See The Cool-hand p9 Fitting tribute to See Forces' Luke's joy diamond geezer p17 at Antarctic Rex's 60 years favourite Friday March 6 2020 paper triumph of RAF service No 1486 70p

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Football MDS take the Inters House about that Squadron raises cash to renovate cancer-hit colleague's derelict pad O Sport p35 Athletics Men in 11th Inters victory

LEUKAEMIA: SAC(T) Dylan Smith AN AIRMAN struck down with an incurable disease Tempest brewing has told how he was stunned when his comrades secretly raised thousands of pounds See IT'S THE future, but Tempest is already having a major impact on RAF to renovate his derelict air power. See how the technologies helping to shape the combat aircraft home. p18 of tomorrow are already benefiting today's Typhoon Force. SAC(T) Dylan Smith O Sport p30 Turn to p18 O Turn to p3

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christopherward.co.uk Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P3

We used to fight on the land, I try to do a play each then in the sea and the air, now year. You have to keep we have the space and cyber practising to get good at It was realms“ anything“ quite tight and every position ” ACAS ” “ AVM Ian counts. We all Gale who is Actress ran our guts launching Susan out the Astra Penhaligon ” progamme stars in The Fg Off Mike p7 Mousetrap Kallenberg after RnR the RAF men pp4-5 take the cross country Inter- Services title for the 11th time p30 Pals hit a home run ● From front page decided to act. discovered he had chronic myeloid He said: "People on the squadron leukaemia – cancer of the blood and often joke that Dylan and I are always bone – in November 2019. seen hanging out together and go He said: "Around eight months everywhere together. before I was diagnosed, I started "I was in close contact with Dylan to feel very tired and would finish during his three months off, met work, go straight to bed then get up some of his family, saw his house and RAF News at 7am the next day for work. wanted to do something." Room 68 "I lost two stone in weight So secretly Aidan rallied round Lancaster Building and while on leave I noticed my the squadron to raise funds for HQ Air Command stomach had swollen and decided the house renovations and since High Wycombe to get it checked out." the diagnosis the AWACs unit has Buckinghamshire SAC Smith told his Sergeant on raised more than £3,000, mainly HP14 4UE Waddington-based 8 Squadron from its Christmas festivities. and was signed off work for three Now Dylan's colleagues want Editor: Simon Williams months. to employ builders to complete the Email: [email protected] After a week in hospital project soon so he can move in. Tel: 01494 497412 having blood transfusions and SAC Smith said: "When I came chemotherapy tablets doctors told back to work, I had no idea Aidan Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams him if he had left it any longer, he had been raising money. Email: [email protected] would have died. WADD AN OFFER: 8 Sqn, which operates the E-3D "I was called into my Boss's office Tel: 01494 497563 They said his condition is non- AWACS at Waddington have rallied round. and I thought it was something curable, he will have it for the rest bad, instead Aidan was there and Features Editor: Tracey Allen of his life, and he must take four the Lincolnshire base in January. immune system so dust particles told me all about the money he had Email: [email protected] chemo tablets a day to manage it. Two years ago, he bought a house and the general state of the raised from squadron personnel Tel: 01494 497622 But there was another shock for in his home town of Doncaster downstairs of the property meant and handed it to me. the airman who joined the RAF in which urgently needed renovations. he couldn't live in it. "I was overwhelmed and quite News Editor: Simon Mander 2015 and still hopes to serve on a He had completed the upstairs, But while he was off sick his emotional, and also cross at Aidan fast jet unit, when he returned to but the chemo tablets 'destroy' his good friend SAC(T) Aidan Harvey for not telling me‚" he said. All advertising: Edwin Rodrigues Tel: 07482 571535 Email: edwin.rodrigues@rafnews. co.uk This Week In History

Subscriptions and 1942 distribution: Malta Spitfires JPIMedia Print Holdings Ltd 26 Whitehall Road The first Spitfires reach Malta. 15 Leeds aircraft are flown off the aircraft LS12 1BE carrier USS Wasp and complete Tel: 020 7855 7574 the 400-mile flight to RAF Takali. Email: [email protected] No. 249 Sqn, re-equipped with the Spitfire, became operational on March 10.

1936 Avro Anson arrives The RAF’s first operational 1937 ‘modern’ monoplane, with a Extracts from The Big beast Royal Air Force Day retractable undercarriage, enters By Day by Air Cdre service with No. 48 Sqn at RAF The Whitley Bomber enters service with Graham Pitchfork Manston. No. 10 Sqn at RAF . (The History Press). NominateNoominatee someonesomeeone outstandingoutstandding today

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TheTheI Institutionnstitutionno offE Engineeringngineering andandT TechnologyTeechnology (IET)(IET) isisr registeredegistereda assa a Charity in England and Wales ((No.No.2 211014)11014) aandndS Scotlandcotland ((No.No. SC03SC038698).8698).T TheheI Institutionnstitutiono offE Engineeringngineer and Technology, MMichaelichaelF Faradayaraday House,House, SixSixH HillsillsW Way,ay, Stevenage,Stevenage, HertfordshireHertfordshireS SG1G12 2AY, United Kingdom. Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P5

News Shetland Swiss aerobatic aces on a scramble roll with Cosford show

Staff Reporter said: “We are extremely pleased RAF Cosford to welcome our friends from the Swiss Air Force back to Cosford SWISS PC 7 aerobatic aces will and excited to see another award- be bidding to retain their winning display from the air show title when they PC-7 Team. take to the skies at Named after the TYPHOONS HAVE been scrambled Cosford this summer training aircraft they after reports of unidentified aircraft for their second fly, the team has added flying towards UK airspace. year running. some new elements to The aircraft, thought to have been The team their routine including Russian bombers, were spotted off the scooped the coveted multiple crossings and Shetland Islands. Hartree Trophy for mirror flights. A spokesman for RAF Lossiemouth best display in 2019 This year’s event in Moray said swing-role fighters and will be showcasing will also feature the RAF had been launched in response to the their latest routine in Typhoon display and the Red incident. front of an estimated 50,000 Arrows. SWISS TIMING: PC-7 aerobatic team in action at The bombers were not intercepted aviation fans in June. ● Go to: cosfordairshow.co.uk Cosford, inset left, the Red Arrows as they remained outside of the area Air show director Clive Elliot for more details. considered UK airspace. Defence must win info wars Staff Reporter PROTECTOR : WEDGETAIL: UK DEFENCE needs to harness the latest Data-driven platform Airborne command and control which commercial information technology networks data across to maintain its combat-winning edge combat domains against adversaries, according to Air Chiefs. With Britain facing escalating threats from cyber hackers and space based kit Forces leaders are calling for closer ties with industry experts to boost information- sharing capability across the battle zone. More than 500 Air Chiefs, defence contractors and technology experts will meet this summer to raise the stakes in the escalating information war at the annual ageing fleet of AWACS E-3D surveillance Air and Space Power Conference. aircraft, will also operate as an airborne Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief command and control centre, collecting Marshal Mike Wigston (pictured below) and feeding data to units on the ground, on said: “Information will be at the sea and in the air. very heart of the future air and Air Vice-Marshal Ian Gale said: space environment which is “Today’s battles are now all about time why achieving and maintaining and how you can synchronise the flow of information advantage is so information across the domains of land, important to all our futures. air, sea and space and the cyber realm “Our aim is to put information faster than anyone else. advantage at the forefront of the “It is obvious that whoever gets technology into our own ecosystems.” a better understanding of what the enemy international air and space there first wins. Information Key speakers at the Air and Space Power is doing and what the opportunities are to power debate.” flow has got exponentially conference will also include cyber security exploit and win the battle.” The RAF’s new faster. experts from industry, the UK’s first Space Air and Space Power Association Poseidon P8 maritime “We must exploit the Director, AVM Harv Smyth, and the US President Air Marshal Greg Bagwell added: patrol aircraft and the technology enhanced Space Force chief Gen John Raymond. “We can’t keep living in denial. We are not unmanned Protector parts of the information Minister for the Armed Forces, James harnessing the latest commercial capabilities due to arrive next year flow to get through the Heappey, said: “It’s no longer enough to well enough. are both designed multi-domains faster. have a battle-winning edge in terms of fire “The military has traditionally been ahead as data-sharing “The technology power; there’s a responsibility to win the but we are now behind the market place.” platforms. that does that is in the information battle. The eagerly awaited commercial areas and “It’s no longer enough to have highly ● The Air and Space Power conference E7 Wedgetail which the military has struggled complex systems; you need all of the data takes place in July. Go to: airpower.org.uk will replace the UK’s to incorporate outside that comes from that system in order to get for more details. VACANCIES IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

Vacancies exist in the Sultanate of Oman (The Royal Air Force of Oman) for the following posts:

Qualified Flying Instructor Bagpipes & Drums Band Instructors (No. 1 Squadron) We are seeking candidates qualified in teaching Applicants must be A2 Category or equivalent, have bagpipes and drums at all levels, involving both Turbo Prop experience combined with no less than Theory and Performance (practical) and who 400 hours as an instructor. You will preferably have possess an internationally recognized Bagpipes held an executive position and have some fighter Trainer Certificate. experience. We are ideally seeking an English native To succeed you will have a minimum of 4 years speaker with a high level of computer competency. experience as an instructor and have participated in Ground School Instructor the world pipes band championships at the highest categories: Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three ‘’A’’, (No.1 Squadron) and Grade Three ‘’B’’. Applicants must possess a degree in aviation or experience as a background pilot. You must be You will be experienced in playing all an English native speaker with a high level of ‘’Piobaireachd’’ manuscripts and have passed the competency in computer skills. You will preferably Pipe Major Course. It is essential that you have the have teaching experience, ideally complemented by knowledge and skills to train a bagpipe band in a teaching qualification. how to perform various pieces of music in local and overseas events. Music Instructors (RAFO Band) We are seeking candidates with a Higher Diploma Applicants must possess a Higher Diploma in in Arts (Piping & Drumming) from an internationally Arts in Music (relevant to the instrument played) accredited university, college or recognized and in Arts (Music Theory) from an internationally institution, and experience as a member of a accredited university, college or recognized military band. institute. We seek a member of a military band with a minimum of 4 years’ experience as an instructor General terms: For all of these roles, potential acquainted with the history of the field specialized applicants should be UK nationals, aged between in. A Music Theory Instructor, you must also be a 25-55, capable of passing medical examinations music theory specialist - pianist, harmonist and and willing to accept appointment to any of the arranger. Ideally you will be a multi-instrumentalist. RAFO stations.

Interested candidates are invited to submit an up-to-date CV along with copies of qualifications/certificates to RAFO Recruitment Office via [email protected] Potential applicants will be subsequently provided with the job offer letter which includes details of the salary, health insurance, catering, accommodation, annual leave and more. Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P7 News Defence eyes tech and News Bulletin cyber aces for top job

THE NEXT Chief of the Air Staff could be a non-pilot for the first MISSION: ACAS Air have the space and cyber realms. time in history under radical Vice Marshal Ian Gale, “The key difference today is time HONOUR: New facility named after former who is launching the RAF helicopter pilot HRH William plans to shake up the Service and Astra programme to open – we must synchronise all of those counter new tech-based threats up opportunities across domains faster than our adversaries. against Britain and its allies. the Royal Air Force Who gets their fastest wins. Royal revival for As the British Armed Forces “Cognitive diversity is vital. In sets its sights on cyber hackers and the old days it was what the pilot training school the growing use of information said that mattered as the air domain technology, the RAF is looking was their preserve. THE RAF’S oldest teaching beyond the cockpit for its next “We must not perpetuate a establishment has been given a generation of leaders. narrow band of thinking. Battle new lease of life and a new home space managers, cyber and space named after one of its most specialists all sit in the domains illustrious former pupils. In the old days we are fighting in. We need to The No 1 Flying Training School it was what the pilot incorporate the views of everybody. was stood down in 2019 following “In the RAF we do have glass moves to close Linton-on-Ouse “said that mattered. We ceilings in some career branches. and transfer of 72 Sqn to Valley. must not perpetuate We want to do something that is Now the Defence Helicopter totally unremarkable in the outside Flying School at Shawbury has that narrow band of world and that is to say we want to been rebadged 1 FTS and housed thinking to shift the RAF’s focus from its “With Project Astra we are select the best person for the job.” in a new state-of-the-art Duke of traditional air combat role to a reshaping our Force so everyone The Astra programme aims to Cambridge Building. ” multi-domain approach in a bid to understands they can be the chief build on the RAF’s Thinking To HRH Prince William said: “I The move is part of a wide ranging win the information war. and that they have a role in deciding Win campaign launched in 2016 have very happy memories of programme of reforms across the Air Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, the direction of the organisation in to reboot the military mindset by learning to fly at RAF Shawbury. Force under the recently launched AVM Ian Gale said: “We should see the future. challenging the chain of command “I am sure that the future Astra programme. a Chief of the Air Staff who is not a “We used to fight in land, then and encouraging innovation across generation will benefit greatly The 20-year project is designed pilot. on sea and then in the air. Now we the ranks. from these world-class facilities.”

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Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P9

News Cool hand Luke HOT STUFF: Luke Bomb blast Gunner kicked off World crosses the line in Dubai in 2017 event Marathon Challenge in Antarctica

Staff Reporter He said: “I was as fit as last time so it was just A FORMER Gunner who suffered horrific leg about enjoying the running for me, every step of injuries in a Taliban bomb blast is king of the every marathon.” world after completing seven marathons in The IED blast damaged the soft tissues around seven days on seven continents. the lower part of his left leg and he required an SAC Luke Wigman had to have part of his leg intense 12 months of hospital treatment and rebuilt and fought off gangrene after the attack clinical rehabilitation to help him regain the during a tour of Afghanistan in 2011. strength needed to walk and, ultimately, run. Since battling back to fitness the RAF man The veteran endurance star earned a Sun Millie has taken part in endurance events across the award for his amazing comeback from injury and world and has just covered more than 150 miles has become an ambassador for the RAF Benevolent across some of the most extreme places on the Fund, which helped support him financially after he planet – for the second time. was discharged from the Service. He kicked off the World Marathon Challenge In 2018 Luke returned to hospital to have the in the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica skin grafts on his leg removed and re-grafted and before taking on stages in the searing heat of part of his leg rebuilt. MILLIE ONAIRE: Receiving award from Africa and South America to come home fourth Following the latest round of surgery Luke’s leg Bear Grylls against some of the world’s top athletes. became so infected he required intravenous anti- He said: “Fewer people have run seven biotics for three weeks. The setback means what marathons on seven continents in seven days than should have taken six weeks took six months of have climbed Mount Everest. treatment and rehabilitation. “Antarctica was a tough place to start but that’s Luke said: “Because the recovery was much when the energy is at its highest. longer the treatment took its toll on me mentally, “The fifth marathon, in Madrid, was a difficult physically and emotionally. one mentally as you still have three more to run, “I found it very difficult to get back into and at this stage you would have accumulated training, and I put on a stone in weight. just over 100 miles.” “It wasn’t until the RAF Benevolent Fund It is the second time Wigman has stepped in with a grant to cover my costs for entered the event. In 2017 he finished being off work and the endless hospital third with an average time of just trips that I was able to get back on over three hours. track.” The double Invictus Gold medal winning athlete trained six times a week but FAMILY SUPPORT: GOLDEN BOY: Invictus talked down his chances Luke with wife Nikki and champ with Prince Harry before the event. dog Ernie

Regt issues call-up to RAF Gunner veterans

A GROUP which brings together RAF veterans is appealing for more members. Formed in 1975, the Association of RAF Regiment Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers supports ex-Gunners through charitable events, reunions and formal functions, at home and overseas. In 2017, it marked the Corps’ 75th anniversary celebrations by successfully campaigning for a ‘Fallen Gunner’ tribute and Commemorative Tablet in the RAF PERSONNEL marked the 75th anniversary of the gunpoint across Poland, the former Czechslovakia and National Memorial Arboretum. infamous ‘Long March,’ by Allied PoWs from Stalag Germany, in blizzards and temperatures of -25C as the And in September 2020 it marks Luft III in January 1945. Nazis fled the advancing Red Army. its 45th AGM and Reunion. Airmen and women paraded in Zagan, Poland, the Hundreds died on the way from starvation, disease Membership is open to serving To join visit; www. town nearest the camp, immortalised in the 1963 film The and exhaustion. or retired WOs and SNCOs of the rafregtwoandsnco.org.uk scroll Great Escape. TRIBUTE: RAF personnel parade at Zagan, inset above, SAC RAF Regiment, the Royal Auxiliary down and click on the ‘Become a An estimated 80,000 servicemen were herded at Adam Rosbottom performs The Last Post Air Force Regiment, and other trade Member’ link or visit: facebook.com/ groups posted to Gunner units. rafregtwosandsncos Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P10 News Cape crusaders

Tamsin Jessup 28-year-old Fylingdales Falkland Islands based runner SAC Jamie Arkle (inset), AIR FORCE who completed athletes took the course in just on the world’s over 1 hour 20 most southerly mins. endurance event He said: in the Falklands. “It was tough More than 20 coming back from runners turned out the lighthouse and for the 13-mile Cape running constantly Pembroke half marathon. into the wind.” The route took competitors Medical officer Sqn Ldr from Stanley to the Cape Kirsty Hollier Cox (pictured left) Pembroke lighthouse. was the first women to finish, in First across the line was a time of one hour 50 mins. Data lab

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE lifts F-35 Staff Reporter transmitted to F-35 crews. HIKE. BIKE. CLIMB. RUN. Florida More than 100 specialised personnel from the Royal Air A JOINT UK and Australian Force, Royal Navy, Royal Australian military data centre in Florida Air Force, Lockheed Martin, US Sign up today for: supporting F-35 jets is operational Government and US contractors after 10 years of development. are currently based at the centre. a guaranteed place in the event The facility provides vital Wg Cdr McCormack added: mission information which the “The importance of working support from your Regional Fundraiser fifth-generation fighter fuses with alongside our American colleagues data gathered by its advanced suite means that we can benefit from their an RAF Benevolent Fund branded top of sensors to provide a complete experience in building mission data picture of the battle space it is and can act as a force of innovation operating in. within this enterprise. a chance to help the RAF Family. RAF fast-jet navigator Wg Cdr “The laboratory also plays a vital Gerry McCormack said: “The role in keeping the F-35 safe. facility enables the F-35 to make “It is a very costly platform and sense of the world around it. the work we do here is vital to their Without the mission data that this survivability, hence another reason laboratory provides, the aircraft why the UK and Australia have cannot make sense of all that invested so much money in this information it gathers.” facility. Technicians at the Australian, “We can make sure that our F-35 Canadian and United Kingdom aircrew are as protected as they Reprogramming Laboratory, possibly can be. highly-trained specialists, compile “That is what motivates the men and test mission data which is and women who work here.”

rafbf.org/challenge SCAN ME WITH [email protected] YOUR CAMERA 020 7307 3321 #makeitcount CUTTING EDGE: RAF and Australian Air Force teams declare the

The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109). CHALLENGE A3 Poster the new facility in Florida operational Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P11

News

BRIDGE OF SIGHS: Tricky river crossing RESOURCEFUL: Carrying out repairs along the way Benson bikers take on intrepid Himalaya mission NEPAL OR NOTHING BENSON BIKERS braved breakdowns, giant deadly spiders and food poisoning to complete an intrepid expedition across Nepal. Riding rented Royal Enfield bikes, they crossed the Greater Kathmandu Valley climbing to 4000m before descending south to Chitwan Region. They faced river crossings, arduous terrain, extreme weather, altitude sickness and food poisoning while nursing their machines and their bodies to the finish line. The airmen used their battlefield repair skills after a rear wheel bearing collapsed on a narrow mountain pass as they WILD THINGS: Benson bikers braved treacherous conditions and deadly spiders struggled to reach Pokhara. Disaster struck again as one Chode Thupten Samphel Ling crocodiles, monkeys, boar and rider suffered a blow-out as they Monastery in the medieval large spiders waiting patiently attempted to cross the notorious mountain town of Kagbeni, the in their huge webs to catch three-foot wide Kushma bridge RAF personnel were welcomed unsuspecting Royal Enfield suspended 475 feet above the by monks and joined their game riders. valley. of cricket. Some of the team were struck They battled energy-sapping They also had two down by food poisoning as they loose mud along daunting pre-planned visits: launched their bid to return to high cliff edges by day with to the Nepal Army the start point at Kathmandu. evenings spent repairing and Aviation Unit and to After three weeks, three tyres, maintaining bikes by the Dhaulagiri Boarding two inner tubes, two chain and light of head-torches. School in Jomsom, to sprockets, two spark plugs, two Respite came on a visit initiate an affiliation plug caps, countless other spare to the stunning Gurkha with Benson Village parts, 900 litres of drinking Museum in Gorkha, Primary School. water and buckets of curry they and five monasteries, Heading towards made it back to base. the highest being the the Nepal-Indian The team’s Facebook page staggering Muktinath border, they reached 250,000 people and Temple at more than descended they now plan to visit schools, 3700m. into the jungle universities and Combined Entering the observing Cadet Forces to talk about the 550-year-old Kag wild rhinos, expedition. MAJESTIC: Buddha ‘DEATH’ BRIDGE: Took nerves of steel to negotiate ADOPTION

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Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 inScotlandNumberSCO38056andinRepublicofIreland Number 20202001. Established 1885. S487.0120 Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P13

News Wittering joins rental revolution Cambs station first to launch housing shake-up pilot study

Staff Reporter RAF Wittering WITTERING HAS become the first Air Force station in the UK to offer personnel the chance to move into private rented accommodation under a major shake-up of Forces housing. The Cambridgeshire station is making the offer as part of a pilot study for the MoD’s Future Accommodation programme to give serving personnel more choices and make the military more attractive to recruits. The deal is open to married couples, those in long-term relationships including same-sex TO LET: And now Wittering personnel have more choice couples, and anyone currently in single living accommodation who has served for four years or Personnel at Wittering can apply to move off more. site from this month ahead of the official launch The Ministry of Defence will also support in June when the first payments will be made. those who buy a new property during the pilot The RAF scheme follows similar studies at with a monthly payment of £125 and could also Clyde Naval base and Aldershot Barracks. cover the costs of moving in. Submariner Aaron Chapman and his wife Under the pilot scheme Military renters will Hannah were among the first to move out of receive individually-calculated monthly payments Services family accommodation at Clyde and based on the cost of housing in their area and into a four-bedroom rental property a few other factors such as the number of children living miles from the base. at the property. Hannah said: “It makes sense to have a Defence housing chiefs say if the offer is rolled bigger property for the same price you would out nationally those living in areas with high pay for marital quarters anyway. It’s a win-win property prices such as the South East and London situation.” would not be expected to contribute any more O Go to gov.uk/futureaccommodationmodel than those living in less expensive areas of the UK. or contact the FAM office at Wittering. We’ve done it again… See Joy for the p30 men at 11th Inter-Services cross country triumph 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, March 6, 2020 P15

News News bulletin Welfare pledge for injured personnel Simon Mander “The agility to act quickly to do. There were contributions journeys from long-term sickness address issues before they manifest from Personnel Recovery back to duty. HELPING LONG TERM sick and is crucial and our people need to Centre staff who provide “A new updated long-term wounded personnel return to duty know effective support is always relaxed environments to sickness absence policy was also was discussed at a recent national available if needed.” help individual Servicemen discussed. symposium of RAF welfare staff. Among the speakers were and women work through Air COS Personnel Delivery, Air Around 120 people including experts from the Battle Back their difficulties Cdre Alan Opie said: “The event padres, medical staff and voluntary Centre at the National run in conjunction provided the perfect opportunity sector partners attended the event Sports Centre Lilleshall, with the Ministry to launch and explain the RAF’s at the Victory Services Club to be who run an adaptive of Defence’s key new policy for providing the best updated on policy changes. sport and adventurous partners, Help for possible support for our personnel Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief training programme for Heroes and The and their families when they are Marshal Mike Wigston (pictured right) recovering personnel Royal British most in need.” said: “This symposium highlighted designed to develop Legion. Organisers now hope to set the tremendous work our welfare confidence and self- Two RAF up regional seminars across the and support agencies do to assist all esteem by focusing on what personnel told UK with another national event Tigers recall members of the RAF Family. they can, not what they can’t, delegates of their scheduled within two years. for Rugby ace FORMER RAF pilot and rugby star Rory Underwood celebrated Leicester Tigers signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Mart puts The ex-England international returned to his old club as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire to see it pledge support for Servicemen and women. Spandau in the works

EIGHTIES POP icon Martin numbers by Queen, Bowie Kemp and his ex-Wham! and McFly’s Tom Fletcher, the backing singer wife Shirlie will show takes the audience on a join top flight RAF musicians thrilling journey to the final in two special concerts. frontier – Space, courtesy of The former Spandau Ballet a specially-recorded message bass player and his partner, from astronaut Tim Peake. He was joined by Chief of the who was also part of the 80s Among the highlights of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mike duo Pepsi and Shirlie, join Air the evening will be a special Wigston and personnel from all Force bandsmen in gigs at the appearance by actress and three Services. Symphony Hall, Birmingham rapper Paigey Cakey, who will More than 23,500 fans packed on March 30 and the London perform alongside the Queen’s the Welford Road ground to watch Palladium on April 1. Colour Squadron. the Tigers beat Wasps 18-9 with The couple, who have been Add to this a rousing finale military supporters benefiting touring with their Big Band featuring This is Me from the from a special discounted ticket in Broadway show, will perform smash-hit musical The Greatest recognition of their service, as part two celebrated numbers from Showman. of the annual fixture in the club’s the Great American Songbook ● For Birmingham tickets go calendar. – You Make Me Feel So Young to: https://www.thsh.co.uk/how- and The Way You Look Tonight. to-book or call 0121 780 3333. Featuring a thrilling For London tickets go to: www. Rovers return programme of music blending thelondonpalladium.co.uk or call traditional and contemporary 0207 087 7755 Shoreham hero honoured at Northolt awards THE RAF man who spearheaded colours for windsurfing and the the military response to the Javelin. But it was the bandsmen Shoreham air crash in which a who made the most noise. civilian display pilot’s jet exploded WO Steve McGuiness was killing 11 people led the honours presented with his Royal Warrant VETERAN Ashley Wood has at Northolt’s annual awards for services to RAF Music, proudly displayed two superbly ceremony. including being drum major at nine restored Tactical Fire Vehicles at Wg Cdr Paul Taylor received a Edinburgh Tattoos. Honington. second clasp to his medal having Sgt Hilary Rosenthal received The former firefighter was served since 1984, including a her Long Service and Good last at the Suffolk station as the considerable time on operations Conduct medal for having been the Buccaneers left and Tornados including dealing with the aftermath first female drum major to lead an began to arrive in 1982. of the 2015 Shoreham disaster. RAF Band at the annual Scottish Since then he and his son Alex He said: “I can’t believe I have been military spectacular. have restored a Series 3 Land in over 35 years, I can honestly say I She said: “Every day with the Rover and a six-wheel Range have loved every minute of my service.” band creates great memories and Rover, also known to have served A total of 11 prizes were presented RAF music services has been a at Lyneham and Brize Norton, by AOC No 2 Gp Air Vice-Marshal great career and given me some from their chassis upwards. Al Gillespie, including sports superb opportunities.” LAND AND AIRLAND DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXHIBITION

08-12 JUNE 2020 / PARIS

THE UNMISSABLE WORLDWIDE EXHIBITION

1,802 exhibitors +14,7% from 63 countries 65,9% of international

65 startups at Eurosatory LAB

98,721 Total attendance (exhibitors, visitors, press, organisers)

227 Official delegations from 94 countries and 4 organisations (representing 760 delegates)

696 journalists from 44 countries

75 Conferences

2,102 Business meetings made

2018 key figures Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P17

News Gunners’ India mission RAF FORCE PROTECTION British and Indian Air Force Protection Wing, Wg Cdr Lee teams are training alongside their personnel using the RAF’s Wales said: “The training will Indian counterparts to improve Panther and Foxhound armoured strengthen relationships between security skills used to protect jets vehicles, which were delivered by both forces by exchanging tactics, and personnel on an operational an A400M transporter (left). techniques and procedures, airfield. The UK team will also visit and also demonstrate Force Police and Gunners have the Garud Regimental Training Protection Armoured Vehicle arrived at Hindan Air Force Centre in Chandinager in c ap abi l i t y.” base in Ghaziabad – the largest the New Delhi region to train The Exercise is part of an station in Asia – for Exercise with weapons, dog patrols and ongoing bi-lateral UK/Indian Air Indradhanush. helicopters. Force exercise programme begun The programme includes Officer Commanding 8 Force in 2013. FITTER LORD IS A DIAMOND GEEZER Rex celebrates more than sixty years of service to the RAF VETERAN AIRCRAFT fitter Nairobi on Beverleys, and RAF El Rex Lord can claim to be one of Adem in Libya during the Gaddafi the longest-serving instructors uprising. in the RAF, completing 39 years “I did quite well in my RAF teaching Air Cadets after serving career, when I was at Tengah we 22 years as a regular. flew all over the Middle East and And the 87-year-old, who has from Nairobi we went all over now clocked up a total of 61 years Africa,” said Rex. working for the Air Force, still “My last posting was in Libya drives himself three miles twice- and during the uprising me and my a-week to his local squadron in family were on the last aircraft out Sleaford to teach young people of there during the evacuation.” about airframes and engines. On his return he taught He said: “I had a great life in engineering officers at Cranwell, the Air Force, and I enjoy giving then volunteered at 2160 ATC something back to the young Squadron before his final posting people in the country.” to Marham with 57/232 Victor He admits night driving is Squadron. getting trickier for him Rex has been awarded the and recently his car General Service (Malaya), was damaged when he RAF Long Service and was lecturing, and the Good Conduct medals. culprit made off, so he He retired as a Chief ALWAYS ON HAND TO HELP: Rex Lord at had to pay for the repairs Tech in 1975 and became the air museum with himself. an ATC Civilian Instructor cadets, top. He has been teaching young people Born in Bolton in 1933, in 1981 and has won the about aircraft and the Rex completed an aircraft ATC Long Service and RAF for almost 40 years engineering apprenticeship Meritorious Service awards. with De Havilland before He has also accompanied being called up in 1953 cadets to summer and serving across camps and the UK at Manby, on shooting Cranwell, Turnhill, practice. He is Acklington, a dad of three Whatton and and has four Marham. grandchildren. He also deployed overseas with 60 Squadron STARTING at RAF Tengah OUT: Rex in uniform in Singapore YOUNG BLOOD: Rex in 1950s (far left) on the wing of a with Venoms; 60 Squadron Vampire at RAF Eastleigh in RAF Tengah in Singapore in 1957 Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P18 Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P19

Feature Future air power Simon Mander reports

EFENCE contractor Air System launched to find a BAE Systems hopes the successor to the Rafale and German 2020s will be the Decade Eurofighter, and rival systems of Tempest as it bids developed by America, Japan and Dto turn the RAF’s fighter of the South Korea. future from concept to cockpit. And it believes innovations esigning a future fighter due being tried and tested at its to achieve initial operating Warton HQ will benefit Typhoon Dcapability by 2035 and fully in as it moves beyond the Project service by 2040 is such an ambitious Centurion weapons upgrades that plan that the first Tempest pilot or TEMPEST BREWING made it more potent than Tornado. ‘mission commander,’ as they may “As we develop new technologies become known, is probably now within Team Tempest, we need to starting senior school. spin out those capabilities as soon But BAE say it’s a lot quicker The UK’s first 6th-gen fighter could land by 2035, but the as possible to make sure Typhoon ‘from flash to bang,’ than remains world-leading up until comparable programmes including the day it leaves service,” says Typhoon and F-35. tech that will drive it is already boosting Typhoon BAE’s strategic campaigns director And whatever emerges will Andrew Kennedy. need to connect seamlessly with Among the breakthroughs the RAF’s newest kit including the already benefiting today’s Top P-8 Poseidon sub hunter and the Guns are the new Striker 2 helmet, Wedgetail AWACS aircraft that will which current RAF pilots are replace the E3-D Sentry. helping develop, and the Sceptre “Tempest will have to link mission planning system which up, there’s no other option, with BAE is under contract to deliver to weapons systems, adjuncts such as the Air Force. unmanned air systems, and how it Launched in 2018, Team interacts with ISR platforms, space Tempest is a £2bn joint British satellites and all the five domains, government/industry programme because it’s unlikely you’ll go to a to find a replacement for Typhoon military operation just flying an by 2040. aircraft,” said Mr Kennedy. Mr Kennedy said: “That Meanwhile, the company’s Air announcement was a statement of Laboratories section looks like its intent that the UK has been a world been taken over by video gamers leader in combat air for more than – which doesn’t surprise human Typhoon mission control 100 years and wants to continue to factors engineer Suzy Broadbent, SCEPTRE: be. whose team is pioneering cockpit “Team Tempest at its launch was upgrades and new pilot helmets. a British initiative and recognises Her mission is to strip out as that we haven’t designed, developed many dials, buttons, switches and and brought into service anything screens as possible so that physical since Typhoon. displays, which have become too “It’s about developing not just numerous to fit into a confined the technologies, but also the space, are replaced wherever experiences, tools and processes possible by virtual reality projected that we think are necessary to into the pilot’s helmet. sit at the top table of the design This software-based pre- and development of the next- configurable cockpit means the generation combat air system.” RAF won’t have to ground entire The next milestone comes squadrons to carry out expensive towards the end of this year when hardware upgrades and, as it’s the MoD and BAE submit an portable, it can be customised for outline business case to release aircraft types, missions or even funding for the next phase of individuals. the project and meanwhile the “Everyone’s mobile phone looks company will continue to try to different so why can’t everyone’s enlist other countries as partners. cockpit?” said Ms Broadbent. Named after the legendary “What we’re expecting in the World War Two fighter, Tempest future is for the pilot to be less of is currently still a concept – despite a stick-and-rudder flying person the life-size model currently touring but to be there to make battlespace air shows – which arguably bears decisions and be the human BENEFICIARY: Tempest technology more than a passing resemblance operator at the sharp end, so we is being used to upgrade Typhoon to an F-35. need to make sure that all the And it’s up against some stiff information they need is easy to competition from the Franco- present and understand.” technology that is out there is between the human and the system to weather information, an intelligence Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. German-Spanish Future Combat amazing – I used eye trackers years be as smooth as it would be between picture and fast jet performance data. It will be delivered to the RAF ey to this is the Striker II ago and they’d take 20-25 minutes to a Pilot and Navigator. And the Windows-based system Typhoon Force by the end of this year, digital helmet mounted display set up and weren’t comfortable, now “So, another research issue we can be used on tablets, personal to Saudi Arabia by 2021 and Qatar Kcurrently being flight tested by we can build it into the virtual reality have is how do you get that trust and computers and interactive touch for use on its Eurofighters and Hawks Typhoon pilots which, unlike its system in the helmet and it calibrates camaraderie between them, which is tables for briefing and de-briefing making them the first customer to use predecessor, is light, full-colour in 30 seconds or less.” normally built in a bar on a Saturday missions. it on two platforms. and 3-D audio and visual capable. The team are also experimenting night. Also, what form should the “Crucially, the big difference is Placing Sceptre within the But the team want to go even with monitoring electrical impulses virtual assistant take – is it a Twitter that Sceptre is not just a data system development cycle of the jet means it further and are working with in the pilot’s brain and heart rate via feed or a 3-D image of a person but a mission portal sucking in live- will be automatically updated but BAE aircrew to ‘de-risk’ head-and- sensors embedded in the helmet and behind you whose expression you tasking information from the Air say its application is potentially much eye-tracking and gesture-control flying suit. can read?” Operations Centre without having to wider. technology to enhance it still “We’ve always had warning panels fat finger input it,” said Ms Aiken. “We’re up to the latest Typhoon further. for the aircraft showing when things ack on the ground head of “It can process intelligence, standard but we’re pitching it as “The idea here is we buy gaming go wrong so can we in the world of mission planning programmes threat and other data in a congested, platform agnostic,” said Ms Aiken. technology off the shelf for as little Fitbit start monitoring the pilot to see BLouise Aiken says BAE’s Sceptre contested, and connected battlespace “Its modular architecture means as £100 so we can do a lot of our when they’re starting to flag a little?” system will transform the way from different feeds and bring them we can add in new capability more concept offers potential opportunities for ABOVE: prototyping as the same software said Ms Broadbent. Typhoon crews plan, brief, execute all together so you can plan an quickly and cheaply and so we’ll be it to expand. Sceptre mission works on our headset,” said Ms And, ultimately, they hope to and debrief missions. effective mission and maintain an ready for when the next Combat Air “It doesn’t just have to be an Air tool, planner in development. Broadbent. invent an in-flight virtual assistant to It combines 3-D in-cockpit views, advantage.” platform comes in. everyone has this image in their heads It is due to be “It’s stuff we can get in prevent aircrew overload by sharing representations of digital aeronautical Sceptre has been developed since “This could become a battlespace of paper maps on a table and people delivered for the Typhoon KENNEDY: BAE campaigns chief cheaply and it’s improving tasks. flight information, potential hazards 2015 by BAE’s Yeovil team, which management system not just a mission pushing things around, I like to think all the time, the new “We want the communication and conflict detection with real-time devised a similar Cage system for planner – and the Carrier Strike this is the 2020 version of that,” she said. Force this year Regulars & Announcements ● p6-7 R'n'R

Mobster oozes class ● p3

Will you escape the Mousetrap? ● p4-5

Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 R'n'R 3 R'n'R Film review 5 Is the Perfect Number/Stolen Days Cert TBC Gangland lives large on Italian screen IT HAS been praised as action, drama and intrigue, while ‘visually arresting’ and ‘highly focusing on the dark heart needed entertaining’ and Igor Tuveri’s to live out such a life where love latest offering 5 Is The Perfect can pay a heavy price. Will Peppino Number (5 è il numero perfetto) is get revenge, or will the underworld exactly that. drag him back in and end crush This is a gangster film like none his hopes of peace and dreams and other, as we see retired hit man leaving the life? Peppino Lo Cicero played by Tony Servillo, analysing the autumn years of his life in Naples and welcoming GUIDO LOMBARDI’S Stolen Days his son Nino (Lorenzo Lancellotti), is another peak into the Italian into the family business. As Peppino gangland world, but this time the presents his son with a special 38 film provides a non-holds barred calibre Colt Cobra on his birthday, look at a father-son relationship. all seems good for the pair to begin Salvo played by Augusto Zazzaro new chapters in their lives. and his father Vincenzo played by Following Nino’s subsequent Riccardo Scarmacio begin the film death later that evening, the at a beach when Salvo picks up old killer comes back out of the and claims another child’s toy for shadows and swears revenge. his. Salvo is then confronted by the Based on the directors’ graphic child asking for his toy back, before novel, the film is framed in such a being told to keep it, adding: “My way to emulate the publication and father buys me toys.” makes for mesmerising viewing. Minutes later Augusto is arrested The gun fight scenes are played by police for his crimes in the out beautifully, as Peppino along underworld. In this short scene with long time friend Totò the the director speaks volumes about Butcher (Carlo Buccirosso) and an the tumbling relationship, that enigmatic beauty from the past, becomes the subject of the film. Rita (Valeria Golino), team up to Stolen Days is a terrific movie track down his son’s killer. Screened that does not sweeten the truth of as part of the Cinema Made in Italy some fathers decisions. toys?” Lombardi studies the pair kind caring Salvo and will his father Certificates and UK release dates festival which runs in London until Lives carry on without a thought brilliantly, as Salvo comes to terms care? are yet to be confirmed. March 9, 5 Is The Perfect Number, for their children. Later when Salvo with his wayward father. One For tickets and further film is a must see of the cult event in is bought a toy, Augusto quips: question that remains throughout Both films are showing at the information visit: institutfrancais. London. It maintains a solid pace of “Are you not too old to play with is, will Augusto’s life rub off on the Cinema Made in Italy festival. org.uk/cinema-italy.

Music UK Box The Slow Rush Office OUT NOW Top 10 lead man Parker 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Dolittle unlocks more gold with new LP 3 Parasite KEV IN PARKER and his merry of Thundercat and Unknown 4 The Call of the Wild band of jesters Tame Impala are Orchestra are terrific. It is difficult back with another thumper of an to pick out a favourite track on the LP in the shape of The Slow Rush, , which just does not seem to 5 Emma but once again it’s all change at TI give in. HQ. Audio wise Parker makes this a 6 1917 The band who entered the wet dream through hi-fi speakers, world as a fully formed psychedelic headphones or in the car. The Slow dream-fest, have now, three Rush is such a superbly produced 7 Birds of Prey later, become a latent cross between album, it is more an experience into Herbie Hancock, synth sequencing sound rather than a collection of 8 Like a Boss gods Kraftwerk and 80s . songs. One thing for certain is you There are smatterings of are in the hands of a total talent. Madonna here on Borderline, Tomorrow’s Dust could well be 9 Brahms: The Boy II dabbles of Curtis Mayfield and Tor the best track on an album where Y Moi, Skylar Spence, Earth Wind in truth the only downside is that and Fire, Elton John elsewhere and the tracks can tend to run into each 10 Bad Boys for Life even Genesis, but don’t let that put other. you off, elsewhere. stands out as There are so many ‘smatterings’ one song constructed like an old- it’s almost impossible to pinpoint fashioned tune, rather than being the influences or are they a homage? built around a repeated dance beat Parker, has always had the ability and choral hook. to reflect his original sounds and The album closer One More that of his influences or fancies, but Hour starts like a rock opera, before he still blazes a new trail. it drifts sublimely off into a tune Currents. It’s been a long wait for on Modular Recordings on all His use of swirling slightly out reminiscent of a reprise of tracks this release, but it’s been worth it. platforms. Sonic the Hedgehog of tune keyboards that smack fromthe band’s previous album The Slow Rush is out now Source: BFI Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 R'n'R 4 Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 R'n'R 5 R'n'R

The Big Interview Susan Penhaligon Competition Win! Books Avro Lancaster (Haynes, £12.99) True icon of World War II VER WANTED to get the display-flying the famous old lowdown on the inner bird. Eworkings of the historic Lancaster In all, this is a title for plane Bomber, well now you can with and Lanc fans alike, and RnR has the fabulous Haynes icons book three copies to give away. There's a killer on the loose Avro Lancaster. To enter, just answer the The classic title follows its following question: Christie's Mousetrap still usual in-depth What is the plane look into the inner number of the BBMF workings of British Lancaster? captivates in 68th year and world cars, and Email your answer, transfers it the iconic marked Haynes Lanc HE IS famed for her with the flow. But I always tried to bomber, covering the book competition, starring roles in TV’s do a play once a year if I could. You restoration projects to: competitions@ Bouquet of Barbed Wire, have to keep practising to get good of BBMF PA474, to rafnews.co.uk or A Fine Romance and at anything. the wartime heroics post it to: RAF News, SEmmerdale and now Susan of the plane that was Room 68, Lancaster Penhaligon is set to play Mrs Are you an Agatha Christie never really meant to Building, HQ Air Boyle in the world-renowned Q fan? be built – tracing its Command, High murder mystery The Mousetrap. Yes, I am. I’ve read most of her impact on the German Wycombe, HP14 Queen of Crime Agatha books and I’ve read her biography. warship Tirpitz, to the 4UE, to arrive by Christie’s legendary play continues I think she’s fascinating. main production variants. March 20. its record-breaking run in the West Of particular quirky interest is Please remember to include End, where it’s now in its 68th What can audiences expect the section on purchasing a Lanc, your full postal address with all year, coupled with its national tour Q from The Mousetrap? to insurance and running costs – competition entries. returning due to popular demand to It’s a great story. A guessing game GEORGE NAYLOR: 'Christopher Wren' if you have your own. By entering RAF News thrill audiences across the country. of a whodunnit, and a brilliant one Readers can run through pre- competitions you agree to us Penhaligon stars in the thriller at that. flight checks, start-up and take- holding personal details for the alongside Martin Allanson, from off. BBMF Lancaster captain Flt purpose of sending out prizes. TV drama Doctors, who plays What is your favourite Lt Ed Straw also gives a detailed The book is priced £12.99 and is Detective Sgt Trotter; theatre star Q element of Mrs Boyle? Do and enthralling rundown of published by Haynes publishing. Laura Costello, who plays Miss you share any character traits? Casewell; and Steven Elliott, who I like Mrs Boyle because she says it starred in Danny Boyle’s production as it is, she doesn’t hold back. She’s Competition of Frankenstein as Mr Paravicini. the type of woman who is used Penhaligon, who heads up the to being in control of situations. Books Win! play directed by Gareth Armstrong, Probably to make herself feel safe. Fighting With Pride spoke to RnR about the role and I don’t think she feels safe in The returning to the stage. Mousetrap! She’s funny too. ADAM LILLEY: As Giles Ralston How do you feel to be What do you think it is about The battle for equality Q performing in the new UK Q The Mousetrap that has tour of The Mousetrap and in made it the longest-running play ITH THE military by focusing on the successful such an iconic production? in the world and has audiences celebrating 20 years since experiences of those at the I never thought I’d be in The coming back again and again? EDITH KIRKWOOD: 'Mollie Ralston' Wit lifted the ban on LGBTQ frontline and finding their place Mousetrap. I’ve been in two of It’s a perfect plot, it’s vintage personnel in the Services, the in an Armed Forces that now Agatha Christie’s other plays, And with very recognisable period timing of the release of Craig values and welcomes their input. Then There Were None and a little- characters, and it’s spooky. It’s great Jones’s new book could not be RnR has one copy of this known one called Verdict, but I’d quality entertainment. I think it’s better. excellent title never seen The Mousetrap or read interesting to see an original play of Fighting to give away. To it. When the part came up, I read hers on the stage rather than on TV, With Pride, enter, answer the play and I thought ‘wow’, it’s particularly as it was written for the LGBTQ in the the following funny, tense, has great characters, theatre. It’s a different animal. But Armed Forces, question: brilliant plot, and what struck me I think nowadays, because of the published When was the was that it was based on a real event many TV Agatha's, audiences are by Pen and ban on LGBTQ – chilling really. familiar with the world they are Sword, is a Servicemen and entering. poignant look women lifted in You’re well-known at the Service by the military? Q for your roles Why should people come LGBTQ men and Email your in TV programmes Q and see The Mousetrap? women from the answer, marked Bouquet of Barbed Come and see an iconic show and Second World Pride book Wire, A Fine find out why it’s been on for 67 War, Northern competition, to: Romance and years. It’s a fantastic night out. Ireland and competitions@ Emmerdale. How the Cold War rafnews.co.uk or does performing on ■ The Mousetrap is at right up to the post it to: RAF stage compare to Aylesbury Waterside Afghanistan News, Room screen? Theatre from March 16-21 campaigns. 68, Lancaster I’ve done a lot of theatre, and the Opera House For every Building, HQ touring, West End Manchester from July tale of heroics, Air Command, and fringe. I started 13-18. Tickets are the book covers High Wycombe, in a two-weekly rep in available now. Call instances of HP14 4UE, to arrive by Worthing as an acting 0844 871 7607 (bkg persecution, dismissals in March 20. ASM when I was 21. fee. Calls cost up disgrace, investigations and Please remember to include There isn’t a better to 7p per minute arrests. your full postal address with all way to understand plus your phone The title follows the battles for competition entries. and learn about the company’s access equality, which saw cases taken By entering RAF News theatre. For some charge) or visit to every court in the UK, before competitions you agree to us reason all through atgtickets.com/ finally the European Court of holding personal details for the the seventies and aylesbury (bkg fee). STEVEN ELLIOTT: MARTIN ALLANSON: Human Rights. purpose of sending out prizes. LAURA COSTELLO: 'Mr Paravicini' 'Det Sgt Trotter' Plays Miss Casewell eighties I seemed to The book celebrates the lives Fighting With Pride, LGBTQ in SUSAN PENHALIGON: PHOTOS: JOHAN land lots of TV and Stars as Mrs Boyle PERSSON of LGBTQ personnel in all the Armed Forces is priced £25 in film roles. I just went three Services, and culminates hardback. Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 R'n'R 6 R'n'R Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page to: [email protected]

Deaths He completed his National Seeking closely connected to the course dinner on Saturday Peter’s Church, Sheringham, Service with the RAF and team. Email: secretary@ with first class cabaret and starting at 2.30pm. The then signed on for full term, IS YOUR surname Mortimer, redarrowsassociation.co.uk entertainment both nights College Band’s first concert leaving in 1976. He was a Dale, Keen or Jones? I'm hoping or visit: redarrowsassociation. at one of Blackpool’s most at Sheringham, in 2018, Chief Tech Armourer with to make contact with any co.uk. popular seafront hotels, all was sold out within days of 11, 16, 19 and 29 Squadrons relatives of those who died with for the bargain offer price of tickets being released. All and served throughout my uncle Edward McLaughlin 158 Squadron Bomber £98 per person. For a great profits from the February UK, Cyprus, Zambia and on 22/8/1941 while serving Command. The 158 weekend in Blackpool with concert will be donated to Germany. His service with 37 Squadron in Egypt Association is very active like-minded people ‘pull the RAF Association 2020 number was Q2482352. He and are buried in the Suez war and we want to contact up a sandbag’… For further Wings Appeal. was fiercely proud to serve cemetery. Please contact Elaine any veteran or relative of a details please email: Driver Tickets, priced £15, are with the RAF. He is survived Kelly at [email protected] veteran. We are planning Trade Administration at: available from Sheringham by his wife Maud and their a Reunion and Memorial [email protected]. Little Theatre, either in children Peta and David. Reunions Service for autumn 2020. Please note tickets are selling person, online or by phone: Sadly his other daughters Please contact: KevB@ fast – and will be sent out 01263 822347. For more died last year, Jo Bruce in THE Red Arrows Association silenicus.com. on a first come, first served. information please contact Portugal in September and is calling for new members. your local RAFA Branch on: Jacqueline in Cambridge in It organises various events, 318TH Entry – 3 S of TT BOY Entrants 41st Entry 01263 479507. December 2019. His funeral has a Facebook page and RAF Hereford. Admin/Craft all trades get together to service was in Surefleet biannual newsletter and Apprentices are organising a celebrate 60 years. Midlands Mess dress for sale Crematorium, Nr Spalding holds a popular annual reunion to celebrate our 50th venue. At Leamington in Lincolnshire. reunion. Membership is £5 Anniversary on May 1, 2020. Spa May 15-17. Contact: TWO WO/SNCOs Mess Bill Adams a year and is conditional Any ex Apprentices who peterjohnson645@ dress for sale: 1 – 38" chest, O'NEILL John Patrick, died on having served on the are interested in attending btinternet.com. 30" waist, 29" leg; 2. – 36" February 3, 2020. Served as Red Arrows (including should contact Paul Leggott chest, 26" waist, 28" leg. ADAMS (Elgin). Peacefully an avionics engineer from the Yellowjacks) as either at: [email protected]. 237 OCU This year sees Contact: marheat@hotmail. at Burnbank Care Home, 1976 until 2014. Leaves wife aircrew, ground crew or the 8th annual 237 OCU com. Buckie, on February 16, Janet and children Megan and civilian support staff at any CALLING all 308 Entry Groundcrew Reunion, to 2020. William (Bill), aged Patrick.He died peacefully at time since its formation in Admin Apprentices. A 53rd be held on Saturday 13th Night with the RAF 92 years, beloved husband home surrounded by family. 1964. Associate membership Anniversary Reunion is June 2020 from 1200hrs of the late Margaret, much is also available to people being held at the National at The Compleat Angler, THE London Palladium loved Dad of Margaret and SHARP Alan Ernest Ch/ Memorial Arboretum on 120 Prince of Wales Road, hosts a glittering Night With Dawn, dear Father-in-law, Tech RAF passed away June 3, 2020 at Alrewas in Norwich NR1 1NS. Ex-237 The Royal Air Force on April Granda, and Bobo. February 10, 2020, missed Staffordshire. For further OCU members of all trades 1, two days after its inaugural by all his family, now resting information, please contact and any era welcome. Just performance at Birmingham’s GILLEN Joseph, passed with wife Louisa. Will miss Nick Nicholson on: 01691 turn up and join in. For more Symphony Hall on March away on February 12, 2020. you with all my heart dad, 682174 or email: www. information, search for 237 30. Showcasing the Bands of Born on March 30, 1932. love as always Diane. [email protected]. OCU on Facebook, email the Royal Air Force and the me at [email protected] Queen's Colour Squadron RAF Bawdsey Reunion or contact Si Roberts at 1 the concerts will feature a Association. The annual Manor Gardens, Carnoustie, youth choir and guest rapper How to use our service reunion lunch will be held Angus DD7 6HY or on and are in support of the RAF There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death, in memoriam on Saturday, June 6 at 07546 400085. Charitable Trust. For more seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. Bawdsey Manor. Anyone details go to: thsh.co.uk/ Help us to avoid errors by typing your announcement or using block capitals. who has served at RAF boxoffice/ticket/882736 (for We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by post to: RAF Bawdsey is invited to join Birmingham); 1wtheatres. News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Naphill, Buckinghamshire, HP14 our Association and attend 5131 Sqn event co.uk/whats-on/a-night- 4UE or by email to: [email protected] the reunion. For details with-the-royal-air-force- please contact: doreen. and-friends/ (for London Important Notice bawdseyreunion@btinternet. APRIL 1 will see the formal Palladium). The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or com or call: 0751 3301 723. disbandment of 5131 (Bomb mentioned in this publication. Disposal) Squadron, the last VE Day 75 Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval COASTAL Command remaining bomb disposal or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that Officers’ Reunion, October unit in the RAF. To mark WITH LESS than 100 days the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. 10, 2020. Please contact Ray the event, the squadron until VE 75 Day begins, All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with Curtis, call: 01264 735349 or will be taking part in a the sell-out SSAFA Royal advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. email: [email protected]. final parade followed by an Albert Hall concert is set to All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed. evening of celebration at be screened at more than THE RAF Locking RAF Wittering. Anyone who 400 cinemas nationwide. 119/219/404 Apprentice has served on the squadron SSAFA, the UK’s oldest Use the coupon for RAF News announcements Entries 50th Anniversary or undertaken EOD duties national tri-service military Reunion will be held on is invited to express an charity, will hold the concert October 23 and 24, 2020.An interest in attending. Final on May 8. Audiences will informal evening on October date to be confirmed but enjoy the Royal Albert Name ...... 23, 2020 will allow ex- will be held in April, 2020. Hall experience with Address ...... apprentices to gather before For further details please stunning cinematic the formal dinner on October email: 5131bd75@gmail. surround sound. The ...... 24. The formal event will take com including name, rank concert will feature stirring ...... place in the ballroom of the held, and phone number and emotional music Weston-super-Mare Winter and whether still serving from some of Britain’s Gardens BS23 1AJ, for all or not. Once numbers of greatest composers – from Please send to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE. RAF Locking 119/219/404 attendees are known, formal ‘Elgar’s Nimrod and Pomp Entry Apprentices and wives/ invitations will be sent. and Circumstance (‘Land partners. For further details of Hope and Glory’) to please contact Barry Cox at: Concert for RAFA Ron Goodwin’s Battle Of [email protected]. Britain Theme, a Dame Vera Lynn classic and many more. A limited number of tickets TO celebrate 70 years This event is in support of are available for all serving since the formation of the SSAFA. The Armed Forces and retired members of the Sheringham & District charity oers support to Mechanical Transport/Logs Branch of the Royal Air those currently serving, Driver Trade for the weekend Force Association, a Big regulars and Reservists. of Friday, March 20 to Band Concert by the Royal TO search and find your local Sunday March 22, 2020. Two Air Force College Band will cinema screening of ‘VE Day nights’ B&B and a gala five be held on February 29 at St 75’, visit: veday75.co.uk. Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 R'n'R 7 R'n'R Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page to: [email protected] Dementia drop-in at Star Music to mark Lancaster heroes

SUPPORT FOR personnel Complimentary hot coping, caring and living drinks and cakes will also be with dementia and their offered at the sessions, which loved ones will be available take place between 2-4pm on to the High Wycombe the last Wednesday of every community at a new Royal month. BIRD IN FLIGHT: Lancaster Star & Garter drop-in café. The sessions offer cruises into a darkened sky PHOTO: SGT SIMON The Hughenden Avenue stimulating and interactive BUTCHER Home welcomes people activities to promote a sense living with dementia and of well-being and belonging. their family and friends for Visitors will also be able THE ANNUAL RAFA this single night’s raid in will be provided by the big band, jazz, TV and film companionship, help and to seek advice from carers Cranwell Branch Bomber Nuremburg. Sleaford Concert Band, and light concert pieces. It advice on the last Wednesday and nurses who specialise County Charity Concert is This year’s event with Director of Music will be held at St George’s of every month. in dementia care, while the set to be held on March 14, also celebrates the 80th Richard Joyce. With around Academy Hall, Westgate, The charity provides long- home’s in-house activities 7–10pm. Anniversary of the Battle 40 amateur and semi- Sleaford. term, short-break and day and physiotherapy teams will The concert is dedicated of Britain and the 75th amateur musicians, the Tickets, priced £7.50 are care services. The new drop- also be present, to provide to the brave airmen of Anniversary of victory in band is going from strength available from the Arcade in café will also be open to advice. Bomber Command who Europe day, VE-Day. to strength. Cobbler, Hockmeyer’s non-serving members of the For further information Served, and especially the An evening of excellent The night will feature Garage and Tesco Sleaford community. call: 01494 927555. 545 who lost their lives on musical entertainment music including classical, and on the door.

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Solutions should be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Prize Prize Crossword Crossword' with the number in the top left-hand corner to RAF Prize Su Doku No. 268 News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High No. 278 Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 11 letters Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE to arrive by March 20, 2020. in yellow squares to find an RAF term. Fill in all the Across squares in the grid so 6. Signs of royalty unsettling Algeria (7) that each row, 7. Colour for putting on (5) each column 9. See 3 Down and each 10. See 20 Down 3x3 square 12. See 15 Down contains all 14. Placate left over facial problem (5,6) the digits 18. Hard worker takes public transport at end of day to be home from 1 to 9. eventually (4,3) 19. Gift from Aberdeen dowager (5) 21. Soft Scotsman embraced by Teletubby (5) 22. Before near problem, check he was in RAF (7)

Down

1. Wild Frenchman eagerly runs after ladies initially (5) 2. Grotto where The Beatles could be found (6) 3. And 9 Across. Planes use these as Serbia crumbles (3,5) Name ...... 4. Confused private loses a hedge (6) ...... 5. Polynesian garland certain to involve relaxation (7) Address ...... 8. Problems result when Burt and Leo clash (7) 11. Southern hat in Cork (7) ...... 13. Praise Patrol Leader before inspection (7) ...... Su Doku No. 278 15. And 12 Across. They help you get up and stay up (6,11) 16. It’s incendiary when Communist louse returns (6) Solution to Su Doku No: 277 17. Wow! A lieutenant goes pinkish-red! (5) Solutions should 20. And 10 Across. Poor television jest about retired trainer (3,7) Solution to Crossword No. 266 be sent in a sealed Across – 7. Ericas 8. Bowler 10. Prefect 11. Amiss 12. Grob 13. envelope marked Blues 17. Prime 18. Moth 22. Hours 23. Nairobi 24. Flying 25. 'Su Doku' with the Seance number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, to arrive Name ...... Down – 1. Seepage 2. Viceroy 3. Danes 4. Voyager 5. Ulric 6. Cross 9. St Clement 14. Present 15. Cologne 16. Shrivel 19. Shaft by March 20, 2020. Address ...... 20. Quays 21. Tiger ...... RAF word: Hurricane RAF word ...... Crossword No. 268

Books Older Dog? No Worries! Win! Veloce Books, £10.99 Looking after a man's best friend in the later years OGS AND the RAF have gone hand dealing with the end of life of your loyal in lead since the Service’s formative golden oldie. Dyears. Countless famous names have To be in with a chance of winning a sported canine companions, most copy of Older Dog? No Worries! simply famously Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron. answer the following question: Once the days of jumping in and out What Squadron did Guy Gibson of cockpits are over, many older dogs, most famously belong to? not pilots, struggle, but new book Older Email your answer, marked Dogs Dog? No Worries! By Sian Ryan could book competition, to: competitions@ well be the answer to hanging up their rafnews.co.uk or post it lead for a comfy bed. to: RAF News, Room 68, The book aims to maintain your Lancaster Building, HQ senior dog's physical, mental and Air Command, High emotional wellbeing and RnR has three Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to copies of the book, published by Veloce arrive by March 20. Books for £10.99, to give away. Please remember The book features full colour to include your full photographic illustrations from simple postal address with all games to stimulate all your dog’s senses competition entries. to clear explanations for training and the By entering RAF News latest cognitive research. competitions you agree to us holding There is even a section giving personal details for the purpose of practical and compassionate advice on sending out prizes. COMPANIONS: WWII Ace Wg Cdr JE 'Johnnie' Johnson, leader of 144 (Canadian) Wing, rests on the wing of his Supermarine Spitfire IX with his Labrador retriever, Sally Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P20

Feature Gunpowder & Glory By Simon Mander

FRANK BROCK: Little- known hero of the First World War The real-life Q and Bond all rolled into one Rocket man Brock was an inventor, spy and officer in all three Services

HE UNTOLD signalling cartridges for British pilots to use STORY of a spy, in order to stop friendly fire accidents in soldier and inventor daylight. who made an He designed and brought into production Textraordinary contribution one of the earliest air-to-air missiles, the to victory in the First World button-fired Brock Immediate Rocket War has been revealed in a carried and fired from tubes attached to the new book. struts between the biplanes’ wings they were Frank Arthur Brock is praised for being half the size and weight of hailed as a remarkable real- the rival Le Prieur Rockets. life James Bond and ‘Q’ And Brock’s personal bravery knew no combined – 35 years before bounds. author Ian Fleming conjured On his wedding day he dashed to France, up the characters. rowed across a lake into enemy territory Unusually commissioned as AIR TO AIR MISSILES: Le Prieur Rockets and prepared the ground for the world’s first an officer in all three services strategic bombing raid on a Zeppelin base – RAF, Navy and Army – he “To the thousands of fascinated in South Germany. became a legend after ending spectators who had gathered below, Leefe His artificial fog invention to mask Germany’s dream of air supremacy Robinson’s plane looked like an insect attacking vessels played a pivotal role in by inventing a ‘magic’ bullet that fluttering around a great lamp. Zeebrugge, the war’s most daring raid. could shoot down Zeppelin airships. “The young pilot had one drum of Involved in the action, he was the most And his pioneering work in ammunition left and precious little fuel. senior officer to fight and die on the mole in developing flares to illuminate targets Taking up position behind the airship, a naval sword fight. and air-to-air missile technology grew he dived down and poured the last of his Brock’s Fireworks in Cheam was one of into a key component of air warfare. bullets at the twin rudders. the most famous brands in the world and “He was far more than a back-room “Seconds later the entire hull went up staged huge patriotic displays across the ‘boffin’. He was also a man of action – in flames as thousands of cubic feet of globe. a superb shot, an intrepid pilot and an hydrogen ignited with a brilliance that The company was behind the Official expert in unarmed combat,” says Lord turned night into day.” Peace Displays in 1919 and 1946 to mark the Ashcroft in the book’s forward. The airship plunged into a field end of both World Wars and the Coronation “Frank Brock was my kind of hero, in Hertfordshire, the other attacking Displays of King Edward VII, King George and it is high time that his extraordinary Zeppelins turned and fled, and 48 hours V, and Queen Elizabeth II. story was told… prepare to be inspired.” later Leefe Robinson was awarded the VC. ■ Gunpowder & Glory: The Short Explosive And authors Harry Smee, Brock’s Life of Frank Brock OBE by Harry Smee & grandson and former acting editor of ut that wasn’t Brock’s only breakthrough. Henry Macrory is published in hardback the Sunday Express Henry Macrory don’t He developed coloured smoke by Casemate on March 16, priced £25. disappoint in Gunpowder & Glory, the B first biography of a man whose initials appropriately spelt FAB. It tells how before the war he was in the Chance to grab free book eighth generation of a world-famous family of pyrotechnicians and used his fireworks E HAVE copies of Gunpowder & Glory background in many of his inventions. Wto give away. To be in with a chance of It details his ingenious invention of the winning one, answer this question Brock Bullet – a mixture of potassium correctly: chlorate and mercury sulphocyanide – which could pierce an airship’s hydrogen Where was Brock’s Fireworks gasbag and set fire to it. based? Win! It was the weapon that RFC ace 21-year- old Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson had in the machine guns of his 39 Sqn BE2c Email your answer, marked when he took off on a ‘search and find,’ Gunpowder competition, to: mission on September 2, 1916. [email protected] or post it to: RAF Spotting an airship caught News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air in searchlights 12,500 feet Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by above London he riddled its March 20. entire length with bullets, but it flew on. Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P21

Gunpowder & Glory By Simon Mander

DEAD ZEPPELIN: Brock’s ‘magic bullet’ could down the giant German aircraft

TARGET: Sketch of biplanes attacking German Zeppelin factory

LIFE SAVER: Brock’s parachute flare My grandad’s lasting legacy

FRANK BROCK’S inventions solved significant problems for the Navy to increase clarity in bad weather. revolutionised warfare writes author and and Royal Naval Air Service, including “He improved bomb aiming techniques grandson Harry Smee: coloured signalling flares and smoke for aerial attack, but his major triumphs cartridges to reduce the danger of friendly were: the anti-Zeppelin bullet; the Dover “By the time Frank Brock was fire; parachute flares, dropped by pilots to or Deck Flares that lit up the Channel at commissioned into the Royal Artillery in illuminate ground or water below; and very night and forced U-boats into deep mine 1914 aged 30, he was already a brilliant and strong flares suspended from kite balloons fields and his smoke screen that enabled the experienced pyrotechnician working for the and towed behind ships to show up U-boats. Navy to approach the Mole at Zeebrugge on British state. “Running air intelligence for the RNAS St George’s Day 1918 – and then sail away “He had visited a Zeppelin base he was acutely aware of the importance of without getting sunk. disguised as an American to research its accurate aerial photography. He developed “That smoke screen was still being used potential vulnerabilities and had worked the use by British Forces of the French by the Navy in WWII and flares, including on smoke for screening and signalling aluminium-framed, 120cm focal length those used by the RAF Pathfinders in purposes. cameras and developed a range of coloured WWII, were based on technology originally “During World War One his inventions filters (for goggles, binoculars and cameras) developed by Frank Brock and his family.” PRIDE: Harry Smee (r) with co-author Macrory 648$'521&200$1' By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Medallists 81,7:$//6+,(/'6 WorcestershireWorcestershire Medal Service Ltd Bromsgrove SpecialistsSpecialists in Orders,Orderss,, Decorations and Medals [ LQFOXGLQJ8.3RVW DQG3DFNLQJ

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Obituary Canadian Ace defied Nazi V-bomb terror ING COMMANDER on one engine. Bannock was awarded leading night fighter pilot. Russell Bannock, who the DFC, with Bruce receiving one a He spoke highly of his pilots and has died aged 100, month later. credited his various navigators for was one of the last of Bannock was promoted to wing much of his success saying: “It was Wthe Canadian ‘Ace’ fighter pilots. commander and took command of teamwork, very much so.” Born in Edmonton, Canada, he No 406 (RCAF) Squadron in October. The importance of his missions began flying in 1938, gaining his He destroyed a Junkers 88 bomber had been brought home to him when commercial pilot’s licence in April over Paderborn on December 24. his brother-in-law, a 20-year-old 1939 before flying with the Yukon Ten days later he was over the airfield Lancaster pilot, was killed in action. Southern Air Transport. at Husum in Schleswig when he saw Bannock left the RCAF in May He joined the RCAF in September a Heinkel III preparing to land and he 1946 and joined de Havilland 1939 and, after completing his shot it down. (Canada) as chief test pilot and training, he was employed as a flying He then attacked another aircraft operations manager. In 1947 he flew instructor, a role he filled for the next as it taxied on the airfield. On January the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver three years. 9, 1945, he was awarded a Bar to his prototype and demonstrated its In January 1944 he trained on the DFC. short take-off and landing (STOL) Mosquito and travelled to Britain to In March he flew to the Vienna capabilities so well that the US Forces join No. 418 Squadron in June. area and damaged an enemy aircraft subsequently ordered 978. In the following 10 months, flying before shooting up a train. Throughout the next 20 years, a Mosquito VI night fighter, he On the night of April 4 he was Bannock found success selling the destroyed nine enemy aircraft in the heading for east Germany when he company’s other STOL aircraft, air, two on the ground and shot down saw the airfield at Delmenhorst lit including the Otter, Twin Otter, 19 V-1 flying bombs. up and he attacked a Focke Wulf 190 Caribou and Beaver. His first success came within a and saw strikes on the aircraft before He rose to become the company’s week of joining the squadron when the lights were extinguished, so could head of military sales and later he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 only claim a “probable”. president and chief executive officer. during an intruder mission over France. Bannock’s final success came on In 1978 he retired to form Bannock For the next two months, with three of the terror weapons and three at the end of August brought three April 23 when he found a Junkers 88 Aerospace specialising in trading and Flying Officer Bob Bruce as his nights later he went one better when further aerial victories. bomber over Wittstock airfield and leasing de Havilland aircraft, working navigator, he was active over the he shot down four in just one hour. On a sortie to Parow airfield on the shot it down. until well into his 70s. English Channel shooting down the By the middle of August he had Baltic coast on the night of September Bannock left 406 Squadron at the He became the chairman of the V-1 ‘Doodlebugs’ launched from the accounted for 19. In the meantime, 27, Bannock saw a number of aircraft end of May and shortly after he was Canadian Fighter Pilots’ Association Pas de Calais towards London. he had also flown a few long-range in the landing pattern and shot down awarded the DSO. and was inducted into Canada’s Hall Bannock’s first success against the intruder sorties to intercept German two of them. The citation concluded: “Under of Fame in 1983. V-1 came on the night of June 19. aircraft over their airfields. He shot Flying debris from the second this officer’s inspiring leadership For his contribution to the On July 3 he was on a night patrol down one and damaged another. damaged his aircraft and he flew the his squadron has obtained a fine Canadian aerospace industry he was over the Channel when he shot down A return to full intruder missions 600 miles back to base at tree-top level record of successes.” He was Canada’s appointed to the Order of Ontario.

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Audi A1 35 TFSI S Line Style Edition Motoring

TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent

AUDI HAS been a benchmark for precision engineering for many years and if you’re looking for a nippy city car then the A1 is not only the smallest Audi in the range but also the cheapest. Prices start HOBSON’S from £18,540 but most buyers CHOICE: choose to upgrade to either Sport Engines or S Line models to give their A1s only come that bit more prestige. in petrol As is now a rather dirty word for the Volkswagen Audi Group, you won’t find one in the new A1 range. Instead you can choose petrols that range from the baby 94 Bhp model to the beefy 197 Bhp 2.0. Our car was the midpoint 147 LITTLE Bhp 1.5-litre TFSI, that hits 62mph BEAUTY: But A1 in 7.5 seconds. The S Line Style lacks a bit Edition costs £27,770 on the road of punch and comes with all the whistles and bells, including a special LED lighting pack. It’s not especially fast by hot hatch standards but it gets into its stride at around 1500 rpm and just keeps going, so it’s a lot of fun. It’s certainly a snappy hatch that’s in Mini Cooper territory, although disappointingly it doesn’t come in 3-door guise so it’s not really A1’s a NOT hatch a true hot hatch in that respect. This is the second generation A1 and it’s been a while coming. After eight years Audi finally decided that it was time to risk a It’s more luke warm than ‘hot’ complete reboot of its popular baby model and the result is likely to These allow you to use selected apps please A1 fans. Audi A1 on your smartphone, including its Underneath it all, the new A1 sat-nav, through the touchscreen. is basically the same chassis as the Pros Overall the cabin is very well VW Polo and the Seat Ibiza but Awesome resale values put together and feels reassuringly it’s easy to forget that. Externally Plenty of cabin space upmarket but when you look closer it looks very different and, with a Smooth ride & smart it does have a few drawbacks. The more athletic stance, it appears to handling largest of these is the choice of be quite a muscular little machine. Relatively quiet at higher plastics in some areas. Things like It may not have as much character speeds the centre console, the cup holders as a Mini but it looks like a mean PRESTIGE: Audi logo adds value Great interior design INTERIOR: There’s plenty of room and the tops of the doors feel little bit of kit when it appears in Impressive touchscreen scratchy and, quite frankly, scruffy. your rear view mirror. available for £1,520 but we’ve yet to interface don’t offer quite enough support to Interior quality is therefore no put that to the test. Cons hold you in place through the tight longer outstanding in an A1, which On the road Sadly, Audi’s iconic Quattro four- corners. is a pity. wheel drive system isn’t offered on Little feedback through the One thing I do like is that the The A1 is a really eager little any A1. There’s also no sign of an steering dashboard features actual controls, Visibility car to drive. The speed-adaptive S1 on the horizon, or a full electric Poorly equipped in lower physical buttons that keep the steering works well, feeling light variant either for that matter. models heating system away from the fiddly Front visibility is good thanks around town but having enough Not as affordable as a touch-screens that we so often find to relatively thin front pillars. weight to remain steady on faster, In the cabin Volkswagen Polo these days. That’s not to say that the Rear visibility is less impressive winding roads. The steering is also Solid engines but not A1 S Line is in any way low-tech, far however due to chunky rear panels reassuringly precise. Despite being a small car the A1 dynamic from it. and a relatively small rear screen. There is a small amount of body has plenty of room inside. Head Poor exhaust note – no real Our car came with Audi’s ‘Virtual The S Line reduces the problem roll on tight bends at speed but it’s room and interior width in the front tune under load Cockpit’ a fully-digital dash. Part with a suite of parking aids that nothing major and the A1 is, in are almost best in class, but you’ll Verdict of this is the 10.1in infotainment include sensors and a rear camera. fact, particularly tenacious in terms find slightly less leg room than in system which is an impressive set- These are available as an option of grip. When it does eventually the new Mini. The A1 doesn’t lead Overall, the A1 is a great little up for such a small car. It includes on lower models and we’d heartily reach the limit the break away is its class for space in the rear either car. It’s a pleasant driving sat-nav, wireless phone charging recommend them. gradual and predictable too. It’s not but it’s fine for everyday use. experience, nicely predictable and a handwriting pad. Thrown the best handling car in this class The seats in the A1 S Line feel and it’s no slouch. What it isn’t in is also a 36-month subscription Value but it comes a good way up the list. particularly plush for a small car, is a Quattro or a hot hatch and to Audi Connect, which will give On the motorway the engine is finished in what Audi calls ‘Twin that misses an open goal as you features like email and Google The A1 is produced to be a hushed and the ride is forgiving. Leather’. The driving position’s far as we’re concerned. At the Earth. On the downside, like designer brand. It’s a small car but There is a little wind and road spot on, with the steering wheel end of the day it has its faults many of these systems, using the it’s still an Audi and that’s something noise, the latter amplified a little and pedals perfectly aligned to the but it’s relatively spacious touchscreen is fiddly enough to VAG thinks customers will be by the larger alloy wheels, but it’s driver. The steering wheel also has inside and offers a better require a lengthy look away from willing to pay for. Compared to its nothing that’s going to put you off. plenty of adjustment for reach and premium package than most the road. VW Polo cousin you’ll pay a good The manual 6-speed box has rake. The wheel itself is taken from small cars. The Volkswagen Also fitted was the optional premium on top and yet it’s still a slightly longer travel than you the TT and it gives the A1 a real Polo has very similar qualities 11-speaker, 560-watt Bang & cheaper than an equivalent BMW would expect and it’s not the sports performance look. and is available for far less Olufsen sound system which Mini 5dr. slickest shift either. The clutch is If you’re expecting the A1 to feel but, let’s be honest, badges produced seriously loud, crystal- Where Audi’s A1 really wins in really fierce and unless you get your like a hot hatch though you may be matter. When it comes to clear audio. Lower models come the value department however is revs well up in advance it’s very disappointed because the driver’s price-holding prestige, the A1 with Bluetooth, a DAB radio and that it has the lowest depreciation easy to stall it, which is not ideal. A seat doesn’t go quite low enough excels. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto of any car in the class, so it will seven-speed twin clutch auto box is in my book. Likewise, the seats smartphone mirroring as standard. always be a sound investment. LAND AND AIRLAND DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXHIBITION

08-12 JUNE 2020 / PARIS

THE UNMISSABLE WORLDWIDE EXHIBITION

1,802 exhibitors +14,7% from 63 countries 65,9% of international

65 startups at Eurosatory LAB

98,721 Total attendance (exhibitors, visitors, press, organisers)

227 Official delegations from 94 countries and 4 organisations (representing 760 delegates)

696 journalists from 44 countries

75 Conferences

2,102 Business meetings made

2018 key figures Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P29

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01494 497563 Sport 6 pages of RAF Sport start here

● RAF Men on an amazing run in Cross Country Inter-Services: p30 PADDY POWER

WINTER SPORTS RAF boarder Patrick gives ’em all hell in Meribel

HATTA BOY: Flt Lt Paddy Morris

IT WAS touted as a year of change and that’s exactly what it proved to be for the RAF’s Alpine sports stars at the Inter- Services in Meribel. New blood for the skiers and a focus on grass-roots development for the snowboarders meant podiums were not the target for 2020 at the blizzard-hit French resort, which saw delays and alterations to races because of the extreme weather.

This was the most successful year in recent “history ” So to have brought home a top- spot finish for the women’s skiers and an individual snowboarding title in the men’s event for Flt Lt Patrick ‘Paddy’ Morris proved the quality still at the heart of each of the association’s teams. Women’s ski team captain Flt Lt Claire Nixon said: “This was the most successful year Turn to in recent history. Our victory was decisive p34 for with the RAF winning DARK ART: Dusk more snowboarding PHOTO: CPL NICK EGAN Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P30 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews

Sport CROSS COUNTRY Rock steady Men take Inters crown for 11th time at Gibraltar Barracks in, er, Hampshire

WINNING STREAK: The RAF’s Fg Off Mike Kallenberg (No. 22) and Wg Cdr Ben Livesey (No. 20) PHOTOS: PETER DAVIES, SOLDIER MAGAZINE U23s and Masters also celebrate victories

IT WAS business as usual at the Inter-Services Cross Country Championships as the Royal Air Force men claimed an 11th successive title, albeit by the narrowest of margins. At the end of a gruelling 10km slog at Gibraltar Barracks, in Minley, it was just a single point that proved decisive as the defending champions held off the challenge of a resurgent Army squad.

It was quite tight and every position counts. “We all ran our guts TRUE GRIT: out RAF LADIES: Good showing LAC Chloe but beaten by the Army Richardson Fg Off” Mike Kallenberg won the battle for individual honours as he for another dominant win, but with Speaking afterwards Kallenberg with him. It certainly worked out pulled clear of Army rival Maj Ed their rivals scoring welcome points said: “The main thing is the team well for us.” Knudsen (REME) to cross the line down the field the outcome proved result. It was quite tight today and Elsewhere, the RAF also in first place. to be far from straightforward. every position counts. We all ran celebrated wins in the under-23s With teammates Wg Cdr Ben The close nature of the contest our guts out.” and masters competitions, but the Livesey and SAC Will Gardner resulted in a lengthy scrutiny of the Livesey added: “It is a team race. Army hosts were triumphant in the claiming third and fourth spots final standings before the victors The plan was to see how good Ed women’s race, where they claimed a respectively the RAF looked well set were eventually announced. was, I held back and Mike went 15th successive title. Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P31

Sport

RUGBY UNION Red Roses regular is in her elements FG OFF AMY COKAYNE has seen her return to the bench in the second half. Despite the conditions we England rugby union fold blow hot and cold, but not still managed to work the ball wide and our back three in her titanic performances, rather the extremes of the got on the scoreboard several times. I came on as a British weather. finisher and I was happy with my performance. Cokayne, who was central to the Red Roses’ hard- “My core roles went well and we pushed their fought win over France in Pau in the team’s opening scrum over the line for a try. I got a bit more ball in Six Nations clash in the blazing sun, was then selected hand and I felt I supported the team, who were frozen as replacement for the team’s 53-0 demolition of when I came on, by bringing more energy in attack Scotland in Edinburgh in snow blizzards. and defence. She said: “It was good to be back in camp with the “We eventually came away with the win against a England Squad for this Six Nations, the conditions much-improved Scotland team. for the French game in Pau were perfect for running “On March 7 we’re at the Stoop, which is where rugby; sunny and 28 degrees. I play for my club, Harlequins. This will be a really “The next game against Scotland couldn’t have special occasion as it could be my 50th England cap. It been more different. We were scheduled to play on would be great if the RAF Family could be there in the Sunday, but due to Storm Ciara the match was force to help me celebrate. postponed and moved from Glasgow to Murrayfield, “If anyone has tickets for the men’s game at in Edinburgh. Twickenham, why not have a few beers in The Stoop “Due to the rescheduling the game was played before you move to HQ?” win no spectators on Monday afternoon, in blizzard ■ Follow Flt Lt Cokayne and the Red Roses on conditions at times. Twitter @Englandrugby and the RAF women’s team @ “The front row had been rotated so I came off the RAFRU_Women. STOOP TO CONQUER: Fg Off Amy Cokayne wants RAF support at home of Quins

TABLE TENNIS Young guns bring plenty to the table …but Johnson proves experience is king by walking off with crown

THE FUTURE was bright at took fifth, with several the Service’s Festival of Table unexpected wins. Tennis, which returned to its The new RAF TTA President, usual ‘Home for Sport’ of RAF Air Cdre Nigel Colman, Halton with a large turnout attended the final day – playing of players of all abilities, in the last round of matches. including several new faces. Chf Tech Craig Walton The round robin tournament said: “The festival is a great lasted three days and produced introduction to table tennis several surprise victories. for those new to the Experienced Chf sport and it’s a great Tech Richie Johnson opportunity to remained undefeated develop personnel and walked away as who already play, overall winner, with either at station the remaining four level or beyond. of the top five all “The next players who have competition been challenging for is the RAF the title in the last few Table Tennis years. Championships on SAC Ben Law put in an March 25-27 at Halton, exceptional performance to which is open to all RAF take second overall, while the personnel. remaining top-five spots went “Additionally, there are to players all sitting outside the several training academies top 20 of RAF ranked players. held throughout the year to Young guns SACs Liam coach and develop players of Irlam and Sam Evans took third all abilities. Look out for more and fourth respectively. information on the RAF TT THIRD: SAC Liam Irlam; and (inset Cpl Joe Newbould made page on MODNet or search left) SAC Louise Hart in play good progress and deservedly RAF Table Tennis on Facebook.”

Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P33

Sport

FOOTBALL How we won IS 2020 HEAD COACH Sgt Leon Duke was rightly brimming with pride after his U23 MDS side hammered the Royal Navy 4-0 to take the Inter-Services title. Here, he tells RAF News how they did it. “Having watched a very good Navy team win the 2019 championship, I felt I needed to go away and learn a new system to get the absolute best out of the players we had at our disposal. “I went away all summer with a club in Wales who used this system to keep learning and asking questions. “Around November we played Dorking Wanderers away (3-0) and something clicked. Pretty much from then I knew we’d have a great chance at IS. “I felt two weeks ago we showed about 60 per cent of what we could do, yesterday I challenged the NEW SYSTEM: Sgt Duke players to give me at least 20/30 per cent more. of the system. I think it showed, if on the scoresheet it’s testament to “In my time as a player, coach and you were lucky enough to watch the them understanding the method, manager at U23 level that was one game live. so to get both centre forwards and of the most complete performances “It is difficult to pick a stand-out both full backs on the score sheet is I’ve ever seen: the boys’ drive, player, but in this system if you get fantastic. ruthlessness and understanding a centre forward, full back or both “It’s a great achievement.”

Continued from p35 RAF squeezed the Navy into their own half. Once out and stopped them playing and then just got beaten into submission, the RAF team set about into our game. winning the tie. Spalding showed his poaching “We were aware of last year, so I just kept the talent in the 56th minute, making it 3-0. From lads up for it really, it could have turned, but we there the Service side began taking pot shots from didn’t allow that.” all angles, with SAC Sam Dawson making it four at Fully focused on not letting their lead slip, the the back post in the 90th minute. LEAGUES AHEAD: Convincing win for RAF MDS PHOTOS: SAC RYAN MURRAY INDOOR ROWING FS Saxton on top of world in Paris Rowers make their mark in gruelling test of fitness and endurance RAF ATHLETES stamped their name on the Boulmer’s FS Saxton and Chf Tech Gerry first ever World Indoor Rowing Championships Armstrong (Brize) were next in the 40-49 race. (WIRC) to feature all three Services, in Paris. Saxton’s PB (1.22) secured 14th, with Armstrong’s The event, the third of its kind and the first to 1.23.7 sealing 19th. be held outside the US, saw the team of six in light The highest RAF placing of the day saw Cpl blue achieve a number of top-10 and 20 finishes Tom Jackman (Honington, 1.19.7) secure a top- against some of the best on the planet. 10 finish in the 30-39 group. FS James Saxton recorded six minutes and 11 In the same race Sgt Paul Savage (Honington) seconds, the quickest UKAF two-kilometre time finished 22nd in (1.23). The RAF’s only of the day, in the over-40 group. The run secured female competitor, SAC Alex Robinson (High him fourth in the world. Wycombe), finished 13th (1.42.9). He said: “We are all hoping the impressive In the men’s 2000m Newcombe, came 43rd finishes will encourage further participation (7.35), Saxton then produced his wonder row to among the wider RAF in what is a very accessible come fourth, with Armstrong 18th. sport.” The Men’s 30-39 category saw Jackman A field of more than 2000 athletes from a and Savage get 14th and 19th respectively. SAC record 51 different countries took part at the Robinson’s 7.46.7 sealed 22nd. Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. The RAF Indoor Rowing Club will be holding Cpl Andy Nexcombe (Honington) was first to training camps throughout the year until the go in the Men’s 50-54 category, finishing 43rd in season restarts in October. Follow the club on a personal best time of one minute, 38 seconds. Twitter @RAF_Rowing_Club for more details. ON YOUR MARKS: Rowers prepare for the start of a lung-busting row in Paris Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P34 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews

Sport

WINTER SPORTS

SKILL: RAF skier PHOTO: CPL Inters NICHOLAS EGAN team elation for the ladies RAF skiers scoop most of the titles in France

Continued from p29 again becoming the Inter-Services individual competition as well as gave it their all in the three the coveted overall team event as overall champion, the Super G, second in the Super Combined and events, both mentally and well as the Slalom, Giant Slalom Super Combined champion and the third in the Giant Slalom, so am physically. While we didn’t and Super G. Giant Slalom champion. She also delighted with that.” win the team events, Flt Lt “Individually, ladies won an achieved silver in the Downhill and Snowboard chairman, Wg Cdr Paddy Morris won the PGS impressive number of podium Slalom events. Nicola Duncan, said: “Both the and SBX, which sealed places with Cpl Rachel Hughes once “I placed third in the overall men’s and ladies’ snowboard teams his victory as the overall UK Armed Forces male champion. SAC(T) Barnaby Rudge, men’s ski team captain, added: “This was another building year for the men, where we again finished third, with four new guys TOUGH GOING: RAF men’s team skier battles on making the team. “There were some excellent individual performances from all the guys, especially a couple of the new arrivals, who earned counting times for the team in their first y e ar.” Telemark captain Sqn Ldr Johnny Young was proud of his charges, despite coming third. He said: “The team did well at Meribel, but still came third overall. We had some good individual performances and worked very well as a team.” ■ Any female personnel interested in finding out about the ski team should email Flt Lt Nixon: Claire. FULL OF TRICKS: RAF snowboarders OVERALL WINNERS: [email protected]. For RAF Ladies Skiers, with Cpl Rachel Telemark check out the team’s Follow RAF Snowboard on Hughes (far left) Facebook page: RAF Telemark Twitter @RAFSnowboarding, and or on Twitter @RAFTelemark. the ski team @RAFSkiers. Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, March 6, 2020 P35

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01494 497563 Sport Paddy Runners Young guns powers stride to make their to Inters 11 titles mark in the victory in a row table tennis

Sport P29 Sport P30 Sport P31

FOOTBALL That’s four-some

PHOTO: SAC Ryan Murray

Celebrations as goal blitz sinks Navy in Inters

THE SERVICE’S U23 men’s RAF U23 MDS 4 behind them so we can all focus our Alex More, Liam Wood and Joe minutes, from a stunning Willis football team produced a 4-0 attention and support to the senior Spalding out wide to get in behind pass. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 result two years in the making to Royal Navy U23 MDS 0 teams and hope that they can use the visitors. In the ninth minute as Wood saw an effort parried back secure the 2020 IS title. a little of this momentum to gain More got a sight of goal, forcing a out into the penalty area, before Head Coach Sgt Leon Duke’s their account beating the Army 2-1 success in their championships.” good parry from the Navy keeper. SAC Brodie Gray smashed home men were a class above in every in the first game, at Aldershot. A rainy and cold Farm ground SAC Ross Glibbery then tried his off a deflection. position as they dispatched the Duke said: “I’m absolutely saw the Service men battle out an luck from range in the 14th minute, Willis said: “Things clicked Royal Navy in the tournament’s delighted. We had a good night last even opening against the Navy. after great work from More and throughout. The boys were class third clash, at Oxford City’s Court night, but for a few their season Duke’s men were looking to use team captain SAC Kyle Willis. from start to finish, we shut them Place Farm ground. They’d opened isn’t over, they now need to put it the quick-firing front line of SACs More slotted home after 19 ■ Continued on p33 66p ISSN 0035-8614 Proud to support 10 >

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