IT IS A PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOUR TO HAVE TAKEN COMMAND OF ROYAL AIR FORCE CONINGSBY AND TO WRITE TO YOU AS YOUR NEW STATION COMMANDER.
To lead a team that is renowned for its dedication, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence is exciting and I very much look forward to reconnecting with those of you I already know, and make new connections with those of you I am yet to meet. Over the past few months I know that you have all been exceptionally busy supporting and delivering across a spectrum of challenging and complex operations, and I feel extremely proud of the skill, resilience, and teamwork you all display every day. To each and every one of you that works here at Royal Air Force Coningsby please accept my sincere thanks for your hard work and unwavering commitment.
This year will undoubtedly prove to be exceptionally busy as we continue to react to global events, with the Royal Air Force playing a leading role and inevitably being the first to respond to any crisis or conflict. We will continue to focus on providing the most advanced training, enhancing our skills through rigorous exercises, supporting vital operations, and further developing our Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities. We will also continue the modernisation of our organisational structure through the successful implementation of the new Air Command and Control (Air C2) model, which sees the creation at RAF Coningsby of an Air Base and
an Air Wing. The new structure (known as the Wittering model) will enable the RAF to have a more holistic view of resourcing, and infrastructure requirements and priorities as well as a greater focus on the delivery of operational output. As Station Commander my focus will be on maintaining and fighting the Air Base to enable the Air Wing to meet its operational and training objectives.; and, as such, I remain responsible for the welfare and support of all personnel and their families serving at RAF Coningsby. For the majority of you though, the Wittering model will not affect your day-to-day activity, but most importantly, no matter who you are, where you work, or the clothes you wear to work, you are part of Team Coningsby and we all share in the unity of purpose that is to: ‘Develop the future, deliver the present, and commemorate the past of the Royal Air Force’s combat Air Power.
and tested the breadth of our expertise. 29 Squadron’s participation in the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) in Spain and Exercise FEROCIOUS FALCON, alongside international partners, further exemplifies our commitment to improving interoperability and combat efficiency. These exercises have not only bolstered our operational readiness but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation with our allies.
As we look ahead, I am filled with anticipation for what we will achieve together. Our focus on training, exercises, supporting operations, and continued preparation towards ACE will ensure that RAF Coningsby continues to excel as a cornerstone of the Royal Air Force’s operational capability. I look forward to us moving forward with determination and pride, ready to face the challenges ahead and continue our tradition of excellence. I hope you enjoy this edition as much have and I look forward to seeing many more articles on what Coningsby has been up to over the forthcoming year. 20
Reflecting on the activities of the last three months, you have all been directly involved in delivering Air Power across the world and assuring our National Interests. Coningsby has been at the forefront of international collaboration and operational excellence. XI(Fighter) Squadron’s participation in Exercise SPEARS OF VICTORY in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underscored our commitment to global security through defensive and offensive counter air operations alongside an international coalition. This exercise perfectly encapsulated the essence of our training, enhancing our interoperability and readiness to protect UK nationals both at home and abroad. 3(Fighter) Squadron’s engagement in Exercise RED FLAG 24-1 in the United States was a remarkable demonstration of our capabilities in one of the world’s most challenging air combat training environments. Together with our allies, we honed our warfighting skills 11
06 3(F) SQN
As 2023 was coming to an end, 3(F) Sqn welcomed their new boss, Wg Cdr Sonny Roe while the Sqn was busy preparing for high end warfighting in the form of Exercise RED FLAG in early 2024.
07 RAMADHAN 2024
Muslims around the world observe the month of Ramadhan as part of the basic belief in Islam. Islam has five basic tenets; testimony, prayers, charity, fasting and pilgrimage (Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Siyam, Hajj ). Allow me to explain a little more for clarity purposes.
11 ALI CELL
Yet another very busy final quarter for the “ALI Squadron’’. The change in name, from ‘Cell’ to ‘Squadron,’ is a result of an increase in personnel on the unit and an effort to alter the mindset and perception of those who see and hear of us. We are growing and adapting to meet the challenges set by the ever-evolving threats around the world, and how we deliver Air Land Integration for the Royal Air Force, so that we can meet the need for Global Access wherever airpower is needed.
13 COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Hello from your Coningsby Community Support Team.
16 BBMF APPOINTS FUTURE OFFICER COMMANDING FOR THE 2028-2030 SEASONS
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are delighted to announce the appointment of Squadron Leader Simon Jessett who will become the Officer Commanding in October 2027 ahead of the 2028 – 2030 display seasons.
17 AWARD OF HONOUR TO THE BBMF
The BBMF is extremely proud to be the 2023 recipient of The Award of Honour from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (otherwise known as “The Air Pilots”) for “an outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation, not least operating as a living memorial to aviators killed in the service of the nation”.
20 ON FREEDOM'S WINGS
On Freedom’s wings – how Witham Group is playing a very small but proud role in helping get the iconic landmark “off the ground”.
As 2023 was coming to an end, 3(F) Sqn welcomed their new boss, Wg Cdr Sonny Roe while the Sqn was busy preparing for high end warfighting in the form of Exercise RED FLAG in early 2024. Sqn personnel deployed to Belgium for a week to train and fight with F-16s and participated in Ex YORKNITE, a Swiss F/A-18 deployment to RAF Leeming which provided the opportunity for Typhoons to fight against F/A-18s over the North Sea. During this workup training, Sqn Ldr Gonzalez and Flt Lt Travers were awarded their fours lead and Flt Lt Whatmough and Lt (RN) Welch were awarded their pairs lead, congratulations!
3(F) Sqn had a busy start to 2024, deploying to the USA for Ex RED FLAG 24-1 on 4 Jan 24. Eight jets trailed to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada via Lajes in the Azores and Charleston, a USAF base in South Carolina, taking a few days longer than expected due to poor weather and high sea states over the North Atlantic. The exercise facilitates air to air training at the highest possible level, against a realistic adversary, while allowing integration with large numbers of both 5th generation aircraft like the
F-22, F-35 as well as other 4th generation platforms like the F-15E and F-16.
The opportunity to operate alongside other nations such as the USA and Australia in realistic scenarios means that the Sqn was able to practice and develop tactics to a level that is impossible in any other exercise, allowing everyone to be trained to a very high level. Finishing on a high, Lt (RN) Danielle ‘Danners’ Welch flew her last trip on 3(F) Sqn at the end of January, the whole Sqn wishes her well in her future endeavours.
After 2 weeks at the relatively familiar operating area of Nellis AFB, the Exercise transitioned to Ex BAMBOO EAGLE which meant a move of approx. 200 miles to March Air Reserve Base in California to
practice the principles of Agile Combat Employment (ACE), operating from a more austere environment with less support equipment. An incredible effort from 3(F) Sqn engineers, support personnel and aircrew meant that the aircraft were ready to go, back into a highend exercise, after only a few hours on the ground at a base that has never supported Typhoon operations before. The Exercise took place in
different airspace to Red Flag, hundreds of miles out to sea and included a large Naval presence, it was designed to train against the “Tyranny of Distance” where operations take place vast distances from main operating bases.
On return from the USA, the Sqn says goodbye to Flt Lt Lewis Travers as he starts the QWI Course on 29 Sqn, we all wish him the best of luck.
Muslims around the world observe the month of Ramadhan as part of the basic belief in Islam. Islam has five basic tenets; testimony, prayers, charity, fasting and pilgrimage (Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Siyam, Hajj ). Allow me to explain a little more for clarity purposes.
Testimony (Shahada) is to witness on the oneness of God Almighty and Prophet Muhammad as the final Messenger.
Prayer (Salah) is observed by praying five times in a day; fajr, dhuhr, asr, maghrib and isha. Each prayer takes about ten minutes after the initial preps are done.
Charity (Zakah) as a Muslim I am required to give in charity from my saving to the less fortunate as a form of social responsibility.
Fasting (Siyam) is observed during the month of Ramadhan, 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. It involves not eating and drinking and devoting to prayers and reflection from dawn to sunset. This year Ramadhan will fall between 9/10 March until 9/10 April 2024. After completing a whole day without ingesting food or drink Muslims break their fast after sunset every day. Later they devote a portion of the night for prayers before commencing another day of fasting prior to dawn. The dawn meal, taken before beginning a day of fasting, around 04:00 hrs in the morning and sunset around 1900 hrs when you are
allowed to break your fast. Please note that during a day of fasting Muslims are not allowed to consume anything even a sip of water. This means that by the end of the day of you have spent at least fifteen hours without eating or drinking.
Pilgrimage (Hajj) is a once in a lifetime spiritual journey to Mecca Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
From a practical point of view let me explain how my day goes during a typical day of fasting. On the 8th of March in the evening once I receive information from my local mosque that the moon has been sighted I will begin night devotional prayers after Isha prayers that last at least one hour and sometimes two hours. Isha prayers will be around 2000 hrs in the mosque, so I will aim to go to the mosque before Isha prayers begin and will be leaving the mosque around 2300 hrs upon completion of the night prayers. Then I have to wake up between 0300 – 0330 hrs in the morning in order to have a meal which consists of the normal breakfast meal; tea, porridge, fruit and anything I fancy eating. At 0400 I will pray morning prayers (Fajr) and rest until 0800. After which I will spend the rest of the day working but not eating or drinking anything until sunset (1900 hrs) when I break my fast by eating dates
and drinking a glass of milk or juice. Thereafter I prepare to go to the mosque for the evening prayers and night devotional prayers until 2300 hrs. This will be my routine from 9th March until 9th April. During the last ten days of Ramadhan I will be spending all night in the mosque for the extra night prayers as it is an opportunity to search for the ‘Night of Power’. This night falls on any of the ten final nights of the month of Ramadhan and it is celebrated by doing more devotional prayers from 2300 hrs until 0300 hrs in the morning. On the 9th April after sunset, if the moon is sighted, the night prayers cease and we prepare for the Eidul Fitr ceremony the 10th April. This will be the first day to have breakfast at normal
time and we spend the day rejoicing and visiting families and friends congratulating each other for the successful completion of the month of Ramadhan.
In order to comply with this religious practice and belief during the month of Ramadhan CoC are requested to engage with their Muslim SP and allow them flexibility in their work schedule and preferably work from home. A Ramadhan DIN 2024DIN01003 prepared by the Imam to HM Armed Forces gives an insight of the month of fasting. Muslim SP look up to you as their CoC for your cooperation, understanding as well as support to accomplish this important tenet of faith.
EID MUBARAK
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Yet another very busy final quarter for the “ALI Squadron’’. The change in name, from ‘Cell’ to ‘Squadron,’ is a result of an increase in personnel on the unit and an effort to alter the mindset and perception of those who see and hear of us. We are growing and adapting to meet the challenges set by the ever-evolving threats around the world, and how we deliver Air Land Integration for the Royal Air Force, so that we can meet the need for Global Access wherever airpower is needed.
The Sqn started the quarter with annual mandatory training under Exercise CENTURION BARRITUS where we travelled to Otterburn Training Area and conducted marksmanship training from 300m down to Close Quarter Marksmanship at 3m. Shoots employed the rifle and Glock
pistol and included night firing on Night Vision Devices using the Laser Light Module. This was followed by collective Force Protection Module 1 & 2 training to maintain everyone’s qualifications into 2024.
This was the first deployment for the GRT and will now be the model for the RAF Global Enablement’s contribution to future Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations.
The Sqn also deployed on Exercise VIRTUAL FLAG: COALTION which was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The Exercise is entirely synthetic with a multitude of both ground and air players ‘plugged in’ and operates around a large-scale combat operation working with NATO partners over a 2-week period. It offered the opportunity to assess newly certified JTACs as they continue their training pathway to become fully-fledged JTACs.
Other elements of the Sqn were also deployed to Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA on Exercise EAGLE LIGHTNING 23-2. This was a Close Air Support (CAS) training package using civilian contract CAS. The JTACs were
able to achieve 21 live weapon drops and 81 dry controls totalling 102 controls in 6 days, a level of achievement that is impossible to replicate in the UK.
To finish the year off 4 members of the ALI Squadron were successful in achieving Qualified status on Exercise INITIAL STRIKE at RAF Leeming. This now means they can become operational JTACs and control fixed wing and rotary wing attack aircraft unsupervised. Congratulations to them on a fantastic achievement.
‘’MISSION SUCCESSFUL’’.
5 members of the ALI Squadron pictured at Hurlbert Field in front of an AC-130 Gunship.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you can leave your mortgage search in the hands of the Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited. They’ll provide you with fee-free independent mortgage advice and recommend the right mortgage for you, based on your circumstances.
PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, has chosen Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, part of Tenet, to provide customers with a Mortgage Advice Service. Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited will provide you with independent mortgage advice and will make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual. If you take out a mortgage recommended by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, PMGI Limited will receive a fee for this introduction. This fee is 24.8% of the money that Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited receives as commission from the mortgage lender.
A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
If you are new to the unit, a warm welcome awaits you, especially to the many new families and personnel assigned in. This is our opportunity to introduce you to Community Support and to let you know a little bit about ourselves.
Mr Ben Rossi - Community Development Officer (CDO)
Ben is our CDO and heads up the Community Support Team. He has worked at RAF Coningsby for 5 years and is responsible for local school liaison, all Airplay Projects, our Youth Activities and Community Engagement here at RAF Coningsby, much of which takes place at the Clinton Park Community Centre. Ben also has experience of funding projects working with the main Charities such as the RAFBF and RAFA. He is an Armed Forces Covenant Champion, organises deployment events
for families of deployed SP and he oversees the Community Needs Analysis for the station.
WO John Leonard – Station Community Support Officer (SCSO)
WO Leonard has worked with the team for over 6 years and has 15 years’ experience of working within Community Support. He covers a wide range of duties, including a connection between families living in Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA) and Pinnacle/Amey and champions issues on behalf of personnel living in Single Living Accommodation (SLA). He has extensive knowledge of working with the Nuffield Trust, RAF Central Fund, RAFA and the RAFBF. He provides deployment support to families and advises personnel with matters on the Armed Forces Covenant, which he is a Champion.
Mrs Audra Bishop and Mrs Ann Parkinson – HIVE Information Officers’ Audra and Ann have both been at RAF Coningsby and have worked for the HIVE for 7 years and 23 years respectively. They are frequently the first
point of contact for Service Personnel and family members through the provisions of information for relocation, accommodation, local station and civilian facilities, deployment support, health and wellbeing, employment & training opportunities, childcare & education and places of interest. They are trained to offer initial support to our people and know how to make referrals to appropriate professional services and
agencies and always have a smile on their faces.
We are always available to answer any questions or queries you may have regarding any ongoing matters. The kettle is always on, so even if you just want to come down for a break or a chat and have a coffee/tea or to meet any of the Team, we would love to see you (WO Leonard always has an emergency pack of biscuits at the ready). We are here for the
You can find us in the Community Building (062) located behind Heroes and we are all bound to a Code of Confidentiality.
Believe, Achieve, Succeed
Take a look at our website to find out more about us! We warmly welcome visits to our school A
We are a friendly, happy, small school which puts children at the heart of all we do. We are very proud of the rich educational experiences we provide for our children, including excellent music and sporting opportunities
We have close links with the local community, including our RAF family Tattershall Primary is a community school in the heart of the village, with 40% of our intake being children from RAF families
01526 342045 www.tattershallprimary.lincs.sch.uk
ALL Bridal, by Anita Lynne Lee is a luxury bridal boutique situated in the picturesque village of Ruskington in Lincolnshire, opposite the stunning All Saints Church and easily accessed by the A17 and A15.
We offer a luxurious, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and a dedicated personal service to ensure brides find the perfect dress for their wedding whatever their budget, style or theme.
We believe that finding the perfect gown should be one of the most memorable experiences, prior to the actual day itself.
Our free appointment only service ensures brides can truly relax and enjoy their experience from beginning to end, whilst enjoying a glass of prosecco, soft drink or hot beverage.
We also stock a wide range of bridesmaid dresses, accessories, including veils and jewellery and to complete the look we offer a bespoke faux floral service, designed to individual taste.
Company details:
Tel: 07506 645610
Address: 2 High Street, Ruskington, Sleaford, NG34 9DT
Facebook: ALL Bridal
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We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card
and create a better future for all’
We are a small village primary school which is friendly and welcoming. We aim to provide a learning experience that your child will enjoy and remember.
Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 2016
Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 2023
Breakfast Club available from 8am every day
‘Pupils have a good attitude to learning, behave well are kind and like to help each other with their learning’ Ofsted 2023
‘Children make good progress and behave well’ Ofsted 2016
Breakfast club available from 8am every day
Visitors are welcome, please contact us on 01507 568304 enquiries@mareham.lincs.sch.uk ‘
We are a small village primary school with enthusiastic and committed staff, all prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ to provide a learning experience that your child will enjoy and remember. learn together, work together, succeed together
Visitors are welcome, please contact us on 01507 568304 www.mareham.lincs.sch.uk ©shutterstock 2017
We will NEVER ask for payment by credit or debit card
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are delighted to announce the appointment of Squadron Leader Simon Jessett who will become the Officer Commanding in October 2027 ahead of the 2028 – 2030 display seasons.
The role of Officer Commanding for the BBMF requires four years of voluntary service on the flight in advance to gain the necessary experience and training required to fly the BBMF’s fleet of Chipmunks, Hurricanes and different marks of Spitfire. During this period, Sqn Ldr Jessett will continue with his primary duty elsewhere in the RAF however will support the flight with its annual display taskings throughout each display season, as well as gain the relevant experience and qualifications to allow him to train future BBMF pilots, conduct air tests and be able to run the Flight in its entirety.
Sqn Ldr Jessett joined the RAF in 1990, flying the Harrier until its retirement in 2012. He then left the RAF to fly the Falcon DA20 as a civilian, before realising the grass was
The BBMF is extremely proud to be the 2023 recipient of The Award of Honour from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (otherwise known as “The Air Pilots”) for “an outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation, not least operating as a living memorial to aviators killed in the service of the nation”.
Ogreener in the Service, soon re-joining to fly the Typhoon FGR4. Sqn Ldr Jessett is currently serving on 3(F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby. Speaking about his future appointment, he said:
“I am delighted to be joining BBMF. These iconic aircraft remind us of our nation’s finest hour, and flying them will be a boyhood dream come true.”
The current OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden is about to enter his final year of command on the flight, with Sqn Ldr Mark Long due to take the reigns in October 2024.
C BBMF, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, was invited to The Air Pilot’s Trophies and Awards Banquet at the Guildhall in the City of London on Thursday 26th October, along with two of the BBMF groundcrew engineer NCOs and two members of the BBMF admin staff, to receive the award on behalf of the BBMF.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots presents awards each year to mark achievement, courage and excellence in aviation. These prestigious awards are presented in the Guildhall in the presence of up to 700 individuals involved in aviation. This year the BBMF was among the recipients, The Air Pilots citing the Flight’s status as a national institution, representing values held dear by the RAF, typifying professional excellence, teamwork and dedication that have existed since the RAF’s foundation and to which today’s Service also aspires.
In its 2023 Trophies and Awards Citations Booklet, The Air Pilots recorded:
“Now in its 66th year, the BBMF has displayed its aircraft to very many millions of people. In addition, around 25,000 people each year visit the BBMF at its home at RAF Coningsby via the BBMF Visitor Centre and hear the stories associated with the aircraft. The BBMF’s personnel and its wonderful historic aircraft provide a dynamic synthesis of old and new, people and machines, which is a source of great envy for many air forces that do not have an equivalent, and one of great pride for the modern RAF.
For an outstanding and enduring contribution to aviation, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is duly recognised by the Award of Honour.”
OC BBMF, Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden, said that he was particularly delighted to receive the award on behalf of the Flight
because it recognises not just those who serve with the BBMF today, but all those who have played their part in the
activities and successes of the Flight over its long history and, for all of them, this award is richly deserved.
Leading the learning, delivering our vision...
Horncastle Education Trust is a made up of both secondary and primary schools, which is something we take great pride in. As our schools are in close proximity, we can make decisions at a local level to fully meet the needs of our students and the communities we serve.
Our aim is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment to enable all learners to fulfil their potential.
We believe that every student whatever their background has the right to flourish, to achieve and to succeed and everything undertaken by Horncastle Education Trust should have this ambition at its heart.
To find out more about the trust and its family of schools please visit www.horncasteeducationtrust.org
To find out about our vacancies visit horncastleeducationtrust.org/Vacancies or scan the QR code.
Frithville Primary School near Boston and New York Primary School near Coningsby are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Headteacher.
Last term, we said a sad farewell to Mr Bargh who had been Headteacher for over ten years and made a lasting contribution to both schools.
However, in January we were delighted to welcome new Executive Headteacher Damian Davey. Mr Davey joined the teaching profession following a career in the Airforce and has been a headteacher for over 12 years.
His appointment is just one of a number of new developments at the schools. The Horncastle Education Trust, which we are a part of, has been working in partnership with Gipsey Bridge Preschool to offer wraparound care for the first time.
Parents can organise a visit or book directly by telephoning 01205 280921. More information is available at: www.frithville.lincs.sch.uk/Preschool. www.frithville.lincs.sch.uk
On Freedom’s wings – how Witham Group is playing a very small but proud role in helping get the iconic landmark “off the ground”.
The Bomber County Gateway Trust is a Registered Charity with the object of designing, constructing and installing an iconic landmark art installation on the county border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. To be known as ‘On Freedom’s Wings’
The area on the A46 immediately North of Brough and close to Collingham represents the natural Gateway to Lincolnshire from the A1 and other major road networks. Many major approach-roads to other counties and cities in the UK feature landmarks such as the Angel of the North in Tyne & Wear, the Horses in Falkirk, Sheffield’s proposed Man of Steel, the Kent Horse and the Wrexham Dragon.
Lincolnshire is inextricably linked to aviation and in
particular its home to the RAF in the Second World War. Significant among the contributions made by the county are the achievements of Bomber Command despite this section of the Royal Air Force being unfairly snubbed and maligned for a number of decades.
In 2012, Bomber Command’s extraordinary contribution and sacrifice was finally recognised by the erection of a £6m memorial in Green Park, London and the new Bomber Command centre, at Canwick Hill near Lincoln also represents further welcome recognition.
The Bomber County Gateway Trust is providing a link to this heritage right on the county border. The structure is a permanent art installation, being a full-
sized representation of an Avro Lancaster Mk1 Bomber constructed from a steel frame, mounted on a slim steel support structure to give the impression that it is in flight on the horizon.
The Landmark will be seen by more than 34,000 drivers every day on the A46.
The installation represents an Avro Lancaster bomber, in flight, heading “home” to RAF Swinderby, just 3km away. The site is particularly fitting, not only because of its perfect vantage point, but also because a number of aircraft, including Lancaster’s crashed nearby during the Second World War .
Although intended to be a reminder of all Bomber Command crews, one such aircraft, Lancaster R5689 (VN-N) crashed on 18th September
1942 as it limped home from a mission over the Baltic Sea , which had set out to destroy German U-Boats that were stopping Europe receiving grain and fuel. After a clear take off in fine conditions, the return of the plane was rather different, coming home to land, damaged and in bad weather conditions, the plane was required to circle the area for quite a while another aircraft landed. Sadly the plane never made it to the airfield and crash landed in the woods near Swinderby and Norton Disney. Five members of its crew perished. Because that crash site is so close, (metres not miles) and the fact that VN-N was also the most photographed Lancaster of the war it has been chosen as the basis of this landmark to serve as a permanent reminder
of Lincolnshire’s link to wartime aviation.
Lancasters are very large – 26m long and with a 31m wingspan. With a height of 29m this will make the installation taller than the Angel of the North which stands 20m tall.
The structure is a mildsteel structural frame partially clad in mild steel sheet in a similar fashion to the example of a Spitfire below. Once the structure takes on surface rust, the colours will be similar to
from road level. The sculpture will be built to scale, weigh over 93 tonnes and will be angled at 45 degrees to look like it is turning to come into land at Swinderby, where the old aircraft was based and the original story inspired the build.
No lighting, power or other services will be installed at the site. The delicate eco-system which exists in the vicinity of the site and around Hill Holt Wood, goes hand-in-hand with a particularly dark
the markings on an actual Lancaster.
The support structure elevates the Lancaster approximately 15m above ground level. This ensures that the plane appears to be flying above the horizon against the sky when viewed
environment at night, which will be preserved.
There will be a 300m pathway around the sculpture for visitors to walk along and a huge poppy field has been planted in front and down to the dual carriageway.
The design and engineering expertise involved in the build and support of the landmark is incredible. The project has received great local support from local and national businesses and the local communities and whilst the fabrication of the fuselage are finally being completed and put into storage, over £150k of donations and support are still needed, including CAD drawings, scaffolding, and steel to bring the final half of the project to fruition. Sadly after the project had such an enthusiastic start in 2018, the covid pandemic has slowed the progress of the project and set back the original timescales to much dismay.
So far on the site the tall metal stantons are in place in the concrete base and these can be seen from the A46 road alone. The landscaping and planting of poppies for the fields around and car parking spaces has started but further work is still needed.
Many companies are involved in the project and have either supported in their skills, time or products such as the 1300 tons of concrete that are needed to secure the base, paint to prime and weather proof the steel stantons (donated by Witham Group), fabrication skills or crane hire, architects, engineers and of course the local parish council and land owners, In addition donations have
come in from a huge variety of sources, legacies, fundraising activities, including the sale of a unique collection of Dam Busters memorabilia from a passionate supporter.
It is and remains a huge community effort to have got this far and remains a huge community challenge to finally get the landmark off the ground.
www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk /news/dam-busterscollection-up-for-auctionto-help-lancasterbomb9271399/?fbclid=IwAR0 WFZq15emFKJNZR3Xx 2l5u5-6yu49sBkRp Mpezo6gYoAtv1KaYny Ka9uc.
It is and remains a huge community effort to have got this far and remains a huge community challenge to finally get the landmark off the ground.
The sculpture will serve as a permanent reminder of those who gave their service in duty within the Bomber County of Lincolnshire. Witham Group is proud to be supporting this legacy project and if you are able to help with a donation of any kind, please get in touch with the On Freedom’s Wings project by visiting https:// www.bombergatewaytrust. co.uk/. Alternatively please call Jonathan Hammond, Jonathan Hammond M.B.E. Principal & Valuer, HAMMOND Property Services. Tel:01949 87 86 85
Jonathan Hammond, MBE and Committee member of the project said
“Since my first visit to the RAF Museum at Hendon for my 11th birthday with my Uncle (ex RAF) and listening to his stories of daring exploits of those who took the dark skies, I have been hooked on researching more, learning more and helping those who wish to create lasting memorials to those 55,573 brave crew of Bomber Command who gave their lives whilst fighting for the defence of our Democracy. At a time when our thoughts and hopes for those in Ukraine who are fighting their own and similar battle for what’s right, I can only hope that others will step up to help support the final stages of this exciting Project.
Just imagine, on his final turn and approach to land his Lancaster Bomber at RAF Swinderby, after a 7 hour flight at the controls, a 22 year old Australian Pilot was instructed ‘to go round again’ as a more stricken Lancaster required the runway for an emergency landing. Following the extra circuit in rain and with low cloud, the two port engines failed and the aircraft veered to the right, crashing in Thurlby Top Wood with the loss of life for 4 of the 7 aircrew.
It would be so great it we could get the support as soon as possible for us all to remember their sacrifice and the other 55,569 members of Bomber Command., as well as the overall memory of those who gave their lives in war, a thought we are still seeing on the news today.
What started as a £750,000 Project, which thanks to all those involved already now requires only the final £180,000 to complete… but we need people to come forward with their goods and services or kindly make a donation asap. If everyone in Lincolnshire gave just £1, we would reach our goal and be able to get the sculpture completed and in situ on the A46 as quickly as possible.”
Our holiday home is available for breaks all year round.
Why not apply to stay in our holiday home for serving RAF personnel and RAF veterans? Situated only a 15-minute walk from the traditional seaside town of Bridlington.
It’s the ideal destination to visit for a holiday with kids or for some peace and quiet.
The four-bedroom chalet bungalow is wheelchair accessible, with a disabledfriendly bathroom. A real home from home, with everything you need for a memorable holiday.
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BUILT BY EX MILITARY, FOR EX MILITARY
Many of the JobOppO team have been in your shoes & we will strive to offer the support we wished we had.
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NO RECRUITMENT AGENTS –NO MIDDLEMEN!
We connect you directly with good people at organisations who are seeking to employ Service Leavers & Veterans. We do not work with recruitment agencies.
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Are proud sponsors of this year’s Heropreneurs Employers Award
We
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4 EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
Whether you left the forces yesterday or 20 years ago, we can provide information, advice & guidance regarding your options and approach to job hunting.
INNOVATIVE AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
From corporate employers (podcasts, interviews, Q&A’s etc) – Senior leaders within larger corporate clients of ours are committed to show their support via podcasts/interviews/career path tips exclusively for JobOppO members.
OF REVENUE GOES TO THE OPPO FOUNDATION
27+
Sectors are currently listed on JobOppO
6,000+
Companies signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant
We work with Full Time and Reservists
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Become professionally registered with the IET. We are licensed by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng, EngTech and ICTTech. With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply.
Find out more by registering for our latest webinar
What you will learn
– An overview of the IET
– Membership benefits
– Professional Registration Categories
– Overview of the UK SPEC
– The benefits of Professional Registration
– The Professional Registration Application process
– The guidance and support we offer
You don’t have to be a civilian to gain civilian qualifications. With more than 200 qualifications and 400 modules to choose from, and the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world, the OU can improve your knowledge, progress your career and fill your downtime.
What’s stopping you?
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER: OPENUNIVERSITY.CO.UK/EASYRESETTLEMENT
Usually 80+ Spoticar Quality used cars to to view and try
£229 incl. vat.
Low Rate PCP Plans available on many models OR Massive FDA’s with other finance plans!
Special Military Deals also Available!
TEST DRIVE 2023 HYBRID ALL NEW ASTRA AND GRANDLAND!