Lions Roar - Autumn 2022

The official quarterly publication of Royal Air Force Benson

Delivering world-class training to the Joint Helicopter Command

CAE’s Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility (MSHATF) at RAF Benson has delivered an unparalleled training standard to the UK Support Helicopter Force for over 20 years. Royal Air Force aircrews and international militaries have benefitted from the world-class training and pre-deployment mission preparation received at the MSHATF.

As a world-class training systems integrator, CAE offers comprehensive training solutions to help make military aircrew training more efficient and effective.

SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES: Articles for the Lion’s Roar should be submitted by email, written in Microsoft Word (preferably not the latest version format) and pictures should be sent as high quality original jpegs and attached as separate files, not embedded in the text or reduced in size.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

From the Editor…

Welcome to the Autumn 2022 issue of the Lion’s Roar, delayed due to the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Thank you to Andy Lyes for maintaining the magazine for the last six years, I hope to continue your good work during my time in post.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted an article for the

magazine during what has been a particularly busy time for the Station. If you would like to submit an article for the Winter edition, notably any articles relating to HM Queen Elizabeth II, please send them to ‘benlionsroarmagazine@mod.gov. uk’, remembering to include any pictures that you would like to be featured. 500-700 words is perfect, but shorter articles will also be considered. It’s always great to hear what everyone’s been getting up to round the Station. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine.

Sgt Al Dixon Lion’s Roar Editor

Publishing Team

PUBLISHER

Lion’s Roar is published by Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL

Tel: 01536 334223

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jayne Bailey Tel: 01536 334219

DESIGNER Amanda Robinson

PRINTER Micropress

ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND FEATURES TO…

Sgt Al Dixon Flt Lt Dent

Email: BEN-LionsRoarMagazine@mod.gov.uk

DISCLAIMER:

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RAF BENSON CROSSFIT

This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Ltd cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence.

All images © UK MoD Crown Copyright 2016 unless otherwise stated.

Foreword from the Station Commander... Lion’s Roar

We have all mourned the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with profound sadness, while continuing to honour her extraordinary lifetime of dedicated service.

As a young Princess, and later as our Queen, she was a frequent visitor to RAF Benson until the disbandment of the Queen’s Flight on the 31st March 1995. Her inspirational leadership, coupled with her dignified warmth and loyalty, served as an example to us all.

The last few months at RAF Benson have been incredibly busy. The Puma Force’s short notice deployment to the Baltics drew in huge effort from across the whole Station, all whilst continuing to prepare for the Puma move to Brunei and Cyprus. A big thankyou to the whole station community for your continued support.

By the time this magazine is published, the first cohort of Aircrew, Engineers, and Support staff will have arrived in Brunei and will be busy getting ready to take over permanently from the Army Air Corps. This initial move forward of Benson personnel to Brunei represents the first step in what will be a gradual, but hugely significant change to the make-up of RAF Benson. With the establishment of Puma in Brunei well under way, and

with Cyprus now clearly visible over the horizon, the RAF Benson of 2023 will undoubtedly look and feel different. This being said, with RAF Benson retaining the Headquarters element for both Brunei and Cyprus, I am confident that the sense of Station community and spirit will remain unfragmented, despite this being the case geographically.

As always, it is brilliant to see Station personnel getting involved in the huge variety of activities available at RAF Benson, especially with ones which are relatively recent additions. Special mention has to go to the RAF Benson CrossFit club, which has rapidly evolved into a thriving community in itself. Congratulations to Flt Lt Amy Dent and her team.

Finally, this will be my last foreword as your Station Commander. As I prepare to handover the reigns to Gp Capt Royston-Aiery in November, I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank-you to everyone for all the support there have provided me and my family throughout the tour.

Editorial Team

OIC/EDITOR

Sgt Al Dixon 230 Sqn

DEPUTY EDITOR

Flt Lt Amy Dent

28 Sqn

33 SQN REP

Flt Lt Mullins

28 SQN REP

SAC Peter Davidson x7722

LS REP

Fg Off Becky Bull

OC M&T Flt, Ext: 7428

EXPEDITION & SPORTS REP

Post vacant

BSW REP

Plt Off James Liddell

SEO, Ext: 7245

OPS WG REP

Flt Lt Tom Barber Ext: 8139

606 SQN REP

Flt Lt Peter Legg

606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238

JHSS REP

Flt Lt Matty Snape x 7549

PHOTO & IMAGERY REP

SAC Conor Morgan Ext 7265

CARTOONIST

FS Dave McCrindle 28 Sqn x8072

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Leading Rate Ben Shread.

A selection of images of HM Queen Elizabeth II at RAF Benson

Pumas in the Baltics

On the 24th February 2022, Vladamir Putin decided to invade mainland Ukraine eight years after the annexation of The Crimea in 2014, by Russia.

The leaders of the supposed ‘special military operation’ quickly found that they had underestimated the will of the people, their leader and overestimated their ability to achieve their strategic goals against the capital.

NATO responded in a multitude of ways, one of which saw rotary assets deployed from the UK to the Baltic nations. Their goals were simple: 1) reassure NATO allies across the Baltic states that we stand with them, and 2) demonstrate UK capability and readiness.

In early June, Aviation Task Force 3 (ATF3), led by Wing Commander Andy Beasant, were tasked to relieve the Army Wildcats who had been operating for over two months. And so the Puma Force set off on a four day panEuropean journey that took them through France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and Poland before landing at their main staging base of Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania.

Tasking began the very next day, starting with around 150 Portuguese marines receiving briefs from the Aircrew on how to board and alight the Puma. Each marine was then given a familiarisation flight to put their drills to work. This proved invaluable as future tasking with this unit was slick and efficient, maximising the time that the Pumas had on task for followon serials. RAF Benson’s Army Liaison Officer along with JHSS were also on hand to facilitate swift handling of soldiers on the ground prior to flights.

the Latvian Air Force. The Pumas then took up positions as static displays and engaged with the Latvian public for the afternoon.

Word of the Pumas success in Lithuania must have spread rapidly as Estonia then requested that the Pumas conduct a 3-ship flypast, alongside a pair of Baltic Air Police F-16s, to commemorate their Victory Day Parade, taking place at Kuressarre on the beautiful island of Saaremaa. Getting all three aircraft in good working order so soon was an ambitious task. But through sheer grit and determination, our mighty engineers managed to accomplish this mean feat and, as a result, a precise timeon-target was executed by Formation Lead, Flt Lt Genevieve Rolleston-Smith

For the first few weeks, tasking was largely in and around Lithuania and mainly consisted of troop transport and freight carriage to a number of NATO countries. As word of the Pumas’ versatility and lift got around however, we began to see tasking expand to the North in both Latvia and Estonia.

Alongside various reconnaissance missions and medevac drills, was the public facing side of business which included a two ship flypast at Lielvārde Air Base, to open an air show commemorating the 30th Anniversary of

Managing just a little play amongst the hard work, a weekend of enrichment was also enjoyed by many on the detachment in the form of a weekend in Riga, Latvia. ATF3 had a guided tour of the old KGB ‘offices’ (prison, torture and execution facility) and freely roamed the four storey Latvian War Museum.

Having been operating in The Baltics for just over a month, ATF3 handed over to the Chinook Force who would be replacing them as the UK rotary asset in the region. The Pumas valiantly self-ferried home with horizons now firmly beginning to dawn on operations in Brunei and Cyprus…

Flt Lt Micah Phillips 33 Sqn

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

RAFA Rides

Ex DYNAMITTING

Owing to the tremendous work carried out by Logistics Squadron personnel, during a period of increased support to remote locations, an ambitious and rewarding Force Development trip was organised.

The RAFA awning and arch was set up at the main gate, under the shadow of the ‘Spitfire’ gate guardian for an 08:00 start. Twenty-two riders signed up for the event.

Seven mountain bike riders lined up and departed on the ride. Of those, two riders completed a single twenty-five-mile lap of the route, one completed a fiftymile adventure and the remaining four completed the one-hundred-mile epic.

Fifteen road riders lined up a few moments later, to set off on their very own adventure.

Three riders completed one twentyfive-mile lap, another three completed fifty miles, one completed seventy-five miles and a whopping eight riders finished the one-hundred-mile epic. Within these onehundred-milers were RAF Benson Station Commander Gp Capt Patton, OC 22Sqn Wg Cdr Flynn and OC 230 Sqn Wg Cdr Beasant.

Overall, there were a few tired bodies but everyone is proud of the effort put in for this worthy cause.

The main aim was to visit locations relevant to the events that occurred during Operation DYNAMO during World War II, and to compare and contrast these to the evacuation during Operation PITTING.

Monday 27 Jun

The first destination was the beach at Dunkirk, specifically the spot used to film numerous beach scenes during the 2017 movie of the same name. The breathtaking views were enveloped by a striking sense of exposure and vulnerability, forcing one’s mind back to the thousands of British Expeditionary Forces, and French forces who fought here in World War II.

The fragility of the situation also prompted thoughts of, and comparisons with, the last days of Op Pitting. In particular, the vast resources and logistics effort required to evacuate people both from the beaches of Dunkirk, and more recently, Kabul airport.

“A miracle of deliverance, achieved by valour, by perseverance, by perfect discipline, by faultless service, by resource, by skill, by unconquerable fidelity, is manifest to us all” Sir Winston Churchill

The last destination, on the first day, was the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. This was found to be a sobering visit, as each name etched into the stone represents one of over 55,000 officers and men who perished in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are unknown. Astounding, when one compares this already heartwrenching number, to the staggering 16 million military casualties during World War I, appropriately coined ‘the war to end all wars’. Our visit ended with the last post ceremony, held at 8pm every day, without exception. A poignant moment in which to remember all those who fell in the Salient.

Tuesday 28 Jun

On the second day, the first stop was at the Atlantic Wall, a line of fortifications spanning from Norway to Southern

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

MAcr Andy Hunt

Sunday 29th May was a lovely day, perfect weather for an epic RAFA Rides event.

France, around 5,200km in total. Here more stands were given, explaining the retreat of allied forces due to the German Blitzkrieg, and comparing the last three days of the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force and French soldiers, to the evacuation from the Hamid Karzai airport during Op PITTING. The formidable fortifications and vast openness of the beaches gave everyone a sense of how arduous the task of assaulting the Atlantic wall must have been. Multiple people were awe struck when seeing the fortifications and long beaches, and considering the perilous task it must have been for those who had to storm the beaches under machine gun and artillery fire. The trip highlighted the vast logistics effort required not only to assemble the Atlantic wall, but on the allies side, to prepare for such a large scale invasion.

miles down the road. The German War grave which held a mass grave of thousands was jet black, with less adulation.

Overall the trip was incredibly informative. Everyone agreed it was a learning experience which helped relate the modern problems we face, such as Op PITTING to those faced during WWII.

AS2 Benjamin Robinson

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” Gen D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Wednesday 29 Jun:

On the third day of the trip, the group visited Tyne Cot cemetery, a very sombre experience for all who viewed the rows upon rows of graves of those who fell in WWI, many of which as old or younger than members of the group. The gravestones were bright white and well kept, with poppies surrounding the cemetery, this in stark contrast to the German cemetery a few

The final stop of the day was at the La Couple Museum, this museum showcased the network of extensive caves carved out during WWII by mass slave labour, as well as an insight into the Nazi ballistic missile development programme. Extensive exhibitions portrayed the cruel reality of the unfortunate people who were forced against their will to create weapons such as the V2 rocket, which frequently rained down death and destruction upon London during the war. A section of the museum also showed the advances in missile technology in relation to space exploration.

Giving a brief history in to todays advances in space technologies, a good comparison to the new front of cyber warfare and space warfare of today. A key aspect of the museum visit was seeing the vast logistics required to accumulate all the resources.

“Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds”- J.R. Oppenheimer atomic bomb scientist

“Only the dead have seen the end of war”Plato

RAF Benson MT Flight

Here we discuss some of the tasks we have delivered since the last edition of the Lion’s Roar.

A Class Driver Training Week

23 – yes that’s twenty three - is the number of specialist vehicle platforms an MT Driver at RAF Benson is qualified to drive, as standard. Maintaining these competencies could be likened to painting the Forth Bridge (an expression coined to describe a never-ending job) but this is the life we live… A perfect solution to remaining qualified on all vehicle types and variants has yet to be found during this current operational climate, but our attempt came during 13-17 Jun 22.

and deployments. SV training was the opportunity to utilise larger vehicles using road convoy driving skills as well as test themselves and the equipment off-road.

It was an extremely rare occasion to have so many personnel together at one time. Despite the commitment to Op ALUMINIUM, we still managed to have 17 personnel participate, including supporting 501 Sqn Reservists on their Annual Continuous Training week, on 15 of the 23 vehicle platforms. Despite the amount of training completed, Cpl Gav Colbourne still had the energy to attempt his RAF Swim Test!

Cpl Wilson

previously unknown rules and regulations. I look forward to pursuing similar challenging opportunities in the future.

AS2 Stokes

Queens Jubilee Flypast

A week was set aside to provide an opportunity to refresh and fine tune skills less often used. The short notice deployment on Op ALUMINIUM threatened to wipe out the week (7 personnel deployed with 5 vehicles) but we plodded on without them.

The training serials were split into 3 training days; Army School of Mechanical Training (ASMT), load & restraint and Special Vehicle (SV) / off road driving. ASMT covered topics such as millipore testing, standards and FOD prevention. Load & Restraint training saw personnel tested with a range of different loads, with commonly used equipment for exercises

Force Development

From the 27 July to 31 Jul, I had the immense privilege of participating In the Force Development trip to Belgium, via France with Logs Sqn personnel. The trip (OP DYNAMITTING) was a great opportunity to further enhance my knowledge and history of the key defining moments of both World Wars. The trip took us to many brilliant and insightful museums where we had the chance to get hands on with real letters and artifacts from both conflicts. The historical location of Dunkirk held a very intriguing museum that gave us the opportunity to explore the actual trenches and underground defensive lines that the German forces pushed the Belgium military to, the interesting fact being, that the trenches lay just few hundred metres from the sea, so the Belgians had nowhere to retreat.

On one of the evenings, we got to experience the sombre atmosphere of the Menin gate: a bridge in Belgium that holds the names of soldiers who were believed to have died but their bodies were never identified. There were close to 55,000 names, from all different walks of life. The evening spent here was beautifully and respectfully finished off with the famous Last Post remembrance service.

From a personal perspective, this trip presented the chance for me to develop professional relationships with people I had not previously known within the Logistics Sqn at Benson. It has also allowed me to, as a Logistics (driver), experience driving in a new country, encountering

On 1 Jun 22, while most of the country was getting ready for street parties and celebrations, the Army School of Mechanical Transport (ASMT) staff were busy preparing for the refuelling tasks on the wide range of aircraft that would start and end their flypast sorties at RAF Benson.

The first task was to ensure that our home aircraft, 6 Pumas and 2 Chinooks, were full of fuel before the visiting aircraft would arrive the following day.

Such was the size and importance of the task, Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) were drafted in to provide a third Rotors Running Refuel (RRRF) capability. First in the queue to receive fuel on the day, were 6 Apache attack helicopters. Followed closely by 3 Royal Navy Wildcats, who were treated to 3 simultaneous RRRF’s!

Once the first round of refuelling was complete, ASMT staff were able to relax and enjoy the Fly Past over Buckingham Palace on this momentous occasionknowing that it wouldn’t be long until those aircraft would be returning to Benson.

Once the crowd had marvelled at the display, it was back to work. The 17 rotary assets were joined by an additional 6 Texan Fast-Jet training aircraft, requiring fuel for their onward journey home to RAF Valley.

All in all, a very busy but successful and rewarding day for our ASMT team!

Cpl Riddell

As with the rest of the Station, the last few months have certainly kept us on our toes!

J4/J6 PLANNING IN BRUNEI –PREPARING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF PUMA

Dialling back a few months ago to May this year, a team from Engineering and Logistics Wing deployed to Brunei to conduct some of the pre-work required to ensure this initial deployment ran smoothly. Primarily, this visit was to oversee the off-load of the initial freight and equipment coming off the Ro-Ro and going into storage, in readiness for the deployment of the first Puma.

The team, made up of personnel from both Logs Sqn and Eng Support Sqn (C4i and Arm Eng) flew out to Brunei via Singapore, where we were able to buy fridge magnets and get a good breakfast. Also joining us on this visit, was the Force Ordnance Warrant Officer from JHC, who offered invaluable assistance and advice during our meetings.

Hitting the ground at the International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan, the team immediately travelled across to Seria and

where (again) we were graciously hosted by the British Force Garrison at Tucker Lines.

Making the most of our 5 days on the ground, what followed was a round of very productive meetings with stakeholders across the board.

Working with the Quartermasters Department within 2RGR (Royal Gurkha Rifles), the Squadron Quartermaster within 667 Sqn AAC and the QOGLR (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment) Detachment, we were able to get to establish a wide range of future support arrangements, such as transport, storage, consignment tracking and RLS (Real Life Support). Technical questions regarding security, explosive storage and communications were also answered.

The team returned to the capital city for a meeting with the Defence Advisor (Gp Capt Graeme Davis) and SNCOs from the Garrison MCC (Movement Control Cell) at the UK High Commission.

During this meeting a detailed discussion was held to understand the process for shipping and importing critical spares and

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

At the time of writing this article, the first Puma had already been received at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base at Rimba. Engineering and Logistics personnel will be getting ready to receive the next 2 imminently.

material into Brunei from Benson (critical AOG demands for Puma).

It wasn’t all meetings with tea and coffee in the High Commission! Once the ISOs and vehicles were offloaded from the Ro-Ro and were transported to the Garrison, so began the process of unloading the dangerous goods, fuels and lubricant products and placing them into temperature-controlled storage. Additionally, vehicles had to be handed over to Garrison MT for safe keeping. Doing this work in the extreme Bruneian heat was a challenge.

Our last day in Brunei revolved around surveying A Hangar at Rimba Air Force Base and looking over the allocated storage and technical working areas of what will be Puma’s temporary home in Brunei (before moving to Medicina Lines). Engaging with UK Loan Service Officers in the Royal Brunei Air Force and Bruneian Ground Handlers for the airport and base (Glamco Limited), further planning discussions were had, further ensuing the seamless arrival of Puma helicopters later down the line.

Our return journey, via Kuala Lumpur, followed next. It had been a full and busy programme but we departed safe in the knowledge that Puma freight and equipment was stored in good order

in readiness for the activation, crucial discussions were had and arrangements put into place to sustain Puma going forward.

Sqn Ldr Wright

606 Sqn

It has been an interesting and rewarding time and I offer some thoughts for those of you that have not had an opportunity to work with 606 Sqn and our eclectic and enthusiastic Part-Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVRs).

606 (Chiltern) Sqn is a Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) Sqn, and we occupy the Waterside spaces of A Hangar, Building 81. It is important to understand that we are not a lodger unit, but an integral part of Team Benson and one of the station deliverables to JHC. We have a HQ Staff of eighteen, made up of Regulars, FTRS and Additional Duties Contract (ADC) Service Personnel, who provide support to 140+ Part Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVR). Our PTVRs comprise eight Trade Groups: Aero Space Operations Specialists (ASOS), Gen Tech (M),

At the end of August 2022, my two years of Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) as the 606 Sqn Adjutant came to end.

WO Derek Vokins.

FS Des Robson.

CT Phil Duley.

Sgt Rob Duley.

Sgt Steve Wallington.

In the past 25 years 606 Sqn PTVRs have deployed on Ops to: Afghanistan, Albania, BFSAI, Bosnia, Cyprus, Estonia, Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macedonia, Mali, Mozambique, Romania, Sierra Leone, and the UK (Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA)). They have deployed in support of exercises to Belize, Canada, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, USA, Western & Central Europe and throughout the UK. Wherever the SH has gone in the past 25 years, 606 Sqn has quickly followed.

We continue to provide operational support to RAF Benson, RAF Brize Norton and RAF Odiham as well as the wider JHC. Hopefully this provides a flavour and an insight to what the 606 Sqn PTVRs have delivered in my 2 years!

first opportunity to put our newly acquired field kitchen to use. The BBQ provided the opportunity to present 30 Queens Platinum Jubilee Medals (QPJM) to our personnel.

For many, particularly our junior members, this was their first medal and therefore a particularly auspicious occasion. The QPJM were presented by OC 606 Sqn and was followed by a loyal toast to HM The Queen with Port or water.

Under Reserve Force 30 we can expect to continue to deliver utility in support of JHC and Air for many years to come.

Gen Tech (E), Logs (Chef), Logs (MT), Logs (Support), PTI and Regt; the ranks range from Sqn Ldr to AR. Additionally, we have several PTVR officers who are Subject Matter Experts (SME) who fill posts in both ground and flying appointments.

606 Squadron was formed in 1996, and in October 2021 we celebrated our 25th Anniversary, with a sunset ceremony. The Reviewing Officer was AVM Richard Maddison, AOC 22 Gp. In the evening, there was a formal dinner attended by over one hundred and thirty members of 606 Sqn, both past and present, plus guests. The ‘Top Table’ guests were: AM Sir Ian MacFadyen KCVO, CB, OBE, the previous 606 Sqn Honorary Air Commodore (HAC); AVM Richard Maddison OBE,AOC 22 Gp; AVM Ranald Munro CBE, TD, VR, DL Cmdt Gen RAuxAF; Air Cdre Jane Middleton MSc, the current HAC; Gp Capt Nick Paton DFC, Stn Cdr RAF Benson; Wg Cdr Adam Shave COS

RAF Benson; Rev Father Pete Harris, Master and Mr Philip Hyde, Company Clerk from the Worshipful Company of the Lightmongers; Mrs Linda Atkins SERFCA and South Oxfordshire District Councillor.

I have many fond memories of my time on 606 Sqn. Seeing AS1 Tonia Green, as a representative of the RAuxAF Reserves, at the 2022 National Festival of Remembrance, in the Royal Albert Hall was certainly one. Our Summer Function (BBQ) was another high point. Our Logs(Chef) team excelled in providing an outstanding BBQ selection and sumptuous desserts, which catered for many and varied dietary needs of our 100+ service personnel (SP). This was also the

Finally, the RAF has changed significantly since I joined as an Apprentice Technician back in October 1971, when we had a compliment of more than 100,000 SP. During this time the RAF has evolved and changed dramatically to reflect changes within our nation. The one constant during all of this is the drive, determination, commitment, and dedication of our people – I thank you all for your service to the RAF and the nation. All the very best for your future in this ever-changing world.

I would like to take this opportunity to give special mention to six 606 Sqn PTVRs who have served on the Sqn since it first formed:

Flt Lt Pete ‘Leggy’ Legg.

FRENCH MISSION COMMANDERS’ COURSE

Having participated in the course in 2021, the UK Puma Fce was once again invited to attend and was also given the opportunity to put forwards a candidate to be qualified –the first non-FASF pilot to be afforded such an opportunity.

Prior to the flying phase, the UK nomination, Flt Lt Knight of B Flt 33 Sqn, attended a “virtual week” during which he and his FASF MC candidates undertook mission planning and briefing together prior to “flying” missions utilising VR simulators at Orange Air Force Base. During this period, three UK Pumas left RAF Benson to begin the transit to the LIVEX location of Solenzara Air Force Base on the isle of Corsica, a place not unknown to the Puma Force, which trained there in workup for Op OLYMPIC. Due to the distance, the formation overnighted at Orange, catching up with Flt Lt Knight and the other candidates on the way down.

The following morning, the three Pumas headed south for a final refuel before transiting across the south coast of France prior to completing the 180-kilometre over-water transit. By midafternoon they finally touched down at their new home of Solenzara, meeting up with their new colleagues for the exercise, which included Caracals, Fennecs, Super Pumas, Puma 1s, a Rafael and ISR assets, as

well as troops from the French Air Force, Army and Foreign Legion.

The two-week flying phase commenced with a familiarisation flight on the Monday to practice formation keeping between the different aircraft types and emplaning and deplaning practice with the troops before the tactical phase began in earnest.

Operating in warm conditions, the exercise package conducted a variety of mission sets, from NEO/ HADR style evacuations up to direct assaults and CSAR in equally varied terrain. The nature of the terrain on Corsica is such that within a 10nm transit it wasn’t uncommon to have to climb from sea level to c. 5000’; as many will be aware the change in aircraft performance due to this height difference certainly gave the crews much to consider in their planning cycles!

As with most exercises, as the serials progressed the missions became more complex, and by the second week the exercise had moved into the assessment phase. During the first mission of the second week, Flt Lt Knight conducted his assessment mission. The complex task began with an ISR soak on the target followed by air to ground strikes by a Rafael and Fennecs. Once he had cleared the formation onto the target through

the JTACs, Flt Lt Knight coordinated the mission from the overhead. Managing the capabilities of different aircraft types, and liaising closely with the Ground Mission Commander, Flt Lt Knight enabled in the capture of an HVT and successful exfil of all friendly troops, leading to mission success and the award of the Mission Commander qualification.

By the time they returned to Benson, the UK Pu detachment had managed to achieve just under 90 flying hours for the deployment, down in no small part to the excellent work of Flt Lt Carr-Briggs and WO Warren and their engineering team. Looking forwards for future iterations of the exercise, with Pu Fce now deployed to Brunei and shortly to Cyprus, a small but experienced team of aircrew from 27 Sqn observed the exercise to see how they might fit into the exercise in the future.

The French Mission Commanders’ Course is an annual French Air and Space Force (FASF) led exercise conducted to train and qualify a small cadre of RW pilots in the qualification of “Mission Commander”, enabling them to lead multiple-type formations on operations.

Flt Lt Cushen and Sgt McMillen

Camo Day

CAMO day is an initiative started by SSAFA to engage with both local and station-based school children, with the aim of giving them a glimpse into life on an RAF base.

The children were shown around Benson-based Pumas and Chinooks, as well as an AW109 from 32 Sqn at Northolt. In addition, stands were erected by various flights from RAF Benson, giving children the chance to; brave an assault course, tour a fire engine, be schooled in the art of camouflage and concealment, and learn basic first aid skills. All this, alongside being put through their paces in marching and being given lessons in survival by the survival equipment section!

RAF Benson Primary Headteacher, Stephanie Fawdry spoke of the day:

‘CAMO day is really important as the children get to see the functions that the station provides. The children say it’s the best day of the year! They really enjoy being able to see and use equipment their parents use, and it helps them to understand more about what their parents do each day. They get a great buzz from it, and it really inspires the children to think about what they may want to do in their future.’

Project Officer Flight Sergeant Jonathan Burt-Matthews commented:

‘The main point of CAMO day is us being able to give back to the local community.

The children are able to spend thirty minutes at each individual station, learning something different about what each section does. It’s really helpful for the children to understand what happens on the base and why we do what we do. The station considers this a very important event, and the co-ordination team have worked really hard to make sure today is really special for the children.”

What was already a fantastic day was made only greater by the impressive flypast from a BBMF Hurricane! The clear joy on all the children’s faces throughout has made all the hard work worthwhile. A big thanks to all involved.

AS1 Ross Goold

On Friday 24th June, RAF Benson hosted a selection of primary school children from RAF Benson, Ewelme and Benson Primary Schools, to enjoy the station Camouflage (CAMO) day.

Padre Piece

“I bet I can read your mind!” said the magician to the woman.

“Think of a number from 2 to 10.” “That was easy, OK,” she replied. “Now multiply that number by 9.” “Ok, done it”, said the lady. “Next”, said the magician, “I want you to add the two numbers of your total together. OK?”

“OK”, she said. “What next?”

“Well, next, take 5 away from your answer. If your answer is 1, it equals A; if it’s 2, it equals B, if it’s 3, it equals C, if it’s 4, it equals D and so on. Are you still with me?”

The lady thought for a moment, “Yep, I’m there. Now what?”

“Now I want you to think of a country in Europe beginning with that letter. Got one?”

“Yep, got it!”

“Now, think of an animal, not a bird or a fish, beginning with the second letter of your country. Tell me when you’re ready.”

“Got one, I’m ready, now what?”

“Now, said the magician,” eyes narrowing perceptively, “I would like you to think of the colour of your animal. Think deeply for a moment and I will reveal what your animal is, what is the colour of your animal, and where the country is that it comes from. OK?”

“Well, this is interesting!” Replied the woman, “Go ahead then!”

“Madam, you are thinking of a grey elephant from Denmark.”

“How ever did you guess?!”

Of course, a real magician never reveals their secrets, but if you’d like to know how it’s done, do drop me a line. The absolute truth of the matter, however, is that it’s really very difficult to read anyone’s mind. Even people that we know really well. It might be part of military training, I don’t know, but many of us have brilliant poker faces that can hide from the outside world whatever is going on inside our lives.

We can hide it from our friends, our partners and parents, we can hide it from the chain of command and from colleagues. Admittedly, some of us are naturally better at hiding how we’re feeling than others. I remember a PTI friend once said to me, “Padre, I don’t know if I’m pushing you too far and you’re about to have a heart

attack, or if you’re being lazy and need to be pushed further!!” My poker face for PT has always been very effective!

Having the ability to conceal emotions is an important skill to have at certain times, but if it’s the context for the whole of life, then that life can eventually become numb, lonely and angry. That’s when we need to talk to someone and to get help. Padre Paul and I are here for precisely this sort of thing and, for many people, talking with a Chaplain, or SSAFA, a doctor, or a friend, is the start of a process of revelation that is healing and healthy.

Over the Autumn, we in Chaplaincy are running a number of events that help people to be open about “stuff”. Throughout October, our theme is “Harvest: Giving Thanks and Getting Help”. We will be offering not only a Harvest Thanksgiving Church Service, but also workshops on surviving better during the current financial crisis. We’ll also provide an opportunity

for people to donate non-perishable items via Chaplaincy to local charities in our community. In November, with Remembrance upon us, our theme will, appropriately enough, be “Remembering Those We Have Lost”. As well as opportunities to recall those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, we are offering workshops on bereavement, grief and loss. Look out for further details around Station and on social media. These events are for all – service people, dependants and contractors. Please contact us at the email address below for more information.

Whenever we’re open about “stuff” to people who are trustworthy and reliable, things feel better, and life has a clearer perspective. When that happens, something very special happens indeed. You might even call it “magical”. Others might call it “spiritual”. Whatever you choose to call it, it just works!

Padre Philip

I bet I can read your mind!

From the moment that you walk through the door of our cosy, traditional local village pub and restaurant you will receive a very warm welcome.

We have a great selection of wines including Bellefontaine Chardonay and Vega Piedra Rioja and beers of many varieties including multiple real ales with a new food menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes that caters for most tastes.

Pop in and relax by our roaring fire and enjoy the atmosphere of this lovely pub with family and friends.

RAF Benson Crossfit Club

One of the most active clubs at RAF Benson and the most active militaryaffiliated CrossFit Clubs in the RAF!

CrossFit is a form of functional fitness which combines gymnastics, Olympic weightlifting, cardiovascular training, and calisthenics. It is constantly varied and conducted at high intensity, allowing individuals to develop cardiovascular/ respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy. CrossFit Benson focuses on a different skill each session and works in blocks of ten weeks so members can track progression and fit it in with other training. The club welcomes beginners and those who are starting to compete, offering a range of scaled options for individuals to choose from.

to the sport, by giving them educational coaching in an effective, small group setting. From here, the club grew to over 50 members and was fast becoming one of the most popular on the station. Having a keen crew, and thriving membership meant that the club was now able to being developing relations with other affiliate RAF CrossFit Clubs. Teaming up with FP CrossFit Honington, the club took part in a CrossFit CPD day. The team and its members completed workshops in Gymnastics, Olympic Weightlifting and closed the day off with a fantastic Team WOD (Workout of the Day).

Early April 22, one dedicated team member, along with a couple of committee members decided to host fitness event ‘Murph,’ in order to raise awareness of mental health in the Armed Forces. It was a big success, with 24 people signing up to participate and over £600 raised for charity; this has now set the standard and the event will continue to run annually at RAF Benson.

To grow club identity, work began on a strapline and logo. Collaboratively, a logo was selected and the strapline “Ripped, Ready, Resilient” was in place. Club T-Shirts and tops, funded by The RAF Central Fund, were delivered June 22. By this point, the club had over 64 members and was still growing steadily.

On 13 July, CrossFit Benson met with Thames Valley Police CrossFit Club (TVP CrossFit) in a friendly ‘Throwdown’ held at The Athlete Centre, Didcot. Both clubs competed with huge endorphin-fuelled enthusiasm and team spirit, encouraging the opposing team and each other in what was a fantastic event. The next event on the cards is the RAF Benson Throwdown on Wednesday 17 July, a whole station fitness event conducted in teams of six – which team will be victorious?

CrossFit Benson was first established by Wing Commander Beasant in the Summer of 2021. At the time, he was the only coach, delivering two sessions per week, to a handful of passionate individuals. However, on receiving FDS approval, RAF Benson became able to fund a handful of eager volunteers to complete their CrossFit-Level 1 course. This, in addition to the arrival of already-qualified coaches to the Station, meant that the Club grew from one coach, to an impressive eight.

The club began to gain ground and profile within the community, increasing to four class sessions per week. An additional CrossFit Foundation Class also appeared, designed to draw in and support those new

Now under OIC Flt Lt Amy Dent, the Club has plans to improve what they offer their members, and to support a new Olympic Weightlifting Club which will complement CrossFit but also encourage more people into the sport. Please come and get involved!

Flt Lt Amy Dent

HIVE – The HIVE Information Officer, Mrs Janine Ansty-Bridges is situated between in the Community Centre where a warm welcome awaits you. The RAF Benson HIVE Service supports the Chain of Command and tri-Service community through the provision of up to date and relevant information.

RAF HIVE Information Officer can provide an extensive range of information on relocation, local facilities, schools and further education, housing, healthcare facilities, employment and training opportunities. Information on future relocations is one of the key areas of information support and is available either in advance or on arrival at the receiving unit. RAF HIVE staff are also involved in providing Operational deployment support, including distributing deployment support resources.

If you would like to contact me, please email BEN-BSW-HIO@mod. gov.uk or call 01491 827213.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM

Community Support Officer – Meg Wickett – BEN-BSW-CDO@mod.gov.uk

Station Community Support Officer – WO Phil Withey – BEN-BSW-SCSO@mod.gov.uk

Padre 1 Rev (Sqn Ldr) Paul Stephens

– paul.stephens104@mod.gov.uk

Padre 2 Revd (Sqn Ldr) Philip Wilson

- Philip.Wilson126@mod.gov.uk

Chaplaincy Clk – Mrs Sharon Waters –sharon.waters934@mod.gov.uk

Stn Youth Worker – Hannah Wilson –Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org

Deborah Wise (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Deborah.wise@ssafa.org.uk

Faye Grant (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Faye.grant@ssafa.org.uk

Kathy Porat (Welfare Administrator)

- Kathy.porat@ssafa.org.uk

Amy Suttling (Social Work Team Lead)

-  Amy.suttling@ssafa.org.uk

Joanne Harper (Social Work Regional Manager) - Joanne.harper@ssafa.org.uk

Welcome to RAF Benson Gathering

the Common Room, right hand side of the Shuttleworth Mess for a free coffee and followed by a windscreen tour of the Station. Open to everyone.

The Community Support Team will be there every 1st Wednesday of every month from 1000 – 1130.

We look forward to meeting you all soon.

Weekly Clinics

Mortgage Advice Clinic – Appointments held fortnightly on Thursdays with representatives of Lexion Financial Services.

Solicitor Clinic - Appointments held every alternate Wednesdays with Richard Rodway from the Head Partnership in Henley. To book an appointment, please contact the HIVE Information Officer on Ext 7213 or email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk

Community Support Weekly Planner Stn Church Morning Prayer every Mon – Fri 0830 – 0900, every Thursday Catalyst Christian Bible Group from 1800 – 1930.

For more information email: BEN-BSW-Chaplaincy@mod.gov.uk

Playgroups

Little Cherubs Structured Playgroup – Sessions run every Monday & Thursday morning from 0930 – 1130 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre.

Oxfordshire Play Association – Sessions run every Tuesday 1000 -1200 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre and Saturdads runs every other Saturday. For more information email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk

Airplay Groups

For more information regarding these groups, email: Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org

Scouting Groups

Cubs – Group runs every Monday from 1830 -2000 for children aged 8 – 10.5 years. Beavers – Group runs every Tuesday from 1800 – 1930 for children aged 6 – 8 years. Scouts – Group runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 2030 for children aged 10.5 – 14 years.

Explorers – Group runs every Friday from 1900 – 2100 for children aged 14 – 18 years. For more information about scouting, email: Raf-benson@thameschilternscouts.org.uk

Girlguiding Groups

Rainbows – 1700 – 1815

Brownies – 1800 – 1930 Guides – 1800 – 1930

Groups runs every Thursday, for more details email: yvetteandduncan@btinternet.com

Station Cinema

Friday - 1930 – Adults Only

Saturday - 1000 – Open to all

Sunday 1400 – Open to all

For more information email: BEN-CinemaClub@mod.gov.uk

Thrift Shop

Monday – 0930 – 1130

Tuesday 0830 – 1030

Wednesday 0930 – 1130

First Saturday of every month – 1000 – 12-00

For more information email: Simon.Bird869@mod.gov.uk

Ceramics Club – Monday 1830 – 20.30, email: Jennifer.brown323@mod.gov.uk

Oxfordshire Mind – Tuesday 0830 – 1630, email: RAFBENSON@oxfordshiremind.org.uk

BROGA – Tuesday - 1200 – 1300, Bookings through the Myzone App via the gym.

Military Wives Choir – Wednesday

1900 – 2045 held in the church –benson@militarywiveschoir.org

– Are you newly arrived into station and want to meet the Station Community Support Team? Why not pop along to

Ben Club – Session run every Tuesday from 1615 – 1730 for children aged 5 – 8 years. Inters Youth Club – Session runs every Tuesday 1800 – 2000 for children aged 12+ Airplay Juniors – Session runs every Wednesday from 1630 – 1800 for children aged 8 – 10 years. Airplay Forum – Session runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 1930.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Percy & Willy

Illustration By: FS Dave Mccrindle