Gateway - RAF

Global May 2014

Gateway

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News

GLOBAL GATEWAY In May's issue

The Team

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Foreword by Group Captain Support From the Editor 216 Squadron

Front Cover Editorial Team Sqn Ldr Mike Udall 9230 3362 or 01993 873362 Flt Lt Art Lester

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2624, 4624 & 4626 Sqn's Ex WINTERMARCH, Norway 2014 Barbecue Safety RAF Personnel go ‘Quackers’ in Lechlade on 5 May RAF pilots run 17 marathons in memory of the fallen

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RAF Reserves Logistics No 501 Squadron goes live (again) Best kept secret

Community Focus

Flt Lt Lindsay Clark Media Team

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Sara Chubb 95461 5612 or 01993 895612 Anita Jack / Rachel McCulloch 95461 6342 or 01993 896342 Editorial Correspondence

RAF Falcons glide spectacularly into 2014 Display season ‘Entente (most) Cordiale’ RAF completes first Voyager flight

34 Youth Activity support at Brize Norton 35 SCSO and HIVE Outreach Facility 35 RAF Brize Community Support 38 Flight Sergeant Linda Jean Holley 39 Bravos Awards 2014 42 Sport Relief 2014

The Global Gateway Editor, 30 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX Email: [email protected] Distribution Cpl Forrest (Team Leader) 9230 3321 or 01993 873321 Cpl Morrow (Deputy) Cpl Mundie SAC Avenell SAC Walmsley SAC Danby SAC Hull SAC McDool

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The Worshipful Company of Woolmen visit RAF Brize Norton

Submitting Articles

Thanks to all of you who took time to write the variety of articles in this issue. To send submissions to the Global Gateway, email [email protected] and any articles that we receive by the 16th of each month will be in the following month’s magazine. When you submit articles, remember that accompanying them with high resolution images really makes a difference. Please send a maximum of 2 images per email to work around our DII email size limitations. We very much look forward to reading about your endeavours this month! © No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 email: [email protected]

Although advertisements are included in good faith, the Editor hereby declares that the publication of any advertisement in the ‘Gateway’ in no way implies endorsements or responsibility, by the ‘Gateway’. The MOD or any Service Establishment - including RAF Brize Norton, for the advertiser or its advertised product or service. Furthermore, neither the Editor nor any Service authority will become involved in any dispute arising out of any advertisement appearing in the ‘Gateway’.The ‘Gateway’ is not an official publication; unless specifically stated otherwise, all views expressed in the ‘Gateway’ are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect official MOD or Service policy. © No part of the ‘Gateway’ may be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the Editor or publisher. Photographs are Crown Copyright - all rights reserved - unless credited to an individual photographer. The ‘Gateway’ is the magazine of RAF Brize Norton and is published monthly by kind permission of the Station Commander - Gp Capt Lushington

Managing director: Ron Pearson • Sub editor: Kerry Wells • Sales managers: Sally Haynes/Amanda Mains

Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton

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FOREWORD BY GROUP CAPTAIN SUPPORT

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elcome to the May issue of the Global Gateway Magazine. As you read this, the final Relief in Place for Operation HERRICK will be well underway, bringing with it perhaps the clearest indication that we are approaching the end of a period of continuous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan that have defined our business for over a decade. Throughout that time, Royal Air Force Brize Norton has hammered home its status as the ‘Defence Gateway to Operations’ - a role that we will carry forward into the future, not least because our commitment to Afghanistan will not end with the closure of Operation HERRICK. The United Kingdom Armed Forces will continue to provide support to the people of Afghanistan to build the capacity and the skills to manage their own security. But before we can switch focus fully to the future, the remainder of this year will be focussed on the enormous task of recovering all the outstanding, modern, fighting equipment that has been deployed to Afghanistan over the years and ensuring that it can go back into the Support Chain for refurbishment and return to units. This will continue to place significant demands on both our aircraft, to continue to service the airbridge, and our people - it is not just the operating crews who are needed to get those aircraft airborne, it takes every one of our ground branches and trades to deliver true air mobility. And getting the aircraft airborne and recovered to RAF Brize Norton is not the end of the story - in particular APOE Wing will be heavily engaged in handling the unprecedented quantities of air freight that will be coming back over the next few months, tracking, sorting and clearing the airhead, ready for the next delivery. At the other end of the airbridge, one of our major ‘supported’ units, 1 Air Mobility Wing, will be increasing its footprint in Afghanistan in order to load that freight onto aircraft for the journey home. Station life continues at its usual frenetic pace - the sheer scale of Royal Air Force Brize Norton means that ‘someone is always doing something’, be that sporting endeavour, adventure training, charity work or any one of a myriad personnel development or recreational activities. As a consequence, it is impossible to cover everything in a single issue of this magazine - but I would urge all of you to submit articles to let the rest of the Station know what you have been doing - who knows, you may inspire other people to take up a new sport, to test themselves in a challenging environment or even to take up a new hobby. This month we have 4 articles showcasing just some of the charity work that individual wings, squadrons and sections are involved in, including 2 events in support of Sports Relief as well as a Charity Duck Race in Lechlade. Also, as I type, 3 Hercules pilots have just completed a 17-day challenge in which they have absolutely pushed themselves to the limits, running the equivalent of a marathon a day, to cover one mile for every one of our Service personnel who has died serving in Afghanistan - a commitment made all the more poignant by their having to add a further 5 miles to their target during the run following the tragic loss of a Lynx helicopter. The team was ‘clapped and cheered’ back into the Station by several hundred of us, including the Defence Minister for Personnel, Welfare and Veterans who happened to be visiting that day and wanted

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Gp Capt Cole to show her appreciation for their efforts. Whilst this and some of the other events will have concluded by the time you read this, most of them still have ‘Just Giving’ pages, so please consider donating what you wish in support of some very worthy causes. I am also sad to record the death of one of our own personnel. Flight sergeant Linda Holley from Air Traffic Control Squadron was a much-loved member of Team Brize, who will be missed hugely by all those who knew her and had worked with her here and on her previous units. A touching article written by one of her colleagues sums up their memories of her and the affection they have for her. Our thoughts are with her family, her colleagues and her friends. I will finish off by reminding all of you of the welfare support that is available to everyone at Royal Air Force Brize Norton. Warrant Officer Yvonne Conway heads up the dedicated Community Support Team; alongside Community Support we have the HIVE, which is a tremendous source of information and is adept at sign-posting people to the most appropriate support agency if they cannot deal with a problem themselves, and we are very luck to have full time SSAFA Social Workers on Station. Of course we also have the Station Chaplaincy - Padre Ellis and his team will always lend a supportive, confidential ear to anyone who needs it. We also try to provide as much support as we can for the families of those who are deployed on Operations, and you can read about a number of opportunities in the Community section of the magazine. The Station Commander and I place great importance on supporting the families of our personnel and we aim to provide as much help as we can in times of difficulty - please do not be reticent in making use of the Welfare Services available - they exist for you.


FROM THE EDITOR

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Sqn Ldr Mike Udall

elcome to another issue of the Global Gateway. This month we have articles covering the disbandment of No 216 Squadron and her long and proud history, coverage of a number of impressive charity events and an interview with a French Voyager exchange pilot. Reminding us of the great Adventurous Training opportunities available to us all, the Reserve Sqns at Brize have given us the low-down on Ex WINTERMARCH 14, a winter survival course run by Norwegian Reserve Officers. RAF AT opportunities are wide ranging and the AT Cell, part of PEd Flight, are keen and equipped to help you to organise one for your section. Later this year, on 24 October, the Stn will be holding the BRAVOS (Brize's Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service). The list of awards and nomination process will be publicised in the next couple of months, but now is a good time to think about who you have in your section that has stood out and deserves to be put forward. This magazine is often full of examples of personnel exceeding what is expected of them and the BRAVOS are a great way to give those people some recognition and encourage the rest of us to step up to the mark. As usual, I'm eager to gather articles for future issues and will shamelessly use this space to try to get them. Regardless of the size of your section, the Global Gateway is there to tell the story of your activities to a large readership, both on Station and in the community. Submitting an article is straightforward; email your text and photographs to BZN-GLOBAL GATEWAY-EDITOR on DII and we'll make sure that it gets into the magazine. The deadline for each month is the 12th of the preceding month - though we can make minor changes after that date. I look forward to receiving your submissions and please enjoy reading the magazine. Squadron Leader Mike Udall Global Gateway Editor


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216 Squadron

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On 31 March 2014, after 96 years of service and 30 years operating the venerable Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, 216 Squadron was formally disbanded. To mark the occasion, a disbandment parade and dining-in night were held on 20 March and the Squadron had the opportunity, for the first time in the last 30 years, to get everyone together for a massive farewell Hangar Party a week later. With no prospect of the Squadron being likely to reform, 216 Squadron is now consigned to the history books. Whilst we will endeavour to keep as much of this history preserved for the future, it is fitting that a brief resume is covered here. The Early Years

No 216 Squadron was formed on 1 April 1918, from 16 Squadron Royal Naval Air Service, based at Villesneux, France. With all Naval squadrons being renumbered as the ‘200-series’ on the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service into the Royal Air Force, the Squadron was forever known as ‘two-sixteen’. Equipped initially with Handley Page O/400 night bombers, it was tasked with strategic bombing duties for the remainder of World War I and was transferred to Egypt in July 1919. Until the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East theatre in June 1940, the Squadron was engaged mainly in transport flying duties, designated as a bomber-transport squadron in April 1931. De Havilland DH10s replaced the Handley Page O/400s in the 1920 and these aircraft were progressively replaced by Vickers Vimy, Victoria and Valentia aircraft. With the arrival of the Bombay in October 1939, which was used for bombing duties, the Vickers Valentia became the Squadron’s transport aircraft. In 1940, the Squadron received its first Wellingtons to supplement the Bombays. Its task was concentrated on transport flying, in order to move troops around the Middle East and Greek theatres of operations, as well as keeping open the supply and reinforcement route across Africa to the Gold Coast. Among the Squadron’s duties for this period were flights to evacuate

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Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton O100 of 216 Squadron in 1918

The 216 Sqn standard is handed over

Tristar refuelling a Tornado and two Typhoons on one of its final sorties

the troops from Greece and supplying the besieged bases at Habbaniya and Tobruk. During this period, 5 Bombay bombers were used by the fledgling SAS in their first official operation in the Middle East. In July 1942, the Squadron began to re-equip with Lockheed Hudsons and, in March 1943, the first Douglas Dakota arrived. No 216 Squadron’s wartime tasks also included dropping airborne forces in the Aegean Islands and resupplying the 14th Army in the Far Eastern theatre. General transport flying duties continued after the War, with the Squadron’s Dakotas being replaced with Vickers Valettas in November 1949. In November 1955, the Squadron returned to RAF Lyneham to be based in the United Kingdom for the first time in its history and, in June 1956, the Squadron received the de Havilland Comet 2 aircraft and become the first military jet transport squadron. Subsequently equipped with the larger Comet 4c, the Squadron continued to operate these aircraft in the transport role, particularly for Royal and VIP flights, until being disbanded in June 1975. No 216 Squadron’s inactivity was, however, to be short-lived. In July 1979, the Squadron was reformed at RAF Honington equipped with the Blackburn Buccaneer S2B. For the first time in many years it had returned to the bombing role in the Maritime Strike/Attack field. In 1980, the Squadron was moved to RAF Lossiemouth, until the reduction in the number of aircraft engaged on this role necessitated the Squadron’s retirement for the second time in its history.

The TriStar Era

Following the Falklands conflict in 1982, a requirement for more tanker aircraft became apparent. The Ministry of Defence purchased 9 TriStar 500s from British Airways and Pan American Airways and in August 1983 the first aircrew arrived at RAF Brize Norton to begin training with British Airways flight deck crews. In November 1984, No 216 Squadron was officially reformed and a thrice-weekly schedule to the Falkland Islands commenced and remained the main task of the Squadron until 1994. In March 1986, the first of the converted tankers was delivered to the Squadron.

Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton The 216 Sqn Standard Party

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At the end of July 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait and 216 Squadron made a significant contribution to the Allied operation to defend Saudi Arabia and free Kuwait (Operation GRANBY). The Squadron transported vast quantities of personnel and materials from Germany, Cyprus and the UK to the Middle East. In addition, the tanker variants were in constant demand to provide air-to-air refueling (AAR) support for deployments of fast jet aircraft to and from the Gulf. On 6 January 1991 a single K1 aircraft, together with a small detachment of Squadron personnel, were deployed to Riyadh to support the RAF fighter force and other probe-equipped receivers. By the time this detachment was withdrawn in March 1991, the single aircraft had flown over 90 AAR missions, accumulating over 430 flying hours and transferring 3,100 tons of fuel. In response to the UN decision to establish a no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina, two K1 aircraft were deployed to Italy in June 1993 to provide AAR, primarily for the British combat aircraft. In March 1999, as the situation in the Balkan region deteriorated, Operation ALLIED FORCE was initiated, and 216 Squadron was involved from the first night of the hostilities. Throughout the operation, the Squadron had 5 tanker aircraft in theatre, flying a total of 230 missions with a 100% success rate; some 6,000 tons of fuel were given to 1580 aircraft from 7 countries. The success of the campaign resulted in the award of the DFC to one of the Squadron pilots, along with 4 other awards to aircrew for gallantry. The Squadron remained in Italy until July 2001, ensuring that peace prevailed in the volatile Balkan region. Between August 2001 and March 2003, the Squadron took over Operation RESINATE (South) from No 101 Squadron. This detachment, based in Bahrain, supported the long-standing commitment by UN Forces to maintain the no-fly zone over

Tristar and Typhoon on the last operational sortie

8 A 216 Sqn Tristar taxis in for the last time

Southern Iraq. Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, 216 Squadron was heavily involved in Operation ORACLE, the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. During the course of operations, the Squadron had the distinction of being the first Allied tanker asset to enter Afghanistan airspace, and in a period of just 4 months had dispensed more than 10,000 tons of fuel to coalition aircraft. The war in Iraq (Operation TELIC) saw 216 Squadron heavily involved in ensuring coalition victory. Throughout the duration of the conflict, TriStars flew approximately 300 AAR missions, amassing 1500 flying hours and dispensing in excess of 9,000 tons of fuel to coalition aircraft. In the AT role the Squadron deployed 16,000 personnel and 700 tons of freight to the Middle East. With the draw down of Operation TELIC in Iraq, the focus shifted towards Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan. The Squadron’s very first flight into an Afghan airfield was to Kabul on 27 March 2002. With little airfield infrastructure (including

bomb craters and mined areas), mountainous terrain and only the most basic of approach aids, Kabul was an extremely challenging environment for the Squadron crews to operate a wide-bodied, legacy airliner. The Tristar continued to operate into Kabul infrequently until the routine airbridge commenced in late 2005. In 2006, due to the shift in operations away from Kabul to southern Afghanistan, Kandahar Air Base became the new destination for the airbridge. 216 Squadron became responsible for delivering the airbridge for personnel into and out of theatre. Flights began in December 2006 departing on a regular basis from the United Kingdom flying directly to Afghanistan, with troops stepping onto the aircraft at RAF Brize Norton and some 7 hours later stepping off into the heart of a war zone. As the numbers of United Kingdom troops increased, so did the tasking. At the peak of activity, 216 Squadron would launch 6 Operation HERRICK runs per week. The majority of these flights were flown using the passenger carrying C2 Tristars. The front of these aircraft had been specially modified with stretchers, allowing injured personnel to be carried on board as well as returning soldiers. In addition to this, on occasion, specific aeromed tasks were flown for personnel in need of critical care. The construct of the airbridge never remained static and the routing was regularly tweaked, with the end state being routing into Bastion via Akrotiri both ways. In all, the Squadron flew some 1,642 airbridge missions, carrying a quarter of a million passengers into theatre and the same amount home. The number of air miles flown was enough to go around the world 640 times or to the moon and back 33 times. But the airbridge was not the be all and end all. Parallel to the air transport role, with the drawdown in Iraq, the focus of the AAR detachment in Oman shifted more and more to Afghanistan. During the period 2008 to 2012, operational tanking sorties flying from the Squadron’s detachment in Seeb and then later Musannah airbase were launched on a daily basis. The Squadron also continued to support emergent operations such as in 2011 with Operation ELLAMY, the United Kingdom’s participation in the military intervention in Libya. Crews


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launched from the United Kingdom laden with fuel bound for the Libyan coastline. After a high level transit through Europe the aircraft was descended to enter via the tactical airway structure close to Malta bound for a rendezvous with “fast air” in need of fuel. After a period of 3-4 hours on task within striking distance of the Libyan coastline and having ensured all available fuel was given to the receivers, the jet would then depart, often on minimum fuel, to begin its flight home. In August 2013, the Squadron deployed an aircraft to the Falkland Islands in support of 1312 Flight to take over from the retiring VC10. The aircraft and its crew, on Quick Reaction Alert 24 hours a day for a month at a time, primarily provide an AAR capability to 1435 Flight Typhoons. They were also a vital element in the compassionate and aeromedical role to the South American mainland and beyond. With the retirement of the VC10 also came a United Kingdom National Security commitment, where, similar to the Falklands, an aircraft and a crew would be on 24 hour standby. Alongside all this activity, the Squadron continued to support trails overseas and UK AAR training.

The End

The last operational sortie of the TriStar took place on 24 March 2014 with 2 aircraft getting airborne, one with members of the press on board and the other with various aircraft enthusiasts.

216 10 Sqn disbandment parade

Four Typhoons and a Tornado were refuelled before the aircraft went on to perform flypasts at Marshalls of Cambridge and Cobham’s in Dorset. The last remaining 4 aircraft were delivered to their final resting place in Bruntingthorpe on 25 March since when the aircraft pan at Brize will no longer reverberate to the sound of the Tristar’s RB211 engines starting up. A proposed sale


The final Tristar leaves Brize with a watercannon arch

of the aircraft to an American buyer fell through at the last minute and so all 9 aircraft are to be scrapped. As well as providing a ‘force for good’ in the military sense, the Squadron also initiated the ‘Beer for the Boys’ fund which aimed to give every returning Serviceperson a cold beer on their flight out of Afghanistan. So successful was the scheme with the support of public donations and various breweries that the Squadron was able to fund returning units’ homecoming parties with beers as well as provide drinks for the families of repatriated personnel during Operation PABBAY. The good work of ‘Beer for the Boys’ will be continued by the Voyager force until the Afghanistan withdrawal at the end of the year. Charity work also featured highly in the Squadron’s output and in the last year of service the Squadron aimed to raise £21,600 for a variety of charities, but predominantly ‘Beer for the Boys’ and the RAF Benevolent Fund. With a few events still bringing in some money, the total raised so far is £61,400. Many of the Squadron’s personnel will remain at Brize in various posts and will continue to support Defence in the best way that they can. With ‘two-sixteen’ signing off, it just remains for me, on behalf of the Squadron, to thank all who have supported us over these last 30 years. We could never have achieved what we did in isolation. At the parade, the Squadron standard was handed over to a standard party made up from 10 and 101 Squadron, a fitting symbolism as the Voyager force takes on the Tristar’s legacy into the future. Our motto was ‘CCXVI - Dona Ferens’ which translates as ‘216 - Bearing Gifts’ - the gifts that we bore were our precious load of passengers and fuel - I wish the Voyager force all the very best for the future in continuing to bear these gifts for the next 30 years. Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton

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THE BELL INN at LANGFORD

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Tel: 01367 860249 www.thebellinnlangford.co.uk

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Exclusive RAF Personnel Dinner Offer £25.00 pp

* 3 Course dinner from our award winning a la carte menu featuring the best of Brish and local produce. Mon - Thursday 6.30 – 8.30pm

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“Where good golf doesn’t have to be expensive golf ” 01793 783853 or visit www.shrivenhampark.com Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton

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RAF Falcons Glide Spectacularly into 2014 Display Season

ON THURSDAY 1 May the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team will be launching their new 2014 display season in spectacular style, jumping into Witney Leys from a Chinook helicopter. The RAF Falcons first public display of the season is traditionally performed at the recreational field in the Oxfordshire town as both a final approval and thank you to all those who support the team locally. Based at RAF Brize Norton in Carterton, the RAF Falcons are the military’s premier parachute display team consisting of 16 members including 10 display jumpers. They have introduced 4 new enthusiastic team members for the 2014 Display season. Undeterred by the short turn around, they have been training hard throughout the winter months in preparation for a long, intense summer! Sergeant Shaun Borley is one of the new members of the Falcons; he said of the Witney Leys jump: “It is a very steep learning curve initially, but I feel ready. I can’t wait to jump in under the red, white and blue canopy!” As a new member on the Team, Sergeant Borley is responsible for organising displays throughout the season; he will also be training intensively this summer to earn his Military Free Fall

Instructor qualification (MAFFI). The MAFFI qualification is a requirement for all RAF Falcons so they can progress to instruct the more advanced military airborne contingents on completion of their three year tour with the team. Under strict supervision and guidance of Falcons Team Coach FS Mike Maguire, the team have tirelessly worked to develop and hone their skills both in freefall and under canopy to produce a quality spectacle for the public to enjoy! Officer Commanding RAF Falcons, Flight Lieutenant Chris Bailey, said: “We have all made tremendous effort over the winter months to ensure our readiness for this coming May and I am excited to show the public what we can do” The RAF Falcons are the only British military parachute display team cleared for jumping from military aircraft. Subject to service requirements, there are a variety of military platforms available to the Falcons for displays including: Hercules, Puma, Chinook and occasionally the Dakota from the RAF Memorial Flight. All the display jumpers joined the RAF in the Physical Education Branch. After completion of at least one tour at an RAF station gymnasium, they are eligible to be selected for parachute jumping instructor duties and subsequently able to volunteer for selection into the Falcons Parachute Display Team. For further information about the team, please visit their website www.raf.mod.uk/falcons or contact their Public Relations representative, Sgt Bramwell Tempest-Roe on 01993 896371

The Falcons Display Team 2014, at RAF Brize Norton in front of the Dakota. Left to Right: Sgt Bramwell Tempest-Roe, Cpl Rob Hetherington, Sgt Shaun Borley, Cpl Neil Connell, Sgt Kris Williams, Sgt Dave Worboys, FS Mike Maguire, Flt Lt Chris Bailey, Flt Lt Oli Smith, Sgt Liam Lyons, Sergeant Rob Priestley, Sgt Scott Garrett, Cpl Ryan Norris, Cpl Rob Alderson.

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‘Entente [Most] Cordiale’

With the French Air Force expected to place its first order for the MRTT, we catch up with Capitaine Francois Gilbert, Armée De L’Air, who has joined Voyager on secondment. It is only Capitaine Francois Gilbert’s uniform, that of the Armée De L’Air, the Tricolore on its shoulder, which betrays his status. “My brief is to be a 10 Squadron pilot. To do exactly what they do and to go exactly where they go. I report into Wg Cdr Jamie Osborne as Officer Commanding 10 Squadron and I follow his orders”, he explains in perfect, if slightly ‘accented’ English." He joined Voyager from the Groupe de Ravitaillement en Vol: ‘The Bretagne’, which was formed in the deserts of Chad by the Free French Movement at the beginning of 1942 and now operates from Istres Le Tube, just south of Marseille. His rank ‘translates’ broadly to that of Flight Lieutenant in the RAF, and with 10 years in the Armée De L’Air behind him - six as an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) specialist, flying the Boeing C135 - air transport and air-to-air refuelling, have become his specialism, if not his ‘Raison d’être’. Capitaine Gilbert ‘joined’ the RAF Voyager programme last year, as part of a three year ‘secondment’ to serve with the RAF and No.10 Squadron. “The culture is perhaps a little different between the French and UK air forces but mostly the same. I suspect that Voyager is a little different anyway from what is ‘normal’ for the RAF because of AirTanker”, he continues. But these cultural observations are made purely in passing. The French Air Force is expected to place its first order for the MRTT later this year. With the first of 12 tankers built by Airbus Defence and Space to be delivered by 2018, they will replace France’s 14-strong fleet of C135 FR jets, three A310 and two A340. “I’m here to build an understanding of the MRTT, its capability and training required to fly it so that when I go back, the knowledge and understanding that I have gained here, can be applied to the French AAR programme”, he says. At the cutting-edge of military aviation, the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is the only fully certified new-generation aircraft of its type flying today. Able to carry 111 tonnes of fuel, Voyager, the MRTT in its RAF guise, can support air-toair (AAR) refueling missions, without the 16

requirement for additional fuel tanks. With this inherent fuel capacity leaving its’ cargo hold and passenger capacity un-checked, Voyager can carry 291 passengers, eight NATO pallets or a payload of 43 tonnes, or be configured to provide a 40 stretcher medical evacuation capability. But it’s not just the flexibility in operation but also the technical capability of the aircraft that sets RAF Voyager apart. Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines deliver an impressive 71,000 lbf (316kN) thrust. Fly-by-wire technology protects the flight envelope and reduces crew workload. While a cutting-edge vision system delivers 240 degree rear situation awareness, giving far greater visibility in air-to-air refueling missions. In its configuration for the French Air Force, the first aircraft delivered will be equipped with a central boom and two underwing pods. Later versions should include a cargo door and specialist datalink which will allow the plane to receive and transfer information more effectively from the L16 equipped receivers. “It’s interesting moving from the Boeing to the Airbus”, continues Gilbert, “To begin with one is a 50 year old aircraft the other is new and the fly-by-wire technology is very

different but the training is much the same and I believe is being delivered to a very high standard." “Voyager is particularly good for receiver aircraft. The hose is a little longer and that’s good because they get hit by less turbulence but the wing span is also very good because it’s bigger." “Air-to-air refuelling is not a ‘natural’ thing. If you had two or three aircraft that closely together it would normally be classed as an accident. The bigger wing span keeps the aircraft further apart and the technology is excellent, which is good for everyone!” AirTanker has a responsibility for not only the delivery of 14 fully converted A330/MRTT aircraft to the RAF but also the service and support systems which underpin their operation through to 2035. This includes ground and flight operations, engineering, maintenance and dispatch, plus a comprehensive training programme. This training covers everything from aircraft-type and mission systems training to ground handling and cabin crew courses. “Because I’m still part of the training programme I haven’t had a huge number of hours flying. I have gone through the SIM and classroom programme and done a trip to Akrotiri in addition to flying training sectors”, continues Gilbert.


“I believe the training is being delivered to a very high standard and works well with the civilian instructors, for example Dave Hall and Kieran Roebuck, who have incredible aircraft-type experience. “It [AirTanker] does a lot of the things that Squadrons would normally do. In France you get the order to carry ‘X’ from ‘A’ to ‘B’. It’s then up to you to file your flight plan, you as a squadron manage diplomatic clearances. Here, all that is done for you. You check that it’s been done correctly but all of that initial work is done by the civilian partnership, which is quite different I think.” This year represents a watershed for the Voyager programme as it picks up roles previously performed by the VC10 which was retired last autumn and the TriStar, which followed it in March. This includes a new role in support of the RAF’s Quick Response Alert (QRA). 2014 will also see delivery of the nineVoyager strong core fleet in the summer. In the pursuit of this aim, AirTanker and the Voyager programme took receipt of its seventh aircraft, ZZ337 in late January. This brings the total number of aircraft flying on the MAR to six, (2x two-point tankers and 4x three-point capable tankers). Since the start of air transport operations in April 2012, these aircraft have together clocked more than 7,200 hours, flying more than 1,940 sectors, carrying more than 125,300 passengers and 8,100 tonnes plus of freight. This includes the start of flights in and out of Camp Bastion in support of the Afghanistan air-bridge in December last year. Voyager 02, which flies on the Civilian Aircraft Register, has flown more than 2,700 hours and 490 sectors, carrying over 55,600 passengers and more than 3,400 tonnes of freight, since the start of AirTanker’s civilian airline operation at the beginning of 2013 With a home base south of Marseille and just having come through a winter classed as ‘wet’ by even UK standards, Gilbert concedes that he on occasion, has “missed the sun a little”. But he is hugely complimentary about his hosts’ hospitality. “I have a house just inside the wire at RAF Brize Norton, which is good for me. You don’t really feel that you’re on base. And the squadrons [No.s 10 and 101] have been very welcoming. He concludes: “It’s been great. I have felt a part of the Squadron since my arrival and I’m sure the rest of my time is going to be good.”

RAF completes first Voyager three-point tanking flight On the last day of March the RAF Voyager carried out its first flight with RAF crews as a three-point tanker, completing an air-toair refuelling sortie over the Cornish Coast. Three-point tanking means a refueling pod on each wing and an additional Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU), or ‘centreline’, on the rear underside of the aircraft. This allows Voyager to refuel the widest range of aircraft, including other wide-bodied aircraft like the C-130 Hercules. AirTanker was appointed in 2008 to deliver the Future Strategic Tanker Transport Aircraft (FSTA) programme; their CEO, Phill Blundell, said of this significant step forward “Clearance with the C-130 on the centerline hose is another important achievement, nudging us just that little bit closer to full operational capability. We will continue to work alongside the RAF in supporting refinement of these systems as we move towards our air-to-air refuelling in service date in the summer.” Since receiving the go-ahead to refuel the Tornado GR4 and Typhoon in summer 2013, Voyager has completed more than 215 air-toair refuelling sorties, giving away in excess of 3,300 tonnes of fuel. As a fully certified and militarily-converted Airbus A330-200, multi role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft, Voyager has a total fuel capacity of 111 tonnes. This is delivered using the aircraft’s standard fuel tanks without needing to adapt the cargo hold to accommodate additional capacity. In addition to its air-to-air refuelling role Voyager also has capacity to carry up to 291 passengers with a cargo capability of up to 8 NATO pallets or up to 43 tonnes. The aircraft can also be configured to accommodate a 40 stretcher aeromedical evacuation capability including critical care. In all seven aircraft have now been delivered to the programme; six on the military aircraft register (MAR) and one, Voyager 02, on the under civil registration. Since the start of air transport operations in April 2012, these seven aircraft have together clocked more than 9,900 flying hours, across more than 2,430 sectors, carrying more than 181,000 passengers and 11,500 tonnes plus of freight. This includes valuable work on the air bridge to Afghanistan which Voyager started to fill in December last year. Mr Blundell added: “As with any programme of this scale, we have faced challenges but in partnership with the RAF, they have been overcome. They have not impacted on the programme. Our effort and the pace of progress has been relentless and we remain on budget and on time. “Most importantly we have remained flexible, adapting to the changing needs of the programme and the RAF and the MOD as customer. We will continue to work alongside them to ensure that needs of the RAF and UK armed forces continue to be met.”

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4 1 0 2 Y A W R O N , H C R Ex WINTERMA Ex WINTERMARCH is a skiing and introduction to winter survival course run annually by the NROF (Norwegian Reserve Officers Association). The course is located near Rjukan, on the edge of the Hardanger Vidda plateau. Taking part in Ex WINTERMARCH 14, which ran from 16-22 March were over 48 members of the RAuxAF, including 20 participants from RAF Brize Norton’s Reserve Squadrons, 2624, 4624, 4626. Additionally on the course were a Royal Marine Captain and Royal Naval Surgeon Sub Lt. As well as training staff from the NROF, there was an instructor from the Danish Reserves. 20

On arrival at Gardemoen airport, we were picked up by a coach driver who introduced himself as “Odd”. He was really Capt Odd Johansen, a reserve Norwegian Officer! The nearly 4 hour drive through the Norwegian mountains to Rjukan was more than worth it for the outstanding views. On arrival at Fjellstue, our accommodation, we were issued with our Norwegian woollen socks, M77 boots and cross country skis. The skis, known as “NATO planks” dated back to 1952 and had seen a lot of action. For our group of largely novices they were sufficient, if not a touch heavy and large by today’s standards. That evening we were


formally welcomed and were given a presentation on Norway, its culture and history, from Capt Ole Christensen. Day one was an introduction to cross country skiing. The bulk of the RAuxAF contingent had never been on skis before, so after a brief binding adjustment session and shuffle about the car park, we walked in 3 syndicates up the hill into the woods, where we put on our skis. After some basic tuition on the snow plough (braking) and herringboning (going uphill), we went for our first ski of about 6 kilometers. On day two, the Exercise was arranged into a “remedial skiing group” and two other syndicates. On this day the Syndicates skied round a 20km route, with a lot of falling on the down-hills and slipping and sliding on the up-hills. 20km was quite an achievement for those participants who had never been on skis before. In deep snow, just repeatedly getting back on your feet again with a heavy rucksack on can expend a lot of energy. In group 1 Captain Mallard RM gave us on demonstration of how to safely cross a suspected avalanche area. That evening we received a lesson on cold weather injuries, during which Sqn Ldr Sarah Charters, 4626 Sqn, was able to add her knowledge. The third day we tried to repeat the same route but the other way round. However it snowed heavily and this new wet snow clung to the skis making movement extremely difficult. It was not skiing, it was simply walking with skis attached! Despite attempts to change the wax applied to the base of the skis (the wax enables efficient gliding) it was not to be and instructors turned us back after a few kilometers. In the evening, Tor, the owner of the Fjellstue, dressed in authentic British WW2 uniform told us the story of the Combined Operations and SOE attempts to destroy the Heavy Water production and stocks at Vermok, near Rjukan, which the Germans used in their

Atomic Bomb program. There had been 9 Norwegians Commandos involved and Tor had known them all. On the fourth day the weather had improved and we were able once again to complete the 16k circuit by the early afternoon. Later on there was a demonstration of the use of dogs in order to search for victims of an avalanche. After explaining about the rescue services available in Norway and being shown how to use poles to search, the dog was released. The dog, an Alsatian, immediately bounded up the slope and began digging. Normally the instructor explained that he would take over with a shovel but today he let the dog dig. After a few minutes the dog suddenly disappeared into the snow and came out with Cpl Gopee, 4626 Sqn, who had been

buried (comfortably) all the time! In the evening we had a lecture on the Heimevernet, the Norwegian Home Guard, who despite the title, do actually deploy. We were shown the personal kit with which they are issued. That night was the birthday of our oldest instructor, Jan, who was 91. This man had served in the Milorg, the Norwegian resistance during the war and despite his grand age was as hard as nails and could out ski any of us. It was also the birthday of SAC John Hughes, 2624 Sqn, a mere 47, who after a few drinks ended the evening serenading the ladies. On the last day we were taken by coach to Skinnarbu, higher up in the mountains. This time each of us carried a couple of logs. During our lunch time stop the skis were planted in the snow as an impromptu wind break and then a pit was dug large enough to accommodate everyone, and in the centre of which Sgt Chris Roberts from SERE St Mawgan, lit a fire. In no time at all our damp clothing was steaming as we roasted sausages on the fire. By the end of 5 days, most of us were fairly competent cross country skiers and had learnt something of winter survival skills. Ex WINTERMARCH is not intended to be anything like the Commando Brigade do as part of their Arctic Warfare training, it is simply a basic introduction for all abilities. Capt Mallard RM said it was nice to be able to just ski without the military shouting! Ex WINTERMARCH 14 wrapped up with a formal meal (of reindeer) and a prize/ certificate giving. The Norwegians have a great gratitude towards Britain for our support during WW2 and they talk of a bond between the two nations, certainly felt by all who were present.


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MM A A EE During the current spell of hot weather you may decide to enjoy a barbecue (BBQ) with family and friends. Brize Norton and Rescue Service would like to offer some safety tips to ensure that you

BARBECUE SAFETY

have a safe BBQ.

Safety tips

• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

To avoid injuries or damage to property follow these simple precautions: • Make sure your BBQ is in good working order • Ensure the BBQ is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs • Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area • Never leave the BBQ unattended • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies • Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it

Disposable Barbecues If you do use a disposable barbecue: • It is imperative that they are placed on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs. • Place disposable BBQs well away from the house, shed or fences. • Do not use disposable barbecues near or on public benches. • If you’re using a disposable BBQ, ensure it has cooled before putting it in the bin. To avoid starting a fire you should allow it to cool for several hours and then consider pouring water over it to make sure it’s out.

Charcoal Barbecues • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches). • Only use recognized fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals - use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.

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Gas Barbecues • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder • Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area • If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles - tighten to fix but do not over tighten • After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up Be carbon monoxide aware Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent. Using these indoors can cause Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. They give off fumes for hours and hours after you have used them - levels high enough to result in CO poisoning. To avoid hazardous CO exposures, fuelburning equipment should never be used inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter. Fuel-burning equipment can include: • camping stoves • camping heaters • lanterns • charcoal grills • disposable barbecues

Opening tent flaps, doors, or windows is insufficient to prevent build-up of CO concentrations from these devices. Also, when using fuel-burning devices outdoors, the exhaust should not vent into enclosed shelters.

Fire safety This may seem a long list but most of these things are common sense. By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue. We have had a couple of occasions where people have poured petrol onto the charcoal in an effort to get it going and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early. Most of all, enjoy yourself safely. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the Fire Safety Cell on military 95461 6486 or civilian 01993896486.


‘Quackers’

RAF Personnel go in Lechlade on 5th May! The personnel of RAF Brize Norton have gone duck crazy! On the 5th May they will be launching the Lechlade Duck Race in support of the Royal Air Forces Association and the Cotswold Water Park Trust. The event will take place on the River Thames at Lechlade in Gloucestershire and it is set to be a great day out for all of the family! There will be funfair rides, inflatables, competitions like hook-a-duck and a duck hunt, face-painting, a sweet & balloon stall, BBQ, ice cream, along with over 20 local traders running stalls. The fantastic ‘Bob the Duck’ mascot will also be there to pose for photos! Also look out for the giant 3-storey high inflatable yellow duck! All of these activities will culminate in the main duck race at 1400 hours, being hosted by four time Olympic gold medalist Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE with 4000 numbered plastic ducks being thrown into the river! There are fantastic family experience prizes on offer for the 20 quickest ducks across the line. The event is being held at The Riverside Wharf on the A361 in Lechlade and runs between 1000 and 1700 hours. The event organiser Sergeant Ali Hedworth of number XXIV Sqn said: “With over 9000 RAF Brize Norton personnel living in and around the three counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, we are always very keen to engage with our local communities and put on some great local events. Lechlade is a fantastic location as it is the meeting point of these three counties and the local people of the town have been fantastic in getting behind this event. We are very pleased that the money raised by this event will go towards the fantastic work that Royal Air Forces Association do in looking after both serving and ex-serving members of the RAF and their family members when they find themselves in a time of need. A contribution will also be going to the Cotswold Water Park Trust who look after over 40 square miles of beautiful natural landscape and animal habitats around these three counties. The event is open to all members of the public and is free to attend. It will only cost £2 to enter a duck in the race and there are some fantastic local prizes up for grabs! We hope to have you along to join in at this fantastic family event!” RAFA, The Royal Air Forces Association (or RAF Association), is a membership organisation and registered charity that provides welfare support to the RAF Family.

Andrea Nash served in the RAF for five years but was devastated when she was discharged on medical grounds. She was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, with the added complications of Functional Weakness. This means that she can struggle to complete everyday tasks and on her worse days doesn’t have the energy to get out of bed. Speaking about the support received from the RAF Association, which included helping her apply for funds to create an accessible bathroom, Andrea said:

“Like a lot of ex-service personnel, I don’t like asking anybody for anything, so admitting I needed help was difficult. I’m so glad I did though, as I have my freedom back. It may seem like a small thing to many people, but being able to use the bathroom unaided means so much to me.” All in all it will be a great family day out and it’s going to be fantastic fun! For more information find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LechladeDuckRace or on Twitter @The_ Duck_Race. 25

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Watches Repaired Batteries Replaced, Pressure Testing, New Straps, Glass & Movements also replaced

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A Lesson in Remembrance from Battlefields to RADA

This year the country, and indeed the Commonwealth, commemorates the centenary of the outbreak of World War One. The importance of the lessons that The Great War provides, beyond the academic curriculum, have been explored through a variety of learning experiences by pupils at Cokethorpe School. Third Form History classes visited the battlefields in the Belgian regions of Ypres and Passchendaele where facts and figures from the classroom were transformed into a stark reality. The humanisation of the losses from both sides bore a significant impact on the pupils with one remarking, ‘now when I hear of the numbers of soldiers who died in each battle I will remember that these were all individuals, some as young as I am’. History was brought to life once again when the School’s Chapel was converted into an incredibly realistic First World War field hospital by Royal Army Medical Corps re-enactors. Pupils were transported back in time and were taken through both the horror and the humour of life in the trenches. The culmination of the political, social, cultural and historical exploration of The Great War was the Senior School dramatic production of Oh! What a Lovely War! The performance was an effective fusion of hard-hitting performances, stylised scenes and heart-breaking monologues, all blended together with live music and original compositions. In addition to the two performances at the School’s theatre, the final night took place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s (RADA) London Studio Theatre.


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(L-R) Flight Lieutenant Graeme Hunt, Flight Lieutenant Tom Mountney and Flight Lieutenant Robert Platt.

Royal Air Force Pilots Run 17 Marathons

IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN

THREE pilots from RAF Brize Norton will attempt to run 448 miles in 17 days in memory of the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan conflict. The run will take place during 14th - 30th April 2014. Flt Lt’s Rob Platt (37), Tom Mountney (31) and Graeme Hunt (38) will run just over the equivalent of 17 marathons in 17 days, marking one mile for every British serviceperson who has died in the Afghanistan conflict. The Hercules pilots, who are a part of the RAF’s tactical air transport fleet, are hoping to raise money for Help for Heroes and a number of other military and civilian charities including the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. The gruelling run will start at RAF Brize Norton on the 14th April and take them all the way down to the south coast; visiting Yeovilton and Poole before heading back up the country past Stonehenge, through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and back into RAF Brize Norton for the final leg. Officer Commanding 30 Squadron, Wing Commander Garbutt (37) said: ‘’This is a mammoth undertaking and a fitting memorial to the British Servicemen and Women who

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MIRROR INTO THE PAST...

THE OLD PILL FACTORY

have lost their lives in Afghanistan. Rob, Graeme and Tom have all trained hard in order to mentally and physically prepare for the arduous challenge ahead.’’ The experienced pilots have spent over four years away on operations between them, and in some cases have lost friends as a result of the conflict. A sad personal experience that led them to organise this event. Officer Commanding 47 Squadron, Wg Cdr Gault (44) said: ‘’ I cannot begin to imagine the physical demands on the body such a sustained ordeal will present. The motivation of supporting such a worthy causes will ensure they rise to the challenge.’’ Flt Lt Tom Mountney said: “We felt that this was a fitting tribute to the servicemen and women who have not returned from Afghanistan; some of these people were our close friends and colleagues. Between the three of us, we’ve spent a large portion of our flying careers in Afghanistan. Going for a run every day to raise some money is the least we could do. We’re raising funds for a number of military charities which we have a personal connection with. These charities have been set up as a result of the Afghan conflict, to either support returning service personnel or in memory of service personnel who have died. We hope the money will go some way to continue the outstanding work which these charities are doing on a daily basis.” RAF Brize Norton personnel are well known for raising incredible amounts of money for charity. The recently disbanded 216 Squadron has raised £60,000 over the last year alone. The runners are hoping to raise £10,000 that will be split between their chosen charities. The Station Commander said: “I am very proud of the runners who have put in a significant amount of time and effort to organise such a venture. It is a very poignant way to mark the number of Service personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country.’’ For those who wish to support them on their route, they will be setting off at 9am each day from their respective accommodation at military establishments along the way. For more information, or, if you wish to donate, please visit their website www.444run.co.uk.

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Route 1/14th: RAF Brize Norton to Royal Wootton Bassett 2/15th: Royal Wootton Bassett to Devizes 3/16th: Devizes to Warminster 4/17th: Warminster to RNAS Yeovilton 5/18th: RNAS Yeovilton to Chard 6/19th: Chard to CTC Lympstone 7/20th: CTC Lympstone to Axminster 8/21st: Axminster to Cerne Abbas 9/22nd: Dorchester to Poole 10/23rd: Poole to Blandford Camp 11/24th: Blandford Camp to Fordingbridge 12/25th: Stonehenge to St. Mary Bourne 13/26th: RAF Odiham to RMA Sandhurst 14/27th: RMA Sandhurst to Lower Basildon 15/28th: RAF Benson to Queens College (Oxford) Rec Ground 16/29th: Queens College (Oxford) Rec Ground to Radcote Road 17/30th: Radcote Road to RAF Brize Norton

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MM RAF Reserves Logistics A A EE

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No 501 Squadron Goes Live (Again) Flt Lt Andy Marshall RAuxAF, Project Officer/XO 501 Sqn

No 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force On 1 April 2014, after 6 months of reforming/re-rolling, No 501 (County Of Gloucester) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force has officially re-launched in its new role as a Logistics Support Squadron. The previous day witnessed the formal attestation of the first new members of the Squadron; FS Alan ‘Axel’ Foley, Cpl Andy Petrie and Cpl Roger Marston. They have joined the Sqn as Full Time Reservists and will be responsible for the Driver and Supply training of the Part -Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) members of 501 Sqn, which is scheduled to commence in late April 2014. When fully manned, the Sqn will have over a 100 PTVR personnel in the Logistics Driver and Logistics Supply Trades, who will be trained to the same standards as their Regular colleagues. This event saw the culmination of 6 months hard work during which the vast majority of the Headquarters and instructional staff have been recruited, the Squadron’s

Cpl Marston attested

infrastructure acquired, and the training resources required for driver and supply training provisioned. Recruiting of the PTVR personnel has been ongoing since January 2014 and has seen a steadily increasing flow of enquiries from personnel wishing to serve on 501 Squadron, and at the time of writing, the final work is taking place for the first personnel to start training with the Squadron in April 2014. Once trained, the Squadron’s PTVR personnel will be able to provide logistic support to their Regular colleagues with the capability to operate, not only at their home base, RAF Brize Norton, but in the wider defence world as part of the overall Reserves Forces, Future Force 2020 (FR20) project. Reserves Vacancies. For full details of the vacancies available on 501 Sqn, please visit the Sqn site on http://www.raf.mod.uk/ rafreserves or call 01993 897128. FS Foley attested

Best Kept Secret At the end of March, a small party from Serco Ramp Services, visited the Ridgeway Military and Aviation Research Group (RMARG) Museum at RAF Welford. The museum in an Anglo/ American facility, specializing in WW2 memorabilia. The day consisted of an initial tour of the first floor exhibits and a brief history of RAF Welford, following by lunch and a lecture on the Home Guard Auxiliary Units. These units were Winston Churchill’s Secret WW2 Army, based at Coleshill, near Highworth. In the afternoon we toured the ground floor exhibits and ended the day at the 101 Squadron Memorial Site. To anyone on the modern 101 Squadron, you have a history to be proud. If you have the opportunity to visit the museum, I urge you to do so.

of the entire crew, was not a run of the mill bomber, it was something very special. It is up to you to find out. My thanks go to our host for the day, Don Summers from RMARG and to Bill King, (The Friends of RAF Welford), for his superb lecture. Contact Details - Ridgeway Military and Aviation Research Group (RMARG) have a website you may like to look at: rmarg.org.uk RAF Welford is near to the village of Leckhampstead, close to J14 of the M4 (East bound). Reginald Banks

The aircraft from 101 Squadron that crashed, with the loss

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FLY HOME TO REDROW Redrow has plenty of choice for homebuyers across the South West with numerous developments and housetypes on offer – there really is something for everyone. For those seeking an idyllic village lifestyle, yet with all of the convenience of modern living, Redrow’s array of two, three, four and five bedroom homes at The Park could be exactly what you dream of. The Park is located in the quiet village of Sutton Benger, one of the most desirable places to live in Wiltshire. Prices start from £487,995. Cerney on the Water is an exclusive development of two, three, four and five bedroom executive homes, located in the picturesque village of South Verney on the edge of the Cotswold Water Park. Prices start from as little as £155,995. Redrow’s latest development, Badbury Park on Marlborough Road in Swindon, is coming soon and will be home to 445, two, three, four, five and six bedroom properties from its New Heritage Collection. Situated on the edge of the Coate Water Country Park, yet within easy reach of both the M4 and Swindon town centre,

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Badbury Park has so much to offer. There really is something for everyone here, with a huge selection of superb homes to choose from, from stylish two bedroom apartments to magnificent six bedroom executive homes. With the perfect blend of town centre convenience and countryside charm, Badbury Park is the ideal location to raise your family. To register your interest today, visit www.redrow.co.uk/developments/badbury-park-swindon. Libby Bolton, area sales manager for Redrow Homes, (South West), said: “Buying off plan has proved incredibly popular at our developments across the South West. Many homebuyers have opted to buy off plan as it has a great number of benefits; including being able to pick the finishing touches and personalising your new dream home, with choice of kitchen fittings, positioning/style of sockets and switches, wall tiles in the bathroom, door handles and wardrobes. In addition it allows homebuyers to opt for extras including bathroom upgrades, floor tiles, carpets, electric garage door and much more.” For more information about any of these development, visit www.redrow.co.uk or call the sales team on 01454 625000.


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YOUTH ACTIVITY SUPPORT AT

BRIZE NORTON n engaged

RAF Brize Norton has traditionally beevarious

lving the in a huge plethora of activities invo s in and around tion nisa orga and youth communities with the RAF’s Youth the local area to the Station. In line Norton will continue to Engagement Strategy, RAF Brize ment across the Service provide youth support and develop out the year through local and wider communities through Worker, James Leverton, contacts such as Airplay’s Youth munity Development as well as with Brize Norton’s Com Other pivotal posts across Officer (CDO), Mrs Jenny Withers. youth development Station that promote and support whom organise and include the Air Cadet Liaison team that use Brize Norton for host the various Air Cadets units munity Careers Liaison Easter and Summer Camps, the Com works closely with all Officer, Sqn Ldr Millard-Smith, who on to develop and colleges and schools across the regi its career opportunities, expand awareness of the RAF and cer (YALO). Such and the Youth Activities Liaison Offi Activities Working posts and others form the Youth O. The YAWG meet on a Group (YAWG), chaired by the YAL itate the various youth quarterly basis to discuss and facil to ensure that Brize initiatives both on and off Station in youth support and Norton remains a leading station a rewarding additional development. If anyone would like vities on Station, or duty involving any of the youth acti youth activity that is if anyone undertakes any form of se contact the YALO unsighted by the YAWG, then plea get involved or gain (OC PEd Flt, Flt Lt Mark Fitton) to k that you do within your recognition for the valuable wor local youth community.

Prince’s Trust Visit One of the Key Strategic Partners for Youth Engagement under the RAF’s overarching Youth Engagement Strategy is youth charity The Prince’s Trust. Established in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales, The Prince’s Trust has helped 750,000 disadvantaged young people, many of whom have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law, by giving practical and financial support and developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. Three in four young people supported by The Trust move into work, education or training. One particular scheme run by The Prince’s Trust, ‘Team’, is a 12-week personal development programme, which gives unemployed 16 to 25 year-olds the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience, qualifications and practical skills to increase their employability. Eight members of the Team programme, plus three support staff, visited RAF Brize Norton on 19 March to gain an insight into the life of a working military 34

establishment and increase their awareness of the role of the RAF and its career opportunities. On arriving, the young people were welcomed by OC FDS, Sqn Ldr Ben Edwards before being given an insight into the physical requirements of Service life being put through their paces with the RAF Fitness Test. This was then followed by pitting their footballing skills in a penalty shoot-out competition against the Welsh Ladies International Goalkeeper, PTI Cpl Nicky Davies. Some of the more ‘confident’ young people were surprised at their lack of success in ‘hitting the back of the net’ - until they were appraised of Nicky’s footballing status afterwards! The young people then moved on to FP Trg Flt to be given a run down of more real-life operating experiences in Afghanistan with Cpl Stobbs explaining the intricacies of IED detection and removal as well the different types of weapons systems used by the RAF Regt to defeat the Taliban. In an effort to reinforce the aims of The Prince’s Trust for such programmes, Flt Lt Chris Elliott, OC Trg & FD Flt put the young people onto the Low Ropes to see how well they had developed core skills such as leadership, communication and planning relating how they can put skills learnt in a few minutes back into their own lives and in a working environment. The Prince’s Trust team were then introduced to the aircraft environment being given a personal tour of a C17 by 99 Sqn pilot, Flt Lt Steve Bethel and Crewman Sgt Nick Dawood who explained the roles and functions of the aircraft. As the final event of the visit, the young people were then afforded the opportunity to see what talent they possessed as a future RAF Pilot in landing/crashing a C130J from ‘finals’ into Brize Norton in one of 24 Sqn’s simulators with a little expert coaching and assistance from Flt Lt Miles Woolley. For the best landing, Mr Kaylem Redhead (17) was presented with a special A400M model by the Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Lushington. Also, in recognition of managing to successfully land the aircraft with a ‘4 engine flame-out’ (clearly Flt Lt Woolley having a little bit of fun!), Mr Oliver Tobin (18) was awarded a 24 Sqn Print and 1M Flying Hours badge by the Stn Cdr. Prince’s Trust Corporate Partnerships Manager, Miss Karis Eaglestone said: “The whole group gained a lot from the chance to learn about the base, and the different types of function and role within it. In particular, it was invaluable for the young people to have hands on involvement in different types of activity - from leadership and teamwork based exercises, to gaining insight into the engineering of a C-17. It means so much to them to be invited into a working environment and helped to develop key skills, as well as be inspired by the bigger picture of opportunity” In summing up the value of such visits from a Stn perspective, Sqn Ldr Ben Edwards commented that “This was an excellent day for the youths taking part in the Prince’s Trust ‘World of Work’ programme who do not have the opportunities that we are familiar with. It was also a rewarding day for the volunteers who contributed towards the Government’s social exclusion agenda. These visits offer immense benefit in promoting the Royal Air Force and what Brize Norton can do in support of youth engagement. I am confident that this visit will form the basis of a successful relationship between The Prince’s Trust and the Station”.

Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at www.princes-trust.org.uk or 0800 842 842


SCSO and HIVE Outreach Facility

WO Yvonne Conway

Melanie Bushnell

Claire Cooper

Location: The Families Centre, Flat 12 Ely Close, Carterton (off Stanmore Crescent) Date: Tuesday, 4th March 2014 and every Tuesday thereafter Time:

9.00am-12.00pm

The outreach facility will provide a service to those who have difficulty accessing the services on Station. Please contact the HIVE on 01993 895349/897543 for further information.

ton RAF Brize Nor Community Support Update

t n us for the lone paren Please come and joi us rio Va . efs bri t en teas and pre-deploym answer any questions re to agencies will be the d lcome new ideas an you may have. We we . ve initiatives you may ha e is designed for the mm gra pro ing low The fol who are home alone families of personnel commitments. This RAF due to the spouse’s le in y to meet new peop nit rtu po is a great op s. similar circumstance

Millets Farm (Abingdon) Saturday 3 May 14 Departure time: 1000hrs Estimated arrival time Brize: 1600 hrs

Weston-Super-Mare Saturday 12 Jul 14 Departure time: 0900 hrs Estimated arrival time Brize 1800 hrs

Blenheim Palace (Woodstock) Saturday 7 Jun 14 Departure time: 1000 hrs Estimated arrival time Brize: 1600 hrs Please call or email: 01993 897464 [email protected]


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Flight Sergeant Linda Jean Holley 23 May 1968 -14 January 2014 Charismatic, outgoing, tenacious, mad as a box of frogs! Just a few words that have been used to describe FS Linda Holley, who worked with us here in ATC.

At work, Linda could always be relied upon to offer support and advice to all who would listen and we could guarantee that all of us would know when she was on shift, generally by the loud shouting and gesticulating coming from the Director console in the Approach room where she sat! Woe betide the Supervisor who did not ensure that she was supplied with a good northern brew at regular intervals; nobody was safe from her sharp wit and outrageous sense of humour. She loved her job dearly and we loved having her. Her self confidence and inner strength were such that nothing was ever too much trouble for Linda and she could be counted on by all those that knew her for a morale boost or a work-related anecdote to ease the stresses of controlling Brize assets! At home, Linda was an unstoppable whirlwind. Between her two children, Alyssa and Erin, her three horses and Keo the Jack

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Russell, her house was a hectic hive of activity but somehow she always managed to find time for her friends - whether it was to offer some motherly advice, another brew or in extreme circumstances, a glass of wine or two! Linda didn’t have expensive tastes or live a flashy lifestyle but she knew what was important to her and that was her family. Luxury, to her, was having her family and friends around her; and as her circle of friends grew, she remained the nucleus of it, a focus of love and affection that radiated out and touched those of us who were privileged to know her. In recent months she made a big impression on the nurses and doctors who treated her, amazing them, and us, with her strength and courage, and her cheery, positive outlook. She was always so grateful for their efforts. It just seems so very unfair to lose one who was able to bring so much joy to those around her, but we are glad that she no longer suffers the pain she suffered in her last few months. Linda sadly passed away after her long battle with cancer on the 14 Jan 14. She fought so hard throughout her illness and was always the only person who could have everyone in the Chemotherapy Ward howling with laughter at the drop of a hat! Linda’s family, friends and colleagues paid their respects and celebrated her life at her Service Funeral held in Carterton on 30 Jan 14. In the weeks and months following Linda’s passing, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been instrumental in supporting her family and friends and we have decided to do what we can to give something back to the charity. From a parachute jump on what would have been her birthday, to completing the 3 Peaks Challenge, we have a lot of events planned to thank the Benevolent Fund for their support. The ATC Sqn is currently planning ‘The Linda Holley Memorial 24 Hour Cycle Ride’ that will circumnavigate the airfield once the new MT route extension is open starting in Jan 15. We will all work hard to ensure that Linda’s memory lives on. A “Just Giving” page has been set up in her name and any donations would be so gratefully received. Just visit www.justgiving.com/lindaholley or text LJHO68 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070. Sgt Claire Davies, Brize ATC


Sinson & Sykes B F Sinson - GDC 53967

A P Sykes - GDC 53867

Crowns, Bridges, Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. Hygienist’s Preventative Programme Evening appointments available Car Parking facilities

Dental Practice Denplan available • NHS places now available

Tel: 01993 842534 50 Burford Road Carterton, Oxon. OX18 3AD


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On Tuesday 25 March, the Fitness Centre was buzzing with activity. Station Personnel were raising money for Sports Relief 2014 by taking part in a 12 hour Spinathon.

Sport Relief 2014

Charity Spinathon and Row Each hour an instructor took a demanding session for various sections across the Station. The diverse nature of our instructors made each hour motivating and enjoyable. Thank you to everyone who took part in the day including: TMW, SEF, BSW, 1 AMW, AMS, E&LW, New You, 33 Eng, 10 Sqn, 101 Sqn, AirTanker, ESF and C4i to name but a few! Cpl Dan Stubbins of ESF contributed a £230 donation gathered from the generous shoppers of Morrisons by taking part in a Sponsored Row outside the Superstore in Carterton. This tremendous donation, combined with the money raised at the Sport Relief 12 Hour Spinathon, gave a grand total of £1065. It was a fabulous turn out and an enjoyable day was had by all. Watch out for the next charity fundraising event in the Gym! Check out the BrizeGym Facebook page and the PEd MOSS page. Mrs Steph Hill Fitness Centre

Crime

Crime has fallen again in West Oxfordshire over the last year. Find out how agencies such as Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire District Council are working together to reduce crime and disorder. Visit www.facebook.com/saferwestoxon to keep up to date with local news, crime alerts and event information.

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As guests of Gp Capt Cole, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen visited Royal Air Force Brize Norton on the 19 March 2014. The purpose of the visit was to build a Station affiliation with the Livery, strengthen ties between the two organisations, whilst providing a greater understanding of the Station’s role in the support of Global Defence Operations.

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen visit RAF Brize Norton Lana Spes Nostra - ‘Wool Is Our Hope’ is the motto of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen and dates back over 800 years. The Worshipful Company of Woolmen is one of the oldest of the Livery Companies of the City of London. Originally, it was the body that oversaw woolpackers and wool merchants to ensure consistent standards for wool producers and wool merchants throughout the wool industry. It is now based on a charitable organisation that provides support for sheep farming, shearing, wool production and textiles and design in many different ways. Today the emphasis of the Company, like most Livery Companies, has switched from the historic regulatory role to a charity role, connected primarily with the Wool Industry and the Corporation of London. The Master of the Company of Woolmen, Lt Col (Retd) Bill Clark and his military liaison officer Mr. Howard Venters were welcomed by Group Captain Support before embarking on an action packed programme. The first stop of the day was to view the newest recruit to the Royal Air Force’s Air Transport fleet, Voyager. Following an interesting and informative brief from Flt Lt Dave Curry on the Voyager Force concept, a tour of the aircraft, including an opportunity to sit at the controls, was given. Next, was a visit to the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) for a brief and tour demonstrating how the unit enables the delivery by air, of manpower, machines and materiel through development, trials and training to enhance Defence capability. Here, SAC Lauren Hogarth gave a comprehensive insight into the complexities of aircraft loading. This was followed by an impressive demonstration of the different types of abseiling descents and techniques under the watchful guidance of Sergeant Major Gayle. A short lunch in the Officers’ Mess with some of the Station’s Logistics officers preceded a whistle-stop tour of a C-17a undergoing its “Home Station Checks” in Base Hanger. Both Bill and Howard were taken aback at the sheer scale of this airframe

close up and were given an excellent tour of the aircraft by Chief Technician Birmingham. From there it was on to Number 2624 Squadron (formerly No. 501 Squadron), Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment. As part of No 4 Force Protection Wing Sergeant Ian Fereday was kind enough to deliver a detailed presentation (including ‘pull up a sandbag’ war stories) on all current military hand weapons in use today, as well as an insight into the illegal weapons recovered from the troubles in Northern Ireland. The last serial of the day was in the capable hands of 24 Sqn pilot Flt Lt Miles Woolley who took Bill and Howard through a Hercules Flight Simulator experience. Both had great fun and were very competitive when it came to attempting to fly under the Severn Bridge and attempting (emphasis on the word attempting!) to refuel from a tanker aircraft. Overall the visit was a huge success and we are already in the embryonic stages of organising another visit for the wider members of the Livery. They were struck by the enthusiasm and knowledge of everyone involved in the visit and have agreed as part of the affiliation to sponsor a BRAVOS award for the most ‘Promising Supplier’ and assist 501 Sqn in their recruit drive. Expect to see more of them in the future and maybe even a sheep drive! 43

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AWT

Trim Centre

Ltd

Designers and manufacturers of trim, upholstery & hoods for all transport & industry vehicles including sports cars, vintage & veteran, land rovers, aircraft to CAA spec and exhibition trailers in a wide range of original & luxury materials. Expert hood fitting and seat repair service. Specialist security/protection covers for industry and motorsport teams. Insurance, film work, project and prototype work undertaken. Full embroidery service - shirts, jackets, uniforms, sportswear, car seat and headrest logos. Suppliers of a large range of garments and accessories for all requirements.

Unit H, Country Park, Avenue Two, Witney, OX28 4YD Tel:

01993 776800

Email: [email protected] 44



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w w w. c t c w i t n e y. c o . u k CARAVAN & CAMPING ACCESSORIES, SERVICE, REPAIRS TENTS, AWNINGS, FURNITURE BBQ’S, SPARE PARTS CAR ACCESORIES FOR SERVICE & REPAIR

TRAILER HIRE & SALES SPARES & REPAIRS Forces Discount Available with Warrant Card

0800 197 9490 Email: [email protected] 89- 91 C O R N STR EET, W I T N E Y

JEWSONS SKODA New and used Skoda sales, servicing and parts.

PHILSERVE Ltd Ltd Half Price MOT when combining your MOT with a service during 2014 Celebrating 32 years of Business!

Special Discounts for Forces Personnel

www.ridgeway.co.uk/skoda www.jewsonskoda.co.uk

* The one stop shop for all your motoring needs * * MOT Test Centre for Cars, Vans and Mini Buses * * Vehicle Diagnostics, Servicing and Major Repairs * * Fully PAS125 Equipped Body Shop * * Free estimates on all scratches & bodywork * * Insurance work undertaken *

Jewsons Skoda Oxford, 300 Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4TE

* 24/7 Breakdown & Recovery Service* * Free Collection and delivery service or free courtesy car *

Phone 01865 242020

“It’s your car, it’s your choice”

M.O.T Test Centre

[email protected] www.philserve.co.uk

01993 842638

Belle Terrace, Carterton Industrial Estate, Carterton, Oxon OX18 3ER Copyright 2010 Philserve Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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VOLVO

Motorcycle Training www.oxfordshiremotorcycletraining.com

CBT • Direct Access Best Possible Price No Compromise on Quality!

Specialist in Witney

D & A AUTOS

SALES . SERVICE . REPAIRS ALL MAKES & MODELS www.da-autos.co.uk

01993 700545

Unit K Ventura Park, Broadshires Way, Carterton, Oxon OX18 1AD www.jsvanhire.co.uk

Out Of Hours 07889 798 909

Tel: 01993 843 999

Amazing discounts for Military Personnel!

L

• Gift vouchers available - ideal birthday present! • DSA Course Normal price £600, £549 with Military Discount. Also other amazing spring offers, check our website!

• Train on a brand new 650 Suzuki Gladius

Call for more information Oxfordshire Motorcycle Training

01993 812527

www.oxfordshiremotorcycletraining.com

Tel: 01993 867366 Located at RAF Brize Norton and Carterton

BRIZE SELF DRIVE CAR HIRE

McCruddens

Vehicle Repair Specialists

General Servicing & Repairs • Automatic & Manual Transmissions McCruddens vehicle repair specialist is a family run business established in 1979 based in Carterton, Oxfordshire. We offer our customers a comprehensive range of servicing & repairs of modern & classic cars. The management and staff pride themselves in their workmanship ensuring we deliver an outstanding level of customer service and value for money.

www.mccruddens.com Tel. 01993 844406 Email: [email protected] Unit 5-8 Carterton South Industrial Estate, Blackbourton Road, Carterton OX18 3EZ

Sunday Lunch time offer 60+ with or without family 30% off

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