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s Editor, it gives me great pleasure to sound like a ‘stuck record’ and say a huge thank you to all of our contributors for another superb edition of the Herald. There is so much happening at Honington, and so many interesting people, stories and activity, the Herald is a great way to showcase it all. I would also like to say a big thank you to Jo at Lance Media, who takes our words and pictures and turns them into something eye catching and readable. Thanks Jo!
Have a great Christmas everyone, and best wishes for 2025.
Station Commander’s Foreword
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on a season of remembrance, community, and service here at RAF Honington and in the surrounding areas of West Suffolk. As I type this foreword, I’m conscious of the many poignant moments from the last few weeks, from across the Station and with our American colleagues at Lakenheath and Mildenhall, where we have come together to honour our past, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the promise of a new year.
One of this season’s most significant Royal Air Force events was the Battle of Britain Parade, where we commemorated the bravery of those who fought in the skies above our country and county during the summer of 1940. It was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and we are proud to have witnessed such a respectful and moving tribute.
We also marked Remembrance Sunday with solemnity, with parades and services across the region, including here at RAF Honington, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford and East Wretham. Our collective tributes to those who gave their lives in service to our nation, and to those who continue to serve, were deeply meaningful occasions for all.
The spirit of community engagement was also on full display during the Honington Volunteer Band Concert in Ely, where our talented musicians gave a performance that was both entertaining and as inspiring as the Cathedral itself. And most recently, the Band’s pinnacle achievement of the year must be the Festival of Remembrance, which not only featured the band, but also our
very own Wives Choir, personnel from Honington, and local cadets and Standard bearers from the RBL. The concert provided a superb opportunity for Honington personnel, veterans, and the local community to connect with and reflect on our ethos, traditions and shared history and most importantly honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Closer to home, the Station welcomed back 1 Sqn RAF Regt, following their 6-month deployment on operations. The Ben Fund continues its invaluable work supporting children in Honington through the Ben Play youth club and Ben Parenting grants. The Ben Fund continues to help support Friends and Families Day and Operation Christmas, for which I am most grateful.
This edition of the Herald has some significant write ups: our link with West Suffolk College, adult education successes and articles about our brilliant Reserve personnel. WO Jay Tailor has taken over the BSG Co-ordinator Role for the Eastern Region – welcome back! Which invariably means we must wish farewell and give huge thanks to WO Shobha Earl who has served the Royal Air Force
for an incredible 47 years as both a regular and reserve – many congratulations indeed and thank you for your Service.
As we approach the festive season, I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has contributed to the vibrancy and spirit of RAF Honington this year. Your dedication, whether through service, volunteerism, or simply being part of this community, does not go unnoticed and we couldn’t
As we approach the festive season, I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has contributed to the vibrancy and spirit of RAF Honington this year. Your dedication, whether through service, volunteerism, or simply being part of this community, does not go unnoticed and we couldn’t maintain the fabric of Service life and Service family without you.
With Christmas around the corner, I wish you all a peaceful and joyous time and do hope that you can take some leave to relax and recharge. May the New Year bring you health, happiness, and continued success.
Let’s look forward to another year of camaraderie, service, and shared purpose.
maintain the fabric of Service life and Service family without you.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION,
BURY ST EDMUNDS
September 15th is one of the most important days of the year for the Royal Air Force, marking as it does ‘Battle of Britain’ day.
The date marks the symbolic height of the battle, when the tide turned in favour of the RAF and denied the Luftwaffe’s attempt to gain air superiority prior for their planned invasion of the UK (Operation Sealion) in the summer of 1940.
RAF Honington Station Commander, Wing Commander Max Hayward, led station personnel in the annual Battle of Britain Sunday parade and service in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, 15th September 2024.
The formalities commenced with laying of wreaths at the War
Memorial, with Station Warrant Officer Jerry McGuire laying one on behalf of all personnel at RAF Honington.
RAF Honington personnel then paraded through Bury St Edmunds alongside the United States Air Force from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, as well as the local Air Cadets, other youth organisations and the Royal British Legion. Wing Commander Hayward joined Air Vice-Marshal The Honourable David Murray DL alongside the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason OBE in taking the salute from the parade.
RAF Honington are extremely grateful to industry partners Gavin Jones Ltd, Ground Tech Ltd and Amey Defence Services for designing and installing a superb ‘Battle of Britain’ lawn graphic in front of the Station Headquarters.
The graphic, which was very generously installed free of charge, will help the Station support both Battle of Britain and Remembrance events for the remainder of the year.
Matthew Sharpe from Gavin Jones Ltd said: “We were honoured to support RAF Honington in commemorating the Battle of Britain anniversary by creating this unique lawn design. It’s always a privilege to contribute to meaningful projects like this, and we look forward to updating the
Image courtesy of RAF Honington Photo Section
design with poppies in time for Remembrance Sunday.”
Warrant Officer Mark Steward, who coordinated the installation for the Station said: “I’d like to say a
big thank you to Marcus and Sam from Ground Tech, Dan from Amey, Matthew from Gavin Jones and everyone else involved in putting this together. The results are very
impressive and will be much appreciated by everyone who works at and visits the Station.”.
Sqn Ldr Dave Williams, RAF Honington
FLIGHT SERGEANT FISHER CELEBRATES DEGREE SUCCESS
Having left education 29 years ago with a handful of GCSE’s, I’d assumed that was the end of my formal education journey. However with the opportunities provided through Enhanced Learning Credits, and encouragement from line management, I enrolled in the Organisational Capability Development degree with Buckinghamshire New University.
Due to credits provided from attaining the rank of Senior NonCommissioned Officer (SNCO), I only had to complete the final year along with dissertation for the Honours element. The distance learning provided excellent flexibility to learn around other workplace commitments, faculty staff and supervisors always quick to respond to questions and offer support or clarification when required. Peer support was also useful, completing the qualification along with others at RAF Honington enabled discussion and sharing ideas.
The benefits were immediately apparent, my role includes experimentation and innovation to support RAF outputs and the academic research approach made articulation of projects much stronger. The links made with other students from across all
3 Services have also been useful, assisting with planning for when I will eventually leave the Service. The variety of roles they fulfil, along with the potential careers they are moving towards demonstrates the flexibility and utility of the degree elements.
Having now graduated from university, something I had never thought possible, I have
encouraged my peers and subordinates to consider it for themselves. This has been successful with 2 people from my workplace enrolling in the same course this academic year, and I look forward to offering advice and assistance as they progress.
Flt Sgt Miles Fisher FP Centre
BUCCANEER ON THE MOVE
Buccaneer S2 XK526 has been both a Gate Guardian and a tribute to aircrew lost on flying operations and in training from RAF Honington since 1983. It has been a familiar sight to everyone on the station, visitors and those just passing the gate for over 40 years.
The veteran Buccaneer is due to be replaced with a Tornado GR4, to reflect the last flying type at Honington. Honington has four Tornado GR4 aircraft, which were flown to the base from nearby Marham when the type was retired in February 2019. They have been in use as ground trainers in the station CAGE (Complex Air-Ground Environment) Training Area, enabling RAF Regiment and RAF Police personnel to practice force protection techniques in and around hardened aircraft shelters. In a respectful nod to the legacy of the Buccaneer force at Honington, the Tornado will be placed on a Buccaneer shaped base.
In order to preserve XK526, RAF Honington and RAF Heritage have agreed to pass the airframe to a charitable organisation based at the former RAF Binbrook – the Binbrook Collection - to be restored. It will be displayed outside the old SHQ building where it is hoped that more people can see and enjoy it in the future.
Wing Commander Max Hayward, Station Commander RAF Honington said: “We are delighted to be able to pass on XK526 to the Binbrook Collection. The aircraft
has done us proud over 40 years, but it is time to pass XK526 on to be professionally restored to a standard that will enable future generations to be able to see and enjoy this magnificent example of British aircraft engineering.”
Sqn Ldr Dave Williams, RAF Honington
Images: RAF Honington Photo Section and WO McGuire
CAMINO EAGLE
On 31 Nov 24, 4 RAF Honington personnel flew to Santiago to embark on the 5 day Camino Eagle pilgrimage from Ourense to Santiago de la Compostela with 15 others from across the RAF.
Day 1 started off with our first morning reflection led by the Padres. Once sufficiently spiritually fuelled we started our Camino journey with a stunning 2 hr climb out of Ourense which got steadily steeper and warmer as the sun came out. The sun also brought out the fantastic smells of the eucalyptus forests we travelled through. We caught a band warming up during the lunch break of sandwiches and ice-creams. The day finished with a hill sprint finish (for some of us) and taxis to the hotel.
Day 2 had very different weather to the previous day but we didn’t
let this deter us. Our morning reflection was in the courtyard of a still active monastery, which was swiftly followed by the purchasing of monk chocolate to fuel us up and then down a mountain in the rain and wind.
Day 3 was the longest day but it was punctuated with lots of farm dogs and snack breaks to collect stamps. Thankfully the hotel that evening had a spa so we were able to unwind and relax before the last 2 days of walking.
by AS1 Emily Wilks
The sun made a re-appearance to usher us on the way to Day 4 which turned out to be the flattest day according to Strava but definitely didn’t feel like it at the end with what felt like the steepest continuous drop of the whole week. We finished with some wild swimming in the river by the hotel which was a balm to our sore and aching muscles.
The final day saw a hilltop communion and a pilgrim lunch before entering the city of Santiago as a whole group. Seeing the Cathedral made all 120km worth the while and we finished off the whole week with a day of sightseeing and a Communion service in the Cathedral.
The whole week was an excellent way to decompress from work and to try something completely different.
RAF BENEVOLENT FUND SUPPORT TO HONINGTON
The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has released its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting how it has continued to support members of the RAF Family in 2023 through practical, emotional and financial support.
The Fund helped 42,259 members of the RAF Family in 2023, including over 27,800 serving personnel and their families, and 14,397 veterans and their families, with a huge 97 per cent of beneficiaries saying they were satisfied with the support they received.
One way the Fund supported the RAF Family was through RAF Station grants, with more than 12,000 people helped last year including serving personnel and their families at RAF Honington. In 2023, RAF Honington were given over £4300 in grants for Ben Play and Ben Parenting, and £2500 in grants towards Families Day and Operation Christmas.
Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The grants provided by the Fund to RAF bases like Honington are vital for ensuring RAF families receive the mental, financial and practical assistance they need. Some of the initiatives and events we have funded have enabled serving personnel and their families to come together and socialise with others, increasing cohesion on base, improving morale and mental health, as well as reducing isolation. We are delighted that the Fund can make a positive impact to the lives of the serving community.”
COMMUNITY POLICING
– RAFA KIDZ
Station Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) personnel conducted a Community Police Engagement visit to the station nursery –RAFA Kidz – along with Suffolk Constabulary.
The RAFP Law Enforcement NCOs under RAFP Community Policing
JNCO A/Cpl Adam Reeves arranged an activity hour where they did forensic puzzles, a Q&A session with the older children, fingerprint key rings, a colouring competition of a Military Working Dog and also a ‘show and tell’ of the custody van for blue lights and sirens.
The session was enjoyed by all and helped strengthen the ties the Police Flight has with its local community.
Flight Sergeant Chris Rawcliffe RAF Police & Security Flight
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BIG BREW 2024
The SSAFA Big Brew for 2024 took place on the morning of Thursday 17th October at the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre.
As ever it provided an opportunity for the Station Community to have a welcome break from work and come together to enjoy a butty, a lovely slice of cake and a brew, whilst catching up with colleagues and veterans. Furthermore, it raised awareness of SSAFA, what they do and how they support the Service Community and their families.
This year the event was supported by ESS, who provided breakfast rolls (bacon, sausage or vegan), the SSAFA In Service Committee and a team of incredible volunteers and some scrumptious donations of cakes and other baked goods from Team Honington.
The Raffle was extremely popular and successful, supported by some superb prize donations from the local area. A huge thanks and shout out to all those companies for their support and generosity – Breckland Leisure Centre, Combat2Coffee, Everyman Cinema, Greene King, Nethergate Brewery, Odyssey Surf Snow Style, Pro Cook, The English
This year the event raised around £1,400
Distillery, The Grumpy Goat, The Olive Grove, The RAF Regiment Heritage Centre and Wooster’s Bakery.
This year’s SSAFA Bake Off – Cake Competition, drew some amazing baked entries, ten in all, some worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake. It was a close call as to who would come out in the top three. However, after careful
consideration by the judges – Mr Jez Bond, SSAFA Welfare Officer, Squadron Leader Becks Slark-Hollis, SSAFA In Service Chair, Mr Mark Steward, SCSO and Cpl James Perry, SSAFA Volunteer, the winners were: 1st Mrs Lisa Smith, with a very realistic Pumpkin Cake, 2nd Sgt Catherine Clarke, SSAFA Tea Cup and 3rd Cpl Kathryn Newman, Biscoff Cake.
SSAFA provides lifelong support for our Forces and their families, and the money raised during the Big
Brew directly supports our Service community throughout the year. This year the event raised around £1,400 which is a fantastic amount of money.
Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Big Brew, either as an organiser, a contributor, a volunteer, a baker, or coming along to the event and having a brew. We look forward to seeing you all next year in 2025.
Thanks to ESS and Mess staff (Jo Sheldrake et al) for Catering Services, RAF Regt Heritage Centre (WO MacDonald et al) for hosting the event, Raffle Contributors (listed above and on page 2), SSAFA In Service Cttee (Sqn Ldr Slark-Hollis, Sgt Davies, AS1 Ashley) SSAFA Welfare Officer (Mr Bond), SSAFA Volunteers (Flt Lt Holland, Cpl Perry, Mrs Pentony, Mrs Bailey, Mrs Ginn, Mrs Ives, Mr Leader, Ms Frost and Ms Moore), SCSO (WO Steward) for coordinating the event and running the stalls, Media Services (Ms Love, Mr Dines), Visual Communicators (Cpl Payne) for photo imagery, RAF Honington RAFP Flt (Flt Lt Barnard, FS Rawcliffe et al) for arranging passes for Veteran guests.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
RAF HONINGTON VOLUNTARY BAND AT ELY CATHEDRAL
On Friday 13th September, RAF Honington Voluntary Band performed in Ely Cathedral at the invite of Viva Arts and Community Group. Over 45 musicians from our station band performed a varied programme in order to commemorate and celebrate the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Highlights included spectacular classics such as Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, film music from The First of the Few, The Battle of Britain and How to Train Your Dragon, and songs from Les Misérables and Chess. Our band are a vital part of how we engage with our local community
here at RAF Honington. Formed in the late 1980s, they have been representing our station in the region, around the country and abroad for over 35 years.
Flt Lt Paul Jackson, Bandmaster
GRADUATION OF TRAINEE
GUNNER COURSE 1-24
Congratulations go to the 27 members of Trainee Gunner Course 1-24, El Alamein Flight the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated at RAF Honington on 10th October 2024.
The new graduates were accompanied with music from the RAF Cranwell College 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.
Deputy Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Commodore Claire O’Grady 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. II Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham),No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Leeming), No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) and No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Northolt). They have been trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations.
Further congratulations go to the Prize Winners:
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 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Gordon-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 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Edwards
WO Ramsey Physical Development Cup. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Smith
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 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Bojang
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 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hill
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 1-24: Corporal Worthington
All images are Crown Copyright and courtesy of RAF Honington Visual Communicators Section.
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
CATERING COLLABORATION
In recent months an exciting collaboration has been setup between the Catering Department at West Suffolk College (WSC) and the Catering team at RAF Honington. The partnership so far has delivered two outstanding events that have been hugely beneficial for our service personnel and the students at the college.
The first event was on the 15 May 24 and saw Sgt Stef Sewell head up a team to run a ‘Guest Chef Night’ at the ‘Edmunds Restaurant’ within the college. His team took groups of students and mentored them through the five-choice taster menu. The exceptional 50 cover dining experience was enjoyed by local restauranteurs, suppliers, USAF and Execs from Honington.
The show piece of event was organised to say thank you for the support invested in the college and received amazing feedback from all in attendance.
On the 12 Sep 24 we welcomed 20 students to Honington to experience the diverse nature
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Salalah Trainee Gunner course 2-24 has experienced a highly productive three-month period, successfully conducting extensive live firing ranges for both rifle and pistol transition training. These ranges have not only enhanced trainee’s marksmanship skills but also fostered camaraderie and teamwork among the course. The rigorous training has been crucial in developing operational readiness and ensuring that all trainees are proficient in their weapon handling capabilities. As a result, Salalah TG 2-24 has strengthened its overall effectiveness and preparation for success with the final phase of their phase 2 training.
TG1-24 El Alamein Flight have concluded their Trainee Gunner package with a graduation of 27 Gunners into the Corps on 10th October, hosted by reviewing officer Air Cdre Claire O’Grady, Deputy AOC 2 Group. The ceremony was conducted in the traditional “Gateway to the Regiment” Jimmy James Hanger in front of proud family, friends and fellow servicemen and women, concluding with a well-deserved celebration in Busby’s Bar. Prior
to Graduation, El Alamein had deployed to Otterburn Training Area for a 3-week period to conduct Ex OMEGA and respective TLFTT/LFTT packages, honing all the skills learnt throughout the course and concluding with high standard section attacks in adverse weather conditions. The newly graduated Gunners will now move
onto their respective Squadrons to start their new careers within the Corps.
Meiktila TG 3-24 arrived at Honington on 1st September and have made a strong start to their training conducting rifle range package down at Hythe in Kent, navigation training at STANTA
and conducting their 1st field exercise. All TG’s showed fantastic navigation skills with all passing the navigation practical test in both day and night environments. Meiktila now look forward to a number of field exercises to hone there field craft skills ready for testing in Nov.
Salalah Live firing (Sgt Greenall)
Meiktila conducting (Cpl Stretch)
OF BOARDING DIRECTORY SCHOOLS
THE NUMBER ONE BOARDING SCHOOLS DIRECTORY AIMED AT MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
1 Squadron RAF Regiment
HOMECOMING
THE ASSOCIATION OF RAF REGIMENT WARRANT OFFICERS AND SENIOR
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
The Association of RAF Regiment Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers conducted its inaugural meeting in the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess, at RAF Catterick, on Saturday 13 September 1975.
The meeting was chaired by Warrant Officer Hamilton, and Warrant Officer Roddy acted as Secretary. In all, 78 members were present. During that meeting the members discussed, and decided on, the aims and objectives of the association, the types of membership, subscriptions, and the composition and election of an executive committee. And so it was that the Association of RAF Regiment Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers was created.
Membership of the association is open to serving and retired WOs and SNCOs of the RAF Regiment, and of any other RAF trade if they served on the posted strength
of a RAF Regiment unit whilst they held the appropriate rank. This also applies to members of the other armed forces. Our current membership stands at 354 members nationwide. One of the main objectives of the association is to maintain and encourage the spirit of Esprit De Corps and Camaraderie that go hand in hand with any military career.
In September 2025 the association will mark its 50th anniversary, and members will celebrate this remarkable milestone with a number of formal and informal events at RAF Honington, at other RAF units, and in particular, a very special formal dinner at the Tower of London.
The association also took ownership of a new association standard, which was dedicated and presented during the Annual Corps Memorial Commemoration Service, in the Corps Memorial Garden, at the National Memorial Arboretum. This service takes place each year on national Armed Forces Day, and this year we were honoured to have with us AVM M Smeath CBE, the Commandant General RAF Regiment. We are also exceptionally grateful to The Baroness Harris of Richmond DL, who graciously presented the standard to the association, and to the Rev (Sqn Ldr) John Harrison, for the Standard Dedication.
The Standard Bearer was FS John Bainbridge.
Per Ardua
by John Lynch
Base Support Group (BSG) Eastern Region
Hello from me, WO Jay Tailor, the new RAF Honington BSG Co-ordinator for the Eastern Region.
I left the regular RAF (last unit was RAF Honington) in May 2024, and rejoined BSG the following month.
For any part of the organisation at RAF Honington/RAF Marham or RAF Henlow that have any shortfalls in workforce up to SO1 level, recruiting Volunteer Ex Regular Reserve personnel offers an opportunity to employ individuals on a short-term basis. I would be happy to discuss this - details are below.
We have recently attested a few other individuals including Sqn Ldr Martin Dove (RAF Honington), and Sqn Ldr Tim Casey (RAF Marham).
Volunteer Ex-Regular Reserve Opportunities on RAF Base Support Groups
Do you miss RAF life?
Are you about to leave the Regular or Reserve Service, but want to continue to support on an ad hoc basis?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, a Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve (VeRR) engagement could be for you.
VeRR are a valuable workforce resource used at station level or remotely to support critical short term tasks. Individuals joining this cadre should have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience to complete the role as no additional training will be provided. There is no requirement to complete Individual Reinforcement Training or the RAF Fitness Test.
This is a flexible, non-binding commitment for all parties. Work patterns are arranged between the Reserve and their Sponsoring Section – so this could be evenings, weekends, or during school hours – to suit your availability.
For East Anglian Units including Honington, Marham, Henlow - HON-Base Support Group (MULTIUSER) HON-BaseSupportGroup@mod.gov.uk
WO Jay Tailor, OC BSG
Sqn Ldr Dove (r) with Sqn Ldr Ellis, Attesting Officer
Sqn Ldr Casey (r) with Flt Lt Perks, Attesting Officer
2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regt
THE WOLF
SQUADRON
The Wolf Squadron is pleased to welcome its new Gate Guard which has been installed outside of the squadron HQ.
Cpl Stevie Birch and a team of volunteers led the restoration project on the old Rapier FSC weapon system. The team have worked hard to raise money in their personal time, along with a generous donation from the RFCA allowing them to fund the preparation and painting of the body and decommissioned component parts. With 2623 Sqn previously being a Rapier Sqn, we are honoured and proud to finally have the Gate Guard finished and in place. Huge thanks go out the Cpl Birch and the team for all their hard work.
WELCOMES ITS NEW GATE GUARD
FAREWELL WO GARY EDEN
The Wolf Squadron would like to give its fond farewells, and thanks, to WO Gary Eden who retired in Oct 24.
Mr Eden started his career in June 77 where he signed up for a regular commitment to the RAF Regiment, initially being posted to 58 Sqn in Belize, before moving to onto II Sqn. After serving 37 years in the regulars Mr Eden joined the Wolf Sqn in Aug 18 where he fulfilled the role of Training Officer on the Sqn. The work that Gary and the training team have done for the Sqn has been greatly appreciated and the knowledge and experienced passed on has only made the Sqn stronger. We wish him the very best in retirement, he will be missed.
Service: WO Gary Eden. 14 June 77 – 16 Oct 2024.
In Sep 24 LCpl Gent attended and successfully passed the RAuxAF FT2 Promotion Course run by the Trg Wg at RAF Honington. The 2-week course both teaches and tests the skillsets required for junior commanders to lead troops at section level within the RAF Regiment. Congratulations LCpl Gent.
RAuxAF ACT 2024 – Germany
In September 2024 the Wolf Squadron (2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment) deployed oversees to take part in Ex Zenturio Defender.
This was a 2-week exercise conducted alongside several other RAuxAF Regt Sqns demonstrating the ability to mobilise and come together to operate at a minimum of Sqn level to conduct various operational taskings.
100 RAF Regiment Reservists from across the UK deployed to Sennelager to work with our partners from the Objektschutzregiment on a 1-week live firing package, culminating in a live fire section level attack.
This was followed by deploying to East Germany to conduct an air base defence exercise on an operation airfield, providing troops the experience of working in a live environment.
This was also an amazing opportunity to collaborate with our German partners and to
OP BILOXI 2024
showcase the ability of the RAF Regiment Reserve across a number of key taskings and challenges.
- LCpl King 2623 Sqn
This year I returned to Romania on Op BILOXI. I last went in 2018 and as we all know, things have changed quite a bit in the world since, including in Mihial Kogalniceanu.
The accommodation was in two person containers, which although small was relatively comfortable with blackout screens and airconditioning.
The people are, however, what makes or breaks a det on a personal level and we had great people on this mobilisation. The job at times could be challenging but with a lightness of touch the full team pulled together to get
the Jets in the air. Everyone must do their part from the Pilots to techies, MT and the Guards, each job playing its part.
As a guard the hours were long and tiring but when our jets fly off on sorties or exercises then you know it’s a job well done. This year I was also lucky to be a guard on one of those exercises in Finland with the Finnish Air Force and experience that was enjoyed by all. Finland is a beautiful country, and we were made to feel very welcome.
This year there were a large number of reservists on the deployment, I believe 22 at one point making up a 5th of the overall detachment. Which is an excellent advert for reservists in
terms of the support and skillset they can provide to ongoing operations. We were well represented as reservists, and I was proud to be one of them with my 2623 Sqn buddy Stuart-Smith with me on his first Det.
The country has grown a lot in six years and in my downtime, I was able to go and enjoy the beach. The views are amazing and the whole of the beach front has had a revamp from my last visit. I was also able to go to the Carpathian Mountains in Brasov with some of my Guard colleagues, that was a stunning place to be with views for miles.
This was another one of many deployments I have been fortunate enough to support with, and I very much look forward to the next!
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