RAF News 2nd Dec 2022, Edition 1549

Simon Mander

LIGHTNING JETS joined Britain’s flagship aircraft carrier as it hosted toplevel defence talks ahead of a major multinational mission.

Personnel from 617 (Dambusters) Sqn joined the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth for deployment on Operation Achillean to demonstrate Nato’s fifthgeneration maritime strike capability.

The show of force will see Marham-based RAF F-35s supported by Royal Navy Merlin and Wildcat helicopters fly sorties alongside Joint Expeditionary Force allies committed to safeguarding European security.

F-35

l continued from front Carrier Strike Group Air Battle Manager Flt Lt Bradley Pollard said: “The first time I looked out from the aft island and saw the Task Group assembled around, with F-35s taking off from the deck and Merlins patrolling ahead of us, was the moment I realised I was part of something special.”

He coordinates the airspace around the Task Group, including flying Royal Marines ashore, directing naval gunfire from frigates and destroyers, and F-35B sorties.

But first the Royal Navy flagship visited Oslo, where Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hosted the Northern Group Ministerial Meeting including Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram and announced both countries will collaborate on a new Naval Strike Missile to be fitted on Type 23 Frigates and Type 45 Destroyers.

The manoeuvres build on other UK defence activity in the High North including joint sorties between RAF and Norwegian P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and F-35 fighters.

A second task force led by HMS Albion will sail to the Mediterranean as part of the current mission.

Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (The History Press)

F-35 JARTS honour

WO Jones led team recovering crashed Lightning from Med Sea

Simon Mander

AIR FORCE aircraft recovery, counter drone and intelligence experts are recognised in the latest operational honours list.

Among those receiving awards are WO Kevin Jones (inset right) who led the operation to recover a F-35B Lightning that crashed into the Mediterranean.

Deploying with a four-man team instead of the usual 12, he displayed ‘exceptional leadership, resilience and considerable bravery,’ in retrieving wreckage that had settled 2,000m below the

surface and is awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.

He said: “I am extremely humbled to receive this award, both for myself and on behalf of the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Sqn team that deployed in support of Operation Prowling. “I believe the F-35B recovery to be the most complex aircraft recovery of modern times, I am immensely proud to have been a part of it.”

Another QCVS goes to Flt Lt Graeme Ritchie, a counter uncrewed aerial systems

detachment commander on Operation Shader.

Extending his tour, his personal leadership and flawless commitment on the coalition campaign against Daesh Islamist terrorists is thought to have protected Allied lives.

His citation reads: ‘Showing deep professional knowledge, he quickly identified ways that improved siting of some key equipment, significantly enhancing defences.

‘Through his actions, warning times were greatly reduced which would have meant far fewer casualties should there have been an enemy strike.’

Dambusters Intelligence Officer Flt Lt Victoria Kellagher receives the MBE for her role in a deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth II.

Her exceptional hard work in an

unfamiliar

generation air intelligence planning and reporting for decades to come.’

A second MBE was awarded to Sqn Ldr Jonathan Eddison.

Tim defies odds to earn wings with scholarship

Tracey Allen

ONE OF the recipients of a Guy Gibson flying scholarship for disadvantaged young people, funded by the sale of a stunning 3D picture of a 617 Squadron Lancaster bomber, says he can’t wait to take his family and friends flying.

Tim Heptinstall, 26, received the scholarship recently at a presentation attended by 617 Sqn Association ambassador Jim Dooley and Wg Cdr Andrew Walters, the association’s chair.

The scholarships are provided by aviation and aerospace charity The Air League.

Tim said: “It’s incredible to be awarded the scholarship. Gaining my pilot’s licence is already a dream come true but to do all this with the support of such an amazing organisation as The Air League has been life-changing.”

The mechanical design engineer has the condition Klippel-Feil syndrome which causes incorrect bone fusion, mainly affecting his upper body movement and hearing.

Prince

in Royal return

PRINCE EDWARD was briefed on latest operations and met local schoolchildren on a visit to RAF Waddington.

The Earl of Wessex got updates from XIII Sqn, 51 Sqn and 1 Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing, whose personnel are deployed worldwide.

It’s the first time the Honorary Air Commodore has visited the Lincolnshire station since he was there on September 30, 2021 to mark the retirement of E-3D Sentry aircraft after 30 years of service.

“It was an honour to meet His Royal Highness on behalf of 8 Sqn,” said navigator Flt Lt Mark Hollywood.

He said: “My disability has been a huge part of my story of becoming a pilot as getting my initial Class 1 medical took over five years of petitioning with the Civil Aviation Authority and European Union Aviation Safety Agency regarding the use of hearing aids as an initial applicant.

“When my licence comes back from the CAA I will be able to take my family and friends flying, which means the world to me, given that aviation is such a huge part of my life.”

Jim, lead vocalist of The Dooleys who notched up 17 million record sales in the late 1970s and early 80s, donated the framed artwork, known as a lenticular, which features the signatures of eight 617 Sqn veterans, including George ‘Johnny’ Johnson.

Jim and business partner Mark Montgomery run Living Pictures which produces 3D lenticular art from Jim’s photographs, making an image animated.

The picture raised £5,000 when auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival in the autumn and the money raised went towards two flying scholarships and a commemorative stained-glass window for the Dambusters Sqn at

Scampton church.

The other scholarship recipient was Naomi Patterson.

Jim said: “It’s good to know that the sale of the picture will be helping the next generation and maintaining awareness of what 617 Squadron and the Dambusters achieved during World War II.”

The singer helped raise more than £12 million with Bee Gee Robin Gibb for the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, which was unveiled by The Queen in 2012.

COUNTER-DRONE: Flt Lt Graeme Ritchie DAMBUSTER: MBE for Flt Lt Kellagher

NEW PILOT: Tim (centre) with (from left) Wg Cdr Andrew Walters, Ret’d Wg Cdr Ian Dugmore, Jim Dooley and Mark Montgomery. Right, the signed Lanc art

working environment is said to have increased the Carrier Strike Group’s tactical capability by honing processes to ‘deliver next-

HONORARY AIR COMMODORE: HRH Prince Edward chats to personnel at RAF Waddington

Great British bark off

Staff Reporter

UK MILITARY working dogs showed their sensory superpowers as they were put through their paces in recent trials.

Competitors at the RAF Police-run competition tracked and traced intruders and simulated day and night patrols to show off their agility and obedience at Honington.

Brize Norton-based Alwix and Cpl Shephard led the

pack, taking top honours in the annual trials. Brize Norton kennel mate Pacific and handler Cpl Benson took second, while Waddington’s Dingo and handler Cpl Pearson took the final podium place.

Provost Marshal, Gp Capt Russell Foster-Jones, said: “It is humbling to see the passion and drive that each of the competing teams has shown throughout the competition.”

Survivor Vinny goes to the wall

Simon Mander

A FORMER combat pilot who won the AFC but lost his fast jet clearance after a paragliding accident has become the latest hero to sign on the Cranwell Wall of Honour.

Tornado and Chinook veteran Vince ‘Vinny’ Hargreaves spoke to students at the station’s Aircrew Survival, Evasion and Resistance Training Centre.

A former sheet metal worker from Fleetwood in Lancashire, he served with 4 Para before joining the RAF and being streamed as one of the ‘last of the fast’ to train on the Jet Provost Mk 5, before heading up to Valley to fly the Hawk.

Posted to Tornados at Bruggen, he completed his All-Arms Command course with the Royal Marines at Lympstone, became the Sqn Combat Survival and Rescue Officer, and flew operationally over Kosovo and Iraq.

He then switched to 7 Sqn Chinooks, serving in Afghanistan before returning to jets.

Training Officer Mark Fairhead said: “Whilst operating as a QFI at Valley, Vinny was flying a Hawk T1 that had a catastrophic engine problem.

“He kept his head and despite the cockpit being filled with smoke, coaxed the aircraft to safe landing. For his courage, decision-making and selfless approach he was awarded the Air Force Cross.

“Vinny spoke to the students of the importance of decisionmaking when under pressure, about his experiences of being shot at by multiple missile systems and operating the Chinook in support of Special Forces.

“An extreme sportsman, Vinny went on to break his back in a paragliding accident and lost his medical category to fly jets. He spoke to the troops about the mental challenges associated with the trauma of injury and loss of his main passion in life, flying jets.”

He is now back at Valley working for Ascent, teaching tactics in the simulator.

Scand and deliver

Simon Mander

WITTERING CATERING aces have won praise for serving tasty treats to multi-national top brass and hundreds of hungry service personnel training in Denmark.

The 3 Mobile Catering Sqn team won a Commander’s Award after deploying to Nymindegab to feed allies on the Joint Expeditionary Force Exercise Joint Protector.

Warrant Officer Maxine Booth said: “Food and morale go hand in hand in the military.

“It takes real skill and focus to make sure that people are given nourishing and tasty food that they can enjoy and will sustain them on operations.”

The 10 nation UK-led JEF is designed to operate collectively in response to crisis situations threatening security in Northern Europe.

US test for cyber team

AIR FORCE cyber warriors honed their battlefield skills during hightech training in the United States.

A team of 50 British military personnel led by Sqn Ldr Graham Orme from Waddington joined US, Australian and Canadian forces on Exercise Virtual Flag.

The programme, at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, is designed to test frontline fighters’ ability to operate in any domain and assess Qualified Space Instructors and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System crews for the RAF.

Sqn Ldr Orme said: “The synthetic battlespace allows for excellent instructional supervision and feedback whilst offering a safe environment to develop and test novel tactics.

“The breadth of coalition experience and involvement makes the exercise a truly unique opportunity that continues to prepare our warfighters of the future.”

Waddington’s 92 Sqn is part of the Air and Space Warfare Centre and provides air power training and tactics advice to commanders.

COALITION WAR GAMES: RAF Waddington crew training in New Mexico

TOP DOG: Handler

Cpl Shephard and Alwix take the trophy

VINNY VIDI VICI: Veteran pilot Vince Hargreaves flew Tornados and Chinooks and survived a mid-air engine failure in a Hawk T1

PHOTO: GORDON ELIAS

Bourne again

PIONEERING PILOT Jo Salter has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Bournemouth University.

Joining as an engineering officer, she became the RAF’s first female fast jet combat flyer after a change in the law allowed women on the frontline.

She flew ‘no-fly zone’ missions over Iraq in the mid-1990s, completed Nato deployments, became an instructor, and today inspires thousands of air cadets as an author and honorary Group Captain.

University ViceChancellor Professor John Vinney said: “Jo had an awe-inspiring career in the RAF, and her achievements are even more incredible given the additional challenges that must have come from being one of so few women pilots.”

It’s a Royal knockout

“It’s just a once in a lifetime opportunity. He was very interested in how I was getting on and it was a great experience,” said Sgt Richard Griffiths. I also managed to shoehorn into the conversation that my wife is pregnant, so I got a bit of a royal announcement of the birth

Before his departure The Prince, who has been the station’s Honorary Air Commandant since 2010, had a short walkabout among RAF families who live locally.

Tempest team nets £31m deal

A

Under a three-year deal the Aurora Engineering Delivery Partnership led by QinetiQ will give technical support to deliver the latest combat air capabilities to UK frontline commands.

The MOD’s Director Future Combat Air, Richard Berthon, said: “This contract is a demonstration of our commitment to working with the UK’s leading defence technology companies. Their expertise will be vital as we work at pace to deliver a next-generation combat air capability by 2035.”

The Tempest concept was unveiled at the 2018 Farnborough International Air show.

A flying combat air demonstrator to test the technology and design is set to take off within the next five years, according to Ministry of

Lightning trio arrive

THREE MORE F-35B jets have

The latest arrivals take the UK total to 30 of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The joint RAF and Royal Navy force includes test pilots belonging to 17 Sqn at Edwards Air Force Base, California, the frontline 617 (Dambusters) Sqn, and 207 Sqn, a training unit, both at the Norfolk base.

The first Royal Navy F-35 unit, 809 Naval Air Sqn, is due to be stood up next year.

JET-SET JO: The RAF’s first woman fast jet pilot receives her honorary degree

PRINCE WILLIAM rang the changes on a visit to RAF Coningsby to view the new multi-billion-pound air traffic control upgrade and open a boxing club. The Royal heard about Project Marshall which will improve radar displays and control systems, new BAE technologies to speed up the maintenance of frontline Typhoon jets and met members of the station’s fight club.

Simon Mander

DEFENCE contractor has won a £31 million contract to provide specialist expertise for the RAF’s Tempest future fighter jet programme.

Defence chiefs. Engineers leading the design, test, evaluation and build process will use new digital technologies such as synthetic

modelling to demonstrate how they will slash the time it takes to deliver and upgrade the complex combat aircraft.

The latest contract will support around 45 jobs based in Bristol, Boscombe Down, Farnborough, Malvern, Bath and Lincoln.

been delivered to the Lightning Force at RAF Marham.

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT: Auora

consortium headed by UK defence giant QinetiQ has signed contract to provide technical support to Tempest programme

DOING THE ROUNDS: HRH The Prince of Wales tests the kit in the new boxing gym during visit to RAF Coningsby.

Right, meeting station personnel

PHOTOS: AS1 IWAN LEWIS

RAF DAYS: Jo Salter

CHILDREN WITH an RAF parent deployed overseas this Christmas are to get a free teddy.

Charity Little Troopers has teamed up with the Build-ABear Foundation to distribute more than 2,200 free toys to military families.

More than 80 of the cuddly bears arrived at Waddington as part of this year’s Christmas Smiles campaign.

Little Troopers founder Louise Fetigan said: “It’s always hard for children to have a parent serving away from home but it can be especially hard at Christmas.”

The group has organised free cinema screenings and an online Santa show, elf workshops and a bake-a-long to support military children over the festive season.

Christmas bear necessities

Voyager eco-flight fuels Net Zero bid

A VOYAGER has completed the world’s first military transport flight using only sustainable fuel.

The Brize Norton-based aircraft took off over Oxfordshire on a mission to achieve a green Air Force.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, said: “Climate change is a transnational challenge that threatens our resilience, our security and our collective prosperity. That is why I have set the Service the ambitious challenge of becoming the world’s first net-zero air force by 2040.

“The way we power our aircraft will be key to meeting that challenge and the RAF is already thinking about how we will operate beyond fossil fuels.”

The flight was a joint endeavour with DE&S and industry, with fuel supplied by Air bp.

Waste-based sustainable aviation spirit, made from things like cooking oil, reduces carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to kerosene, lessens the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and improves operational resilience.

The 90-minute sortie follows a world-first last November when test pilot Gp Capt Peter Hackett flew a small aircraft powered by 15 litres of synthetic gasoline made from water and carbon dioxide.

Other green innovations include a record-breaking synthetically

powered microlight flight, an electric aircraft at Cranwell, creating fuel from geneticallymodified bacteria and plans for the first Net Zero airbase by 2025.

Minister Baroness Charlotte Vere said: “Our Jet Zero Strategy made clear that sustainable aviation fuels are key to greener flight for both military and civilian aviation.”

In Brief

Vulcan revamp

ENGINEERS AT RAF

Waddington have begun restoring a veteran Vulcan bomber to its former glory.

The venerable V-bomber XM607 – one of the few survivors of the famous Black Buck mission during the 1982 Falklands War – is being refurbished over the winter months.

But first, a small team from the Lincolnshire station’s Air Wing Engineering bolstered by two volunteers from Coningsby carried out essential preparation work, removing sections of corroded aircraft skin and panels which require remanufacture prior to the Vulcan’s re-paint.

The week-long task culminated with the towing of XM607 into No3 hangar – the first time it has been inside since its last full paint job in 1995.

Delivered to the RAF in 1963, the aircraft served with 35, 44 and 9 Squadrons before being retired in 1982 and put on display as Waddington’s gate guardian.

COLD WAR WARRIOR: Vulcan XM607 also took part in the famous Black Buck raids

Staff Reporter

BEAR MAXIMUM: Louise Fetigan

Simon Mander

Aviation

The government has launched a £165 million fund to kickstart a homegrown green fuels industry and deliver the first net zero transatlantic flight next year.

BIO FUEL FIRST: Voyager crew and industry team mark the RAF transporter’s debut bio-fuel flight at RAF Brize Norton. Above left, CAS ACM Sir Mike Wigston chats to ground crew

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UK nuke test vets to receive medal honour

SimonMander

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NUCLEAR TEST veterans are to receive a new medal 70 years after the first British atomic bomb was detonated.

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Up to 22,000 military and civilian personnel are expected to be eligible for the honour, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The award comes as today’s Armed Forces paid tribute to their service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

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Mr Sunak said: “This medal is an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude to each and every person who played a part in this effort and their loved ones who supported them.”

Those who took part in Operation Hurricane made Britain the world’s third atomic power.

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The Nuclear Test Medal recognises the contribution of veterans and civilians who participated in, or were present at, the British or American nuclear tests at the Montebello Islands, Christmas Island, Malden Island and Maralinga and Emu Field, South Australia between 1952 and 1967, including scientists and local employees.

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Veterans, their families and next of kin will need to apply for the medal, which will be free of charge and can be awarded posthumously, with the first presentations expected next year.

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The government is investing £450,000 to commemorate the experiences of veterans deployed to Australia and the Pacific, including an oral history project launched by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to chronicle their stories, due to start in April and run for two years.

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Typhoon joins Gulf club

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TYPHOONS ARE being tested in multi-national air warfare operations in one of the world’s top training exercises in the Middle East.

Lossiemouth-based fighters deployed to the United Arab Emirates to practise combat manoeuvres on missions of up to 40 aircraft from eight different air forces.

Typhoons, Tornados, F-16s and Mirage 2000s will take to the skies from Al Dhafra Air Base on the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course, including pilots from the UAE, USA, Australia, Germany, Oman, France and Greece.

UAE Air Warfare Centre Commander Brigadier Staff Pilot Khalid Al Marzouqi said: “This is the culmination of learning and looking ahead to real-world coalition flying. I would love to see everybody at the end of the course graduated, fly stronger and smarter.”

Simon Mander

RECOGNITION: Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at this month’s ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum PHOTO: CPL TIM HAMMOND

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NATO rocket drill tests UK crews

Simon Mander

A ROCKET launcher of a type used to liberate the Ukrainian city of Kherson has been deployed for the first time by an RAF aircraft.

Brize Norton-based personnel from 30 and LXX Squadrons practised the rapid movement of a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) that wrought havoc on bridges and supply lines forcing Russian troops out of the war-torn city.

During the trial a weapons system operated by the Romanian Army’s 8th Tactical Operational Missile Brigade was loaded onto an Atlas A400M at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, on the Black Sea coast and flown to the test site, where it fired a simulated missile strike before returning to base.

The exercise was overseen by movement specialists from Air Portability Section of the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit that recently masterminded the transit of Virgin’s Orbit space rocket from the USA to Cornwall on a C-17.

FS Tom Ellery said: “Working with any allied forces always presents subtle differences in the way they work. It can be something as simple as the marshalling signals they use. In this case the US vehicle crew train to load and restrain the vehicle in conjunction with the

aircraft loadmaster. We, however, have a designated movements team to conduct the load.”

Developed in the late 1990s for the US Army, the truck-mounted HIMARS carries one pod with six rockets and is used by several Nato

allies with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in the process of buying them.

30 Sqn loadmaster Sgt Ben Worley said: “Moving around large vehicles is routine business for the A400M and its crew.

“In this case, however, it was highly valuable to be part of the initial assessment and to be involved in each step of the clearance process in conjunction with the JADTEU team, which is something we rarely get the opportunity to do.”

Typhoon and Mirage eye Channel threat

Simon Mander

BRITISH AND French combat pilots launched together to confront a simulated threat to both their countries.

Frontline RAF Typhoons and French Mirage fighters worked together over the Channel, also known as La Manche or ‘The Sleeve,’ to intercept a jet acting as a potential enemy aircraft.

The Nato Air Policing training was designed to exercise the Quick Reaction Alert procedures practised by all Alliance nations.

The exercise was coordinated by 19 Squadron from the Control and Reporting Centre at RAF Boulmer that responds to alerts raised by National Air Traffic Services, in conjunction with their French counterparts and NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Germany.

OC 19 Sqn, Wg Cdr Christopher Misiak, said: “Our ability to train with Nato allies is vital in assuring

the task of responding to threats within our area of responsibility.

As a neighbouring country, our effective and efficient interaction with the French is key to ensuring mission success.”

Air-to-air refuelling for all the fighters was provided by a Brize Norton-based Voyager tanker, enabling the jets to stay in the air for extended periods to intercept and escort aircraft at greater ranges for longer periods.

Armée de l’Air LieutenantColonel Gilles said: “These exercises are a good opportunity for the British, French and Nato national command centres, as well as air traffic control centres and fighter crews, to work together.

“This exercise was also an opportunity for our French fighters to perform in-flight refuelling on a British aircraft.”

Shetland space shot

A FORMER AIRBASE on the most northern part of the Shetland Islands is to be at the heart of the UK’s space industry, it has been announced.

The RAF Saxa Vord site on the island of Unst closed in 2006 but is now on track to launch its first satellites in 2023 – part of UKwide efforts to gain up to a £4bn share of the global market by the end of the decade.

Scotland Minister John Lamont said: “There is a huge opportunity for Shetland to be a world leader in terms of space technology deployment.

“The spaceport at Saxa Vord has unique geographical advantages that we are keen to help them exploit.

“We’re working hard to become the first in Europe to provide endto-end solutions – from design and build to lift-off – for small satellites, and the development of different launch sites is a crucial part of that.”

He was speaking on a visit to the first newly-completed concrete launch pad, one of three that will support up to 30 launches a year

The RAF’s Remote Radar Head Saxa Vord was reopened in July 2019 to provide key information on aircraft movements to the north of Britain and across the Norwegian Sea at a time of heightened Russian military activity.

It saw the island, which is further north than Saint Petersburg and on the same latitude as Anchorage in Alaska, return to its 1960s and 70s role as an early warning radar on Nato’s northern flank.

Today it feeds information into the nationwide Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) operation responsible for policing international and UK airspace from Lossiemouth and Coningsby.

DUE NORTH: A Typhoon flies above the remote radar station at Saxa Vord

NATO FIREPOWER: HIMARS rocket launcher is unloaded from an Atlas A400M ahead of test firing during NATO exercise. Inset above, crew check cargo before take-off

ALLIES: Typhoon and FAF Mirage take to the skies during NATO exercise to guard air space over the Channel

DAMBUSTERS JETS have joined the Royal Navy’s flagship as it prepares for a massive show of force in the North Sea.

The Marham-based F-35B Lightnings will conduct sorties from HMS Queen Elizabeth as it leads a powerful Carrier Strike Group of warships and helicopters on Operation Achillean.

Strike Force

Commander Lightning Gp Capt Phil Marr said: “This latest deployment demonstrates once again that our personnel are equally at home conducting air operations from land or sea.

“The flexibility, precision and operational focus of 617 Sqn, operating alongside our international allies, is something the UK can be immensely proud of – the F-35 is a

formidable combat capability.”

During the deployment the Carrier Strike Group will work closely with Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force allies as the UK underscores its commitment to safeguarding European security.

So far this year RAF F-35s, Typhoons and Voyagers have also exercised with JEF Allies Finland and Norway.

Desert drop sets Atlas record

A TRANSPORT aircraft delivered supplies to desert troops in the longest ever airdrop carried out by the RAF’s Atlas Force.

The A400M flew 1,400 miles from Oxfordshire to Morocco to use its Container Delivery System to parachute multiple packages to 2 Para soldiers on Exercise Jebel Sahara.

The Brize Norton-based aircraft operated by a crew from 30 and LXX Sqns crossed an entire continent to reach the small drop zone near Marrakesh.

Co-pilot Flt Lt Dylan Kay said: “This is the first long-range insertion of CDS by Atlas, showing the aircraft’s reach and speed, and its capability to deliver large and heavy cargo to a precise coordinate without landing.

“We can deliver wherever help is needed, such as humanitarian aid, flood relief, or in this case, military resupply. Sometimes to deliver by road or sea would take too long or is just not possible, and Atlas can deliver over long distances, quickly and with precision.”

The cargo was prepared and deployed by soldiers from 47 Air Despatch Sqn who regularly work with RAF air mobility aircraft – the Atlas, Globemaster C-17s and Hercules C-130Js – to get

kit to troops or aid to civilians in desperate need.

The unit has airdropped supplies around the world, from Alaska to Antarctica, from pallets of jerry cans to a single large boat.

Exercise Jebel Sahara has seen 2 Para team up with the Moroccan 2e Brigade d’Infanterie Parachutiste and they received a variety of supplies, including a quad bike, vehicle trailer and rations.

Royal mail

A NURSE who provided pioneering burns treatment for RAF aircrew and air raid victims during World War II has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Janet Hunter was part of Sir Archibald McIndoe’s team that carried out groundbreaking reconstructive surgery on thousands of victims of horrific injuries.

She celebrated her 100th birthday at the Royal Star and Garter home in Surbiton, becoming the charity’s first resident to receive a card from the King.

Born in 1922 in Shanghai, China, Janet returned to England aged eight and, in 1938, met her future husband Pat, who took part in the D-Day landings.

When war broke out, she moved to New York where her father was based then applied for nursing training in Montreal, Canada, before returning to England in 1944 to join McIndoe’s team.

Sir Archibald had been appointed Consultant Plastic Surgeon to the RAF in 1938 and went on to found the Centre for Plastic and Jaw Surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead.

Syn city pact

DEFENCE manufacturers and training specialists are teaming up to create a single synthetic environment to train military forces using real world mission software and tactics.

Inzpire joined computing specialists Hadean and virtual reality simulation company VRAI to work with BAE Systems to develop technology to enable air, land, sea, space and cyber forces to plug in and train together under an agreement announced at the Bahrain Air Show.

WAR SERVICE: RAF Nurse Janet Hunter worked for plastic surgery pioneer Sir Archibald McIndoe

Simon Mander

Simon Mander

LONG RANGE: Brizebased Atlas A400M drops military kit for UK troops near Marrakesh, Morocco

RAF Photo Comp winners

RAF HOT shots took a bow at Bentley Priory as they snapped up this year's Service photography awards.

Cpl Tim Laurence (right) claimed the top spot winning the coveted Photographer of the Year Award – and topped the poll in the People’s Choice award with his stunning image of a Puma and Chinook flying over the Needles in the Isle of Wight.

This year’s collection of more than 1,000 entries covered every aspect of Forces life, from frontline operations and landmark ceremonies to the best sports action.

Judge, Times Picture Editor Ben Jones said: “The ability to spot and execute an image under huge pressure is a rare talent.

“I have nothing but respect for their skill as photographers and bravery as people to get in the right place at the right time. There were a lot of superb images in this contest.”

People’s Choice

PERSONNEL: Andrew Wheeler from RAFC Cranwell with Air Cdre Adrian Burns

PHOTOGRAPHIC SECTION: The winners from RAFC Cranwell receive their award

RAF FEATURE: AS1 Emily Muir from RAF Valley (collected by colleague Cpl Beth Roberts)

SPORTS: AS1 Ben Mayfield from RAF Marham

AMATEUR CATEGORY: Mr James Penberthy

winners presentation 2022

TECHNICAL ENGINEERING: Cpl Beth Roberts from RAF Valley

MALLETT STUDENT: AS2 Alexandra Naughalty, RAF Valley

OPERATIONS AND EXERCISES: Cpl Will Drummee from RAF Halton

VIDEO: AS1 Samantha Holden from RAF Halton CURRENT RAF

Will Drummee from RAF Halton

By Tracey Allen

Twin peaks

Story of the mighty Beaufighter at war

FOUNDED IN 1910, the Bristol Aeroplane Company was both one of the first and most important British aviation companies. The Bristol Beaufighter, among the company’s most famous creations, made its first flight on July 17, 1939 – soon after this it became a highly effective RAF nightfighter during World War II.

It went on to have extensive service in Australia, New Zealand, Poland and the United States, among other countries.

The rugged Beaufighter was a multi-role aircraft. Operating as a heavily armed fighter, an anti-shipping strike aircraft, a torpedo bomber and a longrange intruder, it flew in every theatre of operations.

It excelled in Coastal Command’s Strike Wings and on anti-shipping operations in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas and provided vital support for ground forces in the North African desert campaigns.

It became the scourge of the Japanese, over the jungles of Burma and the South-West Pacific, as RAF and RAAF

WE HAVE copies of Bristol Beaufighter (rrp £15.99) to win – for your chance to own one, simply tell us:

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squadrons attacked the enemy’s supply lines on land and at sea.

Graham Pitchfork’s new book Bristol Beaufighter, Wartime Operations of The Mighty Twin (keypublishing.com) contains more than 130 images and charts the design, development and service of this impressive aircraft.

The author said: “As a result of my own experiences of operating in the maritime attack arena during the Cold War, I developed a fascination for the activities of those who flew these operations ‘in

anger’, particularly those men that served on Beaufighter squadrons in World War II.

“After retiring from the RAF in 1995, I became involved in the Aircrew Association as its archivist and this gave me the opportunity to meet many ex-Beaufighter aircrew and form firm friendships. I admired their modesty and stoicism – ‘We were only doing our job’ – and I decided that their exploits should be recorded. This book is a tribute to them and their ever-faithful groundcrews.”

He added: “The Bristol Beaufighter has often been described as one of the RAF’s most valuable and versatile aircraft to serve in WWII. It gave distinguished service in all theatres of war, in a number of vital roles, and while operating in every kind of weather. With its massive radial engines thrusting forward of the cockpit, the Beaufighter’s sturdy profile portrayed a sense of power and aggression.”

His book examines the aircraft’s fighter operations, its role in Coastal Command and in the Middle East and Burma, and operations in the south-west Pacific. It also looks at the Beaufighter’s final years, and has a chapter on ‘The Leaders’ –including DFC winners John ‘Cat’s Eyes’ Cunningham, Bob Braham, ‘Paddy’ Green and John ‘Jack’ Buchanan.

Pitchfork said: “On the night of April 15/16, 1941, Cunningham destroyed three Heinkel III bombers during one sortie. As his score increased, the story spread that he enjoyed carrots, which were said to sharpen his eyesight: henceforth, he was known as ‘Cat’s Eyes’, a name that did not appeal to him. He always recognised that success came from teamwork, and he had an outstanding radar operator.”

The book’s final chapter is devoted to the work of the aircrew. Pitchfork said: “Working in every kind of weather and temperature, with limited support and often with very few facilities to relax when ‘off duty’, the comradeship and cheerfulness of the ‘indispensable erk’ deserves

the greatest admiration. Where would the aircrew be without them?”

JOHN CUNNINGHAM

ATTACK: Beaufighters of the North Coates Wing strafe a minesweeper escort during operations in support of the Normandy landings ©AHB

ARMED: A 144 Sqn Beaufighter Mk VIC being fitted with an 18in Mk XV Torpedo at Tain on April 25, 1943 ©AHB

FINAL RAF FLIGHT: Salter-based Mk TT.10 (RD761) making a farewell flypast over Singapore on May 12, 1960 ©AHB

ARMED: A 144 Sqn Beaufighter Mk VIC being fitted with an 18in Mk XV Torpedo at Tain on April 25, 1943 ©AHB

Lanc Navigator Sid Palmer flew 30 bomber ops over Germany and France

WING COMMANDER

Sidney Palmer, who has died five weeks before his 100th birthday, flew 30 bombing operations in Lancasters and was awarded the DFC.

After completing his training in Canada, he attended a conversion course on the Lancaster in May 1944 when he teamed up with his pilot Frank Watt. They were to fly together until the end of 1945.

Palmer joined 12 Squadron at Wickenby in Lincolnshire in July. His first operation was to Keil on July 23, the first major Bomber Command raid to a German city for two months. The following day he attacked Stuttgart, the first of three heavy raids over a period of five nights.

the Lancaster was so low over the water on the approach to the target it caused the wash from the propellers to generate a lot of spray, so much so that the rear gunner called out: “Hey, climb a bit. I’m getting absolutely soaked back here!”

Palmer flew sorties to provide support for the Allied armies in Normandy before their breakout from the area, including attacks against the German strongholds in the English Channel ports of Le Havre, Calais and Flushing.

During a raid on Essen, Palmer’s Lancaster was damaged by antiaircraft fire which holed the pilot’s canopy. The resultant wind through the aircraft scattered his maps, but he recovered sufficient to navigate the aircraft on its return to base.

On November 6, Palmer and his crew bombed the synthetic oil plant at Gelsenkirchen during a daylight raid. Damage was extensive. This was his 30th and final operation and he and his crew were rested. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that Palmer, and his pilot Frank Watt, had been awarded the DFC.

When Palmer and his crew returned to Stuttgart on the night of July 28, the German air defence system had been alerted and attacked the bomber stream in force. Palmer’s aircraft was engaged by a Junkers 88 night fighter.

One of the Lancaster’s four engines was set on fire and put out of action. Its associated generator powered Palmer’s bombing and navigation radar – code named H2S – and he had to resort to navigating the aircraft on the long route back to base using the stars. His squadron leader wrote “good effort” on his navigation log.

Losses on this raid were heavy with eight per cent of the force shot down.

During early August, Palmer attacked oil installations in the Bordeaux area. On one occasion,

Sidney

Joseph Palmer was born

In Reading on November 21, 1922 and educated at the town’s Collier Central School. He joined the RAF in December 1941 and began training as a navigator in Canada. He graduated as first in his class and was commissioned.

After completing his tour on 12 Squadron, he was posted to RAF Ludford Magna near Lincoln, together with Frank Watt, to become the test crew with the No. 14 Base Major Servicing Unit. Lancasters from squadrons based in the area were flown to Ludford Magna for servicing and it was Watt and Palmer’s responsibility to air test the aircraft and their navigation and bombing systems before returning the aircraft to their units.

During their 12 months on

the unit, they tested scores of Lancasters.

At the beginning of June 1945, they flew the first of many flights to photograph the damage to German cities and installations, known to many Servicemen as ‘Cook’s Tours’. These flights provided an opportunity for the ground staff to see the devastation wrought by the Allied bomber force. Palmer made his last flight in a Lancaster on October 30, 1946.

In 1947, he transferred to the RAF Administration Branch. Amongst his many appointments he served in Germany for three years and later as the senior accountant officer at RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong. After working in the Air Ministry for the Director General of Manning, he served at RAF Lyneham, the

RAF’s major base for the tactical air transport force, where he was responsible for the management and maintenance of the large estate and its infrastructure.

In October 1970 he became the commanding officer of RAF Brampton, the home of a major command headquarters and other specialised units. He was responsible for maintaining the large estate and providing all the support facilities for the senior commanders and their large staffs.

After three years, he assumed command of the RAF Unit at the international headquarters of Nato’s Allied Air Forces Central Europe, based in the Netherlands. For his services he was appointed OBE.

On his retirement from the RAF in October 1977, he was appointed bursar at the Royal Northern

College of Music in Manchester, a post he held for 12 years. In recognition of his services, he was awarded an honorary degree.

Palmer was very musical and learned to play the saxophone in the outside toilet at the end of the garden since his father would not allow him to practise in the house. He later played in a swing band, performing at many dance halls. During the war, he sometimes played with an ENSA group and toured the country to entertain Service audiences. He continued to play the saxophone for many years.

He was a passionate golfer with a handicap of 11, frequently playing abroad. He loved working in his garden.

Sidney Palmer died on October 17. He was twice widowed and is survived by his son.

MISSIONS: Palmer, 3rd from right, with his Lanc crew, Frank Watt on his right with no life jacket.

Wokk and a hard place

Crewman’s account of Chinook ops in Helmand and in Iraq

AS A LONG-SERVING

Chinook crewman, Mick Fry was deployed to Afghanistan countless times over a decade, having previously served in Iraq and Bosnia.

The former Flight Sergeant and his fellow ‘Wokka Wokka’ crew members from RAF Odiham were confronted by their own mortality almost daily as they worked to support troops on the ground.

But Mick says he didn’t feel fear and admits it was only afterwards, when reflecting on the harrowing incidents he’d gone through, that his ‘legs trembled.’

After 23 years’ service in the RAF – ‘across every continent and all manner of operations, conflicts and minor skirmishes’ – as he puts it, he retired in 2011. He has since held a range of senior commercial aviation positions worldwide, including in Papua New Guinea and Australia, and now works as a consultant, having moved from Far North Queensland to South London earlier this year.

He said: “I entered civilian life down a well-worn path that many take with trepidation, yet I approached it with careful planning, a near-absence of fear and exceptional will to succeed; that’s how I approached Afghanistan, and it was the only way I knew by that point.

“I left the RAF having done so many tours in war zones, I survived some pretty tricky stuff. To be able to measure and mitigate risk is one of the things Services leavers take

WE HAVE copies of The Workhorse of Helmand (pen-andsword.co.uk) up for grabs. For the chance to win one, tell us: For how long did Mick Fry serve in the RAF?

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to the civilian workplace. Rather than being risk-averse they are able to look at a situation, pick out the risks and manage them effectively.”

He added: “As regards feeling fear in those situations, you’re so busy trying to stay in the air you don’t have time to dwell on what’s happening. You’re trying to make sure that you don’t hit the ground so you’re working through a drill, playing your part in a communication chain, diagnosing problems – in one case I was putting out a fire. You are too busy doing what you’re doing to stay alive to really be scared.

“It hits you later, where your leg shakes and you sit there and think about what could have happened.

“One of the strengths of the Air Force is the quality of its training and the installation of those drills, so you have an automatic response to situations and a process to carry out.”

He was lucky not to suffer

from PTSD, unlike some of his colleagues. He said: “After a mission I would light a cigarette and debrief myself for five minutes. I would probably put everything in its box at that time, then close the box and put it away.”

Almost 10 years later, Mick started to write a book about his

RAF service while living in Australia during lockdown. One reviewer said The Workhorse of Helmand, A Chinook Crewman’s Account of Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq ‘reads like an action novel’.

Now 51, Mick has also just finished the first draft of his debut novel, a thriller, and is looking for a publisher. And he features in another former FS’s new book, Chinook Crew ‘Chick’ by Liz McConaghy.

Like Liz, he admits to a fondness for the RAF’s ‘workhorse’, having converted to rotary wing at Odiham 11 years after joining the Air Force in 1988.

He said: “Most of those on my course wanted to work with the Puma and Wessex but I was drawn to the Chinook. It’s got us out of trouble so many times. It always managed to get us back home, even

when it had quite a bit of damage.”

Liz pays tribute to the late Flt Lt Roly Roberts in her book – he was one of Mick’s closest friends – tragically killed in a Puma crash in Kabul in 2015. The Workhorse of Helmand is dedicated to Roly.

Mick said: “He was so much a part of many of the stories in the book and I wanted to make sure his memory went on.

“We also had a family connection – my father had cancer in 1993 and Roly’s mother was Dad’s Macmillan cancer nurse.”

Mick served on Medical Emergency Response Team missions, recovering wounded Service personnel and civilians.

He remembered: “There were a couple of times when I looked down the back of the MERT and thought ‘this is pretty horrible’.”

One of those was trying to save critically injured Afghan children. He said: “We picked up 22 injured Afghan children. When you see children injured, especially when you’re a father yourself, as I am, that’s not something you can prepare for.”

Looking back on his time in Afghanistan, he reflected: “The UK did a phenomenal job and outshone many of the other coalition partners in the contribution they made to the withdrawal from Kabul, but it was ill-planned and reactive and could have been done a lot better.

“There are lessons learned that I hope are remembered because they came at a very high cost.”

HOME FROM HOME: Incident Response Team

tent in Helmand on what became known as ‘Odiham High Street’

CREW: With author Michael Fry (centre)

MEDEVAC: A casualty is loaded for extraction to the hospital at Bastion

PHOTO: Di Lauro

TRIBUTE: Book is dedicated to author’s pal Flt Lt Roly Roberts (left), killed in Kabul in 2015

When size matters

MORRIS Motoring Correspondent

I ONCE sat in a bar in the US at ‘Miller Time’ debating whether size really matters with a group of Texans. During our, sometimes animated, debate they assured me that it most definitely did and I didn’t argue too much, for fear of being accidentally shot.

We were of course talking about cars and, when it comes to SUVs, Americans are adamant that they should be big, comfortable and capable. These are all qualities that the Toyota Highlander has in spades.

Measuring in at just under five metres, it’s a big beast that has seven seats. Its All Wheel Drive system (AWD) is effective, delivering genuine off-road ability, and it glides along on long runs. The only area that would let it down in the US market is there is only one engine choice.

The 244bhp 2.5 litre Hybrid system however fits very well with the UK market because it returns combined fuel consumption of just under 40mpg. Not earth shattering you may think but, when you consider the size of the car, it’s pretty frugal.

Exterior

The Highlander isn’t what you’d call a ‘pretty’ car but it has lots of presence. One look at the nose of it filling your rear-view mirror should be enough to persuade anyone to get out of its way. The snarling front grille and fang-like fog lamps are striking. It looks like a big car from the side too, with the 20-inch alloy wheels emphasising its length. Our test car came with beautiful, colour shifting, metallic Obsidian Blue paint.

Interior

The cabin is vast and there is massive legroom, wherever you sit. It feels spacious and airy, particularly thanks to the big ‘Skyview’ panoramic glass roof. You sit high and visibility is generally good. The plush leather seats look

the part and the driver’s seat lines up well with the pedals, so it’s easy to find the right driving position. There’s not a great deal of sidesupport to stop you sliding around through corners but, otherwise, the seats are very comfortable. The front seats are ventilated and the outer second row seats are heated too.

The dashboard is intuitive, with logical controls for the airconditioning. You get a seven-inch display in the driver’s instrument binnacle, plus the multimedia system with an 8-in display. This features satellite navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other kit includes a wireless phone charger, triple-zone air conditioning, a heated steering wheel, a digital rear-view mirror, a Panoramic Video Monitor, a headup display and a clear 11-speaker JBL Premium Sound System.

On The Road

The Highlander’s big but it’s no slouch. Give it some welly and it takes off with very little noticeable lag. Official figures are 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and a top end of 111mph. Driving fast however, in the real world, is something that you tend to avoid. Using your right foot heavily provokes a noise that convinces you that you’re stuck in first gear. This is ‘thanks’ to the CVT gearbox. You learn to accelerate gently to avoid the din and aim to maintain cruising speed as much as possible.

When you are bumbling along on the motorway, the Highlander is a particularly serene place to be. It’s also silent around town when it’s running on pure electric. It can cruise at up to 78mph in EV mode but the battery won’t last very long before the engine kicks back in.

Verdict

The Highlander has a lot going for it. If you’re after a big, comfy SUV then it ticks all the

right boxes and it’s relatively frugal. You get seven seats, bags of kit as standard and capable performance, plus that renowned Toyota reliability. Its biggest downside is its price because, at £50k+, it’s going head-to-head with some heavyhitting premium competition.

Handling is as you might expect for a hefty SUV. It wafts along comfortably on a straight and is very quiet if you take it easy. It’s weighty through the bends and there’s a good amount of body control, with accurate steering. The

brakes are industrial strength, to deal with the considerable weight, and the suspension does a fair job of ironing out the bumps. There is a bit of wind and road noise but it’s on a par with many rivals in this class.

Toyota Highlander

TIM

ROWING

THERE WAS a good showing for the RAF at the World Rowing Masters Championships at Libourne in France.

Hard work yielded results and after a 650-mile road trip the first race saw Sqn Ldr Chris Morrill and Cpl Mike Yeomans in the MasD Double racing in beautiful conditions.

The pairs efforts culminated in a hard-fought battle between the RAF and a Spanish crew, with the airmen finishing seventh; while Sqn Ldr George Hannaford came sixth in the Men’s E 4+.

Silverware did come for AS1 Lou Elkington of 7010 Sqn, winning two golds in the Double and the Pairs with her Newark Rowing Club partner.

ORIENTEERING

The wins and overall performances at the highest level ended a stellar season for the Service association, having secured Masters Doubles wins for Chf Tech Andy May and 1 ISR Wing’s Flt Lt Matty Parle in Nottingham, before further success at the Peterborough Regatta, where the Service defended its JSR title, and Henley Town and visitors regatta, where further impressive outings were recorded.

l For more information on rowing in the RAF visit: rafsportsfederation.uk/sports/ raf-rowing-association or the RAFRA Moss portal. The RAF Rowing Club can also be followed on Twitter via @RAF_Rowing_ Club.

Masters of the Worlds Athletes Wend their way to Championship victory

Woods course tests top RAF orienteers

WENDOVER WOODS behind RAF Halton provided a challenging course for an actionpacked RAF Orienteering Championship weekend.

The event featured a variety of course complexities and lengths, with the Men’s Open a 10.7km course with 525m of climb, and the Ladies’ Open a 7.6km course with 315m of climb.

The Saturday of the weekend event was given over to training at Bradenham Woods, RAF High Wycombe.

The well-attended event saw 17 RAFO members taking part; Flt Lt Charles Nell took the men’s championship title with a time of 102 minutes and 51 seconds, with Sqn Ldr Paul Watson runnerup in 110 mins and 28 secs and Sqn Ldr Richard Crabb third in 111:46.

The ladies’ champion was Sqn

Ldr Nosheen Warmington with a time of 183:12, while Fg Off Charlotte Elliss was runner-up in 201:48.

Flt Lt Simon West, association spokesperson, said: “Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport that exercises mind and body.

“The aim is to navigate between checkpoints or ‘controls’ marked on a special orienteering map. There is no set route so the skill and fun is in trying to find an optimum route. In competitive orienteering, the challenge is to complete a course in the quickest time.”

The newcomers championship was held on a 5km course with 245m of climbing. It featured easier navigation with control points located closer to paths and on clearer landmarks.

The Newcomer Champion was L/Cpl Shaun Farley, with a time of 87:1.

DOUBLE GOLD: AS1 Lou Elkington (left) and partner

Daniel Abrahams

MEDALLISTS: Sqn Ldr Richard Crabb (3rd), Sqn Ldr Paul Watson (2nd), Flt Lt Charles Nell (1st) and Fg Off Charlotte Elliss (2nd)

FOOTBALL

Toffees are chewed up UKAF women get better of Everton

UKAF WOMEN’S footballers continued their winning form with a 2-1 victory in their Remembrance clash over Everton Women’s Academy at Widnes Stadium.

The win for FS Karl Milgate’s side could have been wrapped up before the late winner, which came after Able Rate Ellie Bishop restarted the game with a hopeful hit towards goal, only for Everton keeper Peyton Henderson, who had been on terrific form all game, to spill the catch and see the ball bounce away.

Substitute Cpl Harriet Wellings, in her second UKAF match, was alert to the situation and pounced on the loose ball to calmly slot home and give UKAF victory in injury time.

Team manager Milgate said: “We caught Everton out early on, they were very concerned about us, but gradually they got a foothold, before their goal which was out of

nothing. We sat the girls down at half-time and explained everyone makes mistakes, we have missed chances and we now have to get ourselves out of the hole of our own making.

“Dixon was due a goal like that, she deserved it, and it was a great finish. We knew from there that we had to go on and win it and, thankfully, we did.”

The Service side started brightly and could have been home and dry inside the opening half-hour as Private Courtney Jones, on her debut, had a blistering effort from 25 yards tipped onto the crossbar.

Leading Hand Ciara Boylan followed up minutes later, arriving unmarked into the six-yard box as she sent in a header that should have found the net, but instead whistled over.

A keeping error saw the Toffees take the lead against the run of play.

Army goalkeeper Cpl Teri HarfieldBrown was caught in possession trying to play out of her area and Everton forward Izzy Morris stole the ball and slotted home.

AS1 Shaunna Jenkins then saw

a great chance flash wide from a header after the restart, with UKAF pushing to equalise throughout the second 45.

It took a piece of magic from RAF Cpl Pip Wilson, who twisted and turned before sending a reverse pass over her shoulder, to level

things up. Her pass to Cpl Libby Dixon saw the forward hold off her marker to fire home across the keeper in the 77th minute.

Dixon then went down after 83 minutes when through on goal, but the referee waved away any appeals, before the winning goal sealed the game.

All aboard

THE WORLD of skateboarding has officially landed in Service sport with the first ever UK Armed Forces Military Skate Jam and Competition.

The RAF team won two of the four competitions at the Army-hosted event at Flo Skatepark in Nottingham.

Cpl George Phipp from Baker Barracks took first place in the Bowl and AS1 Dom

Brown won the S.K.A.T.E. event.

FS Steve Drake and Cpls Ian Savage and Sam Lawrence made up the rest of the RAF team, who had a blistering start to the day taking the Bowl event.

The High Jump and the Ollie disciplines both went the way of the Army before Cpl Phipp levelled things up with the late win for the RAF.

Cpl

better with an evening full of coaching sessions.”

l Email: Dominic.brown147@mod. gov.uk to find out more about RAF Skateboarding.

Savage said: “Overall, the team put up a great performance against the bigger Army team. It was a great day, made even

SKATEBOARDING

UKAF 2 Everton Academy 1

ATTACK: UKAF send in a corner

SKATE VANGUARD: Cpl Phipp (left), Cpl Savage (right) and AS1 Brown (bottom right)

SERGEANT DARREN Drysdale completed the first ever allmilitary football officials line-up when he refereed the EFL League One clash at Cambridge United over Remembrance Weekend.

The 0-0 game versus Bolton Wanderers was a far from dreary goalless affair, as Cambridge missed the chance to move into the play-off spots, losing Kyte Dempsey for a second yellow card on 75 minutes at Abbey Stadium.

Drysdale was one of four military men – along with Army assistant referees Corporal Declan O’Shea and Captain Steve Finch, and Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Scott Jackson as the fourth official – completing the first ever all-military line-up.

NETBALL

“I was immensely proud to take to the field on Saturday flanked by my Armed Forces colleagues, on a fixture so close to Armistice Day – it’s such a poignant and unique occasion,” said Drysdale.

“Match official teams on match day are very close-knit environments. Trust in what each other will do, commitment to the game plan and teamwork are the vital components of success.

“Knowing that my colleagues on this particular fixture were not only fellow match officials, but also members of HM Forces, solidified the bond between us even more.”

The four officials, who together have 98 years of

combined military service, all reached the top levels of football officiating while balancing the needs of Service life.

Drysdale, who has more than 500 appearances officiating top-flight matches across nine professional English Football League and Football Association competitions, added: “Having served my country during the Iraq conflict in 2003, I have some experience of the sacrifices Service personnel make when serving in areas of conflict.

“I am, however, fortunate to have returned home safely, which was not the case for many – and for this I am deeply humbled.”

Representatives from both clubs each laid a poppy wreath on the edge of the centre circle prior to kick-off, with supporters

joining together in a minute’s silence, followed by the playing of The Last Post.

All-military first for officials Women come up just short

A tall order for Over-35 netballers in Australia

AN AGONISING fourth place saw the Service’s Women finish just outside the medals after a competitive and historic PanPacific Masters Games Netball tournament in Australia.

The tour, designed to strengthen links with the Australian Defence Force, saw a team of 13 RAF netballers hosted by the ADF at Enoggera Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane for the first week of their visit.

The squad took in an England Roses and the Australian Diamonds International Netball Series match, with Sgt Di Whitaker (Brize Norton) carrying out flag-bearing duties for the England team.

The team then decamped to the Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara for the Pan-Pacific event, which saw more than 13,000 participants competing in 26 sports, along with 700 netballers from Over 35 to Over 65 age groups.

The RAF faced stern opposition

in the Over 35 competition, playing teams from across Australia and Papua New Guinea, as well as an ADF outfit.

Team spokesperson Sqn Ldr Becky Wadd said: “The team played a series of close-run matches and narrowly missed out on medalling in the competition, finishing fourth overall.

“This was the second time the association has sent teams to compete in Australia, the previous event being the Arafura Games in 2005.

“This was a terrific opportunity to face testing opponents in a world class venue used for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.” l Find out more about RAF Netball at Instagram @rafnetball.

JOINING FORCES: Sgt Darren Drysdale (2nd left) with fellow military officials PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, COURTESY OF CAMBRIDGE UNITED

WO leaves 'em all in his wake

Hamilton is king of the waves

Daniel Abrahams

HIGH WINDS and high quality action were the order of the day at the recent RAF Windsurfing Wave Championships in Tiree, Scotland.

The event went the way of organiser WO Craig Hamilton, who saw off Sqn Ldr Mark Thompson and Sqn Ldr Chris Rugg in the new single-elimination format.

Force nine gales battered the Hebrides as competitors arrived, delaying ferrys and causing a 24hour delay to proceedings.

Much of the first part of the week was spent at Crossapol Beach – a mile stretch of white sand used for training sessions.

Competition spokesperson Fred Hunter said: “Some excellent sessions of down-the-line wave riding and starboard-tack jumping were secured. Tiree was being hit by the ‘punchiest’ conditions, with

40kt+ winds battering the island, while nearby Gott Bay saw some ride out in now 50kt gusting winds.”

Competitors had 15 minutes in which to impress the judges, being

scored on jumps and wave-riding.

With many new to the format, a little confusion in the first round left a number of riders out of position for the start.

Four heats were run on day one before a decision was made to postpone and hold the semi-final and final the following day.

The final saw an impressive fight for the podium – with conditions providing enough wind for some decent jumps, loops and fantastic wave-riding.

Despite two years out due to an ankle injury, WO Hamilton proved that he still had what it took and ended victorious.

l To find out more about RAF windsurfing visit rafsailing.co.uk/ windsurf.

Basketball's back for inter-stations

RAF COSFORD hosted the first inter-station basketball tournament in 10 years.

With competitors ranging from novice to UKAF representative skill level forming six teams, the two-day event showcased an incredible range of skills from defensive blocks to convincing crossovers and shots from distance scoring three points.

The field of 66 men and women were split into two groups, Group A saw Boulmer and Brize Norton eventually battle it out for the win.

In a close game, Boulmer’s top scorer Flt Lt Jamie Rodwell, who was on top form throughout scoring 25 points, saw his team over the line to 53-42.

Group B saw Odiham

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

and Wittering, both featuring a number of experienced RAF players, reach the exciting final game of the tournament.

Again, that clash produced another tight contest with the scores going back and forth throughout. The game was looking to be Wittering’s with AS1 Wez Dzaro blocking numerous Odiham shots. AS1 Billy Cousins had other ideas however, stealing the win to became the tournament’s top point scorer with a whopping 32 points, giving Odiham a 53-46 win, making them the Group B champions.

l Follow the RAF Basketball Association on Instagram at: @ rafBasketball.

Grid Iron on the offensive

THE SERVICE’S Grid Iron fraternity will be holding two one-day training camps on December 12.

The camps are the first step towards the Inter-Service

championships and will be held at RAF Waddington and Leeming.

For further details visit the RAF Mustangs Instagram page @ rafamericanfootball.

JUMP TO IT: RAF Odiham won Group B PHOTO: AS1 HAYDN BRUMLEY BANKS

KINGS OF THE HILL: RAF Windsurfers and some of Tiree's hardy residents, below left

JUST SWELL: Riding the huge waves

One to Remember

Spirited display against young Gloucester side

Daniel Abrahams

A TOUGH battling display saw UKAF men’s rugby players star in another memorable Remembrance game, losing 3245 to Gloucester at Kingsholme Stadium.

The RAF contingent was Cpl James Roberts, Cpl Alex Stanley, Cpl Sam Hutchinson, Off Cdt Kieran Forbes, Cpl Luke Riddell, Cpl Will Lamont, AS2(T) Ryan Crowley and AS2(T) Toby Evans.

There were tries for Lamont in the 37th minute and for Forbes in the 73rd – doing the Service proud.

RAF head coach FS Justin Coleman was one of three TriService coaches on the night, with Sqn Ldr Ellen Sluungard the team physio.

Coleman said: “It was a great occasion to commence the Remembrance celebrations with a strong physical battle against a wellorganised and youthful Gloucester side, with lots to take away and work on for the future.

“It was a really promising start with the standout players from all three Services coming

RUGBY UNION

together as we build for next year’s International Defence Rugby Cup.”

A solid crowd of around 2,000 supporters were treated to a high

U23s put down IS marker with narrow victory

WITNEY RFC was the setting for a night of mud and guts as the U23 rugby union men produced an historic 8-7 Inter-Services win over the Army.

Digging deep in more senses than one, the RAF side held its nerve to win by a late AS1 Kier MacDougall penalty kick deep into added time for what head coach Flt Lt James Henriet called: “A first ever win over the Army in this setup of the U23s team.”

In truth Henriet’s side – that featured 16 debutants in the 23man squad, including captain AS1(T) Lewis Boland – would have been home and hosed long before had they produced a more composed performance and while this fills Henriet with confidence going into the final

game against the Royal Navy, he is rightly wary.

“The Navy game will be a tough one, we’ve let the lads enjoy the win, but we know what the target is, and we’re up for the battle,” he said.

“We wanted it from minute one. We have built a cohesive family unit here and we are proud of that.

“I showed the lads the IS trophy at training and simply told them it is theirs to lose.”

The opening championship match was held amid torrential downpours, making ball handling incredibly difficult throughout. As a result, the RAF’s first 40 minutes was decimated by errors.

tempo game that was far from exhibition as the players gave a full-blooded opening 40 minutes following a rousing rendition of the

national anthem sung by Amelia Underwood-King before the match got under way.

A tit-for-tat start saw the sides

trade scores until the hosts made it 12-7 through a Jack Bartlett try before it was 19-7 after 32 minutes.

The score of the night for the Service side saw Lamont fed beautifully in the 37th minute by Cakau to make it 14-26 at the break.

UKAF scored first again in the second half but, having changed their entire front row at the break, they struggled to halt Gloucester, with two scores coming from UKAF attacks following Forbes’ try.

The Service side grabbed the final score of the game, under the shadow of the posts, but it was too little too late and the match was lost.

On the plus side, their scrum and maul power proved effective in defence throughout the first half, as they forced back all of the Army attacks.

Losing line-out continually, the RAF lost back row AS1 (T) Ben Collins to the sinbin for 10 minutes on 36 minutes, and the reigning IS champs touched down.

The RAF were then denied a brilliant seven-pass try on the Army line after 47 minutes.

Having reduced errors, the RAF looked the most likely side to score and they duly did following another sinbinning, this time for the Army, with MacDougall touching down. His conversion was wide in gusty conditions for

7-5 with eight minutes left.

The RAF were now rampant, Cpl Lewis Bovington raiding from full back and sparking cross coder AS1 Kieron Prescott.

After further RAF pressure they finally chose to kick a penalty, which MacDougall calmly sent over for the win in the sixth minute after the hooter.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: Cpl Lamont makes it agony for Gloucester with his try

PHOTOS: ANDREW FOSKER/ALLIGIN

RUGBY UNION

RAF U23s 8

Army U23s 7

IN THE THICK OF IT: AS2(T) Ryan Crowley

RAINING CHAMPS: But RAF beat the Army in torrential downpours

PHOTO: AS1(T) Rhys Ford

Film

Review Operation Seawolf (12) Blu-ray, DVD and digital now (Dazzler Media)

Win!

DIRECTED BY Steven Luke

(Battle of the Bulge: Winter War), Operation Seawolf depicts the true last-ditch effort by Nazi forces in 1945 to launch a U-Boat attack on New York City.

Starring Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables franchise) front and centre as Iron Cross-decorated Captain Hans Kessler, the film has the low budget you might expect, but without the barrage of action and combat that his name usually denotes. This is at once a refreshing break from expectations, but a dive into a much slower, characterdriven pace that might not be matched by the dialogue and its delivery.

The bulk of its brief runtime is comprised of Kessler, with his ramshackle unit, bringing into line his unruly Lieutenant Erich Reinhart (Andrew Stecker) in

broken English. Evidently Kessler has been selected from this Hail Mary operation due to his extensive experience over both world wars. However, he looks chewed up: refusing to believe the Nazi propaganda coming over the radio or even salute the Führer.

It is an interesting choice to show this series of events from the perspective of the Nazi forces, and more interesting still to not make him villainous, but a more complex individual who feels compelled to serve not out of honour to the cause, but as part of his duty.

The poster features two other stars in the form of Commander Race Ingram (Frank Grillo, Avengers: Endgame) and Capt

The Death Drop habit

FOLLOWING THREE soldout West End runs and a smash hit UK tour, Death Drop back with a new murder mystery show, Death Drop: Back In The Habit, touring nationwide.

The cast features RuPaul Drag Race UK and Drag Race Vs The World star Cheryl Hole with Drag Race UK stars River Medway and Victoria Sponge, supported by Drag King LoUis CYfer.

Written by Rob Evans and directed by Jesse Jones, the show tours until March 18, 2023 and visits venues including Crewe, Brighton (from December 13-24), Blackpool, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.

A gaggle of fabulous nuns are trapped in their convent with a serial slayer slashing their way through the sisters. As the clues are unearthed by Sis Marple, the killer comedy comes to its thrilling and uproarious conclusion.

LoUis CYfer, who starred in the original production in the West End in 2020 and 2021, said: “It’s my absolute pleasure to rejoin the cast of Death Drop and once again be the Nasty Nick of the cast ... there’s no better

feeling than knowing that this year I’ll have my pick of who I want to pull my Christmas cracker with.”

Cheryl Hole added: “I’m so beyond excited and honoured to be part of the new cast of Death Drop. After seeing so many of my talented friends in the different renditions of the show, I can’t wait to step into the shoes of my peers and show everyone that I’m far from mediocre.”

l Go to: DeathDropPlay.com for more details.

Samuel L Gravely Jr (Hiram A. Murray, The Terminal List), though they both appear very minimally, cutting to Ingram between scenes in a lightly-dressed office, explaining the defensive action of American forces.

Though it largely takes place within the confines of one sea vessel, leading the fleet, the attack on the American coast is caught in CGI heavy scenes, set to a generic epic score, that do their best to communicate the scale of events taking place.

Review by Sam Cooney 2 roundels out of 5

Dolph takes a dive YouTubers are in Deep

Competition

The Deep House (15) Blu-ray and DVD out now (Dazzler Media)

Win the DVD

WE HAVE copies of Operation Seawolf on DVD up for grabs. For your chance to win one, simply send us the correct answer to the following question: Who directs Operation Seawolf? Email your answer, marked Operation Seawolf DVD competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by December 16.

MICK JAGGER’S son James (Vinyl) stars with Camille Rowe (No Limit) in The Deep House, a terrifying supernatural horror. They play Ben and Tina, YouTubers who travel to explore a house lost at the bottom of a lake, and share their experience on social media.

What is initially a unique find turns into a nightmare when they learn that the house was once the scene of atrocious crimes. Trapped, with their oxygen reserves falling dangerously low, they soon discover they aren’t alone in the house.

The movie is written and directed by award-winning filmmakers, Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury (Kandisha, Inside you could win a copy on Bluray.

All you have to do for your chance to win is send us the correct answer to this question:

What is the name of the

Email your answer, marked The Deep House Bluray competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by December 16. Please include your full postal address with all competition entries.

CDR INGRAM: Played by Frank Grillo

DIVING RIGHT IN: Tina and Ben

ACTION MAN: Dolph Lundgren as Capt Kessler

character James Jagger plays in The Deep House?

JAGGER

CHERYL: Far from mediocre

Kay making panto debut after success in Masked Singer

Win 4 tickets

WE HAVE a family ticket (4 people) to win to see Aladdin at the Waterside, Aylesbury on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 5.30pm*. We also have a family ticket (4 people)* to see Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan on the winner’s choice of: Dec 22 at 7pm; Dec 27, 1.30pm or 5.30pm; Dec 28, 5.30pm; Dec 29, 1.30pm; Dec 30, 5.30pm or Dec 31, 1.30pm (subject to availability).

To enter, tell us: Who is making his panto debut as Dandini in Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan?

Email your answer, marked Panto Tickets, to: competitions@rafnews. co.uk or post it to our usual address (see p2) to arrive by December 16.

Please state if you’d prefer to win tickets to see Aladdin or Cinderella and your preferred date if Cinderella.

*Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

IT’S PANTO season and there’s something for everyone – from the story of how Christmas came to be with Horrible Histories, to adult pantomime The Wizard of Poz Vernon Kay makes his panto debut as Dandini in Cinderella at the Swan Theatre, High Wycombe from December 9-31. Recently crowned winner of ITV’s Masked Singer: I’m a Celebrity Special after being unmasked as Koala, he said: “Performing on Masked Singer was so much fun and no one was more surprised than me to win. This is a real month of ‘firsts’ as I look forward to making my stage debut in panto. It will be nice to sing without wearing a koala in a tutu costume.”

Vernon (right) will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg as Buttons.

EastEnders and Holby City’s Davood Ghadami stars as panto bad guy Abanazar in Aladdin at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre from December 2 to January 2, 2023, with Waterside panto stalwarts Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix, playing

Widow Twankey and Andy Collins as Wishee Washee, returning for his 11th year.

Andy said: ‘Many of the elements audiences have come to know and love are back, but, as always, we go bigger each year, and this year is no exception. There’s lots going on in the world and I genuinely believe two hours of panto madness is the best escapism. Seeing and hearing people having the time of their lives with us is addictive.”

Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather), Rob Rinder (Judge Rinder) and the legendary Paul Chuckle of muchloved comedy pair The Chuckle Brothers head the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Milton Keynes Theatre from December 10 –January 8, 2023.

Coming to a big screen near you is this year’s CBeebies panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat, showing at select Encore screenings throughout December. Recorded in front of

a live audience at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, it stars CBeebies favourites including Justin Fletcher as Lord Mayor and Alex Phelps as Lucky the Cat.

Horrible Histories Live on stage visits Birmingham, Manchester and London this month with Horrible Christmas From Victorian villains to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, it’s a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Dickens, Cromwell, Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season. And this year’s Two Brewers annual adult panto is The Wizard of Poz: Defying Bigotry, at the popular cabaret venue in Clapham, London from December 7-9, 14-16 and 21-22. The show features musical numbers fromThe Wiz, Wicked and the classic Judy Garland movie, performed by top cabaret and theatre performers, led by Paulus, ‘The Cabaret Geek’ – BBC’s All Together Now judge.

l Go to: wycombeswan.co.uk for Cinderella; atgtickets. com for Aladdin and Snow White details; cbeebiespanto. com; birminghamstage.com, bridgewater-hall.co.uk and barbican.org.uk for Horrible Histories and thecabaretgeek. com/panto for The Wizard of Poz.

SET AGAINST the dazzling opulence of Georgian London, four-part drama

The Confessions of Frannie Langton premieres on new free streaming service ITVX when it launches on December 8.

Karla-Simone Spence (Blue Story, Wannabe) leads the cast as Frannie, the series’ young protagonist, born into a life of slavery, who is fighting to tell her own story. She is joined by Sophie Cookson (The Trial of Christine Keeler, Kingsman: The Secret Service) as Madame Marguerite Benham and Patrick Martins (Redemption, Blasts From The Past) as Olaudah ‘Laddie’ Cambridge in the murder-mystery drama.

Also starring in the historically authentic adaptation is Stephen Campbell Moore (War of the Worlds, The One) as renowned scientist and husband to Madame, George Benham, and Steven Mackintosh (Rocketman, Wanderlust) who plays John Langton.

The series narrates Frannie’s journey from a Jamaican plantation to the grand Mayfair mansion of celebrated scientist Benham and his exquisitely beautiful wife.

In a misguided and monstrous gesture Frannie is gifted to Benham by the man who owns her, Langton, and employed as a maid in the household, much to her chagrin.

Events take a fateful turn as the Benhams are found murdered in their beds, with Frannie lying next to Marguerite. Frannie is accused of murder but swears she couldn’t possibly have killed her mistress because she was devoted to her. Dragged to prison, Frannie attempts to piece together the events of that night. She is deep into a laudanum addiction and unclear about precisely what happened…

The powerful drama is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Sara Collins which won the Costa first novel award in 2019, and Collins has adapted it for the screen herself.

Spence explained why she was attracted to playing Frannie. “It’s an incredible story, I was really intrigued by Frannie’s journey,” she said.

“She’s an incredibly witty, resilient woman. As soon as I read the scripts, I was like ‘I have to

The new, free launches with

CHEMISTRY: Mme Benham (Cookson) & Frannie Langton (Karla-Simone Spence)

OWNED: Frannie 'belongs John

LESLEY JOSEPH

ALADDIN: At Aylesbury's Waterside with Davood Ghadami and La Voix

A slave to love

Edited by Tracey Allen

The perfect quiz book for aviation enthusiasts

DO YOU know… which Russian aircraft has the NATO reporting name Hoplite?

What the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is known as in the Israeli Air Force service?

Which aircraft has the ICAO designation PC12?

What airline used the callsign ‘GYPSY’ prior to its collapse?

Test your knowledge with the Aviation Quiz Book (keypublishing.com) that covers all aspects of military, commercial and historic aviation.

Written by two highly experienced aviation journalists, Khalem Chapman and Martin Needham, it will test the skills of both the novice plane lover and the tenured enthusiast through tailored questions that vary in difficulty to suit all those with a passion for aviation.

free streaming service ITVX with period murder mystery

play her’. I really wanted this role.

“I poured everything into my final round of auditions. When my agent called to say they were offering me the role, I screamed and had to mute myself because I just went crazy. I was really happy. I had waited for this moment for a really long time and it was worth the wait.”

She added: “It’s a period drama, set in the 1800s. It’s Frannie’s story and she wants the world to know what she went through from her own account. When she arrives in England from Jamaica with Langton she is technically a free woman. She could run into this new world, but where would she go?

“Frannie is a survivor. She has made difficult decisions in order to survive. So, in that moment she chooses to stick with the devil she knows – a choice that has led her to where we find her at the beginning of the series.

“In the show people assume many things about Frannie and the life she has led, including that she can’t read or write. But she has a great love of reading and for books. She can be the most intelligent person in the room but can’t always show it.”

Spence explained: “George Benham is able write ‘his-story’ and publish it. So, years later all anyone will know is what he did from his own account and how he would like people to see him. But Frannie is not going to let anyone else tell her story. She wants us to know her real story, as told by her.”

Cookson said: “I was intrigued [by the script] because there seemed to be lots of Gothic overtones, something I’m always excited by. I found it to be an incredibly dark, compelling read. There are moments of real brutality, raw emotion, pain and suffering. But all of that is contrasted with moments of pure joy, love and light. I loved the fact that Sara Collins had created this complicated world where no one is quite who they seem.

“All the characters are complicated and often overlap in their desires or wants in places where you might not think. Sometimes it feels like a game of chess. And there are these beautiful moments of love. What it is to be human and in a very dark place, in a shocking, terrible time in our history – Sara brilliantly highlights that even in the worst, darkest places there is still light and hope.” l The Confessions of Frannie Langton will be released on ITVX on December 8.

Testing the reader’s knowledge of everything across the aerospace domain – from past, present and future aircraft recognition, weapons and flight decks to airport codes and air force insignia – this quiz book is the perfect trivia time out for all aviation enthusiasts, ideal for

a Christmas stocking filler for aircraft lovers.

n We have a special offer for RAF News readers, giving you 10 per cent off the £14.99 price of the Aviation Quiz Book.

To order, go to the website: shop.keypublishing.com and enter the code: RAFNEWS10 in the discount code section at checkout.

Spaceman Ilan launches Snowman and Snowdog 10th anniversary shows

AFTER CREATING the evocative Space Station Earth album accompanied by an immersive, out-of-this-world tour in collaboration with the European Space Agency earlier this year, Ilan Eshkeri is now set for a different kind of fantastical adventure.

This Christmas will get underway with four special 10th anniversary shows of the beloved family favourite The Snowman and The Snowdog, brought to life by the film’s original composers, Eshkeri and Andy Burrows, with a live concert orchestra.

The show is at Birmingham Town Hall on December 17 and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London on December 20, with matinee and evening performances on both days.

First broadcast in 2012 on Channel 4, the sequel to The Snowman tells the story of Billy, who discovers a snowmanmaking kit hidden under the floorboards of his new home on Christmas Eve.

Billy builds a snowman and, with a little leftover snow, a snowdog. As the clock strikes midnight, the two come to life and Billy joins them on a magical, funfilled journey across the skies to

attend a party with snowmen and Father Christmas himself. Eshkeri and Burrows’ music earned the duo a BAFTA nomination for their score.

Eshkeri’s music features in the major BBC One TV series SAS: Rogue Heroes, a dramatised account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS, was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War II.

l Go to: theatresonline.com for ticket details.

CLOSE: Madame Benham and Frannie before double killing and the former slave is imprisoned for murder

COMPOSER: Ilan Eshkeri Photo: Tom Oxley

OWNED: Frannie 'belongs to' Langton

R'n'R

Your Announcements

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

Seeking

WERE you stationed at RAF High Wycombe? The station’s Media and Communications Officer, Laurence Parker, is looking for personnel based there, from 1940 to the present, who may have old photographs of the station (if the person is in them, that’s not a problem, says Laurence).

He is aiming to compile a history of RAF High Wycombe through the ages, and possibly use some in a social media campaign. He would also like to hear from people who have recollections of RAF High Wycombe when they were stationed there.

Please email him at: laurence. parker140@mod.gov.uk if you can help.

I am trying to trace my brother Flight Sergeant RE Lee, born in Sleights, North Yorkshire, March 1943 or 44, last known to be living in the Oxford area. He was in the signals section of the RAF. I would be grateful if he would contact me by the email address or phone number below which is in Australia, because I have an important family message for him. Please email: argemtis71@gmail.com or phone: +61266452512.

SEEKING S.J.E Adams. Number 680159, 78th Entry Halton. Call Reg Butchers: 07702 238509 or email: reg. butchers@btinternet.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.

Reunions

RAF CHANGI – did you serve there between 1946

How to use our service

-72? The RAF Changi Association (inc. HQFEAF) would like to hear from you and a warm welcome awaits you. Membership is open to all ranks, ex RAF/WRAF/ WAAF also including civilian personnel who served there. Why not join us for our 25th Annual Reunion and AGM which has been booked for the weekend of May 12-14, 2023 at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Warwick, CV34 6RE? Please contact our Membership Secretary, Malcolm Flack, on: 01494 728562 or email: memsecchangi@outlook. com or visit: www.rafchangi. com for more details.

THE 60th anniversary reunion of the 49th Entry 2 Sqn Clerks Boy Entrants at RAF Hereford is to be held from May 15-17, 2023 at Thoresby Hall, Ollerton, Notts. If interested in attending please contact Dave Beaumont on: 07538651712 or email beaumont.d@sky. com or Bob Cuss, email: rbc324@john-lewis.com.

RAF Bawdsey Reunion Association. Did you ever serve at RAF Bawdsey? If so, why not join us at our next annual reunion which will take place at Bawdsey Manor on June 3, 2023. For details please contact Doreen at doreen.bawdseyreunion@ btinternet.com or phone: 07513 301723.

Associations

THE RAF & Defence Fire Services Association was formed in 1995 and would like to attract new members of all ranks, serving and retired. The annual subscription fee is £16 and for that you receive three Association magazines a year called The Flashpoint, to which members are invited to contribute their stories. We meet for a reunion and AGM once a year. For more information and

how to join please visit the website: rafanddfsa.co.uk. The RAF & DFS Association also has close links with the Museum of RAF Firefighting, visit: fire museum.uk.

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

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. For more information please get in touch with Dave Scott via email: davescott10@hotmail.co.uk.

SSAFA Xmas catalogue

AMONG the eye-catching seasonal items in SSAFA’s Christmas 2022 catalogue is a set of gingerbread RAF, Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Marines personnel. Crafted from felt and with SSAFA branding on the reverse, they cost £7.99 each. And Sherin Aminossehe, the MOD’s Director of Infrastructure and a trained architect, has designed Christmas cards and a calendar for the catalogue. Go to: ssafa.org.uk for more details.

Make the Ride for charity

REGISTRATION IS now open for the Dambusters Ride that takes place next spring.

The cycle fundraiser, organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, pays tribute to the Dambusters, members of the RAF’s 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley on the night of May 16-17, 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise.

This year marks 80 years since the raid, in which the revolutionary bouncing bomb, the brainchild of engineer Barnes Wallis, was dropped at low level on Germany’s industrial heartland. The mission was a success, but the cost was high; of 133 aircrew who left, 53 were killed and three became prisoners of war.

The Dambusters Ride consists of two elements – a flexible Virtual Ride and a Heritage Ride in Lincolnshire, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Because of the Virtual Ride option, fundraisers from all over the world will be taking part in the event, said an RAFBF spokesman.

The physical Heritage Ride, which includes 100 miles, 80 miles or 40 miles options, has routes starting and finishing at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, the

home of the Dambusters.

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

Important Notice

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

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

VISITORS TO the British Motor Museum have plenty of options this festive season.

Christmas lunches on December 11, 12, 13 and 16 are open to visitors, local companies, members, car clubs and community groups to book, and there are family activities running from December 16-23.

Youngsters can complete a Christmas jigsaw trail, searching for pieces of Santa’s sleigh around the museum, then enjoy making automotive-inspired Christmas cards.

And the museum has a wide array of seasonal gifts – every purchase supports the charity – including gift vouchers, museum

George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, the last surviving member of Operation Chastise, said: “The Benevolent Fund does incredible work supporting RAF veterans and serving personnel and I would like to thank anyone who signs up for this cycle ride.

last

“I am grateful to have never needed the Fund’s support but I have always known they are there for those less fortunate than I.”

He added: “Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid 80 years ago and throughout World War II.

“Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope, through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today.”

Lisa Hunt, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “Operation Chastise was an important part of the RAF’s history, so in addition to raising much-needed funds, I hope the Dambusters Ride encourages younger generations to learn more about 617 Sqn and their brave sacrifice 80 years ago.”

Go to rafbf.org for more information and to register for the Ride.

Xmas with a motoring theme

membership, heritage certificates and archive prints.

Other items include a replica tax disc, a reversible Land Rover Scarf and a bespoke 1000-piece British Cars Of The 60s jigsaw.

Based at Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, the museum is home to more than 400 iconic classic and vintage cars.

Go to the website: britishmotormuseum.co.uk for more details.

CHRISTMAS CHEER: The felt gingerbread RAF figure

ON THEIR BIKES: Cyclists join in the Dambusters Ride; inset, George 'Johnny' Johnson

FESTIVE FUN: Lunch is served in the Sky Suite; inset, an elf on the Christmas jigsaw trail

Adopt a museum Royal artefact Exploring war games

TO CELEBRATE the RAF Museum’s 50th anniversary, five artefacts spanning five decades are now available for adoption.

Each has been chosen by a curator to tell the story of the museum and its early years, including two objects with a special Royal connection.

A remarkable piece of footage showing Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the museum is the first of the five artefacts in the adoptable collection. Filmed by one of the museum’s first curators on November 15, 1972, the footage shows The Queen

arriving at the museum, signing the guest book and unveiling a commemorate plaque. The plaque remains on display at the museum’s London site.

The pen she used to sign the visitors book on the museum’s opening day is now available for adoption. It was never used again and is kept in the museum’s reserve collection, at Stafford.

A photo album showing the last days of RAF Hendon and the beginnings of the RAF Museum, London, has been found in the museum’s archive collection. The photos capture the station’s role changing, including the removal of the original entrance to RAF Hendon, and a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh, the museum’s former patron, during construction.

Also to mark the museum’s 50th anniversary a new art exhibition To the Stars opened in London.

IF YOU’RE looking for somewhere to visit over the Christmas holidays that doesn’t have a festive theme, London’s Imperial War Museum is running the War Games exhibition.

con eratethe

onceusedtoope cameraofanun

An Xbox 360 controller once used to operate the camera of an unmanned aerial vehicle in Afghanistan and Iraq is among the items on display until May 28, 2023 at the first exhibition in the UK to look at how the reality of war is represented in the virtual world of a video game.

Power’s service in the Royal Flying Corps in World War I.

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“This adoptable artefact is one of the first artworks acquired by the museum’s inaugural director, John Tanner, in the mid 70s,” said a museum spokesperson.

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Included is Cyril Power’s lino cut Air Raid (left), representing a dog fight, and

Another anniversary artefact is the Bouton Paul Defiant, the sole surviving example of its type. It was part of the RAF Museum London’s original displays when it opened in 1972. It has since moved to the museum’s Midlands site.

The spokesperson added: “The Defiant was a two-seat turret fighter that found its niche as a night fighter in the 1940-42 period, as well as extensive use later in the war for air-sea rescue and target tug roles in the UK and Middle and Far East.”

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Adoptees will all receive a 50th anniversary edition digital photo, certificate, online recognition with a personalised message and exclusive updates throughout the year.

It explores how video game technology is used to help shape real wars and looks at the relationship between video games and conflict through a series of titles which, over the last 40 years, have reflected events from World War I to the present.

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Go to rafmuseum.org for more details.

It also features immersive installations, objects that have never been displayed before – such as the Xbox 360 controller – and a retro game zone where visitors can play 13 iconic titles including

including

Battlezone, Medal of Honor and Top Gun on consoles ranging from the Atari 2600 to the Sega Dreamcast.

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An IWM spokesperson said: “The exhibition presents blockbuster games like Sniper Elite 5 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare alongside indie titles such as This War of Mine and Bury Me, My Love, raising questions about how different developers have portrayed conflict, and highlighting reallife stories many have drawn inspiration from.”

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OFFICIAL from a 1972 film of The Queen opening the RAF Museum

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R'n'R Prize Crossword

Prize Su Doku No. 338

Solve the crossword,

then rearrange the eight letters in yellow squares to find an RAF station

Equip in our time first Asian squadrons (7)

I ruin Dante’s as an alternative (7)

Little Esau certainly has cheek (5)

RAF personnel like top French wine, we hear (4)

Prize Crossword No. 326 winner is: David Masters,Sheffield.

Biblical character of some competence, we hear (4)

Pitiful and apologetic (5)

William’s new role, apparently (6,2,5)

Modern gallery has southern flavour (5)

Helped, off the record, to pay attention (4)

Sum I heartlessly count for space cadet (6)

Did RAF pilots get a buzz flying one? (8)

18 Down. Top pilot ruined our saddlebag (7,5)

Cruelty Pascal inflicted to a great degree (13)

Preliminary test for judges? (5,3)

19 Down. Tyson Fury may jest about RAF planes (7,4)

It’s overused at the end of the day, for example (6)

6 Down

Name Address.................................................................................................................. RAF station:....................................................................... Crossword No. 328

Books

Flying Up the Edgware Road

Across – 1. Agog 8. Off Balance 9. Hellfire 10. Hawk 12. Chance 14. Salads 15. Hunter 17. Sortie 18. Best 19. Warthogs 21. Wellington 22. Tuna Down – 2. Greenhouse 3. Goal 4. Office 5. Caress 6. Bachelor 7. Weak 11. Waddington 13. Not At All 16. Rowing 17. Sprite 18. Bowl 20. Hint RAF term – Protector Win!

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 December 16, 2022.

The winner of Su Doku No: 336 is: Geoffrey Cropper from Witney, Oxon.

F

From the Edwardian suburb of Cricklewood out towards the semi-rural hamlets of Colindale and Kingsbury, a collection of factories was established to produce some of the most important warplanes that served in World War I.

The author takes the reader through the early days of flying at Hendon, introduces the owners and workers of oncemighty companies such as Airco, Handley Page and de Havilland, and chronicles the decline and re-use of the factories for a new post-war economy.

Subtitled The Birth of NorthWest London’s Aviation Industry, this fascinating book, which contains rare and previously

LYING UP The Edgware Road by Mark Amies (amberleybooks.com) tells the story of how an area of what is now north west London became a hub of the British aircraft industry in the very early years of the twentieth century.unpublished images, will appeal to those keen to know more about London’s industrial, social and economic past, as well as those with an interest in early aviation history.

Also the author of London’s Industrial Past, Amies has a regular feature on the popular BBC Radio London Robert Elms Show, in which he covers numerous aspects of the capital city’s industrial history.

We have copies of Flying Up The Edgware Road (rrp £15.99) to win. For your chance to own one, tell us:

On which radio show does author Mark Amies have a regular slot?

Email your answer, marked Edgware Road book competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by December 16. Please include your full postal address.

Strictly for champions

A

The show, featuring a 10-strong ensemble of dancers from the hit BBC One TV show, will open at Hull’s Bonus Arena on May 2 and then waltz its way around the UK before culminating at Liverpool’s M&S Arena on May 30.

The Strictly Professionals are: Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell, new Strictly dancer and 11-time Italian Latin American Champion Vito Coppola, Chinese National Dance Champion Carlos Gu(also new to Strictly this year), Professional World Mambo Champion and 2020 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer, undefeated four-time

GLAMOROUS line-up of some of the world’s best dancers will be hitting the road next year for the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK tour.British National Champion Neil Jones, six-time Italian Latin and Ballroom Champion Nikita Kuzmin, 2017 and 2020

Strictly finalist Gorka Marquez, four-time Italian Dance Championship winner Luba Mushtuk, Polish Open Latin Champion Jowita Przystal and World Latin Dance Championships Under 21 finalist Nancy Xu.

Jason said: “It is fantastic to unveil this stellar line-up of much-loved Strictly professional dancers for next year’s tour. We will be dazzling audiences across the country.” l Go to: StrictlyTheProfessionals.com for more details.

The 31-date tour, directed by Strictly’s creative director Jason Gilkison, will showcase the exceptional talent of the dancers, set within the world of the BBC show, with its stunning costumes and sparkling sets.

Puzzle prizes are back – the winners of our Prize Crossword and Prize Su Doku puzzles will receive a recent top aviation title, so please send your entries to the address printed in the adjacent Su Doku panel, to arrive by December 16.