitment to duty have left an indelible mark on the Service.”
AKROTIRI IS to get a new terminal following the signing of a £66 million contract.
An earthquake-proof facility will replace a 1960s complex to cope with larger passenger numbers carried by the latest Voyager aircraft.
The design includes a bigger check-in area, a larger security scanning area, four instead of two immigration desks, and a basic aeromedical facility where patients can be held while awaiting an onward flight.
It features solar control glazing, intelligent lighting controls, electric vehicle charging points and rainwater harvesting systems.
The DIO contract is part of the Apollo Programme to upgrade Defence sites in Cyprus.
Construction is expected to start later this year, with completion in late 2026, and demolition of the existing building the following year.
A FLYING combat air laboratory dubbed Excalibur is to flight test advanced technology for the RAF’s new Tempest jet under a £115 million contract.
The converted Boeing 757, named after the legendary sword of King Arthur, is expected to take off and test sensors and communications systems for use on the next-generation fighter within the next three years.
Leonardo Director Future Combat Air Andrew Howard said: “The Excalibur programme will help us accelerate the development of advanced electronics via early
RED ARROWS Hawks showed off their signature smoke display over Waddington to mark the opening of a new £3.6 million maintenance hangar.
The Dye Bay is the first of its type built for an aerial display team with a plant to create the famous red, white and blue plumes, cleaning and washdown areas, a maintenance workspace, storage for spare parts and office space.
Reds’ commander Wg Cdr Adam Collins said: “Colourful smoke trails are a vibrant feature of displays and flypasts.
“The trails have an important flight safety role, allowing the pilots to judge wind speed and direction and to locate other aircraft when different sections of the team’s formation are several miles apart.”
Two teams are responsible for replenishing the Red Arrows’
smoke pods, working to tight timescales to ensure the red, white, and blue trails look the part when Red 1 calls ‘Smoke on, go!’
flight testing, which can take place in parallel with the wider development of the core platform.
“This will inject additional pace into the programme and support our ambitious goal to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft by 2035.”
Phase one of the project saw 2Excel engineers take apart a retired 757 airframe piece by piece to prove to the Civil Aviation Authority that a second, modified aircraft could be certified for flight.
The team has now bought a second commercial jet from Titan Airways to modify for flight at its base in Lasham, Hampshire.
MOD Future Combat [Aircraft System] Director Richard Berthon said: “This contract
is a major milestone for the UK Future Combat Air System. I am excited that this work will enable us to assess, in a live flying environment, some of the highly advanced technology that could feature on the aircraft.”
The existing aircraft can carry a payload of 28 tonnes (or more than 14.5 tonnes when fully fuelled) at 42,000 feet at up to Mach 0.86, cruising at 0.8 Mach. Its range carrying a full payload is 3,900 nm and it can fly for eight hours.
Leonardo says Excalibur will evaluate technologies for the Global Combat Air Programme collaboration between the UK, Italy and Japan to prove they can operate in future threat environments.
THE RAF and Nato allies will have to out-think adversaries and be ready to fly and fight using new tactics as Putin ramps up arms production and swells the Russian Army ranks with conscripts.
The warning comes from Air Chiefs who say air superiority is vital in any future conflict to avoid the carnage witnessed in Ukraine, where the body count is believed to have exceeded 100,000 in 18 months of fighting.
Speaking at the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference, Chief of the Air Staff, ACM Sir Richard Knighton, said: “The war in Ukraine is showing us some of the threats we are going to have to face in the future.
“It is giving us an insight into the future character of conflict. We live in a world which is already more unstable and dangerous than it has been for some time.
“We have to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from the war in Ukraine. There is one conclusion we can draw. We do not want a fight like that. The scenes from the frontline are reminiscent of WWI.”
Reports from Russia claim the Putin regime has doubled the production of shells in a year and launched a recruitment drive to mobilise another
160,000 conscripts every six months.
Prof Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow at defence think tank RUSI, said: “Those who believe Russia is going to be beaten quickly and is worn out are deluding themselves.
“Tank production is up, missile production is up and UAV production has skyrocketed. It is not going away. Russia’s economy is hurting but their strategy is to outlast us. We need to stop thinking we can win this on the cheap.”
As UK and Nato forces adapt to emerging threats in Europe and the South Pacific, the RAF’s new chief has launched the Service’s Air Operating Concept, designed to deliver air superiority against adversaries in what military leaders have dubbed the Decade of Danger.
Sir Rich added: “At its heart, the RAF’s principle role is to gain control of the air. In the future, that might be limited in time and geography but without it you cannot strike at the adversary. You can’t do it from the land or from the sea.
“We are going to have to break in to the integrated air and missile defences of our adversaries. We will
Air power is vital for NATO to avert another ‘meat grinder’ conflict like Russia’s war on UkraineCAS: ACM Sir Richard Knighton SUPPORT: PM Rishi Sunak with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky READY: RAF F-35
face cruise missile attacks and longrange missile attacks on our air bases and we will face hybrid attacks on our logistics chains and our industrial base.
“The key is to get inside the mind and the decision cycle of your adversary to disorientate and confuse.
“Alongside decision superiority it is as much about education and training as it is about technology and improved command and control.
“Integrated action will deliver operational advantage. We have already seen it across the operating sector in the Middle East, where we integrate air, space and cyber space.
“It delivers a force multiplying effect. Imagine the impact that would have if we could do it across all five domains,
on a multi-national basis.”
Beyond the brutal battlefields of Ukraine, Russia is stepping up military activity in the Arctic with the highest level of submarine patrols since the peak of the Cold War, while China looks to exert its own interests in the region.
As Sweden prepares to become the latest member of Nato, air combat chiefs are looking to adopt dispersed air operations, moving aircraft from stations to forward operating bases, roads and commercial airstrips, pioneered by the Swedish air force to
counter the threat of invasion during the Soviet era.
F-35 and Typhoon are expected to launch agile combat employment training exercises from isolated areas in the High North with Nato allies this year.
RAF Combat Chief, Air Marshal Harv Smyth, added: “In Ukraine we see an exemplar of what happens when neither side has meaningful control of the air.
“You get a meat grinder, tit-for-tat conflict where souls lost are measured in the 100,000s
PUTIN: Illegal war
and families and lives destroyed in the millions.
“This is not the type of fight we want. Deterrence is absolutely key. Deterrence through strength, through alliances and with Nato continuing to be the cornerstone.
“Russia’s illegal war is forcing a rethink of Atlantic security architecture. I have never seen the RAF so globally busy or sensed such a palpable concern regarding the danger we face in the here and now and, more importantly, the unpredictability of what might come next.”
“We may face cruise missile
and longrange missile attacks on our air bases”DEVASTATION: There have been countless Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s towns and cities, including the capital Kyiv WARNING: RAF Combat Chief, Air Marshal Harv Smyth EXERCISES: RAF Typhoon
The Forces Pension Societyis an independent, not-for-profit organisation which acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community.
AT THEForces Pension Society, we were pleased to learn via an MoD statement, that the much-anticipated launch of the calculator dealing with the AFPS15 Remedy (McCloud) has been confirmed as 1st August 2023.
For the many who are impacted by the Remedy – those who were serving both on or before 31st March 2012 and on or after 1st April 2015 (with any break in service of under 5 years) – this has been an uncertain time since many will need to make pension choices from 1st October.
The calculator will provide an “illustration of pension entitlement” showing a side-by-side comparison of reformed (AFPS 15) and legacy (AFPS 75 or 05) benefits.
In its statement, the MoD cautions that “the calculator is for illustrative purposes only and should not be used for retirement planning.”
FPS CEO, Neil Marshall said: “This is a welcomedevelopment. 1 August represents a significant waypoint towards providing eligible members of the Armed Forces with greater clarity to assist their decision making.
“For our part, at the Forces Pension Society, we stand ready to help our Mem-
bers understand their AFPS15 Remedy choices in order to ensure that they are fully equipped to make the best pension choices. It’s what every one of our Members rightly expects from the Society.”
* If you would like to know more about our work and how we empower our 65,000+ Members to make the best pension choices, visit: forcespensionsociety.org
● Neil Marshall, CEO, Forces Pension Society
From Maj Gen Neil Marshall,CEO of the Forces Pension Society
THE HAUNTING photograph of Spitfire ace Sqn Ldr Brian Lane DFC taken on September 21, 1940 after landing from a patrol over London at 25,000 feet is, says author and historian Dilip Sarkar, a picture that inspired him as a child.
The photo shows Lane, the commander of 19 Sqn, with Flt Lt Walter Lawson DFC, and FS George Unwin DFM and was taken at Fowlmere, the Duxford satellite airfield. Lane was shot down off the Dutch coast and reported missing on December 13, 1942. Lawson, who later commanded 19 Sqn, was also lost without trace, shot down over Rotterdam on August 28, 1941.
With a life-long interest in World War II, Sarkar is now a best-selling writer and an expert on the Battle
of Britain. His recent book Faces of the Few (pen-and-sword.co.uk) features a fascinating selection of photographs – including, of course, that famous one of Lane – from the personal archives of those courageous airmen, such as Geoffrey Wellum and John ‘Cat’s Eyes’ Cunningham.
The book is an important photographic record of the summer of 1940 and The Few themselves and includes, in some cases, the only known images of certain individuals.
Sarkar said: “Understandably, during the Second World War unofficial photography was prohibited on service installations. Nonetheless, a surprising number of candid, amateur, snapshots were taken which, although lacking
WE HAVE copies of Faces of the Few to win.
For your chance to own one, answer this question correctly: Which squadron did Sqn Ldr Brian Lane command?
Email your answer, marked The Few 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 August 25.
the clarity and composition of the official pictures, provide us with an authentic record and window through which we can still peer at the distant past.
“It was always these photographs, usually taken on comparatively primitive equipment, rather than the oft-published official pictures, that interested me.”
His personal friendships with many of The Few gave Sarkar the opportunity to examine their own photo albums and collate pictures of particular interest.
He added: “The thing that stood out from nearly all of these collections was that their content was predominantly images of people – not aircraft. That suited me perfectly because primarily my personal interest has always been in the human experience and stories of the people involved.
“These photographs provide a unique and personal record of some of The Few I once knew, or some of those who either perished during
the Battle of Britain or before the war’s end. Indeed, the collection emphasises the uncertainly of life during the Battle of Britain and beyond, and equally just how many
aircrew were amateur volunteer reservists or auxiliaries without whom Fighter Command could not possibly have successfully defended Britain in 1940.”
Marshal John Gibson Frost, who has died aged 103, served as a pilot in Coastal Command from the first to the last day of World War II. He flew throughout the Battle of the Atlantic and in support of Russian convoys.
Known as ‘Jack’, he joined the Territorial Army, but was allowed to transfer to the RAFVR in 1938, where he started training to be a pilot.
Mobilised as the war started, he completed his flying training and was posted to fly the Anson with 608 Squadron, based near Middlesbrough. The squadron was mainly employed on shipping ‘kipper’ patrols over the North Sea. During a transit flight from Wick, his Anson was forced to ditch in the sea. He was picked up by the destroyer HMS Electraas the only survivor.
Having recovered from his injuries, he rejoined No. 608, now flying the American-built Lockheed Hudsons on anti-shipping tasks off Norway. In early 1942, on promotion to Warrant Officer, he was posted to 53 Squadron at North Coates, also flying Hudsons. He led anti-shipping sorties on ‘rover’ patrols against enemy convoys off Heligoland and participated in an abortive strike against the Scharnhorstand Gneisenau after their dash from Brest through the English Channel.
In April 1942 he was posted to a unit training aircrew for Coastal Command, before becoming a pilot instructor on Wellingtons, using the powerful ‘Leigh-Light’ searchlight mounted on the wing and used to illuminate surfaced U-boats.
Requesting a return to operational flying, in August 1943 he trained on the Liberator. Before joining 206 Squadron at St Eval in Cornwall he flew anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay. In the build up to D-Day he flew over the South-west Approaches during the highly successful Operation
Cork, which sealed the English Channel from enemy naval activity that could have menaced the huge seaborne armada heading for Normandy.
In July, 206 Squadron moved to Leuchars where the anti-submarine war continued; and Frost attacked U-299 inflicting minor damage. A few days later, on November 15, 1944, he and his crew took off from Leuchars in Fife in their four-engine Liberator of 206 Squadron to patrol off the coast of Norway. Flying close to Bergen, his heavy bomber was attacked by three Messerschmitt Bf 110 long-range fighters. During a series of coordinated attacks his aircraft was very badly damaged, an air gunner was killed and another severely wounded. One of the Liberator’s engines was put out of action, the hydraulic system was rendered useless and the intercommunication between the crew
was made unserviceable. This made taking evading action particularly difficult, but Frost maintained control.
When one of the attacking fighters was severely damaged the engagement was finally broken off after nearly an hour of combat. Despite flying on three engines, losing fuel and with extreme damage to the aircraft’s control surfaces, Frost managed to nurse the crippled bomber to Sumburgh in the Shetlands, where he made a crash landing having been unable to lower the undercarriage.
He was awarded an immediate DFC and two of his crew were awarded the DFM. The shared experience forged a strong bond between the surviving crew members and, despite having returned to their own countries after the war, they all held November 15 as a special date and sought to contact each other on that day in memory of their Sumburgh ‘arrival’.
After the armistice, Frost flew several patrols rounding up surrendering U-boats, one of which had to be ‘persuaded’ with the help of a depth charge and a few rounds of cannon fire.
At the end of hostilities, 206 Squadron Liberators were converted for passenger duties. Operating from Oakington near Cambridge, Frost flew long hauls to Mauripur, Karachi to collect personnel returning from the Far East.
After the war, he continued to fly with the RAF Reserve and resumed his education. He attended Birkbeck, University of London, gaining an honours degree in Geography and then a Masters. He held several posts in education, eventually becoming Vice-Principal of Newbury College of Further Education.
Frost was a founder member of the 206 Squadron Association and actively supported the organisation for the rest of his life, attending events until his health began to fail.
He was awarded the Air Efficiency Award with Clasp and received the Russian Federation’s 50th Anniversary of the Great Patriotic War medal for support of the Arctic convoys.
Please note letters must be a MAXIMUM of 300 words and any accompanying pictures sent as attached, hi-res JPEG files
READING MY latest copy of RAF News I came across the photo of three Hercules in ‘retirement’ formation (RAF News No. 1563, June 30) and immediately my own flight in a Hercules came to mind.
Hayley Court has her eye on the ball – to net more cash to help Forces personnel battling mental health problems. The crusading 622 Sqn Reservist has already raised more than £60,000 by setting up the Healing Military Minds group, winning a string of charity awards and a Two-Star RAF Commendation.
Following four years in the WRAF air traffic control branch, in 1965 I took the Ten Pound Pom route to Australia. Once settled in I was commissioned into the admin branch of the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force and stationed at RAAF Base Richmond, just outside Sydney.
Now she’s hoping to top last year’s total by holding a summer ball to support other charity groups helping serving personnel and veterans struggling with PTSD and depression. The event takes place in September at the Cotswold Water Park, close to her home station at Brize Norton, where she serves as cabin crew on the Voyager. HAVING A BALL: Cpl Court
Chatting to the captain of a Hercules, he offered me a seat on a flight they were making to RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland, returning the following day. After checking that I was not required for duty, I quickly packed some
WHILE THE eyes of the aviation world were focused on the RIAT recently up here in the north we had our own ‘little’ airshow, Flying Legends, which has upped sticks from its traditional Duxford home to experience some northern hospitality at Leeds East Airport (formerly RAF Church Fenton) near Selby, North Yorkshire.
Dogged by truly atrocious weather on the Saturday morning, the show opened on time and in fine style with a squadron strength formation of Spitfires – the only airshow in the world where you will see such a sight [right].
As the world’s premier Warbird show,
Legends also attracts rare aircraft from all over Europe and this year the stars of the show included the Flying Bulls B-25 Mitchell and P-38 Lightning from Austria, which are sponsored by the Red Bull energy drink brand, plus a Grumman F-4U Corsair, P-51 Mustang and newly-restored Spitfire FR XIV from France.
As this was the first airshow held in Yorkshire since 2015 it was much appreciated by an enthusiastic, if damp, crowd – who will doubtless be hoping that the move will be permanent.
Mick Britton, via emailovernight kit and accepted his offer – any chance to fly in anything and I was up for it.
The aircraft captain, knowing something of my air traffic control background, thought that it would be great if I used the RT (radiotelephony) with Townsville ATC while he and his crew flew the aeroplane.
There was a slight hesitation as the controller realised that he was speaking to a woman (there were no female aircrew in the RAAF of that era), and then got on with his job in assisting the Hercules to land.
Following a tropical storm, we had a very wet day in Townsville, watching from the first-floor veranda of the Officers’ Mess as a VW car bobbed along in the flooded car park below.
There were a great many snakes around as well – we all stayed upstairs!
This story followed me to RAF Turnhouse (now Edinburgh Airport) – around 1970 I was in the Mess and overheard two exchange RAAF officers saying: “Did you hear the one about the WRAAF officer taking a Hercules into Townsville?”
I just had to tap one on the shoulder and say: “Yes, that was me!” Not strictly true, as stated above, I was on the RT, but it sounded good at the time. Lesley Hayward-Mudge, formerly 2834620 SACW Lesley Munro and L222913 Sect. Off. Lesley Munro
THE UK’S first art, film and photography galleries dedicated to war and conflict are to open at the Imperial War Museum in London.
Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries will open to the public on November 10, to coincide with Remembrance Sunday.
And the iconic World War I painting Gassed by John Singer Sargent will return to display for the first time since 2016, following extensive conservation. Also on show will be Steve McQueen’s response to the 2003 war in Iraq, Queen and Country, along with works by war artists such as Paul Nash and Laura Knight.
Caro Howell, DirectorGeneral of IWMs, said: “Artists, filmmakers and photographers are eyewitnesses, participants and commentators on conflict. Their work provides critical insight and perspective, while also having the power to deeply move us.
“We are therefore extremely grateful to our supporters, particularly the Blavatnik Family Foundation, for their generous support in making these beautiful galleries a reality, for enabling us to
shine a light on our exceptionally rich visual media collections and for bringing them to a wider audience.
“Within these galleries visitors can explore the ways in which art, film and photography shape, challenge and deepen our understanding of war and conflict.”
The development of the Blavatnik Galleries is part of the third phase in the dynamic transformation of IWM London, said a spokesperson for the Museum.
“They enable IWM to share works from its exceptional art
collection, one of the world’s most important representations of 20thcentury British art. The Galleries will include around 500 works from IWM’s collection, showcasing some of its vast and era-defining film and photography collections, which include more than 23,000 hours of footage and over 12 million photographs.
“This is the first time in IWM’s history that a permanent gallery space has been created to display the three collections together –visual art, film and photography,” the spokesperson explained.
Also featured is director Peter Jackson’s award-winning 2018 film They Shall Not Grow Old, which transformed original archive footage into colour for a reimagining of World War I. And along with work by renowned artists from WWI and II such as Nash’s The Menin Road and Knight’s Ruby Loftus Screwing a Breech-ring, will be more contemporary works including Paul Seawright’s Mounds, commissioned by IWM in 2002 to respond to the war in Afghanistan, and photographs from John Keane who recorded the war in Iraq in 1991.
The spokesperson added: “Other works include A Shell Forge at a National Projectile Factory by Anna Airy, who was one of the first female war artists, employed by the newly-founded Imperial War Museum in 1918.
“Images including those from the portfolios of renowned photojournalists Cecil Beaton and Tim Hetherington reveal how the artistic decisions of practitioners made on the ground have evolved from WWI to the present.”
Entry to the galleries is free. l Go to: iwm.org.uk for further details.
Pros
l One of the more agile crossovers
l Well-equipped for the money
l Plenty of space inside
l Epic 7-year warranty
Cons
l More expensive than the regular Ceed
l Rear seat space could be better
l Still plenty of plastic on display
Kia XCeed 1.5 T-GDi 2, from £23,770
Verdict
A decent attempt at a crossover. The suspension is softer than the hatchback and there’s a bit more ground clearance. It looks rugged but it’s still front-wheeldrive and the SUV illusion is only cosmetic. I think the hatch is a better purchase but XCeeds make up a fair chunk of Kia’s UK sales so plenty of car buyers disagree.
MANY YEARS ago I was in rugged Elan Valley in Wales recording a special Halloween episode for motoring show The Fast Lane.
The car I was driving to the shoot was a cheap hatchback that I expected to be absolutely rubbish. It wasn’t.
It was a first-generation Kia Ceed and it handled astoundingly well on the winding mountain roads. So much so, that I was left open mouthed, with a lasting soft spot for the nippy hatchback.
When I first heard that Kia was planning to create a fatter crossover of the Ceed I was a bit dubious. After all, making a nimble hatch into a pseudo-SUV is a bit like putting a ballet dancer on a diet of
McDonald’s and doughnuts for a year. Nevertheless, Kia haven’t done a bad job.
Exterior
It’s easy to get it wrong when it comes to adapting a popular hatch into the SUV mould. Take what Mercedes did to the A Class with the GLA. The proportions are off and it looks like a car with ‘droopsnoot’.
Here, Kia has kept the Ceed’s looks relatively intact. It has a more angular, angry face than the regular Ceed but the front doors are the same and it retains a sleek profile. The plastic cladding that defines the wheel arches, fake exhaust exits and lower body lines give it a distinctive look.
A taller stance that raises ground clearance by 44mm and chunky roof rails illustrate its utility ambitions. 16in alloy wheels complete the package.
Inside
The interior is a good selling point for the XCeed thanks to its well-thought-out adaptability. There is still plenty of low-rent plastic on display if you go looking for it but most top surfaces are finished in premium-feel materials. The cabin is therefore a generally pleasant place to be.
The pedals and steering wheel line up nicely. There’s also plenty of adjustment to play with, so it’s easy to get comfortable. The analogue speedometer and rev counter are
refreshingly simple to read, while a 4.2in digital screen displays everything else that you might need.
The infotainment system is simple to operate, thanks to crisp, modern, graphics and logically laid out menus. You also get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Our test car was fitted with an 8in colour touchscreen that was fast to respond. The manual heater dials are also refreshingly easy to operate. It just does what it says on the tin.
The entry-level engine for the Kia XCeed is the 1.5 T-GDi petrol. This is the unit that was fitted to our test car.
You might logically think ‘ewww, entry level? It’s bound to be rubbish’ but you’d be completely wrong because, on paper at least, the 1.5 gets the cost Vs. performance balance just right. I liked it.
The stats are: 158bhp, 0-60mph in 8.7 secs, a top speed of 129mph and combined fuel economy of 46.3mpg, all for under £24k. It’s therefore a well-packaged allrounder.
It happily revs with enthusiasm when you boot it, runs quietly at a cruise and is reasonably deft through the corners.
It drives better than most rivals and you can park it anywhere. Just don’t be tempted to take it off-road because it’s only available as a twowheel-drive.
THE SERVICE'S BMX stars produced podium finishes and knockout round displays in Gosport for rounds 5 and 6 of the national series.
Team manager Sgt Matt Haywood followed Off Cdt Pete Wilson’s third place in the 17-29 men’s moto with a third in the 45-49 cruiser class.
Haywood said: “Overall, it was a good weekend from the team with a couple of podium places. Next up on the calendar is the British Championships followed by rounds 7 and 8 of the National Series at the Manchester National Cycling Centre in September.”
Alongside Haywood and Wilson, Cpl Chris Taylor rode in the Grand Veterans class, with all three kicking off the Gosport event well, progressing to the knockout stages, with Haywood progressing straight through to the Main Final.
Taylor, in his first national race for two years, pushed hard to win his semi-final.
Wilson, in his first year on the team, had to work hard on his 20in frame, narrowly missing out on progressing to the finals.
Moving up to the bigger cruiser class things were easier for Wilson, winning his first two motos and gaining a third to transfer to the quarter-finals. Blasting his way to second, before holding third and following up with a third in his semi-final, he progressed into the final.
The Off Cdt made a good start, which set him up well for the rest of the race, crossing the line in third.
Next up was Haywood, making a solid start from an outside gate and pushing through to fourth going into the first corner. Using the track, he managed to pass another rider down the second straight and held it to the line for third.
Finally, it was Taylor’s turn in the Grand Vets final. With the riders bunching up down the first straight, the Cpl was squeezed out and dropped down the order. Despite the setback he kept his nerve to cross the line in seventh.
EXPLOSIVE ACTION saw the British Forces Cyprus (BFC) crew storm to glory in the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Field Gun competition, making it two wins in two years.
The annual event held at HMS Collingwood, near Portsmouth, features 21 crews from RAF, RN and Army units – along with some from overseas including Naples, Gibraltar and Cyprus – all vying for the Brickwoods Trophy.
The BFC crew, led by Flt Lt Ben Wallis, OIC, featured 10 RAF personnel who battled hard in the opening rounds, before the top prize went the way of HMS Seahawk.
Having been moved into the Plate 1 event, BFC won with a time of one minute and 26 seconds.
Wallis said: “I am extremely proud of the crew’s achievement. We knocked 10 seconds off our fastest time from last year and didn’t have a full crew until the week of the tournament, which is testament to the hard work, courage and dedication of the crew.”
The team put in four days of extensive training in the build-up to the event, with a movement of crew members due to work demands making the final event selection difficult for Wallis and team trainer Flt Lt Dan Lowe.
Plate 2 glory and the best drills award was the return for
the RAF Waddington Field Gun team, providing further Service dominance.
Flt Lt Matt Stubbs, 2IC, said: “This is a considerable achievement for all personnel involved, in particular the award for best drills.
“It is testimony to our trainers that the limited numbers from the station were bolstered by our NATO counterparts to form a joint crew, and that RAF Waddington personnel had the chance to
represent their service and station at this prestigious event.”
The Waddington gun crew was established by Gp Capt Mark Lorriman-Hughes 12 weeks before the Collingwood event and battled soaring temperatures and seasoned competitors. They received no penalties across eight runs.
The BFC Field Gun team will be back in action at the annual RAF Akrotiri field gun tournament in November.
Daniel Abrahams SERVICE FOOTBALL has bid
adieu to Wg Cdr Neil Hope who has stepped down as the FA Council Member representing the RAF FA after 15 years in post.
He was the longest serving member of the RAF FA Executive Committee having started in 2001 as the General Manager of the RAF Women’s Representative team.
Hope hands over the post to Sqn Ldr Joan Ochuodho.
Sqn Ldr Ochuodho said: “I am delighted and humbled to be granted the opportunity to represent the RAF FA at the FA Council. Football is a game I have been passionate about since childhood.
“I have gained great insight into RAF Football and relish the opportunity to work with a great team to grow all aspects of the
game in the Service despite the many other competing sports; playing, coaching and refereeing, alongside all back-room support activity to football, all of which offer great benefits both to the individual and the Service.”
Hope spent three years as the Chair of the Adult Participation and Development Committee and several years as ViceChairman of the Football Development Committee.
During his time he represented England as
head of delegation with youth teams ranging from under 16 to under 18, including to Spain, France, Italy, Slovakia and South Korea. He has played a major role in promoting both The FA and RAF FA as an ambassador for many years.
He said: “It has been my honour to represent the RAF and RAF FA at the top of the game. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing a major part in moulding grassroots football and seeing England teams develop across all disciplines. It has been a great pleasure to be involved in all levels of RAF football for so long.
I look forward to continuing with
the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal into the future.”
l Wg Cdr Hope’s last role in the post was at the FA Disability Cup, see below
FA DISABILITY Cup finals weekend saw RAF Shawbury volunteers on the spot throughout.
The competition encompasses the partially-sighted, amputees, blind, powerchair users, cerebral palsy sufferers and deaf players, with the action screened live on BT Sport.
The weekend at St George’s Park, the home of English Football, has become a permanent fixture on the calendar for the station, thanks to the strong links Shawbury has with the FA forged through Wg Cdr Neil Hope.
The volunteers included students and trainers from various Defence College of Air and Space Operations courses, the Military Provost Guard Service and 19 Sqn RAF Boulmer personnel, who carried out roles including VIP and guest liaison, medal and trophy bearers, ball retrievers and an obligatory work party for setting up the presentation displays.
An RAF FA spokesman said: “They also helped to run a new addition, an experience area. This allowed guests to try out various
disciplines
and proved extremely popular.”
He added: “The weekend brings some grandeur to the event, it looks amazing and everyone does an absolutely brilliant job.”
In his final duty in the post of FC Council Member, Wg Cdr Neil Hope and wife Helen laid a wreath in memory of their daughter Charlotte, herself a member of the Shropshire FA Youth Council, who tragically died in a car crash last year.
THE SERVICE’S Gridiron stars, the RAF Mustangs, bet their shirts on further success in 2023 as they unveiled their stylish new jerseys.
They had previously had to borrow kit for training and games, including for their recent 18-14 debut touch ‘flag’ game victory against a US Representative side at RAF Lakenheath.
The tops were created in conjunction with UK-based American Football supplier Nuola.
A series of shirt designs
were created and voted upon by Mustangs players and staff, before settling on the final look.
The jersey sports the RAF roundel and Royal Air Force American Football insignia on the sleeves and a Mustangs logo on the right breast. It goes against convention by not having the player’s name on the back, ‘because we all play together as one team’, said team spokesman Sgt Rob Carey. He added: “We knew from the start
we would require jerseys and a few of us on the committee had been thinking about the design for a while.
“Last summer we started looking at possible designs using the standard RAF colour patterns of sky, navy blue and maroon.
“Several designs using these colourways were voted on, before we decided to change it and go with a different look.”
The team will get their hands on the new tops in the next few weeks, with official replica kits available from Nuola.co.uk for £33.50.
THE SERVICE’S male and female Powerlifters gathered at Cosford for a pre Inter-Services training camp.
The two-day event, organised by Ladies’ Team Manager Flt Lt Charlotte Adams, featured 16 male and 16 female lifters, the cream of the Service crop who will complete for IS glory against the Royal Navy and Army. The RAF will host the event on September 27 at Cosford.
Deputy Ladies’ Team Manager Sgt Charlie Elson said: “I’m excited to lead our team of strong, amazing women alongside Charlotte this year and hopefully retain our team title from last year.”
The international standard of athletes on both teams highlights the levels the association has reached. AS1 Lucy Robinson is currently preparing for the International Powerlifting Federation Junior World Championships having won her weight class at the recent
British Juniors, and Cpl Alex Ayres won World and European titles at the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress in 2021.
Day one of the camp focused on the mental side of things alongside body composition and analysis with the station’s PEd Flt, enabling competitors to develop their competitive edge and learn how to get the most out of themselves.
Day two saw the arrival of two Team GB International Powerlifting Federation coaches to deliver both theory and practical sessions covering topics including weight classes, nutrition and good competition day practices.
The camp finished with a Broga (fitness yoga) session led by Cpl Josh Burrows.
Daniel Abrahams
“I’M REALLY pleased to take top spot and the women’s RAF Champion (road racing) title for 2023,” said Cpl Sarah Toms after her recent win. She built on her dominance at the recent Royal British Legion Criterium Races at the Milton Keynes Bowl by taking the top spot at the RAF championships at the Scorton Circuit, North Yorkshire.
Flt Lt Ed Calow beat Cpl Will Lewis in a sprint for the men’s event, after the two had staged a lengthy breakaway early on in the race to split the field on a testing, fastpaced course.
Toms added: “The racing was over a rolling course, combined with a constant head wind it made for difficult racing.
“Constant attacks kept the whole bunch on their guard for who was going to make the next move. A few strong pulls from other girls had me hanging in there midrace, but luckily learning to dig in mentally for a few seconds longer than your legs want to is a skill I’ve had to deploy a few times and certainly had to be utilised today.
“A personal goal of mine was to earn my second category licence this year and has meant a mixture of road and criterium races have helped me build momentum for the Champs.”
AS1 Laura Sheppard and Off Cdt Sarah Briggs came second and third respectively in the women’s
race, while Cpl Craig Robinson completed the men’s podium spots.
Men’s champ Calow said: “The course didn’t play entirely to my strengths, so I had to play my cards carefully, but coming away with the win against a stacked field of strong RAF riders felt great.
“I’m excited to see what we can do as a team in the Inter-Services in Reading, which is the next event in our diary.”
World Tour is bringing a new collection of captivating ocean-themed movies to venues around the UK this autumn.
Now in its 10th year, the festival is a cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans, starring mid-boggling marine creatures, seafaring voyages and highlighting the profound impact of a lifestyle connected to the ocean.
“We started the Ocean Film Festival World Tour with big dreams, not only to inspire the world to explore and enjoy our oceans, but also to protect and respect them,” said festival founder Jemima Robinson.
OCTOBER FILMS is in
production on a three-part series for Channel 4 which sees explorer and writer Levison Wood track down some of the most iconic and endangered animals on the planet.
Provisionally titled Levison Wood: Walking with… it follows Wood to Borneo to encounter orangutans; to Namibia to track down the last remaining desert lions; and to East Greenland to get as close as possible to polar bears.
Travelling into some of the most remote and physically challenging environments on earth, he enters their worlds as the locals do, to get as up close and personal as possible. Learning more about the unique lives of the animals and their environment in the company of indigenous guides and naturalists, the former Para gets a better understanding of how they are surviving, against worsening odds caused by the increasing threat of human activity and climate change.
Each expedition sees him meeting – and living with – the people who come face-to-face with these animals in their daily lives. He experiences first-hand some of the same dangers from the increased contact between humans and wildlife, the conflict between tradition and modernity and how climate change is affecting both human and animal survival. Encountering numerous other animal species along the way – in the wild and in rescue and rehabilitation centres – he also explores the benefits that they can bring to communities through identity, spirituality, conservation and tourism.
Wood said: “This series is a testament to the beauty and fragility of our planet’s wildest corners, and I trust it will inspire action to help save these animals and their habitats before it’s too late.”
Wood’s previous critically acclaimed hit series for Channel 4 include Walking with Elephants, From Russia To Iran: Crossing The Wild Frontier, Walking The Americas, Walking The Himalayas and Walking The Nile
“With a passion for film and all things ocean, I wanted the tour to become an avenue for bringing people together to celebrate mother nature. We have done this through sharing unique stories from independent filmmakers from around the globe, and now set our sights towards the next 10 years.”
The festival originated in Australia, and in its first 10 years has been shown in 14 countries, showcased films from 89 independent filmmakers, and donated more than £21,000 to ocean charities.
The 2023 UK tour is supported by PADI, the world’s largest diver organisation, and the Marine Conservation Society. The inspirational short films are introduced by a compère, and at each screening there will be a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies.
Film highlights include Broken Breath which follows Italian freediving champion Mike Maric, who is at the top of his sport when a tragic accident leaves his world shattered. On a journey to find himself again, he discovers the power and importance of breathing. From swimming with dolphins to self-discovery, the film shares his journey of how the ocean can be an opportunity to find rebirth.
Another highlight is Two Kinds of Water which explores the lives
of a family living in the Guet Ndar fishing community on Senegal’s north coast.
The tour starts on September 19 in Southampton and goes to venues including Bristol, Cambridge, Guildford, Brighton, Birmingham, Poole, Leeds, London and Porthcawl and finishes at Christchurch on November 23.
UK tour
A NEW UK tour of family favourite Madagascar The Musical has been announced.
Based on the hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, the show follows a motley bunch of friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at the zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and
makes his escape, with the help of some prodigious penguins, to explore the world.
This wacky adventure for the whole family is brought to the stage by Selladoor Worldwide, the producers behind Guess How Much I Love You, Mr Men and Little Miss, Footloose and Fame
Producer Stuart Glover said: “Audiences have been going wild for Madagascar across the globe since we first toured in 2018 and we’re delighted to bring the musical back to the stage for audiences in the UK and Ireland. It’s the perfect treat for the whole family.”
The tour starts at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on October 20 then goes to the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham (October 31-November 4), Peterborough’s
We have a pair of tickets up for grabs to a venue of our winner’s choice. To be in with a chance of winning them, answer this question correctly:
In which country did the Ocean Film Festival World Tour originate?
Email your answer, marked Ocean Film Festival tickets
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 August 25. Please include your full postal address with your entry. l Go to: oceanfilmfestival.co.uk for full list of tour venues and dates.
SHELTERED LIFE: Gloria the hippo and friends are in for a rude awakening New Theatre (November 8–11), Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre (November 15-18) and various venues including Birmingham, Oxford, Cardiff and Aberdeen, up
to August 2024. Casting is to be announced.
l Go to: musicalsontour.co.uk/ Madagascar-the-musical for tour dates and booking details.
Tate Modern, on now
TATE MODERN has launched a major new exhibition celebrating the dynamic landscape of photography across the African continent today.
Bringing together 36 artists from different generations and geographies, A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography explores how photography and video have allowed artists to examine legacies of the past while imagining more hopeful futures.
A Tate Modern spokesperson said: “Unfolding across seven thematic sections, the exhibition highlights contemporary perspectives on cultural heritage, spirituality, urbanisation and climate change, revealing shared artistic visions that reclaim Africa’s histories and reimagine its place in the world.
“Since the invention of photography in the 19th century, Africa has been broadly defined by Western images of its cultures and traditions.
“During the colonial period, photography was used as a tool to construct the representation of African societies through a Eurocentric lens.
“Challenging these dominant images of the continent, A World in Common features around 100 works that illuminate how photography
Scattershot live
can imagine alternative visions of Africa’s many histories, cultures and identities.
“Regal portraits of kings and queens join intimate scenes of family life, fading archival postcards of vanishing cities, and stark documentary images of postindustrial ruin.
“Family photo albums and stylishly composed studio portraits reflect the shared sense of community and belonging that
star Craig Revel Horwood has reprised his role as Miss Hannigan in the much-loved musical Annie, now touring the UK until November 25.
Craig is probably best known as the sharp-tongued judge on BBC1’s Strictly. He has returned to the part of Miss Hannigan having played the role to critical acclaim in both the West End and on tour.
a beautifully-written show.”
connects Africa and its global diaspora, while scenes of devastated coastlines and otherworldly landscapes consider the growing impact of the climate emergency on the world we inhabit.”
The exhibition also explores the rise of studio photography across the continent during the 1950s and 60s – a time when many African nations gained independence.
l A World In Common runs until January 14, 2024.
SIR ELTON JOHN may have finished his final live tour recently but lyricist Bernie Taupin, famous for his collaboration with the music superstar, will be appearing at three live events this autumn.
To celebrate the publication of his new memoir Scattershot, Taupin will discuss his phenomenal career with broadcasting legend Paul Gambaccini at London’s Lyceum Theatre on October 2, at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on October 3 and at Manchester’s Opera House on October 4.
The shows have been dubbed an incredible opportunity to hear from the man who wrote the lyrics for Elton John, the man who conceived the ideas that spawned countless hits and sold millions of records worldwide, in his own words.
Their extraordinary halfcentury-and-counting creative relationship has been chronicled in biopics such as 2019’s Rocketman and Elton’s own autobiography, Me. But Taupin, a famously private
TAUPIN: Famously
person, has kept his own account of their adventures close to his chest, until now.
The legendary lyricist’s memoir covers late nights with John Lennon, Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra, unforgettable encounters with writers like Graham Greene, painters like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, and scores of notable misfits, miscreants, eccentrics and geniuses.
Bernie said: “I’m looking
forward to sitting down with Paul Gambaccini, whom I have known for 50 years, to discuss my memoir. It blows the dust off a lot of what I’d forgotten about, and it’s an exploratory trip bouncing back and forth along the decades.”
A copy of Scattershot is included in the ticket price (from £45) and will be available for collection on the night.
l Go to: scattershotlive.com for ticket details.
He directed and choreographed Strictly Ballroom The Musical, that’s just finished a nationwide tour, and the 2016-17 tour of Sister Act The Musical as well as the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. He also choreographed the film Paddington
2.
Annie is set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression and tells the story of the brave young protagonist who is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
The show includes the unforgettable songs It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow and tours to venues including Norwich Theatre Royal (August 1-5), Milton Keynes Theatre (August 7-12), the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (October 17-21) and Wimbledon’s New Theatre (November 7-11), culminating at the Bristol Hippodrome from November 20-25.
Why did Craig (below) want to return to the role?
He revealed: “I just love this character so much. I think she is absolutely fantastic and an extremely misunderstood woman. Playing her is like an actor’s playground, she is a tyrant and a villain, and those are always the most fun characters to play.
“I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to play Miss Hannigan at first, but I thought it would be great, and a real challenge for me. I play her for real –she’s not a pantomime dame, there’s no mucking about or breaking the fourth wall, she’s a very real character in
He added: “You need to be honest and real with the role. Obviously, body language has a lot to do with that, how she speaks, and the accent of course – which I spent months perfecting. As Annie is set in 1930s New York, it’s really nice to play a part who speaks differently than almost anyone does these days.”
Some may not realise that before finding fame on Strictly, Craig, who was born in Australia, was a dancer, director and choreographer.
He explained: “I grew up on musicals. I did West Side Story in Australia and then went into Me and My Girl and La Cage Aux Folles I joined the famous Lido de Paris and the Moulin Rouge and then that led into being part of West End shows.
“I appeared in Crazy For You in the West End, which opened in 1993. I had a really fun year that year. then left to become a director and choreographer, and subsequently judge on Strictly
“My first hoorah back onto the boards was when I was asked to do panto over 10 years ago, and that reignited my passion for performing again really. When I was then asked to do Annie a few years ago I couldn’t believe it, and I’ve not looked back since!”
Craig revealed that the first show he ever saw was Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney, back in the 1970s. “I just fell in love with theatre right there and then. I started training when I was 14, and when I saw Cats in London around the same time, I knew that was absolutely what wanted to do, to train for and study for,” he said.
“My teacher used to say, ‘you need to be like tiger and fearless’," he added, “which is,
of course, very apt for this industry. You must be prepared to fail, and as soon as you get used to that you start learning. Personally, I feel that listening to your inner voice is the
most important thing, especially when making decisions in this industry. I don’t often rule with my head; I rule with my heart.”
(From September 6 the role of
l
THE BBC has announced that filming has started on the first Christmas special and second series of hit drama Beyond Paradise.
The Christmas special and series two will see the return of Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Fans will be eager to see what’s next for Humphrey and Martha following their make-or-break trip to Saint Marie at the end of the last series.”
The six-part show is filmed in picturesque locations around South West England, in Devon and Cornwall. Shipton Abbott’s new detective inspector will be tasked with solving a shocking crime on a steam train, an arson attack predicted by a medium and the baffling disappearance of the local fishing legend.
Marshall said: “I’m beyond excited to have begun filming the second series of Beyond Paradise ‘Shipton Abbott’ is such a wonderful location to call home for a while and it’s a delight to join up with my fellow police team for another batch of weird and wonderful cases, and to see what’s in store for Humphrey
and Martha in the next chapter of their lives.”
Bretton added: “Series one was such a joy to be a part of and I’m ecstatic to have returned to what already feels like a second home in Shipton Abbott. I can’t wait for audiences to see what we have planned.”
The first series of Beyond Paradise is available on BBC iPlayer.
Filming has also begun on Murder is Easy, a new adaptation of the classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie.
The two-part thriller stars Penelope Wilton (Downtown Abbey), Douglas Henshall (Shetland), David Jonsson (Industry), Mark Bonnar (Guilt), Tamzin Outhwaite (The Tower) and Matthew Baynton (Ghosts).
WWI VET: Robert Graves (Tom Hughes)
Set in 1954, on a train to London Fitzwilliam (Jonsson) meets Miss Pinkerton (Wilton), who tells him that a killer is on the loose in the sleepy English village of Wychwood under Ashe.
The villagers believe the deaths are mere accidents, but Miss Pinkerton knows otherwise – and when she’s later found dead on her way to Scotland Yard, Fitzwilliam feels he must find the killer before they can strike again. Because, for a certain kind of person, murder is easy…
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
SEEKING any air or ground crew from 203, 210 and 205 Sqns involved in Shackleton operations from RAF Changi and RAF Labuan during the Indonesian Confrontation of 1963-65. Please contact: Tony Fairbairn: email: tony. fairbairn@btinternet.com or call: 07752 337907.
SEEKING anyone in the 309th entry at RAF Hereford from May 1967 until April 1968. I was in C Flight 4 Sqn. Please email Ian Dall: iandall622@gmail.com.
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.
45TH Entry C Flt 3 Sqn Suppliers reunion Friday/ Saturday, September 22 and 23 at Barns Hotel, Cocksparrow Lane, Huntingdon, Cannock, Staffs. For details contact: Dinger Bell, tel: 01482 377625.
members are welcome to nd. If you are interested in joining the Association please contact our Membership Secretary, Harry Player, on: chrisarry714@gmail.com for further information.
THE RAF and Defence Fire Service reunion will take place from Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5 at the Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa, Sketchley Lane, Hinkley, Leicestershire, LE10 3HU. For more information please visit: rafanddfsa. co.uk/reunions or you can contact Don Pape, email: donaldpape252@yahoo.com or Mike Clapton, email: fire. bucket@btinternet.com for any further questions. If you are not a member and wish to join, please visit the website to see how to join. We welcome new members.
Associations
RAF Armourers past and present. Do you know that the RAF Association has an Armourers Branch? The Branch’s aim is to provide welfare support and comradeship for all who have served or currently serve as an RAF Armourer. See: rafaarmourers.co.uk or contact the committee via: plumbersrest@outlook.com.
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: rafadappassn.org; or contact Mem Sec on: 07866 085834 or Chairman on: 01933 443673.
A new network for veterans working in support of the RAF has been launched. Veterans in Defence (Air) connects vets and reserves working across the Air domain.
Angus Murray, the network’s chair, said: “The network is an independent sub-group of the main MOD Veterans in Defence Network. It is formed of veterans (irrespective of what Service previously served in), created to unite, support, and inform our country’s former Servicemen and women.
“Founded by veterans, the network is designed to provide an opportunity where people can connect with others who have shared lived experiences, access resources and find support in their roles – should they seek it.”
He added: “We are dedicated to uniting and supporting veterans beyond their military service. If you’re a veteran looking to find old friends or make new ones, seeking support in your job, or you simply want to get involved and help us build a better future for our fellow veterans, we encourage you to get in touch with the Veterans in Defence (Air) Network today.”
Email: angus.murray150@ mod.gov.uk to find out more.
THE RAF Masirah and RAF Salalah Veterans Association
Reunion Gala Dinner is to be held on Saturday, October 7 at the Hatton Court Hotel, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8DE. All
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.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire at midday on Sunday, August 20 for the 372 Servicemen, 69 while serving with the RAF, and 21 British policemen who lost their lives during the 1955 to 1959 Cyprus emergency.
Please email Les Smith at: cyprusveterans@gmail. com for more details of the service and if you would like to attend.
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.
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.
A WORLD War II veteran who rescued downed aircrew from the sea – including a German crewman – has died aged 101.
FS Kenneth Roydon Pugh was awarded the DFM for his bravery rescuing crew under what his citation described as ‘extremely difficult conditions.’ The citation added: “FS Pugh has invariably displayed the greatest courage and devotion to duty.”
In total he rescued 21 US Servicemen, three Germans and one Briton.
Born on April 21, 1922 in Ystrad Mynach, South Wales, Ken joined the RAF in 1940, aged 18.
Sean Taylor, treasurer of the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) Crawley & Horsham group, of which Ken was a member, said: “Having completed basic training at RAF Yatesbury he was sent to train as a WOP/AG for wireless and gunnery training in Scotland. His first posting was to No. 605 Sqn, RAF Ford, flying Douglas Bostons in the intruder role.
“He was subsequently posted to No. 283 Sqn, flying the Supermarine Walrus flying boat, based in the Mediterranean and operating around Algiers, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica.”
Sean added: “Rescue from the sea of downed aircrew was the squadron’s stock in trade. This was carried out in all weathers, with the possibility of attack from both air and sea being a constant.”
Ken’s citation read: “This airman has, on several occasions, attended to wounded members of
Join
the crew under extremely difficult conditions. On one sortie, he gave attention to three severely wounded airmen and worked vigorously at the pumps in the intervals.
“Later, he took part in the rescue of a pilot from the sea and when the dinghy became entangled with his aircraft’s undercarriage, he tied himself to a rope and cut the dinghy free. Although, meanwhile, he was partly submerged by the waves, he managed to haul the pilot aboard the aircraft.”
Ken’s daughter Eileen said: “Dad told us various stories about his wartime service, his favourite was about when he once rescued a downed German crewman, noticed he had a pistol and told him to hand it over.
“When the German refused Dad said he would throw him back into the sea – he soon gave the pistol up!”
Ken married Mary, who passed away five years ago, in 1945. They were married for more than 70 years and had three daughters, Anne, Linda and Eileen, and a son, Gerry.
Awarded the Italy Star and the 1939-45 Star, Ken left the RAF in 1950 and became an electro-plater, later starting his own business in Crawley, Sussex, catering specifically to the jewellery trade. He ran the business until he retired and Gerry took over.
Eileen said: “He was a wonderful dad and a great family man. He still lived in his own home in Crawley, did all his own cooking and was very independent.
“He was a very proud man and a lovely gentleman. Everyone loved Dad, he was always smiling. We will miss him very much.”
Ken had eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His funeral was held on July 25 in Crawley. Eileen said donations can be sent to the Crawley AFVBC account: C&HAFVBC 41862289/2305-80 Business Community Current Account.
A PARADE is being held at RAF Wittering on Saturday, October 14 to mark the presentation of the Number 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Standard. Are you an ex-member of 504? Would you like to attend the Parade and post-parade reception in the Warrant Officers’ and SNCOs’ Mess? This is a fantastic
opportunity to catch up with old mates and, maybe, make some new ones. It’s sure to be a truly memorable day.
If you’d like to be part of this historic event, please scan the QR Code and complete the form, or email Cpl Paul Chapman at: Paul. Chapman242@mod.gov.uk Completed returns must be received by October 2.
Across
Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 8 letters in yellow squares to find an RAF aircraft
6. Upset Nelly left out bacon at old station (7)
7. 100 smell estuary (5)
9. Puccini heroine originally copied ape (5)
10.See 20 Down
12.And 19 Across. WWI high-fliers (5,6,5)
14. Jig in blouse upsetting 3 Down’s first female pilot (5,6)
18. Sounds like supporter of Cruise on RAF plane (7)
19.See 12 Across
21. Feminine hilt destroyed by pollution (5)
22. Might Othello and debutante end up here? (7)
Down
1. Sounds like a sinister place for eagle (5)
2. I object when eleven join company in country (6)
3. Far back it defends our country (3)
4. Mark why we hear drink (6)
5. Theatrical district we original southerners look after (4,3)
8. Tories embrace wonderful, private conversations (7)
11. Shamefaced to suspend lassie (7)
13. If such a mix-up ruined plant (7)
15. Light returns in fleeting instance (6)
16. Duck severe southern smells (6)
17. A professional first needs protective garment (5)
20.And 10 Across. RAF planes destroy son’s heater (3,7)
Trafalgar Theatre
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 August 25.
Prize Crossword No. 342 winner is: Steve Barnes, Ulceby, Lincs.
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 August 25.
The winner of Su Doku No: 352 is: Miss A Gilliland, Cheltenham.
THE AWARD-WINNING musical Jersey Boys is celebrating its 18th birthday after opening on Broadway in 2005 and a new cast for the show in London’s West End has just been announced.
The smash hit musical extravaganza goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and is booking until January 28, 2024, with tickets for Christmas performances now on sale.
Luke Suri as Frankie Valli and Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi continue their roles in the show at the Trafalgar Theatre with Peter Nash (Singin’ in the Rain UK tour) as Tommy De Vito and Declan Egan, who previously played the role at the Piccadilly Theatre and on the UK tour, as Bob Gaudio.
The musical is packed with The Four Seasons’ timeless hits including Sherry, Walk Like A Man,
December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, and Who Loves You Howard Panter, producer for Trafalgar Entertainment Productions, said: “Eighteen years is a magnificent milestone for Jersey Boys and I’m thrilled that audiences continue to give standing ovations at the Trafalgar Theatre night after night.
“I can’t wait to see our incredible new cast take to the stage and perform the legendary hits that make Jersey Boys the smash hit musical it is.”
The show is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide. It originally opened on Broadway on November 6, 2005 and ran for more than 11 years. l Go to: jerseyboysmusical.co.uk for more information.
FOR THE first time ever, a dazzling dozen professional dancers from BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing will be starring in the live show Strictly The Professionals that starts a nationwide tour next May.
Kicking off in Oxford on May 1, 2024, the 36-date tour is set to be bigger and better than ever before as two more dancers have been added to the line-up.
The dancers are: Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist Dianne Buswell; 11-time Italian Latin American Champion and 2022 finalist Vito Coppola; Italian Latin Champion Graziano Di Prima; Chinese National Dance Champion and 2022 finalist Carlos Gu; American Rhythm Rising Star Champion, Professional World Mambo Champion and longest serving Strictly Pro Karen Hauer; undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones; six-time Italian Latin & Ballroom Champion Nikita Kuzmin; threetime Strictly finalist including 2022 Gorka Marquez; four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship
Luba Mushtuk; Polish Open Latin Champion and 2022 Strictly Champion Jowita Przystal; 10-times Cyprus National Dance Champion Michelle Tsiakkos, making her debut on the tour; and World Latin Dance Championships
Under 21 finalist and Strictly 2021 finalist Nancy Xu.
The show, directed by Strictly’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison, promises phenomenal dance numbers, dazzling costumes, sequins, sparkles and plenty of feelgood Strictly magic, with music
from a live band and singers.
Jason said: “The 2023 tour was spectacular; we really pushed the boundaries with the choreography and as a result the show was phenomenal. We want to push that even further for 2024, with more dancers than ever before. Audiences will be blown away by the skills of our pros, as individuals and as a breathtaking ensemble. The entertainment factor will be off the scale.”
The 2024 tour runs until June 1. l Go to: strictlytheprofessionals. com for full details.