Her Majesty The Queen Visits
RAF Leeming’s Wellness Haven
What an incredible day! It was such an honour for Service personnel and families to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to visit the Station’s wellness haven during today’s visit to the Station. The Queen, who is also our Honorary Air Commodore, was given a personal tour of the Wellness Area by Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Hamilton.
Comprising allotments, a polytunnel, beehives, and runs filled with rare-breed chickens, the area has proven hugely popular with personnel and their families –many of whom are growing their own produce and experiencing the physical and mental benefits of being with nature for the first time. The Queen chatted with those who run and use the Wellness Area, as well as children from the Station’s ‘RAFA Kidz’ nursery and Leeming RAF Community Primary School, who live on the base.
Her Majesty was introduced to members of 11 Squadron QEAF who train RAF and Qatari pilots on Hawk jets. She also met members of 90 Signals Unit, specialists in communications and cyber defence and No.2 CUAS who deliver training on Counter Uncrewed Air Systems.
The visit was concluded with a flypast of Hawk jets, piloted by the British and Qatari pilots of 11 Sqn QEAF, and the presentation of produce grown on base.
Group Captain Paul Hamilton, Station Commander RAF Leeming, said: ‘‘Today has meant a huge amount to everybody, not just the military serving members, but also the broader families. Planning and
preparing for today has pulled the community together, which is so positive. Her Majesty is very interested in nature, and I think she really enjoyed seeing the polytunnel and wellness area. In the military we have to do some really hard things. And having wellness and welfare to support people to be able to do that operational activity is so important. The fact the Queen is so interested means a great deal.”
Flight Lieutenant Ben Stubbings and his wife Harriet spend many
hours at the Wellness Area with their four-month-old daughter Rose. Ben said: “I think Her Majesty really cared about the area and spoke with the families on something she knows a lot
about. It was such a privilege to meet her and I hope this visit will bring more people to the wellness area so that we can keep going from strength to strength.”
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RAF Pilots Make History as First to Graduate Fast Jet Course with 11 Squadron QEAF at RAF Leeming
Two of the RAF’s newest pilots have made history as the first in service to graduate the fast jet course from 11 Squadron QEAF, based at RAF Leeming.
Flight Lieutenants Matt Smith and Jordan Capehorn are the first of their cohort to complete training on the Hawk Mk 167 in the unique 11 Sqn QEAF environment. Formed in 2021, 11 Squadron Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) is one two UK-Qatar joint Squadrons operating alongside the RAF. Under the tutelage of highly experienced pilots, it delivers advanced and high-speed jet training to Qatari Emiri Air Force and RAF pilots.
The Joint Hawk Training Squadron followed the success of the UKQatar Joint Typhoon Squadron based at RAF Coningsby and confirms the high esteem in which the Royal Air Force’s pilot training is held across the globe. Wing Commander Mark Lawson, Officer Commanding 11 Squadron QEAF, said: “They are trained and assessed to the highest standard. It’s about the ethos and mentality of being a fighter pilot, being disciplined on the ground and making sure that you know your stuff before you get into the jet and fly. The UK system is one of the best in the world for that.”
Mark has the greatest confidence in his team of instructors, who
share thousands of hours of flying experience, including time on the front line. “I have no doubt that the instructors here are the best instructional team in the RAF – I genuinely believe that. For me, they are second to none. I’m very lucky to have them. I can’t wait for Matt and Jordan to get to Typhoon, just to see the smiles on their faces!”
Excited and ready qualify on Typhoon, Jordan and Matt have loved the experience of training alongside Qatari pilots. Matt said: “The way that this squadron is managed has been really interesting to see. It’s been great to get involved with the visits of
high-ranking Qatari officials and senior officers. The Qataris have been very welcoming and have taught us about their culture.”
Jordan added: “It was a surprise to find out I was coming here, but a good one. A lot of effort was made on both sides to make sure that we all worked well together. The RAF is constantly working with other air forces on operations. Having the opportunity to learn about bridging differences and making a cohesive unit will be a massive benefit going forward.” Fulfilling the dream of becoming a fighter pilot has taken years of hard work. Jordan’s first Hawk solo flight was a poignant reminder of
where his journey began. “I was six years old when I decided to be a fast jet pilot, and this was the day that I was going to achieve it. It just so happened that there was a visit of primary school children. I was going out on my own for the first time and as I was walking out to the jet, they were coming out in their little high-vis jackets to have a look around. When I taxied out, they were at the end of the line waving like lunatics. You couldn’t almost have planned it – I was looking at myself 20 years earlier.
“I couldn’t be more positive about the standard of coaching and instruction that we’ve received here. The instructors are brilliant. The training is a set process, but they have made it bespoke. It feels as though they really know us and how we will respond to particular applications of pressure and or particular ways of instruction.”
Matt added: “Hopefully we’ll leave here as a well-rounded product ready for the next stage. We’re by no means finished or polished, but we are ready to start learning in the next place. And it’s just that constant journey of picking up the next thing and trying to be as good as you can.”
RAF Leeming Hosts French Air and Space Force to Strengthen Innovation and Defence Partnership
Six months after forging a partnership of innovation during a visit to Merignac and Cazaux Air Bases of the French Air and Space Force (FASF), we were delighted to host French counterparts for a reciprocal visit to North Yorkshire.
The French delegation, including General Julien Sabéné, Chief of Staff of the Territorial Command of the French Air and Space Force, were given an insight into RAF Leeming’s contribution to defence by Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, Commander Global Enablement, and RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Hamilton.
This included time with 90 Signals Unit and 2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems Wing (C-UAS).
The Cooperation Roadmap between RAF 2 Group and the FASF Territorial Command (CTAAE) was signed earlier this year to share ideas and pursue aspirations on energy resilience, sustainability and Agile Combat Enablement (ACE).
Father-Son Duo’s Epic
Ride on 125cc Bike
17-year-old RAF applicant and Aramark employee, Luke Blackley and his father, Sqn Ldr Gordon Blackley, set off on an epic 4000 mile off road trip across Europe with Luke riding a 125cc motorbike, that would more normally only see adventures as far as the next town or two. They’re both instructors at Leeming’s Motorcycle Trials Club. Excalibur caught up with them after the trip to find out all about the trip and how it came about:
Gordon: I was planning my annual adventure trip, due to be a trip across TET Italy with some Italian mates, when Luke piped up that he’d be 17 then so could come on his own bike…………… I hadn’t even considered it at this point, but he was right, why not?
Luke: I had ridden TET Sardinia on the back of Dad’s GS Trophy when I was 12, I knew how cool these trips were, and had heard the stories, endlessly, so I was coming, that was that. I was 17 so could ride myself, so why wouldn’t I be able to go?
Gordon: So I got on with the planning, in amongst Luke doing his GCSEs and him applying to join the RAF I was reluctant to worry too much about motorbike tests etc, and figured that he’d be ok on a provisional, but found out at the last minute, after a mate hearing my plans on the TAMP Podcast, that he couldn’t!! This sent us into a frenzy of trying to get him through his test, that saw me teaching him, to the point of passing theory, MOD1 and MOD 2 inside a month; all the schools said it was impossible, but teeth were gritted and………. well, we did it; I have to admit there was a plan B of the Great Western Trail, but I didn’t let onto Luke about that.
Luke: It was pretty frantic, I finished my GCSEs, then straight into prepping for the RAF application, we ended up on one comical day, where I sat the RAF Aptitude test in Newcastle, then jumped in the car, and rushed down to Middlesborough (don’t go if you haven’t) to take my motorbike theory test. Test passed, Dad said “Ok, MOD 1 next” to which I replied “what’s a MOD 1”. This was at 3:30pm, Dad got a cancellation and I then did my MOD 1 at 9:30am the next day, having watched a few videos that evening and passed it!! Pretty intense!!
Gordon: The bike choice may have raised a few eyebrows for a 4000 mile trip across the UK, France, Germany, Austria avoiding motorways and seeing the real counties and people, then Slovenia and Italy off road, but the reality is that the bike is a Rieju 125, which sounds like some terrible Chinese scrap yard candidate, but it’s actually a Spanish brand, uses a Yamaha variable valve timing engine, that is de-restricted with one wire to effectively jump it onto another map, and the removal of a plate from the air filter, and it’s 20bhp. The motor’s really flexible for a 125 and doesn’t feel a million miles different to the Honda CRF250L; honestly at normal adventure pace it keeps up happily with my Tenere.
Luke: Let’s be honest, it didn’t just keep up…… That big fat 700 held me up in the twisties a few times. I really like the bike, and am pondering just keeping it as my adventure / TET bike. It carried the gear ok too once we figured out how to secure the throwovers, I guess that’s because we packed so light.
Gordon: In terms of packing, the only things I carried more than
Luke did were the inner tubes and spare levers for both bikes, simply because I had crash bar bags. When I pack I pack really light, so with full camping kit the whole kit comes in at 15kg, Luke had the same kit, tools and all. People thought I would carry things for him, but my bike was already a handful at 700cc and 206kg plus luggage, he needed some weight onboard to slow the little bugger down in the technical offroad as he would bugger off and leave me floundering on the bigger bike, laughing in the intercom.
To be honest, his 125 was a genuinely better TET bike than my 700, and we chatted on the trip that I would have been better off for most of it on a CRF Rally or similar.
We met up with an Austrian rider on a 1250GS on one day in some moderately technical terrain… Luke scampered through on the 125 and walked back 4 times in a 2 hour period to help the poor bloke pick up his 1250 as he’d dropped it in mud or ruts, a little funny I guess.
Luke: I had to strike the balance between looking concerned for him and trying to keep the smug face to myself. To be honest, the
bloke was riding well, but it was just a great big thing when the going got technical, the 125 just scampers through things that even the T7 struggled with. The only times it struggled were at 7,000 feet plus, at the top of Col De Sommelier it felt like it had around 2 bhp where it’s carburettor meant it was running crazy rich. Oh, and on this gnarly climb, that I was convinced Dad wasn’t going to go up on the T7, but he just went into full send mode leaving me trying not to burn my clutch out behind him and feeling like I was in an asteroid field as the T7 fired up the hill using speed and power to get up there, Clarkson style. That was the first time I’ve seen Dad ride the T7 like that, he’s normally really gentle with it, but it certainly worked and was bloody impressive to see; I think he thought he was Pol Tarres for a moment.
Gordon: I wasn’t really worried about Luke’s riding off road as he has been riding motocross as a youngster and for the last two years has been a competition trials rider, who’s annoyingly managed to beat me!! My biggest concerns were on the motorway, which we avoided as much as possible,
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Oh, and on this gnarly climb, that I was convinced Dad wasn’t going to go up on the T7, but he just went into full send mode leaving me trying not to burn my clutch out behind him and feeling like I was in an asteroid field as the T7 fired up the hill using speed and power to get up there, Clarkson style’’.
but that’s where people can be aggressive when trying to get to places, and where he has the least experience. We were on helmet comms the whole time and this is where we went from chatting to full on instructor mode.
Luke: Yeah, I wasn’t a fan of the small amount of motorway we did, but it was pretty minimal, the bike was fine, we just sat at 65mph and got there when we got there, Dad said that he would only cruise at 70 on the T7 anyway.
Gordon: The intercom was a godsend generally, and absolutely made the trip, we had a right laugh, I decided to just chat to Luke as I would a mate on a trip, and as such we had an amazing time, talking about the funniest subjects, I’m struggling to think of any disagreements; just two ready-made mates on a trip together.
Luke: Yeah, an intercom is a must for anyone thinking of doing a similar trip, it was great to chat for 2 weeks, but also helped as I was picking up loads of riding advice on the road that I just don’t think you would get in a normal situation. It kept me safe and my road riding improved as a result.
Gordon: For me the highlight of the trip was a constant throughout it: We really did not plan, but tried to keep well away from anything touristy, so that we lived and saw the real versions of the countries that we were passing through; rough camping on all but one night.
A great example of this was that locals tend to eat breakfast in cafes in Italy, so we would find the cafes in the small villages where the locals went and just immerse ourselves into their everyday lives.
Of course a couple of Brits on offroad bikes suddenly appearing in a café where everyone knew one another attracted loads of positive
attention, I speak Italian, so would get chatting to the locals about what we were doing and that, yes, he was 17 and on a 125, and yes we had ridden all the way from the UK to here and yes their café was on a magical 100,000km line of off road route that spanned the entire of Europe!!
Luke would laugh at what he called “The Performance” where I would tell them all this dramatically in Italian with the mandatory hand gestures, but laugh as he might, this put them immediately into the story, they were captivated by what they had just heard and often wanted to be part of this epic tale.
We had our café bills paid, were given free panettone and cornetti, we were taken into people’s houses to stay with them and offered assistance with tools etc. I used this to show Luke just how good people naturally are when you’re friendly and outgoing, don’t belief the horror of the sensationalist news, get out there and be yourself, the world and it’s people are amazing.
Luke: The panettone was funny, as I hadn’t figured out that putting something in my pannier right next to the exhaust would heat it up……..who knew!! LOL. When we stayed the Italian family in the mountains, they had laid on an amazing breakfast for us, so Dad said we should take the panettone as a gift. I had a feeling as I got out what should have been a plump, delicious looking thing, but it was a bit squished and well cooked from being next to socks in my panniers. Funny that they didn’t eat it really, I can’t think why………….
Gordon: Whilst Luke’s bike was really good, ultimately when I had a 125, my idea of an epic trip was from Watton to Norwich,
some 20 miles, so these bikes are designed to ride locally meaning their chains, bearings etc are not the best quality. We had changed the chain for the best X-ring chain we could get, replaced the wheel bearings with SKF, and thought we had everything pretty sorted, but it turns out that the linkage bearings were made of the finest cheese, not a good hard parmesan either, more a soft Brie………
Luke: So, in the middle of the Italian mountains, we had just passed this Italian family, and the (very attractive) daughter had got really excited about Dad’s bike being covered in mud on one side, where he’d gone down like a shot dog in a deep muddy puddle the day before. The Italian adventure bikes tend to look like they have been wheeled straight out of a showroom, then polished for days, hence her excitement. We ended up chatting to them as we made camp, as we did, the biggest cow in the area decided to get into my 2 man tent, sending the Italian mother hurtling towards it to get it out. She then insisted that we stayed in the safety of their garden fence so they didn’t bug us all night.
It was at this moment when my suspension started to make the most god awful noise; worrying. That night we ate with them, drank with them and talked about what the issue might be, Jacapo (who was unfortunately her boyfriend, not her brother as I had hoped) was an enduro rider and the Dad a road rider, so the next morning a team effort saw the linkage stripped, to reveal the bushes of finest formaggio had eaten themselves; a long way from ideal.
Gordon: Italy in August simply shuts, the nearest Rieju dealer was 5 hours away on road, and the chances of them having, or being able to get the buses was slim. Jacapo springs into action, calls a friend, who it turns out we had met in a garage the day before due to the muddy bikes, he appears at the cottage, and on seeing the bearings calls a guy with a lathe.
He was away but would be back the next day, so suddenly we’re arranging to see him then, the Italian family insist that we stay with them as guests until it’s sorted.
We did, they were amazing, as
was the food, and we weren’t allowed to lift a finger, Luke being physically removed from doing the washing up!
Luke: Monday morning and we’re taken to the workshop, the chap is as old as the hills and his lathe even older, the workshop an Aladdin’s cave of…stuff, some of it useful…
He spends the whole day had making the 8 bushes, then charges us a paltry 50 euro and invites us up to drink Prosseco and see his photos of his Dakar Replica Cagiva Elephant; people are amazing.
Gordon: Back on the road, we began to hit some fantastic, but tricky off road trails, it turned out that the area we had got to was the very place that I had first put a wheel on the TET some 6 years ago on my GS Trophy 1200.
Luke: The thing I remember about that area was that you couldn’t find your ass with both hands, and kept mumbling about the nav being really tricky there.
Gordon: Funny really, I remember really struggling with the nav 6
years ago, as there were TET tracks everywhere in the woods, but going back after riding the TET in 14 countries, it was still the most tricky nav I’ve had.
Luke: Pity we didn’t do that before my test, my U-turns would have been brilliant!!
Gordon: That night we found a great bothy type lodge in the forest, which would have led to a great night’s sleep if it wasn’t for Luke rattling on about bloody bears after we’d zipped the tents up……….
Luke: The next day we went to find a place for me to change the oil on the 125, as it only has 1800 mile intervals, we found a car bodyshop which Dad thought was a normal garage, so asked to borrow some tools after giving ‘THE PERFORMANCE’. It turned out that we struck lucky, whilst a car bodyshop wouldn’t normally have oil, it turns out the owner was an ex enduro racer who brought out some of his own oil for his enduro bike and after chatting with Dad about the bushes, and seeing a photo of the guy with the lathe, who we had travelled a full day since seeing, knew him as they used to race enduro together; it’s a small world.
Gordon: Pushing up into the mountains, high above Lake Garda, Luke found a great spot to camp, in the flat run off from the top of a ski lift right at the top of the tallest mountain, the sunset up there was amazing! After waking to the most amazing sunrise, we rode down toward Lake Garda with the intention of having breakfast on the shore of the lake itself, however, things started to feel touristy, so we hooked of the TET and into a village where we found our more usual café choice in a small village
full of locals having their breakfast. An old guy with his grandson was really interested in the bikes so we chatted to him, and let his grandson sit on the T7; he loved it!! Heading down the mountain it was feeling ever more touristy, not our thing at all, so we made the decision to get onto bigger roads and push on past Garda and Como and re-joined the TET past Milan and north of Torino. This was where the off road became much more interesting, with some gnarly climbs, muddy ruts and SPIDERS!
Luke: Oh man, these huge spiders had made their webs right across the trail so were just being collected on the T7, when we camped that night in a municipal area, we felt bad that the kids play area had got some amazing spider webs by morning……….
Although, after Dad deciding there was no one around, so having a strip wash by the sinks, only to spot the security camera pointing straight at it in the morning, I was pondering whether the locals would be up with pitchforks come the morning!
Gordon: Errr…moving on…LOL.
We had now got into Pedemonte, the region of Italy where they love their off road. It was the weekend so we saw a few locals on the trails, one of the guys was pretty pleased to see us as he had crashed his T7 off road and was pinned underneath it when we got to him in the middle of the trail.
Luke: That poor guy had been there for 15 minutes! He was riding with four friends, who had just buggered off and left him, unaware he’d binned it. We got the bike off him, made sure he was ok, then Dad let the air out of his forks as they had pressured up so had kicked off a rock, causing the crash.
We rode with him to the top of the mountain where his mates were just sat there; fair to say he had a few choice words with them.
Gordon: The off road was superb in this region, great fun. We found ourselves having dinner that evening in restaurant at the bottom of a ski lift, the waitress obviously liked the performance, as she offered for us to pitch our tents in their beer garden, then said she would come in early in the morning to cook us breakfast.
Luke: That was the only day
of the tip where we didn’t eat croissants or cornetti. She heard us joking that at least we would have croissants the next day as we were in France, and took pity, so whipped us up sausage and eggs, almost a full English! We sat eating it and watching the cows being milked on the ski slopes.
Gordon: We certainly needed that breakfast as we hit Col De Sommolier that day, where Luke thought it was a great idea to swim in a glacial lake at 10’000 feet, and with ice floating in it!
Luke: Swim is pushing it a bit, more like dove in and leapt out as it was bloody freezing!! Amazing how warm you feel when its cold, but you’ve just got out of an icy lake. I’m not doing it again mind!!
Gordon: Speaking of doing it again, the trip, would you do it again Luke?
Luke: In a heartbeat, in fact I would go again tomorrow, life was just so simple: Ride bike, find food, water and fuel, rough camp, repeat; does life get any better?
Gordon: Yes, it was a stunning trip, I imagine Luke will remember it for the rest of his life and it has shown him what he’s capable of and to just get out there and do it. In terms of lessons learned, I’m not sure I learned anything I didn’t already know, in that planning is bad, going with the flow but being prepared to exist anywhere is the way to go, you’re really free.
Luke: I learned a lot, the biggest thing for me was the road riding advice that lowed effortlessly throughout, Dad’s an advanced rider as well as an ex-racer, on and off road, so has so much to teach that it takes that amount of time to get it across. Also figuring out where and when it was ok to rough camp, where it was risky, and why. All worth its weight in gold as a new adventure rider.
Anyone who would like to come and learn to ride at Leeming’s Motorcycle Trials Club, can find it on Facebook, under: Leeming Trials Club.
The club caters for absolute beginners, and collaborates with civvy road riding schools to enable riders to progress to riding epic adventures like this if they fancy it, or stick to more local riding and trials events. Any questions, chat to Sqn Ldr Gordon Blackley.
Road to the Fallen
607 (County of Durham) Squadron Personnel Pay Their Respects in Belgium
Members of 607 Squadron Mechanical Transport (MT) Flight took time out from their training in Europe to visit the graves and pay their respects to two former 607 Squadron aircrew. who lost their lives during WWII. Travelling back from their destination at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where they were taking part in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training, personnel detoured to Haverlee and Hotton cemeteries in Belgium.
Seven volunteer reservists took it in turns to tell the stories of Flying Officers Cuthbert and Thompson, who sadly lost their lives in separate incidents in May 1940.
Both pilots were shot down over Belgium as part of the Battle of France, a devastating battle, which culminated in the evacuation of Dunkirk and the occupation of France by the Nazis. In a fitting tribute, 607 Squadron crests were laid on the graves of Cuthbert in Hotton and Thompson in Haverlee cemeteries by members of the Sqn.
The personnel were returning from a week-long ‘Driving in Europe’ package, as part of the ACE concept in support of operational capability at home and overseas. They were the first General Support Squadron to implement such a package, which is recognised as best
“We are immensely proud of our heritage and the part that our former Squadron members played in the Battle of France. It was important that our Squadron personnel paid their respects at the gravesides, especially in the year that we are celebrating 100 years of Reserve service.”
Squadron Leader Graeme Deighton - Officer Commanding 607 Squadron
practice. As part of the training, members of MT Flt had driven to Ramstein Air Force Base in south-west Germany. The drivers took it in turns to drive their dual-
purpose van and 17-seat minibus through the Netherlands, Belgium and finally into Germany.
It was also the first time that
many of the party had ever driven on the right-hand side of the road, and it was necessary for the 2 instructors to provide some gentle reminders at times, especially at junctions and roundabouts. Once at Ramstein, the group were met by Cpl Simon Morgan from the UK Support Group who provided a brief on his job, which covers a large area and several countries. The drivers also received a talk on the history of the US Air Base.
As part of the intensive 5-day training package, all drivers were faced with a variety of driving conditions through built up areas, motorway and countryside as well as negotiating the embarkation and disembarkation of the vehicles on to the ferry. The ACE-focused training package met its objectives to allow drivers the necessary skills to be more flexible and increases the Sqn’s capability to be employable across many areas of driving.
Hotton War Cemetery
AS1 Dave Lynes presenting the story of Fg Off Thompson.
The fact that the training was enjoyable and included some interesting Force Development was a definite bonus.
The Story of Flying Officer Cuthbert:
It is thought that Flying Officer Cuthbert was killed on 14th May 1940 by an ME109 in Belgium. He was attached to 501 Squadron and was killed in action while flying a hurricane (P2618) within an hour of entering the conflict. Cuthbert was 28 years old when he died and is buried at Hotton War Cemetery in Belgium.
Most details relating to Flying
Officer Cuthbert were destroyed with other records over the 14 days or so after Cuthbert’s death, with just a few flying records to piece together the steps taken.
The Story of Flying Officer Thompson:
Flying Officer Montague ‘Monty’ Henry Brodrick Thompson joined 607 Squadron in 1937. He was flying Hurricane P2620, when he was shot down with 2 other Hurricanes near Landen, Belgium on 13th or 14th May 1940 (dates differ). He was 24 years old. He
Words by Flt Lt Rachael Smith | Photos by Cpl James Hutchins
Ramstein Air Base Main Entrance
FS Mark Boston lays a 607 Sqn Crest
The Grave Stone of Fg Off Thompson
Ex GRIFFIN’S CLAW
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming paired up with 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale for a Part Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) led five-day Annual Continuous Training Exercise.
Hosted at RAF Woodvale, 607 Squadron troops were able to learn from diverse training at nearby facilities at Altcar Training area and make the most of the stunning local countryside taking part in orienteering at Haigh woodland Park nearby. Also taking the opportunity to visit the Western Approaches, War Rooms in Liverpool for a very interesting FD day.
In return, 607 Squadron brought a convoy of vehicles including 6T & 15T MAN SV trucks, Land Rovers and a 40ft Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) enabling 611 Squadron to take advantage of training on platforms they do not usually have access to. A mixture of 607 and 611 Squadron SP merged into two Flts to practice newly learned skills of vehicle cam and concealment. Can you spot the two hidden Land Rovers in the pictures!?
The sand dunes at Altcar offered a unique opportunity to practice vehicle recovery on sand, which proved to be both interesting and challenging, especially compared to the more familiar experience of recovering vehicles from mud.
We set out to the centre of Liverpool for an FD event to the Liverpool War rooms. We had a guided tour and can
safely say that we all left the museum having gained a wealth of historical knowledge. An intriguing insight into the combined efforts of the RAF and Royal Navy who worked in the fascinating, reinforced, secret war rooms bunker, Western Approaches. Which was pivotal in Britain’s success in the Battle of the Atlantic.
The PTIs of 611 Squadron
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The sand dunes at Altcar offered a unique opportunity to practice vehicle recovery on sand, which proved to be both interesting and challenging, especially compared to the more familiar experience of recovering vehicles from mud.
organised Leadership skills activities allowing newly promoted 607 Squadron corporals to hone their leadership skills and gain experience ahead of promotion courses.
In the afternoon we had favourable weather while exploring Haigh Woodland Park on a two-hour orienteering challenge, to find 25 letters to unlock the puzzle of the missing phrase. I think everyone would agree it was a very successful, beneficial and enjoyable exercise.
We bid 611 Squadron goodbye, thanks for having us and we look forward to the next opportunity to work together.
Liverpool’s War Rooms provided a great learning opportunity.
The sand dunes at Altcar provide some unique driving opportunities
On the Road - Convoy of Vehicles from RAF Leeming
What are our Principles and Values?
•
• The value of hard work
• Equality of opportunity
• Moral purpose, integrity and compassion
• Accountability to parents, carers and the community What makes Thirsk School and Sixth Form College unique?
• Our staff and students
•
• Academic success
• Recognising the whole child with their unique gifts and talents Our students always strive to Be More Thirsk #bemorethirsk “A feature of the school is the friendly and warm relationships between the staff and pupils. This ensures that pupils behave well and apply themselves ” - Ofsted 2022
RAF LEEMING IN PICTURES
A SUMMER SUMMARY
A Summer Summary of a productive period as 609 (WR) Squadron continues with its fast flowing and busy programme.
Outdoor living and a trip to the countryside is just part of the exciting experiences that members of the Squadron have recently encountered. Alternatively, other members found themselves operating the latest modern technology, involved in prestigious taskings where no two months are the same.
On the recruitment side of things Phase II training has been hard, demanding but enjoyable for our potential Gunners.
We have had three recruits finish their modular Phase II training recently and we now have three more on a condensed course ran over a nine-day period. If all are successful it means all six will be attending Exercise OMEGA. Ex OMEGA is the final part of Phase II training for trainee Gunners, it takes place over a two-week period and includes classroombased training and field exercises and is the final assessment before being awarded their mudguards.
This year Ex OMEGA and Further Training Course will be run be delivered by 609 Squadron on behalf of the CRF. Potentially, once members pass Phase II training and have successfully completed Ex OMEGa, they can then look forward to the opportunity of becoming a Counter Drone Operator.
Gunners from the Squadron took part in Op PLEDGE on 18 July 2024, it was the first reservist led tasking since the operators qualified within the ‘Counter Drone’ role. Supporting Thames Valley Police, the task was to provide C-UAS protection during the fourth meeting of the European Political Community hosted at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace
of Winston Churchill. This summit hosted around 50 political leaders from across Europe to cooperate on important issues affecting the continent. Attendees included World leaders and VVIP’s.
On the ground, the task was led by 609 Squadron’s Flt Lt Dom Hulton who played an integral role in both the planning and execution phases of the task. Flt Lt Hulton was supported by seven other Squadron
personnel, who alongside their regular colleagues, assisted with the erection of fixed-site C-UAS equipment on the Palace rooftops, as well as operating the various systems on the day of the event, which in the end was a great success with no UAS incursions.
Since joining No.2 C-UAS Wing, 609 Squadron personnel have contributed to several MACA taskings, such as the King’s
Coronation in London, President Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland, the 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris to name a few..
Additionally, Squadron personnel have also been on parade, in particular Cpl ‘Dave’ Ferguson who attended the D-Day Celebrations and had the opportunity to have an interesting but emotional conversation with a D-Day Veteran.
If you are leaving the Regular Service and would like to explore opportunities as a part time RAF Regt C-UAS operator, then please get in touch with Sqn Ldr Lovejoy (Sqn Cmdr) or FS Geldart (FS CSS) for more details, alternatively, if you’re on camp, pop in and speak to any of the Squadron members who will be happy to help.
Horton in Ribblesdale.
Start of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Perfect accommodation for groups/families.
Building 1, 4 x 6 bedded (en-suite) rooms (1 small dog allowed in each of these rooms)
Building 2, 4 x 8 bedded rooms
Both buildings have their own kitchen/dining room Discounts for Military & Mid-week bookings (in school holidays too)
Tel: 07870849419
Email: hello@3peaksbunkroom.co.uk
Website: www.3peaksbunkroom.co.uk
Address: Horton in Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire,
Yorkshire UAS News
Yorkshire Rangers
You walk straight through civvy street, connections but a few,
Walking, swathed in cheap lifeless cotton, Those street lights illuminate all but you, forgotten Take a left to avoid the Connemara grey hue; Now you are living with the girls and boys in blue We all walk as one, Yorkshire Rangers echoes on It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from Yorkshire is home from home, straight and true.
From Great Hall, Firth Court, Heslington Hall, Moved to Leeming, Ripon, at the call saluted; We lead, we tabbed, never slack in the line Women and Men of Yorkshire we stand tall Pressed, Polished, booted Yorkshire Proud since 1969.
Despite the end of the academic year, Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron have continued to stay active, enhancing their skills and taking on new challenges outside the lecture hall. Alongside flying, adventurous training and sport, students have been tested on a week-long training exercise and have visited active frontline squadrons. For YUAS, summer is a time to gain new experiences, and make the most of the litany of activities on offer.
LeadEx: Field exercises are a major aspect of military life, helping develop fundamental skills needed for operations. Yorkshire is one of the few university air squadrons that simulates these exercises with its annual LeadEx. On the 19th of June, students were placed on operational readiness for a fictional conflict in the Baltics. Initially, mission briefs, operating procedures and rules of engagement were established.
Over the following days, readiness had to improve drastically to prepare for deployment. During this period, intelligence briefs provided information about the brewing conflict and OASC-style planning tasks tested students cognitive and team-working abilities. Members of 6FTS where present, ensuring students were receiving a realistic simulated experience. To conclude the Leeming phase of the Ex, members of the RAF Regiment provided training on camouflage, concealment and deception, as well as essential fire and manoeuvre drills. This training
helped provide an insight into the complexity and dangers of moving and operating in hostile environments.
Early on Saturday, YUAS was awoken with news of their imminent deployment to Ripon Fields Training Area. After a dawn kit inspection, the second phase of LeadEx began. Students undertook mock medical evacuations, bomb disposals and routine patrols. The challenges inherent in undertaking these tasks led to a fulfilling, rewarding and unique experience for all students.
In the closing hours of the exercise, students were faced with the biggest challenge of all. They had to evacuate civilians through a mock airport, dealing with crowd control and casualties, they learnt valuable lessons about maintaining security in a rapidly changing environment. The intensity of the evacuation and the challenge of handling noncombatants in a conflict situation gave the students a massive appreciation of contemporary scenarios faced by the RAF. LeadEx was a fantastic achievement for the event organiser, Off Cdt Bullough, whose work alongside a wider leadership team, allowed for a thoroughly comprehensive look into what military training exercises entail.
Squadron Challenge: On
16 August seven students successfully completed our annual Squadron Challenge: an opportunity to develop mental and physical resilience on an individual and team basis. Led this year by Off Cdt Bradbury, seven students hiked the Cairngorms 4000s. Over thirteen hours 22 miles of Scottish wilderness were covered including five peaks
over the height of 4000ft. This was an outstanding effort that demonstrated resilience, strength and camaraderie. Such traits are crucial in developing character and readiness for the future. Whilst in Scotland, a station visit to RAF Lossiemouth was undertaken to learn about the work conducted on frontline squadrons. Visiting 42 Squadron helped students understand current ISTAR capabilities and the work required for aircrew and engineers to operate the P8 Poseidon.
JSAT: In August, nine students were accepted onto the Joint Services Adventure Training
Programme. Over a week-long period, students traded the Grob Tutor for a sailing yacht and explored the waterways of the Scottish Highlands. Under the leadership of experienced Officer Cadets Gaukroger and Handley, they learnt skills relating to navigation, meteorology and boat handling. Learning to problem-solve and adapt to changing situations was also key to the success of the exercise. The crew were lucky enough to see both the Northern Lights and the Perseids Meteor Shower.
Finally, YUAS are proud to be part of an active RAF Station and continue to engage and be supported at all levels. As a result of support from the Station the student living accommodation is finally starting to see the benefits with real mattresses a game changer in allowing a decent nights sleep! And with the support provided by YUAS to the Officers’ Mess this years Summer Ball was a resounding success for all involved and we all look forward to further integration and support between YUAS and the wider RAF community here at Leeming.
As we move forward as a Squadron, into the next academic year and the arrival of new students, it’s a time to reflect on the efforts we’ve seen over the past year. The constant evolution of skill, confidence and teamwork has been evident throughout every aspect of squadron life and in each member of the squadron.
As senior members graduate, it’s time to look to the future. Whether their paths lead toward a career in the armed forces or one in civilian life, graduates can be sure that the skills they’ve accrued on Yorkshire will stay with them forever.
We thank them for all their contributions to YUAS.
Exercise ARNHEM SWORD
Operation Market Garden was one of the largest Allied operations of the Second World War. It took place in September 1944 in northern Belgium and the Dutch provinces of North-Brabant and Gelderland. The goal of the operation was to outflank the German defences along the Rhine and to ensure a swift advance towards the heart of NaziGermany. It was hoped that the operation could help to end the war before Christmas.
Eighty years after hundreds of allied soldiers parachuted from military aircraft into Nazi-occupied Netherlands as part of a daring World War Two offensive, personnel from RAF Leeming cycled over 100km over the same route to learn why Operation Market Garden was a bridge too far.
The first couple of days were spent visiting landmarks that they would see again while getting used to the bikes, such as the John Frost Bridge and Oosterbeek CWGC Cemetery. They also visited Overloon and Hartenstein Museums before starting their journey at what was the site of the Splendid Cinema in Leopoldsburg, Belgium. This is where XXX Corps started their advance along ‘Hells Highway’.
Visiting Joe’s Bridge and the Valkenswaard CWGC Cemetery along the way saw the team arrive into Eindhoven, although not quite to the same welcome the allied troops received in September 1944, who were cheered as they made their way
through the streets.
After visiting the Eindhoven CWGC Cemetery, the next morning, the team made stops at the 101st AB Memorial, Son Bridge and Uden CWGC Cemetery before being hosted at Volkel AFB. Here they received an incredible tour of the onsite museum by a veteran with an even more incredible moustache before presenting him with the RAF Leeming crest.
The next day saw the RAF Leeming contingent make stops
at the Grave Bridge, Nijmegen Bridge and Sint Maartenskerk Church in Elst where the XXX Corps advance stopped. Next was a trip into Driel to understand the Polish involvement in Op Market Garden and they were treated to a recreation of the Polish liberation of the town.
The next morning started by watching the multi-national Armed Forces parachute on to Ginkel Heath as part of the Arnhem commemorative event.
The team then learned about the withdrawal of Allied Forces across the Rhine by visiting the Lonsdale Church and travelling down the withdrawal route to the banks of the Neder Rijn in Oosterbeek.
The final day saw all members on Ex ARNHEM SWORD attend Oosterbeek CWGC Cemetery for a ceremony to observe the roll in remembrance of the serving Allied Forces, Veterans and civilian population. This ceremony included an address
Ex ARNHEM SWORD
by HRH Princess Anne and incorporated the commemoration of the fallen soldiers by the local school children. These children lay a flower on each grave in the cemetery giving them the nickname the Flower Children. Following the formal ceremony,
the team each delivered a stand on one of the soldiers in the cemetery that they had learned about throughout the week.
The event ended with the laying of a wreath on behalf of all RAF Leeming personnel.
Donna Sandall Family Law
RAF Leeming Saddle Club
Summer Camp Aug 2024
Amidst the demanding life of military service, finding moments of relaxation and personal enrichment can be challenging. That’s why the RAF Horse Riding Summer Camp for military personnel stands out as an extraordinary opportunity. This annual camp is a perfect blend of adventure, skill-building, and relaxation. It’s more than just a break from duty—it’s a chance to recharge, connect with fellow service members, and experience the therapeutic benefits of horse riding in the serene North Yorkshire countryside.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or completely new to the equestrian world, the camp offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can develop new skills and unwind. The focus is on creating a space where military members can escape the routine, connect with nature, and find rejuvenation through riding and camaraderie.
Led by an experienced instructor, the camp caters to all skill levels. Beginners can learn the basics of horsemanship, while more advanced riders can refine their techniques in disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and trail riding. For many, the chance to spend time with horses is a therapeutic experience,
offering a sense of peace and grounding that contrasts with the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of military life.
Beyond the riding lessons, the camp offers activities to enhance the mental wellbeing of participants, from a
meal out to the local pub, to a BBQ at the bell tents, creating opportunities for bonding and relaxation. These shared experiences foster a sense of community among the participants, which is often highlighted as one of the most rewarding aspects of the camp.
Freestyle Dressage
At the end of June two of RAF Leeming’s Saddle Club members were invited to participate in a new venture under the scope of dressage, Freestyle! The weekend away, under the experienced team from Equivisions, involved riding and learning a floor plan of our personalised tests-tailored to individual’s experience, strengths and weaknesses. Once practiced a few times the routine was videoed, and we got to pick music we felt suited us and our horse. Sqn Ldr Blackett chose some Dolly Parton to complement her horse’s namesake (Dolly’s Unlikely Angel) and Cpl Charlton opted for a mix of Bridgeton style tracks. A few weeks later CDs arrived in the post of personalised music, cropped and spliced to perfectly fit each horse’s own tempos and gaits. Now all that is left is to get out there and practice!
Saddle Club member Robin Huttimier has started her first part loan with a 14.3hh coloured cob called Semper. For now she is hacking locally and getting used to the school but is hoping to start competing with him in E-Dressage. Robin told us “Loaning is my first step to buying my own horse, introducing me to the hands-on aspects of horsemanship and life on a livery yard.” Can’t wait to see what you will accomplish with him in the future Robin!!!
WHERE CADETS HAS TAKEN ME
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Enthusiast, Hannah W of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), discusses all the adventures and opportunities being a cadet has provided her with.
Through the CCF programme at QE, I gained new experiences, improved my social skills and developed my ability to read an environment better through meeting so many people on trips and events. I spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag with my closet friends, cooking my ration packs and trading muesli for an all-day breakfast and I completed days on the ranges and learnt the importance of responsibilities. In 2022, I was part of QE’s outdoor Remembrance Service with the City of York’s Pipe Band.
Serving as Cadet Sergeant in the QE CCF Regiment provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience. It led me to becoming the first CCF representative appointed to
Serving as
Cadet Sergeant in the QE CCF Regiment provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience.
the role of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire, which meant I could represent our school at events and support the Lord Lieutenant in his duties. Through this role, I was selected to attend events such as the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, which was a great opportunity to socialise with other Lord Lieutenant Cadets. At an outing to York Minster, I met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort.
Being in the CCF allowed me to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development. I was then nominated by QE staff for the CVQO Westminster Award 2022 where I reached the third round and travelled to Somerset for the national selection event where I was recognised among approximately 40 cadets from across the UK.
Being a Cadet Volunteer encouraged me to make contributions to the school, local community and beyond. I worked with Physionet, who provide equipment for disabled people overseas and volunteered at a local nursing home, both arranged through school initiatives. I then spent my summer holidays restoring O’Hara’s Battery in Gibraltar, which was very rewarding.
QE are a CEA-accredited day and boarding school with a long-standing relationship with the forces community that offers discounts alongside CEA. The school has approximately 350 forces students onsite and provides a 15% discount to non-CEA and ex-forces families. To find out more, visit our website www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org.
