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Family's Frontline Covid-19 Fight

Family's Frontline Covid-19 Fight

A class show Win Win The Hit drama Super Forces' The A Word RFC returns to Kitbag favourite book Friday May 15 2020 BBC One No 1491 70p paper ● R'n'R p4-5 ● P17 ––

Family's frontline ●See p5 Covid-19 fight

Fitness Amy's home front push Vet rescue 98-year-old launches fundraising crusade to save veterans club Tracey Allen A 98 YEAR OLD RAF veteran has helped to raise almost €100,000 to stop the closure of a veterans club in Belgium ● Sport p25 with a sponsored walk on the 75th anniversary of VE Day. George Sutherland said he was inspired by fundraising phenomenon Col Tom Moore, 100, to walk part of the Fencing way between the cemetery at Lijssenthoek and the club, Talbot House, in the centre of Poperinge Tailor-made in West Flanders. So far he has raised €89,635 of for history the €100,000 target. Joined on the walk by his son Alex, the former Leading was cheered on by supporters along the 3.5km route. He was accompanied by a bagpiper for the final half kilometre. Before starting the walk, George said: “I’m still a fit man – I used to be a footballer.” Talbot House, which opened in 1915, was in danger of having to shut its doors permanently HAVE-A-GO HERO: WWII after being forced veteran George Sutherland hits by the coronavirus the fundraising trail in Belgium; pandemic to close for above, as an aircraft mechanic the first time since the in Amiens; left, posing at the Lijssenthoek war cemetery German occupation after completing his walk ● Sport p26 in 1940. ● Cont. p3 INSPIRATION: Col Tom Moore WHO’S

MADE AN

IMPACT?

Recognise the passion. Nominate the Armed Forces Technician you know who stands high above the rest.

IET Achievement Awards theiet.org/achievement

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AY, . Royal News Friday, May 15, 2020 P3

I often get people crying and saying: My legs are tired While everyone was but my mind is racing out hunting for toilet rolls, ‘Thank you very much for doing it because we ” “I was out hunting for gym never“ see anything about autism on TV’ “ Capt Tom p11 equipment Actor Christopher Ecclestone on ” ” Fg Off Amy the new series of The A Word Cokyane on Rn’R p4-5 her home gym, built to keep fit during lockdown Sport p25

Supervet goes the distance l continued from front Talbot House manager Simon Louagie said: “We’re immensely proud of George. I have known him for most of my life and he is a very modest man. “Talbot House means a lot to people – it has always been there for the Armed Forces and vice-versa. RAF News Room 68 “George said he wants to be able Lancaster Building to go back to Talbot House to have HQ Air Command his cuppa and meet people. If the High Wycombe place closes he will lose his hobby.” Born in Poperinge, the son of HP14 4UE a Scottish father and a Flemish mother, George enlisted in the RAF Editor: Simon Williams in January 1941 at Edinburgh and Email: [email protected] trained as an airframe mechanic, entering service with 141 Squadron Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams at St Athan. Email: [email protected] He went on to see action on 20 Tel: 07966 429755 different airfields in the UK and in Europe. After having worked Features Editor: Tracey Allen on Beaufighters, his main job Email: [email protected] was repairing damaged Mosquito WALK OF VALOUR: George night-fighters. Sutherland assisted by his son Alex News Editor: Simon Mander In August 1946 he resumed starts his challenge. PHOTO: Eric his old job as a gardener with the Compernolle All advertising: Imperial War Graves Commission next 40 years. has helped people all his life. hope to close the gap soon to reach Edwin Rodrigues and continued to look after Simon said: “George is a local “George’s goal was to raise the fundraising total.” Tel: 07482 571535 Lijssenthoek War Cemetery for the celebrity, everyone knows him. He awareness of Talbot House too. We l Go to: GoFundMe to donate. Email: edwin.rodrigues@rafnews. co.uk

Subscriptions and This Week In History distribution: JPIMedia Print Holdings Ltd 1963 26 Whitehall Road V-Force Euro role Leeds LS12 1BE The RAF’s V-Force is formally Tel: 020 7855 7574 assigned to the Supreme Allied Email: [email protected] Commander Europe for targeting, planning and execution of nuclear strikes. It remains under British control for national operations. 1941 Bismark mission A PRU Spitfire flying from RAF 2001 Wick spots the German warship Extracts from The Bismark anchored near Bergen in C-17 weighs in Norway. The mission provides the Day By Day by intelligence leading to the chase The C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transport Air Cdre Graham and eventual sinking of the pride aircraft enters service with the Royal Air Force Pitchfork (The of the German fleet. with 99 Sqn at Brize Norton in History Press). COVID-19: WE ARE HERE TO HELP

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The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109). Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P5

News News bulletin Family on the NHS frontline LAC James joins medic parents in Britain’s battle against Covid-19

WWII SURVIVOR: Mieczysław Stachiewicz Tony Durrant he’ll be well looked after.” THE FIGHT against Covid-19 is a LAC Brown has just Polish Bomber family affair for a Reservist airman finished a degree in whose parents are NHS nurses. Aerospace Engineering Command hero LAC James Brown, 23, stepped at Teesside University and up for full-time duty with the lives at the family home in dies aged 102 Covid Task Force after being Middlesbrough, where he is on A POLISH pilot who took part inspired by his father David standby for task force duties. in Bomber Command’s famous Brown, a theatre nurse, and He said: “I’m very conscious 1000-bomber raid over Cologne mother Debbie, a health visitor. of the hours my parents are and completed 33 missions over “At the start of the pandemic working and the pressures they Occupied Europe has died aged 102. I was worried about Mum and SPECIALIST: Anaesthetic nurse David Brown are under so we give each other At the outbreak of WWII Dad and the risks they faced,” space at home.” Mieczysław Stachiewicz was posted said LAC Brown, of 611 (West Mrs Brown added: “As a family to 4 Air Force Regiment having Lancashire) Sqn, RAF Woodvale, we are coping well. graduated from the Polish Air on . “We’re committed, we are Force School in Dęblin and recently “I am immensely proud of a team, making sure we get started studying architecture at them and stepping up to volunteer enough rest. We talk to each Warsaw Polytechnic. for full-time duty was my way of other and make time for In September 1939, he was helping them and the NHS.” exercise, which helps evacuated to Romania and interned Specialist anaesthetic nurse immensely.” but escaped to France where he Mr Brown works in full PPE to joined the . deal with Covid-19 patients at the FAMILY James Cook University Hospital, AFFAIR : LAC James Middlesbrough, while Mrs Brown HEALTH VISITOR: Mum Debbie Brown Brown joins masks up to care for vulnerable parents to fight families in the area. supported in his role. I’m very coronavirus Mrs Brown, who works for proud of him.” with Task Force and District NHS Former RAF photographer PHOTOS: FLT Foundation Trust, said: “When Mr Brown said: “I’m proud of LT MARK I heard James was committed to James and wasn’t surprised that MCKINSTRY the Covid Task Force I was a little he volunteered. With the RAF’s wary but know he will be well training and resources, I know After the French surrendered, he fled to Britain and in June 1940 completed pilot training and joined 301 ‘Land of Pomerania’ Bomber Squadron flying and aircraft. Despite wartime service Stachiewicz continued studying become one and graduated in architectural engineering from Liverpool air gunner Flt Lt Terry Clark has died have an aircraft built for the job.” University in 1946. at the age of 101 - leaving just one surviving member of Flying from RAF in Sussex Clark was He relinquished his commission the World War II heroes dubbed The Few by part of a crew who shot down a number of as a Flying in 1948. He was Winston Churchill. German aircraft including a Junkers bomber, awarded the Silver Cross of the Born in Croydon he a Messerschmitt 410 and a Virtutis Militari War Order, the signed up in 1938 at the Heinkel. Cross of Valour and two bars, the age of just 16 seeking He was awarded the DFM for one Air Medal, the Pilot’s Field Badge, adventure and was attack on a Junker and later made as well as commemorative British posted with 614 Sqn contact with a German crewman he decorations. at . shot down and corresponded with the An architect for many decades, He was a family, regularly exchanging Christmas his memoirs were published in the seasoned airman at cards. Polish Journal, and later as books the start of the war After retiring he maintained his links entitled Memories of War (2003) and joined 219 Sqn with the RAF and was a regular visitor to and My First Ninety Years (2008). in 1940, operating the RAF Leeming and RAF Linton-on-Ouse. An active member of the Polish Blemheim bomber from RAF Benevolent Fund chief Air Vice- Airmen’s Association UK and the Catterick in North Yorkshire. Marshal Chris Elliot said: “Terry belonged to a Chairman of the Józef Piłsudzki In the final days of the generation of Servicemen and women who answered their Institute of Research in , Battle of Britain the squadron country’s call without question.We owe a debt of gratitude in 2017 he received the Order of was re-equipped with the to every one of them and their legacy must be to remember the White Eagle, ’s highest new Beaufighter boasting an their service.” award, from the Polish President advanced radar system. Mr Clark’s death leaves John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway as the last Andrzej Duda. Clark commented: “Now we surviving member of The Few. l See p20 for obituary my_-z-e-ne--® A-MAV-ZINCi MVZONE OFFER FOR SERVINO RAF PERSONNEL

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News Five-year-old fundraiser Ben has Capt Tom in his sights

Vikki Quamina on daily bike rides through the local countryside as part THERE’S 95 years between them of their family lockdown but youngster Benjamin Lower has exercise routine. HIGH STAKES: SAS prepare to storm the launched a bid to follow in Capt He said: “I love riding Iranian Embassy in London in 1980 Tom Moore’s fundraising footsteps my bike. Staying at with his own charity crusade to home and not seeing support his local NHS workers. my friends is difficult. Embassy siege The five-year-old is bidding I want to challenge to clock up 100kms in 10 days Mum and Dad to do hero reveals and has already raised 10km every day for £1000 for his local NHS the next 10 days Trust and has challenged until we have justgiving. Air Force past Gunner dad Robert to done 100km and com/ keep up with him. get some money fundraising/ A FORMER Air Force Gunner who was Benjamin came up with to help look after benjamin- part of the SAS unit who stormed the the idea after joining his Covid-19 patients at lower Iranian Embassy has revealed how he Honington-based parents INSPIRING: Capt Tom our hospital.” became a member of one of the world’s most elite units on the 40th anniversary of the raid. Former Regiment man Bob Shepherd said the three years he served as a Gunner on 2 Sqn before SAS selection in the mid 1970s made him the soldier he was to become. He said: “Back in 1972 from an RAF Regt defensive position I’d watch the SAS fighting the adoo (enemy) up in the Dust busters mountains of Dhofar Province, Oman. “I was only 17 years young, looking 14. I would see at night the green tracer from the adoo heading towards the SAS positions. Red tracer from the SAS UK crews battle heading out towards the insurgents. desert storms on Mali mission

FORMER GUNNER: SAS hero Bob Shepherd “They were about four miles forward DUST UP: 1310 Flt Chinook of us while we were located on the launches mission with flat Salalah coastal plain defending French troops during sand the airfield. From that moment I was storm. Left, heavy lifting hooked, I’m on my way to the SAS. duties PHOTOS: MOD “As my great RAF NCOs reminded me, I was wet behind the ears and a few years in 2 Sqn was the place to gain that Simon Mander The helicopters are flown by experience. 18(B) Sqn supported by RAF and “I have the Officers, NCOs and men CHINOOK CREWS are battling Army ground crew on three to of 2 Squadron RAF Regiment to thank dust storms and scorching desert heat four-month tours. for helping me on my way to passing to back French troops combating They have flown 340 hours, SAS selection at the age of 20. Islamist insurgents in West Africa. lifted 247 tonnes of freight and “They ensured I became the best Despite the global pandemic transported 1150 passengers since soldier I could be. I will always be the Odiham-based workhorses arriving in January, operating in incredibly grateful.” have clocked up more than 2000 temperatures of up to 47º C. Shepherd went on to serve in Dhofar, flying hours moving 1000 tonnes of The Mali detachment is The , the first Gulf War, equipment and 12,000 passengers designated as 1310 Flight and based Bosnia, and a number of operations he since they started their Mali at Gao Airfield. still can’t reveal. mission in 2018. Britain has three Chinooks He added: “My pre-para course Royal Air Force detachment supporting the French Operation with 2 Sqn in 1972 and commander Wg Cdr Si Elsey said: Barkhane with crews flying over SAS tracking course much later were “Unfortunately, terrorism does not and landing in territory controlled all equally important stepping stones to recognise pandemics. by extremists. enhancing the ability of any soldier. “Deployed personnel have caused by Covid-19. We have not “Once their troops are in Al-–Qaeda-linked Islamic “Today at the age of 65, I sit with maintained communications with lost a sortie due to coronavirus and the field, we resupply them and extremists exploited a separatist awesome memories of my time from a isolated loved ones back home the French have maintained a high can lift vehicles in and out as revolt to seize control of desert Rock to a Pilgrim.” during the worldwide turmoil tempo of operations throughout. required.” areas north of Mali in early 2012. OF SUPPORT TO OUR RAF COMMUNITY

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News

TRACKING TERROR: Typhoon closes in on Daesh hideout before unleashing Paveway Typhoon blitz IV precision bombs. Left, unmanned Reaper on terror lair aircraft PHOTOS: MOD

Staff Reporter FUELLING THE FIGHT: Akrotiri Voyager tanker ROYAL PATRON: Duchess of UK TYPHOONS blitzed an underground lair used by a Daesh Help keeping calm terror cell in a multiple strike in Northern Iraq. and carrying on The RAF swing-role fighters and other Coalition aircraft were THE MOD has joined forces with called in after surveillance teams mental heath experts and the tracked heavily-armed terrorists Royal Foundation to launch an to a network of caves in the Bayji online programme to help defence region of the country. workers cope with stress. Typhoons unleashed Paveway The HeadFIT website provides precision-guided bombs which advice on a range of mental health destroyed six cave entrances. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace problems, relaxation techniques Surveillance teams later confirmed added: “Britain’s adversaries have not and breathing exercises. the raid destroyed a weapons cache. let Covid-19 stop them posing a risk The unrestricted website is An RAF Voyager tanker was also to our citizens and allies. available to the public, but has been scrambled from Akrotiri to support “It is for that reason that Defence designed to operate on the MoD’s the mission. continues to take whatever steps are internal computer systems, which In a separate raid two Typhoons necessary – at home and abroad – often restricts access to other sites. and a Reaper aircraft used precision- to keep the nation safe. Defence Minister Johnny Mercer guided bombs to destroy a second “The use of RAF jets and a Reaper said: “We train our Armed Forces remote terrorist hideout west of the aircraft to deliver a successful to be both physically and mentally Iraqi city of Tuz Khurma. strike against Daesh terrorists and fit. Mental resilience has never been A group of fortified buildings their hideout demonstrates that more important than it is during was destroyed in the raid which the UK’s Defence never sleeps and the coronavirus pandemic.” killed a number of Daesh fighters, will always do what is necessary to ● Go to headfit.org. the MoD said. protect our people.” Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P10 Royal Air Force News Friday May 15, 2020 P11

News News

VC WINNER: John DFC WINNER: Flt Cruickshank received Lt Kenneth Booth Britain’s highest was officially reported military honour for missing in action in the an audacious attack Mediterranean but was on a Nazi U-boat in washed up on a beach the Arctic Circle PHOTOS: BOOTH FAMILY ARCHIVE Capt that Iconic Battle of Britain as Tom marks 100th with promotion

CHEERS: Ken celebrates his 100th with a pint; below, official telegram reports him missing in action Air Force super vets join Capt

FUNDRAISING SUPERSTAR Capt Tom CAPTAIN MARVEL: Moore celebrated his 100th birthday with Centenarian fundraising Tom in the UK Forces 100 Club superstar Capt Tom a promotion and a flypast by a Spitfire and raised more than £30 THE LAST RAF pilot to win the Tracey Allen Hurricane from the RAF Battle of Britain million by walking Victoria Cross for a daring attack Memorial Flight. laps of his garden to on a Nazi U-boat which almost FLT LT Kenneth Booth The iconic World War II aircraft flew low over support the NHS. Inset below left, Sqn Ldr Mark cost him his life is also celebrating survived several near-death his Bedfordshire home, completing three laps as he Discombe his 100th birthday. experiences during World celebrated the landmark event with his family. PHOTOS: MOD World War II hero John War II and was reported The centenarian charity crusader hoped to Cruickshank (pictured, inset as a ‘missing in action’. raise a modest £1000 by completing 100 laps of young airman) was presented with He survived ‘ditching’ his garden with his walking frame to mark his U BOAT : the nation’s highest military honour An RAF Catalina in the Mediterranean Sea 100th birthday but has netted more than £30 for the low-level raid on the surfacing after his right engine failed million, becoming an international superstar. NATIONAL HERO: The centenarian has German sub between Iceland at low level while searching received more than 160,000 birthday cards and Norway in 1944. Cruickshank was for an Italian convoy. He had He suffered severe able to ease the one opportunity to make a My legs are tired but He was later promoted to the position of chest and leg Catalina gently radio call and chose to give my mind is racing – I’ll be Honorary Colonel and received more than wounds when Nazi onto the water. the ship’s position and not back soon with other ways 160,000 birthday cards from supporters – plus gunners blasted his As the make a mayday call. He was “ the customary telegram from The Queen. Catalina, ripping aircraft started subsequently reported as flying a 680 Sqn Mosquito. He to help people and support BBMF OC, Hurricane pilot Sqn Ldr Mark holes in the to take on ‘missing in action’ to his parents. managed to land in Durna (Libya) ‘Disco’ Discombe, said: “We feel honoured to , killing water through He washed ashore three days after flying the aircraft with only communities be selected to mark his birthday and pay tribute his navigator the holes in later on the coast near Benghazi, one of its two engines. ” to the amazing fundraising. It has captured the and wounding the fuselage Libya, and was found by a Royal He was awarded the As his charity bid gained imagination of the nation. two other crew he again took Artillery (8th Army) 25-pound gun Distinguished Flying Medal and momentum and topped £20 “We are all blown away by what he has achieved members. control and was crew and taken to hospital. Distinguished Flying Cross. million he was given a guard of for our NHS. His achievement is breathtaking. Despite his injuries able to beach it. A letter from the Born in Derby, Kenneth Booth honour from troops from the 1st Our veterans are still giving huge support to the HAPPY CAMPER: Kenneth as Cruickshank was able to He collapsed at the War Office informed flew more than 20 different with 70 OTU in Shandur in 1943 Battalion of the Yorkshire Regt. community. It is heartwarming.” release six depth charges at controls and had to be his parents that he types of aircraft during his He recorded a version of The humble hero has thanked the public 50ft, which sank the vessel. lifted through the front hatch into an was missing in action, distinguished RAF career, before he left the RAF in 1946. the anthem You’ll Never Walk for rallying to his cause. Writing in a letter to Lapsing in and out of inflatable rescue dinghy. followed by the welcome including the Tiger Moth, Kenneth’s grandson, Sqn Ldr Alone with singer Michael mark his birthday he said: “Reaching 100 is consciousness he refused morphine Medics who raced to the scene news some months later Blenheim, Maryland, Adam Booth, said: “He inspired me Ball, which topped the charts. quite something. Reaching 100 with injections and returned to the gave him an immediate blood that he had been found Mosquito, Wellington, to join the RAF. The cricket-loving Forces such interest in me and the cockpit despite being restrained transfusion. He was rushed to safe, although ‘slightly Lancaster and Spitfire. He “He once flew a Blenheim IV down veteran was also made an huge generosity is very by members of the crew battling hospital where it was discovered he injured’. served mainly on 603 Sqn and to to RV with HMS Furious honorary member of the overwhelming. to treat his wounds as his co-pilot had suffered 72 individual wounds, Flt Lt Booth was forced 680 Sqn. to lead Hurricanes into Malta. English cricket team. “My legs may be tried to nurse the stricken aircraft mainly to his chest and legs. down twice more during He joined the RAF “It was supposed to be a quick Prime Minister Boris tired but my mind back to base at Sullom Vow in the Today he is Honorary President his time in the RAF, as a Sergeant trip before returning to the UK. Johnson joined the is racing and I Shetland Islands. of the Aircrew Association and an both due to anti- in 1938 and He was stolen by the one-star there tributes, writing to Mr will be back Cruickshank was struggling to active member of the VC and GC aircraft fire – the commissioned in and sent to Egypt to join a new Moore and describing soon with other breathe because of his injuries but Association. first time over 1942 while flying squadron. He returned to the UK him as a ‘hero’ and a ways in which I managed to grab the controls as the During a recent interview he when he the Mosquito. four years later.” ‘point of light in all our can help people co-pilot misjudged a water landing referred to his status as the last managed to get His biggest Kenneth marked his centenary lives’ who had lifted the and support and the aircraft bounced high into surviving airman to be awarded a safely to Pisa and regret was not at home in Norwich. His birthday hearts of the nation. communities.” WWII ICON: Spitfire flown the air. VC. He said: “When I go I suppose the second over SGT BOOTH, EGYPT 1941 piloting the party had to be postponed because by Flt Lt Andy Preece Despite huge blood loss I had better turn out the light.” Tobruk while Hurricane of the coronavirus pandemic. We are excellent. We are QE.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has found Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate to be ‘Excellent’ across all schools, praising our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.

Queen Ethelburga’s has a long-standing relationship with the British Forces, welcoming students from military families for over 100 years. We currently have over 300 such students living as part of the QE family. We welcome day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years. We are CEA accredited and in recognition of our commitment to Forces families, we offer a significant reduction in fees. In 2017/18 this meant that our Forces families paid just 10% of fees. In 2018/19 Forces families will pay just £955 per term, per child (with the benefits of Childcare Vouchers this figure can be as low as £614 per term). We pride ourselves on our wrap-around specialist pastoral care for our students, providing a secure and supportive home from home. We are focused on creating the right learning and living environment so that every one of them can thrive. Q For further information or to arrange a visit contact our admissions team on: Tel: 01423 33 33 30 Email: [email protected] Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P13

News

News bulletin Gunners answer Covid-19

TOP ROLE: Cpl Evie Griffin has been appointed as Wittering Station Commander’s Cadet Cadets duo flying NHS call high at Wittering

Staff Reporter RAF Wittering HIGH-FLYING cadets Evie Griffin and Jessica Brown have landed top posts at RAF Wittering and will get a taste of life at the base shadowing station chiefs for a year. Cpl Griffin has been appointed as the Station Commander’s SUPPORT: WO Karl Cadet, while Jess takes up the post Phillips is leading a of A4 Commander’s Cadet. Honington-based team The duo, who are both hoping PHOTOS: SAC to sign up after finishing school, JAMES LEDGER topped a county-wide search to fill the positions and will be given a unique chance to see how the station supports frontline RAF Simon Mander from the station. emergency volunteer responding to and since 2002 has volunteered squadrons. Co-response team leader WO 999 calls. He has been Honington many thousands of hours. Evie said: “When I was told I HONINGTON PERSONNEL are Karl Phillips said: “The training team leader since 2018. Honington Station Commander had got the role I was speechless operating two ambulances from provided by the Trust was superb He said: “I am extremely proud Gp Capt Matt Radnall said: “Our and ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it – their Suffolk station to help hard- and enhanced by the Covid-19 of my team and we, collectively, personnel are being used to I’m only a .” pressed NHS workers tackling the specific tuition we received. We are equally as proud to operate man double-staffed ambulances Jess added: “I feel beyond coronavirus. are following personal protection alongside East England crews operating on a 12-hour shift rota. honoured to think station chiefs A team of six First Responders, equipment hospital handover and assist the NHS in the ongoing “At just two days into the first saw something in me. I hope that including RAF police, physical procedures and emergency transfer battle against the coronavirus week, the Honington team have I will go above and beyond their trainers and military transport protocols.” pandemic.” already attended a number of life- expectations.” divers, have already answered WO Phillips joined the First Ex-RAF Regt FS (Ret’d) Marty threatening emergencies along Station Commander Gp Capt emergency 999 calls supporting the Responders scheme in 2003 and has Park is the most experienced and with several calls requiring an Jo Lincoln said: “It is going to be Ambulance Trust amassed thousands of hours as an longest-serving member of the team urgent patient transfer.” a brilliant journey for them and something which will hopefully stay with them for a lifetime.” Online archive eases search for war lost HONOUR: Cpl Jess Brown will Tracey Allen over the Western Front in June 1918. to locate a dead or missing relative can desperate searches, former enemies join A4 His family waited three years before take decades of correspondence that uniting and often the sad realisation logistics THE REMARKABLE story of one they finally knew he had died, can now be viewed online. that a missing loved one would always teams of the few Indian fighter pilots killed aged just 23, and his grave “By digitising files we remain so. in combat in World War I has been was located. hope a new generation “This invaluable piece of world made public for the first time. Following the 1918 of researchers and war history is accessible to a new The heartbreaking tale of Armistice the then students will be able to generation and will help deepen our Lieutenant Shri Krishna Chanda Imperial War Graves understand the impact understanding of how WWI impacted Welinkar (pictured right) has been Commission began of losing loved ones those who were left behind.” released by the Commonwealth War building cemeteries during WWI.” The records – known as enquiry Graves Commission from its archive and memorials for the Chief archivist files – are part of a collection of nearly of thousands of stories from WWI, 1.1 million Empire war Andrew Fetherston 3000 documents. Almost half have preserved in family correspondence. dead, more than half of added: “For everyone been digitised alongside a previously The never-before-published files whom were missing. who died in WWI there unreleased collection of more than contain letters, pictures and other During this early period was a partner, parent or 16,000 photographs held in negatives papers sent between the Commission the organisation exchanged tens child back home with questions. in the Commission’s archive. and the next of kin of WWI dead. of thousands of letters and appeals with The heartbreaking letters in our archive Welinkar, from Bombay, overcame families searching for loved ones, a show us what it was like for those l To view the CWGC’s archive prejudice to become one of a handful Commission spokesman said. families trying to come to terms with through the new online portal visit: of WWI Indian fighter pilots. He added: “Many struggle to deal their loss. cwgc.org/history-and-archives/cwgc- He went missing while on patrol with the lack of closure and their efforts “They are stories that show archive Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P14 Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P15

Feature British Airfields of the Second World War By Simon Mander Ask the With 100s of new airfields covering its length and breadth, WWII Britain became… author: Stuart Hadaway

What made you decide to research WWII airfields? There’s a natural tendency to concentrate The unsinkable on aircraft and aircrews, but of course airfields were the backbone of the RAF’s capabilities. Their size and facilities had a great effect on operations. They were also the everyday workplace of the aircraft carrier majority of the RAF’s personnel. Why do you find them so HMS UK: interesting? TEA TIME: Queuing at T THE HEIGHT of World War II more PHOTOS: AIR Airfields are an unsung technological the NAAFI van for a brew than a third of Britain’s daily expenditure It’s no wonder my hair’s HISTORICAL marvel of the Second World War. It was went, not on weapons or food, but on BRANCH (RAF) probably the biggest engineering project airfields. white. Armourers had such in British history – over a third of Britain’s AOne of the biggest single building schemes dangerous jobs and so many daily war expenditure and a third of ever seen involving 1.3 billion man hours saw “ Britain’s builders and civil engineers enough concrete and tarmac laid to nearly cover died through bomb explosions were dedicated to airfield construction Birmingham and took the number of frontline … when we approached in 1942. Their growth in complexity and stations in East Anglia alone from four in 1934, to capability is astounding. 107 in 1944. aircraft… other ground crew Why it matters is explained at the outset of Stuart trades cleared off How long did it take you to gather Hadaway’s book – it transformed the UK into an material for the book? ‘Unsinkable aircraft carrier,’ without which, there ” A lifetime of interest, right from listening arguably could have been no D-Day and Hitler But most impressive are the anecdotal first- to my grandad’s stories of being in the would have remained master of Europe. hand accounts from ex-Servicemen – here Sgt W.D. Airfield Construction Branch as a small You’d never guess the importance of the Morgan recalls that only SNCOs could fuse bombs child, to the last 16 years working in RAF subject matter of this slim volume from its frankly before they were loaded on to aircraft. heritage and history. uninspiring title and equally monotonous cover “When I did, I cleared everyone else away, for picture and Shire Publications have done the author even talking about the ‘flicks,’ would distract one, as What was the most unusual/ no favours by presenting his work in this way. only one part turn to the left meant self-destruction,” surprising thing you discovered Once you open it there’s a veritable treasure trove he said. about old airfields? of excellent imagery and insightful analysis on the “It’s no wonder my hair’s white. Armourers had How many surviving buildings there still defensive and offensive roles played by airfields and such dangerous jobs and so many died through are! Not only were over 450 new airfields what life was like on these bases, most of which now bomb explosions … when we approached aircraft… built, but on average each one contained lie forgotten or built over. other ground crew trades cleared off.” around 500 buildings. There are Some of the details are intriguing, for example: At only 63 pages the book is an entertaining and remnants of airfields and related facilities ● RAF Northolt’s urban camouflage, which included informative account by an Air Historical Branch everywhere if you know what to look for houses painted on the sides of hangars and street senior researcher that will appeal to veterans and LANC LINE: A sergeant layouts on their roofs, was so effective two swans ex-National Servicemen as it recreates life much as signaller on the airfield Who do you think your book will LETHAL LOAD: crashed trying to land on the scheme’s fake pond. it must have been for them. appeal to? 4000lb bomb ● Red lamps were placed in church spires to warn From freezing on a bunk in a Nissen hut to It’s intended as an returning night fighters of the hazard – much to the queuing for ‘tea and a wad’ at the NAAFI van, the introduction to the hilarity of local villagers. book is reminiscent of the infamous fictional 1950s subject, although ● Station perimeters had gaps where airmen could station RAF Skelton immortalised in the Thames there is a lot in unofficially come and go unseen – the former TV sitcom Get Some In. there for the more RAF Linton’s nearby canal is said to be full of Air British Airfields of the Second World War by seasoned aviation Ministry-issue bicycles whose owners ditched them Stuart Hadaway is published by Shire Publications enthusiast as rather than wrestle them through a hole in the fence. priced £8.99. well. I know RAF history pretty well, but even CAMP LIFE: WAAF so I learned a lot spud bashing while doing the detailed research for it.

Which former airfield is the best to visit? Undoubtedly the Imperial War Museum site at , where huge parts of the old airfield remain. But partial sites, including some other excellent museums, are scattered all across the country.

Should any airfields be preserved as a reminder of our WWII heritage? If so, which? Duxford already stands as an excellent tribute. The trouble with preserving airfields is their sheer size and the cost of maintaining them. Equally, so many have good (wartime) drainage and local infrastructure that they’re ideal for other uses.

Next project? Hard to say. The RAF had such a rich and EYES RIGHT: Officers of the Intelligence hard at work at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire varied history, and there are still so many untold stories that deserve attention. Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 1 Win! R'n'R

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Twinnie Hollywood Gypsy l p4-5 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Recognise the passion - who's made an impact? e're still seeking nominations for the So, who do you think Wworld’s top engineering and technology talent, to should win this year? honour them with medals and Nominations are open until 15 May, trophies for their services to the so hop online to view the various industry at a glamorous and award criteria and nominate inspiring ceremony in London. someone exceptional at: Last year’s IET Armed Forces theiet.org/achievement Technician of the Year Award was won by Warrant Officer Class 2 The IET Achievement Awards (WO2) Kay Howells, an Army exist to recognise individuals from Ammunition Technician with over all over the world who have made 15 years’ experience in all aspects exceptional contributions to the of ammunition, surveillance, repair advancement of engineering, and disposal. technology and science in any She is one of the ’s sector, and therefore made most highly skilled bomb disposal demonstrable impact to society. experts and has conducted bomb This can be through research disposal operations in hostile and development in their environments; most notably in respective technical field or work for and with.” would make the mark at all. Then including apprentices at the start Afghanistan and during a recent through their leadership of an 2018’s IET Armed Forces when I won the award I didn’t of their careers through to Weapons Intelligence role in Iraq. enterprise. Technician of the Year was really have words for how I felt. To reputable, She leads the Advanced Counter The calibre of nominees for awarded to Sergeant (Sgt) Dan be recognised for my efforts in established IED team at the Defence’s these awards are always Hardwick, a Mechanical Aircraft engineering and STEM by an professional Explosives, Munitions and Search exceptionally high, with each Technician in the RAF and organisation like the IET is engineers School. A keen promoter of year’s nominees surpassing the proactive STEM ambassador. He incredible. It really made me feel and Science Technology Engineering last, making it a very difficult was chosen for his contributions proud. technicians. and Maths in the workplace, Kay award for the judging panel to to the development of aircraft “Winning the award has helped actively seeks to inspire future award! tools and for his dedication to me to raise my profile as a STEM generations into STEM trades IET President Dr Peter Bonfield promoting STEM throughout the ambassador, [and] it has also within the military. OBE said: “All the IET Armed Forces region. gained me higher On winning, she said: Technician Award finalists He said: “It felt great to be respect in my wider “Promoting the ammunition demonstrated skills and nominated for the awards and to organisation. Seeing technician trade means a great knowledge through their work be recognised in my own what a great deal to me and I am thankful to that went far beyond their roles. workplace, [and] then to be organisation the IET the IET for inviting us to these They have taken on challenging shortlisted was amazing, I did not is has spurred me awards. It is great to receive tasks and through innovation and expect it at all. Looking at previous on to enhance my recognition for my work.” determination to succeed have winners citations I didn’t think I professional brought real benefits to those they registration and gain Incorporated Engineer status. I have had time to reflect on my career achievements and this will undoubtably help me find a rewarding engineering career when my time in the RAF has come to an end.” The IET Awards programme provides recognition and support in awards, prizes, scholarships and bursaries to celebrate excellence and research in the sector and encourage the next generation of engineers and technicians. All IET Awards seek to inspire and reward engineering excellence, Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 3 R'n'R Music Ed O'Brien Earth In perfect isolation Back to Earth FTER 30 years as guitarist for Radiohead, a lot has beenA said in the build up to Ed O’Brien’s debut album Earth. As an integral part of Radiohead, who, apart from their first three albums, must be considered to be one of the most innovative bands in British musical history, O’Brien was always going to struggle to provide anything ‘original’. With the opening track Shangri-La he stays safely at home, with smatterings of Blur in the soundscape. It is a solid starting point, and with Brazil he begins to spread his wings. Acoustic guitar and gentle melancholic vocals drift in, before a steadily driving bass drum pulls things forwards with some delicious acoustics and the repeated mantra ‘Feel the Love, LEFT FIELD: Ed O'Brien Feel the Love, Again’, flowing in. This is comfort zone music for O’Brien, but it is undoubtedly beautiful. Radiohead star thankful to be in Wales for brush with Covid-19 Deep Days is up next, and the chorus works well after a return ACING UP to life in their own respective solo projects, up in a particularly musical time we played Glastonbury was to acoustic guitar to build the lockdown has proved he grappled with whether to household had served him definitely one, but my favourite opening. O’Brien’s vocals are eventful in more ways than pursue his own venture. extremely well in his career. ever gig was probably a festival we soft and ease into your soul like Fone for Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, “Making a record isn’t easy, “Both my mum and dad did in Brazil for the In Rainbows Ray Davies of The Kinks, all very writes Neil Barst on. it takes a lot of work and a lot of loved music, getting me into The tour, which had such a great English and refreshing at a time Having contracted coronavirus soul searching. But doing this was Beatles, and bands like Creedence atmosphere.” when every singer sounds like the guitarist has been recovering something I felt compelled to do. If Clearwater Revival,” enthused Ed, It’s been four years since they are American. at the family home in mid Wales, I didn’t do it then a creative part of who added he was also exposed Radiohead’s last album, A Moon Long Time Coming is simply which happens to coincide with me might have died. It was one of to a lot of classical music, singing Shaped Pool, which saw them terrific. It begins with a gentle promotion of his long-awaited those ‘what if’ moments, you just soprano as a youngster. In his return to the limelight. timbre on guitar with ethereal debut solo album Earth (see have to follow your instincts,” he teens, he eagerly lapped up all that While Ed says they’ve had vocal harmonies, then darker review, right). said. punk, New Wave and bands such conversations about their next electronic keyboards drift in with He seems notably calm about Featuring the production as the Smiths, The Jam and The potential move, it seems this year real menace. The instrumental his brush with the condition that talents of Flood, who has worked Police had to offer. offers a welcome pause for focusing piece works well before O’Brien has brought the world to a near with the likes of a-ha, New Order, Radiohead, or On a Friday on their respective projects. bounces off to the current world standstill and put all touring The Killers, U2 and Foals, Earth as they were originally named “I feel really happy about where situation in Banksters. I always prospects on hold. offers an eclectic mix of sounds (after their rehearsal day), met I am now that my album is done, worry when musicians put their “People have had different that reflects its complex journey. at Abingdon School in the mid after all that has been put into oar into world commentary. It’s experiences with coronavirus, but 80s. Ed, playing Lysander in a it. It has just usually with a clank and bang for me, it was like flu and though ts inspiration straddles production of A Midsummer made me as the obvious lyrics spit out, I felt I was getting better, it’s Ieverything from early Primal Night’s Dream, encountered the want to and from a privileged position something that lingers,” he said. Scream rave anthems, as witnessed young Thom, who was arranging carry on of wealth, in many cases, they “But we’re very lucky that we’re with the opener, Shangri-La, the show’s musical score. w r i t i n g stick in my craw. Banksters is a out in the countryside. I am very through to its closing track, Cloak “I don’t know if it was a case the next good tune, the lyrics are a tad aware a lot of families out there of the Night, an elegant duet with of knowing we were going to be one,” he obvious, but for some reason don’t have a lot of access to nature, Laura Marling. special, but it felt instinctively the added. with the world in total flux you which especially resonates with “My debut has elements of right place to be as part of the band, can forgive them as they simply m e .” soul, rock and ambient music, but right from the very first moment,” speak the truth. It’s been many years since lyrically it’s a gospel album, about Ed revealed. Olympik is a pop bag bonanza, he upped sticks from his native having been through the dark “We became thick as thieves all jangling guitars, ethereal Oxfordshire, and he seems more and moving towards the light,” he and it was like a brotherhood, vocals and stripped back drums. than content with his present explained. which I have always thought has Cloak of Night closes out the surroundings alongside his wife, He said there’s a sense of been really important. For us, it’s nine-track album. It’s a pure two children and their pet dog. vindication in finally completing never been just being all about guitar track and a lovely lilting Having spent more than the album, released under the the music, though we are all very way to end proceedings. seven years finalising his album’s moniker of EOB. different characters.” Review by Daniel Abrahams material, the 52-year-old explained After nine studio albums, it was a mission he felt had to be Radiohead proved their resilience ith so much history, how Rating: 4 out of 5 completed. But with the group’s many times over, and last year Wchallenging is it to pick an ■ Earth is out on Capital Records frontman, Thom Yorke, and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of ultimate career highlight? now. On all digital download bandmates Jonny Greenwood and Fame. He said: “There have been platforms. Phil Selway having all conjured He acknowledged that growing so many moments – the last Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 4 Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 5 R'n'R Music The Big Event The A Word Competitions Twinnie Books Win! UK tour & new album Churchill's Few (menschpublishing.com)

HE POPULAR drama The A Word, about a young From Hollyoaks star autistic boy and his family, Tis back for a third series. The Few, in their own words Two years on a lot has changed to Hollywood Gypsy for the Hughes family. Joe (Max IGHTY YEARS after the Battle pilot Ulrich Steinhilper, shot Vento) is 10 and living in two of Britain Churchill’s Few by down and captured over and ORMER HOLLYOAKS star places at once. His parents Alison EJohn Willis (menschpublishing. destined to become one of the Playlist FTwinnie’s much-anticipated (Morven Christie) and Paul (Lee com) tells the story, in their own greatest escapers of World War Top 10 debut album Hollywood Gypsy Ingleby) are divorced, living 100 words, of six brave young men II, evading British and Canadian is out now and the singer- miles apart. Eddie (Greg McHugh), who fought courageously in the prison camp guards five times. songwriter has announced a Alison’s brother, lives with his skies above England to prevent Churchill’s Few throws light on run of UK headline dates in dad. Only Maurice (Christopher Hitler’s invasion of Britain. the long-term consequences of November. Eccleston), Joe’s grandfather, is These Hurricane and Spitfire the Battle of Britain on the lives of The first single from the holding it together. pilot were 'The Few’ to whom the young pilots in the frontline. album is Type of Girl, recorded A new face joining this series is Churchill (below) said the nation We have a copy of the book at Baggpipe Studios in Sweden. Julie Hesmondhalgh (Broadchurch, owed so much. (hardback rrp £16.99) for one Speaking about the track, Coronation Street) as Heather, head The six men featured were from lucky reader to win. For your Twinnie said: “I have a strong of the specialist school Joe goes to vastly contrasting backgrounds. chance to own it, simply tell us: vision of who I am, and it’s not in Manchester. , shot down in anybody else’s job to tell me. So She said: “I was already a massive his Hurricane and the victim of What was the name of the that song was me saying that fan of The A Word before being horrendous burns, was a founder legendary club of which Geoffrey upfront to a future boyfriend.” invited to join the third series, so it member of the legendary Guinea Page was a founder member? Recorded between London, was a proper honour for me. Pig Club. Nashville and Sweden, Hollywood “I had never seen anything quite , also badly injured, Email your answer, marked Gypsy has been described as a like it. Having a child with that was one of the most successful Churchill’s Few competition, to: catchy, pop-country masterpiece specific issue going on at the heart fighter aces but remained [email protected] to filled with irresistible belters. of a drama was so new. The setting unheralded and out of the public Intelligence Officer in a squadron arrive by May Twinnie added: “The title of of it, being in the rural lakes as eye. Cyril Bamberger rose from that was hopelessly and fatally 29. Please note the album pretty much sums me well, just seemed such a beautiful humble origins as a Sergeant Pilot led, said Willis, wrote eloquent that due to the up. I am a traveller by nature and landscape against it. And then to win a DFC and bar. contemporaneous letters to coronavirus by heritage, so I am quite free. this sort of sprawling family saga, Joseph Slagowski was one of the his family. Never previously pandemic we Hollywood Gypsy is about me, my but with this idea of everybody small band of heroic Polish pilots published extracts from the letters are currently life, my artistry.” trying to cope with Joe and with his whose contribution to the Battle, are included in Churchill’s Few. unable to accept neurodiversity; what he brought to as the book reveals, remained Not all the heroes fought competition Social Babies the family and trying to find their scandalously undervalued. for Britain. Unusually, the entries own, individual ways through that.” Former Daily Telegraph book includes the parallel but by The 12-track album features She admitted: “I was thrilled journalist Geoffrey Myers, contrasting story of post. the Radio 2 playlisted single and a little bit nervous to be asked SUE HOLDERNESS – Marlene Social Babies; the track that to play Heather. I knew I would from Only Fools and Horses – is launched her, Better When I’m be working within the setting of a Music the host of the RAF Benevolent Drunk; the anthemic I Love You, specialist school, with some of the MUSIC OBSESSED: Joe (Max Vento). Inset right, Joe's mum Alison (Morven Christie) and, top left, Louise (Pooky Quesnel). Below left, Heather (Julie Hesmondhalgh) and Maurice (Christopher Eccleston) Fund’s All Stations podcast. Now Change, written about the actual children from the school. Dion The charity has launched a pressures she’s faced as a new “To go into that world and Blues with Friends competition for a script about artist in the music industry; and become part of it for a little while the Battle of Britain for the Hollywood Gypsy. is quite challenging because you show – see RnR p6 for details. don’t want to overdo it, overstep Here's her Top 10 tunes: boundaries. But you don’t want to be timid about it either and sit back so the children can’t have any A Word in your ear Dion's relationship with you. Actually, I Eva Cassidy didn’t have to worry about any of 1 Somewhere Over the it, because the school itself is so matey Rainbow wonderful and the staff are just the Eccleston & Hesmondhalgh talk to R'n'R on the best people you’ll ever meet.” Fats Domino Why did writer Peter Bowker 2 Blueberry Hill bring in the character of Heather? return of the hit BBC drama about child autism at 80 Hesmondhalgh explained: “I Queen think because Joe had started at onwards, I always feel I should be at edges have been taken off [in series “When Eddie leaves that’s very it people’s children, grandchildren, HE LEGENDARY Dion (The 3 Don't Stop Me Now the school and is ensconced there the gate with my autograph book and three]. painful for Maurice, and when Eddie best friends. It’s had an enormous Wanderer, Runaround Sue) now. But there’s a lot going on at somehow I’ve got in.” “He’s a happier man. He’s probably returns there’s a new note to their impact on me, personally. I often get Thas a new album out next month, home in this series and he becomes happier than his children, which relationship. Maurice learns he has to people crying and saying, ‘thank you titled Blues With Friends, and 4 Peggy Lee The talented country very attached to the school as t the end of series two, Maurice bemuses him. His children are in give Eddie his space. It’s a beautiful very much for doing it because we what friends… Why Don't You Do Right? songstress, actress and model somewhere where he feels safe, had proposed to Louise (Pooky early middle age and are splintering. thing that happens between Maurice never see anything about autism on No less than Bob Dylan wrote DION: Blues man has been co-writing with multi- where he knows exactly what’s Quesnel),A and been turned down. Their lives are falling apart, really, or and Eddie in this series.” the television. And thank you very the liner notes and the new release Ella Fitzgerald Grammy award-winning writers going on from the second he steps Eccleston said: “The audience certainly changing, so I think that’s Eccleston added: “I’m known for much for not being, for want of a features musical contributions blues and I was covering Willie Dion’s Blues With Friends will 5 Someone to Watch Over Me and producers Nathan Chapman in, to the second he steps out. might be sad to hear it, but quite bemusing for Maurice.” probably three other significant roles: better word, pompous about it’.” from Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Dixon and Jimmy Reed in my be released on June 5 through (Taylor Swift, Shania Twain) and “He starts to create a reality some of Maurice’s rough He explained: “Maurice behaves a Doctor Who, Our Friends in the North, He said: “Our central character is ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Patti early years at Columbia — much Keeping The Blues Alive Records, Liza Minnelli Dave Barns (Carrie Underwood, where that’s his safe space really, so lot better around women. He tends to and Cracker. And I’m a runner, so I’m portrayed as living with autism. We Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, to the dismay of my corporate a new label started by Joe 6 Maybe This Time (Cabaret) Maren Morris). he attaches to Heather in a way that be very competitive and disparaging often out and about have Leon Harrop and Sarah Gordy, Samantha Fish, Paul Simon, Van masters.” Bonamassa and his manager Roy Last year saw Twinnie headline isn’t necessarily healthy and a good about males, but with women he’s and get stopped a actors living with Down’s Syndrome. Morrison and Stevie Van He came up with the music Weisman, an offshoot of Keeping a sold-out show at The Lexington thing for him.” more sensitive and enjoys their lot in the street. I’m It’s an extraordinary event and I think Zandt among others. and lyrics for 12 of the 14 The Blues Alive Foundation, Jacques Brel in north London, support the She added: “Heather and Joe company more. stopped just as much we have created opportunities Dion, 80, said original songs on the Bonamassa’s non-profit 7 If We Only Have Love DAD: Joe likes of Jack Savoretti and Lauren are very, very close, and they have “One of the joys of this series about The A Word with Paul for the future. This show is as Blues With Friends album and finished organisation. Alaina, win Best Breakthrough quite a playful relationship. It’s is the relationship between as I am for those (Lee important to me as anything represented the them with co-writer The label’s objective is to Jacques Brel Act at the 2019 BCMA Awards, lovely actually. Maurice and Eddie, and the three, which has Ingleby) I’ve ever done.” fulfilment of a Mike Aquilina. provide a platform for musical 8 Ne Me Quitte Pas and appear at a host of UK “It was a big deal for me to join changes in there. It comes to a surprised me. lifelong vision. He Dion said: “I talent in blues and blues-rock events including main stages at the third series. It always is when head in a scene where Maurice “The reason n The A Word explained: “I wanted needed to round up based music and to help encourage The Long Road and the British you join an established series is holding a chainsaw. Eddie I’m stopped continues on BBC an album of songs the best guitarists and the careers of extraordinary 9 Simply Red Holding Back the Years Country Music festivals. She also that’s very popular and loved, and really stands up for himself, is because it One at 9pm on that were strong and Gibbons musicians alive and musical talent. supported Kiefer Sutherland on the actors have a relationship and the psychology of their seems autism Tuesdays. The full memorable and told ZZ TOP: pick them from every Ten per cent of all profits from his 2019 tour. with each other and the crew. relationship becomes clear to has impacted boxset is available stories that were worth telling. generation, every variation of the label will be donated back to 10 The Beatles “I came in as a fan-girl. him, possibly from the loss of on every on BBC iPlayer, “The blues have been at the blues. the Foundation for promoting Come Together n Go to: twinnieofficial.com for I’ve always been, this has his own family and his own person you along with series heart of my music since the early “Great songs, great guitarists. music education to students and live date details. happened right from Corrie dream. meet – be one and two. 1960s. The Wanderer is a 12-bar What more do you need?” schools in need. Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 6 Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 7 R'n'R R'n'R Your Announcements Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page You can email photos for announcements on this page to: [email protected] to: [email protected]

Death with postings in Germany from the RAF to the SAF 10, 2020. Please contact Ray (Gütersloh, Geilenkirchen at RAF Tengah between Curtis, call: 01264 735349 or TOP SECRET: The exterior of the and Laarbruch, twice) 1971-75? If so please email: [email protected]. Manna anniversary bunker at Bentley Priory Museum that houses the World War II BARDGETT Eddy passed and the UK (Waddington, contact Peter Priscott for a Operations Room (inset) away on April 15 aged Bassingbourn, Wittering, 50th anniversary reunion ASSOCIATION RAF PHOTO: IWM 96. Served with Coastal Honington, Marham, in August 2021. Email: Women Officers Annual Care with courage Command’s 230 Squadron. Kinloss, St Mawgan [email protected] or Reunion. All RAF Women THE ROYAL Star & Trained on the Empire and Boscombe Down). call: 01842 878554. Officers are invited to attend Garter charity, which cares Training Scheme in Moose Squadrons served with the Annual Reunion Lunch for ex-Servicemen and Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada included 3, 7, 16 and 231 237 OCU. Due to the at the RAF Club on Saturday, women, has launched a VITAL AID: (1943). Set off in June 1945 OCU. Bob was an enthusiastic coronavirus outbreak, the October 10. We meet for A Lancaster new fundraising campaign, in Mark V Sunderland and talented sportsman and eighth annual 237 OCU pre-lunch drinks from 11.30 being loaded Care with courage, during with skipper and long-time represented RAF Germany Groundcrew Reunion will followed by lunch. All will with food the Covid-19 crisis, friend the late Graham at cricket and football. In now be held on Saturday, be made very welcome, by 115 Sqn highlighting the everyday personnel at Stevens from Lough Erne 2015, he was delighted to September 5 from noon especially new members of RAF Wratting bravery of its residents and in Northern Ireland for 230 see AFC Bournemouth at The Compleat Angler, the Association. For further Common staff. Sqn based at Red Hills Lake make the Premier League 120 Prince of Wales Road, details about the lunch or the The charity is facing in Madras, with stops in after supporting the team Norwich, NR1 1NS. Ex-237 Association of RAF Women THE INTERNATIONAL you help with loading the increased costs and a loss Morocco, Sicily, Egypt, Iraq, in the lower leagues since OCU members of all trades Officers, please contact Sue Bomber Command Centre, aircraft? Do you remember of income during the Bahrain and Ceylon. Once 1947. He was married to and any era welcome. Just Arnold on: 07740 865685 or based in Lincoln, needs the fleets of aircraft flying coronavirus pandemic. in Madras, was involved Margaret for more than 50 turn up and join in. For more email: suearnold474@gmail. your help to tell the story from Lincolnshire’s stations Sophie Wiseman, who in first stage repatriation years until her death in 2012 information, please search com. of Operation Manna, in between April 29 and May works at the Solihull Home of newly-liberated POWs. and leaves three children, for 237 OCU on Facebook, readiness for the 75th 8, 1945? Was your family where staff lived and worked Museum launches new project Later joined the NHS in 1948 six grandchildren and a email me at: 237OCU@ THE RAF Locking anniversary this year. saved by the Operation? Was on-site in April to reduce the BENTLEY PRIORY Museum throughout the Cold War. It Volunteers will be critical as a hospital administrator great-granddaughter. The gmail.com or contact Si 119/219/404 Apprentice The Operation saw nearly a member of your family a risk of infection, said: “The has secured a £68,500 grant closed in 2008 when the RAF to the project – supporting and oversaw the building funeral, limited to immediate Roberts at 1 Manor Gardens, Entries 50th Anniversary 12,000 tons of food dropped Food Dropper? staff have gone above and from the National Lottery left Bentley Priory. research, carrying out oral of two London hospitals – family, was held at on Carnoustie, Angus, DD7 Reunion will be held on to the stricken To share memories beyond to keep our residents FIRST-CLASS CARE: Resident Bibi enjoys flower arranging with staff. Inset, Heritage Fund for the project The project will be history interviews and co- Hillingdon (1967) and the May 1 and concluded with 6HY or call: 07546 400085. October 23 and 24. An population, saving almost contact the IBCC at: info@ safe, well and happy. I have, Will with his Granny, who lives at Royal Star & Garter's Surbiton Home ‘Defending Britain from Nazi launched this year to mark curating the temporary Royal Free (1978). Enjoyed a recording of a Canberra informal evening on October one million people from internationalbcc.co.uk or like others I work with, & Nuclear Threat’. the 80th anniversary year exhibition. Initially these a long retirement in Bristol flying overhead. 158 Squadron Bomber 23 will allow ex-apprentices starvation. write to: Op Manna, IBCC, changed roles, so that we Her son Will added: looked after. We want to It will record and share the of the Battle of Britain and tasks can all be carried out with his wife Brenda. Sadly Command. The 158 to gather before the formal Were you a farmer who 13 Cherry Holt Road, can continue to provide “We’ve been really worried thank them for everything memories of RAF and WAAF the 30th anniversary of the remotely. missed by his three daughters Seeking Association is very active dinner on October 24. helped with supplies? Did Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9LA. outstanding care.” that Granny would be they do.” personnel who worked in the reunification of Germany in Please email the Museum and grandchildren. and we want to contact The formal event will take Julia Annandale whose stressed or anxious, but Andy Cole, the charity’s top secret bunker at RAF 1990. It will include both a at: collectionsproject@ any veteran or relative of a place in the ballroom of the mother is at the Surbiton every single member of staff chief executive, said: “Our Bentley Priory, focusing on temporary and permanent bentleypriorymuseum.org. IS YOUR surname Mortimer, veteran. We are planning Weston-super-Mare Winter Home, said: “I can’t thank and every carer has done veterans have shown such the Battle of Britain in 1940 exhibition, resources for uk if you are interested in Dale, Keen or Jones? I’m a reunion and memorial Gardens, BS23 1AJ, for all Memories of Cranwell the Royal Star & Garter an amazing job at Royal dedication and service to and the Cold War from 1945 schools and family activities volunteering on the project. hoping to make contact with service for autumn 2020. RAF Locking 119/219/404 staff enough for turning up Star & Garter over the past our country, we now need to 1991. during school holidays. The museum is keen any relatives of those who Please contact: KevB@ Entry Apprentices and wives/ every day during this crisis, few weeks in managing the to be there for them.” The underground bunker The museum’s chair of to hear from anyone who died with my uncle Edward silenicus.com. partners. For further details and for making what must knock-on effect of what’s ■ Go to: starandgarter.org/ was completed in haste trustees, AM Cliff Spink, worked in the bunker, McLaughlin on August 22, please contact Barry Cox at: be enormous efforts to keep happening at the moment. carewithcourage/ to support in 1940 as Nazi Germany said of the grant: “It was a or has any memories or 1941, while serving with RAF Bawdsey Reunion [email protected]. everything as normal as “We’re incredibly grateful Royal Star & Garter’s Care threatened to invade Britain great lift to us all to receive photographs of it they would 37 Squadron in Egypt and Association. Due to the possible.” that Granny’s being so well with Courage campaign. and was developed for use such positive news.” like to share. are buried in the Suez war coronavirus pandemic we SSAFA concert cemetery. Please contact Elaine have, regrettably, had to Kelly at: [email protected]. cancel the annual reunion lunch planned for Saturday, MILITARY charity SSAFA’s I WOULD like to reconnect June 6. Those who have VE Day 75 With The Daily with Stuart Taylor. He was booked a place and paid Mail concert has been THIS YEAR is the centenary your stories and memories based at RAF Brize Norton their fee will have their rescheduled for Sunday, of the RAF College Cranwell please email: crn-sce- 90s/00s working in the money refunded. We have September 20. Due to the (pictured above) and it is [email protected]. electrical/avionics ground crew provisionally planned the Government’s coronavirus in the process of collecting uk or write to: Media and ADVANCE section. Possibly 216 Sqn, 101 next reunion for Saturday, restrictions, the Royal Albert memories from people who Communications Office, Sqn or 10 Sqn. He will be 49-50 June 5, 2021 and look Hall and UK cinemas were may have lived or worked RAF College Cranwell, now. Lived in Blackpool in the forward to seeing our friends closed on Bank Holiday there in any capacity. Sleaford, Lincolnshire, 80s (briefly at the Tower in ’87). again then. In the meantime Friday, May 8 – the 75th If you would like to share NG34 8HB. Lost touch due to house/job we wish you all a safe and anniversary of VE Day. A YOUR CAREER Bob Latchem change. Please email Marie at: healthy time during this SSAFA spokesperson said: [email protected] if unprecedented period. If you “Tickets already purchased you can help. have any queries please email: for the Royal Albert Hall will ROBERT (Bob) LATCHEM doreen.bawdseyreunion@ be valid for the new date. The Write a script for passed away peacefully at his Reunions btinternet.com or you can venue will contact all patrons WITH THE OPEN home in Poole on April 20, call: 07513 301 723. with details of how to request Preparing for the move to civilian life? aged 86. He joined the RAF a refund if they cannot make popular podcast Whether or not you already have a career in the early 50s and became SINGAPORE Armed Forces COASTAL Command the new date. Cinema tickets a Flt Lt on Canberras, Reunion. Were you seconded Officers’ Reunion, October will be back on sale in due THE RAF Benevolent Fund The podcast is hosted by option in mind, take a look into the exciting course via local cinemas.” has launched a competition Only Fools And Horses actress UNIVERSITY and relevant qualifications that we offer. Ticket holders should inviting the public to write a Sue Holderness (inset). How to use our service contact their local cinema script telling a fictional story The script competition You’ll enjoy the reassurance that we’re a box office directly to confirm based on the Battle aims to engage younger world-leading provider of distance learning There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death, in memoriam it is screening this event on of Britain. audiences, as previous seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. and that over 1,500 forces personnel are We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: the new date or to receive T h e research by the [email protected]. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept a refund. For news and winning Fund revealed 40 currently studying with us. notices submitted by post. updates go to: www.veday75. s c r i p t per cent of 18 to co.uk. will be 24-year-olds did Important Notice produced not know what as an the Battle of The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or Catering Association mentioned in this publication. audio Britain was. Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval drama and Submissions or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their MEMBERSHIP is open to r e l e a s e d should be 10- current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that those serving or who have as a bonus 25 minutes long the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. Find out how we can help you develop All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with served as a WO or FS in episode of the and the deadline for advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. Trade Group 19 and former second series of entries is May 31, 2020. your career path for civvy street ■ All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in RAF Catering Officers. the Fund’s All Stations Go to: rafbf.org/battle- visit openuniversity.co.uk/rafnews advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed. Email: janedjones6@tiscali. podcast on Battle of Britain of-britain/competition for co.uk or call: 01487 823480. Day, September 15. more details. Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 R'n'R 8 R'n'R

Due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable Crossword to accept Crossword and Su Doku entries by post, so for the Su Doku No. 273 time being, please complete them just for fun. We will resume No. 283 Solve the crossword, then rearrange the seven sending prizes for winning entries as soon as possible. letters in yellow squares to find an old aircraft Fill in all the Across squares in 6. Queen of the fairies almost joins 100 on ship (7) the grid so 7. An attractive angle? (5) that each row, 9. In hamper, there is something from Scottish city (5) each column 10. Sounds like a dangerous place for swimming (4,3) and each 12. See 20 Down 3x3 square 14. Unchains gem for use on Spitfire (7,4) contains all 18. Is duck behind cloister? (7) the digits 19. American returns his badly cooked dish… which should be raw from 1 to 9. (5) 21. Crow is nearly starving (5) 22. This includes first woman who steals (7)

Down 1. And 2 Down. Long-distance teacher uses (5,6) 2. See 1 Down 3. And 17 Down, 13 Down. Half Irish camera broken by RAF boss (3,5,7) 4. Bitter about a police force in charge (6) Solution to Su Doku No: 282 5. Try to persuade Anne Tyler, at first (7) 8. Retribution exacted by little clergyman at end of Stonehenge (7) 11. Greedy birds, presumably (7) 13. See 3 Down 15. It offers protection in flight (6) 16. Unhappy Sean consumes gold: this is the inevitable result (6) 17. See 3 Down 20. And 12 Across. Dramatic way RAF prisoners left Stalag Luft III (3,5,6)

Solution to Crossword No. 271: Across – 6. Lunatic 7. Rivet 9. About 10. Knesset 12. Breadwinner 14. Air And Space 18. Warfare 19. Union 21. Adore 22. Current Down – 1. Rugby 2. Jaguar 3. MiG 4. Gibson 5. Leveret 8. Unswept 11. Dan Dare 13. Miranda 15. Afford 16. Centre 17. Joint 20. Guy Bomber – Liberator

Books Win! Film review Meteor Boys/Tornado Boys Camino Skies Skies the limit grubstreet.co.uk (£12.99 each, paperback) On digital release now with Curzon Home Cinema and all digital platforms from June 1 The Boys are back in town HROUGH INTERVIEWING more in the RAF following the introduction of than 40 veterans, in Meteor Boys female pilots to the Service in 1994. Steve Bond has written a detailed Tornado Boys by Ian Hall features stories Taccount of the iconic aircraft, supported of Scud hunting in Iraq and Red Flag by anecdotes and accounts from exercises in the US, along those who knew it best. with the tale of a stunning One is Alan McDonald who competition victory over described the aircraft as ‘a bit the USAF’s Strategic Air unforgiving if you got it wrong, Command in their own as many pilots found out to their backyard. cost, especially on one engine, but There are also tales from I must admit I got to like it very those who flew Tornados on much – it was a great adrenalin exchange, loan and contract r u s h .’ service with foreign air forces. Alongside these anecdotes is The book also highlights the story of the Meteor’s origins the essential part played by and development. Starting with ground crew in the Tornado the first deliveries in 1944 working story, with chapters by GROUP of six New north-western Spain to the cases their own children. through to the present day, Bond frontline engineers. Zealanders and shrine of Saint James in Perhaps this journey to the documents the jet’s diverse role We have copies of Meteor AustraliansA come together to search of spiritual growth. other side of the world will – from use in operations against Boys and Tornado Boys (both make the famous pilgrimage The filmmakers here are afford them some sense of the V1, photo-reconnaissance grubstreet.co.uk, rrp £12.99 of the Camino de Santiago, gifted beautiful backdrops closure before they head back missions, as a training machine paperback) from Grub Street’s united not only through for conversations with these home. and later a display aircraft. Jet Age series, to win. the physical journey but the largely senior travellers, who Sue Morris is an 80-year- Particular attention is given to its For your chance to own hardships that have led them talk very frankly about the old who has recently major service period of the 1950s one, just answer this question: here. tragedies they have suffered separated from her husband to the early 1960s. This documentary follows and continue to shoulder. and is determined to walk When was the Tornado these individuals, delving Whilst it could feel the 800km distance, despite INCE THE 1970s, when it retired from RAF service? into their often heartbreaking exploitative, the subjects having severe arthritis and was first used as a Cold War motivation, joining them as often seem to be taking great suffering incredible pain. Snuclear deterrent, the Panavia Email your answer, marked they come to know each other motivation or catharsis from In the same manner in Tornado played a vital role in the Jet Age books competition, to: and find some form of reward their heartfelt interviews. which these strangers come RAF until its retirement from BOOKS: Jet Age Series [email protected] in the trials ahead. For some Inserted throughout, we are to form bonds simply by service in April 2019. to arrive by May 29. Remember this seems to be a personal given more insight and more treading the same path and Serving in both Gulf Wars and more to state on your entry whether you prefer to challenge, for others an escape reason to be impressed by sharing their stories, walking recently as a key player in Middle East win a copy of Meteor Boys or Tornado Boys. or quest for meaning. their perseverance. alongside them you can’t help operations, this unique aircraft achieved Please note that due to the coronavirus For more than a thousand A large part of the group but take inspiration. many great things including being the first pandemic we are unable currently to accept years many people have appear to be mourning the Review by Sam Cooney aircraft to be flown by men and women competition entries by post. made this journey across death of a loved one, in some Three out of five How appeal victory might affect your pension rights Advice now is to wait until the end of the consultation period before deciding

Q1. It is entirely legal to change pension (3) provides the member with the full scheme arrangements, so what were they understanding and opportunity to make challenging? informed decisions about their financial future.

A1. The transitional rules for transfer to the MOD staff are aware of these tests; the FPS 2015 public sector pension arrangements Chief Executive, Major General (Retd) Neil singled out those who were in service on 31 Marshall, has been directly involved in the March 2012 with more than 10 years to serve technical discussions with the MOD and will until normal pension age for transfer to the remain closely engaged as the process new schemes. moves to public consultation later this year.

Those with less than 10 years to serve until Q4. So everybody who was transferred to normal pension age were allowed to remain AFPS 15 is going to be entitled to whatever on their current pension scheme. That remedy MOD propose? meant that age was a determinant in these You have probably read arrangements - and age discrimination is A4. No. Only those who were in service on 31 that the judges and illegal. March 2012, still in service on 31 March 2015 firefighters successfully and then transferred to AFPS 15 on 1 April Q2. The Court ruled for the judges and 2015 are included. challenged the rules firefighters, not for the Armed Forces under which some Pension Scheme (AFPS) so why should If, for example, you were in Regular service members of their that matter to me? on 31 March 2012, left for more than 30 days respective pension (periods of 30 days or less count as schemes were A2. The government accepted that the Court continuous service) and re-joined the of Appeal’s ruling in respect of the judges Regulars before 31 March 2015, you would transferred to the 2015 and firefighters had a read across to all the not be included. public sector pension other public sector pension schemes as they, schemes. too, used age as a determinant for transfer in Q5. I was transferred to AFPS 15 but I have their transitional rules. since left the Armed Forces. Will I be The successful challenge excluded from MOD’s proposals? Q3. As public sector scheme authorities was on the grounds of knew in 2018 that there was a read across A5. If you meet the criteria set out in the age discrimination. In and, in June 2019, they knew that leave to answer above, you will be included in December 2018 the appeal to the Supreme Court had been whatever remedy is finally decided upon. Court of Appeal ruled in refused, why hasn’t the position of favour of the judges and transferees been sorted out? Q6. So now what? firefighters and, in June A3. It is not that easy. Some people find that A6. We all need to wait patiently for the end 2019, the government they are better off in AFPS 15 and it would be of the consultation period and the was refused leave to unfair to simply return them to AFPS 75 or announcement of MOD’s plans. appeal to the Supreme AFPS 05. MOD have been considering all the “We in the FPS, representing Court. options and are expecting to put their Keep an eye on the FPS website which will proposals out to pubic consultation later in keep you posted on the latest information. your interests, will be looking the year. We must emphasise that there is no point very carefully at what they The lead complainant asking the FPS Pensions Team for ‘what if’ for the judges was called We in the FPS, representing your interests, calculations at this stage because before we propose. We have already set McCloud and, for that will be looking very carefully at what they know what is actually planned we would out 3 ’tests’ against which

reason, our website propose. We have already set out 3 ’tests’ simply be wasting our time and your money. any proposed remedy will be

against which any proposed remedy will be always refers to this judged against before we commit to judged against before we issue as ‘McCloud’. supporting it. These are that the remedy: commit to supporting it. “ If you are a Member of the Forces Pension In the following Q&A (1) unequivocally addresses the age Society and have pensions-related Mary Petley of the discrimination contained in the 2015 questions (but, at the moment, excluding Scheme’s transitional arrangements; McCloud, for the reasons explained Forces Pension Society above), email us at: sets out what their (2) in relation to the remedy period, provides [email protected] success might mean for the Member with the same unequivocal you. assurance that no one will be worse off and If you are not a Member but would like ADVERTISEMENT that those with accrued benefits will keep to learn more about us, visit FEATURE them; www. forcespensionsociety.org Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P17

By Tracey Allen Feature

With only the most basic kit, intrepid RFC pilots were always… WINGING IT HROUGHOUT WORLD WAR specialised goggles, rainproof gauntlets by Army drivers and despatch riders. I developments in military and leather coats were produced “However, there was some aviation were profound – not by companies including Burberry, equipment on offer as issue and this Tjust in aerial warfare but also in the Gamages, Dunhill, Robinson & Cleaver was listed in the scale of provision of uniforms and equipment aircrew and Gieves. 1914 and included weatherproof coats, used. In Royal Flying Kitbag Before the RFC was formed, the goggles, gauntlets, leather boots and (frontline-books.com) Mark Hillier had developed an air leather caps. looks at all the objects an RFC pilot battalion that operated with balloons “Aircrew still had the option to or air mechanic was issued with for and the first fixed- aircraft. purchase their own clothing and sorties over the Western Front – from Hillier said: “On April 13, 1912 commercial companies continued to flying clothing to headgear, personal the King issued a Royal Warrant for develop their motoring ranges into weapons, gloves, goggles and early life a new service and the battalion was more specialised flying clothing.” preservers. replaced with the RFC, which had both He added: “As the war progressed This fascinating book the exposure of aircrew became examines in detail what Corps starkly apparent with pilots aircrew wore as they took on suffering from frostbite and their German enemies over chilblains, and the RFC looked the trenches in what were the to develop better kit for their formative years of military aviators.” aviation. Hillier said: “The difficulties he book includes many EARLY RAF: faced by the first Royal Flying previously unpublished Lts Kelly & Warner, 85 Sqn, Hounslow, April 1918 Corps pilots and observers, Tphotographs plus images of who met the challenges of original items of equipment early aviation in open cockpit held in both museums and machines, can only be imagined. collections, such as the “Aircraft and engine photograph of a pair of metal serviceability were not great, and boot warmers (right) that could the risk of being shot down by the be filled with hot water in cold enemy either by ground fire or by and wet weather to help dry out return fire was high. field boots. “For those who mastered The 1915 Training Manual the air, they had to learn on RFC lists the clothing aircrew the job. This included finding were expected to wear as ‘two ways of keeping warm and alert pairs of thick long drawers, a whilst flying and adapting and DAPPER: Officers of 39 (Home Defence) Sqn in various headgear woollen waistcoat, a British adopting the kit available at the ‘warm coat’, with a waterproof time. Keeping warm was not just about a military wing and a naval wing with a oilskin over it, a cap with ear pads, two STURDY: Short creature comforts, but maintaining joint . balaclavas, a flying helmet, goggles, a leather RFC alertness which meant the odds of “The uniform adopted for the warm scarf and two pairs of socks and boots worn by surviving increased on long or high- military wing at this time was khaki gloves.’ officers and altitude sorties.” and officers were seconded to the Hillier explained that it was WOs and, above, metal boot warmers He added: “Parachutes, life jackets, wing from existing regiments, initially important for aircrew to dress only for longer footwear hearing protection and immersion suits retaining their uniforms and only immediately before each sortie to have all developed over the past century adding RFC pilot’s wings as a means of prevent them sweating as the excess of aviation. However, before the First identification.” perspiration would freeze at altitude. World War, pilots had no real concept He said: “Fire was the aircrews’ of the environment and what they were hen the Royal Air Force was biggest fear and to a degree the leather up against.” formed in 1918, a specific uniform helmets, goggles made of Triplex Win blue featuring RAF insignia was and leather flying coats gave some illier explained that many would- developed. During WWI the uniform protection, but parachutes were still not be pilots, both before and after was khaki for operational use. issued and these may have saved lives. Hthe RFC was established, looked to Hillier said: “The formal issue of “Sadly, some aircrew took to automobile clothing manufacturers clothing to RFC and Royal Naval Air carrying pistols, not for self-defence for protective equipment. Aviator Service pilots was limited and often but with which to take their own lives combination suits, fleece-lined boots, adapted from motoring garments used rather than face being burned to death.” Bag yourself a copy Win!

WE HAVE copies of Royal Flying Corps Kitbag up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning one, simply answer this question correctly: When was the Royal Air Force formed? Email your answer, marked RFC Kitbag book competition, to: competitions@ rafnews.co.uk to arrive by May 29. Due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept competition entries by post. ADVERT: An ‘Aerophil’ Coat for ‘men of the RFC’ in 1916 Flight magazine RFC: 2Lt pilot in 1917 wearing shoulder-rank Service dress uniform with his observer, who stands behind in fug boots 0ROYAL AIRFORCE

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Feature Thought you knew everything there was to know about the Battle of Britain? Think again Authors of new book To Defeat the Few – Douglas C. Dildy and Paul F. Crickmore – tell RAF News, in their own words, how examining Luftwaffe records has Rewriting enabled them to reveal the real story of history’s most significant air battle

RITING IN his preface to the seminal Air Defence of Great Britain just four years after the Battle of Britain, TCG James admitted ‘there is much that is not yet certain. Details, reliable Winformation and authoritative explanations are still not available’. the legend Despite this reservation, James’s authoritative work has spawned over 75 years of Battle of Britain histories that parrot his assumptions, assertions and assessments with little more than cursory examination of surviving Luftwaffe records or post-war German histories. Today’s chief of the Air Historical Branch, Sebastian Cox, maintains that the RAF’s official account and those based on it ‘should be read in conjunction with more recent scholarship on German actions and intentions.’ of The Few In To Defeat the Few, we ther discoveries in To Defeat have done just that. Using the Few include an analysis of the Luftwaffe’s official Othe limitation of ’s histories – 42 volumes so-called ‘’. written by surviving high- The slow response due to the ranking Luftwaffe officers extra time needed to gather the between 1952-1958 and daily formation of four or five squadrons ‘situation reports’ for July 1 together was only the second- through to September 30, greatest limitation. Many historians 1940 – we correlated German have wondered why Biggin Hill was strategy, operational plans singled out for such a concentrated and tactical missions with original series of heavy attacks – the answer RAF reports. is in our book. We studied group, unit and The devastating September 7 station operation records to raid on London’s East End Docks develop an accurate, balanced and was not effectively intercepted by comprehensive account of what 11 Group before ‘bombs away’ actually happened and why. because of the difference between Examining the Luftwaffe’s air an ‘active defence’ versus a ‘static campaign at the strategic and defence’ along the line of approach. operational levels unearthed Since its declassification ‘Ultra’ several important discoveries and has been represented to have played new considerations in the conduct a vital role in the Battle of Britain of this campaign. and Fighter Command’s victory. German sources make it clear The target of the Luftwaffe’s that the Battle’s ‘first phase’, known September 7 attack was not as ‘’ (Channel Battle) known despite three days of to the Luftwaffe, was actually a ‘Ultra’ intercepts because of BIG BUT VULNERABLE: The Bf 110 ‘Zerstörer’ (Destroyer) was a long-range bomber escort fighter, mounting a nose battery of two maritime air campaign resulting 20mm and four 7.92mm machine guns. However, it lacked manoeuvrability when pitched against RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes and bureaucracy. from a separate and entirely suffered accordingly (© Andy Saunders) We have examined why the different strategy on how to affect Luftwaffe consciously chose to Britain’s strategic defeat. The Luftwaffe used modern, bomb airfields that were not It was not the first phase fluid ‘finger-four’ formations where Fighter Command bases, how of the Battle of Britain, but a the flight leader and his deputy the Y-Service helped Fighter completely different air campaign were both designated ‘shooters’. Command anticipate the approach altogether until superseded by Therefore a German 12-fighter and composition of Luftwaffe the Luftwaffe’s attempt to destroy formation had six ‘shooters’ – a 1.5 formations. Fighter Command and attain air to 1 advantage in squadron-versus- While our narrative presents the superiority over south eastern squadron combat. operational aspects of this first- England for the planned cross- Interestingly, the RAF’s overall ever independent air campaign, Channel invasion. loss-vs-victory ratio in fighter- its tactical facets are illustrated versus-fighter dogfights was 1.77:1, in more than 300 images (many t the operational level, we statistically virtually identical. published for the first time) and discovered many previously There was also a technical their detailed captions. unidentifiedA factors that played limitation that imposed an To Defeat the Few provides crucial roles in the outcome of the operational restriction on the a professional military account campaign. number of squadrons each Sector and assessment of history’s first Luftwaffe fighter formations Operations Centre could control in Offensive Counter Air Campaign ‘out-gunned’ their RAF opponents the defence of its airspace. waged against the world’s first at virtually the same ratio as their The ‘Pip Squeak’ and Huff-Duff’ Integrated Air Defence System, SITTING ‘DAFFY’ DUCK: The Boulton Paul Defiant, four- fighter, proved to be resulting ‘kill and loss’ records. equipment for tracking intercepting a disaster. Heavy and with no forward armament, they were decimated by Luftwaffe fighters establishing the blueprint for all Fighter Command’s rigid, units could only accommodate four (Doug Dildy Collection, colourisation by Richard Molloy) that followed it, from the Arab- obsolete and three-aircraft engaged individual squadrons at one time Israeli ‘Six Day War’ through tactics permitted only one fighter in – about 48 fighters – who would (despite the unfavourable ‘exchange Using this major revision in Operation Desert Storm. the section – the leader – to be the frequently be overwhelmed by ratio’) until Air Vice-Marshal Keith operational tactics, after a series For this reason, the Battle ‘shooter’ while the two wingmen German raiders totalling twice or Park began pairing squadrons of dramatic defeats during the of Britain – as told from an air guarded his tail. So, a 12-aircraft three times that number. together to meet the incoming concluding week that month, the campaign perspective – remains RAF squadron had four shooters at Under this restriction, Fighter raiders with superior numbers of battle, at least during daylight vitally relevant even 80 years after the outset of an engagement. Command was battling for a draw interceptors. hours, became a British victory. it occurred. Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P20 Obituary Flt Lt Terry Clark DFM Battle of Britain air gunner’s death means just one of The Few remains

ITH THE death of Flight intercepted a Junkers 88, which they shot Lieutenant Terry Clark at the down into the Solent. Their next success age of 101 there is now just one came on June 13 when Clark made contact Wsurvivor of The Few, the men who fought with an enemy aircraft; Hobbis closed in to in the Battle of Britain. 100 yards and a Heinkel III fell to his Clark was born in Croydon and left fire. school when he was 14 to work at the local After the war, Clark made contact with gas works. After two years he wanted more Herbert Schick, one of the German crew adventure, so answered an advert seeking from the Heinkel, and corresponded with air gunners for the newly-formed No 615 him. After Schick’s death, his son and Clark Squadron at nearby Kenley. He joined in exchanged Christmas cards every year. March 1938 and began his training. In July 1940 he was transferred to No. 219 n July Clark was awarded an immediate Squadron. DFM and his pilot received the DFC. Clark was an Aircraftman Second Class IThey were posted to a Havoc night fighter when he joined No. 219 Squadron as an squadron, an aircraft ill-suited to night air gunner in late July 1940. The squadron, fighting, and both men found it a frustrating based at Catterick, operated the Blenheim time. After a period as instructors, the two Mark I in the night fighter role. were posted back on operations, this time On August 3, newly-promoted to Sergeant, with No. 488 (RNZAF) Squadron equipped he and his pilot took off to investigate an with the Mosquito. An accident grounded unidentified aircraft but nothing was seen. Clark and it was not until October 1943 that Further patrols were flown, but with the he was able to resume flying. early generation air intercept radar still in its On November 25, his pilot Dudley Hobbis infancy, contacts with enemy aircraft were took off on his final flight before leaving the rare, resulting in no successful engagements. squadron. Clark was disappointed that his With the onset of the heavy German night long-standing pilot – they had been together raids, which commenced on the night of three years – would be flying that night with September 7/8, the squadron moved south. another radar operator. The aircraft caught Towards the end of the month, as the Battle fire over the North Sea and the crew were was coming to a close, the squadron re- lost. Clark was deeply upset at the loss of his equipped with the outstanding Beaufighter, old friend. with its more advanced radar. Flying with a new pilot on December Clark and his fellow air gunners were given 20, Clark gained a contact at 15,000 feet a short course on the radar before becoming and after closing in, a Messerschmitt 410 navigator/radio. Clark commented: “Now night fighter was shot down over Sussex. In we have an aircraft built for the job.” March 1944 he was rested and worked in the sector operations room at RAF North fter a period of training with the new Weald in , where he trained as a fighter Beaufighter, the squadron started controller. operationsA in early 1941 from RAF Tangmere During a brief few days visiting 488 in Sussex. In February 1941 the squadron Squadron in late July, he flew with his old had a new CO, Thomas pilot and they intercepted a Junkers 188 Pike, a future Marshal of the RAF and chief bomber. After a long combat, they shot of the air staff. the bomber down. It was Clark’s sixth and On April 16 Clark was tasked to fly with final success. He went to a ground control the CO, whose own navigator was unfit. approach school before a brief spell in Later that evening they were scrambled. France, then with No. 1 Ground Control Clark soon picked up a contact on his radar Approach unit at RAF Prestwick. He was at 17,000 feet and directed Pike astern of released from the RAF in November 1945 as a bomber, which Pike shot a . down over . Shortly afterwards, Clark He returned to Croydon Gas as the store’s gained another contact, and after closing manager and joined the RAF Volunteer to 200 yards, Pike destroyed a Heinkel III. Reserve as a fighter controller, serving at DFM: Terry Clark with No. 488 (RNZAF) Squadron at Bradwell Bay, summer 1943, before a night flying test Clark saw two parachutes emerge from the weekends and on annual two-week camps. stricken aircraft. He received the Air Efficiency Award. “Straight after the war, I wasn’t really aware part of it. I would not have missed it for the On April 27, flying with his usual Looking back on his time in the RAF, and of what we had been involved in. It was just world. Every sailor, soldier, airmen did their pilot, Dudley Hobbis, they the events of 1940 and 1941, he commented: another part of the war. I was pleased I was bit. They should all be thanked.” Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P21

Sqn Ldr Jack Simmonds Obituary Towering figure Youthful pilot who survived The Long March as Nazi POW QUADRON LEADER Jack Simmonds, who has died aged 99, was 20 years old Swhen he was shot down in his Whitley bomber. After training as a pilot whilst still a teenager, he joined No. 77 Squadron at Topcliffe in April 1941. With his very youthful looks, his squadron friends called him ‘Junior’. He flew his first bombing raid as a co-pilot when he attacked Hamburg. Over the next few weeks he flew a further seven operations, when he was made a captain. His first operation with his own crew was to join a force of 80 Whitleys to bomb the railway yards at Schwerte, in north . On the night of July 6/7 he took part in a raid with 45 aircraft to bomb Dortmund. Over the target THAMES TAXI: Simmonds – circled his aircraft was hit by flak and below at Oflag XXIB at Schubin – his observer was wounded. With landed his Sunderland on the river in his observer unable to bale out, 1951 to mark Battle of Britain Week and with one of the two engines useless, he made a crash landing transferred to the East Camp. five miles from Eindhoven, in the It was from here that Simmonds Netherlands. The crew were soon joined the team that assisted three captured. POWs to make a successful escape Simmonds soon found himself in October 1943 using a ‘Wooden with 18 other officers at Oflag VIIC Horse’, and which was immortalised at Laufen Castle in Bavaria but his by a film of the same name in 1950. stay was short and he was moved by Simmonds remained at Sagan cattle truck to Oflag VC at Lubeck, until late January 1945 when the a journey that took seven days. prisoners were given a few hours By the end of 1941, many RAF notice to leave the camp. As the officers were moved to Oflag VIB Soviet Army advanced westwards, at Warburg and it was here that the the long column of prisoners first mass escape was attempted. By trekked into Germany in appalling April 1942 four escape tunnels were weather conditions on what became being worked on and Simmonds known as ‘The Long March’. His was involved in the tunnelling column arrived at Luckenwalde party. south of Berlin where the Russians In May just before the tunnel liberated them. Eventually, the US was completed, the German guards Army arrived and he was flown discovered it. A large party of the home from Brussels. POWs who had been involved in various escape attempts were e remained in the RAF and moved in September to a new in November 1945 joined the camp at Oflag XXIB, at Schubin in Hair headquarters in Cairo. He later Poland, where Simmonds met up became the camp adjutant at Lydda with others who had been on 77 in Palestine before being seconded Squadron. to the Army to be the adjutant of the Sunderland flying boat and for him, and where his aircraft was member of a joint war-gaming No. 651 (AOP) Squadron flying was flight commander of No. 201 moored for six days. team. nce Stalag Luft III at Sagan, Austers. One day he was off duty Squadron at Pembroke Dock. In He spent two years as the chief He later specialised in signals the specially constructed in the King David Hotel when it 1951, to commemorate Battle ground instructor at the Maritime and after tours at HQ NEAF Ocamp run by the Luftwaffe for RAF was blown up by the Irgun terrorist of Britain Week, he landed his Operational Training Unit at in and at HQ Coastal prisoners and the scene of the Great group, with heavy loss of life. Sunderland on the River Thames St Mawgan before a two-year Command he returned to flying at Escape, had been completed, the After converting to four- near Greenwich and taxied it to appointment with the RAF Lindholme before retiring in majority of POWs at Schubin were engine aircraft, Simmonds flew Tower Bridge, which was opened at Portland, where he was the RAF 1968.

Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P23

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07966 429755 Sport 4 pages of RAF Sport start here l Union star Amy's fitness fight on home front P25

MOTOR SPORT Hall in Central role Rally star takes up ambassador post for Service sporting charity

AIR APPARENT: Main, Cpl Phil Hall gets up and away during the Rally of Finland, below, Hall, who will be looking to take his new role for the RAF Central Fund to hit the heights PHOTO: CHARLY LOPEZ DANIEL ABRAHAMS to get more involved in sport, no driving calendar to spend time HQ Air Command matter what level or discipline.” with RAF personnel who have In his new role Hall will be taking expressed an interest in taking time out of his co- up or progressing in their chosen “A PRESTIGIOUS honour and sport. opportunity”, is how World Rally The RAF Central Fund is a Championship co-driving ace Cpl charity which supports serving Phil Hall described his selection RAF personnel, enabling them to for ambassador of the RAF take part in sports and physical Central Fund. activities at all levels, regardless Hall 30, from of role, rank, or physical ability. Nottinghamshire, said: The charity funds sports “Without the Royal Air Force, I facilities, equipment and would not be in the incredible physical training and provides position I am today, competing support to safeguard both RAF at the top level of rallying and Regulars and Reservists’ health now I’ll be able to put something and wellbeing. back into the charity which has so “I’m excited to be visiting RAF actively supported me throughout Stations and Squadrons around my co-driving career. It would the UK to talk about my sporting be great to think that I can also experiences within the Force inspire other members of the RAF Continued on page 26: 100mm

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Sport

RUGBY UNION Vroom with a phew.. Red Rose star Amy really motoring in garage home gym

RAF AND England rugby How have you altered this union star Amy Cokayne is Q to fit the current situation? never one to back down from a I am still given a strength and challenge, and she has been no conditioning programme to different during lockdown. follow, it has less skills and ‘on- Having risen to Six Nations, feet’ conditioning and more World Cup and Inter-Services circuit training. TRANSFORMED: Amy’s garage glory, the Flying Officer has before she got to work on it built her own home-based gym Any tips on reducing in her garage to keep fit during Q fitness time, yet the coronavirus outbreak. maintaining fitness levels and RAF News spoke with her results? about the move and asked how If I had no kit and limited time, she’s maintaining fitness during I would prioritise High Intensity these unprecedented times. Interval Training. This only takes a matter of minutes and gives a How different has the big bang for your buck. There Q change been going from are lots of free online sessions competition to no rugby at all? available. The RAF Central It’s a huge shame about this Fund has teamed up with LES year’s Inters, but it’s totally MILLS On Demand (see RAF understandable. So, if my last News Sport 1490) which offers game for a while was beating all serving RAF personnel 60 Wales for my 50th cap, it’s not a days free access and a discounted bad way to pause things. package after that. Do you have any tips on How has your diet Q mentally dealing with the Q changed? lockdown? This is an area I have been I have found myself without the concentrating on. I am eating structure of regular training. fewer calories, as I’m not added ropes, dumbbells and an sessions. I work on a four-week You said you wanted your So, I built the gym at home. burning as many. Balancing assault bike since. But you can do cycle of exercises, with changes in Q 50th cap to inspire, has your Mentally, it’s important to stay calorie needs with goals is lots of stuff with just body weight weight, repetition and sets weekly. new home gym also inspired you? busy. I keep a daily schedule, extremely important. I try to exercises and the RAF PTIs have a I have had lots of support since I’ve with to-do lists. People could stick to normal meal times great programme on YouTube. How important would you been posting pictures of my gym. consider learning a new skill and avoid grazing. My advice Q say fitness is at this time? People love the lights and some or language. Have a go at some would be to eat a balanced diet, Q You have added some Fitness is very important. It’s are doing the same thing and are online courses. Little things control portion size and get personal touches too. essential to maintain a healthy asking for advice. like making your bed also help. lots of different colours on your Yes, I painted a section of the wall body and mind. I find setting plate. Also look for recipes to black and use coloured chalks to fitness goals gives me purpose and How proud are you of seeing What is your normal experiment with. write up sessions. I added some keeps my training on track. Q your Service rise to the Q fitness regime? lights as I wanted to get a nice gym challenge by helping in the UK During the season I do three When did you first decide environment to encourage me to Do you take part in virtual fight against Covid-19? weights sessions a week for Q to set up your home gym? use it daily. Q training sessions? I am really proud to see the RAF upper, lower body and total A week or two before things Our RAF rugby strength and getting involved and helping the body work-outs. I will have really kicked off. While some Q What is your gym and conditioning coach, Sgt Ben country to get through this difficult two ‘on-feet’ conditioning people were out getting toilet fitness regime now? Brook, has teamed up with other time. It’s especially great to see my sessions, plus two evening squad rolls, I went on the hunt for gym Physically you can build up and PTIs to do a daily session on social rugby teammates making such a training sessions with a game on equipment. It took two days to improve areas that you wouldn’t media – he is second-to-none. We contribution to the effort, we have Saturday. Finally, I include a bike paint and lay the floor, then I’ve typically be able to during a season. have a virtual training session each lots of medics, nurses, logisticians, or rowing session. just been adding equipment. I I have added more functional week with the girls, which keeps us police and technicians in the squad started with a rack, bar, weights, training compared to strength all connected. who I know are working extremely kettlebells and a slam ball. I’ve exercises with three weekly running hard. Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P26 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews

Sport

FENCING

CLUB TOGETHER: Main, Fg Off Luke Hilton receiving the new tie from TM Lewin’s Cliff Burgess as SAC Matt Ives looks on, inset left, the company’s original Club and Military design book with RAF tie design, inset right, the new tie, top right, Hilton’s design idea, right, the original tie sported by former club president AVM Ret’d Sir Bob Peters Sharp look is just MOTORSPORT capital for fencers Rally ace New tie design rebuilds links with Service history to give STAFF REPORTER and Club Tie department, but company’s head office in Holborn his Hall HQ Air Command nothing could be found in the had a real champagne moment for company’s archive and what us all. It happened while we were followed was two months of chatting over the ties with Cliff and A CHANCE visit and a pair of design ideas and talks with various taking part in a photography shoot eagle eyes have rekindled a piece other tailors, with Ives producing organised by the company to help of RAF fencing history in the sketches, pictured top right, to promote the tie when one of their shape of the association’s club tie. include all three weapons from the executives, Geoff Quinn, overheard The ‘original’ tie design was sport. us discussing the project.” spotted by the association’s media Hilton said: “We then took the Quinn, the head of Lewin’s Club team SAC Matt Ives and Fg Off Luke plunge and ventured to their Head and Military tie department in the Continued from p23: both as a regular when he first Hilton during a visit to RAF Cosford Offices to discuss the potential of 1980s, then found a book containing joined the RAF and now during his for the RAF Championships, by them producing a new tie, harking every club tie the company had ever and how that has helped me time as a reservist. former club president AVM Ret’d back to elements of the old design, produced and within minutes the progress onto the world stage. “It is great for the Fund that Sir Bob Peters. but with a modern twist. original RAF tie, pictured right, was “Hopefully along the way it will he is choosing to give something The eye-catching maroon tie, “The meeting with the spotted by Hilton. generate further interest in the back and highlighting to his sporting two crossed swords, was company’s Corporate and He said: “It was a genuinely Fund and the RAF Sports Lottery fellow Servicemen and women the keenly observed by Hilton and Ives. Partnership Manager, Cliff Burgess, exciting moment, and nicely and highlight just how vital the role benefits of participating in sport It then sparked a journey by the was a huge success and we started capped off the project to bring this they play is in the progression of and how as a charity the Central pair to find the original tie design to re-establish the decades long old design back to life. We were Servicemen and women in sport.” Fund can help them achieve their and recommission it. partnership between the company over the moon, it was a perfect end Ross Perriam, CEO of the goals.” Ives said: “The visit was last and Service.” to a 10-month-long project that has RAF Central Fund, said of the Hall has recently helped front spring, and after talking with Sir In January a prototype design bought RAF Fencing’s history back appointment: “Our charity exists the RAF Motorsport Association’s Bob, we discovered the tie had been landed on the pair’s desks and a to life.” to support all serving personnel Virtual Rally Championship, see produced by TM Lewin and Sons, month later they travelled back into For further information about throughout their careers, whether RAF News 1489. so we set about finding an original London to collect a box of 100 ties. RAF Fencing visit: @raffencing they are regulars or reservists. Follow him on Twitter @ sample and speaking with Lewin.” Ives said: “If things could get on social media or email: fencing. “Corporal Hall personifies that, and the RAF Central Fund @ They contacted Lewin’s Military any better, our final meeting at the [email protected]. having benefitted from our support RAFCentralFund. Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, May 15, 2020 P27

Email: [email protected] Sport Telephone: 07966 429755 Rally man Cokayne takes on taking Central fitness role fight home

l Sport P23 l Sport P25

CROSSFIT Thinking out of the box Cosford Crossfit team go it alone to keep tournament hopes alive

HANGING AROUND: Main, the Cosford team before the coronavirus lockdown, top right, Flt Lt Tom Goble, middle right,Sgt Luke Toner, bottom right, Charlotte Franks all taking part in the challenge from home

Daniel Abrahams “We then took part in the online “Our box is made up of both HQ Air Command competition, which involved more military and civilian members. For than 10,000 other boxes worldwide. many this was their first CrossFit PERSONNEL FROM the RAF Anyone could enter and three competition. CrossFit1918 team were not going workouts were announced, which “It was a superb challenge and to let the coronavirus pandemic you timed for yourself. Entrants a chance to find areas to work on. stop them competing. could tailor exercises to their own It also brought us together during The team of nine had just got preferences using household items this difficult time, with brilliant their Crossfit Box gym set up and instead of gym kit.” motivation to exercise, improving running at RAF Cosford’s gym “Each athlete put their score in mental health and a bit of banter.” when the virus struck, so now and the Box they belonged to”. With the competition finished, they have turned their collective CrossFit is a Trademark for members of the team have entered attention to the Support Your Local a form of functional training, the Foodspring online competition, Box online CrossFit competition which covers all areas of fitness – with four members currently and finished 3152nd out of 10,473 from strength to cardiovascular, placed on the leaders board. Boxes (teams). gymnastics to coordination. It The 1918 team train every Flt Lt Sophie Foxen said: “We offers high intensity and constantly Monday at 1730 at RAF Cosford had a great set up installed in the varied training. (when the gym reopens), with gym and were excited to train there. Foxen added: “There is a great new members always welcome.and However, of course, safety comes sense of community in a CrossFit no experience necessary. You can first, and we have dutifully not been Box and CrossFit 1918 is no follow the team on Instagram: @ to the gym in over a month now. different. CrossFit_1918. “Our community remains “It’s becoming increasingly To enter the Foodspring strong and we have been working popular in the military due to the competition please visit the out together over Instagram and transferability of skills and how fun websiste: competitioncorner.net/ sharing our personal workouts too. it is.” events/3870. Proud to support

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