50 Years

TACTICAL SUPPLY WING CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

In the winter of 1970 Wg Cdr Craven-Griffith saw his original mandate, to provide expeditionary logistics support to all RAF operations, come to fruition with the establishment of the Tactical Supply Wing (TSW).

Written By: Sgt Richie Kelly

The unit became operational the following year, with Craven-Griffiths appointed as the first CO.

Having originally been established to support RAF operations in the Cold War, including support to Harrier aircraft in forward sites in Germany, the unit now sits within the JHC and has a more focused role of providing aviation fuel to battlefield helicopters. Since its inception, TSW has been continually deployed on operations including BANNER, CORPORATE, GRANBY, TELIC, HERRICK, NEWCOMBE and SHADER. Throughout this half-century of operational service, TSW personnel have developed a well-earned reputation for professionalism and dependability; providing fuel where and when required, regardless of the obstacles or hardships.

On 21 Aug 21, TSW started its belated celebrations to mark the Wing’s 50th anniversary in the form of a joint ceremony with the Royal Air Force Servicing Commandos (RAFSC). As part of the celebrations, two new memorials, commissioned by the RAFSC and TSW Association, were unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA).

The RAFSC operated during World War Two and are recognised as the forebearers of the modern day TSW; the two organisations have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years, through a joint association. This affiliation is reflected in the memorials, with each unit having their own memorial stone, but which sit side-by-side and linked at the base, in recognition of their shared heritage.

A highlight of the memorial unveiling was the attendance by two members of this elite group. Alan McQuillan and Des Spruce, who are both D-Day veterans’ and part of No 3210 Servicing Commando who landed in Normandy on the 9 June 1944. On their arrival to the memorials everyone stood and applauded as they took centre stage in a very moving and profound moment when the two gentlemen who fought together in WWII, greeted and shook hands with each other for the first time in over 50 years. You could see the friendship and mutual respect in their eyes as they sat in their rightful places at the front.

In addition to the WWII veterans, the ceremony was also extremely well attended by past and present members of TSW, many of whom were veterans of countless conflicts over the last half century. The sense of camaraderie and the ‘TSW family’ spirit was palpable and made it a special day for all.

The unveiling included a number of speeches before leading up to the blessing and dedication of the memorials by Rev Jim Horton, Association Chaplain, a former SAC on TSW. Once the unveiled, a number of wreaths were laid on behalf of the Association and TSW, with many guests coming forward with poppies, to pay their own respects and tributes.

The current CO of TSW, Wing Commander Jon Smith commented: “The unveiling of the joint RAF Servicing Commandos and Tactical Supply Wing memorial at the National Arboretum was a symbolical moment, which recognises the shared heritage and long-standing association between these two organisations. Such a place of remembrance and reflection will

VIPs making their way to the memorial past TSW Guard of Honour.

be hugely valued by all those with links to these units and is a very fitting way to mark the 50th anniversary of Tactical Supply Wing.”

To continue the celebrations of the day, the Association organised the President’s Annual Formal Dinner, also taking place at the NMA. With nearly 200 guests attending this formal event, there was much regaling of memories from past and present tours on TSW. Speeches from CO TSW Escort Party escorting Mr Nick Brock carrying the RAFSC & TSW Association Standard.

and Chairman of Association committee Mr John Andrews followed, with the Guest of

WWII Veterans Desmond (Des) Spruce (Right) and Alan McQuillan (Left) unveiling the memorials. WWII Veterans Desmond (Des) Spruce (Left) and Alan McQuillan (Right) with family members.

Honour Mr Alan McQuillan delivering a brilliant speech with his tales from WWII, laced with humour and rightly received a standing ovation.

SUPPORT TO STRIKE

The two-memorials side by side.

(L-R) WWII Veteran Mr Alan McQuillan, MP for Stafford and Stone Ms Theodora Clarke MP WWII Veterans Desmond (Des) Spruce (Right) with Wing Commander Jon Smith