Brize Norton by Lance Media Group

Issue 4 2022 The Magazine of RAF Brize Norton facebook.com/RoyalAirForceBrizeNorton twitter.com/RAFBrizeNorton 51 DEGREES NORTH IS GOING DIGITAL! TO KEEP UP WITH BRIZE NEWS THE MAGAZINE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMSWEBSITE!AND

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4 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 20224 BRIZE NORTON PUBLISHING TEAM Published Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering,NN16Northants,8NL Tel: 01536 334222 Email: mike@lancemedia.co.uk Advertising Darren Greenhead Tel: 01536 680414 Email: darren@lancemedia.co.uk Designer Amanda Robinson Tel: 01536 334226 Email: amanda@lancemedia.co.uk Printed Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6SZ Editor Ms Anita Jack Editorial Team Mrs Stacey Evans Flt Lt Dave Coombs Editorial Contact 51⁰ North Magazine RAF Brize Norton Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX Email: bzn-51degreesnorth@mod.gov.uk EDITORIALDisclaimer:TEAM This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated. 06 NEWS A400M Atlas conducts Natural Surface Operations training in ...............................................................................................14Air...............................................................................................13Op...............................................................................................12Project...............................................................................................10Platinum...............................................................................................09501...............................................................................................07BrizeHer...............................................................................................06FranceRoyalHighness,ThePrincessRoyal,VisitsRAFNortonSquadronchangeofcommandJubileeFlypastPICASSOPITTINGpresentationCombatPowerVisit TEAM JRM ...............................................................................................21STEM...............................................................................................20Ex...............................................................................................19Hercules...............................................................................................18Hercules...............................................................................................17gardenTailInstallation-Albert’sFin-aleDeliveryTeamvisitKERNOWEAGLEAmbassadors COMMUNITY Community ..................................................................................................26Shire..................................................................................................25Vet’s..................................................................................................24Couple..................................................................................................22Supportreunited100thHorsechallenge 18 DEADLINE DELIVERY DATE ISSUE 1 20 JAN 23 FEB ISSUE 2 12 MAR 18 APR ISSUE 3 12 MAY 20 JUN ISSUE 4 12 JULY 22 AUG ISSUE 5 12 SEPT 17 OCT ISSUE 6 12 NOV 12 DEC 51 DEGREES NORTH MAGAZINE 2022 DEADLINE DATES ADVENTURE & SPORT Rowing .................................................................................................30RAF.................................................................................................28Flying.................................................................................................27AccoladeClubFlyoutBluewingsIceHockeyClub 2527

DEADLINE PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2022

The holiday season is well and truly underway. Take the time to relax, recharge and enjoy quality family time. Please do take care when out and about in the sunshine and remember our four-legged friends

MESSAGE FROM STN CDR E DITOR’S FOREWORD W e may now be on a different platform, but you can still read all about what we are doing here at RAF Brize Norton. I do hope that this digital version continues to share the achievements of our work force; there really is something for everyone to enjoy. I am sure that many of you all will have watched the Lionesses beat Germany at Wembley and I do hope that you spotted the Hercules C 130, flown by an all-women crew, on the fly past before the game officially kicked off – the teams were sensational, everyone involved was extremely privileged to be part of an event that made history that day.

Till next time Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North

It is a huge privilege to have taken command of Royal Air Force Brize Norton. T his is the first time I have served at Brize Norton and in my first weeks here I have been enormously impressed by the Station’s phenomenal delivery of air mobility across the globe and the efforts of the supported units. The pace and scale of the Station is something that has certainly struck me, and I have been delighted to see that these efforts are contributed to by the Whole Force – Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants and industry partners all working together.

The Station continues to evolve under the Air Command Operating Model which will see the Station remain in Number 2 Group and the Air Mobility Force move into Number 1 Gp. It is important to remember that my remit as Station Commander is the commanding officer and Head of Establishment for the Station with the responsibility for delivering the Airport of Embarkation and functional safety. As Gp Capt Simon Blackwell hands the baton to Gp Capt Gareth Burdett his role will be responsible for the flying squadrons, force generating our air mobility assets for operations and aviation safety. Needless to say, we will continue to work together very closely to ensure the continued success of the Station in delivering on operations and maintaining the outstanding reputation of Royal Air Force Brize Norton.

It’stoo.been all change here at RAF Brize Norton as the Station welcomed our new Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady and our new Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett; we are all looking forward to working alongside them and introducing both Group Captains to you over the coming Whatevermonths. you are doing, enjoy, take care and I look forward to bringing you all the latest news from RAF Brize Norton in the autumn.

author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.

5BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 MESSAGE FROM STN CDR

Hi everyone – welcome to the new digital edition of 51 Degrees North.

As the unit focusses on delivering digital innovation to move us into the Next Your article should aim to be between 300500 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

Generation Air Force I am excited by the work already underway and where we can take it in the future. But all of this cannot be the success it promises to be without the people of RAF Brize Norton, so I would encourage you to continue to be part of this amazing journey, working collegiately together to innovate, inspire and deliver.

Exciting times and challenges are ahead. I look forward to meeting you, your families and the wider Brize Norton Community in the coming weeks and months.

An RAF A400M Atlas and aircrew from RAF Brize Norton have recently participated in Exercise OURANOS at Amberieu in France during which they trained to land on unprepared and natural surfaces. T his Natural Surface Operations (NSO) Training demonstrated the aircraft’s capability to operate without the need for regular concrete or tarmac runways. The flights were crewed by members of LXX & 30 Squadrons from RAF Brize Norton, the frontline flying squadrons operating the Atlas, with aircrew from No. XXIV Squadron who are qualified to instruct Natural Surface Operations on board. This multinational exercise saw RAF crews working alongside their French counterparts from the Armée de l’Air, learning new skills and ways of working together, continually improving interoperability with partner nations. It follows on from Armée de l’Air Atlas aircraft conducting reciprocal training on Pembrey Sands in Wales. The Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Mark Beard, said: “Ex OURANOS has been an excellent opportunity for the Atlas Force. It has fostered relationships with the other nations and the exercise and will serve to improve interoperability with these countries in the future. The exchange of knowledge with regard to Natural Surface Operations with the Atlas, and the opportunity to use the Tactical Landing Zone at Amberieu has been a crucial step in the development of this capability for the Atlas Force” Natural Surface Operations are a key capability of the Air Mobility fleet, vastly extending the variety of locations the aircraft can operate at by removing the requirement to have prepared runways from which to operate. The exercise was enabled by members of the RAF’s Tactical Air Traffic Control who created a controlled airspace and Temporary Landing Zone on the unprepared strip.

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Atlas conducts Natural Surface Operations training in France

The Community Support team, who provide activities support and advice to service personnel and their families.

Air Commodore Lyle said: “It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to demonstrate some of the Air Mobility Force capabilities to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, and for her to speak with some of the Force’s highly motivated and skilled personnel about their experiences delivering global operational effect.”

welcomed The Princess Royal with a celebratory tea party. The party was attended by personnel and their families who have contributed to life on the Station or have recent experience of the impact of military deployments on themselves or their family.

uring the visit, she was hosted by the Air Mobility Force Commander, Air Commodore Anthony Lyle, and the Station Commander, Group Captain Emily Flynn.

The visit began with a demonstration of the RAF’s Air Mobility capability and recent operations. Briefings were provided by aircrew, engineers, air despatch specialists, parachute jumping instructors and medical teams, and included an overview of A400M capability development as the C130J approaches its retirement next year.

The Princess Royal also presided over the presentation of Honours and Awards to personnel from the Station; these included Royal Warrants, Military Service Medals, Operational Service Medals and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals.

On 31 May 22, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, visited RAF Brize Norton in her capacity as the Station’s Honorary Air Commodore.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, visits RAF Brize Norton

Group Captain Flynn said: “The Station was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, back to RAF Brize Norton in her capacity as the Honorary Air Commodore. The visit not only provided the opportunity to update her on our operational capabilities and recent operational missions, but also to meet personnel who make up the wider RAF family and present a range of honours and awards which reflect the impressive service given by members of the Station.”

BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 NEWS 7

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501 Squadron change of command

Andy commented: “During my time as OC 501, the Squadron has developed and grown, and today it has over 20% of its trained strength mobilised across the world in support of their Regular colleagues, which is something to be extremely proud of. I have had a long and varied career as a Regular and as a Reserve, but taking on the challenge of creating this Squadron from nothing and taking it to where it is today has been hard work, but enjoyable at the same time, and I leave it in good hands. However, I could not have achieved it without the support of the people around me, both on and off the Squadron”. Andy is not completely leaving the Service; he will shortly continue in an Ex-Regular Part Time role (VERRS) but will still act as a volunteer lifeguard at the Station Pool and will continue his connection with the Station Heritage Centre.

9 NEWS BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

o 501 Squadron reformed in April 2014 as a new Logistics Support Squadron and today has 77 Parttime Reservists on its strength.

In July 22, after over eight years as Officer Commanding 501 Squadron, Squadron Leader Andy Marshall handed over command to Squadron Leader Steve Jackson.

during its long history as a military The next aircraft was the incredible A400M Atlas, which is a replacement for the Hercules and provides a strategic lift and troop transport capability for the Air Mobility Force. Following closely behind was the immense C-17 Globemaster which gives the RAF the ability to transport troops, aircraft, or equipment anywhere across the globe.

The two A330 Voyager aircraft were accompanied by F35 Lightning and Eurofighter Typhoon fast jets. The Voyager is the RAF’s air-to-air refuelling and main passenger transport aircraft.

The flypast closed in style with fifteen Typhoons flying in formation of the number 70 followed by the nine-strong Red Arrows, flying in their iconic ‘Big Battle’ formation in their distinctive red, British-built, Hawk jets. The entire flypast was enjoyed by the Royal Family watching from the balcony of Buckingham Palace and by the many thousands of people standing in The Mall.

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Platinum Jubilee Flypast

RAF BRIZE NORTON Aircraft in the Flypast to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

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BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 202212 Project PICASSO

Breakthrough environmental project enters the next phase of development.

his month, the sustainability initiative, Project PICASSO, will take the next momentous step of signing a contract with Northern Engineering Solutions to further develop the bioprocessing Northernprocedure.Engineering Solutions will begin a further research and development phase of the project to achieve the highest levels of success in breaking down waste aviation fuel sampled from RAF Brize Norton. Following the success of this phase, Northern Engineering Solutions will design and build a rig to be installed on site at RAF Brize Norton breaking down waste aviation fuel held in storage. Further phases of the project will look to widen the roll out of the rig, to deployable locations and multinational air bases, reducing the global impact waste aviation fuel has on the environment. The project that began as a RAF100 Engineering competition winning entry in 2018 will now be the innovation to change fuel waste disposal. The competition winners, Cpl Hayley Woodhall and Cpl Drew Coulton, created this system to break down waste oil, fuel and other liquid wastes using microbes, in order to capture the by-products and recycle into reusable products. Wing Commander Mark Concarr, member of the Brize Sustainability Committee said: “It’s an exciting time as we move onto the next phase, with real confidence that we will not only see the waste oils results replicated with waste fuel but that we are ever closer to having the full-size rig established at Brize Norton. We’re looking forward to maintaining our close link with our industry partner, Northern Engineering, and achieving a significant milestone in our drive to remove, reduce and recycle our waste, with CAS’ NetZero 2040 at the f orefront of all we do.” Northern Engineering Solutions said: “The award of this contract signals the start of an exciting new phase for NESL, building upon our knowledge, experience and earlier successful research & development work. We are delighted to be delivering a project that will assist the RAF in tackling climate change, enhancing environmental stewardship and in meeting its carbon emission reduction targets.”

At a parade that took place at RAF Brize Norton, personnel from across the RAF were presented with the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan with the Op PITTING clasp for their involvement in last year’s operation which saw more than 15,000 personnel evacuated in just over 2 weeks.

Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall CBE MA LLB RAF, said: “It is a great privilege to be here today to formally recognise the efforts of our personnel during Operation PITTING and I am enormously proud to be awarding these medals. It was an extraordinary effort in extremely difficult circumstances which demonstrated the best of the RAF. We evacuated 15,000 people in the largest humanitarian aid operation in the last 70 years and everyone should be immensely proud of what was achieved.”

13BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 NEWSOp PITTING Presentation

Afghanistan evacuation heros honoured.

R AF personnel who took part in Operation PITTING, the evacuation of personnel from Afghanistan, were honoured in a medal presentation ceremony on 24 June 22.

Op PITTING was the largest humanitarian aid operation in over 70 years and resulted in the evacuation of thousands of Afghans and British nationals from Kabul Airport as the Taliban seized control of the country. RAF personnel and aircraft played a pivotal role in the operation; working around the clock the RAF flew 260,000 miles during some 330 flights. At one point, 1,000 people a day were airlifted to safety in the United Kingdom and were welcomed on their arrival at RAF Brize Norton. The RAF also completed a record-breaking flight, carrying 439 passengers on board a C17 Globemaster. Presenting the Medals, The Vice LordLieutenant for Oxfordshire, Mr Brian Buchan, said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be presenting these medals today. I recall watching the events unfolding from afar and have great admiration for the personnel from all three Services who deployed on this extremely challenging Operation. The work of the RAF to evacuate so many desperate people in such a short time I find inspirational and I am certain everyone involved in Operation PITTING feels the utmost pride in what they achieved.” Alongside the pilots and aircrew, the RAF deployed personnel from the Air Mobility Wing who were responsible for returning equipment and loading all the passengers from Kabul, Force protection personnel from the RAF Police and aviation security specialists from the RAF Regiment who processed evacuees and provided security for the aircraft. Tactical Medical Wing, also based at RAF Brize Norton, deployed to provide specialist medical support to those being evacuated.

Officer Commanding LXX Squadron, Wing Commander Calvin Bailey, after receiving his medal said: “I am very proud and it’s a fitting day that recognises the service and sacrifice from not only the people that served but the sacrifices that their families make as their support allow us to do our job.”

Although Op PITTING has ended, the Ministry of Defence continues to support the relocation of vulnerable Afghans and the RAF has been flying entitled people from neighbouring countries to enable their resettlement.

BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 20221414

The visit provided an opportunity for military leaders and senior civil servants who are studying in the UK to see how the RAF delivers air power in a coordinated, integrated, and effective manner alongside international allies and partners. T he Advanced Command and Staff Course is attended by military officers from around the world. This year’s visit was hosted by RAF Brize Norton and provided an opportunity to share ideas and learn from other Air Forces and to develop Representativescontacts.from the Combat Air, ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance), Air Mobility, Force Protection, Support Force, UK Space Command, Joint Helicopter Command and the Joint Force Air Component came together for demonstrations and discussion of the breadth of the RAF’s capabilities and operations.

“I firmly believe the Royal Air Force has moved from the engage end of the scale to the readiness to warfight scale and that has occurred since the Ukraine events started earlier this Beforehandyear.I think it was looking at the softer end of operating, it’s now in the harder end of operating and the Royal Air Force has become in my view the manoeuvre force for NATO in the first few months of that operation.

The theme of this year’s event was Multi Domain Integration and how the RAF is delivering its part of the Integrated Operating Concept. A key part of this was exploring interoperability on operations such as: F-35B MaritimeMRA1CarrierLightningStrikeGroupPoseidonOperations Centre Rotary Wing Joint Helicopter Command UK Space Command Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew, said: “To explain the warfighting capability of the Royal Air Force is an important event and that’s why I am pleased that you have been able to come and do this and have a conversation not just with yourselves as a course, but with the men and women of the Royal Air Force and the teams that support us day in, day out.

“The Royal Air Force will remain global alongside our sister services. We were given clear orders last year and we are going to keep doing it. It might be a bit challenging at the moment to do that at significant pace, or mass, but for our international colleagues in the room you can rely on the Royal Air Force and our sister services to maintain our global footprint.” Other visitors included Royal Auxiliary Air Force Honorary Air Commodores who took the opportunity to soak up knowledge about the RAF’s vast capability range. From mobile refuelling, to Joint Helicopter Command’s assets, aeromedical evacuation to RAF Regiment airfield protection, all was on show for them to absorb, understand and take into their wider engagement role as ambassadors for their respective Squadrons.

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15BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 NEWS

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Spring in the Junior Ranks’ Mess.

Bampton Garden Plants delivering the plants.

17BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 TEAMJRM Garden S

pring arrived and the Junior Ranks’ Mess garden was given a makeover, however, instead of Alan Titchmarsh we had the Station Commander and the Station Warrant Officer helping out with the planting. Some of the areas were looking very sad and only seemed to have been collecting weeds and litter for the last 5 years. It was time to spruce them up and make the area more welcoming to the 5,000 people who use the facility every month. A team of willing volunteers had spent a few weeks preparing the ground by removing the weeds and wood chips and laying 14 tonnes of compost ready for the delivery of plants from our local garden centre, Bampton Garden Plants. We had quite a list of requirements but the team at Bampton were able to provide just what we needed within our tight budget. They also provided our novice gardeners with advice on the plants that would be suitable for the ground and the light conditions, would give year-round interest and be (very) low maintenance. With their help, Cpl Greg Short and Flt Lt Alex Howard from Catering HQ bought 123 plants and ably assisted by SAC Craig McKenly and LAC Toby Smith they watered them, planted them, watered them again and re-laid the wood chippings. The Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Emily Flynn, and SWO, MACR Brian Kayll, lent a hand and planted the front bed with a rose to celebrate HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, lavender and daisies. Gardening is a well-known treatment for manging stress and anxiety and can help improve mood and motivation. If you fancy a bit of gardening after work which can also count as a secondary duty, please get in contact with the CSO on 7315, or BZNContracts Delivery Squadron-CSO.

Gp Capt Flynn planting the Gracious Queen Rose. What the garden looks like after a few months.

MAcr Dave Curtis, a 206 Squadron Air Loadmaster, has seized an opportunity to commemorate the machine and the people associated with it. The ambition is to install a Hercules tail outside Building 60 at RAF Brize Norton because it currently houses 47 and 206 Squadrons and is the ‘last home’ of the Hercules.

Hercules Tail Installation – Albert’s Fin-ale T hroughout its 54 years of service, this mighty aircraft has been integral to every military and humanitarian effort undertaken by the UK and has earned a place in the hearts of an extraordinary number of people. A hugely popular aircraft with both military and civilians, when the engines fall silent for the last time we will look back on its legacy with pride.

The C-130 Hercules first appeared on the books of the Royal Air Force around the time England won the World Cup.

MAcr Curtis said: “For years I had seen the tail from XV304 strapped up to an ISO container outside JADTEU (Joint Air Delivery Transport Evaluation Unit). With the upcoming retirement the idea came to me to make something of it, and it has snowballed from there. The aircraft has played a massive part of my service career, as well as reaching the lives of thousands of people around the world. I want to help create something lasting that will celebrate the achievements and community atmosphere, that anyone who has been around the Herc will understand.

Now I had the tail I had to find a rudder to go with it and to figure out how to move it and how much it’d cost. It’s been hard work for the last 18 months and there’s been so many people involved to offer expertise and guidance but we’re getting to the main event now.”

The imposing installation of the tail, with seating and plants around the base, will create a focal point for all those who have been involved with the aircraft and will offer a place for reflection in a centrally located green space on camp. With that in mind he’s reaching out for help. Dave said: “We need fundraising ideas or offers of help whichever way it comes, everything will be appreciated, and the clock is ticking!” If you’d like to be involved or have an idea to help, please contact MAcr Dave Curtis at Alberts-finale@outlook.com

18 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

8046_22BY © UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2022 Total Safety Day Thursday 8 September 2022 10:00 - 16:00 Location Aviators’ Club with buffet lunch in Common Room For more information please contact Connor.Rhodes108@mod.gov.uk Check the StationpageSharepointforthefullitinerary

Hercules Delivery Team Visit S taff from the Hercules Delivery Team recently visited number 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. The visit included the Delivery Team Leader, Mr Steve Parkinson, plus 25 other military and civilian staff from the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Agency. During their visit the team took part in operational briefings with 47 Squadron, saw key infrastructure at Brize Norton, and even flew in a C130J Hercules. The DE&S Delivery Team are responsible for supporting frontline operations through everything from commercial contract negotiation through to planning aircraft maintenance with industry partners. The team are based at multiple sites across the UK, including MOD Abbey Wood and Cambridge Airport. Wing Commander James Sjoberg, Officer Commanding 47 Squadron, said: “It was a pleasure to host Mr Steve Parkinson and the Hercules Delivery Team at RAF Brize Norton. The Hercules is always busy delivering on operations around the world, but it is no exaggeration to say that we could not do anything without the Delivery Team behind us. It was great to share knowledge and ideas with our DE&S colleagues, and to be able to show them the Hercules in action over the UK.”

BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 TEAM 19 Hercules Delivery Team see the results of their support.

Produced by Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command.

20 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

SAC(T) Ali Benson (Cyber Ops Sqn), Team Leader.

x KERNOW EAGLE seeks to promote Communication,Teamwork,Physical and Psychological Resilience …and have a lot of fun at the same time! After briefings, the party was split into two groups of 6 and, with kit/ rooms sorted, we went to Perranporth beach. As the weather was holding up, we had a friendly 6-a-side football match; no ankles were broken! Day 2 began with Coasteering. This involved jumping from rocks into rough water at first from small (roughly 1-2 ft) heights, then gradually increasing to the equivalent of a 3-storey building. Nobody was forced, and the option not to do the jump was there if someone was completely beyond their comfort zone. EVERYBODY attempted ALL the jumps, and many conquered their fears of heights/falling all thanks to encouragement from the others. Later we went Surfing. Shattered from the morning’s activities, we still marched on to Watergate Bay. A quick intro covered how to tackle a wave and the right point to stand up. However, when we entered the sea, lessons went out the window and it became a free-forall, as most of us didn’t have the right balance or timing and would frequently get smacked by massive waves, taking us all the way back to the shore. We used foam boards which were great for us beginners because getting onto the boards was manageable. It was still bags of fun to do and we were beyond shattered at the end of the day. On the final day we had a chilled session of Paddleboarding, once we had spent an age pumping up the boards. We then took a trip to one of the local villages. Slowly paddling on our knees then working our way up to standing; some of us could just about master a headstand.

I decided to organise a group of 12 personnel from Ops Support Wing (Cyber Ops, Fire Sect, and MT) for three full days of Adventurous Training at RRC St Mawgan, 9-13 May. EAGLE

EX KERNOW

I’d recommend this week to any one and I’d certainly wish to do this again. Wanting to organise or take part? Visit the Eagle Schemes SharePoint; details are under Kernow Eagle.

21BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 TEAM Life as a Brize Norton STEM Ambassador.

I joined the RAF Brize Norton STEM team in 2017 and during the last five years have seen the expansion of the Brize team and the development of the activities we can now provide to young people ranging from year 3 through to year 10. From air rockets and MTA, the team are now looking at different STEM activities such as STYXX and Sphero’s which young people can really engage with. Since my early days helping Carlos at RAF Halton, over the last five years I have undertaken a vast range of activities, ranging from Station led events with the local schools in Carterton and Station Families days, through to RAF led events in Cheltenham, the RAF Museums at Hendon and Cosford, Cardiff, Bournemouth Airport and even RIAT in 2019. At every STEM activity, the buzz you get is watching someone try something new and having the confidence to experiment and, when their rocket successfully launches or they code their Sphero round the course, the smile on their face.

Sqn Ldr Andy Marshall

STEM AMBASSADORS

Photos: Brize Families’ day in 2019, and Team Styxx Trg in Jul 21

Flt Lt Jason Osmer

I became a STEM Ambassador in 2017. In 2018 I partnered with the RAF Himalayan Venture 2018 expedition to help set up and execute their STEM engagement effort. The team delivered 21 STEM events to youth groups using practical experiments and bridge building to explain the science behind mountaineering and its associated equipment. We also delivered STEM videos from the Himalayas which were broadcast on social media.

I am now the RAF Brize Norton STEM Committee Chairperson and responsible for leading Brize Norton’s STEM Engagement Effort. We have 56 events planned this year comprising Sphero’s, STYXX, MTA, Rocket, sport science, and RAF motor sport themed events. The events are led by a broad range of STEM Ambassadors from all ranks and varying branches. We also have a number of enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in becoming STEM ambassadors; these individuals offer their time to help out at events before often becoming STEM Ambassadors themselves.

On 31st May, HRH The Princess Royal visited the Community Support Centre to learn about the support offered to the families of serving personnel at RAF Brize Norton. Hosted by the CDO and FS Community Support, she spent an hour at the centre interacting with personnel, families and community partners including deployed families, the Welfare House committee, Carterton Community College’s service pupil ambassadors, COMPASS group, Airplay and Carterton Family Centre in addition to the Community Support team and Welfare personnel. It was a lovely day and all involved were thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet with the Princess. Sgt Ryan Coult said: “I had the honour of been invited to the Community Support Jubilee Tea Party to meet HRH Princess Royal with my two teenage daughters. The experience made them feel very welcome and valued as service children. They left buzzing with excitement of what they had experienced and couldn’t wait to tell their friends and families.”

– or you can sign up for the Community Support email distribution list: BZNCOMMUNITY@MOD.gov.uk HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS COMMUNITY SUPPORT

CAMO DAY AT CARTERTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Monday – Childminders Session – 09:30 – 11:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 09:30 – 16:00 Friday – Closed (Recall Day)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT 22 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 SOFT PLAY AND SENSORY ROOM @ COMMUNITY SUPPORT: EXTENDED OPENING TIMES FOR 6TH SEPTEMBER 2022!

CPS was one of many local schools who got involved with Armed Forces Week by running their own Camo Day! Supported by personnel from the Station, the children got to hear all about life in the Armed Forces and to take part in some fun military fitness style challenges. The day was organised by the school’s Service Family Support Worker, Naomi Russell, and one of the volunteers was FS Chris Mossman (pictured) who led a child friendly Q&A session with each classroom, from the nursery right through to year 6. To keep up to date on what’s happening with RAF Brize Norton Community Support and HIVE, you’ll find bothon -rafbzncommunitysupportFacebookand@rafbrizenortonhive

MAcr Brian Kayll, Station Warrant Officer, described the event as: “A fantastic occasion. It was great to see our community come together to enjoy this fun free event! Well done to the Families Club and Community Support for organising such a brilliant get together for our people.”

23BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 COMMUNITYQUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE @ THE FAMILIES CLUB For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Community Support collaborated with The Families Club and arranged for personnel and families of RAF Brize Norton to enjoy a fun packed party with the added bonus that the sun was shining! Adults and children alike got to enjoy a petting farm, face painting, a magic show plus a hog roast (from our friends at Bourton Road Butchers) and delicious ice-cream. All costs were kindly covered by the Station and a great time was had by all who attended.

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n 1 June 1942, Bomber Command launched its second ‘Thousand Bomber Raid’ following the first targeted on Cologne on the previous night; the target was to be Essen. 10 Squadron, then based at RAF Leeming and operating the Halifax Mk II, lost 3 crews that night – one was captained by Plt Off Joyce and included Sgt Bill Laker, an Air Gunner who was to perform the role of Bomb Aimer. Like so many at the time, Florence Laker was suddenly a widow. In 2019, Mr Fred Ward, an airman who had worked in Air Movements at Brize Norton from 1980-85, contacted Mike Westwood, Chairman of the 10 Squadron Association. The parents of his partner had been friends of the executor of Florence’s Will in 1996 and now held a writing case that contained many personal letters and official correspondence from the time of Bill’s wartime death. On 1 June 2022, after 2 years of Covid delay, and 80 years to the day since Bill’s last takeoff, the case was donated to the Squadron’s memorabilia room. Acting OC 10 Squadron, Squadron Leader Craig Harvey, and Association Chairman Mike Westwood accepted the gift from its custodians, Mrs Sandra Bailey and Fred Ward. Amongst the personal letters is one from Bill, written after the first Thousand Bomber Raid; an earlier letter stated that a general recall from Leave had gone out. Given that he died in the second raid, there is a cruel irony in his writing that, if the first night’s aim was not achieved, “we can always try again and with pleasure too.” Bill’s final letter was left in his room, to be posted if he didn’t return. Written on borrowed Royal Canadian Air Force notepaper, it is simply and poignantly a letter of Farewell.

Florence had begun a letter to him on 31 May and added a page on the following day. The letter was full of foreboding and the postmark on the envelope suggests it was posted shortly before she received the telegram from OC 10 Squadron, Wg Cdr J B Tait, notifying her that Bill was missing. Bill, of course, never received that letter and it is marked “Return to Sender, Air Ministry Authority.”

After 80 years, a wartime death is remembered.

Mike Westwood, 10 Squadron Association; Sqn Leader Craig Harvey, 10 Squadron Exec; Mrs Sandra Bailey; Mr Fred Ward.

Couple reunited O

24 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

Florence Laker with Susan. Sergeant Bill Laker. Letter from OC 10 Squadron, one of 21 he would have signed on 2 June 1942 following the previous night’s losses.

Notification that Bill was “Missing, believed killed in action,” based on information passed through the International Red Cross, came in early August, however, official Air onAssociationPhilcompletedthatGravesCommonwealthwasBilltheyShecremationafterhadstory,ToMilitarytowereWar,Germany.CemeteryinsixascrewmemberSeptember.inburial,detailsdeath,notificationMinistryofBill’stogetherwithabouthisonlyarrivedaletterdated22OneoftheJoycehadsurvivedaPOW;theotherwereburiedtheMunicipalinOeding,AfterthethebodiestransferredtheReichswaldCemetery.completetheFlorence’sashesnotbeenburiedherdeathandin1996.hadaskedthatbeinterredwithand,aftercontactmadewiththeWarCommission,actwasfinallybyDrMarter,anofficial,27August2019.

Flt Lt Paul Badley’s 100th Birthday.

25BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 TEAM O n Wednesday 15th June members of the Station RAF Association (RAFA) committee paid a very special birthday visit to a very special RAF WWII veteran, Flt Lt Paul Badley of Bradford-On-Avon, who was to celebrate his 100th birthday on Saturday the 18th June.

Vet ’s 100 th

RAFA committee Chairman Chief Tech Dave Craven, along with WO Warren Mason and Cpl Helen Colbridge, presented Paul with a bespoke 100th birthday card with words inside penned by RAF Brize Norton Station Commander Gp Capt Emily Flynn along with a framed Station print. Paul served in the RAF from 1940 –1946, serving in both India and Africa. He re-joined the RAF in 1948 and was a member of a Handley Page Hastings crew which flew to Moscow in 1953 to bring back seven men released from internment in Korea. One of these men was George Blake who would later be uncovered as a Russian KGB spy and imprisoned. Flt Lt Badley finally retired from the RAF in 1977. During his distinguished RAF career, he flew a variety of aircraft including the Hurricane Mk 2, Handley Page Hastings, B24 Liberator and his favourite, the Bristol Blenheim. Paul has recently generously decided to donate both his personal medals and his extensive Flying Logbook to be placed on display at the RAF Museum Cosford. Before we departed, Paul’s nephew Mr Bill Badley and members of his family sincerely thanked us for our visit, jokingly saying we were a good ‘Warm Up Act’ for the main event. Chief Tech Craven gratefully received these words explaining to Bill that this is what RAFA is all about - recognising and appreciating the Service of veterans such as Paul and the sacrifices that they made on our behalf.

26 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

SHIRE HORSE CHALLENGE

his was a great opportunity for the children to get up close to these wonderful animals and have their picture taken. Following the visit, it is planned to hold a Shire Horse drawing/painting competition which will hopefully be publicised in a future edition of the magazine. The challenge was to travel by horse drawn carriage departing from MOD St Athan in South Wales on the 1st June and finishing up at Hampton Court Palace in Hampshire on the 20th June. The journey was broken up along the way with stops at various RAF stations and other pre-arranged sites. The various stops provided time for donations to be made to these very worthy causes. The challenge itself is in memory of Jamie’s brother, PC John Alcock, who sadly died 14 years ago after being injured whilst on police duty. There are also strong family ties with the RAF as their father and grandfather both served, the latter being John Alcock of ‘Alcock & Brown’, famous for being the first people to complete a non-stop powered flight across the Atlantic in 1919. If anyone would like to join in the donations, you can simply check out www.peoplesfundraising.com Coldcroft Shires Charity Drive, your support will be greatly appreciated; thank you.

On Tuesday 14th June the RAFA Kidz Nursery at RAF Brize Norton played host to a visit from William & Millie, two amazing Shire Horses managed by Mr Jamie Alcock, as part of a joint RAF Association/Police Care UK charity challenge.

ACCOLADE

27BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 ADVENTURE&SPORT R

AF Brize Norton has the honour of being awarded the Royal Air Force Rowing Club’s Gregory Trophy for 2022. The Gregory Trophy is awarded to the Station which has contributed most to RAF Rowing in the last 12 months. Rowers from Royal Air Force Brize Norton have represented the Club at fine shell rowing events such as the World Masters’ as well as the British Indoor Rowing and World Coastal Gig Rowing Championships this year. The trophy was presented to the Station Commander, Group Captain Emily Flynn, at Club’s Corporate Day at Henley Royal Regatta by the President of the Royal Air Force Rowing Club and Chief of The Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston. Group Captain Flynn congratulated Chief Technician Andy May, Officer in Charge of the RAF Brize Norton Rowing Club, at a ceremony and presented him with the ChieftrophyTechnician May has been assisting the RAF Rowing Club as the Club Boatman and Property Officer, a

RAF Brize Norton Awarded Prestigious Rowing Accolade. demanding role that he has held for the past 4 years and just one of the various positions that he has held whilst on the RAF Rowing Club Executive Committee during the last 12 years. Chief Technician May said: “I have represented the RAF Rowing Club since learning to row at RAF Waddington with Lincoln Rowing Centre in 2004 and have raced at various levels over the past 18 years, with a career highlight being the World Masters Rowing Regatta in Budapest, Hungary, in 2019, racing a double scull and coxed 8 against International and former Olympic level Crews”

ROWING

We are always pleased to see new and less experienced members join us on these flyouts and other trips so that they can build confidence, experience and skills to enable them to undertake more challenging trips for themselves.

When the day arrived and with everyone present, the weather (always something to take account of when planning any flight) in Cornwall and Devon was found to be less than ideal to make a safe flight to Newquay. After a brief conference, it was decided that the flyout would instead go to Lee on the Solent in Hampshire where the weather was more favourable and where members could at least have lunch by the seaside.

Matthew Green and Stephen Smith in G-OCTU. The Motley Crew.

Flying Club Flyout

28 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

G-BNRG, with Nigel Pitchforth (CFI), Phil Levermore and Pete Cole on board departed first and G-OCTU with Matthew Green, Angi Betts and Stephen Smith (Club Tour Coordinator) on board departed a few minutes later.

herbourg in France is a popular destination and it is only one and a half hours flying time from Brize. Newquay in Cornwall is another popular destination and is only one hour and forty five minutes flying time from Brize. Some of our members have even flown as far as Gibraltar. It is well known that Malcolm Barnecutt Bakeries make and sell some of the finest ‘real’ Cornish Pasties in the UK. They also have a shop in Newquay. With this in mind, a club flyout to Newquay was arranged for 6th November 2021 so that club members could buy some pasties and have lunch by the seaside.

Fifty five minutes after departure both aircraft arrived safely at Lee on the Solent and everyone left the airport to walk along the promenade to the On The Water Restaurant for lunch. After an enjoyable meal and a walk back along the promenade, we departed on the return journey to Brize. RG departed first with TU following on two minutes later. Nigel, Phil and Pete turned east after departure and climbed above the cloud before turning north for the return journey while Matthew, Angi and Stephen turned west then north after departure whilst staying below the cloud for a more direct routing on the return journey.

Approximately forty five minutes after departure TU was the first aircraft to arrive back at Brize with RG arriving approximately five minutes later. With both aircraft refueled and parked away in the hangar, both crews retired to the crew room for a cup of coffee and a debrief. Everyone agreed that in some very challenging conditions that included Low Cloud, Light Rain, Light Drizzle, Haze and Mist it was a successful flyout.

At RAF Brize Norton Flying Club, in addition to providing the training of pilots to gain their Light Aircraft Pilots Licence or Private Pilots Licence, we also have the ability to allow club members to hire the aircraft and visit other destinations within the UK and Europe.

Our next flyout is currently planned for 30th July 2022, hopefully to Newquay; maybe this time we’ll get to dip our feet into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Watergate Bay.

Lee On Solent-Brize Flight Log.

G-OCTU holding in line behind G-BNRG. on Left Crosswind from R25 at Brize. Horse at Uffington. Island.

White

BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022 ADVENTURE&SPORT

Hayling Island and West Wittering. Portsmouth Harbour and Spinnaker Tower.

Thorney

G-OCTU

RAF

30 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2022

T he RAF Bluewings are an Ice Hockey team based out of RAF Brize Norton consisting of players from Brize Norton and surrounding stations. From the 7th to the 10th June 2022 the team competed in the annual UK Armed Forces Ice Hockey Tournament held at Ice Sheffield. The 2022 tournament gave the participating 16 teams the opportunity to make their mark after a long break due to the COVID pandemic. The Bluewings entered the tournament both prepared and eager to play disciplined and effective hockey encompassed by a strong and positive team ethos. This was rewarded in the group stages with an unbeaten run of victories over the Army Stallions B, RAF Blackhawks, Royal Navy General Service, Royal Logistics Corps B, Royal Navy Signals and Army Allstars. To the credit of the team (especially the goalie) the Bluewings went through this run of victories without conceding a single goal. The Bluewings scored a win over a strong Infantry side in the quarter finals despite unfortunately having a ‘short bench’ – a reduced number of players available for substitution - due to injuries. The winning run was put to an end in an 0-3 loss in the semi-final, however, by the Royal Navy Kings who went on to win the tournament. A close 3rd/4th playoff game on exhausted legs resulted in a narrow loss to the Royal Engineers ‘Sappers’ team but the Bluewings returned happy to have achieved 4th place overall and highest placed RAF team. Ice Hockey is a fast-paced, skilful, dynamic and physical game that can be played in all weathers and at any time of year. The Bluewings train weekly in Oxford. Please contact RAF Brize Norton PEd Flt to find out how to get on the ice!

Images from tournament:thephotographerThompsonTrishPhotography. Bluewings Ice Hockey Club Bluewings Ice Hockey club flies high at UK Armed Forces Tournament.

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