Brize Issue 4 2023

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EDITORIAL TEAM

E DITOR’S FOREWORD

It has been a very emotional and proud time here on station as we bid a final farewell to the C130J Hercules after 56 years in service. There were many events to mark the occasion, including a final tour of the UK. The tour prompted us to launch a competition for images that had been captured, not just for the tour but over time of the C130 Hercules. There is only one word to describe the engagement we had and that’s “WOW”.

We were totally overwhelmed by the number of fantastic images received, and it certainly made judging very difficult. Thank you to everyone who took part and huge congratulations to our winners who will receive a signed copy of their image.

Now summer is well under the way, it’s the perfect opportunity to take some time out to recharge your batteries and where possible have some quality time with family and friends – make those memories, they stay with us all forever.

For now, I will leave you all to browse through the magazine. I do hope you enjoy catching up with all the latest news from the station that never sleeps!

Catch you all soon,

Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North

PS – remember if you are taking part in any events or have a story to tell, please do pop in and speak to the media team.

DEADLINE

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 12TH SEPTEMBER 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.

Hi everyone, this latest edition is packed with articles that I am sure you will find not only interesting but invigorating too; from amazing charity challenges to exceptional operational activities, I know there will be something for everyone.

Royal Parade for 47 Squadron

No. 47 Squadron mark the end of an era with a Royal Parade.

On Thursday 8th June, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, attended the stand down parade of Number 47 Squadron and the retirement of the C-130 Hercules. The Princess Royal, who is Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, reviewed members of the Squadron on parade in front of invited guests, to mark their proud history.

The parade marched to the music of The Central Band of the Royal Air Force with a background of two static C-130 Hercules. The event, attended by past and present members of the Squadron, were able to witness the Hercules carry out one of its last spectacular flypasts.

The Hercules retired from RAF service on 30th June, and concurrently No.47 Squadron has been stood down and its Standard laid up for a period at College Hall Officers' Mess, RAF College Cranwell, until formed up again.

Number 47 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps was formed in Beverley, Yorkshire on 1 March 1916. The Squadron was initially designated for home defence, but was

not issued with any aircraft until 13 April, when four Royal Aircraft Factory BE2Cs were transferred from 15 Reserve Squadron. During its 107-year history the Squadron has operated across the globe and has been equipped with a number of different aircraft; in 1968 it became a C-130 Hercules Squadron based at RAF Fairford moving shortly after to RAF Lyneham.

In 2011 No. 47 Squadron moved from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton, where it has continued to provide highly trained crews and support staff to support the MOD and by extension the United Kingdom’s requirements in the global theatre. The Squadron has received several battle honours with the right to emblazon and a wealth of individual operational awards over the years.

The C-130 fleet has been an integral part of air power for the RAF for nearly six decades, contributing to nearly every British conflict since it was brought into service in the 1960’s, providing airlift/airdrop capabilities and having the flexibility to operate in austere areas around the world. The aircraft has

played an essential role as part of the Air Mobility Force, supporting UK military and humanitarian relief operations as demonstrated during Operation PITTING, the evacuation of entitled personnel from Afghanistan. More recently in Sudan, having left nearly 82 years ago, No. 47 Squadron returned to Khartoum with three Hercules in April and May

2023, where apart from RAF Lyneham, No. 47 Squadron has called home the longest. Unable to access Khartoum airport (established by No. 47 Squadron in 1927) Hercules evacuated over 2000 Embassy staff and British passport holders from a degrading concrete strip North of the city.

The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities is transitioning across to the 22-strong Atlas (A400M) fleet and other flying platforms in RAF service, thereby ensuring the Hercules’ legacy forged over the past 56 years will continue in future.

Wing Commander James Sjoberg, Officer Commanding No. 47 Squadron said: “It is a great honour to command 47 Squadron at this historic moment. I am extremely proud of the people on my Squadron and across the wider Hercules family –they have delivered time and again on operations. I wish to pay tribute to them, and their families, for their exceptional contribution to UK Defence during my tour and over nearly 57 years of Hercules operational service. Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe.”

A pair of RAF Hercules deployed on Operation Bushel, the name given to Britain’s contribution to the Ethiopian famine relief efforts conducted in the mid-1980s.

The first of 66 RAF Hercules C.1 shown after arrival at Marshall’s of Cambridge on 19 December 1966.

In 1973 four RAF Hercules deployed to Nepal to drop food supplies following a series of failed harvests under Operation Khana Cascade. The demands of the operation saw three Hercules captains awarded Queen’s Commendations for Valuable Service in the Air for their ‘exceptional courage and devotion to duty’.

Hercules Photographic Competition

In June, while preparing to say goodbye to the Hercules a photographic competition was launched for the best RAF C-130 images captured by the public. Thank you to everyone who entered, the response was huge, and we wanted to share some of the incredible images that were shortlisted as well as celebrating the winning images!

Richard Green

Dylan Meredydd Jones

Robert Griffiths

Sarah Ward

Art Rees

Adam Hobbs

Mac Durbin

The winner of best image of the UK National Tour is Ewan Bell who sent in this striking image of the 3-ship Hercules formation all at different angles of bank as they flew through the famous Mach Loop.

Congratulations to both photographers.

The overall competition winner is Mark Cosgrove who sent us the incredible photo of the C-130J flying over the Thirlmere Reservoir in the Lake District.

Paul Eccles

John Ferguson

Mark Cosgrove

James Roberts

Gareth Unwin

Ewan Bell

Royal Victorian Order Awarded to RAF Crew

The RAF C-17 crew who flew Her Late Majesty The Queen from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt after her passing have been recognised for their roles in the repatriation.

Seven members from RAF Brize Norton based 99 Squadron were invested into the Royal Victorian Order by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace, alongside other RAF personnel at the end of June. His Majesty The King graciously recognised these appointments to the Royal Victorian Order in the Honours List in March. At the investiture service, His Majesty spoke with each recipient and their guest about their role in this historic event.

Wing Commander Will Essex, Officer Commanding 99 Squadron said:

“I am immensely proud of the role that 99 Squadron played in this most important of missions, and that we were able to accomplish the task with the dignity and solemnity that it deserved. For the crew to be invested into the Royal Victorian Order is a huge privilege for us all. We were supported by many other personnel and units from the Squadron, Air Wing, Station and wider Air Mobility Enterprise, so I am immensely grateful for the huge

part that they all played. To be presented the award by His Majesty The King is a huge honour. Having our guests involved

in the investiture ceremony was also a fitting tribute for the vital support that they give us.”

The contingent operation for Her Majesty’s final flight had been planned for several years. Despite the complexity of the mission and the pressure of knowing that the whole world was watching, the ceremony and flight went exactly to plan; it was delivered flawlessly as a result of the crew’s exceptional performance and the huge support of a number of other units supporting the mission.

The C-17 Globemaster III took off from Edinburgh Airport at 5:20PM on Tuesday 13th September 2022 and landed at RAF Northolt one hour 12 minutes later.

“Being awarded this honour for my part in the final flight of Her Late Majesty The Queen is a huge honour and something that I certainly did not expect. Being invested at the Palace by His Majesty The King was an incredible event. I am not sure I will ever feel as proud as being firstly entrusted in the safe carriage of Her Late Majesty The Queen and then the moment when The King present me with the MVO.”

”When I received the call to notify me that I was to be awarded a Royal Victorian Medal I was speechless as I was not expecting anything it all. Being part of the mission was a great honour and then to receive the award by His Majesty King Charles was a very proud moment for me; it was amazing to be part of. For me, the award also recognises the elements that were involved and supported its success, especially the 99 Squadron engineers who generated the aircraft. This is a moment in my career that I’ll never forget.”

Master Aircrew Mark Hamer, C-17 Air Loadmaster said

Chief Technician Stu Collins, C-17 Aircraft Ground Engineer said:

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BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 4 2023 12

47 Squadron Veteran Waves Off Last C-130

On the day the last C-130J left RAF Brize Norton, former member of No. 47 Squadron Michael Swift joined Brize in waving off the final Hercules alongside his son, Flt Lt David Swift.

Michael joined the RAF aged 17 in 1966, the year the Hercules came into service and was posted to RAF Brize Norton in 1967.

Michael recounts: “When I arrived at Brize there were no aircraft. The VC 10 and Belfast arrived soon after I got there. I specialised on the VC 10 and did a manufactures course at the manufacturer in Wadebridge” He then went on to train as Flight Engineer, the youngest ever at 22 years of age. Shortly after training Michael was posted to 47 Squadron at RAF Lyneham.

“The squadron had only recently moved from RAF Abingdon and new Hercules were still arriving at the base. This meant I had to ‘hold’ on 47 Squadron for many months. During this time, I worked mostly in Ops and did some supernumerary flying.

Towards the end of 1971 I was posted to RAF Thorney Island to undertake conversion training onto the C-130. 6 months later I was posted back to RAF Lyneham and 47 Squadron. It was not normal to be posted back to the squadron we had held on but the squadron requested that I return to 47!”

In 1976 Michael left the RAF and joined British Caledonian, having flown 1675 hours as a Flight Engineer on the C-130.

Today Michael’s son Flight Lieutenant David Swift continues his father’s air mobility legacy working as part of the RAF’s Air Mobility Force at RAF Brize Norton.

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EXERCISE VENTURE SPIRIT

Air Mobility Force Train Vital Flying Skills.

The Air Mobility Force have been developing the skillsets of frontline Atlas A400M crews on Exercise Venture Spirit in Scotland. Basing out of RAF Lossiemouth for the week, Atlas Pilots and Air Loadmasters trained for a mixture of essential front-line skills, including low level flying and air dropping of light stores. The exercise was an opportunity for less experienced air crew to qualify in operating in non-permissive environments, while developing the competency and currency of frontline crews in tactical flying skills.

air crew as they go through the training has been a rewarding experience. It takes a lot of challenging skillsets to take a large aircraft like the Atlas into simulated threat environments; however, the aircrew completed the exercise and qualified to safely take the A400M to support defence globally.”

The exercise extended across the UK, utilising a Temporary Landing Zone at RAF Wittering and coincided with RAF Brize Norton based 38 Expeditionary Air Wing (38EAW) on Exercise Agile Eagle at RAF Leeming. 38 EAW are an Air Mobility specialist EAW, training for rapid reaction to global humanitarian disasters. Aircraft flying on Exercise Venture Spirit incorporated their training into scenarios during Ex Agile Eagle, enabling both exercises to maximise use of the Air Mobility fleet.

Wing Commander Phil Foster, Commanding Officer of 38 EAW, was charged with leading the team through Headquarters decisions, combined with real-time air movements of the A400M. He said:

“We've been doing a lot of virtual work online to get ourselves ready for deployment, but this is the first time physically we've come together. In the back of your mind, you're always trying to work out what could be thrown at you

and to have those challenges set to you within a training environment is really valuable. You can run through how you would deal with them.

“Some of the officers are quite junior and are doing jobs that they're not even trained to do, but they’re getting stuck in, which is good to see. It's good to see them being stretched and realising their own abilities. This week is about developing a level of confidence and trust in your people, which is very valuable.”

Predominantly focusing on the skillset of Atlas aircrew, the exercise also incorporated other elements of the Air Mobility Force based at RAF Brize Norton, working alongside other aircraft types including C-17, C-130.

Flight Lieutenant Jamie Jackson, A400M Frontline Flying Instructor on 30 Squadron said:

“Operating out of RAF Lossiemouth allows us to simulate working away from our main operating base. We’ve been operating from a harden air shelter, simulating that we’ve deployed to another country and are working without all the usual support facilities that we would normally have at RAF Brize Norton. It tests us to remain flexible and self-sufficient while mounting out of an unusual location. Developing the

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ANNUAL FORMAL RECEPTION

In June, we were, delighted to host the Annual Formal Reception where the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett welcomed invited guests from the Oxfordshire community and wider areas.

Held at the Officers’ Mess, the guests were thanked for their continued support to RAF Brize Norton and our Service community during an evening of good music, good food and good company. Guests were treated to a traditional sunset ceremony with music from The RAF Central Band, before the Ensign lowering ceremony concluded the evening with a magnificent flypast from an A400M Atlas, A330 Voyager and C-17 Globemaster.

RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady said: "The Annual Formal Reception was an excellent opportunity to show our appreciation to members of the local community whose outstanding support to our personnel and their families is always felt. We were able to showcase the achievements of the Station all of which is made possible by the dedication of our personnel and the collaboration with our Oxfordshire neighbours.”

NATO

This year it was the turn of the UK to host the annual gathering and a variety of chaplains including humanist and Jewish chaplains arrived from across NATO for a week of study focused at the Defence Academy. Normally as part of the visit programme the host country arranges a visit to an active air base and this year

RAF Brize Norton was the focus. The Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett welcomed the committee and provided an introduction to the role of the Station, with the delegates being thrilled to learn of the key role the station and the Air Mobility Force plays in supporting global operations.

Every year, the NATO Air Force Chaplains’ Consultative Committee meets to learn together, share ideas, and discuss how to support our people in a changing strategic environment.

Reverend (Wing Commander) Colin Weir, Senior Chaplin at RAF Brize Norton said:

“As chaplains, there was keen interest from the delegates in humanitarian operations such as Op PITTING, and the role that Brize Norton plays in

the repatriation of deceased service personnel, along with the vital role of Brize Norton in supporting the UK assistance to Ukraine together with joint exercises with our partner NATO allies, with the group hearing from several speakers expanding on these areas.”

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TEAM FALCONS' FOCUS

The RAF Falcons parachute display team have continued to perform their thrilling display to crowds up and down the UK during the 2023 display season.

Highlights include the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester. Over the three-day festival, the RAF Falcons took to the skies to showcase their display to a packed-out showground. In the crowd was the family of first year parachutist Sergeant Greg Ashelby (AKA Falcon 6) who, for the very first time, saw Greg in his role as an RAF Falcon. Sergeant Ashelby’s mum Linda Skelding said:

The team took their aerial display abroad to Finland to display at the Turku Air Show before returning to the UK for two days at the Lincolnshire Show and then onto the National Armed Forces Day event in Falmouth. This year’s display includes crowd favourite manoeuvres such as The Heart, Criss-Cross Carousel, Snakes and Ducks, which requires hard work, a high level of skill and, most

importantly, trust in the other team members and their equipment.

At the RAF Cosford Air Show the team said goodbye to one of their longstanding jump platforms; the C-130J Hercules, with the last jumper off the ramp saluting the aircraft for its long RAF service.

A highlight for the entire team was once again displaying for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The team jumped into the famous racetrack at the start of the weekend, giving both racers and spectators a stunning start to the event.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to see, for the first time, Greg jump as an RAF Falcon. This amazing incredible and skilful team delivered a spectacular display which wowed the crowds. We can’t wait to replicate the feeling of excitement and overwhelming pride when we see Greg and the team jump again soon.”

E mployer E ngagement Event

In June, an Employment Engagement event for the Southeast region was held at RAF Brize Norton.

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons (RAuxAF) hosting the day all played a role in delivering and taking part in the Employer Engagement event; 501 Squadron, 622 Squadron, 2624 Regiment Squadron, 4624 Squadron, 4626 Squadron, with 7644 Squadron, supported by 3 Mobile Catering Squadron and 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Over 50 employers arrived and after being provided with various briefs, which included Air Commodore Gavin Hellard, Deputy Commandant General, RAuxAF and Group Captain, (retd) Chief of Staff, South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA), visiting various stands. C-130 Hercules rear crew trainer, medical and movements display, A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster tour and engineering stands.  The guests also experienced field cooking, provided by 3 Mobile Catering Support and 504 Squadron (RAuxAF), which was very well received.

The event was supported by the attendance of Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison (Minster for Defence Personnel, Veterans and Service Families), who was suitably impressed with the professional skills and positive attitude of all the Reserves involved.

He also mentioned how the support from the employer was very much appreciated. The weather was extremely kind to us and the remarks from employers were positive:

“Thank you and all those involved in the employers day, not only did I have a lot of fun, but now feel even more informed and appreciative of the work you do for our country.”

“We were very impressed by the level of enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by all roles and ranks.”

An excellent day was had by all and it gave the Reserves the opportunity to show the skills and competencies that are gained when joining the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, which can be taken back to the civilian environment. The preparation for the day was carried out by over 70 Reservists from both the Full Time Reserve Squadron (FTRS) and Part Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVR) from all the Squadrons listed; it is only appropriate to mention and provide thanks to the great support offered by RAF Brize Norton, which assisted in making the day so successful.

XV193 STARTREK 3

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the crash of XV193 STARTREK 3 and the loss of its nine crew. XV193 was a C130K, operated by LXX Squadron out of Lyneham.

To mark this milestone anniversary, serving LXX Squadron personnel conducted a Staff Ride to the site of the crash near Kirkmichael.

The personnel gathered early on the morning of Friday the 26th of May at the memorial tree outside LXX Squadron, RAF Brize Norton. Here, after a moment of silence, they took a clipping from the tree. Placing the clipping into a wreath of LXX Squadron colours, they loaded the wagons and set off North.

remembered the day allowed the Staff Ride personnel to draw similarities between the Squadron that they knew and what we do now.

The 6km hike to the memorial cairn gave us time to reflect, discuss and appreciate what this anniversary meant. To the sound of bagpipes, 120 people gathered at the cairn. This included beloved families, local residents, serving and retired LXX Squadron, 47 Squadron and 47 AD personnel. The wind stilled and, using the order of service given by the RAF Chaplin at the time of the crash, GBo addressed those gathered. After a toast to those lost, the air filled with contemplation and, in their own time, people made their peace and set off back down the hill.

LXX Squadron Association is a positive and active group, making a big push for this commemoration. We met a few members of the Association in the evening. Listening to their stories of ‘back in my day’ was revealing and really helped to set the scene for what life was like leading into the incident.

Gathering the next morning, the LXX Squadron Association organiser, GBo, who originally was meant to be on STARTREK 3, gave a warm welcome. GBo retold his account of the day before introducing the Police Officer, who was on duty at the time of the crash, and the LXX Squadron boss at the time. Hearing each of them retell how they

A semi-formal dinner took place that even where people were invited to retell their tales of members of the crew and the LXX Squadron that they knew. While many cannot be retold, they were incredibly personal, emotive, and insightful.

Giving those still serving an aspiration for what we can achieve, despite when faced with disaster and adversity, in a Service that values each other.

Flt Lt Colin Fowler

Morning Brief.

Still Gathering.

Cairn.

The Wright Wander.

NHS 75 STORY

Flight Lieutenant Steph Swan PMRAFNS

Adult Nursing.

Itook up my first position as a staff nurse at Watford General Hospital within the Emergency Department (ED), allowing me to consolidate my previous training. Here I learned what it was like to feel like a true member of a team.

Keen to extend my knowledge in Emergency Care, I applied to the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), Nottingham a Major Trauma Centre. It was exhilarating to work here, and it really got my blood pumping with adrenaline. A moment’s lapse in concentration could have devastating repercussions. For that reason, the unit was regimental and had incredibly high standards. The Senior Sisters were the corner stone of the department; coordinating the chaos into a streamlined system. Patients would be rushed through the emergency doors close to death with devastating injuries only to be resuscitated by a medical team comprising of highly skilled Doctors, Nurses, and Health Care Professionals.

Having found my feet, I wanted a new challenge and I often reflected to when I was a teenager. In 2003, during the peak of Op HERRICK, I would watch the news intensely, in awe of these brave men and women retrieving injured soldiers from the frontline. It was during this time I decided that I wanted to join the RAF. Fast forward a few years to 2017, I left the NHS and graduated from RAF College Cranwell as a Nursing Officer. My first stop was Royal Centre of Defence Medicine (RCDM) Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Once again, I found myself back in the familiar setting of working alongside my NHS colleagues, but this time I was maintaining my clinical skills, ready to deploy wherever the military needed me.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was posted to the John Radcliffe Hospital RCDM (Oxford), to work within the ED, caring for those with COVID-19 and to support the NHS vaccination programme. This experience was like no other, one with new challenges, but nonetheless still hugely rewarding and a privilege to provide care for those in need during a national crisis.

During the same posting, I was again watching the news. However, this time it was the two earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria that struck on 6th February 2023. Only a couple of days later, I was just finishing a shift in the John Radcliffe Hospital ED, when I got the call “you’re being stood up; expect to be deployed to assist in Türkiye”. I was being deployed to Türkiye to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians who have been affected by the earthquake, under Op GREENLIGHTER.

Plucked from the John Radcliffe NHS Hospital and arriving at Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) the next day. Getting ready to deploy was an awakening. I joined TMW’s Operations Squadron; a highly deployable medical team, always on readiness to respond anywhere in the world. On this occasion, the team included skilled general nurses, GPs, consultants, a physician, RAF Medics, Environmental Health Technician, and a Medical and Dental Servicing Section Technician.

On 14th February, the team left RAF Brize Norton heading for Türkiye. We arrived at the site of the field hospital in Türkiye at 3am and were greeted with temperatures of -10 degrees and snow topped mountains. The accommodation came in the form of bashers and the ablutions didn’t leave much to the imagination. However, it did allow us to break down barriers quickly between colleagues and get to know each other. This is where all my years of clinical training and experience of working in the NHS would combine with my military training. This felt like home.

It was while deployed on Op GREENLIGHTER, I bumped into one of my old nursing colleagues from Watford ED.

As newly qualified nurses, we started our careers together in the NHS and were now reunited in Türkiye. While it was many years since we had last seen each other, it felt like only yesterday; the only difference now was, she was a Sergeant Nurse in 16 Medical Regiment, and I was a Nursing Officer in the RAF. It was a world away from where we had started as fresh faced nurses. So much has changed since those days, we reminisced about our time in Watford ED and caught up on 10 years of missed time. But here we were both having come full circle to be reunited. With more experience and a lot more time under our belts we plunged into setting up and establishing the field hospital.

Needing to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, the John Radcliffe Hospital and NHS trusts around UK, provide MOD personnel the clinical exposure to maintain and gain advanced clinical skills, to fulfil our military roles. This mutually beneficial relationship sees the NHS and military working collaboratively with one shared goal, to look after people. The medical research gained from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq spearheaded trauma medicine and has saved countless civilian lives back home in the UK. On the 75th anniversary of the formation of the NHS, it’s important to appreciate how far it has come and its life changing achievements along the way.

Thank you, to all those in the NHS, who turn up to work each day and give it their all.

My relationship with the NHS started in 2010, when I began studying at Southampton University, graduating 3 years later with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in

Engineering Student of the year 2022/2023 TEAM

Sergeant Neil Williams Receives the Best Student Award for the Training Year 2022-23 from Maintenance Training School, XXIV Squadron.

On Wednesday, 21st June 2023, Sergeant Neil Williams was presented with XXIV Squadron Maintenance Training School Student of the Year Award.

At a small gathering, Group Captain Burdett, Commander Air Wing, presented the prestigious award to Sgt Williams, which was created in fond memory of Warrant Officer Mac Peace, who was Warrant Officer VC10 & TriStar Maintenance School (VCTMS) 1998 – 2004.

Sergeant Neil Williams attended two training courses on MTS, XXIV Squadron, in 2022-23 displaying a level of professionalism and aptitude that is worthy of recognition.

Firstly, Sergeant Williams attended the A400M Foundation Course, where he demonstrated an ability to learn and understand large amounts of detailed information and new technical skills outside of his core trade. Applying himself during lessons to the highest of standards, Sergeant Williams contextualised course material from previous aircraft platforms he had worked upon. His hard work and steadfast approach to studying the material resulted in him achieving an average score of 91% over the 5 exams, qualifying as top student academically.

Secondly, during his 16-week A400M B-type course, Sergeant Williams progressed with the same positive and enthusiastic approach. His attitude and ability were acknowledged by multiple

instructors through the theory and practical stages of the course. A strong team worker and leader, he also used his knowledge to assist other students in their learning. It was clear that Sergeant Williams had invested significant effort to not only pass, but to excel on the course. Sergeant Williams achieved an overall score of 92% once again graduating as the top student.

Passionate about further professional development, Sergeant Williams is now studying for his aircraft licencing modules.

Flight Lieutenant Oderinde, Officer Commanding Maintenance Training School said:

There is no doubt that he will be successful and make an extremely valuable contribution to LXX Squadron and the RAF. Sergeant Williams is a highly intelligent and effective aviator who has shone throughout his training on XXIV Squadron and is therefore awarded the MTS Student of the Year award for 2022-23.

the Year Awards.

‘’Sergeant Williams has clearly shown that with dedication and resilience success is inevitable. He has truly been a positive input to the courses he attended by assisting others where applicable. Also acquiring knowledge and skills with the right learning attitude”.

Group Captain Burdett,Commander Air Wing and Sergeant Williams

Sergeant Williams with the XXIV Squadron Maintenance Training School Student of

Flight Lieutenant Oderinde Officer Commanding Maintenance Training School

Tactical Medical Wing receive Outstanding Unit Award TEAM

Following

The TMW detachment compromised of personnel from its rapidly deployable Operations Squadron, medical augmentees from UK Strategic Command and 4626 Squadron RAuxAF. The aim was to assist Türkiye’s healthcare system, reduce the tremendous humanitarian burden, and save as many lives as possible following the devastation.

TMW provided a Medical Treatment Facility in Türkoğlu in collaboration with 16 Medical Regiment. Alongside this, Air Mobility Force aircraft deployed with several Aeromedical Evacuation trained clinicians who coordinated and implemented the transportation of severely unwell patients from the earthquake epicentre to alternative incountry hospitals.

Following the operation, TMW were nominated for the Most Outstanding

Royal Air Force Unit award within the 2023 National Armed Forces & Emergency Service Event, held at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

Eight Royal Air Force Medical Service personnel from TMW attended the award ceremony; proudly representing all those involved in the humanitarian effort.

Flight Lieutenant Fleur Sherborne, Deployed Aeromedical Response Team Squadron said:

“Being nominated was completely unexpected; winning the award, in recognition for ‘professionalism and critical efforts in saving lives on the ground in a hugely unstable environment’, was even more of a surprise!”

Those in attendance had all been actively involved and were pleased that

the hard work and dedication of all Defence Medical Services personnel had been recognised in such a prestigious way.

Sergeant Andy Stroud, RAF Medic said:

“It’s really great to have been recognised for this award. I would also like to highlight all the other Units who were deployed and assisted alongside TMW including but not limited to, 16 Medical Regiment and the UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron”

During Op GREENLIGHTER, the UK transferred a total of 151 patients via aeromedical evacuation and the combined Medical Treatment Facility in Türkoğlu treated 6,394 patients equating to an average of 450 patients per day.

the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) personnel deployed at short notice to provide urgent medical support, as part of Op GREENLIGHTER.

10 Squadron Down Under

Just before ANZAC Day (25th April) in 2022, a 15-year old schoolgirl called Olivia Brook, wrote to the UK’s 10 Squadron Association asking for their help and information about a family relative whom she knew had died when his aircraft was shot down whilst he was serving in the UK during WW2.

claimed at 0720 hrs by German Luftwaffe pilot Hpt Hans Morr in a Ju88 of Kampfgeschwader 40, (KG40) who himself would be later shot down and killed by an American Mustang aircraft in October 1944.

Readers might, in a moment of quiet reflection, appreciate that the loss occurred at exactly the same time as those RAF Lancaster bomber ‘Dambuster’ crews, who had survived the previous night’s raid on the Ruhr dams, were tucking into their bacon and eggs at Scampton on 17th May.

Olivia’s in-depth research found all the above facts with a little guidance from Dick and his help even included getting his own daughter and grand-daughter to visit the Runnymede Memorial to photograph WO Kelly’s name inscribed there. A chance encounter by email when Dick wrote to a vague email address on the Australian Defence website, produced a rapid reply from a Mr Reg Carruthers who is a retired RAAF group captain and is now the Head of South Australia’s Defence Department. He was himself a former commanding officer of No 10 Sqn RAAF and in turn put Dick and Olivia in touch with the present RAAF OC10, a Wg Cdr Marija (Maz) Jovanovich who it transpired is the dynamic and only female commanding officer of an RAAF squadron. Her No 10 Sqn is based at RAAF Edinburgh, Adelaide, South Australia.

After the good news came in September that Olivia had won the Premier’s Anzac Sprit Prize, she was further delighted to receive an invitation from Wg Cdr Maz to visit 10 Sqn at their Edinburgh base. Not only did Maz show her around the Squadron personally but also arranged for Olivia and her parents Lisa and Justin, to spend an hour or so in the 4-engined Orion aircraft flight simulator.

Olivia is shown in the accompanying photo sitting in the captain’s seat where she managed to land the aircraft safely on her first attempt. It was one of the best days in the young lady’s life, so she reported later, and it may well have

encouraged her to now set her sights on a possible future career in the RAAF.

Olivia Brook and Wg Cdr Marija (Maz) Jovanovich, OC10 RAAF Edinburgh.

Do not disturb – Aussie pilot concentrating.

Olivia attending the 2022 Anzac Day Service in Kadina prior to winning her prize.

On a trip to the Adelaide War Memorial for a prize-winners’ photo-shoot, Olivia was then privileged to meet and sit next to and chat with the newly appointed US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy (daughter of JFK).

The prize for the Anzac Spirit Competition was a 12-day trip to the Northern Territories capital of Darwin with all other winners from different SA areas and took place in April this year.

to Margaret de Mestre who had been the first Australian Army nurse to be killed in WW2. Her research into that lady’s short life revealed that when the Japanese had bombed Darwin in two massive surprise raids on 19 February 1942, the Australian hospital ship (AHS) Manunda which was moored in Darwin Harbour, suffered a direct hit, killing many on board including Nurse de Mestre.

All contestants attended an Anzac Day parade whilst in Darwin and the new young ambassadors later flew back to Adelaide, having made many new friends.

The 10 Sqn Association in the UK also received a postcard sent by Olivia from Darwin and the above tale has enabled links to be established between the two Brize Norton and the Adelaide ‘Ten’ Squadrons.

Reg Carruthers and his wife Linda, visited the UK on leave in June this year and arrangements were made by John Rattenbury, a former RAF Victor pilot and member of the 10 Squadron Association, for Reg to be the guest of honour at a meeting being held by a Welsh aviation group who are restoring a former RAAF Sunderland flying boat at Pembroke Dock where 10 Sqn RAAF was based in WW2 before it relocated to Mount Batten. The aircraft sunk at its moorings in Pembroke Harbour has been since been brought to the surface and ashore. During his visit John presented Reg with a copy of the RAF 10 Squadron’s Centennial History book, ‘From Brooklands to Brize’, cementing the good relations between the two 10 Squadrons.

The winning trip included visits around the Northern Territory places of interest and the prize-winners were asked to chat to their colleagues about a further, shorter item of research they had done. One such visit was to the Adelaide River War Graves Cemetery, 90 kms south of Darwin, where Olivia found the Memorial

PADRE

Time has gone quickly this year. As I write, we are heading into the summer holidays and you may well be preparing for a break, time away or at the very least hoping to establish a quieter tempo. For some of you, there may be deployments and new postings.

My time at Brize Norton, as Station Padre, is also completed and soon I move to a different station. I have met some amazing and dedicated people here and have been inspired by many.

Inspiration is important during change

and change is an inevitable part of the military; it’s what we do and what we expect. It can be exciting and engaging but it can also be tiring and challenging as we pack up our lives and often our families in order to re-embed elsewhere.

At a recent memorial event, I spoke at a church full of military personnel about faith and how it can inspire and support us through difficulties whilst renewing us when we are weak. Like the air we breathe, faith cannot be seen, but can sustain and nourish us as we navigate life.

New friends have now been made across the miles in a most memorable year which has brought much sadness in other parts due to climate change and human conflict.

It has also changed one young lady’s life a bit.

So, before I move, I want to ask what inspires you? What do you find difficult and where do you go to re-focus?

If you have never thought about this, perhaps now is a good time to reflect. In the rush of everyday life and getting taskings done, taking time out is important for ourselves and for those around us. Of course, we are always happy to have a brew with you over in The Chaplaincy Centre - there may even be biscuits!

See you around the bazaars.

Blessings, Cookie.

Olivia at the Adelaide River War Graves Cemetery with Nurse Margaret de Mestre’s name on the Memorial behind her.

John Rattenbury (left) present Reg Carruthers with a copy of the RAF’s 10 Sqn Centennial History book.

HERCULES, SAY 'CHEESE'

Ihave written a two part history of its RAF service, which you can read in the June and July issues of Aviation News magazine if you’re interested. However this article focuses on some of my memorable photographic encounters with Fat Albert as the type has always been affectionately known on this side of the Atlantic.

I took up aviation photography in the mid seventies, on purchasing my first SLR camera after starting my first proper job. By then the Herk had almost completed its first decade of RAF service,. A black and white image of a flight-line at a RAF Coningsby At Home shows a Herk parked between the Red Arrows Gnats and one of its predecessors - the Handley Page Hastings.

A year or two later a Kodachrome slide taken at RAF Finningley shows a Herk in its original dark stone/light /stone livery applied for service in Imperial outposts like Aden (Yemen) and Singapore. After the withdrawal from Empire the fleet was repainted in the grey/green tactical scheme more appropriate to Europe.

During the Falklands War the Herk acquired its refueling probe and I first snapped one so configured at the 1982 Finningley airshow. Although this piece of kit looked rather agricultural at close quarters it did not detract unduly from the Herk’s in flight appearance as is apparent from my favourite Herk pic taken at a RAF Church Fenton graduation when one banked nicely toward the camera at the end of a flypast looking most photogenic in the low winter sunlight. In November 1987 the largest military exercise held in the UK since World War Two named Purple Warrior took place to test the lessons learned during that conflict. 15 Herks were employed to drop 14 Airborne Brigade on West Freugh and during a chance visit to RAF Leeming on the previous Saturday I caught the majority of these lined up on the pan. It was at the same venue in early 1990 that I got a close up of a Herk coming into land as it passed overhead

my vantage point a field away from the runway threshold. You can almost feel the prop wash and smell the Avtur!

Showtime

The Herk was an essential performer on the airshow circuit, whether as transport for The Falcons Parachute Display Team, or in its own right performing the tactical demonstration when, after the impressive Khe Sanh approach manoeuvre (a near vertical descent from height) the hold would open and one or more vehicles would charge out. In the early days it was a couple of Scorpion light tanks but after many rounds of defence cuts in the nineties it was just a single Landy streaming red smoke to enhance the effect and this was the case in all my photos of this display. Actually I favoured capturing the Khe Sanh approach which was much more spectacular and my favourite shot is of the newer C-130J Hercules II executing the manoeuvre at an Elvington airshow nearly 20 years ago. Although this depicts a grey aircraft against a grey sky which is far from ideal for obtaining good results at least it shows the effectiveness of the overall grey camouflage scheme. Although almost identical to the original Hercules in appearance the C-130J Hercules II was a very different machine under the skin: faster, fitter, more economical, with greater endurance, and above all smarter. Truly an aircraft designed for the computer age with many automatic features. I was first introduced to it at

the 1999 RIAT and was much impressed by its short take-off and swift rate of climb. However I was left in no doubt that the old model still had life in it after seeing one flown tactically through the Spadeadam Electronic Warfare Range the previous year. Approaching the range at seemingly not much above treetop height it performed a steep wingover to change course and then made a sharp Exit Stage Left! I did manage to get a shot of this which while not of the best quality certainly does capture the drama of the moment.

Now the time has come to bid a fond farewell to the Hercules, which seems to have always been around, beavering away in the background like a trusted family servant, ensuring that the RAF worked by carrying out the mundane tasks thereby facilitating the global projection of air power. It will be missed and I only hope that a couple of the surviving airframes will be retired to air museums for future generations to make its acquaintance.

Mick Britton

As an aviation historian and photographer I have two different perspectives of Lockheed’s iconic C-130 Hercules.

Hercules XV189 next to the Hastings it replaced Coningsby '74.

C-130 on approach @Leeming circa '89.

C-130 - Tactical demo Elvington '02.

XV210 flypast Ch. Fenton mid 80s.

XV206 tactical over Spadeadam '98.

Hercules C-130J performs Khe Sanh approach @ Elvington airshow circa '06.

RAF C-130J Crew Swap Hercules for Pedalos

A team of RAF C-130 Hercules crew based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire have swapped their aircraft for pedalos to take on a tough challenge and raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

RAF C-130J pilot Squadron Leader Jim Roden and Engineer, Chief Technician Mark Shearn, who have both operated the C-130 for over 20 years have swapped their aircraft for pedalos and embarked on a challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer UK and mark the retirement of the C-130 from RAF service.

Mark, a Ground Engineer on the C-130, acquired some damaged pedalos last year and began work restoring them. A conversation with Jim led the two to organise the event, which is a 144 mile journey on 3 pedalos with 3 crews from Lechlade in Gloucestershire close to RAF Brize Norton to London, with an average speed of 3mph. The pedalos have been painted ‘Hercules green’ and made to resemble the now retired RAF aircraft and the challenge took place on 2nd July, arriving in London 6 days later, on Friday 7th July.

Jim said:

Also involved is ex Hercules Engineer Paul Cullingham. Paul and his wife, Donna are currently on their journey with breast cancer. She is receiving treatment but drove the lead pedalo from Lechlade to get the team underway. Paul said:

Each of the 3 pedalos will be crewed by 4 people who will swap places throughout the day to progress over 20 miles each day. The team will camp overnight along the route with their support crew.

Everyone taking part was involved in the operation of the C-130s long serving and beloved workhorse and wants to celebrate its amazing service by doing something arduous, fun and meaningful.

“Without the amazing work of charities such as BCUK, my mum’s experience may well have been different. She is an amazing woman who got the support she needed, and we are all so thankful. Amazingly, my mum has survived both a lumpectomy and then a mastectomy years later and it is thanks to the amazing work from such charities as BCUK. A lot of my colleagues have also been touched by this disease. We just wanted to choose a charity that was close to all our hearts”

“It’s been really hard with so many ups and downs but we remain positive. We are very thankful for the support that charities such as BCUK offer.”

TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR CAREER

The Windmill at Asthall is alive and thriving!

Despite the recent turbulent years of covid economic uncertainty and lack of staff, this beautiful, high vaulted barn restaurant and venue has continued to be a favourite with Cotswold locals and tourists alike. A familiar landmark, situated off the roundabout on the A40 between Witney and Burford, the Windmill has extensive grounds, safe, ample parking, and boasts spectacular views. The restaurant interior is impressive, with its mellow Cotswold stone walls, and original beams contrasting pleasantly with gentle touches of soft drapes, pretty mirrors and lamps, and an abundance of fairy lights.

The business is family owned and managed, and although the Windmill was for many years run as a carvery, it now offers family service style with a range of roast meats and vegetables with homemade Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and gravy, on Sundays; with a menu of other options too! From Wednesday to Saturday, the menu includes a range of burgers, barbecue chicken and pork ribs, fish and chips, all day breakfast and ‘posh dogs’ making it an ideal venue for casual family lunches. The menu continues to offer old favourites such as a signature chicken dish, poached salmon and homemade steak and ale pie. The tempting dessert menu consists of various baked cheesecakes, waffles, brownies and ice creams. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

From the spacious restaurant, there are sweeping views of the Windrush valley. For more formal dinners and weddings, here, groups of up to 75 people can be seated. A further 30 dining seats are available in the adjacent ‘snug’ area.

The Windmill has a reputation for being quite a party place, when its mood lighting comes into play and the disco music starts. Plenty of room for a DJ and a band, to endlessly dance the night away! When your family, group of friends, or company need to relax and celebrate Christmas, the Windmill can provide everything. Good food, a well stocked bar, great music and a fantastic party atmosphere.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from mid November we include a free disco, for groups of 60 plus. Contact us for menus and book early for your choice of date. We look forward to hosting you at the Windmill. Open Wednesday to Sunday lunch from 12pm, and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening from 5.30pm.