Cosford Apprentice - Winter 2023 by Lance Media Group

THE MAGAZINE OF RAF COSFORD

Cosford Apprentice

WINTER 2023

BE PART OF THE HEART MAKE PROTECTING YOUR RAF FAMILY YOUR LASTING LEGACY The moment you chose to serve in the Royal Air Force, you became part of something much bigger. A family like no other – for over 100 years we have been ready to protect those we cherish most. Especially, one another. After looking after your loved ones, would you consider leaving a gift in your Will to the RAF Benevolent Fund? To be part of the heart of the RAF Family by giving its people the support they need, when they need it. Everything from conﬁdential counselling to mobility aids as well as support for injuries, illness and bereavement.

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COSFORD APPRENTICE 3

CONTENTS

Cosford Apprentice, Winter 2023

Apprentice Team: OIC & Editor: Sqn Ldr Chris Wilson Chris.wilson610@mod.gov.uk Deputy Editor : Mrs Sarah Jones sarah.jones830@mod.gov.uk Editorial support : Heidi Ryan Heidi.Ryan105@mod.gov.uk Article submission deadline for the next issue... 25th January 2024 Please send all articles for the Spring 2024 edition to Heidi.Ryan105@mod.gov.uk

Published by: Lance Media Group Ltd 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 334 222

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Foreword

From the Editor

COSFORD NEWS 6

RAF Benevolent Fund News

Advent Reflection

Ernest Nicholas’ 100th Birthday

No. 1 Radio School News

Army Inter Corps Cross Country Championships

Digital Eagles

Dowty HQ visit conducted by No. 1 SofTT Propeller Office

Advertising: Darren Greenhead E: darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk T: (01536) 680 414

Poppy Day

Models For Heroes

Designer: Jo Glen

The Reformation of No. 2 School of Technical

Printed by: Micropress Printers Ltd This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Limted. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequences arising from it. Views expressed in thsi publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

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Training 18

Cosford Remembers

CO’s Cup

Updates from Training Development Flt, SOFPT Vetting and PTI Course

Cosford Kart Club News

FOREWORD

By Group Captain Cameron GW Gibb MBA BENG (HONS) CENG CMGR MIET MCMI RAF

s the festive season approaches, I hope that our personnel and wider community look back with pride over many of the achievements we have made in 2023. Our support to the Coronation, the RAF Cosford Air Show, and the celebrations for our 85th Anniversary to name but a few. However, we must also mention the important work of our personnel and our key out – training. RAF Cosford has trained over 4800 personnel from all 3 Services, and we would not have done so as successfully were it not for all our personnel and the support they receive from their families and our Station community – thank you. In this edition of the Apprentice Magazine you will find a number of fascinating articles, from insights on life in the RAF and Reserves where AS2 Heather Jackson from 605 Sqn volunteered to face the camera and read the news as part of the Digital Eagle exercise, to visits to Dowty Propellers from No.1 School of Technical Training and updates from our Training Development Team and the School of Physical Training. I hope you will take note of the details

around the reformation of No.2 School of Technical Training, not only did the organisation stand up in the summer, but the name has a deep history at RAF Cosford having formed here in 1938 when the Station opened. Its great to see such investment in the future of technical training and the Engineering Profession and in an organisation whose history is part of the Station fabric. Outside of our daily activities our personnel have also partaken in community projects in Albrighton, Charity activities for children in sport and celebrated the 100th birthday of one of our retired servicemen. As we approach the end of year we have also reflected on the Service of many who are no longer with us and I was proud, along with many of you, to be part of the Station commemorative events for Remembrance this year, where RAF Cosford supported Poppy collections in Shrewsbury with the Royal British Legion, a Station service on Friday 10th November and then local events across the region on Sunday 12th November. I appreciate some of you will have family members deployed and perhaps so over Christmas. Having done so before myself, I know what that feels like and I thank you for the Service

you give at that time and for those at home, the support you give to those deployed. But I also ask that during that time and for all personnel, if you have any difficulties, please reach out to our Community Support team or the range of local and national support agencies. In the coming

weeks there are several Station Christmas events on and in our local villages, I hope you find time to celebrate and a chance to look back at all that we have achieved.

I wish you a peaceful and safe Festive season.

FROM THE EDITOR

hat’s it then. The end of another very busy year. It doesn’t seem like 2 minutes ago that I was writing an editorial piece for the 2023 Spring edition of the Cosford Apprentice, and yet here we are with the Winter edition. It’s hardly surprising that time seems to fly so quickly at RAF Cosford when the Station is regularly engaged in so many different things. If the extremely busy day job of getting apprentices out to front line stations and squadrons across the Service wasn’t enough, we continue to deliver elements of flying training to

RAF pilots through the University of Birmingham Air Squadron and 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron’s reservists routinely support the RAF across the UK and around the globe.

which the Station supported by providing the single largest RAF contribution to.

All of this, along with the other extra-curricular activities that everyone seems to get involved with, has been captured in the Coupled with our ‘routine’ Cosford Apprentice, throughout activities, the Station has, yet the year. A huge thank you to all again, hosted another extremely of you who find the time to write successful Cosford Air Show, many of the articles that appear the last RAF-organised air show. in these pages, there wouldn’t We’ve celebrated the Station’s be a magazine without your 85th anniversary, witnessed the contributions. An extra special Reformation of No.2 School of thanks must also go to Sarah Technical Training and seen 605 Jones and Heidi Ryan, who chase, Squadron presented with their badger, and cajole people to new Standard. Oh, and there write articles, edit them where was the small matter of the Coronation of Their Majesties King necessary and then work with the publishers to get a magazine out Charles III and Queen Camilla,

4 times a year. Thank you both, amazing work throughout 2023. It just remains for me to thank you all once again for your support to this magazine and to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. COSFORD APPRENTICE 5

COSFORD NEWS

Five Top Tips for looking after your wellbeing this festive season As we enter the festive season, we are reminded of the unique challenges faced by members of the RAF Family. With an emphasis on spending time with loved ones and the societal pressure to feel joy and happiness at this time of year, Christmas can be one of the hardest challenges if you feel isolated or struggle with loneliness. Already, an estimated 85,000 working aged members of the Armed Forces suffer from loneliness and bereavement, and so it is essential to find ways to cope with the added pressure for social connection that Christmas brings. The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, offer a variety of services to support members of the RAF Family experiencing difficulties, from low mood and stress to loneliness and isolation.

Credit: Pexels: cottonbro studio

The Fund has put together five top tips for looking after your emotional and mental wellbeing this festive season and help you reclaim your Christmas spirit. Stay connected Staying connected at Christmas while serving or away from your partner is crucial for maintaining morale and emotional wellbeing. If possible, make the best use of technology to stay in touch with loved ones through video calls, messages, social media, and virtual games which can help bridge the gap when you can’t be physically together, allowing you to share special moments from afar. It can also be useful to journal thoughts and feelings or write

letters to feel connected when possibly unable to speak to loved ones – even if they are never sent. Noting down the words you want to say when you can’t say them can build up a log of missed conversations to go through Credit: RAF Benevolent Fund

when you do eventually reunite. If you find yourself struggling this Christmas, the RAF Benevolent Fund offers a Listening and Counselling service with support available for a range of issues including anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, emotional stress due to caring for a loved one, and loneliness and isolation. The service provides a dedicated helpline and therapy sessions delivered through specialist partner organisations. Support from within Many RAF personnel work on shifts or have irregular duty hours which can make it challenging to participate in traditional festive celebrations and spend time with loved ones. Lean on your military colleagues for support; they may

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be experiencing similar challenges and can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding. One way to get into the Christmas spirit could be to create a festive atmosphere in your living space whether that’s by getting a tree to decorate and putting up Christmas lights, watching a much-loved Christmas film, playing Christmas music, or stocking up on your favourite festive treats. These group experiences will help to create a sense of togetherness and a space to bond with your RAF Family. Create your own Christmas If you know you’ll be deployed or on duty during Christmas, consider celebrating the holiday with your loved ones before or after your deployment. Bringing

COSFORD NEWS Credit: Pexels: nappy

Christmas forward or postponing until the New Year can help maintain the spirit of the season and leaves you with memories to treasure, or something to look forward to. Let the joy of Christmas continue in your family, no matter when you celebrate. If you are struggling with family absence at Christmas, the RAF Benevolent Fund has a platform called Building Stronger Families aimed at giving couples the opportunity to explore the impact deployments and extended periods of absence may have on the family unit. The platform offers suggestions for how you and your family can manage this impact effectively. Seek mental health support The holiday season can be a trigger for mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and the unique stresses of military life can often bring these to light. It’s essential to validate your feelings and understand that it’s okay to not always feel festive. Maintaining a consistent routine, staying active and practising mindfulness are just some of the ways to manage mental health – but if you’re struggling with feelings of

loneliness, depression, or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to military mental health services or support groups. The RAF Benevolent Fund offers a confidential 24-hour emotional support helpline, providing access to a trained counsellor for immediate, one-off support, on a range of issues such as bereavement, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress and loneliness. You can call, for free, at any time on 08081 751365. Try something new to manage stress According to latest research, one in three Brits said their stress increased during the holiday season due to lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and anxiety around family gatherings.

Are you an RAF partner? The RAF Benevolent Fund is offering a free Thrive online webinar available to book now: •13 December – Support for Relationships During the Festive Period The Thrive webinars are led by qualified coaches who themselves have served or are partners of those currently serving. This personalised approach to support helps to encourage open discussion about the various challenges faced. For more information visit https://www.rafbf.org/getsupport/family-relationships/workshops-partners-RAFpersonnel

Find healthy ways to manage this added pressure by prioritising selfcare, setting realistic expectations, and communicating how you feel with loved ones. Remember

that it’s fine to take a break or to share the load and focus on what is important to you during the festive season.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity. It exists to support current and former members of the RAF, their partners and dependants, whenever it is needed. For more information visit: www.rafbf.org. COSFORD APPRENTICE 7

COSFORD NEWS

Advent Reflection by the Chaplaincy at RAF Cosford

e have witnessed, many of us, an evolution, a change in our society that would have been hard to envisage back even a few decades ago. Do you remember when Advent calendars were just a series of pictures behind a cardboard door? I don’t know about your family, but we had a tradition of trying to remember the pictures each day with the list getting longer until the full 24 stars, donkeys, gifts, shepherds, and trees could be rattled off to a proud parent… or maybe there wasn’t that much to do on the West coast of Scotland. Anyway, these days if an advent calendar doesn’t have at least chocolate in it, you’d be considered cruel giving that to a child. And not even children, we have adult advent calendars now

with beer, gin, skincare products, wine, even candles. It was the German Lutherans that started it all. Advent usually begins a couple of days before the first of December but because that changes every year, they were looking for something a little more consistent. So, they came up with calendars designed to count the days in December in anticipation of Christmas and the celebration of God coming alongside us in the form of Jesus, our Emmanuel. Anticipation is a key theme of the season, a time of waiting and, for Christians, looking forward to God doing something different. Of course, so often the run up to Christmas can feel like it’s anything but a period of waiting around, indeed things can feel even more frenetic and busy than the rest of the year. But I would

like to invite all of us, those with faith and those without, to take some time for waiting, perhaps even if it is only as we enjoy the

chocolate, sip the beer, slather on the cream or, if you’re old school, try to burn in your brain that today was a donkey… Padre Craig

Ernest Nicholas’ 100th Birthday Monday 18th October 2023 marked a special milestone birthday for one of our RAF Veterans!

Three trainees from RAF Cosford celebrated LAC Ernest Nicholas’ 100th Birthday with the Community Engagement Team for Wales & West Midlands. LAC Nicholas enlisted into the

RAF on 25th September 1944 as a Logistician, and after recruit and trade training served at RAF Melksham. He was then discharged from the service on 4th Jun 1946.

His birthday cake was lovingly baked and presented to him by AS1 Ashley Faulkner of 504 Sqn (RAuxAF) based out of RAF Wittering along with birthday cards signed by currently serving personnel. The day also consisted of a guard of honour down the corridor of the venue by our trainees, followed by a birthday party and lots of ‘spinning dits’ between our service personnel and veterans. Sgt Shiv Chand commented “It was so great listening to Ernest’s stories, knowing that he had left the service over 75 years ago and they hadn’t been shared previously to this day, I felt truly honoured to be part of this momentous occasion for him.” A truly humbling occasion and lots of finger buffet was enjoyed by our service personnel. Photo courtesy of The Express & Star

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COSFORD NEWS

NO.1 RADIO SCHOOL

ACongratulations good coach can change a game, Alun Williams but a great coach can change a life

aving supported the charity Glad’s House since 2006, John McGlasson of No.1 Radio School, RAF Cosford, wanted to reignite the charities Football Extravaganza he started in 2008. Engaging with staff and students at No.1 Radio School and the wider Air Force, they have been working hard to support ‘Glads House’, a charity that support Street Connected and under privileged children in Mombasa, Kenya. Glad’s House was founded in 2006 by a group of Kenyan Social Workers and a group of people from the UK in response to the lack of services for the most marginalised and hard to reach children and young people living on the streets of Mombasa. These children and young people had been deemed ‘too challenging’ due to their behaviours and life choices. Where others saw a child or young person as too challenging, Glad’s House saw, and continue to see, a child or young person who is entrepreneurial, resilient, and

talented and wanted to create opportunities for them to not only survive, but more importantly, to thrive. Glad’s House is a charity which Personnel at No.1 Radio School have supported for several years. Recently Glad’s house held their ‘Football extravaganza 23’ which included an under 13’s Football tournament for 450 players, 42 local teachers completing a 3 day “Teacher to Coach” programme, and the presentation of the ‘Cambridge Rule’ stone, a symbol of the charity’s commitment to

the protection and participation of street connected children in sport. Inspired by the great work that Glad’s House does, Personnel from No.1 Radio School organised a range of fundraising events and succeeded in raising just short of their Target of £10,000 raising £9,505. Their events included John McGlasson completing 12 days of fitness Triathlon (3 days of 1KM swim, 3 days of 20km bike ride, 3 days of 5KM run and finally 3 days of all 3) as well as organising events at the RAFFA

veterans football weekends. AS1 Tino Macheva of RAF Cosford organised a 24-Hour football event on station. FS Paul Dewan completed 30 days of running and bike riding the equivalent of the coastline of Mombasa Island (15KM) each day a total of 910km in 30 days. Denise Sharpe organised an Easter raffle, engaging with students and staff of No.1 Radio School. The Railway Tavern in Newport, Shropshire hosted a Quiz organised By Sgt Tim Jones and Tim Shield, further promoting, not only the great work of the charity, but the incredible community spirit within the RAF. All this was topped off by the sponsorship of T Shirts for the Kenyan teachers and staff in Kenya, by another local business, The Travel Store, Newport. Although plans for next year’s fundraising haven’t yet been confirmed, planning is certainly underway. The team at No.1 RS are always looking for new ways to fundraise for Glad’s house, and other charities through the No.1 Radio School Charites committee. As well as raising much needed funds, these activities improve team working, communication and morale.

Community Project undertaken by No.1 Radio School Trainees

nother community project was completed during 2023, it was undertaken by No.1 Radio School trainee course number 4400/076. The course spent the day at St Mary Magdalene Church,

Albrighton assisting with the maintenance of the church grounds. They cut back the bushes encroaching the bottom of the church yard and Ivy was cleared from around the Headstones and from other parts of the church grounds.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 9

COSFORD NEWS

Army Inter Corps CrossCountry Championship (ICXC)

he final round of the Army Inter Corps CrossCountry Championship (ICXC) was held at a new venue on the Barton Stacey training area off the A303 in the Test Valley of Hampshire. Never previously used for an off-road motorcycling event it generated a lot of interest within the Forces Enduro community, with over 80 riders lining up in 4 classes for the 2.5-hour race. Whilst a relatively small area, the organising team managed to lay out a fast and flowing 6km loop over varied terrain. RAF Cosford was represented by a single rider, Major Spike Corsie (DCoS), who is the OIC of the Cosford Motocross and Quad Club who, whilst REME cap-badged, rides for the Army Air Corps due to his aviation background. Despite poor weather conditions throughout the autumn, the event was blessed with unseasonably good weather, but the moist ground provided plenty of traction, allowing high speeds to be maintained and lap times of under 10 minutes. Setting off in class order at minute intervals after a sighting lap to not the course’s hazards, the early pace was frenetic, with close action between the leading contenders. The field stretched out, with battles raging between riders of similar standards, until settling into a natural rhythm until about the mid-point, when

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the leaders started to catch a lap less-experienced participants. The often-narrow single track necessitated some creative lines to allow safe overtaking, and added a further dimension to what was becoming a challenging competition. The nature of the course resulted in a relentless physical demand, with no opportunity for rest, and fatigue management was critical to maintaining pace throughout the event’s duration. The competition was particularly fierce in the Expert Over 40 class, where the same 5 riders had been battling for supremacy, swapping podium positions throughout the season. These hardened veterans were maintaining the same pace as the young guns, despite ageing bodies and legacy injuries accumulated over many seasons of competition. As the chequered flag fell, having completed 16 laps with almost metronomic nine and a half minute laps, Cosford’s rider secured the third step of the podium and later that night learned that, despite not having won at any of the 5 rounds, he had been crowned Army Expert Over 40 Enduro Champion, demonstrating that consistency and commitment is key. Major Spike Corsie, D/COS

Anyone wishing to learn how to ride motorcycles (or quads) off-road, as an individual, course, or workplace group, should contact Cosford Motocross and Quad Club on 07599 414996 to make a booking.

Free Winter Check

We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card

COSFORD APPRENTICE 11

COSFORD NEWS

DIGITAL EAGLES

The RAF 60 Second Update on 8th November 2023 was presented by a 605 Sqn Reservist.

If anyone would like to volunteer to present future 60 Second Updates, please drop an email to the MCCO or Deputy MCCO and they will ‘Digital Eagle’ AS2 Heather Jackson put your name forward with Air, from 605 Sqn volunteered to face Media, and Communications. the camera and read the news, winning compliments from the Well done Heather for being a production team for her naturally great representative for 605 Sqn relaxed manner and clear speech. and RAuxAF.

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COSFORD NEWS

Dowty HQ visit conducted by No.1 SofTT Propeller Office

On 25 October 23, staff from Mechanical Training Flight, Fuels / Propeller team visited Dowty HQ, part of the GE Aerospace Group.

uring the visit they learned about the history of the company which started in 1937 and supplied all the propellers to the British military throughout the World War II and through to today. This set the stage for the company’s long-standing continuing relationship with the UK Armed Forces leading to the development of the first composite propeller blade being produced in 1968. Following a terrible fire in 2015,

the company lost everything related to production of propeller blades. But one annex on the side of the factory was, luckily, mostly unscathed, and this was where all their original hand drawn designs and blueprints were stored. The survival of these drawings allowed Dowty to make a comeback in 2019 with a stateof-the-art factory, which we were able to visit with an experienced Dowty rep. The facility is perfect for the output of composite blades

which start off as just cloth sheets of carbon, until they are transformed into one of the most advanced, multi-layered composite structures that are still used in modern aircraft. This allows for propellers to be far lighter, more efficient, while delivering greater output power. While touring the factory the team got to follow a composite blade from the start of its life on the assembly line. Starting with the carbon cloth, curing, inspecting, balancing, painting and finally right through to

getting on the delivery lorries to be shipped around the world. This visit was a huge success in regards of both trainee and instructor benefit; the mechanical students will greatly benefit from learning about modern manufacturing techniques and modern propeller construction. The instructors have benefited from gathering a better understanding of the process and respect for what goes into modern practices.

Wishing all of our readers a very merry Christmas COSFORD APPRENTICE 13

Poppy Day On Tuesday 7 November, staff and trainees from No.1 Radio School took part in a collection for the Royal British Legion Poppy Day in Shrewsbury.

hey joined colleagues from RAF Shawbury and the Army along with veterans and members of the Royal British Legion to sell

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poppies, raising money for a very worthwhile cause. While in the town they also took the time to visit a local care home and met veterans there.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 15

COSFORD NEWS

MODELS FOR HEROES (M4H)

odels for Heroes (M4H) is the first charitable organisation in the UK to support the use of model making hobbies within former and current Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel in the United Kingdom and overseas territories by promoting the use of model making as a therapeutic, meaningful activity. The charity itself utilises donations of model kits as well as several fund-raising events throughout the year. Models for Heroes provide free model kits, paints and building materials to beneficiaries either attending groups or they can opt to have them sent directly to their homes. Here at RAF Cosford, we have a group set up and ran by volunteers of the charity, Sgt Chris King, and Cpl George Hickish from WSTF, No.2 SoTT. The Cosford group covers the Telford and Wolverhampton regions, with beneficiaries travelling from afar as Cannock and Shrewsbury to attend sessions. So far, the group have seen attendees of all ages, from cadet forces to

the eldest being 92 years old and backgrounds from all three Armed Forces and Emergency Services alike.

Gary Morris and the Armed Forces Covenant Coordinator for Telford and Wrekin Council Cindy Mason-Morris, Chris and George assisted in setting up the Telford branch of Models for Heroes in September of this year.

Due to the nature of the charity and popularity over the past 10 months, the requirement for a day session was requested and added A recent session held at Dawley to the services provided in the Town Hall, at the request of local area. Alongside beneficiary Telford & Wrekin Council, Sgt King

and Cpl Hickish were requested to attend, where they sat down with several beneficiaries and discussed the charity with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. The Cosford sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month in the back room of the HIVE, RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX, starting at 1800. The Telford day sessions are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, from 1330 to 1530 at Leegomery Community Centre, TF1 6NA and ran by Gary Morris. Both are open to former and current Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel. If you are interested in the charity, wish to take part, or just want some more information, feel free to email chris.king.m4h@gmaiil. com or garymorris6890@gmail. com, or call in for a chat, a brew and some biscuits and see if the sessions are for you.

Pu b

To Advertise in this publication please contact Darren Greenhead on 01536 680 414 or email darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk

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lis Ad hin ve g r tis De ing sig n Pri nt

COSFORD NEWS

THE REFORMATION OF NO. 2 SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL TRAINING

o.2 School of Technical Training (No.2 SoTT) was reformed on 20 Jul 23, after a 29-year hiatus, with the Chief of Air Staff ACM Sir Rich Knighton as the Reviewing Officer at the Reformation Parade. No.2 SoTT has taken over the responsibilities of AeroSystems Engineer and Management Training School (AE&MTS) and now comprises over 120 permanent staff. The school is responsible for elements of both Officer and Aviator Phase 2 and Phase 3 training as well as the Academic Principles Organisation (APO).

In May 1950 No.2 SoTT returned to youth training, with 2,500 boys enrolled in the scheme by 1953, on 18-month courses. The boy entrant scheme ended in 1965, replaced by trade-dependent apprenticeships. On 24 Nov 1994, No.2 SoTT was stood down when No.1 School of Technical Training moved from RAF Halton to RAF Cosford.

Nowadays the main training pillars of No.2 SoTT are below: • Engineer Management Training Flight (EMTF) is responsible for Phase 2 and 3 Eng(AS) Officer training, delivering Eng(AS) Officers trained to fulfil all Junior Officer roles within the Engineer No.2 SoTT has a lengthy Profession. EMTF also delivers history. It was initially formed Phase 3 training for Engineering at RAF Cranwell to provide SNCOs to provide additional highly technical three-year airworthiness knowledge. apprenticeships to 15-17.5-year• 238 Squadron manages the old boys by renaming the Boys Aviator Flightline Operations Training Wing, on the same Training required prior to Aviators’ date as the formation of No.1 arrival onto front-line Sqns, as well Training School at RAF Halton. as JNCO trade supervisor training. After disbandment in the mid• Weapons and Survival 1930s, it was reformed in 1938 Equipment Training Flight (WSTF) at RAF Cosford, with the base delivers Phase 2 and 3 training to established to host No.2 SoTT TG1 Armourers and TG13 survival and assist with the expansion of equipment specialists. the RAF as the UK rearmed prior • APO- provides underpinning to WWII. An estimated 70,000 knowledge, training and technicians passed through the education in mathematics, School by the end of the war with science, electronic and the focus on adult training. avionics principles alongside

management studies to meet DSAE training requirements. Since the reformation of No.2 SoTT, we continue to provide relevant engineering training to Aviators and Officers alike whilst looking to utilise the increased size of the workforce

to find efficiencies and improve the overall output available to trainees. No.2 SoTT instructors are motivated to deliver the best training and hence top-quality future Engineering personnel for the RAF. By Flt Lt Christina Lane

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COSFORD

REMEMBERS

n Friday 10 November, personnel from across RAF Cosford came together for a Remembrance ceremony in front of SHQ. The ceremony gave personnel a chance to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have fought for our security, and, particularly, those

who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. On Sunday 12 November, personnel from across RAF Cosford joined veterans, dignitaries and local people who took part in Remembrance Sunday ceremonies across the West Midlands and Shropshire.

COSFORD NEWS

CO’s CUP FENCING After a quick lesson from Dom in movements, attacking and defensive techniques we were quickly bought into our first matches, it was first to 5 for 3 matches between each section. Once competitors got warmed up and comfortable with the techniques we quickly erupted into some intense battles, with most teams glad to be given the opportunity to lunge at the PTI’s with no consequences! After 5 rounds of battles, it was close between all teams with a two-way tie at the top between BSW and No.1 SofTT, both on 49. So, one final match, first to 5 between their nominated players. It was a great last fence, worthy of a final play off with a couple of

ADVENTURE TRAINING

hits at the same time. BSW then took the final 2 points to win 5-3 and take the overall win. The next event is racquet sports on 30th November.

The last couple of months has seen a steady flow of Adventure Training. From mountain biking to stand up paddleboarding to a bespoke navigation refresher day, we have had the benefit of all types of weather pushing personnel and their abilities in varying ways. As we now enter the colder months Paddle Sports will be taking a break but keep your eyes out on scrolling news for regular Mountain Biking, Mountaineering and Indoor Climbing days. If your section requires a bespoke AT Day, please get in touch. Contact Cpl Ryan Charles – JNCO PEd Flt FDI

GO KARTING Teams were straight into tactics to ensure they recorded their fastest laps possible in the qualifiers, with 7 teams attending only 6 could make it into the final. It was close battle for the last two qualifiers with the S of PT beating UBAS into the finals by 0.33 seconds. The final was set, 30 laps with your two best drivers. No holds were barred into the first corner with everyone keen to get out in front, with a little argy-bargey the order soon sorted itself out then it was down to the tactics of the changeovers. Some excellent driving all around saw our final standings of: 1. No.1 Radio School 2. AE & MTS 3. S of PT 4. BSW

20 COSFORD APPRENTICE

5. No.1 SofTT 6. Stn Cdrs Select 7. UBAS

COSFORD NEWS

UPDATES FROM TRAINING DEVELOPMENT FLT, SOFPT VETTING AND PTI COURSE

n April and May, 50 individuals attended RAF Cosford’s School of Physical Training (SofPT), to undertake the two-day PTI Specialist Interview. This process involved a series of both physically and cognitively demanding individual and groups tasks, from which candidates are subsequently ranked. Across a series of specialist interviews, a total of 15 candidates (6 direct entrants, and 9 re-musters) were deemed to be successful, and offered a place on PTI Cse No. 105. Fast forward six months, and after the direct entrants all successfully completing Recruit Basic Training at RAF Halton, the candidates all arrived at RAF Cosford SofPT, eager to begin 26 weeks.

Since the graduation of PTI Cse 104 in Jun 23, the staff at the SofPT have undertaken extensive research into both the current and future role of a PTI, and the current knowledge and ability to deliver the ‘4 Pillars of Human Performance’: Physical Conditioning, Performance Psychology, Recovery and Nutrition. After analysing survey data and visiting numerous RAF bases around the UK to host discussions and interviews, it was clear that the current content of the PTIC required updating to meet the expected output. As a result, over the past 15 months staff from the SofPT have working tirelessly to develop and improve the content of the PTI Cse, to ensure the learning and development the candidates receive throughout the course is world leading. The result of which has led to the PTI Cse being extended from 21 to 26 weeks, with completely new modules including Performance Psychology, Recovery, and Coaching and Mentoring. There have also been extensive updates to the number and range of practical lessons candidates are required to teach, which alongside an overhaul

of Strength and Conditioning, will allow all successful candidates to effectively deliver the 4 Pillars of Human Performance immediately upon graduation in May 24, wherever they may be posted, and whoever they may be

working with. The staff at the SofPT are all excited to guide and witness the growth and development of all candidates over the next 26 weeks. COSFORD APPRENTICE 21

COSFORD KART CLUB RACE REPORT

he Cosford Kart Club travelled to the Rowrah Kart Circuit near Whitehaven in Cumbria on Thu 21 Sep 23 to attend the 6th Round of the Armed Forces Karting Championship organised by the RAF Motor Sports Association. I am later than I wanted to be with the report, but I had to teach ‘engineering materials defect analysis’ at Rolls Royce Filton last week at short notice. Well, as you will see, that skill was useful this weekend. There were several on-track breakages and a couple of lads were disappointed thinking that they were at fault: not so I could tell them. The failure was coming, it was just a matter of when. More later. THE PREPARATION. The trainees had had a summer grant and a month off from racing: we could tell, but they soon got back into the grove. With the trainees being on leave it gave the staff a little time to do some reorganisation and finish other tasks on our long list, such as refurbishing one of our “Drifter” karts to be a “Pace Kart” on our new outdoor track. For Rowrah, which is a very different type of circuit to the last track at Fulbeck in Lincs, we had to make many set-up changes to the karts. Moreover, we were planning to take 6 karts this time and so brought our Kart 16 out of slumber and I selected engines for it off the rack. All karts had to have different clutches and rear sprockets fitted to change the gear ratios to get better advantage from the engines at Rowrah. Tiff had me buy new travelling tool and spares boxes and she busied herself making her pitlane spare and tools to-

22 COSFORD APPRENTICE

Round 6 of 7 - 2023

hand. Matt and Tiff ensured all admin was complete including Move-and-Track, sport fitness declarations, MT confirmed, trainee release chits raised and issued, CILOR bid for, race places logged on the Alpha timing system, driver and kart scrutineering declarations made to the RAFMSA organisers, new travelling cool boxes organised, and Admin Order updated. TRAINING. Part of the preparation was training for 2 more trainees who were brand new to karting, one of whom does not drive. It should have been 4 but 2 trainees could not be released from training. My job as coach is to calm nerves, in this case many nerves and persuade novices that they can do something they would naturally shy away from, ie stepping straight into high-level competition to represent their Station and learn quickly how to control a machine capable of 70 mph while seated skimming

the ground with about 30mm clearance among others who want so desperately novices to get out of their way. There were more nerves when we arrived at Rowrah, but we settled those with wise words, and the excitement built up ready to enjoy such a marvellous venue. GETTING THERE. FS Matt Dilks drove one truck and Chf Tech Tiff Matthews-Watchus the other, while Cpl Martin ‘Bish’ Bishop, new to this endeavour and very welcome, took one minibus to the track with trainees and AR Bradley Moles the other.

straight, turn in late on the steep rise to the first corner, still with full throttle, while mounting the kerb with your inside wheel, experience the kart lose weight as you crest the hill, then await the kart to settle over a couple of metres, quickly use a few more for sharp braking and then rapidly tug the wheel in both directions to navigate the chicane that comes at you so quickly.

THE PRACTICING AND RACING. Practice on Friday was in the wet, semi-wet on a drying track, and then in the wet again. Many had not experienced ROWRAH KART CIRCUIT. these conditions. However, for The Rowrah circuit is certainly all that experience, race day a favourite. It may seem at was very fortunately in the dry, first sight a disappointment so nothing learnt on Friday was being set in a quarry, but no. It relevant to Saturday. What I do has very unusual changes in know is that on practice day elevation around the track with 2 of the Cosford Karts needed its own “RowRouge”, a la Spa recovery and repair. It doesn’t Fracorchamps, at the first corner. help if you don’t tighten all up Here if you have the courage and properly and the chain comes skill, you can barrel down the start loose. We heard the “Zigging” sound and knew that someone had stripped teeth on a clutch or rear sprocket. Poor AR Alex Hawkins had the ignominy of being recovered. Then I had to race down the entry ramp to the circuit to find out why our Kart 10 was stopped in a dangerous position on the last corner. AR Olly Murphy was in the kart, stunned and wondering why his kart had just stopped. Well, Tiff spotted straightaway what I already knew, there is only one reason why 2 engines stop at the same time. “Olly you have ran out of fuel.” Stated Tiff.

INCIDENTS. There were 2 notable incidents during the racing, which in the main was incident free compared to all our other races this season. Two karts had front wheels come off. One was our Kart 18 and the other RAF Lossiemouth’s Kart 99 with one of our ex-drivers at the wheel, AS1(T) Elliot Hogg. Both drivers were very disappointed that their race was interrupted by such a surprise following contact with another kart in a corner. It was rather like, “O me miserum! Its all my fault; the shame of it.” “No”, I said to both drivers, “The wheels breaking off was inevitable. It was just a matter of when. Coming together with the other kart just made it happen a little earlier. These components are not made well.” Trophies? No, no race trophies for Cosford. Our novices are too green against such an experienced field of drivers. But again, we had our own trophies. AR Alex Hawkins has finally won the Driver of the Weekend Trophy after many earlier nominations. He made great strides on-track, but it is not just about that. It is about helping the whole Cosford endeavour and Alex was seen at every turn, face fixed on doing the next thing, to make sure everything was done and done well. Alex ran here, he ran there if someone needed help, Alex was on-scene. THE KNOCK DOWN. A storm was coming on the Saturday night and a big one. So, we took down and packed away everything we could that evening after the racing had finished. We left only the large gazebo up and parked our vehicles around it to act as wind breaks and added additional tied downs where

required. Sleeping places were redistributed keeping in mind that vehicle drivers had to have priority for good rest. All went to bed early and we rode out the storm. When all was done, we had a safe trip home to Cosford after a marvellous instructive weekend for our karters.

OUR TRAINEES. You know what I am going to say now. The trainees we take out to races are wonderful people who we have learnt to trust, such is their endeavour. If most of your trainees are the same, then treated well, they will serve the RAF well.

THE NEXT TIME. The next time we go to the last race of the season in late October at Shenington in Warwickshire just up the hill from Army Kineton. This is a very different high-speed track and one to look forward to.

THE THANKS. I give my thanks to you and your Executives, to squadron commanders, their flight commanders, the trainers who have allowed these trainees to be released and other supervising staff who offer your trainees help and advice. A quick mention from me for FS Matt Dilks and CT Tiff MatthewsWatchus who have taken on the burden of doing so much administration to make all this happen. To Cpl ‘Bish’ Bishop who refrained from racing to offer his full support to teams this weekend. Thanks to the Junior Ranks Welfare Fund for funding our new rugged travel cool boxes, which have turned out to be as good as hoped, reduced over-handling food, and carrying bulky conventional fridges to

race weekends. Thanks to our sponsors, the RAF Central Fund and to FUCHS Lubricants for their advice and product which brings so much by allowing our apprentices to learn from the Kart Club’s work. AT HOME AT THE CLUB. I am sorry that I missed your short visit to our new track. But you have seen it now and the evidence of the huge effort put in to continue to bring benefit to our trainees and the rest of the Station. I am told that the first use of the track ‘in anger’ for your CO’s Cup competition went exceptionally well. All enjoyed the track, and many remarked on its good characteristics. We will invite you for another visit but hopefully this time to allow you to experience the track, talk to our members and to officially open the circuit for us. As ever, Liam Perry Sqn Ldr (Retd) MBE CEng MIET MRAeS MIExpE Kart Club Secretary and more COSFORD APPRENTICE 23

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