INSIGHT by Lance Media Group

SPR ING 2022

INSIGHT

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1

People who serve in the RAF are trained to be self-reliant. All too often, when life gets tough, they suffer in silence. Our Listening and Counselling Service provides confidential support. We also offer online mindfulness training through free Headspace memberships. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, stress or low self-esteem, we’re here to help.

Find out more: rafbf.org CALL 0300 102 1919 The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109).

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INSIGHT

In this issue…

Spring 2022

From the Editor… Sqn Ldr Sam Haley

elcome to the Spring edition of Insight and Insightonline. As I am writing this, it certainly doesn’t feel like the Spring so I am hopeful that by the time you read this, we have moved away from the winter temps. As always, the year started with a busy period both internally and internationally. The Stn has continued to output on Ops and supported multiple planning requests, FGen tasks and flying duties. Through this edition we have lots of articles spanning different activities the Stn and Sqns have been involved with. XIII Sqn have provided coverage of their route to a new Sqn Standard with the laying up of the previous Standard in Malta. This was accompanied by the successful reforming of the XIII Sqn association. Stn Ops supported the hugely successful Industry Day and Awards Dinner attended by many external partners with some very glamorous pictures from the evening. 1ISR detached to Souda Bay to support a number of operational tasks as well as being awarded the Thunderbolt Trophy. All of the new articles in the Spring Edition (and previous editions) will be available on the fantastic insightonline which can be found at the QR code on the cover, or down and right. If you have an article you would like publishing, please get in touch. We are always collating for the next edition, so you can send your articles and pictures for inclusion in the Summer edition to WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod. gov.uk. We look forward to hearing your stories! 4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

EDITORIAL TEAM: WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk

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External Email: Use personal email addresses listed Tel: +44 (0)1522 726704 Editor: Sqn Ldr S Haley WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk Deputy Editor: Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson daniel.hopkinson524@mod.gov.uk

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Station Commander's Foreword Area 51 Thunderbolt Award 51 Sqn History Corner Operation Christmas 2021 Churchill War Rooms a MoD Main Building, London Industry Day and Awards Dinner Are You Up For a Challenge? Master Aircrew Steve Wyatt - EW Leader, 51 Squadron Malta 1ISR Wg Detachment To NSA Souda Bay Sgt Shaun 'Plenty' Byrne - Sentry Mechanical Engineer, 8 Squadron XIII Sqn Association Inaugral Lunch

Tel: 01536 334 222 Printed by: Micropress

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The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5

Station Commander’s

Greetings once again from Area 51.

Foreword...

On 9 December 2021, I was presented with the Thunderbolt Trophy by Sqn Ldr Alicia Mason (OC 5001 Sqn) for excellent in support engineering.

Gp Capt Mark Lorriman-Hughes

s the incoming Station Commander of this fine station, this is my first Foreword for Insight. It is a privilege to be here in this role and indeed an absolute pleasure to be writing this foreword in our station magazine. We have certainly started the year in a busy fashion and I would expect this to be the tone for all of 2022. As we progress through the year, I look forward to seeing in Insight more about the Waddington Community and the additional engagement, activity and contributions the elements that make up our diverse Station and organisation, have to offer or have been involved with. This medium is an opportunity for us all to embrace a few of my Dirty Dozen tenets – namely communication, the ability to listen to others, a way to promote our talent and success and provide a positive outlook on the work we do. This Edition features some fascinating articles from 51 Sqn regarding Op BITING, RAF Waddington support INSIGHTMAGAZINE 66 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

to the RAFA Rides, plus a number of other charitable initiatives. Unfortunately the Station has also lost some of its valuable personnel already this year. 51 Sqn have provided the obituary for MAcr Steve Wyatt, who sadly passed away earlier in the year. We also lost Sgt Shaun Byrne from 8 Sqn and his obituary has also been included. One only has to read of their operational pedigree, varied careers and bold characters to appreciate how much they will be missed by all at Waddington. Our thoughts and best wishes go to their family and friends. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the current situation in Ukraine at present. As an operationally focused Station, our posture remains forward leaning and we remain ready to support anything requested of us. Please bear this in mind with respect to helping and looking out for each other. Our people may be working unusual shifts, longer hours and have increased demands placed upon them. I know you will all rise to the challenge. As the weather improves, I hope too will our ability to get out and about, socialise, take part in sport and other activities that are so important in maintaining the work life balance. I very much look forward to seeing you around the Station over the coming weeks and months and meeting as many of you as I possibly can.

his recent period has been relatively quiet from a non-operational perspective. However, there is some sad news from the squadron as MAcr Steve Wyatt recently passed away following a short illness. His passing has been felt acutely not just by 51 Squadron, but across RAF Waddington and the wider ISTAR community. His obituary is included in this month’s Insight. Our thoughts go out to Steve’s family and friends at this sad time. There has been little in the way of staff rides or expeditions, however SAC Alex Cartagena, one of 51 Sqn’s engineers, continued his winter with the British Bobsleigh Team. CT Steve Green has been in touch with Alex, to give us an update on how his training and competition has gone so far: Alex has continued in his first race season in the two-man bob as brake man. On the 6th Jan his bob took part in competition at Igls, Austria. They started as 28th in the running order and after an excellent first run they were positioned 18 out of 41 gaining a top twenty position and a second run. The second run saw them shave three hundredths off their start time and only came 6 hundredths slower than their first run finishing overall in 19th position only 1.36 seconds behind the winners. The next race was held at Winterberg, Germany and was the last race of the twoman season with Alex and his pilot Adam Baird coming 12th overall only 1.35 secs behind the winning crew. Alex has now started training for the four-man bob at Igls before heading off for more training at San Moritz prior to season end.

Thunderbolt Award

SAC Cartagena. The winter period has been exceptionally busy for 51 Sqn as a whole, as we deal with a significant increase in operational commitments from home base. The squadron was tasked to operate throughout the Christmas and New Year period and as such, many other sections across Waddington were required to support us. We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to RAF Waddington as a whole, who provided us excellent support throughout the Christmas period and well into 2022. Several squadron personnel have had some personal successes over the last few months. In the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, Squadron Leader A Hemlin received an MBE and both MAcr E Harrison-Beckett and Chief Technician R Heaney received AOC 1 Gp Commendations. There were also promotions from Flight Sergeant to Master Aircrew for MAcr R Forwood and MAcr E Harrison-Beckett and from Sergeant to Flight Sergeant for FS S Gannan, FS S Merrick and FS C Skelland. A huge congratulations to all!

was awarded this for my efforts in my previous role as Team Leader of the Facilities Installation Team at 5001 Sqn, 42 (Expeditionary Support) Wing. The Winged Thunderbolt Award for excellence in support engineering was created to showcase the importance of operational support engineering and recognise outstanding performance in delivery to current and future operations, in terms of the Wing’s core tenets of Readiness, Scalability and Excellence. It is sponsored and presented by The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. 42(Expeditionary Support) Wing provides specialist engineering support for air operations and defence

tasks all over the world. The Wing includes 5 Air Combat Service Support Units (ACSSUs) including 5001 Sqn, 71(IR) Sqn, 93(EA) Sqn and JARTS that provide direct and specific support in both the deployed space and within the UK. In Mar 2020, my team was deployed to RAF Akrotiri to carry out routine maintenance on the Aircraft Hangars deployed in support of Op SHADER. As a Team Leader this is quite a large task, normally routine in nature, but then COVID-19 happened. As lockdown spread across the globe we watched and waited for the impact on our role and our current tasking. Soon enough we were recalled by our unit two weeks earlier than planned. Little did I know that this would be the start of

one of the most difficult and challenging periods of my career. The impact of COVID-19 on our Squadron’s operational output was significant and put our workforce past stretch. Over the next 18 months my team would be split between different theatres, deployed 9 times and having spent many weeks in isolation both at home and in quarantine facilities. We deployed to Cyprus, Mali, Iraq, Kuwait and the USA in support of Operations and Exercises. Some locations we visited two or three times ensuring COVID safety. Week after week of isolation was mentally draining for the team and raising morale through “run club” or “brew o’clock” became essential. Together we spent 24 weeks

in isolation and a total of 73% of 2020 deployed. We faced and overcame mental, physical, administrative, logistical and engineering challenges together. Despite these challenges we never failed to deliver our operational output (and they still continue to do so). Although I played a huge role in the deployments in terms of leadership, management and organisation I couldn’t have done it without my team. I am extremely humbled to have been nominated and for winning this trophy but for me personally this award reflects the efforts of all those around me and it is to them that I will always be thankful. It’s hand on heart the most rewarding, and best job I have ever had. Sgt Robert Bourne

Looking ahead through 2022, we’re hoping to report on more squadron successes, deployments, staff rides and even more sporting triumphs. Swift and Sure 51 SQN MEDIA & COMMS TEAM FS Stu Branagan CT Steve Green Sgt Phil Howle

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 7

51 Sqn History Corner

Map showing the location of the Bruneval Radar Installation.

Aerial Reconnaisance of the Bruneval Radar Installation.

Sgt Phil Howle, one of the Squadron’s history buffs describes one of the most important missions in the Sqn’s History, Operation BITING which has also become known as The Bruneval Raid, took place 80 years ago in February 1942:

erial reconnaissance during the course of 1941 had identified a number of new coastal radar installations, named Wurzburg by the Germans. British scientists believed these installations were linked to the heavy losses being suffered by Bomber Command and requested that the technology be acquired somehow so they could study it further. The location identified which would provide the best opportunity for a successful was the site at Bruneval. The excessive German coastal defences meant that a seaborne commando raid would suffer heavy losses and would give the Germans enough time to destroy the installation before the raiding forces could reach it. It was therefore decided the best option would be for an airborne assault followed by a seaborne evacuation. C Company of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, 1st Airborne Division, commanded by Major John Frost was selected to carry out the raid. The raid had been delayed several times due to poor weather, but eventually took place on the evening of 27th February 1942, with 51 Sqn flying Whitley aircraft from RAF Thruxton in Hampshire. 51 Sqn was chosen to deliver the force due to the experience they had gained from Operation COLOSSUS (see Insight from Spring 2021), and the lessons learnt from that were put to great effect during the Bruneval raid. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire as the aircraft crossed

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the French coast, no damage was taken due to the skill and experience of the aircrew. Most of the airborne forces were successfully delivered into the designated drop zone a few miles from the radar and without having been detected. This was key to the success of the operation to provide an opportunity for a surprise attack on the installation. All of the 51 Sqn aircraft and crew returned to base safely. The company was split into 5 detachments, each named after Royal Navy Admirals. Three detachments (Jellicoe, Hardy and Drake) were to attack the installation, Nelson was designated to clear the beach (half of Nelson had landed about two miles off target) and Rodney was designated to lay anti-tank mines and protect against any counter attacks. The initial attack on the villa was relatively straightforward, but the gunfire alerted a nearby garrison into action. Jellicoe, Hardy and Drake detachments, now inside the compound, defended an RAF Radar Technician and a team of Sappers who were dismantling the RADAR. Once the vital components had been seized, the three detachments, now joined by Rodney started their recovery to the beach. On arrival, it was clear the depleted numbers of Nelson detachment had not been sufficient to clear the beach. Major Frost ordered Rodney to assist the depleted numbers of Nelson in clearing the beach while he took the remaining detachments back to the villa.

The villa had been reoccupied by German troops, but they were quickly defeated. On returning to the beach, Major Frost found that all German defences had been defeated as the displaced members of Nelson had appeared on the flank of the German machine gun nest, and thus the fighting was over fairly quickly. Now on the beach but with German forces beginning to arrive on the cliff edge, the landing craft arrived and all but 6 members of the raiding force were embarked and off to safety aboard a Royal Navy Gunship. From the raiding force, there were 2 killed, 6 wounded and 6 missing (later discovered to have been taken as Prisoners of War). The Operation was a huge success with many benefits, and long lasting effects that impacted the remainder of the war. First of all, it was a huge morale boost for the British Public and was featured in the media for a number of weeks. Winston Churchill took a personal interest in the raid and held a War Cabinet meeting about it on 3rd March, the outcome of which was a number of Medals being awarded, with OC 51, Wing Commander Pickard being awarded a bar for his Distinguished Service Order. Another vitally important effect was the British scientists understanding of how the German Radars were built. They were of a modular design and so easier to repair and maintain than British Radars, which led the designers to rethink their approaches.

This was confirmed after interrogation of a captured German radar technician, who proved to be less well trained than his British counterparts. As well as improving British radar design, it also allowed for the development of countermeasures. The signature of the Wurzburg emissions meant that existing measures were completely ineffective, so a newly developed system codenamed ‘WINDOW’ was introduced. Window was so effective, that during Operation GOMERRAH on Hamburg in 1943, it successfully blinded the entire radar network for the city. An unexpected consequence of the raid was that the Germans improved the defences around the Wurzburg radar compounds, which made them easier to see from the air and so were easier to target in preparation for Operation OVERLORD. Finally, the extent of the success of Operation BITING, highlighted how effective airborne operations could be, and so the Parachute Regiment was created in August 1942, and later in the war, influenced the decision to use airborne troops in Operation OVERLORD and MARKET GARDEN (during which, Major Frost was leading the 2nd Battalion, but was injured and captured during the battle). Without the vital contribution of 51 Sqn in the Bruneval Raid, the war could have gone very differently and the Parachute Regiment may have not even come into existence.

Pre-Mission Plan for the raid.

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Operation Christmas 2021

Discover

Bransby Come and visit our rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules!

In December 2021, the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) kindly offered up to £500 per Station to support the provision of Christmas Hampers or Lunches for Veterans within the local community.

DOGS w

elcome

Enjoy a great day out for all the family at our award winning Visitor Centre, Café & Gift Shop.

FREE

entry

For more information on opening times, call, ﬁnd us online or follow us on social media.

Find us at LN1 2PH • 01427 788 464 • BransbyHorses.co.uk Charity No: 1075601

Straight from the horse’s mouth; say hello to BRANSBY HORSES Every year Bransby Horses welcome thousands of visitors to meet our four-legged residents and explore miles of picturesque walkways in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside. With an award-winning Visitor Centre, Bransby Horses is perfect for a family day out or a meet up with friends. Every month we offer a new and unique kiddie’s exploration trail, and we have a brand new play park, suitable for children of all ages.

ue to ongoing COVID-19 limitations, RAF Waddington felt that hampers for veterans in the local community who would benefit from a little Christmas cheer this year, amid challenging times, would be an appropriate gesture. Through Flt Sgt Andy Lloyd of 8 Sqn RAF, Parish Councils, regional RAFBF staff and various veteran’s charities were approached to identify those who would benefit most from this project. Response was overwhelming and as a result further funding was sought with the RAF Waddington Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess donating sufficient additional funding to ensure that all the requests for support could be met and that no-one missed out.

In total 25 Hampers were purchased from various local companies and these contained such goodies as mince pies, Christmas puds, cakes and biscuits. The race was now on to get them delivered across the county by Christmas with the intent being that the hampers could go a little way to bringing some joy and happiness to those who have served with distinction in the past. Each and every veteran receiving a hamper, had a great story to tell. From 99-yearold Sylvia who worked in a munitions factory in WW2, to a family who the RAFBF had just helped financially to have their bathroom refurbished to meet their needs. Allan, an ex-Spitfire pilot now living in a care home in

Our family activities provide fun and entertainment whilst giving you the opportunity to see many of our rescued animals and learn about the work that we do. Activities cost between £3.50-£5.00 per child which includes a prize; there’s no need to book – simply ask on arrival. Throughout December, families can help Pudding the Shetland pony and Santa round up his reindeer after escaping from the North Pole. Can you find them all up and help save Christmas? There are hundreds of gifts to choose from in our fabulously stocked Gift Shop in addition to many pre-loved items for sale for you to grab a bargain in our Donated Goods Shop. The Café boosts a five-star hygiene rating and serves a selection of delicious breakfasts, light bites and lunches, along with Afternoon Tea by reservation, giving you the perfect excuse to indulge after a scenic walk in the fresh country air. Bransby Horses really does have something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? We’re FREE to visit and open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm, and seven days a week during school holidays. Our visitor site spans 600 acres of beautiful countryside and there’s hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules just waiting to meet you! • • • • • •

Free entry and parking. No need to book. Dog-friendly. Afternoon Teas are available in the Café by 24-hour pre-order. We encourage the wearing of face coverings unless exempt. All activity routes are buggy and wheelchair friendly.

For more information about Bransby Horses, visit us at Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH, search ‘Bransby Horses’ online or call 01427 788 464.

Newark, greeted me at the door with a beaming smile and spent a few minutes reminiscing about the planes he flew in WW2 including the Spitfire; less than 2 months before he celebrates his 100th birthday he seemed in fine form.

Dennis is the last surviving member (as far as we are aware) of the RAF’s Graves Registration Service from WW2. He was absolutely floored with the arrival of the hamper and would like to thank the RAFBF for their generosity. He was inspecting the chocolate and fudge closely and was joking that he would have to eat it before his Daughter visited for Christmas. Sending a little Christmas cheer can go a long way…

Churchill War Rooms and MoD Main building, London 1 ISR Sqn personnel had the opportunity to have a day out of the office and go to London to visit MoD Main Building and the Churchill War Rooms.

t Main Building we were given a brief insight into what it would be like to work within the building itself. We had the chance to speak to a few people who worked there and found out what their job roles entailed. It was interesting to find out what kind of work they do, as they work on a more strategic level rather than the tactical level we are used to at 1 ISR. We then

went to the Churchill War Rooms Museum, which was a great chance to see the underground housing where the government directed the Second World War from. You get to walk through what would have been the top-secret corridors and glimpse at what life would have been like during the tense days and nights of the Second World War. On arrival you are given an audio guide that leads you through

the site and describes how British leaders plotted the route to victory. There is also information about Churchill's 90-year life, from his lonely childhood to his military career and his two periods as Prime Minister in the interactive Churchill Museum. We were split into two teams and each team provided a 5-10min brief to the rest of the group at the museum; one on Churchill’s life prior to WWII and the other on

his style of leadership. Overall, it was a fascinating experience and a brilliant way to expand our knowledge and briefing skills. It was also a great opportunity to bond with people we may not see outside of work. I would highly recommend the Museum to any would be visitors. SAC Alanna Barron (1 ISR Sqn) INSIGHTMAGAZINE 11

Industry Day and Awards Dinner RAF Waddington held its annual Industry Day and Awards Evening on Fri 26 Nov 21.

he morning consisted of briefings to the Industry partners as well as by them to the Station Executive team. This was followed by a working lunch before industry partners and awards’ winners were invited to attend an af ternoon tour of the IBCC. In the af ternoon, there was a visit to the IBCC and, despite the freezing temperatures, everyone appeared to enjoy their outdoor tour but were very grateful to be greeted with a hot drink in the café and a warm up before looking around the permanent indoor exhibition at the IBCC. The awards evening took place in the Warrant Of ficers’ and SNCOs’ Mess and gave the Station and its industry partners the opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions that their personnel have made to the Station and the wider community over the last year. I’d like to invite you to read the below narratives from some of the Industry partners that work alongside the RAF and attended the event. Prior to the briefings, I had no real knowledge of what each company did, and how they feed into RAF Waddington day-to-day life and support our operations at home and abroad. QinetiQ ATEC The QinetiQ Waddington Detachment was established in April 1990 to provide support bringing the, then new, Sentry aircraf t into service. Over a 30-year period the Detachment has evolved to be the Industry element of the ASWC collaboration, the Air Test & Evaluation Centre (ATEC). It has grown to support RAF Waddington

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operations, AirISTAR & Maritime platforms by providing direct support to the DE&S Delivery Teams and frontline operations alike, right from the procurement of a platform through to its eventual retirement. The team actively look to of fer new career opportunities to experienced service leavers to ensure the team remains relevant to the evolving ISTAR world, this helps ensure the enormous knowledge and experience gained during service life remains accessible to the advantage of the RAF. The QinetiQ team all live in and around the Waddington area so readily support the local community, station events, and the ASTRA committees to the benefit of station personnel and local community alike. The Detachment based in 4 hangar works directly with ASWC, DE&S and the Operating community in areas such as: • Trials Organisation & Delivery; • Sof tware Support; • Continued Airworthiness Support; • Specialist Engineering Support; • Mission Systems concept, development and deployment. Paul Jones AirISTAR Programme Manager Qinetiq ATEC

Atkins Global Atkins, a member of SNCLavalin Group is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and

project management consultancies serving Defence, infrastructure, transportation, and energy sectors. Atkins helps our clients plan, design and enable major capital projects, and provide expert consultancy that covers a project’s full life cycle. Our approach is always the same, we build strong client relationships and place safety at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to have worked for over three decades with the UK MOD on some of the most critical systems and infrastructure projects, covering the maritime, land, air and cyber domains. For over 7 years we have been supporting the past, present and future platforms based at RAF Waddington including Sentry, Sentinel, Airseeker, Shadow and Protector. This includes providing Environmental Management, Safety Management, Continued Airworthiness, Through Life Support, Disposal Planning and Regulatory compliance assessments for the aircraf t. We have also carried out over 50 comprehensive and completely independent reviews of the aircraf t in accordance with the Military Airworthiness Review regulations. Dr Ian Bingham Client Manager, Defence Air Atkins Global

MDBA Group The MBDA Group is the only company in European capable of designing and

producing missile systems to meet the whole range of needs across all three armed forces. MBDA UK has just over 4,000 employees at Stevenage, Bristol and Bolton. It was established to assure the UK’s sovereign capability to develop its own, cuttingedge, weapons to meet the specific requirements of the RAF, RN and British Army, providing independent freedom of action in this vital area of military technology. MBDA’s relationship with RAF Waddington will develop through the MQ9B Protector programme, with the combat-proven, low collateral, precisionstrike Brimstone missile being selected as a key component of the surfaceto-air armament. The Brimstone 3 is optimised for use by Remotely Piloted Air Systems and the first live firings from Protector are on track for late 2022, ahead of the planned entry to service in 2024. MBDA looks forward to working increasingly closely with personnel from Waddington to add this ground-breaking capability to the RAF’s order of battle; and to renewing the warm relationship we previously enjoyed with 31 and XIII Squadrons the first two Protector units - in the Tornado era, when they repeatedly used MBDA’s Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles in action. Alistair Byford Defence and Political Adviser (Air) MBDA Missile Systems

AAR AAR’s proud association with RAF Waddington dates back

to 2005 when, as part of the newly formed ‘Joint Sentry Support Team’, we replaced existing RAF manpower within the Waddington Engineering bays with our own, largely ex RAF, Engineers in support of the Sentry Whole Life Support Contract. AAR’s support to the Prime Contractor, Northrop Grumman, extends not only to the staf fing of RAF Waddington Engineering Bays but has also included the provision of a comprehensive procurement service, the managing of the repair and overhaul of components through third party vendors and OEM’s, and the management of the entire Sentry inventory. This inventory management role, although largely performed at RAF Waddington has also been undertaken both at deployed maintenance locations and during squadron operational and exercise deployments utilising AAR’s cadre of Sponsored Reserve Logistics personnel. Our 16 years on site have been a testimony to the strong partnership between industry, DE&S and the Royal Air Force, both the operating Squadron and RAF Waddington itself, which has ensured the continuous availability of a Sovereign UK capability until the platform’s out of service date. Chris Maggs Regional Director AAR Government Services

Lockheed Martin Corporation Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Lockheed Martin UK is the Corporation’s

UK-based arm. From mail sorting technology to helping build the UK’s first commercial spaceport, our innovations and partnerships help solve some of the world’s most complex challenges, contributing to the UK’s defence, security and prosperity. The Lockheed Martin F-35 provides the UK with a decisive battlespace advantage across the multidomain spectrum. The F-35’s transformational capabilities enable pilots to operate in any environment, against any threat. Simply put it is the most advanced multirole fighter in the world – delivering unmatched lethality, survivability and connectivity. The Air and Space Warfare Centre, an RAF Waddington supported unit, plays a central role in the UK’s operation of F-35, and Lockheed Martin values that relationship immensely. Furthermore, as the full F-35 ISR potential becomes ever more evident involvement with other users at RAF Waddington, including the ISTAR HQ and JEWOSC, will inevitably increase. Lockheed Martin is therefore grateful to the Station executive for the opportunity to engage with the RAF Waddington community at the recent RAF Waddington industry day and awards dinner. Kelvin Truss Lockheed Martin UK Head of Strategic Engagement (Air)

Flt Lt Victoria Radcliffe

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13

Are you up for a challenge?

Personnel at RAF Waddington are urged to get on their bikes for RAFA Rides

Not much about the last two years has been certain, but one thing that has remained constant is the Royal Air Forces Association’s support of the RAF community.

n 5 June 2021 810 riders joined together from around the world to take part in RAFA Rides 2021. This included 250 who cycled routes around the beautiful Leicestershire and Rutland countryside, with the rest joining virtually.

for those who are serving, those who have served and their families, and have some bicycle-related fun at the same time!

Master Aircrew Steve Wyatt – EW Leader, 51 Squadron It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Master Aircrew Steve Wyatt, who passed away in January.

teve was just 52 and had been battling a short illness. Our deepest and most sincere sympathies go out to Sharon, Tom, Dan, his whole family and friends at this sad time.

The event, made possible thanks to generous ongoing support from security

There are many on the Squadron, across Waddington and the wider ISTAR fleet, who were friends or colleagues of Steve, and news of his passing is being sorely felt.

Friendship and maintaining connections are key elements in much of the welfare delivered by the Association and RAFA Rides shares these values. Personnel, families and contractors at RAF Waddington can be part of RAFA Rides 2022, taking place on Saturday 11 June 2022. You can show your support

and aerospace company Lockheed Martin UK, was created so people across the world could join together both in person and virtually, in support of the RAF community. While a great deal of the Association’s work is for more vulnerable members

of our community, serving personnel can benefit also from support. This can be a bedtime story recorded for a child while you are working away from home, online mental wellbeing courses, af fordable and nurturing early years childcare on RAF stations or an online forum for those caring for people living with dementia.

the RAF Association, added: “The support for RAFA Rides from within the serving RAF community is incredible, as is the atmosphere of (mostly) friendly competition! Many riders enjoyed the sense of all riding together for a cause close to their hearts, even if they were cycling alone out on the roads or in their home.”

Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, RAF Association ambassador and RAFA Rides founder, said: “RAFA Rides 2021 surpassed all our expectations. In just four years, this annual ride has become a real highlight in the cycling calendar. As the last miles were ridden, we were already thinking about the next year’s ride and it is going to be bigger and better. I urge everyone with a bike to sign up.”

Anyone who loves cycling, and wants to join riders around the world in supporting the RAF community, can sign up now for RAFA Rides 2022 on Saturday 11 June. You could challenge other trades or branches on your station. You could challenge other stations. Or you could challenge yourself. Whoever you challenge, sign up now and start training and fundraising!

Amy Petterson, Head of Community Fundraising at 14 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Visit rafa.org.uk/rafarides to start your journey.

Steve joined the RAF in 1987 as an Air Electronics Operator and af ter initial training at RAF Finningley joined No. 206 Sqn at RAF Kinloss as a ‘dry’ man. Af ter a subsequent tour at the Air Warfare Centre, Steve returned to the Nimrod MR2, this time with No. 201 Sqn, progressing to lead ‘dry’. 2004 saw Steve’s first introduction to 51 Sqn, swapping the MR2 for the R1 and quickly establishing himself as a pivotal team member, mentor and instructor, operating in several theatres around the globe. Always looking to further his experience he moved across Waddington, joining No. 5 (AC) Sqn on the Sentinel R1, before returning to 51 Sqn, this time on the RC-135, via a tour with No. 56 Sqn. His varied career saw him amass circa seven thousand hours across four aircraf t types. Evidently Steve spent much of his career within the ISTAR community, particularly here at RAF Waddington, probably the reason he became such an avid follower and season ticket holder of Lincoln City

at Lincoln Cathedral on 24th February. Steve’s family have asked for donations to be made to St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire), in lieu of flowers. A Just Giving page has been set up in Steve’s honour. Steve will be sorely missed by those of us on 51 Squadron and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this tragic time. Blue Skies, Sir.

FC. His career was varied and well-travelled, supporting operations from Op GRANBY in 1991, right through to contemporary operations such as Op SHADER and Op ROCKHARD. With this wealth of experience, Steve was considered an expert in his field and his loss will not just be felt personally, but professionally as well, such was the high regard in which he was held.

A popular and well-respected member of 51 Squadron, he was an obvious and natural fit as EW Leader, a role that allowed him to impart his years of knowledge and guidance across the Squadron. Steve’s funeral will take place INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15

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fter much deliberation and debate, it was decided to lay it up overseas in a country with longstanding historical links to the UK, the RAF, and most importantly XIII Sqn. Malta was chosen as a suitable location.

R&D Home Maintenance All work considered. NJTS! Minor electrical & plumbing, decorating, tiling, joinery, garden construction, flat packs, blinds, coving. A small & friendly professional team, committed to customer satisfaction. 10% Discount for Service Personnel (Regular, reservist, volunteers & ret’d). Free quote, call 07746 195760. XIII Squadron operated from RAF Luqa, Malta, between 1965 and 1972 with three versions of the British-built English Electric Canberra. The squadron had arrived from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in 1965 and remained on the island until just six months before the RAF base closed. Canberra’s flew hundreds of reconnaissance missions from Malta during the tense years of the Cold War, keeping a watchful eye on the Soviet Union’s military presence in the Mediterranean.

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XIII Sqn received their new Sqn Standard Jul 2021 and as a result needed to find a suitable, permanent home for their retiring Standard to be laid up.

chosen as the most appropriate location for the Standard to be laid up and remain for the rest if its time. The main Cathedral body has multiple tributes to the military, including a beautiful, wooden war memorial to all UK participants in WW2 on the island, including our sister Sqn 39, and many Allied nations who assisted. The battledamaged Ensign that flew over Luqa during the Battle of Malta is displayed on the wall next to a hanging RAF Ensign.

Tucked away in the corner of the Cathedral, directly in front of the main entrance, and above the eye line is the old RAF chapel. This was the setting for the short but poignant ceremony. It was attended by the British High Commissioner to Malta, The Defence Attaché to Malta and current XIII Sqn personnel including the Sqn OC. The Standard will be attached to the wall and is easily visible to anyone entering the Cathedral through its main entrance. Whilst in Malta, the Sqn party also visited the Mtarfa Military Cemetery where 2 XIII Sqn Canberra crews are buried side by side. Both crews perished during Operational sorties within 3 months of each other.

The Sqn personnel laid wreaths and paid their respects to their former squadron colleagues. Unfortunately, due to Covid and new Gov’t restrictions the trip had to be cut short and

the personnel returned after 3 days. They had achieved all they had set out to do and as a result the Sqn has reaffirmed the RAF’s, and XIII Sqn’s, long standing historical connection for many years to come.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 17

Kitchener s Holidays for Servicemen & Women

Charity Number 230090

We have organised a Tandem skydive on the 10th anniversary of James Ashworth VC 10TH Anniversary.

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13th June 2022 THE NUMBER ONE ARMED FORCES RESETTLEMENT MAGAZINE

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All funds raised from this will go towards the upgrade of facilities in the Hotel for veterans who come and stay so that they will have the best experience possible.

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R e s e t t l e m e n t • Tr a i n i n g • E d u c a t i o n • Fr a n c h i s e s • N e w s

Mary Petley gives an overview of the rules on preserved/ deferred pensions for those currently serving. P24

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Kitchener’s is a unique Suffolk charity offering guest house style accommodation overlooking the sea in South Lowestoft, to British and Commonwealth veteran and serving armed forces, merchant sea personnel, blue light services, and their families. Holidays and short breaks are available on either a bed & breakfast or half-board basis.

Holidays for Veterans of the Armed Forces, Merchant Seamen and members of the Emergency Services

Open from 1st Feb to 30th November

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Kitchener’s is centrally located between Great Yarmouth and Southwold with easy access transport links and a host of places to visit and things to do for both adults and children alike.

1ISR Wg Detachment to NSA Souda Bay In November 2021 a team of 8 personnel from 1ISR Wg forward deployed to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Crete.

he team comprised 3 Analysts and 2 Linguists from 54SU, 2 Cyberspace Communications Technicians from 1ISR Enabling Sqn and leading the team was Flt Lt Edwards, a Ground Exploitation Director, who took on the role of Ops Of ficer.

tactical missions in support of Operations SHADER, FORTIS and ROCKHARD.

The 1ISR detachment was tasked with processing, exploiting and disseminating intelligence gathered by the RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraf t, operated by 51 Sqn.

Marathi beach of fered the chance to snorkel, paddle board and soak up some sun, whilst the nearby city of Chania provided plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to explore. One weekend we decided to take in some of the stunning scenery, so SAC Marsden led us on a hike through a gorge, passing the ruins of the 11th century Katholiko Monastery, down to the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience which I would recommend to anyone who has the chance to visit the island.

Although the work was very similar to the day job we carry out back in the UK (at Digby and Waddington) forward deploying provided the opportunity to increase operational tempo. Operating from the Mediterranean island significantly reduced transit times to areas of interest, meaning the aircraf t could spend longer on station collecting intelligence. During the 4-week detachment the aircraf t was employed to conduct both strategic and

It wasn’t all work though and during periods of crew rest and aircraf t maintenance, we took the opportunity to enjoy what the local area had to of fer.

Capt Melville taking time to personally thank the deployed 1ISR personnel for their important operational contribution. Finally, it is also worth recognising the ef forts made by those supporting

the detachment from the UK. Of ten working long hours, their hard work ensured deployed personnel had the assistance they needed and customers received intelligence in a timely manner. Cpl Jonathan Davies

Overall, the detachment was a great success with Cdr ISTAR Air Wg, Gp SAC Marsden leads the team up through the gorge as a curious goat watches on.

You will find a warm welcome from the resident Manager, Ash, who served in the armed forces, and his wife Caroline. Amongst both regular and new guests, Kitchener’s has a solid reputation as being a place to relax and unwind amongst likeminded people; there’s nothing like the camaraderie and humour of those who have served our country, no matter in what capacity. With regular guests such as Royal Chelsea Pensioners and Normandy D-Day Vets, there are often stories to be heard from conflicts past. They too, love to speak with the younger veterans and serving personnel to hear about what is going on now and how things have changed. It is not uncommon to find a group gathered in the bar exchanging stories.

enquiries@kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk www.kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk

If being outdoors is more your thing, you will find plenty to do in the local area. As Kitchener’s is located on the seafront of the East coast, there’s plenty of opportunity for watersport activities. Alternatively, a short distance away, you can hire a boat for a day trip on the Norfolk Broads.

Registered Charity Number 230090

A stay at Kitchener’s is offered at a substantially discounted price for our veterans and serving armed forces and their families which is subsidised by grants and charitable donations. This allows us to offer a warm, friendly ‘home from home’ stay at an affordable price. 1SR Wg personnel in front of the 51 Sqn Rivet Joint.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19

Sgt Shaun ‘Plenty’ Byrne – Sentry Mechanical Engineer, 8 Squadron It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sgt Shaun ‘Plenty’ Byrne, who passed away suddenly at the age of just 42 in January.

ur deepest and most sincere sympathies go out to Nicky, Riley, Lauren, Lewis and his whole family and friends at this sad time. There are many colleagues and friends on 8 Sqn, former 31 Sqn and across RAF Waddington and RAF Cosford whose lives were touched by Shaun and the news of his sad passing is being truly felt. Shaun was always destined to join the RAF and af ter a spell with Air Cadets at Hucknall he took the plunge in 1999 joining as an Aircraf t Mechanical Technician. Af ter completion of Basic Training at RAF Halton and initial Trade Training at RAF Cosford he joined Sentry Line Flt in 2001 (supporting both 8 and 23 Sqn). It was during those first few days on SLF he received the nickname Plenty, when during arrival interviews when asked, “do you have any nicknames?” he replied, “yes of course, plenty”, meaning he had more than a few, but it stuck. Shaun remained with Sentry until 2009 working primarily in the Scheduled Maintenance and Wings Team, amassing a wealth of aircraf t structural knowledge

20 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

before a move across station for a whistle stop tour on 51 Sqn (Nimrod R1) and onto RAF Marham Fuel Tank Repair Bay. In 2011 he escaped back to sqn life he loved so much with a tour on 31 Sqn and GR4 Tornados, where he spent 6 happy years. With a breadth of FJ and ISTAR experience Shaun was an obvious choice to shape ‘newbie EngOs’ returning to RAF Cosford as an EOFT instructor in 2016. Two years later the bungee cord pulled him back to his first love ‘Sentry’ and 8 Sqn where he quickly established himself as a Mechanical Team Lead, deploying with the Sqn last year on Op SHADER during the Sentry’s final farewell ‘Op’. As one of the most experienced engineers on Sentry he had ‘Plenty’ to give, and he has played a big part in the sqn’s success. His loss will not just be felt personally, but professionally for an individual held in such high esteem. A popular and wellrespected member of 8 Sqn. Shaun’s funeral was held at St Mary’s Church Greasley, Nottingham on the 11 Feb and marked by a Sentry

flypast, a fitting tribute to a wellloved colleague. He will be sorely missed amongst his 8 Sqn and 31 Sqn family and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this sad time. Uspiam et Passim ‘Plenty’. INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21

XIII SQN ASSOCIATION

INAUGRAL LUNCH On 3rd Dec whilst the majority of the Sqn were nursing a hangover or still queuing for a Taxi from Lincoln a small band hosted the inaugural XIII Sqn Association lunch.

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he event was attended by 16 Veterans of the Squadron including our 2 oldest, Mr Cedric Robinson (90) who served as an Engine Fitter on Mosquitos in 1949 and Mr Maurice Lupton (88) who served in 1952 on Meteors as a Photographic Technician in what was a forerunner role to 1ISR. The Canberra force were also strongly represented covering the entire service of that aircraf t on the Sqn. The Tornado force was also represented as was Reaper. The Vets were given an excellent welcome by the Boss and an equally excellent briefing from Flt Lt Sansom who handled the questions extremely well. The Vets were then given a chance to peruse the Sqn photo albums with many picking themselves out or finding pictures they had taken themselves – some

22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

getting quite moved by the experience. A quick tour of the Sqn followed including a look inside a ‘fired-up’ MJAT – all were mightily impressed. This was followed by a buf fet lunch in the Reaperbahn which included lots of ‘war stories’ requiring many sandbags to be sat upon. Towards the end the Boss was presented the ‘original’ plaster Sqn Crest that hung from the door of the CO when the Sqn fell out of the line in 1980. This had been jemmied of f of the door by SAC Groves and ‘kept for safe keeping’ for 42 years. Mr Groves had been a photo liney and mounted the crest onto a photographic plate from a Canberra and the whole placed on a wooden stand. He decided the rightful place for these items was back on the Sqn – and donated them to the boss.

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