A LEGEND LEAVES THE JOB

One of the longest serving Aviators in the Royal Air Force retired during January 2023 after 45 years of service in the Regular RAF. Sqn Ldr Neil Hawthorn (64) joined the RAF as an aircraft propulsion fitter in the engineering trades in August 1977, aged 19.

before commissioning in 1996, aged 38, as an engineering officer. During his long career he has served 5 tours at RAF Halton as an AC, SNCO, Flt Lt and Sqn Ldr.

Neil’s last tour of duty was with Central Training School (CTS) at RAF Halton, where he was responsible for running the team that continuously develops the roles of ground engineering and cyber professions, to ensure that the most wives and children were flown out of the country, but some 33 personnel and their families were captured and used as human shields before later being released. Three of us spent 145 days in hiding before receiving the ‘all clear’ to emerge.” for which he received the Chief of Defence Material’s Team Commendation.

In total Neil, accompanied by his wife Sheila, has served on five overseas tours. This included RAF Akrotiri in 1981, where he originally met Sheila who was serving in Ops at the RAF HQ.

He has also served in Saudi Arabia for seven and a half years as the RAF Engineering Liaison Officer in HQ Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), reporting directly to a RSAF Brigadier.

Neil’s career has been an inspiration to many who have served alongside him.

“A phenomenal career, it is rare to see such lengthy and distinguished service,” says Wing Commander Phil Poole, Officer in Command of Requirements Analysis Wing at CTS. “I have thoroughly enjoyed Neil’s company and wise counsel”.

Group Captain Dave Melmoth, Commandant CTS said:

He spent 19 years as an airman and NCO, rising to the rank of Chief Technician training provided remains up to date with new functions, equipment and technology.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in the RAF and the opportunities that it has offered me, although there have been challenging times,” explains Neil who has served abroad for much of his career including in Kuwait when the Iraqis invaded in August 1990.

“We watched their tanks come into Kuwait City from the roof of our flat, we had to hide quickly, fortunately,

She later accompanied him to Germany where he served on an exchange tour with the Luftwaffe on Tornados as a junior engineering officer (JEngO) between 2002 and 2006. “This was one of my favourite tours,” says Neil. “I absolutely loved working with the Germans, and the RAF paid me to learn a second language.”

He later served at Paxtuxent River Naval Air Station in the USA where, as Acting Wing Commander, he was the UK lead for the 4-Nation Harrier Joint Programme between 2010 and 2012. During this time, he undertook the role of programme manager, coordinating the transfer of the entire fleet to the US Marine Corps, a task

“Recently, Sqn Ldr Neil Hawthorn has finished his incredible career and departed from the Central Training School, 22 Gp, after over 45 years of Regular RAF Service as a professional Aircraft Engineer. His contribution and commitment have been staggering and our Service is in a great place to ensure effective and efficient training as a result of his efforts”.