RAF News Edition 1590, August 09, 2024

See competition on page 17 Rugby Union Women on the move

● See page 23

● See page 25

Vets eyeing Games gold Hockey Victories hat-trick

● See page 28

Ex-officer Mac's drive to help vets survive PTSD

Armed Forces pay bonanza

WWII VET Dick Skepper says he has been 'humbled' after being inundated with more than 1,000 cards from well-wishers across the world following an appeal to mark his 100th birthday. Son David said the Bomber Command veteran has read every single message.

● See story on page 3

Simon Mander

ARMED FORCES personnel are to get an inflation-busting six per cent pay hike billed as the largest in 22 years.

This year’s award is said to recognise their extraordinary sacrifices to protect and serve the UK and to address recruitment and retention challenges.

It will see new recruits given the largest increase for more than 20 years, putting starting salaries in line with the National Living Wage for the first time.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces.

“This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years.

“It is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving Service life.”

● Continued n page 2

Recipient of Romanian Emblem of Honour medal

Flt Lt Turner See p13

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News Editor: Simon Mander Sport: sports@rafnews.co.uk

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Tracy-Ann Oberman in Merchant of Venice 1936 See R’n’R p4

“Growing up, I never thought it would be possible for me to play for the Chiefs” “The play is about standing together against hatred” “Working with our Nato partners has been a fantastic experience

The government also set out in the recent King’s Speech the creation of a new independent Armed Forces Commissioner for Service personnel and their families.

Under the deal initial pay will increase to £25,200 from April 2025, backdated for 12 months. The Service’s lowest paid personnel will get National Living Wage uplifts at the same time as other public sector workers, providing a rise of about £1,700 per year for 6,700 personnel.

Starting salaries for officers will increase by around £1,878 while subsided food, medical, dental care, accommodation and childcare will also be available.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: “This year’s pay award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Armed Forces at a pivotal time for our security.

“Alongside comprehensive benefits, it aims to ensure our

people feel properly recognised and rewarded.”

He said better starting pay for new recruits valued young people who step forward to serve their

Flt Lt Lucy Nye signs for Exeter RFC See p23

Forces net pay deal

nation and in an uncertain world he hoped the award would help recruit and retain high-calibre people.

The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body and

Senior Salaries Review Body recommendations for 2024 have been fully accepted by the Government and will be backdated to April 1.

Potsdam Proclamation. Allied forces cease offensive military operations after Emperor Hirohito broadcasts to the nation.

INFLATION BUSTER: Defence Secretary John Healey meets UK Forces personnel during a recent trip to Estonia

WO’s back to Black

43-year history, is a different challenge.

E-3D Sentry and VC-10 tanker have retired.

Skies the limit

YOUNGSTERS overcame struggles with self-confidence to regale audience members with their favourite moments from a course sponsored by the widow of a former Red Arrows pilot.

Dr Emma Egging, whose Flt Lt husband John died at a flying display at Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011, was at MOD Boscombe Down to listen to 41 graduates from three schools who recently completed the Blue Skies Wiltshire programme.

Boscombe Down Commanding Officer, Sqn Ldr Angie Glasby, said: “It was a great honour to be able to host the first-ever Wiltshire Graduation.

“Hearing the stories and achievements of the students and the impact that the Blue Skies programme has had on the young people was fantastic.

“I am delighted that military units are able to offer access and workplace experiences.”

EXERCISE PITCH Black has been a trip down memory lane for one RAF NCO who returned Down Under after 24 years.

And while WO Trevor Quarterman’s first visit in 2000 saw Germany-based 31 Sqn Tornado GR4s and 111 (F) Sqn F3s from Leuchars sent out, today’s training, the largest in the exercise’s

Then a 31 Sqn junior technician, he said: “It’s astonishing to see how the exercise has evolved into the large multi-national exercise it is today. Then the exercise was much smaller, involving four nations: the RAF, Australians, US Marines and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.”

Since then, some types including the RAF’s

Now a senior WO with XI(F) Sqn, WO Quarterman (pictured) can be called on to make airworthiness decisions on the six Typhoon aircraft currently deployed.

This year Exercise Pitch Black features 140 aircraft and 4,500 personnel from countries including Italy, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Spain, Brunei and Fiji.

The programme is backed by the RAF’s Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transport (JARTS) Sqn, MOD Boscombe’s base support unit and the Empire Test Pilot School.

The three-year scheme is designed to build confidence with mentored team building and workplace experiences.

Birthday wishes from across world for Bomber veteran

Tracey Allen

WWII VETERAN Dick Skepper says he has been ‘overwhelmed’ after more than a 1,000 well-wishers responded to an appeal to help him celebrate his 100th birthday.

The Bomber Command engineer, who signed up to fight when he was just 18, was inundated with cards from across the world, from handmade greetings from young children to messages of support from veterans in their 90s.

Service charity the Royal Air Forces Association organised the appeal earlier this year to help 7 Sqn veteran Dick mark his century.

His son David said: “We’ve seen postage stamps from Australia, North and Central America, as well as a host of European countries.

“Dad has been overwhelmed

by the sheer number of cards he received and was touched by the number of people who had taken the time to send a message thanking him for his service during his time in the RAF.

“Well-wishers have invested so much of their time and my dad has been truly humbled by the care and love shown to him in every single card he has received.

“He has read every message, enjoyed the variety of cards and been amazed by their origins.

“It would be impossible for Dad to thank everyone individually, but you have all helped make his 100th birthday truly wonderful and given him new memories to take forward into his 101st year.”

Among the cards Dick was delighted to receive was one from CAS, Sir Richard Knighton.

F-35 put on Ice in High North

UK F-35 LIGHTNINGS are set to fly out to Iceland this month as part of a Nato Peacetime Preparedness mission to protect airspace in the High

North. The British stealth fighters will also be conducting training with Icelandic forces from Keflavik air base during the deployment.

SCHEME: Dr Egging (2nd from left) and Boscombe Down CO Sqn Ldr Glasby (right)

BEST WISHES: Dick reads the RAFBF card sent to him by CAS, Sir Richard Knighton

Simon Mander

Cyprus vet marks date

FORMER RAF pilot Richard Haven has shared memories of the Cyprus conflict 50 years after it broke out.

The 92-year-old was based at Akrotiri for four years during his 27 years service and was speaking ahead of the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion in 1974.

He said: “The British were happy to be sent back home. They were very grateful to us for helping them escape a warzone.”

Among those was Richard’s wife Emma, and their four children.

“It was a great relief for me when they returned home,” he added.

Now a greatgrandfather, Richard lives at High Wycombe’s Star and Garter nursing home.

AIR FORCE fundraisers hit the track at St Mawgan alongside 1,500 runners for the annual Children’s Hospice Rainbow Run, netting a record-breaking £105,000 for the Cornish charity.

Paint stalls along the 5km route around the RAF station made sure it was a colourful event, bombarding runners as they passed.

Cpl Dom Main, who helped organise this year’s event, said: “I wanted to give something back to the local community and this is something I really enjoy.”

Chinooks unleash hell on tri- Service war drill

Craig Rudyk-Smith Leeming

HELICOPTERS FROM all three Services descended on a North Yorkshire airbase for the first Exercise Hades Warrior.

Rotary aircraft from across the UK joined Odiham’s 27 Sqn Chinooks – including Army Air Corps Apaches, Commando Force Merlins and 847 Naval Air Sqn Wildcats – at Leeming for the wargames.

More than 200 pilots deployed for two weeks of daily sorties across the north of England and Scotland to show how UK chopper forces could fight under one command.

XXII Sqn’s Wg Cdr Andrew Green said: “Exercise Hades Warrior was an opportunity to refresh, hone and enhance high-end warfighting skills, and for 22 Sqn to develop the next generation of instructors.”

Led by Benson personnel the manoeuvres were the flying phase of the Qualified Weapons Instructor course and the first conducted under the joint Aviation Task Force Headquarters.

Flt Lt Natasha Nicholson said: “We aim to ensure this exercise will build on tactical skills to strengthen our position to support operations during uncertain times.”

Operating from the North provided rare opportunities to

work alongside locally based Army units with troop movement flights provided for the Guards and 1 Royal Lancers.

Operational support units came from MOD Stafford, who delivered more than 200,000kg of fuel to Leeming and Spadeadam and Benson’s 244 Signals Unit, which provided satellite communications.

It was also a training opportunity for personnel to rapidly deploy to austere locations before being held at high readiness for humanitarian relief missions during hurricane season in the British Overseas Territories.

Benson in South Oxfordshire is the main Joint Helicopter Command support base and home to two frontline Puma and Chinook squadrons.

Sqn Ldr Benjamin MacGillivray, 22 Sqn Flight Commander, said: “The Exercise delivers high-end skills and generates instructors, but perhaps most importantly instils a warfighting mindset.”

COMBAT TRAINING: Chinook in action in North Yorkshire during Hades Warrior PHOTOS: AS1 MARK DOLLARD

Tilly goes solo

ST MAWGAN Squipper AS1

Tilly Harris is set for her first solo flight after netting a flying scholarship from the RAF Charitable Trust.

The survival specialist has clocked up 15 hours in the air after qualifying for the Junior Ranks scheme and is now preparing for her solo debut.

She said: “My first hours of flying were amazing.

“I’m nervous but excited about the solo flight but it’s an amazing opportunity.”

Tilly is hoping to net funding on a top-up scheme to help cover the cost of gaining her Private Pilot’s licence next year.

Lossie move for Brewin

EXPERIENCED CLIMBER Gp

Capt Sarah Brewin, above, has no trouble getting up the career ladder as she becomes the new boss of Scotland’s premier air base.

The mountaineer and 15-year veteran of Mountain Rescue can be found outdoors most weekends and now takes up her posting from Gp Capt Jim Lee.

She’s no stranger to Lossiemouth, having previously been boss of the station’s personnel management and base support wings.

Gp Capt Brewin joins from the RAF’s property management team, overseeing 30 sites, 10,000 buildings and 29 active airfields.

She said: “I know what makes Lossie special is the relationship we enjoy with the local community. I am looking forward to working with them over the next two years.”

Games on for Gunners

IT’S A far cry from the glamour of Paris but Honington was gripped by games fever as Gunners battled it out for glory in the annual RAF Regiment ‘Olympics’.

Regt squadrons squared up for a test of strength and agility in a host of challenges including the traditional cart race, tug of war and stretcher carrying event.

II Sqn emerged victorious, with 63 Sqn taking second place and 51 Sqn clinching third.

A spokesman said: “It was a very close tournament with the tug of war deciding the winners.

“The event brings together RAF Regiment units to compete against each other over a number of physical challenges designed to develop teamwork, warrior spirit and esprit de corps.”

Digital Robo-kit on trial

Staff Reporter

THE UK’S frontline fighters could be issued with high-tech body kit which can detect and disable drones, identify enemy laser sights and track enemy personnel using thermal imaging sensors.

The upgrade is part of the Future Soldier programme to equip troops with the latest digital gadgets to improve situational awareness and give them a battle-winning edge, defence chiefs say.

Battlefield trials by the Defence Science

and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) are currently underway on a groundbreaking drone system which gives the user the ability to control and pre-programme drones, laser range finders and advanced digital day and night optics for weapons.

The digital systems are designed to provide customised control that can be tailored to individual missions.

Jon Russell, Dstl’s lead scientist, said: “Our aim is to develop the most capable Armed Forces in the world, by merging different technologies to advance battlefield awareness.

“This technology will protect the lives of our Armed Forces by improving operational capability by giving them the advantage over the enemy.”

ON A HIGH: AS1 Tilly eyes her first solo flight on the Junior Ranks Flying Scholarship

Familes gather for tragic Halifax crew

Curtain up for Chinook

Simon Mander

RELATIVES OF bomber boys who died after crashing in the Cotswolds with the end of World War II in sight will join VIPs at a memorial later this month.

Family members of seven British and Canadian crew members who flew Halifax bomber MZ311 in August 1944 against enemy flak and night fighters will gather with RAF chiefs and local MPs to remember the crew who died at Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Their aircraft was one of six detailed for ‘gardening,’ Air

Staff Reporter

Lincoln

TOP BRASS lined up with veterans at a memorial to remember the thousands of Bomber Command members who died during World War II.

Chief of the Air Staff ACM Sir Richard Knighton joined ACM Sir Mike Graydon to take the salute as 39 wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen.

A service at the International Bomber Command Centre near Lincoln was followed by flypasts from 12 Sqn and 57 Sqn aircraft.

RAF Waddington station commander Gp Capt Dutch Holland joined Defence Attachés from Australia, Canada,

Force-speak for dropping mines, near heavily defended U-boat pens off La Pallice in the Bay of Biscay, the deep seaport of La Rochelle. Having completed their mission, they returned to RAF Breighton in Yorkshire but came down on Cleeve Common, where a fragment of wreckage was found.

organised by the Cheltenham Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.

A stone marker with a plaque naming the lost airmen, five Canadians and two British, was erected by Cleeve Common Trust and unveiled in 2022 in a short ceremony

Further research over the last year has identified and located surviving relatives of MZ311’s crew in Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and across the UK including the daughter of the Canadian pilot Flt Lt Charles Howes, pictured left; the grandson and great grandson of Flt Sgt John McArdle; and stepdaughters of Wireless Operator Sgt Emmanuel Harris.

The memorial will be officially dedicated by former RAF Chaplain-inChief The Venerable Air Vice-Marshal Ron Hesketh, on the 80th anniversary of the crash.

Chiefs salute WWII bomber heroes

Germany, New Zealand and Poland representing some of the 60 countries that contributed crews.

IBCC chief Nicky van der Drift said: “It is important we remember not just the pilots, but also the crews who took to the skies in their bombers to conduct the aerial assault on Europe.

“Lincolnshire is famously known as Bomber County, and it only seemed right to have a service dedicated in commemoration for those crews.”

More than 55,500 men from Bomber Command died over Europe and only 30 per cent of those who flew reached the end of WWII without being killed, injured or captured.

A YOUTH theatre group has launched a madcap tribute to the RAF’s most famous aircraft – Bravo November.

Actors with Highly Sprung take on the characters of the war-battered Chinook which survived a missile strike during the Falklands War, and other iconic aircraft including the Vulcan and the Victor during the 45-minute ‘Bravo, Bravo’ performance.

RAF Museum events manager Alex Woolliscroft said: “Bravo, Bravo is not just a show, it’s an exhilarating journey through aviation history that brings the incredible stories of Bravo November to life.

“It is a captivating performance that educates and entertains, making it a must-see event for all ages.”

The show runs until September at the RAF Museum, Midlands.

RAFA Kidz eye awards

SERVICE-WIDE RAFA Kidz nursery scheme has its sights set on two charity trophies after being shortlisted for the Nursery of the Year and Nursery Group of the Year at the prestigious Nursery World Awards.

Manager Katie Parkin, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be in the running for these awards. “We do what we do because we love it, but being recognised in this way is the icing on the cake.”

WHO DARES CHINS: Highly Strung theatre group; below, Chinook Bravo November

TRIBUTE: Memorial marks the crash site at Cleeve Hill, Gloucestershire

FLT LT HOWES

CHIEFS’ TRIBUTE: Sir Richard Knighton, left, and Sir Mike Graydon at the IBCC memorial

Hawaii the lads

Simon Mander

ENGINEERS FROM Lossiemouth are celebrating a double first after deploying a pair of Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft halfway around the world for the longest duration ever.

Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 is the largest maritime training exercise in the region, with 25,000 personnel from 29 countries taking part based at Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Ground crew support is provided by the Poseidon Line Squadron of the RAF’s ISTAR Air Wing Support.

Sqn Ldr Joe Reynolds said: “We’ve managed to deliver operations which over a distance of several thousand

miles is absolutely a first for Poseidon.”

The exercise is the largest gathering to date of P-8s, with the RAF sharing a dispersal area with the US, Australia, India and New Zealand.

And the larger British detachment was able to support other nations with equipment and tools.

Sqn Ldr Reynolds said: “It has been useful to meet people, some of whom I have never met in person. There has been a lot of information sharing, answering technical questions and getting second opinions.”

The first global deployment of RAF Poseidons has been supported by 26 engineers at Hawaii conducting maintenance, previously only undertaken at Lossiemouth.

UK signs Protector pact

Simon Mander

BRITAIN AND Belgium have signed up for a new partnership of nations operating Protector.

Under the arrangement, announced at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, other Nato and non-Alliance countries will be invited to train and operate the aircraft together backed by the US manufacturers.

General Atomics President David Alexander said: “The RAF has been a longtime partner and proponent of our aircraft and their unique capabilities, beginning with the Reaper and now with their version of MQ-9B, Protector, currently operating at Waddington.”

Protector expert Wg Cdr Richard Long said: “Working together internationally with support from General Atomics there is a bright future ahead for this truly

international programme.”

He said the countries that join would develop the MQ-9B’s capabilities and cut costs.

Member nations would also be able to draw on UK military Protector expertise and aircrew and ground crew training provided by the Nato Flight Training Europe RPAS facility at Waddington, near Lincoln.

Progress on ‘unclaimed pensions’

LAST year’s campaign launched by the Forces Pension Society and supported by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs working with the MoD, has begun to show tangible results.

The latest AFPS Annual Report published in July, reveals a reduction in the number of Veterans’ unclaimed pensions.

This year’s report records 14,797 unclaimed pensions (17,139 in 2023), a 14% improvement.

However, it remains a cause for great concern that there are still almost 15,000 pension benefits that remain unclaimed and thousands of entitled Veterans could be missing out.

These are the details:

Anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an Armed Forces Pension if they served for two years or more. The pension is not paid automatically and Veterans must apply to Veterans UK using AFPS Form 8 or call 0800 085 3600 for information.

Commenting on these latest figures, Forces Pension Society CEO, Maj Gen Neil Marshall said: “It’s clear that our call-toaction to a wide community including the Office for Veterans’ Affairs has made a real difference.

“But we won’t be satisfied until we reduce the outstanding number of unclaimed pensions substantially.

“Many of these pensions involve

Campaign begins to show tangible results

● Neil Marshall, CEO, Forces Pension Society

significant sums of money which could make a serious contribution to the quality of many lives. So, if you know a Veteran who might not have claimed their entitlement, please visit the Veterans’

Gateway website without delay.

“For our part, the Forces Pension Society will maintain its focus on the issue until we see many more pensions in the hands of those who earned them.”

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that serves as a watchdog for the whole military community.

If you would like to know more about our work and how we can help you make the most of your personal pension worth, visit forcespensionsociety.org

In Brief

Grow Pro

WADDINGTON HAS welcomed its second Protector aircraft, with five more to follow by the end of the year.

Engineers from 31 Sqn have built it prior to further testing by 56 Sqn over the coming months.

The Protector is expected to take over Reaper operations in 2025.

Initial training is taking place at General Atomics in the US, using three other RAF-owned aircraft, and the first crews graduated in April.

It will then move to Britain following new infrastructure work at Waddington.

DES Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader Simon Holford said: “Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US, we have now taken delivery of five of the 16 aircraft we have ordered.”

Protector is expected to provide armed surveillance capability against potential adversaries globally in busy unsegregated airspace for up to more than 30 hours at a time.

Capable of operating anywhere in the world, the Lincolnshire base will be the home of the Force, the site of launch and recovery to support domestic training, and command and control for overseas operations.

Staff Reporter

RAF PERSONNEL supporting Nato operations over the Black Sea have been honoured by Romanian air chiefs.

A group of six UK aviators with 140 Expeditionary Air Wing were presented with the Romanian Emblem of Honour medal by the Chief of the Romanian Air Staff, Maj Gen Baraboi.

The ceremony took place as IX(B) Typhoons completed a four-month tour guarding

Nato skies out of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in south east Romania.

Among them was armourer Flt Lt Turner. He said: “Receiving the Emblem of Honour fills me with immense gratitude. Working with our Romanian and other Nato partners has been a fantastic experience.”

Other recipients were Sqn Ldr Kiernan, Sqn Ldr Monaghan, Fg Off Greenwood, Sgt Rowlands and Sgt Jackson.

New Typhoon radar on target

GROUND TESTS on the new Typhoon radar system which enables pilots to jam enemy systems, track and engage with multiple targets at the same time have been completed.

The ECRS Mark 2 will now begin air trials before entering service with the UK Typhoons.

VR gets airborne Pilots take on virtual enemy in live training breakthrough

THE NEXT generation of UK

Top Guns are testing pioneering augmented reality kit which allows them to engage with ‘enemy’ fighters during live training sorties.

The Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) is programmed to generate virtual adversaries through pilots’ digital visors and is being trialled at RAF Valley’s fast jet training programme.

Air chiefs claim the augmented

reality system, designed by US defence company Red 6, could reduce the cost of launching combat jets to test pilots’ dog fighting skills in live training sorties and could boost the number of frontline pilots.

Flying Training director

Air Cdre Robin Caine said: “Exploitation of novel technologies is an essential part of ensuring the RAF is able to

sustain our combat edge and succeed on operations against a constantly evolving adversary.

“This latest development is a very exciting proposition and opportunity, and we are all looking forward to seeing the outcomes.”

BAE Systems and Red 6 have carried out 3D scanning and feasibility assessments on the Hawk T2 aircraft at Valley, the home of 4 Flying Training

School, which trains the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots.

UK Military Flying Training System head, Cdre Steve Jose, added: “We are always looking for opportunities that innovative technologies potentially offer to improve our training delivery.

“Working collaboratively with industry we were able to deliver this contract at pace to allow the RAF to investigate this exciting technology to help inform future decisions around fighter pilots’ training.”

ECRS: New system allows pilots to jam enemy systems while engaging targets

Simon Mander

NEW ARRIVAL: RAF Waddington welcomes second Protector

VIRTUAL THREAT: Augmented reality system projects Allied and enemy aircraft onto pilots’ digital visor during training sorties

HAWK T2

Return of the

Would-be RAF fast jet pilot whose dreams were flight panic attack is back helping veterans suffering

MAC MACKENNEY’S dreams of joining the RAF elite and becoming a fast jet pilot evaporated in mid-air when he suffered a devastating panic attack during a solo flight in a Tucano.

He said: “I thought I would black out with fear, I got really claustrophobic and was hyperventilating. I was at 13,000ft and I pulled a loop. It was 6G, so I had to do the anti-G straining manoeuvre. I was so tired I couldn’t do it. I thought I would lose consciousness and had a massive panic attack. I wanted to get out of the aircraft there and then.”

Despite the terror he experienced, he managed to land after two attempts – but told no one about his crisis.

Battling to control his fear, he completed a couple of solo training flights after the incident.

But when an instructor ordered him to fly in thick cloud, he knew he couldn’t do it.

Mac explained: “I just couldn’t do it and knew I had to come clean that I’d had those problems. I was grounded and sent to see a psychiatrist.”

After years of battling mental health issues he is now back in the driving seat, helping veterans with PTSD to conquer new challenges by taking part in

extreme expeditions.

After transferring from the Army at 24, Mac was on officer and pilot training at Cranwell – his contemporaries included current Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff AM Harv Smyth and former Battle of Britain Memorial Flight OC Sqn Ldr Dunc Mason.

The pressure of driving to and from his home county of Devon every weekend to help an old friend through her mental health crisis after she had been raped took a heavy toll on Mac that came to a head when he had to fight the overwhelming urge to get out of his aircraft during that training flight.

After being treated in hospital at RAF Wroughton, Mac was sent to Farnborough.

“I had basically lost the edge and that was the end of my flying career”

He said: “I was flying with a US colonel there who was a consultant doctor and F-16 instructor. We flew a two-seat Hunter and Hawk and I was used as a guinea pig for the Typhoon anti G-suit, putting me in the centrifuge and hot chambers wearing full cold weather gear.

“He said I would make a great fighter pilot – I was sent back to Cranwell, put on the course

behind my mates and given 20 hours to catch up with them.

“I started out really well but the closer I got to flying solo the more nervous I became, basically I had lost the edge and I was told that was the end of my flying career.

I couldn’t be considered for any other aircrew roles because I had a mental health problem.”

He didn’t tell his colleagues what had happened to him because of embarrassment, he said.

He added: “We had a reunion in 2012, 20 years after being at Cranwell together and that was

the first time I could face the guys I went through officer and pilot training with.

“I had lost my confidence, my self-esteem – I lost everything when it all went wrong and they never knew what had happened to me. They said ‘why didn’t you come and talk to us?’ and I replied I was too embarrassed.”

Extreme expeditions include trips to some

HARDY STOCK: Mac (left) with actor Tom Hardy (front) at -60˚C in Oymyakon, Russia, the coldest inhabited place on the planet

TOUGH GOING: Expedition to Mongolia

the Mac were

dashed by solo suffering with PTSD

Mac left the Air Force after three years and found himself, aged 27, jobless and sleeping on friends’ floors. He got a job leading vehicle expeditions across Africa then became the right-hand man to legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Mac was never formally diagnosed with PTSD, but wanted to help veterans who do have the condition. He said: “If I hadn’t experienced a mental health problem myself I wouldn’t have had the understanding nor motivation to help.”

Returning home to the UK he undertook a ‘banger rally’ from Tunisia to Niger. He

said: “I needed to get away for another adventure. I borrowed £500 from my uncle, and led 13 wrecks driving through the middle of the Sahara Desert.”

The trip was a success and he formed the company Max Adventure with the strapline ‘Driven To Extremes’. The company are expedition,

adventure and remote location specialists and were behind the Discovery Channel TV series called Driven To Extremes in which Hollywood celebrities Adrien Brody, Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy tackled some of the coldest, hottest and toughest roads in the world by 4x4 vehicle.

Mac is now looking for

sponsorship for his next planned adventure with veterans suffering from PTSD – a two-week driving adventure in Morocco.

He said: “If anyone out there is connected to a big organisation or a charity and wants to get involved, it’s very exciting and worthwhile. Veterans who want to take part don’t need to provide their own sponsorship funds – they are not likely to be in the position to come up with the money.”

Sir Ranulph said: “Adventures are a great way to help PTSD sufferers.”

Mac explained: “Everyone who signs up for the military does so seeking adventure – adventures are challenging. Then there’s the camaraderie as you tend to experience these adventures as a team, so you’re getting that back again and you have that immediate sense of belonging again, like you’re back in uniform.

“There are all these elements that mirror military life and that, I think, is what the veterans all miss.”

● To contact Mac, email: info@ maxadventure.co.uk and go to: maxadventure.co.uk for more information.

some of the world’s most hostile places

FAMILY MAN: With daughter Sophie at summit of Ben Nevis

ADVENTURERS: Mac with Sir Ranulph Fiennes, right, before an expedition to the North Pole

PILOT TRAINING: Mac (front row, second left) with the now Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, AM Harv Smyth (extreme right) and others

THE HEAT IS ON: Mac and team with actor Henry Cavill (middle) in 50˚C in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China

Lock on to win this £312 Spitfire-inspired watch

THERE’S PERHAPS no tale more befitting of the continuation of top watchmakers AVI8’s Spitfire story than that of Eric ‘Sawn Off’ Lock, a true World War II hero who was the highestscoring British-born RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain, and the inspiration behind the brand’s AV-4089 Spitfire Lock Chronograph.

Fusing timeless and modern watchmaking aesthetics, the Lock features a clean, symmetrical and highly legible twin-register dial layout drawn from the details within the iconic Spitfire’s cockpit gauges.

A 42mm case is inspired by the Spitfire’s famous curved silhouette, with custom flowing pushers designed to complement this feature. Taking further inspiration from the Spitfire’s body, micro detailing on the case

■ Please note letters must be a MAXIMUM of 300 words and any accompanying pictures sent as attached, hi-res JPEG files

I was a Cold War Boy overseas

THE CENTRE pages of RAF News 1589 (July 26) with the feature on Cold War Boys Overseas brought back memories, especially the picture of the Beverley landing [above].

Flying from Bahrain to Aden in 1961 we landed at either RAF Salalah or RAF Masirah, coming in over the mountains and dropping down with the tail up in the air and landing on a bumpy shale strip with dust and shale engulfing the aircraft.

IN RAF News 1585 (May 31)

I noted your article on IAC pilots (‘Shawbury first for Irish pilot graduates)’ on p5.

However, it was with some alarm that I read your assertation that Shawbury has moved counties into Staffordshire without me noticing.

Whilst it is true that the county boundary is but a few miles up the A53, I can assure you that

John Andrews Via email

Point of order

Shawbury is still set amongst the beautiful countryside of Shropshire! WO K Morley, Defence College of Air Space, RAF Shawbury

EDITOR’S NOTE: WO Morley is quite right, of course. RAF Shawbury is in Shropshire, not Staffordshire. Our apologies.

sides are designed to recreate the panels on the aircraft.

Powering the Lock is a tried and tested Japanese meca-quartz movement featuring a 1/5 split second readout with fly-back chronograph function, encapsulating the true art of modern watchmaking technology.

Completing the timepiece is a comfortable, handcrafted genuine leather, vintage pilot-style strap that tapers from 22mm to 20mm.

The stunning watch also has a stainless steel case, Swiss luminous hands, Swiss luminous applied indexes, a multi-layered dial, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and a stainless steel caseback with an engraved Spitfire.

One lucky reader could be the owner of this stylish timepiece. To be in with a chance of winning the watch, which retails at £312, enter our competition via the link: https://avi-8.com/ pages/raf-news-spitfire-lock-chronographgiveaway

Entries must be received by August 23. By entering the competition you agree to subscribe to the AVI-8 e-marketing database.

AVI-8 are offering RAF News readers an unmissable, limited time offer of 25 per cent off their full price watches. To claim the discount, enter the code: RAF25 when placing your order online at: avi-8.co.uk. The discount code is valid from August 9-23, 2024 only.

Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Post: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE

A grand effort to help us mark Dick’s century

I REGULARLY visit Royal Air Force veteran Dick Skepper, a former flight engineer, at his care home in Warwickshire.

I popped in to visit him recently to see how he was getting on after his 100th birthday party two weeks ago.

The staff communicated that post was still coming in after the story in RAF News asking wellwishers to mark his landmark by sending him a card.

He was particularly delighted to receive one from the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, which contained a personal message to Dick. Michael Gilroy Royal Air Forces Association caseworker Via email

*Dick received more than 1,000 cards after our appeal. A huge thank-you to all our kindly readers who helped make his day extra special.

CAS CARD: Dick reads message from Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton

FLT LT Ken Souter, who has died five days before his 105th birthday, was an RAF pilot who flew Hurricanes in North Africa during World War II. Post-war, he was the lead pilot of the small unit of Lancaster bombers that featured in the iconic film The Dam Busters He joined the RAF to train as a pilot in 1939 and the following year began flying Hurricanes with 43 Squadron. In January 1941 he embarked on the carrier HMS Furious and sailed to Takoradi in what is now Ghana. After taking off from the carrier, for which they had had no training, the squadron were led by a Blenheim across the heart of Africa, via stops in Nigeria and Sudan, arriving at an RAF airfield by the Suez Canal.

In February Souter joined 73 Sqn at Gazala in the Western Desert. During a patrol over Tobruk, he intercepted and damaged a Junkers 88. A day later, however, he wrote off his Hurricane while taking off in a sandstorm.

By 1942 he was employed as a test pilot on various modified and repaired aircraft. A damaged ear drum brought his time in the desert to a premature end, and he returned to England. He joined an air gunnery school in Scotland and was later seconded to the Naval Air Fighting Development Unit.

Lincoln

On demobilisation, he spent two years in South Africa in business with his brother before rejoining the RAF in 1951, this time in Bomber Command. He converted to the Lincoln before joining 83 Sqn. In 1953 the squadron was detached to Singapore to fly bombing operations against the communist insurgents in the jungle during the Malayan Emergency.

In 1954, filmmaker Associated British chose to make a film of the epic raid Operation Chastise when Lancaster bombers, led by Wg Cdr Guy Gibson, attacked the Ruhr Dams in 1943 with Barnes Wallis’s ‘bouncing bomb’. Central to the film would be scenes of Lancasters operating at low level in the same manner as those that took part in the raid, including some shot at night.

The Lancaster had last seen service in the RAF in 1950 and the Air Ministry released four from storage and these were modified to depict those that had taken part in the raid. They were leased to Associated British at the cost of £100 per engine hour running time. Since the revolutionary bouncing bomb used in the raid remained classified technology until 1963, a replica was made using plaster of Paris and plywood that bore little resemblance to the original bomb.

The Lincoln bomber in service with RAF squadrons at the time

Ken was real star of movie Dam Busters

was a more powerful derivative of the Lancaster with similar flying characteristics. To fly the Lancasters, four experienced operational crews from the Lincoln-equipped 83 and 97 Sqns were selected, led by Souter. Two of the pilots were Poles who had flown with the RAF throughout the war.

The shooting of the flying scenes began in April 1954. The original 1943 crews flew their training missions as low as 60 feet over Lake Windermere and at the Derwent Dam and reservoir. When Souter’s formation managed the same, the director Michael Anderson and his director of photography Erwin Hillier were unimpressed by the

rushes. Hillier asked Souter to come down to 25 feet for extra drama.

“He was a bit Teutonic in his manner,” Souter recalled to Jonathan Falconer, author of Filming The Dam Busters (2005). “I told him straight that it was too bloody dangerous.”

Derwent

Souter flew a sortie at 40 feet to add the more dramatic effect Anderson wanted. Over the Derwent the propeller wash from the four engines created individual waterspouts. On another occasion, one aircraft returned with bits of branches and leaves on the underside of the fuselage. Souter described

something of what was required on camera: “Windermere was quite simple to fly along, but flying across the lake was a different matter altogether. We had to come down a slope then flatten out across the lake and climb up over a mountain on the other side. This was quite hairy because there was not enough power to get up over the other side. We got quite a bit of flak from the yachting fraternity on Windermere for our low flying, though! Derwent was just a swoop down between the two towers and not as prolonged as Windermere.”

When filming was complete, the Lancasters were returned to storage and the four crews returned to their squadron. Remarkably, the crews received no

screen credit for their contribution to some of the finest aerial scenes captured on camera. Their contribution did not go unnoticed by some and Richard Todd, the actor who played Guy Gibson, commented: “Those RAF chaps in the film took a lot of chances and did a wonderful job for us.”

After the Dam Busters film, Souter converted to jets and joined a Canberra squadron based in Singapore.

In 1958 he took early retirement and began a career in civil aviation, flying a De Havilland Dove for a merchant bank and acting as personal pilot to the head of the McAlpine family.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: Ken Souter with spaniel Butch in Orkney in 1945 and, top left, Ken in 2019

FILMING: Ken flew a Lancaster for The Dam Busters

Tanks for the memory

Competent workhorse

the D Max is a leader in

its field

MANY YEARS ago, on a TV show called Boys With Toys I took an Isuzu D Max to one of the coolest places on Earth, an experience company called Armourgeddon. The nutters at the giant off-road course in Leicestershire had converted a small fleet of tanks to fire giant paint balls at each other. How cool is that?

Anyway, I planned to let the crew use the D Max as the tracking vehicle. It was November, it had been raining for days and our Tank Commanders were sure that the D Max would get stuck in seconds. Nevertheless, it didn’t, all day, and even survived being shot…. twice! I’ve had immense respect for the D Max ever since.

I was therefore thrilled when the latest car arrived and not at all surprised to find that it’s just as rugged as its predecessors. It can swim better, with a wading depth that’s now up to 80cm, and it’s just as good in the thick stuff. It looks more menacing than the old car, with an angrier grille, a higher bonnet and new signature bumpers. Other changes include a 3cm longer wheelbase and a load bay that’s 3cm deeper. Then we come to the V Cross edition, with its comfy leather armchairs, 9.0inch infotainment system, roll bar, side steps, 18-inch alloys and LED light bars. That’s a fashion statement, right there. Isuzu has gone all ‘lifestyle’ on us.

Prices start from just over £25,000 and range upwards to almost £40k. Don’t panic though, it’s a commercial vehicle at heart and there are perks to that. Go through Isuzu’s own lease scheme and you can drive away a D-Max for as little as £230 a month on a four-year business lease, with circa £3,000 down. We like options.

Interior

The cabin of the top-spec V-Cross model is a world away from the D Max of old, with leather, soft-touch materials and carefully stitched, signature armchair front seats. The 9.0-inch infotainment screen comes with CarPlay and Android Auto. The graphics are a bit ‘Space Invaders’ at times but

it’s responsive and big enough to look expensive. Dual-zone climate control completes the package. There’s epic space, front and back, with plenty of shoulder room for three adults on the back seat. If you like to stay hydrated while you and your passengers are hauling loads, then the double cab is the car for you. It has 10 cupholders!

There’s plenty of adjustment on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel so it’s easy to get comfortable. Boot space is…

well, that stonking cargo bed. Squadron deployments, family getaways and evading tanks on film shoots should all be a doddle. A new lockable hard cover for the load area means that you won’t even lose your camping kit when you stop up. Bonus.

On The Road

The D-Max does what it says on the tin. It looks like an agricultural vehicle and it drives like an agricultural vehicle, to a fair degree. That’s just how pick-

● A good-looking pick-up

Excellent payload ratings ● Lots of space inside

V-Cross interior very smart Cons ● No higher-powered engine option

● Rivals offer more options ● Noisy engine under load

Verdict

The Isuzu D-Max seriously impresses. The V-Cross places it firmly in Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux territory, with enough lifestyle character to make

ups are, they’re terrain-focused and, considering the D Max’s epic off-road capability, you expect there to be a trade-off somewhere. The no-nonsense 1.9-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine sounds like it means business, with a gruff clatter. It delivers a respectable 162bhp though, with a hefty 266lb ft of low-down torque. That will carry more than 1,000kg in the bed and tow 3,500kg. During normal use, the D Max will return around 33mpg. It will also take you from

it a contender. The problem there is that you then start comparing like-for-like and those two competitors still have the edge in terms of performance, handling and available options. It’s still good though, reasonably priced, with a generous warranty. Good on a farm – check. Good for a family break – check. Good for work and deployments – check. Good for tank evasion –check. I think we’ll call that a positive test.

0-62mph in 12.7 seconds and propel you on to a top end of 112mph. That’ll do nicely.

The D-Max’s ride is reasonably refined, in pick-up terms. It still bounces a bit on the back end without a load in the bed, but it’s not too far from what you’d expect from a Hilux.

Anything above ‘Utility’ trim comes with four-wheel drive and a choice between a slick six-speed manual, or a smoothshifting auto gearbox. Both are good options.

Isuzu D Max

SMART: Good-looking load lugger now has a lockable hard cover, top, and a refined cabin, left

Chiefs commendation for rugby's Flt Lt Nye

Lucy signs for Exeter as Williams-Morris joins champions Gloucester

Daniel Abrahams

WOMEN’S RUGBY Union received a double shot in the arm as Flt Lts Lucy Nye and Carys Williams-Morris signed club contracts with Exeter and Gloucester respectively.

The signings will see Devon-born Nye, RAF women’s captain, return to her roots at Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, from Leicester Tigers, while Williams-Morris, moves from Loughborough Lightning to current Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury.

Scrum half Nye said: “As a young girl from Exeter, growing up I never thought it would be possible to put on a Chiefs shirt, now I can hopefully make that a reality. It’s a super exciting squad and I’m looking forward to starting the season in the West Country.”

Williams-Morris has represented both England and Wales internationally. She told RAF News Sport: “I’m really pleased to sign for the double champions, the style and standard of rugby they play is exceptional so I can’t wait to get involved and see how I can develop and improve.

"There are lot of my Welsh teammates playing there already and I have heard

WILLIAMS-MORRIS: New club and EAS extension

such great things about the club on and off the field. To sign for the top club means I’ll be training and competing for selection with top players and working with top coaches, which is a challenge that attracted me to the club.

“It’s important for me to continue to challenge myself, my ultimate dream is to attend the World Cup next year.”

The signings were bolstered by the news of Williams-Morris receiving a yearlong extension to her Elite Athlete Status from the RAF Sports directorate, with Nye achieving EAS for the first time.

Welsh back Williams-Morris added: “To have elite athlete status from the RAF is incredible.

“I hope that I can inspire other athletes to consider a career in the RAF, there are so many crossovers for skills learnt through sport and attributes needed for a successful military career; like teamwork, resilience and leadership.

“I’m extremely grateful that I am

supported to pursue my sporting dreams.” Nye added: “As an athlete, balancing work and full-time sport is always a huge challenge, the RAF allowing me on the EAS scheme is going to have a huge impact on my performance and mentality, both on and off the field. I can’t thank the RAF enough for their support.”

● Follow RAF women’s rugby union on Instagram @rafrugbyunion.

THE SERVICE’S rugby league stars hit a magnificent seven tries as they sunk GB Teachers 36-10 at RAF Cranwell.

The game saw six different try scorers, with AS1 Kieron Prescott crossing the line after just two minutes and AS1 Stefan Hillberg completing the scoring in the 80th minute.

Delighted head coach Sgt James Hutchinson said: “The game gave us exactly what we needed at this time of year.

“They gave us a good physical test, particularly in the middle with their big pack, and didn’t go away for 80 minutes.

“The lads stood up to the challenge well

and I’m happy with where we’re at, looking forward to September’s Inter-Services competition.

“The game also gave us a chance to have a look at a couple of different options positionally, which is always useful, and those players really put their hands up in terms of IS selection.”

Despite Teachers crossing the line after 17 minutes, the Aviators showed dominance throughout, with Cpl Connall Barningham going over for the first of his brace in the ninth minute before claiming another try in the 48th.

AS1 Joe Thresh scored after 14 minutes, with Cpl Sam Roberts going over on the hour and AS1 Harrison Reay three minutes later. AS1 Tom Slater added five conversions to bolster the scoreline.

RUGBY LEAGUE

TRY-SCORERS: Cpl Sam Roberts, above, and AS1 Kieron Prescott, right PHOTOS: SBS

BACK TO HER ROOTS:

Exeter girl Nye signs for Chiefs

UKAF are the masters with hat-trick of wins

Daniel Abrahams

A PACKED training and game schedule saw UKAF’s women hockey stars win a hat-trick of matches at HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth.

RAF stars team captain Fg Off Jeorgia Carr, Cpl Alice Lineker, Cpl Sarah Bracey and AS1 Rebecca Douglas were front and centre with the goals throughout the weekend, as UKAF beat Fareham 3-1, London Masters 4-1 and England Masters 3-1.

Carr said: “We had a good weekend; the team came together well and the game plan was really coming out in the matches.

“We got better and better as the games went on and taking the win against England Masters in the final quarter was a tribute to the hard work everyone put in this weekend, all the way to the final whistle.”

Kicking off the weekend against Fareham, UKAF were in dominant form as Army star Rae Andrews fired in a backhand

shot. Carr then doubled the lead courtesy of a penalty flick.

Fareham came back into the game following a messy goal, before May Percival (Army) scored from a penalty corner.

UKAF then faced London Masters, who came out of the blocks quickly, scoring within the first five minutes.

UKAF levelled soon after through Carr, who then followed up with a swift second.

Cpl Bracey got in on the action next, smashing the ball into the bottom left corner, before Carr’s drag flick into the roof of the net from a penalty corner sealed the win.

England Masters were up next, preparing for their World Cup – taking place in South Africa – they opened the scoring first before AS1 Douglas equalised with a backhand effort on a penalty corner. AS1 Douglas followed up with a second, but it was disallowed.

Douglas then completed her brace in the final quarter, before

Carr made it 3-1.

Coach Flt Lt Luke Hansford said: “The weekend was a big step in the right direction as we are

Search for the next 'Sanford'

WITH RAF Hockey dreaming of Olympic glory for AS1 Liam Sanford in Paris, the association’s Station Championship coached its future stars at Halton.

The two-day event, sponsored by the RBL, provided coaching and game play for the grassroots of RAF Hockey – many inspired to take up the sport by GB star Sanford.

Personnel from multiple RAF units were trained by level 3 coach Chf Tech Dain Lewis (Ret’d).

After the teaching sessions there were small matches to practise

the techniques learned.

AS2 Alice Dean was one of those taking part. She said: “It was a great opportunity to learn from an expert coach.

“Over the two days we progressed and learned the essential roles we play within the hockey team.

“Having only recently started playing, I’ve already improved certain skills that will benefit me as an individual and improve team cohesion for our future games.”

● Follow RAF Hockey on Instagram @rafhockey.

gaining some strong momentum building into the 2024/25 season. With 10 goals across 3 games, the team are showing their quality

from both open play and penalty corners.”

● Follow UKAF hockey on Instagram @ukafsport.

SEACROFT GOLF Club was the venue for a wet and wild RAFGA B Championship with Wg Cdr David Millett taming the course and conditions to triumph.

With a field of players with handicaps ranging from 6-13, the event was played over three rounds of handicap Stableford, with the first day’s action being the calmest of the three weatherwise, but still only seeing two players return to the clubhouse under handicap.

For round 2 heavy overnight downpours left standing water across the course for the early starters, with again only two players coming in under par.

Millett led the way by seven points with rounds of 37 and 38, from FS Karl Brown with 34 and 34. With the wind on day three causing real problems the field of golfers were looking weary before taking to the first tee. The question among the competitors

was could Millett hold on to his seven-point lead?

He answered that with a final round of 32 pts (107 overall) meaning the chasing pack needed to score well over 40 points to stand a chance of hauling it back.

Millet’s score proved to be a step too far, with second place ending up some nine points behind with FS Brown finishing with a respectable 30 pts (98 overall).

● Follow RAF golf on Instagram @rafgolf

TIPS: Chf Tech Lewis with AS2 Dean

TOP FORM: UKAF Hockey

WINNER: Wg Cdr Millett

Smith goes solo in brave bid to dominate at Brentor

Daniel Abrahams

A BATTLING display from the Service’s road racing team produced fourth and seventh place finishes at the Navy-hosted Brentor Circuit, Dartmoor.

On a tough rolling course with some punishing climbs Cpl Will Smith took fourth in the Open race. He attacked the main group then went solo for five laps before being brought back and sprinting for fourth place.

Sqn Ldr Vicky Webb, who rode with the front group throughout, was the highest place female RAF rider,

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way

coming home in seventh.

The Open race started first with a full field and attacks coming on the climbs, which immediately strung out the riders.

The strongest managed to stick with the front and the RAF had a good number in contention.

Race favourite Flt Lt Ed Calow was a marked man from the beginning but managed to secure ninth place, with each of his attacks being covered by Army riders.

Cpl Euan Campbell came home fifth, Sgt Rich Summerbell was eighth and AS1 James Coates 10th.

The women’s race saw a leading bunch sticking together until the first ascent, where a push from the front split the group with nine riders getting away, including Webb and AS1 Laura Sheppard.

The Army riders kept the pressure on, finally dropping Sheppard on the third ascent of the brutal climb.

Webb kept up with the Army riders, responding to attacks well. Sheppard then rode solo to keep in contact but was finally caught by the chasing pack. She then faced a sprint finish for the final placings, digging deep again to come home 10th.

SERVICE DOWNHILL mountain bikers produced another bumper set of results as they blasted through round two of the Pearce Regional Race series at Bringewood, Ludlow.

A team spokesperson said: “It was another fantastic weekend of racing and the whole team is really starting to show improvement. We are all looking forward to the upcoming Inter-Services and the final two Pearce rounds after the summer break.”

With almost the full team in attendance, there was a top-six finish from Cpl Katie Sweeting in the Senior Female class.

Further good results saw a 16th for Cpl Gareth Hernaman-Wood in the Expert class. Top finishes were also achieved by Cpl Shaun Webb (23rd) in male 30-39, and AS1(T) Guy James (26th) in Senior, with 32nd and 33rd for Flt Lt Barry Fenton and Sgt Matt Redman respectively in the male 4049 class, with AS1(T) Alex Metcalfe 32nd in the Senior class.

Race day started with a slick track for the first practice runs of the morning after a night of heavy showers, making following the previous day’s lines difficult for some.

Cpl Liam Johns was unable to continue after going over the bars on a tricky section but the rest of the team fared better, starting their race runs. Each rider set down strong seeding times on the wet track and all improved on their final runs.

TOP-SIX: Senior Female Cpl Katie Sweeting at Bringewood

LEADING MAN: Cpl Will Lewis hits front PHOTOS: AEGEAN BRADLEY

10TH PLACE: Cpl

Laura Sheppard

Divers make a Splash on Plymouth expedition

EXPLORING: There's plenty for divers to see off the Plymouth coast

Daniel Abrahams

RAF ODIHAM and Benson Sub-Aqua Diving Club proved that being landlocked is no bar when it comes to pursuing their sport with a Plymouth Splash Expedition.

A team of AS1 Hamilton Palmer (treasurer), Sgt Kevin Ford, Chief Tech Philip James-Morse, Flt Lt George Whiteman, Flt Lt Jonathan White and AS1(T) Sam Manley undertook a series of dives and found time to complete training for Twinsets and Advanced Decompression Procedures (ADP) during the week-long event.

Organiser Palmer said: “It was a great week for enjoying the dives and increasing our skills. I must admit, I had thought my passion for diving would disappear with postings to landlocked locations like Odiham, but to my surprise the station’s diving club provides ample opportunity to build my skills and dive in the UK, whether that is quarries or sea dives, or even warmer climes such as Egypt.”

The expedition saw the team diving down to 30 metres on HMS Scylla, James Eagan Layne, HMT Elk, SS Persier, Mallard Shoal and Eastern Kings.

Palmer, now a BSAC Instructor for the club, added: “Plymouth is certainly not the most exotic sounding location but it is well known for its good mix of reefs and shipwrecks, not to mention wildlife.

“We got lucky with the weather and all the dives had great visibility of approximately 8 metres.”

● To find out more about the club, contact them on MOD-NET on the RAF Odiham Sharepoint page.

Marathon men go the distance

CHF TECH Ian Savage led a RAF team to UK Ultraskate victory in an internationallyrecognised long distance event at Betteshanger country park in Kent.

In just the second running of the event in Britain, the team of Chf Tech Savage, Sqn Ldr Barney Polden and Cpls Dom Brown and Tom Spurling completed 260 miles to take the crown.

The race saw individual skateboarders and teams of up to four riders competing for the longest distance covered in a 24hour period.

Savage said: “All the

competitors had to deal with sunshine, rain and darkness and ensure they stayed fed and hydrated.

“We helped each other and

managed to maintain consistent lap times throughout, which saw us take first place in the team event, with each rider completing an impressive individual distance of 65 miles.”

Savage also took the opportunity to throw down the gauntlet to Army and Royal Navy skateboarders, with the Army accepting and also taking part in the event – finishing second overall on 252 miles.

The RAF team were raising money for Didcot TRAIN, a charity that supports, inspires and develops disadvantaged young people.

PUSHING ON: Chf Tech Ian Savage gets his legs pumping as he races along

PHOTOS: AS1 HAMILTON PALMER

WINNERS: RAF skate team

PHOTO: PHIL J-M

Golden opportunity

Veterans in hunt for medals in Paris

Daniel Abrahams HAVING TAKEN gold in Tokyo as part of Team GB’s wheelchair rugby team, Cpl Stu Robinson (Ret’d) is back for another medal charge, this time as vicecaptain.

The former Gunner said: “I am relishing it all and the VC role in particular. I was nervous but hopeful before selection to see if I would be part of the final 12 players.

“After Tokyo we had players retire and so on, and although we have had a few years to get going, we lost worldclass talent, so it’s always going to take a long time to build something new.

leadership, both on and off court.

“You must show what is needed across the board; from eating, to playing, working in the gym, whatever. It is all about instilling the right ethos in the new players. It is here my Service life really comes through. My role as a RAF Regt Section Commander needed all those things and more.”

“Only the hosts are there automatically, but we qualified in Cardiff last year.”

And the ex-RAF Regt man – who lost both legs and badly injured an arm in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2013 – can’t wait for the Paralympics to get underway in Paris on August 28.

He said: “I will be trying to show my experience and

And Robinson is also delighted that family and friends can be in Paris to support the players, unlike at the Covidhit Tokyo Games in 2021.

“It will be something special for our families to be sat there with the Eiffel Tower behind them in such a magnificent city,” he said. “In Tokyo there was no opening or closing ceremony.”

And these Games may not be the end of Paralympic action for the rugby ace, as he could still make the next ones in the USA.

“My total focus is on Paris, but once that is over, I will see how the body is holding up,” he told RAF News. “I am relatively young at

42. The will is there so, selection aside, I am keen to give it a go to get to LA for the 2028 Games.” Team GB begin their gold

medal defence at the Champsde-Mars Arena on August 29 in the opening Group B match, against Australia.

AS1 LIAM Sanford saw a goal line clearance deny him as GB beat France 2-1 to reach the quarter-final stages of the men’s hockey in Paris.

A thumping game saw GB come from behind to win and move into second in Pool A, with one game remaining. The defeat meant the hosts exited the tournament.

Sanford was denied after being fouled for a fourth quarter penalty, which bounced to the Aviator, who held his head after his shot hit French keeper Thieffry Arthur and a post before bouncing off the goal line. GB had kicked off their Olympics with a thumping 4-0 win over Spain. Next up, a last gasp 2-2 draw against South Africa.

GB then went 2-0 behind to Holland, before bouncing back with a brace from Lee Morton to grab a vital point, with Sanford exiting the pitch in the first quarter clutching his head. He returned to the action in the final quarter with a bandage over his face, something he wore for the win over France.

Pollard hoping to fashion victory for 'machine' Ellis

MAKING HIS second Olympic bow in Paris as guide to Para-triathlete Davie Ellis, AS1 Luke Pollard (Ret’d) classes himself an ‘elder member’ of Team GB.

But with all that experience, he didn’t think it would be his fashion sense that was called upon in his duties.

He explained: “I was at the Team GB kit-out event with Dave in Loughborough and had to suggest he put his official jumper back, as it

was five sizes too big.”

Pollard, who left the Service last year to work with visuallyimpaired Ellis full-time, believes his military training has been vital to the duo’s success.

“Although triathlon is a solo sport, working with Dave gives it a team dynamic,” he said. “You cannot be solo in the RAF, it is a team, so all the years of working that way in the Service have massively helped.”

Pollard has called six-time World, Commonwealth and British Champion Ellis a ‘machine’ for his incredible work ethic.

“During my career I have

worked with some elite athletes, but Dave is a cut above. I’ve never met anyone with his work ethic, he has bags of talent and the lad can shift,” he said.

It is that talent that Pollard is desperate to showcase in Paris, on such an iconic course, which should see athletes swim in the Seine and run along the Champs-Elysées – a course the former Aviator has called the best he has ever competed on.

“We had a technical issue with the bike in Tokyo in the last Games which cost us a medal, so I want to do my absolute best to help Dave finish the race and let the crowds and worldwide TV

audience know what he can really do,” he said.

“We competed on the course in the test event earlier in the year and it is amazing. We couldn’t swim in the Seine then, but hopefully we will be able to for the actual race on September 2.

“As a road cycling fan, to be able to ride on the ChampsElysées will be amazing.”

Pollard is also looking forward to drinking in the atmosphere after the sterile, Covid-hit Games in Tokyo in 2021. “We are aiming to stay for the closing ceremony as you never know if another opportunity like this will come along,” he said.

STU ROBINSON: Former Gunner

WORLD CHAMPS: Pair win in Yokohama in May

LTH V S HEAL H.

WHEN: WHERE: CONTACT:

A Complete Unknown In cinemas January 2025

The Dylan story

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET stars as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, the new film from Walk The Line director James Mangold, in UK and Ireland cinemas in January 2025.

Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Dylan’s (Chalamet: Wonka, Dune, Call Me By Your Name) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.

The songs and the glamour of Paris & the Moulin Rouge

THE SULTRY, mysterious atmosphere of Paris arrives in theatres across the UK this autumn with the show Come What May, featuring hits from the iconic movie-musical Moulin Rouge that starred Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

Starring AJ and Curtis Pritchard (Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing With The Stars, Love Island) and a cast of West End performers, the 24-date tour opens at Loughborough Town Hall on September 20 and finishes at Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall on October 24.

The show transports audiences to the dazzling world of the Moulin Rouge with classic songs including Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Your Song and Come What May.

Looking forward to joining the production, AJ said: “Come What May is going to get myself and Curtis back on stage performing together and that is exactly what we love doing.

“This show embodies the big musical numbers we have all come to love with the dance routines I love to watch, but I much prefer being on stage, which is exactly where I’ll be. Plus, this tour really does cover the whole country so there is no excuse not to make it to one date and maybe more!”

Equally as excited, Curtis added: “I’ve loved performing and entertaining an

KNEE-SY DOES IT: Come What May cast show off pins

audience since my ballroom and Latin dancing days, so this is the perfect tour for me – singing and dancing. Having gone through the full show I know that you will be entertained start to finish. Come What May, is going to blow you away, I guarantee it.”

● Go to: cuffeandtaylor.com for a full list of tour dates and venues.

The film’s cast includes Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick) as Joan Baez, Edward Norton (Fight Club) as Pete Seeger and Boyd Holbrook (Gone Girl) as Johnny Cash, with Elle Fanning (Maleficent) as Suze Rotolo, the artist who had a strong influence on Dylan during that period and was pictured with him on the cover of his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan ● You can watch the teaser trailer for the film on: youtube.com/watch?v=egkIh2uB51M

Music

Reverend & The Makers UK tour

Revved up for tour

R

EVEREND & THE Makers have announced details of a UK tour in November.

The Sheffield five-piece, fronted by Jon McClure, will start a nationwide run of 15 shows, opening in Lincoln on November 8 and concluding at Manchester Academy on November 28, with a London show at the Electric Ballroom on November 20.

The tour is the band’s first since February 2023. It follows their seventh studio album, Heatwave In The Cold North, which debuted at No. 6 in the Official Charts in May last year, giving them their first Top 10 album since debut release The State of Things reached No.5 in 2007.

McClure (pictured below) said: “I’m made up to be going on tour again – it’s been too long since we last played any shows.

“Having toured Heatwave In The Cold North a couple of months before its release, I’m looking forward to playing more songs from that album and maybe testing out a few from the next one.”

With an unbroken run of seven Top 20 albums to date, the band are currently in the studio working on new music –details to be unveiled soon.

● Go to: reverendandthemakers. co.uk for more.

SONG AND DANCE MAN: Curtis Pritchard, also below

Theatre

The Merchant of Venice 1936 West End

Oberman's Shylock back

FOLLOWING A triumphant season at the Criterion Theatre and a sold-out UK tour, Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner), is back in the West End from December to reprise her starring role as the first British actress to play Shylock in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936

Opening at the Trafalgar Theatre on December 28, the limited season runs until January 25, 2025. This groundbreaking production will then embark on a second UK tour for eight weeks visiting Liverpool, Bath, Southend, Salford, Fareham, Leeds and Cardiff, culminating in Birmingham on April 5, 2025.

End standing up to Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists, with all her neighbours and others horrified by the message of the British Union of Fascists – feels more pertinent than ever.

“The play is about unity, standing together against hatred and its impact has been beyond my wildest hopes and ambitions

Oberman (pictured) said: “I am so delighted that, by popular demand, MOV1936 is coming back into the West End so soon after we finished. Demand has been so high that I feel bringing it back, and this time to the beautiful Trafalgar Theatre and then on a national tour, is essential.

“The message of my female Shylock – based on my Great Grandma, a widow in the East

The Merchant of Venice 1936 sees Shakespeare’s classic transported to 1930s East London against the backdrop of the Battle of Cable Street. It is adapted by Brigid Larmour and Oberman. With the city on the brink of political unrest, fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s BUF threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End, strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street, where Mosley will march. When charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?

● Go to: Merchantofvenice1936. co.uk for more information.

Lost Boys & Fairies (15)

On Blu-ray and DVD now Dazzler Media

LOST BOYS & Fairies is a critically-acclaimed, moving and powerful BBC One series that explores the universal theme of parents and children through the perspective of gay adoption.

Gabriel (Sion Young, Deceit) is a performance artist at spectacular queer club Neverland. Together with his partner, Andy (Fra Fee, The Laureate) he longs to take their relationship to the next level by adopting a child.

We follow Gabe on a coming of middle-age journey as he faces his own childhood trauma so that he can help Jake deal with his own.

Elizabeth Berrington (Waterloo Road) also stars as social worker Jackie. Fusing queer culture with strong family drama, the series, created and written by Daf James, has been described as bold and heartwrenching, filled to the brim with humour, redemption and love.

SUPERDADS? Gabriel and Andy

We have copies of the series on DVD up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning one, answer this question correctly: Who created Lost Boys & Fairies?

Email your answer, marked Lost Boys & Fairies 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 August 23.

Theatre

NOW That's What I Call A Musical UK tour

NINA WADIA will star as Gemma in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, opening at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre on September 6 before setting off on a major UK and Ireland tour.

The brand new British musical is written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Joining Nina will be NOW icon, Sinitta

Nina said: “I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me being a part of this musical is like going home. When I read the script I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story. I can’t wait to get started on my first-ever musical.”

Sinitta said: “The most exciting thing about being involved in this project is the music. Dust off your spandex, crimp your hair and I’ll see you there.”

Craig added: “The 80s was a great time for pop and music in general helps people through lots of emotional journeys in their lives, especially with teenagers because their hormones are running riot. The NOW albums were a big part of the leading characters’ teenage years.”

Nina is known for the sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, and as Zainab Masood in BBC One’s EastEnders

80s pop legend and presenter Sinitta (inset below) began her career as a model and professional dancer. She became a successful recording artist with hits like So Macho, Toy Boy and Right Back Where We Started From

She has starred in the West End in The Wiz, Masquerade, Cats, Little Shop of Horrors and Hair and played Mamma Morton in the UK tour of Chicago. Her film and television credits include: Would I Lie To You, The X-Factor and I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

The musical celebrates 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold around 200 million copies worldwide. The evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and many more.

It’s Birmingham, 1989 and two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of kissing Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives – the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?

Craig said of the show: “There’s something in it for absolutely everyone and I think teenagers will associate with the two girls –how they’re living their lives, their hopes and their dreams, and their aspirations – as much as adults will. Those are themes that are universal.”

Having come to prominence as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Craig has directed and choreographed a huge range of productions, from Strictly Ballroom to Sister Act Follies and The Witches of Eastwick

“It’s really exciting because with a brand new musical when you get into the rehearsal room you can be really creative,” he explained. “With this it’s about weaving all the great songs through the story, as well as making sure the story itself is strong. Comedy is a huge element in the show as well as a lot of heartfelt moments.”

It’s Nina’s first-ever venture into

NOW

musical theatre. “And I’m genuinely terrified,” she admitted. “But I love challenges in my career and I’ve tried every genre, I think, thus far apart from musicals. So I thought ‘Why

“It’s 80s songs and you can sing them however you like, as far as I’m concerned, so long as it’s with enthusiasm. Then there’s the dancing side, which I’m actually looking forward to because with Craig choreographing it’s fun as hell.”

Guest stars including Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker and Jay Osmond will be appearing at various venues throughout the tour, playing themselves as they magically manifest to give the characters wisdom and advice as well as to sing some of their greatest hits. The tour kicks off in Aylesbury, with Sinitta as the first of the big-name guests to take to the stage. The NOW brand is nostalgic for the singer, who was born in Seattle but travelled a lot with her mother, the disco-soul star Miguel

Edited by Tracey Allen

Theatre

Heathers The Musical UK tour

STRICTLY CHOREOGRAPHY: Television's Craig Revel Horwood

Nina Calls

Terrifying

Brown, and moved to East Sussex when she was young. Because of her mother’s schedule, Sinitta attended boarding school. “And the NOW albums were a big part of my time there,” she remembered. “We’d put our pocket money together to buy them, then at the weekend we had our own little discotheque in the common room.”

Coming to fame with such huge hits as So Macho and Toy Boy in 1985 and 1987 respectively, she ended up on those NOW albums herself.

She said: “That was really exciting and it was a big deal – to be on the album instead of saving up each week to buy one. Getting to do that and also be on Top of the Pops was kind of crazy because I don’t think I ever dreamed that would ever happen to me.”

On the tour Sinitta will also be appearing in Sheffield, Canterbury, Nottingham and Norwich.

● Go to: musicalsontour.co.uk for full tour details.

NOW

Nobody Veronica

finds

it's murder being a somebody

THE THIRD UK tour of smash hit show Heathers

The Musical is continuing until November, playing dates including at the Millennium Centre, Cardiff (August 1317), Milton Keynes Theatre (September 10-14), Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (October 1-5) and Oxford Playhouse (October 22-26).

The 2024 class of Westerberg has 13 cast members who have just made their West End debuts at @sohoplace in Heathers, with Jenna Innes (Les Misérables) returning as Veronica Sawyer, having wowed audiences up and down the country last year when she first took on the role.

She is joined by Keelan McAuley (Clueless, Grease) taking on the mysterious Jason ‘JD’ Dean role.

Starring as the titular ‘Heathers’ are Esme Bowdler (ITV’s I Have a Dream finalist) as the formidable Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky as Heather Duke and Daisy Twells (Heathers) as Heather McNamara.

The high-octane, black comedy, rock musical is based on the cult teen films that starred Winona Ryder and Christian

Slater. Age recommendation for the show is 14+.

At Westerberg High, popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

That is until JD, the teen rebel, turns up and teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody.

● Go to: heathersthemusical. com/for full tour details.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: The three Heathers rule the roost at Westerberg

NINA WADIA: Musicals debut for comedy star and actress

Your Announcements

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

In Memoriam

BECKLEY, Donald Harold. Flt

Lt (Ret’d). Passed away June 17, 2019. Fighter controller and epic Dad.

Seeking

MY father-in-law, Cecil Goodier, was a flight engineer serving with 61 Squadron Bomber Command in 1944/45. Cecil’s pilot was Ray Lushey, who sadly passed away a few years ago. The crew’s usual aircraft was Lancaster IIIQR-E, serial number RF160. The crew flew over 30 sorties in this aircraft.

I am seeking to make contact with any relatives of this crew, who may have photographs or interesting information. Other crew member names were as follows: Harry Parsons, W/op; Len Brewin, Bomb aimer; John Brewster, Navigator; Robert Humphries, Air gunner; Bill Fox, Rear gunner.

In addition, Cecil was attached to 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit earlier in 1944, flying Stirlings. Any information at all on this unit would be gratefully received, especially photos. I am keen to establish the serial numbers of Stirlings that were in service with this unit during the period January to August 1944 and in

How to use our service

which Cecil may have flown. Please email: mikeyb03@gmail. com, or phone: 07593 034028

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

THE RAF Masirah and RAF Salalah Veterans Association Reunion Gala Dinner is to be held on Saturday, October 12 at the Hatton Court Hotel, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8DE. All members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in attending the Dinner, please contact Alan Teasdale on: joalteas@btinternet.com. If you would like to join the Association as a member, please visit our website: www.omanrafveterans. org for further information.

ANNUAL Reunion: The Association of RAF Women Officers Annual (ARAFWO) Reunion Lunch will take place on Saturday, October 12 at the RAF Club, Piccadilly, from 11am. Our speaker will be Dorit Oliver-Wolff. Dorit survived the holocaust, is an accomplished public speaker and is dedicated to educating others about the consequences of the Holocaust. For tickets to attend this inspiring reunion, please contact Fiona Morgan Frise by email: ffrise713@gmail.com. For further information about ARAFWO, please visit arafwo.co.uk.

124 Entry Apprentices –RAF Cosford, 1974-77. 50th anniversary reunion. Members will be meeting at The Limes Country Lodge Hotel, Earlswood, Solihull on Saturday, October 12 with an informal buffet luncheon to follow on in the evening of Sunday, October 13. For further information please email: nigelcooper1@live.co.uk or call/ WhatsApp on: 07986 200137. We have currently managed to

locate and contact more than 30 of our 49 original members so a great time is assured.

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 Marriot Delta Hotels Nottingham Belfry, Mellors Way, off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham NG8 6PY. Further details can be found on the TG11 website: tg11association.com, if not a member please click on the motif to join.

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.

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.

30 Squadron RAF Association. Visit the Sqn October 5. Contact Phil Jones at: 30sqnassnsec@ gmail.com. Reunion and Dinner April 25-26, 2025. Contact Tony Main at: 30sqnassnchair@gmail. com. All previous Squadron members welcome.

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. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept notices submitted by post.

Important Notice

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

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

WAAF Stella buried with military honours in USA

A WARTIME WAAF who emigrated to America has been buried there with military honours thanks to some transAtlantic cooperation.

Former radar technician Stella Ada Mary Brecht died age 99 in Whittier, California but was born in Eton and was stationed at West Beckham, Norfolk, and worked in a one-room underground bunker located in a farm field.

After D-Day she travelled with her infant son Patrick and American Army Air Corps husband Ernie with other war brides to America.

USAF Sgt Derek Day, of the Blue Eagles Honor Guard

at Edwards Air Force Base in California, said: “A woman called me asking for help in honouring her late mother’s service as a World War II veteran from the RAF. Since she was not an American veteran, there was nothing we at the Base Honor Guard could do, so I reached out to the local RAF detachment. They brought over two of their Sergeants, whom we trained on British flag fold techniques, and they performed military funeral honours.”

Four serving RAF personnel attended the ceremony supported by British Forces Chaplain The Rev Sqn Ldr Alice McDermott.

Award for Music Services

RAF MUSIC Services was recently awarded the Strike Command Efficiency Trophy at the annual Global Enablement (GE) Conference.

The award builds on the traditions and service of Strike Command (1968-2007) and recognises the GE Force/Wing which has consistently performed to the highest standard and demonstrated the ethos of GE.

Principal Director of Music (RAF) Wg Cdr Richard Murray was presented with the trophy by

Commander Global Enablement, Air Cdre Jamie Thompson at the GE Conference held on board HMS Warrior.

The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra provided musical support for the occasion.

Air Cdre Thompson said: “The Royal Air Force Music team exemplify excellence and elevate the spirit of the RAF through the huge number of performances they conduct across the globe supporting both the Royal Air Force and UK Defence.”

Flt Lt Donald Beckley

TROPHY: Principal Director of Music (RAF) Wg Cdr Richard Murray

IN MEMORY: Funeral service for Stella, inset

Your Announcements

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

Keiran flies high at RIAT

DISABLED PILOT Keiran Bennett has been awarded his flying scholarship certificate from Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) at a ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Keiran, 27, was presented with his certificate by Brigadier General Hyasat, The Commander of The Royal Jordanian Air Force, on behalf of HRH Prince Faisal, Patron of FSDP, and Chief of the Air Staff ACM Sir Richard Knighton.

An Air Cadet leader with 185 (Batley) Sqn ATC, Keiran is currently learning to flying at RAF Halton’s Flying Club, sponsored by the RAF Charitable Trust.

He said: “I had an interest in aviation from an early age that naturally led to wanting to learn how to fly.

“Flying gives me a unique challenge that requires physical coordination, mental agility and sound judgement to be successful. Learning to fly gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment, acting as a catalyst for improving

FLYING HIGH: Keiran stands proudly next to the aircraft he flies. Inset, receiving his certificate from RAFCT chairman AM Phil Osborn

confidence for future challenges.”

Keiran has congenital cerebral palsy which predominantly affects the right side of his body, causing muscle weakness on his right-hand side and impaired fine motor controls and speech.

He added: “Flying is a very rewarding endeavour and being disabled does have its own challenges when learning to fly. But that’s what makes it such an amazing experience when it all comes together, and you realise

that you’re the one piloting the aircraft.

“To anyone with a disability who is interested in learning to fly, I’d say 'go for it'.”

After completing his flying scholarship training Keiran said he would like to achieve his private pilot’s licence.

He said: “Thank you to FSDP, the RAF Charitable Trust and RAF Halton Microlight Club for this amazing opportunity, a lifechanging experience.”

Valley visit for Betty, 100

WAAF VETERAN Betty

Roberts has celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit to RAF Valley with her family.

During her visit she met fast jet aircrew on the training squadrons and spent time with 202 Sqn learning about winching personnel from Jupiter helicopters as part of rescue operations. She went to the Station Heritage Centre and the newly-opened Military Veterans’ Hub and also to the aircrew kitting room, learning how pilots are equipped to fly in the Hawk T2.

Betty was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force

when she was called up in 1943, aged 18. She served as a Teleprinter Operator until 1946, and was based at RAF Blackbrook, Lancashire – a signal centre for the north. She was married to Joe (who sadly died in 1994), who was a high-speed telegraphist and was stationed in the Middle East (where No.4 Flying Training School has its roots) and in Italy.

Joe was a local man from Bangor and tried to join up when he was 17. He was held at RAF Valley until his 18th birthday, when he started his training.

(Ret'd) PHOTO: David Higham

BIRTHDAY GIRL: Betty with RAF Valley aircrew

Prize Crossword No.

367

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 8 letters in yellow squares to find an RAF term.

Across

1. Sailor takes first tasty pastry (4)

8. 1955 agreement well read, by the sound of it (6,4)

9. Attack moved bib around (4-4)

10. Girl in heartless sport (4)

12. Second letter should be snapped up (6)

14. Clinton almost goes from 0 to 11 on NATO mission (6)

15. Poisoned problematic pest in charge (6)

17. Concealing headless castigation (6)

18. Southern horse creates problem (4)

19. Raki trio spill at RAF base (8)

21. RAF plane went floating by, perhaps (6,4)

22. Therefore Queen will progress (4)

2. Australian opposed Post Office head (10)

3. Pretty-pretty Scottish cloth cut (4)

4. Smashed duo try to go teetotal (3,3)

5. Tree first broke another old branch against barn (6)

6. It has runners going round park; it was brilliant (8)

7. Heartless waif will hang around (4)

11. Where fighters operate making wedding band safe (6,4)

13. Take control of great pig going astray (3,1,4)

16. Some stomach angelic alteration (6)

17. Torment public school (6)

18. Secure South African iron (4) 20. Carry child east (4)

The winners of our Prize Crossword and Prize Su Doku puzzles will receive a recent top aviation title – please send your entries to the address printed in the adjacent Su Doku panel, to arrive by August 23. Prize Crossword No. 365 winner is: Lindsay Read, Dunstable.

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9.

Solutions should be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Su Doku' with the number in the top left-hand corner to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE, to arrive by August 23. The winner of Su Doku No: 375 is: Richard Bancroft, Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Comedy

Jason Byrne

Edinburgh Fringe and UK tour

No Show the way to go for Improv King Jason

OMEDIAN JASON Byrne is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until August 25 with his new show ‘No Show’, to be followed by a major UK tour from October 3 – November 30. He said: “No Show is literally me hanging onto the edge of a cliff by my fingernails as audiences witness me turn a No Show into a show, using the beautiful, improvised madness that flows between myself and the audiences to create an amazing one-off performance. Comedy without the safety net.”

Jason’s career has seen him win the prestigious Sony Radio Gold Award for his Radio 2 show. He has hosted his own chat show, Jason Byrne’s Snaptastic Show, for TV3 in Ireland and co-presented Wild Things on Sky One. Other TV appearances include The Royal Variety Performance, The Graham Norton Show, Live at the Apollo (BBC One), Anonymous in Ireland and The John Bishop Christmas Show (BBC One).

Jason released his memoir,

Adventures of a Wonky-Eyed Boy: The Short Arse Years in 2016. Following its success, he published his second last year, Memoirs of a Wonky-Eyed Man: The Dad-knows-Best-Years ● Go to: jasonbyrne.ie for more information.

Music

The Brand New Heavies Brother Sister remastered

Prize Su Doku

No. 377

Brother Sister family grows with remaster

IN 1994, The Brand New Heavies shot from underground acid jazz favourites to mainstream success with their album Brother Sister,   now the band are celebrating its 30th anniversary with remastered & expanded editions.

The deluxe edition features the original album, freshly remastered byTom Parker, with three additional tracks on CD1: Los Burritos, from the US version of the album, and two B-sides from the era, Baby Don’t Use Me and Touch of Your Love

Further previously unheard material from the sessions are shared for the first time on CD2. As well as the previously unreleased version of Put Yourself In My Shoes (demo ft. N’Dea Davenport & Jan Kincaid) there’s the funk-fuelled instrumental jam Pocket Full of Bass (Demo)

The disc is completed with a selection of remixes from the likes of David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Bobby D’Ambrosio, some of which have only previously been released on vinyl promos. The remix selection includes a new rework of Back to Love by Luke Mornay.

Bass guitar player Andrew Levy said: “There’s some really great storytelling there – you might have a romantic betrayal, or an uplifting message. Every song has that push-and-pull that creates this dynamic, and I think that’s what a lot of people fell in love with.”

The Brand New Heavies have also announced details of a special celebration show at the Royal Albert Hall with The London Concert Orchestra on March 12, 2025. It’s their first show there in 27 years, with guest appearances from a host of renowned acid jazz artists: Omar, James Taylor (The James Taylor Quartet), Tony Momrelle (Incognito), Snowboy and Eddie Piller. The night will be completed with support from two next generation artists, Boreal Sun and Cut Capers. ● Go to: the-brand-new-heavies.com for more details.

JASON BYRNE: Man without a plan

ROYAL ALBERT HALL DATE: The Brand New Heavies today