51º North – Issue 6 2022

Royal Air Force Brize Norton

MESSAGE FROM STN CDR E DITOR’S FOREWORD

The Christmas decorations are up, Christmas music is on the radio, mince pies seem to fill most of the tea-bars and our naughty elf has returned to RAF Brize Norton. Indeed Christmas means different things to different people, but it is this time of year which often prompts many of us to reflect on our achievements, our challenges and our experiences over the last year – something which is always very personal. Certainly when I reflect on the last 5 months of being the Station Commander here at RAF Brize Norton I can’t help but be taken by the high operational tempo of the unit and the quality of the people that we have working here. With the Air Mobility Force, uninterrupted, operating 24/7 in support of operations all over the World and our people supporting and enabling that incredible effort. Whether our personnel are operating from home base or overseas they deliver to an exceptionally high standard, taking pride in what they do and epitomising the ‘Team Brize’ ethos.

And of course when we refer to ‘Team Brize’, this is a Whole Force venture with Service Personnel, Civil Servants and Contractors – collectively working together to deliver our outputs. And I would also want to say that we absolutely include the Carterton local community in that. There are numerous local business who provide services and support to our personnel on a daily basis and also contribute to RAF Brize Norton at our social events such as Brize Fest and BRAVOS. I am incredibly grateful for the contribution you bring to the Station and

our people and I very much look forward to continuing that.

With such a demanding and busy year behind us, many of you will be looking forward to some well-earned leave and time with families and friends over this festive period; I really do hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing break. However, the nature of our business means that our output has to continue and I’m acutely aware that for many of you this means you’ll either be working on the Station or deployed overseas during this Christmas period, unable to be with loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to you and your families for your service, support and dedication to duty – it is recognised and we are incredibly grateful.

So, as I approach the first Christmas as your Station Commander, I will be reflecting on the incredible things that the people of RAF Brize Norton have done and continue to do – without your efforts Brize would not be the incredibly successful Station that it is. Thank you to all of you for everything you have done and achieved and I wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in 2023!

“It’s hard to comprehend that we are now almost at the end of 2022. The year has seemed to pass in the blink of an eye we are now preparing for Xmas and I have to ask myself: “how can this be; where has 2022 gone?”.

What a year 2022 has been; we have had so much to celebrate on one hand and the sadness that on 8th September we lost Her Majesty The Queen. 2022 has certainly proved to be a rollercoaster year. RAF Brize Norton has been at the front of many milestones this year and we were truly honoured to bring Her Majesty home to London from Scotland. This is something that will most certainly be etched on people’s minds for many, many years to come.

As we look to the festivities, it is also a period for reflection, to think about absent friends and the most precious gift ever - spending quality time with family. For some, the festive season gives us the opportunity to rest but we must also remember those who will still be on operations across the world who cannot be with their families. For those deployed during the holiday season, RAF Brize Norton has ensured Xmas boxes filled to the brim with treats and novelty surprises to help create that festive feeling will be sent to all our deployed Service personnel away from home; these will arrive in plenty of time to bring some seasonal cheer.

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As we look ahead to 2023, from everyone at RAF Brize Norton, Merry Xmas and the very best of wishes for the New Year.

“Lang may yer lum reek” See you all in 2023

Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North

We are rapidly approaching the last few weeks of 2022 and the festivities have well and truly commenced.

RAF AIR COMBAT POWER VISIT

UK and international students participating in the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the UK’s Defence Academy visited RAF Brize Norton for the second of this

The army, navy and air force students were briefed on Multi Domain Integration and the RAF’s contribution to the Integrated Force 2030 vision. The focus was on how the RAF delivers Air and Space operations, demonstrating interoperability between the Services and highlighting capability success stories.

In his opening address, RAF Deputy Commander of Operations, Air Marshal Harvey Smyth CB OBE DFC RAF, outlined new ways of working to meet the many and varied operational challenges facing the UK Joint Force. He said: “The Royal Air Force is embracing the concept of Agile Combat Employment, which allows us to deploy rapidly around the globe in support of UK and Allied interests.”

Agile Combat Employment is a concept of operations that enhances the RAF’s resilience and flexibility through the exploitation of agile and adaptable basing. It transcends the air domain and may be applied across the Joint Force.

As they moved around the stands on show, participants were briefed

by Subject Matter Experts on the various domains in which the RAF operates, and in which the Agile Combat Employment concept is being employed. These included:

• F35B Lightning and the Carrier Strike Group

• P8 Poseidon and the Maritime Operations Centre

• Rotary Wing and Joint Helicopter Command

• UK Air Support Operations Squadron

• Space integration

The Advanced Staff & Command Course prepares military and nonmilitary students with a defence, national security or international relations background, for more senior appointments. The year-long course seeks to develop an intellectual appreciation of the major issues facing defence in the political, international, financial and multi-domain contexts and the confidence to question and offer original thought. This will foster an enduring capacity of future senior UK and allied leaders to make or support timely, logical and sound decisions in a demanding environment.

RAF Father follows in son's footsteps

An RAF Officer has graduated from RAF College Cranwell 15 years after he accompanied his son to the Royal Air Force Careers Office.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Gibbs, currently a frontline RAF Pilot, watched his father, Flying Officer Andrew Gibbs, graduate with a King’s Commission, the first course to do so in the UK Armed Forces since the accension of King Charles III. Flying Officer Gibbs’ RAF journey mirrors that of his son, with both commissioning from within the ranks.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Gibbs graduated from RAF Halton in May 2011, then completed his trade training in intelligence later that year before serving with 31 Squadron. He later graduated from RAF College Cranwell in June 2015 and gained his wings in 2017 and is

currently serving at RAF Waddington. His Father, Flying Officer Andrew Gibbs joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in May 2012, completed his Logistics Movements training in August 2013 and has now served with 4624 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton for 10 years He graduated from RAF College Cranwell in September 2022.

The family have several ties with the Royal Air Force with Flying Officer Gibbs’ son-in-law, Corporal Steven Niblett, also serving within the RAF. His wife worked as the Assistant Headteacher at RAF Akrotiri School in Cyprus and his daughter worked as a Pastoral Support worker at RAF Leeming School.

Sultan of Brunei presents RAF Parachute wings to Prince

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei presented his son, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen, with his Parachute Wings after he successfully passed the Basic Parachute Course (BPC).

HM Hassanal Bolkiah was hosted by Air Officer Commanding 2 Gp, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall, the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady, and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett. As part of the visit they were also given a tour of Parachute Training Squadron hangar where the ground training is carried out.

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team jumped from a Puma helicopter and performed their incredible signature red, white and blue display for the royal visitors and AOC 2 Gp.

intense ground training, which teaches all about the British Low Level Parachute (LLP), how to safely conduct a parachute landing, the drills on board the aircraft, the drills to conduct while under canopy, malfunction recognition and emergency procedures. This is followed by the practical element and carrying out four descents from 1,000ft.

Not everyone is successful in passing the BPC, however, for those that do, the

Over the last two weeks HRH Prince Abdul Mateen joined other trainees on BPC 1317 and completed the initial training to begin their parachuting career. BPC 1317 commenced with 64 candidates, from across the three Services. The first phase is 4-days of

presentation of their Parachute Wings is the completion of a long, arduous and difficult road that requires physical, mental and emotional resilience.

SAR MISSION

RAF Aircraft in mission to rescue Sailor in distress.

On 15 Oct 2022, a Poseidon P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from RAF Lossiemouth and a RAF Brize Norton based Atlas A400M were scrambled to locate and provide assistance to a civilian yacht which had lost its mast in stormy conditions. The distressed sailor was struggling in 6-metre-high waves, 700 nautical miles west of Ireland and midway between the UK and Greenland. The Atlas dropped life rafts into the water near the vessel while the Poseidon created a communications uplink with the sailor to help direct a rescue ship to the location

The CXX Squadron Poseidon P-8 MPA used its advanced surface search capabilities to locate the stricken yacht amongst the high waves. The crew then coordinated with the Atlas from LXX Squadron, enabling it to visually check the area and locate the yacht. The P-8 then made radio contact with the sailor confirming that he was uninjured.

The Atlas dropped their Air Sea Rescue Apparatus (ASRA) to the yacht through a rear ramp drop, from where it descended under a parachute. This was the first mission in which a A400 has deployed the ASRA equipment in action. The rescue pack was retrieved by the yachtsman who remained under the watchful eye of the Poseidon aircraft; the Atlas returned to RAF Brize Norton its job complete.

The Poseidon flew a second mission overnight on that Saturday to assist merchant vessels which had deviated 120 miles off their planned routes to recover the sailor. These ships arrived alongside the yacht on the Sunday morning. The sailor was recovered by one of the vessels and was treated for minor injuries.

The Atlas captain, Flt Lt Mainwaring, described his enormous sense of relief at a successful rescue. He said: “The team at RAF Brize Norton was simply superb today; it really felt like they were propelling us into the air with a shared sense of

purpose and mission. Similarly, knowing the Poseidon was on station provided not only a huge amount of additional capability but also demonstrated that the RAF team was collectively working to rescue this stranded individual.”

He continued: “There was huge relief when we confirmed the location of the yacht. There was a sense of purpose as we prepared to release the rescue equipment because you only get one chance to get it right. Seeing the yachtsman able to recover the equipment made us all very proud of the achievement.”

“I am incredibly proud of Team Atlas today, with the whole force helping to deliver emergency equipment at very short notice and under challenging conditions. It is a timely reminder of why we hold constant readiness and of the tremendous reach and capabilities of the Atlas aircraft.”

Wing Commander Livesey, OC CXX Sqn, said: “Today the power of the weather once again highlighted the importance of a meaningful Search and Rescue capability. It was excellent having Poseidon working together with Atlas dropping stores to the stricken sailor.”

“Co-operative events such as these demonstrate the professional and cohesive way crews from across the Royal Air Force can work together to deliver great effect. At RAF Lossiemouth, this is a daily occurrence as the team deliver Quick Reaction Alert with Typhoon, Maritime Patrol through Poseidon, and a continuous tempo of support to Global Operations. Poseidon operated today because those from across Team Lossiemouth rose to the occasion, responding at short notice. As a result, their efforts helped save a life; they should all be immensely proud of the contribution they make to keeping this nation and its people safe.”

World War 2 Archaelogical site at RAF Brize Norton

Numerous items have been unearthed during an archaeological dig at RAF Brize Norton.

The Station, which opened in 1937 has played various roles during it’s time, with several different occupants all leaving their mark on the site’s history. In 1945, 45 specialist German aircraft were captured by the allies and brought back to RAF Brize Norton for testing and evaluation. In 1947 a severe storm damaged the majority of these aircraft and the airframes were scrapped along with a number of Allied aircraft. Most of the parts were buried in large pits to the south side of the RAF Brize Norton airfield. It was knowledge of what had been done that sparked the initial interest and led to the launch the project. After several initial surveys, the aim of this project was to find firm evidence of the buried aircraft.

display in the RAF Brize Norton Heritage Centre. Work will now begin to start identifying other aircraft parts and this work could take several months.

Flight Sergeant Graham Moore leads the project. He said: “We’ve had some really good successes finding predominantly Horsa Glider artefacts, including a Data Plate, which are historically important. We’ve also found several items of personal belonging, painting a picture of life at RAF Brize Norton in the past. We’ve found toothbrushes, cutlery, cups, bottles; all items used by people which help build a bigger picture of the Station. I think we are only just scratching the surface but so far the project has delivered some really promising results”

Over 5 days the project, now in its second phase, unearthed finds from multiple aircraft types, including parts from Horsa Gliders which were launched from RAF Brize Norton during D-Day and Operation MARKET GARDEN; 104 were later disposed of on site. Several artefacts dating from the 1950s during the period of United States Air Force control of RAF Brize Norton were also found; these items add to our knowledge of RAF Brize Norton’s past.

Over 200 artefacts were unearthed during the project; some of the most substantial items are being prepared for

Now

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Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School

Oxfordshire’s Leading Dance School Professional Dance Classes at Deborah Manning School Of Dance - A school based in Oxfordshire at locations such as Northleigh, Carterton, Witney, Shipton U Wychwood and Finstock offering a large range of dance genres to children from the ages 3 to 18 years. We have been voted as Dance School Of The Year 2022 by Oxfordshires Prestige Awards. GOOD, HONEST ADVICE EXCEPTIONAL STAFF TIME FOR YOUR PET Visit our website to find out more:

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1 2 3 LECHLADE FAIRFORD HIGHWORTH

Atlantic Aviation Group / AAG Defence Services

Atlantic Aviation Group is an independent aviation solutions company providing comprehensivemaintenance, modification and support services to customers around the world. Its servicesinclude Part 145 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Part CAMO, Part21J Design Services, Part 147 training solutions from two facilities in Shannon, Ireland and Defence Maintenance Services through AAG Defence Services in Brize Norton, UK.

AAG Defence Services is a MAA Part 145 Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) based in Brize Norton, UK. We work in partnership with Airbus Aerospace & Defence to supply dedicated MRO services, including heavy and line maintenance, to the Royal Air Force’s fleet of A400M Atlas aircraft. Our committed and flexible team of over 120 engineers and management are based in RAF Brize Norton in a dedicated 24,000m², three-bay facility designed to optimise the maintenance of the aircraft.

Our reputation is built on superior craftsmanship, technical expertise, and a flexible, dedicated customer service. We are committed to growing and developing our team to maintain our continued delivery of service to our customer. We are looking for highly skilled engineers to join our team in AAG Defence Services based at the RAF Brize Norton with a wide range of positions currently open. If you are interested in joining our team please contact careers@atlaticaviation.ie.

Or ring: 01367 252312 11 BRIZE NORTON ISSUE 6 2022

Honour for 47 Squadron crew for their outstanding skill

The prize is awarded annually to a member (or members) of the Royal Air Force who has (have) displayed outstanding skill and proficiency in performing the duties of the crew of an aircraft. Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, presented the well-deserved award.

Flt Lt Manson and his Hercules crew played a pivotal role in the evacuation from Kabul, Operation PITTING. The crew flew multiple missions into a complex and dynamic environment, displaying calm professionalism as they saved hundreds of civilian and military lives. With only 8 hours notice, Flt Lt Manson and his crew had deployed from the UK to the UAE, where Manson immediately took command of the C130 unit. The entire crew used their experience to provide expert

contingency planning for the extraction of UK forces from Kabul, underwriting the presence of UK troops in harm’s way.

Flight Lieutenant Manson said: “Myself and my crew are incredibly proud to be awarded the Arthur Barratt Memorial Prize for 2021. It was a truly humbling experience to be involved in such an Operation. The demands placed on all those involved were extremely high during the evacuation, but everyone faced it with first-rate perseverance and tenacity. I am confident the evacuation would not have run as smoothly if not for the excellent support from 16 Air Assault Brigade, successfully securing Kabul airfield and a special mention to all those based at Minhad Airbase who worked tirelessly to support the aircraft and personnel conducting the evacuation. I am pleased to say that the money

which accompanies this prize has been donated to the AfghanAid charity.”

Officer Commanding 47 Squadron, Wing Commander James Sjoberg, said: “I am delighted that Flt Lt Manson and his Hercules crew have been awarded the Arthur Barratt Memorial Prize for their role in the evacuation of Kabul last year. A great team of Hercules aircrew and engineers from 47 Squadron were involved in the operation, along with colleagues from across the RAF Air Mobility Force and 16 Air Assault Brigade. 20 years after a 47 Sqn Hercules was the first RAF aircraft to land in Afghanistan, it was very fitting that Flt Lt Manson’s Hercules was the last UK aircraft to fly out of Kabul. It is clear that the skill, experience and compassion of Flt Lt Manson’s crew saved many lives, and 47 Squadron is very proud of what they achieved.”

On 14 October, the members of a 47 Squadron crew: Flt Lt Robert Manson, Flt Lt Robert Hanson, Sgt Jason Roy, Sgt Timothy Gilbert, CT Gareth Spain and CT Michael Lake, received the Arthur Barratt Memorial Prize at a ceremony held at RAF Cranwell.

ASTRA AWARDS 2022

The Royal Air Force celebrated the innovative ideas and creativity of our whole force at the Astra Awards on 27 October 2022.

Astra is the RAF’s journey to the next generation Air Force, and our people, their ideas, and their innovations are at the heart of its success. Our ability to think differently, challenge the status quo and innovate will be fundamental to our success. The Astra Awards celebrate the innovative achievements of individuals and teams across the RAF and provide a platform for networking, with each other and with our Industry Partners. Hundreds of people from across the whole force, including Service Personnel, Civil Servants, Industry Partners and representatives from RAF Charities gathered in Sunderland Hall at the RAF Museum for an evening of sharing ideas and celebrating Astra achievements.

Astra has had many successes in the past year and the Awards recognised some of the most inspirational people, ingenious ideas, and the incredible impact they’ve had on operations in the UK and overseas.Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), said: “Every organisation is on a journey, from where it is today to where it’s going. The Royal Air Force vision is to be the most operationally successful, agile and, most importantly, innovative Air Force in the world. Astra is the name we’ve given to the journey that we’re on and innovation is key to that. When I speak to people involved in Astra, there’s a real buzz. We’re really proud of all of the Astra Sprints that have been brought to life and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the fabulous success stories at the Astra Awards.”

The event was supported by the incredible talents of The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, who provided musical accompaniment throughout the evening, and Flt Lt Amy Casey of 7644 (VR) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, who used her considerable skills to compère the ceremony.

Astra Ecosystem Award, sponsored by FujitsuWinner: RAF Benson The RAF Benson Ecosystem is active and

thriving, working across all aspects of Station life and, across all ranks. They have consistently demonstrated innovation and inclusivity, with ambitious initiatives and Sprints, seeing the projects through from proposal, to testing, and implementation across the busy operational unit. No idea is too big or too small, and the whole force consistently work together to drive changes that bring us closer to a next generation RAF.

Astra Innovation Award, sponsored by Harmonic - Winner: Project BLUEPRINT, RAF Police Project BLUEPRINT is the RAF Police Knowledge Hub, which has used technology to create immeasurable efficiencies within the processes of the RAF Police. The platform has already changed the way the RAF Police do business. Centralising all paperwork, policies and training videos, the system gives easy access to the information for all RAF Police, whether serving at home or abroad. The trial has been such a success that other areas are now looking at how it could be used across Defence.

Astra Innovative Award, sponsored by Inzpire - Winner: FS Fleming, RAF Lossiemouth

FS Fleming’s enthusiasm for innovation to tackle engineering issues within the Poseidon Force and beyond has been inspirational. Project ASURVEY looks to revolutionise the way aircraft inspections are carried out, using the latest advances in drone technology. Not only would it increase the speed of engineering tasks, it would give greater accuracy and reduce risk to engineers

working at height. FS Fleming has also been working on Project CHIPCHECK, which will see the use of a handheld device that enables on-site analysis of magnetic chips.

Astra Sustainability Award, sponsored by Jacobs - Winner: Project BIOFUEL, RAF Northolt

The Project BIOFUEL team, led by Sqn Ldr Finnimore, have made a huge contribution to informing the RAF’s journey towards Net Zero 2040. Their trial of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on the BAE 146 aircraft assessed every element of using different blends of sustainable fuel for aircraft in the RAF. It also looked at how the fuel would be supplied, stored and transported to inform future work. It has made a tangible difference to sustainability in Defence.

Astra Contribution to Operations Award, sponsored by Lockheed Martin UK - Winner: Project ARISTAEUS, RAF Honington

Project ARISTAEUS created a maintenance facility for Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile Acquisitions Training Missiles at RAF Honington. The Project allows trainee armourers to undertake part of their trade training at the station’s Armament

The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra.

Cpl James Hancox receives Astra Ambitious and Imaginative Award.

Engineering Flight, which has seen them test and repair over £4m of missiles to date. It also allows the junior engineers to gain valuable operational experience, deploying in support of 93 (Expeditionary Armament) Squadron.

Astra Ambitious and Imaginative Award, sponsored by BAE Systems - Winner: Cpl Hancox, RAF Brize Norton TIC

Cpl Hancox epitomises the ambitious and imaginative aspects of the Astra ethos, adapting and pivoting to deliver training products using the latest technologies. As one of the founding members of the Technology Innovation Centre at RAF Brize Norton, he creates Virtual Training packages for all professions. Throughout every challenge, he has persevered, upskilled and adapted to deliver high quality products that drive innovation in the RAF.

Astra Ambassador Award, sponsored by Thales - Winner: Cpl Lightfoot, RAF Lossiemouth Cpl Lightfoot’s enthusiasm and dedication to make Astra a success at RAF Lossiemouth has been nothing short of inspiring. Building on the Astra ethos of being rank agnostic, Cpl Lightfoot has led the team from the front, using his unbounded enthusiasm and uncapped energy to ignite the ecosystem and spur innovations across the Station. His drive to improve ways of working in the RAF is infectious and he embodies “reaching for the stars”.

People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Babcock - Winner: Cpl Reed, RAF Lossiemouth

The People’s Choice Award was chosen by the whole force from a

shortlist of a dozen nominees in all award categories. Cpl Reed was the clear winner for her work on Project FOSTER, a fully supported and insured fostering scheme for dogs in the Service community. It reduces the additional stress and costs that can come when needing dog care during difficult periods such as deployments and courses. The project improves the lived experience for our people, particularly those serving in remote locations.

complete repairs rapidly on-site. For just the Typhoon nose landing gear fork repairs, this will save Defence over £1m.

Chief of the Air Staff’s Creativity Award - Winner: Sgt Jones CAM Sgt Jones commenced an extensive research project that had the opportunity to significantly advance the technology and the process of RAF anthropometry by

Astra Core Team Award, sponsored by Leonardo - Winner: Project CADMIUM PLATING Number 71 (Inspection and Repair) Squadron at RAF Wittering are constantly enhancing their on-site RAF engineering capabilities. The expert engineers are increasing the range of highly specialised engineering tasks they complete, with Astra funding equipment and training. They can now

50 years. Project BIOSCAN creates a 3D avatar, producing 155 separate measurements of the human body within 8 seconds. Traditional methods manually captured a limited 6 measurements in 10 to 15 minutes per subject. This immediately demonstrated an outstanding saving in time, and effort, whilst significantly improving the accuracy of measurements.

The Astra Awards at the RAF Museum.

Flt Lt Amy Casey reads the final citation of the evening.

EX PLAINFARE

Exercise PLAINFARE takes its name from Operation PLAINFARE, the Berlin Airlift, and seeks to explore the spectrum of Military Activity, Air Power, Leadership, and the Ethos & Heritage of the RAF by analysing select historical operations at relevant locations in and around Berlin.

We began at Checkpoint Charlie; this is one of twelve border crossings between East and West Berlin and the site of a stand-off between Soviet and US tanks in 1961. Nearby is the Topography of Terror, a museum located on the former site of the Gestapo headquarters.

Following this, we visited Humboldthain Flak Tower, one of Berlin’s three massive concrete anti-aircraft towers, and the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park.

held three recaptured survivors of the ‘Great Escape’. This area of the exercise was overwhelmingly poignant for all of us.

the outskirts of Berlin and the

location of the British contribution to the Berlin Airlift, was where 100,000 tons of supplies were delivered to West Berlin within the first six months.

The Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery is the site of 3,595 Commonwealth graves of service personnel who died during the Second World War. Of these, approximately 80 percent were airmen lost in air-raids over Berlin and eastern Germany.

Just outside Berlin, we visited the harrowing Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, which

We also visited the Berlin Wall Memorial, which features a 60-metre section of the former border exactly as it was, and the Berlin Airlift Memorial outside Tempelhof Airport, the main site of the Airlift.

This exercise is an informative, eyeopening, and unforgettable experience and is highly recommended for everyone interested in this area of history. Those interested in organising or taking part in future staff rides should contact MAcr Thomas Lee, OC Staff Rides, via TDF.

RAF Gatow, a former air base located on

principal

AS1(T) Leon Hambleton Cyber Ops Sqn

In mid-October, ten Cyber Ops personnel conducted a week-long staff ride to research and discuss military history in Berlin during WW2 and the postwar era.

Checkpoint Charlie Edited.

Soviet War Memorial.

RAF Gatow.

Commonwealth Cemetary.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

Berlin Wall Memorial.

Civilian aircraft on charter to the RAF during the 1960’s

Some of these had contracts to operate passenger flights; others had cargo contracts, then there were those which operated ‘one off’ charters, i.e. either in-empty and outwith-cargo or vice versa.

Throughout the whole of the 1960’s, I had the pleasure, if that is the correct word, of being involved with quite a few civilian charter turnarounds, especially

freight charters, whilst serving here in the UK and abroad.

There are of course many airlines that operated these charters. Below I have listed a few. I often wonder how those airmen, and there were many, who joined these airlines, after leaving the RAF, fared when their names disappeared, as they all did…Let’s see if I can jog your memories?

The aircraft shown above are not all the types of airplanes which these Airlines

I can recall some of those, not mentioned, quite easily, as I, with others were amazed at how some of them operated. (‘Shoestring’ springs to mind.) There were those that landed and leaked oil all over the place. Then there were those that internally were in a terrible state, with ripped floors, and smelling of their last animal charter. I cannot recall a charter in those far off days that had adequate or sufficient tie down materials. I remember several airlines borrowing RAF chains and strainers, together with load spreading material. Although these items were signed for, they were never returned in the quantities issued. I can also recall ‘Loadmasters’ using washing lines

to attempt to secure the loads. Even sometimes the cargo not being secured at all!!

Then there were those aircraft operating as freighters, which came in with a full complement of seats! Thinking back, I remember struggling to get large items through the passenger doors and jamming the freight between the seats leaving off several large items that would not go through the aircraft doors. I wonder if this still happens today. I doubt it. There were of course many foreign registered civilian aircraft chartered to the RAF.

Looking up the list of ‘Defunct’ British Airlines is like looking through a family album. It was doubly interesting as there were so many different types of aircraft, with all their different loading techniques. The majority of the aircrews, as I recall, were mostly very friendly to us Movers. With some of the aircraft, those that had a nose wheel, you had to

make sure the ‘Pogo Stick’ was in place, or the plane might tip up... Oops! I did here tell….

Then there were those that had a main wing spar across the fuselage to overcome and lug the cargo over.

It fills me up with memories of those times of long ago, which now seem to have been quite exciting. All of the airlines mentioned above and lots of others, underwent takeovers and renaming. Some as a result of ‘Incidents,’ others as a result of going into liquidation. I expect it is just as exciting and hard work for the Movers of today. As I recall, we took it in our stride and got on with it.

Well, how many of you old fellow RAF types remember some of the airlines that have long since gone into the history books that I worked on?

‘Captain to First Officer’ “I keep telling that Loadmaster of ours Not to smoke those Russian fags on my airplane!”

operated.

Gerry Davis

British Caledonian 1928-1988.

British Eagle 1948-1968.

Dan Air 1953-1992.

Invicta Air cargo-1969.

Skyways of London 1946-1962.

British Air Ferries 1963-1981.

Mental Wellness Network organised a full day event centred around recognising our own mental wellbeing and that of our colleagues, friends and family. Sqn Ldr Gemma Bean championed the event with help from Sgt Dave Smith, members of Community Support, the Station Welfare Team and members of Logs Sqn. Thank you to Serco for providing the free lunch and SSAFA for providing the free barbeque in the afternoon. Logs Sqn ran a cake sale with all proceedings going to MIND. £101 was raised to help support people struggling with ill mental wellbeing. Thank you to everyone that donated.

mindfulness apps and the best resources to educate ourselves and how to take those steps needed to heal our poor mental wellbeing. This can help us to use our own initiative to change the way we think to work and live smart.

Dr Craig White, an RAF Wg Cdr who was medically discharged due to ill mental health, spoke of his journey. Dr White is currently researching resilience at Loughborough University and is helping veterans who suffer from ill mental health. We thank Dr White for being brave enough to share his story in a public forum, and we hope that witnessing his courage might inspire others to share their own struggles with mental health.

The Ethnic Minorities Network, The Gender Network, BEAT, Oxfordshire MIND and The Benevolent Fund are just some organisations that were represented through stalls during the day. They are all committed to helping those who might be struggling and were able to offer advice and signpost where further help is available.

The afternoon sessions were introduced by Sqn Ldr Kevin Place whose analogy of a puppy being trained was an interesting way of explaining kindness and how we can support people with ill mental health. He also spoke of zen and a calm state of mind that allows us to distance ourselves from our struggles and become centred and rested. This linked back to the talk given by Sgt Jewell who also spoke of the importance of sleep and it being good quality sleep.

that explain this and how our mental resilience is no different from our physical resilience.

A representative from the Benevolent Fund, retired Wg Cdr Neil Tomlin, spoke of all the work they do to help serving personnel and their families. He spoke of his own experience with the benevolent fund as a serving member of the RAF and all that they did to help him in a time of crisis. Any serving member or veterananyone who has served and received 1 day’s pay - is eligible for help from the Benevolent Fund if they require it.

The Station Commander, Group Captain O’Grady, started the day by discussing how prevalent mental wellbeing is in today’s society. How it can affect serving personnel, military and civilian contractors and those that surround them in their daily lives. Some truly astounding statistics were mentioned, highlighting the increase in the number of people who have contacted DCMH for help. For the period 2021/22, 1 in 7 RAF personnel have been seen specialists for ill mental health and 1 in 43 have been treated for severe ill mental health.

The first speaker was WO Pinner who works on the Station Personnel Support Team. He discussed bringing your whole self to work and being able to show vulnerability in your workplace.

Sgt Tom Jewell, a member of the Human Performance Team, demonstrated how important mindfulness is. He described a range of

Mr Jamie Broadley, the Head of Health & Wellbeing at Serco spoke predominantly of mental fitness and of several models

Padre Rachel Cook expressed her own thoughts about mental health. This was a light-hearted talk about how we can contact the padres at any time of day if you need guidance. It was mentioned that WO Pinner is a good person to reach out to if you have any concerns regarding ill mental health. The Padre then spoke

We all have mental wellbeing, but situations outside of our control can lead to us developing poor mental wellbeing and ill health.

of how she realised she was not ‘ok’ after a tour in MPA and that we are all human so it’s ‘ok to not be ok’.

Sgt Dave Smith who helped organise the day's events gave a moving recollection of his journey with ill mental health and how he came to meet Dr Craig White. Sgt Smith highlighted the importance of taking time for yourself, no matter what it is that you choose to do, and to ensure that you step away from work and relax. This was a common thread that had been mimicked throughout the day.

SSAFA provided a Barbeque with the grill manned by the SWO, a must see! We were serenaded by the RAF Brize Norton Band with some spirited tunes and old classics we all know. The whole day was a great success. Once again, we want to thank Sqn Ldr Gemma Bean, Sgt Dave Smith, the welfare team and members of Logs Sqn for helping to organise the event. Serco and SSAFA deserve special mentions for generously donating funds to provide food throughout the day. Furthermore, thank you to all those who attended the talks and the Fresher’s Fayre. The day could not have gone ahead without everyone’s support and efforts.

JUNIOR RANK WELFARE FUND

SPORTS BAR

The RAF Brize Norton Sports Bar is a welfare facility that trades under the JRWF.

You can book the Sports Bar, free of charge, for any type of function, event, presentation night, party or occasion.

What’s on offer: Bar Games Karaoke

Live Sports Music

And many more!

NOTE: They run a card payment only machine so no physical cash is needed

They are open every Thursday from 1900-2300hrs, next to the hairdressers, behind the Common Room.

Find them on Instagram: @rafbrizenorton_sportsbar

To book the Sports Bar, please contact the OIC directly via email.

JRWF SHOP

The JRWF shop consists of many items for sale from notebooks, RAF Brize Norton plaques and a range of clothing in various sizes and colours and many more.

The JRWF shop sells these items to Station at a reduced cost compared to the website and a small part of the funds goes back into the JRWF for our personnel across the Station.

All the items are on sale through the Moette website which have a larger range of branded items such as bags, hats and towels.

For more information, please refer to the poster or contact Sgt D Curle (SNCO Discip).

RAF Brize Norton Co-Responders

RAF Brize Norton Building Number 65 is a non-descript row of three large garages adjacent to Movement’s Imports hanger and the Main Air Terminal building.

Two of these garages house the two marked Ambulance Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV) owned by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and maned by the Station’s team of Military Co-Responders. Military Co-Responders are members of the armed forces who respond to emergency calls on behalf of SCAS during which they administer life-saving skills to patients who require a time-critical response prior to the attendance of an ambulance.

The small team of fourteen Station personnel consists of many different trades and ranks; they team up and respond to incidents across the SCAS area which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire. The team all have Ambulance Service Pin numbers (like military Service number) and once logged onto the availability system the responders then become “fair game” to the control room located in Ambulance service HQ Bicester to be tasked to respond to 999 calls as the control room sees fit. The tasks can include falls, heart attacks, trauma, RTC’s, strokes, and much more. On arrival at the scene, patients are assessed, relevant medical history is recorded, clinical observations are taken and treatment is commenced. The information is included in a comprehensive handover brief given to the attending ambulance crew, after which the Co-Responders assist the ambulance crew as requested. This could involve taking another set of observations or even driving the attending ambulance, if they are qualified, thus freeing up the full-time crew to attend to the patient whilst on route to hospital.

The two new RRVs are fully equipped and the team is supported in all aspects including training and issue of uniforms; the vehicles are supported by SCAS vehicle Workshops for servicing and maintenance. The old Mondeos were replaced by high specification Skoda Superb estate cars a few months ago; this was a significant

investment by SCAS. The old vehicles had been driven over 250,000 miles and were showing their age. One of the Mondeos, used by the team for 10 years, had to be collected by a recovery truck following the collapse of its suspension and was never seen again; this was only a few weeks before the delivery of the new Skodas.

The new RRVs are more reliable and have been gratefully received by the team who last year contributed 2,500 Hrs of cover to the trust. All these hours are completed outside of normal working hours in the team members’ free time. Many members completed more than their one shift per week minimum commitment, as well as keeping current with the myriad of training requirements that SCAS require. SCAS has also asked directly for help from the team to assist full time crews. Very notably they worked together to provide medical cover at Windsor during the period of the Queen’s funeral.

The initial basic medical training is an intensive week, held at an ambulance service training centre. Once this is completed further training and mentoring is completed with a senior team member. After at least six months of responder work, further training is available in trauma, falls and concern for welfare. A four weeks long blue light driving course can be completed; this is

Old and new cars.

a major commitment for the individual and the trust in terms of the expenditure for the course and the time for the selected responder.

Building 65.

Whilst there are already some people on the waiting list, we are now in the position to start the recruitment of new team members. Covid has stretched both the team and the ambulance service; demand for our assistance is very high and is almost certain to remain so. We would like to expand the team to be able to provide even more hours of cover to the trust and most importantly the community. The required commitment is one shift per week. The start time and the day of the week are flexible, however, shifts normally start in the evening. Flexibility really is the key and some personnel are also able to cover day shifts.

While we don’t currently have any dates for any training courses, if you are interested, please email the leadership team below.

Team Leader – Steven Gulliford - Steven. gulliford892@mod.gov.uk

Deputy Team Leader Christopher Beardsley - christopher.beardsley@scacharity.org.uk

Queens Funeral..

RTC..

STEM

Beginning with the appointment of Chair Person Flt Lt Jason Osmer and 2IC FS Chris Mossman in February, the STEM Engagement effort underwent complete revamp having had output decimated by Covid in the preceding years.

The revamped committee saw output skyrocket throughout 2022. In total 71 STEM events took place which had a combined attendance of over 3000 primary age children from the surrounding areas. Each STEM Event activity is designed and delivered to teach STEM fundamentals and inspire students to take up careers in STEM fields.

to expand our WISE effort. There are also plans afoot to set up ‘The Engineering Design Project’ and ‘Sports Science Project’, in conjunction with AWE and the Ped Flt, as part of the CCC SPP.

Externally, enduring engagement was set up with 14 primary schools with multiple events taking place at each. Events included; coding using and Lego Mindstorm, RosE Code and Rescue, MTa Peace Bridge, Egg Drop Challenge, Rocket Days, STIXX Building, Women In Science & Engineering (WISE) events and many more. Wiltshire County Council also worked with the Brize STEM Team at the Wiltshire STEAM Fayre where the team delivered an introduction to coding using Sphero Robotics.

On station, the STEM Team delivered events at the Brize Norton Air Cadet Camp, 4624 Sqn Families Day and set up a student visit to 99Sqn as part of the Carterton Community College STEM Partnership Plan (CCC SPP). The weeklong RAF Brize Norton ‘Summer of STEM’, in conjunction with Airplay, was a resounding success. Model glider builds were undertaken alongside workshops from The National Museum of Computing and Arts Award. The week culminated in a visit to the British National Motor Museum.

As 2023 approaches the RAF Brize Norton STEM Committee has been engaging with Oxfordshire Girlguiding with a view

Without volunteers none of the above is possible. The STEM Team is always looking for, not only registered STEM Ambassadors (SA), but non-SA volunteers who would be interested in becoming involved as an ‘extra pair of hands’.

STEM is open to all ranks and a fantastic opportunity for junior ranks to develop and display leadership, organisation, communication and mentoring while inspiring and encouraging the youth to shape the way of the future.

“The efforts of the new STEM Chair, 2IC, committee and ambassadors this year has been second to none. The huge increase in outreach activities will have given literally thousands of children in the local area a practical insight into the importance of STEM subjects.  Some of these children will go on to have fulfilling careers which may have been prompted or encouraged by these activities, others will simply have had fun with rockets. Either way this good work will benefit these children and build bridges between RAF Brize Norton and its local community.“ -

Wg

Cdr Fawdry-Jeffries, Officer Commanding Air Wing Engineering

2022 has been a terrific year for the RAF Brize Norton Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Engagement Team.

Surprise visit to RAF Veteran Ernest Timmins’ 101st Birthday Celebration.

Happy 101st birthday to RAF veteran Ernest ‘Ernie’ Timmins who celebrated with family and friends and was visited by personnel from RAF Brize Norton.

Seeing a post requesting birthday cards, Flight Lieutenant Arron Evans and Chief Technician Neil Guest decided to contact the family to arrange to deliver a card personally on behalf of the Station Commander and Commander Air Wing.

Ernie joined the RAF in 1941 in the Special Duties branch, working in Operations Rooms, and went on to serve across the world including in Burma. He remembers his military days clearly and enjoyed chatting to Flight Lieutenant Evans and Chief Technician Guest about his time served and about how the RAF operates today.

The target of 101 birthdays cards had been reached and Ernie repeated many times that he was moved by the response to his birthday and was delighted

with the visit from current serving RAF personnel.

Ernie’s granddaughter, Kate, said: “The Royal Air Force played a major part in my Grandad’s life and just to see his face when Flight Lieutenant Evans and Chief Technician Guest walked in was so special.”

Flight Lieutenant Evans said: “It’s always an honour to meet veterans of the Royal

Air Force, but meeting Ernie was something else. Hearing his stories from the Second World War, the hardship, danger and adventure, as well as the tale of dodging Military Police to smuggle his girlfriend, later his wife, onto a beach in Cornwall, was a real privilege. Once you have served a day in the Armed Forces, you become part of a wider family; it’s a special bond that we were very lucky to be able maintain on Ernie’s 101st birthday.”

World War 2 RAF Veteran celebrates 100th Birthday

For her 100th Birthday celebrations, which took place at Barchester-Hunters Care Centre in Cirencester, Eileen was visited by Flying Officer Eve Westlake from RAF Brize Norton who spoke to Eileen about life in the Service today. She also personally delivered a card on behalf of the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady, and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett, wishing her a happy Birthday from the Aviators and Officers of RAF Brize Norton. Flying Officer Westlake said: “It was so nice to be able to go and wish Eileen a happy 100th Birthday and deliver her Birthday card from the Station Commander and Commander Air Wing. Her face lit up when she saw me in my uniform and she loved telling me all about her time in the Royal Air Force. These interactions outside of the Station

are so important for maintaining the connection with the local community, especially for people who have served.”

Flying Officer Westlake was just one of several visitors to Barchester-Hunters Care Centre for Eileen’s 100th Birthday. Family and friends were also there to help Eileen mark the occasion, including her grandsons who are both current serving members of the RAF - Warrant Officer Chris Blythe and Flight Sergeant Martin Blythe. Warrant Officer Blythe said: “A huge thanks to RAF Brize Norton and Flying Officer Westlake for attending my grandmother’s Birthday. It meant a lot to

us all that the Station took the time to visit her today. Our family connection with the RAF obviously goes a long way back and it was great to see my grandmother enjoying Flying Officer Westlake’s company while discussing life in the RAF today.”

Flight Sergeant Blythe added: “My grandmother’s first fiancée, a pilot, was killed in action during her time serving but she eventually met my grandfather, another pilot, and married towards the end of the War. He served a total of 36 years, retiring in 1977. My brother has currently served for 35 years and I have served for 27 years so with my grandmother’s own service we have currently provided 100 years service to the RAF…”

Eileen Mary Blythe, who turned 100 years old on the 8th November, was stationed at RAF Ouston and RAF Acklington during the Second World War.

47 Squadron Navigator celebrates his 100th birthday

Recently 47 Squadron celebrated the 100th Birthday of Warrant Officer Albert ‘Foo’ Howard DFC - a 47 Squadron navigator, who flew Beaufighters and Mosquitoes in North Africa and the Far East during the Second World War.

Joining 47 Squadron in 1943, Foo saw action across the Eastern Mediterranean, including bomber escorts and numerous naval escort and torpedo attack missions.

“In the desert, we’d escort a squadron of American Mitchell bombers and tell them they were escorting us - one of their aeroplanes had more guns than all ours put together!”

Naval missions took a heavy toll on 47 Squadron however, with Foo recalling “We lost a hell of a lot - in Libya, the CO was a pilot officer as we’d lost them all.”

Foo earned his DFC during the India and Burma campaign:

“We covered the Army crossing the Irrawaddy, where the enemy were firmly entrenched on the other side. We attacked well behind enemy lines, dropping fireworks such that they thought they were surrounded. It sounds silly, but it worked.”

It was an absolute honour for members of 47 Squadron to meet and reminisce with one of our own, especially at this time of Remembrance with someone who remembers first-hand. Foo embodies the enduring spirit and character shown by 47’s personnel throughout its history - as well as reminding us all to be proud of our history, yet humble in our deeds.

So, why ‘Foo’…? We’ll ‘Fou’ is French for ‘fool’ or ‘stupid’ and “there was always something stupid going on - and I was always there! The Canadians gave me the nickname in training and it stuck!”

A true gentleman - Happy Birthday Foohere’s to many more! Sans Peur

Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Award

On Thursday 27th October 2022, Cpl Natalie Greening PMRAFNS of 4626 (AE) Sqn, RAuxAF, was awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire’s Certificate for Meritorious Volunteer Service at Pembroke College, Oxford, for her dedication to the Reserves as well as charity work, support for the community and Primary Healthcare to overseas personnel.

Cpl Greening joined 4626 Sqn as a student nurse and qualified in 2017. She has regularly stood out as a proactive, inspirational and enthusiastic individual. In 2019 she volunteered to assist with the Rohingya refugee crisis. Despite being a fairly junior staff nurse, not only did she utilise her nursing skills to help care for the refugees, but she also demonstrated excellent leadership and communication skills to improve infection control standards and improve working conditions. By liaising with other aid agencies, she was able to facilitate teaching to all personnel, from the cleaners upwards. Her inclusive and dynamic approach meant her quality improvement initiatives were accepted and care was enhanced due to her actions.

Although working full time in ITU during the Covid-19 pandemic, Cpl Greening successfully started her own charity –Nurse Lifeline (www.nurselifeline.org. uk), which was launched in July 2020. Her mission is to promote mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing within the nursing and midwifery cadres, offering peer led encouragement to inspire and empower. The charity started with just 4 nurses and midwives and she now has a team of over 50 volunteers, including Gp Capt Teresa Griffiths CBE ARRC PMRAFNS who has taken on the role of Chair for the charity.

Cpl Greening now splits her time between working in the British Embassy in Baghdad, working in her local Intensive Care Unit, supporting Nurse Lifeline and continuing her reserve

commitment at 4626 Squadron. She truly is a remarkable citizen and is a real asset to the Defence Medical Services. Congratulations Natalie!

Cpl Natalie Greening – 4626 (AE) Sqn Sqn Ldr Laura Hodson – SNO, 4626 (AE) Sqn

Beautiful studio appartment in rural location 15 minutes from Brize Norton

The Bothy is a beautifully renovated selfcontained loft conversion, with galley kitchen, wood-burning stove and en suite shower and loo.

Walk down the stone steps to a natural swimming pool, if you are a cold water swimming enthusiast. The location is very peaceful, situated on a farm with horses, pigs, dogs, chickens and cows.

Ben and Kate live in the main farmhouse next door and are always available, if needed.

Within a 15 minute drive from Brize Norton. Ideal for visiting personnel, particularly good for Monday to Friday stays. We are a 5 minute drive from Witney where there are a good range of restaurants and shops. Also excellent pubs close by. See more details on www.turleyfarmbarns.com or call Kate on 07799 622013.

New Town Councillor

My name is Liz Wood and I am the new Town Councillor for the Gateway Ward which includes the quarters in Brampton Drive, Cranwell Avenue, Halton Road, Latimer Road, Sarum Close and Hastings Drive.

Iam keen to reach out to Service families, to offer support and let them know what is going on in the town. This is especially important as some families have told us that they do not always feel part of the wider Carterton community.

I have lived in Carterton for most of my life, my dad was in the RAF and I married a serviceman, so I have experienced what it is like to be a child and wife of a serving member of the armed forces.

I am supporting Natalie King, a fellow Lib Dem councillor, with a project to

update some of our play parks. This will include the park off Halton Road. We would love to hear from residents about their suggestions for how they would improve this park.

I am also looking at setting up a regular repair café. With the cost of living rising and the need to avoid landfill, we are hoping to offer a fix and restore service. We are looking for volunteers to help, so if you have some basic restoration skills, please get in touch. The more volunteers we have the more we can do.

I have set up a Councillor Facebook Page so that residents can interact

RAFA KIDZ RENOVATION

with me, and I can share information. Please feel free to follow me.

I have also organised some drop-in surgeries where families can come and have some coffee, cake and a chat with their local councillor. The dates are Friday 25th November and Friday 27th January 12.30 – 2.00pm at Carterton library. Alternatively, you can email me at councillorlizwood@gmail.com.

Aplan of action was immediately put in place for making improvements to the location, both inside and out.

The nursery manager, Pam Cave, requested support from the RAF Brize Norton Community Development Officer Jess Price who very kindly put out the call for help. A team of willing volunteers from across the Station and the local community arrived on Friday 7th October, alongside parents with children at the nursery, and got to work. The nursery kept them well-fed and watered throughout the morning with sausage butties, biscuits and plenty of tea and coffee, and the task was completed within the morning.

The room that was painted was the Butterflies room for children aged between 1 and 2 which had not been decorated for over ten years. It started with brightly coloured walls covered with murals and is now a calming shade of magnolia which will help the

display boards, used to showcase the children’s artwork, to have more impact.

Everyone connected with the nursery is extremely grateful to all of the volunteers who helped last Friday and will be looking for more willing volunteers next year when the youngest baby room is ready for a redecoration.

RAFA Kidz took over the management of the old Sunshine Day Nursery in April of this year after successfully winning the contract.

Community Support are spreading festive spirit to those deployed this year

Personnel from RAF Brize Norton who are deployed around the world this Christmas will be receiving a goodie box thanks to Community Support, who spend a full day packing and wrapping boxes.

Each box is filled with sweets, chocolates, gifts, novelty hat, some of the contents are kindly donated from companies appreciating the personnel’s commitment. Along with treats each person will receive a homemade Christmas card from a child at Gateway Primary School wishing them a merry Christmas. The Community Support team along with a few other helpers including the Station Commander, Commander Air Wing and the Station Warrant Officer made over 200 boxes which are then taken to Air Cargo for despatch to locations as far away as the Falkland Islands.

Flight Sergeant Jane Corban said: “It’s nice to let those deployed over the festive period and away from home know that we are thinking of them and to give them a treat.”

Forces Strongman Competition

In November, HQ ARRC hosted the “Forces Strongest Man/ Woman 22”; a strongman/woman competition of five events over five hours.

The aim was to bring together the three services and NATO Partner Nations and to reignite the passion for strength sport. Three competitions were held side-byside: Female Novice, Male Novice and Male Intermediate.

Cyber Ops Squadron’s AS1(T) Alex Jones competed in this, his first event.

Event 1 – Farmers’ Carry for Max Distance; carrying a weight in each hand over 10m shuttles, trying to cover as much distance as possible in 60 seconds.

Event 2 – Max Deadlift; in 15kg increments, athletes were eliminated upon a failed lift, until only one athlete remained.

Event 4 – Medley; lifting equipment overhead (or to the athlete’s shoulders) in the fastest time possible. Equipment included sandbags, logs and dumbells.

Event 3 – Axel Press For Reps; pressing a bar overhead for maximum reps in 60 seconds. Axel bars are twice as thick as standard bars.

Event 5 – Hold for Maximum Time; holding replica Dinnies for the longest time possible, one in each hand. Each Dinnie was a different weight (60/40 split) AS1(T) Alex Jones competed in the Male Novice Competition. After a strong start, coming second in the Farmers’ Carry (70kg each hand, 80m in 60 seconds), he lifted a powerful 200kg deadlift, nine reps on the Axel (65kg / 60 seconds), completed the full medley in 36 seconds and held the 166kg Dinnies for 59.97 seconds.

Despite being one of the lightest in the competition, Jones (pictured in the blue shirt) finished 7th of 14, the highest placed RAF athlete, and secured the title of RAF’s Strongest Novice 2022 . An amazing feat considering he only took up the sport eight months ago and this time last year was an elite RAF track and crosscountry runner.

Strongman/woman is an emerging sport within the Armed Forces and welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities! Anyone interested in training or even competing, please contact alexander.jones634@mod.gov.uk

GO KARTING

The Kart Club have had a very successful year, winning the Military Armed Forces Karting Championship with Kart 73 –Brize Norton Knights 1. The Kart Club also finished 3rd in the Armed Forces Station Trophy, finishing behind RAF Waddington and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Brize Norton also contributed to the RAF beating both the Army and the Navy to the Inter Service Cup with karts 73 and 71; Brize Norton Knights finished 1st and 3rd highest for the RAF. The Premier Class drivers have also had a successful year with our drivers also winning silverware!

The Armed Forces Karting Championship takes place in Prokarts; these are twin engine, 4 stroke karts - like go karts many of you have tried before at local tracks but faster! The kart club members represent the RAF and RAF Brize Norton, participating in Endurance races around the country against the Army, Navy, other RAF teams and Civilian teams, 62 teams in total. Some of our drivers at the club compete in the Armed Forces Karting Championship Premier Class, these are individual sprint races in 2 stroke engined karts competing against RAF, Army, Navy, and civilian drivers. In this class the drivers own their own karts. Both the Endurance and Premier championships take place over 6 race meetings throughout the year at tracks across England, Wales, and Scotland.

In the Premier Class Championship AS1(T) Callum Drew was overall winner, his second Championship and 4th RAF Championship. AS1(T) Alex Bradley finished 3rd in his first year in the Championship and won best novice and Sgt Graham Walker finished 4th in the Championship and won the Heavy Class.

Final Endurance Championship Standings:

Brize Norton Knights 1 (73) – 3rd overall (1st Military)

Drivers: Flt Lt Jasper Chamberland, AS1(T) Jack Wood, Sgt Robert Small, AS1(T) Callum Drew

Brize Norton Knights 3 (71) 7th overall (5th Military)

Drivers: AS1(T) Will King, Sgt Robert Small, Flt Lt Jasper Chamberland, AS1(T) Jack Wood

Brize Norton Knights 2 (72) 29th overall (23rd Military)

Drivers: AS1 Matt Evans, Cpl Ian Howarth, AS1 Tyrone, AS1 Sam Bennett, Mr Robert Andrews

Brize Norton Knights 4 (74) 60th overall (51st Military)

Drivers: AS1 Matt Evans, AS1 Tyrone Standen, AS1 Sam Bennett, Mr Robert Andrews, Sgt Jay Johnson. Cpl Glynn Smith

Station/Unit Trophy (1st and 2nd karts) – 3rd

Final RAF Premier Championship Standings

AS1(T) Callum Drew – 1st AS1(T) Alex Bradley – 3rd (1st Place Novice)

Sgt Graham Walker - 4th (1st Place Heavy Class)

On behalf of everyone at RAF Brize Norton Kart Club, thank you to everyone across the Station for your help and support, particularly the squadrons and sections for allowing us to compete and to the PEd Flight and MT.

If you would like to get involved, please contact Sgt Graham Walker or Sgt Robert Small, the RAF Brize Norton Kart Club 2IC

As the chequered flag falls on the Armed Forces Karting Championship season, the RAF Brize Norton Kart Club can afford to breathe a sigh of relief.

RAF Brize Norton Netball Club

– Interstation Champions

The annual RAF Netball 7’s Tournament and Trials took place at RAF Cosford on Aug 24th with the Brize Norton club entering two teams.

With many of the players hoping for selection, the months leading up to the competition consisted of intense coaching to get the team ready.

Following the success at the first RAF Netball’s Mixed Tournament in Spring when the Brize team won the ladies league, the main focus of the team was to succeed in achieving another win and come out on top as the best RAF Netball station team. Due to numbers, we entered 2 teams into the competition; both got off to great starts and had a clear dominance on court throughout the day. After an intense final match against RAF Coningsby, and only 1 or 2 goals in it, the Brize Norton A team

came out on top. A worthy victory that was made possible by both teams on the day. Further to this success, out of the 40 players selected to progress with the RAF Netball team, 11 of those were from the Brize Norton team. A fantastic day and successful outcome for the Brize Norton Club.

Brize Netball Training takes place every Thursday at Brize Sports Hall 1730-1900. All male and female players welcome of all abilities.

Sgt Diane Whitaker – RAF Brize Norton Netball Club OIC and RAF Netball Development Rep

Welcome to our little Patisserie

We opened bank holiday weekend August 2021. A little family run business in partnership with Gin in a tin. Hugo Lovage Patisserie is run by Michelin-trained Pastry Chef Cindy Kosmala. I have worked with renowned Chefs such as Philip Howard, Gordon Ramsey, Matt Abe and Clare Smyth and also at Soho House, Chez Bruce and Restaurant Gordon Ramsey.

Hand-making all cakes and patisserie at Hugo Lovage we specialise in selling baked cheesecake, bavarois, eclairs, cookies, Battenburg and my speciality – meringue towers.

Originally from South Africa, my husband Hubert and I moved to the Cotswolds where he is now the Head Chef of the award-winning Swan at Swinbrook just up the road.

Baking and cakes are about family and this really is a family business. We have three young children, Niko, Hugo and Elliott, they love the cookies!

My baking is seasonal and influenced by the incredible food producers in the Cotswolds, so offering patisserie for individuals, businesses and wholesale is always varied and exciting!

• It’s our free online platform exclusively for RAF personnel and their partners.

• Covering a range of self-directed topics tailored to life in the RAF.

• The course can be accessed anonymously, either as a couple or separately.

• It aims to equip you with the communication skills and strategies to get the best out of your relationships.

We also provide relationship counselling and mediation support.

SC AN ME W IT H YO UR CA ME RA The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109).