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Winter 2018 Winter WitteringThe official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force View

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 1 Features: Sustainability • 504 Sqn • Outstanding Sport Achievements • Saint-Omer • Airborne Wandeltocht March

SECTION HEADING TITLE OF ARTICLE Editor Welcome to the winter edition, and my final one as Editor. During my tenure, I have noticed how much the Foreword personnel of RAF Wittering resident flying squadrons; we do in support As the days get shorter and the morning enabled and sustained 36 of others, both frost takes hold, I look back at what was an operations and 108 exercises, military and civilian, on unit and and our people spent over in the community. The many amazing summer of RAF100 celebrations to 68,000 nights away from articles we read prior to going home. I continue to be both to press demonstrate the wide draw warmth and perspective. humbled and amazed by the range of activities covered. professionalism of our people, RAF100 has provided many We commemorated our The third element of RAF100 and the unstinting support they opportunities, a few more Centenary through the rich was to inspire the next generation. receive from their friends and of which are covered in this history of our Station, one of In addition to our continued family, I am hugely grateful for edition on pages 10 and 19. the founding stations of the support to our resident units all that you do for Wittering and Raising funds for worthwhile , and through who fly air cadets and university the Royal Air Force. causes have been regular more reflective remembrance students, we again excelled in our events throughout the year of those friends and colleagues programme of youth engagement With Christmas nearly upon with this quarter being no that we have lost in more recent through Science, Technology, us, I do hope everyone takes the exception. times. We celebrated through Engineering and Maths – STEM. opportunity to catch up with I have thoroughly enjoyed an outstanding all ranks dinner Throughout the year our STEM loved ones and recharge their my time in the role and I'm where our catering team again Ambassadors reached out batteries, although I know we will sure my successor, Flt Lt Madi displayed its excellence, and across the country through an all spare a thought for those who Timlin, will not be disappointed. played a full part in the capstone exceptional breadth of interactive will inevitably be deployed on It is a position where one can celebrations of July 10 in activities. They delivered a STEM operations keeping our Nation learn so much about what goes London. Residential Course for 100 Year 9 safe. Thank you all for an amazing on in and around us each and On that memorable day, students here at Wittering; made a 2018, and I look forward to another every day; to understand the where the public came out en major contribution to the National inspiring year when 2019 arrives. dedication and professionalism masse to fill the Mall and nearby Big Bang Fair at the NEC; hosted of the people we work with on parks and streets, I think we the national final of the Race For Gp Capt Tony Keeling a daily basis. We do rely on the were all taken by surprise by the The Line competition, at which 350 regular submission of articles genuine affection in which our young people competed in front for each edition, so please Service was so visibly held. The of our Honorary Air Commodore continue to submit them. people of Wittering played a against a fantastic backdrop of My closing comment formal role in Westminster Abbey, a STEM village, static aircraft and is to express my immense on Horse Guards Parade, and in flying displays; and supported the gratitude to Emma Stacey, front of as RAF100 tour in London, Cardiff, the second half (actually part of the spectacular parade. Manchester and Northern Ireland. the first half!) of the editing But as you will have come to The energy and passion of our team. Her commitment to the expect from RAF Wittering and STEM Ambassadors reached Wittering View is exemplary; the A4 Force, we also played many tens of thousands of young her experience and guidance a major role in making these people, and their excellence was have been pivotal to its success. celebrations happen. Our airfield recognised through the recent Thank you, Emma. played host to the Hawks of presentation of the Institute Flt Lt Owen Newman 100 Sqn as they participated in of Engineering & Technology’s the flypast; our caterers worked Inspiring Engineering Award – very PS Merry Christmas and a Happy tirelessly behind the scenes on well done to all involved. New Year from the Wittering View Horse Guards Parade to feed over team. 5,000 visitors; and our drivers This comprehensive planned and delivered the time- contribution to RAF100 was critical movement of nearly 2,000 delivered alongside our usual personnel in and out of London high tempo of activity: 72 for the Parade. aircrew graduated from our

Submissions Please direct all submissions for Wittering View Magazine to: The Editor, [email protected] [email protected] Please try to ensure that images are in .jpeg format and Find us on Facebook as large as possible. Text should be supplied in Microsoft Word .doc format or plain text if possible. at Wittering View

4 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 TITLE OF ARTICLE SECTION HEADING Wittering View The official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force

12 16 25 Contents Sustainability 06 News In Brief 08 Padre’s Corner 11 Parade 12 504 Sqn Remembers a Hero 13 Flying By The Seat Of Our 14 Rare Flying Suit Pants Recruitment Challenge Cup 16 Newly Qualified Pilots 16 Outstanding Sport Achievements 17 Airborne Wandeltocht March 18 Saint-Omer 19 2MT Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 20 Wittering Golf Society 21 Community News 22 Tea Break Time 24 Colour Chaos Returns 25 14 In The Hot Seat 26 Editor Distribution Designed By Flt Lt Owen Newman Morrisons Stamford, Sainsbury's Stamford, Families' Sherrie Bacarese [email protected] Shop Wittering, Walkers of Stamford, Stamford coffee shops, Phoenix Shop Wittering, Wittering Advertising Deputy Editor local businesses and amenities. Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Emma Stacey Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL Published By Tel: Jo on 01536 334221 Team Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, [email protected] Marissa Russell, Cpl Paul Robertshaw, Ed Palmer Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL and SAC Matty Smith. Tel: 01536 334222 Printing www.lanceprint.co.uk Lance Print Ltd, Email: [email protected] Tel: 01733 390564

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 5 FEATURE SUSTAINABILITY

Think Sustainability! Think Efficiency! Think Green! From infrastructure changes to behavioural initiatives, to investing in new technologies and using just plain common sense - we are looking at ways to save money, time and resource by doing things in a smarter and more sustainable way at RAF Wittering.

Written by: Sqn Ldr Dani Nowalski There are several recycling where possible – it incentives, allowing us to bring infrastructure initiatives running is precisely those behaviours money onto RAF Wittering and Through the RAF Strategy, the across Defence that when we need to bring into the to spend it on projects to make Chief of Air Staff has brought brought together offer a very workplace. your life better. to life the necessity for change; real opportunity to drive down We are pulling together If this ambition is to succeed, specifically, the way in which our operating costs; but we a project plan of ideas to be we also need your help in we exist and operate. Changing must make a robust argument explored. identifying opportunities, new climates, the environmental effect as upfront investment will be We have funding for LED technologies, and areas of energy of plastics, and a high dependence required and this will take time. lighting design work and aim or material waste to which we on fossil fuels, coupled with very Nevertheless, we are confident to have the gate to perimeter can direct our collective efforts. real economic pressures, mean that if successful we will be able survey completed before There are two ways to get that we must be innovative in how to redirect some of those savings Christmas. This will include involved. Take the RAF Wittering we do our business, be open to to make further improvements all technical and domestic BlueSky Challenge! Visit the new technologies and become to the lived experience at RAF accommodation and on-Station BlueSky ideas space (accessed more environmentally resilient Wittering. street lighting. In addition, via the Government Gateway) to than ever before. Right now, we are recycling stations will be rolled leave your ideas or to comment This is why, here at RAF particularly interested in our out across the Station and on some of the great proposals Wittering, we believe a logical, dependency on energy, water individual desk bins will be already put forward. Simply go to forward leaning, sustainability and fossil fuels and how we removed. Food waste bins will www.rafideas.wazoku.com. Any strategy for our Station is so manage those in the future. We also be provided in communal access problems contact Chf Tech important. It is critical that we know that in your own homes kitchens. Neil McCabe on ext 7514. look for future risks and identify you will carefully manage your What’s in it for you? Many You can also email your opportunities available now to energy and water consumption, of the green agenda initiatives Sustainable Station ideas to mitigate those risks. and will be committed to come with gainshare and [email protected]

6 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 7 NEWS IN BRIEF News In Brief 4624 RAuxAF Sqn Raises Thousands for SSAFA This year 4624 (County of behalf of the Red Devils with Oxford) Movements Squadron various Brize Norton Station renewed its association with the personnel taking the Salute Battle Proms and raised £51,028 on behalf of 4624 Squadron. Back to School for SSAFA. The Salute concluded with the The Battle Proms, a series of playing of the ‘Last Post’. Road safety and Remembrance drive truck and an IVECO lorry, were concerts held annually at five Wing Commander Bev Peart, Day were top of the list when 2 driven to the school. Three drivers stately home locations including Officer Commanding 4624 Mechanical Transport Squadron including Sergeant Terry Littler Burghley House near Stamford, Squadron, said: “I am extremely (2MT) from RAF Wittering visited spent two days with the Year Six introduced SSAFA as a new proud of the important role Newborough CE (Church of pupils teaching them basic road charity for 2018. that 4624 Squadron has played England) Primary School. safety lessons and helping them For 4624’s part, SACs David in raising funds and I thank Two of the Squadron’s biggest prepare for Remembrance Sunday. Harrison and Simon Miesegaes my personnel who have been vehicles, an Oshkosh all-wheel The team taught the took on responsibility for involved in all aspects of this organising the teams for the exceptionally worthwhile fundraising activities at the endeavour.” Battle Proms. In addition, 501 SACs Harrison and Miesegaes Squadron’s resident Pipe Major, said: “We could not have achieved Mark Bisset, helped collect as he this without the support of so entertained the crowd with his many people at 4624 Squadron unique form of pipe playing – and, in particular, we thank including Queen’s “We Will Rock Squadron Leader Rich Evans and You”. Flight Sergeants Mal Beavis and Each Battle Prom included Richie Morgan who supported a Spitfire aerial display followed us throughout the by a Field Gun Salute process and, of reflecting the centenary course, those many of the end of the First individuals from the World War. Captain Squadron who Joseph Palmer of The gave their time 504 (County of Nottingham) Sqn Returns Home for Parachute Regiment at the events took the Salute on themselves.”

in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. compliments on sponge cakes and Always Room For With the coffee brewed and the tea the consumption of as many calorie- We're On bar awash with cakes and savouries, laden consumables as possible. personnel dug deep to raise over Lucy Hibbitt, a member of the £100 for the worthwhile cause. organising committee, said: “It was Facebook! Organised by a dedicated team amazing to see that so many had Keep up to date with all the of ladies, they were overwhelmed baked, shopped, and donated. We community information, news Cake! with the amount of donated cakes, all know of someone who has or is and events by The corridors of 71(IR) Sqn were and shocked to see the mass of being affected by cancer. Macmillan visiting and liking filled with the sweet smell of baked personnel pouring in as the clock provides an invaluable service the Wittering View goods as they participated in the struck 10am. The tea bar was buzzing to those not only going through Facebook page. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning with comparisons on brownies, treatment, but also to their families."

8 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 youngsters about how large vehicles have blind spots where the driver cannot see you, where these blind spots are and, most importantly, how Howzat? not to get caught in them. The pupils were then allowed to sit in RAF Wittering’s Cricket the driver’s seats of both vehicles to see the blind spots for themselves. Paying Team is celebrating after a attention when crossing the road was highly successful season. also a big theme on both days. Next to the school is the village’s Although the team only won one War Memorial and the pupils had been of the four available RAF trophies, researching the First World War. The the team played in all four of personnel from 2MT were on hand the cup finals despite this being to answer questions and helped the the first time that Wittering has children make their own poppy wreaths. competed in five years. Rebecca Marrs, head teacher at The 20/20 Finals Day was Newborough CE Primary School, said: Annual Formal the team’s first shot at a trophy. “It was wonderful that the service Strong opposition from Northolt personnel were able to support the and Waddington, both fielding children with their poetry and art work RAF Senior players, saw a relatively for Remembrance. Reception inexperienced Wittering team The children were falter. Defeat only served to also very excited More than 200 guests from the local community strengthen the team’s resolve as about seeing the they met Waddington again in trucks and enjoyed attended RAF Wittering’s Annual Formal Reception (AFR). the penultimate East of England learning about League game. This time Wittering road safety too. The Station is proud of the personnel and discovering more rose to the challenge enacting a Thank you to 2MT good relations it has with about Station capabilities. 100-run victory. for an awesome schools, councils, organisations The weather was less This victory proved to be couple of days.” and local officials, and the AFR than ideal though but the pivotal to the team’s standing in is an opportunity to thank weather cleared (just as OC the East of England Cricket League them all for their support Ops promised), and guests and and ultimate victory by 20 points throughout the year. hosts ventured outside to enjoy over the runners-up Marham. This Battle of Britain Sunday saw 504 This year’s event took on a music and marching from 422 also meant an invitation to play the (County of Nottingham) Squadron different format from previous (Corby) Squadron Air Cadets, an winners of the London Area League return to their spiritual home AFRs. The project officer, Flight amazing Spitfire flypast from the for the annual John Wells Trophy. of Nottingham. The Service of Lieutenant James Eyles, was Battle of Britain Memorial Flight The final game of the season Thanksgiving at the Parish Church of tasked with creating a capability and finally, a Sunset Ceremony. was played against Brize Norton St Mary the Virgin was followed by an display in the 3 Mobile Catering It was the perfect end to an for the RAF Cup. Self-proclaimed address by the Bishop of Southwell Squadron hangar which would extremely enjoyable evening. #Iamalegend Dave Hughes and Nottingham. provide guests with a greater summed up the game in an The Squadron, preceded by the understanding of what goes on interview with BBC Cambridgeshire RAF College Band, then marched to at RAF Wittering. The displays as ‘A closely-fought game, ending Old Market Square where the Parade were manned by Station with Brize Norton scraping a was inspected by the Lord Mayor of personnel and encouraged victory’. Nottingham and the Lord Lieutenant of interaction between the guests Although only able to add 504 (County of Nottingham) Sqn Returns Home for Nottinghamshire. Air Cadet squadrons and Service personnel. one trophy to the Wittering Sports from around Nottinghamshire were There were almost 250 cabinet, the cricket team’s Dale also on parade. The most notable guests and hosts in the Barrett and Dulan Patebendi Battle of Britain Day points of the day were the crowd that hangar on the night, plus the were put forward for the RAF had turned out to watch, and the catering team and personnel Development squad. The latter warm reception received from the manning the capability topping the batting and bowling people of Nottingham, as the Parade displays. Guests and hosts alike averages over the year. marched into Old Market Square. enjoyed chatting to the display The success of the club has been truly remarkable, driven largely by the tireless efforts of Jim Sharples and Jason Stafford been great that they’ve let me look in standing the club up and around, thank you so much.” ensuring each fixture was fulfilled. Cambridge boy visits 5131 Sergeant Tim Latchford, of 5131 A thank you to all players who have The school holidays ended Monty also had a look at the (BD) Sqn, said: “Monty and his dad contributed over the season and memorably for an 11-year-old famous Cutlass robot. put safety first and did exactly the their line managers for facilitating. from Cambridge with a visit to Guy said: “Monty’s had an right thing, they called the police If you would like to be involved 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron amazing morning, he loves history and left the item well alone. If in next year’s success, please at Royal Air Force Wittering. and it’s been a real education. anyone finds something like this, contact OIC Fg Off Jez Parker Monty Greenway was magnet We had no idea when he went please don’t touch it and call the Ext 7489 or Team Captain Jason fishing when he unexpectedly magnet fishing that day just where police straight away.” Stafford Ext 6311. landed an old mortar. Explosive it would lead, least of all ordnance technicians from 5131 a visit to RAF Wittering. (Bomb Disposal) Squadron at 5131 is a remarkable RAF Wittering were called to the squadron and we’ve been scene and removed the device to very lucky, thank you.” a field where it was destroyed in As a memento of his a controlled demolition. visit, Monty was presented Monty and his dad Guy with a squadron crest Greenway were invited to visit on a wooden plaque. the 5131 (BD) Sqn compound Monty said: “Yes, it’s at Wittering where they were definitely been a good shown many of the items the time. I’ve seen some really technicians must make safe. interesting stuff and it’s

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 9 NEWS IN BRIEF News In Brief 5001 Sqn in Cornwall A team of 5001 Sqn personnel The final activity was travelled to Newquay, Cornwall, cliff jumping - the ultimate to take part in an Adventure test for anyone scared of Training (AT) exercise. heights. The group started off Organised by SACs Lockert and jumping from rocks that were Walster, personnel took part only around 6ft, capping the in kayaking, surfing and cliff day off with a monster 30ft jumping over three days. jump into the sea below. The sea kayaking was the SAC Walster said: “We most tiring activity as the team feel that this week has navigated their way along the encouraged people and Ex-Para Completes craggy coastline and caves. made them aware that Next up for the group was these sorts of things can be surfing, which everyone enjoyed. arranged with perseverance 100-mile Walk for Charity Fighting against the waves proved and effort from all taking tricky but made it worthwhile part. We are now considering An 87-year-old veteran visited They give us a flight then they show once they finally managed to further AT opportunities for Wittering during a 100-mile walk us the door! It made perfect sense to catch the big waves “out back.” the Squadron.” to mark 100 years of the Royal Air me to support this wonderful charity, Force and raise valuable funds in the year of the RAF’s centenary as for the RAF Benevolent Fund and well as the Paras’ charity, of course.” Support Our Paras. Just Giving shortlisted Jeffrey Jeffrey Long, who served in for the Endurance Fundraiser the Army from 1950 to 1957, has of the Year Award, voted for by completed various fundraising the public, which was due to be endeavours in the past 11 years, announced in November. including the Liverpool to Leeds walk, Aaron Tillyer, regional Hadrian’s Wall and the Three Peaks fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Challenge. This year’s challenge saw Fund, said: “Supporters like Jeffrey him visit 10 RAF Stations, including are vital to see the welfare work RAF Wittering, on 10 consecutive the Fund carries out continue, days, walking 10 miles each day in a without it we simply could not tribute to the service’s 100th birthday. do what we do – ensuring no Personnel from RAF Wittering, member of the RAF Family faces including Officer Commanding 42 adversity alone. It has been such Wing, Wing Commander Dan Penter, an honour getting to know him joined Jeffrey along the route to show and from everyone at the RAF support and boost morale. Benevolent Fund, a heartfelt thank Discovery Of A Jeffrey said: “I am truly touched you Jeffrey!” that so many personnel from RAF You can still support Wittering came out to walk with me. Jeffrey by visiting https:// 100 Year Old Bomb The Paras have a relationship with uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ the RAF, they are very good to us. JeffreyLongMBE Wittering’s 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron was called into action when contractors uncovered a century old bomb on RAFC Cranwell’s airfield.

The device, believed to date Captain Gordon Bettington, said: from around 1916, was “I am immensely proud of the RAF Record Breakers! discovered during routine works response from all our personnel at the Station. The Royal Air and 5131(BD) Squadron, which Force Bomb Disposal Team was enabled things to swiftly return immediately called to the scene. to normal after the ordnance was As a precaution, personnel made safe. We are now fascinated working in the vicinity were to learn more about the munition evacuated and a safety cordon itself and the history of operations put in place. Explosive Ordnance from the airfield.” Disposal (EOD) Technicians Warrant Officer Phil Hunt, identified the device as a the Senior EOD officer at 5131 First World War 16lb high (BD) Squadron, said: “It took a few explosive bomb, and minutes to identify as it was a most carried out a controlled unusual find. Nonetheless, it was a demolition. pleasure to be called to the spiritual Deputy home of the Royal Air Force in its Commandant of RAF 100th year and restore the Station Wittering personnel were among RAF Cosford. They ran the distance College Cranwell, Group to normal as quickly as we could.” a team of 100 RAF athletes that in 64 hours, 36 minutes and 22 smashed the world record for the seconds, breaking the record, 100 x 10km relay. previously held by an American SAC Chloe Finlay, Cpl Steven team since 2015, by over four hours. Robinson, Sgt Steve Green, FS Chris The event was organised by SAC Rowland and Cpl Iain Bailey joined Michael Kallenberg as part of the RAF athletes from across the UK at RAF100 celebrations.

10 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 PADRE’S CORNER REGULARS Padre’s Corner

The Countdown to Christmas It’s strange to think that as early as August I heard a Christmas song in a shop and Christmas chocolate has already been in the shop on Station since early September. Way too early to start the Christmas countdown.

Now that we are properly do the Christmas stocking, filled counting down to Christmas, with inexpensive gifts to make what are the things you do as the girls smile, including ¡Tunes a family that make Christmas cards, sweets and other small special? things. The Shaw family do a few Christmas morning is things. There’s the Christmas presents first and then some film - Scrooge with Patrick crumpets or muffins with coffee. Stewart must be watched or Then in recent years Heather Tim Allen in The Santa Clause and I would go to Church on (all three of them!). Then there’s Christmas morning. the making of a gingerbread These traditions are good house by my daughters. I always to gather the family together, get a couple of joke presents for and keeps the family Christmas my wife Heather; although real alive. Christmas is the time of presents are given too. year where we can be more We don’t do the Christmas generous with our time and cake baking, but you may do helping others. It seems to make that, and we also try and do a people more loving towards festive trip together. each other. Christmas jumpers is During the countdown to another good fun thing to Christmas let’s share what we share, not just in the family, but do, so that others can join in. in the sections to try and raise The one tradition we some money for charity. can show is love, care and A Christmas Carol concert, compassion, with all who either on Station or in school, come our way. Don’t allow the or watching youngsters acting commercial side of Christmas out the Christmas story in the to stop the joy of the Christmas school nativity; Unto us a Child Season. Keep it with joy. is born. Then on Christmas Eve we Padre Stewart Shaw

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 11 NEWS BATTLE OF BRITAIN PARADE

RAF Wittering And Stamford Commemorate The Battle Of Britain were remembered as RAF Wittering personnel and the people of Stamford commemorated the Battle of Britain.

Trinity Methodist Church in Over 30 RAF personnel during the summer and autumn involved in the Battle of Britain. Stamford was the venue for paraded from the church to the of 1940 and, over 70 years Additionally, the Station was very the special service, followed War Memorial outside Browne’s later, it remains the defining active during the Blitz and was by a wreath laying ceremony Hospital with musical support engagement in the Royal Air the main fighter station for the at the town’s War Memorial on from Yarwell and Nassington Force’s hundred-year history. south-east Midlands. Broad Street. Held in the Royal Band. Although flying from forward The bond between RAF Air Force’s 100th year, the event The Battle of Britain was operating bases, RAF Wittering Wittering and Stamford is of held a special significance fought in the skies over Britain Squadrons were heavily singular importance to Group for military personnel and Captain Keeling. He said: “Today townsfolk alike. we commemorate the sacrifices The service was led by RAF made by The Few, but we also Chaplain, the Reverend Squadron celebrate 100 years of friendship Leader Stewart Shaw and Rev and support from the people of Andy Fyall, Minister of Trinity Stamford.” Methodist Church. Public figures He added: “Stamford and its and officials, including the Mayor people have been tremendous of Stamford, joined Wittering’s friends to the Station over the Station Commander Group years. We recognised not only Captain Tony Keeling and his the sacrifices made by the Royal senior officers. Air Force during the Battle In his sermon, Reverend of Britain, but how Stamford Squadron Leader Shaw spoke of continues to support and all the pilots who took part in the encourage RAF Wittering.” Battle of Britain, including those from Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth. He also asked PHOTOS: the congregation to remember (Main) The parade reaches some of the values which the Browne’s Hospital in Stamford. RAF uniform embodies; courage, (Inset) Group Captain Tony Keeling goodness and mercy. lays the wreath.

12 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 504 SQN NEWS

Reserve Squadron Remembers War Hero Personnel from 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Joining members of 504 day I shall never forget. Everyone remembered its most famous pilot, Squadron were Mrs Anne Holmes, was so kind, even the sun. I wish widow of the late fighter ace, and I could rewind and go through it Mrs Kate Whitworth, his daughter. all once more.” Flight Lieutenant Ray Holmes, at Both could see, for the first time, Flight Lieutenant Jill how his aircraft would have Harrison, 504 Squadron Adjutant the unveiling of RAF Hendon’s looked during the Battle of Britain. said: “Meeting Anne was just They were met by a delegation amazing, the way she cares gate guardian. from today’s 504 Squadron; for her husband’s legacy is Squadron Leader Andy Ham, incredible. It didn’t seem to The replica Hurricane has been had run out of ammunition Flight Lieutenant Jill Harrison, matter that 504 Squadron does newly refurbished with number with one German aircraft still Warrant Officer Dave Dundas and a completely different job these and colours taken from 504 airborne. He rammed the Sergeant Nick Woolmer. days, Anne was every bit as Squadron’s most famous aerial Dornier at more than 350mph Deeply moved by the interested in what we do now. It engagement. and the Hurricane’s wing experience, Mrs Holmes said: “I was a pleasure and a real honour On September 15, 1940, sliced completely through am very proud to be connected to meet her.” during the Battle of Britain, Pilot the bomber’s rear fuselage. through Ray to 504 Sergeant Ray Holmes took off Both Holmes and the German Squadron. The visit was PHOTOS: in his Hurricane to intercept pilot parachuted from their amazing and moving. A (Main) 504 Squadron in 1940. three German Dornier bombers aircraft; the Dornier ploughed Ray Holmes is seated far left in the heading for Central London. into Victoria Station while middle row. After attacking the first two the Hurricane crashed into (Inset) From left: WO David bombers, Holmes realised he Buckingham Palace Road. Dundas, Flt Lt Jill Harrison, Mrs Kate Whitworth (daughter of Ray Holmes), Mrs Anne Holmes, Sqn Ldr Andy Ham, Sgt Nick Woolmer with the Hurricane gate guardian at the RAF Museum in Hendon.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 13 FEATURE OPS WING

Flying by the Seat of Our Rare Flying Suit Pants RAF Wittering has always been an important hub for the RAF.

The air, once filled with the roar of Elementary Flying Training (EFT), it Management System Coordinator, The Tutor display team is a impressively powerful jet engines also runs fast jet and multi engine Senior Non – Commissioned Officer regular feature over the airfield, is now home to the smaller, quieter, lead-in courses, preparing pilots for Operations and SO3 Air Assurance practising for the much sought-after but no less important prop driven their next stage of training. roles have now all been filled. This airshow it provides. Sqn Ldr Andy Grob Tutor. 115 Instructor Training Squadron has allowed documentation to be Tagg has passed the mantle over to Initially, RAF Wittering acted arrived at Wittering from Cranwell updated and, as part of an increase Flt Lt Andy Sell, who has had a busy as a diversion for Cranwell and in 2015. The 10 Qualified Flying in manning to Air Traffic Control, season. Completing over 20 displays Wyton-based Tutors but it now has Instructors have graduated 24 has allowed the resumption of Air including a private display for the five squadrons on station fulfilling a students over the last 12 months. Experience Flying (AEF) sorties, giving Race for the Line event that took variety of roles. In the last year, there These include novice, refresher and cadets from as young as 13 years place at Wittering earlier in the year has been around 44,000 movements type change courses. In addition to old invaluable time in the air. Since on the airfield in June. in addition to an ever-increasing this they have carried out over 60 June 2018 they have flown over The 9000-foot runway along number of visiting aircraft. Its flying check flights as well as four safety 800 different cadets. Meanwhile, with large taxiways and legacy output has grown into one of the assurance checks in various locations Cambridge University Air Squadron Harrier pads means RAF Wittering largest in the RAF. within the UK. and University of London Air can facilitate many types of visiting 16 Squadron not only put future Operations Wing has expanded; Squadron have been inspiring the aircraft. Throughout the last six air pilots and Remotely Piloted Squadron Leader Operations, Flight next generation of university students months, Chinooks, Juno’s, Pumas Air System (RPAS) pilots through Lieutenant Operations, Station Error to join the RAF. and Hawks have used Wittering. In

14 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 Flying by the Seat of Flying Officer Joshua Main in WWI flying gear. addition to this, large aircraft movements have been facilitated including the C130, C17 and A400M. These visiting aircraft offer invaluable training for our controllers and gives our fire crews a Our Rare Flying chance to familiarise themselves with other aircraft. The flying students and station personnel also benefit from the opportunity to visit and experience different airframes. Airfield usage has also been extended to ground training. 16 Suit Pants Regiment Royal Artillery completed five days of build-up training before a live Exercise in the Hebrides. They did choose a very unfortunate week to visit, setting up their Rapier missile defence system in a snowstorm. This may have pushed training objectives to the limit but it was invaluable preparation for a winter deployment to the Falkland Islands. Other units also took advantage, using Wittering as a base to complete highly complex training, which involved parachuting into Rutland Water at night. RAF Wittering is currently one of the busiest airfields in the RAF. Support for the Tutor, running fast jet and multi engine lead in courses as well as some Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) and International Student flying will endure. Visiting aircraft will become more numerous and we potentially look forward to more exciting times ahead.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 15 NEWS RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE Recruitment The class of 2018. Challenge Cup at Wittering Students from a professions in the RAF. They had the opportunity to look at aircraft further education old and new; visiting the Harriers in the Heritage Centre and Tutor college in Wales are aircraft with student pilots talking celebrating after to them about a career in the RAF. Squadron Leader Keenlyside winning the Royal said: “The hard work and Air Force Recruiting commitment the students have The baton leaves RAF Wittering. given to all elements of the Challenge Cup competition has been awesome. 16 Squadron At RAF Wittering Graduates competition held at Equally, the way RAF Wittering and RAF Recruiting have leant in to RAF Wittering. support this competition has been amazing. Thank you.” Nine students from Coleg Sir RAF Police dogs, drill training, Gâr in Camarthenshire won a five-minute presentation on Newly the event, which was designed a given RAF trade, a turn on the to give cadets and students in digital shooting range and an RAF Defence and Public Services knowledge test made up the rest based courses an insight into of the busy day. the RAF through a series of Glyn Price, a public services mental and physical challenges. lecturer from Coleg Sir Gâr, was Qualified Around 100 students took part delighted when it was announced in the competition from 10 that his team had won. He said: schools and further education “Absolutely amazing! I couldn’t be colleges. any prouder of the guys, watching The competition was devised them grow and bond as a team Pilots by Squadron Leader Tamzin has been fantastic.” Keenlyside, Community Careers Diana Gonclaves, a student Liaison Officer. She said: “We’ve had from the Air & Defence Career Newly qualified pilots have teams travel here from Swansea College at the College of West and Derbyshire, which shows Anglia in Kings Lynn, took home successfully graduated from the you just how keen these young the best female athlete award. people are to learn about Elementary Flying Training (EFT) the Royal Air Force. Getting them here is one thing, but keeping them interested and course at Royal Air Force Wittering. occupied takes all the real work.” No 16 Squadron trains student After the end of their 26 After a warm-up pilots and is one of Britain’s most weeks of training, 11 junior officers with Wittering’s Physical historic flying units, predating from No 16 Squadron have been Education Instructors, the the formation of the Royal streamed into advanced training. students took part in a Air Force. The Squadron was During advanced training, they 1.5 mile run and then a formed in 1915 as part of the will train to become fast jet or fitness test before looking The winning team in Royal Flying Corps at Saint Omer multi-engine pilots. Only when at the various trades and celebratory mood. in northern France; hence its they complete this phase, will the nickname ‘The Saints’. trainee pilots be entitled to wear During EFT the students have their wings. had to master aircraft handling, Squadron Leader Pickles navigation, aircraft systems and continued: “Completing EFT is the the rules of the air. While at RAF beginning of a longer and more Wittering, the trainee pilots took difficult phase, nobody leaves here their first solo flights; initially a and jumps straight into an F35 or brief circuit of the airfield and C17. At RAF Wittering our students then longer flights requiring are given a solid foundation; safety more navigation. underpins everything we do here.” Squadron Leader Mark Pickles Station Commander is Officer Commanding No 16 Gp Capt Tony Keeling said: Squadron and a former Sea King “Congratulations to our students. Search & Rescue Pilot. He said: Taking the first steps towards “It is not an easy course. This gaining those wings is not easy, is a challenging and dynamic but our success is due to the educational environment, determination of our students, nonetheless the syllabus carefully the skill of our instructors and guides students towards achieving the world71(IR) class SqnRoyal Steam Air Force Team. All the competing teams. excellence in the air.” training system.”

16 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 OUTSTANDING SPORT ACHIEVEMENTS NEWS

The class of 2018.

Outstanding Sport

Air Cdr Mark Gilligan (centre) presents the Team of Achievements Year Award to RAF Wittering’s Running Team. Recognised At RAF Wittering Sporting excellence was marked at RAF Wittering for the second year as the Station held its 2018 Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Sports Personality of the Year the Year 2018. Rachel Clarke is at RAF Wittering is organised an exceptional hockey player by the Station’s Physical who has played at station level, Education Flight and there are represented the Royal Air Force four categories: Coach of the and played in the Combined Flt Lt Nathan Jones presents the Coach Year, Team of the Year, Most Services Team. She has shown of the Year award to Cpl Carl Hickman Valued Person and Sports exemplary leadership as both Personality of the Year. player and manager. The guest speaker was Flight Rachel is also an Lieutenant Nathan Jones, who accomplished runner having after sustaining a spinal injury, completed the Keswick to went on to represent Great Barrow ultra-marathon and Britain at the Invictus Games. has raised money for the He won medals in cycling and motor-neurone disease charity. swimming. During his speech She said: “Honestly, I wasn’t Nathan stressed the importance expecting this. It’s such an of “Knowing yourself and honour even to be considered, knowing your body.” but to win is incredible. I’ve Air Commodore Mark always tried to be involved in Gilligan was the senior speaker sport and it was one of my main at the dinner. After praising Flt drivers to join the RAF.” Lt Jones’s many achievements, Station Commander he said: “Sport has a remarkable Group Captain Tony Keeling capacity to draw people said: “Congratulations to together and marks us out.” Flying Officer Clarke and all Gp Capt Tony Keeling presents the Corporal Carl Hickman, who the winners for their well- SPOTY award to Fg Off Rachel Clarke. was responsible for rebuilding deserved success tonight. RAF Wittering’s boxing club, Sport is something that we was awarded Coach of the do individually or as a team, Year, while after an outstanding but actually it’s right that we year, Royal Air Force Wittering recognise it properly because it runners were awarded Team of does make a difference to our the Year. wellbeing, our mental resilience, The Most Valued Person and how we perform in our Award was given to Sergeant jobs.” Darren Pipe. Giving huge “These awards do not amounts of his personal time, organise themselves. Sergeant Sgt Pipe has participated in Rooney and our Physical and coached football, triathlon, Education Flight have given running, water polo and was an their own time and effort to organiser of the RAF 100 cycle make tonight a success. This ride from London to Wittering. level of commitment to sport The night, however, and fitness, and the celebration belonged to Flying Officer of people’s success, is very Rachel Clarke, who won RAF impressive and they are an asset Sgt Darren Pipe receives his award Wittering Sports Personality of to the Station.” from Air Cdre Mark Gilligan.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 17 NEWS AIRBORNE WANDELTOCHT MARCH

The Wandletocht March. Airborne Wandeltocht March A visit to the battlefields around Arnhem and participation in the Airborne Wandeltocht March, provided 4624 Squadron with an opportunity to learn about the role of the RAF in a key battle.

The Airborne Wandeltocht March stop was the Heelsum Memorial commemorates the Battle of at Renkum, an arch constructed of Arnhem, part of Operation Market objects from the battle. Garden. A total of 35,000 Allied The final visit was to The parachute and glider troops Culvert, a small tunnel under were involved, with the objective the Arnhem-Utrecht railway Experience" being particularly covered the distance in 7 hours being to secure key bridges in line. Originally constructed useful in helping to understand 20 minutes. the Netherlands to enable the for drainage of rainwater, on what it would have been like to The next day they visited Allies to cross the Rhine and enter September 19, 1944, it was the have been aboard one of the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery Germany. The British 1st Airborne only available safe crossing point aircraft carrying paratroopers or where tributes were paid to Division were given the objective for British and Polish troops supplies to the dropzones. squadron colleagues Cpl Ian Darcy of the bridges at Arnhem. After moving from the north to south, On September 1, the group and SAC Andy Venning. This was several days of fierce fighting and due to the Germans controlling joined over 30,000 civilian and followed by placing a wreath on heavy losses, the survivors were the railway crossings. The Culvert military participants from 17 the grave of Victoria Cross recipient forced to retreat. Of the 10,000 was so limited in size that the air countries in the world’s largest Flt Lt Lord; it was a time of quiet who had been airdropped, only had to be let out of the tyres and one-day march, to commemorate reflection for everyone in the group. 2,000 returned; the rest being the windscreens lowered on the the Battle of Arnhem. There All involved were very killed or captured. jeeps so they could get through. were four distances available: appreciative to all those who The group visited historic sites The day concluded with a visit 10km, 15km, 25km and 40km. planned the trip, including WO under the expert guidance of Sgt to the Hartenstein Museum, the 4624 Sqn personnel completed Adam and FS Beavis; to Sgt Franklin. Ginkel Heath, ‘Drop Zone Allied HQ during the battle. There a total of 405km between them. Franklin for sharing his historic Y’, was first; about eight miles from were many exhibits to add detail Seven completed the 40km knowledge, and to those who Arnhem, and the furthest drop to the stories heard throughout length including Sgt Luis and contributed in other ways to zone from the key bridges. The next the day, with the "Airborne SACs Ferguson and Johnson who make the trip a success.

Personnel from 4624 Sqn who took part in the Wandeltocht Marches.

18 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 SAINT-OMER NEWS

Wreaths laid at the cemetery in Saint-Omer. RAF Marks Centenary At (Pic credit. Mrs C. Evans) Historic French Birthplace Air Marshal Evans said: Shared history was marked this autumn “I cannot think of a more thoughtful way in which when the Royal Air Force celebrated to commemorate the shared history. The Royal its centenary with the people of Air Force and the people of Saint-Omer have shown Saint-Omer in Northern France. extraordinary friendship toward each other. Today’s The Royal Air Force and its were poignant reminders of a events, in a way, celebrate predecessor, the Royal Flying strong historical bond. the ties we have with Corps, formed some of their Squadron Leader Mark Pickles France and especially Saint- earliest squadrons in Saint-Omer commands No 16 Squadron at Omer. Those ties, I believe, including No 16 Squadron, RAF Wittering. He said: “Nobody will inspire our continuing Air Vice-Marshal Didier Rouzet of the currently based at Wittering could ignore the sense of history co-operation.” Armée de l'Air Française salutes the Air Marshal Stuart Evans, or the warm reception given to memorial in Saint-Omer Cemetery. Deputy Commander of NATO us by the people of Saint- Allied Air Command, was the Omer. It’s easy to believe that a senior RAF officer at the event. He century ago, even during war, was joined by Viscount Trenchard, the people here were just as a direct descendent of the first welcoming to our predecessors.” Chief of the Air Staff and The 16 Squadron’s official badge Royal Flying Corps established is the crossed keys of St Peter, to a headquarters at Saint-Omer’s whom the cathedral is dedicated. aerodrome in October 1917. Their nickname ‘The Saints’ is a IX(Bomber) Squadron, No 16 direct reference to the Squadron’s Squadron, No 41 Squadron and birthplace in Saint-Omer. No 206 Squadron are active units An RAF Hercules from 206 with historical roots in Saint- Squadron and a Tornado from Omer. IX(B) Squadron were joined by British and French four French Air Force Dassault civilians, officials from Saint- Rafales for flypasts over Saint- Omer and Royal Air Force Omer Aerodrome, where personnel attended a service of commemorative wreaths were commemoration in the town’s laid and a plaque unveiled; a From left: M. Coupez Adjutant to the Mayoress of Longuenesse Air cathedral, an act of remembrance lasting tribute to the sacrifices Cdre Nick Hay, Viscount Hugh Trenchard, the Mayor of Saint-Omer M. at the Commonwealth war grave made by the townsfolk and the François Decoster, Fg Off Zoe Wilson-Chalon and AM Stuart Evans. memorial and impressive flypasts Royal Air Force.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 19 NEWS 2MT SS3

RAF Wittering Units Deploy To Major Exercise No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron from Wittering is heading to the heat of the Omani desert for a joint UK-Oman exercise.

Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 (SS3) 2MT is not the only logistic is the third UK-Oman joint unit from RAF Wittering exercise, with the previous participating in SS3. Personnel two taking place in 1986 and from No 3 Mobile Catering 2001. SS3 is the UK armed Squadron are already in place forces lead exercise this year alongside personnel from and the largest of its kind in 1 Expeditionary Logistics 17 years. It will test the UK Squadron, and more teams and Oman’s ability to operate from RAF Wittering will follow together in harsh conditions. over the coming weeks. Royal Air Force Wittering’s Station Commander squadrons are making a Group Captain Tony material contribution to the Keeling said: “Our aircraft exercise. deliver military effect; to Personnel from No 2 do that successfully you Mechanical Transport (2MT) need to have the right Squadron are already in things in place, that’s Oman and making sure things what the A4 Force run smoothly; ensuring the does.” safe and timely transport of equipment and supplies, operating specialist airfield vehicles and supporting deployed medical services. Flight Lieutenant James Eyles is second in command of 2MT Squadron. He said: “This is much more than just HGV PHOTOS: driving. During an exercise or The images show operation you need people personnel from No 2 who understand how vehicles Mechanical Transport are used in a military setting Squadron working and how to cope under real on vehicles similar pressure – these are things to those deployed to RAF drivers are trained to do.” Exercise SAIF SAREEA.

20 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 WITTERING GOLF SOCIETY SPORT

Station Championships.

Wittering Golf Society

Golf at RAF Wittering has gone from strength to Royal British Legion Golf event. strength in 2018. The Wittering Golf Committee is healthy and has representation from Senior Aircraftman to Squadron Leader across many sections of the unit.

Membership of the Wittering trophy was Sgt ‘Jock’ Doull. in golf at Wittering, we have Golf Society (WGS) has Away from competitive an outstanding membership passed 70 members in 2018, matches, WGS has been heavily offer. For just £150, members maintaining golf’s position as involved in the community, receive 12 months’ access to the largest sports society at working closely with the four separate golf courses in RAF Wittering. Burghley Golf Club Committee, the local area. All enquiries RAF Wittering competed they have named two of their should be made to CT ‘Benny’ in two main inter-station holes in recognition of their Hill (ext 7959), who will competitions in 2018; the East close ties with RAF Wittering, happily answer any specific Midlands Golf League (EMGL) the ‘Harrier’ and the ‘Runway’. questions you may have. and the East Midlands Alliance In our annual fixture against League (EMAL). Oundle Ladies, despite some This year, under the excellent golf from Wittering, Oundle Ladies. leadership of captains FS Jamie there was a familiar result... a Fowler (EMGL) and Cpl Dave heavy loss, but as ever we were Smith (EMAL), RAF Wittering hosted incredibly well and our finished third place in the EMGL relationship with the club and and fifth in the EMAL. their members continues to The main intra-station grow. event of 2018 was the A real highlight of the Station Championships, year was being asked by the held at Burghley Golf Club Royal British Legion to provide in September. Thirty golfers a team for the charity golf took part on a blustery day day at the Northampton Golf but despite the challenging Club. The event was organised conditions, there was some to celebrate RAF100 and to excellent golf produced. commemorate the 100th The winner of the scratch anniversary of the end of First competition and this year’s World War. The day was an Station Champion was Sqn Ldr outstanding success, raising Ken McCann. The winner of thousands of pounds for the RBL. the handicap competition and Finally, for anybody out recipient of the Archie Majid there wanting to get involved

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 21 REGULARS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Community News Airplay at RAF Wittering

Community Support Summer Activities Outreach Coffee Morning

A Community Support Outreach Coffee Morning is held on the last Thursday of every month. The event is taking place in the Community Learning Centre from 9.30-10.30am Calling All Spouses And Partners with members of the Community Support Team. Come along whether you have just arrived, been here forever, if Volunteering your partner has been deployed or you just fancy a chat. The CS Team will include the SCSO, CDO, HIVE, SSAFA, PADRE and RAF Police Opportunities to name a few. Rosie and Emma Free Advice Clinics at the HIVE from Amey will also be available to answer any housing matters. • Military Foundation - Andy RAF Wittering’s SSAFA In-service Wain, the Military Foundation adviser visits the HIVE office Committee is looking for new members. Useful numbers every Tuesday from 9.30am- 2pm, offering debt and The role of the SSAFA In-Service remain at Wittering in the Service financial advice, mortgage Committee is to raise awareness Station's SSAFA fund. Community referrals and financial of SSAFA and the charitable This fund is then available Support education. support we provide. We also for requests such as emergency Officer - WO encourage and offer assistance welfare needs such as ‘Nappies Neil Paylor, tel. • Solicitors – On the second for local fundraising in the & Milk’ emergency funds for 01780 417142 and fourth Wednesday Wittering community and those in need, supporting or mobile of every month, Buckles help volunteers to support the welfare activities which can 07976 206569. Solicitors offer a free personnel and their families in include contributing to the cost HIVE 30-minute appointment. their time of need. of deployed family events, and Information Officer - Sophie West, Appointments need to be The committee is made up of requests for funds that benefit tel. 01780 417541 or email Sophie. booked via the HIVE office. serving personnel, spouses and personnel and their families – for [email protected]. civilians who give what time they example toys for the Mum’s and Community Development • Citizens Advice Rutland can to help SSAFA locally. Tot’s and helping with the cost of Officer (CDO) – Mark Davis, tel. visit the HIVE office every The committee meet once running a cycling awareness for 07976 165304. Thursday from 9.30am-12pm, a month to plan events, review the Wittering Cubs & Scouts. Station Youth Worker - Sharon offering advice to the whole requests for funding and discuss If you have any fundraising Pollard on tel. 07908 595236 Wittering community both matters of the moment. ideas or would like to or email: Sharon.Pollard@ Service and Civilian. We are currently looking nominate SSAFA as your actionforchildren.org.uk . for people to take up posts on beneficiary in a sponsored the committee. These posts do event, please get in touch. not have to be filled by serving personnel, in fact the committee VOLUNTEERS would benefit from having SSAFA in-service volunteers or what we do here at RAF on tel. 03000 111 723. Or email representation from spouses and offer support to those in need Wittering then please call, email [email protected]; emails partners. If you can give any time through the welfare team at or drop into the team office in the will be answered during working or have a skill that could be of Wittering. Support comes in a Amenities Block. hours. Opening hours are 8.30am- benefit, please get in touch. variety of ways, such as offering 5pm, Monday to Fridays. Please The committee relies on lifts to families of deployed * SSAFA Personal Support & Social leave a message if we are not in the community and don’t staff to medical appointments, Work Service is available to support and we will contact you as soon as worry if you’ve never sat on a grass cutting, helping with light welfare issues in confidence. If possible. Our team office is in the committee or been involved house-work or just befriending you need help from SSAFA we are Amenities Block (next to the shop with SSAFA before, you won’t be those in need. available on the following numbers on Station). pushed into any task you’re not We are always looking for tel. 01780 416303 or 417793; Matt Rowe, Personal & Families comfortable with. new volunteers and SSAFA Out of hours service is available Support Worker. If you would be interested provides training to ensure in finding out more, please get you are safe in your role and in touch. Any time you can give develop your skills. If you would would be welcomed. be interested in volunteering or would like to know more, please FUNDRAISING get in touch. Any funds raised for SSAFA If you would like any further by station personnel at Wittering information on SSAFA’s services

22 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 We travelled to RAF Henlow Assistant Shelly Dixon, Hive for a Colour Run and had a great Information Officer Sophie West Airplay at RAF Wittering day out to and WO Neil Paylor. A thank Community News Duxford. We finished off the you also to Station MT for all summer with a barbecue back at transport support. the youth house. Summer Activities Each session and trip were well attended by over 20 young people Over the summer Airplay and the community team have aged between eight and 16 years. delivered a wide range of activities spanning four weeks. All activities have been heavily subsidised by Youth Drop-in The first two weeks of our opportunity for young people to see funds to ensure the cost to attend activities kicked off with an old friends and make new ones. is affordable. Activities were inflatable range and 20 very After a two-week break, we were chosen by the young people excited young people armed back and raring to go. This fortnight that are part of the youth forum with Nerf guns. Much fun ensued was jam-packed with activities and who consulted with all our with a session of shooting trips which included a climb to the Airplay groups. targets, capture the flag and last top of Peterborough Cathedral’s All sessions were delivered one standing. Other trips over Towers which was an amazing and managed by the Station the fortnight included Hills and experience. We were also lucky that Youth Worker Sharon Pollard, Holes, Clip ‘n’ Climb and the ever- our trip coincided with Tim Peake’s Sessional Youth Workers Ade popular Battlefield Live. spacecraft exhibition. It was a boiling Mcgurk, Jayne Protheroe and We also met up with Airplay groups hot week, so we were glad of hats, Jess West, and supported by from other stations for water activities sun cream, bottles of water and a trip Community Development Officer at Rutland Aqua Park. This was a great to Kaspas for dessert. Yum! Mark Davis, Community Support Headspace Mindfulness pilot extended to all RAF personnel All RAF personnel – regular and we hoped 250 people would sign reserve – can now access free up but within two weeks all these mindfulness training thanks to the access codes had been given out, so RAF’s leading welfare charity, the we extended the numbers to 350. RAF Benevolent Fund. “We hope Headspace will help Wittering Personnel will be able to sign up servicemen and women find a to use Headspace, an online app, few moments of quiet to focus and be given full access to all its on their mental wellbeing each packages for six months, with the day. I have used the app and it aim of encouraging them to practise does have an increasingly positive Cinema Club mindfulness for one 10-minute effect as you progress through Written By: Padre Stewart Shaw at least 50 inches to the screen session each day. the sessions. OK, so finding 10 and improving picture quality. The app takes users through minutes every day takes a bit of For next year we are several questions to establish the practice, but it is not that long Onwards and looking at some big movies; goals they are hoping to reach and the meditations really do help The second part of Avengers with meditation, such as better to improve mental wellbeing.” Upwards! Infinity Wars, Captain Marvel, sleep or improved focus. It also From the trial, nine out of 10 of Toy Story 4 (that’s right), Frozen includes sessions tailored for use at those asked said Headspace had a 2, Spiderman Far From Home, particular times of day like morning, positive impact on their wellbeing What a year it has been for RAF Joker, John Wick 3, Godzilla: King or evening, or while running, and they would like to continue Wittering’s Cinema. A big thank of Monsters, three live-action commuting or even on holiday. using it. A further 97 per cent you for everyone who has Disney movies - Aladdin, Lion Air Commodore Paul said they found Headspace easy supported the Station Cinema. King and Dumbo, It: Chapter 2, Hughesdon, Director of Welfare or very easy overall, while 98 per It is a success and we have the X-Men: The New Mutants, Death and Policy at the RAF Benevolent cent said they would recommend funding for next year thanks on the Nile, Jumanji: Welcome Fund, said: “The pilot for this scheme it to a colleague. to your support and generous to the Jungle 2, Sherlock Holmes was incredibly successful. Initially The scheme is accessible for all donations. 3, Fantastic Beasts 2 and finally a RAF personnel; to register But what next? Well we are favourite of the Padre’s, Star Wars your interest simply hoping to upgrade the cinema 9. Just to name a few. email headspace@rafbf. experience to make it even So there are lots of good org.uk better. reasons to upgrade and thereby It’s still going to be in the enhance the cinema experience Stamford Suite, but there will be to make it the best we can. new sofas, a bigger screen and If you have not visited the a 4K projector with the support cinema yet please come and of the RAF Benevolent Fund, give us a go. I promise that you which has provided real help will not be disappointed. and encouragement throughout Finally a big thank you, not the year. just to the RAFBF, but also the We aim to make a trip to the cinema team and everyone’s Station Cinema more of a treat generous donations for another in the next few months adding year of movies and fun.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 23 REGULARS TEA BREAK TIME TEA BREAK TIME

TEA BREAK TIME ANSWERS Spot The Difference AT THE Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs? BOTTOM OF PAGE 26.

A long time ago in a galaxy pharaoh pharaoh away… an Ancient Egypt Temple Quiz The winter months are peak season for tourism in Egypt so here’s a little sunshine and warmth at this dark and cold time of year. 1. True or false, Luxor was once 8. True or false, the temples on the known as Thebes? island of Philae were moved to the nearby island of Agilkia 2. True of false, there is a smaller Island in the 1960s? temple to the north of the main Winter Wordsearch temple at Abu Simbel that is 9. How long is the avenue of dedicated to Ramses II’s most sphinxes that links the temples Which of the ancient Egyptian deities beloved wife Nefertiti? of Karnak and Luxor: 1.5, 1.6, or 1.7 miles? listed cannot be found within the grid? 3. In which temple would you find a zodiac carving on the ceiling: 10. The temple of Deir el-Bahri is Esna, Edfu, or Dendera? Hatshepsut’s funerary temple; what was unusual about the Amun 4. True or false, the decoration of pharaoh Hatshepsut? S I H U N A T O H T temple pylons was carved in Anubis sunk relief, often several inches in I H K U B O S I N T depth, to discourage re-carving Hathor of the stone by future kings? Evil Under R A N U B I S S H E the Sun? Horus U T H E R I E O B M 5. True of false, many temples One of Agatha Isis include well-like gauges Christie’s most M H B I K K T B A N for measuring the river and famous novels Nut predicting annual flooding called is Death on the A O S R H H H E M H hydrometers? Nile. She wrote Osiris another, Death B R E M O H U K O K 6. Which of the following is Comes as the Sekhmet the most complete and best End, which is O H E S R U T U N E Seth preserved of Egypt’s temples: set in Ancient Luxor, Philae, or Edfu? Egypt; her only S T I B U N N A E S Sobek novel not to 7. True or false, the temple at Kom be set in the H I S I S H O T H K Thoth Ombo is dedicated equally to 20th century. the gods Sobek and Haroeris?

24 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018 COLOUR RUN NEWS

Runners of all ages took part TEA BREAK TIME Royal Air Force Wittering in the Colour Chaos Run. Co-Responders CPR Marathon Nearly 80,000 chest compressions were made at Wittering this autumn as the Station’s Emergency Co-Responders undertook a CPR marathon for the British Heart Foundation.

Co-Responders are volunteers Commander at RAF Wittering, with medical training and was the first of many to help the are usually members of the team reach their target. emergency services or armed Working in two-minute bursts Colour Chaos forces. When available, they at a rate of two compressions respond to emergency medical per second, the Co-Responders Every £1 raised will go calls as part of their normal and the many Station volunteers towards projects that help employment. Wittering’s Co- soon started racking up the Returns members of the RAF family, Responders are part of the East numbers, with the Station gym particularly the Storybook Midlands Ambulance Service, echoing to the regular clicks of More than 300 Wings initiative, where which provides the training and the resuscitation dolls. serving parents record their equipment. At five o’clock the compress- runners came to children’s favourite bedtime Warrant Officer Dave Hughes a-thon finished with the team stories before going away on is the Wing Warrant Officer on having smashed their target, RAF Wittering for active service. No 85 Expeditionary Logistics reaching 65,535 compressions. Even before the race Wing and the Officer-in-Charge No 2 Mechanical Transport the Royal Air Forces began, adults and young of Wittering’s Co-Responders. Squadron also added to the people alike covered He said: “Our target was 60,000 haul with 13,305 compressions Association (RAFA) themselves in powder; some compressions because that’s how and the Royal Engineers added Colour Chaos Run even chose to colour block, many out-of-hospital sudden another 1,131, making a grand making sure they were cardiac arrests happen in the UK total of 79,971 with £302 raised - the second to be dusted only in the colour of each year.” so far. their own choosing. CPR stands for Warrant Officer Hughes held at the Station. Station Commander Group cardiopulmonary resuscitation. said: “It’s been a really good day, Captain Tony Keeling, his wife It’s an emergency treatment there are going to be some sore The event was enormous fun, Bobby and son Tom got into used to massage and restart a shoulders and arms, but the raised vital funds for the RAF the spirit of the occasion. The person’s heart and breathing team and the volunteers have Association and took place Air Cadets who volunteered to during a cardiac arrest or heart been amazing. Together we’ve entirely within RAF Wittering support the event made sure attack. CPR is a lifesaving skill raised a tidy sum for the BHF and perimeters. Participants (who #TeamKeeling was thoroughly and basic first aid courses can taught loads of people how to do ran, jogged, danced and coated. found almost everywhere. compressions properly, which is a walked) were plastered in Gp Capt Keeling said: A team of six Co-Responders good place to start.” multi-coloured corn-starch as “What a great success! Young set themselves up in the Station The BHF has its own training they navigated the circuit. people and adults have had gym with some resuscitation online video, which can be found Warrant Officer Steve enormous fun; it’s been training dolls and started at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how- Heywood is the RAF Wittering energetic, bright and colourful their compress-a-thon. Group you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/ Senior RAFA Liaison Officer and we’ve raised more than Captain Tony Keeling, Station how-to-do-cpr and was one of the principal £6,000 for the Royal Air organisers for the event. He said: Forces Association. RAFA does “It was an outstanding event tremendous work supporting and a superb opportunity to serving personnel, veterans raise much-needed funds for the and their families, so today RAFA Storybook Wings Project.” couldn’t have been better.”

RAF Wittering’s Co-Responders took part in a CPR marathon. Participants were covered in multi-colours from the start.

WINTER 2018 WITTERING VIEW 25 REGULARS

Banana and Name: Walnut Cake Lauren Impey Role: Physical Training Instructor Marital Status: Single

Whip up this quick and easy cake In the Seat – perfect for a winter afternoon. 1. What part of your job gives 6. Is there one piece of 12. Name four people you Ingredients for cake mix you the most satisfaction? criticism that sticks in would like as a dinner 175g (6oz) softened butter Seeing Station personnel give your mind? guest – and why? 175g (6oz) caster sugar maximal effort in my circuits. Not really. Jurgen Klopp – 225g (8oz) self-raising flour Charismatic Liverpool 2tsp ground mixed spice 2. And the least? 7. What would be your first Manager ½ tsp baking powder Lack of enthusiasm. act as world leader? 3 large eggs Women’s Equality. Steven Gerrard – 50g (2oz) walnuts (chopped) 3. What is the best advice Liverpool Legend 2 ripe bananas mashed with 2tsp you have ever received? 8. Name your desert lemon juice Never go back, it’s your past for island essentials? Alan Carr – a reason. A football and the Gillette Extremely funny and fellow Ingredients for Frosting Soccer Saturday Sports App. Northamptonian 175g (6oz) reduced fat soft cream 4. Describe yourself in cheese (for example Philadelphia) six words? 9. How would you change Rita Ora – 50g (2oz) sifted icing sugar Meticulous, Organised, the MOD? For dessert! Determined, Opinionated, Make it more current. Chopped walnuts and mixed spice Ambitious, Spontaneous. 13. What one piece of to decorate or dried banana chips. 10. What food would music would you like 5. What career would you choose for your played at your funeral? Method you have followed if you last supper? Beatles – In my Life. 1. Preheat oven to 170C or Gas had not pursued your Bangers and Mash. Mark 3 and line a 2lb loaf tin with current profession? 14. How would you like to parchment or use a tin liner. Football (soccer) coach at a 11. Who do you most be remembered? National Collegiate Athletic admire in the world? Trustworthy person who 2. Place butter, sugar, flour, spice, Association (NCAA) institution My mum. always had time for people. baking powder and eggs in a in the USA. large bowl and beat thoroughly until smooth and combined. Fold in walnuts and bananas. 3. Spoon mixture into prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes until risen and golden and a

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26 WITTERING VIEW WINTER 2018