INSIGHT

BATTLE OF BRITAIN DINING IN NIGHT

InsightMAGAZINE 1 2 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 3 INSIGHT Issue 5 2013

From the Editor…

From Brammer to Bremner… There may have been some who have taken the time to minor confusion over the present articles highlighting Brammer/Bremner handover the diverse activities of service of the editor role of the Insight personnel, families and the Magazine, but I clearly have a community. The Insight team lot to thank Squadron Leader have been working hard to EDITORIAL TEAM: Brammer for, the last editorial ensure the magazine reflects [email protected] for a start. I am grateful for the spectrum of activities at RAF the vibrant and professional Waddington and we are always External Email: Use personal email addresses listed magazine that he and his team keen to receive articles, so please Tel: 01522 720271 (6706 Ext No.) have developed and hope to if you are organising an event or Editor: continue to ensure it meets the activity, send us some pictures needs of RAF Waddington and and an article, to let everyone Sqn Ldr Stewart Bremner the local community. know what you are up to. [email protected] Deputy Editor: As we enjoy the last few days Looking forward, there are of Summer it is clear from the more changes coming to the (Flt Lt) Heather Constantine wide range of articles that we Insight editorial team and we [email protected] have received, that the Station are all keen to ensure that the Assistant Deputy Editors: has had an extremely busy but magazine meets the needs rewarding few months. With of the readers. If you have (Sqn Ldr) Mark Brammer and (Flt Lt) Joey Marquet–Horwood continued support to enduring any feedback for the team Distribution: and contingency operations I please contact us at WAD- Corporal Stephen Calvert am extremely grateful to those [email protected]. Ext 6495 [email protected] Artwork: S Oliver Photography: Sgt Karl Whitelaw, Cpl Loz Platfoot, Cpl Sarah Draper, SAC Chris Davidson, SAC Lauren Pope, SAC Andy Stevens, SAC Ben Stevenson Advertising by: Jo Marchant Tel: 01536 526674 Designed by: Rosalyn Parry Tel: 01536 521126 Published by: Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road,Kettering. NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 On the cover Fax: 01536 515481 Battle Of Britain Dining In Night www.lancepublishing.co.uk Email: [email protected] Printed by: Lance Print Ltd

4 InsightMAGAZINE 22 18

39 06

In this Issue…

Station Commanders COMMUNITY MATTERS 28 EX BRILLIANT ARROW 06 Foreword 14

RAF WADDINGTON’S V (AC) WADDINGTON BRAVES EX HENDEUM 06 SQN WINS DACRE TROPHY 16 GREAT SUCCESS 32

BATTLE OF BRITAIN REFURBISHED CLIMBING EXERCISE 07 DINING IN NIGHT 18 WALL OPENS 34 NORMANDY EAGLE

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN RAF WADDINGTON RUGBY PUSH (ANOTHER) 500! 10 MEMORIAL FLIGHT 20 TOUR 2013 39

ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP RAF Waddington 54 SQN 97TH ANNIVERSARY 13 22 THROUGH THE AGES 41 REUNION WEEKEND

The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

InsightMAGAZINE 5 Station Commander’s Foreword... Group Captain Al Gillespie Station Commander

RAF Waddington’s V (Army Cooperation) Squadron wins the What a Dacre Trophy Summer…. The squadron which played a central role in supporting The tempo and variety of activity had been able to join us at such supported by RAF Waddington a formal function and I know French operations in Mali is really quite daunting. That we he was particularly proud to continue to deliver so much, so join in our commemoration of earlier this year has won the consistently and so successfully the courage and fortitude of is impressive in its own right but “the Few”. The Honorary Air relaunched Dacre Trophy. I don’t underestimate how much Commodore was delighted with of that success is based on the the evening although I have yet professionalism and ingenuity to gauge whether he was also of our team. It never ceases impressed with the stamina of to amaze me how seemingly some of the modern generation impossible tasks are achieved, who were still celebrating when against the odds - it genuinely he departed the next morning… is the people that make the difference. I am always pleased to see articles highlighting that force RAF Waddington is unique in development, adventurous that we host such a diverse, training, community support and sometimes disparate, range and sporting activities of cutting edge capabilities. It continue at RAF Waddington is often the case that these in parallel with the operational capabilities, and the extent commitments. These activities of our ongoing operational are key to the continuing commitment, are only fully development of our personnel understood here at Waddington and provide welcome respite so it seems natural that we between the operational should invest a significant commitments. They also provide amount of effort in hosting valuable support to service senior visitors from across families and engagement with Government and wider Defence the wider community, both vital to better their understanding to the continued success of of what we do and how we do the station. it. This engagement is vital if we are to maximise the effective As I approach the end of my employment of our battle- tenure as Station Commander, winning capabilities but also, and I can look back with immense really importantly in my view, it pride at the achievements of the has the positive side effect that Station. These achievements have our efforts are widely recognised. not been easy, they have relied upon the enduring commitment I was honoured to host our of our personnel, underpinned by Honorary Air Commodore, the support of our families and His Royal Highness the Earl of friends. It has been an honour Wessex, at our Battle of Britain to be part of such a varied and Dining-In Night in the Officers’ capable station, championing Mess. This was the first time ISTAR by consistently delivering on the Honorary Air Commodore operations in the UK and overseas.

6 InsightMAGAZINE Presenting the prestigious Air Commodore Dacre was trophy to V (Army Cooperation) during the 1930s whose son Squadron at the RAF Leuchars Flight Lieutenant Kenneth airshow, Air Vice Marshal Stuart Fraser-Dacre was killed in 1943. Atha, Air Officer Commanding In his memory, the family No. 1 Group, praised its presented the RAF with the members’ efforts over what has bronze Dacre Trophy, which was been a busy 12 months. awarded most proficient fighter Squadron, annually, up until Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha, 2005. Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group said. “This recognises V V Squadron was a multiple Squadron’s contribution, not just winner of the Dacre Trophy in Afghanistan, which endures, in the 1970s when it flew but also at very short notice to Lightnings and the award Africa, where it was key to the recognised weapons proficiency. success the French enjoyed,” . The trophy was last presented in 2005 and this year retired Group The RAF Waddington-based Captain Phil Dacre agreed, on squadron has been flying behalf of his family, that it should Sentinel R1 aircraft carrying the be revived to recognise the best Airborne Stand Off Radar (ASTOR) squadron in No 1 Group. system over Afghanistan since 2008. In January 2013 it was He said: “I think it has a deeper deployed to assist French forces meaning as a result of this against Islamic insurgents in Mali, change and it is very appropriate RAF Waddington’s flying 66 sorties and generating that V Squadron should be the 100 intelligence reports as it first winners.” tracked insurgents fleeing French Officers’ Mess ground troops. Squadron member Flight Lieutenant Russ Power was Accepting the trophy, Squadron sure his colleagues appreciated Battle of Leader Chris Setterfield said it winning the Dacre. “For someone meant a lot to everyone on the to say you’re doing a good job squadron. “It is an extra level of is quite nice,” he said. “It’s been a Britain recognition and a pat on the busy three years and the families back as we continue to work suffered the most - they deserve hard,” he said. it more than we do.” Dining In Author Off Cdt Rob Taylor, 7644(VR) Sqn Night

referring to the monumental His Royal battle the Royal Air Force fought over Britain between the 10th Highness the July and 31st October 1940 defeating the German Luftwaffe Earl of Wessex and halting the planned invasion joins RAF of Britain. Station Commander RAF Waddington for Waddington Group Captain Al Gillespie said “It’s an honour Battle of Britain to host our Honorary Air Commodore His Royal Highness Dining In Night The Earl of Wessex at such a significant formal occasion which RAF Waddington Honorary we proudly hold each year to Air Commodore His Royal remember the sacrifice made Highness The Earl of Wessex during the Battle of Britain and was the guest of honour at RAF celebrate the freedom that Waddington’s Officers’ Mess this has afforded over the last Battle of Britain Dining In Night, 73 years”. a formal occasion held each year to commemorate the most Honorary Air Commodore is an important event in Royal Air honorary position bestowed by Force history. Her Majesty The Queen and is designed to strengthen the bond Since its formation 95 years ago, between the military unit and the RAF has continually defended the individual. His Royal Highness the skies over Great Britain. The Earl of Wessex was appointed Winston Churchill famously said RAF Waddington’s Honorary Air “Never in the field of human Commodore in October 2008 conflict has so much been owed and has visited the Station several by so many to so few”. He was times since.

InsightMAGAZINE 7 Catering for your Valentino’s Business or Private Function Now in our 14th year of providing Pizzeria fabulous food in Lincolnshire 31 E Redwood Drive, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9BN • Garden now open RE • Finest quality home-made food, yOU a OpEn 7 Days a WEEk ly a hot or cold EaR 4pm till 11pm cl OF • Affordable prices sOn pER FasT FREE DElivERy • All dietary requirements catered for TE! Tas On orders of £6 and over • Choice of menus or choose your own • Use of our welcoming café for Family mEals & pick-Up spEcials your celebration or party, Please contact us for more information seating for 40 people • Air conditioned Tel: 01522 722770

Mrs H’s Christmas Bazaar Tel: 01522 722321 December 4th 5pm - 8pm Order online: just-eat.co.uk

The Red Lion, Dunston Sunday Carvery Middle Street, Dunston, Lincoln, LN4 2EW £6.95 t: 01526 322227 e: [email protected] 12noon to 3pm w: www.redlion-dunston.co.uk Normal menu 5pm - 8pm Experience our extensive and affordable Country Fayre which is served lunchtimes and Steak Nights evenings 7 days a week. Come and check out Weds & Friday our New Menu, launching in September Steak & Wine for 2 £19.99 Rib Eye Steak £9.95 Now taking Christmas bookings with our excellent Christmas Fayre Menu available Christmas Day Menu bookings also being taken Bed & Breakfast accommodation is available in our superb Lodges. Please check our web site for details on forthcoming special menus and occasions in the diary. Mon - Fri lunch time specials £5.50 excluding bank holidays

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

8 InsightMAGAZINE of Waddington, your local supermarket serving the local community. • Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Cream Cakes • Fresh Meat, • Groceries 01522 539602 Poultry & Fish • Frozen Foods www.bellesandbeaux.co.uk • Fresh Dairy Produce • Wines, Beers & Spirits • Chilled Ready Meals • Newspapers & Magazines • Lunchtime Snacks • Flowers & House Plants • Freshly Baked Bread • Carpet Cleaning Independent FInancIal advIce “Some at RaF Waddington people orried about your retirement planning, don’t know • Home delivery • Glass Loan do your savings need reviewing or what they’re • Cash Dispenser • National Lottery Wdo you need insurance to reflect your doing at • Celebration Cakes • Extended range now current needs? We can help. 2020 hours, (to order) available Independent Financial Adviser Alastair Rush, served let alone for over 20 years in the RAF and understands your IN 2020” • Payzone • Free Parking concerns. For expert advice, insight and empathy, contact us for a free and friendly discussion. Convenient opening hours: Call today Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm Sat 8am – 9pm Sun 10am – 4pm 01572 897311 / 07887 422275 [email protected] Major credit cards accepted. www.echelonwealthcare.co.uk 18A Leicester Rd, Uppingham LE15 9SD Echelon Wealthcare a trading style of Wealthcare (1985) Ltd is an appointed representative of The Whitechurch Network Limited which Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 01522 721970

• Hairdressers Convert your skill, experience and training into a internationally recognised civilian qualification with an ILM certified course at RAF Waddington LM Leadership and Management 1 - 2 Oct 2013 • Airbase HD award level 2 £175 2 - 4 Feb 2014 ILM Leadership & Management 9 - 12 Sept 2013 award level 3 £750 & level 5 £950 10 - 13 Feb 2014 Airbrush Make Up ILM Coaching award level 3 and NLP Practitioner £1500 7 - 10 Oct 2013 (Part 1) • Tanning & Waxing ILM Coaching and Mentoring certificate 4 - 8 Nov 2013 (Part 2) level 5 and NLP Practitioner £1700 3 - 7 Mar 2014 (Part 1) 7 - 11 Apr 2014 (Part 2) • Aromatherapy NLP Practitioner only (not ELC eligible) £795 Starting an On-line Business & ILM Enterprise & 14 - 18 Oct 2013 • Massage & Facials Entrepreneurship level 3 £1500 12 - 16 May 2014 Continuous Improvement manager - ILM level 5 qualifications in Service Improvement & Feb March 2014 • Weddings, Balls, Proms Leadership & Management £2250

We are fully approved so you can use SLC’s, ELC’s or Resettlement grants to fund training 42 Bar Lane, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9SA

All courses are available at RAF Coningsby on an ‘as requested basis’. Please speak to TDF for details. 01522 720415 £250 discount if 2 courses are booked together Opening Times: Tue - Wed 9:00 - 5:00 For further info contact your Learning Centre or Inspired2Be Thurs - Fri 9:00 - 7:00 Sat 9:00 - 1:00 on 01522 501886 or email [email protected]

InsightMAGAZINE 9 The Battle of Britain thereby ensuring I am up to date and subsequently ‘in the green’. The navigator and the pilots are Memorial Flight (BBMF) now gathering in the planning room and, with 2 hours left before take-off, we all attend a meteorological brief. After ‘met The Flight Engineer’s Day brief’, I calculate the All-Up-Weight of the aircraft and determine the Centre of Gravity position. This The BBMF motto is “Lest we ensures the aircraft is balanced and not overloaded, which forget” and our core business preserves the fatigue life of this vintage aircraft. Up to this point revolves around veterans, my job has been somewhat academic in nature, so it’s now reunions, parades, funerals etc. time for a change of emphasis. I walk to the aeroplane and carry out a thorough ‘pre-flight’ In fact, last month my tasking BBMF aircrew tour lengths internal and external inspection included the dropping of are generally 5 years. When a of the engines and airframe a WW2 pathfinder’s ashes vacancy appears a trawl for structure, flight systems and and the 100th birthday volunteers will be promulgated; instrumentation. We now have celebration of the oldest however, you are free to write 1 hour to go before take-off and surviving member of Bomber a letter of application at any the whole crew gather in the Command. But I am not sure time. Selection is based on planning room for a detailed brief much is known about the your performance in the air on our tasking; this will include Flight outside of the people and on the ground, operational but not be limited to: routing, who are part of the Unit; so experience, instructional ability flypasts and displays. It is at this I wanted to provide a little and finally, on your performance stage that I give any passengers ‘insight’ into what being in a selection interview. Unlike or flying groundcrew a Lancaster part of BBMF entails. the aircrew, our groundcrew are safety brief. We generally roll into full time RAF personnel who are the ‘out brief’ which confirms we So how does someone become also specially selected to serve on are authorised and fit to fly. part of the Flight? The answer to the Flight. They will have already that depends on your trade. Our proven their technical abilities The Lancaster’s mighty Merlin flying season aligns with the good on modern mechanical and engines are started up, regularly weather of the British summer avionic aircraft systems. However, drawing a crowd on the public months, so there is insufficient historical aircraft require a road next to our hangar, as people work to justify full time aircrew; different skill set which is seldom watch the start, taxi and take-off therefore the BBMF is an additional tested by modern aircraft. So the colours of a 617 Sqn aircraft of the iconic aircraft. In the air, I duty for aircrew. As you can part of the selection process ‘Thumper Mk 3’ to celebrate the stand behind the Co-Pilot; this is imagine, this can impact heavily will include a familiarisation visit 70th anniversary of the Dambuster because his sits in my seat! My on an individual’s primary role and to the Flight, where informal Raid. During WW2, Lancasters job is mainly lookout and system relies on good will from your boss vetting will occur, before an usually flew with a crew of 7 that monitoring; however, in the unlikely to release you to fly. The Flight’s offer for a place is awarded. included air gunners, a wireless event of a malfunction or failure, I pilots are either multi-engine or operator and a bomb aimer. Today, am integral to the running of the single seat fast jet qualified, and So what about the aircraft I fly we routinely fly with a crew of emergency ‘red card’ drills. With will either fly the Flight’s bombers on as a Flight Engineer? PA474 is only 4 which comprises 2 pilots, a my technical knowledge of the or fighters respectively. Navigators predominantly a Mark 1 Lancaster navigator and a flight engineer. aircraft I am in an ideal position to are predominantly drawn from that was prepared to operate in provide advice on the implications the fast jet fraternity and fly on the the Far East as part of the Tiger So what does my day consist of? and corrective action required. I Dakota and Lancaster. Loadmasters Force. However, as the bomber I generally arrive at Coningsby 3 also operate the undercarriage and crew the Dakota and are selected rolled out of the factory the hours before take-off and, if it’s a fuel system, and am responsible from both fixed and rotary wing war ended, so she never saw longer flight, collect crew rations for the safety of passengers and aircraft types. As a Flight Engineer, I combat and as a result is one of from the Airmens’ Mess. I then go the security of fuselage load. fly on the Lancaster. Unfortunately, the few surviving Lancasters. The to the BBMF hangar and check the trade is currently in decline aircraft was employed on several the aircraft log book. This details It only remains for me to say that because of the retirement of our peacetime duties including ‘snags’ from the last flight, any we are all volunteers on the Flight remaining aircraft types: VC10, photographic reconnaissance and maintenance work carried out and and we rely heavily on a stream of Tristar and Hercules K. However, experimental wing design trials provides essential engineering applications from suitably qualified the E3D Sentry is potentially a before eventually making it to the information like: engine power air and groundcrew. So if you fancy longer term survivor that requires BBMF. As with all the aircraft on the readings, weight and balance data a challenging, once in a lifetime step a Flight Engineer, so eventually all Flight, the Lancaster is painted to and the amount of fuel loaded. back in time, why not give it a go? Lancaster Flight Engineers will be represent a famous airframe from This leaves me with a small amount drawn from RAF Waddington. WW2; this season PA474 wears of time to read any new orders, FS Mark Fellows.

10 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 11 12 InsightMAGAZINE All change at the top

It’s all change at the top at RAF Waddington with the arrival of three new Squadron Executives. RAF Waddington start EAW training

Joining us from Advanced of UK and ISAF operations College Staff Course and throughout the country. More On 1 Mar 2014, 34 Expeditionary assuming command of recently he has been located at Base Support Wing is Wing MOD Main Building in London. Air Wing headquarters will stand Commander Colin Owen. Wing Commander Owen Assuming command of 51 up at RAF Waddington. joined the RAF in 1998 as a Squadron is Wing Commander Physical Education Officer and Tom Talbot. Wing Commander has previously worked as the Talbot joined the RAF as Station personnel could be Team from Air Command. Some Personal Staff Officer to the a pilot in 1995 and has tasked at short-notice to of these exercises will be hosted Station Commandant at RAF previously served on 51 establish an airfield anywhere here at RAF Waddington whilst College Cranwell. Sqn as a Flight Commander in the world to enable for others, we will deploy to Operations flying operational anything from humanitarian more austere and unfamiliar 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron tours in the Mediterranean and disaster relief to major environments. This initial exercise is now under the command of and Afghanistan. He has air operations. has complemented the extensive Wing Commander Dave Kane. also previously completed a preparation that the team have Wing Commander Kane joined number of deployments as To prepare for the 12 month already put in place and has the RAF in 1991 and flying RAF Waddington’s detachment commitment, personnel from vindicated my confidence that Harriers; has seen active service commander in Oman, the Station recently took we are well set on the road to in both the Balkans and more responsible for both Nimrod part in the first of a series of delivering a well prepared and recently numerous tours in R1 and Sentinel R1 operations exercises aimed at setting highly effective EAW.” Afghanistan flying in support in Afghanistan. up an Expeditionary Air Wing headquarters, Exercise Preparation towards the EAW FLEDGLING EAGLE. will culminate in a week long deployed exercise in early 2014 The two-day exercise introduced which will test each member’s personnel to the EAW concept, professional and military skills to raised awareness of units ensure they are ready to meet available to support the EAW whatever challenge they may and prepared individuals for face in 2014. exercises they will undertake in the months running up to the stand up. Senior Aircraftman Jonathan Jones who took part in the exercise and will work as an Intelligence Analyst on the EAW said, “During the exercise we participated in workshops where we carried out small planning tasks. These were an excellent opportunity to get to know the people we could be working with on the EAW and learn about experiences on operations.” Inset: Wing Commander Alun Roberts, Waddington EAW personnel being Chief of Staff Operations, 34 EAW briefed by a member of the JFAC said, “Over the next few months, EAW Training Team. before the EAW stands up, we (L-R) Wg Cdr Owen, Wg Cdr Kane, will undertake a series of training Main: Wg Cdr Talbot exercises lead by the Joint Force Waddington EAW personnel Air Component EAW Training undertaking a planning task.

InsightMAGAZINE 13 new initiatives, watersports, skiing What a busy summer it’s been! It really has been full on and snowboarding, an ‘airfield’ camp out and the re-working for the last couple of months at RAF Waddington and of our ever popular (annual it seems) ‘Masterchef’ event. This this definitely applies to Community Support Squadron. year one of the key personalities involved in the development and continued success of ‘Airplay’, The summer is always busy Karen has been a real stalwart, have benefited greatly from the Air Commodore (Ret’d) Paul it seems with ‘business as providing a valuable and high excellent RAF Benevolent Fund Hughesdon (a director of the normal’ on many fronts but quality service both in her core sponsored ‘Airplay’ project. The Ben Fund) visited the station to with the added challenges role as HIVE Information Officer project that saw a large injection be a guest judge. Accompanied of short notice deployments, and also in recent years, as an of funding for stations a few years by Mr Damian Pinel, the Chief school holidays, our traditional integral part of the Community ago has provided dedicated Community Development ‘Airplay’ Holiday Activities Support Team. Karen leaves large youth work staff who have Advisor from HQ Air Command Programme and being shoes to fill and her expertise delivered both term-time and and yours truly, this years event shorthanded this year due to and commitment providing holiday youth provision in recent had a delicious RAF theme. With staffing changes, this summer essential support to Service years. Earlier this summer the large numbers of young people has been busier than ever for Personnel and family members Station Youth Worker, Miss Kirsty preparing food menus based on Community Support Squadron. will certainly be missed. All of Forrester also left to pursue a new traditional and cultural delicacies the Community Support Team role which was well deserved but where the RAF has bases or On 21 June, Community Support wish her the very best in her also left us with the challenge of personnel around the world, Squadron saw the departure of new role which will almost delivering a summer programme the event was a great success. Mrs Karen Pearce, one of it’s most certainly provide a challenge that has gone from strength to experienced staff. Moving on to in these ever changing times. strength in recent years. Before Overall the programme this pastures new, Karen took up the leaving, Kirsty planned this summer was hugely successful, position of Personal Assistant Airplay Holiday Activities summers programme that not in the main due to one of our to the Station Commander, only included our normal trips ‘sessional’ youth work staff having served within the HIVE In recent years, RAF Waddington, and activities, ice-skating, Alton (Miss Kristina Rodier) stepping at Waddington since December Service Personnel and many Towers, Low Ropes etc. but also up to the plate and ensuring 2000. Over the last 12 years, of their families and children saw the introduction of some that over 450 activity places were offered to young people over 19 different activities. How we maintain or develop this programme for future holiday periods, is one question I haven’t quite got my head round yet! Support To Deployed Families Throughout a Service persons Community career it is now almost common place that Service personnel will spend time away from home. Regardless if this is part of an Operational Deployment or a domestic exercise or training course, family members left Matters behind can still experience

14 InsightMAGAZINE

Families Deployment Briefings Service Personnel deploying overseas are well looked after and well prepared prior to departure. At RAF Waddington, we believe that the families of Service personnel should also be well looked after and equally well prepared. Regardless of the relationship to a Service person, whether it is a spouse, Mother, Father, brother, sister or a partner, being prepared or at least being aware of the support that is available, is really important. Community Support Squadron and other key Station welfare personnel are therefore pleased to be able to offer regular families deployment briefings for Service families affected by deployment. The next scheduled Families Deployment Briefings are to be held on Conducted in the Integrated Welfare Facility (HIVE), every two months, briefings are provided Thursday 19 September 2013 @ 09:30 in the HIVE to ensure that families are aware of the support that is available during periods of Operational Thursday 28 November 2013 @ 09:30 in the HIVE Deployment. Consisting of a short presentation with an opportunity to ask those really additional stresses and strains. support from those who know staff have already planned, important questions, briefings Separation through duty is exactly what Service families are organised and ran several trips are friendly, informal and offer never easy and coming more going through. If you are left at that have included Yorkshire a great opportunity to meet frequently that at any time in home with the kids, weekends Wildlife Park, Fantasy Island, other families experiencing recent history, it can often be a and holidays can be tough, Skegness and Alton Towers to similar pressures and stresses. real challenge to Service families. this group aims to make those name but a few. With many times that little bit easier. families affected by deployment RAF Waddington continues or separation through duty, For further details about any to place great importance on Deployed Families Trips enthusiastically participating this of the support available to providing support to families year, the programme for 2013 has Service families affected by affected by separation through As part of RAF Waddington’s been better than ever. If you are operational deployments duty. Through its dedicated commitment to it’s families currently, or due to be affected or separation through duty, Community Support Squadron, affected by deployment or by operational deployments or please contact the RAF RAF Waddington continues to separation through duty, the will be separated through duty Waddington HIVE. provide a range of activities/ Station has long supported for a minimum of 60 continuous initiatives providing practical regular days out and visits to local days during the remainder of Tel: 01522 727675 support leading up to, during and leisure attractions. During 2013, 2013, just look at what you will E-mail: WAD-BSW-PMS-HIVE@ after the Service person returns Community Support Squadron be able to look forward to. mod.uk home from deployment. Regular events and activities continue to take place at RAF Waddington and at venues within the County of Lincolnshire and beyond. Deployed Families Group Once each fortnight, a small dedicated group of community members meets in the Integrated Welfare Facility (IWF or HIVE as more commonly known), providing support to families who are affected by Operational Deployment or separation through duty. The group run by members of the community, on behalf of the community is an excellent way to pass a Saturday morning, entertain the children and provide or receive mutual

September Butlins, Skegness

October Twin Lakes, Melton Mowbray

November The Deep, Hull

December Sunday Lunch including BFBS Christmas Messages Pantomime, Lincoln

InsightMAGAZINE 15 Waddington Braves Great Success On Saturday 14th September, RAF Waddington Flying Club played host to over 40 children from the Douglas Bader Foundation.

The foundation supports brighten up around mid-morning children with limb loss and and it would be a great day for other physical disabilities by flying. I was still a bit doubtful as offering unique experiences and we drove the short distance to the improving life-skills to increase rendezvous point but, just as our confidence. Taking to the air in guests for the day started to arrive, the clubs fleet of light aircraft, the the clouds began to break and children followed in the footsteps by the time everyone had been of Battle of Britain pilot Douglas escorted to our base for the day Bader. Douglas lost both legs in and received a briefing, the sun a flying accident before the war, broke through and, sure enough, but was determined to overcome the day was transformed just as his disability and went on to those in the know had predicted!! become one of the most famous fighter pilots of all time. The club made three of their aeroplanes available to us for the Whilst airborne many got the day, two Cessna 172s and a PA-28 chance to take the controls of an Warrior. As the first wave of flights aircraft for the first time under the disappeared into the distance eagle eye of their instructor, whilst towards Lincoln, excitement on others took the opportunity to the ground grew as group number see their house from a bird’s eye two readied themselves for their perspective. Everyone thoroughly turn. The circuit took in much of enjoyed their flight and as soon the local countryside and afforded as they landed, they were already some superb views of the City of looking forward to repeating the Lincoln, particularly the Cathedral, experience next year. The children, Castle and soccer stadium. some of the members, and leave and locked up, the safety barriers who all came from the Lincoln When the first flight returned it for home. Whilst the two groups dismantled and stored and, by area were aged 6 to 16 and by the was reported that visibility was were together the Station Fire the time I left the station, it was end of the day they were nearly all excellent and that the wind speed & Rescue Team paid us a visit a picture of perfect peace and aspiring future pilots. had really dropped. The ground and everyone was given the quietness as the early autumn support team had everything opportunity to have a look at the sunshine began to drop towards Once again the weather forecast brilliantly organised and everyone very specialised equipment that is the horizon. I bet it was a different wasn’t too promising for our was put completely at ease by always “at readiness” on station. story on Monday morning though! Braves Young Aviators Day, but Club Chairman Chris Hives, who the Met department at the station had assumed the mantel of chief The weather held fair throughout As always we are indebted to all obviously new far more about the steward at “Air Waddington” for the the afternoon, indeed, it probably of our friends at Waddington, local climatic conditions than did day, as he prepared the Braves for improved a bit as time went on. particularly everyone at the our chums at the BBC or, indeed, their first flight in a light aircraft. Looking across the vast expanses Flying Club all of whom had my seaweed!! Once again as I Before we knew where we were of the station everything was so worked so hard to make sure that pulled back the curtains in my it was time for our lunch break peaceful; there was no other flying our Waddington Bader Braves Lincoln hotel Saturday welcomed and we welcomed our afternoon activity apart from the Bader Braves had an absolutely fantastic and me with grey skies and appeared aviators before the morning group and it was difficult to imagine just unforgettable day. Thanks guys, it to be rather blustery but a quick could eat all of the sandwiches how different the station must was brilliant. “It’s clear to see from call from Gary Mennell at the and smashing cakes cooked by the be on a normal working day. The all the happy smiling faces just how airfield eased my concerns; he wives of Cessnas looked rather insignificant much everyone enjoyed it.” assured me that trundling along the ten thousand it was going to foot long runway designed to Flight Lieutenant Chris Hives handle the very biggest of our said, “As Chairman of The RAF military aircraft but to all those who Waddington Flying Club, I was took a flight, the Cessna became delighted that the Club was able Bader’s Spitfire!! to share the joy of flight with so many of the Bader Braves on By 16.00 everyone had been Saturday. Judging by the size treated to a flight and our of their post-flight smiles, it was wonderful day drew to a close. obvious that the children had really The aircraft were returned to their enjoyed the chance to take control home at the Flying Club HQ, 54 of an aeroplane and to have seen Squadron HQ which had been the City of Lincoln from a birds- our home for the day, was cleared eye perspective.“

16 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 17 RAF WADDINGTON CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING CLUB OPENS ITS REFURBISHED WALL It is said that we are born with just two innate fears; loud noises and falling, which is surprising considering today’s phobia obsessed culture.

What is even more surprising is The new facility was formally the growing number of people opened by the Station that actively chose to place Commander, Group Captain Al themselves in situations that Gillespie on 6 August in a small seem to almost guarantee a ceremony attended by members considerable fall from height! I’m of the RAF Waddington Climbing talking of course about the ever and Mountaineering Club. growing sport of Rock Climbing. The club’s training officer Corporal With its roots dating back to the Ash Johnson said, “The overhaul Victorian era, climbing as we know will enable RAF Waddington to it today can be traced back to the continue to meet it’s mandated first solo ascent of Napes Needle AT targets whilst maintaining our (The Lake District) by Walter status as a strong contributor to Parry Haskett Smith in the late RAF Climbing. It also ensures that 1880’s. In many ways, climbing we’re able to continue our liaison has advanced significantly over work with the local community the last 130 years but the crux which includes working with of the sport remains essentially organisations such as the Princes’ unchanged; “climb to the top of Trust and the Air Training Corps”. the highest thing around and hope you don’t fall!” If you’re interested in getting involved in the sport, please The RAF views climbing, as with come along to one of the club’s many other forms of Adventurous training nights which are held at Training (AT), as ‘the only way the climbing wall every Tuesday in which the fundamental risk from 1800-2030. The club of the unknown can be used to provides training and advice for introduce the necessary level both novices and experienced of fear to develop adequate climbers and is open to Service fortitude, rigour, robustness, personnel and dependants. As initiative and leadership to well as indoor climbing, the club deliver the resilience that military routinely runs outdoor climbing personnel require on operations. sessions and overseas expeditions. AT contributes to recuperation For further information, please from the mental stress of contact Flight Lieutenant I Dodd operations, by re-introducing the (Ext 8503). Alternatively visit the concept of fear in a controlled RAF Mountaineering Association environment. AT is therefore website at: www.raf.mod.uk/ a core military training activity rafmountaineering/ which supports operational effectiveness and the ethos of Flight Lieutenant D S Handley the Armed Forces’. Put simply, working through our fears, innate or otherwise, can often have significant benefits to our professional outputs. Although RAF Waddington has been home to an organic climbing facility since 2001, 12 years of constant use and little investment had led to a severe decline in usability. In an effort to regain this important Station asset, the RAF Waddington Climbing and Mountaineering Club successfully secured funding from RAF Waddington, the RAF Central Fund and the RAF Sports Lottery to conduct major renovation work on the existing Wall. Work began in June and was completed in early July providing 2 additional climbing routes and a significant increase in overall usage options.

18 InsightMAGAZINE Station Commander, Group Captain Al Gillespie is shown the ropes.

InsightMAGAZINE 19 RAF WADDINGTON RUGBY TOUR 2013 0500hrs, Wed 15th May: the start of a week-long rugby tour of Catalonia.

The squad, 22 members strong, mascot ‘Harry the Hornet’ (Martin Spatial Information Services to After a brief interval the Hornets travelled to Barcelona to visit Wallhead in a hornet outfit), several key air platforms at RAF were back on the pitch, but this several Spanish rugby clubs. every child was presented with Waddington). Due to several time facing a more athletic Under RAF Waddington memorabilia injuries, the teams agreed to 23 team. The home team began This presented an excellent which was kindly donated by the play two games of tens, one with tremendous enthusiasm opportunity to play a very high RAF Waddington Air Show team. against the seniors XV and the and enjoyed disrupting the play, standard of rugby union, whilst After a well deserved break the second against their under seeking gaps in the Hornets’ conducting community and team supported the seniors ‘old 23s. CEU Barcelona Seniors defence. Their fitness stretched charity projects and developing school’ training session where started the match and after an the Hornets’ resistance and relations between the RAF their coach spent most of the unstructured first quarter the their distribution put the team Waddington RFC and the people time telling players off! This did Hornets began stamping their under significant pressure. With of Southern Spain. provide the team with a chance authority on the home side’s some crucial tackles made, the to experience the Spanish playing turf. Punishing tackles from tide turned, with Waddington Waking early on Thursday style which was very open and centres Paul ‘Blunthead’ and Matt back in possession, the forwards morning the squad’s first training unstructured. After 4 hours in Morgan disrupted the home reverting to typical British rugby session took place in the rain the Spanish heat the session was team’s attacks and allowed the and through a succession on a beach of sharp grit! The over, the youth team coach session focussed on preparing thanked Waddington players for the squad to deliver the tour’s their time and presented Maj first challenge: train 80 children Jenner with a handmade tile aged between 8 -16 in a foreign with the club’s Dolphin symbol. language. However, having Amazing Spanish hospitality liaised with Stephane Cazalbou, followed in the open air club After some emotional Sitges RFC’s youth coach and house and traditional seafood refined the content of the paella and a few beers was session, Gee ‘Drop Short’ Jenner shared with our excellent hosts. moments for those ran the team through the drills A great night was had by all! that we would be coaching and nominated 3 training activity First Fixture V CEU Barcelona involved and hilarity leads. It soon became apparent Seniors and under 23s that most of the team had obviously missed these sessions Friday 17th May began with a from those who as juniors but eventually the beach training session focussed forwards had mastered simple on preparing the team for their passing and the backs had first fixture against CEU Barcelona, weren’t, we completed remembered how to tackle. a local university team and one “ Despite the unexpectedly damp of the highest ranked teams weather and painful playing in Catalonia. With several sore the day’s activity with a surface, the squad picked up the heads and phantom injuries key points and the session ended appearing training was slow. with a mandatory swim in the A long coach journey took the game of rugby... sea, much to the surprise of the team to Barcelona that evening. local life guards! The squad were lucky to have a brand new kit for the coming Hornets to turn over the ball and of short punchy crash balls, Sitges RFC season which we wore for the to break away for an early try. breaking up the defence and Youth Training Session first time. This kit came courtesy This galvanised the home team, shipping the ball to the backs for of the Nuffield Trust and our regaining some composure and a simple opening try. Despite the Thursday 16th May saw the team sponsor Envitia (who provide spreading the ball wide. At half home team breaking through travel to Sitges RFC. By time the scores were level at the Waddington defence to UK standards their club 14-all, with two tries and two score two tries, the Hornets was small but by Spanish conversions each. As the second remained in control throughout standards Sitges is a big half progressed, however, the the second half and scored two club. The plan was to Hornets’ physicality and forward more excellent tries combining coach Sitges’ under 14’s, strength sapped the home physicality” with sharp handling 12’s and 10’s using drills team. Some well controlled and good lines of running. such as tackling, touch driving mauls gained territory The final score for the half was rugby and exploiting and disrupted the home team Waddington 19 CEU Barcelona space, passing drills defence with Waddington backs 10. Post match hospitality ensued and rucking. Having exploiting the opportunity in the centre of Barcelona, completed the training with a well worked try. The half pizza and beer flowed and the session and after the kids ended with a respectable win international language of rugby had stopped bullying our by the Hornets 21–14. was enjoyed by all, including

20 InsightMAGAZINE some good natured drinking games and rugby sing-offs. The evening ended with the exchanging of gifts once again. Force Development Envitia The weekend provided welcome recovery from 2 days of rugby and, as part proud sponsors of of the Force Development component enjoyed a coastal walk to the east of Lloret De Mar. anyone carrying a ball the RAF Waddington However, en route Ollie ‘AWOL’ Hornets started to make ground Loak took the opportunity to and soon the tables began to incorporate hill reps for the tour turn. Quick ball from a line out Rugby Team 2013/14 members who had repeatedly and punishing pick and drives missed breakfast. After some from the forwards allowed Maj emotional moments for those Gee to crash over from 5m out Envitia is proud to sponsor the RAF involved and hilarity from those under the posts at the end of the who weren’t, we completed the first half. He also converted the Waddington Rugby Team for the day’s activity with a game of try. At half time the team were rugby/volleyball on a secluded losing by a single conversion. forthcoming season. beach. Day 2 of the weekend Some inspired substitutions and provided a day of recovery. On proven fitness and conditioning Mon 20th May, the second part in the second half allowed of the FD component began Waddington to break open the with an early start that saw the Tarragona defence. The forwards This kicked off with a Help for team travelling into Barcelona repeatedly rampaged through Heroes match and followed for a cultural visit. This began the tired Tarragona pack, and up with a community tour of in the morning with a walking gave the backs excellent go Spain (see article). tour of Barcelona, conducted by forward ball resulting in a an English guide, focusing on succession of tries, with SAC The sponsorship arrangement the military aspects of the city, “Rick Ashley” Booth scoring the will see Envitia front of jersey majoring on the Spanish Civil winning points resulting in an for the duration of the season, War. This walk concluded with emphatic 31-19 win. including all league and cup lunch and the entire group were games. As part of an on-going able to see a different dimension Reflections commitment as an official of the city. The afternoon had sponsor Envitia has already been scheduled for a museum The Station tour has been supplied the team shirts. These visit, however due to a public extremely successful with all were officially presented during holiday that had to be cancelled. of the players on top form and a ceremony at RAF Waddington The group were given the proving to be great ambassadors in front of the veteran Vulcan afternoon to explore Barcelona, for British military rugby. XM607. before being coached back to The generosity and natural the hotel. bonhomie of our Catalonian Envitia, based in Horsham, hosts and the generosity of supply geospatial technology The Final Game V the Station, Nuffield Trust, that enables shared situational Tarragona RFC and sponsors, with whom the awareness for on-board experience would have only ISTAR platforms. After the weekend break, the been a fleeting dream, struck us Hornets were growing restless all. The tourists returned from for the final game of the tour the tour refreshed, tighter knit on Tue 21st May. After surviving and wiser rugby players. RAF the horrors of the hotel’s Waddington RFC wishes to monotonous packed lunches thank Stn Cdr RAF Waddington, and the long coach journey, the Stn Cdr RAF Scampton, the team arrived surprisingly well RAF RU, and the Nuffield Trust, prepared at the small club in a who helped in the purchase working area near Barcelona’s of this year’s new playing kit, docks. Playing a full 15-a-side our sponsors ENVITIA, the game the visitors were confident RAF and Army Sports Boards they could start strong but it was and members of the RAF not to be. In the stifling heat, the Waddington RFC Committee. home team started by playing to their strengths, passing Sqn Ldr Jamie Meighan fluidly and avoiding getting Club President (2011-2013) involved rucks and mauls. Only the solid defence of Waddington’s wings prevented the home side reaching double figures and soon the forwards felt Maj Gee’s harsh words. With a new tactic of smashing

InsightMAGAZINE 21 RAF Waddington through the Ages: Part 4 The Desert Wars With the disbandment of 50 Squadron and the retirement of its last Avro Vulcan from service in 1984, RAF Waddington found itself facing permanent closure. However, it soon became the home to NATO AWACS operating away from their main base at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen on the Germany- Dutch border, proving the Station’s ability to support a sizeable AEW fleet.

These aircraft were co-manned by the RAF until the United Kingdom purchased its own AWACS fleet, which entered service in 1991. Although the UK aircraft were not ready to enter service during the E-3A aircraft alongside 5 1991 Gulf War, Waddington served Hangar on forward deployment its own role in DESERT STORM, to RAF Waddington, 1984 becoming the port for American causalities arriving back from the Using the ramps and taxiways War. With the arrival of the Station’s recently vacated by the first new E-3D Sentry and the Vulcans, NATO’s Airborne Early Electronic Warfare Operational Warning E-3As begin to use Support Element (now known RAF Waddington as a Forward as the Air Warfare Centre) from Operating Base. Royal Air Force RAF Wyton in 1995, the Station crew flew alongside their NATO completed it’s transition to the counterparts in preparation for forefront of UK ISTAR Operations the arrival of the new Nimrod and took its place in the ensuing AEW3 aircraft and retirement of Desert Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. the Shackelton AEW Mk2.

Construction of the future Sentry Dispersal on the Station sports pitches, late 1987 With the cancellation of the Nimrod AEW3 Programme in 1986, Waddington was designated the new home for 8 Squadron and the Boeing E-3D Sentry. Existing Station infrastructure and hangars were insufficient to support the new aircraft and extensive modernisation began. The Station sports pitch gave way to the new Alpha Dispersal and taxiways were rebuilt to accommodate the 344,000lb aircraft.

22 InsightMAGAZINE The arrival of the United Kingdom’s first Boeing E-3D AWACS in 1991 Destruction of the World Trade The arrival of the first Royal Air Center Twin Towers in New York, Force E-3D Airborne Warning Sep 11, 2001. and Control System, airframe ZH101, marked the end of an On September 11, 2001, a series era for the venerable Shackleton of terror attacks on the United AEW2 on 8 Squadron. States prompted the nation to invoke NATO Article 5, calling for fellow nations to come assist in their defence. NATO E-3As previously stationed at RAF Waddington began to patrol the skies over North America whilst E-3Ds, Nimrod R1s and over 500 personnel from the Station moved to the Middle East and joined the allies in the campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan, providing around-the-clock surveillance and intelligence to air and ground forces.

Arrival of the 51 Squadron and the Nimrod R1, 1995. Alongside the move of the future Air Warfare Centre to Waddington, the specialised fleet of electronic reconnaissance Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R1s joined the E-3D at RAF Waddington. Having previously participated in the 1991 operations in Iraq, the aircraft continued to provide support to combat patrols over Iraq through Operation Telic in 2003. Working alongside United States Navy EP-3s and United States Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, the aircraft provided an unsurpassed electronic and communications intelligence that was the first choice among equals of theatre commanders. A Sentry E-3Ds from 8 Squadron arrives at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 2, 2003. At 0200 on March 19, 2003, a Sentry E-3D from RAF Waddington called on station alongside a 51 Squadron Nimrod R1 working with United States Special Forces and Marines to locate and secure Iraqi missiles and combat troops in the Iraqi Western Desert. Within days the aircraft were flying over Iraqi territory, where they maintained a near-continuous presence until cessation of primary combat air operations in May, 2003. After a short period of recuperation, 8, 23 and 51 Squadrons quickly saw themselves return to Afghanistan.

InsightMAGAZINE 23 24 InsightMAGAZINE

26 InsightMAGAZINE SLEAFORD GOLF CLUB WINTER MEMBERSHIP OFFER Come and play one of the County’s best winter playable course Winter Membership available from 1st November – 31st March inclusive ONLY £200.00 PER PERSON (Excludes weekend play) Sleaford Golf Club Terms & Conditions apply. Information Contact Club Manager on 01529 488273

InsightMAGAZINE 27 Leaving slightly earlier than multinational force made up of planned, due to station stand land, air, maritime and special down, they quickly acclimatised forces components, which the to the local area, revising Alliance can deploy quickly Exercise necessary documentation and wherever needed. The live commencing the initial plans flying conducted in BAW13 was for the upcoming exercise. The planned in such a way to provide remainder of the personnel, a realistic and challenging who were unable to come environment allowing aircrew out on the initial deployment, and controllers from ten were transported from RAF Allied nations to execute force Brilliant Waddington down to RAF integration training at the air Brize Norton, and from there component level. via Hercules C-130K out to Orland. After this long trek In addition to the UK forces they were able to join the rest other nations involved included of their crew, tired but looking Norway, France, Germany, forward to the commencement Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Arrow of Exercise Brilliant Arrow 13 Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The (BAW13). range of aircraft participating in the exercise included the F-16, BAW13 was a live flying exercise, Tornado and Mirage 2000D Late August, as many people were conducted primarily from Orland fighters, two airborne warning MAS, involving some 50 military and control system (AWACS) gearing up toward the upcoming aircraft and over 800 exercise platforms (the 8 Sqn E-3D and participants; taking place from the French E-3F), three transport bank holiday weekend, a large party the 25 August to 06 September. aircraft, four helicopters and The event was organised by the DA-20 special jamming of 8 Sqn Air and Ground personnel, NATO’s Headquarters Allied aircraft. To support the training, Air Command (HQ AIRCOM) other assets were brought in along with other keen supporting in coordination with the Host including Ground-based air Nation, Norway. defence systems and Forward volunteers, were packing their bags Air Controller teams. All of these The aim of BAW13 was to assets and nations came together and jumping on board the E-3D provide all involved with training, to create a realistic BAW13 essential to fulfil their role in exercise environment. heading off to Orland Main Air the NATO Response Force (NRF). This is a highly ready Every day of the exercise around Station (MAS), Norway. and technologically advanced 80 sorties took place split into two

28 InsightMAGAZINE included the some gut-wrenching tactical evening entertainment put opportunity to fly manoeuvring with a whole lot on as part of BAW13. This with the RNoAF 339th of practice gun runs thrown in entertainment included an AC/ Squadron. One of those for good measure. The sortie DC tribute band amongst other fortunate individuals was then rounded off with a various music nights, all giving was Fg Off Rob Stewart flyover for the benefit of 'NATO opportunities to get to know who describes his TV' before coming to a halt and participating members of other experience below: landing back at Orland MAS. countries detachments and A morning with a good mix of joining in on sing offs, which The RNoAF 339th Sqn fear and fun also making some were notably dominated by the flies the Bell 412 that's friends with our NATO brethren. enthusiasm of the German and the venerable 'Huey' to All in all, a success.’ Fg Off Rob Greek Singers. you and I-and brings Stewart, Surveillance Operator, an entirely different 8 Sqn. All in all BAW13 provided a great aspect to the scenarios opportunity for 8 Sqn personnel being run on BAW-13. As well as the opportunities to and supporting members to Everything from SF experience part of Norway’s participate in a multi-nation separate waves. The COMAO support to CSAR to ship hunting military history or act upon command and control air to air wave in the morning and the fell into the remit of the 339th, so invites to go flying low level, combat exercise, with various shadow wave in the afternoon, when I was invited to join them other individuals took the different scenarios, with the both waves saw participating on a sortie I, of course, jumped at chance presented to them to go aim of enhancing training and aircraft trained in various the chance. exploring the local landscape, skills for all involved. Operating air to air and air to ground see the wildlife during walks out of Orland MAS as a Forward scenarios. Working in two crews The trip started well: being exploring the many hills around Operating Location (FOL) for the 8 Sqn aircrew planned and asked to assist in fitting the the base or falling victim to NATO’s AWACS, enabled the flew alternating days and ground crew, led by DEO with the tireless support Flt Lt Eckersley, to achieve of the 8 Sqn Ground crew a fantastic result of 8 out all but one mission was of 9 missions completed completed successfully successfully. A massive allowing effective It soon dawned on me that thank you goes out to all command and control of involved in ensuring the the exercise to ensure all aircraft were in a good state the training took place the small strip of worn-out to achieve such a result. safely and without incident. At the end of BAW13 The addition of a Combat fabric across my lap was all Exercise Director Colonel Search and Rescue (CSAR) Frank Gerards stated the Mission, enabled crew to whole effort had been a react and respond to a that was keeping me from ‘Job Well Done’. downed aircrew situation, an event for which Continuing on Colonel there is limited training toppling out the door. Frank Gerards stated: opportunities in routine ‘During the past ten flying UK flying. On this day “ days we have flown a certain enthusiastic members M134 mini-guns to the sides of the sharp stones which were total of 534 missions training of the E-3D detachment, were the choppers is far flung from the pitfall of a few bike rides covering the whole spectrum invited to volunteer to act as the a normal day in the office. This and the local area. Some of Air Power capabilities downed aircrew running around was soon followed by the usual individuals took the chance, at in order to prepare for a Norway adding extra realism to safety briefs, with the door the weekend, to visit Norway’s wide array of NRF missions. the training. Here E-3D crew gunner, giving the brief, adding first capital, Trondeim, a lively The whole exercise has had to effectively allocate their additional emphasis on ensuring and cultural city of Norway, been conducted safely and time between controlling the air we had our seat belts on tight... whilst others enjoyed the without incident, with the war, which continued as in every It soon became professionalism of both air and other day, but with the added clear why. We groundcrew having been of responsibility of aiding the safe started the ”the highest standard. All in all pick up of the ‘downed aircrew’, flight with some we can be very satisfied with and learning what challenges low-level flying our achievements.’ and pitfalls could be avoided across some with more training. of Norway's So as the exercise participants impressive terrain all make their way back to their Detachment personnel took the all the while, the respective bases, and reflect on opportunity to visit the German side doors open the training and experiences WWII coastal battery, Austrått to the elements. of the past few weeks, all can fort. The turret with 3 x 28CM It soon dawned happily reflect on a Mission well guns, was actually the C turret on me that the done, our thanks go out to the from 'Gneisenau' - the German small strip of BAW13 Exercise Director Colonel WWII battle cruiser, sistership of worn-out fabric Frank Gerards of the Netherlands the 'Scharnhorst'. The ship was across my lap Air Force and the senior Host damaged in an air raid in 1942, was all that was Nation representative Lieutenant and so the main guns were keeping me Colonel Hans Jørgen Nordskog removed and employed in the from toppling from the Norwegian Joint coastal battery role at various out the door. Headquarters, who worked locations around Norway. A Before long, we tirelessly together to put on a very interesting tour gave were making a fantastic exercise. On behalf those detachment personnel in tactical landing on 8 Sqn I look forward to the attendance a rare insight into the to engage with next opportunity to work out lives and living conditions of the the JTACs and of Orland MAS and be involved German soldiers, operating at coordinate the in future multi-national level one of these Forts during WWII. next phase of exercises enabling the Sqn the mission, personnel to build on lessons Other opportunities available this turned learnt over the past two weeks of to a few fortunate individuals, out to include Exercise Brilliant Arrow 2013.

InsightMAGAZINE 29 30 InsightMAGAZINE

was primarily involved in special Burma-Sumatra - ops in support of guerrilla forces fighting the Japanese in Burma Ex HENDEUM Liberator Mk VI and Sumatra. Stores, agents and even a dog were parachuted On 24th May 2013, 9 members Presented by Flight Lieutenant into the jungle areas. When Allen Weir the Japanese surrendered, 8 of 8 Squadron visited the RAF Squadron aircraft were tasked The Liberator displayed in the with supporting the protection Museum at Hendon to look at RAF Museum is a very similar of allied POW camps by dropping model to that flown by 8 leaflets, which encouraged the several aircraft types on display. Squadron. The American-built Japanese to look after their Liberator MkVI was operated by charges, along with food and 8 Squadron for only 6 months medicine supplies. In mid- The aircraft were all similar or from May 1945. Initially based in November 1945, 8 Squadron was identical models to those flown Jessore in India, it quickly moved disbanded and its aircraft flown by 8 Squadron over her history. to Minneriya in Ceylon where it to India for disposal. Each of the Squadron members presented on one of the aircraft; we all returned to Waddington with a much better appreciation of both our predecessors’ efforts, and the technical advances in aircraft designs that allowed the Squadron to pursue such a variety of airpower roles over the past 98 years.

The First Aircraft of service just after the outbreak of WWI. With a new wing plan 8 Squadron - BE2 form, increased dihedral and a new tail-plane the aircraft Presented by Flight Lieutenant Ed Purkiss (54 Squadron) The establishment of 8 Squadron Royal Flying WWII - Mosquito .303 Browning machine guns and Corps was approved on four 20mm cannons, with one 14 Oct 1914, with the Presented by Flight Lieutenant aircraft having dual controls for Squadron forming on 1st Simon Dachtler instructional duties. April 1915 at Brooklands. The Squadron was After disbanding in India in The Mosquito was a remarkable equipped with the Royal November 1945, 8 Squadron aircraft for its time; not only was it Aircraft Establishment soon re-formed back in Aden on made largely of wood but it was (RAE) BE 2C and deployed 1st September designed as to St Omer, France on 15th 1946 by re- an unarmed April 1915. was inherently stable. A larger numbering bomber, rudder and the introduction 114 Squadron; depending The BE2 was a much improved of ailerons improved it thus on its superior BE1 (Bleriot Experimental 1). controllability. Intended as became a speed to Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland a front-line reconnaissance light bomber escape enemy in 1912, the BE1 employed a and light bomber, the aircraft Squadron fighters, water-cooled Woolsey engine suffered from a lack of air to air flying hence it was giving a top speed of 70 mph. manoeuvrability, and became Mosquitoes, nicknamed The improved BE2 was powered prey to the Fokker Eindecker. and it was ‘The Wooden by a 60HP Renault engine, Over 3500 aircraft were built, engaged Wonder’. In giving a higher top speed, and it remained in front line on general total 2,298 FB improved aerodynamics, but service until 1917 before being duties, training, photography, Mk VI’s were built, nearly one- still with wing-warping as the relegated to submarine spotting shipping searches and policing third of Mosquito production. primary method of roll control. and service as a training aircraft. the Aden Protectorate. The new Total Mosquito production was The aircraft was redesigned by The aircraft was retired from 8 Squadron possessed eight 7,781 of which 6,710 were built ET Busk in May 1914, entering service in 1919. Mosquito Mk ‘s armed with four during the war.

robust 2-seat reconnaissance but this tally was surpassed Post WWI - Bristol aircraft, when fitted with by Charles George Gass, who the high-performance Rolls scored 39 kills while flying as an F.2 Fighter Royce Falcon or Hispano-Suiza observer. Unfortunately, unlike engines and with forward good crews, the Falcon and Presented by Flight Lieutenant and rear firing machine guns, Hispano-Suiza engines were in Dave Graham the aircraft proved to be fast, short supply. Several front-line manoeuvrable and well- reconnaissance Squadrons that A few weeks after the Armistice armed – more than a match acquired the new Bristol F.2 with Germany in 1918, 8 for most German fighters in received the Type 15 version Squadron continued flying but dogfight combat. Known as the that was fitted with the less in a purely reconnaissance role. policing the shifting borders “Brisfit” or “Biff”, the aircraft was powerful and more unreliable As part of the British Army of after the conflict. For this task, surprisingly capable as a fighter. Sunbeam Arab engine. No. 8 Occupation, it was tasked with the Squadron re-equipped with The most successful F.2 pilot Squadron flew this version monitoring the disposition the Bristol F.2 Fighter. Originally of WW1 was Andrew Edward until it was disbanded in of German land forces and conceived as a powerful and MacKeever who scored 31 kills, January 1920.

32 InsightMAGAZINE Operations Wing Force Development Day, DCAE Cosford On Wednesday 2nd July, 8 personnel from RAF Waddington Operations Wing visited the RAF Museum at DCAE Cosford in Shropshire, primarily to look around the Nimrod R1, XV249.

This was the second leg of the relevant to RAF Waddington as Wings Force Development 13 Squadron has recently stood Hawker Hunter - would be better suited to trip to look at the Future of up and remotely pilots the MQ9 the hot temperatures and ISTAR compared to the past. Reapers in Afghanistan. FGA9 long transits of the theatre. The Rivet Joint at Mildenhall It was also fitted with rocket representing the future and A very enjoyable day came Presented by Flight Lieutenant rails and could carry high- the Nimrod representing to an end with the results of Nigel Johnson explosive or armour-piercing the past. the questionnaires, proving rockets, in addition to that even RAF personnel in In 1958 the Royal Air Force retaining the Aden cannon of Upon arrival, we were welcomed an RAF museum don’t know held a competition to find a the F6. by the staff at the RAF Museum everything! Returning to suitable type to replace its and led outside to the static Ex Waddington, eventful as it was Middle East-based Venom FGA9s saw most of their service 51 Squadron aircraft that had in an attempt to miss the worst ground attack fighters. overseas, primarily in the Middle once flown in the skies above of the traffic, quizzes were held Hawkers won with a proposal East, and the last operational RAF Waddington. Specially and the champion of general for a modified Hunter F6 and Hunter FGA9s were flown by opened for our eyes only, Ex knowledge emerged! an order was placed for the 8 Squadron. The Squadron Airframes Technician Flight conversion of a number of disbanded in December 1971 Lieutenant Darrell Griffiths and Many thanks to Corporal airframes. The new version prior to reforming with the Ex Weapons System Operator Jenna Earl for organising the was designated FGA9 to show introduction of the Shackleton Sergeant Rhys Littlejohn used trip, Sergeant Neil Cullen for its new role and the type first AEW1. The Hunter FGA9 at their experience with the aircraft driving the minibus and the RAF flew in July 1959. The aircraft Hendon is painted in 8 Squadron to enlighten the rest of the party Museum Cosford for opening up was fitted with upgraded air and 43 Squadron colours, as of the capabilities of the Nimrod. the Nimrod and allowing us to conditioning, greater oxygen both Squadrons operated explore her. capacity, external fuel tanks, pool aircraft again out of RAF After a lunch break, we were and a tail parachute so it Khormaksar, Aden. let loose into the rest of the exhibits; armed with a pen and notepad, we had just 3 hours to complete a questionnaire on the Post WWII - various displays and compile a discussion that we would hold Hawker when our time was up, back at the Refuel Café. It was intriguing Tempest to look around the four huge hangars of aircraft, especially Presented by the ‘Test Flight’ hangar. This was Flight Lieutenant full of weird and wonderful From left to right: Senior Aircraftman Michael Clarkson designs that engineers and Adam Gibson, Flight Lieutenant Darrell inventors had developed and Griffiths, Corporal Marie Flitcroft, The Hawker it was interesting to see what Corporal Jenna Earl, Sergeant Darryl Tempest VI arrived could have been flying today, Robinson, Sergeant Neil Cullen, Flight in service with 8 if it had caught on of course. In Sergeant Andy Talbot. Squadron in Mar 1947, by such operation, 18 hits were spite of the task set for us, the this time flying out in Aden. recorded out of 24 rockets. ‘Fun n Flight’ interactive display Initially 8 Squadron conducted (Not bad for an unguided was almost too tempting for mixed force operations with system!) On occasion rockets some and possibly too much Mosquitos in reprisal and were not required to achieve time was spent attempting to coercive raids against rebellious the desired effect. For instance, successfully drop a package tribesmen. By May, the Tempest at the end of January 1949, onto a target from a scale model had completely replaced the a detachment of 8 Squadron C130 Hercules! Mosquito and had continued Tempests left for Mogadishu in the success of the previous Italian Somaliland. This was at With our time up and our type. The eight rockets carried the request of the British Army, notepads full, we gathered to by the Tempest were a potent who anticipated trouble with discuss the role of Air Power and weapons system; however, the local population; however, how it has transformed since the operators did have issues when after a few shows of force beginning of flight and how it faced with a strong wind. The over towns the danger could continue to develop into Squadron quickly developed passed and the detachment the future. Some interesting a technique whereby aircraft returned to RAF Khormaksar. points were raised, including would fire the first 2 rockets to The following months saw 8 whether or not unmanned sight the target, followed by Squadron repeatedly placed on aerial vehicles would eventually the remaining 6 in a salvo to readiness, poised to respond to phase out the need for pilots deliver a deadly blow. In one similar situations. altogether. This is particularly

InsightMAGAZINE 33 Exercise Normandy Eagle On 8th September, Sergeant’s (Rookie) Rooke, Stu Douglas and Petty Officer Chris Van Geene (all from the Air Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington) met up with 8 other service personnel to participate in Exercise Normandy Eagle 13.

Led by Warrant Officer Richard The crossing was both Nevitt, from 22 Training physically demanding and Group Generic Education challenging with the ships Training Centre, the exercise personnel being split into a 2 consisted of combining watch system working 4 hours both Adventurous Training on and 4 hours off. Each watch and a Staff Ride together to was responsible for keeping encourage and develop self reliance, initiative, leadership, teamwork, expeditionary ops, airborne ops, /troop insertion; Close Air Support / Air interdiction, ethos, Gosport Mariner core values and standards and a sense of adventure among service personnel. Incorporated within the Nonetheless, we all arrived safely expedition, personnel Day 1 at Ouistream at around 2300 Days 2, 3 & 4 Mulbery Harbours studied and visited various hrs ready for our bed, having historical WW2 areas around enjoyed a good crossing. the Normandy coastline. a constant look out for ships, sailing the boat, preparing meals and changing the sails as the Days 2, 3 and 4 Day 1 weather changed, while the off watch rested. Armed with a combination to Having departed Gosport on the shower block but with no HMS Kukri, a Nicholson 55 With the ever changing weather shower token, personnel made ft sailing boat, we set sail for and sea state, some found it more do with anything that would Ouistream, France, at 0600 hrs. challenging than anticipated. hold water; be it a baby sink or

Day 1 Is that a carrot?

even the cleaning ladies sink, the aroma was far more pleasant than pre-cleanse. Suitably refreshed, breakfast was then served (by the Mother watch) and we departed the Kukri to be met each day by the Spt Team from 22 Training Group Generic Education Training Centre, Squadron Leader’s David Stubbs and Heather Wootton. We were then driven to various locations around the local area. Speeches on aspects of the Normandy beaches were given by both crew and support staff, Day 1 Challenging sea state these included: Sword Beach,

34 InsightMAGAZINE Day 6 Plain sailing Montgomery statue, Hillman Day 5 Strongpoint, Pegasus Bridge, Caen Memorial Museum, Expeditionary Conscious of the tides and Airfield B3, Arromanche cliff, lack of wind forecast an early Mulberry harbours, Point Du Hoc, rise was inescapable. At 0500 Omaha Beach, Port en Bassin hrs the crew awoke to prepare and Bayeux Cemetery. The in to motor/ sail Kukri back to depth research that personnel Gosport. With a sea like a mill carried out, coupled with actually pond we set off on our 100 being at each site gave people mile journey reaching ground a much better appreciation and breaking speeds of 4.8 knots’ understanding of the efforts and under motor. Fortunately, at sacrifices people made, in order 1500 hrs Zephyrus provided us for ourselves to be where we with a westerly wind to assist are today. us northwards. All hands on

Days 2, 3 & 4 Port en Bessin

deck was announced as the ships additional front sails were prepared and hoisted and subsequently increased our the boat for its next trip. 2 rides at no cost go to the speed to just shy of 8 knots. hours later, with reliable Kukri following link: in ship shape, personnel went Having been sailing in total their separate ways having http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil. darkness the glimmering lights thoroughly enjoyed their week. uk/Organisations/Orgs/RAF/ of the Isle of Wight were spotted. Organisations/Orgs/GETC/Pages/ Collision avoidance and accurate If you are interested in EagleSchemeHomepage.aspx navigation into Portsmouth participating in any of the harbour was the main priority Adventurous Training or Staff Sergeant J. G. ROOKE as everyone tried to identify the correct light sequence of flashing lights amongst a mass array of varying lights on the Day 6 Back safe and sound coastline. Once spotted the final course was set and we finally arrived back at Gosport around midnight.

Day 6

After a good nights sleep all personnel awoke to prepare

Day 6

InsightMAGAZINE 35 D&M T WING

Mobile towbar fitting service Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted Van Ply lining and extra seat fitting. Service discount available 01529 306670 Mobile 07740 683867 Email [email protected] Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park, Sleaford NG34 8GL Repairs and Servicing of all Web dandmtowing.co.uk makes and models Tyres Supplied & Fitted

Lincoln’s No. 1 Motorcycle Repair Centre M.O.T. TESTING We also offer a full collection CLASSES service 1, 2, 4, 5 + 7 ROAD & MOTOR CROSS TYRES FREE Re-Tests SERVICING EXCEEDS BEST PRICES IN AREA MANUFACTURERS Motorcycles STANDARDS MoT and Cars INSURANCE APPROVED Testing ACCIDENT REPAIRS Unit 2, Hadley Road, Woodbridge Road, SPECIALIST ENGINEERS Industrial Estate, East Road, REBORING etc. Lincoln 01522 523820 Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EW 14 Clifton Street, Lincoln. LN5 8LQ (alongside Pelham Bridge) Telephone (01529) 307162

Wrightway Motorcycles & Cars Motorcycle & Scooter M.O.T’s We service and repair cars too! Fully Qualified Master Technician

Unit 5, 1 Sadler Road Lincoln, LN6 3RS

Tel: 01522 698487 Mobile: 07725347338 Email: [email protected] www.wrightwaymc.com

BEING POSTED? NEED TO SELL YOUR CAR QUICKLY? Call Mathew on 07860 363002 Main office line FREEPHONE 0800 118 2527 We will give you a price guide over the phone Settle outstanding finance Consider any part exchange No matter what age or mileage

36 InsightMAGAZINE BK MOTORHOME HIRE

Boston, Lincs Broken, leaking or blocked guttering 01205 353372 at your home or business? or 07879 048048 Conservatory roof needing cleaning or fixing? Don’t know who to call? Hiring one of our luxury motorhomes allows endless GUTTERCLEANSE possibilities We offer flexible hire terms, leave and return CAN HELP! whatever day or time you like. • Emergency call out Immaculate new 2010 and 2013 models. • Gutters cleaned and repaired Fully comprehensive insurance included. • Yearly health checks of your guttering • Conservatory Free Parking. Satellite TV with DVD Full Public Liability Insurance and fully equipped kitchens. Choice of 4 or 6 berth models. No job too small or too big Credit or Debit cards welcome. Call Dave Call Tristan to arrange to view 01529 410380 or check availability. 07877 362941

ADMIT Services Ltd. Unicorn Tree Tel: 0845 30 20 40 4 Books & Crafts Advice on Private Alcohol and Online Shop To advertise Drug Detox and Rehab Clinics www.lincolnbookshop.co.uk DIRECT CARS • Free advice on private rehab Books, Gifts, Jigsaws, clinics in the UK & abroad Crafts & More in this Specialist , New & Pre-loved • Immediate access to treatment Books, Dvds, Music, Stationery, • Free referrals & assessments Religious Books • Rehab clinics from £500 to £5000 per week & Supplies, publication • Large discounts available Candles We also offer: PRIVATE HIRE TAXI Mail Order Call Keith or Louise: & More! Book Searches 35 Silver Street, Lincoln 0845 30 20 40 4 Ordering Service call 35-40 Lincoln or Mobile: 07971 382493 US Imports • Local • Long Distance Central Market 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, Loyalty Scheme 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat & Sun. Sincil Street, • Airport www.admitservices.co.uk Lincoln LN5 7ET 01536 01522 525557 • Minibus available ADMIT is member of the Referral Agents’ Federation [email protected] established to ensure the appropriate and ethical www.lincolncentralmarket.co.uk 526674 referral and treatment of addiction patients www.lincolnchristianbookshop.co.uk www.referralagentsfed.org.uk www.jigsawsandmore.co.uk Tel: 01522 567567 Think Print

Lance Print is an established printers based in Huntingdon near Cambridge. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service.

We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

Call Today: (01480) 492183

www.lanceprint.co.uk

InsightMAGAZINE 37 (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) ...with enthusiastic students the profile of the course and the arriving at RAF Waddington success of previous graduates from across Defence and as far that the audience included AOC Qualified Weapons Instructor afield as California. The students No. 1 Gp, AVM Atha. Following were drawn from Air Battlespace the presentations the AOC Manager, Intelligence Officer, RN shared his thoughts on their Presentation Aircrew, Army, USAF Intelligence content and offered a welcome Officer and RAF Aircrew Branches. insight into the shape of ISR in the years to come. The coveted & Graduation Day Over the next 7 months the QWI patches were awarded students were uniquely trained by Commander Joint Force as ISR leaders and tacticians, Intelligence Group, Brigadier The intensive Qualified Weapons demonstrating extensive ISR Davies; whose organisation is knowledge during the numerous at the very heart of UK Defence Instructor (Intelligence Surveillance exams. They demonstrated skills Intelligence modernisation. throughout the Direct, Collect, & Reconnaissance) course began Process, Disseminate (DCPD) The new graduates take their process and across the J2/3/5/6 place amongst the elite of ISR, in January... domains, both academically and with posts contributing to practically during demanding ISR Operational effect in such ABTC exercises and at Ex CQWI. diverse locations as Afghanistan and Colchester. In addition to During the course they were posed the coveted patch, graduates two challenging research topics also have the opportunity by Army ISTAR and the Maritime to enrol for the MSC in ISR Warfare Centre and identified some Management, this collaborative significant issues and potential programme in association solutions that could mitigate with Lincoln University creates these problems both in the near the framework for civilian and longer term. The syndicate accreditation of this unique presentations are their opportunity Military course. Graduates are to share these thoughts and required to produce a research showcase themselves to an framework, an essay and a influential audience from dissertation to complete the MSc. across the ISR domain. Course 5 will commence in Despite being only the 4th QWI January 2014, with 12 willing (ISR) course to graduate, such is volunteers selected.

An exciting day’s cricket on 14 Aug were keen to claim the title by 13 at RAF Vine Lane, Uxbridge, saw putting Waddington to the sword. RAF Waddington clinch the RAF Fortunately, Waddington had T20 Cup from RAF Lossiemouth other ideas. and RAF Odiham. The second match of the day saw Having won the RAF T20 Cup for RAF Lossiemouth clash with RAF the 4 previous years, Lossie arrived Waddington. Lossie batted first. as favourites and were confident The top order was keen to bat of extending their hold on the title. through and marshal the team to However, after an early flight, they a good score. However, they failed would need to maintain focus in to capitalise on a good base to their order to deliver on their potential. innings, crawling toward a total of Conversely, Waddington were the 96-3. Waddington bowled well in-form team, enjoying an excellent (Corporal Lee Griffiths 1-7 from 4 regular season and lying second in overs, Sergeant Rob Buckley 1-10 the league. A quiet self-assuredness from 4 overs) and kept it tight in RAF WADDINGTON END pervaded the team – all were eager the field. Waddington took to to bring silverware to Lincolnshire. the total in aggressive fashion RAF LOSSIEMOUTH T20 DYNASTY RAF Odiham made up the trio (the and Lossie were soon punished same three sides as last’s final day). for their small total. Sergeant Odiham had some good players Stuart Fraser-Cattanach was the total for the fragile Odiham batting He took an important three wickets and were certainly capable of main Waddington protagonist, line up. Unfortunately, despite at the death to deny Odiham their an upset. bludgeoning a rapid-fire 47 to good performances by Lance only victory of the day and confirm ensure Waddington achieved a Corporal Craig Reilly (24), Sergeant Waddington as RAF T20 victors. The early match was RAF good run-rate in addition to total Fraser-Cattanach (24) and Corporal Lossiemouth vs RAF Odiham. The victory and winning by 7 wkts inside Griffiths (23), Waddington mustered Special note should go to Stuart low scoring match set the tone for 14 overs. a below-par 114. Odiham lost Fraser-Cattanach, who was awarded the day, as Lossie only managed 104 their Captain (C Thomas) and the Player of the Day Trophy by all out. Odiham’s response started The final match of the day turned best batter in the first over to the Group Captain Reaves, RAFCA briskly, as they were keen to chase out to be the best. Waddington outstanding Waddington Captain Chairman. He complemented his the total quickly. A bright start needed to win to claim the title – Sergeant Rob Buckley (1-13 from 4 unique brand of aggressive batting soon fell foul of some audaciously Odiham had disappointed in their overs). However, the other opener with two wickets and a resolute attacking strokes. They succumbed first game but were keen to restore Senior Aircraftman Neil Langham performance in the field. to 63 all out, a loss of 41 runs. pride. Waddington elected to bat was progressing the total nicely. Lossie, now on the victory march, first, hoping to set a commanding Eventually succumbing on 36, RAF Waddington have also reached the foundation was set for a good the Final of the RAF Cricket Cup chase. Waddington had other ideas. which is due to be played at RAF RAF Waddington Cricket Team RAF T20 Winners 2013: Senior Aircraftman Ryan Watson Vine Lane on Mon 2 Sep 13; a Back Row (left to right): Chas Gimenez (President), John Dawson, Mat Haisman was reintroduced to the attack report will follow for that event, in (OIC), Mark Lamper (Secretary), Paul Keymer, Lee Griffiths and bowled superbly well under due course. Front Row (left to right): Alan Cowdale (Dep OIC), Craig Reilly, Stuart Fraser- pressure to produce arguably the Cattanach (Vice-Capt), Rob Buckley (Capt), Ryan Watson (Treas), Jaime Green bowling performance of the day. Captain Paul Keymer, 5(AC) Sqn

38 InsightMAGAZINE It was “wheels-up” of a different type on the runway at RAF Waddington on Friday 16th August as Ex-RAF Regiment Gunner Sean Allerton (48) Push completed the next stage of his PUSH 500 Charity (another) 500! Wheelchair Challenge. Following a motorcycle crash nearly 20 years ago, Sean from Sherburn-in-elmet, near York was left a tetraplegic and is now confined to a wheelchair. Inspired by the news that The Proclaimers had become patrons of the Forgotten Heroes Charity, Sean set himself a 500 mile wheelchair challenge which he successfully completed in March of this year. provide specialist force Not one to rest on his laurels Sean protection capabilities at Bastion has set himself another 500 mile and Kandahar Airfields, members challenge, 3 miles of which he of the Yorkshire University Air completed on a loop of the airfield Squadron who have supported at RAF Waddington on Friday. Sean throughout his challenge, and an RAF Waddington Physical Sean said:“As a recipient of the Training Instructor (PTI) Corporal support of the RAF Charities I’m Ollie Loak. Keen to experience able fully appreciate just how the challenge as Sean does, his much of a difference they can supporters completed part of make to the life of someone who the course in wheelchairs. needs it. I hope you can sponsor my efforts which provides vital When he’s not too busy raising funds for them”. money for Charity Sean can be found flying, a hobby he’s Sean was joined on his challenge recently discovered and excelled by several of his supporters at. Having been given a flying including personnel from scholarship for disabled people 8 Force Protection Wing RAF Sean is now an accomplished Waddington who regularly solo pilot.

More info can be found at www.push500.com/the-challenge To donate please go to www.push500.com/sponsor

InsightMAGAZINE 39 40 InsightMAGAZINE The oldest Association member and ex-Second World War Spitfire pilot, Mr Ken Bellamy was presented with a 90th birthday gift of a Spitfire Haynes’ Manual by Patron Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin (Retd). For his lifelong contribution to the Association, Sir Roger was gifted a large picture of Sopwith Camel – the Squadron’s First World War action being the subject of his current research. Ex Officer Commanding 54(R) Squadron, Wing Commander Anne-Marie Houghton also presented the Squadron with an impressive new piece of silver (in the familiar shape of a Lion rampant sable) as her departing gift. Since its reformation at RAF Waddington on 1st September 2005, the 54 Squadron Association has gone from strength to strength with around 250 members. The Association is keen to attract more members (whether they served on the ground or in the air) and would tour of College Hall Officers’ Mess particularly welcome interest was hosted by Curator Ms Hazel from veterans of the Jaguar era 54 Squadron Crozier. Association members (1974-2005). The Association is returned to RAF Waddington ramping up for the Squadron’s where a families’ afternoon 100th anniversary celebrations, gave them the opportunity to hopefully to be held where it 97th Anniversary fly the Sentry simulator, tour was formed at Castle Bromwich the Sentinel static display and in 1916. However, next year’s witness an amazing Spitfire flypast reunion will be held over flown by Station Commander the weekend of 19th to 20th Reunion Weekend RAF Coningsby, Group Captain September at RAF Waddington. Johnny Stringer, a former Membership of the Association Squadron member. Following is free. Serving and retired 54 On 27 September, 54(R) the Annual General Meeting, Squadron members interested in Saturday’s formal dinner was becoming involved with future Squadron welcomed Association held at the stately Branston Hall. Association activities should The Squadron Standard set the contact Secretary Flight Sergeant members to RAF Waddington backdrop for a delicious meal Jase Brewster at jkb100@live. attended by some 83 members. co.uk. Audax Omnia Perpeti! for their annual reunion event. Association President Wing Commander Monk was joined Gathering in the crew room Commander Monk received by Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Below: on Friday evening for a a gift of new model aircraft Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer, Association members assembled traditional Squadron beer call painstakingly recreated in himself a former OC 54 Squadron, in front of a Sentinel R1 aircraft at and sumptuous buffet (thanks Squadron livery by Mr John new Chairman Wing Commander the Families Afternoon. to Mrs Karen Cropper), Officer Green (probably the finest aircraft Simon Prior (Retd) and Padre Above: Commanding 54(R) Squadron, model maker in the country). The Wing Commander Kev Hart. Wing Six OC 54s reunited – from Wing Commander Tim Monk, models now sit proudly amongst Commander Monk highlighted left to right: Air Marshal Sir welcomed retired and serving other Squadron aircraft in a new how busy the Squadron had been Roger Austin (Retd), Wing members and their families. presentation cabinet located over the previous 12 months, Commander Simon Prior (Retd), within the Squadron crew room. with training, standardisation and Wing Commander Tim Monk, Awarding Warrant Officer Steve operational involvement across Wing Commander Anne-Marie Corlett with a well-deserved Saturday’s events started with all ISTAR Force Elements based at Houghton, Group Captain Dim A2 Instructor Upgrade, Wing a visit to RAF Cranwell, where a RAF Waddington. Jones (Retd), Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer.

InsightMAGAZINE 41 42 InsightMAGAZINE New barbershop opens in Navenby Luke’s Barbershop opened on 3rd January this year. One of the main reasons for this was the shave Started by Luke Daniels, the business has been was cheap and quite a relaxing process, as a face established to give the modern and traditional massage was always included. However at home it man a place to feel comfortable, with ‘good old was difficult to maintain and use a fixed blade razor fashioned barbering” and wet shaves with hot (cut throat). It was also time consuming and an towels, without the need of an appointment uncomfortable shave because gents had very little or the fuss that goes with modern gentleman’s experience of looking after the blade. hairdressing. The purpose of Luke’s Barbershop is to offer quality service in the surroundings many Shaving was a very lucrative business for the barber men are used to, and also with very traditional until the early 1900’s when the safety razor was surroundings from the 1930’s when barbering introduced. shops were at their pinnacle for men’s grooming. The art of shaving then hit its demise and was The barbers is set in the beautiful village of at the point of extinction until now. With the Navenby and is sure to add to the number of barbershop becoming fashionable once more, quality establishments already within the area. modern barbers are looking not just to cut hair well but to start taking care of their male clientele “We chose to open the Barbershop as we felt better. that for the surrounding area and well beyond, there was nobody offering a service where wet The wet shaves are very much for the modern shaves and a mixture of modem and traditional man, they are done in such as way that the barbering could be obtained,” commented Luke. “ client does not feel too fussed over but gets an We have always felt that with the right premises in the right location, we could offer the complete extremely pleasant service. The Luxury Wet Shave package. Most men do not like the fuss of making consists of a total of 5 hot towels, moisturisers, an appointment, or deciding when their hair is due oils, creams, 2 shaves and a freezing cold towel, to be cut, so we feel strongly that this barbershop leaving the face extremely smooth and soft, all in has no appointments for any of the services-The 40 minutes. shop’s first priority is the people of Navenby and the surrounding village~~therefore all ages are The Wet shaves are already proving popular, with catered for from first haircuts to our respected many ladies treating their partners to a luxury wet senior citizens, men on their way to and from work shave experience. and the surrounding RAF bases.” Luke’s Barbershop, 19 High Street, Decades ago, shaving was one of the biggest Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0EN. services in the barbershop. In fact, gents would frequent the shop most days for a shave and would T: 01522 811816 insist in having their own brush and mug. www.lukesbarbershop.co.uk

InsightMAGAZINE 43