RAF News June 30,2023, Edition 1563

l See page 19 l See R'n'R page 5 The forgotten heroes

Friday, Win! Win!

l See page 29

Heat

£1.20 Motocross Polo Hockey Tri-Service Champs They're off l See page 31

Hosted by Cornwall Council, the coastal town welcomed an estimated 100,000 visitors from across the UK. is on for record Forces

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NATO eyes Baltic threat

TYPHOONS ON Nato Baltic Air Policing duties in Estonia intercepted 21 Russian aircraft in 21 days during June.

UK jets from Lossiemouth-based 1 (F) Sqn operating out of Amari Air Base since March scrambled six times in three weeks alongside Portuguese and Romanian fighters in Lithuania.

Among the 21 aircraft they confronted were Su-27M and Su-30SM Flankers, Il-20 Coot A spy planes and Tu-22M Backfire bombers.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “These intercepts are a stark reminder of the value of collective defence and deterrence provided by Nato.

“The RAF has operated alongside our Allies over the last three weeks to ensure both member states and our partner nations are protected, and they can be assured of our ongoing commitment to strengthening European security.”

The Typhoons are supported by 100 RAF personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing.

140 EAW’s Wg Cdr Scott Maccoll said: “The number of recent intercepts demonstrates the

importance our mission serves here in the Baltics.

“140 EAW has acted decisively and legitimately to uphold international law, protect democratic freedoms and ensure the safety of all aircraft transiting throughout the airspace of member states.

“Working closely with our Allies has also improved interoperability and bolstered regional security on Nato’s eastern flank.”

The Baltic Air Policing mission was established at Amari base in Estonia and Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania in 2014 after Russia’s

illegal annexation of Crimea. Allies deploy to the air bases in Eastern Europe on a four-month rotational basis.

The RAF will continue to conduct the mission until August, when they hand over to the Spanish Air Force.

“I’ve seen her grow so much as a woman and an artist”

“Air supremacy as an aim still matters in ”

“We captured 20 million images of enemy action”

Simon Mander

GUARDING NATO SKIES: A UK Typhoon tracks a Russian Su-27 Flanker skirting Alliance airspace in the Baltic in a recent Quick Reaction Alert sortie from Amari Air Base in Romania. Inset right Defence Secretary Ben Wallace PHOTOS: MOD

NATO alert for Russia Baltic chief Hurry curry in food fight

KNIVES WERE out at Tesco as three military chefs cooked off against the clock without recipes to make Ukrainian dishes and ‘Chicken Curry in A Hurry’ to celebrate Armed Forces Week.

Reservist AS2 Anthony Morris represented the RAF, which has strong links with the retail giant founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen – a WWI veteran who used his demob money from the Royal Flying Corps to buy up left-over supplies from

COOK UP: Feeding the Forces

the military NAAFI wagon and sell them on a market stall.

The supermarket chain is the UK’s biggest employer of military veterans and this year’s headline sponsor of Armed Forces Day.

NATO SCRAMBLED UK

Typhoons from Estonia to intercept a Russian Tu-134 ‘Crusty’ and two Su-27 ‘Flankers’ flying close to Alliance airspace.

The Russian aircraft failed to comply with international norms and did not liaise with the relevant airspace controllers, the MOD said.

The Tu-134 is the Russian Baltic Fleet Commander’s aircraft and

was returning south from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad Oblast.

A RAF spokesman said: “This

was a routine intercept for RAF 140 EAW personnel deployed to Estonia.”

Desert trekkers honour Afghan VC hero James

Simon Mander

INTREPID MILITARY explorers are planning unsupported desert crossings around the world in memory of a war hero killed in Afghanistan.

Flt Lt Dominic Lunt and former Grenadier Guard Jimmy Dexter plan to trek the Wahiba Sands of Oman to raise cash for the charity run by the father of James Ashworth VC.

L/Cpl Ashworth, 23, died storming an insurgent position with a grenade to protect his comrades from sharpshooters in Helmand Province in June 2012.

His posthumous honour was the first time Britain’s highest gallantry medal had been awarded since 2006.

“James was a close friend of Jimmy’s, and his dad Brian now manages the Lord Kitchener’s Memorial Holiday Centre in Lowestoft,” said Flt Lt Lunt (inset below).

“We hope our fundraising will benefit the centre that supports current and serving military, merchant navy and emergency service personnel and will allow James’s memory to live on.”

The duo head out to the Namib in September to plan their route through the oldest desert in the world, that is almost entirely uninhabited.

“We plan to carry out the unsupported crossing of the Namib desert in the spring of 2024, flying into the capital Windhoek before making our

crossing East to West to finish on the coast,” said Flt Lt Lunt.

“After that we already have plans to head to the Atacama desert in South America for another expedition.”

Both men are experienced adventurers with Dominic completing the infamous 150-mile Marathon des Sables across the Sahara while still a student.

And since joining the RAF in 2007 as a Physical Training Instructor he has completed many endurance challenges covering distances up to 100 miles.

As lead instructor for the British Army counterpoaching operations, Afghanistan veteran Jimmy was fundamental to the

fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

He left military service in 2021 and embarked on a 457-mile run to remember the 457 lives lost in the war.

He has since opened his own gym, is studying physiotherapy at King’s College London and hopes to establish half, marathon and ultra-marathon events in Lincolnshire.

Both men are currently personally funding the £10,000 cost of the Namib expedition, with some help from their charity.

l Anyone interested in sponsoring their campaign, dubbed Project Nomad, can contact either: dominiclunt28@gmail. com or: JimsGym@Myself.com or see localgiving.org/projnamibkitcheners

RUSSIAN SU-27 FLANKER: Intercepted by Typhoons

PHOTO: AS1 BEN DRAKE

ADVENTURERS: Jimmy and Flt Lt Lunt and, main picture, in training for the trek

All fired up

MORE THAN 70 catering aces from across the RAF went head to head at Worthy Down as they prepare for the forthcoming TriService Joint Caterer showdown. Teams were put through their paces in a range of techniques including flambé, mixology and battlefield kitchen catering.

The annual Forces cook-off takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh in October.

WO’s on the go

WADDINGTON WARRANT

Officer Graham Davis was presented with the traditional brolly and bowler hat by station personnel as he signed off from the RAF.

Graham initially signed up with the Reserves but later joined up as a regular, serving all over the world, including tours in Bosnia supporting the Helicopter Force, Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked as an image analyst on Operation Telic before a posting with 617 Sqn at Lossiemouth and later served at the Air Intelligence Wing at Digby before transferring to Ramstein on Nato duties.

Trading places frontline

Simon Mander

EXCHANGE PILOTS from four nations who swapped Air Forces took part in the largest Nato air deployment training since the end of the Cold War.

Atlas pilot Flt Lt Mark Jenkins, currently with the Luftwaffe’s Air Transport Wing 62, flew air-toair refuelling sorties normally performed by a Voyager in the RAF, and led one of the multinational aircraft formations on the USbased Exercise Air Defender.

The drill allowed American, French and Italian aircrew to fly their British aircraft in simulated combat conditions.

Flt Lt Jenkins said: “During large multinational exercises like this, exchange pilots play a key role in providing additional understanding of how different nations operate and a liaison function.”

Meanwhile, US Navy pilot Capt Rich Hanrahan flew one

on NATO’s

of two Typhoons to Germany from Akrotiri, from where they are conducting operations in the Middle East.

They were joined by a pair of

Royal flight passes Muster at Benson

AIR CADETS got a VIP view of the King’s Birthday flypast which was re-routed over their annual Muster at Benson.

More than 1,700 youngsters watched six F-35s soar over in formation followed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster that did three circuits of the airfield to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters’ Raid.

During the one-day event in

Oxfordshire almost 1,000 cadets took experience flights in two Chinooks and took part in a Sunset Parade overflown by a Puma.

Deputy Chief of the Air Staff AM Richard Maddison said: “I am here because I recognise the importance of the Air Cadets and what it does for you as individuals and what it does for the country.

“I am also an ex-Air Cadet, and I joined the RAF straight from school. Air Cadets made a massive difference to me as a person. It is a fantastic organisation.” A 300-strong group of volunteers supported the event, which featured ground displays by Chinook, Prefect, Juno, Tutor and emergency services helicopters.

1(F) Sqn jets from Estonia on Baltic Air Policing duties.

Capt Hanrahan said: “It means a lot to us to participate in this exercise, there are a lot of great

training opportunities here allowing us to forward-deploy rapidly across the globe.

“These four RAF Typhoons have come from already deployed locations in Estonia and Cyprus.

“We have got to be able to rapidly deploy all our assets; not just the fast jets and the pilots, but the tankers and all supporting elements.”

In addition to jets based at Hohn airbase F-35B Lightning II and Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft operating from the UK supported the exercise.

The Voyager crews included Capt Nick Menu from the French Air and Space Force, and Major Valerio Toti from the Italian Air Force – who topped up German and Spanish aircraft in addition to British jets.

Maj Toti said: “If we see the RAF as a person, then Nato is our team. We need to be able to work together to reach our common goals in a more effective manner than if every nation operated independently.”

EXCHANGE RATE: US Navy’s Capt Rich Hanrahan currently flying an RAF Typhoon on Air Defender drill. Inset right, French Air Force’s Capt Nick Menu and Italian Air Force’s Maj Valerio Toti, flying the RAF Voyager

NATO SWAP-SHOP: Atlas pilot Flt Lt Jenkins beside Luftwaffe A400M transporter

BOWLED OVER: WO Davis heads for the exit at RAF Waddington

The Task

A multi-tank decommissioning programme of a BFI (Bulk Fuel Installation)was awarded to LCM from one of our defence customers.

The team carried out fuel uplifts from the various tanks and pipelines ahead of the industry clean, de-gas and certification. Phase two of the work was to remove all useable assets from site, this was completed, and the goods were palletised, wrapped, and transferred to a local site for safe storage.

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Scope of Works

On arrival the LCM team collected their security passes which enabled them to travel around the base to the various work locations.

Our welfare unit arrived and was positioned in the designated area, the work area was segregated with heras fencing and safety signage.

Once all paperwork was completed and the toolbox talks received, the engineers began scoping out the area and preparing for:

l Stage 1: The removal and disposal

of all fuel from the various vessels and pipelines. All fuel was taken off site for disposal at a licenced facility.

l Stage 2: The draining and removal of the FWS (Fuel Water Separator) All internal elements were bagged up and removed from site for disposal.

l Stage 3: Flushing and purging of all fuel lines was completed at various points along the pipelines to ensure no fuel remained within the system.

l Stage 4: Main bulk tank (1,250,000L capacity) for man-entry cleaning. The tank was vented, and the lids carefully removed. The cleaning process was carried out with a 7-person confined space entry crew. On completion the tank was dried and certified gas-free.

l Stage 5: Non-man-entry tank clean to the remaining tanks on site. 1 x 30,000L backflush tank, 5,000L slops tank, 7,500L gas oil tank. All tanks were cleaned, andall washing removed from site.

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CAMPAIGNING CPL Hayley

Court has her eye on the ball – to net more cash to help Forces personnel battling mental health problems.

A TRIO of Hercules flew across Britain and into history during a final commemorative flight.

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Ahead of the battlefield workhorses’ last ceremonial appearance at the King’s Birthday, three 47 Sqn Hercs toured the nation in formation.

The crusading 622 Sqn Reservist has already raised more than £60,000 by setting up the Healing Military Minds group, winning a string of charity awards and a Two-Star RAF Commendation.

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Call-signs OMEN 1, 2 and 3 flew low through the Mach Loop in Wales before heading to the home of pilot training at Valley and across the Irish Sea to overfly Belfast International Airport.

In Scotland the trio soared over RAF Lossiemouth, heading south through the Lake District and on to Lincolnshire and over Waddington and Cranwell.

The flight continued to Cambridge, where the first Herc was delivered, on to Mildenhall – home to the USAF 100th Air Refuelling Wing – and over the white cliffs of Dover before heading north to land at Fairford.

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On completion of the cleaning tasks, salvageable assets were identified and removed for possible use across the military estate.

Some of these included Hamworthy pumps, ATEX lighting and switches; the FWS (Fuel Water Separator) all TRVs (Thermal Relief Valves) and DPIs (Differential pressure indicators) were salvageable, as well as two enginedriven generators, dispense meter, slam-shut valve and the entire control panel and tank gauging system.

Now she’s hoping to top last year’s total by holding a summer ball to support other charity groups helping serving personnel and veterans struggling with PTSD and depression.

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The event takes place in September at the Cotswold Water Park, close to her home station at Brize Norton, where she serves as cabin crew on the Voyager.

HAVING A BALL: Cpl Court

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The Outcome

The client was left happy with LCM’s professional approach and quality work. All health and safety procedures were strictly followed and adhered to; no incidents were reported, and the engineers enjoyed a partial Red Arrows show to top up the experience.

Kitchen star Matt’s saddle score

Tracey Allen

TV CHEF Matt Tebbutt (pictured left) joined more than 400 cyclists for this year’s RAFA Rides event that has raised over £110,000 for the RAF Association.

The Saturday Kitchen star took part in the 100-mile ride in soaring summer

temperatures in the Leicestershire and Rutland area, starting at Kendrew Barracks, formerly RAF Cottesmore.

And more than 650 virtual riders also joined in around the world including from France, Germany, Qatar, New Zealand, North Dakota, Greece and Japan.

The money raised will be used to support people in the RAF

community in need.

RAFA’s Jenn Shepherd said: “We were delighted with the turnout for this year’s RAFA Rides and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part, either at Kendrew Barracks or remotely.

“It was truly heart-warming to see people from all over the world come together to support the RAF community.”

Super vet Ken

hits 100 From D-Day landings to Falklands War: Nav’s action-packed career

Farewell to Dambuster

FG OFF Alan Buxton, the penultimate survivor of the wartime ‘Dambuster’ squadron, has died aged 102.

Born in Australia, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force in November 1942 and, after training as a navigator in Canada, joined 617 Sqn in October, 1944.

He was among a seven-man crew who dropped their ‘Tallboy’ bomb on a mission to attack the Urft Dam that December.

In April 1945 he was one of the 617 Sqn crew members who dropped their last Tallboys on an attack which destroyed Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’ chalet in the Bavarian Alps.

He returned to his native Australia in February 1946 and went on to qualify as an accountant, working for Shell until he retired in 1960. He died on June 1.

lSee page 21 for full obituary.

Tracey Allen

WORLD WAR II navigator Sqn

Ldr Ken Drury, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and the Légion d’honneur, has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Great-grandfather Ken’s impressive 42-year military career saw him amass 12,470 flying hours on a variety of aircraft, complete 31 wartime operations – including 11 missions to Berlin – and take part in the Berlin Airlift.

He joined the RAF aged 18 in 1941 and retired in 1983, aged 60.

After training in South Africa as a navigator Ken joined 100 Sqn operating Lancasters and went on complete 31 operations earning the the DFM for his bravery.

He flew 11 missions to Berlin and took part in the Nuremburg raid in 1944 during which 95 aircraft were lost.

Before the D-Day landings his crew were selected to join the No. 1 Group

Bomber Command Special Duties Flight, marking key strategic targets before and after the Normandy landings.

Targets included the Merville Gun Battery, ammunition dumps, the motor works at Lyon, gun sites and the Mailly – Le – Camp tank depot –a mission which cost 43 aircraft.

Ken flew 264 flights during the Berlin Airlift with 51 Sqn. He took part in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first Royal Review of the RAF at Odiham in 1953 flying in a B29. During his tour on Valetta aircraft in Singapore, from 1956-58, he flew 77 operational supply drops over Malaya with 52 Sqn.

Ken went on to serve with Transport Command as an instructor and examiner on the Comet, VC10 and Britannia.

One of his final duties was planning during the Falklands conflict with 38 Group.

He received the Légion d’honneur in September 2016.

To mark his big day, which he celebrated with his three sons, three grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren, Ken was presented with a signed print by 51 Sqn.

His daughter-in-law Sarah Drury said: “Ken enjoyed walking with his wife Betty and was a cricket umpire well into his 80s.

“He now keeps fit tending his garden and recently renewed his driving licence.

“He enjoys following football and cricket and the adventures of his grandchildren – one granddaughter is currently an Officer Cadet with Southampton University Air Squadron.”

Kids cash in

WELFARE GROUPS are spending more than £8 million a year supporting Forces parents and their children, according to research by the Directory of Social Change.

The group identified 69 charity groups and UK-based businesses providing help to an estimated 8,600 people across the UK military, while statutory agencies, including local authorities provided an extra £28 million.

DARING ATTACK: 617 Sqn Navigator Alan Buxton and his crew destroyed ‘Hitler’s Eagle’s’ Nest hideaway.

After the war

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE: Former RAF Navigator Ken Drury celebrated his 100th birthday with four generations of his family. Below, with Lancaster crew in WWII.

Air & space power key to global security, chiefs say

Simon Mander

AIR AND space chiefs from across the world meet in London next month as Ukraine battles to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty against relentless Russian aggression.

The global forum hosted by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, will see more than 500 leaders examine lessons identified for Nato from Putin’s invasion.

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Among the speakers set to take to the podium are Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Australian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman and US Chief of Space Operations General B. Chance Saltzman.

Air and Space Power Association President Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell said: “We arrived at last year’s conference with Ukraine bravely resisting the Russian invasion.

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“Now, a year on, Ukraine has maintained its defensive shape and Russia has failed on so many levels to achieve any of its illegal aims.

“Ukraine has been re-equipping with increasingly sophisticated equipment, but also has demonstrated what can be achieved in quick time frames and with an ingenuity and imagination forged by necessity.

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“I am looking forward to discussing with my counterparts from around the world how we secure our skies now and into the future and help address the collective security challenges we face.”

“We have some lessons to learn from their heroic efforts, not least of which is that air superiority as an aim in warfare still matters.”

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The Air and Space Power conference runs from July 12-13 at The IET, Savoy Place, London. The event will be live-streamed across the UK and overseas and available to serving personnel.

FUTURE VISION: Prototype sixth-generation Tempest will spearhead RAF airpower.

Above, CAS, ACM Sir Richard Knighton

R O OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

Superbly researched and written by Helen Doe

Coming August for publication 15 September

Hardback | £25 | ISBN 9781911667919

INCLUDES NEVER BEFORE SEEN PHOTOS

Stanford Tuck is a neglected hero of the British narrative of the Second World War despite his success as a fighter ace in the critical years. Helen Doe has successfully rescued Tuck as an airman worth knowing better, and at the same time has removed the many myths and distortions that earlier accounts accumulated. This is no hagiography, but a thoroughly researched biography that presents the many sides of Tuck’s personality and career with candour but also with sympathy.

Professor Richard Overy

Poseidon eyes Putin threat

A POSEIDON subhunter joined the US Navy Carrier Strike Group in training to counter threats from Russia to Nato’s High North region.

The Lossiemouth-based CXX Sqn P8 joined the USS Gerald R Ford, Royal Navy and Norwegian ships for the exercises.

CXX Sqn’s Wg Cdr Ben Livesey said: “Our seas and interests have been challenged in recent months by an aggressive and expansionist Russia, and it is important we continue to demonstrate our resolve

to counter such threats.

“Routinely working with both Norway and the US, our combined efforts of surface ships and Maritime Patrol Aircraft allow us to deter and defend Nato security.

“This sortie provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our links with Alliance and JEF partners.”

USN Carrier Strike Group 12 Cdr Rear Admiral Erik Eslich said: “Conducting integrated and high intensity activities with our Allies is what keeps our carrier strike group well prepared and ready to deter threats and defend the Alliance.”

Horrible history of air pioneers

THE RAF Museum Midlands has teamed up with Horrible Histories author Terry Deary to take a lighthearted look at some of the madcap antics of air pioneers.

Legendary aviation figures from the past will steer visitors around six zones in the Horrible Hangar: the Engineer’s Workshop, Barnstorming Braves, Creation Station, Meet the Inventor, Selfie Zone and the Up in the Air Challenge.

Museum director Barry Smith said: “This is our biggest, most exciting family event of the year, full of all the hilarious mishaps, mistakes and triumphs we love from Horrible Histories combined with our iconic aircraft and expert

knowledge, there is something for everyone.”

Scholastic Publisher Elizabeth Scoggins said: “It’s been a joy to see the Horrible Histories collaboration come to fruition with the right mix of fantastic fun and foul facts.”

l The event runs from July 22 until September 3. Go to rafmuseum.org.uk

Simon Mander

HIGH NORTH PATROL: USS Gerald R Ford with the USN Carrier Strike Group

PRINCE EDWARD saw Waddington’s newly-restored Vulcan gate guardian on a visit to the Lincolnshire station.

The Duke of Edinburgh met several V-bomber vets and the team who have repainted XM607 ahead of the final stage of restoration work.

Women vets win gay ban victory

Crow lands at Boulmer

FIGHTER CONTROLLERS at Boulmer have a new boss after a change in command at 19 Sqn.

Wg Cdr Christopher Misiak, who led the unit providing tactical control for QRA jets and Nato radar surveillance throughout the pandemic, handed over command to Wg Cdr Graham Crow.

Speaking after receiving the 19 Sqn pennant from Wg Cdr Misiak, he said: “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the UK’s air defence remains robust in an increasingly unstable world.

“My job now is to maintain this operational focus whilst preparing for our next capability upgrade.

“19 Sqn has a proud history of defending our skies, from the days when it was a fighter squadron, and we will strive to continue to do justice to that rich heritage.”

Ukraine air defence aid

Staff Reporter

UKRAINE IS to get vital air defence equipment to protect its critical national infrastructure, civilian population and frontline personnel.

A £92 million package including radars, guns and ammunition to defend against indiscriminate Russian strikes was announced at a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force ministers.

More than £520m has been raised from the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Lithuania.

The latest UK contribution comes after the Prime Minister met Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moldova and takes the total pledged so far to £770m.

The funding for air defence is the first of five expected support packages as part of the second round of procurement.

Simon Mander

GAY WOMEN veterans unjustly criminalised under MOD rules on sexuality scrapped more than 20 years ago will be able to have their convictions wiped from their records, the Home Office has announced.

Until now, only men have been able to apply to have specified offences removed.

Now, women will be able to

apply if they have been convicted or cautioned under any repealed or abolished offences following moves to widen the scheme.

Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer said: “The treatment of LGBT Armed Forces personnel and veterans prior to 2000 was wholly unacceptable, and today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of progress in righting these wrongs.”

Ex RAF officer and Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride Caroline Paige said: “This extension to the disregards and pardons scheme and its inclusion of female veterans is welcome and another small step in the right direction.

“We will continue to work very closely with the MOD and other government departments to ensure the vulnerable veterans in this cohort get all the support available to them.”

Under the latest government move military personnel who were unjustly criminalised will receive a pardon. Convictions will be deleted from official records and individuals will not be required to disclose them during court proceedings or when applying for jobs. Since 2012, men have been able to apply to have their convictions disregarded.

NATO flexes airpower on Germany drill

Simon Mander

RAF JETS joined around 250 aircraft from 25 nations to take part in Nato’s largest air exercise of the year.

Typhoons from Estonia and Cyprus teamed up with 617 Sqn F-35Bs operating from Marham for Exercise Air Defender in Germany.

The Luftwaffe-hosted training saw the largest forward deployment of the US Air National Guard since the end of the Cold War of more than 100 aircraft, giving the Allies a realistic test of their aerial response to an attack on a member state.

UK Air and Space Commander AM Harvey Smyth said: “The RAF is demonstrating its agility and flexibility to deploy F-35, Voyager and Typhoon from UK and deployed locations.

“Air Defender is an excellent opportunity to perform Agile

HANDOVER: Wg Cdr Misiak welcomes Wg Cdr Crow to Boulmer’s 19 Sqn

JOHNNY MERCER

Combat Employment deployments alongside our Nato Allies, with 140 EAW and 83 EAG Typhoon fighters deploying from Amari Airbase in

Estonia and Akrotiri in Cyprus. “Our involvement reinforces our collective preparedness to defend the Alliance.”

The live-flying exercise is conducted from Hohn Air Base at locations inside and outside of Germany.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY

REFORM: The MOD Main Building lit up in Pride colours n 2020 to mark the 20th anniversary of the axing of the Military gay ban

Birthday bow for First large-scale delights royals

AIR FORCE legends and newbies formed up for the first Birthday Flypast for King Charles III.

Among the 70 military aircraft taking off from 15 locations across the UK to display over London were the C-130 Hercules on its final ceremonial flight before retiring from service and the Envoy IV CC1, making its flypast debut.

Crowds on The Mall and the Royal Family gazed skyward as the 18 Typhoons from Lossiemouth and Coningsby formed the King’s Cypher as they approached Buckingham Palace.

Chief of the Air Staff, ACM Sir Richard Knighton, said: “We are very proud to be able to showcase our capabilities to our Commander-in-Chief, on this historic occasion for His Majesty the King.”

The event featured a mix of aircraft ranging from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight from the 1940s to the RAF’s latest F-35B Lightning II jets and the helicopter

Puma

took was event in May The Charles Colour which birthday more

BOWING OUT IN STYLE: Hercules performs its final ceremonial duty after more than 56 years’ service with the RAF

PHOTO: AS1 TOMAS BARNARD

FLYING THE FLAG: Chinooks from RAF Odiham took part,

force from

front Lt Tom Flying Shawbury.

for Hercules large-scale flypast for King Charles royals and crowds on The Mall

force represented by Chinooks from Odiham and Benson-based Puma HC2s. Leading from the front was a Juno HT1 piloted by Flt Tom Knapp from 60 Sqn, No.1 Flying Training School based at Shawbury.

Many of the aircraft taking part have been involved in operations around the world this year including the Nato Air Policing mission in Eastern Europe and the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan.

The display culminated in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the Red Arrows, who flew alongside a 32 Sqn Envoy.

The first Birthday Flypast took place in 1913 and the latest one scaled up after a similar-sized event planned for the Coronation May was hit by poor weather.

The flypast followed King Charles III’s first Trooping of the Colour as Sovereign in a ceremony which has marked the official birthday of the British monarch for more than 260 years.

TYPHOON: Cypher tribute to King Charles III

PHOTO: AS1 TOM CANN

By Tracey Allen

KNOWN AFFECTIONATELY as the ‘Hurri’, the singleseat Hawker Hurricane was Britain’s first wartime fighter aircraft.

It was hailed as the true aviation hero of the Battle of Britain after shooting down – on September 15, 1940 – more enemy planes than all the other aircraft and anti-aircraft guns combined.

But the Hurricane’s role in securing victory has often been overlooked, eclipsed by the iconic Spitfire, claims author Jacky Hyams.

In her new book Hurricane, The Plane That Won The War (mombooks.com), she relates the aircraft’s fascinating history and tells the story of the men and women who flew or worked behind the scenes to design, build and maintain the Hurri.

“The Hawker Hurricane was rugged, less expensive to build than the Spitfire, and far more easily and swiftly repaired. So the more workmanlike Hurricane deserves all the plaudits,” she argues.

“The furious battle in the air that defeated Germany’s attempts to invade Britain in the summer of 1940 would not have been won without the Hurri. In fact, the Hurricane and Spitfire were a great double act. When operating together, as they frequently did in the Battle of Britain, they formed a partnership no other air force could match.”

At the time of the battle, the RAF had 32 Hurricane squadrons and 19 Spitfire squadrons, easily making the Hurri the dominant British fighter, said Hyams.

She added: “Here was a plane that could withstand more than a few hits from the enemy – and, though battered, continue to fly. The Spitfire was superb, had a faster performance in the air – until it was damaged. The Hurri was so much stronger. In the momentous battle for the survival of Britain, its very resilience made a huge difference.”

Legendary Royal Naval test pilot Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, who flew 487 different aircraft types, declared that the Hurricane ‘…literally saved the country.’

Hyams puts forward the view that one of the reasons the Hurricane received less attention than the Spitfire was because it wasn’t considered glamorous.

She explained: “Britain fell madly in love with the Supermarine Spitfire immediately. It dominated the nation’s front pages once war was declared in 1939, a fantastically good-looking icon right from the start.

“The Hurricane, with its chunky design, stability and steady platform – making it easier to handle –has not been widely perceived in the same way, despite it being the first-ever 300mph (483km/h) aircraft designed for the RAF.”

The author stressed that the British government was slow to reach awareness of the need

The true icon of Battle of Britain

Spitfire’s ugly sister was real star of RAF’s WWII fighters

WE HAVE copies of this excellent book to win. To be in with a chance of owning one, send us the correct answer to the following question:

How many Hurricane squadrons did the RAF have at the time of the Battle of Britain?

Email your answer, marked Hurricane book competition, to: tracey.allen@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by July 21.

to build military aviation before World War II – unlike Germany, which was developing aircraft including the Heinkel, Dornier, Junkers and Messerschmitt for the Luftwaffe.

She said: “At Britain’s Air Ministry, senior officials believed in the past. So the two-seater biplane, once the staple of RAF squadrons, remained the preference...

Only when it became glaringly, unmistakably obvious that Hitler was openly creating a mighty war machine did the need for brand-new fast monoplane fighter

planes, crucial for Britain’s defence, sink in.”

She added: “As reality dawned, so came realisation of the need to build the new fighters quickly. It made an important difference that the Hawker Hurricane was significantly cheaper to build than the Spitfire.”

The Hawker Hurricane was designed by Sir Sydney Camm, who joined the H.G. Hawker company in 1923 and became its chief designer two years later.

Hyams said: “History reveals Camm as the most influential aviation designer the country had ever known. Without this man’s design of the Hurricane, the RAF

would most likely have lost the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940: at the time, there were not enough Spitfires emerging from the factories and going out into the RAF squadrons.”

During WWII the Hurricane, said Hyams, served as a day fighter, night fighter, bomber interceptor, ground-attack fighter, the first-ever rocket-launched fighter and an early tank buster – and as the Royal Navy’s Sea Hurricane, launched in 1941.

In the early days of the war in 1940, Hurricane squadrons supported Britain’s French allies in the Battle of France, she added.

“During Operation Dynamo

in 1940 (the evacuation of British, French and Belgian troops cut off by the Germany Army in Dunkirk), Hawker Hurricanes were there, operating from British bases. In 1941, they helped deliver the island of Malta from invasion. In jungle combat and in the deserts of North Africa, late in 1941, Hurricanes also served as ground-attack aircraft, far better suited to rough terrain than the more fragile Spitfire.

“By the time their production ended in 1944, 14,487 Hawker Hurricanes had fought during wartime.

“The Hurri riches deserves to be far more widely celebrated as the hero of aviation’s ‘finest hour.’”

DEPENDABLE: Sqn Ldr Douglas Bader (centre) with fellow 242 Sqn pilots in front of his Hurricane at Duxford, Sept 1940 © IWM. Right, glamorous Spitfire

FIRST ALLIED WWII ACE: 73 Sqn’s Fg Off Edgar J ‘Cobber’ Kain by his Hurricane Mk1 at Rouvres ©IWM

HURRI MKIID: 6 Sqn pilot at Shandur in Egypt ©IWM

AUTHOR: Hyams

Australian Dambuster Navigator dies age 102 Buxton couldn’t get home to see his son until lad was 3

AUSTRALIAN-BORN Alan Buxton, the penultimate World War II survivor of the Dambuster squadron, has died aged 102.

He first served with the 2/1st Survey Regiment of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and saw active service in Syria before joining the Royal Australian Air Force in November 1942.

He trained as a navigator in Canada before sailing for England to convert to bombers. Before joining 617 Squadron, he trained on the four-engine Stirling of 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit. While returning from a night training flight off the Dutch coast, three engines failed and the captain ordered the crew to bail out as they crossed the English coast.

Despite hitting his head and being knocked unconscious when he jumped at 1,000 feet, Buxton regained consciousness just in time to pull the rip cord, resulting in two swings before landing in a potato field. This qualified him to join the Caterpillar Club (for those whose lives had been saved by parachute), and he wore a tiny golden caterpillar badge with ruby red eyes on his tie.

He joined 617 Sqn on October 31, 1944 when six members of the sevenman crew, including Buxton, were Australians.

Their first mission was to attack the Urft Dam on December 8, but low cloud thwarted the attack. Three days later they returned and successfully dropped their Tallboy bomb.

This was followed by attacks against the E-Boat pens at Rotterdam and Ijmuiden.

On January 12, 1945, the U-Boat shelters at Bergen in Norway were the target when three Tallboys penetrated the four-metre reinforced concrete shelters, causing severe damage.

During February, the German rail and canal systems were the targets and these included the Bielefeld viaduct and the Dortmund-Ems canal.

On April 25, 617 Sqn crews, including Buxton’s, dropped their last Tallboys when they attacked and destroyed Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’ chalet in the Bavarian Alps.

At the end of the war, Buxton volunteered to join 467 (RAAF) Sqn, which was training for ‘Tiger Force’ prior to heading for Okinawa to join bombing attacks against mainland Japan.

The dropping of the atom bombs brought about Japan’s surrender and the force was not deployed.

Buxton returned to Australia in February 1946, when he met his three-year-old son for the first time.

BUXTON: Caterpillar Club member

By Tracey Allen

A FORMER World War II photo-reconnaissance pilot has pledged money from sales of his autobiography to a fundraising campaign for a national memorial to commemorate members of the wartime Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU).

Flt Lt George Pritchard, now 99, wrote Here We Go Again! with his daughter Penny Stevens, detailing his life story, including his active service in photo-reconnaissance and Bomber Command and his subsequent career as an electronics consultant and engineer, where he helped in the design and making of the first internal pacemaker and heart-lung machine.

Penny said: “A proportion of the proceeds from the book is going towards a charity raising funds to have a memorial erected in remembrance of the many photoreconnaissance pilots and crew who were killed during the war.”

George joined the RAF in 1943 and was posted to fly Mosquitos, based at RAF Wyton.

He said: “The sole purpose of photographic reconnaissance was to provide the most up-to-date critical intelligence to the Admiralty, who used this information to strategically plan the Allied actions in the war.

“Alongside the information gathered by the Special Operations Executive on the ground and the Bletchley Park codebreakers through the airwaves, the PRU physically captured 20 million

the success of operations and, ultimately the outcomes of the Second World War, could have been very different.”

The campaign for a national PRU monument was launched in 2018 after the long-lost photoreconnaissance Spitfire AA810, piloted by Flt Lt Alistair ‘Sandy’ Gunn, was found in a mountainside peat bog in Norway, almost entirely intact – 76 years after it had been shot down by the Nazis.

Gunn had taken off from RAF Wick in northern Scotland on a mission to photograph the German battleship Tirpitz that was sheltering in the Trondheim fjord.

His aircraft was shot down by a pair of Messerschmitt Bf109s on air protection duty over the fjord and Gunn was captured.

He was sent to the notorious Stalag Luft III prison camp and, after taking part in the ‘Great Escape’ and being recaptured, he was executed in April, 1944, aged 24.

The Spitfire AA810 Project is rebuilding his aircraft.

George said photoreconnaissance pilots lived in the shadow of death constantly.

He added: “A vast number of pilots were murdered on the orders of

Hitler. They were either hanged or shot. Nobody remembers them, how could they? With a monument with their names on, they’d always be remembered.

“It’s a very good thing to do in remembrance of people who gave their lives up. I was just one of the lucky ones.”

There are just three wartime PRU pilots believed to be still alive.

The national monument will honour the 1,471 men who flew in the unarmed RAF PRU squadrons during WWII, as well as their ground-based colleagues in Photographic Interpretation. The campaign needs £65,000 for the first stage of its fundraising, for architectural designs and surveys of a primary location in Whitehall. l Go to: spitfireaa810.co.uk for more information.

l Here We Go Again! is available as an e-book, and in paperback and hardback on Amazon.

images of enemy operations and installations during six years of war.

“Without this vital information

SPITFIRE PILOT: George in his RAF days, above and second from right

TOYOTA’S HILUX is the benchmark of hard-wearing pick-up trucks. Ancient models from the 1970s can still be found bimbling around Africa. The BBC’s Top Gear once dedicated an entire programme to trying to obliterate one and failed. Meanwhile, over on Sky, I also tried to destroy a Hilux back in the day, twice.

The first I lost in a desert for three days, having got it monumentally stuck, and the second, I accidentally drowned in a quarry. On both occasions they were resurrected with a simple bit of TLC and fired up without any fuss.

In my book, the Hilux is therefore a legendary bit of kit that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. You can imagine how excited I was to hear that Toyota’s performance arm, Gazoo Racing, was going to launch a sports version. After a few months of waiting it’s here and it certainly looks the part.

Gazoo has clearly drawn a lot of inspiration from Nasser AlAttiyah’s legendary Dakar Rally winning Hilux. This eighthgeneration version comes with a G-pattern black grille and a noticeable central bar that I last remember seeing on a Hilux back in the 1980s. You also get unique 17-inch alloy wheels, stonking allterrain tyres and butch front fog light surrounds. GR badges are in ready supply, to make it very clear that this is no ordinary workhorse.

Inside

There’s plenty of space in a Hilux. It’s easy for tall adults to find the right driving position and sit comfortably up front, while the rear is perfectly adequate as long as you’re not over six foot. Above that, you may wish to consider alternatives that offer a bit more rear space, such as the Ford Ranger. The front sports seats are a big selling point in the GR, trimmed with red leather, synthetic suede and red stitching. The red flashes continue on the dashboard, contrasted with Kevlar-effect panels. You’ve also got paddle

Lux the part

shifts on the steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals to complete the sports theme.

The GR is based roughly on the standard Hilux’s ‘Invincible’ trim, which gives you all the usual goodies. These include sat-nav, a JBL sound system, all round heated seats, dual-zone climate control and plenty of well-thought-out storage areas.

On the road

The styling of the Hilux GR is so

good that it sets expectations high, and that’s always a bit dangerous. You get in, half expecting to fire up the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 from the rally car that it’s based on but, sadly, what you actually get is a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel. It’s certainly quicker than a standard Hilux but you do have to work the old oil burner hard to make the best of its torque. That does make it sound a bit gruff and far from sporty.

The drive modes in the GR are simple. You have two BIG buttons

by the gear lever; one says ECO, one says POWER. Nuff said really.

If you’re expecting the addition of a GR badge and a ‘Power’ button to signify the attainment of speed and precision in the realms of Toyota’s brilliant Yaris GR, then you’re getting your wotsits mixed up. At the end of the day this is still a large pickup and expectations should be well and truly managed. Through fast bends the steering remains a bit vague and heavy, despite Gazoo’s engineering genius. It’s sharper than a standard Hilux, for sure, but it’s still a chunky double-cab.

Its old school feel won’t impress everyone and some will find the transmission of road imperfections into the cabin irritating, along with the loud metal clonk that the auto box emits when it engages.

Off-road

If you’re going to use your pickup for its intended purpose then it really is at the top of its game. It is so incredibly capable that you feel comfortable throwing just about anything at it.

The limited-slip differential, Active Traction Control, diff lock and low range box all work well to get you and your load to where you want to go. With a payload of up to one tonne and towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, it’s a proper pick-up.

Toyota

Pros

l A sporty looking pick-up

l Stylish interior

l Excellent reliability record and warranty

l Impressive off-road

Cons

l Engine gruff when worked hard

l Some road noise/vibration

l Expensive

Verdict

The Hilux maintains its bulletproof reputation and is at the top of its game, while the Gazoo Racing brand makes it the coolest Hilux on the market. It’s pricey though at £37,551 if you’re using it as a commercial vehicle, or £44,995 if not.

Tim Morris

Toyota Hilux GR, from £37,551 (business use, VAT free)

Hilux GR

NESTLING IN the heart of Warwickshire you’ll find Royal Leamington Spa, a beautiful and charming town with a population of around 50,000 people. Leamington became popular during the Victorian era thanks to its natural spa springs and picturesque parks but it remains a hidden gem for tourists today.

Dr Henry Jephson, one of the first people to promote Leamington as a spa, is honoured in the town with a memorial. The park in which it stands, listed as Grade II on the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens, is also named after him.

Jephson Gardens remains the cultural centre of the town, known for hosting entertainment, military bands, croquet, tennis and illuminations. It’s beautifully planted, featuring a lake, flowing fountains and a welllaid-out river walk.

Surrounding it, the classic architecture, abundant supply of shops and quirky entertainment venues make it an ideal short break. Take in a show at the Loft Theatre or laugh yourself silly with a pint at a Reckless Comedy Club show in the Royal Pug.

Stay

Mallory Court Hotel, part of the Eden Collection, is an astonishing place to stay. The original country house, completed in 1916, is a traditional English piece

Star in your very own Agatha Christie novel

of history that’s almost been forgotten by time. In many ways it’s like booking a holiday in the middle of an Agatha Christie novel.

As clouds swarm above the ivy-clad Grade II-listed building, damping the light of a full moon, it’s easy to imagine a sharply dressed 1920s character carrying out an ingenious crime and Miss Marple subsequently being swept up the drive in a vintage car to solve the mystery.

Inside the visual theme continues, with wood panelling, art-deco wallpaper and leaded windows. A period terrace overlooking landscaped gardens and burbling water features completes the feel.

The 10-acre site now houses three buildings, providing 43 bedrooms. The Manor House, Orchard House and the Knights Suite each have their own unique characteristics and every room is slightly different. We stayed in Snowshill, an impressive superior master room overlooking the gardens.

This wing of the hotel was actually built in the 1980s but the décor is perfectly in keeping with the original building. The 1920s-style bathroom and leaded windows lull the senses, while the fresh fruit from the garden and freshly baked cookies, lovingly placed on the table, with a perfectly brewed pot of tea remind you why we love England so much.

The bed was firm but comfortable and the large bathroom, with its separate bath

and shower, made for an immensely relaxing evening. The selection of complimentary ESPA toiletries went down well.

Eat & Drink

There are two dining options, the Brasserie and the main 3 AA Rosette restaurant. The kitchen is under the direction of Michelin star-winning head chef Paul Evans, who insists that his charges work closely with the garden team to steer what is grown to keep the menus consistently fresh.

Breakfast is prepared with the same verve. Hot dishes are cooked to order and designed to impress. Dishes include avocado on sourdough toast with smoked salmon and poached egg, or buttermilk pancakes with fruit compote, plus the regular fare of course.

Service

There’s an eagerness to ensure that every detail is correct but there’s also a family feel to the team that wasn’t wasted

on me. Mallory is somewhere you feel welcome.

Cost

Standard rooms (located in the Knights Suite, adjacent to the main house) are from £160, based on two people sharing (inclusive of breakfast). A superior master room like Snowshill is priced from £314 in low season, £419 in high season (breakfast included).

Down sides

Room rates are petty steep for this part of the world and you’ll pay an extra £15 to use the pool, which is an oversight in my book. Some of the furniture doesn’t appear to have been updated since the 80s too, which may upset the most picky guests. On the whole however there’s very little to grumble about.

Adventure

Mallory Court is perfectly placed for exploring Warwickshire. It’s just two miles from Leamington, four miles from Warwick and bang in the heart of ‘Bard Country’

– Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company is only 14 miles away. The Cotswolds are close too, with Chipping Campden about a 30-minute drive. Silverstone Race Circuit is around 50 minutes away if you prefer a high-octane experience.

Relax

Relaxation is where Mallory excels. The hotel proudly claims that it has the newest luxury spa in Warwickshire and offers a wide range of treatments. There’s a 10-metre indoor hydro pool, a sauna and gym, with an additional small pool outdoors on the terrace. There’s also a nail boutique and seven private treatment rooms on the second floor. A 55-minute destressing body massage will cost in the region of £79.

ENGLISH CHARM:Mallory Court Hotel and swish bathroom suite (inset)

OLD-STYLE GRANDEUR:Looking like Miss Marple could walk in at any moment

STUNNING: The pool at Mallory Court is fabulous, but there's an extra £15 fee to use it

Spitfires are off to a flying start

7s players mix it up at elite level

Daniel Abrahams

A WIN then two close calls was the story of the Spitfires' season so far in their opening three 7s competitions.

After one of their most successful seasons ever last term, they began 2023 in terrific form, blazing a winning trail across the Oxford 7s tournament’s Shield competition –picking up third place overall.

Spitfires director Sqn Ldr Rory Wood said: “Coming into the 2023 season was always going to be a challenge to try to match the year before, especially as we were taking part in two elite 7s competitions featuring some of the top teams in the country.

“The results have shown we have been more than capable at competing at this level and that is testament to the players, support staff and sponsors. With new talent coming through, I’m extremely proud of the team in what they have achieved thus far and I’m very excited about the forthcoming tournaments we have left in the season.”

The result was quickly followed

with the team taking part in the first elite tournament of the year, the Bournemouth 7s.

The highly regarded event saw the RAF team account themselves superbly in a very tough group stage which included the British Army, who they lost to 36-10.

Having reached knockout stages, the Spitfires narrowly went down in the plate semi-final 24-19.

From there it was the Summer Social 7s in Richmond, which saw an opening 22-17 win against Speranza, where Flt Lt Henry Littlewood, AS1 Kieran Prescott and Cpl Ryan Crowley all got on the scoresheet, the Spitfires then narrowly lost to the Royal Navy 2217 in their final group game.

The loss saw them head into the cup competition quarter-finals where they faced last year’s finalists, Wild Dogs 7s. The team showed great commitment but finally lost 22-24 in a game that could have gone either way, with standout performances from Prescott and Cpl Will Lamont.

l Follow the team on Instagram @rafrugby7s.

THE SUN may have been out and the setting picturesque, but the RAF Tennis Associations pre-IS training camp in La Manga, Spain, was anything but a holiday.

Established players and newcomers attended the week-long camp in the Murcia region, with coaching and matches played every day.

RAFLTA spokesperson Flt Lt Andy Keeley said: “Everybody present was put through their paces in a series of ‘stations’ by the three coaches, Miguel, Mito and Grigorio, from day one.

“Throughout the tour a tangible togetherness of the squad became apparent, with newcomers who may have had reservations soon developing a sense of belonging and those with vast experience using it to the benefit of other squad members.

“Nurturing team cohesion and bonding is something we want to develop in preparation for the next round of Inter-Services games and the time spent at La Manga seems to have achieved that goal.”

The opening morning saw intense basket drills and groundstroke shots, while players got over any ring rust, before an afternoon of high-intensity workouts began.

With the mornings filled with coaching, the second day saw the team test out potential pairings for the upcoming Inter-Service doubles matches.

The third day saw singles matches, with some players digging deep in the intense heat and following the previous days' gruelling schedules.

WO Martyn Ledbury lost to RAF No.1 AS1 Mike Greedy 7-5, 6-1 in the day’s first singles match. Sqn Ldr Ali Johnson took on Flt Lt Tom Elwick, with Elwick taking an early lead only to lose the first set 7-5 then the second 6-4 as Johnson won out.

The Inter-Service championships are at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club on August 1-2.

l Follow RAF Tennis on Instagram @raflta.

RUGBY UNION

TENNIS

SPITFIRES: On a high in Richmond

PHOTOS: @soul_capture_pix

INTENSE: Training in the heat in La Manga

Selection sorted

POLO FROM OPENING training day to senior team selection, the season has started at a blistering pace for the RAF’s polo stars.

An open tournament at RAF College Cranwell, just a stone’s throw away from the prestigious College Hall, kicked things off in style. This was preceded by a training session at Leadenham Polo Club, which saw both RAF and Army personnel take part in four hours of stick and ball, tactics and instructional chukkas before the competition for the Bebbington Trophy.

Eight teams entered overall –three RAF, two Army and three civilian.

The civvies were eventual winners Ham Polo Club, and two teams from Thoresby Park Polo Club: Jodhpur of York and Thoresby Park/Leadenham.

Play started with a round robin between the RAF Hurricanes, Ham and Jodhpur of York, which saw Ham secure a place in the final on the Sunday, while the

Army then narrowly beat RAF Cranwell in a tense four-chukka match, making them the second finalists.

The second day of competition saw Ham deservedly win the final, beating both the Army and the RAF Spitfires and adding their names to the Martyn Bebbington Memorial Trophy, with Jodhpur of York winning the Centennial Cup and Leadenham the PMG Shield.

Next up was a training and selection camp at Druids Lodge Polo Club, which saw the RAF team confirmed as: Sqn Ldr

Georgie Harwood 0g, Sqn Ldr

Ellie Hoogewerf 0g, Wg Cdr

Vicky Woodhead 0g, Wg Cdr

Ed Whitechurch 0g. Reserves:

Sqn Ldr Ross Thomson 1g, Flt Lt

Paul Erhahiemen 1g and Fg Off

Amelia Figgins 0g.

Pre-selection the players were put through two days of intense training by senior team coach

Giles Ormerod, complete with video analysis.

Coach says Irish demolition job is “only the start”

STAND-IN UKAFFC head coach

Cpl Daryl White insists his side’s 4-1 demolition of Ireland’s Defence Forces is ‘only the start’. White, who took over the top post following the departure of previous incumbent FS Dyfan Pierce from the Service earlier this year, saw his side come back from a first-half penalty.

Following the win – in which UKAF retained the Perpetual Friendship Trophy at the Quorn FC Stadium, Loughborough –White added: “Overall, it was a brilliant result.”

UKAF took to the field with a strong RAF representation, seven players, to the starting line-up, and it was RAF stalwart Sgt Mike Campbell who saw his shot, when through on goal, take a deflection.

From the next attack the Irish went close through David Long, before RAF star Cpl Jake Gosling’s effort from the edge of the Irish penalty area whistled wide.

UKAF were getting into their stride when the Irish won a penalty, which Aidan Rafferty duly despatched past Cpl Christian Paulat-Brigg

Just past the half-hour Gosling found his range after a lovely pass by captain CPOPT Danny Kerr across the Irish penalty box. Gosling, with his right, lashed home and UKAF saw their lead extended through Cpl Joe Spalding, who slotted home beautifully, having connected with Sgt Sean Thompson’s through ball.

RAF man Spalding saved his best for last, cutting inside from the left wing to unleash a stunning strike from 25 yards for 4-1 and sealing a glorious victory.

A bit of teaching on the side

THE SERVICE’S British sidecar champion duo Sgt Mark Middleton and Cpl Robert Atkinson were top of the class as they hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics event in Dartford recently.

The penalty set-back lasted barely 10 minutes when a UKAF corner was half-cleared and AET Jack Wright latched on the dropping ball to score from 12 yards.

He said: “The lads are buzzing after this win. We trained hard for it and deserved it. My first was a bit of a scuff into the bottom corner, the second was one in 100, I have been missing with those all week, so to see it hit the net, I am really chuffed with that.”

l Follow UKAFFC on Instagram @ukaffootball.

Sgt Middleton said: “The STEM event at Wilmington Academy was for students aged 14 to 15 who have shown an interest in engineering.

“We went along with our sponsor Artic Facilities management to speak about opportunities in the civilian sector, we weren’t there to recruit for the RAF but it was a great opportunity to show the students the sort of

things we do in the military.”

Around 70 teenagers attended the event.

l Follow the RAF Side Car team on Facebook @RAFF2SIDECAR.

FOOTBALL

MOTORSPORTS

CHAMPS: Middleton and Atkinson (centre) with sponsors Artic at the STEM event

PHOTO: RACHEL DABNER

“The lads are buzzing after this win. We trained hard for it and deserved it”

IT'S A STICK UP: Members of the RAF Polo Association competing against Army side

PHOTO: ANDREW WHEELER

Hello Moto

New Tri-Service MX championship begins

THE SERVICE’S motocross riders produced top 20 finishes from the all-new Tri-Service MX championship round one, with AS1(T) Ted Bailey in the EC350 class coming home first.

Taking on the course at Clearwell in Gloucestershire, AS1(T) Suzi Boyce, who finished 13th in the 250cc class, said: “The event was a huge success and riders from all three Services raced well, after this start we are really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Bailey and Boyce formed part of the team of RAF riders of AS1(T) Ollie Ella, ninth 250cc class; Cpl Tobin Foote, 14th 250cc class; and Cpl Luke Payne, 15th in the 250cc class. The finishes meant the team had a successful day, bringing points home for the Air Force.

Round two in Awre, Gloucestershire, saw a solo ride by Payne due to a late reschedule of the event dates meaning other team members could not sign on in time.

He flew his Service’s colours in style, coming an impressive seventh.

He said: “Round two involved two days of back-to-back racing. Conditions were spot on and the track was set up with the focus on cornering techniques, as there were no jumps.

“I was starting to feel it by the fifth race but thoroughly enjoyed it regardless.”

The team race next in Oxford on July 22/23.

l For further details and other information on the team visit RAF Motocross and Enduro on Facebook.

Binbrook Bomb back home

Daniel Abrahams

MARKING 60 years and returning to its rightful Lincolnshire home, the Binbrook Bomb Sevens rugby men’s event was won by Odiham, while a Barbarians side took the women’s title.

The tournament, which began at RAF Binbrook in 1963, had been held for many years at RAF Halton.

Back at its true home, 10 stations competed, with Leeming just losing out in the final.

Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, RAFRU, Director of Community Rugby, said: “The tournament has been held, pandemic years excluded, for the last 60 years.

“The return to its home started when the current site owner, Trevor Cockings, approached the RAFRU to enquire whether we would be interested in running the competition back at Binbrook.

“Through his impressive organisational skills, the event was a huge success, even featuring an opentop vintage bus for the winners.”

The original Binbrook Bomb trophy – based on a 28lb practice bomb – has been displayed in the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham Stadium.

The ladies’ event saw teams compete for the new RAF Scampton Cup, with Leeming again featuring in the final.

After a hard-fought game, it was the Barbarians side that took home the silverware.

Leeming did not leave emptyhanded though, as AS1 Tom Bird was awarded the President’s Cup for the player ‘best capturing for spirit of the tournament’.

RUGBY 7S

CLASS ACTS: AS1(T)s Suzi Boyce and Ollie Ella (inset)

MAIN PHOTO: SGT LEE GODDARD RAF

JUST THE TICKET: Top, Odiham celebrate on the vintage bus; right, Barbarian Ladies with their trophy; above, action from one of the matches PHOTOS: GORDY ELIAS

It's Hammertime

Daniel Abrahams

SERGEANT ANDREW Lochhead took top RAF spot at Tweedlove in Scotland to kickstart the first three rounds of Service mountain bike action for the year in style.

The RAF Gravity Enduro Team battled damp conditions on the tough six-stage Glentress course. The Scottish Borders venue hosted the first round of the British National Enduro Series (BNES) with Lochhead coming in top RAF rider (137th place overall) in the male 30-39 discipline, closely followed in 139th by AS1 Conrad Clarke in male 19-29.

The course provided a tough challenge throughout, but especially the Hammertime second stage, regarded as the ‘toughest trail in Glentress’.

Conquering the revered stage, the next bestplaced RAF riders were Sqn Ldr Simon Ward 139th, Flt Lt Barry Fenton 202nd and AS(1) Robert Nijhius, 206th.

It was over to Wales for the first round of the InterStations event at Dirt Farm. With sunny conditions the running of the track was fast, on a track with 40ft jump gaps, it promised to be action-packed.

The battle for Service supremacy sadly saw the Army take the top two finishes, with the RAF team grabbing five spots from fourth to eighth, with AS1(T) Tom Abel, followed by AS1(T) Nijhuis in fifth, the best placed.

The GE Team saw Clarke finish as the top RAF rider from the second round of the 2023 Hope PMBA Enduro Series at Graythwaite, Lake District. He was 74th, with Cpl Jack Welson in 145th to end a successful opening period for the team. l Follow the team on Instagram @rafgravitymtb.

IS Man of Tournament consolation for Berzins

THE RAF’S development cricketers were unable to follow up their dominant opening IS win, losing the title to the Army at Aldershot.

Chairman Sgt Keiran Pearce said: “While the RAF produced a professional performance against the Royal Navy, unfortunately we were well beaten by a strong Army side in the final.”

Having won the toss in the opening clash against the Royal Navy, the RAF elected to field and some tight bowling early on from Cpl Matt Prested and Cpl Dan Davison proved the value of the decision.

Aided by some lacklustre Navy batting, the RAF were able to control the run rate and taking wickets at regular intervals meant captain AS1(T) Jack Fuller was in total control throughout. A late charge saw RN reach 114-6.

The RAF got off to a solid start with the bat, with an opening

stand of 27 between Fuller and Flt Lt Tom Berzins. Sat at 70-4 the match was precariously poised, but a second partnership of 35 from Berzins and AS1 Tom Mustoe took the RAF home by five wickets, with Berzins not out on 41.

In the final of the tournament, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat. They got off to a flying start and were 39-1 from four overs. The RAF pegged the Army back with some superb bowling as Davison and Fuller reduced the Army to 129-5, but a late burst of runs saw them end on 148-6.

The Army bowling saw the RAF struggle to trouble the scoreboard. A partnership of 35 between Berzins and AS2 Harry Hollingsworth started to turn the game, but the former was dismissed to leave the RAF 91-3.

The RAF finally fell 32 runs short for 116-5, with Berzins scoring 50 not out and named Man of the Tournament.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

CPL SHAUN WEBB

AS1(T)

ROBERT NIJHUIS

5 pages of the best of RAF Sports action

Inter-Stations title is decided by penalties

Halton/High Wycombe go on to represent RAF in Tri-Service Cup

Daniel Abrahams

A NERVE-WRACKING penalty shoot-out decided this year’s Hockey Inter-Stations title, with tournament hosts Halton/High Wycombe taking the title 5-4 from Benson.

RAFHA Deputy Chairman Wg Cdr Dave ‘Rosie’ Oatley said:“This was a fantastic example of what RAF Hockey is all about, bringing both male and female players of all ages together, from grass roots to full representative standard, to form mixed teams that delivered a highly-competitive tournament with a high standard of hockey played throughout.”

With more than 80 personnel making up six teams, the logistics for the route to win the Brent McCarthy Cup started with the teams being put into two leagues.

League one consisted of Brize/ Valley, Benson and Halton/High Wycombe, while league two featured Coningsby/Waddington, Marham/Honington/Wyton and Lossiemouth/Cranwell/Leeming.

The opening day’s action saw Hal/HW go top with Brize second, scraping through with two draws in the group, while league two saw Con/Wad come out as winners with some high-scoring matches and Los/Crn/Lee just behind in second.

The second day saw plays off and semi-final matches, starting with a strong Con/Wad team beating Brize 4-0, before Hal/HW and Los/ Crn/lee did battle, with Hal/HW winning 5-1.

The fifth/sixth play-off match saw Benson beat Mar/Hon/Wy 2-1. The final maintained the high level of hockey action ending a 2-2 draw, meaning penalties, with Halton saving one and winning.

Speaking during the RAFIHA event closing dinner, CAS ACM Sir Richard Knighton, RAF Hockey president, said: “This has been the most successful year for RAF Hockey in over three decades with

the men, women and under-25s winning both the indoors and outdoors Inter-Service trophies. This is testament to the great coaching, amazing team spirit and

fantastic players that we have.” Halton/High Wycombe will now go on to represent the RAF at the Tri-Service Cup at RAF Halton on July 5.

FINAL: Halton/High Wycombe and Benson battle it out for the title, main picture (PHOTO: ELEANOR KEDGE). And other action from the event, above and left

“A fantastic example of what RAF Hockey is all about”

Film Review

Love Without Walls (15)

In cinemas now

Shocking ending to homeless pair's tale

Film's dramatic climax

AYOUNG and besotted couple find themselves losing everything, forced onto the streets with only their aspirations and love for each other to keep them going.

Paul (Niall McNamee) is an Irish singer/songwriter of the Mumford & Sons variety who plays social clubs and pubs for a few quid, and to keep his dream of being a musician alive. This is in spite of the mixed crowds, who find his boring songs an interruption to their bingo night (the film features a softly saccharine soundtrack of

original music written and performed by McNamee himself).

Paul has a fan in the shape of his wife and manager Sophie (Shana Swash) who books his gigs, and takes photographs whilst singing along from the back. Taking an online photography course, Sophie is also creative but dependant on Paul passing ‘the Knowledge’ and becoming a cabbie so that they don’t have to worry about the bills.

It is not long however before they are suddenly evicted from their home, having to test every relationship with friends and family by finding a place to crash, burning bridges along the way.

Wittering Whitehalls at Edinburgh Fringe

Landing in Southend, the downward spiral of Paul and Sophie is pretty swift and unrelenting, and it appears that what little they have is taken from them, stolen on the pursuit of keeping afloat.

The strongest feature of Love Without Walls is in its ability to surprise; with a shared laugh in a time of turmoil, or an act of kindness from a stranger when things are expected to get bleaker. These moments, however, do not equip you for where the story is headed, taking the darkness to a

DVDs

MICHAEL AND Hilary Whitehall (above), parents of comedian and actor Jack, are taking their hit podcast The Wittering Whitehalls live to new Edinburgh venue The Fringe at Prestonfield on August 19.

From August 18-27, the 500seat Fringe venue at Prestonfield House, a five-star hotel in one of the Scottish capital’s finest buildings, is staging a programme of theatre, comedy and cabaret featuring famous faces from the world of entertainment.

They include Sir Cliff Richard in conversation with Gloria Hunniford, and actress Stephanie

Beacham (Dynasty) will be among the guests at a series of chat shows hosted by actor and presenter Christopher Biggins.

On August 23, choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips will share stories of her career in An Audience with Dame

Arlene Phillips

Scottish comedian Janey Godley opens the venue’s programme on August 18 with her show Not Dead Yet.

The Fringe at Prestonfield runs until August 27.

l Go to: fringeatprestonfield. co.uk for more details.

shocking end point.

If not shaken by its bizarrely dramatic climax, Love Without Walls has an unexpected charm,

that grows and wanes in quick succession.

3 out of 5 roundels

Review by Sam Cooney

Safe House (15)

On

Frosty reception for Washington Win!

THIS 2012 action thriller stars Oscar winner Denzel Washington (Man On Fire, The Equalizer) and AFC Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and has supporting roles from Oscar nominees: Vera Farmiga (The Departed Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin and Sam Shepard (Paris, Texas). It was directed by Daniel Espinosa (Morbius, Life).

When a South African safe house is attacked, containing exCIA agent turned fugitive Tobin Frost (Washington) and rookie CIA officer Matt Weston (Reynolds), the unlikely allies must stay alive long enough to uncover who wants them dead.

We have copies of Safe House on DVD and Blu-ray to win. For your chance to own one,

give us the correct answer to the following question:

What is the name of Denzil Washington’s character in Safe House?

Email your answer, marked Safe House competition, to: tracey. allen@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by July 21. Please add your full postal address to your entry and state whether you prefer to win a copy on Blu-ray or DVD.

NOTHING BUT LOVE: Paul and Sophie sleep rough (top) before ending up in Southend (above)

Last woman to be hanged in Britain

ITV HAS commissioned a new four-part drama, Ruth, about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain.

Ellis is played by Lucy Boynton, who recently starred in ITV’s threepart adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? Her credits also include Bohemian Rhapsody and the newly-released biographical film Chevalier

Told over two parallel timelines, Ruth reveals secret truths about the case which have remained hidden for decades, poses tantalising questions about what really happened in the months before Ellis killed her lover David Blakely, and sheds light on the life of one of Britain’s most infamous murderesses, said a spokesperson for ITV.

The spokesperson added: “The drama depicts Ruth’s entry into a dizzying upper-class London world that promises so much, but ultimately delivers treachery.

“We follow her glamorous lifestyle as a young nightclub manageress, her abusive relationship with the man she later gunned down in cold blood, her arrest, trial and the subsequent

Mother and daughter's Great Days

Pair star in Take That musical

legal fight to reprieve her before she was hanged by infamous hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, in Holloway Prison, aged just 28.”

The drama is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, adapted by Kelly Jones (The Long Call, Des, Baptiste).

Boynton said: “Ruth Ellis’s story is a fascinating one. Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction, and with Kelly’s insightful scripts I’m looking forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences as well as those who are unaware of her mark on British history.”

Murdered by 'friend'

THE BBC has released first-look images for its new factual drama The Sixth Commandment, starring Timothy Spall and Anne Reid. It tells the story of how the meeting of an inspirational teacher, Peter Farquhar (Spall), and a charismatic student, Ben Field (Éanna Hardwicke), set the stage for one of the most complex and confounding criminal cases in recent memory. It also focuses on how suspicions around Field’s relationship with Ann Moore-Martin (Reid), Peter’s deeply religious neighbour, unlocked a series of chilling revelations.

A BBC spokesperson said: “The Sixth Commandment explores the way in which both Peter and Ann

were manipulated by Field, capturing the extreme gaslighting, the gripping police investigation and the highprofile trial, while poignantly highlighting the devastating effect of isolation and loneliness, as Field closed in on them.

“It also celebrates both Peter and Ann’s lives as cherished mentors, much-loved relatives and adored friends.”

The four-part true crime drama was written by Sarah Phelps (A Very British Scandal, The Pale Horse).

The spokesperson added: “The Sixth Commandment has been made in full cooperation with Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin’s families and is coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer.”

CORONATION STREET and Waterloo Road star Kym Marsh is joined by her daughter Emilie Cunliffe on stage in the official Take That musical Greatest Days, currently on a national tour, playing different versions of the same character, Rachel.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Take That’s first-ever UK number 1 single Pray, Greatest Days features more than 15 recordbreaking songs from the band with a story from the award-winning writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots).

The musical follows a group of five best friends in the 1990s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time.

Kym, who shot to stardom in Noughties band Hear’Say and is now a presenter on the BBC’s Morning Live, said: “The story is beautiful – it’s emotional, inspiring, very funny and I love the characters. You add Take That’s amazing music to the mix and what’s not to love?”

Emilie agreed. “I love how the story flits back in time and you learn about these women when they were younger and how they grew up. It takes you on a rollercoaster through their lives,” she added.

The real-life mother and daughter both play Rachel in two different forms – Kym is the older Rachel and Emilie the younger one.

Kym explained: “It’s really lovely that we play these different versions of the same character and the other characters in the story all have younger and older versions as well. It’s about a group of friends who fell in love with a boy band back in the day, as we all did. For me, it was New Kids on the Block, that’s how old I am. It’s that thing of having a group of friends who all love the same band.

“Without giving anything away, there’s a bit of a twist to the story when the friends are younger and we get to see what’s happened to them since that time. It’s about how the love of a boy band brings them back together.

“The love of the band is still there, even as older women, which I think is true of Take That fans. Back in the day, in the early 90s, they had that kind of pull. Then they went away,

came back and the fans were still there for them, except they were all like my age now.”

Kym revealed that she sees a lot of her young self in Emilie.

“She has the same passion. She loves music and drama. She enjoys performing And she’s a young mum, as was I. I was 21 when I had her and she was 21 when she had her son. She’s feisty, she’s funny and she’s really driven.

“Over the last 12 months,

CHARMING: Field (Hardwicke) gained trust of victim's neighbour Ann (Reid). Inset, Peter (Spall)

LUCY BOYNTON: Stars as Ruth Ellis

FAMOUS FIVE: (l-r) Hannah Brown, Mary Moore, Emilie Cunliffe, Kitty Harris and Mari McGinley

PHOTOS: ALASTAIR MUIR

CLOSE: Kym and Emilie

an artist in that time. It’s been a joy to watch and now to share the stage with her is an absolute pleasure.”

Kym added: “I used to get Emilie up on stage to sing with me when she was 14 but we’d never actually worked together professionally.”

“It’s a new experience and having Mum with me for support is great,” said Emilie. “I’ve got two young kids at home and that was my biggest worry. It’s taken a while to get past the dread of leaving the kids because my life has revolved around them.

“I loved Take That from the start,” Kym said. “It doesn’t

matter how old you are, Take That’s music speaks to people of all different ages and everybody knows them.”

Emilie added: “Mum listened to their music when I was younger. Now I love them and I’m a big fan myself.”

Greatest Days is at Milton Keynes Theatre from July 3-8. The tour, which runs until November 25, visits venues including Liverpool, Cheltenham, Canterbury, Norwich, Glasgow and Bristol. Go to: musicalsontour.co.uk for more details.

The Greatest Days film starring Aisling Bea (This Way Up) as Rachel is in cinemas now.

Interview by Simon Button

Books Cinderella Boys

johnmurraypress.co.uk

Win!

How 'forgotten' Coastal Command turned WWII

BASED ON a wealth of new sources, including from diaries, log books, official records, archives and interviews, Leo McKinstry’s new book Cinderella Boys, The Forgotten RAF Force That Won The Battle of the Atlantic (johnmurraypress.co.uk) tells the remarkable story of the unsung RAF wing who rescued Britain from Hitler’s U-boats and made Allied victory possible.

In early 1943 Britain was engaged in an epic struggle for survival; as German U-boats roamed the Atlantic, supply lines and shipping losses fell victim to the carnage.

In desperation, Churchill turned to the RAF’s maritime wing – an overlooked, underfunded force known as The Cinderella Service. But the ascendancy of the U-boat forced a change in attitude and it was given the long-range planes, depth charges, rocket projectiles and radar equipment with which to

DVD

challenge the enemy.

The Cinderella Boys provided vital air defence the whole way across the Atlantic. The German hunters were now the hunted, and, in a stunning defeat, had fully retreated by the summer of 1943.

The transformation of Coastal Command from a ramshackle outfit into a vast, formidable organisation provided one of the turning points of the conflict, keeping Britain in the war and opening the way to D-Day in 1944.

Leo McKinstry is the author of 12 non-fiction books including a trilogy on the RAF during World War II.

We have copies of The Cinderella Boys to give away. For your chance to win one, simply tell us: How many non-fiction books has Leo McKinstry written?

The Laureate (15)

Out now on Blu-ray, DVD and download (Dazzler Media)

Email your answer, marked Cinderella Boys book, to: tracey. allen@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: , Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE to arrive by July 21. Please include your full postal details

Graves' 20s love triangle

ROMANTIC DRAMA The Laureate, written and directed by William Nunez, is a fictionalised account of the tangled lives of writer and World War I veteran Robert Graves, (Tom Hughes, Victoria) his artist wife Nancy Nicholson (Laura Haddock, Downton Abbey: A New Era) and the American poet and critic Laura Riding (Dianna Agron, Glee).

In the mid-1920s, celebrated

poet and writer Graves returns from war traumatised and creatively struggling. It takes young poet Riding to re-ignite his passion and, with the blessing of his wife, Nancy, his muse becomes his lover. With the three of them sharing a life, Laura’s attention soon turns to Nancy, and a complicated relationship that scandalised society threatens to risk everything they have.

WWI

VET: Robert Graves (Tom Hughes)

We have copies of The Laureate on DVD up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning one, tell us: Who stars as Robert Graves in The Laureate?

Email your answer, marked The Laureate DVD competition, to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by July 21.

THAT': Regan Gascoigne, Archie Durrant, Kalifa Burton, Jamie Corner and Alexander O'Reilly

AUTHOR: McKinstry

Your Announcements

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

Deaths

SIDDLE Dave WO died peacefully in hospital on June 12. Dave served in the RAF for 37 years. Beloved husband to Pat, dearly loved father to Mark and Stephen and father-in-law to Helen and Juliette. A proud grandfather and great-grandfather to four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. He will be sadly missed but remembered with laughter.

WALTER, Peter Thomas WO, MBE, BEM, passed away after a short illness on June 15. He joined the RAF in October 1952 and served until his retirement in October 1988. An MT Technician by trade, he served at a variety of units in the UK including Coltishall, Waterbeach, Oakington, Coningsby, Brampton and Molesworth. Overseas service included Egypt, Aden, Cyprus and Belize. A great example of what a Warrant Officer should be, his discharge paperwork stated: “WO Walter is a traditionalist and was always impeccably turned out whether on or off duty. He will be sorely missed by the Royal Air Force”. Married for 62 years, he was widowed by his beloved wife Ethel in November 2017. He will be greatly missed by his daughters Susan and Eileen, his brother Phillip, his grandchildren Christopher, Lauren, Aimee and Ryan and his great-grandchildren Stephen, Jake, Lily, Eleanor and Oliver along with the rest of his family.

Seeking

SEEKING any air or ground crew from 203, 210 and 205 Sqns involved in Shackleton operations from RAF Changi and RAF Labuan during the Indonesian Confrontation of 1963-65. Please contact: Tony Fairbairn: email: tony.

How to use our service

fairbairn@btinternet.com or call: 07752 337907.

SEEKING anyone in the 309th entry at RAF Hereford from May 1967 until April 1968. Please email Ian Dall: iandall622@gmail.com.

LOOKING for any members of the 47th entry TG19 Hereford 62-64. Any still about? Please contact Jim Cummins via email on: Carol_cummins@aol.com or call: 01302 532865, 07517 416702.

Reunions

45TH Entry C Flt 3 Sqn Suppliers reunion Friday/ Saturday, September 22 and 23 at Barns Hotel, Cocksparrow Lane, Huntingdon, Cannock, Staffs. For details contact: Dinger Bell, tel: 01482 377625.

THE RAF Masirah and RAF Salalah Veterans Association Reunion Gala Dinner is to be held on Saturday, October 7 at the Hatton Court Hotel, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8DE. All members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining the Association please contact our Membership Secretary, Harry Player, on: chrisarry714@gmail.com for further information.

and Spa, Sketchley Lane, Hinkley, Leicestershire, LE10 3HU. For more information please visit: rafanddfsa. co.uk/reunions or you can contact Don Pape, email: donaldpape252@yahoo.com or Mike Clapton, email: fire. bucket@btinternet.com for any further questions. If you are not a member and wish to join, please visit the website to see how to join. We welcome new members.

Associations

RAF Armourers past and present. Do you know that the RAF Association has an Armourers Branch? The Branch’s aim is to provide welfare support and comradeship for all who have served or currently serve as an RAF Armourer. See: rafaarmourers.co.uk or contact the committee via: plumbersrest@outlook.com.

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

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

Families Day

RAF veterans take on cycling challenge in aid of MS Society

TWO RAF veterans are joining a gruelling challenge next month in aid of the MS Society.

Former Flt Lt James Baker and JT Lee Manford, with friends John Hill and Chris Foster, will take on a 1,000mile, non-stop relay cycling journey spanning the length of the UK – and they plan to complete the trip in under 61 hours.

The team, who describe themselves as ‘four average cycling dads in their 40s’, will start from Land’s End at 5am on July 7 and aim to finish at John O’Groats at around 6pm on July 9.

Lee said: “The challenge we face is not only physical but also a logistical undertaking of massive proportions.”

The cyclist pals will be

aided by a support crew of six volunteers.

Lee added: “We are grateful for the invaluable support we have received so far. ”

Go to: justgiving. com/page/johnhill-1674305821861 to support the team and you can follow their progress via the Instagram account End2end2023.

Join special event for 504 Sqn

THE RAF and Defence Fire Service reunion will take place from Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5 at the Sketchley Grange Hotel

230 TIGER SQUADRON Association, August 30–31, Wallingford Hotel, RAF Benson Visit and Families Day. Please contact Rod Goodier: 230assocreunionsec@ gmail.com; Facebook: 230 Squadron RAF Association.

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

Important Notice

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

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

A Parade is being held at RAF Wittering on Saturday, October 14 to mark the presentation of the Number 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Standard. Are you an ex-member of 504? Would you like to attend the Parade and post-parade reception in the Warrant Officers’ and SNCOs’ Mess? This is a fantastic

opportunity to catch up with old mates and, maybe, make some new ones. It’s sure to be a truly memorable day. If you’d like to be part of this historic event, please scan the QR Code and complete the form, or email Cpl Paul Chapman at: Paul. Chapman242@mod.gov.uk

Completed returns must be received by October 2.

Battle of Britain memorial service

THE ROYAL Air Force announces that the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication will be held in Westminster Abbey at 11am on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Applications for tickets, stating all names, addresses, telephone number/email address, place and date of birth, passport or driving licence number of individuals wishing to attend should be made in writing and are to be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Applications should reach Mrs Michèle Small, SO3 RAF Ceremonial Events, RAF Ceremonial Office, RAF Northolt, West End Road, Middlesex, HA4 6NG by July 21, 2023.

To assist with seating in the Abbey, applicants are requested to state which of the following categories is appropriate: former Battle of Britain era Royal Air Force personnel or Emergency Services and role; past or present members of the Royal Air Force and its Reserve Forces; or member of the general public. In addition, we are particularly interested to hear from relatives of Battle of Britain era Royal Air Force personnel. Please state if you are a wheelchair user.

Tickets, and a note on dress and timings for the occasion, will be issued two weeks before the Service.

Applications should not be made to Westminster Abbey.

PEDAL POWER: The fundraising bikers (from left) Lee, Chris, James and John

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ounceme ur Ann osforannouncement fo hot ail p em y.allen@rafnews.co.uk y.

ge his pa sont

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

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Scholarship applications open

APPLICATIONS FOR the Attagirls Molly Rose Pilot Scholarship, for a young woman to obtain a full Private Pilot’s Licence, are now open.

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The successful recipient will obtain her flying training with the Marshall of Cambridge-owned Cambridge Aero Club, founded as the Marshall Flying School in 1929 by David Marshall, the father of former Air Transport Auxiliary pilot Molly (pictured, inset, as a young airwoman).

The scholarship is an initiative created by film producer Paul Olavesen-Stabb from Aetheris Films and Publishing.

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Paul wrote the novel Attagirls inspired by Molly’s time as an ATA girl and is looking for production partners for the film.

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He said: “The Attagirls feature film, book and scholarship will hopefully encourage young women everywhere to consider a career in aviation.

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“The scholarship is synonymous with Molly’s story as she was not afraid to embrace opportunities that during her time were exclusive to men.

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pilot, and at a time when it was extremely rare for women to take on such roles.”

Paul added: “The mantra of Attagirls is one of ‘courage under pressure’ – a message for young women to have the courage to embrace an opportunity despite its challenges – the challenges in aviation being an arena which is predominantly male-oriented.

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“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors; Marshall of Cambridge, Cambridge Aero Club, Molly’s three sons Graham, Gregory and Nigel, and the British Women Pilots’ Association, together with a personal donation from Philip Meeson, the Executive Chairman of Jet2.

“We are also grateful to the RAF Club in London for their help throughout the project.”

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Kathy Jenkins, Marshall CEO, said: “Naturally, Molly Rose holds a very special place in the Marshall family and company history, and we are delighted to able to support the scholarship for a second consecutive year.”

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The 2021 scholarship was awarded to 17-year-old Air Cadet Georgia Pescod from Cambridge. After gaining her Private Pilot’s Licence last summer, she will start training for her commercial licence in November.

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Go to: aetheris.co.uk for more information.

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The temporary exhibition showcases the students’ designs, alongside video interviews where they talk about their experiences of creating designs for the project.

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A NEW temporary exhibition at the RAF Museum Midlands celebrates a collaboration with students from the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Architecture and Built Environment. The Museum worked with the School to set design challenge modules for students for a new collections centre and the redevelopment of an existing hangar, to incorporate a Learning Centre and exhibition.

As part of the display, an interactive ‘have your say’ station encourages visitors to draw their own design and share ideas for the Museum’s future.

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Based on a brief from the RAF Museum, students created designs for the redevelopment of Hangar 1 that will house the new

Learning Centre and an innovative exhibition focusing on the critical role of the RAF over the past 40 years.

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The students also worked on designs for a new Collections Hub that will enable the Museum to care for and open up its stored collections to the public.

Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said: “The designs have brought fresh thinking and perspectives to our plans and colleagues at the University have been brilliant partners.”

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Yo Youcan Yo trace

Prize Crossword No. 342

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 7 letters in yellow squares to find an RAF term

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 July 21.

Prize Crossword No. 340 winner is: David Allison, Lincoln.

Prize Su Doku No. 352

Across

6. Looks amazed at what pilots wear (7)

7. From Vienna, Valentine in kind of battle (5)

9. Southern agony affecting country (5)

10.See 3 Down

12. While I leave expresses, baggage-handler takes plane (11)

14.And 20 Down. Crashing downward, closer to conflict involving RAF (6,5,3)

18. RAF open about disrespectful term (7)

19.See 3 Down

21. Play on words church will blast (5)

22. Fishy part of Massachusetts presumably (4,3) Down

1. Musically appealing flower? (5)

2. Less appealing Luger I dismantle (6)

3.And 10 Across, 19 Across. RAF saying: Drat! Aura’s parade ruined! (3,5,2,5)

4. Yes, German sentry almost met big cat (6)

5. A German disturbed boss (7)

8. Gas Superman’s home (7)

11. After a sign of agreement, hear why North-East dull (7)

13. Put up with almost massive embrace (4,3)

15. Place of business originally optioned French furniture in Canadian embassy (6)

16. Attend bank in middle of Coventry (6)

17. Brush second kitchen, say (5)

20.See 14 Across

Name

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

RAF term:.......................................................................

Music

Mae Muller New album

Mae day

Eurovision star releases first album

FRESH FROM representing the UK at Eurovision last month, Mae Muller has announced the release of her muchanticipated debut album, Sorry I'm Late on September 15.

The 25-year-old said: “I’m so excited about the album coming out. I can’t wait for the fans who have stuck by me from the beginning to hear the record, and for those who have been so supportive on my Eurovision journey to hear more music.

“I’m really showing a different side of myself on this album: a vulnerable one, one that I haven’t

Solution to Crossword No 341:

Crossword No. 342

spoken about before. I can be strong, sassy, confident, and I can also be sad and have my low moments, but I’m still me… it’s just as empowering to show both sides.”

This year has been an incredible one for Mae – in January she was chosen to represent the UK at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool with dance-pop anthem I Wrote A Song.

Following the show, the track

became the No 1 trending song in the UK and then made the Top 10, giving Mae her first Top 10 single.

Over the summer she will play several festivals including Truck festival in Oxfordshire on July 21, Brighton Pride (August 5) and Sundown Festival (September 3, Norwich). She tours the UK throughout November, including a show at London’s Roundhouse on November 23. l Go to: maemuller.com for tour info.

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 July 21.

The winner of Su Doku No: 350 is: Graham Dickens, St Andrews.

DVDs

Nocturnal Animals (15)

On DVD and Blu-ray from July 10 (Fabulous Films/Fremantle Media Enterprises)

Win!

Novel penned by ex reawakens passion

AMY ADAMS (American Hustle) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) star in this haunting romantic thriller from acclaimed writer/director Tom Ford.

Susan (Adams) is living through an unfulfilling marriage when she receives a package from her ex-husband Edward (Gyllenhaal) containing the manuscript of a novel. The book is dedicated to her but its content is violent and devastating.

Susan cannot help but reminisce over her past love story with the author. Increasingly she interprets the book as a tale of revenge, a tale that forces her to re-evaluate the choices she has made, and reawakens a love that she feared was lost.

Ford gained fame as the creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before launching his eponymous label in 2006. In 2009 he directed A Single Man followed by Nocturnal Animals in 2016; both films were Oscar-nominated. Nocturnal Animals won the Grand

Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

The film is based on Austin Wright’s novel Tony and Susan, first published in the US in 1993 then republished in the UK in 2010. Ford said: “Making a film, for me, is the closest I will get to being an artist. I don’t do it to live – this sounds spoiled, but I have money that comes from other sources. I do it for passion. I do it because I love it.”

We have copies of Nocturnal Animals on Blu-ray and DVD to win. For your chance to own one, answer this question correctly: Who directed Nocturnal Animals? Email your answer, marked Nocturnal Animals film competition, to: tracey.allen@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by July 21. Please mark on your entry if you prefer to win the film on Bluray or DVD and include your full postal address.

NEW ALBUM: Eurovision's Mae MullerPHOTO: HARRY CARR

Across – 7. Join In 8. Shadow 10. Charger 11. Niche 12. Open 13. Stool 17. Mercy 18. Pele 22. Treat 23. Overdue 24. Rattle 25. France Down – 1. Ejector 2. Citadel 3. Wings 4. Chinook 5. Edict 6. Owner 9. Protector 14. Pep Talk 15. Verdant 16. Leveret 19. Storm 20. Seats 21. Bear-F RAF term – Manoeuvres