RAF News Edition 1593, October 04, 2024

UK standby for Lebanon evac mission

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David Walliams says his own family wasn’t the inspiration for his book Awful Auntie See R’n’R pp4-5

Staff Reporter

A NEW maintenance centre has been opened at Lossiemouth ahead of the arrival of the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail.

The advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft will provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance and is expected to enter service in 2025, operated by 8 Sqn.

The new structure sits alongside the Atlantic Building housing nine Poseidon subhunters at the Moray station.

Air Cdre Alex Hicks said:

“It is a real privilege to open the Combined Line Engineering facility for the joint use of Poseidon and Wedgetail engineering teams.

“Collocating the teams will bring significant advantage to Defence as they operate, train and learn from each other to drive synergies into the maintenance of the two capabilities.”

We have earned the right to be forever Kingsmen”

Odiham tug of war team’s Sqn Ldr Gareth Davies after Braemar Games success in front of His Majesty See p23

Lossie set for new E-7

WELLINGTON bomber enters operational service with 99Sqn based at RAF Mildenhall.

1938 Wellington debut

1993 Victor bows out

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The Wedgetail maintenance centre is located opposite the P-8 Poseidon facility at RAF Lossiemouth. Inset, Air Cdre Alex Hicks

UK Forces on standby

●Continued from p1 The UK has been calling for its citizens to leave Lebanon since October 2023.

So far 700 troops, Border Force and Foreign Office officials have been sent to Cyprus.

Military teams have been sent to bases, including RAF Akrotiri, and Royal Navy ships RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, which have remained in the eastern Mediterranean.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Events have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now.

“We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. Our Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah when he met G7 ministers.

Britain is sending £5 million to Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts, where the United Nations will distribute supplies to those in need.

The support comes after further civilian casualties following Israeli air strikes with thousands of people displaced or forced to flee their homes.

The package includes essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations.

Flights from Beirut continue to run and British nationals should depart on the first available carrier.

Staff Reporter

THE RAF’S boxing padre, Rev James Mealy, stepped ringside in the searing Gulf heat as UK fighters squared up to their US counterparts for a showdown dubbed the ‘Rumble in the Deid’.

A former amateur boxing champ as a teenager, James was one

Sarah

of the judges for the hotly anticipated fight night at the Al Udeid air base, where the RAF’s 83 EAG is stationed alongside US Air Force personnel.

Padre Jim took up boxing at the age of six at his local club, close to the pub his parents ran in the West Midlands.

Training under

Lord of the ring Seconds out for Padre Jim

professional boxer Howard Clarke, he became the West Midlands Junior Champion at 14.

His boxing career was cut short following a road accident two years later but he has channelled his passion and skill into training and mentoring Air Force boxers since joining up.

In 2016, as the Chaplain for three RAF Regiment squadrons at Honington, he played a pivotal role in coaching and mentoring young Service members for a TriService boxing competition.

He said: “Howard Clarke had a massive impact on my love for boxing and he enabled me to reach for the heights.

“It was an honour to judge ‘the Rumble in the Deid’. It was like things came full circle and my boxing past was useful again.

“Being a Padre in the RAF gives me so many humbling moments and opportunities and I am forever grateful for my vocation within a vocation.”

The USAF won the event, edging out the UK on points.

UK CITIZENS CALL: Defence Secretary John Healey

BIBLE BASHER: Former regional junior boxing champion Padre James Mealy has mentored Air Force fighters throughout his time in the Service

The Bucc stops here

Simon Mander

VISITORS TO a Suffolk airbase are to be greeted by a new sight as a Tornado jet becomes its gate guardian.

Countless arrivals over 40 years have passed Honington’s Buccaneer, installed as a tribute to aircrew lost on operations since 1983.

But now it is to be replaced by a GR4 to reflect the last flying type at the base, and which operated from nearby Marham until it was retired in February 2019.

to the Binbrook Collection.

“The aircraft has done us proud over 40 years, but it is time to pass it on to be professionally restored and enable future generations to be able to see and enjoy this magnificent example of British aircraft engineering.”

RAF Honington Station Commander Wg Cdr Max Hayward said: “We are delighted to be able to pass on the Buccaneer

Honington has four Tornados which have been used to train RAF Regiment and RAF Police in force protection techniques around hardened aircraft shelters.

The Buccaneer will be revamped and displayed outside the old Binbrook station HQ building.

Shawbury seals deal for Thames conservationists

Navy take on Dambusters

LT COL Mike Carty has taken over command of 617 Sqn. It is the first time in British military history a Marines officer has commanded a fast jet squadron.

FOUR AIR cadets have become the first youngsters to take to the sky solo in a Tutor trainer under a new scheme.

Following an intensive three weeks of pilot training, like that undergone by RAF pilots and University Air Squadrons, at Leuchars, they were awarded gold badges under the Air Cadet Pilot programme.

Cdt WO Knapp, Cdt WO Hughes, Cdt FS Bhasvar and Cdt FS Able made history as the first to pass the course. Regional Commandant

Survey counts on aircrew

Staff Reporter

HELICOPTER CREWS have teamed up with conservationists to count seals in the Thames estuary.

Aircrew from RAF Shawbury normally use their Juno and Jupiter aircraft to prepare fliers from all three Services for the frontline.

But over several days last month when the moulting season makes basking seals easier to see they were using their surveillance skills on the doe-eyed mammals.

No 1 Flying Training School Commandant Gp Capt Andy Baron said: “The RAF is proud to have been able to contribute to a conservation project of such significant scientific importance.

New Cadets go solo

for Scotland and Northern Ireland Gp Capt Sohail Khan said: “It is wonderful to see the four participants successfully complete the new format of the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme and be able to award them their Gold Flying Badges.

“It has undoubtedly been a challenging journey to get to this stage, and they should be justifiably proud of their achievements as new RAF Tutor pilots.”

-He said the scheme would be working with University Air

“Supporting the project has provided a unique opportunity for military helicopter aircrew to develop skills which will further benefit Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army staff and students.”

The survey found nearly 600 harbour and 3,000 grey seals are in the Thames Estuary.

Survey leader Hannah McCormick said: “Seals are playful but shy creatures, so using a longrange lens to take photos from a distance allows us to maximise our counting accuracy while minimising any disturbance.

“These numbers are key to helping us understand how these two species are doing and giving us a glimpse at the important habitat the estuary provides.”

Squadrons and Air Experience Flights using Qualified Flying Instructors to offer courses

each year which follow the RAF elementary pilot training syllabus up to the first solo.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:

Buccaneer is loaded onto a trailer ahead of arrival of Tornado gate guardian

EYE IN THE SKY: RAF Shawbury Juno helped in seal count

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, on 9 October 2024, we’re launching a virtual fundraising challenge. Sign up today and celebrate 100 years of extraordinary stories!

We challenge you to complete 100KM in a month and join our incredible team of fundraisers! Your support is key to helping us share the extraordinary stories of the Royal Air Force.

For tickets and information on how to sign up scan the QR code below, or head to rafmuseum.org.uk

Plotter Kay marks 105th

BATTLE OF Britain plotter Kay Thomas celebrated her 105th birthday – as the nation marked the 84th anniversary of the epic fight for UK skies.

The veteran WAAF worked 60 feet below ground in ‘The Bunker’ at RAF Uxbridge tracking enemy planes as they made their way to Britain on bombing raids.

She was joined by members of her family and residents at the Star and Garter home in High Wycombe.

Daughter Sue said: “Mum remembers on several occasions Winston Churchill looking down on them with his face wreathed in cigar smoke.”

Upgrade puts pooches in the £23m dog house

Staff Reporter

FORCES POOCHES are in the luxury dog house after a £23 million upgrade to their accommodation at Marham.

Three new kennel blocks boast underfloor heating, outdoor exercising areas, a veterinary clinic and isolation suites for dogs receiving treatment.

The complex, built by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, will be home to 48 hounds and also features offices and a relaxation area for handlers, solar panels, plant rooms, a new access road, parking, cycle storage and loading area.

It was designed in consultation with the military’s Veterinary Services Training and Advisory Team to ensure it meets the requirements of the dogs and their handlers and complies with the Animal Welfare Act, the MoD said.

Provost Marshal Gp Capt Samantha Bunn added: “This flagship facility demonstrates our commitment to being at the forefront of military working

Space junk threat to UK satellites

RISKS TO British interests in space and on Earth increased this summer, it has been revealed.

Figures released from UK Space Command say there were more re-entry and space weather alerts issued throughout the period.

A total of 89 uncontrolled re-entries were monitored in August – more than double the number of objects re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere in July – largely a result of the planned decommissioning of small communications satellites.

UK-licensed satellite operators were warned of 2,137 potential collision risks – a 19 per cent increase in risks over the previous month. A rocket body fragmented in August, generating more than 250 pieces of debris.

This summer also saw an increase in space weather alerts issued by the Met Office with flares occurring on 5th, 8th and

14th causing radio blackouts on the day side of Earth. There were 21 launches – 12 performed by SpaceX to deploy an additional 112 Starlink satellites.

The National Space Operations Centre combines and coordinates UK civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable operations, in space and on Earth.

dog care, ensuring our canine partners receive the highest quality housing and welfare provisions in order that they

continue to conduct their duties.

“It sets a new standard for animal welfare and handler support. Military Working Dogs

provide a critical function to deter and detect against the full spectrum of threats to critical assets.”

Cobra nations strike

Simon Mander

FIGHTERS FROM across the world descended on a Lincolnshire airbase for one of the biggest exercises of the year.

More than 50 aircraft from Nato allies including Canada, Poland, Norway and newcomers Finland are taking part in the manoeuvres from Waddington.

Exercise Cobra Warrior teaches pilots how to fight each other and operate together and has attracted

crowds from across the country.

Operations Support Wing boss Wg Cdr Colin Melvin said: “It’s a lot bigger for us than it has been for a number of years.

“We’ve got multiple fast jets and multiple heavy aircraft supporting.

“It’s always great to see our Nato allies and partners here and get the opportunity to train together.”

The exercise is run from Waddington with Lossiemouth, Brize Norton, Coningsby and

Lakenheath supporting. Waddington station commander Gp Capt Dominic ‘Dutch’ Holland said: “It is a great privilege to host this year’s Exercise Cobra Warrior and accommodate most participating personnel.

“Alongside the international and multi-domain aspects of the Exercise, it is also a great opportunity for us to put our own plans into practice and ensure we are as effective as we can be.”

THREAT: The UK’s Carbonite II satellite in low earth orbit

KENNEL CLUB CLASS: Air Cdre Andy Portlock opens the new Military Working Dogs complex at RAF Marham, home to the UK’s F-35 Lightning Force

Simon Mander

WWII WAAF: WWII veteran Kay Thomas worked in the Uxbridge bunker

COMBAT EXERCISE: A Canadian F-16 pilot prepares to take off from RAF Waddington

Mossie duo tribute

RELATIVES OF a World War

II Mosquito crew downed on a French waterway took part in an unexpected remembrance ceremony.

The bomber was part of a 25-strong anti-submarine raid on the estuary of the Gironde when it was hit by flak from a German destroyer which appeared by chance.

Pilots Sqn Ldr Alec Cook and Flt Lt Stanley Pyrah tried to reach Vannes airfield but crashed offshore on the Ile aux Moines in Brittany, northwestern France.

an honour to participate in the ceremony and it was very moving.

“However, it was far more moving for the 19 members of Sqn Ldr Cook’s family who were invited and had no idea that this small community on the west coast of France had been commemorating him every year for the last 80 years.

Their bodies were recovered by the Resistance and buried in the local cemetery.

RAF head of liaison Gp Capt Jon Edmondson said: “It was

Polish salute

Jane Shepherd

THE HEROISM of pilots from three wartime Polish squadrons who operated from Woodvale was marked at a community event at the Merseyside station.

Organiser Adjutant 611 (West Lancashire) Sqn, Sgt Dave Ginger, said: “Many Poles saw Great Britain as ‘The Island of Last Hope,’ and a number of these young men lost their lives whilst here and are buried at the nearby church in Formby.”

Polish pilots headed to the North-West in response to the relentless bombing of Liverpool and Bootle.

Members of 308 Krakowski Sqn were the first to make the move to Woodvale, followed by 315 Deblinski and 317 Wilenski Sqns.

Sqn Ldr Mark Barrett said: “It was a memorable day filled with reflection, history and camaraderie and was a powerful reminder of the contributions made by Polish forces in securing peace.”

Guests included Polish Consul Radosław Gromski, Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Cllr June Burns and the Mayors of Sefton and Liverpool.

They were joined by The Polish Airmen’s Commemorative Fund, Lancashire Aircraft Investigation team, The Polish Heritage Flight and Polish cadets from Warrington and Manchester.

“The whole community and quite a few bemused tourists turned out, including the youngest generations, so I expect this will continue for some years to come.”

A German C-130J transporter from Evreux overflew the site.

The raid was launched from RAF Portreath in Cornwall on the late evening of August 14, 1944.

Wedgetail UK maiden flight

THE RAF’S latest surveillance aircraft took to the UK’s skies for the first time for flight checks.

A Wedgetail E-7 AEW Mk1 took its maiden sortie from Birmingham Airport as a replacement for Waddington’s iconic E-3 AWACs with their distinctive fuselagemounted radar domes.

Currently unpainted, the aircraft tested its flying controls, engine and avionics systems after being built by STS Aviation Services.

Based at Lossiemouth, the Wedgetail will provide ‘eyes in the sky’ which can see beyond ground-based systems and fighter sensors.

Already in service with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korean and Turkish Air Forces, the platform has recently been selected by the Americans and

Nato as their next command and control aircraft.

Capable of generating a 360-degree view of the airspace, it will provide advanced warning of approaching threats.

Wedgetail Programme Director Gp Capt Richard Osselton said: “We will now build on this success as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter service with the RAF.”

Capable of a wide range of missions, Wedgetail uses an electronic radar, housed in its eponymous fin on the spine of the aircraft, to enable its crew to provide tactical control to other aircraft and better situational awareness to commanders.

“This is an important step for Boeing and the RAF,” said Stu Voboril, Boeing vice

president and E-7 programme manager.

“Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality and capabilities we’ve promised our customers.”

The mission crew will utilise state-of-the-art workstations to deliver a multi-domain battle management.

Wedgetail enhances the capability of friendly combat aircraft and warships, increasing their survivability in a hostile environment.

Later this autumn, the aircraft will receive its RAF livery.

The UK’s Wedgetail will serve under 8 Squadron alongside the Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 airframe.

AN ATLAS A400M is bathed in the light from the Aurora Borealis during a stopover at Narsarsuaq in Greenland en route to Brize Norton after supporting the Red Arrows during the team’s recent tour of Canada.

PHOTO: CPL PHIL DYE

Simon Mander

Allies honour heroes of Arnhem with para drop

Simon Mander

ARMY PARATROOPERS have recreated the wartime Allied invasion of the Netherlands to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

The brutal nine-day battle for Arnhem in September 1944, since immortalised in the film A Bridge Too Far, was part of an ill-fated plan to force a route into Germany.

A total of 700 soldiers from eight Nato nations took part in the memorial drop from an RAF Atlas A400M transport aircraft, led by 90 members of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The Royal Air Force played a critical role in Operation Market Garden, providing air transport and towing gliders carrying troops, equipment and supplies.

They conducted sorties to drop airborne forces

behind enemy lines and supplied them with reinforcements.

By the end of the week, Arnhem remained in Nazi hands and nearly 2,000 Commonwealth and Allied soldiers had been killed.

Eight specially-designed poppy parachutes were used as a symbol of remembrance and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flew overhead.

Nato members from the UK, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Greece, Poland and Germany took

Veterans, HRH

The Princess Royal, defence officials and personnel later met at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery to mark the date and pay tribute to the fallen.

80TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE: 16 Air Assault Brigade prepare to jump from Atlas A400M; inset left, happy landing for para PHOTOS: CPL LIZ BROWN & SGT JIMMY WISE

Wills reigns on Cranwell parade

Staff Reporter

Cranwell College

HRH THE Prince of Wales carried out the Sovereign’s Review at Cranwell as the latest cadets graduated from the RAF College.

Prince William arrived on the College parade square escorted by Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, Air Cdre John Lyle, to take the Royal Salute.

Air Cdre Lyle said: “This has been an extra special

day for the graduating officers, their families and the Squadron staff, as we have been privileged to have His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as our reviewing officer.

“I wish the newly-graduated officers all the very best in their future Royal Air Force

The visit also marked the 90th anniversary of the College Hall Officers’ Mess, which was formally opened in 1934 by the then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII.

Tug team’s Royal reward

ODIHAM’S BRAEMAR Games

tug of war team received the royal seal of approval when they were presented with The John Miller Shield by HRH King Charles.

The team recorded the first Inter-Services win for the Air Force in more than 30 years at the world-famous games in the Cairngorms National Park.

The shield was presented to Odiham’s head coach, Cpl Phil Morley-Jones, who said: “Myself and team manager Chf Tech

Salute to Events across UK & Europe mark 84th anniversary of the battle for Britain’s skies

SERVICES WERE held across the world to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Led by London’s Westminster Abbey, congregations gathered to remember the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air.

Services have taken place annually on September 15 since George VI, in 1943, decreed everyone should recognise when the Luftwaffe launched its heaviest bombing raids on London and Fighter Command responded.

The official dates of the battle are now contested by author Dilip Sarkar, who says the conflict started and finished earlier than previously accepted.

Before the Westminster service started wreaths were laid at the RAF Memorial by serving personnel from New Zealand, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

On leaving the Abbey, the congregation witnessed a flypast of an Avro Lancaster bomber performed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The anniversary coincides with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force centenary. The RAuxAF provided a quarter of the squadrons in the Battle of Britain and accounted for a third of the combat victories.

In France, four former Flight Lieutenants and two ex-Senior Aircraftmen, all aged between 71 and 87, held a Battle of Britain cocktail party in a back garden to commemorate those fallen and to raise money for Cancer Support France (CSF).

Dave Petrie have worked so hard to get the team back up and running, so to be a part of the day and meet the King is definitely a military highlight and a moment I will never forget.

“His Royal Highness asked how many teams we had competed against throughout the day. He then asked me to pass on his best wishes to the team and said: ‘well done’.”

● See p23 for more on Odiham’s success

A temporary flagpole was erected in St Aulaye and the RAF Ensign flew. In a small marquee hung the names of all Allied Battle of Britain combatants listed by squadron. Ex-Flt Lt Steve Long lowered the ensign as the Central Band of the Royal Air Force played The Last Post via an iPod and a PA system. A total of 300 euros was raised for CSF.

In Gibraltar, the anniversary was celebrated at The King’s

Chapel, attended by more than 25 service personnel and families.

Father Danny Hernandez led the service with readings given by Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Cdre Tom Guy.

RAF Gibraltar’s Station Commander, Wg Cdr Thomas Harvey, said: “This weekend’s service was a fitting tribute to the remarkable men and women from across the Armed Forces of the UK, the Commonwealth and other nations, who gave their lives in the fight against tyranny.”

Air Force personnel marched to an open-air service to commemorate the Battle of Britain led by Wittering Padre, the Rev Sqn Ldr Andrew Tucker, attended by the Mayor of Stamford, Cllr Kelham Cooke. Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and the occasion was marked with a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster.

Sqn Ldr Michael Masters said: “This is an important occasion and RAF Wittering is immensely grateful of the support that we receive from Stamford residents, who recognise the bravery and loyalty of the Royal Air Force then and now.”

A total of 554 fighter command aircrew were killed during the Battle of Britain and 312 RAF personnel were killed

on the ground.

Although flying from forward operating bases, RAF Wittering squadrons were heavily involved in the Battle of Britain.

Dilip Sarkar has called for a rethink of some of the ‘truths’ about the Battle of Britain.

Sarkar, whose eight-volume official history of the conflict is being published, has described the process as “a learning curve.”

In a talk to launch the fourth book in the series, Airfields Under Attack, he discussed some of the ‘facts’, including the dates of the Battle.

He said: “There is a clear case to suggest that the Battle of Britain started on July 2 not the 10th.

“If it was supposed to have been a battle for aerial superiority prior to an invasion, the end date should really be October 12, when Hitler postponed his invasion plans indefinitely, not the 31st.”

Dilip’s million-word work tells the whole story of the Battle alongside the politics and diplomacy of the time and the contributions made by Bomber and Coastal Commands.

He said: “The eight volumes will include a number of new interpretations of the Battle of Britain and its impact on world history.”

Simon Mander

AGAINST THE ODDS: Exhaustion is etched on the face of 19 Squadron Battle of Britain pilot Sqn Ldr Brian ‘Sandy’ Lane

The Few

A NATION’S THANKS: RAF officers parade the colour out of Westminster Abbey following the main service (left). From top, Wittering personnel parade through Stamford; author Dilip Sarkar; Military service at Gibraltar and ex-pat veterans mark the date in France

WHO CARES

FORCES ALLY: Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson often leaps to it in support of military charities.

At Hayley’s behest he has even performed from the back of a Hercules with RAF Brize Norton house band AK 47

AVIATOR: Cpl Hayley Court at work at RAF Brize Norton

COUNSELLING: Charity

CARES WINS Fundraising queen Hayley gears up for annual charity ball

WHEN CRUSADING

airwoman Cpl Hayley Court launched an appeal to help her comrades cope with combat-related PTSD she had her sights set on raising £10,000 for Forces charity Combat Stress.

In just three years Hayley and her volunteers have eclipsed that target, raising more than £130,000 and netting a string of awards.

The charity she founded, Healing Military Minds, has also won the backing of Forces chiefs and some heavyweight celebrity supporters.

HMM is gearing up for its fundraising event of the year, the glitzy gala ball and charity auction at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park, near Hayley’s home station at RAF Brize Norton, in November.

Her journey from humble, tin-shaking station events to charity diva hosting one of the big-ticket occasions in the RAF calendar has been powered by her mission to help frontline fighters cope with the horrors of war.

During her 30-year RAF career Hayley, now a Reservist with 622 Sqn, has served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it was the experience of a close friend, Army Infantryman Jamie Sinclair, that was the catalyst for her charity crusade.

He attempted to take his life twice, decades after battling with the psychological legacy of tours in Bosnia and Kosovo. Jamie said: “I saw things that would affect any human being. As all soldiers do, I put them in a box and prayed

to God that the lock stayed shut so I never had to relive those moments.

“Throughout my 15-year military career I was in denial and frightened to ask for help. I medicated with alcohol, and since leaving the Forces that need to keep the lock firmly on that box led to me drinking a litre of vodka a day.

“I thought I had it under control but without warning that box exploded and I tried to take my life twice. If it wasn’t for groups like HMM, raising money for Combat Stress, I wouldn’t be here.”

has plunged into the icy Oxford river Cherwell in a Santa suit and suffered the indignity of the pie-face challenge at numerous station events.

She recruited Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert and Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson to the cause and collected accolades en route to her latest fundraising success. Last year she was named Oxfordshire Reservist of the Year and netted the Combat Stress fundraiser title.

volunteering, selfless dedication to others and charitable spirit that has stood out time and again, improving the wellbeing and lives of others in everything that she does.

“She’s utterly professional in demanding situations and is always one of the first to volunteer. Her meticulous nature sees her adding value at every step, from corralling volunteers to help set up as well as using her enthusiasm to compel celebrities to compere at numerous events.

“She’s spent her Christmases helping at a homeless refuge and conducting toy collections for those in need. However, it has been in her drive following the covid pandemic’s effects on veterans’ mental health that she has truly come to the fore.”

Hayley threw her infectious energy into organising charity hikes in the Welsh mountains, leading former veterans’ minister Johnny Mercer and British boxing champ Glenn McCrory and dozens of Service personnel to the summit. Always happy to lead from the front, she

Rhod said: “When Hayley approached me to ask for a favour, I thought it was for free tickets for my show but no, of course it wasn’t, it was to jump in a freezing cold sea dressed as Santa. When Hayley rings me now I don’t answer the phone just in case it’s another wacky idea.”

Rocker Dickinson (inset left) was happy to perform in the back of a Hercules with Brize Norton’s house band, AK 47, during another fundraiser.

Brize colleague Wg Cdr Dorian James added: “Hayley has been a tour de force of

For this year’s HMM Ball she has roped in Britain’s Got Talent act Soldiers of Swing, Oj Sax, Status Quo drummer Johnny Cogland and TV’s Flog It! presenter Paul Martin, who will be running the auction.

Hayley said: “When you have the opportunity to hear stories from the people that Combat Stress have helped, and the positive impact that the charity has had on their lives, it makes all the hard work that is involved so worthwhile, and it is such a wonderful cause to raise money for.” ● Go to: healingmilitaryminds. com for details.

Charity ball funds vital work of Combat Stress

WALK THE WALK: Hayley leads fundraisers in another gruelling charity hike

HELPED: Jamie Sinclair

BELLE OF THE BALL: Hayley at last year’s event with former Gunner Stu Robinson

Churchill cartoons at the War Museum

NEXT MONTH marks 150 years since the birth of Winston Churchill and the Imperial War Museum London is commemorating the anniversary with a new exhibition of his life in cartoons.

Featuring 24 original artworks dating from 1909 to 2003, Churchill in Cartoons: Satirising a Statesman, which opens on November 29, will illustrate how he was perceived and portrayed by satirical cartoonists.

An IWM spokesman said: “The exhibition will offer a unique and fascinating insight into the changing nature of how Churchill was represented in political cartoons throughout his life and beyond.

“Visitors will discover how these portrayals influenced public perception during his lifetime and shaped our understanding of his role in 20th century history. The exhibition features cartoons from throughout Churchill’s long career in the public eye: from his early years as a young politician, to his time as Britain’s wartime Prime Minister and his enduring global fame, with a legacy that is still drawn on by cartoonists today.

“It will also show how cartoonists blend fierce criticism with sardonic humour –highlighting how the medium was ideally suited to articulate and explain his bold, often controversial, actions over a long professional life.”

The spokesman added: “During the Second World

150 years since birth of the great wartime PM

published in Britain reflected Churchill’s popularity as the great wartime leader. Unsurprisingly, publications under Nazi control portrayed Churchill negatively, often as a warmonger.

“A Czech cartoon by an unknown artist shows Churchill fleeing German bombs during the Blitz, while blaming him for the German bombing campaign against Britain – a trope that was typical of Nazi propaganda at the time.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“As the war turned global, cartoonists often portrayed him as a world statesman and explored his relationships with his fellow Allied leaders Roosevelt and Stalin. A 1941 David Low cartoon shows a cigar-smoking Churchill with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt during their Atlantic Conference off the coast of Newfoundland – highlighting how far and frequently he travelled during the war.”

As well as cartoons by British artists, the exhibition includes original works by cartoonists

from countries including the US, Russia, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It will also have an interactive display showing 16 cartoons from other countries around the world, including India, Japan, Germany, Cuba, Hungary and the Soviet Union. These cartoons, in a variety of languages, will offer multiple, international perspectives on Churchill’s political career and his legacy. They include a 1942 cartoon from French newspaper Le Petit Parisien, presenting Churchill and U.S. President Roosevelt as gangsters; and a Russian cartoon from 1948, depicting Churchill as an enemy of the Soviet Union.

Kate Clements, the exhibition’s lead curator, said: “Almost 150 years after his birth, Churchill remains one of the best-known public figures in history. His distinctive image was a gift to satirical cartoonists and throughout his career, particularly during the Second World War, cartoons played a significant part in shaping how people thought of him.

“Through this exhibition, we offer visitors a new and different way of exploring Churchill’s complicated career and his enduring legacy.”

● Churchill in Cartoons: Satirising a Statesman runs until February 23, 2025. Go to: iwm. org.uk for more information.

War, cartoons

FRENCH PERSPECTIVE: ‘American cinema: the last gangster film,’ Le Petit Parisien, 18 November 1942

© Ralph Soupault/Alamy

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM: Japanese propaganda leaflet, circa 1944

DAILY MAIL: Leslie Illingworth. 'May the many owe much to these few,' October 4, 1940 © Associated Newspapers Ltd

EVENING STANDARD: David Low. ‘Fishing Talk,’ August 15, 1941 © Associated Newspapers Ltd

From dream to disaster

The tragic crash and explosion of R101 killing 48 passengers marked the end of the fledgling British airship industry but its remnants remain at former RAF Cardington, as Ronan Thomas found out

STANDING IN Bedfordshire farmland at former RAF Cardington, three miles southeast of Bedford, two vast green hangars command the local countryside.

In the 1920s, the dream of British airship supremacy briefly flourished here and within five years two of them floated out to an awestruck public but their potential was cut short by disaster.

Built during World War I, Cardington was a response to German Zeppelin raids which killed more than 500 civilians and injured 2,000 others.

A former Royal Flying Corps airfield, it grew into a military and industrial hub with an 800-strong workforce. Hangar No. 1 was built for the experimental hydrogen-filled airships R31 and R32 (R standing for Rigid).

At war’s end, the British government

invested £1.35 million to deliver an airship network linking the Empire and the R101 was built.

More than 700 feet long and filled with around 5 million cubic feet of hydrogen, it was to fly 5,400 miles to Karachi in British India (today’s Pakistan) with up to 50 passengers.

In 1926, Hanger No. 2, previously used by the Royal Naval Air Service, was reassembled at Cardington.

Completed in 1929, the 777-foot R101 was described by The Times as ‘the biggest and longest airship in the world.’

On November 1, it flew over Sandringham in Norfolk, witnessed by a young Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II).

On October 4, 1930 it left Hangar No. 1 on its maiden flight to India.

It crashed and exploded at 2am near Beauvais, Northern France killing 48 passengers. There were six survivors.

The mass funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Cardington, and a stone memorial was unveiled. R101’s damaged RAF ensign was retrieved from the wreckage.

Salvaged

The airship’s metal skeleton was salvaged and sold on to the Zeppelin Company for use in their own ill-fated Hindenburg.

As the threat of war in Europe loomed again, the former airship works became RAF Cardington and built thousands of barrage balloons to deter low-flying enemy aircraft.

After the war, the base became a National Service reception area with

balloons used for parachute training drops.

In 2000 RAF Cardington closed.

In 2015 the hangars were restored at the cost of £10.5 million by English Heritage. Hangar No. 1 is now a Grade II-listed building and Hangar No. 2 is used as a film set for Hollywood blockbusters, including the Batman trilogy.

Today, the hangars are still evocative structures. Remains of wartime concrete defensive pill boxes are still visible. On my visit, a Bedfordshire wind blew around these twin, sunlit, ghostly sentinels, rich in RFC and RAF history and engineering heritage.

A century after the British government invested in an elusive dream, the airship sheds still haunt the imagination.

WHITE ELEPHANT: Doomed R101 and the surviving hangars at the former RAF Cardington, below

Blackman tested over 100 Vulcans

Pilot also put many Nimrods and Victors through their paces at Avro aircraft firm

TONY BLACKMAN, who has died aged 96, was an RAF fighter pilot who later became the chief test pilot of Avro – where he tested more than 100 delta wing Vulcan bombers.

After graduating from Cambridge University, Blackman was a maths and physics instructor during his National Service. Deciding to stay in the RAF, he started training as a pilot in 1950. After converting to jet fighters, he joined 11 Squadron to fly the Vampire fighter bomber from RAF Wunstorfin West Germany.

Venom

With the arrival of the more capable Venom, he transferred to 5 Squadron. On August 21, 1953, he took off as the leader of a pair of aircraft. His aircraft suffered severe engine vibration and he made a forced landing, walking away from the damaged Venom. His No.2’s aircraft suffered an engine failure, and he too had to make a forced landing when the aircraft caught fire – the pilot survived.

Blackman joined No. 13 Course at the Empire Test Pilots School at Farnborough in February 1954. At the end of the one-year course, he left for the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down, where he tested and evaluated bomber aircraft. These included the Vulcan, the beginning of his long association with one of Britain’s greatest post-war aircraft.

In August 1956, Blackman was invited by Avro’s chief test pilot, the charismatic Roly Falk, to join the company as a test pilot. His first test flight after joining the company that had made the Lancaster bomber was on the second prototype Vulcan, and as more of the iconic aircraft left the production line at Woodford

near Manchester, Blackman flight tested most of them. He was also testing the Shackleton Mark 3 maritime patrol aircraft.

Blackman’s arrival at Avro coincided with the golden era of British aircraft, when the annual Farnborough Air Show thrilled thousands of spectators. The Vulcan, with its unique delta wing configuration and surprising manoeuvrability, was a star performer in the hands of pilots such as Blackman.

A more advanced version of the Vulcan was developed to become the RAF’s main strategic bomber. In the spring of 1961, Blackman tested a Mark 2 carrying two dummy Skybolt ballistic missiles mounted on pylons under each wing. By the time production of the Vulcan ceased, Blackman had tested 105 of the 134 built.

In July 1967 he was the captain on the maiden flight of the second prototype Nimrod, a converted Comet airframe, and a replacement for the Shackleton. He went on to test the majority of the 54 aircraft built. He also made the first flight, on June 28, 1977, of a converted Comet that was to be a test bed for the ill-fated Nimrod Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft that was subsequently cancelled.

Victor Blackman spent many hours testing and demonstrating the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 (the name Avro had been dropped in 1965) a successful twinengine passenger aircraft. In December 1972 he took the American Howard Hughes on a demonstration flight. Hughes was sufficiently impressed to fly two more sorties with Blackman.

In 1970 Blackman was made chief test pilot, and this coincided with converting Victor bombers to be in-flight refuelling tanker aircraft. He became responsible

for the flight testing programme of the aircraft that was to make such a major contribution during the Falklands War in 1982.

Hawker Siddeley Aviation merged with the British Aircraft Corporation to become British Aerospace and, a year later, Blackman retired after 22 years’ service with ‘Avro’. In 1970 he was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air and four years later was appointed OBE.

After retiring from test flying, he joined Smiths Industries to sit on their Aerospace Board, initially as technical operations director, and then marketing director, helping to develop the new large electronic displays and flight

management systems. On leaving Smiths he joined the board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority as the technical member.

Nimrod MRA4

In October 2010 he learnt that the new coalition government had cancelled the Nimrod MRA4 project, which Blackman considered “to have the potential to be the best reconnaissance aircraft in the world.” He described the decision as “incredible and almost irresponsible.” He predicted correctly that the country would be forced to buy from the United States, but it was not until 2020 before a replacement entered service

– leaving the RAF without a maritime patrol and antisubmarine capability for 10 years. Blackman was elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Experimental Test Pilots, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and as a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators. He became a well-respected author on aviation subjects. Included amongst his titles was the autobiography Tony Blackman – Test Pilot. He also wrote authoritative books on flight testing the Vulcan, the Nimrod and the Victor and incorporated his expertise into writing fictional aviation mystery books.

ACTION MEN: Tony Blackman (left) and the then Avro chief test pilot Jimmy Harrison by a Vulcan at Farnborough in the 1950s

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Pros

● Handles well for the class

● Easy to use infotainment

● Responsive gearbox

Cons

● La y in Normal’ mode

● 2.0 petrol engine could be more refined

● Some road noise

Verdict

Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s perfectly imperfect

The Stelvio is a great-looking bit of kit that has more style than most o its rivals It’s en a in to drive, holds the road well and comes with a good equipment list as standard It’s a more spacious and practical offering than Alfas of old. It might even get you off a muddy driveway, with a bit of effort. The Stelvio is Al a’s rown- p in the room and, yet, it still connects on an emotional level. It may not be as engaging as Alfas of old, but it’s a o t as interestin as the crossover market gets.

I’VE ALWAYS had a soft spot for Alfas and I’ve owned a fair few over the years. Of course, two have exploded due to oil pressure failure at high speed, but that was many years ago and it didn’t put me off buying another one. Stupid, you may think, but I’m not alone in my insanity. Alfas are cars for true petrolheads.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is no different. It’s a thing of beauty, with flowing lines and Italian flair. It has character that most small SUVs lack and you can’t help but appreciate its endearing flaws. I love the fact that you can’t see the indicator or wiper stalks because they’re hidden behind the large, Ferrari-style, paddle shifts (practicality would detract from the classy aluminium finish here – that’s Italian thinking for you).

The digital instruments include carefully detailed graphics that perfectly replicate the analogue tumblers of a classic odometer, the plush leather sports seats hold you in place well

and the start button is located on the steering wheel, like a true racing machine.

The nose of the car is dominated by Alfa’s unmistakeable grille and headlamps, while the side is carefully contoured. Alfa’s signature 20 inch alloy wheels make it stand out instantly. The Stelvio is based on the same platform as the Giulia saloon, which gives it an athletic stance, even though it sits almost 20cm higher.

Interior

Alfas have always been about style and panache, so you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s business as usual here. The Stelvio’s cabin is a very comfy place to be, with great attention to detail. Door bins lined with carpet, soft touch materials on visible surfaces and beautifully stitched leather make it feel special. Heated rear seats, a huge glass sunroof and abundant charging ports are all available options.

The new infotainment system is well designed. It operates via

touchscreen or physical dial and its display is sharp. Menus are intuitive and quick-thinking.

There’s plenty of space allround. The driving position is great and it feels like an Alfa should up front. Rear seat passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom, while a 525-litre boot, with a low, wide lip, provides the practicality to make it a good family wagon.

It feels solidly built too, more than an Alfa should perhaps,

but there are still a few odd quirks to remind you that this is Italian, rather then German. For example, using CarPlay, Google Maps randomly flipped between colour schemes and the melodic tick of the indicators suddenly became silent. Design faults… thank heavens, I thought I was in the wrong car for a minute.

On The Road

The Stelvio handles well for a Sports Utility Vehicle and is one of the most engaging you’ll find. The height and weight do detract, of course, but that beautiful Giulia chassis keeps it nimble and accurate. The line-up is now exclusively all-wheel drive too, so there’s grip in spades.

Alfa’s ‘Q4 AWD’ system puts power to the rear wheels for most of the time, but diverts up to 50 per cent to the front in low-grip conditions. This makes even the standard Stelvio a lively car to throw around. If you want a really exciting drive, the Ferrari-derived, 510bhp, V6 Quadrifoglio is the gold standard.

That’s a different story though… More on that soon.

The 2.0 280bhp petrol car reaches 60mph in 5.7 seconds and hits a top end of 143mph. It’s set up to be quite lazy, by default, but it becomes a proper Alfa when you switch to ‘Dynamic’ via the mode dial on the centre console and drive it manually. The gearbox is spot on, fast and accurate. The paddles are sturdy, fixed in place, and long enough to reach while you’re flicking the steering wheel through tight bends. They ping beautifully through the gears in a satisfying way. An enhanced exhaust noise sneakily adds to the effect by being played through the speakers.

Overall, the Stelvio is a nice car to drive. It’s not quite a Porsche Macan S, in terms of exhilaration, but, priced from £46,350, it is one of the best cars in its class. The Quadrifoglio may struggle to maintain 23mpg, but the 2.0 returns a respectable 33.2mpg. If that sort of thing interests you.

Tim Morris

Alfa Romeo Stelvio (from £46,350 otr)

Warriors end 3-decade Braemar losing streak

Odiham stars reign in front of HM The King

Daniel Abrahams

“TODAY WE earned the right to be forever Kingsmen,” said Sqn Ldr Gareth Davies after the Odiham tug of war team’s historic Braemar Games win.

The Aviators were unbeaten all day, not losing a single end, and became the first RAF team to defeat the Army at the prestigious Scottish event in more than 30 years.

at the world-famous games in the Cairngorms National Park hosted eight teams: two from the RAF (Wittering and Odiham), one from the Royal Navy and five from the Army. All matches were best of three ends.

Davies said: “Today we fought for our place in history, judged by the clansmen and Highlanders who go before us.

“In the traditions of a proud land, we fought to please our Monarch and earn the right to be forever Kingsmen.”

The Inter-Service Tug of War

The novice Wittering team finished seventh, creating some scares for their opponents along the way. But it was the Odiham team who proved unstoppable, enabling team coach Cpl Phil MorleyJones to receive The John Miller Inter-Services Tug of War Challenge Shield from His Majesty The King.

Cpl Morley-Jones had moved off the rope to a training role in a bid to help develop the team further and focus on his coaching.

On the day he was alongside

his team roaring on tactics and support. He said: “Originally I was in the team but as the RAF coach I could see that throughout the season quite a few of our pullers

SERVICE BOULDERERS weren’t hanging around in the hunt for medals at The Climbing Hangar for the RAF championships.

The Reading event – which included male and female open, U25 men’s and male Masters categories –coincided with the first round of The Armed Forces Bouldering League.

Cpl Brandon Phipps won the open men’s, beating AS1 Dan Warran and Sgt Alex Michell to the spoils respectively. In the U25s AS1(T) Rhys Hall took top spot off AS1(T) Charlie Richards, who beat LCpl Jack Hawkins into third.

The male Masters saw Flt Lt James Scarlett come out on top, while Sgt Emyr Jones secured second and AS1 Martyn Cottey third.

were developing significantly and I took the decision to take myself out and to focus on coaching them.

“It was a hard decision as this

AS1 Sam Spencer took the women’s title, with AS1 Lizzi Tocknell second and Off Cdt Emily Pambakian third.

Flt Lt Jessie Reid, RAF climbing team comms manager, said: “It was great to see the RAF bouldering round this year with such a good atmosphere, big turnout and some superstrong climbing. It’s amazing how much training everyone manages to fit in around work and summer schedules, and it’s clearly paying off.

“The centre was brilliant and the routes showcased different climbing styles among the competitors. More than anything, it was great to see some new faces and the love of climbing clearly spreading more widely. We’re excited for the next round in Swindon.”

was most likely my last time that I would be attending the games as serving personnel, but today proved it was the best decision for the team.”

THE END GAME: Cpl Phil Morley-Jones spurs on the Odiham lads, and Sqn Ldr Gareth Davies gives a pep talk, inset left

Tom Walker's on song with Dan Upton at St Johns lake

Daniel Abrahams

THE PENULTIMATE RAF Course Angling Association event of the season proved a tough task for the 28 personnel on show at Linear’s St Johns Lake in Oxfordshire, hooking just 19 carp between them.

The 18-acre gravel pit boasts carp exceeding 40lb and many large catfish, but rising temperatures meant the anglers had their work cut out.

The tough-going action went down to the wire, with the leaders knowing that one fish could change the top three, with Cpl Tom Walker and AS1 Daniel Upton catching a 19lb 10oz koi carp in the early morning to seal the win with a total of 149lb 6oz.

The event started with a slow morning and afternoon, with only WO Jason Verney and WO Richard Cooke getting off the mark, with a 23lb 9oz mirror carp.

The next 12 hours proved

frustrating for all with just FS Matthew Whittaker and Sgt Martin Emery slipping a 25lb 4oz specimen over their net cord and FS Ian Coleman and Sgt Lloyd Moore catching the biggest fish of the year to date, a colossal 35lb 8oz.

Verney and Cooke extended their lead with another mirror of exactly 25lb.

Going into the final 24 hours it was all to play for with Sgt Tony Jones landing a 'non-qualifying' catfish of 54lb 9oz, and Walker and Upton getting off the mark with a 25lb 4oz mirror. Verney then caught a 38lb 6oz special mirror to take the biggest catch of the year.

In the final 16 hours it was Walker and Upton leading having caught another two carp, while narrowly behind were Verney and Cooke, with Coleman and Moore in third with final totals of 149lb 6oz, 111lb 1oz and 81lb 10oz respectively.

The final match will be held at the same fisherie, on the Linear Brasenose 2 lake.

Bid to retain Kentish Cup

“LAST WEEK’S camp was really positive,” was how UKAFFC head coach Cpl Darryl White described his charges’ latest stop on their way to Kentish Cup defence this December.

The week-long camp in Aldershot saw the team back together for the first time since July, as they continue the build-up to playing the Irish Defence Forces in October in the Perpetual Friendship Trophy, which they won back last year (4-1).

They are also preparing for the Kentish Cup, Europe’s oldest cup tournament, which they won back last December in France.

UKAF also produced another winning display to end the week, beating Marlow 1-0 with a penalty in the last

10 minutes of a well-fought and competitive match.

Having given a good account of themselves throughout the clash, Cpl Mark Drysdale was brought down in the area on 82 minutes with sailor LPT Elliot Holmes converting from the spot.

White added: “There’s still lots to improve on but I can’t fault the lads’ effort and determination to get the win and the clean sheet.

“We now have another training camp in October before we look ahead to the Irish game and the Kentish Cup.”

UKAF will face the Irish Defence Forces in Belfast on November 13. They will then travel to Holland to play two matches to defend the Kentish Cup, over the week of December 9-13.

JUST YOU AND I: Cpl Tom Walker and catch

SEASON'S BEST: WO Jason Verney with his 38lb carp

AS1 DAN UPTON

Yet more silverware to Polish for RAF Tennis

Daniel Abrahams

RAF TENNIS under the UKAF banner dominated the AIRCOM tennis event in Poznan, Poland with a team win, men’s cleansweep and third for the women stars.

The win caps a fantastic year of success for RAF tennis, winning six out of the eight tournaments they have played in, along with the first cleansweep at the AIRCOM event in 13 years.

Team captain Flt Lt Tom Elwick said: “To win not only the men’s competition but the overall champions trophy is testament to the squads and the hard work over the 2024 season. A real team effort and we can hopefully roll this winning mentality into next season.

“It was a great honour to represent the UK and the Royal Air Force at such an event. To line up at the opening ceremony behind the flag and to hear your national anthem being played is something that not everyone will get to experience. The sense of pride is something else. Every player who was selected for the event worked extremely hard for their spot.”

RAF Tennis tournament wins in 2024:

● Men’s Development Inter-Services

● Men’s Inter-Services Champions

● Men’s NATO AIRCOM Inter-Nation Champions

● NATO AIRCOM InterNation overall Champions

● Men’s Masters InterServices Champions

● Ladies Masters InterServices Champions

The tournament saw the RAF Men’s team assert their dominance within the sport following their wins at the Development Champs earlier this year and more recently the IS A’s at Wimbledon.

With the hosts fielding a professional ATP player, the task of winning the tournament was not going to be easy.

Digging in, the Aviators proved once again that team cohesion and hard work can often outweigh one maverick player. With the men’s team managing to secure a victory over every nation that participated, this set the RAF team up for a fantastic

TO

chance to win the overall trophy too.

The ladies faced a dominant USA ladies’ team but battling hard throughout the tournament they beat both Belgium and Poland.

FS Martyn Ledbury, RAF Director of Tennis, said: “This has been the most successful season since 2011, when the last

and only other cleansweep was achieved. This season has been hugely successful for the RAF, winning six out of the eight competitions entered.

“We look forward to 2025 where the Captains Flt Lt Elwick and Flt Lt Sarah Wilkie go back to the drawing board and start the process to retain and improve on these results.”

Lifter bids for Commonwealth Games spot

IN JUST 18 months RAF

firefighter AS1 Josh Hibbs has gone from novice to being selected for Weightlifting Scotland’s Commonwealth Games training camp.

Hibbs, 21, who was spotted by Head of Performance for RAF and UKAF weightlifting Sgt Lee Coonan, is seen as the best 73kg lifter in his country, having won silver at this year’s British championships event. He now plans to push for full Commonwealth Games selection in 2026 and has realistic hopes of making the 2028 Olympics in LA.

Weightlifting Scotland head coach John McEwan said: “Josh has shown real maturity in his lifting. He has come through our regional and national pathway squads and has been awarded a place on the Commonwealth squad, where he is one of four male and four female lifters.”

Hibbs said: “I wasn’t expecting to be in this position in my weightlifting career. After the novice events last year I was just training hard and the numbers kept increasing, they still are.

“Even at the start of this year I wasn’t expecting to be where I am now. The last six months the

It’s a doddle for Dodwell

THE SERVICE’S open swimmers took three of six Inter-Service titles at Westhorpe Water Sports Club in Marlow, finishing runnerup to the Army in the team event. With the team scores calculated on the top three scorers across three events (5km, 1.5km and 4x400m relay), the Aviators finished second with the Royal Navy third at the Armyhosted event.

However, the RAF had the fastest time in both the 5km and 1.5km event – by a female – Flt Lt Hannah Dodwell and won the 4x400m men’s relay.

The team was Sqn Ldr Sophie Trotter, A/Sqn Ldr Nicola Mackay, Flt Lt Hannah Dodwell, Sgt Jade Foster, AR Elanor Torpey, Flt Lt Gareth Cocks, AS1s Thomas White, Matt Holland and AS1 Herbie Hallett. They where ably supported by guest swimmers Wg Cdr Stephen Brassington, Sqn Ldr Simon Almond and AS1 Jade Henderson. The battling IS display comes weeks after the Service open swimming association completed the Round Jersey Swim in nine hours and 21 minutes.

Four Aviators – Mackay, Cocks, Flt Lt Haydn Maclean and Flt Lt Charlotte Rowlands –completed the 36-mile, tidallyassisted swim.

RESULTS:

5km Male

1) Army

2) RAF, AS1 Matt Holland

3) RAF, Flt Lt Gareth Cocks

5km Female 1) RAF, Flt Lt Hannah Dodwell 2) Army 3) Army

numbers haven’t levelled out, they have increased at a rate of knots. It is amazing. I love the sport, so it’s good to have these opportunities and to be recognised for being half decent at something.”

Having won the Novice development event in 2023 at Cosford, Hibbs now forms part of the dominant RAF IS team that will look to make it a hat-trick of wins this coming November.

His achievements have also highlighted the value of the Service’s Novice programme created by Coonan in 2021.

● Follow RAF Weightlifting on Instagram @raf_weight_lifting.

1.5km Male

1) Army 2) RAF, AS1 Matt Holland

3) RAF, Flt Lt Gareth Cocks

1.5km Female

1) RAF, Flt Lt Hannah Dodwell 2) Army 3) Army

4x400m relay Male

1) RAF 2)Army 3) Navy

4x400m relay Female 1) Army 2) RAF 3) Navy

MARLOW: Westhorpe Water Sports Club

HONOURED

SERVE: RAF Tennis player at AIRCOM Games in Poznan, Poland

Individual honours for mountain bikers

MOUNTAIN BIKING

A DEPLETED RAF mountain bike team battled to InterServices cross country champion spots in the men’s and women’s events at the IS XC MTB Champs at Newham Park, Plymouth.

The aviators – despite fielding a team of riders selected from those left standing after a tough season – only lost out on the team title by the narrowest of tie breaks.

New Broomes sweep clean in Inter-Services

Supersubs Brewer and Morrell prove worth

EQUESTRIAN

IT WAS a successful weekend at The David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow for the Service at the Royal Navy Equestrian Championships.

Having won the opening two legs, the pivotal third Inter-Services Loriners class saw the RAF take their crucial opportunity to extend their lead.

Last-minute substitutes Flt Lts Nat Morrell and Ellie Brewer joined forces with Wg Cdr Sarah Boon and Sqn Ldr Elizabeth Nelmes to produce a fabulous second place on the day behind the Army.

The runner-up spot left the RAF in front overall as they head to the final Loriners leg (Combined Training) this month at the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Championship.

AS1 Tom Stegeman and Cpl Sarah Toms took the titles at the Royal Navy hosted event, which with heavy downfalls leading up to the race, meant riders were in for a challenging ride on a rocky and root-laden course, with sharp inclines and descents over the 3-mile laps.

Cpl Toms said: “From the offset we struggled hugely because of a number of injuries to our riders, but we still managed to field a full team of six, with one spare.”

From the gun AS1 Tom Stegemen led with a blistering pace and continued to do so for the entire race, ending up finishing with a formidable lead of four and a half minutes and lapping nearly the entire field –giving the RAF the advantage of the zero points for the winner.

With Stegeman the first aviator home, the remaining RAF riders were: Sqn Ldr Ed Reynolds, Sqn Ldr Nic Brown, Cpl Sarah Toms, WO Aidey Hoyle, Sgt Richard Rogers and Flt Matty Pilborough.

Toms added: “On tallying of the scores, it was revealed that there was a tie-break between the RAF and Army, meaning the decision came down to the seventh rider which, unfortunately, was not in our favour, meaning the overall IS team XC winners were the Army.”

Engineering Officer Debutant rider Sqn Ldr Nelmes, on her horse Rocco, said: “Competing as a member of the Loriners team for the first time was an absolute privilege.

“I was delighted with a clear first round. I tackled the challenging second round with the amazing support of the other team riders calming my nerves.

“Despite hitting an unlucky pole at fence four, I left wanting more. I loved competing as part of a team, especially against the best riders in our sister services.”

The finishes from Nelmes were a remarkable achievement considering her partnership with Rocco only began at the RAF Equestrian Championships in April.

The rest of the RAF team jumped well with just four faults in each round, while Flt Lt Ellie Brewer, returning to the fold for her first Inter-Services call-up with her horse Epasja, did so in style.

Brewer said: “The champs was Epasja’s first competition since 2022, I came with no expectations other than us both having a positive, fun outing with

the RAFEA team and she’s shown me that she is definitely not ready to retire yet.”

A consistent Army team clinched the day, taking top team and individual honours.

Further equine action was to be had at the ongoing Cricklands Showjumping Championships, with Service riders battling it out for top spots in the overall military league tables.

AS1(T) Nicola McGregor and Penny took the Intro Champion, while the Novice Champion title went to FS Angela Polgreen and Colley, with Flt Lt Nat Morrell and Barney taking Intermediate Reserve Champion title.

Polgreen and Flt Lt (Rtd) Emma Kimberley took silver and bronze podium placings in the Over35, 80cm event, while Morrell and Barney accrued multiple clear rounds and rosettes, resulting in a silver podium finish in the Over 35s 90cm.

Flt Lt Tamsin Jessup also had a successful weekend on Welsh home territory, winning her final 80cm Speed class.

TOP FEMALE: Royal Air Force cycling star Cpl Sarah Toms led the way

CHAMPS: Cpl Toms and AS1 Stegeman

NOVICE CHAMPION: FS Angela Polgreen and Colley

MILITARY LEAGUE: Cricklands success for FS Angela Polgreen and Flt Lt Nat Morrell

First blood to RAF as Navy champs sunk

RUGBY LEAGUE

Daniel Abrahams

EIGHTY MINUTES of effort and commitment is the secret to victory, according to RAF head coach Sgt James Hutchinson after the airmen’s 12-8 win over the Royal Navy in the InterServices rugby league.

The outstanding victory, the RAF’s first in three years against the Senior Service, saw the light blues take the game to their hosts, never going behind after the Navy went ahead 4-0 after 20 minutes at HMS Temeraire.

Hutchinson said: “I was really happy with the result as getting that first win is huge in the InterServices. The Navy have beaten us the last two years and are backto-back champions, so it was good to get one over them.

“They always bring a physical challenge, and our lads stood up to it really well, particularly in defence, the effort and attitude was great. Before kick-off I asked for 80 minutes of effort and commitment, and they gave me that in spades and thoroughly deserved what was a great win.”

The early wrestling match was broken on the19th minute, when the RAF were penalised for a ball steal on the halfway line. From the subsequent penalty the Navy rolled downfield, before a fast-sweeping move saw Kini Dakuliga go in at the corner for 4-0.

In the 26th minute a Navy sin-binning was punished by the Aviators as prop Sgt Chris Grainger got the RAF on the front foot, allowing space for AS1 Kieron Prescott to step inside and sprint in under the sticks for a converted try and a 4-6 lead.

Having seen a Navy effort held up on the try line, the RAF went in at the break with only the twopoint lead and both sides dug deep to look for a further score.

Just after the hour the Aviators added to their total as skipper Sgt

Liam Bradley put in a sumptuous grubber that he chased himself and dropped on for the RAF’s second try of the game. With Prescott’s conversion the score was now 4-12.

The RAF were in control, but after a period of ill-discipline they conceded a penalty that let

the Navy back into good field position. On the 66th minute, from the tap, they powered over the light blue lines, but the unsuccessful conversion left the score at 8-12.

With the RAF producing some stellar defensive work, they held on for the win.

Women make it a winning double for Air Force

A BLISTERING fightback saw the RAF women’s RL team win the allimportant opening IS game 18-22 over the Navy in Portsmouth.

The Navy got off to a strong start scoring inside the opening minutes, with two further quickfire tries seeing the Aviators behind the curve.

Needing to pick up the momentum and bring themselves back into the game, skipper AS1(T) Grace Burnett did just that and got the RAF off the mark with a well-executed try, with AS1 Kim Grundy adding the extras.

In the dying minutes of the half AS1 Hannah McCabe went over to reduce the Navy’s lead to 14-10 at the break.

Kicking off the second half McCabe caught Grundy’s offload for another score before a Grundy try.

The Navy scored again, before a last gasp Navy try

which would have levelled the scores was disallowed and the RAF won.

They will now face the Army in Wakefield on September 27, after RAF News goes to press.

PHYSICAL BATTLE: RAF came out on top in Inter-Services opener

PHOTOS: SBS

RUGBY LEAGUE

SKIPPER: Sgt Liam Bradley with cup

LTH V S HEAL H.

WHEN: WHERE: CONTACT:

Exhibitions

The 80s: Photographing Britain Tate Britain, from November 21

NEXT MONTH The 80s:

Photographing Britain opens at Tate Britain – a landmark survey which considers the decade as a pivotal moment for the art form.

With nearly 350 images and archive materials from the period, the exhibition will explore how photographers used the camera to respond to the seismic social, political and economic shifts around them.

A Tate Britain spokesperson said: “Through their lenses, the show will consider how the medium became a tool for social representation, cultural celebration and artistic expression throughout this significant and highly creative

Music

Rag'n'Bone Man

Charting

The 80s in the frame

social,

political and

period for photography.”

The exhibition is the largest to survey photography’s development in the UK in the 1980s to date, featuring more than 70 lens-based artists and collectives. It will showcase images taken across the UK, from John Davies’ post-industrial Welsh landscape to Tish Murtha’s portraits of youth unemployment in Newcastle.

The 80s will introduce

What Do You Believe In?

Rag'n'Bone Man's third album drops

Thatcher’s Britain through documentary photography, illustrating some of the tumultuous political events of the decade – the miners’ strike, anti-racism demonstrations, images of Greenham Common and projects responding to the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Photography recording a changing Britain and its widening disparities will also be presented through Anna Fox’s images of

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, chart-topping British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man has announced the release of his third studio album, What Do You Believe In?

Speaking about the album, out on October 18, Rag’n’Bone Man (real name Rory Graham) said: “It’s a representation of how I feel in this moment, at this time in my life – it represents joy, love and happiness. You’ve got to take people on a bit of a journey – it’s basically real

life. Songwriting is always an extension of my emotions.”

To celebrate the album’s release Rag’n’Bone Man is heading out on a multi-stop UK/EU tour, with some dates already sold out. Kicking off on November 16 in Leeds, the tour will take him across major cities in the UK and Europe, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Berlin and Amsterdam.

● Go to: ragnboneman.com for a full list of tour dates.

cultural shifts of a decade

corporate excess, Paul Graham’s observations of social security offices and Markéta Luskačová and Don McCullin’s portraits of London’s disappearing East End, the spokesperson added.

The exhibition closes with a series of works that celebrate countercultural movements throughout the 80s such as Ingrid Pollard and Franklyn Rogers’ documentation of underground performances

Film Review In Camera (15)

In cinemas now

of club culture. The show will spotlight the emergence of i-D magazine and its impact on a new generation of photographers including Wolfgang Tillmans and Jason Evans, who, with stylist Simon Foxton, pioneer a cutting-edge style of fashion photography. ● The 80s: Photographing Britain runs from November 21 until May 5, 2025. Go to: tate. org.uk for ticket details.

Showbiz racism in spotlight

A STRUGGLING actor, trying to get noticed and pay his rent, spirals into an identity crisis, losing his sense of self in playing other people.

Nabhaan Rizwan (Taskmaster, Juice), known for his larger comedic roles, gives a complex and restrained performance as Aden, who drifts from audition to audition in small rooms filled with identically dressed British Asian actors.

Reduced to a number, told where to stand and what to say, he apparently takes comfort in the direction, though you wouldn’t know it. Rizwan plays the part with an enigmatic distance, his despondency creating an emotional void.

Naqqash Khalid’s feature directorial debut sharply critiques the state of race and typecasting in British film and television, where diversity is reduced to a box-ticking exercise, and the same star collects all the roles regardless.

When reading lines for a toothpaste ad, Aden is directed to smile and instructed simply

to make it 'whiter'– a double meaning that is not lost. Especially as he is shuttled to audition for the part of a terrorist, and told to use an accent “not from here.”

His most successful gig, however, is as a stand-in for a grieving mother’s deceased son during a therapy session. In this unusually intense scenario, Aden seems most alive.

He lives in a house-share with Bo (Rory Fleck Byrne), a junior doctor whose exhaustion leaves him sleepwalking through life, and Conrad (a fantastically smug Amir El-Masry), a fashion consultant who knows exactly what he wants

and how to get it. Conrad, a fellow minority, will try to impart some knowledge about how cultural diversity is a currency that is now valued, and to take advantage. Aden will take something from this, not necessarily the advice, but the cocksure attitude that he exudes. Perhaps if he adopted some of Conrad’s swagger, he could get noticed.

In Camera is a promising debut, full of sharp ideas and magnetic performances. Its growing detachment from reality might alienate some, but for others, it will be a reason to lean in.

Review by Sam Cooney 3 roundels out of 5

ADEN: Wants to stand out

GREENHAM COMMON, 1985: Melanie Friend © Melanie Friend, Format Photographers

MARKETA LUSKACOVA: Man Singing on Brick Lane, London, 1982

FASHION: Jason Evans, Simon Foxton, (untitled), 1991

Exhibitions

The eccentric world of Tim Burton on display at the Design Museum

AMAJOR exhibition that sees award-winning film director Tim Burton’s personal archives go on display in the UK for the first time opens at the Design Museum, London, later this month.

The World of Tim Burton will feature more than 600 items brought together in the exhibition to chart the evolution of his unique design aesthetic – from his earliest unrealised projects to his most recent film, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024).

Objects are loaned from Burton’s extensive personal archives, key film studio archives including Paramount, Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros, and the private collections of Burton’s collaborators.

Highlights will include hundreds of his expressionistic sketches and drawings that he has created prolifically since childhood. These can be seen alongside props, set designs and costumes from his iconic films, including Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costume from 1992’s Batman Returns and the black and white striped dress from 1999’s Sleepy Hollow, worn by Christina Ricci.

The exhibition — which opens on October 25, just in time for Halloween, and runs until April 21 – showcases Burton’s remarkable output, with more than 18 of his films individually spotlighted. It will celebrate the creative processes behind some of the most significant movies of the past five decades, including Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

A Design Museum spokesperson said: “It comes to London after a decade-long world tour that has seen it visit 14 cities in 11 countries since 2014. Not only will this be the first and only time it will be seen in the UK, it will also be the very final time the exhibition will be staged. For this special homecoming – to the director’s adopted home city – it has been specially adapted, expanded, and physically reimagined for the Design Museum.”

Burton said: “It’s a strange thing, to put 50

years of art and your life on view for everyone to see, especially when that was never the original purpose. In the past, I have resisted having the exhibition in London, however, collaborating with the Design Museum for this final stop was the right choice. They understand the art, and with the opportunity to adapt the show and highlight the way design interacts with the works, I’ve been able to view it all through an exciting new lens.”

● Go to: designmuseum.org for more information.

Theatre

Awful Auntie

The magic

COMEDIAN AND bestselling children’s author David Walliams says seeing the stage adaptation of his books makes him feel ‘like a magician,’ writes Diane Parkes.

The former Britain’s Got Talent judge is delighted that the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company (BSC) have teamed up with him for the stage show of Awful Auntie – as they did for the Olivier-nominated Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy.

He said: “The BSC’s live shows of my books are always brilliant. You feel like a magician when as an author you see your book come to life. It’s a real thrill to hear audiences laughing, one that never leaves you even though I have been making comedy shows of my own for many years.”

Awful Auntie is currently on a UK tour that goes to venues including Brighton’s Theatre Royal (October 10-12), The Alexandra, Birmingham (Oct 17-19), Milton Keynes Theatre (Oct 31 to November 2) and the New Wimbledon Theatre (Nov 7-10).

When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger. And when she wakes up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie...

Neal Foster, the BSC’s actor/manager, is the adapter and director of Awful Auntie appears in the title role.

He said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be performing such an amazing role in this show. I’ve never previously been able to do one of the long tours but I decided to set everything aside so I could embark on this adventure with Walliams.

“Auntie is one of the most outrageous characters ever created in fiction and it’s the chance of a lifetime to bring her to life.”

The cast also features Annie Cordoni as Stella, Matthew Allen as Soot, Zain Abrahams as Gibbon and Emily Essery as Wagner.

Walliams (pictured right revealed that it was the classic Stanley Kubrick horror film Shining that inspired Awful Auntie

He explained: “I am obsessed with the film The Shining. I wanted to create

a horror story where a house with a dangerous relative, outside world.

“As for the character fun creating Aunt Alberta. much more fun than heroes. funny as much as scary, literary hero Roald Dahl always He added: “I am lucky nice aunties – Alberta is in writing the book, I let my – which is normally the best Walliams began fiction in 2008. been translated selling more

When there technologies for children’s he think children good book?

“I immersive do admires

I WANT MY MUMMY: Stella (

FILM ROYALTY: Portrait of Tim Burton by Steve Schofield

ON SHOW: Untitled artwork (Dogs in Space) 1998 © Tim Burton

Edited by Tracey Allen

Win!

of theatre

child was trapped in a relative, cut off from the

herself, I had a lot of Alberta. Villains are always so heroes. I wanted her to be which is something my always did so brilliantly.” lucky enough to have three not based on them. So, my imagination run riot best way to go.” began writing children’s 2008. The novels have translated into 55 languages, than 53 million copies

there are so many technologies and activities vying children’s attention, why does children will still pick up a book?

“I think books are so immersive that children do like being alone with them,” he said. “I think we all have JK Rowling to thank for turning children onto books in their millions.

“A good children’s book should be funny and exciting, and a message that makes you think about it long after you have finished reading it.”

He particularly admires fellow children’s authors Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo.

“Dame Jacqueline Wilson is a genius. I

read Tracy Beaker and instantly thought I should give up it’s so brilliant. Michael Morpurgo is an astonishingly good writer who has found an exciting way to teach children about history. He is an absolute gentleman too.

“Andy Stanton’s books are very funny, as are Jeff Kinney’s. I love to read Julia Donaldson books with my son. Judith Kerr is a brilliant author and illustrator, and let’s not forget Michael Bond, who created Paddington.”

Walliams cites Mr Stink as his favourite of his own novels because “it has a strong message about how we treat people less fortunate than ourselves, and Sir Quentin Blake’s illustrations are absolutely magical.”

What does he hope children will take away from seeing the stage show of Awful Auntie?

He said: “Stella is a pretty self-reliant heroine, and so I hope children will be inspired to find the strength within themselves to deal with bad situations. Also, Stella is posh and even has the title ‘Lady’, but by the end of the story she realises none of that is important and that all people should be treated the same. I believe that too.”

● Go to: musicalsontour.co.uk/awful-auntietour/ for full tour details.

AN AWARD-winning actress, known for her film roles in Calendar Girls, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Celia Imrie is also a best-selling novelist.

She is currently filming the Netflix series The Diplomat and stars in the forthcoming film The Thursday Murder Club

Her latest book, Meet Me At Rainbow Corner (bloomsbury. com) is inspired by the resilience and camaraderie of women during World War II. Set in London in 1944, it follows the lives of Dot, Lilly and their friends as they dance the nights away at Rainbow Corner – a social club in Piccadilly for US troops – fall in and out of love and navigate the horrors of war.

Lilly, who works for the Colonel, goes on a secret mission with him to France,

Theatre

Derren Brown UK tour

and Dot becomes pregnant and returns to her native Liverpool.

Once the war is over, they are reunited, having travelled by boat to America with countless other war brides to meet their repatriated fiancés again. Along

MASTER OF mind control and psychological illusion Derren Brown returns to the stage next spring with a new live show, Only Human.

The content of Only Human is still under wraps, but it is guaranteed to give audiences a mindblowing experience that will take their breath away, said a spokesperson.

The show kicks off at the Swan Theatre, High Wycombe on April 4, 2025 and continues its journey to theatres nationwide including to Bromley, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Bristol, Oxford, Norwich and Leeds, finishing at The Lowry, Salford, from September 2-13.

Brown said: “‘After a year off from touring, I

the way, they uncover a case of inside espionage and learn the true meaning of love.

Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan, the historical researcher on Celia’s novels, will be appearing at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on October 12 to talk about the reallife events behind the book.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Meet Me At Rainbow Corner, answer this question correctly:

What is the name of the Netflix series Celia Imrie is currently filming?

Email your answer, marked: Celia Imrie book competition, to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 18. Please include your full postal address with your entry.

Derren's got the human touch

am ready to start the momentous climb to putting together another show. I’ve just realised it’s my 11th. Each show begins with a blank canvas and the question of what I could do with a thousand or more people locked in a room with me. It’s exciting, very exciting.”

His shows have garnered five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice – the largest number of nominations and wins for one-person shows in the history of the awards. His 2017 show, Secret, won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and returned for a sell-out run on Broadway in 2019. ● Go to: derrenbrown.co.uk for full tour details.

Annie Cordoni) finds herself trapped by her strange relative, Aunt Alberta (Neal Foster, inset)

QUIRKY: Gibbon, Stella and Wagner the owl

IMRIE: Actor and best-selling author

Your Announcements

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

Seeking

I am searching for Ivan Spring, a South African Airman who was based at RAF Marham in the 1950s for my mum, maiden name Susan Clarke (now Susan Bennett) who has dementia. She recalls Ivan fondly and has photos of when she went to visit his family in South Africa but doesn't appear to have any photos of him. She lived in Cambridge when she knew Ivan and her mother worked as a housemistress at Queens’ College. It would be lovely to find out what happened to him and complete the story. If anyone can help, please email: beckygoff542@gmail.com or telephone: 07985 424308.

In Memoriam

MUTTITT In loving memory of my dear wife Pamela who died September 15, 1981. So sadly missed. Mick (MAeOp) MBE and family.

Memorial service

MEMORIAL Service for Sqn Ldr PA Goodwin, RAF, Wednesday, November 27 at 1100, The RAF Church, St Clement Danes, The Strand, London, WC2. All colleagues/former colleagues welcome. Dress code: civilian attire, smart casual.

Reunions

28TH entry RAF Cosford, June 1956 to November 1957. Trade Group 19. How many of us left? Contact: David Slough. d.slough@outlook.com

CALLING all former TG11 T/phonist, TPOs, Tels, Wop Spec, TCO, TCC, TRC, all are welcome to attend the TG11 Association reunion to be held Friday, March 21 to Sunday March 23, 2025, at the Marriott

How to use our service

Delta Hotels Nottingham Belfry, Mellors Way, off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham NG8 6PY. See website: tg11association.com.

Associations

WHAT do you know about the 2 Halifax RAF Sqns 346 and 347 which flew from RAF Elvington near York in World War II? Why not join the Sud-Ouest France Branch of RAFA to find out more? You will be welcomed with open arms or un Accueil Chaleureux! For further details contact Terry Dennett at Admin@Rafsudouest. fr or call: 0033546953889

RAF Armourers past and present: RAF Association’s Armourers Branch aims to provide welfare support and comradeship for all who have served or currently serve as an RAF Armourer. See: rafaarmourers.co.uk or contact the committee via email: plumbersrest@outlook.com.

30 Sqn RAF Association. Reunion and Dinner April 2526, 2025. Contact Tony Main at: 30sqnassnchair@gmail.com. All previous Sqn members welcome.

THE Association of RAF Women Officers (ARAFWO) is a lively, friendly, world-wide networking group. Visit our website: arafwo. co.uk and discover the benefits of membership, plus see what activities and events we offer all over the world.

SUAS – have you been a member of Southampton University Air Squadron as a student or staff member? If so, please join our Facebook page, ‘Southampton UAS Association’ or email: 6FTSSUASAdmin@mod.gov.uk to join our association community so that we can welcome you back.

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: rafadappassn.org;

or contact the Membership Secretary on: 07866 085834 or the Chairman on: 01933 443673.

RAF Catering Warrant Officers’ and Seniors’ Association: all serving or retired TG19 WO or FS and all former Catering Branch Officers are invited to join the RAF CWO&SA. We meet twice yearly with a vibrant gathering of retired and serving members. So why not come along and join us? For more information send an email to: janedjones6@btinternet.com. The first year of membership is free.

RAF Physical Training Instructors Association holds an Annual Dinner and AGM over a weekend plus locally organised events. Please contact RAFPTIA Honorary Secretary Denise Street-Brown on: ptisec@ outlook.com for membership enquiries. To become a member of the Association you will have had to have successfully passed the RAF Physical Training Instructors Basic Training Course. The Association was formed in 1996 to bring together serving and retired PTIs. It currently has 600 PTI members.

RAF Music Services live

THE public has the chance to see RAF musicians perform live this autumn with various dates around the country. They include The RAF Squadronaires at the Winston Churchill Hall Theatre, Ruislip on October 18, the Band of the RAF College at the Festival of Music, St Paul’s Church, Barnsley on October 19, RAF Swing Wing at the Terry O’Toole Theatre, Lincoln on October 25, the Band of the RAF Regiment at the Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon on October 26 and the Central Band of the RAF at the Winston Churchill Hall Theatre, Ruislip on November 15. Go to: raf.mod.uk/displayteams-raf-music-services/livedates/ for ticket details.

There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death,in memoriamseeking 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 or by post to: Announcements, RAF News, Room 68, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE.

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.

Tribute to Halifax crew

A MEMORIAL stone has been unveiled in Beccles town centre to mark the bravery of the crew of an RAF Halifax that exploded over the town during World War II.

Brian Vousden, President of the Beccles and Southwold branch of the RAF Association, explained: “Exactly 80 years since the event that took place in August 1944, the memorial stone was unveiled to commemorate the brave actions of the crew of Halifax LK-R of 578 Squadron and, in particular, those of the pilot, Fg Off EW Fox DFC, whose initiative and courage enabled him to evacuate the crew and steer the crippled aircraft

clear of the town.”

The Bomber Command Halifax had developed a serious mechanical problem while heading for a raid over France. Mr Vousden added: “The pilot successfully baled out after the crew – the aircraft was lost in a substantial explosion. Fortunately, no aircrew lives or any in the town of Beccles were lost.” RAF, Army and Royal Navy representatives attended the service, with the Mayor of Beccles, Cllr. Colin Hill and Town Council members also present along with members of the RAF Association, Beccles, the Royal British Legion and other military associations. Family members of the crew also attended.

New nursery for Valley

TEAMWORK: TheRAFAKidz

RAFAKIDZ has opened its first nursery in Wales – at RAF Valley. The new facility comprises three fully equipped playrooms designed to cater for the needs of children aged three months and above, and also has a garden. A subsidiary of the RAF Association, RAFAKidz provides

childcare to military and civilian families living on or near RAF and MOD sites.

Pam Cave, Operations Manager (North) at RAFAKidz, said: “We’ve had such a warm welcome and can’t wait to deliver excellent childcare to local families.”

IN MEMORY: Military representatives and local dignitaries attended a service to commemorate the brave Bomber Command men. Inset, the memorial stone

Valley staff

Your Announcements

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

Good times thanks to Fund

AFTER LOSING her health, job, marriage and home in just six weeks former RAF musician

Rachelle Bilham felt her life was falling apart – but thanks to help from the RAF Benevolent Fund, she is looking forward to a brighter future with her young daughter.

In 2022 Rachelle went through the hardest year of her life.

She said: “I had to leave my marital home after my husband and I split up, and following surgery that went wrong, I was discharged from my job as a trumpet player in the RAF.”

She added: “While I was still in the RAF, the Welfare Officer recommended contacting the Fund after I was forced out of my home by my partner. I had to move into military accommodation. The Fund helped cover the removal costs which was such a relief.”

But then she had to deal with losing her job after undergoing surgery for a pre-existing condition which went wrong. The surgery left her with a lifelong disability which meant she

could no longer play the trumpet.

She said: “It all happened in such a short space of time. The Fund helped with the cost of a laptop, so I could find a new job and do some training. I got a job soon after, working as a People Assistant in HR for a company.”

Rachelle’s life was getting back on track but the turbulent year had been difficult for her and her five-year-old daughter.

She added: “Before I was medically discharged, I contacted the Fund and applied for a break at Parkdean’s Trecco Bay Resort in South Wales. It was just what we needed.

“The help I’ve received from the Fund has been amazing. I’m feeling much happier again.”

Go to: rafbf.org for information about breaks for serving personnel.

Family fun at Motor Museum

THIS HALF-TERM – from October 26 to November 3, the British Motor Museum is inviting families to enjoy a range of activities inspired by the evolution of car design.

From the classic sketchbook to 3D digital imagery, families can learn how technology has allowed some of history’s best car designs to be brought to life.

Pickle and Pumpkin’s Design Techsplosion Science Show takes place from October 29 to

November 1. Resident gearheads, Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin have been busy in the lab, investigating car design. The Professor is a firm believer in pencil and paper when designing a “horseless carriage”, but the forward-thinking Doctor is all about new technologies. Children can help the scientists settle their debate before the duo’s experiments get out of hand. Go to: britishmotormuseum. co.uk for details.

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE: Prof Pickle and Dr Pumpkin experiment

HAPPY HOLIDAY: Rachelle and her daughter on their break in Wales

Solve

(5)

4. Chopper sliced the mace (7)

5. Different wives’ opinions (5)

6. Achievement involving southern celebration (5)

9. RAF missiles damage no timbers (9)

14. Colonel gone round German city (7)

15. Before a party, rent RAF plane (7) 16. And French damaged Rouen on the way (2,5) 19. Straightforward deception? (5)

Corset remains (5)

Turn French parks upside down? What a waste! (5)

The winners of our Prize Crossword and Prize Su Doku puzzles will receive a recent top aviation title – please send your entries to the address printed in the adjacent Su Doku panel, to arrive by October 18, 2024. Prize Crossword No. 368 winner is: Mr B Barnes, Lincoln. We apologise for the error in RAF News No. 1592 (September 20) when the incorrect Crossword solution was printed. Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9.

to

RAF station: Fylingdales

DVDs

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (15) On Blu-ray, DVD and digital from October 7: Trinity CineAsia

Big budget action Win!

IT’S BEEN dubbed the action movie event of the year – from award-winning director Soi Cheang (Mad Fate, Limbo, Dog Bite Dog), the gritty, fight-filled epic Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is adapted from the cult Manga series City of Darkness by Andy Seto and based on the novel by Yuyi.

Set in British colonial Hong Kong in the 1980s, the film follows a troubled youth as he accidentally enters the infamous Kowloon Walled City – a dangerous Chinese enclave ripe with gang crime and corruption. He soon discovers order amidst the chaos, and gains life lessons from the inhabitants as they resist a villainous invasion.

(Paradox), Philip Ng (Birth of the Dragon), Aaron Kwok (Port of Call) and Sammo Hung (Ip Man 2), and action design by stunt coordinator Kenji Tanigaki (Raging Fire, Sakra).

The atmospheric score is created by legendary soundtrack composer Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Ip Man franchise).

With a production budget of $40 million, it is one of the most expensive Hong Kong films ever made. The ensemble cast brings together rising stars Raymond Lam (Detective vs Sleuths), Terrance Lau (Anita), Tony Wu (The Lyricist Wannabe) and German Cheung (Raging Fire), with screen veterans Louis Koo

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In was met with international acclaim following its coveted midnight screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and became the highest grossing Hong Kong box office film since 2010.

We have copies on DVD up for grabs, to be in with a chance of winning one, tell us:

Where is Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In set?

Email your answer, marked Twilight of the Warriors DVD competition, to: tracey.allen@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 18. Remember to include your full postal address.

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 October 18, 2024.

The winner of Su Doku No: 378 is: K McCarthy, London.

The Toast of the town

ROCK LEGENDS The Darkness will be hitting the road next March for their biggest headline tour of the UK in years, the band recently announced. And their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast comes out in the same month.

Flamboyant frontman Justin Hawkins said: “We knuckled down and thought really hard about the best of the best, the elite songs, the life-changing music of the ages. Then we popped out a dozen bangers before lunch. And these bangers we present to you here, wallowing in an aromatic aural ragu, served atop the charred remains of our envious contemporaries… ladies and gentlemen, I give you Dreams On Toast!”

The Longest Kiss, the first single from the album, was released last month. Hawkins added: “Misty Orchards! That’s, that’s the kind of scenery that I love. I awakened to such a vista in the delightful Scottish highland town of Nairn on the morning that inspiration for The Longest Kiss lyric struck.

“The music itself is a pianoled composition, the chorus of

which my brother [Dan, guitar and vocals] and I came up with. The verses were transposed from a song I’ve been working on for decades as part of a musical about the collapse of the Lowestoft fishing industry. The musical isn’t finished yet but The Longest Kiss is.” The Dreams On Toast UK

headline tour will see the band play 17 shows across the country, finishing at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on March 29. Support comes from Northern Irish indie-rock heroes Ash, who first supported The Darkness more than 20 years ago. ● Go to: thedarknesslive.com for more information.

Hosiery

Tonka

NEW ALBUM: Out next March

'LEGENDS': The Darkness