51 DEGREES NORTH IS NOW DIGITAL! TO KEEP UP WITH BRIZE NEWS THE MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND WEBSITE!
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The walk on the slave trade and its impact on Bristol, will incorporate the 1,000 year history of Bristol as a port, a summary history of Bristol’s participation in the English and British slave trade including the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833, and reference to Bristol born Edward Colston, an official of the Royal African Company, and his divisive legacy to Bristol. The walk will take in the historic harbour of Bristol including the Floating Harbour, the City Centre, College Green, Park Street, Bristol Cathedral, Pero’s Bridge, and Queen Square.
Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School
Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
Check our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com
Please contact the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - A school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Witney, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages 3 to 18 years. We have been voted as Dance School Of The Year 2022 by Oxfordshires Prestige Awards.
Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School
Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - A school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Witney, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages 3 to 18 years. We have been voted as Dance School Of The Year 2022 by Oxfordshires Prestige Awards.
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - A school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Witney, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages 3 to 18 years. We have been voted as Dance School Of The Year for both 2022 and 2023 by Oxfordshire’s Prestige Awards.
Check our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com Please
Check our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
lease contact the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - a school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages of 3 to 18 years.
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
TWO WEEK FREE TRIAL!
our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com
Check our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com
Check our website: www.deborahmanningschoolofdance.com
lease contact the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Please contact the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Please contact the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
the principal Connie Manning on: conniemanning16@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Welcome to the latest edition of 51 Degrees North, the magazine that brings you all the latest news from RAF Brize Norton.
You will find this edition packed with stories, showcasing the amazing activities the Station participates in.
With Easter behind us (and chocolate) we are looking forward to bringing you all the latest news during the months ahead and hopefully we will see some much-needed sunshine.
With only weeks to go we are in the midst of preparing for the upcoming coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and we will bring you, through our different social media channels and this magazine, the highlights of what is without a doubt going to be a spectacular event for the whole country. We would love to see any images you take during the celebrations so that we can share them; please do get in touch.
I am delighted to confirm the RAF Falcons received their Public Display Authority. Keep your eyes to the skies, with a full display calendar ahead –you never know when you may catch a glimpse of them.
Sadly, we are bidding a fond farewell to Flt Lt Dave Coombs who has played a pivotal role behind the scenes over the last eight years, ensuring the Station magazine has continued to be the success it is. Dave has been an integral part of the Station and the magazine, and we wish him well (don’t be a stranger Dave!).
It only leaves me now to say, have an amazing time during the coronation celebrations.
Catch you all soon
Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 12TH MAY 2023
Your article should aim to be between 300-500 words in length, with a high resolution picture over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named and that you provide the author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.
The family of a former member of No. 47 Squadron have passed historic photo albums he put together during his time in the Royal Air Force to the Squadron’s Officer Commanding, Wing Commander James Sjoberg.
Annette Fox brought the photo albums, which were put together by her late father Arthur Fox, to 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton to add to the Squadron’s growing history collection. The albums detail Arthur’s time on 47 Squadron, dating from 1939 to 1941, with photos and captions taken and written by him.
Royal Air Force career. The albums and documentation will be a treasured addition to our existing collection of historical memorabilia capturing the Squadron’s past. It has been a fascinating experience being able to use these historical albums and documents to discuss and compare life on 47 Squadron from over 80 years ago until the present day. Meeting the Fox family and hearing stories of Arthur's time on 47 Squadron was an honour.”
Wing Commander Sjoberg said: “It was a great honour to welcome the Fox family to 47 Squadron this week to present photo albums and other documents belonging to their late father, Arthur Fox, who was a member of 47 Squadron in the Second World War. Current Squadron members and I enjoyed sharing their memories and stories about Arthur, and it was fascinating to cross-reference his incredible photographs with our existing history. On behalf of 47 Squadron, I’d like to thank the Fox family for donating these special heirlooms, which will join a wealth of other precious documents in our Squadron history room.”
Originals of photos which are already included in the Squadron’s official history book were found within Arthur’s albums. Annette and her family took the time to share the stories of her father’s time in the Royal Air Force with members of 47 Squadron.
Sergeant Edward Becket, who helped organise the visit for the Fox family, said: “The photo albums captured Arthur’s time in the Middle East whilst serving on 47 Squadron, along with other images from his extensive
This year’s theme was ‘#EmbraceEquity’ and the events held throughout the day were aimed at helping people across the Whole Force at RAF Brize Norton to get talking about equity and equality.
The day compromised several events that personnel could dip in and out of and included forums for people to share ideas, guest speakers, and a chance to chat to local support groups. The highlight of the day were the various fitness sessions in the Station Gym; these were open for the Whole Force to take part in at all levels and were run by women.
The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team, based at RAF Brize Norton,
also marked the day via their social media accounts ‘@RAFFalcons’ by highlighting the women past and present who have played a significant role in leading the team through their display seasons over the years. This includes the current 2nd in command of the team, Flight Lieutenant Jen Littler, who will go on to be the Commanding Officer of the team for the 2024 display season.
The Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton, Group Captain Claire O’Grady, said:
“To me, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the amazing achievements of women. As Station Commander and Chair of the RAF Gender Network it also provides me the opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusivity – striving towards a world where gender is equal. This includes recognising the male allies around us so we can all celebrate International Women’s Day. Together we can #EmbraceEquity’”
Royal Air Force Brize Norton marked International Women’s Day 2023 with a series of events held across the Station for personnel to get involved with and spark conversation.
The artwork was lovingly painted by former Hercules pilot, Henley Johnson, to honour over 56 years of service. Entitled ‘Last Out’, the painting has recently resided in both the Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’, and Officers’ Messes at RAF Brize Norton; it celebrates the C-130’s exceptional years of RAF service, including its role as the last RAF aircraft out of Afghanistan.
At a small ceremony, the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Strategy, AVM Simon Edwards, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, AVM Mark Flewin, and RAF Club Trustee, Wg Cdr James Poynton welcomed the arrival of the painting which was presented by OC 47 Sqn, Wg Cdr James Sjoberg, and Commander Air Wing RAF Brize Norton, Gp Capt Gareth Burdett, 47 Sqn Pilot, Flt Lt Lauren Stewart. Personnel also took the opportunity to pay their respects by laying a wreath at the nearby Bomber Command Memorial.
Finally, a well-deserved, and much delayed, Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all (no rest for the Hercules - even in its final few months!).
Last month, personnel from Number 47 Squadron headed to the Royal Air Force Club in London to present the Hercules commemorative painting to its new home.
The fleet may be retiring from RAF service, but there's no let up for the C-130J Hercules and her crews.
Earthquake relief operations are ongoing, Operation SHADER continues, and another two aircraft are detached from RAF Brize Norton to support major exercises elsewhere.
With tireless effort from the exceptional engineers and operations planning staff, the Herc also finds time to keep up essential crew training - such as in the recent sorties depicted here.
The award was created in fond memory of Warrant Officer Mac Peace who was Warrant Officer VC10 & TriStar Maintenance School (VCTMS) 1998 – 2004. Undertaking the B type course before the Foundation course, Cpl Lee was at a disadvantage when compared to other students, however, he showed that with dedication and attention to detail, the B-type course could be accomplished first. During the Foundation course he excelled during lessons which were outside his trade. He achieved this by actively participating in classroom discussions and leading revision sessions with other students in order to assist them through the course. He applied the knowledge gained on the B-type, which added relevance to the subject, to better aid comprehension for
other students and completed both courses with impressive examination results. An intellectual and extremely professional aviator, Cpl Lee is an asset to LXX Sqn and the Air Mobility Force.
At a small gathering, Group Captain Gareth Burdett, Commander Air Wing, presented the prestigious award to Corporal Lee.
The exercise was designed to provide a valuable opportunity to enhance co-operation between the two units, to practise the tactical flying skills used by the aircrew of each nation and to learn from each other’s procedures. The mission required the crews to plan, brief and fly a sortie to dispatch stores in mountainous terrain, using a container delivery system, as a 2-ship formation.
Although the airframe is flown by both nations, the crew compliment deployed for a mission of this nature is different. The RAF C-130J is operated by 2 Pilots, an Air Loadmaster (ALM) and Air Despatchers from 47AD Squadron. The USAF MC-130J has a crew compliment of 2 Pilots, a Combat Systems Officer and an ALM.
The route that was planned by the operating crews to achieve the mission utilising Low Flying Areas (LFA) within the UK Low Flying System in England and Wales. The mission focussed on developing skills that would be utilised in the deployment of the squadrons anywhere in the world, but also comply with the good practices that are employed as crews operate safely whilst minimising disruption to those living and working in the LFAs across the UK.
Non-operating crews from each squadron also participated;
they flew on board each other’s aircraft and saw first-hand how the Crew Resource Management differs between each nation whilst flying at low-level, in formation, and whilst conducting
The aircraft returned to RAF Mildenhall on completion of the mission; there the RAF crews were treated to a tour of the 67th Squadron facilities following a debrief attended by all involved. This mission will allow future training to be conducted with increasing levels of complexity, providing crews with valuable experience they will take forward beyond the retirement of the C-130J from RAF service in 2023.
Crews from 47 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton have recently conducted a low-level formation and simulated airdrop training mission flying with crews from 67th Special Operations Squadron of the United States Air Force which is based at RAF Mildenhall.
Wing Commander Udall handed over command on Thursday 26th January 2023 after flying a final air-to-air refuelling sortie on Voyager, alongside Wing Commander Summers. The flight was followed by the changing of the pennant outside the Voyager Force headquarters.
Wing Commander Udall said: “It’s been an amazing time in command of 101 Squadron and an honour to lead the Squadron that I spent most of my career serving on. We've achieved so much as a Force over the past few years and I'm exceptionally proud of the successes we've had over what's been a very busy period. Everyone on the Squadron rose to the challenges laid before us. Paul and I come from similar backgrounds: we were both VC10 tanker pilots, both air-to-air refuelling coordinators and both flight commanders on Voyager. He comes
into this with a wealth of experience to take over as Officer Commanding 101 Squadron and I wish him the best of luck taking the Squadron forward.”
Wing Commander Summers has had a long affiliation with RAF Brize Norton and 101 Squadron, first coming to the Station as a VC10 pilot in 2002. He said:
“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the Squadron. Wing Commander Udall has done a fantastic job through a difficult period, leading the Squadron through the pandemic and more recently the support to Ukraine. It’s a big Force with a lot of people and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the day-to-day running of everything.”
Number 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), based at RAF Brize Norton, have been adding an extra level of realism to their training during Exercise Swift Pirate, which took place at RAF Wittering in February.
In the exercise scenario, RAF Wittering only provided facilities that would be available at a basic airfield in a foreign country, meaning that personnel from 1AMW had to hone the skills they would use when deployed on operations. This year’s exercise was designed to simulate a humanitarian crisis during which 1AMW’s skills were put to the test.
The exercise has been running at the Cambridgeshire air base since 2018 and sees aircraft from the RAF’s Air Mobility Force join the training alongside other Support Force Elements comprised of specialist engineering and logistics squadrons which support military air operations and exercises in the UK and abroad.
1AMW specialises in aircraft handling, passenger and cargo handling and the safe loading and unloading of military transport aircraft. During the exercise, 1AMW personnel lived in tented accommodation and worked as they would on an undeveloped airfield. The team also trained to deal with simulated attacks from hostiles as well as a variety of humanitarian aid issues. These ranged from being as simple as children asking for food and water to more complex issues such as sightings of people being abducted. Another important part of the exercise was the opportunity for the UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron (UKMAMS) to qualify to perform Engine Running Onloads/Offloads, a valuable key skill required by all on the Squadron.
Squadron Leader Matthew Rose, the Exercise Coordinator, said: “The aim of the exercise is to confirm to Officer Commanding 1 AMW that UKMAMS are prepared to deploy in support of any emerging operations as well as a range of enduring operations from the Falklands to the Middle East and Africa. In my role, I am a focal point between other Force Elements that support the exercise: RAF Wittering who allow us to exercise on their Field Training Area, utilise their Air Traffic Control services and support us from a Fire and Crash cover perspective; the Air Mobility Force
who offer us live aircraft by which to conduct Engine Running On/Offloads; 2 Mechanical Transport who offer vehicle and transportation support; and of course everyone's favourite unit when deployed, 3 Mobile Catering Squadron who feed and water the entire team so delightfully throughout the course of the week. This exercise forms a small but significant part in our role to fulfil the RAF Support Force Mission:
As one of the 6-pillars of RAF Global Enablement, the Support Force Mission is to deliver, now and in the future, the essential Air Operations Enablement including high-readiness Force Elements and Defence Engagement needed to support Air and Space Power operations”
With its long runway and wide taxiways, RAF Wittering’s spacious airfield is perfect for the Air Mobility Force C-17 Globemaster and A400M Atlas aircraft, which support the exercise. The Station is an ideal place for training, fieldwork and live aircraft operations. It is also only a short flying distance from RAF Brize Norton, which allows the 1AMW team to work through multiple training activities quickly.
The training day takes place at the Robson Resilience Centre, Danesfield, England. In Feb, personnel from Operations Support Wing (OSW), undertook a day of Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), as part of Ex Challenge Eagle. We spent the morning learning the techniques of SUP, the equipment, methods of using the paddle and how to stand up without falling in. However, not all of us managed to stay dry whilst practising standing up!
In the afternoon we gently paddled downstream, spotting Kingfishers and freshwater mussels. Whilst paddling through a narrow, tree-covered section of the river, we came face to face with a RNLI team practicing their drills. Due to the narrow section of the river, the overhanging trees, and bends, one of us nearly ended up in the RNLI boat!
In the afternoon, we took part in several team-building challenges. This involved bringing a massive 8-person SUP onto
the river and making a ‘Human Tower’, as well as 180° jumping rotations and knee to chest jumping. This was made more difficult when the RNLI crew from earlier in the day sailed closely to our SUP, throwing waves towards us… The hardest challenge was for everyone to stay on the SUP!
A big thank you to all the staff at RRC Danesfield for accommodating us. We all had a fantastic day.
If you’re interested in organising or taking part in one of the Eagles Schemes, all of the information and guidance is available via SharePoint here;
https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/ teams/25305/SitePages/EAGLESSCHEMES.aspx
After reaching France, the group made their way to La Coupole, a bunker complex in the Pasde-Calais region built to be a storage and launch site for the German V2 rockets in World War 2. After touring the underground museum, the group discussed how, at the time, the V2 rocket was pushing the limits of technology and innovation, as well as re-shaping the battlespace, and what current future threats are facing the RAF and the challenges they present.
Day 2 began early with a journey across the border into Belgium to see the Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres. The museum provides a full account of the First World War, from how the war began, to the introduction of trench warfare and the first use of tanks, to the eventual end of the war. Afterwards, the group visited the Menin Gate – a memorial to
In February, members of XXIV Sqn departed Brize Norton and made their way across the channel to France for Exercise Hawker – a 3-day Staff Ride in France and Belgium to visit sites from World Wars 1 & 2.Hawthorn Crater: Discussing the repatriation of war dead.
the missing British and Commonwealth personnel, who died in the Ypres Salient and whose resting places are unknown. Following this, the group discussed the events of April 1917, and the factors that contributed to it being known as Bloody April by the pilots of the Royal Flying Corps, the precursor of the Royal Air Force, and the parallels that can be drawn between that time and recent air operations in Afghanistan.
The group then drove to Vimy Ridge near Arras – the site of a World War 1 battle in which Canadian troops used tactical innovations, such as the use of creeping artillery barrages, to defeat the German troops and take the high ground of Vimy Ridge at the beginning of the Battle of Arras. Following a tour of the extensive tunnel systems underneath the ridge and seeing how the landscape is still scarred from the artillery and mining operations that took place, everyone was able to visualise the battleground and the horrible conditions each side had to fight in.
Day 2 concluded at a restaurant in Arras, and a meal with members of the
XXIV Sqn Association, former members of XXIV Sqn, who regaled the current members of the Sqn with stories of their own time in the Royal Air Force, as well as discussing the different memorial sites that had been visited thus far.
The following morning, Friday 11th November, began in the village of Marie de Ligny-Thilloy, where the current and former members of XXIV Sqn took part in a memorial service with the local townspeople to remember the fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen of both world wars. This was particularly poignant as OC XXIV Sqn was asked to lay wreaths at the village’s own memorial, as well as at the memorial site for Major L G Hawker VC, a former Commanding Officer of XXIV Sqn when it was a part of the Royal Flying Corps.
This was followed by a short memorial ceremony at the local war graves site for the soldiers who died during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, and then a reception in the town hall where OC XXIV Sqn presented the Mayor with a framed Sqn crest as a sign of the enduring relationship between the
Squadron and the townspeople.
Following lunch, the group travelled to the Thiepval museum and the Somme War Memorial; there the group discussed the Battle of the Somme and the inflexible doctrine that resulted in the worst casualty numbers in the history of the British Army – almost 60,000 killed and wounded on 1 Jul 1916 alone. The group then visited the Hawthorne Crater at Hawthorne Ridge which was the result of the detonation of two mines at the end of tunnels under German fortifications. Containing a combined weight of over 30 tonnes of explosive, the blasts created a crater nearly 50 feet deep.
After several busy and informative days, filled with lots of discussion about the conditions of both wars and the changes in tactics and doctrine throughout history, the members of XXIV Sqn returned to Brize Norton, having had an eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable trip to France.
If the New Year resolutions have fallen by the wayside and you’re looking for a new way to get in shape in 2023, MAN v FAT Football might be the answer you’re looking for!
There are four MAN v FAT Football clubs in Oxfordshire, helping men of all ages tackle their weight loss and wellbeing goals. Supported by their peers, men have lost over 500,000lbs of weight nationally since the programme got started.
As well as the weekly football session – where weight loss achievements count as much as any goals scored on the pitch - members get access to an online gym and online mental health support platform too.
If you’re an Oxfordshire County Council resident, you may qualify for a 14 week funded spot on the programme thanks to Achieve Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire County Council, so why not take a look at the MAN v FAT website today at www.manvfatfootball.org to see what’s on offer?
Pressed
by Samantha
1st hand understanding of the March Out process Trouble
You don’t have to book a professional cleaner for March Out, but when you do, you’ll get added peace of mind.
Visit our website to find out more: pressedfortimecleaning.co.uk
or call Sam on 01865 346388 / 07517 210647
Email: samallen@pressedfortimecleaning.co.uk
March out - Understanding the process
As part of a military family myself I understand how confusing and unsettling the March Out process can be, especially if moving overseas. I hope I can make the process easier for you, with this advice.
March Out timeline
4 – 2 weeks before March Out
Soon after you receive your March Out date and instructions, the Accommodation Officer visits your home. They will produce a detailed list of cleaning jobs needing to be done before you can leave.
At this point
Reserve your method of transportation to your new property for the DAY OF your March Out. You may need to book flights if you’re leaving the country.
Do you own the furniture? If so, now is the time to book the removals for TWO DAYS BEFORE you leave. Agility Logistics Ltd is the MOD approved service provider.
Book your March Out clean for the DAY BEFORE you leave. As this is a very detailed clean, it’s worth finding a professional to ensure you pass your final inspection and incur no fees if you don’t pass.
The day before March Out
A March Out clean requires an empty property and usually takes a full day to complete to a passing standard. The Accommodation Officer will inspect again on the day of March Out.
It is likely you’ll be without the majority of personal belongings for two days while removals and cleaning take place. Don’t be tempted to avoid this by booking the clean for your last day, this will result in an inefficient clean and risks not passing final inspection.
The Pinnacle Service Families website has lots of information when it comes to moving away. In the meantime, I wish you all the best for a successful March Out.
SamAllen,PressedforTimeCleaningServices
Meet our new Deputy Officer Commanding. Flight Lieutenant Jen Littler.
Jennifer graduated from RAF Initial Officer Training in 2017. Following this she was selected to complete the Parachute Jumping Instructor Course which led to the award of her Military Parachute Wings and the converted Parachute Jump Instuctor Brevet. She then went on to support a specialist unit in advanced Free Fall before being selected as 2nd in Command of the RAF Falcons.
Jen said: “It is a privilege to become part of such a dedicated and hard-working team who represent the Royal Air Force across the UK and overseas. I hope that through meeting audiences and sharing my experiences I can empower aspiring children and young adults to aim high, whether that be in the military or in a civilian based career.”
Meet Sargeant Gabe Coleman-Moffat, a first year Falcon.
Gabe joined the Royal Air Force in 2015 as a Physical Training Instructor. Following his initial training he completed his first tour, at RAF Waddington, before going on to complete his Parachute Jumping Instructor Course, which led to the award of his Military Parachute Wings and converted Parachute Jumping Instructor Brevet.
When Gabe isn't jumping out of planes, he can often be found on the hockey field or in the gym.
Sergeant Gabe Coleman-Moffat said: "I am enjoying the camaraderie within the team, along with the challenging aspects of learning to become a display parachutist.”
Exercise Logistic Wilderness involved nine personnel from Logs Sqn visiting Snowdonia National Park, with the opportunity to learn basic mountaineering and navigational skills.
Day one started off with a full English breakfast followed by a weather brief and short MT ride to our first activity. On arrival at Capel Curig the instructors took the group through some basic navigational skills covering map reading, key feature identification and compass navigation. This set the tone for the rest of day with approximately 10 miles covered, although this could have been doubled if Sgt Billy Goodway hadn’t intervened during FS Craig Robinson’s lead. After Billy had provided some much-needed navigational guidance we were back on track, following the designated route. The day ended with a rendezvous at a local café for some very welcome refreshment and a review of the day’s activities, with FS Robinson confidently maintaining that he knew exactly where he was going the whole time!
Let’s walk until we reach the peak and then walk some more!
The next day we explored more of Snowdonia in glorious bright sunshine and with clear blue skies. First was a hike up Twll Du which is known as the ‘Devils kitchen’ and is a steep climb located between Glyder Fawr and Y Garn. After approximately three hours hard graft, a false peak, and a lot of fluid intake, we made it to the top. The views were absolutely fantastic, although some of the group thought the trail mix containing nuts and M&Ms was even better! The decent proved just as tough, but we were treated to a Typhoon flypast and witnessing the occasional slip from AS1 Sam Jarvis.
The programme for Day three included an overnight camp out and a group navigation exercise up Garnedd Ugain, the second-highest peak in Wales at 1,065m. The weather had taken a drastic turn for the worse; in 50mph winds, mist and heavy rain, the whole group pushed on to reach the peak. The next task was locating the bothy shelter before we lost the light. With a grid reference and plan, FS Robinson set off as lead navigator and soon received a number of enquiries from the instructors regarding our current location. Surprise, surprise, we were walking in the wrong direction - the navigational wizard had struck again! Finally, we arrived at the bothy, but some other walkers had beaten us to it so sleeping in tents under the stars was a great plan B.
The last day included the final leg of the Exped with a six-mile trek back to the carpark. That night we celebrated by walking another three miles to an Indian restaurant which brought an end to a tough but extremely rewarding week of AT.
The original drummer of the rock band Status Quo has performed at an event in Witney to raise money for the military charity Help for Heroes.
John Coghlan, who joined Status Quo in 1962, performed with his band ‘John Coghlan’s Quo’ at the event which raised over £4000 on the night.
The evening was attended by 148 guests and was attended by several guest speakers, including National Help for Heroes Ambassador Retired Lieutenant Colonel Spencer Bull and Retired Physio Major Sally Orange, a Mental Health Campaigner, multiple world record holder and endurance athlete.
Squadron Leader Jackie Millard-Smith, RAF Brize Norton’s Community Careers Recruitment Officer organised the event as part of a wider project she has ongoing to support the charity. She said: “Sadly I have lost 2 close veteran friends due to poor mental health and continue to see so many others suffer, so when I saw the opportunity to raise money for Help for Heroes I leapt at the chance. On 30 September I will hike up Machu Pichu at altitude camping in 2 berth tents in all arduous conditions to help raise some much needed funds for the charity which is struggling like so many others. I knew John as a personal friend and he kindly offered to perform for the event to help attract people to this Charity fundraiser at Witney Lakes.
The event made in excess of £4000 on the night which is absolutely smashes
my initial target of £2500; all thanks to the support of all the aforementioned as well as friends, family, the RAF Hosts on the night Flight Lieutenant Lewis Hill, AS1 Katie Stubley, AS1 Charlotte Haynes and Corporal Alfie McGrath and so many local businesses who donated prizes for the auction/raffle. Mr Nick Clark – a Chelsea Pensioner and good friend attend and also kindly donated 2 visits to the Royal Hospital for the auction on the night which was great”
Coghlan played on the first fourteen Status Quo albums and departed the
band in 1982. He said of the evening: “We were so glad to be a part of the wonderful fundraising event. Well done to everyone involved who helped put it together, myself and my band had a ball”
Royal British Legion (RBL) sent representatives of Team UK out to the USA to compete in the Air Force Trials as part of the wounded Warrior programme. This gave the USA teams the ability to compete in their process for selection for the Warrior Games.
The Air Force Trials are a Paralympic-style series of competitive event featuring sports adapted to the individual capabilities of the wounded warrior athletes. Each athlete is competing to earn one of 40 Primary slots on the United States Air Force Team in hopes of competing at the Warrior Games Challenge. Team UK helped to provide the competitive element to the trails, for the US Air Force to pick their team at the end of the event.
Charlie Dye, an RAF Veteran now Civil Servant who is part of the Whole Force at RAF Brize Norton took a team of 29 competitors 2 carers and 10 Royal British Legion staff including the Head of Sports Recovery for the RBL to the games. The team were hosted near Las Vegas at the Vegas Lakes with the competitions taking place at Nellis Airforce Base. The sports that were available were indoor rowing, powerlifting, cycling, swimming, athletics, archery, shooting, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball.
Charlie Dye, Team UK Captain for the Air Force Warrior Games Trials said: “For me, it was a great honour to be selected not only to be a competitor but also to lead the whole team and be Team UK captain. I was competing in indoor rowing where I achieved a personal best in the 1 min row and placed 4th in powerlifting where I got another personal best and came home with 7 medals in total. It was a fantastic opportunity to help give the trials that competitive nature needed for the US Air Force to select their own team to go on to represent the US at the Department of Defence Warrior Games 2023”
A member of RAF Brize Norton’s Whole Force community has led Team UK to success at the United States Air Force Warrior Games Trials.
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Legendary original Status Quo Drummer Mr John Coghlan plays a blend of ‘Quo Meets Jazz’ at this Exclusive Charity Fundraising Event in aid of Help for Heroes at Witney Lakes Resort 18 March 2023.
All profits will go to Help for Heroes and only limited tickets are being released to keep the event exclusive on a first come first served basis.
Tickets are £28 which includes a light supper.
Contact Jackie on jmsbs678@yahoo.com or 07980 261564
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