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2 AirPilot JUNE 2018 ISSUE 27

RAF ISSUE Centenar y Diary

JUNE 2018 AI R PILOT 14th General Purposes & Finance Committee Cutlers’ Hall 25th Election of Sheriffs Guildhall THE HONOURABLE 28th T&A Committee Hill House COMPANY OF AIR PILOTS incorporating Air Navigators JULY 2018 12th Benevolent Fund Dowgate Hill House PATRON : 12th ACEC Dowgate Hill House His Royal Highness 16th Summer Supper Watermen’s Hall The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT 16th Instructors’ Working Group Dowgate Hill House 19th General Purposes & Finance Committee Dowgate Hill House GRAND MASTER : 19th Court Cutlers’ Hall His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew Duke of York KG GCVO

MASTER : VISITS PROGRAMME Captain Colin Cox FRAeS Please see the flyers accompanying this issue of Air Pilot or contact Liveryman David Curgenven at [email protected]. CLERK : These flyers can also be downloaded from the Company's website. Paul J Tacon BA FCIS Please check on the Company website for visits that are to be confirmed.

Incorporated by Royal Charter. A Livery Company of the City of .

PUBLISHED BY : GOLF CLUB EVENTS The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Please check on Company website for latest information Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU.

EDITOR : Paul Smiddy BA (Econ), FCA EMAIL: [email protected]

FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY : Gerald Sharp Photography View images and order prints on-line. TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk

PRINTED BY: Printed Solutions Ltd 01494 478870 Except where specifically stated, none of the material in this issue is to be taken as expressing the opinion of the Court of the Company. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : The copy deadline for the August 2018 edition of Air Pilot is 1 July 2018. The address is: 14-16 Dowgate Hill House, London EC4R 2SU. Our telephone number remains unchanged TELEPHONE : 020 7404 4032 EMAIL : [email protected] Cover photo: CAS ACM Sir giving the keynote address at the WEBSITE : www.airpilots.org City Livery RAF 100 Banquet. A message from your Editor... The chair in which I carry out my editorial du ties is a Martin Baker example – new and unused, and destined for a rear-seater in a Nimrod MRA4. Its cost appealed to my innate Yorkshireman, its MB engineering appealed to my appreciation of fine engineering. And if it is good enough to cosset a crewman on an eight hour mission, it is good enough for a couple of hours at the editorial PC. In this issue we celebrate the RAF centenary - a once in a lifetime opportunity to look back on the greatness of our junior service with pride, and to look forward to its next century - with difficulty. Aviation and the pace of technological change, not to mention the shifting geopolitical arena, make forecasting a thankless task. The joint Livery Companies Centenary dinner at the Guildhall was a splendid occasion, and I report on it fully in this issue. Tony Edwards, the Master Coachmaker, in his speech made some trenchant comments on the need for increased defence spending. Indeed we (that is sentient taxpayers in Western democracies) have much for which to thank the Russian President. His now stereotypical aggression, often under false flags, has made the case for NATO budget increases far better than any Western politician could. In a previous life I was what was unaffectionately known as a “teenage scribbler”, and ironically called thus as I cruised past middle age. A large part of my role was in evaluating board strategies, and the effectiveness and skills of board executives. The Guildhall event was full of retired and serving very senior officers – those charged with delivering defence. Some no doubt have been or are involved in defence procurement. Also present were a handful of senior figures from the defence industry – the providers of software and hardware. Noticeably absent from the occasion, I believe, were MoD mandarins on the procurement side. Once one has been involved in the RAF, even as a young Air Cadet, the service is magically absorbed into one’s DNA, until one’s last day on earth. So many Company members will no doubt be sensitive about poor procurement decisions made in past decades. Political cycles have a nasty habit of over-ruling common sense. And inflation in defence products magically transcends almost every other category in the economy. Both take the procurement trade from difficult to very challenging. And then we have left-field encumbrances such as ’s pork- barrel politics leaving a legacy lasting decades. Mark Sedwill (the UK’s National Security Advisor) recently admitted that the UK will never deploy its carriers into contested waters with a sovereign strike group. So no one can envy those charged with providing – literally – the most bangs for the taxpayer’s buck. And I hope that many of us would echo Tony Edward’s wish for a quantum increase in the UK’s defence spending. But with teenage scribbling tendencies yet to be rendered inert, I pray for more effectiveness in the spending of any extra funds, and a more long-term view being taken. The editorial chair is a constant reminder of UK procurement weakness. Now if I can just persuade my wife that a TSR2 noseco ne would make the perfect garden ornament…. Paul Smiddy - Editor RAF ISSUE Centenar y Contents

News Round Up ...... 4 Brize/ Airspace Consultations ...... 6 The Master’s Message ...... 7 From the Desk of the DAA ...... 8 The Foundling Museum and Gazette ...... 9 The City Livery Banquet ...... 10 The Cobham Lecture ...... 12 RAF 100 Flypast ...... 13 The Livery Dinner ...... 14 Thanksgiving Service & at ...... 16 Young Aviators Dinner ...... 17 The North American Region’s Annual Visit to Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia ...... 18 Visit to Distillery ...... 20 Lunch Club ...... 22 STEM Collaboration with the Science Musuem ...... 23 Book Review ...... 24

3 News Round Up

ThE COMPANY ON FACEBOOk pictures but there are ample pages to do ownership structure in some detail, the (by the hon Media Consultant, Ben Griffiths) this already. The group will be designed only purpose of which he adjudges is to for Air Pilots but will only be successful minimise any liability to UK corporation Love it or loathe it, social media is here if we have a good level of engagement. tax. to stay. It is now impossible to spot anyone born between about 1950 and Let’s not ignore the elephant in the the turn of the century who doesn’t have room. Facebook has been dragged into a smart phone, with a large proportion of debate around privacy and what data those regularly using the internet to stay digital companies hold on their members in touch. and how this information is used. What this means for organisations and We believe that, as with every activity businesses both large and small is that that requires the submission of your social media has become an important personal data to a website, it is wise to means to communicate with customers exercise caution. Ensure that you never or members. post so much information publicly that somebody could piece together your AFFILIATION wITh A key part of the 2017 Strategic Review identity if they so desired. Many people hMS PRINCE OF wALES determined that the Honourable choose to use a false date of birth, for The Master and the Clerk, together with Company needed to improve and example. Past Master Tudor Owen and Assistant develop external communications as well Cdre Chris Palmer, recently met with as with members. The launch of a Twitter To reiterate, the Air Pilots closed group Capt Ian Groom and Cdr Mark page to keep members and those will be restricted to paid-up members Kingdom of HMS Prince of Wales interested in Company activities, such as and so will hold no more information on (PWLS) to mark the official affiliation the annual flying scholarships, has been you than is already collected for the between the Company and the Ship - successful and we are reaching new membership database. the sister ship of the 's latest audiences. We will use the page for disseminating and largest , HMS Queen information quickly, organising One way to improve the speed of Elizabeth. communication within the Company is committees and publicising events. It can Capt Groom is the Senior Naval to establish a ‘closed’ group on Facebook. also be useful for networking e.g. for PWLS. He is the Marine This is restricted to ‘members only’ with sourcing an expert or aircraft part and offering members exclusive content such Engineering officer who is in command requests to join the group vetted by the during the building of the ship, after administrator (me) in consultation with as behind-the-scenes videos from airfield visits or reports by our Director of which he hands over to the first the official list of members. Commanding Officer, Capt Steve Aviation Affairs. With more than 2.2billion active Moorhouse. Cdr Kingdom is the ship's members around the world, making it I’d urge you to request membership of Air Engineering officer. Cdr Philip arguably the largest and most powerful the group when you have chance and Richardson, who is the designated social network, Facebook is also a good together we can build an interesting and Commander Air (or 'Wings'), will join place to showcase the work of the Air valuable presence on Facebook. This is the ship next year. what the site was originally intended to Pilots and we will begin this activity in During an informal lunch, appropriate do – connect likeminded people – and due course. ways to mark the significant affiliation I’m convinced we can use it to best For now, if you are a Facebook user, I’d were discussed, as well as other means effect. urge you to look up our group using the (visits etc) by which to develop and search function in the Facebook maintain closer ties between Ship and homepage and request to join. As we LONDON AIRPORTS Company. The photo shows Capt grow the membership we intend to post The editorial in the April edition Groom presenting the ship's plaque to exclusive content, provoke debate among mentioning the ownership structure of the Master; Capt Groom was likewise members and act as a forum for wider Heathrow prompted a fulsome letter presented with an Air Pilots plaque for discussion, generating ideas and sharing from Freeman Michael Brookes. He display onboard HMS Prince of Wales. important content such as documents judges that the owners of Gatwick are and photographs. “on a tax-avoidance journey second to One thing the group will not be is a none.” It is wholly owned by foreign GULF SChOLARShIP forum for aircraft spotters. Many of us pension schemes and sovereign wealth Liveryman Alia Twal writes that the enjoy photographing aircraft and sharing funds. Michael set out the byzantine Airways Aviation Academy has become a

4 ThIS YEAR’S GARDEN PARTY capacity constraint in the London TMA The Master states: “We really need and its runways was covered at length - expressions of interest for the Summer “we get more economical use of concrete than Garden Party at Highclere Castle on anywhere else in the world” , with more than September 9th as soon as possible please, 3000 flights per day from London’s 6 since an early idea of likely numbers will runways. dictate the size of the marquee that we Rob Gratton of the CAA unsurprisingly order. A flyer will be enclosed with the focussed his attention on airspace magazine with a cut-off date of 9th infringements. Analysis of 2017 data August, but I would earnestly ask that showed 70% were lateral into CAS, 30% Hanane Chabana members respond by email to vertical, and 97 (9%) were ATZ lifetime sponsor for the Arabian [email protected] asap.” infringements, with Barton and of the Ninety Nines, (the US founded Fleetlands sharing the dubious honour of association of women flyers) and recently being top of the league table. There were hEMS VISIT launched a joint scholarship program 81 incursions into Danger Areas; and with the Arabian Ninety Nines to jointly Photos by Ian Davies several displays were disrupted by screen, and sponsor, female student pilots. ignorant pilots (including the Reds at The first to benefit from this scholarship Goodwood and Flying Legends, and the is Hanane Chabana who is currently Blades at Bournemouth). 75% of training at Airways in Oxford, UK. incursions were caused by pilots not using a GPS or nav tool such as NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT SkyDemon. Corrective action now of OF SERIOUS CRIME course includes miscreants asked to do an online test, and a short course. Of 307 The annual assessment was recently events examined by the Infringement published. A section dealt with Coordination group, only one resulted in Vulnerabilities at the UK Border. It a prosecution. contained two paragraphs of relevance to us. MEMBER’S PhOTOS General Aviation (GA) (para 82) Freeman Lt Matthew Winwood recently sent the very interesting photo below. He The UK has over 3,000 airstrips, presenting says "There are two abandoned Iraqi opportunities for criminals to use GA to Airways 747s at Tozeur, which used to exploit the UK border. Intelligence belong to Saddam Hussein. He left them demonstrates that OCGs (Organised Crime there for safety in 1991, and funnily enough, hasn't popped back to collect Groups) have made significant investments in them since." the purchase or hire of aircraft to facilitate Recently a group of members were again illegal movement of people and commodities. It hosted by the London Air Ambulance at is highly likely that OCGs will continue to the London Hospital, Whitechapel. use GA in order to facilitate the illegal entry of migrants, in particular, into the UK. DUxFORD AIR SAFETY DAY The Editor attended this event in April, Air Facilitation (para 183) and would strongly recommend such Air facilitated migration remains a major events to GA pilots. An excellent and Liveryman Alan Robinson writes: threat to the integrity of the UK humorous presentation by Flt Sgt Paul (25 years before a recent anniversary) “ Andy Bascombe and I were privileged border,although there are far fewer detections of Buttolph of the D&D cell at Swanwick to fly a 747 in formation with the Reds irregular migrants arriving in the UK via this started the proceedings. This unit will over Lincoln Cathedral on 16th May method than is the case with clandestine entry. receive new equipment and a new room 1993 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Air facilitated migration is necessarily more in 2020, after which they will take Dam Busters raid.” reliant on OCGs than clandestine migration: executive control of all emergencies in Photo taken by Sergeant Rick Brewell, RAF a clear route (and potentially false, UK airspace. He outlined the high fraudulently obtained, or illegally modified degree of effort expended by the unit’s documents) would be required to enter the UK staff in overdue and tracing action. in this way, thus increasing the cost and Andy Amor, the NATS representative, limiting the likely market. outlined how the new system for pre- notification of controlled airspace transits Pilots who see any suspicious activity in by VFR traffic was progressing well. To the air, or on airfields, should report it to date 185 requests had been received, of the Border Force via 101. which 90% were approved. The topic of

5 Brize/Oxford Airspace Consultations The Editor writes: following Steve Slater’s article in the last issue, in which he set out the LAA’s grounds for despondency (or should that be despair?) about postulated increases in controlled airspace in the Oxford area, I thought it would be useful to reproduce our DAA’s submission on the matter. This is shown below:

Brize Norton & Oxford Airspace: • Fig 2 shows that existing measures We do not believe the need to increase Class Each airfield proposes major increases in already have an impact and there is no D volume and disadvantage significantly non- mention is made of those. It is Class D airspace on the grounds of safety. Brize Norton air traffic is proven. Even if it Each supporting case is seriously flawed - premature to seek major change were, it could not be deemed acceptable without e.g. quoting an airmiss 30 nm from the without understanding the full scale of airfields as a reason to expand their improvement as these and the CAA’s a guarantee of an increased controlling controlled airspace - and fails to account Airspace Infringement campaign authority ATCO complement and daily for the increased risks their plans create measures will achieve, especially when manning sufficient so that other users could be for GA. Since responses to both are that change could disadvantage coordinated and maintain access as at present. similar, only the extensive response to significantly other airspace users. Brize Norton, which demonstrates the The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is in • 3.4 says one driver for enlarging the need to balance the requirements of all favour of measures that increase overall safety current Class D airspace is to airspace users, is shown: that are proportionate and equitable, i.e. they accommodate live (rather than “The Honourable Company of Air Pilots simulator) training in pilot-interpreted recognise the needs of all users rather than just objects to the chosen option in RAF Brize procedures. The Air Pilots does not one component. We believe the proposal to Norton Consultation - Airspace Change challenge the benefit of live training establish a large swath of Class D airspace but notes first that that the world’s Proposal ref 70751 029 Issue 1 dated 15th rather than a more comprehensive assessment December 2017. airlines and civil regulators find and consideration of alternatives such as simulator training is adequate for pilot The Company recognises the desire for a practice (and testing) in pilot- RMZ/TMZ is not supported by the evidence known ATC environment within which to interpreted procedures. We also provided and is premature, especially as it is operate RAF military transports safely but question whether repeated practice at matched with a London Oxford Airport believes the consultation’s preferred option of home base would achieve the training expanding Class D airspace needs to be re- proposal to establish a swathe of adjoining new aim stated or whether using other considered in the wider context of all users of Class D airspace. Amongst alternatives, a aerodromes might provide a more UK airspace. Specific observations on the diverse and challenging training RMZ/TMZ solution offers the potential to consultation document include the following: opportunity. The relevance of war zone avoid compressing GA aircraft into ever- • Para 3.3 Driver for Change suggests operations to the pilot skills required to tighter choke points and increases the safety of that large aircraft are unsafe if they are fly pilot-interpreted approach is not all users by providing the ‘known explained; more varied live or simulator outside controlled airspace (Class D); environment’ that RAF Brize Norton was this pre-supposes a solution whereas training, especially the latter where seeking. the actual requirement is that they battle damage can be injected into the remain within a ‘known ATC training, might be more beneficial. Exclusion of others has been the traditional environment.’ • Annex A3 over-states data on UK approach to resolving potential air traffic STAR/SID deviation because it does • Para 3.3.1 mentions GA infringements conflicts but it is not a viable long term not differentiate between airspace- posing a threat and increasing solution, especially in areas of high demand related deviations and others. Brize Norton ATCO workload. Therefore, the case for change is weaker and when new players – e.g. un-manned air Infringements will be an increasing than the document suggests. vehicles – are demanding access. Therefore, issue if GA are driven into ever-tighter future airspace changes must be designed to funnels round the periphery of • Similarly, Annex 5 over-states the data on Airprox; e.g. a Tornado/Merlin enable safe access for all users and not to controlled airspace because they are Airprox over 17nm NW of Brize on prioritise one sector to the exclusion of others.” unable to expect or obtain timely LARS frequency would not have been crossing clearance/coordination. This prevented by extending the CTR. proposal moves the problem, it does not Therefore, the case for change is weaker resolve it. than the document suggests.

6 year in my speech after the AGM. Indeed The Master’s Message this was followed up by the Young By Captain Colin Cox Aviators’ Dinner co-hosted by ourselves and the Air League at the RAF Club As you read this I will have been in post Past Master Robert Pooley on behalf of where recruiters from all the services for about twelve weeks. In that time I our Honourable Company to celebrate along with commercial airlines engaged will have attended nine dinners, six the occasion and serve as a tangible with young people discussing options lunches, witnessed the decommisioning reminder of our long-standing and opportunities available. Feedback I of one warship and affiliated with association with the Royal . have received indicates that the evening another, as well as chairing various Traditionally, with the date of our AGM was a great success generating much meetings and sitting in on others in an falling when it does, more often than not ex-officio capacity. Coupled with writing it is shortly followed by the Lord Mayor’s enthusiasm and inspiration. speeches and articles such as this, I’m Banquet for the Masters of Livery The decommissioning of our affiliated discovering that the position of Master is Companies at Mansion House. Different ship HMS Ocean at Devonport in the almost a full-time job in itself. They say Livery Companies hold their Court presence of HM the Queen was indeed a that one is as busy in retirement anyway Installations at different times of the year very special occasion. This event can as they were when they were working, so it’s entirely possible that, at one surely only be bettered by the but this really is one level up. extreme, a Master could be coming to commissioning of our new affiliate HMS None of this should have come as any the end of his/her year whilst at the great surprise to me as I could have cut other extreme, one can only have been in Prince of Wales, the second of the UK’s and pasted previous Masters’ Messages position for a few days, a situation I new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft from back copies of Air Pilot. Well, found myself in, as so many others have carriers destined for the Royal Navy. maybe not the bit about the warships – before me. So the new boy was found to Next year’s Master will undoubtedly be those events were a special treat. Another be consulting Debrett’s Handbook on invited to be present at the special treat this year is that I happen to social etiquette and how to address the commissioning ceremony but for now, I landed gentry and civic dignitaries. With be Master during the year that the RAF was privileged to be invited, together are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the splendidly colourful United Guilds with the Clerk and Past Master Tudor its formation as the world’s first Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral following Owen, who was instrumental in . the next day, from not knowing a soul facilitating the transfer of affiliation, on a These celebrations kicked off on amongst other Masters on the Monday of Sunday 1st April with the annual my Installation to the luncheon at tour of the new ship in Rosyth dockyard commemorative service at the RAF’s Stationers’ Hall after the service on the on the Firth of Forth. spiritual home of St Clement Danes Friday, I was certainly on first name If being in the presence of her Majesty terms with a lot of them. It struck me as Church. With this being the 100th once were not enough, my Mistress and I Anniversary, it goes without saying that quite a coincidence that the first name of most Livery Company titular heads attended on the 15th this really was a rather special event with May for a Royal Garden Party. I’m a reception after the church service being seems to be Master. Of course there’s the getting to be quite a regular at Lipman & held at the Royal Courts of Justice. As if odd Prime Warden and Upper Bailiff but this wasn’t enough by way of ‘special it’s quite entertaining to see everyone’s Sons in High where they kit event’ our Company was invited to co- head turn round when somebody calls me out in all sorts of appropriate attire host a one-off grand banquet at Guildhall out, “Master.” It reminded me of being in for the occasion. At least I can rent mine as the City Liveries tribute to the Royal Disneyland when a little voice would call whereas the Mistress takes every out, “Dad.” Air Force. This was done in conjunction opportunity she can to increase the with the Worshipful Companies of My Mistress and I were then allowed one diversity of her wardrobe. I can’t blame day off before we were back in the thick Coachmakers and that of Engineers, with her as I would do the same of the roles the Banquet being held on Friday 20th of the social whirl with our being invited were reversed. April after a reception for 1,000 people to the annual Freddie Stringer Lunch at in the Guildhall’s Great Hall the evening the Air Pilots’ Flying Club in the Well, as usual, the deadline for before. It was only right that Master Elect clubhouse at White Waltham. Luckily we publication beckons and, since I write and his wife should attend the reception felt that we were amongst old friends on this piece ahead of the Livery Dinner, I on my behalf, having served in the RAF this occasion so I was able to leave my trust that a most convivial evening would Debrett’s at home for once. with distinction for many years. If truth have been enjoyed by all and I look were known, I needed the evening off Later that week I attended a working forward to regaling you all with further anyway after all my exertions leading up dinner hosted by the Archbishop of tales of Masterly adventures in the next to this event. On the night, it was my Canterbury at Skinners’ Hall discussing edition of Air Pilot. Until then, watch privilege to present to the Chief of the apprenticeships and career aspirations for Air Staff, Sir Stephen Hillier, a specially young people. That same subject those crosswinds! commissioned sword handed to me by resonates with the plans stated for my

7 only encounter aviation as a passenger; From the Desk of the airport terminals are hardly likely to Director Aviation Affairs create the same degree of interest! Liveryman John Turner There is work on-going: in the UK parliament, an All Party Parliamentgary With less than a year to go to the UK’s the numbers of people retiring and new Group on General Aviation (APPG-GA) departure from the European Union, aircraft being built. The extent of the has been established with four working Prime Minister invited the shortfall does vary across the globe but groups to address individually GA UK aerospace industry to a meeting at without consistent and considered Airfields, Airspace, Tax and Regulation, Downing Street on 26 April 2018. actions, many countries may be unable to and Heritage, with the latter looking at There, she described the huge sustain their aerospace and aviation how to sustain our flying heritage aircraft contribution that the sector has made to industries for want of suitably qualified and the airshows that provide the the UK’s economy and reconfirmed people. platform and a line of income for those her government’s intention for the Unfortunately, at a time when we can ill- aircraft operators. As is often the case, the UK to remain part of the European afford to overlook any factor that may Air Pilots are well represented; five of us Aviation Safety Agency after leaving increase awareness and enthusiasm for were at the last meeting of the APPG- the EU. That just leaves the minor issue aviation, the UK has seen a major and GA Heritage working group. In the of negotiation in the way of a sustained continued reduction in the number of UK, and I’m sure in all our Regions, this aviation environment in Europe! The airshow permissions granted year on year almost subliminal influence extends to Prime Minister discussed the since 2014 with audience numbers many other organisations; I’ll not list the Farnborough International Airshow, falling from more than 7 million to a UK organisations for fear of missing out acknowledging its significance and little over 4½ million. Similarly, General one! What that does mean is that when importance and pledging government Aviation airfields have been closing at a you read any statement by an aviation support to UK industry by using it to potentially catastrophic rate to be organisation, there will probably have show the world that the UK is - and will replaced by housing developments. I been at least one Air Pilot somewhere in remain - a leading aerospace nation. became interested in aviation as a result the background helping to form the Airshows of all types provide us with an of watching Tiger Moths, Austers and opinion. essential shop-window to promote what Chipmunks flying over my garden - I Finally, the UK’s Laser Misuse (Vehicles) we aviators do and more specifically our lived in Ipswich not far from the grass Bill has passed its 3rd Reading without enthusiasm and love of aviation. It is airfield - but it was attending the airshow amendment, so there is now only the generally accepted that a majority at RAF that marked the start formality of Royal Assent before the Bill choosing to follow a career in aviation of my determination to become a pilot. officially becomes an Act of Parliament. were moved in that direction by Ipswich airport is now a housing estate This is a magnificent achievement and attending an airshow; some informal and the airshow at Wattisham last year the culmination of three years of work by surveys suggest the figure in some was restricted to station personnel, their the UK Laser Working Group (UKLWG) companies is as high as 80%. Of course, families, and contractors. Much of in coercing coordination of several areas getting people excited about aviation is Europe has seen shrinking defence and of government and government agencies. only the first step. Many then follow up air force budgets since the end of the Several at DfT have kicked down doors the initial spark of interest with a visit to (though unfortunately that across Govt and made this all happen. their local airport and flying or gliding might be about to reverse). The RAF There is still work to be done on club, going on to careers in science, comprised some 150,000 personnel obtaining effective controls over the engineering and aviation, sometimes as when I visited Wattisham, rather than the import and sale of high-powered lasers pilots or maintainers. Although often 34,034 full time ‘trained and untrained’ but for now we can relax in the not recognised by governments, it is in 2017. Military support to airshows has knowledge that we have addressed the airshows, GA airfields and flying clubs also diminished over the years as problem of laser attacks against aviation, that provide the bed-rock on which our shrinking numbers and growing and in particular given the UK police community and industry depends. operational demands have pushed public better means of tackling those who risk engagement at air displays down the list It is also accepted that we face a future the lives of others by deliberately of priorities. massive shortage of people to fly and misusing lasers. It should come as no maintain the world’s airliners as current It seems increasing likely that a young surprise to hear there were Air Pilots on recruitment and training fall well short of child growing up in Ipswich today will the UKLWG, including its Chairman.

8 The Foundling Museum By Denise Cox – the Master’s Lady

April saw an outing I organised to the Foundling Museum in London’s Brunswick Square. I had been to this museum a few years ago and found it to Foundling Hospital. be a quite unusual and humbling This provided care and education to experience; not your typical well-known thousands of children before closing as a tourist attraction but well worth a visit. residential institution in 1954. Nowadays This time, as a small group of sixteen it is known as Coram, the children’s ladies, we had our own guide - a charity. Interestingly there is a park very delightful lady called Pamela Scott who close by to the museum where adults was knowledgeable and passionate about may only enter if accompanied by a her subject, giving us a great insight as to child. the charitable work of a certain Captain After our guided tour we had a short Thomas Coram. He was a ship’s captain stroll to the Lumen Café in nearby who, in 1739, established the first Tavistock Place, rounding off the visit children’s charity in the UK – the with a delightful lunch.

GAZETTE APPROVED BY ThE COURT 10 MAY 2018

ADMISSIONS As Freeman DECEASED Gareth BLISS Richard JOHNSON As Upper Freeman Ian MELIA

Pik CHIU (HK) Aaron WHITTAKER (AUS) RESIGNATIONS Mahmoud ELKOT (OS) As Associate Craig CAMPBELL (NA) Mark EVERS Kyle ROBERTS (AUS) Lawrence HAWTHORN

Martin HARRIS (HK) Edward MALLOCH (NZ)

Christophe HOARAU (HK) ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT Derek MARPOLE

Vanessa JAGO (NA) 10 MARCH 2018 Martin SLACK

Simon MORAN (HK) REGRADE FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS Alistair NOBLE (HK) As Liveryman John BOWDEN Alexander FOX Gregory PERILLEUX (HK) Oliver RUSSELL Sean McGEOUGH (OS) Denis PORTIER (HK) Declan TIERNAN REINSTATEMENT Brendan ROSCOE (HK) Gillian TUNLEY As Upper Freeman

Joshua TUPPEN (HK) Christopher GALL (HK) Jonathan WINDOVER

9 RAF ISSUE Centenar y The City Livery Banquet, 20th April By the Editor

Three City livery companies – the Air few years. PiIots, the Coachmakers, and the The RAF colours were marched in, and Engineers, combined to celebrate a after the meal there was a brief drill century of service by the RAF, at the display by the RAF Queen’s Colour Guildhall on a balmy April evening. This Squadron. A videoed interview with was preceded by an exhibition of key pilot, Geoffrey Wellum, airframes and engines in the Guildhall was shown; he noted “Today’s Yard. A and SE5a loaned generation, if and when the chips are well by the Brooklands Museum, together and truly down, will respond just as we with repro versions of the Spitfire, did…” Hurricane and Typhoon were available The , Charles for close inspection, and had received Bowman, claimed some RAF heritage in visits from many Air Cadets over that his father-in-law was a Buccaneer preceding days. pilot in his time. The Chief of the Air The RAF Colour on parade After a champagne reception, we Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen proceeded into the Great Hall for a Hillier, started his speech by informing comments about how our Armed Forces splendid dinner, accompanied by some the audience (with much pleasure) that remain critical to protecting the nation’s great music from the RAF Band. Tony the RAF had that day beaten the Navy assets. Edwards FRAeS, the Master 31-21, to make a clean sweep of the The evening’s guestlist was stellar: it Coachmaker (and liveryman of the Air Inter-Service rugby matches (leaving the included Benny Goodman, a veteran of Pilots) had an aviation background, Army v Navy game to be a tussle over 617 Sqn’s Tirpitz raid, seated next to having been a member of the University the wooden spoon)! This was quite an Martin Withers (of Op Black Buck of Birmingham Air Squadron in his time. historic event. He pointed out his fame); senior defence industry figures He welcomed guests with some sartorial nod to the RAF’s heritage – a such as Ralph Robins of Rolls-Royce; trenchant and cogent comments on Spitfire cufflink on one arm, an F35B on and what seemed like every living ex- defence spending and an overview of the other. In terms of relations with the Chief of the Air Staff, together with one threats to our national security. He City, he pointed out that 601 Squadron to three stars of today’s RAF in pointed out that in 1945 spending on RAuxAF has recently been reformed, abundance. Not to mention a very defence amounted to over 60% of our which in addition to 600 Sqn forms a healthy sprinkling of Air Pilots. A truly GNP, and stressed the need to increase method of using London’s civilian talent great evening to celebrate the RAF’s our current levels by 50% over the next pool. He made some pertinent centenary.

The Master with CDS The Master with former CAS ACM Sir Andy Pulford

TOP CENTRE: Tony Edwards with BOTTOM CENTRE: The Master with former Assistant Sir Stephen and Lady Dalton CAS ACM Lord 10 The Master greets CAS Sir Stephen in full flow

Liveryman Prof Diana Greene-Davy deep in Air Pilots enjoying the pre-dinner sunshine conversation

Sopwith Camel

11 RAF ISSUE Centenar y The Cobham Lecture 2018 Behind the Men (mostly!), Machines and Myths -100 years of the Seb Cox, Head of the RAF Air Historical Branch By the Editor

After an introduction by the Master (no no cost to their parents, an attribute also meaning that German tank assets relation!), Seb made a valiant attempt to which no doubt resonated with the after D Day were hamstrung. 2 TAF’s squeeze a century of derring do and audience). Typhoons also meant the Wehrmacht’s politicking into an hour or so. As he The trials of the Expansion Schemes of tanks were constrained to night-only made clear at the outset, this challenge 1934 and onwards were explained, with movement. The RAF had similar success was made more difficult by the fact that political direction meaning the chase was in crippling Rommel’s supply chain the half the audience thought they knew for quantity not quality of new types and Med. He explained the strategic rationale everything about the subject already, yet airframes. Lord Inskip received a glancing for the notorious Dresden raid. our guests – 52 other livery companies blow from our speaker at this point. Seb The less glamourous side of the RAF were represented in the audience – were explained the critical saga about the received its due praise in Seb’s talk – the possibly more humble about that lack of Whitehall/CAS tussle regarding sending FEAF’s noble record in supplies ‘over the knowledge. to fighters to once WW2 started. Hump’ was mentioned; and the dual He made it clear that we have more The Cabinet were understandably RAF/British civil operation in the senior figures than Hugh Trenchard to reluctant to commit the BEF without air Airlift (92,000 tons of ‘wet’ fuel was thank for the creation of the vibrant cover; yet Newall (as CAS) and others transhipped) was a resonating feat which service we know today. David Lloyd- were equally reluctant to risk their helped to ensure the shape (and stability) George, a somewhat more colourful slender fighter resource on a campaign of Europe as we know it today. figure than recent Prime Minsters – had with such obvious risks. (Presumably the Moving necessarily swiftly over the Cold proven a two-edged sword: he was a Air Staff were also conscious at this point War era, Seb pointed out that the first use political ‘enabler’ of the service’s creation, that they would be submitting combat of precision-guided munitions (PGM) setting up a Cabinet Committee, of only virgins into battle with crews , was in the Falklands in 1982 – they are himself and Jan Smuts, yet he very much many of whom had become battle now almost the universal tool, and he wanted the nascent service tethered to hardened in Goering’s training exercise, underlined that RPAS/UAVs, since they his political control. Seb considered that aka the Spanish Civil War). use solely PGM, are not the indiscriminate weapons as sometimes the appointment of Churchill in 1918 as Once the Battle of Britain started in suggested in the popular press. Secretary of State for War and Air was earnest, Seb pointed out that British possibly a precursor of the service being manufacturing rates – and rates of Sensibly avoiding moving into killed off at birth. supplying newly-trained pilots – both predictions for the next century, Seb The cost-effective prosecution of the exceeded that of the Luftwaffe. He did faced a barrage of questions – which tribal suppression in Somaliland by the not shrink from evaluating the worth of indicated the great interest his talk had RAF’s ‘Z Force’ in 1920 was of course a Command: rates of civilian stimulated. After a vote of thanks from saviour for Trenchard’s aspirations. Cox casualties in were broadly the Master Elect, the very grateful lauded his progressive vision to create an almost 10 times that of Britain. Yet he audience adjourned (appropriately) to institution such as Cranwell, and also that pointed out that Bomber Command’s the Churchill Bar. A very stimulating and of Halton – where, as he pointed out, the strategic value was in reducing German timely lecture. top three apprentices of each year’s intake oil capacity by 90% - neutering their were then commissioned at Cranwell (at fighter capability by late in the war, and

12 RAF ISSUE Centenar y manage to reach Henlow spent Thursday, to join formation over Bedfordshire. RAF 100 Flypast Friday and Saturday, and the early part of With Master Air Pilot Upper Freeman Easter day itself, studying weather 'apps' Robert Miller in the lead Chipmunk, the By Liveryman David Cockburn on mobile phones in the vain hope that crews demonstrated the reason for the Because the RAF had decided not to such practice would become possible. flight in an appropriate (if rather less mark the special date with any flying Nevertheless, occasional marginal gaps in spectacular than hoped) formation as event, a group of Chipmunk and Bulldog the weather allowed a few others to they overflew both Cranfield and owners (including several members of trickle in, including one Chipmunk Henlow. A longer flight was impossible the Honourable Company) decided to which crossed the Channel 3 times because those with long distances to do it themselves. On the 100th enroute. travel had to reach their destinations anniversary of the formation of the However, in the afternoon of Sunday, before the forecast weather deterioration Royal Air Force they planned to fly a April 1st, the cloudbase in the operating (and in the case of the French crews, formation of privately owned area lifted just enough in the afternoon darkness). Chipmunks and Bulldogs over to allow 10 Chipmunks and 2 Bulldogs Bedfordshire to show their respect for the Service in which many had served. RAF Henlow very kindly agreed to host the event, which was organised by Rod Brown, who is known to many as an expert on all things Chipmunk. Unfortunately the British weather conspired against them. Of the originally planned 24 aircraft, initially only a brave 6 were able to join the 2 based at Henlow before night fell on Maundy Thursday. The others either could not take off from their flooded base aerodromes or were forced back by the low cloud and precipitation which characterised that period. Instead of refining their formation skills and practising maintaining less usual formation positions, those who did

13 The Livery Dinner By the Editor

The 60th Livery Dinner was again at the his spare time. We also welcomed Haydn well-liked Drapers’ Hall. At the clothing Davies as Master Furniture Maker, whose ceremony beforehand, two Freemen background was in construction industry were elevated to the Livery: Captain Alex testing. Professor Ron Summers had had Fisher OBE, and John Bowden. Five a career in bio engineering measurement Master Air Pilot certificates were then control, and was with us as Master presented by the Master. Scientific Instrument Maker. We were The Master with Air Cdre McCann and APO Staple One of the principal guests, HRH Prince delighted to welcome Commander Mike Michael of Kent, sadly could not be with Kingdom from our newest affiliated unit, us, as he had unfortunately missed some HMS Prince of Wales (see News). Finally flight connection on his return from Robin welcomed Wg Cdr Colin Gale of Germany (“Time to spare, go by air”, as another affiliated unit, the London Wind some wag whispered to me). Once the of the Air Cadets. The University of dinner was underway, the new Warden, London Air Squadron was represented by Robin Keegan, introduced the its OC, Flt Lt (formerly Air Cdre) Ken Company’s guests. Our principal guest McCann, and his senior student, APO (in loco for the CAS) was Air Vice Ryan Staple. Marshal Gerry Mayhew CBE, AOC 1 In his speech, our Master, Colin Cox, Group. Although Robin did not mention welcomed Admiral Lord Boyce, fittingly The Master greets Wg Cdr Colin Gale it, Gerry has an almost unique attribute here as a former Master Draper. Colin for a two star fast jet pilot, in that he summarised the Company’s progress in The Master with Sam Waller at her second Livery Dinner started off his RAF career as an air the last year: as a measure of the pace of trafficker! Robin also welcomed Rear change, in its Centenary year, the RAF Admiral Simon Hedley, the new Museum has taken delivery of its first President of the RAeS. Since the Navy Predator UAV, and it was fitting that we he had worked as a programme director had recently opened a new category of for Rolls Royce. Col John Bryant has membership for professional UAV been Commandant of the Army Air operators. He noted that having local air for the last three years. Dr. Michael displays, and local GA activity, are vital Smith, despite his role as Master for stimulating young people towards a Fanmaker, had a distinguished aviation career in aviation, and lamented the heritage, as well as being a drummer in threats to GA aerodromes particularly in

Master Air Pilots with their new certificates The Master with new Liverymen John Bowden (L), and Alex Fisher (R)

14 the South East of . He noted the foundation of the Air Centenary service in Westminster Abbey, More positively we have established good Training Corps in 1941, which now as followed by a parade in the Mall and a relations with the All Party Parliamentary the Air Cadets goes “from strength to flypast of “up to 100 aircraft” – “an strength” (a point possibly open to unparalleled spectacle in modern times”. Group on Aviation, and have made a contention!). In the post war era he With that he proposed the toast to the robust submission to defend Class D remarked wryly how, by the time it was Company “May it flourish root and airspace near Oxford and Farnborough decided that WRAF VR pilots should be branch for ever”. The Loving Cup (see elsewhere in this issue). He noted able to receive full Pilot’s Wings, the first preceded the Stirrup Cup, and the usual that a shift towards Performance Based recipient, Plt Off Officer Jean Lennox culprits (the writer included) carried on Navigation should reduce the need for Bird, had been a pilot for 20 years, with a select after-party at the RAF Club, controlled airspace. Colin was also very 3,000 hours on 90 types! Other historical where the evening was judged a great impressed by the standard of the 450 landmarks he noted included the first success. cadets of the London he had met display by the Reds (Little Rissington, PM Dorothy Saul-Pooley in conversation with Admiral Lord Boyce on a recent visit. His toast was 1965), and Op Black Buck in the appropriately the “Freedom of the Falklands in 1982. Whilst in 1995 more Skies”. than 100 years of British military AVM Mayhew reminded us of the ballooning came to an end with the gestation and birth pangs of the RAF, and disbandment of the RAF's Balloon indeed the WRAF, which was also Operations Squadron. founded on April 1, 1918. He also He looked forward to July 10 , when covered the evolution of naval aviation. RAF100 activity will peak with a

On Sunday April 1, 100 years to the day since the Royal Air Force was formed, the RAF Museum hosted over 15,000 visitors across the weekend with a series of activities and events. Visitors to the Museum were treated RAF ISSUE to theatre, family activities and a special appearance from the RAF Baton Centenar y Relay team. The Front of house Theatre Company breathed life into some of the amazing stories set amongst our First world war exhibition. Visitors were able to talk to and interact with actors in character representing the voices of the men and women that are part of the RAF Story. At the close of the day, serving RAF personnel carried the RAF100 Baton into the Museum grounds. The Baton is being carried across the country and around the world, visiting 100 locations in 100 days. The relay started on Sunday in Central London, and the team of RAF runners were met at the Museum by our CEO Maggie Appleton who ran the last leg of the relay with the team."

15 RAF ISSUE Centenar y RAF 100: Thanksgiving Service and parade at Bury St Edmunds By the Editor. Photos by Cpl Andrew Holmes, Station Media Ops, RAF Honington.

By happenstance my wife and I were able concert by the Apex Centre. Despite to attend the centenary service at our dismal weather the BBMF made it for a County’s cathedral on April 29th. The flypast. A variety of military vehicles used joint organisation by the bishop, his by the Regiment were on display, deans, and the chaplain of RAF although I noticed that the armour on Honington, was first class, the service the Twenties/Thirties TE Lawrence-style starting with the Airman’s Hymn (“O RAF armoured car looked suspiciously Ruler of Earth and Sky”, sung to the like marine ply! There was a gratifyingly tune of “For those in peril on the high level of public interest in the event, sea”).The event was hosted by the RAF and it was also good to see Honington’s Regiment, whose HQ is at nearby RAF Station Commander had recovered from Honington, and of course whose Hon the rigours of the Buccaneer Aircrew is Assistant ACM Sir Association’s annual dinner (at which (who was not present). several Company members were to the After the service the RAF Regiment, fore) in his Officer’s mess a couple of days together with droves of Air Cadets, earlier! marched through the town before a

16 Young Aviators Dinner – 7th April 2018 By the Editor (with thanks to Sam Gervais)

The Air League and the Honourable organisations to network with airline and Operations, easyJet, and Company of Air Pilots co-hosted the military recruiters and representatives Stuart Atha, Deputy Commander Young Aviators’ Dinner at the Royal Air while getting to know other young Operations RAF. Dave Morgan Force Club, Piccadilly, London Saturday aviators. explained how his airline had committed to 20% of its intake being female by 7th April 2018. After welcome drinks in The dinner welcomed experienced 2020. Richard Pillans, Boeing UK’s the Churchill Bar, guests enjoyed a three pilots, navigators, the recruitment and Chief Test Pilot, advised young aviators course dinner in the ballroom until late. selection teams from the Royal Air “don’t worry about setbacks in your The 2018 dinner was supported by Force, the Royal Navy and career”. AM Stu Atha was equally upbeat Army Air Corps, as well as recruitment Boeing UK, and had a continued interest “Be persistent!”, he exhorted, and and flight operation representatives from to inspire and support younger members explained that, in celebrating its from any background in the UK to British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Centenary, the service wished to reach pursue a career as a professional pilot, Atlantic. out to 2m young people in the UK to both military and civil. This was a unique The two guest speakers were Captain encourage an interest in innovation and event for young members of both David Morgan, Director of Flight technology.

Our Master is rapt

Air Marshal Stu Atha meets some young aviators

Young aviators Stu Atha setting out the RAF’s stall

17 The North American Region ’s Annual Visit to Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia April 19th, 2018 by Liveryman Alistair T Beaton (Executive Board Director of the North American Region)

By kind invitation of Col Michael Atkins Dr Steve Stewart, Liveryman, was PIC of to the southern tip of Texada Island, CD, (Upper Freeman), Commander of the Cessna 172, Abbotsford Flying Club passing abeam Gillies Bay Airport, before 19 Wing RCAF and Lt Col Mike aircraft, in which I was a passenger. descending across the Strait of Georgia French, Officer Commanding our Retired Transport Flight into CFB Comox. Inspector Bob Leroux and his wife affiliate Squadron - the RCAF Air On arrival at CFB Comox we were Valerie flew their well equipped Piper Demonstration Team: the , Air warmly welcomed by Captain Evan Turbo Arrow, and Johnny Rodriguez and Pilots members attended the CFB Southern, a helicopter pilot from our his passenger, student pilot, Armando, Comox, Vancouver Island, British affiliate 442 Transport and Rescue flew out of Pitt Meadows airport in a Columbia in April to watch the Squadron. He certainly went above and Canadian Aviation College C172. Snowbirds perform their pre-season beyond his hosting duties. Thank you Unfortunately the crew of a second practice display, and to visit the other C172 from the Vancouver Aviation Evan! RCAF Squadrons based at Comox. College had to cancel their flight at the The tour started with a visit to 407 This year the weather gods looked with last minute, due to technical problems. Squadron. This Aurora-equipped favour upon us and three light aircraft left Our scenic flights left the Lower Squadron keeps watch over the Pacific on our pilgrimage from Abbotsford and Mainland crossing the City of Vancouver, Ocean looking for illegal fishing, Pitt Meadows airports in the Lower English Bay and the entrance of Howe migration, drugs and pollution in Mainland of British Columbia at around Sound, (named by Captain George addition to looking for foreign 0630 for CFB Comox, some 107 nautical Vancouver RN, after a British Admiral), submarines. After a short briefing on the miles to the west of Abbotsford. then flying parallel to the Sunshine Coast history of this squadron, we were taken

Alistair Beaton The Canadian flag flown the breadth of the country

431 Sqn CT 114 Tutor Welcome by Lt Col Mike French

Aurora

18 Solo CF18 Hornet demonstrator

DH Buffalo

Snowbirds

Buffalo cockpit

Cormorant helicopters

Howe Sound on a tour of one of the operational flight they had done last year to the senior SAR technicians in what is aircraft. commemorate Canada’s 150th Birthday involved in training as a Search and Immediately following our visit to 407, it and Bob’s 50th year as a qualified pilot. Rescue technician. Mountaineering, was time to watch the Snowbirds do Bob and Valerie stopped at all of the parachuting, canoeing, advanced first their first practice air demonstration of Provincial Capitals, as well as on responder medical care, are just a few of the day. Adjacent to the apron where the his epic trip and was welcomed by the the daily drills and training that one has Snowbirds were parked, we were Legislators at each location. Bob and to perform (all before breakfast or so it welcomed by Lt Col Mike French, the Valerie also stopped by a number of would seem?). Officer Commanding. Mike was closely Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadrons The time passed quickly and it was time watching and critiquing the team’s along their route, to encourage cadets to to depart for home base. However, before performance as they demonstrated their pursue their aviation interests and doing so, we were treated to a display of expertise in formation flying and perhaps take up a career in aviation. the solo CF 18 Hornet Demonstrator - . Photographs of Bob, Valerie and Lt Col all freshly painted in its 60th anniversary At the end of the display, Col Michael Mike French were taken with the flag, or NORAD livery - and the afternoon Atkins unexpectedly drove up in his next to a CT114 Tudor aircraft. display of the Snowbirds. RCAF staff car to add his welcome to After lunch, the afternoon was spent our visit. This was very much visiting 442 SAR Squadron. The Mission On behalf on the Honourable Company appreciated, since Michael, we were told, of the Squadron is “That Others May of Air Pilots – NA, I wish to thank Col was very busy escorting very senior Live”, and to accomplish its mission, this Michael Atkins, Lt Col Mike French and officials visiting from HQ in Ottawa. squadron operates the Cormorant All Capt Evan Southern for their invitation Retired Transport Canada Inspector Bob Weather Helicopter and several 50 year and warm welcome to Comox. We all Leroux and his wife Valerie brought the old DH Buffalo aircraft. had a most wonderful time. Much Canadian Flag they had taken with them Before visiting the said aircraft, we were appreciated! on a Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean given a very detailed briefing by one of

19 A Gin Making Masterclass at the City of London Distillery (or COLD for short) By Associate Carolyne Sibley-Harries

Located just off , next to the this distillery whilst we sampled a large journalists' church, St. Brides, is an gin and tonic from their selection of entrance that leads down a flight of stairs award winning gins. to an underground bar and distillery. COLD (City of London Distillery) was Here is where a small group of us, opened in December 2012, first organised by Chris Ford, met in the bar producing a classic London Dry Gin, below the pavement on Thursday 3rd followed closely by the Square Mile Gin. May 2018. One large wall consisted of 2017 saw the first awards. It is located in large bomb proof glass panels with the the heart of where many of the old gin copper stills (named Clarissa and Small stills distilleries used to be over a couple of Jennifer) clearly visible and gleaming hundred years ago, before the eight Gin French wine and spirits. The British behind them. The bar looked cosy, and Acts and amendments issued by the government actively encouraged the seats around a hundred people, and we government at the time did their best to distillation of spirits from indigenous were given comfy sofas for our small curb the population’s very heavy gin crops by cutting the taxes paid by the group of 16 as we waited to be met by consumption. Apparently the distillery is landowners, and propping up grain our host, Jake. We were then all led into a 547 steps away from St Paul’s, and it is prices. Gin became cheap enough for small room off from the bar so we could 548 steps from the base of St. Paul’s to the even the poorest people of society. It make our own bottles of gin in pairs. The top. I’ll take their word for it. Gin can quickly created a gin craze. In 1690, the tables were full of jars containing herbs, legally be called gin if it contains two monopoly of the London Guild of spices, and dried citrus fruits, plus main ingredients: juniper berries (which Distillers was broken by legislation, weighing scales and beakers. Jake Tuckey aren’t actually berries, but tiny pine opening up the way for widespread gave us a brief history of gin and about cones), and alcohol (ethanol, to be production. The winning Gin precise, and COLD’s is bought in, and is In 1723 the death rate in London 96.3% pure). outstripped the birth rate with up to 75% During the 18thC Gin craze gin had of babies dying before the age of five - become so popular that it was having a gin was on the hit list of what to blame. detrimental effect on society, and about So many women, apparently more than two hundred years ago saw new men, were addicted to gin, giving rise to legislation to curb this trend. Very few gin foetal deformities and increased infant distilleries survived, and for nearly 200 deaths; hence women were hundred years there wasn’t a single gin predominantly targeted in the war distillery in the City. Due to the conflict against gin, such as Hogarth’s etching between Britain and France, in 1689 an called ‘Gin Lane’. Gin gained its Act of Parliament banned the import of nicknames of ‘Ladies Gin’ and ‘Mother

Winners Gill and Ritchie Piper Gill Piper Ruth Cundy and Chris Ford Measured botanicals 20 Chris Ford, Ruth Cundy and the Master Jennifer and Clarissa Samantha and Christine

Gin’, and the term ‘Mother's Ruin’ is still the 1800’s that stopped distillers from White. Our little pots of dried botanicals used today. producing gin that didn’t use an 18 were added into the still, along with the William Hogarth’s infamous 1751 print hectolitre pot or larger (so preventing the ethanol. We watched the clear liquid drip called ‘Gin Lane’ showed people little cottage industry), and that a brewer out into a beaker, whilst tasting the intoxicated on gin; a mother dropping was not allowed distill gin as well as brew distilling liquid at various stages of the her baby off the steps to its death; people beer. These laws were challenged and process as the flavours changed being in utter destruction and desolation overturned which opened up the dramatically. Jake added water to dilute without any awareness of their actions. opportunity for the small-batch micro the gin to about 40% proof and bottled This etching was part of the social distilleries, like the City of London them all as we were all introduced to awareness propaganda, commissioned by Distillery. Clarissa and Jennifer in their large the political satirist and magistrate Henry By the way, here’s a pub quiz tip: The distillery room. Meanwhile the staff did a Fielding. The message was showing the word ‘gin’ was derived from the Dutch taste off between each of our gins to see evils of gin in contrast to the delights of drink ‘Genever’, which was served to the which one was best. drinking beer by Hogarth’s other etching Dutch Navy. After two pints of the stuff After another gin and tonic, we had to called ‘Beer Street’. ‘Beer Street’ was they were somewhat squiffy, and must seal our bottles with a glorious runny red depicted as a sophisticated and convivial have had a bit of a laissez-faire attitude wax. The ends were dipped, twisted and street, where people worked and about fighting, hence the phrase ‘Dutch swirled, then cooled off in water. Lastly, prospered whilst drinking beer as a courage’ (that’s two top tips). we each stuck our chosen named stickers reward for all their hard labours at the We were making London Dry Gin, so we on to our own bottles. Then there were end of the day. Gin was finally phased started off with three main botanicals the results of the taste off. The winning out, and was replaced by beer and rum. which are the basis of this type of gin, gin was from Richie and Gill Piper, with There is now however a gin revival. This namely juniper berries (great diuretic their own brand named ‘Spectral has been helped by the EU passing a law and full of antioxidants), coriander seeds, Morning’. Runners up were Chis Ford, in 2008 revising the definition of gin (ie. and angelica root (used for binding the Ruth Cundy and Colin Cox with their minimum strength of 37% alc./vol.; botanicals together in the distillation gin, ‘The Masters Cuffs It’, and Samantha juniper must be the predominant process). We then had many different Waller and Christine McGee with ‘Ad flavour). There are three definitions: ‘Gin’ choices of other herbs and spices to add Astra’. Time for a celebration and (ie. flavourings can be either approved or to our recipe which were split in to sub another gin and tonic. artificial; no restrictions on approved groups of earthy flavours; floral; mellow It was all ‘ginormously’ good fun, and colouring or flavouring); ‘Distilled Gin’ spices; citrus; savoury and bitter; and educational too. I think most of us were (ie. made in an approved traditional still; pungent spices. We carefully had to weigh flying high at some point during the approved flavourings sweeteners and each selection of our own recipes whilst afternoon and thankfully this mother additives added after distillation); and trying to imagine what the botanicals wasn’t too ruined. It was a delight to be ‘London Gin’ (ie. higher quality ethyl would taste like together. This was helped able to take a little bottle of gin home alcohol; flavourings used during the by being given large g&t’s, all in the knowing that my partner and I made that distillation process only; a small amount name of research. (yes Sylvia Wheeler, we was robbed!). of sweetening may be added after When our little bowls of potential Jake and the City Of London Distillery distillation, but apart from water, no flavours were ready we were taken to were great hosts and it certainly has a bar other substance may be added). There another room full of tiny stills, each still that needs revisiting. All in the name of were two English laws dating back from named after the seven dwarfs in Snow education, of course. 21 The Lunch Club – highlands Flying, by Bill Innes By Past Master Chris Ford

The April Luncheon Club was Drinkwater who had a commercial entertained to a marvelous tale of licence before she was 20. Both moved nostalgic aviation in Scotland related in a on to become qualified engineers. very interesting and informative fashion Bill explained the evolution of the by Liveryman Captain Bill Innes. aircraft types utilised on the various Bill, who now lives in Glasgow, routes, mentioning that often the originated from the Outer Hebrides strength of the wind (70 kts was not where the was the only link to the unknown) would mean that very little mainland before the arrival of three taxying was required as tails were held, competing airlines in 1933. What had passengers off- and on-loaded, with the taken up to two days to achieve was now aircraft taking off from where it stood! possible in 2 hours! Aviation was to open Crosswind techniques were often put to up a whole new world of freedom, the test in sometimes very strong winds. commerce and eventually tourism to the The story goes that a DC3 en route from Highlands of Scotland. It was also to the mainland to Benbecula found itself prove a very challenging environment to stationary over Skye so had to divert to The speaker by a BEA Dak conduct air operations, with poor Tiree with a good tail wind. weather, high ground and a shortage of This was a most enjoyable after lunch navaids to test the skills of not just the talk and IF the stories recounted are an faint hearted. indicator of Bill’s ability to entertain then The initial three competitors were: Ted his forthcoming book – Flight from the Freeson’s Highland Airways based at Croft - due out later this year, should be Inverness who, operating with Dragon a fascinating read aircraft, often had an incredible regularity of 97% despite the hardships. Eric Gandar-Dower started Aberdeen Airways, and John Sword’s Midland & Scottish was based at Renfrew. Two members of the team with Eric were Joseph “Jimmy” Orrell (later to move to become ’s chief test pilot), who flew the first ambulance flight to Islay in May 1933, and the young Winifred Rapide cockpit Harry McDowell

Dak Stornoway Renfrew

22 R34 Incinnan Rae Drinwater Orrel DH Dragon Rapide

Ailsa Rapide

David Kitty

STEM Collaboration with the Science Museum By Past Master Chris Spurrier

One of my objectives last year was to October there will be an engineering- hope that some of us will take this encourage the teaching of STEM themed family festival, aiming to reach opportunity to reach out to the young. subjects in schools. As a result of a 9,000 people over nine days. The goal is The dates are 20th-28th October. fortunate meeting I was able to engage to show children the diversity and Obviously, we wouldn’t ask anyone to be with Nick Spindler and Katharina breadth of the disciplines in which there on every day but if we could find Steinkellner, both of whom work at the engineers work, and also to encourage Science Museum in Kensington. We diversity among applicants to these fields. one or two on each day that would be have had some meetings with a view to a I know this is not strictly about wonderful. I shall be aiming to do three collaboration which will benefit both us aeronautical engineering and it’s days there and I’d be delighted to hear and them. We all know that there is a certainly not strictly about applicants for from anyone who could spare a day or serious shortage of engineering students flying careers. Nevertheless, as we all two for this very worthwhile cause. in the UK. To help address this, the know, many engineering graduates go on There will be a requirement for helpers Museum is holding a Year of Engineering to fly, and many pilots wish that the to have a brief training session before the across all its museum sites - London, of design engineers had a better course, plus the National Railway understanding of how aircraft are actually actual event – that will be made clear Museum in York, the National Science flown so that their flight deck or cockpit when we know how many of us will be and Media Museum in Bradford, and the environment would be a better place in helping. Museum of Science and Industry in which to work. My email is [email protected] and I Manchester. In April the Kensington We have been invited to attend the look forward to having an overflowing Museum held a series of engineering family festival days to talk about inbox very shortly days for schools and families in their engineering in the aviation world, and Engineer the Future gallery, and in how it helps us do our jobs. I very much

23 Book Review Flying in Father's Slipstream - Leaves from our Flying Logbooks By Liveryman Gp Capt Tom Eeles Arena Books of Bury St Edmunds, £12.99 through Amazon Reviewed by Liveryman Wg Cdr Andy Brookes FRAeS

The RAF celebrates its centenary this didn’t realise that all Cranwell Flight Assistant to the Chief of Air Staff. For the year and for much of that time, Harry cadets in 1930 were issued with motor next two and a half years, Harry was a Eeles and his son Tom both served as bikes which they were required to keep close witness to arguably the most crucial RAF pilots from 1929 onwards. During serviceable, the logic being that potential period of RAF evolution and expansion those years, military flying progressed officers needed enough mechanical staffing covering the Munich crisis and from the wood and canvas era of knowledge to identify and even rectify the outbreak of the Second World War. tubes and Biggles goggles to the faults in the unreliable aircraft of the What a shame that we cannot hear fast jet age of Cold War readiness and period when flying over remote corners Harry's testimony from what must have subsequent humanitarian intervention. of the Empire. This book is a fascinating been the closest any young RAF officer To illustrate the changes and, dare one say personal history of RAF flying military could have got to the centre of the it, abiding certainties that characterised flying and service life, which Tom brings unfolding drama of 1937 to 1940. that period, Tom Eeles has come up with alive. In sum, this book is really about Tom the very imaginative idea of telling one Although Tom writes very informatively Eeles’ flying exploits which are worth the family’s RAF flying story through and lucidly, the great problem with his price of this book on their own. Tom is consecutive and parallel eyes. Tom has project lies in the imbalance between his not really flying in line astern of his done this by comparing the relevant flying career and that of his father. Tom father's memorable career, but rather his pilot’s flying logbooks from which much was lucky enough to amass 8,500 flying flying applied the afterburner to what can be derived, even though (as I look at hours over 50 years whereas Harry built Harry and his generation created, my two RAF logbooks) there is very up only 1,374 flying hours over a career sustained and encouraged. Thank limited space to write down overmuch. span of 29 years. That wasn’t a reflection goodness Tom has put his recollections RAF logbooks are really an airman's of his flying ability – Harry was assessed down for successive generations to read diary of day-to-day events but any reader as “Above the average as a and to savour because, like many of us old has to be aware that not much can be pilot”. Rather it reflects the fact that the and bold, he represents a Cranwell derived from a short entry such as “low- RAF needed Harry Eeles much more as ‘officers and gentlemen’ tradition, and level navigation”. a staff officer. This becomes clear with Cold War perspective that is receding Tom Eeles has chosen seven entries from Harry’s wartime record. The single entry into the mists of time. his father's logbooks which serve as pegs that Tom pinpoints for Harry throughout Read this book and enjoy. on which to compare the nearest the whole of the Second World War is a equivalent from his own record of flying delivery flight of a Westland Whirlwind service. This is not too difficult in places F1 (an underpowered and politically – basic training is still very much basic blighted long-range beast) – from training whether it be on the or Dishforth to Drem, and from Drem to the Chipmunk. Similarly Grangemouth, a total of 75 minutes air-to-ground firing from a airborne. Harry had been good enough in 1937 has much in common in flying to serve as the AOC's personal pilot in skill and impressing the locals (if not the Middle East and to teach Bloggs to weapon intensity) with shallow dive fly at 5 Flying Training School, RAF bombing the China Rock Range from a Sealand, but these were hoops that an B(I)8 in 1965. aspiring senior officer had to jump Given the paucity of detail available in his through in order to move up the career old man’s RAF flying logbook, Tom ladder. When Harry left Sealand at the cleverly crafts a narrative of RAF social end of July 1937, he moved to London to and military history of the period. I take up the appointment of Personal

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