InsIghtMAGAZINE 1

INSIGHT

BATTLE OF BRITAINDINING IN NIGHT

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InsIghtMAGAZINE 3

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EDITORIAL TEAM:

WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk

External Email: Use personal email addresses listed

Tel: 01522 720271 (6706 Ext No.)

Editor:

Sqn Ldr Stewart Bremner

8SQN-EngOC@mod.uk

Deputy Editor:

(Flt Lt) Heather Constantine

heather.constantine261@mod.uk

Assistant Deputy Editors:

(Sqn Ldr) Mark Brammer and (Flt Lt) Joey Marquet–Horwood

Distribution:

Corporal Stephen Calvert

Ext 6495 steven.calvert415@mod.uk

Artwork: S Oliver

Photography:

Sgt Karl Whitelaw, Cpl Loz Platfoot, Cpl Sarah Draper,

SAC Chris Davidson, SAC Lauren Pope, SAC Andy Stevens, SAC Ben

Stevenson

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Jo Marchant

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Printed by: Lance Print Ltd

From the Editor…

On the coverBattle Of Britain Dining In Night

Issue 5 2013

INSIGHT

From Brammer to Bremner…There may have been some minor confusion over the Brammer/Bremner handover of the editor role of the Insight Magazine, but I clearly have a lot to thank Squadron Leader Brammer for, the last editorial for a start. I am grateful for the vibrant and professional magazine that he and his team have developed and hope to continue to ensure it meets the needs of RAF Waddington and the local community. As we enjoy the last few days of Summer it is clear from the wide range of articles that we have received, that the Station has had an extremely busy but rewarding few months. With continued support to enduring and contingency operations I am extremely grateful to those

who have taken the time to present articles highlighting the diverse activities of service personnel, families and the community. The Insight team have been working hard to ensure the magazine reflects the spectrum of activities at RAF Waddington and we are always keen to receive articles, so please if you are organising an event or activity, send us some pictures and an article, to let everyone know what you are up to.

Looking forward, there are more changes coming to the Insight editorial team and we are all keen to ensure that the magazine meets the needs of the readers. If you have any feedback for the team please contact us at WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk.

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The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted

on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

In this Issue…

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41

34

16

10

32

07

28

06

22

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RAF WADDINGTON RUGBY TOUR 2013

STATION COMMANDERS FOREWORD

WADDINGTON BRAVES GREAT SUCCESS

RAF WADDINGTON’S V (AC) SQN WINS DACRE TROPHY

REFURBISHED CLIMBING WALL OPENS

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT

EX BRILLIANT ARROWCOMMUNITY MATTERS

EX HENDEUM

PUSH (ANOTHER) 500!

54 SQN 97TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION WEEKEND

EXERCISE NORMANDY EAGLEBATTLE OF BRITAIN

DINING IN NIGHT

RAF WADDINGTON THROUGH THE AGES13 ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP

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Station Commander’sForeword...Group Captain Al GillespieStation Commander

The squadron which played a central role in supporting French operations in Mali earlier this year has won the relaunched Dacre Trophy.

wINS ThE DACRE TROPhy

RAF Waddington’s V (Army Cooperation) Squadron

The tempo and variety of activity supported by RAF Waddington is really quite daunting.  That we continue to deliver so much, so consistently and so successfully is impressive in its own right but I don’t underestimate how much of that success is based on the professionalism and ingenuity of our team.  It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly impossible tasks are achieved, against the odds - it genuinely is the people that make the difference.

RAF Waddington is unique in that we host such a diverse, and sometimes disparate, range of cutting edge capabilities. It is often the case that these capabilities, and the extent of our ongoing operational commitment, are only fully understood here at Waddington so it seems natural that we should invest a significant amount of effort in hosting senior visitors from across Government and wider Defence to better their understanding of what we do and how we do it. This engagement is vital if we are to maximise the effective employment of our battle-winning capabilities but also, and really importantly in my view, it has the positive side effect that our efforts are widely recognised. I was honoured to host our Honorary Air Commodore, His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex, at our Battle of Britain Dining-In Night in the Officers’ Mess. This was the first time the Honorary Air Commodore

What a Summer….

had been able to join us at such a formal function and I know he was particularly proud to join in our commemoration of the courage and fortitude of “the Few”. The Honorary Air Commodore was delighted with the evening although I have yet to gauge whether he was also impressed with the stamina of some of the modern generation who were still celebrating when he departed the next morning…

I am always pleased to see articles highlighting that force development, adventurous training, community support and sporting activities continue at RAF Waddington in parallel with the operational commitments. These activities are key to the continuing development of our personnel and provide welcome respite between the operational commitments. They also provide valuable support to service families and engagement with the wider community, both vital to the continued success of the station.

As I approach the end of my tenure as Station Commander, I can look back with immense pride at the achievements of the Station. These achievements have not been easy, they have relied upon the enduring commitment of our personnel, underpinned by the support of our families and friends. It has been an honour to be part of such a varied and capable station, championing ISTAR by consistently delivering on operations in the UK and overseas.

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Air Commodore Dacre was during the 1930s whose son Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Fraser-Dacre was killed in 1943. In his memory, the family presented the RAF with the bronze Dacre Trophy, which was awarded most proficient fighter Squadron, annually, up until 2005.

V Squadron was a multiple winner of the Dacre Trophy in the 1970s when it flew Lightnings and the award recognised weapons proficiency. The trophy was last presented in 2005 and this year retired Group Captain Phil Dacre agreed, on behalf of his family, that it should be revived to recognise the best squadron in No 1 Group.

He said: “I think it has a deeper meaning as a result of this change and it is very appropriate that V Squadron should be the first winners.”

Squadron member Flight Lieutenant Russ Power was sure his colleagues appreciated winning the Dacre. “For someone to say you’re doing a good job is quite nice,” he said. “It’s been a busy three years and the families suffered the most - they deserve it more than we do.”

Author Off Cdt Rob Taylor, 7644(VR) Sqn

His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex joins RAF Waddington for Battle of Britain Dining In NightRAF Waddington Honorary Air Commodore His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex was the guest of honour at RAF Waddington’s Officers’ Mess Battle of Britain Dining In Night, a formal occasion held each year to commemorate the most important event in Royal Air Force history.

Since its formation 95 years ago, the RAF has continually defended the skies over Great Britain. Winston Churchill famously said “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few”. He was

referring to the monumental battle the Royal Air Force fought over Britain between the 10th July and 31st October 1940 defeating the German Luftwaffe and halting the planned invasion of Britain.

Station Commander RAF Waddington Group Captain Al Gillespie said “It’s an honour to host our Honorary Air Commodore His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex at such a significant formal occasion which we proudly hold each year to remember the sacrifice made during the Battle of Britain and celebrate the freedom that this has afforded over the last 73 years”.

Honorary Air Commodore is an honorary position bestowed by Her Majesty The Queen and is designed to strengthen the bond between the military unit and the individual. His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex was appointed RAF Waddington’s Honorary Air Commodore in October 2008 and has visited the Station several times since.

RAF waddington’s Officers’ Mess BATTLE OF BRITAIN DINING IN NIGhT

Presenting the prestigious trophy to V (Army Cooperation) Squadron at the RAF Leuchars airshow, Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha, Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, praised its members’ efforts over what has been a busy 12 months.

Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha, Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group said. “This recognises V Squadron’s contribution, not just in Afghanistan, which endures, but also at very short notice to Africa, where it was key to the success the French enjoyed,” .

The RAF Waddington-based squadron has been flying Sentinel R1 aircraft carrying the Airborne Stand Off Radar (ASTOR) system over Afghanistan since 2008. In January 2013 it was deployed to assist French forces against Islamic insurgents in Mali, flying 66 sorties and generating 100 intelligence reports as it tracked insurgents fleeing French ground troops.

Accepting the trophy, Squadron Leader Chris Setterfield said it meant a lot to everyone on the squadron. “It is an extra level of recognition and a pat on the back as we continue to work hard,” he said.

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Mon - Fri lunch time specials £5.50 excluding bank holidays

Now taking Christmas bookings

with our excellent Christmas Fayre Menu

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All courses are available at RAF Coningsby on an ‘as requested basis’.Please speak to TDF for details.

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ThE BATTLE OF BRITAINMEMORIAL FLIGHT (BBMF)

The Flight Engineer’s Day The BBMF motto is “Lest we forget” and our core business revolves around veterans, reunions, parades, funerals etc.

the colours of a 617 Sqn aircraft ‘Thumper Mk 3’ to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dambuster Raid. During WW2, Lancasters usually flew with a crew of 7 that included air gunners, a wireless operator and a bomb aimer. Today, we routinely fly with a crew of only 4 which comprises 2 pilots, a navigator and a flight engineer.

So what does my day consist of? I generally arrive at Coningsby 3 hours before take-off and, if it’s a longer flight, collect crew rations from the Airmens’ Mess. I then go to the BBMF hangar and check the aircraft log book. This details ‘snags’ from the last flight, any maintenance work carried out and provides essential engineering information like: engine power readings, weight and balance data and the amount of fuel loaded. This leaves me with a small amount of time to read any new orders,

In fact, last month my tasking included the dropping of a WW2 pathfinder’s ashes and the 100th birthday celebration of the oldest surviving member of Bomber Command. But I am not sure much is known about the Flight outside of the people who are part of the Unit; so I wanted to provide a little ‘insight’ into what being part of BBMF entails.

So how does someone become part of the Flight? The answer to that depends on your trade. Our flying season aligns with the good weather of the British summer months, so there is insufficient work to justify full time aircrew; therefore the BBMF is an additional duty for aircrew. As you can imagine, this can impact heavily on an individual’s primary role and relies on good will from your boss to release you to fly. The Flight’s pilots are either multi-engine or single seat fast jet qualified, and will either fly the Flight’s bombers or fighters respectively. Navigators are predominantly drawn from the fast jet fraternity and fly on the Dakota and Lancaster. Loadmasters crew the Dakota and are selected from both fixed and rotary wing aircraft types. As a Flight Engineer, I fly on the Lancaster. Unfortunately, the trade is currently in decline because of the retirement of our remaining aircraft types: VC10, Tristar and Hercules K. However, the E3D Sentry is potentially a longer term survivor that requires a Flight Engineer, so eventually all Lancaster Flight Engineers will be drawn from RAF Waddington.

BBMF aircrew tour lengths are generally 5 years. When a vacancy appears a trawl for volunteers will be promulgated; however, you are free to write a letter of application at any time. Selection is based on your performance in the air and on the ground, operational experience, instructional ability and finally, on your performance in a selection interview. Unlike the aircrew, our groundcrew are full time RAF personnel who are also specially selected to serve on the Flight. They will have already proven their technical abilities on modern mechanical and avionic aircraft systems. However, historical aircraft require a different skill set which is seldom tested by modern aircraft. So part of the selection process will include a familiarisation visit to the Flight, where informal vetting will occur, before an offer for a place is awarded.

So what about the aircraft I fly on as a Flight Engineer? PA474 is predominantly a Mark 1 Lancaster that was prepared to operate in the Far East as part of the Tiger Force. However, as the bomber rolled out of the factory the war ended, so she never saw combat and as a result is one of the few surviving Lancasters. The aircraft was employed on several peacetime duties including photographic reconnaissance and experimental wing design trials before eventually making it to the BBMF. As with all the aircraft on the Flight, the Lancaster is painted to represent a famous airframe from WW2; this season PA474 wears

thereby ensuring I am up to date and subsequently ‘in the green’. The navigator and the pilots are now gathering in the planning room and, with 2 hours left before take-off, we all attend a meteorological brief. After ‘met brief’, I calculate the All-Up-Weight of the aircraft and determine the Centre of Gravity position. This ensures the aircraft is balanced and not overloaded, which preserves the fatigue life of this vintage aircraft. Up to this point my job has been somewhat academic in nature, so it’s now time for a change of emphasis. I walk to the aeroplane and carry out a thorough ‘pre-flight’ internal and external inspection of the engines and airframe structure, flight systems and instrumentation. We now have 1 hour to go before take-off and the whole crew gather in the planning room for a detailed brief on our tasking; this will include but not be limited to: routing, flypasts and displays. It is at this stage that I give any passengers or flying groundcrew a Lancaster safety brief. We generally roll into the ‘out brief’ which confirms we are authorised and fit to fly.

The Lancaster’s mighty Merlin engines are started up, regularly drawing a crowd on the public road next to our hangar, as people watch the start, taxi and take-off of the iconic aircraft. In the air, I stand behind the Co-Pilot; this is because his sits in my seat! My job is mainly lookout and system monitoring; however, in the unlikely event of a malfunction or failure, I am integral to the running of the emergency ‘red card’ drills. With my technical knowledge of the aircraft I am in an ideal position to provide advice on the implications and corrective action required. I also operate the undercarriage and fuel system, and am responsible for the safety of passengers and the security of fuselage load.

It only remains for me to say that we are all volunteers on the Flight and we rely heavily on a stream of applications from suitably qualified air and groundcrew. So if you fancy a challenging, once in a lifetime step back in time, why not give it a go?

FS Mark Fellows.

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(L-R) Wg Cdr Owen, Wg Cdr Kane, Wg Cdr Talbot

Joining us from Advanced College Staff Course and assuming command of Base Support Wing is Wing Commander Colin Owen. Wing Commander Owen joined the RAF in 1998 as a Physical Education Officer and has previously worked as the Personal Staff Officer to the Station Commandant at RAF College Cranwell.

5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron is now under the command of Wing Commander Dave Kane. Wing Commander Kane joined the RAF in 1991 and flying Harriers; has seen active service in both the Balkans and more recently numerous tours in Afghanistan flying in support

ALL ChANGE AT ThE TOPIt’s all change at the top at RAF Waddington with the arrival of three new Squadron Executives.

of UK and ISAF operations throughout the country. More recently he has been located at MOD Main Building in London.

Assuming command of 51 Squadron is Wing Commander Tom Talbot. Wing Commander Talbot joined the RAF as a pilot in 1995 and has previously served on 51 Sqn as a Flight Commander Operations flying operational tours in the Mediterranean and Afghanistan. He has also previously completed a number of deployments as RAF Waddington’s detachment commander in Oman, responsible for both Nimrod R1 and Sentinel R1 operations in Afghanistan.

Station personnel could be tasked at short-notice to establish an airfield anywhere in the world to enable anything from humanitarian and disaster relief to major air operations.

To prepare for the 12 month commitment, personnel from the Station recently took part in the first of a series of exercises aimed at setting up an Expeditionary Air Wing headquarters, Exercise FLEDGLING EAGLE.

The two-day exercise introduced personnel to the EAW concept, raised awareness of units available to support the EAW and prepared individuals for exercises they will undertake in the months running up to the stand up.

Senior Aircraftman Jonathan Jones who took part in the exercise and will work as an Intelligence Analyst on the EAW said, “During the exercise we participated in workshops where we carried out small planning tasks. These were an excellent opportunity to get to know the people we could be working with on the EAW and learn about experiences on operations.”

Wing Commander Alun Roberts, Chief of Staff Operations, 34 EAW said, “Over the next few months, before the EAW stands up, we will undertake a series of training exercises lead by the Joint Force Air Component EAW Training

Team from Air Command. Some of these exercises will be hosted here at RAF Waddington whilst for others, we will deploy to more austere and unfamiliar environments. This initial exercise has complemented the extensive preparation that the team have already put in place and has vindicated my confidence that we are well set on the road to delivering a well prepared and highly effective EAW.”

Preparation towards the EAW will culminate in a week long deployed exercise in early 2014 which will test each member’s professional and military skills to ensure they are ready to meet whatever challenge they may face in 2014.

On 1 Mar 2014, 34 Expeditionary Air Wing headquarters will stand up at RAF Waddington.

Inset:Waddington EAW personnel being briefed by a member of the JFAC EAW Training Team.

Main:Waddington EAW personnel undertaking a planning task.

RAF WADDINGTONSTART EAw TRAINING

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The summer is always busy it seems with ‘business as normal’ on many fronts but with the added challenges of short notice deployments, school holidays, our traditional ‘Airplay’ Holiday Activities Programme and being shorthanded this year due to staffing changes, this summer has been busier than ever for Community Support Squadron.

On 21 June, Community Support Squadron saw the departure of Mrs Karen Pearce, one of it’s most experienced staff. Moving on to pastures new, Karen took up the position of Personal Assistant to the Station Commander, having served within the HIVE at Waddington since December 2000. Over the last 12 years,

Karen has been a real stalwart, providing a valuable and high quality service both in her core role as HIVE Information Officer and also in recent years, as an integral part of the Community Support Team. Karen leaves large shoes to fill and her expertise and commitment providing essential support to Service Personnel and family members will certainly be missed. All of the Community Support Team wish her the very best in her new role which will almost certainly provide a challenge in these ever changing times.

Airplay holiday Activities

In recent years, RAF Waddington, Service Personnel and many of their families and children

have benefited greatly from the excellent RAF Benevolent Fund sponsored ‘Airplay’ project. The project that saw a large injection of funding for stations a few years ago has provided dedicated youth work staff who have delivered both term-time and holiday youth provision in recent years. Earlier this summer the Station Youth Worker, Miss Kirsty Forrester also left to pursue a new role which was well deserved but also left us with the challenge of delivering a summer programme that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Before leaving, Kirsty planned this summers programme that not only included our normal trips and activities, ice-skating, Alton Towers, Low Ropes etc. but also saw the introduction of some

What a busy summer it’s been! It really has been full on for the last couple of months at RAF Waddington and this definitely applies to Community Support Squadron.

new initiatives, watersports, skiing and snowboarding, an ‘airfield’ camp out and the re-working of our ever popular (annual it seems) ‘Masterchef’ event. This year one of the key personalities involved in the development and continued success of ‘Airplay’, Air Commodore (Ret’d) Paul Hughesdon (a director of the Ben Fund) visited the station to be a guest judge. Accompanied by Mr Damian Pinel, the Chief Community Development Advisor from HQ Air Command and yours truly, this years event had a delicious RAF theme. With large numbers of young people preparing food menus based on traditional and cultural delicacies where the RAF has bases or personnel around the world, the event was a great success.

Overall the programme this summer was hugely successful, in the main due to one of our ‘sessional’ youth work staff (Miss Kristina Rodier) stepping up to the plate and ensuring that over 450 activity places were offered to young people over 19 different activities. How we maintain or develop this programme for future holiday periods, is one question I haven’t quite got my head round yet!

Support To Deployed Families

Throughout a Service persons career it is now almost common place that Service personnel will spend time away from home. Regardless if this is part of an Operational Deployment or a domestic exercise or training course, family members left behind can still experience

Community Matters

InsIghtMAGAZINE 15

additional stresses and strains. Separation through duty is never easy and coming more frequently that at any time in recent history, it can often be a real challenge to Service families.

RAF Waddington continues to place great importance on providing support to families affected by separation through duty. Through its dedicated Community Support Squadron, RAF Waddington continues to provide a range of activities/initiatives providing practical support leading up to, during and after the Service person returns home from deployment. Regular events and activities continue to take place at RAF Waddington and at venues within the County of Lincolnshire and beyond.

Deployed Families Group

Once each fortnight, a small dedicated group of community members meets in the Integrated Welfare Facility (IWF or HIVE as more commonly known), providing support to families who are affected by Operational Deployment or separation through duty. The group run by members of the community, on behalf of the community is an excellent way to pass a Saturday morning, entertain the children and provide or receive mutual

support from those who know exactly what Service families are going through. If you are left at home with the kids, weekends and holidays can be tough, this group aims to make those times that little bit easier.

Deployed Families Trips

As part of RAF Waddington’s commitment to it’s families affected by deployment or separation through duty, the Station has long supported regular days out and visits to local leisure attractions. During 2013, Community Support Squadron

staff have already planned, organised and ran several trips that have included Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Fantasy Island, Skegness and Alton Towers to name but a few. With many families affected by deployment or separation through duty, enthusiastically participating this year, the programme for 2013 has been better than ever. If you are currently, or due to be affected by operational deployments or will be separated through duty for a minimum of 60 continuous days during the remainder of 2013, just look at what you will be able to look forward to.

Families Deployment Briefings

Service Personnel deploying overseas are well looked after and well prepared prior to departure. At RAF Waddington, we believe that the families of Service personnel should also be well looked after and equally well prepared. Regardless of the relationship to a Service person, whether it is a spouse, Mother, Father, brother, sister or a partner, being prepared or at least being aware of the support that is available, is really important. Community Support Squadron and other key Station welfare personnel are therefore pleased to be able to offer regular families deployment briefings for Service families affected by deployment. Conducted in the Integrated Welfare Facility (HIVE), every two months, briefings are provided to ensure that families are aware of the support that is available during periods of Operational Deployment. Consisting of a short presentation with an opportunity to ask those really important questions, briefings are friendly, informal and offer a great opportunity to meet other families experiencing similar pressures and stresses.

September Butlins, Skegness

October Twin Lakes, Melton Mowbray

November The Deep, Hull

December Sunday Lunch including BFBS Christmas Messages Pantomime, Lincoln

The next scheduled Families Deployment Briefings are to be held on

Thursday 19 September 2013 @ 09:30 in the HIVE

Thursday 28 November 2013 @ 09:30 in the HIVE

For further details about any of the support available to Service families affected by operational deployments or separation through duty, please contact the RAF Waddington HIVE.

Tel: 01522 727675E-mail: WAD-BSW-PMS-HIVE@mod.uk

16 InsIghtMAGAZINE

The foundation supports children with limb loss and other physical disabilities by offering unique experiences and improving life-skills to increase confidence. Taking to the air in the clubs fleet of light aircraft, the children followed in the footsteps of Battle of Britain pilot Douglas Bader.  Douglas lost both legs in a flying accident before the war, but was determined to overcome his disability and went on to become one of the most famous fighter pilots of all time.

Whilst airborne many got the chance to take the controls of an aircraft for the first time under the eagle eye of their instructor, whilst others took the opportunity to see their house from a bird’s eye perspective. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their flight and as soon as they landed, they were already looking forward to repeating the experience next year. The children, who all came from the Lincoln area were aged 6 to 16 and by the end of the day they were nearly all aspiring future pilots. Once again the weather forecast wasn’t too promising for our Braves Young Aviators Day, but the Met department at the station obviously new far more about the local climatic conditions than did our chums at the BBC or, indeed, my seaweed!! Once again as I pulled back the curtains in my Lincoln hotel Saturday welcomed me with grey skies and appeared to be rather blustery but a quick call from Gary Mennell at the airfield eased my concerns; he assured me that it was going to

brighten up around mid-morning and it would be a great day for flying. I was still a bit doubtful as we drove the short distance to the rendezvous point but, just as our guests for the day started to arrive, the clouds began to break and by the time everyone had been escorted to our base for the day and received a briefing, the sun broke through and, sure enough, the day was transformed just as those in the know had predicted!!

The club made three of their aeroplanes available to us for the day, two Cessna 172s and a PA-28 Warrior. As the first wave of flights disappeared into the distance towards Lincoln, excitement on the ground grew as group number two readied themselves for their turn. The circuit took in much of the local countryside and afforded some superb views of the City of Lincoln, particularly the Cathedral, Castle and soccer stadium. When the first flight returned it was reported that visibility was excellent and that the wind speed had really dropped. The ground support team had everything brilliantly organised and everyone was put completely at ease by Club Chairman Chris Hives, who had assumed the mantel of chief steward at “Air Waddington” for the day, as he prepared the Braves for their first flight in a light aircraft. Before we knew where we were it was time for our lunch break and we welcomed our afternoon aviators before the morning group could eat all of the sandwiches and smashing cakes cooked by the wives of

some of the members, and leave for home. Whilst the two groups were together the Station Fire & Rescue Team paid us a visit and everyone was given the opportunity to have a look at the very specialised equipment that is always “at readiness” on station.

The weather held fair throughout the afternoon, indeed, it probably improved a bit as time went on. Looking across the vast expanses of the station everything was so peaceful; there was no other flying activity apart from the Bader Braves and it was difficult to imagine just how different the station must be on a normal working day. The Cessnas looked rather insignificant trundling along the ten thousand foot long runway designed to handle the very biggest of our military aircraft but to all those who took a flight, the Cessna became Bader’s Spitfire!!

By 16.00 everyone had been treated to a flight and our wonderful day drew to a close. The aircraft were returned to their home at the Flying Club HQ, 54 Squadron HQ which had been our home for the day, was cleared

and locked up, the safety barriers dismantled and stored and, by the time I left the station, it was a picture of perfect peace and quietness as the early autumn sunshine began to drop towards the horizon. I bet it was a different story on Monday morning though!

As always we are indebted to all of our friends at Waddington, particularly everyone at the Flying Club all of whom had worked so hard to make sure that our Waddington Bader Braves had an absolutely fantastic and unforgettable day. Thanks guys, it was brilliant. “It’s clear to see from all the happy smiling faces just how much everyone enjoyed it.”

Flight Lieutenant Chris Hives said, “As Chairman of The RAF Waddington Flying Club, I was delighted that the Club was able to share the joy of flight with so many of the Bader Braves on Saturday. Judging by the size of their post-flight smiles, it was obvious that the children had really enjoyed the chance to take control of an aeroplane and to have seen the City of Lincoln from a birds-eye perspective.“

Waddington Braves GREAT SuCCESSOn Saturday 14th September, RAF Waddington Flying Club played host to over 40 children from the Douglas Bader Foundation.

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The new facility was formally opened by the Station Commander, Group Captain Al Gillespie on 6 August in a small ceremony attended by members of the RAF Waddington Climbing and Mountaineering Club.

The club’s training officer Corporal Ash Johnson said, “The overhaul will enable RAF Waddington to continue to meet it’s mandated AT targets whilst maintaining our status as a strong contributor to RAF Climbing. It also ensures that we’re able to continue our liaison work with the local community which includes working with organisations such as the Princes’ Trust and the Air Training Corps”.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the sport, please come along to one of the club’s training nights which are held at the climbing wall every Tuesday from 1800-2030. The club provides training and advice for both novices and experienced climbers and is open to Service personnel and dependants. As well as indoor climbing, the club routinely runs outdoor climbing sessions and overseas expeditions. For further information, please contact Flight Lieutenant I Dodd (Ext 8503). Alternatively visit the RAF Mountaineering Association website at: www.raf.mod.uk/rafmountaineering/

Flight Lieutenant D S Handley

RAF WADDINGTON CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

OPENS ITS REFuRBIShED wALLIt is said that we are born with just two innate fears; loud noises and falling, which is surprising considering today’s phobia obsessed culture.

What is even more surprising is the growing number of people that actively chose to place themselves in situations that seem to almost guarantee a considerable fall from height! I’m talking of course about the ever growing sport of Rock Climbing.

With its roots dating back to the Victorian era, climbing as we know it today can be traced back to the first solo ascent of Napes Needle (The Lake District) by Walter Parry Haskett Smith in the late 1880’s. In many ways, climbing has advanced significantly over the last 130 years but the crux of the sport remains essentially unchanged; “climb to the top of the highest thing around and hope you don’t fall!”

The RAF views climbing, as with many other forms of Adventurous Training (AT), as ‘the only way in which the fundamental risk of the unknown can be used to introduce the necessary level of fear to develop adequate fortitude, rigour, robustness, initiative and leadership to deliver the resilience that military personnel require on operations. AT contributes to recuperation from the mental stress of operations, by re-introducing the concept of fear in a controlled environment. AT is thereforea core military training activity which supports operational effectiveness and the ethos of the Armed Forces’. Put simply, working through our fears, innate or otherwise, can often have significant benefits to our professional outputs.

Although RAF Waddington has been home to an organic climbing facility since 2001, 12 years of constant use and little investment had led to a severe decline in usability. In an effort to regain this important Station asset, the RAF Waddington Climbing and Mountaineering Club successfully secured funding from RAF Waddington, the RAF Central Fund and the RAF Sports Lottery to conduct major renovation work on the existing Wall. Work began in June and was completed in early July providing 2 additional climbing routes and a significant increase in overall usage options.

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Station Commander, Group Captain Al Gillespie is shown the ropes.

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The squad, 22 members strong, travelled to Barcelona to visit several Spanish rugby clubs.

This presented an excellent opportunity to play a very high standard of rugby union, whilst conducting community and charity projects and developing relations between the RAF Waddington RFC and the people of Southern Spain.

Waking early on Thursday morning the squad’s first training session took place in the rain on a beach of sharp grit! The session focussed on preparing the squad to deliver the tour’s first challenge: train 80 children aged between 8 -16 in a foreign language. However, having liaised with Stephane Cazalbou, Sitges RFC’s youth coach and refined the content of the session, Gee ‘Drop Short’ Jenner ran the team through the drills that we would be coaching and nominated 3 training activity leads. It soon became apparent that most of the team had obviously missed these sessions as juniors but eventually the forwards had mastered simple passing and the backs had remembered how to tackle. Despite the unexpectedly damp weather and painful playing surface, the squad picked up the key points and the session ended with a mandatory swim in the sea, much to the surprise of the local life guards!

Sitges RFC youth Training Session

Thursday 16th May saw the team travel to Sitges RFC. By UK standards their club was small but by Spanish standards Sitges is a big club. The plan was to coach Sitges’ under 14’s, 12’s and 10’s using drills such as tackling, touch rugby and exploiting space, passing drills and rucking. Having completed the training session and after the kids had stopped bullying our

RAF WADDINGTON RuGBy TOuR 2013

mascot ‘Harry the Hornet’ (Martin Wallhead in a hornet outfit), every child was presented with RAF Waddington memorabilia which was kindly donated by the RAF Waddington Air Show team. After a well deserved break the team supported the seniors ‘old school’ training session where their coach spent most of the time telling players off! This did provide the team with a chance to experience the Spanish playing style which was very open and unstructured. After 4 hours in the Spanish heat the session was over, the youth team coach thanked Waddington players for their time and presented Maj Jenner with a handmade tile with the club’s Dolphin symbol. Amazing Spanish hospitality followed in the open air club house and traditional seafood paella and a few beers was shared with our excellent hosts. A great night was had by all!

First Fixture V CEu Barcelona Seniors and under 23s

Friday 17th May began with a beach training session focussed on preparing the team for their first fixture against CEU Barcelona, a local university team and one of the highest ranked teams in Catalonia. With several sore heads and phantom injuries appearing training was slow. A long coach journey took the team to Barcelona that evening. The squad were lucky to have a brand new kit for the coming season which we wore for the first time. This kit came courtesy of the Nuffield Trust and our sponsor Envitia (who provide

Spatial Information Services to several key air platforms at RAF Waddington). Due to several injuries, the teams agreed to play two games of tens, one against the seniors XV and the second against their under 23s. CEU Barcelona Seniors started the match and after an unstructured first quarter the Hornets began stamping their authority on the home side’s turf. Punishing tackles from centres Paul ‘Blunthead’ and Matt Morgan disrupted the home team’s attacks and allowed the

Hornets to turn over the ball and to break away for an early try. This galvanised the home team, regaining some composure and spreading the ball wide. At half time the scores were level at

14-all, with two tries and two conversions each. As the second half progressed, however, the Hornets’ physicality and forward strength sapped the home team. Some well controlled driving mauls gained territory and disrupted the home team defence with Waddington backs exploiting the opportunity with a well worked try. The half ended with a respectable win by the Hornets 21–14.

After a brief interval the Hornets were back on the pitch, but this time facing a more athletic Under 23 team. The home team began with tremendous enthusiasm and enjoyed disrupting the play, seeking gaps in the Hornets’ defence. Their fitness stretched the Hornets’ resistance and their distribution put the team under significant pressure. With some crucial tackles made, the tide turned, with Waddington back in possession, the forwards reverting to typical British rugby and through a succession

of short punchy crash balls, breaking up the defence and shipping the ball to the backs for a simple opening try. Despite the home team breaking through the Waddington defence to score two tries, the Hornets remained in control throughout the second half and scored two more excellent tries combining physicality with sharp handling and good lines of running. The final score for the half was Waddington 19 CEU Barcelona 10. Post match hospitality ensued in the centre of Barcelona, pizza and beer flowed and the international language of rugby was enjoyed by all, including

0500hrs, Wed 15th May: the start of a week-long rugby tour of Catalonia.

”“After some emotional

moments for those involved and hilarity from those who weren’t, we completed the day’s activity with a game of rugby...

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some good natured drinking games and rugby sing-offs. The evening ended with the exchanging of gifts once again.

Force Development

The weekend provided welcome recovery from 2 days of rugby and, as part of the Force Development component enjoyed a coastal walk to the east of Lloret De Mar. However, en route Ollie ‘AWOL’ Loak took the opportunity to incorporate hill reps for the tour members who had repeatedly missed breakfast. After some emotional moments for those involved and hilarity from those who weren’t, we completed the day’s activity with a game of rugby/volleyball on a secluded beach. Day 2 of the weekend provided a day of recovery. On Mon 20th May, the second part of the FD component began with an early start that saw the team travelling into Barcelona for a cultural visit. This began in the morning with a walking tour of Barcelona, conducted by an English guide, focusing on the military aspects of the city, majoring on the Spanish Civil War. This walk concluded with lunch and the entire group were able to see a different dimension of the city. The afternoon had been scheduled for a museum visit, however due to a public holiday that had to be cancelled. The group were given the afternoon to explore Barcelona, before being coached back to the hotel.

The Final Game V Tarragona RFC

After the weekend break, the Hornets were growing restless for the final game of the tour on Tue 21st May. After surviving the horrors of the hotel’s monotonous packed lunches and the long coach journey, the team arrived surprisingly well prepared at the small club in a working area near Barcelona’s docks. Playing a full 15-a-side game the visitors were confident they could start strong but it was not to be. In the stifling heat, the home team started by playing to their strengths, passing fluidly and avoiding getting involved rucks and mauls. Only the solid defence of Waddington’s wings prevented the home side reaching double figures and soon the forwards felt Maj Gee’s harsh words. With a new tactic of smashing

This kicked off with a Help for Heroes match and followed up with a community tour of Spain (see article).

The sponsorship arrangement will see Envitia front of jersey for the duration of the season, including all league and cup games. As part of an on-going commitment as an official sponsor Envitia has already supplied the team shirts. These were officially presented during a ceremony at RAF Waddington in front of the veteran Vulcan XM607.

Envitia, based in Horsham, supply geospatial technology that enables shared situational awareness for on-board ISTAR platforms.

ENVITIA proud sponsors of RAF waddington Rugby Team 2013/14Envitia is proud to sponsor the RAF Waddington Rugby Team for the forthcoming season.

anyone carrying a ball the Hornets started to make ground and soon the tables began to turn. Quick ball from a line out and punishing pick and drives from the forwards allowed Maj Gee to crash over from 5m out under the posts at the end of the first half. He also converted the try. At half time the team were losing by a single conversion. Some inspired substitutions and proven fitness and conditioning in the second half allowed Waddington to break open the Tarragona defence. The forwards repeatedly rampaged through the tired Tarragona pack, and gave the backs excellent go forward ball resulting in a succession of tries, with SAC “Rick Ashley” Booth scoring the winning points resulting in an emphatic 31-19 win.

Reflections

The Station tour has been extremely successful with all of the players on top form and proving to be great ambassadors for British military rugby. The generosity and natural bonhomie of our Catalonian hosts and the generosity of the Station, Nuffield Trust, and sponsors, with whom the experience would have only been a fleeting dream, struck us all. The tourists returned from the tour refreshed, tighter knit and wiser rugby players. RAF Waddington RFC wishes to thank Stn Cdr RAF Waddington, Stn Cdr RAF Scampton, the RAF RU, and the Nuffield Trust, who helped in the purchase of this year’s new playing kit, our sponsors ENVITIA, the RAF and Army Sports Boards and members of the RAF Waddington RFC Committee.

Sqn Ldr Jamie MeighanClub President (2011-2013)

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RAF Waddington through the Ages:Part 4 The Desert warsWith the disbandment of 50 Squadron and the retirement of its last Avro Vulcan from service in 1984, RAF Waddington found itself facing permanent closure. However, it soon became the home to NATO AWACS operating away from their main base at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen on the Germany-Dutch border, proving the Station’s ability to support a sizeable AEW fleet.

These aircraft were co-manned by the RAF until the United Kingdom purchased its own AWACS fleet, which entered service in 1991. Although the UK aircraft were not ready to enter service during the 1991 Gulf War, Waddington served its own role in DESERT STORM, becoming the port for American causalities arriving back from the War. With the arrival of the Station’s first new E-3D Sentry and the Electronic Warfare Operational Support Element (now known as the Air Warfare Centre) from RAF Wyton in 1995, the Station completed it’s transition to the forefront of UK ISTAR Operations and took its place in the ensuing Desert Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

E-3A aircraft alongside 5 Hangar on forward deployment to RAF Waddington, 1984

Using the ramps and taxiways recently vacated by the Vulcans, NATO’s Airborne Early Warning E-3As begin to use RAF Waddington as a Forward Operating Base. Royal Air Force crew flew alongside their NATO counterparts in preparation for the arrival of the new Nimrod AEW3 aircraft and retirement of the Shackelton AEW Mk2.

Construction of the future Sentry Dispersal on the Station sports pitches, late 1987

With the cancellation of the Nimrod AEW3 Programme in 1986, Waddington was designated the new home for 8 Squadron and the Boeing E-3D Sentry. Existing Station infrastructure and hangars were insufficient to support the new aircraft and extensive modernisation began. The Station sports pitch gave way to the new Alpha Dispersal and taxiways were rebuilt to accommodate the 344,000lb aircraft.

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The arrival of the United Kingdom’s first Boeing E-3D AWACS in 1991

The arrival of the first Royal Air Force E-3D Airborne Warning and Control System, airframe ZH101, marked the end of an era for the venerable Shackleton AEW2 on 8 Squadron.

Destruction of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York, Sep 11, 2001.

On September 11, 2001, a series of terror attacks on the United States prompted the nation to invoke NATO Article 5, calling for fellow nations to come assist in their defence. NATO E-3As previously stationed at RAF Waddington began to patrol the skies over North America whilst E-3Ds, Nimrod R1s and over 500 personnel from the Station moved to the Middle East and joined the allies in the campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan, providing around-the-clock surveillance and intelligence to air and ground forces.

A Sentry E-3Ds from 8 Squadron arrives at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 2, 2003.

At 0200 on March 19, 2003, a Sentry E-3D from RAF Waddington called on station alongside a 51 Squadron Nimrod R1 working with United States Special Forces and Marines to locate and secure Iraqi missiles and combat troops in the Iraqi Western Desert. Within days the aircraft were flying over Iraqi territory, where they maintained a near-continuous presence until cessation of primary combat air operations in May, 2003. After a short period of recuperation, 8, 23 and 51 Squadrons quickly saw themselves return to Afghanistan.

Arrival of the 51 Squadron and the Nimrod R1, 1995.

Alongside the move of the future Air Warfare Centre to Waddington, the specialised fleet of electronic reconnaissance Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R1s joined the E-3D at RAF Waddington. Having previously participated in the 1991 operations in Iraq, the aircraft continued to provide support to combat patrols over Iraq through Operation Telic in 2003. Working alongside United States Navy EP-3s and United States Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, the aircraft provided an unsurpassed electronic and communications intelligence that was the first choice among equals of theatre commanders.

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Leaving slightly earlier than planned, due to station stand down, they quickly acclimatised to the local area, revising necessary documentation and commencing the initial plans for the upcoming exercise.  The remainder of the personnel, who were unable to come out on the initial deployment, were transported from RAF Waddington down to RAF Brize Norton, and from there via Hercules  C-130K out to Orland.  After this long trek they were able to join the rest of their crew, tired but looking forward to the commencement of Exercise Brilliant Arrow 13 (BAW13). BAW13 was a live flying exercise, conducted primarily from Orland MAS, involving some 50 military aircraft and over 800 exercise participants; taking place from the 25 August to 06 September. The event was organised by NATO’s Headquarters Allied Air Command (HQ AIRCOM) in coordination with the Host Nation, Norway. The aim of BAW13 was to provide all involved with training, essential to fulfil their role in the NATO Response Force (NRF). This is a highly ready and technologically advanced

multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components, which the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The live flying conducted in BAW13 was planned in such a way to provide a realistic and challenging environment allowing aircrew and controllers from ten Allied nations to execute force integration training at the air component level. In addition to the UK forces other nations involved included Norway, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The range of aircraft participating in the exercise included the F-16, Tornado and Mirage 2000D fighters, two airborne warning and control system (AWACS) platforms (the 8 Sqn E-3D and the French E-3F), three transport aircraft, four helicopters and the DA-20 special jamming aircraft. To support the training, other assets were brought in including Ground-based air defence systems and Forward Air Controller teams. All of these assets and nations came together to create a realistic BAW13 exercise environment. Every day of the exercise around 80 sorties took place split into two

ExErcisEBrilliantarrow Late August, as many people were gearing up toward the upcoming bank holiday weekend, a large party of 8 Sqn Air and Ground personnel, along with other keen supporting volunteers, were packing their bags and jumping on board the E-3D heading off to Orland Main Air Station (MAS), Norway.

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separate waves. The COMAO wave in the morning and the shadow wave in the afternoon, both waves saw participating aircraft trained in various air to air and air to ground scenarios. Working in two crews the 8 Sqn aircrew planned and flew alternating days and with the tireless support of the 8 Sqn Ground crew all but one mission was completed successfully allowing effective command and control of the exercise to ensure all the training took place safely and without incident. The addition of a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Mission, enabled crew to react and respond to a downed aircrew situation, an event for which there is limited training opportunities in routine UK flying. On this day certain enthusiastic members of the E-3D detachment, were invited to volunteer to act as the downed aircrew running around Norway adding extra realism to the training. Here E-3D crew had to effectively allocate their time between controlling the air war, which continued as in every other day, but with the added responsibility of aiding the safe pick up of the ‘downed aircrew’, and learning what challenges and pitfalls could be avoided with more training.

Detachment personnel took the opportunity to visit the German WWII coastal battery, Austrått fort. The turret with 3 x 28CM guns, was actually the C turret from 'Gneisenau' - the German WWII battle cruiser, sistership of the 'Scharnhorst'. The ship was damaged in an air raid in 1942, and so the main guns were removed and employed in the coastal battery role at various locations around Norway. A very interesting tour gave those detachment personnel in attendance a rare insight into the lives and living conditions of the German soldiers, operating at one of these Forts during WWII. Other opportunities available to a few fortunate individuals,

included the opportunity to fly with the RNoAF 339th Squadron. One of those fortunate individuals was Fg Off Rob Stewart who describes his experience below:

The RNoAF 339th Sqn flies the Bell 412 that's the venerable 'Huey' to you and I-and brings an entirely different aspect to the scenarios being run on BAW-13.

Everything from SF support to CSAR to ship hunting fell into the remit of the 339th, so when I was invited to join them on a sortie I, of course, jumped at the chance.

The trip started well: being asked to assist in fitting the

M134 mini-guns to the sides of the choppers is far flung from a normal day in the office. This was soon followed by the usual safety briefs, with the door gunner, giving the brief, adding additional emphasis on ensuring we had our seat belts on tight...It soon became clear why. We started the flight with some low-level flying across some of Norway's impressive terrain all the while, the side doors open to the elements. It soon dawned on me that the small strip of worn-out fabric across my lap was all that was keeping me from toppling out the door. Before long, we were making a tactical landing to engage with the JTACs and coordinate the next phase of the mission, this turned out to include

some gut-wrenching tactical manoeuvring with a whole lot of practice gun runs thrown in for good measure. The sortie was then rounded off with a flyover for the benefit of 'NATO TV' before coming to a halt and landing back at Orland MAS. A morning with a good mix of fear and fun also making some friends with our NATO brethren. All in all, a success.’ Fg Off Rob Stewart, Surveillance Operator, 8 Sqn. As well as the opportunities to experience part of Norway’s military history or act upon invites to go flying low level, other individuals took the chance presented to them to go exploring the local landscape, see the wildlife during walks exploring the many hills around the base or falling victim to

the sharp stones which were the pitfall of a few bike rides and the local area. Some individuals took the chance, at the weekend, to visit Norway’s first capital, Trondeim, a lively and cultural city of Norway, whilst others enjoyed the ”“It soon dawned on me that

the small strip of worn-out fabric across my lap was all that was keeping me from toppling out the door.

evening entertainment put on as part of BAW13. This entertainment included an AC/DC tribute band amongst other various music nights, all giving opportunities to get to know participating members of other countries detachments and joining in on sing offs, which were notably dominated by the enthusiasm of the German and Greek Singers.

All in all BAW13 provided a great opportunity for 8 Sqn personnel and supporting members to participate in a multi-nation command and control air to air combat exercise, with various different scenarios, with the aim of enhancing training and skills for all involved. Operating out of Orland MAS as a Forward Operating Location (FOL) for NATO’s AWACS, enabled the

ground crew, led by DEO Flt Lt Eckersley, to achieve a fantastic result of 8 out of 9 missions completed successfully. A massive thank you goes out to all involved in ensuring the aircraft were in a good state to achieve such a result.

At the end of BAW13 Exercise Director Colonel Frank Gerards stated the whole effort had been a ‘Job Well Done’.

Continuing on Colonel Frank Gerards stated: ‘During the past ten flying days we have flown a

total of 534 missions training covering the whole spectrum of Air Power capabilities in order to prepare for a wide array of NRF missions. The whole exercise has been conducted safely and without incident, with the professionalism of both air and groundcrew having been of the highest standard. All in all we can be very satisfied with our achievements.’

So as the exercise participants all make their way back to their respective bases, and reflect on the training and experiences of the past few weeks, all can happily reflect on a Mission well done, our thanks go out to the BAW13 Exercise Director Colonel Frank Gerards of the Netherlands Air Force and the senior Host Nation representative Lieutenant Colonel Hans Jørgen Nordskog from the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, who worked tirelessly together to put on a fantastic exercise. On behalf on 8 Sqn I look forward to the next opportunity to work out of Orland MAS and be involved in future multi-national level exercises enabling the Sqn personnel to build on lessons learnt over the past two weeks of Exercise Brilliant Arrow 2013.

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Ex hENDEuMOn 24th May 2013, 9 members of 8 Squadron visited the RAF Museum at Hendon to look at several aircraft types on display.

Burma-Sumatra - Liberator Mk VI Presented by Flight Lieutenant Allen Weir

The Liberator displayed in the RAF Museum is a very similar model to that flown by 8 Squadron. The American-built Liberator MkVI was operated by 8 Squadron for only 6 months from May 1945. Initially based in Jessore in India, it quickly moved to Minneriya in Ceylon where it

The aircraft were all similar or identical models to those flown by 8 Squadron over her history. Each of the Squadron members presented on one of the aircraft; we all returned to Waddington with a much better appreciation of both our predecessors’ efforts, and the technical advances in aircraft designs that allowed the Squadron to pursue such a variety of airpower roles over the past 98 years.

The First Aircraft of 8 Squadron - BE2 Presented by Flight Lieutenant Ed Purkiss (54 Squadron)

The establishment of 8 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was approved on 14 Oct 1914, with the Squadron forming on 1st April 1915 at Brooklands. The Squadron was equipped with the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) BE 2C and deployed to St Omer, France on 15th April 1915.

The BE2 was a much improved BE1 (Bleriot Experimental 1). Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland in 1912, the BE1 employed a water-cooled Woolsey engine giving a top speed of 70 mph. The improved BE2 was powered by a 60HP Renault engine, giving a higher top speed, improved aerodynamics, but still with wing-warping as the primary method of roll control. The aircraft was redesigned by ET Busk in May 1914, entering

service just after the outbreak of WWI. With a new wing plan form, increased dihedral and a new tail-plane the aircraft

was inherently stable. A larger rudder and the introduction of ailerons improved controllability. Intended as a front-line reconnaissance and light bomber, the aircraft suffered from a lack of air to air manoeuvrability, and became prey to the Fokker Eindecker. Over 3500 aircraft were built, and it remained in front line service until 1917 before being relegated to submarine spotting and service as a training aircraft. The aircraft was retired from service in 1919.

Post WWI - Bristol F.2 FighterPresented by Flight Lieutenant Dave Graham

A few weeks after the Armistice with Germany in 1918, 8 Squadron continued flying but in a purely reconnaissance role. As part of the British Army of Occupation, it was tasked with monitoring the disposition of German land forces and

policing the shifting borders after the conflict. For this task, the Squadron re-equipped with the Bristol F.2 Fighter. Originally conceived as a powerful and

robust 2-seat reconnaissance aircraft, when fitted with the high-performance Rolls Royce Falcon or Hispano-Suiza engines and with forward and rear firing machine guns, the aircraft proved to be fast, manoeuvrable and well-armed – more than a match for most German fighters in dogfight combat. Known as the “Brisfit” or “Biff”, the aircraft was surprisingly capable as a fighter. The most successful F.2 pilot of WW1 was Andrew Edward MacKeever who scored 31 kills,

was primarily involved in special ops in support of guerrilla forces fighting the Japanese in Burma and Sumatra. Stores, agents and even a dog were parachuted into the jungle areas. When the Japanese surrendered, 8 Squadron aircraft were tasked with supporting the protection of allied POW camps by dropping leaflets, which encouraged the Japanese to look after their charges, along with food and medicine supplies. In mid-November 1945, 8 Squadron was disbanded and its aircraft flown to India for disposal.

.303 Browning machine guns and four 20mm cannons, with one aircraft having dual controls for instructional duties.

The Mosquito was a remarkable aircraft for its time; not only was it made largely of wood but it was

designed as an unarmed bomber, depending on its superior speed to escape enemy fighters, hence it was nicknamed ‘The Wooden Wonder’. In total 2,298 FB

Mk VI’s were built, nearly one-third of Mosquito production. Total Mosquito production was 7,781 of which 6,710 were built during the war.

WWII - Mosquito Presented by Flight Lieutenant Simon Dachtler

After disbanding in India in November 1945, 8 Squadron soon re-formed back in Aden on 1st September 1946 by re-numbering 114 Squadron; it thus became a light bomber Squadron flying Mosquitoes, and it was engaged on general duties, training, photography, shipping searches and policing the Aden Protectorate. The new 8 Squadron possessed eight Mosquito Mk ‘s armed with four

but this tally was surpassed by Charles George Gass, who scored 39 kills while flying as an observer. Unfortunately, unlike good crews, the Falcon and Hispano-Suiza engines were in short supply. Several front-line reconnaissance Squadrons that acquired the new Bristol F.2 received the Type 15 version that was fitted with the less powerful and more unreliable Sunbeam Arab engine. No. 8 Squadron flew this version until it was disbanded in January 1920.

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Post WWII - Hawker TempestPresented by Flight Lieutenant Michael Clarkson

The Hawker Tempest VI arrived in service with 8 Squadron in Mar 1947, by this time flying out in Aden. Initially 8 Squadron conducted mixed force operations with Mosquitos in reprisal and coercive raids against rebellious tribesmen. By May, the Tempest had completely replaced the Mosquito and had continued the success of the previous type. The eight rockets carried by the Tempest were a potent weapons system; however, operators did have issues when faced with a strong wind. The Squadron quickly developed a technique whereby aircraft would fire the first 2 rockets to sight the target, followed by the remaining 6 in a salvo to deliver a deadly blow. In one

such operation, 18 hits were recorded out of 24 rockets. (Not bad for an unguided system!) On occasion rockets were not required to achieve the desired effect. For instance, at the end of January 1949, a detachment of 8 Squadron Tempests left for Mogadishu in Italian Somaliland. This was at the request of the British Army, who anticipated trouble with the local population; however, after a few shows of force over towns the danger passed and the detachment returned to RAF Khormaksar. The following months saw 8 Squadron repeatedly placed on readiness, poised to respond to similar situations.

Hawker Hunter - FGA9Presented by Flight Lieutenant Nigel Johnson

In 1958 the Royal Air Force held a competition to find a suitable type to replace its Middle East-based Venom ground attack fighters. Hawkers won with a proposal for a modified Hunter F6 and an order was placed for the conversion of a number of airframes. The new version was designated FGA9 to show its new role and the type first flew in July 1959. The aircraft was fitted with upgraded air conditioning, greater oxygen capacity, external fuel tanks, and a tail parachute so it

would be better suited to the hot temperatures and long transits of the theatre. It was also fitted with rocket rails and could carry high-explosive or armour-piercing rockets, in addition to retaining the Aden cannon of the F6.

FGA9s saw most of their service overseas, primarily in the Middle East, and the last operational Hunter FGA9s were flown by 8 Squadron. The Squadron disbanded in December 1971 prior to reforming with the introduction of the Shackleton AEW1. The Hunter FGA9 at Hendon is painted in 8 Squadron and 43 Squadron colours, as both Squadrons operated pool aircraft again out of RAF Khormaksar, Aden.

This was the second leg of the Wings Force Development trip to look at the Future of ISTAR compared to the past. The Rivet Joint at Mildenhall representing the future and the Nimrod representing the past.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the staff at the RAF Museum and led outside to the static Ex 51 Squadron aircraft that had once flown in the skies above RAF Waddington. Specially opened for our eyes only, Ex Airframes Technician Flight Lieutenant Darrell Griffiths and Ex Weapons System Operator Sergeant Rhys Littlejohn used their experience with the aircraft to enlighten the rest of the party of the capabilities of the Nimrod.

After a lunch break, we were let loose into the rest of the exhibits; armed with a pen and notepad, we had just 3 hours to complete a questionnaire on the various displays and compile a discussion that we would hold when our time was up, back at the Refuel Café. It was intriguing to look around the four huge hangars of aircraft, especially the ‘Test Flight’ hangar. This was full of weird and wonderful designs that engineers and inventors had developed and it was interesting to see what could have been flying today, if it had caught on of course. In spite of the task set for us, the ‘Fun n Flight’ interactive display was almost too tempting for some and possibly too much time was spent attempting to successfully drop a package onto a target from a scale model C130 Hercules!

With our time up and our notepads full, we gathered to discuss the role of Air Power and how it has transformed since the beginning of flight and how it could continue to develop into the future. Some interesting points were raised, including whether or not unmanned aerial vehicles would eventually phase out the need for pilots altogether. This is particularly

OPERATIONS wING FORCE DEVELOPMENT DAy, DCAE COSFORD

relevant to RAF Waddington as 13 Squadron has recently stood up and remotely pilots the MQ9 Reapers in Afghanistan.

A very enjoyable day came to an end with the results of the questionnaires, proving that even RAF personnel in an RAF museum don’t know everything! Returning to Waddington, eventful as it was in an attempt to miss the worst of the traffic, quizzes were held and the champion of general knowledge emerged!

Many thanks to Corporal Jenna Earl for organising the trip, Sergeant Neil Cullen for driving the minibus and the RAF Museum Cosford for opening up the Nimrod and allowing us to explore her.

On Wednesday 2nd July, 8 personnel from RAF Waddington Operations Wing visited the RAF Museum at DCAE Cosford in Shropshire, primarily to look around the Nimrod R1, XV249.

From left to right: Senior Aircraftman Adam Gibson, Flight Lieutenant Darrell Griffiths, Corporal Marie Flitcroft, Corporal Jenna Earl, Sergeant Darryl Robinson, Sergeant Neil Cullen, Flight Sergeant Andy Talbot.

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Led by Warrant Officer Richard Nevitt, from 22 Training Group Generic Education Training Centre, the exercise consisted of combining both Adventurous Training and a Staff Ride together to encourage and develop self reliance, initiative, leadership, teamwork, expeditionary ops, airborne ops, /troop insertion; Close Air Support / Air interdiction, ethos, core values and standards and a sense of adventure among service personnel. Incorporated within the expedition, personnel studied and visited various historical WW2 areas around the Normandy coastline.

Day 1

Having departed Gosport on HMS Kukri, a Nicholson 55 ft sailing boat, we set sail for Ouistream, France, at 0600 hrs.

The crossing was both physically demanding and challenging with the ships personnel being split into a 2 watch system working 4 hours on and 4 hours off. Each watch was responsible for keeping

a constant look out for ships, sailing the boat, preparing meals and changing the sails as the weather changed, while the off watch rested.

With the ever changing weather and sea state, some found it more challenging than anticipated.

Nonetheless, we all arrived safely at Ouistream at around 2300 hrs ready for our bed, having enjoyed a good crossing.

Days 2, 3 and 4

Armed with a combination to the shower block but with no shower token, personnel made do with anything that would hold water; be it a baby sink or

Exercise Normandy EagleOn 8th September, Sergeant’s (Rookie) Rooke, Stu Douglas and Petty Officer Chris Van Geene (all from the Air Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington) met up with 8 other service personnel to participate in Exercise Normandy Eagle 13.

Day 1 Challenging sea state

Gosport Mariner

Day 1 Is that a carrot?

Days 2, 3 & 4 Mulbery Harbours Day 1

even the cleaning ladies sink, the aroma was far more pleasant than pre-cleanse.

Suitably refreshed, breakfast was then served (by the Mother watch) and we departed the Kukri to be met each day by the Spt Team from 22 Training Group Generic Education Training Centre, Squadron Leader’s David Stubbs and Heather Wootton. We were then driven to various locations around the local area.

Speeches on aspects of the Normandy beaches were given by both crew and support staff, these included: Sword Beach,

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Day 6 Back safe and sound

Day 6

Days 2, 3 & 4 Port en Bessin

Montgomery statue, Hillman Strongpoint, Pegasus Bridge, Caen Memorial Museum, Expeditionary Airfield B3, Arromanche cliff, Mulberry harbours, Point Du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Port en Bassin and Bayeux Cemetery. The in depth research that personnel carried out, coupled with actually being at each site gave people a much better appreciation and understanding of the efforts and sacrifices people made, in order for ourselves to be where we are today.

Day 5

Conscious of the tides and lack of wind forecast an early rise was inescapable. At 0500 hrs the crew awoke to prepare to motor/ sail Kukri back to Gosport. With a sea like a mill pond we set off on our 100 mile journey reaching ground breaking speeds of 4.8 knots’ under motor. Fortunately, at 1500 hrs Zephyrus provided us with a westerly wind to assist us northwards. All hands on

deck was announced as the ships additional front sails were prepared and hoisted and subsequently increased our speed to just shy of 8 knots.

Having been sailing in total darkness the glimmering lights of the Isle of Wight were spotted. Collision avoidance and accurate navigation into Portsmouth harbour was the main priority as everyone tried to identify the correct light sequence of flashing lights amongst a mass array of varying lights on the coastline. Once spotted the final course was set and we finally arrived back at Gosport around midnight.

Day 6

After a good nights sleep all personnel awoke to prepare

Day 6 Plain sailing

the boat for its next trip. 2 hours later, with reliable Kukri in ship shape, personnel went their separate ways having thoroughly enjoyed their week.

If you are interested in participating in any of the Adventurous Training or Staff

rides at no cost go to the following link:

http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/RAF/Organisations/Orgs/GETC/Pages/EagleSchemeHomepage.aspx

Sergeant J. G. ROOKE

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An exciting day’s cricket on 14 Aug 13 at RAF Vine Lane, Uxbridge, saw RAF Waddington clinch the RAF T20 Cup from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Odiham.

Having won the RAF T20 Cup for the 4 previous years, Lossie arrived as favourites and were confident of extending their hold on the title. However, after an early flight, they would need to maintain focus in order to deliver on their potential. Conversely, Waddington were the in-form team, enjoying an excellent regular season and lying second in the league. A quiet self-assuredness pervaded the team – all were eager to bring silverware to Lincolnshire. RAF Odiham made up the trio (the same three sides as last’s final day). Odiham had some good players and were certainly capable of an upset.

The early match was RAF Lossiemouth vs RAF Odiham. The low scoring match set the tone for the day, as Lossie only managed 104 all out. Odiham’s response started briskly, as they were keen to chase the total quickly. A bright start soon fell foul of some audaciously attacking strokes. They succumbed to 63 all out, a loss of 41 runs. Lossie, now on the victory march,

were keen to claim the title by putting Waddington to the sword. Fortunately, Waddington had other ideas.

The second match of the day saw RAF Lossiemouth clash with RAF Waddington. Lossie batted first. The top order was keen to bat through and marshal the team to a good score. However, they failed to capitalise on a good base to their innings, crawling toward a total of 96-3. Waddington bowled well (Corporal Lee Griffiths 1-7 from 4 overs, Sergeant Rob Buckley 1-10 from 4 overs) and kept it tight in the field. Waddington took to the total in aggressive fashion and Lossie were soon punished for their small total. Sergeant Stuart Fraser-Cattanach was the main Waddington protagonist, bludgeoning a rapid-fire 47 to ensure Waddington achieved a good run-rate in addition to total victory and winning by 7 wkts inside 14 overs.

The final match of the day turned out to be the best. Waddington needed to win to claim the title – Odiham had disappointed in their first game but were keen to restore pride. Waddington elected to bat first, hoping to set a commanding

RAF waddington Cricket Team RAF T20 winners 2013:Back Row (left to right): Chas Gimenez (President), John Dawson, Mat Haisman (OIC), Mark Lamper (Secretary), Paul Keymer, Lee GriffithsFront Row (left to right): Alan Cowdale (Dep OIC), Craig Reilly, Stuart Fraser-Cattanach (Vice-Capt), Rob Buckley (Capt), Ryan Watson (Treas), Jaime Green

...with enthusiastic students arriving at RAF Waddington from across Defence and as far afield as California. The students were drawn from Air Battlespace Manager, Intelligence Officer, RN Aircrew, Army, USAF Intelligence Officer and RAF Aircrew Branches.

Over the next 7 months the students were uniquely trained as ISR leaders and tacticians, demonstrating extensive ISR knowledge during the numerous exams. They demonstrated skills throughout the Direct, Collect, Process, Disseminate (DCPD) process and across the J2/3/5/6 domains, both academically and practically during demanding ABTC exercises and at Ex CQWI.

During the course they were posed two challenging research topics by Army ISTAR and the Maritime Warfare Centre and identified some significant issues and potential solutions that could mitigate these problems both in the near and longer term. The syndicate presentations are their opportunity to share these thoughts and showcase themselves to an influential audience from across the ISR domain.

Despite being only the 4th QWI (ISR) course to graduate, such is

the profile of the course and the success of previous graduates that the audience included AOC No. 1 Gp, AVM Atha. Following the presentations the AOC shared his thoughts on their content and offered a welcome insight into the shape of ISR in the years to come. The coveted QWI patches were awarded by Commander Joint Force Intelligence Group, Brigadier Davies; whose organisation is at the very heart of UK Defence Intelligence modernisation.

The new graduates take their place amongst the elite of ISR, with posts contributing to ISR Operational effect in such diverse locations as Afghanistan and Colchester. In addition to the coveted patch, graduates also have the opportunity to enrol for the MSC in ISR Management, this collaborative programme in association with Lincoln University creates the framework for civilian accreditation of this unique Military course. Graduates are required to produce a research framework, an essay and a dissertation to complete the MSc.

Course 5 will commence in January 2014, with 12 willing volunteers selected.

total for the fragile Odiham batting line up. Unfortunately, despite good performances by Lance Corporal Craig Reilly (24), Sergeant Fraser-Cattanach (24) and Corporal Griffiths (23), Waddington mustered a below-par 114. Odiham lost their Captain (C Thomas) and best batter in the first over to the outstanding Waddington Captain Sergeant Rob Buckley (1-13 from 4 overs). However, the other opener Senior Aircraftman Neil Langham was progressing the total nicely. Eventually succumbing on 36, the foundation was set for a good chase. Waddington had other ideas. Senior Aircraftman Ryan Watson was reintroduced to the attack and bowled superbly well under pressure to produce arguably the bowling performance of the day.

He took an important three wickets at the death to deny Odiham their only victory of the day and confirm Waddington as RAF T20 victors.

Special note should go to Stuart Fraser-Cattanach, who was awarded the Player of the Day Trophy by Group Captain Reaves, RAFCA Chairman. He complemented his unique brand of aggressive batting with two wickets and a resolute performance in the field.

RAF Waddington have also reached the Final of the RAF Cricket Cup which is due to be played at RAF Vine Lane on Mon 2 Sep 13; a report will follow for that event, in due course.

Captain Paul Keymer, 5(AC) Sqn

RAF wADDINGTON END RAF LOSSIEMOuTh T20 DyNASTy

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Following a motorcycle crash nearly 20 years ago, Sean from Sherburn-in-elmet, near York was left a tetraplegic and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Inspired by the news that The Proclaimers had become patrons of the Forgotten Heroes Charity, Sean set himself a 500 mile wheelchair challenge which he successfully completed in March of this year. Not one to rest on his laurels Sean has set himself another 500 mile challenge, 3 miles of which he completed on a loop of the airfield at RAF Waddington on Friday.

Sean said:“As a recipient of the support of the RAF Charities I’m able fully appreciate just how much of a difference they can make to the life of someone who needs it. I hope you can sponsor my efforts which provides vital funds for them”.

Sean was joined on his challenge by several of his supporters including personnel from 8 Force Protection Wing RAF Waddington who regularly

PuSh(ANOTHER) 500!

It was “wheels-up” of a different type on the runway at RAF Waddington on Friday 16th August as Ex-RAF Regiment Gunner Sean Allerton (48) completed the next stage of his PUSH 500 Charity Wheelchair Challenge.

provide specialist force protection capabilities at Bastion and Kandahar Airfields, members of the Yorkshire University Air Squadron who have supported Sean throughout his challenge, and an RAF Waddington Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Corporal Ollie Loak. Keen to experience the challenge as Sean does, his supporters completed part of the course in wheelchairs.

When he’s not too busy raising money for Charity Sean can be found flying, a hobby he’s recently discovered and excelled at. Having been given a flying scholarship for disabled people Sean is now an accomplished solo pilot.

More info can be found at www.push500.com/the-challenge

To donate please go to www.push500.com/sponsor

40 InsIghtMAGAZINE

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Gathering in the crew room on Friday evening for a traditional Squadron beer call and sumptuous buffet (thanks to Mrs Karen Cropper), Officer Commanding 54(R) Squadron, Wing Commander Tim Monk, welcomed retired and serving members and their families.

Awarding Warrant Officer Steve Corlett with a well-deserved A2 Instructor Upgrade, Wing

Commander Monk received a gift of new model aircraft painstakingly recreated in Squadron livery by Mr John Green (probably the finest aircraft model maker in the country). The models now sit proudly amongst other Squadron aircraft in a new presentation cabinet located within the Squadron crew room.

Saturday’s events started with a visit to RAF Cranwell, where a

54 Squadron 97th Anniversary Reunion weekendOn 27 September, 54(R) Squadron welcomed Association members to RAF Waddington for their annual reunion event.

tour of College Hall Officers’ Mess was hosted by Curator Ms Hazel Crozier. Association members returned to RAF Waddington where a families’ afternoon gave them the opportunity to fly the Sentry simulator, tour the Sentinel static display and witness an amazing Spitfire flypast flown by Station Commander RAF Coningsby, Group Captain Johnny Stringer, a former Squadron member. Following the Annual General Meeting, Saturday’s formal dinner was held at the stately Branston Hall. The Squadron Standard set the backdrop for a delicious meal attended by some 83 members. Association President Wing Commander Monk was joined by Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer, himself a former OC 54 Squadron, new Chairman Wing Commander Simon Prior (Retd) and Padre Wing Commander Kev Hart. Wing Commander Monk highlighted how busy the Squadron had been over the previous 12 months, with training, standardisation and operational involvement across all ISTAR Force Elements based at RAF Waddington.

The oldest Association member and ex-Second World War Spitfire pilot, Mr Ken Bellamy was presented with a 90th birthday gift of a Spitfire Haynes’ Manual by Patron Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin (Retd). For his lifelong contribution to the Association, Sir Roger was gifted a large picture of Sopwith Camel – the Squadron’s First World War action being the subject of his current research. Ex Officer Commanding 54(R) Squadron, Wing Commander Anne-Marie Houghton also presented the Squadron with an impressive new piece of silver (in the familiar shape of a Lion rampant sable) as her departing gift.

Since its reformation at RAF Waddington on 1st September 2005, the 54 Squadron Association has gone from strength to strength with around 250 members. The Association is keen to attract more members (whether they served on the ground or in the air) and would particularly welcome interest from veterans of the Jaguar era (1974-2005). The Association is ramping up for the Squadron’s 100th anniversary celebrations, hopefully to be held where it was formed at Castle Bromwich in 1916. However, next year’s reunion will be held over the weekend of 19th to 20th September at RAF Waddington. Membership of the Association is free. Serving and retired 54 Squadron members interested in becoming involved with future Association activities should contact Secretary Flight Sergeant Jase Brewster at jkb100@live.co.uk. Audax Omnia Perpeti!

Below: Association members assembled in front of a Sentinel R1 aircraft at the Families Afternoon.Above: Six OC 54s reunited – from left to right: Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin (Retd), Wing Commander Simon Prior (Retd), Wing Commander Tim Monk, Wing Commander Anne-Marie Houghton, Group Captain Dim Jones (Retd), Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer.

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Luke’s Barbershop opened on 3rd January this year. Started by Luke Daniels, the business has been established to give the modern and traditional man a place to feel comfortable, with ‘good old fashioned barbering” and wet shaves with hot towels, without the need of an appointment or the fuss that goes with modern gentleman’s hairdressing. The purpose of Luke’s Barbershop is to offer quality service in the surroundings many men are used to, and also with very traditional surroundings from the 1930’s when barbering shops were at their pinnacle for men’s grooming.

The barbers is set in the beautiful village of Navenby and is sure to add to the number of quality establishments already within the area.

“We chose to open the Barbershop as we felt that for the surrounding area and well beyond, there was nobody offering a service where wet shaves and a mixture of modem and traditional barbering could be obtained,” commented Luke. “ We have always felt that with the right premises in the right location, we could offer the complete package. Most men do not like the fuss of making an appointment, or deciding when their hair is due to be cut, so we feel strongly that this barbershop has no appointments for any of the services-The shop’s first priority is the people of Navenby and the surrounding village~~therefore all ages are catered for from first haircuts to our respected senior citizens, men on their way to and from work and the surrounding RAF bases.”

Decades ago, shaving was one of the biggest services in the barbershop. In fact, gents would frequent the shop most days for a shave and would insist in having their own brush and mug.

One of the main reasons for this was the shave was cheap and quite a relaxing process, as a face massage was always included. However at home it was difficult to maintain and use a fixed blade razor (cut throat). It was also time consuming and an uncomfortable shave because gents had very little experience of looking after the blade.

Shaving was a very lucrative business for the barber until the early 1900’s when the safety razor was introduced.

The art of shaving then hit its demise and was at the point of extinction until now. With the barbershop becoming fashionable once more, modern barbers are looking not just to cut hair well but to start taking care of their male clientele better.

The wet shaves are very much for the modern man, they are done in such as way that the client does not feel too fussed over but gets an extremely pleasant service. The Luxury Wet Shave consists of a total of 5 hot towels, moisturisers, oils, creams, 2 shaves and a freezing cold towel, leaving the face extremely smooth and soft, all in 40 minutes.

The Wet shaves are already proving popular, with many ladies treating their partners to a luxury wet shave experience.

Luke’s Barbershop, 19 High Street,Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0EN. T: 01522 811816 www.lukesbarbershop.co.uk

New barbershop opens in Navenby