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A very warm welcome to this edition of the Honington Herald. As I stand at my desk and type this foreword, it is early September and I can hardly believe how quickly the summer has flown past. With the children finally heading back to school and many of our personnel returning to work after some wellearned leave, it won’t be long until golden hues of autumn begin to settle over the Suffolk countryside and the nights draw in.
Having read through the draft edition, I am reminded of how busy, motivated and dedicated you all are, from across the Station and our RAF and Army resident unit folks. Within these pages you’ll find stories of individual and collective accomplishments, whether raising money for our Service charities or building camaraderie and esprit de corps through sporting endeavour.
The highlight for many military and civil servant personnel will have been the visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Rich Knighton and his senior leadership team who I believe gave an open and honest update of today’s RAF in their Town Hall. And of course (I hope), for the majority of all at RAF Honington, our Friends and Families Day was the highlight of the year. My family and I certainly had a brilliant time (although the dunk tank was particularly cold and unpleasant), and I’d like to publicly thank all of those involved in the planning and running of the event. FS Justin Collings as OIC and Sgt Tania Pittham as ground
entertainments lead and all round passionate organiser both deserve a special mention. They worked spectacularly hard and dedicated huge amounts of their own time to ensure the event was the success it was. Of course, I always need volunteers for such events so please do contact the Station Adjutant if you would like to be a part of the 2025 F&F Day organising committee.
The Station also held its Annual Formal Reception, which like our Friends and Families Day, provides us with an invaluable opportunity to host and connect with local members of the community and local organisations who support the Station, our people and family members. Those in attendance were treated to a superb Military Working Dog demonstration and had the opportunity to speak with personnel from the ASF, CRF and 28 Regt RE C-CBRN about what they do, their capabilities and equipment. Moreover, if offers our neighbours the opportunity to witness some good old fashioned military pomp and ceremony
with our very own Volunteer Band providing a superb soundtrack to the Sunset Ceremony.
I am convinced that the strength of the Station lies in our people, working together across the airbase and the resident units, whether
I am convinced that the strength of the Station lies in our people, working together across the airbase and the resident units, whether military, civil servant or contractor, and all towards a common goal of operational excellence. Whether trainees achieving the grade to become members of the RAF Regiment or the RAF police, or trained personnel seeking to improve their leadership, professional skills, fitness or resilience, you all play a continued role in maintaining the security and the sovereignty of our nation.
military, civil servant or contractor, and all towards a common goal of operational excellence. Whether trainees achieving the grade to become members of the RAF Regiment or the RAF police, or trained personnel seeking to improve their leadership, professional skills, fitness or resilience, you all play a continued role in maintaining the security and the sovereignty of our nation.
The coming months for the Station are already looking very busy, so please continue to do what you excel at, make use of the all of facilities and support structures the Station has to offer and where you can volunteer to help enhance the fabric and ethos of the Station and our community, please do so.
On Tuesday 18 June, the HIVEs – including the Royal Navy Family and People Support – celebrated their 40th anniversary in the Memorial Courtyard, Ministry of Defence (MOD) Main Building.
As well as raising awareness of what the HIVEs do and their history, the event also recognised the positive difference they have made to hundreds of thousands of lives in the Service community. Whether it’s by giving a warm
welcome to families on overseas postings or working with MOD colleagues to make sure that the right information reaches the right people. The event welcomed Main Building colleagues, as well as
representatives from various Armed Forces charities, who share the same commitment – to improve the overall experience of Defence’s Armed Forces community.
Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton said about his whistlestop ‘Town Hall’ tour of key RAF Stations:
“Back in June, I took the two 3-stars, Director Resources and WORAF on tour to visit 12 Stations in three days, holding Town Halls at every location. The logistics were challenging and I’m grateful to everyone on the Stations, who helped to make the tour possible.
In all, we reckon we saw over 3,000 Whole Force across the 3 days. We all enjoyed the opportunity to talk to you, hear from you, and the discussions we had on some thought-provoking issues.
I know I have said this before, but getting out to meet you on Stations is something I find really valuable and wish I could do more often. It’s too easy to sit and assume we know how things are from what we read and hear in HQ Air Command. Getting out and about and hearing directly from you brings to life many of things
we wrestle with day-to-day and helps focus our energy and work on things that will make the most difference.
Consistent themes emerged throughout the visits. While we answered the questions you raised in the Town Halls, many of you will be interested in issues raised at other units. So, in the coming months, you’ll be seeing thoughts and comments from those who joined me on tour.”
The Annual Formal Reception (AFR) is the one event in the year when the Station has an opportunity to thank all those in the wider Suffolk community who have helped and supported RAF Honington.
This year, the AFR was held on 20th June amidst glorious sunshine. The guests, who represented a range of organisations from the local nurseries, schools, and colleges who support service children, to our local GP surgeries, community organisations and churches. Our neighbouring Parish Councils were represented, along with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk Fire & Rescue. Our neighbouring USAF units were also represented, as well as our nearest farming neighbours.
RAF Honington’s output was displayed for the guests, including a Military Working Dog display from the RAF Police, C-BRN equipment and vehicles from 28 Engineer Regiment, and a Foxhound armoured vehicle and weapons display provided by the RAF Regiment. As ever, the Officers’ Mess team, reinforced by RAF Stewards and Chefs, worked extremely hard to keep everyone fed and watered throughout. The AFR concluded with a Sunset Ceremony, with the parade – made up of RAF and Army personnel - led by the RAF Honington Voluntary Band.
Station Commander, Wing Commander Max Hayward said:
“The Annual Formal Reception was a great success, and it was a pleasure to see so many of the people who support us enjoying being at RAF Honington in the glorious Suffolk sunshine. We don’t exist in a vacuum. We are a huge and important part of the local community and economy, and we rely on the support and goodwill of a huge variety of organisations and individuals to successfully operate and fulfil our mission. Many of these people never set foot on the Station, so the AFR is that one chance in the year to get them on board and show them some of what we do and give them the opportunity to meet with and talk to our personnel. Sincere thanks to everyone involved in the AFR for their hard work in putting together such a successful event.”
Sqn Ldr Dave Williams
“ Sincere thanks to everyone involved in the AFR for their hard work in putting together such a successful event.”
On the anniversary of D-Day, the RAF Honington Golf Team undertook a formidable ‘longest day’ 72-hole golf challenge to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Teeing off at 06:30 at Diss Golf Course, the team started their marathon round at the same time allied troops began their historic assault on the Normandy beaches 80 years ago.
The challenge saw the team playing at an impressive pace, surprising many and themselves with their accuracy and consistent shots. With spotters and ball markers strategically placed along the course, the players managed to score numerous pars, a few birdies, and even a rare eagle. After completing 18 holes at Diss, they moved on to Thetford Golf Course for another round, before finishing with 36 holes at the picturesque Flempton Golf Course.
As daylight waned and tiredness set in, the squad added a final twist to their challenge. On the last hole, a par 3, each member took a shot at the green. Those who missed
were fined a £10 donation to the fundraising pot, adding an extra £60 to the £700 raised.
We are incredibly grateful to Diss, Thetford, and Flempton golf courses for their generous support and impeccable hosting. But our main praise must go to everyone who donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund, a charity that is integral to the RAF community.
The funds raised will support the RAF Benevolent Fund’s mission to provide financial, practical, and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF and their families.
Sqn Ldr Joe Birch - CRF HQ
About the RAF Benevolent Fund
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing assistance to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families. It offers a range of services including financial support, emotional well-being, housing, and assistance with recovery and rehabilitation.
OC RTSB, Sqn Ldr Doug McCorkindale has completed three physical challenges to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, finishing with the Welsh 3000s this June.
Doug has taken on three months of physical challenges including the London Marathon, Edinburgh Marathon and the Welsh 3000s, which involves climbing 15 mountains in Wales over 3000 feet.
Currently in his 10th year in the Air Force, Doug is serving as the Officer Commanding of RAF Regiment Gunner Phase 2 Training at RAF Honington.
Doug said: “I like to have physical goals to work towards to help keep me focused – and what better motivation than raising some charity money in the process.”
He continued: “Anyone who knows London will know how perilous it is trying to go for a run through the street on a normal day. The opportunity to run through such iconic streets and past famous monuments with the roads closed off was a fantastic experience! There was no shortage of crowds of random strangers shouting out words of encouragement. It was such a morale boost!
“For the Edinburgh Marathon I set off in torrential rain, I was soaked before I started! I didn’t expect to get wet feet and pink shoulders in the same race. I was a little disappointed in my time, but 3hrs 47 is still respectable.”
Doug set off on the Welsh 3000s challenge on 26 June with his colleague Campbell Steel. The team started their trek at 2am on Yr Wyddfa, in Snowdon, climbing 3560ft. They completed their climb of 15 peaks in 22.5 hours.
The challenge requires you to have been at the top of all 15 of mountains over 3,000 ft in Wales within the space of 24 hours, without using any form of transport.
Doug said of his motivation to challenge himself: “Being in the RAF, I’ve seen firsthand the amazing work the RAF Benevolent Fund does and the support on offer. I have also signposted several people to the Fund myself. Ensuring the charity remains funded and can continue its work for those currently serving, their families, and veterans is vitally important.”
He continued: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored my adventures. Everything from bringing snacks to the finish line, to the incredibly generous donations. Having initially set out to raise £500, we are pleased to say we raised a total of £865!”
You can donate to Doug’s fundraiser on JustGiving.
From 1000 on 13 Jun 24, until 1000 on 14 Jun 24, RAF Honington hosted a 24hr Swimathon to raise money for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).
The fundraising event was organised by Flt Lt Maddy Morgan and FS Al Butterfill and supported by many others from Station who formed the relay team, lifeguarded and baked cakes.
Throughout the 24hr period, a team of six RAF Honington personnel swam a relay (one hour
on, five hours off on repeat, four times each). This left five swimming lanes open for personnel from all across Station to sign up to swim in. Over 100 personnel from the Station community (mil, civil servants and families) ended up taking part, whether that be swimming for 30 minutes, an hour or more. Each swimmer donated to take part and not only get some
exercise but keep the relay team company. This was particularly important in the early hours of Friday morning where tiredness started to kick in! The total distance swum by both the relay team and Stn amounted to 120km.
Donations were raised both online through a JustGiving page and through cash on the day. People
donated for multiple reasons; to swim, support the relay team’s challenge or through the cake and RAFA merchandise stalls. The total sum raised for RAFA was £2194.80 –a fantastic achievement.
Everyone that donated was entered into a raffle where the top prize won was a Spitfire AB910 Cufflink set made from 100% aircraft grade aluminium recovered from Spitfire AB910 (BBMF).
The event was a great success. Thank you to the organisers, relay swimmers, lifeguards, Stn swimmers, support staff, cake makers and buyers.
The total sum raised for RAFA was £2194.80 – a fantastic achievement.
Station Commander, Wing Commander
Max Hayward, presented a variety of awards and Commendations to personnel from across the station, including Operation Shader Medals, Accumulated Campaign Service Medals, An AOC 2 Group Commendation, Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Bars, and a Volunteer Reserves Service Medal 2nd Bar Award.
On Wednesday 19 June 2024, the RAF Honington Athletics team competed at the RAF Athletics Championships held in Nuneaton.
Fielding a team of 6 personnel, the team competed across a wide variety of individual events plus two team relays. With strong performances throughout, Honington had a collective medal haul of 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze with 2 individuals qualify for the Inter-Services Championships (ISC).
This is the second year in a row RAF Honington have fielded a team at the Championships and there has been clear progression in performance from both an individual athlete and team perspective. Here’s to hoping this upward trend in results continues into next season!
Fg Off George Shurley, ASF HQ
ATHLETE EVENT BREAKDOWN:
Cpl
With the kind permission of the Stn Cdr, RAF Honington Paramotor Club hosted pilots from The Bulldog Paramotor Club. Paramotors were able to explore the skies around RAF Honington and investigate some of the towns in the area from the air.
Sqn Ldr Taylor, OC of the Honington club said:
“The opportunity to fly from a military airfield is highly prized amongst the civilian paramotor community and the hospitality shown by the station was really appreciated. The highlight of the evening was an attempt to create a 5 paramotor stack and flying continued until sunset. It is hoped that the event can be repeated in the future.”
Congratulations go to the 15 members of Trainee Gunner Course 4-23, Salalah Flight and 5-23 Meiktila Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington.
The new graduates were accompanied with music from the RAF Voluntary Band and the King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was also paraded. Chaplain Rev (Sqn Ldr) Young delivered the blessings and loved ones watched with pride from the side-lines of the Parade Square.
Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from receiving RAF Regiment Units also met the new arrivals and their families after the event.
Air Officer Commanding No 22 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Cab Townsend was appointed as the Reviewing Officer and congratulated the new recruits on their future roles within the RAF Regiment.
On graduating from this course, the Gunners are posted to either No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment here at RAF Honington, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham), No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) and No. 34 Sqn RAF Regiment (RAF Leeming). They have been trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations.
Frank Sylvester Trophy. To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course.
TG 4-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hurd
TG 5-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Smith
The RAF Regt Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment. This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, most importantly during field exercises.
TG 4-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Moult
TG 5-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Simpson
WO Ramsey Physical Development Cup. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
TG 4-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hurd
TG 5-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Colclough
LAC Beard Recruits’ Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the Gunner who has been voted by his peers on the Course as the most inspirational and supportive member of the Flight. The
recipient of this trophy has provided loyalty, dependability, and motivation to those around him during the toughest moments of the training.
TG 4-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hurd
TG 5-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Colclough
SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who has shot consistently well throughout the course. He would also be the student who has shown consistent military awareness, on battle and fieldfiring exercises, in the selection of his shooting positions and use of cover. He would also be one who has demonstrated consistently a high standard of weapon handling and safety awareness throughout the course.
TG 4-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Moult
TG 5-23: Air Specialist (Class 2) Jordan
Cpl Bradfield Trophy. The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the JNCOs of today. It is awarded to the Corporal Instructor who has displayed leadership, motivation and above all else has set an exemplary standard for the recruits to follow.
TG 4-23: Corporal Dalton
TG 5-23: Corporal Irlam
After completing the competent patrol member skills phase, JROC 129 entered the course’s Leadership Phase by learning and implementing advanced skills of a commander. The course embarked on a three-week exercise on 8th July to Sennybridge Training Area to advance their abilities in a Section Commander role. This combined two exercises (Ex SWORD & Ex SHIELD) by completing both a formative and summative assessment on leading a Section of 8.
The students were exposed to high pressure situations in an arduous environment, where their decisions as a commander were individually tested to the highest standard. The students were assessed on their tactical thinking when planning their patrols, considering all possible factors that affect them with the senior commanders’ mission in mind, the thorough delivery of a set of Orders and a sound and tactical execution out on the ground.
Once the course had deployed to Sennybridge Training Area, the students then learned the theoretical and practical implementation of how to conduct a reconnaissance patrol.
This type of patrol provides the best platform for testing all aspects of what it means to be a Section Commander and a 2IC.
Some of the challenges that the students faced while on exercise were the volatile weather conditions, the arduous terrain, physical fatigue and the mental resilience to be self-sustaining in the field for an extended period. The students rose to meet these challenges with grit and determination.
After each student had completed a formative lead, the course Staff gave invaluable individual feedback, followed by further development to maximize the knowledge imparted prior to starting the Exercise’s Summative Phase. This brought Ex SWORD to a close and then started Ex SHIELD. Following rest and a through turnaround of kit and equipment, the students then began their summative leads. While in the planning phase, both the Section Commander and 2IC worked consistently to conduct a full combat estimate, prepare the section for the upcoming patrol and create the model pit that will visualize the area of operations and assist with Orders delivery.
Following this phase of a student’s lead, they were then assessed on how they delivered a set of Orders, ensuring to cover all points sequentially and ensuring their section understood each phase of the plan and all actions to be taken in any circumstances out on the ground. Finally, they were then
assessed on the practical execution of their lead. This consisted of how they commanded troops, ensuring key timings were met, how they reacted in sudden stressful situations such as being contacted by enemy forces or taking a casualty and most importantly, completing their mission. The majority of the course successfully passed their first lead and continued to work hard for those yet to complete their assessment. For the course, greater team cohesion was made as time went on, creating an atmosphere for success and motivation despite the fatigue that the training area imposed.
Following the completion of all assessments, the course was then taken through several battle scenarios to develop their understanding of how to implement different weapon systems and how to effectively maneuver a section to defeat an enemy. This gave the students an opportunity to enhance previously learned skills and to operate in different roles within a section. Finally, all that was left to do was to clean the weapon systems, reconstitute ammunition, pack down the exercise and depart to RAF Honington to then progress onto Close Quarter Battle skills and the introduction to Flight level theory, marking the end of the Sections Phase of the Junior Regiment Officers Course.
August marked the beginning of MOD 3 for JROC 129, with the course turning their attention to the role of a Flight Commander.
Going forward, they will be taught by the JROC staff how to command a Flight through a series of Exercises culminating in Finals beginning on 28 Oct. Before the hard work starts however, JROC flew to Crete on Ex CENTURIONs EAGLE, a historical planning Ex, to better understand the Battle of Crete and why the defence of the Complex Air/Ground Environment is so important today.
Day one of the historical planning Ex, JROC 129, joined by Wg Cdr Jupp and DSC Flt Lt Steel, travelled via Gatwick Airport to their accommodation in Chania, arriving late Monday evening to their hotel for a chance to peruse the hotel facilities available at Civitel Akali before retiring for the night.
Day two, JROC travelled to Maleme, a small village and military airport in the northwest of Crete, where the group discussed how to best employ a current RAF Regt Sqn in defence of Maleme Airfield. Students lead the discussion with members of JROC 129 delivering pre-prepared presentations to provide further context to the conversation. Later, the group moved west to Tavronitis Bridge where the importance of this
landmark was highlighted in a further presentation. JROC students learned of the significance of the Battle of Crete and the relevance of Tavronitis Bridge to the overall battle. JROC also visited Maleme Airport and the museum nearby where an overview of the Battle of Crete was presented to the group, while they overlooked one of the Axis’ main targets during this conflict.
Day two ended with a trip to both the RAF memorial for No.30 and 33 Sqn respectively, discussing the importance of both Sqns there. The group then moved to Hill 107 and the German War Cemetery, one of two German cemeteries on the island of Crete and constitutes one of the most important Second World War monuments in Crete. Here, a presentation was delivered on Op MERCURY, highlighting the key lessons drawn from the aftermath of this operation, as the group overlooked Maleme Airport and the surrounding areas.
Day three began with a road move to Rethymnon on the north coast of Crete, a Venetian Harbor overlooked by Rethymno Lighthouse which was build
ten years prior to the Battle of Crete. Here, JROC ascended Hill A where presentations covering the ground in general, the operational significance of the area, and they key Allied defensive challenges were delivered to fuel the discussion guided by the JROC staff.
The group then moved to 110 Martyrs memorial where a presentation on the civilian resistance against the German paratroopers took place. The group discussed what effects this had during the battle and the relevance of this spontaneous resistance had on the conflict.
Later in the day, JROC moved to Galatas and 42nd Street. Presentations covering the ground in general there, the Allied defence of Galatas, and the Axis’ attack on Galatas provided context to the operational relevance to the area and the key challenges the Allied defence faced during this time. Finally, a presentation on the Prison Valley Battle which outlined how effective Gen Freyberg’s command of the Island was against Gen Student’s attack, followed by a presentation covering the events of
lives during the Battle
Day four, JROC visited Souda bay, a natural harbour near the town of Souda on the northwest coast of Crete. A presentation outlining the strategic importance of Crete in modern times underlined the mornings talking points. Later, as the group made their way towards the Allied War Cemetery, JROC highlighted the key takeaways from Ex CENTURIONs EAGLE and laid wreaths at the Allied War Cemetery in memory of those that lost their
With Ex CENTURIONs EAGLE complete, JROC 129 look forward to Ex TRIDENT where, for the next two weeks, the students will be guided through the various Flight operations that were taught in the classroom a few weeks previous. This will be the first time that students will have the ability to take command of a Flight under the guidance of the JROC staff, to learn in real time what it means to command.
1 Squadron RAF Regiment remains deployed in Cyprus on Op TIMBERN. The island has provided numerous invaluable opportunities for the troops to train and conduct Adventurous Training (AT). In the UK, the rest of the Squadron has been busy supporting various Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) packages and Public Order Training for the Kings Colour Squadron.
As the Squadron deployment to Cyprus draws to a close, the Gunners continue to train hard to ensure they are ready for any future challenges they may face. The hot, arid environment of Cyprus provides a unique training opportunity for the Gunners, testing their individual, section and flight level skills. The deployment has allowed the Rifle Flights to operate, train and work together for the first time in over a year due to the Squadron being scattered across the country.
We now look forward to the return of the Squadron to RAF Honington. With the Autumn months awaiting, cadres, courses and a healthy amount of leave lie in wait for the Gunners of 1 Squadron RAF Regiment.
by Lt Amy Byrnes
The culmination of a busy training period saw a team from 7 Troop, 42 Field Squadron (C-CBRN), 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) deploy to Estonia on Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 24 in April 24. As part of the Op LINOTYPER series, 3 PARA BG consolidated, complete with attached specialist units, including 7 Tp, to validate during a series of complex C-CBRN missions across the Estonian landscape.
7Tp seized the opportunity to develop the light role C-CBRN capability and test the limits of how the teams operate. The team experienced the challenges of operating within a complex trench network. LCpl C recalls the experience of conducting a casualty evacuation as “extremely tough, not only because we were laden with shoulder slung equipment and CEFO but also due to the narrow sandy trenches being very difficult to traverse. Not to mention the 25-degree heat in dress state 4!”. The team’s creativity shone through these challenges, with innovative solutions being shared and trialled throughout the remainder of the exercise, with a view to continue development upon returning to the UK.
The exercise provided the unique opportunity to fully integrate into the Engineer Group and offer specialist assurance to higher formations. As Specialist Defence Advisors, SSgt H and Lt B provided detailed C-CBRN advise to the Battlegroup and Brigade, respectively. SSgt H says, “the exposure to being in a staff officer environment has broadened my understanding of how battlegroups operate, an insight I have not experienced before”. The advisors’ C-CBRN knowledge was paramount to provide clear and concise guidance to the commander, informing them on how potential threats could impact their plan and measures to take to remain proactive.
Integration and capability development underpinned the intent for Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 24 and this was most apparent as the team deployed to their first mission via the Rapid Air Land (RAL). The team’s ability to deploy as part of 16 AA BCT’s theatre entry modus operandi demonstrated the mobile, agile and scalable nature of the light role C-CBRN capability. Spr A recounts the experience of running from the A400 as “adrenaline fuelled and a highlight that brought a new and exciting feel to the exercise”. He continues “working with the RAF was completely new, but we
learnt so much from the RAL and we are now more prepared for our future exercises.” This was the first, but will not be the last, time a C-CBRN team has deployed using airland doctrine and was a true highlight of the exercise.
Once on the ground, the team conducted missions which fundamentally shaped the future actions of the battlegroup. The first mission saw the team positively identify a potential threat on the airfield where the RAL had been conducted. Their assurance ultimately determined the safety of the troops on the Follow-on Air Land by outlining go and no-go areas. As the exercise continued, the team were deployed to provide assurance regarding the suitability of a potential water source to supply the battlegroup. The team confirmed the presence of the threat, which Sgt L, the Specialist CBRN Misson Commander, communicated to the battlegroup, again providing crucial advice which shaped the battlegroups future actions.
Guests from across UK and NATO defence organisations visited the Brigade during the Senior Visitors Demonstration Day. This was a great opportunity for the team to outline their involvement in the exercise and the successes they had achieved. Lt B says, “it was a privilege to discuss the capability with General Nesmith. The high-profile audience asked probing questions which the JNCOs answered with ease, showing their specialist C-CBRN knowledge and pride in the Regt.”
Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 24 was an exciting exercise for 7 Tp to confirm the robust SOPs they had developed throughout the year and a fantastic opportunity to continue integration with 16 AABCT. 42 Fd Sqn (C-CBRN) has another busy training programme ahead, with a team deploying to support 3 Cdo Bde, small specialist teams exercising in Crete and a TL-B exercise in Cyrus in the Autumn.
The lessons learnt on Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 24 will only develop the light role C-CBRN capability for the better.
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Sqn have been busy this year supporting the RAuxAF100 events to mark the Centenary Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Sqn Ldr Kirkbride, FS Gav Conder and FS Gordon Charlton attended this year’s Annual RAuxAF Foundation Memorial Service held at the RAuxAF Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The 2024 service held in the stunning grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum on what seemed the hottest day of the year was well attended by serving and former reservists, and their families.
Along with the service of remembrance was the dedication of new memorial stones to remember a diverse range of reservists who served in a wide range of roles from pilots in The Battle of Britain, an Honorary Air Commadore and an RAuxAF Musician.
As this year’s service was one of the RAuxAF100 events a new Centenary Plinth was also dedicated which is located next to and compliments the RAuxAF Memorial.
The Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation relies entirely on grants and donations to fund its work and is currently working to secure funding to maintain the National Memorial. If you are interested in helping or finding out more, please visit the foundation’s website at: www.rauxaf.org
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