Issue 6 Insightinsight Issue 6

ISSUE 6 INSIGHTINSIGHT ISSUE 6

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09 GIVE US TIME From the Editor… Sqn Ldr Craig LeDieu. 11 5 SQN EDITORIAL TEAM: [email protected] 12 ANCASTER FOOTBALL TEAM External Email: RAF WADDINGTON DEPLOYMENT BRIEFS Use personal email addresses listed A RIVETING TIME! 22 13 Tel: +44 (0)1522 728377 13

Editor: 13 MESS Sqn Ldr Craig LeDieu [email protected] 14 POPPY MATCH Deputy Editor: As I was reading through the submissions for Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson 16 RAF WADDINGTON RUNNING CLUB UPDATE this month, and having [email protected] just come from the remembrance service, one Artwork: 17 MT ROAD SAFETY caught my eye. S. Oliver PIGEON BILLY Advertising by: 18 The 1 ISR Wg awards and in particular the Rakesh Chuahan Jo Marchant HEY, THERE’S A NEW ISTAR FORCE Award. I had the privilege of training Tel: 01536 334 221 21 COMMANDER IN TOWN with Rak who was taken from us long before his time in Afghanistan. Designed by: 18 24 I’m so pleased to see his memory EX VIGILANT ALBATROSS Amanda Robinson 22 commemorated in the form of the [email protected] leadership award, very apt. SPECTACULAR YEAR FOR WADDINGTON PIPES 24 & DRUMS On a less somber note we are Published by: continuing the push to improve this Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, publication. The commissioning Bath Road, Kettering, NN16 8NL 25 INSIGHT FORECAST Club, for example, are kindly Tel: 01536 334 222 submitting OASC, like, problems to www.lanceprint.co.uk solve; see if you can get the answer 26 RAF WADDINGTON DEPLOYMENT BRIEFS and we will publish the ‘pink’ in the [email protected] next issue. Printed by: ON THE COVER I hope you have a very Merry Lance Print Ltd Christmas and I for one am looking forward to everything the new year will bring us here at RAF Waddington.

If you would like to print something in these pages, from a club or any 09 14 activity group, then please email WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod. 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 gov.uk. I look forward to hearing 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 from you. 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.

4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5 Belle & The Peacock’s Feather NEW SHOP OPEN NOW!

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Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln 01522 721970 Give Us Time In July 2017 our welcome opportunity to The evening concluded with daughter Sophie was forget all our worries of a very generous auction diagnosed with stage treatment and the general raising around £40,000 on busy day to day life between the night thanks to likes D retinoblastoma Station Commander’s treatment days. of one of the charity’s (eye cancer) ambassadors SBS veteran On my return to work after and TVs ‘SAS, Who dares, to support us through the break, I was asked if I wins’ Ant Middleton these sometimes difficult Foreword... s devastating as would appear as a guest donating a day of training times. If you know anyone this news was, speaker at a ‘Give Us Time’ in the style of his TV show that can donate their holiday of many of the Waddington A legacy of under her prognosis fundraising event. This which sold for £8000. Gp Capt Tom Burke A accommodation for just 2 events that were RAF100 investment in our buildings was and still is good. would turn out to be quite MA BSc RAF weeks out of the year Speak branded – the baton relay, is firmly in his sights (and Sophie underwent six a high-profile event. The I cannot thank ‘Give us to your unit’s welfare staff You only get two years as STEM engagement, sports those of the Air Force Board months of chemotherapy Right Honourable Dr Liam Time’ enough for what about ‘Give Us Time’ or visit a Station Commander, so fixtures and social events. who met here the following along with laser therapy Fox opened the nights event they do and what they www.giveustime.org.uk I’m half-way through as All were delivered brilliantly. month). Waddington bid for and cryotherapy. The detailing the importance have done for us. Also, the Commanding Officer of On the national stage, I £15M of new infra work this Chemo ended just before and sacrifices made by the RAF Benevolent Fund and SAC(T) Ken Dowling RAF Waddington. could not have been prouder year and a similar amount Christmas 2017 and spouses and families of the welfare team at RAF STIM Eng, JEWOSC, AWC when all of our flypast next – much of this from was very successful, but military personnel. Lady Waddington who continue RAF Waddington elements appeared perfectly the Quality of Life ‘pot’. We she still receives laser Kitty Spencer followed with have to admit it was a on time over the Palace. also spent over £1M on and cryotherapy every the justification for why this bit strange 12 months Improvement Event told us Knowing that Waddington fixing things that broke this 3-4 weeks. charity is important and ago to see my face on ‘little and often’ face to face I had not taken anything year. It will take time for discussion was preferred. how it plays a vital role in the various boards around away from delivering our all of this spending to be The welfare staff at RAF helping military families in the Station. That, and I have held forums for all Operational output to make felt everywhere and ‘ugly’ Waddington have been need. Lady Kitty Spencer occasionally driving a car ranks and civilian staff this this happen was down parts of the Station will a tremendous help then introduced me onto with a flag on the bonnet has year and the concerns are to seriously impressive linger, but on the whole I throughout and are still the stage to give a talk as a now become ‘new normal.’ fairly uniform across the planning, teamwork and a feel we are turning a corner doing an amazing job beneficiary of the charity. When I look at what my camp – we definitely need to bit of luck here and there. in our Estate Development with regards to helping My talk turned somewhat predecessor, Gp Capt Al, do better at ‘myth-busting’ Planning. A new gym, pool, me obtain RAFBF grants emotional, but I think the wrote in this magazine as he and being clearer on why In September, we hosted main gate, SLAM blocks, to help towards the message went out as to left this time last year, it is things are as they are. The our new Air Officer Rehab centre, Med Centre, expensive overnight stays how important donating a true to say that there is a lot Comms CI event also told us Commanding, AVM Harv nursery, HIVE and married at Birmingham Children’s couple of weeks per year more continuity than change no one actually reads Insight Smyth, on the occasion quarters will not pop up Hospital and putting really helps a military family. on a Station of this size and or Tannoy, so if you’ve got of his first Annual Formal overnight, but with the us forward for various complexity. I’ll therefore this far down the page, well Inspection (AFI). The AFI right planning and profiling, welfare breaks. resist the temptation to done, you are in the elite! is an opportunity for the these vital elements of write a ‘Review of the Year’; Station to turn out smartly a modern station are on One welfare break in perhaps best to stick to what England didn’t win the and impress our favourite the shopping list. My particular was arranged was truly unique about 2018. World Cup as I confidently 2-star officer. My themes priorities are the same as predicted previously in these through the charity ‘Give for the day were simple: all Station Commanders: Us Time’. This is a relatively I think we will look back pages and the crazy-hot The Good (people), the Safety, Security, Quality small charity that relies on on this centenary year summer is now a distant Bad (intractable issues of Life and Capability. holiday companies, holiday with pride. As a Service memory. Let’s look back that needed rethinking) homes and anyone who has (sorry to my Joint readers) with pride on 2018 – a and the Ugly (our The Station has made accommodation that can we absolutely nailed the year that RAF Waddington infrastructure, in places). some strides in planning be donated for a couple of ambitious ‘Celebrate, delivered superbly home My thanks to all those and coordination this year. weeks per year for use by a Commemorate, Inspire’ and away. There will who supported the day. There is a growing sense of military family that require a goals that were set for continue to be stresses and the Squadrons, Wings and welfare break. Such a simple RAF100. I’m sure everyone strain continuously doing The AOC was struck by Lodgers working together to but effective concept. has some personal highs what we do to such a high the quality, energy and solve common problems. We from local and national standard. Let’s keep looking professionalism of our still have work to do in this My family were awarded events – although parade out for each other into Civilian and Service people area. I also recognise that a trip to Center Parcs, practice at Halton at 0400 2019. Thank you for your and is a vocal supporter communication across the Longleat for 4 days can probably wait another continuing commitment of the work we do and the Station needs to improve. thanks to ‘Give Us Time’ 100 years for some! I was and professionalism. capabilities we provide Technology can help in some in September 2018 which lucky enough to be a part to Defence. areas, but our Continuous Peace and goodwill to all! really gave us a very 8 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 9 Services for individuals weather, the small team EE EIE N of flight deck and mission 12 MONTH CALL 01526 344102 WARRANTY A E Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm crews, led by OC V(AC), enjoyed the opportunity & other electrical goods. Our team at Ringrose Law can offer to introduce the unique Individual tailored quotes for a variety of legal services to Army capabilities that Sentinel repairs & servicing. Great value offers to such a broad • Great value for money services and sales all carrying Personnel and their families 5 SQN spectrum of different people. • High quality service a warranty! We stock spares for all Contact us on 01522 561020 Even though it has was successfully repaired, • High quality products major brands of laptops, only been a few weeks a persistent fault with the and took part in the RAF The centenary of the end computers and TVs. These radar meant ZJ691 stayed in Badminton Association’s of WW1 was marked by a ivill Service. WEEE spares and parts are sold on a since the last article the UK. It is at challenging tour of Germany in October. parade and Service at Lincoln recycling & handling global scale to both the public for Insight, there is still S specialists. Experts in and trade. If you are looking for times like these that the real The Squadron’s unofficial Cathedral on Remembrance the sales, repair & Servicing spares, parts, repairs, servicing plenty to write about character of people comes in running club (this time Sunday itself. V(AC) Sqn’s of LCD TVs, Plasma screens, or general sales of electrical to focus and our Engineers, represented by Flt Lt Jamie Standard, along with several Laptops, Desktop computers goods then look no further. as the tempo on V(AC) Sqn remained as high supported by Station and Newton and Sgt Dion others from RAF Waddington, Televisions as ever. our Industry partners, have Martin) took part in the was paraded with Flt Lt Roger yet again demonstrated Yorkshire Marathon and the Nichols as Standard Bearer, Laptops some truly outstanding Workshop Halloween Half, escorted by Sgt Andy Ashley Computers he preparations for professionalism, tenacity and both posting respectable and Sgt Kev Pritchard and Spares and Parts returning to support determination investigating times. C Flt visited the MAcr Mark Hammond as T Op SHADER became the fault in an effort to Imperial War Museum and Standard WO. The fact that Repairs & Servicing a deployment and by the deliver the task. Throughout Churchill’s War Rooms over the 11th Hour of the 11th Visit us online today! www.sivillservice.co.uk time you read this, the this, the reduced footprint two-days at the beginning of Day of the 11th Month fell deployment will have in theatre has meant careful November, examining several as it did on Remembrance * Standard Delivery in UK is Royal Mail @Sivillservice www.ringroselaw.co.uk UK 1st Class Recorded. For International become a recovery as the husbandry of aircraft and air power related topics. Flt Sunday brought an added items standard RM delivery is Royal Mail Squadron expected to come people was needed. Lts Nick Thorne and Rohan degree of poignancy. International Signed For. Sivill Service home during early December. Buckley completed their 20a Market Place Tattershall Lincolnshire LN4 4LJ SHADER has always been an Postings in and out of the Flight Authorisers Course. A Looking back slightly, 2018 Telephone: 01526 344102 excellent opportunity for Sqn seemed to slow slightly, particular mention deserves has been a very busy (but all who operate, maintain LACs McIntyre, Patterson to be made about FS Dave ultimately rewarding) year and support Sentinel to and Corlett arrived fresh Thomas and FS Tony Lindon for all on V(AC) Sqn. Our contribute in a way that from their Phase 2 training; who both successfully contribution to on-going isn’t always possible when Flt Lt Luke Shaw left to train graduated from the QWI ISR operations has won plaudits operating from home at RAF to become a QFI at RAF course on 4 Oct, with Tony and awards from several Waddington. The chance Cranwell, having achieved being awarded the Best different areas and in the to ‘do their job for real’ is over 1000hrs on type; SAC Overall Student. year in which we celebrated one that everybody grasps Hipkiss returned to V(AC) our 105th anniversary, we enthusiastically; however, after his Technician’s course; V(AC) Sqn joined many of the also celebrated the 10th on this occasion, different Cpl Irving moved from ELW RAF’s combat and support anniversary of Sentinel’s first challenges presented to join the Avionics team; FEs at ACPV over 14-17 Oct at operational sortie on 15 Nov themselves which, at times, and, Fg Off Vanessa Hall RAF Coningsby. ACPV is the 08. 2019 promises to be just tested everyone. During moved to the Plans Cell at RAF’s annual engagement as busy and demanding, not a det-prep wash of ZJ691, RAF Marham. event that showcases the least as we will hopefully damage to the ‘brightwork’ full spectrum of air power have a clearer understanding coating of the leading edges When time allowed, FD, capabilities to Air Cadets, of decisions about Sentinel’s on ZJ691 prevented the AT, Sport and Courses all Reservists, Industry Leaders service life and if the aircraft from deploying as featured in the Sqn’s diary: and students from the capability is to be extended planned in mid-October; and, Cpl Craig Emslie represented Advanced Staff Course past its current OSD. Seconda even though the damage the Station at Badminton and despite the very poor Dress Agency Finally, to all our friends, If You Have Any Articles families and colleagues, Quality You’d Like To Submit thank you for your support ladies wear & To The Next Issue Of over the last year and have accessories Insight a very happy Christmas and New Year; we look forward to Now Please Email: working with you all again Hiring WAD- in 2019. Sentinel R1 – 10 Hats! InsightEditorialTeam@ years of delivering SAR and mod.gov.uk GMTI in support of the UK operations worldwide.

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INSIGHTMAGAZINE 11 A Riveting Time! Ancaster To Advertise In Youngsters from a generation of innovators. Visiting students Mess Football Team residential course at spent time on General The Next Issue RAFC Cranwell have hosted by the WOSM and Engineering Flight where The RAF Waddington again, both these functions been getting hands on they were taught how to Warrant Officers’ and were well supported and with STEM (Science, rivet; applying their newly Sergeants’ Mess has had RAF Waddington’s This has helped the team to all who attended had a of Insight Technology, Engineering acquired skills by riveting a great start to the season an outstanding year for thoroughly enjoyable and Charity Committee where they currently lie in together a small model and Mathematics) events and continues to memorable evening. recently donated 3rd position in the table, activities from across the aircraft. They also visited host several functions £283.58 to Ancaster having lost only once both 5(AC) and 8 Sqn to ISTAR Force during a visit Sgt Tina Towler once again thus far. see how engineering is over the coming months. Under 12s Football Team pulled out all the stops to RAF Waddington. applied at one of the RAF’s iot purchase some much The team is made up of the for the Battle of Britain biggest operational bases. needed new kit for the children of both Service ndeed, as I type this note Dining in night, ensuring Please Contact AF Waddington has people and civilians. Photos we are planning heavily another great function. The new season. run several innovative It was a pleasure to host below show the team (plus for Pickle Night and the hard work that goes into coaches) prior to the 2-2 events and initiatives them and who knows….. I R Christmas Draw, something organising these functions he donation/gift was draw with Boston under 12s this year in a bid to build maybe we’ll see a few Jo that I know a lot of people cannot be underestimated used to purchase from last Saturday, 3 Nov. interest in science and of them back at RAF are looking forward to. and the Mess is always on training tops, water The black training tops and technology. By doing so we Waddington in a few T With the dedication of the the lookout for budding bottles, training cones some of the water bottles are hope to inspire the next year’s time and in uniform! and bibs. shown in the photos. Mess staff, with Sgt Matt party planners who would Dakin at the helm, and very like to help the mess out in enthusiastic volunteers we staging future functions. have consistently strived to There is a hardcore of Mess Tel: provide mess members with members who organise the highest possible service. all the functions and new members to the committee Of note was the Summer will ensure that these 01536 334 221 Ball 2018; Sgt Craig functions continue to be Thomson organised enjoyed by many into the whole affair single- the future. handedly and produced a superlative function, with The WOSM has a FB page many mess members who where all information can attended saying it was be found on future events Email: probably the best function and Mess members are they have attended and encouraged to join the this is testament to Sgt site; this is a great way to [email protected] Thompson’s hard work and spread the word about diligence. Unfortunately, mess events, especially for Sgt Thomson, who has also those people who don’t organised several successful have access to MODNET. comedy nights, will be The WOSM will continue leaving us soon and his hard to provide members work and dedication will be with excellent functions D&M T WING sorely missed by the WOSM. and we are proposing to commence regular quiz This year also saw the nights, news of which Mobile towbar fitting service RAF100 Dinner and the will appear on the mess Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted ISTAR Awards evening website and FB. 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 Web dandmtowing.co.uk

MAGAZINE 12 INSIGHT INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13 Poppy Match

On 3rd November 2018, replaced with applause. Sgt Riley, Sgt Williams The applause thundered, and SAC Cottingham leaving an air of pride in its wake. The game, which of XIII Sqn RAF seemed to take a backseat Waddington attended over proceedings, played a charity football out and ended up being a match at Sincil bank very good victory for Lincoln stadium in support of City FC propelling them the Royal British Legion to the top of the league. Poppy Appeal. The collection at the stadium raised over £3300 for the Royal British Legion incoln City FC were Poppy appeal, which is an to host Forest Green incredible contribution from Rovers in a Vanarama L the 8542 strong crowd. The league 2 fixture. This year walking, talking poppy will was even more poignant be in people’s memories as it marked the centenary for maybe a week, until the of WW1, special not only next game comes around because we are remembering but the memory of those heroes from impossible brave souls who gave their times but also as it marks life so that we could enjoy 100 years of a sacrifice that ours today, will forever be no one will ever truly be able in our hearts and minds. to comprehend. We will remember them.

The Atmosphere could be felt around the stadium with the energy of the ever-growing crowd as the stadium filled. As the crowd massed, it was our chance to introduce our 8-foot-tall poppy. Much to our surprise it didn’t scare people and the generosity of the fans that day cannot be overstated!

The ceremony before kick off was a great tribute, service men and woman gathered around the centre circle with players from both sides as the famous ‘Last Post’ sounded all around. Charged with the memory of generations of the fallen, everyone in the stadium stood quiet and reflected… until, as with modern football the usual minute silence that is indicative of Remembrance Day, it was

14 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15 RAF Waddington MT Road Safety

The 23 & 24 Oct 18 saw the opportunity to reverse Running Club Update a 40ft arctic into a ‘loading the welcome return of bay’ under test conditions; Flt Sgt Craig Smith the Lincolnshire Road which sounds easy enough Photos by: SAC Matthew Smith RAF Wittering Safety Partnership until you factor in limited It was a traditional welcome As with all the races The next races are as below visibility, a confined space The first race of this (LRSP) ‘2 Fast 2 and the overall size and year’s cross-country back to the season in that it there was a good spread and transport is always Soon’ team to RAF was a fast but muddy course of abilities in the RAF available along with the handling of the truck. The season was hosted that whilst suitable for spikes Waddington Team and cachet of representing the Waddington, in event was a timely reminder by RAF Wittering in was still perfectly navigable throughout the field, no station so please just look collaboration with of the upcoming weather conditions and it was November on a fine in a cheap pair of trail shoes. pun intended, and probably at the RAF Waddington MT Trade Training more important than good Running Club page on the attended by 70+ personnel autumn day that was All the courses over the results is the ability to get a Waddington Portal located & Licensing. from around the station over timed perfectly with season are generally best run good-sized team to attend. under the Clubs link under the 2 days. the rain starting about with trail/off road trainers the Station Community that you don’t mind getting This was proved prior to the header for future events and fter ASMT a minute before the mucky as opposed to an start of the race where RAF the Running Club contacts. emptied their off, although the sun immaculate pair that you’d Waddington received the yard of specialist corrective actions in a then the second lap was came out during the take to the gym and only a team trophy for the summer vehicles, it was controlled environment, done with input from the thenA transformed into a with emphasis on the LRSP instructors – needless second lap. very few are even suitable road race league, basically for spikes so along with the more runners you have temporary skid pan and importance of forward to say, those who took the t-shirt, gloves and shorts the more points you will manoeuvring area to planning and reading road advice on board reduced he course was held on there is hardly any special score so as a final plug accommodate the 4 road conditions to prevent noticeable seconds off the equestrian centre kit required in order to be all runners of all abilities safety stands. getting into difficulty in the their lap times and posed a and whilst none of the comfortable in the races are welcome at the races first instance. threat to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 T One of the main highlights World Championship Title! jumps were included there and there are certainly throughout the year. was a small water feature no fashion parades at any for personnel attending Next, it was the racing A more sombre event was to navigate. of them. was getting behind the simulator in the back of a the crash car simulator, with wheel of the skid car, under van; once strapped in, it personnel experiencing the the watchful eyes of the was ‘foot-to-the-floor’ for 2 physical jolts and emotional 12 Dec 18 – RAF Cranwell LRSP instructors. Drivers’ virtual laps of Brands Hatch issues resulting from a road 17 Jan 19 – Sir Sefton Brancker XC match (RAF Halton) experienced understeer, race circuit. The first lap was traffic accident. Lastly, for 23 Jan 19 – RAF Coningsby oversteer and practiced done without assistance, budding truckers there was 30 Jan 19 – RAF XC Championships (RAF Halton) 06 Feb 19 – ATR Grantham 20 Feb 19 – RAF Digby 27 Feb 19 – RAF Waddington 06 or 13 Mar 19 – RAF Wyton

MAGAZINE 1616 INSIGHT INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 17 Two days later, the that Billy had escaped from pigeon from Robert Kee’s the crash and had been aircraft was found in an picked up by the Dutch exhausted state close to Resistance who sent on the the Lincolnshire coast. Billy message – OZO was the had flown over 250 miles logo of one of the resistance into strong winds carrying groups. Waddington sent sleet and snow and had out Hampdens to look just managed to reach around the area given Pigeon Billy land before his strength by the coordinates but nothing was seen. It is one the assistance of a cadre of finally faded. Attached With the introduction of those little facts about aircrew left by 44 Sqn, were to pigeon Billy’s leg was of the Avro Lancaster Bomber Command that few operational within just five a short message giving remember, but a pigeon into RAF service in weeks. By now, the Hampden a latitude and longitude was routinely carried on was beginning to show position, and in the margin December 1941, No each operational aircraft its age and with targets were the letters “OZO”. The 44 Squadron at RAF until November 1943 – it extending further into Hampden’s crew were not in would be used by the crew Waddington had no Germany thanks to the new any position to have written to send a message back to longer-range RAF bombers the message and despatched further need for their their home station if they such as the Stirling and the the pigeon, so it is likely aging fleet of Handley had come down and were Halifax, the Hampdens were in need of assistance. In Page Hampden often relegated to the highly Waddington’s case, the local bombers – however dangerous task of mine pigeon loft was run by Mr laying, or “Gardening” as it as with most things in Joe Greenwood who’s loft, was known. wartime, these aircraft like all others in the country, had been requisitioned were not scrapped but One of the 44 Sqn aircrew by the military at the start left behind to form 420 Sqn pressed into service of the War. The Bomber was pilot Robert Kee, and with a newly arrived Command pigeons gave the on the night of 18/19th aircrew that morale boosting Canadian Squadron. February 1942 he was hope that they would be tasked to lay a mine in the discovered should they ditch sea channels between the at night into the North Sea, o 420 Sqn Friesian Islands that lay just but in reality, only two crews RCAF arrived at off the Dutch/Danish coast. were rescued due to their Waddington in The weather was cold – so N to the planners, the stretch lost and overflew a German pigeons’ help. December 1941 and, with cold in fact that unbeknown of water that had been flak position on the islands. allocated to receive Kee’s The inevitable happened, It was not until an American mine had frozen and to make and Hampden AD915, PT-F, VHF Radio set was found identification of the target was soon hit by accurate to fit into the crew survival even worse, snow had fallen ground fire and crashed onto dinghy that the pigeons onto the ice completely a frozen Dutch Beach. were finally withdrawn. changing the appearance of In 1945, Pigeon Billy was the target area. Approaching Kee’s two gunners, Sgts rewarded for his endurance the target in broken cloud, Baker and Adams were both by receiving a Dickin Kee and his Observer, Sgt killed in the crash, and Medal, known as the animal Rutledge, were convinced Rutledge was badly injured. VC, which had just been that they were looking at Kee himself managed to introduced. Only 35 pigeons the Dutch coastline rather scramble out of the cockpit, were awarded the medal than the Islands – they but was soon under rifle during the War, and Billy thought that they had fire from German troops has his unique position missed the Friesians in the approaching from further on the RAF Waddington poor weather and darkness. down the beach. He quickly Honours and Awards Board After fruitlessly retracing his surrendered and became a in Stn Ops. As for Robert route, Kee became totally prisoner of war. Kee - despite several escape attempts, he remained a prisoner of war for the duration.

After the War he became an author and journalist and is perhaps most famous for being one of the Gang of Five together with Michael Parkinson, David Frost, Angela Ripon and Anna Ford, who set up the UK’s first breakfast television program “TV-AM” in 1983.

18 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19 Hay, There’s a New ISTAR Force Commander in Town! On the 12th October Air Cdre Nick Hay was appointed as the Headquarters 1 Group ISTAR Force Commander at RAF Waddington.

peaking after taking over from the outgoing S Force Commander, Air Cdre Dean Andrew, he said, Somewhere around the world, every minute of every day, the ISTAR Force is in action. Whether flying on operations from our home bases – an oft unknown fact for many outside the Force – or from a multitude of deployed locations, the information we provide to commanders at all levels is operate our new capabilities proud of the part you play RAF, Navy, Army, Civil Service pivotal to success on current tomorrow, including the in enabling this Force to do and other support personnel and future operations. Poseidon P8 and Protector. what it does in protecting alike - at work and play as the people of the United soon as possible. Given a large proportion It is wholly evident that Kingdom – I think the events of the Force also executes the capabilities the ISTAR of RAF100 were tangible Air Cdre Hay joined the RAF ‘reach back operations’, Force delivers are in huge evidence of how the country in 1988 spending most of whether flying Reaper or demand and that our people feels about the work you his flying time as a Tornado analysing near-real time at Marham, Digby, Creech, do today. GR1/4 Navigator. A previous information received from Jacksonville, Lossiemouth, OC of IX (Bomber) Sqn, a number of different allied Waddington and other Finally, as I take over he has operational and aircraft, I am also well aware places far afield are held from ‘Deano’, who leaves command experience in of the enduring stresses in extremely high regard Waddington for an out-of- Iraq and Afghanistan and he that this places on our by many from across area in Afghanistan, I thank arrives at Waddington from families too without whose Defence and other him on your behalf for the HQ Joint Forces Command, support and forbearance Government Departments. efforts he has personally where he was Head of we would not be able to expended. During his tenure, Future C4ISR. deliver continued success Whether feeding and there has been much broader on operations. housing our people, making recognition of the work you Air Cdre Dean Andrew, who our infrastructure better, all do and rightly so. arrived in November 2015, Having completed my maintaining our aircraft, was successfully ‘dined out’ handover, I understand delivering weather forecasts For me, it is an absolute from Waddington during that my greatest immediate for our crews, providing privilege to be given the an entertaining top table challenge is the need to seek the ability to communicate honour of being your lunch in the Officers’ Mess. a more equitable balance across multiple media, commander for the next 3 Gp Capt Steve Chapman between task and available providing a listening ear to years and for my real ‘boss’, (Retired) gave a highly resource as the same those who feel the stresses my wife Carol, and our family, engaging and humorous personnel who are delivering of day-to-day operations, it’s great to be back on an speech, covering the with aplomb today are I planning sporting, airbase and living among highlights of the Air Cdre’s hope, the same people who adventurous training, force the RAF community. I look tour and career to date. will want to continue in development and Station forward to getting out and their careers to enable and events, you should all feel about and seeing you all – DCOS

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21 houses the names of 54,395 We followed this eye- Commonwealth Soldiers opening experience with whose graves are unknown. a trip to Veldwezelt Bridge Laying a wreath here on where WO2 Ellis explained Ex Vigilant Albatross behalf of RAF Waddington how the first RAF VCs of was a very proud moment WW2 were awarded for and it was a pleasure to the attack on the vital participate in the ceremony. bridges across the Albert From the 24 to the 27 We concluded this day with Canal. We took a lunch Sep 18, TDF took 10 a meal in Ypres, surrounded outside a Brasserie in the individuals on the first by the stunning architecture sunshine before heading overseas FD trip for a of the City and it gave us on to Waterloo. Although long while, to France the perfect opportunity to our time in Waterloo was sample some Belgian cuisine brief, we had the chance and Belgium. and reflect on the day. to view the striking monument and discuss Bright and early Wednesday leadership throughout he aim was to enhance morning we enjoyed the the Battle of Waterloo. knowledge of air Hotel breakfast and set T power, command, off to Fort Eben Emael Our final day of the trip leadership and create a on the Belgian – Dutch saw us heading towards strong ethos by visiting border, where we were met the Eurotunnel but not historical sites from WW1 by a knowledgeable and before visiting the beaches and WW2. Each service enthusiastic tour guide. The of Dunkirk. With the person delivered a stand fortress had been preserved devastatingly stunning analysing the conduct so well that upon entering, coastal view in front of us, of operations during it felt like we had taken a Sgt Greenhalgh reviewed WW1 and WW2 then led a step back in time! We were the reasons behind the discussion comparing these guided through the history RAF being dubbed the experiences with current of the battle between Royal Absent Force during the decisions made during of the RAF history and and future operations. German and Belgian forces; the Dunkirk evacuation. this time. The museum at remembrance of those the location of the Royal the importance of an of ISTAR capabilities and seeing the exact point of This sparked a debate Dunkirk offered a feast for who made the ultimate Upon arrival in France on Flying Corps in it’s early independent Air Force in trench warfare during the entry that the Germans and everyone began to the eyes with the artefacts sacrifice. I returned to work the first day, we visited years. The group discussion today’s world standing in the battle. Walking through the penetrated the fort. consider our history and reclaimed from the sea and with a huge sense of pride Saint-Omer and witnessed that followed analysed location that it first began. trenches with colleagues personal effects found along and understanding of my The group then pushed of today gave me a great the beaches. This experience purpose and my place on to Spanbroekmolen sense of gratitude to was awe-inspiring and within this ever-evolving Mine Crater in the Belgian our forbearers and the gave us all food for organisation. Equally, this province of West Flanders conditions in which they thought on the journey opportunity offered me the where Sgt Chantler delivered fought so bravely. Fg back to RAF Waddington. chance to travel to a new his stand on the largest mine Off Elliott led our next country and meet people blown during the Battle of discussion at Tyne Cot The trip for me was a that I otherwise may never Messines. This site is now Cemetery where we used remarkable experience that have crossed paths with. known as the Pool of Peace a game to demonstrate has left a lasting impression and with good reason; the enormous number in my mind and on my heart. C E Newton the view was spectacular of casualties and deaths Reinforcing the importance SAC 7676 and the calm ambience incurred during the Great was undeniable. We later War. Upon entering the retired to the stunning cemetery, the reality of this Hotel Callecannes for an took my breath away. Gazing evening of exquisite food, upon each headstone of ‘the drink and lots of laughter. unknown soldiers’ stirred intense emotion within me Following departure from that will be unforgettable. the hotel on day two, all participants headed to The second evening was Sanctuary Wood Museum a favourite of mine, as I (Hill 62) where Fg Off Mawby had the honour of laying a used the location of the wreath at the Menin Gate Third Battle of Ypres and in Ypres. Every night since the preserved trenches 1928 the Buglers play the as the sobering setting Last Post at 2000hrs in the to discuss the evolution incredible structure that

22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 23 Spectacular Year for Waddington Pipes and Drums Insight Forecast

Battle’s O’er - A Nations Remembrance Parade Our band started life and drummers joined with show on 25th August, with of the RAF, Beating Retreat Tribute - 11 November Grantham 11 November here at Waddington as colleagues from Central 28 performances in total for Her Majesty the Queen 2018 2018 Scotland, Kinloss and Halton including two on Saturdays, at Balmoral this afternoon. the “1 Group Bomber Pipers are being asked to Waddington Pipes and Drums bands to form the RAF Pipes viewed by millions on All volunteers, from all ranks take part in “Battle’s O’er – will be once again leading Command Pipes and and Drums. the BBC. Several days after and trades and civilians A Nation’s Tribute” a unique the Remembrance Day Drums” so it was a the last show the RAF Pipes from the local areas of and simple way to mark the Parade in Grantham. After a hard week of and Drums once again our 5 Pipe Bands - superb great privilege to kick centenary of the end of the rehearsals in very hot performed for HM Queen performance, celebrating Great War. off a hectic centenary weather the Pipes and Elizabeth at Balmoral. #RAF100 in Scotland.” year by taking part Drums, under the guidance Locally the band continued of Pipe Major Finlay The Chief of the Air Staff Air to provide musical support in the opening of the MacGhee from Waddington, Chief Marshal Sir Stephen for RAF Baton Relays, RAF St. Barnabas Torchlight International Bomber marched down the Mall and Hillier and Lady Hillier were College Cranwell Graduation Procession 27 November into Buckingham Palace also in attendance. He later Balls as well as engaging Command Centre 2018 where HM Queen Elizabeth tweeted, “Congratulations to with the public in various in April. Waddington Pipes and presented the Royal Air the Massed Pipes & Drums fetes and fundraising events. Drums will lead a spectacular Force with a new standard. procession of around 1000 e are all very proud people holding burning of our Bomber Metropolitan Police torches and lanterns Command roots and estimated that 70,000 W through the Cathedral it was great to engage with people watched the parade. Quarter of Lincoln on veterans and their families Two weeks later Waddington Tuesday 22 November. who travelled from all over musicians again joined This will be a mass playing the world to attend the colleagues from other of the retreat march, When Large crowds gather every opening in our home town stations at Redford Barracks the Battle’s O’er outside year to watch procession of Lincoln. to begin rehearsals for Royal cathedrals and other organised by St. Barnabas Edinburgh Tattoo. locations across the UK AT Lincolnshire Hospice in Leading our Freedom Parade 06:00 on Sunday, November memory of loved ones who in Lincoln as well as others This year’s theme, “The 11, 2018. are no longer with us. in Newcastle and Alnwick Sky’s the Limit”, had been for RAF Boulmer was a build chosen in celebration of the RAF Waddington Pipers The, “Light up a Life” event up to the biggest of them 100-year anniversary of the will be playing at 6 Major is expected to raise around all, the RAF 100 Centenary Royal Air Force The event Cathedrals across the UK. £40,000 this year through Parade in London. opened on the 3rd August pledges, donations and the RAF Waddington pipers and continued until the last Pipe Major Finlay MacGhee sale of torches and lanterns. from RAF Waddington who had the privilege to lead the Pipe Major Finlay RAF Pipes & Drums down the MacGhee from the RAF Mall this year as part of the Waddington Pipes and Centenary Drums commented,” This Parade, has atmospheric and moving been selected event is one that the whole to play at band looks forward to. Lincoln We are very pleased and Cathedral on privileged to have the that morning. opportunity to support such a worthwhile local cause.”

Carol Service at Lincoln packed audience for a Cathedral 14 December service of traditional 2018 Christmas carols. Lincolnshire’s Chief Constable, Bill Skelly will The program also included a host the annual Police Carol selection of seasonal tunes Service in Lincoln Cathedral from the RAF Waddington on 14th December 2018. Pipes and Drums who have become, over the past couple RAF Waddington Station of years, a popular feature at Commander will join a this event.

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26 INSIGHTMAGAZINE