LASER NEWS Journal of the Air Cadet Headquarters London and South East Region

Annual Camp Programme Winter 2005 Annual Camp Programme In this issue Resounding Success Commandant’s Christmas Message Resounding Success New Officer Commanding for Wing Middlesex Cadets Support Leukaemia Research 2

Sussex Air Cadets meet the Legend London hounours it’s finest Sussex Wing Band at VE/VJ Day Celebrations 3

Son Awards his Father’s Cadet Forces Medal LASER Wins ’s Elworthy Competition LASER Appoints First Hindu Adviser for Air Cadets 4

Sussex Cadets deploy at Shoreham Airshow 2005 Royal Engagement for Shoreditch at the Malta Siege Memorial Long-distance for Lewisham 5

Regional Padre’s Christmas Message Regional Padre’s MAF trip to Tanzania Regional Commandant, flanked by CO Admin Wing meeting the RAF Coningsby Personnel Sussex Air Cadets Parade Through Chichester 6 Autumn periods. Many of the 50 places. The camps were also Laser’s 2005 camp Three LASER Wings in the top ten in programme has been annual camps even managed to get supported by over 250 volunteer 2004/04 Gillan Trophy Competition involved in local community goodwill staff from LASER Region.The chance declared a resounding Michael does the loop and wins 7 success. From St Athan to projects. Every Camp Commandant to see the RAF at work also afforded Akrotiri, and from Cosford reported on the high levels of the cadets, work experience Double Honour for a Music Master to Rheindahlen, cadets success and particularly commented opportunities, many of which were High Achievement for Bill enjoyed an exciting and on the extraordinary support and relevant to their school education ‘Selfless’ VR(T) Officer Recognised 8 varied camp programme commitment they received from the programme. including flying, gilding, station staff. Despite the many The Regional Commandant, Gp Capt adventure training, target operational constrains, Les Hakin, in his tour of the Summer Evaluation Unit whose work includes shooting and many other Air Cadet Liaison teams ensured that camps, visited RAF Coningsby to the Eurofighter. Commenting on leisure activities. every possible facility was made meet and thank RAF personnel from the year’s success the Regional The annual programme supported by available to the cadets. all sections who were supporting the Commandant said,“ I can’t thank our parent service through 14 UK Over 1800 LASER cadets programme. He also took the enough the station personnel for RAF Stations and 3 overseas bases representing 27% of LASER’s total opportunity to visit personnel in Fast their enthusiastic support of the Air covered the Easter, Summer and cadet strength took up the camp Jet and Weapons Operational Cadets camp programme”. RAFRAF UxbridgeUxbridge alivealive withwith TheThe SoundSound ofof MusicMusic LASER’s annual Band the members of the Royal Competition took place at Corps of Music, the results RAF in October were declared as follows; 2005. 6 Bands totalling Full Band: 114 (Ruislip) Sqn some 90 cadet musicians, Percussion: 86 (Heston & Isleworth) Sqn from across the region, Fanfare: 135 (Reigate & Redhill) Sqn brought their combined Ensemble: 2236 (Stanmore) Sqn skills into a highly Solo Bugler: Cdt Freeman 2316 competitive event. (Sheppey) Sqn Independently judged by Drill & Music in Supreme Harmony - 114 Ruislip Sqn Band 2 LASER NEWS

Commandant’s Christmas Message

2005 brought many high dedication, example and loyalty profile successes in the of the Region’s RAFVR(T) Region. Dacre Sword, Officers,Adult NCOs, CIs and Elworthy Trophy, to Civilian Committee members. name but two. Many Your training, discipline and successes can be leadership ensures that the attributed to good cadets can realise their true teamwork. There is no potential. I commend you all. shortage of good teams in L &SE Region. Our I would also like to thank all cadets also excel in LASER staff and cadets for many important their loyalty, support and activities within their hardwork during this last year. communities, which is May I close this short message an excellent reflection of by wishing all of you, and your their citizenship loved ones, a Happy Christmas training. and a safe New Year.

The activities of the ATC, LASER despite RAF base closures and to the Duke of Edinburgh’s The excellent personal qualities parent service manpower cuts; Award all help to maintain the displayed by our air cadets is in L.Hakin OBE RAFR Regional Commandant from gilding, and flying, through ATC as the UK’s premier Youth no small measure due to the sports and adventure training Organisation. hardwork, devotion to duty,

NewNew OfficerOfficer CommandingCommanding forfor MiddlesexMiddlesex WingWing

1374 [East Barnet] Sqn ATC – getting Squadron, 1268 (Haslemere) Sqn, on their bikes Ian Davison, took command 48F (Hampstead) and 2317 of Middlesex Wing on (Harlow) Sqn, after which he was Middlesex 11th September 2005. seconded to Wing Staff to co- ordinate the then East Essex Cadets He joins LASER after a tour of Wing’s celebration of the Corps’ duty as Special Projects Officer Golden Jubilee in 1991. His other Support with HQAC. His project work Staff duties included Gliding included the Air Cadet 2000, Liaison, and Corporate Leukaemia delivery phase of Defence 2000, Communications. HM Golden Jubilee Review at Research Portsmouth and as inaugural Promoted to Squadron Leader in Camp Commandant role at 1997,Wing Commander Davison Wg Cdr Ian Davison Air cadets from 1374 Ramstein Air Base in 2004. assumed the duties of Deputy meritorious service” (2000). [East Barnet] Sqn ATC Wing Commander and Wg Cdr Davison was Wing Commander Davison recently completed a overseeing the highly successful commissioned into RAF VR(T) in married Kim (nee Tunaley) in June 25mile ‘bike-a- thon’ in staff development programme. 1978, after a successful cadet 1984. They have one daughter, aid of Leukaemia He was a Corps representative in service ,as Training Officer at Helen. Research. the Royal British Legion Festival 1075 (Camberley) Squadron of Remembrance Muster at the After three hours in the saddle in Surrey Wing. Promoted directly Royal Albert Hall in 1982. He the hills of North London and to Flight Lieutenant in 1980,Wg was awarded the Commandant’s South Hertfordshire, the Cadets Cdr Davison commanded, 1075 Commendation for “highly raised over £500 for the charity. LASER NEWS 3 Sussex Air Cadets meet the Legend

100 Sussex cadets and Squadron, who had a memorable staff were recently invited day, visiting the ships, exhibitions, to attend the combat displays and finding out International Festival of more about Admiral Lord the Sea in Portsmouth by Nelson, who famously signalled RAF Careers Office. his fleet the emotive words;

Included in the contingent were “ England expects every man to cadets from 54 (Eastbourne) do his duty” 54(Eastbourne) Sqn members meet Lord Nelson at HMS Victory LondonLondon hounourshounours it’sit’s finestfinest

Fifty London Wing Air Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Cadets took part in the the Air Staff and some seventy commemorations to surviving pilots. mark the 65th After the unveiling, Lord Tebbit, anniversary of the Honorary President of 27F famous Battle of Britain (Chigwell) Squadron Air Cadets, and the unveiling of the escorted the Royal party to capital’s lasting memorial introduce some of the for the fallen. organisers, surviving aircrew and their families.The Royal Air Following a service at Force marked the occasion with Westminster Abbey the cadets an inspiring with the attended the new Battle of iconic Spitfire and Hurricane Britain Memorial at Victoria and a contrasting modern state- embankment which was of the-art Eurofigher. unveiled by HRH The Prince of London Air Cadets meet a Battle of Wales in the presence of The Britain Veteran Duchess of Cornwall,Air Chief

SussexSussex WingWing BandBand atat VE/VJVE/VJ DayDay CelebrationsCelebrations

Sussex Wing Band Master Division.There was also an AWO Mike Jefferies had opportunity for them to give every reason to be proud. what was an outstanding display of their musical and drill talents The Band participated in the to an audience of veterans and Royal British Legion VE/VJ Day local people, even joining in an celebrations in Brighton on 2 July. impromptu boogie with a veteran to the music of the swing band Led by Cadet Flight Sergeant Jives Aces. Floyd, they took part in the Commemoration Service and the Sussex Wing Band at Brighton’s VE/VJ Massed Bands finale along with Celebrations the Minden Band of the Queens 4 LASER NEWS

Son Awards his Father’s LASERLASER Cadet Forces Medal AppointsAppoints

Flt Lt Mel Reeve, FirstFirst currently serving as a Fighter Control Instructor HinduHindu at RAF Boulmer and an ex cadet of 308(Colchester) Sqn AdviserAdviser made a surprise visit to the Essex Wing camp at RAF Wittering to present forfor AirAir his father Adult Warrant Officer Russ Reeve of CadetsCadets 1207(Maldon) Sqn with his Cadet Forces Medal. LASERLASER hashas appointedappointed AWO Reeve first joined 308 in thethe CorpsCorps firstfirst HinduHindu 1991 as a Civilian Instructor Adviser.Adviser. Regional Regional Reeve’s family affair at Summer Camp – How cool is that? Commandant presented shortly after his son joined as a Commandant presented Dr Tanaji Acharya, a Cadet, being appointed Adult Dr Tanaji Acharya, a priest of the Hindu faith, Warrant Officer in Apr 92.AWO he was a member of REME TA. significant part in Essex Wing's priest of the Hindu faith, withwith hishis certificatecertificate ofof Reeve is used to the uniformed Presumably this was the time he leadership and development appointmentappointment asas Assistant Assistant life as before joining the Corps developed a liking for field camps for many years. conditions as he has played a WingWing ChaplainChaplain ofof MiddlesexMiddlesex Wing. Wing.

DrDr Tanaji's Tanaji's Terms Terms ofof ReferenceReference includeinclude aa responsibilityresponsibility asas HinduHindu adviseradviser toto thethe RegionRegion asas wellwell asas toto MiddlesexMiddlesex Wing. Wing. Rev Rev LASERLASER WinsWins London’sLondon’s ChristopherChristopher Miles,Miles, Regional Regional ChaplainChaplain said,“said,“ DrDr Tanaji Tanaji isis thethe firstfirst chaplainchaplain ofof aa faithfaith otherother RFCARFCA ElworthyElworthy CompetitionCompetition thanthan ChristianChristian toto bebe appointedappointed asas aa chaplainchaplain inin thethe Air Air Cadets.Cadets. WeWe welcomewelcome himhim toto workwork 241(Woodford) Squadron amongstamongst usus inin thethe LASERLASER ATC won the 2005 Region."Region." Elworthy Trophy beating eight other teams.

The trophy, awarded to the best tri-service cadet team participating in a weekend of gruelling competition including, 1st Aid, drill, confidence course, command tasks and orienteering took place at Pirbright.The presentation of the trophy was made by Brigadier Mark Dodson MBE Deputy Commander London District (Army)

LASER’s 241(Woodford) Sqn receiving DrDr Tanaji Tanaji Acharya Acharya receivesreceives hishis their winners’ medals appointmentappointment FromFrom thethe RegionalRegional CommandantCommandant LASER NEWS 5

SussexSussex CadetsCadets deploydeploy atat ShorehamShoreham AirshowAirshow 20052005 Members of Sussex Wing opportunity to displays and yet again played a major demonstrate what life as a providing part in the Shoreham volunteer and an air cadet musical Airshow. Seen as an is all about, by its discipline, entertainment opportunity to say thank organisation and "can do" over the two Sussex Wing Muster at Shoreham Air Show. you to RAFA for its attitude. days is down to Training Corps.The staff also support of the Air Cadets, the slick planning of an manned a Public Relations such as Flying Scholarships, The ability to swap from helping to experienced team of adult leaders. marquee exhibiting achievements the two day Airshow also park cars, assisting members of the The Sussex Air Cadets talked to in the form of recent photographs gives Sussex Wing the public, helping out in the VIP many young visitors about all the and posters. enclosures, competing in arena opportunities available in Air RoyalRoyal EngagementEngagement forfor ShoreditchShoreditch atat thethe MaltaMalta SiegeSiege MemorialMemorial The President of Malta, Dr. Edward Ambassadors and High Fenech Adami inaugurated the Commissioners representing the Malta Siege Memorial in Trinity Allied Nations involved in the Gardens in London an initiative of siege. the George Cross Island Association (GCIA). His Royal Cadet Flight Sergeant Vanessa Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Wade acted as a receiving guard Patron of the GCIA, later laid a for the Duke of Edinburgh, wreath at the monument which Commodore-in-Chief of the Air was also attended by many Cadet Organisation commented,‘I dignitaries including the Maltese was really nervous! It is not High Commissioner and civic everyday you get to meet a Generation Mix! – Mr Baker, veteran of the Malta Siege meets 444 Sqn members dignitaries such as the Deputy member of the Royal Family and certainly not something I would Air Cadets from 444 memorial service to Lieutenant of Tower Hamlets, the be doing if I wasn’t an Air Cadet (Shoreditch) Squadron remember those involved Lord Mayor of London, the in 444 Squadron.’ recently took part in a in the Malta Siege. Minister for Shipping, as well as Long-distanceLong-distance forfor LewishamLewisham 12 cadets from 1921 encouragement from Cadet Sgt (Lewisham) Squadron Neil Shand. One or two cadets have earned a well-earned were "old timers" however some rest after completing the had never walked that far before annual Spitfire March in so it was a good group time. Folkstone! Despite this only small blisters were reported. In completing the On Sunday 29th May 12 cadets walk the cadets raised took part in the march, covering a sponsorship money for the route of 27 km (approx 17 miles). Squadron - an estimated £400! The walkers started at around Each cadet was awarded a medal 10am and finished at 4.45pm, a and certificate on completion of The walking team: (From left to right) Back - Sgt Shand, Cpl Thring, Cdt Dixon, F/S leisurely pace despite the pushing Wheeler, Cdt Lane, Cdt Murphy B, Cdr Murphy N, Cdt Nixon Front – Cdt Partington, Cdt the course. Lakhrif, Cdt Cavendish 6 LASER NEWS

was telling us about his in human form (incarnation), being experience in during born as a baby. He was born in a the Summer. Like all stable and often slept on the bare military personnel, he wore earth. He came as a ‘servant-king’. body armour but, since This is an example for us all. We RegionalRegional chaplains do not bear truly influence people by being arms, he had an armed involved with them, sharing in their escort when travelling off joys and sorrows, seeking to serve base. He lived and worked others, not from a lofty height but with those he was serving. by close identification with them. Padre’sPadre’s The chaplain’s role especially, in an At this Christmas season let us operational situation, is to be fully remember and pray for all who identified with those he or she through duty are away from home serves. I recently had the privilege including those serving with of joining a short-term volunteer Mission Aviation Fellowship, those Christmas team working with Mission in the UK Armed Forces, especially Christmas Aviation Fellowship in Tanzania in situations of danger like Iraq. (reported below). We worked Let us, ourselves, seek to follow closely with people there, including the example of Jesus. when visiting a remote bush village My prayer for you and your sleeping on the earth in a mud families is that you will have a truly brick hut. MessageMessage blessed Christmas. If we wish to influence people for At our recent conference who is both a full time RAF Rev Christopher Miles good we have to be fully identified for Wing Chaplains in the Chaplain and Middlesex Region Chaplain with them. This is what God did in Region, Padre Andrew Jolly, Assistant Wing Chaplain, sending his Son, Jesus to this earth LASER

and some unexpected tasks. Such as stripping a Cessna 182 (4- RegionalRegional Padre’sPadre’s seater) ready for a major overhaul, dealing with a grass fire on Dodoma airfield, re-decorating MAFMAF triptrip toto TanzaniaTanzania and furbishing of new and older guesthouses. Our padre was In the Summer issue of Dodoma, the capital of responsible for all the wiring with Laser News we reported Tanzania in East Africa, for an assistant from the team. Our Padre (Right) with other MAF volunteers that our Region Padre a period of three weeks. Members of the team also visited joined a team of 16 an outreach location to see the counties around the world, or for On the team’s arrival at Dodoma, volunteers, with a variety support MAF renders to the a full report of his African trip and after a briefing weekend, the of skills, to work with medical work through a clinic in please contact Rev Christopher volunteers settle down to varied Mission Aviation the area. Miles by E mail: daily duties, which always started Fellowship (MAF) at their [email protected] with prayers in the MAF hangar. If you would like to know more main operating base at The team tackled some planed about MAF’s work in developing SussexSussex AirAir CadetsCadets ParadeParade ThroughThrough ChichesterChichester

Sussex Wing Air Cadets, gives the opportunity for a "A great amount of hard work under the command of Senior Officer to inspect and and preparation has gone into Wing Commander Martin meet with staff and cadets. This the parade today, my personal Haswell paraded the Wing year's honoured guests include thanks to every single person Banner through Group Captain Les Hakin OBE, involved. Sussex Wing is grateful Chichester in July 05. RAFR, Regional Commandant, for to The Dean of Chichester,The the London & South East Region Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling Over 200 cadets, Officers,Adult Air Cadets, Councillor Richard for making the Cathedral NCOs marched to Chichester Plowman, Mayor of Chichester available to us and also to the Cathedral for a service led by the and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of people of Chichester for allowing Sussex Wing Chaplain,The East Sussex - Mr Peter Field. us to parade our Banner through Reverend S Kersley. The parade, the town today." held only once every six years, Wing Commander Haswell said, Sussex Wing Banner Party LASER NEWS 7 ThreeThree LASERLASER WingsWings inin thethe MichaelMichael doesdoes thethe toptop tenten inin 2004/052004/05 GillanGillan looploop andand winswins TrophyTrophy CompetitionCompetition Cadet Michael Pickin of where young Michael is a 2427 (Biggin Hill) member. He wants to join the LASER’s Middlesex Wing total of 36 Wings. The Squadron won an RAF when he leaves the Air was placed 3rd in the competition scoring is based on aerobatic competition at Cadets but as he is only 14, his ACO’s Gillan Competition. the attainment of highest number Headcorn Airfield. father must fly with him until he of points over the range of all Michael performed is 17 and obtain his own private The trophy awarded annually to ATC “approved sports”-made up aerobatic manoeuvres pilots licence. the best all-round “Sports Wing” of basic and honour points. The including the in the ATC, was own by Commandant Air Cadets will loop and Merseyside Wing. However, shortly award a certificate of quarter clover Surrey and Kent Wings were also merit to Middlesex, Surrey and to win the listed in the top-ten out of the Kent Wings. competition in September this WING Middlesex Surrey Kent Sussex London Essex year.

Scores 505 475 450 295 275 265 His father is a flying Instructor and an Position 3rd 6th 8th 27th 30th 31st Aerobatics Pilot at the Tiger Club Cadet Michael Pickin – Reaching for the Stars!

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Air Cadets Regional Headquarters London South East Region DoubleDouble HonourHonour forfor RAF Northolt Ruislip Middlesex HA4 6NG t. 020 8833 8278 aa MusicMusic MasterMaster f. 020 8833 8391 e: [email protected] Flt Lt D Briant RAF VR (T) Flt Lt Briant also received an Air LASER WINGS-HEADQUARTERS Rtd, formerly of 1312 Cadet Music Services Shield from (Southend on Sea) Sqn, was Sqn Ldr Peter Slaney, Corps HQ Essex Wing Director of Music in recognition of Carver Barracks awarded the Regional Commandant’s Certificate of his contribution to Air Cadet Music Wimbish, Saffron Walden with 1312 Squadron. Essex CB10 2YA Recognition which he received Dave receives his Music Shield from the t. 01799 521447 from OC Essex Wing. Corps Director of Music f. 01799 526925 e. [email protected] HQ Kent Wing Yeomanry Cottages High Achievement for Bill Boxley Lane, Maidstone High Achievement for Bill Kent ME14 2AR Flight Lieutenant William t. 01622 754188 f. 01622 686738 Hunt, the LASER’s Duke of e. [email protected] Edinburgh Officer was awarded a City & Guilds HQ London Wing degree in Youth Management 206 Brompton Road Kensington and Training. Bill, who usually London SW3 3BQ helps young Air Cadets t. 020 7584 8914 achieve their Duke of f. 020 7584 8156 Edinburgh Awards found e. [email protected] himself in the receiving end of HQ Middlesex Wing degree from the Duke of Building 148 Westminster at a recent RAF Uxbridge graduation ceremony. Middlesex UX10 0RZ t. 01895 815622 Commenting, on the first ever award f. 01895 815368 within the Air Cadets, Bill said,“I am e. [email protected] very pleased to be among the first in HQ Sussex Wing the ACO to be awarded this 17 Broad Street Diploma. It is rewarding that the Seaford work volunteer staff put into youth Bill receives his Degree from the Duke of Westminster Sussex BN21 1LS organisations can now be formally t. 01323 899900 recognised”. Chief of the Defence Staff, paid Practice Guide on Duke of f. 01323 872348 tribute to Bill’s outstanding work, Edinburgh Awards Scheme, which e. [email protected] The Duke, a Major General in the particularly the contribution he has been adapted by the Air Cadets Territorial Army and an Assistant made in the production of a Good Organisation. HQ Surrey Wing 192 Merton Road South Wimbledon London SW19 1EG t. 020 8542 4893 “Selfless” VR(T) Officer Recognised f. 020 8542 6462 “Selfless” VR(T) Officer Recognised e. [email protected] Flight Lieutenant Nick Weston, OC 2187 (Canvey Island) Squadron, has been recognised as one of the selfless volunteers of his local community. • Editorial control retained by Regional Commandant LASER. The Volunteer Awards, backed by • All distribution inquiries to the Borough Council and the Castle ACRHQ LASER. Next issue Point Association of Voluntary May 06 (submissions by 24 Services (CAVS), were presented at March 06) Runnymede Hall in Thundersley, • LASER News accepts no Essex, in early June 05. Castle Point’s responsibility for unsolicited Mayor, Cllr Godfrey, presented the features, images, or products submitted. main award to Flight Lieutenant Nick Weston, for his 18 years Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Isaacs with award winners including Flt Lt Nick Weston • Views expressed in LASER service in the Air Cadets. Nick’s News are not necessarily those courses for these young people and the Royal Air Forces Wings Appeal, of ACO, RAF or the MOD. citation reads, “he has provided them, (the cadets), with countless has by personal example Leukaemia and cancer trusts. • LASER News is solely opportunities to go flying, gliding, encouraged them to actively help in Through his leadership many young sponsored by Palladian Press of adventure training camps and the community.This has included people have been encouraged to Colchester. fundraising for charities like the follow a better route in life”. www.palladianpress.biz expeditions overseas. He has run many leadership and teamwork Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal,