OnetoOne Winter 24/25

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onetoone

Stn Cdr’s Foreword

Gp Capt O'Grady

As we look forward to the exciting challenges of 2025, I’d like to reflect on some of your accomplishments and express my gratitude for your continued dedication.

2024 was an extraordinary year. From maintaining our impeccable 24/7 QRA readiness to delivering on operations and exercises around the world, you have upheld the very best standards of professionalism and teamwork. Typhoon squadrons supported critical missions in the Middle East, intercepting threats and safeguarding international waters, while also excelling in exercises that tested our capabilities and adaptability. Closer to home, Ex AGILE SHIELD was a real milestone in on our Agile Combat Employment journey, and we will participate in increasingly complex serials this year which will further enhance our ability to fly and fight. Every success, whether in operations, logistics, engineering, or support roles, is a testament to the hard work of the entire station.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have another packed year of exercises and operations that will demand the very best from all of us. 12 Sqn will play a leading role in Exercises FALCON SKIES and EPIC SKIES, forging vital partnerships in the Middle East. 41 TES will showcase their expertise during Ex SNOW RIDER, testing advanced tactics and technologies in challenging winter conditions, whilst in Spring, several of our squadrons will participate in Ex COBRA WARRIOR, one of the RAF’s flagship multinational training events, providing opportunities to further enhance our interoperability and combat readiness. 3(F) Sqn will take part in Ex STORM WARRIOR in Northern Europe and MAGIC CARPET in Oman, further honing their expeditionary skills. This demanding programme will once again highlight the professionalism and versatility of RAF Coningsby personnel on the world stage. We will

also continue our unwavering support to Op SHADER, helping to ensure stability in the Middle East.

Beyond the mission, our commitment to community engagement remains strong. July will bring our Families Day—a highlight of the year where we can come together to celebrate the contributions of the families who support us behind the scenes. It’s an opportunity to say thank you and enjoy a day of fun, camaraderie, and pride in what we do. I’m also excited for Series 2 of Top Guns, which will give the world a glimpse of the incredible professionalism and talent that defines RAF Coningsby.

To every member of our Whole Force—regulars, reserves, civil servants, contractors, and industry partners—thank you for everything you do. With your dedication and the unwavering support of your families, I am confident we will meet the challenges of 2025 with the same determination and success that has always defined us.

Editor

Flt Lt Hodgon

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CONTENTS

06 CIVIL SERVANT ENGAGEMENT TEAM VISIT TO THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Following on from their successful summer trip, the Civil Servant Engagement Team hosted their second FD trip of the year, this time to the National Arboretum.

07 NO. 7 FORCE PROTECTION WING

No. 7 Force Protection Wing have continued to support operations both domestically and overseas.

11 ‘DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’

The famous Christmas song by Chris Rea from the late 1980s.

12 CORPORAL RACHEL HOWE

As I sit here, one workout away from completing a gruelling 24-hour Gymathon at RAF Shawbury, I can’t help but reflect on how far this journey has taken me—not just over the last 24 hours, but over the past year.

15 RAF SKILLS DAY CATERING COMPETITION

RAF Skills Day is a two-day Catering competition where chefs and AGS from all Stations are invited to compete in various classes, Catering to all levels of experience. A team of nine logistic Caterers represented RAF Coningsby at the event, which was held at the Catering Training Wing (CTW) at Worthy Down.

19 TYPHOON DISPLAY TEAM CELEBRATES RECORD YEAR

The Typhoon Display Team is enjoying a quieter winter period after a record year; not only did they raise a record amount of £55,000 for their chosen charity, Head Up; they also achieved the worlds’ first Typhoon display using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at RIAT24.

20 29 SQN DEPLOY TO SPAIN ON THE TACTICAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The original intent of 29 Sqns deployment to Albacete was to help develop the tactics and prowess of Allied Air Forces, and with two days to go until the aircraft begin their flights back to RAF Coningsby, we can tentatively call it a great success.

22 RAF CONINGSBY LOGISTICS SQUADRON FORCE DEVELOPMENT, EXERCISE LONDON CALLING Officers’ and Aviators’ from RAF Coningsby Logistics Sqn undertook “Exercise LONDON CALLING” from the 12 - 14 Nov 24.

CIVIL SERVANT ENGAGEMENT TEAM VISIT TO THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Following on from their successful summer trip, the Civil Servant Engagement Team hosted their second FD trip of the year, this time to the National Arboretum. As time had ran away from us back in July (and we didn't appreciate how large 150 acres is), this was a part 2 for some and a brand-new trip for others. This time the sun was shining as we got the MT Minibus and arrived in lovely sunny Stafford. Despite the weather, we were alarmed to find that half of the Arboretum and the monuments we had planned to see had been flooded after a deluge of rain from the previous week!

Looking on at the Japanese peace monument (from a nice dry spot) we started our discussions, talking about world peace, and whether it could be achieved as well as attitudes, and tolerance, of evacuees and refugees. The discussions were thought provoking and interesting, Although we don’t do traditional stands we have these discussions which help us to demonstrate some of the civil service behaviours which we are all expected

to adhere to. We are not just looking inwards but are looking at the bigger picture of how our roles contribute to defence and we are exercising our communication skills, listening to each other, and engaging with what people are contributing to these arenas. This helps us to develop understanding between each other, and to personally take some time to reflect on our thoughts and opinions and if there may be different ways to fix the same problems.

These two days over the year have been highly beneficial to Civil Servants and the Engagement Team have enjoyed being able to take advantage of the opportunity we have to host such events.

NO. 7 FORCE PROTECTION WING

No. 7 Force Protection Wing have continued to support operations both domestically and overseas. Committed to Very High Readiness (VHR) taskings from 1 Apr - 1 Oct 24, serving personnel at No. 7 Force Protection Wing maintained the ability to deploy operational Command and Control nodes, utilising both static and mobile platforms. In addition, the Wing continues to support its widely dispersed Force Elements, which includes Live Fire Tactical Training Ranges and mandatory Force Protection training, an annual requirement in accordance with the Combat Readiness Force Training Directive. Flt Lt O’Rourke (Operations Officer at No. 7 Force Protection Wing) completed a

three-month Liaison Officer role within the United States Air Force (USAF) from Mar –Jun 2024. This role allowed the Combat Readiness Force to further understand the roles and responsibilities of the USAF Security Forces and its current capabilities. Going into 2025, No. 7 Force Protection Wing will enter a period of collective training with its force elements, which includes joint exercises and operational deployments with both Air and Land assets as part of the UK’s NATO commitment. No. 7 Force Protection Wing will also continue to support RAF Coningsby with future active/passive defence planning.

SERVICE, MOTS, TYRES, DIAGNOSTICS, ALL MAKES & MODELS + FUEL AIR CONDITIONING, CALOR GAS, ALLOY WELDING & WHEEL REPAIRS

and

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 2023

Breakfast

‘Pupils have a good attitude to learning, behave well are kind and like to help each other with their learning’ Ofsted 2023

Ofsted 2016

Breakfast club available from 8am every day

Visitors are welcome, please contact

Visitors are welcome, please contact us on 01507 568304 enquiries@mareham.lincs.sch.uk

HELPING OUR ARMED FORCES

We are proud to support and represent our Armed Forces personnel with their legal issues. Through our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Discount Service, we o er free initial telephone consultations and a 10% discount to all military personnel. (T&Cs apply)

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Family & Children Law | Divorce & Separation | Family Mediation

Free initial consultations available at our Sleaford o ce, or the bases at Coningsby, Cranwell or Digby

Please call Karen Motley on 01529 302800 to book

Residential Property Sales & Purchases | Forces Help to Buy

For a quote, please call Claire Parker on 01522 542211

Wills & Trusts | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Probate

Please call your local o ce for advice or to book an appointment

Courts-Martial Representation | Motoring O ences

Please call your local o ce for advice or to book an appointment

‘DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’

The famous Christmas song by Chris Rea from the late 1980s. Chris Rea wrote the song when he was driving home one Christmas from London Abbey Road Studios to Middlesborough. A distance of 241 miles, even in good traffic it would take four and half hours. Yet this trip took over six hours. Chris Rea’s wife drove down in an old mini and on the return journey they kept getting stuck in the snow and traffic. At one point they had to wait for a snow plough. Yet it didn’t dishearten them. For they knew the excitement of getting home after the long snowy road.

The words ‘Driving home for Christmas it’s going to take some time but I’ll get there’. Sometimes it’s the excitement of knowing you are going to spend time with loved ones. The joy and excitement knowing it doesn’t matter how long it takes, soon you will be in the arms of those special people. Which is deeply meaningful. In a warm home surrounded with love.

You could be on your way back from your deployment or about to leave just after Christmas, in which case it makes this Christmas even more wonderous and magical. ‘Driving home for Christmas it’s going to take some time but I’ll get there’.

When we spend time with those we love, it’s about connecting being in the moment and not rushing away.

It could have taken a very long time to get home for Christmas, so it’s even more important to savour that magic and wonder. To hold those special people even closer and being thankful for the love we have.

Driving home for Christmas can be hard for some, as we may not have a home or may even feel lost or lonely. Driving home for Christmas is also about looking after each other. Reaching out to those we know, who are on their own this year. Saying ‘You can Drive to my home for Christmas’.

That first Christmas when Mary and Joseph where driving home on a donkey they found shelter and Mary gave birth to Jesus. They were strangers and yet were given a safe place to stay. They may have not been stuck on the M1 but found a place to stay. A place not theirs but a place to rest and find peace and hope from the world outside.

Driving home this Christmas take’s time so take time to look around and see who may need to be invited, to be encouraged, to have the love of family. It’s not about looking for the strangers, it’s even looking within your own family to Drive them home for Christmas bringing that expectant hope, warmth, joy, and something magical. Finding that place to stay which is safe and warm.

Let’s be the one who when driving home for Christmas is excited and wants to share that love of this time of year with others.

ONE STEP AT A TIME: CORPORAL RACHEL HOWE’S JOURNEY TO OVERCOME AND INSPIRE

AS I SIT HERE, ONE WORKOUT AWAY FROM COMPLETING A GRUELLING 24HOUR GYMATHON AT RAF SHAWBURY, I CAN’T HELP BUT REFLECT ON HOW FAR THIS JOURNEY HAS TAKEN ME— NOT JUST OVER THE LAST 24 HOURS, BUT OVER THE PAST YEAR.

The Gymathon has been an intense and demanding challenge, just as we anticipated, but the team’s unwavering determination and camaraderie have carried us through. So far, we’ve raised an incredible £2,500 for Blood Cancer UK from this event alone, pushing my total fundraising efforts to over £4,000.

This is just one of the many challenges I’ve undertaken to raise awareness and funds for Blood Cancer UK. From

tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks just days after finishing six months of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, to walking a marathon distance through the night during the London Shine Walk, and completing the Snowdon Triple Challenge, every step has been about pushing boundaries—not just for myself, but for others facing blood cancer. My final event, the ultimate culmination of this journey, will be the London Marathon in 2025.

Facing the Diagnosis

In early 2024, I was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer known as Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (LPL), or Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia (WM). My diagnosis came after routine blood tests for symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss, followed by a bone marrow biopsy and scans that confirmed cancer in the bone marrow.

Learning that I had an incurable cancer was a tough reality to face. WM affects only about 350 people in the UK annually, a small portion of the 40,000 diagnosed with blood cancers each year. Despite its rarity, I’ve found solace in knowing that treatments are

available and often successful. While my journey with this condition is ongoing, I’ve channelled my energy into advocacy and fundraising— turning what could have been an overwhelming chapter of my life into an opportunity to inspire hope and resilience.

The Gymathon: A True Test of Grit

This Gymathon was spearheaded by my teammate and fellow RAF Senior Representative Team (Women) member, Corporal Pip Wilson, a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) at RAF Shawbury. A core group of 12 RAF SRT(W) members, including myself, committed to completing a workout every hour on the hour from midday to midday. It’s been a tough challenge, but the energy and support from the team have been incredible.

Having been part of the RAF SRT(W) since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to five InterService title wins, even captaining the squad in our 2022 matches against the Army and Royal Navy. The Gymathon was a natural extension of the team spirit and discipline I’ve experienced in my rugby career.

Why It Matters

Blood cancers are a hidden battle for many, and awareness is critical. Despite advances in treatments, the fight against blood cancer is ongoing, with more than 100 different types affecting thousands each year. Fundraising efforts like this Gymathon play a vital role in supporting research and offering hope to those diagnosed.

For me, every event, every mile, every workout is not just a challenge—it’s a statement. It’s about showing that even in the face of adversity, strength and determination can prevail.

As I prepare for my final workout in this 24-hour Gymathon, I feel immense gratitude for the support I’ve received—from my teammates, the RAF community, and everyone who has contributed to this cause. Together, we’re proving that every step, every effort, and every act of kindness can make a difference.

London Marathon 2025 may be the finish line for this series of challenges, but it’s far from the end of my journey. Together, we’ll keep fighting—for awareness, for support, and for a cure.

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RAF SKILLS DAY CATERING

RAF Skills Day is a two-day Catering competition where chefs and AGS from all Stations are invited to compete in various classes, Catering to all levels of experience. A team of nine logistic Caterers represented RAF Coningsby at the event, which was held at the Catering Training Wing (CTW) at Worthy Down.

The team had the opportunity to practice their dishes twice prior to the event, receiving constructive feedback from WO Reece Holt, Sgt Ollie Elkington and Cpl Luke Vincent. After making minor adjustments to their dishes and mocktails, the team felt well-prepared for the competition. The event required a significant amount of teamwork from start to finish, and it was evident that Team Coningsby had bonded well over the preceding weeks.

First-time competitor AS2 Wilkins was awarded a bronze medal in the Junior Open Chicken class, a superb effort that deserved recognition. Another first-timer, AS1 Robinson, created a beautiful plate of food in the Open Pasta class, earning him a well-deserved silver medal for his excellent flavours, working practices, and knowledge.

AS1 Barnett, the final firsttime competitor in solo classes, chose three mocktails based on non-alcoholic versions of some classics and received a respectable Certificate of Merit in the Open Mixology class, despite facing stiff competition.

AS1 Sabu produced a Japanese-inspired vegan dish that one judge labelled the best dish of the entire event, earning him a silver medal Best in Class for his efforts.

AS1 Timmons, a regular on the competition scene, competed in the World Food class and received a gold medal, also being named Best in Class.

Bronze medals were awarded to Cpl Vincent and Cpl Garratt

for their performances in the Open Lamb and Open Feathered Game classes, respectively.

The final awards were given to the Cook and Serve Team, consisting of Head Chef AS1 Timmons, Commis Chef AS1 Greenhalgh, and Front of House AS1 Keighley. In this 90-minute class, the chefs were required to produce four plates each for a three-course meal, while the front-ofhouse member laid a table for two diners, explained the menu and wine pairings, and served. Despite being the most junior team competing in Senior Cook and Serve, all three team members received silver medals.

Overall, the RAF Coningsby team demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork and dedication, earning multiple awards across various categories. Their success at RAF Skills Day highlighted their culinary talents and the effectiveness of their preparation, making them a formidable presence at the event.

Local Governance, at the Heart of HET

At Horncastle Education Trust, it’s really important to us that the community are involved in shaping their local school. One way we make sure this happens, is through recruitment to our Local Governing Bodies.

Governors are volunteers who work closely with our schools to ensure we uphold high educational standards and safeguard our students. Governors also help to shape future developments.

Members of the community with a range of different skills and experiences come together to champion our schools and ensure they are the best that they can be. If you are passionate about ensuring the children in your community have the best life chances, we would love to hear from you!

When you join us, you’ll be supported by our friendly and experienced team as you develop your knowledge about school governance so that you can play an important part in the future of your local school. You will also have access to a range of training opportunities and the latest information from sector specialists such as the National Governance Association and Confederation of School Trusts. Being a Governor involves visits to the school and attending Governing Body meetings, in addition to some training sessions and our annual conference where you can meet and get to know other Governors, Trustees and Members.

We’re Recruiting!

We are looking for volunteers to join the Governing Bodies at all of our schools. If you would like to find out more, get in touch with us: governance@horncastleeducationtrust.org

Don’t just take our word for it…

“Being a Governor enables me to use my knowledge and skills whilst giving something back to the community.”

“It’s so rewarding to work with other volunteers and school staff, I love being able to help shape future opportunities for our children.”

“My experience as a Governor enhanced my skills, I was able to include this when I applied for my latest job.”

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.

New Opportunities @HET

There are exciting opportunities ahead within our trust, and we would like to know what you think of our plans…

Within our trust, young people are at the heart of decision making and we aim to ensure that pupils receive the best possible educational experience and we prepare them well for the next stage of their journey. We were delighted to share that, follow ing a visit from Ofsted, Huttoft Primary & Nursery School is graded as Good in all areas. The current educational landscape means that our other two rural primary schools, Frithville and New York, are facing a number of challenges and careful consideratio n has led us to believe that amalgamation would allow us to serve our communities better.

We are also aware that nationally there is a shortage of places for pupils who need additional support outside of a mainstream school setting in order to overcome barriers, access education and achieve their potential. This is known as Alternative Provision. We are committed to serve all young people well and this is an area where we know we can make a difference to families where these challenges exist.

Our proposals are that we:

• Amalgamate Frithville & New York Primary Schools, creating a new school on the Frithville site

• Create an Alternative Provision facility on the New York site

Get involved and share your views…

We are keen to receive feedback and have launched a public consultation – you can access the details and a link to the feedback form from our website

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.

All parents, prospective students (Year 7 and 6th Form) and friends of the school are invited to an:

Wednesday 5th

October 2022 6.30pm-8.30pm

At Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, we provide outstanding teaching which ensure the highest quality learning outcomes. Our highly-qualified and experienced staff consistently deliver lessons which are engaging and exciting. Lessons are taught at pace and excellent use is made of technology to support learning. We aim to create passion for learning among students and to generate the skills which enable Indvidual’s to become independent learners, with a strong emphasis on learning that is relevant, enjoyable and intellectually challenging. Effort and achievement are encouraged, valued and celebrated. Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a high-performing specialist school, specialising in science and modern foreign languages, and is rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted.

It welcomes students from Horncastle and the surrounding area up to and beyond Wragby, Bardney and Woodhall Spa to the west, the Wolds to the north and east, and almost to Boston in the south. The designated transport area also includes the RAF base at Coningsby.

• Meet pupils and staff • Tour the school’s facilities Visit departments and take part in activities • Light refreshments

T: 01507 522465 E: enquiries@qegs.lincs.sch.uk

Please visit www.qegs.lincs.sch.uk for more information

TYPHOON DISPLAY TEAM

CELEBRATES RECORD YEAR

The Typhoon Display Team is enjoying a quieter winter period after a record year; not only did they raise a record amount of £55,000 for their chosen charity, Head Up; they also achieved the worlds’ first Typhoon display using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at RIAT24.

Since achieving the first North American Typhoon display in Canada in June, reported on by this magazine in the last issue, the TDT went on to welcome Sweden to NATO at the Nordic Air Power Show in August, and rounded off the season in Sanicole International Air Show (Belgium) in September. Belgium was a last minute re-route after the late notice cancellation of NATO Days Ostrava, when the Czechia and Eastern European region was sadly hit by extreme flooding due to Storm Boris. Fortunately, serendipity prevailed as it was especially poignant for the

D-Day 80 themed jet, ‘Moggy’ to display over Belgium as her final overseas show.

In total, over Display Season 2024, the TDT achieved 48 public displays and six standalone flypasts, over 34 different venues all over the UK and abroad.

The Public Relations teams at shows and events have raised a phenomenal £55,000 for Head Up charity. Head Up’s mission is to raise mental health awareness for UK Armed Forces and empower members of the military community who are at breaking point to recover their mental health and enjoy a more positive, and happier future.

The Head Up vision is to stem the increasing number of suicides within the military community by empowering people to turn things around before their issues have the chance to become lifethreatening. They are doing this by creating a unique, holistic countryside retreat that removes the existing barriers to getting the right help. Sevenday residential courses will

provide personalised mentalhealth support for serving and retired members of the Army, RAF, Navy, and Royal Marines. They aim to catch those at risk of falling through the cracks in current provision. By design, the retreat will have a non-militarised atmospheremeaning no triggering Forces paraphernalia, photographs, uniforms, or hierarchies. A calm, natural and luxurious environment will help guests feel welcome and valued and give them space to work on their mindset and learn new skills for challenging negative thought and behaviours. Although guests can be recommended to them by military organisations and charities, the NHS and businesses who employ veterans, personnel can also self-refer. Meaning you don’t have to approach a doctor, you can just approach Head Up directly.

This is a real point of difference from most other services, and guests won't

have to pay a penny to access Head Up’s services. They don't want money worries putting off anyone who would benefit from their services.

You can find out more about Head Up charity on Instagram: @head_up_charity

And their website: https://www.head-up.org.uk/

29 SQN DEPLOY TO SPAIN ON THE TACTICAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The original intent of 29 Sqns deployment to Albacete was to help develop the tactics and prowess of Allied Air Forces, and with two days to go until the aircraft begin their flights back to RAF Coningsby, we can tentatively call it a great success. The Sqn deployed eight aircraft to Los Lanos Spanish Air Force Base near Albacete in order to provide both Blue Air forces, Red Air forces, and keep several Pilots Under Training (PUT) current whilst they continue the Operational Conversion Course. With three tasks to undertake over a two week flying period it was no small task for our team of engineers to keep at least six aircraft serviceable twice a day, and despite a hangar queen or two, at the time of

writing we have eight out of eight aircraft serviceable.

We’ve been joined out here by three pilots from other (some would argue lesser) Sqns, these, along with our own Flt Lt Bedford have been undertaking the three week-long arduous course which constitutes planning and executing Large Force Exercises with our NATO partners. This year that included Rafales from Greece, Mirages from France, Tornados from Germany, F-18 Hornets from Spain and Typhoons from numerous European Air Forces. The pinnacle of interoperability came when our French exchange pilot, flew a British Typhoon, seen off by Italian Line Engineers, out of a Spanish Air Force Base, supervised by a German Engineering Officer.

High profile visits to the 29 Sqn detachment included HM Ambassador to Spain His Excellency Sir Alex Ellis, who was shown around the Typhoon by our own Flt Lt “Turbo” Turnbull. Additionally AVM Shaun Harris, in his role as Director Support and Chief Engineer, came to observe how we handled operating with other nations engineers, equipment, and procedures. In typical fashion Turbo got to meet him too.

Despite the promise of a detachment where their output was not the priority, the trainees of 29 Sqn have been surprised to find they have been going through a large amount of progress on their course in Los Lanos. Course 118 attendees

have finished their Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (BFM) phase, and Course 116 have been flying sorties in both Advanced Combat Manoeuvres and Surface Attack Training. When they were not flying their own sorties, the trainees were helping the course pilots plan their sorties which provided a great insight into the course many of the trainees would hope to do in years to come. Even more impressive was some of the trainees having a chance to train against Mirages from the French Air Force and F-18s from the Spanish Air Force in BFM. Needless to say the Typhoon proved too much for both adversaries, we are hoping for the trainees to stop bragging about it before the New Year.

RAF CONINGSBY LOGISTICS SQUADRON FORCE DEVELOPMENT, EXERCISE LONDON CALLING

Officers’ and Aviators’ from RAF Coningsby Logistics Sqn undertook “Exercise LONDON CALLING” from the 12 - 14 Nov 24.

This Force Development exercise aimed to deepen understanding of military history, air power, and leadership from WWI to present day. Over three days, participants explored historic sites, engaged in discussions on modern air power and experienced ceremonial traditions first-hand.

The exercise began with an introduction to the rich history and tour of the King’s Troop (RHA) at Woolwich Barracks, emphasising the ceremonial role of artillery in British military history. Personnel were able to meet soldiers who carry out unique roles such as farriers, tailors and saddle makers but the highlight was meeting the military horses that are key to this unique ceremonial Unit.

The start of the second day was spent at the Imperial War Museum, where participants explored exhibits spanning from WWI to the present day. The museum’s detailed displays illuminated the evolution of air power, highlighting the impact of logistics and supply chains on major conflicts.

The team move onto the Churchill War Rooms, which are an underground complex that served as the hub for British military command during WWII. This perfectly preserved historic site provided a direct view of the critical decisions that the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, his cabinet and senior military commanders made to direct the British war effort.

A key highlight of Ex LONDON CALLING was the team’s delivery of presentations at historically significant Memorials and

Monuments, including the RAF Monument, the Battle of Britain Memorial along Whitehall. These presentations were all researched to explore leadership, logistics and air power from World War II to modern RAF operations. By connecting past achievements to current challenges and future goals. The aim was to not only show an understanding of the RAF’s past and future but to also create meaningful reflection among participants.

As part of Ex LONDON CALLING, participants had the unique opportunity to witness the King’s Troop (RHA) perform a gun salute in honour of His Majesty, King Charles III’s 76th birthday on the final day. This ceremonial event, held at Green Park, demonstrated the precision, tradition, and professionalism synonymous with the King’s Troop (RHA). Their role during the birthday salute exemplified their dedication to preserving military traditions while representing the Army to the public. Shortly before midday, 71 horses, pulling six World War I era 13-pounder Field Guns at quick pace to get into position for the Royal Salute. The guns were quickly detached and on the word of command at the strike of midday in unison with Big Ben, each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at ten-second intervals in perfect coordination until 41 rounds had been fired.

For participants, observing this event offered insights into the meticulous preparation, teamwork, and leadership required for such high-profile displays. It also provided a reminder of the balance between operational

responsibilities and ceremonial commitments within the armed forces, further enriching the lessons of the exercise.

Flt Lt Kaberry (OC FSF) “Seeing the King’s Troop in action was a strong reminder of the discipline, teamwork, and pride that define military service.”

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