Excalibur - Spring 2023

Excalibur

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OIC’S MESSAGE

By Flt Lt Ford

‘Ey up. This is my first full issue of EXCALIBUR after taking over from Flt Lt Jo Cartmell midway through putting together the last edition, so I must start by thanking her, and the editor Sgt Lenny Austin, for making this such an enjoyable and seamless ‘ship’ to steer.

Our last issue was the first with our limited print distribution and a greater online footprint, however it’s great to still see so many contributions from around the Station. I hope that you find the online publication of EXCALIBUR an enjoyable and easily accessible read, although you will still be able to find us in print around the station. Wider awareness can sometimes be a casualty of a busy job or workplace and, with the pace of life at Leeming being what it is, I hope that you continue to find EXCALIBUR an interesting overview of our station community.

A special thank-you to our individual contributors this issue –

because of you we have articles ranging from carrier-based operations to Call of Duty; from skiing to SUMAN PROTECTOR.

I unashamedly asked for 34 Sqn’s Higginson Trophy to feature as this edition’s front cover photo – this was not just to make sure that OC 34 Sqn is robustly fined at the next dinner night. I am of course biased; however this was a significant achievement for the Sqn and, I believe, indicates a wider trend within the RAF (and UK defence) that recognises the value of innovation and pioneering spirit. This is an ethos at which RAF Leeming is at the forefront.

Straight and true!

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Designed by: Jo Glen

FOREWORD FOREWORD

BY STATION COMMANDER GROUP CAPTAIN GARETH PRENDERGAST, BA (HONS), LLM, MSC, RAF

With Spring in the air, it feels good to have the hard nights of winter fading away and the longer days to look forward to. Here on Station the tempo continues apace. The new year has continued to bring new challenges and opportunities for our people to shine. It is a testament to the talent, tenacity and total commitment of the team here that RAF Leeming’s personnel and their skillsets are in constant demand. I hope you are as proud of your success as I am.

Looking forward, we once again have a great year ahead of us. In May we celebrate the coronation of HRH King Charles III and his wife, The Queen Consort, who is also RAF Leeming’s Honorary Air Commodore. We’re working on plans to celebrate the Coronation here on base, but I encourage you to engage with community support and get planning for your own street parties to celebrate this historic event.

After a successful visit by the RAFX team to USAF Miramar, I was delighted to host their Station Commander here at Leeming for a reciprocal visit. With our partners at Newcastle University we have an exciting suite of opportunities between North Yorkshire and California for growing our partnership. Continuing to progress the ability of our forces to be ever more resilient and energy self-sufficient is the foundation of the relationship. Our efforts to better understand wellness and ways to stay fighting fit in both

A Date for the Diary!

body and mind is another area that we have shared interests in.

Now, I know from talking to people across the station that whilst the name RAFX is familiar, and everyone knows it’s where there’s a lot of future looking innovation on the environmental front, there’s some ambiguity as to what exactly the projects are. To help broaden understanding, the RAFX team are hosting an exposition day on 26th April. The RAF team and the scientists from Newcastle University will be throwing open the doors to showcase their work so far and share plans for the future. We will also host other academic institutions and industries who are looking to provide solutions for Defence on our journey to greater sustainability. This event is open to all Station personnel and families. Additionally, the team have been in contact with local schools to build partnerships so children here at Leeming and the broader community can learn more through interactive workshops. I strongly encourage you to come along and learn more about the great work happening here at Leeming.

Community Support, Pinnacle, DIO and SSAFA the forums have resulted in an improved transport offering for non-drivers to access Northallerton at the weekend, a new community group for supporting parents of young children and progress on estate and housing issues, particularly where works are required or standards have not met our expectations.

The 27th July will be the day of the RAF Leeming Show. We’ve taken the lessons from previous Families’ Days and the team are working on providing an awesome day of fun, activities, flying and entertainment for all of us here at RAF Leeming.

I want to take the opportunity to thank those of you who have come along to the Station Commander’s Forum events and shared your views, frustrations and ideas on life at RAF Leeming. Working in partnership with attendees,

Additionally, it has been great to see our volunteer community continue to grow post-pandemic. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community as without them there are not the resources to provide events and activities that make life more enjoyable. And it doesn’t need to be a big commitment: even a small time commitment,

shared amongst a group of likeminded individuals could have a big impact. So, if you have a hobby to share, an idea on how to improve things or a sport needing more team members, come along to the next forum and we can help you get started.

Finally, a date for the diary: the 27th July will be the day of the RAF Leeming Show. We’ve taken the lessons from previous Families’ Days and the team are working on providing an awesome day of fun, activities, flying and entertainment for all of us here at RAF Leeming. Mark the date and look out for further information on what to expect and how to get involved in the coming weeks.

Straight and true!

NAVAL OVERWATCH

AS1 Robyn Baker, RAF Leeming Intelligence Analyst, recounts her time aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth II during Op ACHILLEAN.

My first ever deployment as an AS2 in the RAF was an overseas experience on HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier with the Royal Navy.

Before beginning my deployment, there were a few different types of safety aspects I would need to be trained in first; I had to complete two variants of CBRN training courses. The training I undertook was extremely interactive and taught key skills such as teamwork and working efficiently in a highpressure environment. One of my

most memorable parts of training was the submersion test, which simulated a sinking ship. For this serial, trainees were placed into a simulated ship hull, around which the wall had several large holes or cracks. As the scenario developed, the hull rapidly started filling with water; the task required the team within to prevent the inflow by sealing the inner wall gaps with wooden wedges. Whilst the water level raised to chest height, I personally enjoyed the excitement of this aspect of training.

Due to several technical faults with the ship, our deployment was slightly delayed, eventually leaving port on 10 Nov 22. The ship headed directly to the North Sea where we spent 10 days at sea sailing towards Oslo. On the 11th day, we arrived alongside at Oslo and were able to come off ship and go out and explore Norway. We were in Oslo for a total of 3 days before transiting back through the North Sea where we spent our last few days on the ship before returning to Portsmouth. As an Intelligence Analyst, the details of my work are sensitive but essentially, I acted as a J2 Watchkeeper. Our primary role was maintaining the crew’s situational awareness

and assisting the ship’s Chain of Command to make intelligencebased decisions.

Compared to living on a RAF base, life onboard the QE was extremely different! As my Commanding Officer first showed me to my accommodation, it looked like a long hallway with doorways to the left and right with Navy uniforms and wash bags hanging up outside of each door. When we eventually found where I was going to be staying, I would be sleeping in an eight-person cabin. My bed was one of the top bunks, meaning that I had to climb to get in and out of bed – which sometimes proved as difficult, especially when the other girls

were on a different shift pattern to me. As well as the cabins (which were only intended for sleeping and storing your personal items), the accommodation had 3 showers and 2 toilets on each end of the flat (corridor) as well as a mess room, which was used by those on the corridor to access Wi-Fi, socialise and relax. Overall, my experience of the mess was positive, but it was important to remember to be respectful of your ship mates’ shift patterns and privacy; this was a major theme across the ship, especially given the confined conditions we, as the crew, faced on a daily basis.

The same principles applied to the Galley, which is the Navy’s

equivalent to the RAF Mess where personnel onboard would eat. As you can imagine, with the number of people on ship, the queue to the galley was enormous, but given the caterer’s efficiency did move quickly. When getting into the galley there would be an array of options that you serve yourself.

Laundry on ship was another aspect that took me by surprise, before leaving Leeming I was advised to bring 2 large wash bags with me to do my laundry in. Washing was delivered directly to the launderers onboard who, after finishing, would have your washing delivered directly to our corridor’s mess.

Moving on to general life and working on ship - I cannot begin to explain how big the QE actually is, I frequently found myself lost in the ship’s countless corridors. Much of the inside of the ship looked identical, however, I was quickly able to decipher the ship’s various markings to determine my whereabouts; often using the aircraft hangar as a point of reference. The walk to work would take me about 7 minutes, unless of course the weather was bad, making the sea rough and therefore leading me to walk into the sides of the walls. Lastly, we were able to spend some time in Oslo mid-way through our voyage. When we first arrived in Oslo, it was very cold as you can imagine! Oslo is a beautiful city set on the edge of a Norwegian Fjord. When I had finished work, my friend and I left the ship and made our way into the town centre to explore the Christmas markets. Whilst Oslo was noticeably expensive, it was all worth it because of the amazing memories that I had made over my time on the Queen Elizabeth at sea and alongside in Norway.

Squadron 34 ‘Win First, Fight After’

The turn of the year has seen 34 Sqn continuing its high pace of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) operations as the Squadron settles into a ‘battle rhythm’ after last year’s sprint to transition to provide Defence’s Fixed Site C-UAS capability. In recognition of its busy year in 2022, the Squadron was awarded the prestigious Higginson Trophy in February. The Higginson Trophy is the RAF Regiment’s award for the Regular RAF Regt formed Sqn that has shown the greatest achievement, leadership, exceptional standards and endeavour. 34 Sqn OC proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Squadron at the annual Corps Formation Dinner at RAF Honington.

At time of writing, the Sqn is eagerly awaiting the return of two detachments to the UK after six months overseas. These detachments were the spearhead of the new C-UAS capabilities and have done an exceptional job of representing the Sqn, Regiment and RAF in a challenging joint and multi-national operation. At the same time, the Sqn is in

the process of deploying three new teams abroad, again for sixmonth detachments – a measure of the escalating operational commitments that the squadron faces.

As part of pre-deployment training, further live firing of the RAPID SENTRY missile system has been conducted by troops from C and D Flts, further investing

in the new capability. Congratulations to LCpl Abraham and AS1 BairdHipwell, for a particularly impressive performance in shooting down a Banshee drone at considerable distance whilst under scrutiny from a visiting NATO 2* General!

January saw the inauguration of the Squadron’s new gym in Hangar 5 – an exciting new facility that is shared with the Stn Boxing Club. The new equipment will allow the Squadron’s gunners to conduct additional functional and conditioning training more flexibly without overcrowding the station gymnasium. A massive thank-you to WO Smith (now at the RAF FP Centre), LCpls Reid, Brown and AS1 Woodbine for their hard work in getting the gym up and running.

Within the UK, Sqn personnel have continued to act as drivers to cover the NHS ambulance strikes – a task that has seen them repeatedly deployed for shift work

across the north-east of England. Gunners also deployed at extreme short-notice to provide live C-UAS defensive cover for VIP visits to the UK in February. This task was an excellent live test of our ability to quickly react to dynamic UK-faced operations.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Engineering Flight’s Sgt Church, who has been selected as Assistant Coach for RAF Seniors Hockey, as well as already coaching for Wales and managing for UK Armed Forces Ladies Team.

Feu de Fer.

Met Office

Reflecting on the weather of 2022, it was a busy year! We had our hottest ever day; 38.8°C on the 19th July, a huge 4.3°C above our previous record. We were also affected by three storms within one week (Dudley, Eunice and Franklin), which was a first for the UK. Our average temperature across the year was also our highest on record; 10.59°C, which is higher than the record breaking UK mean of 10.03°C. A nice graphical depiction of our weather last year compared with our average over the past 30 years can be seen below.

So far in 2023 at RAF Leeming,

we have had our 3rd sunniest January with 84 hours of sunshine, 151% of the average of 55.6 hours. Then, Storm Otto brought wind gusts up to 62 KT on 17th February, but this was still a way off the wind record which stands at 79 KT from 1997. Looking ahead through 2023, we have another busy year coming up. Joe and Lauren are both working between Leeming and JOMOC (Joint Oceanographic and Meteorological Operations Centre), and Jenny will be working partly with the Met Office Defence Applications team updating the Defence Maritime Environmental Briefs for use by the Royal Navy.

Air Traffic Control Squadron News

Exercise SNOW EAGLE

On 22nd January, six members of the Air Traffic Control Squadron travelled from Heathrow airport to The Robson Resilience Centre in Bavaria to take part in serial 3 of Exercise Snow Eagle 2023. After a five-hour coach journey, an overnight stay at RAF Northolt, a 2 hour-flight and a further 2 and a half-hour coach trip we arrived in Bavaria along with 20 other staff from across the UK and Overseas.

Ex Snow Eagle caters for skiers of all abilities, from Basic Winter Resilience Training (SF1), Winter Resilience Training (SF2), to Advanced Winter Resilience Training (SF3); with inexperienced skiers AS1 Noon & AS1 WintonWright along with Sergeant Wall & Sergeant Ross taking part in SF1, Fg Off Lorraine on SF2, and Flt Lt O’Gorman completing SF3.

The week starts with a series of briefs, kitting, ice breakers and allocation of accommodation, and with the Leeming group all sharing one large room, the opportunity to create Unit cohesion and form new working relationships. Day two began with a series of briefs, capturing meteorological reports and avalanches theory, before hitting the slopes for a skiing assessment, allowing the instructor staff to gauge skiing competency before grouping similar abilities together.

The SF1 groups started with basic

skiing skills, mastering snow plough turns on the nursery slopes before taking to the lifts to put learning in to practise. Steadily moving on to plough-to-parallel turns, and finally parallel turns, the group were fortunate enough to move to more challenging resorts as the week and abilities progressed. We were blessed with excellent weather and conditions, and groups were given the opportunity to ski across different resorts in Bavaria and Austria, with my SF1 group skiing in Oberjoch, Sollereck, Heuberg, Ifen and Nebelhorn. As an experienced skier Fg Off Lorraine completed

SF2, exploring further skiing skills on-piste, before adventuring offpiste and conducting avalanche rescue and survival training. The group also had gained experience of ski touring, using ‘skins’ to ski uphill, before taking challenging off-piste routes down.

Flt Lt Rich O’Gorman, the most experienced of skiers within our group, spent the week completing the Advanced course, SF3. After spending the first day and a half honing personal skiing skills, the group were given the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge to

safely lead the group throughout the remainder of the week off-piste. Avalanche transmitter followed before an afternoon of ski touring up a Bavarian mountain called Spieser, before removing the ‘skins’ and skiing down a challenging tree-covered off-piste area. Thursday and Friday brought about the culmination of their training with an overnight expedition staying in a mountain hut on Grunhorn, before touring up and skiing down Hahlekopf.

Unfortunately, due to the cross section of abilities our group of 6 was spread across 5 different groups, however the local ApresSki (and local beer!) gave ample opportunity for team cohesion throughout and despite some loud snoring, the team were certainly well bonded at the end of the week! An excellent week was capped by all attendees comfortably meeting the standards required to pass their respective courses, each gaining a JSAT qualification. An extremely rewarding week, with lots of learning, multiple comedy falls and a plenty of good fun had by all.

Air Traffic Control Squadron News

Leeming ATC Squadron Force Development

At the end of January 2023, 12 members of the ATC team made a Force Development pilgrimage up and down the UK to visit numerous museums and other units to learn about the Whole Force and help build a strong bond as a Sqn.

Day 1 saw the team travel to RAF Cosford Air Museum. The visit to the Air Museum was incredibly interesting, with stands delivered by several individuals ranging from Fg Off McCartney’s insightful presentation on Chinook ZA718 (Bravo-November) to a discussion on the changes to Modern flight safety with Flt Lt Campion.

On the Tuesday morning, the Sqn were up bright and early for a drive to HMS Collingwood, our base camp for the next 2 days of activities. All 12 individuals paid a visit to our colleagues at 78 Sqn RAF(U)Swanwick, where first tourist controllers and ASOS alike gained an insightful knowledge into Area radar, D&D and a brief look at the civilian controllers operating for Heathrow and Gatwick. It also helped everyone gain a first-hand look at the new Project MARSHALL equipment Leeming can expect to see within the next year.

Day 3 of our trip was soon upon us, and the Sqn visited Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, for a look around numerous ships. A personal highlight was the Mary Rose exhibit, in which you can see not only the remains of the ship, but the artifacts found within the

wreckage. Seeing in detail the way in which so many individuals perished was very harrowing. A rather chilly boat tour around the Dockyards followed. Some individuals braved the cold and went out on the deck to get the ideal view; however, several people remained below and took in the views with a brew and some well needed heating. Once complete at the Dockyard, the team enjoyed an evening meal together prior to returning to HMS Collingwood.

On the Thursday, the team travelled from our final night at HMS Collingwood to the Battle of Britain bunker in Uxbridge. This was without doubt the best day of the trip personally. To see the Bunker in which so much of this country’s history was created was incredible. The tour guides for this visit were exceptional, 2 volunteers with unbelievable knowledge made the trip very enjoyable. To stand in the same place that Sir Winston Churchill stood to watch the Battle of Britain unfold was humbling. Several stands were conducted in the museum attached to the Bunker, discussing how flexible and resilient the RAF were then, compared to modern times.

Ex SUMAN PROTECTOR

In October, Operation Squadron’s Flt Lt Ramsbottom deployed on Ex SUMAN PROTECTOR, fulfilling the Air Liaison Officer role within the J35 cell.

Ex SUMAN PROTECTOR is the flagship exercise for the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA). It occurs every 5 years and influences the BERSAMA series of live exercises held in the region. The FPDA is a collaborative arrangement between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and the UK, with a focus on collective training to enable the nations involved to operate effectively together.

While the FPDA has been in place since 1971, the level of UK involvement in FPDA exercises has ebbed and flowed over the years, with recent demands from operations drawing finite resources away from the Defence Exercise Programme. However, the importance of remaining engaged in the Agreement given

the regional geo-political climate is abundantly clear.

The intent of the exercise is to deliver the most challenging and complex command post exercise in the FPDA exercise series, and it aims to exercise a Combined Joint Task Force HQ at the operational level. In practice, this plays out as a tier 3 advanced level operational planning exercise that includes non-conventional scenarios and the involvement of IOs/NGOs/ OGDs. This year, the exercise brought together over 260 dedicated military and civilian personnel, led by a 1* Army Officer from Singapore and included 28 UK individual augmentees (IA) from all three services that were integrated throughout the HQ CJTF structure. The output and LIs from this exercise are also collated and used to influence the doctrine

used should the arrangement be enacted in the region. The FPDA and its associated exercise components enable the UK to demonstrate our enduring commitment, not only within the FPDA, but within the Far East region. It underpins the key government strategy of Global Britain and the tilt to the Indo/Pacific as defined within the Integrated Review. The UK’s prioritisation of such activity was highlighted this year by the attendance of the Vice Chief of Defence Staff - General Gwyn Jenkins - along with his equivalents from the other FPDA nations to the opening ceremony of SP22. This event has been a unique opportunity for UK personnel to interact with, and learn from, services and nations who we may not normally have the opportunity work with.

As Air LO, Fl Lt Ramsbottom was responsible for informing

decisions with the J35 cell, advising on the air capabilities available for use in the scenario theatre, and working with other service equivalent to formulate a suitable COA. Through this, Flt Lt Ramsbottom was provided with the opportunity to brief the 1* Cdr of the CJTF on a number of occasions and was selected to brief the 2* Cdr during the final COA brief. There were a number of professional opportunities available for pers across the domains, and exercise provides great insight into how a HQ operates.

The exercise positions are advertised on the A1 Ops volunteers page, with a number of Air positions available from across the professions. Keep your eyes peeled for the IA trawl for the forthcoming BERSAMA exercises, if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact Flt Lt Ramsbottom.

607 Sqn Remembrance Weekend Ceremonial Events

607 County of Durham Sqn, RAF Leeming supported several Remembrance Ceremonial events over the weekend. As the Sqn is a County Durham Sqn, they formed part of the 11th Festival of Remembrance Ceremony held at Durham Cathedral on the Saturday evening of Remembrance Weekend. The festival was an evening of commemoration, music and spoken word which culminated with the poignant Muster and Act of Remembrance, a spectacular moment when thousands of Poppies fall silently inside the cathedral from the central tower.

On Remembrance Sunday the Sqn were once again in action at the Cathedral, participating in the Remembrance Service. The service was well attended by the Sqn Part Time Volunteer Reserves cadre and OC 607 Sqn, WO 607 Sqn and the 607 Sqn Association member, Mr Fred Carter all laid

wreaths at the RAF, Sqn and Association memorials in the Cathedral.

The service was followed by a parade of 200 plus troops representing all 3 services, the civilian services and many of

the military cadet organisations marching through the city centre to the market place, led by the Band and Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force. The salute was taken by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, Sue Snowdon. It also marched past the memorial to the Victoria Cross holders of the Durham Light Infantry to pay respect to those

Further afield, Cpl Fox and AS1 Taylor attended the Remembrance event at NELSAM (North East Land Sea and Air Museum). 607 Sqn was an important part of RAF Usworth, the site which the museum no sits on and there is a 607 Sqn display dedicated to the Sqn and associated history.

heroes of Durham.

607 Sqn ADR Course

n January of this year, 607 Sqn, MT training, ran their second in house ADR course, utilising TDF classroom facilities. The aim of the course is for personnel to attain their ADR licence. This course is normally delivered through DST Leconfield, however they have no more courses being delivered until the new training year and TG6 personnel were required to maintain Operational effectiveness. The course runs over a six-day period and is predominantly delivered through PowerPoint presentations. There are several practical lessons, including Firefighting and First Aid.

When I was serving as a Regular, there were many acronyms that filled me with dread (as all TG6 Pers), OOA, IRT, RAFFT, but by far the worst, as I’ve mentioned before was DST!! So, to be able to attend the course at RAF Leeming was most definitely the

more desirable option for all TG6 personnel!

On the course, we had a mixture of students from various backgrounds; Civil servants from RAF Leeming, to Regular still serving and numerous RAuxAF personnel travelling from various locations including; Lossiemouth, Shape and Ramstein. Most had completed the course previously and for them this was a 5-yearly refresher course. For one of the PTVRs from 501 Sqn however, it was their initial course, meaning that the huge amount of information thrown at them throughout the week, had to be absorbed.

Of all the courses that I have delivered throughout my career in the RAF, ADR is by far the most difficult to prepare for, plan, set up and deliver. There are many hoops to jump through and boxes to tick. Having said that, I think it is also the most rewarding course to

deliver. Seeing the students fully understand the vast information that you have passed on to them and observing them complete the exams at the end of the week, with confidence and a smile on their face (ish)!?

Although ADR can be seen by some to be an extremely dry and

dull subject, I believe that the fact that we had a vast array of previous experience, along with a willingness to learn and a great level of banter, made for an almost enjoyable week for all.

It’s now just a waiting game for the results, I’m keeping everything crossed!!!

RAF LEEMING IN PICTURES

NAVAL OVERWATCH - AS1 Robyn Baker recounts her time aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth II during Op ACHILLEAN.

Ex TEAM HAWK - Force Development Squadron developed and delivered a bespoke Adventurous Training / Force Development event for the Station Executives

Air Traffic Control Squadron took part in Ex SNOW EAGLE

34 Sqn OC proudly accepted the prestigious Higginson Trophy on behalf of the Squadron

609 (West Riding) Squadron

Being part of No.2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) Wing, 609 Sqn has now begun to have its personnel formally trained to operate the ORCUS kit as part of their pre-deployment training. The squadron has three personnel already trained, one has now deployed overseas and another has been supporting the C-UAS Training and Standardisation Unit (CTSU) staff delivering subsequent courses. From now until August there will be a steady stream of 609 Sqn personnel being trained prior to the first full Reservist course in September 2023. To further assist in the delivery of these courses, 609 Sqn have had their first two FP RPAS operators formally trained meaning they will be able to fly ‘enemy’ drones for the ORCUS students to detect.

The Whole Force approach taken by all the Regular components of No.2 C-UAS Wg has given unrivalled opportunity to the 609 Sqn Reservists, boosting morale, and giving them a real sense of operational purpose.

609 Sqn has also teamed up with 607 Sqn and the Area Reserves Employment Engagement Officer, Wg Cdr Buckingham to deliver the first two quarterly Employer Engagement Virtual Coffee Mornings. These are proving to be an effective way to reach out and communicate with our Part Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVRs) civilian employers. They give us the platform to inform them of the worthwhile support their employees give to Defence and to explain our operational tempo and upcoming deployment opportunities, meaning that when our PTVRs do approach them they are aware of the situation. We have also been informing them about the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Awards, and the financial support available when their employers are mobilised. All in all, this is proving to be an extremely efficient way to develop a mutually beneficial relationships with a host of civilian companies and organisations.

SQUADRON 87TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Aswell as developing the role that will carry the squadron forward, being a Battle of Britain Squadron, we also take a great deal of pride in remembering our history and past and the incredible deeds of those who came before us. The squadron’s full title is 609 West Riding Sqn and so the annual

MOD 1

Inline with RAF mandatory training the squadron conducts Mod 1 twice in two consecutive months to keep all the squadron members in date at approximately the same time whilst giving everyone a degree of flexibility with their civilian jobs.

In a change from previous years a large proportion of the theory aspect of training is now online via the Defence Learning Environment, this allows for more time to be spent on practical elements which can only be done onsite with the appropriate instructors. The online training has been optimised for completing at home and can be done on a mobile phone or tablet which is perfect for PTVRs without MODNet access. The subjects covered include CBRN, SERE, Rifle weapon handling, First Aid, Law of Armed Conflict and Unmanned Air System (UAS) awareness training. UAS training is now delivered force wide to

dinner takes place in different parts of the Riding, this year in at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

A great deal of effort went into the function with 609 Sqn silverware on the tables, fantastic food and wine, and a host of special guests. These included Retd Air Commodore Bostock, Honorary Air Commodore Nigel Corner, and several European members of the 609 Sqn Association. The links to France, Belgium and the Netherlands are from the squadron’s expeditionary basing post-D-Day when they moved with the contingent of Allied Forces across France and the Low Countries.

Several presentations were also given out to Sqn members, including those who are leaving the RAF such as FS Vic Rose and

make sure everyone understands how to report sightings of unmanned air systems on base.

The onsite training was run over a weekend and started with the RAF fitness test. After a shower break the next thing on the list was rifle practice lessons followed by Weapons Handing Tests which link into the blended learning completed prior to the weekend. CBRN and First Aid

are covered with theory and practical training which again worked well with the blended learning previously undertaken. The first day finished with some annual update briefs.

Sunday begins with the RAF Regiment fitness test. Participants need to be in date RAF fitness test which is why that is done the day before. The test involves a loaded march, a weighted run and a

IRT

AS1 Steve Dowell who gave many years of very productive Service to the squadron.

Flt Lt Lovejoy

TheRAF’s No.2 C-UAS Wg, based at RAF Leeming, has taken on the role of delivering an emerging capability for UK Defence, countering the threat posed Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), more commonly referred to as drones.

The threat from adversarial actors employing UAS is increasing, whether that be directly to air safety or our security, both within the UK and overseas on operations. The extensive use of UAS in Ukraine and the Middle

East clearly demonstrates the need for capabilities to counter this rapidly evolving threat.

As part of No.2 C-UAS Wing, 609 Sqn sits alongside 34 Sqn RAF Regt and 63 Sqn RAF Regt and is currently being trained to operate the ORCUS which address this threat. Developed as part of Project SYNERGIA, ORCUS can detect, track, identify and, if necessary, defeat hostile drones, improving the protection of key infrastructure including air bases around the UK and overseas.

The three-week course held at RAF Leeming introduces RAF Regiment Gunners to the ORCUS system and breaks it down into three key areas:

1. Theory based lessons focussing on the systems key components with a general overview of the subject.

2. The deployment of the system, siting considerations and deploying and configuring each component.

3. Operating the system and learning how to detect, track and identify drones.

The course is detailed and prepares personnel well to operate the equipment in any environment they may be tasked to.

After successfully completing the ORCUS operators’ course, I have returned to CTSU to support the delivery of further ORCUS courses. The opportunity to further develop my understanding of the ORCUS system, spending more time with the system whilst assisting colleagues and adding value is benefiting my own understanding of the system. This is being done whilst strengthening the working relationship between 609 Sqn and the Regular aspects of No.2 C-UAS Wg.

with highly trained, well equipped, and highly motivated personnel. I now look forward to further training courses and to deploying on operations where I put utilise what I have learned about ORCUS and C-UAS.

In February myself and Cpl Scaife, (RAF Police) travelled down to RAF Honington to start our Remote Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) course. We were the first Part Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVRs) from within the Force to be trained to fly these systems, demonstrating that 609 Sqn is re-orientating itself and modernizing in line with the Regular squadrons it is aligned to. Prior to learning how to fly the RPAS we were taught the fundamentals such as why we need them and who can use them, along with the restrictions and constraints involved with operating these systems in the UK. We also learnt who we need to liaise with, when we need to talk to them and what kind of permissions to request for the tasks that we will be performing in our role on No.2 C-UAS Wg. The capability of these systems would be alarming if the RAF had not been moving forward at pace and looking to become the spearhead of the RPAS capability within Defence.

series of individual tests relating to movement on the battlefield and casualty extraction.

The remainder of the day is filled with briefs including security, fire safety training and a presentation from Wg Cdr Buckingham, the Employer Engagement officer. This was a very useful brief which in the context of the operational focus the squadron now has, illustrates the requirement

for PTVRs to have open conversations with our employers about deploying so they can be well prepared for our absence from work.

Overall, the combination of blended learning and face to face training worked well and is likely to continue to be developed further in the future.

The threat posed by uncrewed aerial systems is predicted to continue to grow and one of the keyways to combat the threat is

A very worthwhile and informative course to attend, this has been another substantial step forward for 609 Sqn, to compliment the ever-growing number of our personnel being trained in C-UAS. I now look forward to flying ‘enemy’ drones against the ORCUS course students in the coming months prior to attending the course myself.

Cpl Lumsdale

Cpl Doughty.

100 Squadron Memorial Book

In December 2022 the 100 Squadron Memorial Book, which is encased in a hand-made oak display cabinet, was re-located to the Side Chapel in Ripon Cathedral.

The Memorial Book has been displayed in the Station Church of St Bede’s at RAF Leeming for a number of years, but in light of 100 Sqn’s disbandment in June 2022, the future location and accessibility of the Memorial Book had to be determined. After discussions between 100 Sqn, The 100 Sqn Association, RAF Leeming Station Chaplaincy and The Dean and Chapter of Ripon Cathedral, it was decided that the Side Chapel in Ripon Cathedral was the most

appropriate place. The Memorial Book, enclosed in its display cabinet, was taken to Ripon Cathedral on Tuesday 13th of December 2022, where it was handed over by Flt Lt John Pilling, Flt Lt Ollie Moncrieff and Padre John Hetherington, to the care of The Dean and Chapter of Ripon Cathedral. It now resides in the SideChapel beneath a previously laid-up Standard of 100 Sqn, where it will be more easily accessible to members of 100 Sqn Association as well as the general public.

Chaplaincy Reflection Garden, relaxation and wellbeing area

The reflection garden by Chaplaincy is now completed and open for anyone to use.

The area has raised planters with shrubs and benches in an open square area. Across form the portico the area extends with bench and table seating where you can gather for refreshments and lunch etc. The portico frames the Chaplaincy hall entrance where inside you will find more chairs and tables laid out for your use. The hall is equipped with free Wi-Fi access, you may bring along drawing, art or meditative

resources or use those readily available for use. Feel free to use the Chaplaincy resources and area whether you follow a faith or not. They are there for your leisure time relaxation and wellbeing. It is intended for the inside areas to be open during the working day. Outside 24/7. All we ask is that you leave the areas as found and respect others enjoyment who are around and beyond this area.

From the left: Padre John Hetherington, Flt Lt Ollie Moncrieff and Flt Lt John Pilling, with the 100 Sqn Memorial Book and display cabinet.

The 100 Sqn Standard previously laid up in Ripon Cathedral hangs above where the Memorial Book is now displayed.

Padre David

Exercise RED FLAG

In January 2023, personnel from 2 (Field Communication) Squadron, 90 Signals Unit deployed to Nevada, USA to provide Communications and Information Services in support of Exercise RED FLAG; enabling the largest air combat exercise in the world.

Exercise RED FLAG is an annual commitment for the RAF, working in partnership with the United States and Royal Australian Air Force. The exercise provides the RAF with unparalleled training and prepares its personnel for operations against near peer adversaries, across the Air, Space and cyber domains.

With participating Typhoon aircraft from 2 (Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth and Voyager aircraft from 10 and 101 Squadrons based at RAF Brize Norton, a combined effort of 100 aircraft and 3,000 coalition service members descended on Nellis Air Force Base to practice high end warfighting scenarios across

12,000 square miles of airspace. Enabling Offensive and Defensive Counter Air and air-to-air refuelling operations, 90 Signals Unit deployed resilient OFFICIAL and SECRET communications, supporting over 300 multinational operational planning staff. Also on show was 90 Signals Unit’s innovative network distribution capability, RAVEN, a step change in modern communications capability with a reduced size, weight and power footprint. Equally as impressive, and the first demonstration of its type in recent years, 90 Signals Unit personnel were able to successfully pass data back to the UK via the US Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) system. This level of interoperability between UK

and US partner nations will extend the reach of RAF communications and, subsequently, its ability to project Air Power.

Commenting on a successful

demonstration, the 90SU Det Cdr Sgt Ant Rothery said, “This demonstration presented many challenges, both for the 90 Signals Unit Cyberspace specialists and the UK-US Satellite Communication (SATCOM) professionals. Working collaboratively saw a successful outcome and has undoubtably ensured this capability is available for future UK-US SATCOM requirements.”

As Exercise RED FLAG concluded, the 90 Signals Unit team were also able to complete an Adventurous Training expedition to the Grand Canyon, completing a 12-mile hike and appropriately named Exercise GRAND WALK. This arduous trip over rough and snowy terrain helped enhance the physical and mental resilience of the team in a challenging environment.

Exercise TEAM HAWK

At the request of the Station Commander, Force Development Squadron developed and delivered a bespoke Adventurous Training / Force Development event for the Station Executives aimed at developing the performance of the team.

The exercise was jointly delivered by the PEd Flt and TDF, combining caving and hill walking with facilitated discussions and communication exercises.

On day one the team deployed

to the Yorkshire Dales in what were pretty miserable above ground conditions. Their first task was to work together within the Long Churn cave system nestled beneath the slopes of Ingleborough, the Yorkshire Dales

second highest peak. Caving was chosen as an excellent levelling activity that actively promoted personal challenge, trust, teamwork, collaboration, communication and consideration for individual limitations and abilities within an unfamiliar environment. The weather on the day ‘added value’ to the activity with high levels of icecold water running through the cave system certainly creating an extra psychological and physical dynamic!

The first day culminated with a facilitated review of the caving activity and a discussion where participants reflected on their own performance in their primary role and collectively identified areas where improvement could be made to enhance the team. The group stayed overnight at Malham Youth Hostel, providing some much-needed time away from RAF Leeming and enabling the productive conversations to

continue over an evening meal. Day two started early with the team being tasked with a communication exercise aimed at analysing their own team strengths. This activity encouraged collaboration and enhanced understanding on how individuals may hold different perspectives about how they operate as a whole team. Following breakfast, the communication exercise continued - now asking the team to consider which strengths they needed to improve upon. This exercise led to action planning with a clear focus on objectives which could be brought back to the workspace.

A quick look out the window confirmed we were now in for another soaking and the team togged up in waterproofs and hill boots to set out and tackle a hike around Goredale Scar and Malham Cove. Water levels were high following the persistent

rain which meant that the short scramble to ascend Goredale Scar was out of limits on this occasion. The group still managed to complete the challenge via an alternative route which provided plenty of opportunity for personnel to ‘walk and talk,’ continuing the conversation on the points raised in the morning’s activity. Walk completed and a change into dry clothing saw the team recover back to base via a stop at a café for a post activity debrief.

In organising Exercise TEAM HAWK, FDS developed a blended FD/AT template which can now be offered to other teams on unit that could benefit from working on specific communication objectives. Aside from caving, a range of AT/FD activities can be utilised to deliver facilitated interventions that could add real benefit to workplace relationships, team performance and cohesion. Please get in touch with either the PEd Flt or TDF if you think your team could benefit.

THE 496KM CHALLENGE

On 1 Jan 2023, 3 intrepid members of RAF Leeming Logistics Support Squadron looked to start the “New Year, New Me” fad with a quest that would surely test them but also raise some money for charity. The 2 i/c, Flt Lt Nowicki, had seen a challenge that he had wanted to complete the previous year, but with so much going on he decided to wait till the bells tolled for 2023. And thus began “The 496km Challenge”.

Having previously seen this in Jan 21, dreamed up by Sean Conway (who some people may know from epic swim and triathlon challenges) he wanted a challenge to help improve his running prowess whilst trying to rekindle enjoyment of cardio fitness again.

For those unaware of what this is gruelling trial consists of, let us enlighten you. This entails running, walking, jogging (or even crawling!!) and you start the challenge on day 1, completing 1km. Each day you add 1km, so on the last day of the month you will complete 31 km. At the end you will eventually have travelled 496 Kms. Not one to keep the fun to himself he also roped in 2 other Logs Spt Sqn members - Sgt Grant Paterson and Sgt William Goodway. This challenge proved not only physically gruelling but also mentally demanding. Weekday runs for some started at 0430hrs. Running around the Airfield and Tech site in the complete darkness and the typical January weather really pushed us. In the early days, we enjoyed the shorter distances and fell into the trap of becoming slightly over-confident with the pace we had set. Then day 15 hit, and the challenge started to take its toll. Sgt P ended up showing his age and hurt his Achilles tendon whilst out running at home. This meant that he had to revert to cross trainer sessions until such time as it started to heal.

After 15 days we had only covered 120 Kms of the challenge so hardly a dent was made, which to the less resilient would have been demoralising! Day 27 soon dawned though, and for one SNCO his Mess Burns Night was indeed a revelation! Fuelled and hydrated by whisky, this also

helped cure his injury, meaning he was able to run the final few days of the challenge again. Thankfully for Nowicki a “cultural weekend” in Newcastle helped inspire his venture, and a run along the Quayside was achieved in good time. Sgt G decided to further display his youthfulness by adding boxing training into the routine! All agreed the last 5 days were the hardest and in total those days covered 145 Kms of the 496. On the last day, some members of LSS joined in to run alongside the 2 i/c and provided some much-needed motivation and distraction from the last few painful kms. A huge thank you to all that supported us over this campaign, it is very much appreciated.

On a slightly more serious note, all funds raised (£410 so far) will be donated to Bedale & RAF Leeming Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Branch. This is your local branch, and it caters for all serving and ex-serving RAF members in the area that need welfare or financial assistance. If you’d like to volunteer your time to assist us, please contact either the Chairperson, FS Kat Harries in Ops, or deputy Chairperson Sgt Grant Paterson in Logs Sqn. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month in the White Bear pub, Bedale, at 1930 hours. There is still time to donate for this challenge if you wish to. Our Justgiving page closes soon, but a link is provided below for your convenience. Thanks for reading!

Grant Paterson is fundraising for The RAF Association (RAFA) (justgiving.com)

Yorkshire UAS News

Once again, it has been a jam-packed few months for Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron (YUAS) here at Leeming, with no plans to let up.

November last year saw Yorkshire’s presence in the community once again, as YUAS supported remembrance parades in Tadcaster and York. The squadron also took part in Movember as 14 students attempted to grow their best facial hair, raising money for prostate and testicular cancer research as well as men’s mental health.

December saw good flying progress as Acting Pilot Officer George Hodgson became the latest student to go solo in the skies above Yorkshire continuing a strong, steady and ambitious return to flying for the squadron. Meanwhile, as University terms restarted across the county, Yorkshire returned to its weekly schedule of packed training nights both at RAF Leeming and in the students’ cities. These weekly gatherings expose everybody to RAF life and provide a structured training environment for the students. Each week they have the opportunity deliver presentations, receive briefings from current and previous serving personnel, take part in planning exercises and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to be an RAF officer ahead of their potential service or civilian careers. The squadron also conducts its own inter-flight fitness and sports sessions on Saturday mornings and we ‘look forward’ to defending our training

to the OFSTED inspectors in Mar!!

December offered a group of students the incredible chance to attend a Force Development Air Power visit to Belgium and Northern France. Here YUAS visited a variety of memorials, museums and other historical sites such as the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot cemetery and La Couple with each students researching and presenting on a different aspect or event that took place. This gave them the opportunity to honour the fallen from the First and Second World Wars, as well as learn about the role of Air Power in these conflicts.

Into 2023, and following the Christmas break, Yorkshire has hit the ground running at full speed. On January 27, a group of students had the opportunity to visit RAF Coningsby, giving them an insight into one of the RAF’s busiest flying stations. They were able to visit No. 3 (F) Squadron, learning about the roles and capabilities of the Typhoon and the squadron’s operations before visiting the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. At the BBMF, Yorkshire learned about the historical uses and applications of Air Power during the Second World War and were able to understand its progression until the present day and what it takes to keep a 70-year-old aircraft

Charity is a big part of what we do but doesn’t normally involve facial hair!

The Fields of Northern France on a student led staff ride

Opportunities for mixing with whole force on the ski champs.

YUAS students getting the chance to practice their presentations skills

in the skies today. Hopefully, in the next few weeks students will also have taken part in visits to Lakenheath, Mildenhall and RAF Odiham.

In January, a small group of students headed off to Austria to participate in the RAF Ski Champs, which aims to develop skiing talent within the service and provide beginners training to new skiers. YUAS students were able to take part in beginner snowboarding sessions, starting off with scotting and slipping on the nursery slope before learning to link turns properly and head into the mountains. For the students, this gave them a great opportunity to meet and importantly like many AT events this enabled students to interact with personnel from across the whole RAF and all ranks.

A separate expedition also allowed some of YUAS to travel to Andorra as part of a skiing adventurous training expedition. All students had the opportunity to obtain their Ski Foundation 1 Qualification which will enable

them to progress through the military skiing syllabus in the future. They participated in ski lessons, avalanche training and whilst they weren’t enjoying the sunny winter weather, they were learning about it.

Throughout January and February, the squadron has slowly but surely been welcoming its newest recruits as they attest as Officer Cadets. Whilst welcoming them with open arms, the squadron will be getting them stuck in right away with an induction camp in early mar, which will see them complete their first military skills module at RAF College Cranwell and learn about RAF life whilst embedding into RAF Leeming before heading off for three days of adventurous training which will give them a true taste of life on Yorkshire.

In the meantime, as University terms have restarted across the county, Yorkshire returns to its weekly schedule of packed training nights both at RAF Leeming and in the students’ cities. These weekly gatherings

expose everybody to RAF life and provide a structured training environment for the students. Each week they have the opportunity deliver presentations, receive briefings from current and previous serving personnel, take part in planning exercises and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to be an RAF officer ahead of their potential service or civilian careers. The squadron also conducts its own inter-flight fitness and sports sessions on Saturday mornings.

Throughout the coming months

the squadron will continue to train its personnel in leadership, teamwork and communication skills whilst continually building the Yorkshire spirit that makes the squadron a great place to be for all involved. In helping organise and getting involved in all of these events; experiential learning, personal and professional development and inspiring the next generation remains the keystone of YUAS and what it’s all about. Thank you to everyone at Leeming that helps us get there

….. till next time….

One of a number of stn visits organised by the students

Winter on NUAS

Northumbrian Universities’ Air Squadron has had a great start to the new academic year. The new intake of students has settled into squadron life very quickly and the staff and students are as busy as ever, making the most of every opportunity, from regular flying to Adventurous Training and Force Development!

XMAS DRAW 2022

On 2nd December 22, staff, students, and guests visited The Copthorne Hotel in Newcastle for the annual Christmas Draw. This is one of the biggest celebrations in the NUAS calendar, as it is a chance for everyone to come together along with friends and others from outside the squadron. The night began with a three-

course meal, with excellent service from the hotel staff, followed by the raffle draw and music from a DJ. Draw prizes included a Top Gun: Maverick DVD, a miniature Spitfire model, a coffee machine, a laptop, and more! It was a great event as always and we are already looking forward to Christmas Draw 2023.

Between 16th and 19th February, 10 students and 2 members of staff visited Poland on a Force Development trip. The aim of the trip was to develop personnel understanding of the Holocaust through visiting key locations in

and around Krakow, including Walwel Castle, AuschwitzBirkenau, and Oskar Schindler Factory Museum. The group also decided to book on to a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine one afternoon. Students were tasked

with preparing and delivering 10-minute stands on topics such as Medical experiments conducted on Auschwitz prisoners, The Holocaust denial and the importance of remembrance, The Nuremberg

Trials, and Jewish aid and rescue. Force Development is an important part of squadron life, and we are looking forward to the next trip which will see students travelling to Belgium in March.

EX KRAKOW SHOAH

Between 23rd and 27th January, a number of this year’s intake of students took part in Ex Rising Star, introducing them to squadron life. Students were briefed on various topics such as RAF Ethos, structure of RAF stations and chain of command, and were given an introduction to flying. They also completed their swim test, parachuting drills and gym induction, as well as learning drill. To end the camp, students were given the opportunity to develop their team building and leadership skills at Adrenalin North Yorkshire, where they took part in high and low ropes challenges, before finishing with a military assault course.

EX ANDORRA ADVANCE

Between 29th January and 4th February, students from NUAS and YUAS travelled to Grandvalira in Andorra for a week of skiing. The exercise was aimed at students with little to no previous skiing experience. Each morning, groups of students delivered briefs about various topics including ski clothing and equipment, ski code and etiquette, and weather, with

one afternoon being focused on avalanche training. Students made great progress, from learning how to snowplough at the beginning of the week to confidently parallel skiing, navigating the resort, and leading the group by the end of the week. Everyone gained lots of confidence on the slopes and achieved their Ski Foundation 1 qualification!

Leeming at UKAFDC

The UK Armed Forces Dressage Championship (UKAFDC) is an annual event bringing together riders from all three services and the emergency services to compete in a range of dressage classes. The RAF was well represented, contributing 12 out the 20 riders who participated across 31 championship classes.

For me and my horse Ash it was our first ever competition. We are

a rather new partnership, having only started riding together in March, and attending such a large event was rather daunting. This year’s event was held at Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre just outside Coventry which meant a rather longer journey than Ash or I had tackled before. She travelled like a star and stabling the night before the competition gave us both some down time to relax and run over the tests being performed the next day.

Riding in uniform, was also a whole new challenge. Maintaining a smart, hair free jacket is rather difficult with a grey horse who loves head scratches and the added pressure of not wanting to represent the RAF by falling off!

Luckily all the military riders were lovely,

offering lots of advice and help throughout the weekend and made the whole experience a thoroughly enjoyable one. AS1 (T) Holly Croall offered a leading example, also from RAF Leeming Saddle club, she was there representing the RAF Equitation Association as a Senior Rider. She came away with a host of rosettes, two 3rds in Advanced Medium and 2nd in her first ever PSG!

Unexpectantly we also came away

with a frilly, coming 6th in the UKAFDC Prelim Championship class, cementing our desire to return next year and do it all again!

Big thanks must go out to Sgt Lauren Sing from RAF Marham who organised the UKAFDC, Keri Bishop for coordinating the event, and all the military riders who made my first competition one to remember.

Squadron Leader Katie Blackett

Leeming Aviators Help Secure RAF E-Sports Victory

An incredible comeback performance saw the RAF Reapers clinch the title of CODE Bowl III Champions, topping the leader board against six US Services and the other two UK Services playing Call-of-Duty Warzone

2.0 - live in the US. 34 Sqn RAF Regt’s AS1 Conor Fegan was a member of the six-person RAF Reapers team, alongside 90 SU’s Cpl Kallum Johnson and aviators from RAF Benson, Shawbury, Coningsby and PJHQ.

The Call-of-Duty Endowment Bowl was played in a Warzone game format called mini-royale. It saw 18 three-player teams jump into a highly restrictive (and shrinking) gaming area on an open-world style map. The objective – to be the last team standing. Each US and UK service had 2 teams consisting of 2 military players and a CoD  influencer. Points were scored for each elimination. Teams placing 2-10th received a 1.5x multiplier to their elimination scores and the team winning each match received a 2x multiplier. The CODE

Bowl III tournament consisted of 4 matches where each Service’s score was a combination of both their teams.

The tournament started very slowly for the RAF team, with technical difficulties plaguing all UK service teams. With only 3 out of the 6 RAF players able to connect in the first lobby, it was always going to be a difficult task to rack up substantial points. The second game had the same unfortunate storyline for the team, with only 4 of the 6 players able to connect. This time it was RAF Benson’s Team Captain AS1 Jamie “UnknownJWG” Griffith who was flying solo; he was eliminated early on which meant that at the halfway mark, the RAF team was at the bottom of the leader board with only 8 points across the first 2 matches. The players were exceptionally frustrated as they knew they should have been contenders but still believed a comeback was feasible as long as the technical problems could be resolved.

Following a restart due to more

than 10 disconnections across the 54 competitors, the 3rd game saw the RAF Reapers make a fast start setting the pace early for a big point game. Managing to stay alive and rack up eliminations until the late stages of the game meant that the team moved to 5th place in the standings, and 30 points behind the US Air Force who were in first place.

Prior to the final game, a team huddle gave a boost in

confidence in the team and set out the game plan: adopt a fast pace from the start and aim to get 20 eliminations and a win. With this all-or-nothing approach, RAF Team 1 managed to secure an amazing 27 points to add to the final total. A solid performance from RAF Team 2, and a low scoring final game from the tournament leaders, US Air Force, meant that the RAF the flew up the leader board past reigning champions Space Force Gaming who had surpassed the USAF.

The British Army won the 4th game, restricting US Space Force’s score line and enabling the RAF to top the leader board with an incredible comeback of almost 80 points in the second half of the competition. As the RAF were crowned Champions there was shock amongst the competitors, commentators and audience as the RAF had seemingly come from nowhere to secure the win. The score line was testament to the team’s incredible determination to never give up, even after the demoralising technical difficulties they were facing. AS1 Griffith was named the servicemember MVP of the tournament with 12 eliminations exceeding all Serving players and several of the CoD influencers.

Overall the event raised $900,000 for veterans charities.

INSTILLING THE LOVE OF LITERACY FROM THE ROOTS OF CHAPTER HOUSE

It is important to instil a love of literacy from an early age as literacy skills span far wider than just picking up a book. Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate talks through the innovative ways in which they ensure each, and every pupil enjoys reading from a young age.

In Chapter House, literacy and learning is at the heart of everything we do. Time is made every day specifically to enjoy sharing a book together, and each class has a specific time to visit the Chapter House library. This allows them to choose a book they can take home to share with parents and siblings.

One of their most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of their reading dog, Indie, especially with the younger children. It has increased the confidence of reluctant readers by having a nonjudgemental audience. The children are purely reading for pleasure with no one pointing out mistakes or questioning them on the text. It is an initiative where they have seen their confidence increase and their reading has become

more animated, with more expression – one Year 1 child’s reading age has improved by two years over one term, and they are more curious about reading different texts.

Throughout the school, they bring books to life Instilling the love of literacy from the roots of Chapter House to spark imaginations. One of the ways they do this is a whole school project around a single book, all age groups from nursery upwards completed mini projects which were then shared with the rest of the school in an assembly.

Children are also encouraged to create their own dioramas (three-dimensional models of a scene with characters) and dressing up and acting out their own versions of popular books and poems, such as ‘That’s not my stick’ and ‘The naughty bus’ to create class videos.

Year 5 students are encouraged to be librarians, recommending books to their peers, creating displays in the library and using break times to share books with younger pupils. This vital engagement, extends beyond the classroom with regular parent information meetings on reading, sharing new school initiatives and advice on how they can support their child with reading at home.

Chapter House is a vibrant and engaging school that focuses on providing an enabling environment which respects, recognises and tunes into each unique child; central to their mission of ensuring each child can be ‘the best they can be, with the gifts that they have’.

To find out more, or to book a tour to come and see why Chapter House is the school where your child will thrive, visit qe.org

One of their most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of their reading dog, Indie, especially with the younger children.

Fee-Free Mortgage Advice

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You’ll be asked a few simple questions, incomings, outgoings, that kind of thing. Then it’s an appointment with one of their impartial mortgage advisors. They take the time to understand what you’re looking for, before coming back with the most suitable option for you. They will then guide you through your mortgage journey.

A Mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Important things you should know: PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual acts as an intermediary for the purposes of introducing its customers to Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, part of Tenet. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual. Such services will be provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited who will provide Forces Mutual with information about the services you have received. Forces Mutual will receive 24.8% of any lender procuration fee from Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited in connection with the provision of mortgage broking services.

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