REGIMENT ASSOCIATION www.rafregt.org.uk BIRMINGHAM BRANCH – Branch Appeal Goodies for Our Injured Boys Page 2 Brian Stanford of Birmingham Page 2 John Casley of Plymouth Page 3

GOODIE S FOR OUR CGs Team Commendation Page 3 Hedley Court Rehabilitation Centre Page 3 INJURED BOYS Page 2 ’ Commandant General s Team Award Page 3 Branch Birthdays Page 3 THE RAF REGIMENT Troops Leave for Afghanistan tour Page 4 MEMORIAL GARDEN R A F R e giment Gunners Seize Taliban Weapons Cache Page 4 Troops Reflect on Life on the Afghan Frontline Page 5 Page 7 – Sergeant Andy Jones A Picture Page 5 Gunner Risked Life to try to Save a Friend Page 6 NATIONAL MEMORIAL Blast Victim Search Chaos Page 6 ARBORETUM UPDATE The RAF Regiment Memorial Garden Page 7 Page10 Our Part in Establishing RAF Regt Mem. Garden Page 7 Enthusiastic Birmingham Branch Members Page 8 ’ More Money and Hard Work from B ham Branch Page 9 REGIMENT CALENDAR Our Greatest Achievement Page 10 AND CARTOON BOOK The Future Page 10 Page 14 National Memorial Arboretum Update Page 10 Glenn Howells Architects Appointed Page 10 – ’ The New Buildings Artist s Impression Page 10 NEWS OF THE RAF Under Pressure Page 11 REGIMENT Page 14 Household Division Memorial Page 11 From Mrs Eileen Docker Page 12 RAF Regiment Books Page 12 Books about the RAF Regiment Page 12 Books Containing References to RAF Regiment Page 13 Rock Apes 2010 Calendar and Cartoon Book Page 14 194 Squadron Reunion Page 14 News of the RAF Regiment Page 14 Death Notices Page 14 Cyril Cooke Page 14 General Notices Page 14 Christmas Cheer for Deployed Units Page 14 RAF Regiment Project 2009 Page 14 CGs Commendations Page 15 The Best Fighters in the RAF Membership of RAF Regiment Fund Page 15 RAF Regiment Association Membership Page 15 Operate on the Ground Corps Diary Dates Page 15

The Royal Air Force Regiment. Dates for Your Diary Page 16 Birmingham Branch Committee Page 16 Ground-based specialists, NEWSLETTER NO: 247 protecting RAF assets from enemy attack. JANUARY 2010

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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 246 JANUARY 2010

Dear Readers. Strategic Defence Review and increasing The following article was issued last operational demands all beckon. ’s Parish month in the RAF Regiment Secretary There are tough days ahead but I am Notes but I felt that it was of such significance confident knowing the good order in which I find that it should be on the first page. the Force and the support it has both inside and MESSAGE FROM THE RAF FP FORCE outside the RAF. I wish you all a Merry COMMANDER - GP CAPT NICK BRAY Christmas and a Happy New Year and to those of This is a time for reflection on the Corps' you on operations - take care where you can! significant achievements over the last year - both Now a message from me Regular and Auxiliary. However, the list is too I say the same thing every year but it is long to detail here and therefore I have selected sincerely meant. Valerie and I would like to three highlights. Firstly, all ranks across the RAF thank all those members and friends who sent Regiment have demonstrated great Christmas cards to us, wishing all our members professionalism, courage and selflessness in ’m and us well for Christmas and the New Year. I support of current operations. always amazed and touched with all the cards that Despite some tragic losses and many near we have received. Not only from our relations misses the Force's credibility and impact across ‘civilian’ friends but also from members and our both Iraq and now purely Afghanistan has been and from good friends of the Birmingham Branch, huge. Similarly, the ability of the FP Centre and sending good wishes to Valerie and I and to all many GDT flights has allowed the wider RAF members of the Branch, not only for Christmas deliver the critical Air Power needed for strategic but for the New Year too, my thanks to all of you success. Secondly, our manpower pipeline, which and a very happy New Year to all of you too. recruits young men into the Force and delivers exceptionally high calibre combat officers and Goodies for our Injured Boys gunners to our fighting squadrons has been a It is most important that we remember the massive success. dangers that our young men and women serving Indeed, many in UK Defence look at what on operations are all facing, so please remember we do with envy as they strive to match both the the appeal your Branch Committee have set up. quality and quantity of fighting man we produce. With your help, we can continue to Thirdly, the successful completion of the RAF provide these small comforts and any other items Regiment's mission in Iraq was an unmitigated that members of the military staff ask us for. We triumph and marks the end of 19 years of can never get enough goodies for the lads, so in operations in the Middle East (though I suspect the mean time, your continued support is we will be back soon enough). appreciated for we need as much as we can get. Welcoming 7 FP Wg HQ and 15 Squadron If any of you would like to contribute items or cash directly for this appeal, you must RAF Regiment back to UK as the last combat unit “Stoney” (Alan) Wanbon to leave Iraq was an event of strategic significance contact Warrant and marked the culmination of a huge amount of RAF, NCO I/C Patient Support Services, or post work by everyone in the Corps over many them to him at RCDM, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 operational tours. These and many other “Stoney” can also be contacted on 07795 outstanding achievements would have been 6JD. 801276. If cash, please make your cheques out to impossible without the efforts of those who – support us from civilian employees to families RCDM PSS and please let me know too so that I and friends and our Associations. can add your donations to the total raised by the Looking to the future, I anticipate an Birmingham Branch. exceptionally challenging year. Elections, a Out of the blue I received the following e- mail from Brian Stanford. His father enlisted in either September of October 1941, and served for

3 the rest of the war in the RAF Regiment in Indian Dear Brian. I cannot tell you how grateful £415.00 to our and Burma, being demobbed in December 1945. I am for your amazing donation of ’t talk about his service Although he didn Appeal for the Military Managed Ward at Selly days very much, he was always very proud of his Oak Hospital, in memory of your father. I have service with the RAF Regiment. When he passed today been to a Troop Aid fundraising event at away last October, Brian and his family thought Shirley British Legion for the same appeal and that it would be a good idea to have a collection at met several badly wounded lads. They were so his funeral in aid of a charity. As there was no appreciative of our efforts on their behalf. It is particular illness or decease related to his death not just support for them when they are in for it was just old age, such was his pride in his hospital, for Troop Aid is also to assist in service, that they thought that a RAF Regiment supporting them afterwards when they get into the charity would be the best thing. So Brian, who outside world where they are without the support lives in the Birmingham area, googled RAF of their fellow soldiers. Regiment into the internet and eventually came up These young lads will require our support with my name. for many years to come and we cannot do it Mr Brian Stanford of Birmingham without the support of people such as you and Mr. Baldwin - Good evening. Could you your family. Your generous donation will be put help me please? I believe that you are the to very good use in our endeavour to give these Secretary of the Birmingham Branch of the RAF lads what they need and again, I cannot tell you Regiment Association. My father passed away a how grateful we are. Many, many thanks again few days ago. His funeral is next week and some for your generosity. Please thank everyone people have asked if could make a donation to a involved and I am sure that your late father would charity. approve of your action. Yours sincerely. Malcolm Baldwin. The family have come up with the idea John Casley of Plymouth that donations should go to something that was ’s newsletter I published a In last month close to Dad's heart. He was always very proud of “Friend Membe ” of our his service in the RAF Regiment during World letter from John Casley a r Branch in which he sent me an open cheque for War Two and if your Branch would be glad to – fifty pounds. I made the cheque out to RCDM receive donations we should be very happy to “Stoney” send them. My father was Lawrence Stanford. PSS and sent it on to Warrant Officer He was called up in either September or (Alan) Wanbon who then sent me the following October 1941. His Service No. was 1416612 and letter. His rank was LAC. After his basic training he Dear Malcolm. I write on behalf or all served in North East India (now Bangladesh, I those patients and staff here at RCDM Selly Oak to offer my sincere gratitude and utmost thanks suppose) and Burma. He was de-mobbed in £50.00. I also wish to December 1945. I would be very grateful if you for your kind donation of could contact me please, preferably by phone, so add a special thank you for the continued support that we can discuss the arrangements. Thank you of the Birmingham Branch. Once again please for your help. Brian Stanford. accept my sincere thanks and I look forward to meeting you in the New Year. In the meantime, ******************** enjoy a pleasant Christmas. Alan Wanbon. MLO Well of course, on receipt of that e-mail, I (Air) for OC PSS. telephoned Brian and as a result of that ******************** conversation, it was agreed that the money raised “Stoney’s” thanks are due to John Casley would go to our Military Managed Ward Appeal. In the fullness of time and to my great pleasure, for I only passed on his cheque to him. So many Brian sent us a cheque via the Funeral Directors thanks again John, you can be assured that your £415.00 in memory of his father. I have for generous donation will be put to good use. As we written the following letter to Brian with a copy to seem to have supplied the Military Managed the Funeral Directors, to thank him for this Ward with the equipment needed and have run out extremely generous donation. of ideas for more equipment, we are now sending all the money raised by the Birmingham Branch Military Managed Ward Appeal, directly to

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“Stoney”, for he has demands on his budget that A very Happy Birthday to the following have a need for constant replenishment. There Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays can be no better use for your money. It is always are this month, may you all have many more. better to give than to receive so as I have said on And as it is my birthday too on the 14th of this “dig deep and die happy” ’clock on that evening, I’ll drink a many occasions before month, at nine o ’clock toast to you all. for giving to such a worthy cause will certainly nine o make you feel much better. The need to help our 2nd Jan Dinah Shave Birmingham West Mids injured boys was graphically illustrated in the 3rd Jan Robert Shepherd Ballymena Cty Antrim ’wicks article written by Max Hastings and published in 4th January Robert Watkins Nuneaton W the Mail Online on 5th December 2009. It is “How you can help our broken heroes in 5th January Samuel Hadley Dudley West Mids headed ’s Christmas Appeal” and it features a 6th Jan Godfrey Coates Birmingham West Mids the Mail 9th January John Lawton Stoke on Trent Staffs coupon that can be used to donate to the appeal. 14th January Chris Baxter Daventry Nothants It is a long article that I would have liked to repeat 14th January Samuel Owen Crewe Cheshire in full if space permitted as it is all about Hedley 28th Jan Thomas Swann Stanford Le Hope Essex Court for as Max Hasting says; “This is Hedley Court defence medical Troops leave for Afghanistan tour rehabilitation centre in Surrey, the place where the More than 100 troops from RAF Wittering ’s war in Afghanistan is human cost of Britain have deployed from RAF Wittering to displayed in its starkest guise. This is where very Afghanistan to undertake a "crucial part of the young men who have suffered appalling injuries war effort". No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment and on the battlefield come to learn to remake their No 1 RAF Force Protection Wing HQ have begun lives. It would defy any visitor not to be a five-month tour in Helmand Province in profoundly moved by what they see here. There Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. And the are teenage private soldiers whose legs vanished Squadron will be carrying out the vital job of in roadside explosions in Helmand, officers whose patrolling outside the wire at Camp Bastion to flesh and sinews were mashed to pulp by high- enable NATO air operations to take off and land - velocity bullets, drivers whose vehicles and described as "dominating the ground" and "giving bodies were devastated by blasts which impacted freedom to the skies". ”. with a force that mocked armour plate And the huge challenge is one our boys “A soldier badly wounded in Helmand is from RAF Wittering are relishing according to first flown to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. Michael Smeath, who will be Probably about six weeks later, although this can the overall commander on the ground. He said: stretch to fourteen weeks or more, he arrives for "We have a huge responsibility but it is a ’s our job to the first time at Headley Court. It responsibility we consider a privilege to have.". show ourselves worthy of them, they have given A total of 107 personnel deployed at the so much. Now it is our turn to see that right is beginning of last December. With winter ”. done by them temperatures in Afghanistan currently one degree ’ CG s Team Commendation above freezing, top of the Christmas gift lists has As a thank you to everyone that has so far been thermal underwear. For Senior , contributed to our Appeal for the Military Tony Sallis aged 23, it will be his first tour of ’s newsletter, I put a Managed Ward, in last month duty. SAC Sallis, a gunner in 3 Squadron, RAF ’s Team Award copy of the Commandant General Regiment added: to the Birmingham Branch in with their "It's tough on our families. My mum still newsletters. It IS a Team Award and that means thinks I am her baby boy, but to us, this is what everyone that has contributed to it is a part of that we do, it's just our job. It's my first tour so I am team, but when I checked the list of contributions expecting a lot of surprises but most of all a lot of ’t have ”. He added: "But we have been though, there were names that I didn hard work addresses for, so if I have missed anyone out that training for this intensely over the last three would like a copy of the Team Award, let me months and I feel ready. I am very proud and know and I will put a copy into the post for you. excited to be representing Peterborough." BRANCH BIRTHDAYS

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And 3 Squadron's adopted pin-up calendar weapons away so that our village can live in ” girl, Susie Hutson was also there to wave off the peace. boys and her partner. She said: "Christmas is The Squadron is currently responsible for going to be really hard with him over there. I policing 500 square kilometres to protect have just said to him and the other boys - just Kandahar airfield, home to some 20,000 coalition come home safe." personnel. They spend much of their time living RAF Regiment Gunners seize Taliban beyond the wire in basic conditions - no running weapons cache water and living off ration packs - on remote East Anglian Gunners have seized a hoard patrol bases. But squadron members said their of almost 1,000 weapons from a Talban hiding hard work was beginning to pay off as they see an place outside Kandahar in their biggest operation improvement in the region's stability. Sergeant Andy Jones, from Watton, said: to date. Men from 27 Squadron RAF Regiment, “There is a real threat from IEDs out there based at RAF Honington, carried out the mission near the southern Afghan city on Tuesday after and also from rockets beyond the base perimeter. intelligence was gathered from locals. But we are detecting more and more. This means The weapons were found in an abandoned the base is secure, allowing coalition troops to do their job and, when we speak to locals, they seem textile factory on the outskirts of the city. It is ” situated on Afghanistan's main supply route; to appreciate the difference we are making. insurgents regularly target the strategically Half of the guns were taken away to be important Highway Four. Peter examined and decommissioned while the other “We received Hammond, patrol commander, said: half were burned on-site. The Squadron of about information that there were between 50 and 1,000 150 men will return to Honington in this month. insurgent weapons being stored at the target. Troops reflect on life on the Afghan When we got there it was far closer to 1,000. frontline They were in various states of repair but there is By Ben Kendall in the Norwich Evening News no doubt that many of them could have been used RAF Regiment troops are the first line of in attacks on our forces. It is part of our defence between Taliban insurgents and 20,000 agreement with locals that if they give us coalition personnel based at Kandahar airbase. In information we will act on it to make the region a his second report from Afghanistan, Ben Kendall safer place for them to live and a safer place for meets the Norfolk contingent fighting on the ” our troops to do their job. frontline. The squadron regularly uncovers Based at just beyond the Norfolk/Suffolk improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - an average border, 27 Squadron RAF Regiment draws large of 12 each month - and other weapons but Flight numbers of troops from Norwich and the Lieutenant Hammond said this was the largest surrounding area. While the RAF is most famous operation of their six-month tour. The 15km for its dominance of the airspace over warzones, it journey to the site took more than an hour as the is the RAF Regiment which faces the bigger eight-vehicle convoy was forced to stop dangers as it is responsible for securing the repeatedly to scan the road for bombs which may ground around airbases. As such it must patrol the have been planted along the route. Before streets of Afghanistan - where the threat of suicide entering the warehouse the Flight, who were and roadside bombs is ever-present. joined by American bomb specialists, checked Last week they seized a haul of 1,000 there was no risk of booby traps or ambush. Taliban weapons from an old textile factory but Dog handler L/Cpl Adam 'Spike' Millikan they have also had other notable successes. On and Springer Spaniel Jake, both trained in average they track-down 12 bombs a month and detecting explosives, were the first to enter the take them out of action before insurgents have a building. Fortunately the raid passed without any chance to use them - something which contributes confrontation. Locals gathered around to watch directly to saving lives. the operation. Speaking through an interpreter, They also engage in hearts and minds “Things have been much villager Torjaan said: work with villagers around their base at Kandahar better since these men have been in the province. airfield, which makes the area more stable and I am pleased that they have been able to take these also allows them to gather intelligence about

6 potential threats. SAC Daniel Meek, from Sgt Andy Jones from Watton

Norwich, is on his first deployment after joining All members of the squadron miss home the RAF Regiment in September last year. He when on tour, but Sgt Jones has more to miss than said: “I felt well briefed and as a resu most. With four biological children and three lt it's much foster children, aged from four to 19, family is a like I expected. I find the hearts and minds work huge part of his life. While many soldiers miss particularly rewarding. We get a mixed reaction birthdays and anniversaries, he has only ever been when we go into villages. The kids love us and home for two family birthdays. He said: “I've been based at Honington since 1992 most of the adults are happy to speak. We get one or two who stay clear of us but they are not and have served all over the world, from Iraq to openly hostile. Recently we helped provide a Northern Ireland. Normally you would move water supply to a village. We gave them bottled around more but my son had a serious kidney water to solve the immediate shortage and then ” condition and needed care at the Norfolk and arranged for a well to be refurbished. Norwich University Hospital so I was able to stay Chris Garton explained: “Our main reason for being here in theatre is to in the area. I miss being at home, particularly on the big occasions. But this is the job I signed up ” protect the strategic area surrounding the airbase. for. I think it is far harder on my wife than me. We cover 500 square kilometres surrounding We joined the squadron on the operation Kandahar and have a number of bases beyond the to seize Taliban weapons. Along the way the wire where we spend several days at a time. convoy had to stop repeatedly to check the There is a route to the east which is renowned for roadside for bombs. When we arrived at the IED (improvised explosive device) smuggling and hiding place we faced the threat of booby traps or a number of key villages which we are seeking to an ambush. Flying officer Garton said: “Because the insurgents know that we are stabilise. We seek to dominate the ground by well equipped and can generally overpower them carrying out patrols and carrying out village in contact situations, the threat from small arms is searches. But we also engage with the relatively minor. The threat from IEDs is our communities be it by engaging with schools or number one priority. Things are quiet at the refurbishing mosques. By making the villages moment and, although we can't get complacent, ” ” more stable we make the area around base safer. we do feel we're making an impact. During their six month tour, which ends in Recalling one particular find, he added: January, the squadron has had a number of “We went to a property at the end of a track which significant successes. As well as taking IEDs out was exposed from both sides. It is difficult to of action, they have also managed to push rocket know if we were being watched but we were launch sites which often bombard the airbase exposed and it was a potentially dangerous further from the perimeter fence. situation. Sergeant Andy Jones, from Watton, said: “ “This is something But as a result we found a 20 litre really tangible that we can container packed with explosives and that has ” point towards. As a direct result of our work, the now been taken out of operation. number of rocket attacks on the base have become ” Alongside the traditional battle against the less frequent and less effective. enemy, the squadron is also involved in the battle for hearts and minds. Flying officer Garton said: “ We find we are going to villages where they remember our names and faces. Sometimes we go to villages for the first time and they ” already know from word of mouth who we are. There are currently more than 150 men from RAF Honnington deployed to Kandahar. Their duties also include providing a quick reaction force to any emergencies beyond the wire.

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Gunner risked life to try to save friend Squadron RAF Regiment, was wearing basic body in explosion armour and travelling in an un-armoured 'soft Gunner John Toghill, who risked his life skin' Land Rover when it ran over a massive to drag a friend from a burning vehicle after a booby-trapped bomb on night patrol near roadside bombing in Afghanistan, has been given Kandahar airbase in August 2007. a top bravery award. Gunner Toghill was The court heard the vehicle was fitted with awarded the military commendation after he tried some surplus blast protective matting donated by to save the life of one of his squadron members the US military. But only two of the seven Land who was caught in the blast, just metres away Rovers in the convoy that night had their own from him. armour, and handheld mine detectors were During a routine patrol in Kandahar, unavailable in Kandahar at that time. Gunner Toghill, 26, was in a vehicle in front of The inquest heard the explosion - which one carrying Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, woke personnel on base more than two miles a 51-year-old father-of-five, when the explosion away - was from an improvised explosive device happened. Although Mr Thompson later died, inside a 20m zone around the vehicles checked by together with Senior Aircraftman Graham airmen when they initially halted. Livingstone, his quick-thinking saw him receive a Christopher Bridge, aged 20, of 51 – Chief of Joint Operations Commendation one of Squadron RAF Regiment, was one of four men the Army's highest honours. blown out of an open-top Land Rover when it was His mum Jean later said "He was in the torn in two by a huge booby-trapped bomb buried Land Rover and the first two got through and it in the road. Sheffield Coroner's Court heard two was the third one. It missed John by the smallest comrades, who were in the front, were found with amount. He tried to save him but couldn't. We minor injuries near the remains of the blazing are really proud of him." vehicle. Gunner Toghill is modest about his An Afghani interpreter who was in the actions, which happened two years ago, and says back was found 15 yards away. He later died, the he is just one of a dedicated team of soldiers. He inquest heard. But the body of Senior said: "I didn't really think about anything apart Aircraftman Bridge was not found for an hour, as from getting to him. I probably should have his colleagues searched through long grass in the waited in case anything else happened, because I dark, dealt with the casualties, secured the area could have become a casualty myself. I didn't against possible attack, searched for further have time to think really; you just do what has to bombs, and set up a helicopter landing zone so the be done." injured could be evacuated. Gunner Toghill, from 3 Squadron RAF Gunners fired more than 20 white Regiment, has spent most of the year in phosphorus illumination rounds and used hand- Afghanistan and has also been on tours in Iraq and held spotlights in their efforts to find him. An Jordan. He is currently volunteering as a first Apache helicopter with a thermal imaging camera responder in Bury St Edmunds, near RAF helped with the search. SAC Bridge, of Oaks Honington, where he trains recruits. An Army Fold Road, Shiregreen, was in a group of seven spokesman said the commendation was a "highly Land Rovers on night patrol around Kandahar regarded award for meritorious service or action". airbase on August 30, 2007, when his vehicle was He said: "It is just below a Queen's caught in the blast. Commendation for Valuable Service or Mention- Flight Sergeant Mark Mitchell said his in-Dispatches. His award would have been one of helmet and rucksack were found near long grass about 100 awarded every year. It is therefore high in an initial sweep of the area. But it was only ”. praise indeed when he searched another less likely area that he found the body. The inquest heard SAC Bridge Blast victim search chaos had suffered extensive burns and blast wounds. A RAF Regiment Gunner from Sheffield, Flight Lieutenant Matthew Jupp, who was killed in a massive explosion while serving in in command of the patrol, said the lead Land Afghanistan, was not found for over an hour in Rover in their convoy of seven had become stuck the chaotic aftermath of the tragedy, an inquest in a ditch just before midnight. SAC Bridge's heard. The 20-year-old Senior Aircraftman, of 51

8 vehicle was assigned to tow it clear and moved to ownership of the project. Indeed, we have had the head of the convoy. Flight Lieutenant Jupp one branch of the Association claiming ownership – said he ordered all vehicles to back-track in order of the project without giving even one penny to – ’s how to take a better road to their objective, after losing the fund to establish it and sadly, that time due to the recovery. But as the Land Rover deluded some people can be. was turning it ran over a pressure plate buried in Our Part in Establishing the RAF the road, triggering the blast. He added: Regiment Memorial Garden "There was a massive explosion and a The NMA was established in early 1997 fireball engulfed the vehicle. I found the and I published my first article about the NMA in interpreter 15 metres from the vehicle, apparently my April 1997 newsletter, in which I said that I lifeless. SAC Gibson and Acting Corporal had written to the then Director of the NMA, Moorhouse were a few metres from each other Commander David Childs RN (Rtd) for further and they could be heard, in pain. But we couldn't information. find SAC Bridge." Lieutenant Colonel Matthew On receipt of the required information, Tresider said the soft skin Land Rover was how delighted I was when in further monthly excellent at off-roading and could avoid points newsletters, I asked Birmingham Branch members vulnerable to IEDs. The open top vehicles also if we could raise enough money to fund a RAF offered more visibility, did less damage to tracks Regiment memorial at the National Memorial – and fields, and were less intimidating to locals Arboretum for they responded with enthusiasm than heavier armoured troop carriers. and said yes; we can do it. Flight Lieutenant Simon Hamilton said And so the Birmingham Branch Appeal their close rapport with villagers offered its own Fund was set up to raise the necessary funds for it, protection. He said: "Villagers were proactive in and on 28th July 1998, the Fund was kick-started £100.00 donation from Birmingham Branch finding us and making sure we had ample warning by a of numerous IEDs." But Colonel Tresider said member Chris Baxter. This was quickly followed £150.00 in d soft skin Land Rovers were withdrawn from by another onations from working outside the base over the 12 months Birmingham Branch members and then a donation £250.00 from the RAF Regiment Association. following SAC Bridge's death and replaced with of an armoured version. And how lucky we were when the “on the Birmingham Branch was able to get in The RAF Regiment Memorial ” with the National Memorial ground floor Garden Arboretum, when it was nothing more than a As another branch newsletter has recently muddy field with a few trees in it and the published a somewhat less than accurate account Birmingham Branch decided to go for a RAF of the history of the RAF Regiment Memorial Regiment Memorial and Garden at the NMA. Garden, in which the Birmingham Branch appears When the Birmingham Branch decided to to have taken a relatively minor role, I have taken establish the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden, this opportunity to put the record straight and my we decided that whatever it cost us, and on our thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity own if need be we would do it. With the to do so. enthusiasm for the project being shown by For if I did not, anyone reading his article, Birmingham Branch members, we could not fail. particularly new members of the Association and When I first discussed with David Childs, new recruits to the RAF Regiment, may begin to the then Director of the embryo NMA, the think that the Birmingham Branch had very little possibility of having the RAF Regiment to do with the project. And as we all know, the commemorated at the NMA, David suggested to Birmingham Branch initiated the project, drove it me that we could have a tree and a plaque in the forward, raised most of the money and with the projected Royal Air Force Grove, but I then told help of other donors, successfully completed it. David that I would prefer the RAF Regiment to Donating to a fund does not give a donor have a separate plot and memorial of its own. ownership of the fund, but the sad fact is that When he later told me that there was just someone donating to a fund can come to believe one plot then remaining, with my fingers crossed, that by donating to that fund, they can claim I asked him to reserve what was then the last plot

9 available at the NMA for a RAF Regiment Branch members only, the staggering sum of £ Memorial Garden, and guaranteed that somehow, 1,894.00, far more than any other single donor the Birmingham Branch would find the money. organisation, including several associations, not £5,000.00 £90.00 for As the plot alone would cost just branches. It was the equivalent of and as the Birmingham Branch Appeal Fund had each member. £800.00, this was a huge by then only collected And again, out of the total money raised leap of faith by me, but with the plot reserved and by setting up the Birmingham Branch Appeal with my faith in the members of the Birmingham Fund, and the later established RAF Regiment Branch being able to raise the rest of the money, Fund, the Birmingham Branch Appeal Fund £7,526.00 – there was then some time available to raise the raised the staggering sum of 62% - £12,157.00 raised by both money required. Then, in order to set up a out of the final total of Commercial Appeal Fund to enable me to appeal Funds. The sum obtained by the RAF Regiment £4,631.00 or 38% of the to to my industrial and commercial contacts, I asked Fund was tal raised. four senior RAF Regiment officers if they would In October 1998, as more and more agree to become Sponsors of this Appeal and of donations began to roll in from Birmingham course I was delighted when they all agreed. Branch members and others who had become They were the late Air Vice Marshal Donald interested, I suggested to Paul Bruning, that the Pocock CBE RAF, Tim Thorne money in the Memorial Appeal Fund set up by the AFC FRAeS RAF (Rtd), Air Commodore Ian Birmingham Branch, should be transferred to a McNeil RAF (Rtd) and the late RAF Regiment Fund. Kingsley Oliver RAF (Rtd). At that time though, other than Paul who With their support, I was able to send out was totally committed to the project, the RAF dozens of appeal letters headed by these sponsors Regiment did not seem to have much interest in to my industrial and commercial contacts. the project and this was not agreed. Eventually at Although I was disappointed with the overall level a much later stage however, in order to allow the of commercial and industrial support, this Appeal Memorial stone to be purchased, on 27th June £762.00 enabled me eventually to raise a further 2000, all the money remaining in the Birmingham £5,426.37 was for the Birmingham Branch Appeal Fund. Branch Appeal Fund, the sum of Then as others became interested, in July transferred into the RAF Regiment Fund that had 1998, I wrote to the then RAF Regiment Secretary now been set up and our fund was closed down. Paul Bruning RAF (Rtd) with £250.00 More money and hard work from the regard to the possibility of obtaining a Birmingham Branch donation from the RAF Regiment Fund. Paul was Then when the Memorial Garden was very interested in the project and said that he eventually laid out, Birmingham Branch members would see if this could be done and was gave a tremendous amount of their additional eventually able to do so; and was also able to get money, time, and sheer hard work in further further Regiment support for our project. developing the Garden and the approach road to So with more organisations becoming the Garden, before the all-important date of 5th interested in our project, we did not have to raise April 2001 when the Memorial was going to be all the money on our own; but if it had been dedicated. Amongst the many tasks carried out necessary; although it would have taken much was that of digging out the foundations for the longer to do so; we would have done, and we granite slabs that were placed under the four would have funded the project ourselves, such benches. These granite slabs were provided by H was the enthusiasm of Birmingham Branch L Perfitt Ltd Stonemasons of Diss, Norfolk, who members for our intention to provide a RAF had provided the memorial itself, but Birmingham Regiment memorial at the NMA. ’ Branch members had to dig them into position. Enthusiastic B ham Branch members Then, Birmingham Branch members And what enthusiasts Birmingham Branch carried out the task of digging out, buying and members turned out to be, for out of the total of £12,157.00 that was finally raised for the project, laying slabs for the front of the benches, so that visitors could use the benches without wearing out the Birmingham Branch became the largest single the grass. Then there was the filling in of holes donor by raising all on its own, from Birmingham and uneven parts of the grass, digging out the

10 foundations for the flagpoles, then providing them Garden Maintenance Appeal Fund in order to free of charge, erecting them and many, many provide funds for this. other tasks. These included providing steel Indeed, no further interest in the RAF fixings for the benches, bolting them down and Regiment Memorial Garden was shown by the then varnishing the four benches RAF Regiment until 2005, when Air Commodore Birmingham Branch members then Peter J Drissell MA BSc MIstD RAF was organised the digging out, the provision of and appointed as Commandant General, RAF having professionally laid, the one hundred and Regiment. Then in April 2005, Air Commodore ninety 2 feet X 2 feet paving slabs laid in the form Drissell telephoned me to discuss the current of a tee around the two flagpoles, and with a situation with regard to the Birmingham Branch pathway from the entrance to the Garden up to the and the National Memorial Arboretum in flagpoles. Finally, there was one of the biggest particular and the affairs of retired members of the jobs of all, providing the hardcore for the RAF Regiment in general. approach road with Birmingham Branch members During the course of this conversation, he laying and levelling it. This work was all funded asked me if I would agree to attend a meeting by the Birmingham Branch. with him at RAF High Wycombe, HQ Strike We had to resurface the approach road for Command and of course I said that I was more at that time, all the roads in the National than happy to do so. I found him very easy to talk Memorial arboretum were just muddy pathways to and he was very supportive of ex-RAF and with the terrible weather that we had in early Regiment affairs and wished to become more 2001, these pathways were just a sea of mud. As closely involved. It was agreed at this meeting we could not have the guests arriving for the that the RAF Regiment would from then on, take Dedication making their way to the Memorial over from the Birmingham Branch, the Garden from the Chapel, through this mud bath, responsibility for the RAF Regiment Memorial we decided to lay a hard surface on the road Garden. instead. As this was something that we had all On Thursday 5th April 2001, the great day wanted to happen from when we had first started had arrived. Our dream of creating a RAF the project, I was delighted, for with our members Regiment Memorial was now a reality and it now growing older, we wanted the RAF Regiment to stood tall and proud in our own RAF Regiment look after the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden in Memorial Garden at the National Memorial perpetuity and with the march of time we would Arboretum. And it was in its own Garden, as I not be able to do that. At the meeting with Air had visualised, way back in 1998 when I told Commodore Drissell I was also asked if the Commander David Childs that I wanted a separate Birmingham Branch would continue as far as plot for the RAF Regiment, and did not want it to possible to maintain the Memorial Garden and of be a part of the Royal Air Force Grove. course I agreed. And as you all know, under Ron th ’s dedicated leadership, our Maintenance On 5 April 2001 the Memorial was Sharp dedicated and even then, right up to the end of the Team have continued to do so ever since. project, the Birmingham Branch was still in the Our Greatest Achievement thick of the action as the buffet was paid for by The Birmingham Branch can be proud of the Birmingham Branch President Peter Swash many, many achievements, as the late Group and his wife Avril, and served to all the guests by Captain Kingsley Oliver told me in a letter from members of the Birmingham Branch. him dated 20th September 1998 that included a Afterwards £50.00 donation to our Appeal Fund, in which he At the end of the project, Paul Bruning told me, regarding our efforts to establish the RAF told me that we would get no more money from Regiment Memorial Garden, that he wished other the RAF Regiment as they were not really branches of the Association were as active as the interested in the project. At this stage, Paul Birmingham Branch. In another letter to me dated Bruning asked me if the Birmingham Branch 6th August 2000, he also said; “I have heard that the Arboretum would continue to maintain and develop the Memorial Garden which we agreed to do. So we memorial is up and running and all is set for the then set up the Birmingham Branch Memorial dedication in April next year. If this is so, may I

11 send you and all members of the Birmingham NATIONAL MEMORIAL Branch, my warmest congratulations on achieving ARBORETUM (NMA) UPDATE this, despite the generally lukewarm attitude of Glenn Howells Architects Appointed on many others when you made the first move towards getting the Regiment plot in the National National Memorial Arboretum Arboretum. The Regiment past and present owes Glenn Howells Architects has been ”. you and your team a great debt of gratitude appointed as the lead team to remodel one of the So our greatest achievement, the one that most important recognitions of sacrifice in the stands out above all our other achievements, is country, The National Memorial Arboretum that we were responsible for establishing the RAF (NMA) in Alrewas in Staffordshire. Regiment Memorial Garden. For as I said at the The commission will transform the 150 acre site into a world-class Centre for beginning of this article - the Birmingham Branch £8m redevelopment will initiated the project, drove it forward and raised Remembrance. The most of the money. include an Armed Forces Pavilion, a "Heroes That achievement will remain forever, Square", an Exhibition Space and an Education as a great shining beacon in the history of the Centre. In addition, the retail, catering and office Birmingham Branch. And all members of the facilities will be upgraded. Glenn Howells Birmingham Branch can feel justifiably proud of Architects will redesign the surrounding the part that the Birmingham Branch played in landscape to unite the existing and new buildings. bringing the project to a successful conclusion. "We are very pleased to have been appointed to And no amount of rewriting history can alter that work on this exciting and important next phase of fact. the National Memorial Arboretum," commented Without the efforts of the Birmingham Glenn Howells, Director of Glenn Howells “ Branch, that did much more than merely bring Architects. "The National Memorial Arboretum the project to the attention of the RAF has, in the short period, since it was established ”, I can safely say that there would not Regiment created an impressive development and landscape. be a RAF Regiment Memorial Garden. We are looking forward to building upon this But if we can be as successful with our ambitious vision to create a world class centre for current Appeal for our injured boys, then we shall remembrance and exceptional experience for be able to do a great deal of good for them and if visitors." anything, this Appeal is more important. So far £4,000.00 for the lads, so we have raised nearly ’s just see of we can exceed the come on fellas, let £7,526.00 that we raised for the RAF Regi ment Memorial Garden.

The Future “great oaks from little acorns I know that Artists Impression of New Buildings ” but how could we have possibly known grow Under Pressure what a colossal enterprise would grow from a The National Memorial Arboretum in conversation between the late Group Captain Staffordshire has become so popular its facilities are struggling to cope with the large volume of Leonard Cheshire and the eventual Founder of the £8 NMA, Commander David Childs RN (Rtd). visitors. This is why an million appeal to fund an expansion of the site is needed. And now, from the vision that David ’s always Remembrance Day at the Childs had and has brought to fruition, we will It have a world-class site and hopefully, in the arboretum. In the chapel they play the last post fullness of time, a military cemetery for our and the act of homage at 1100 GMT every heroes in the same area too. morning. But an increasing number of visitors And thanks to the efforts of the also come to remember victims of more recent Birmingham Branch in so successfully conflicts. Since the unveiling of the Armed establishing the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden Forces Memorial in 2007, visitor numbers have in the NMA, the RAF Regiment will be forever increased more that five times, to over 300.000 commemorated there too. visitors a year.

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This figure is expected to rise to half a appropriately named The Mall. It is simple in million visitors a year because of a growing design, comprising black railings mounted on a national appreciation of the sacrifice of modern plinth. The railings are modelled on those found day service personnel. But the site is under strain. at the old Chelsea Barracks in London and like The car park can be chaotic at busy times, those railings, incorporate the stars and badges of commemoration services are held outside in the the five Regiments of Foot Guards that adorned cold and rain and veterans have to hold their them. reunions in draughty marquees that have become Meanwhile the plinth, made of Portland semi-permanent structures. Stone on a concrete core, is intended to capture The Government and every member of the the same simple, stark nature of the Guards £8 Armed Forces is being asked to help fund an Memorial on the edge of Horse Guards Parade in ’s Park, the Guards Memorial at million expansion plan. This will pay for a new St James car park, education facilities, meeting room and a Brompton Cemetery and the Crimean Guards “Heroes Square” covered area to be known as Memorial at the Waterloo Place junction with Pall The appeal is headed by Major General Mall in London. The Plinth has been inscribed on Patrick Cordingley who wants the Government to its rear side with the mottos of the seven help with the funding. He also hopes that every Regiments, each belonging to the badge or star member of the Armed Forces will be prepared to behind which they are positioned. The Household “I am very donate just a few pounds. He said: Cavalry Regiments and the Grenadier Guards – “ ” passionate about this place. I was a soldier for share the same motto Septem Juncta in uno forty years and I watch now as friends and people (seven joined in one). The Household Cavalry ’ve got I know die in Iraq and Afghanistan and we badges have been inscribed in the most senior soldiers going out on patrol with the ghosts of positions on the flanks of the memorial. The Foot their mates going with them. I just think about Guards stars and badges are placed in Brigade ’m absolutely determined that these things and I order of seniority; on the right flank (when facing somehow we are going to raise this money so that the enemy), the Grenadiers, on the left flank, the it does become a centre of remembrance in the Coldstream Guards. The Scots Guards are ”. middle of the country immediately to the left of the Grenadiers always Household Division Memorial having filled the centre of the Brigade line of The Household Division Memorial at the battle between 1660 and 1900. National Memorial Arboretum commemorates The junior Regiments are positioned in members of the Household Division and provides seniority dictated by the dates of their respective a place of solace for bereaved families and formation, the Irish Guards to the right of the friends. It was unveiled by and dedicated in the Coldstream Guards, and the Welsh Guards, the presence of HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of junior Regiment in the centre of the Division. Edinburgh, Colonel Grenadier Guards and Senior The memorial is surrounded by a paved area of Colonel Household Division, on 3rd December Portland Stone. This is divided on all four sides 2009. The service mirrored those which took with the identical repetition of a band of coloured place on 16th October 1926 to dedicate the stone in four different colours, interlocking with Guards Memorial at Horse Guards and for the each other in union. opening and dedication of the Household Brigade These stones have been mined in England War Memorial Cloister in Guards Chapel on 28th (white granite), Scotland (red granite), Ireland May 1956. (green limestone) and Wales (black slate). The The project was initiated by The Major stones represent the strength of union that exists General Commanding the Household Division, in The Household Division, underpinning the Major General W G Cubitt CBE, who recognised pride and rivalry within and between these seven the depth of feeling amongst both serving and Regiments in their Service to the Sovereign and the Nation in the past, in the present and in the association members that the sacrifices made by £30,000 to construct. the Household Division should be suitably future. The memorial cost marked at the National Memorial Arboretum. The stonemason was Young Johnson Ltd of The memorial sits in a grove at the end of a small Westbury in Wiltshire. At the unveiling, HRH of avenue of Maple and London Plane trees, The Prince Philip presented Elizabeth Crosses to

13 next of kin of those who had died recently on location of the author. It gives an account of his operations. early life and then his experiences with the RAF From Mrs Eileen Docker Regiment during WWII. When has finished Dear Malcolm. Many thanks for your reading it, he will be able to tell me a bit more ’s death, it letter and poem you sent me after John about it. Many thanks Bill, I look forward to was very kind of you. Would you pass on my hearing all about it. ’s funeral, thanks to everyone who came to John "Khaki and Blue" the early ground defence of especially the Standard Bearer Dave Gooding and the RAF in WW2 by Colonel Ronald Sherbrooke- to you for reciting the Homage. I really Walker TD DL. Published in 1952 by The Saint ’s Catherine Press Ltd. Now out of print. No ISBN. appreciated what you did as it made John “ ” funeral so special for all the family. I know that A Short History of the RAF Regiment from ’m so sorry it John would have been so proud. I 1942 to 1970 with a brief account of the approach has taken me so long to reply to your letter but to the problems of airfield defence in the RAF John died on 1st October and my brother died on from 1918 to 1942 by Kingsley M Oliver. Printed 18th October, so I had two funerals in two weeks. by Thanet Printing Works in 1969. No ISBN Number and now out of print. It was a tough time for all of us. Once again “ – thank you for the poem and for the wreath and my The Royal Air Force Regiment A Short ” th thanks to everyone involved. Eileen. History . A 40 Anniversary edition. An RAF Regiment Books updated short history of the RAF Regiment from I am often asked for information about 1942 to 1982 with a brief account of the approach books about the RAF Regiment. The following to the problems of airfield defence in the Royal air list is of the books that I know of that I am Force from 1918 until the formation of its own regularly adding to. If anyone knows of any other defence Corps in 1942. By Group Captain books about the RAF Regiment, please let me Kingsley Oliver and Wing Commander Keith know. All the books are listed by their date of Batt. Published in 1982 by Adlard and Son Ltd, publication. There is another new one that I Bartholomew Press, Dorking, Surrey. No ISBN ’s newsletter, it is a RAF Number and now out of print. referred to in last month “ ” Regiment cartoon book similar to the Giles No Tigers in our Jungle about life in the RAF cartoon books and in it, the author Ron Taylor, Regiment in South-East Asia Command 1943/45. thanks Giles for the inspiration and also, MAC, By ex-Flight Lieutenant Harry Homer. Service the Daily Mail cartoonist for his very kind advice. number 127613. Published in 1982 ISBN 84 398 All the money raised by sales of this book 8656 X. “Help for “ ” will be split between the charity, The Edges of War An RAF Regiment Story by ” and Heroes squadron funds for all the squadrons Tim Hillyar. About 2804 Armoured Car currently in the RAF Regiment. It is titled Squadron, from landing in France at the end of “Gunner’s Tales, Warts and All” and is priced at June 1944, through the fighting in Europe to the £10.00 and until the online shop is up and running British Victory Parade in Berlin on 21st July 1945. it can be obtained from the RAF Regiment Shop Privately published in 1992 by Tim Hillyar. In at RAF Honington. If you would like a copy, give 1996, he lived at 36, Trefor Jones Court, Brookfield Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QP. the Shop Manageress Liz Ramsay a call after 1.30 “ ” p.m. on 01359 237521. The Blue and Khaki Hunters Privately published in a Limited Edition of 500 copies in Books about the RAF Regiment 1993 by D F Sampson through Newton I have been given the following Publishers. ISBN 1-872308-34-1. Can be information by Bill Epps of East Kent, about two obtained directly from Mr D F Sampson, 17 more books, the first, another short history of the Shelley Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Christchurch, RAF Regiment 'A Brief History of the RAF Dorset, BH23 4HW. Telephone number 01425 Regiment 1942-1960' by Air Vice Marshall J. H. 279206. Harris, C.B., C.B.E. The latter being printed by "Below the Bottom Rung" the RAF Regiment in N.A.A.F.I., Kennington, London, S.E.11. Palestine by Edward Grocott. Published in 1996 And the second, 'What Did You Do in The by J and K H Publishing. ISBN 1 900511 57 6. War, Grandad' by Peter Colyer. Again this is self published with no reference anywhere in it to the

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"Through Adversity" the History of the RAF Regiment. Published in 1994. By Peter F Guiver. Regiment 1942 - 1992 by Kingsley M Oliver. ISBN 1 85260 4328. “ ” Published in 1997 by Forces and Corporate The Autobiography by Brian Clough. Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0 9529597 0 4. Mentions his service at RAF Watchet. Published "In Adversity" Exploits of Gallantry and Awards in 1995. ISBN 1 85225 198 0. “ ” to the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces The Royal Air Force an Illustrated History 1921 - 12995 by Nicholas G Tucker. Published by Michael Armitage. Published by in 1997 by Jade Publishing Limited. ISBN 1- Brockhampton Press in 1995. ISBN 1 86019 900734-08-7. 8511. Contains several references to the RAF "The RAF Regiment" History, Colours, Regiment. “ ” uniforms and Equipment of the RAF Regiment. Esprit de Corps by Walter Archibald Elliott. Edited by Stuart Asquith. Published in 2000 by A Scots Guards Officer on Active Service 1943 - ’s a Nexus Special Interests Ltd. Book Number 1945. Published in 1997. In Chapter 7 it bout 001772. Foreword by Air Commodore R C the Transfer of RAF Regiment Personnel to the Moore, MBE, RAF, Commandant General, RAF Scots Guards. ISBN 085955 220 9. “ ” Regiment. But now out of print. Sunset in the East by John Hudson published "The RAF Regiment at War" 1942 - 1946 by by Leo Cooper in 2002. ISBN 0 85052 846 1. It Kingsley M Oliver. Published in 2002 by Pen and briefly mentions The RAF Regiment on page 43. Sword Books Limited. ISBN 0-85052-852-6. Its main interest is the fact that to maintain order "On the Road to Mandalay" featuring the life of and to control the nationalist in Java, the author the author Randle Manwaring focussing employed captured Japanese army personnel. It particularly on his time with the RAF Regiment in also gives a lot of detail about the war in Burma. “ ” the Burma Campaign. Published in 2006 by Pen Joint Force Harrier by Commander Adrian and Sword Books Limited. ISBN 1844154971. Orchard, with James Barrington. The true story "Constant Vigilance" the RAF Regiment in the of a Royal Navy Fighter squadron at war. Burma Campaign by Nigel W M Warwick. Published in 2008 by Penguin Books and Micael Published in 2007 by Pen and Sword Books Joseph. ISBN 9780718153991. Limited. ISBN: 9781844155002. ROCK APES 2010 CALENDER AND “ ’ ” Gunner s Tales, Warts and All by Ron CARTOON BOOK ’s not too late to get your copy of “Rock Taylor. This is a collection of stories, myths and It ” by A J Goulding. A first class legends from the RAF Regiment. A cartoon book Apes 2010 similar to the Giles cartoon books only all cartoon calendar with twelve cartoons featuring Regiment cartoons. A Limited Edition book various aspects of RAF Regiment life. It is priced £10.00. £12.99. If you would like to obtain a copy, privately published in 2009 at at Books containing references to the RAF give the RAF Regiment Shop Manageress Liz Regiment Ramsay a call after 1.30 p.m. on 01359 237521. “ ” And a copy of a Regiment cartoon book The Lost Lady all about the American Bomber “Gunner’s Tales Warts and A ” by Cambridge "Lady Be Good". No publication date available. ll By Mario Martinez. Published by Leo Cooper at Branch member Ron Taylor, based on the Giles £19.95 £10.00 with all the . Mentions 2926 Squadron RAF Regiment. cartoon books, priced at “ ” “Help for Heroes” Flugplatz Gutersloh . A Short History 1937/87 money to be shared between with references to the RAF Regiment. Published and squadron funds for all the squadrons currently in 1987. By Gerry Lewis. Published 1987. listed in the Regiment. In the preface, Ron “ ” The Battle of the Airfields 1st January 1945 expresses his thanks to Giles for the inspiration “Operation by Norman L Franks. About and MAC from the Daily Mail for his very kind ” Bodenplatte when the Germans attempted to advice. This book can also at present, be ordered destroy the advanced Allied Airfields. First from the RAF Regiment Shop. published in 1982. ISBN 1 898697 15 9. 194 Squadron Reunion 2010 Republished by Grub Street in 1994 in an updated The 2010 194 Squadron Reunion version. including a few lads from 63 Squadron, will take “ ” Britain's Modern Royal Air Force which place at Blackpool on Saturday 1st May 2010 at contains a complete chapter on the RAF the Royal Carlton Hotel, South Promenade,

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Blackpool, telephone number 08456 441584. If to this project; your generosity is most anyone is interested, please contact Howard (Taff) appreciated. There is still work to do in the Jones of the North Wales Branch for details on Memorial Garden and if you would like to donate 01244 815469. towards the on-going project, please send your cheque - made payable to the RAF Regt Fund NEWS OF THE RAF REGIMENT (Memorial Project 2009) - and send it to the Regtl Sec at RAF Honington, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1EE. ’ CG s COMMENDATIONS The need has been identified for the CG RAF Regt to be able to recognize the efforts of FROM THE RAF REGIMENT SECRETARY Corps individuals or teams within the RAF Regt DEATH NOTICES: 'family', for example those of the RAF Regiment COOKE CYRIL. Former RAF Regt WO Association, who may fall outside of the Cyril Cooke, born 2 Mar 21, died on 18 Nov 09 conventional Service Commanders' aged 88. He enlisted in 1942 and served variously Commendations associated with the New Year's in Egypt, Kenya, Sinai, Singapore, Cyprus and and The Queen's Birthday Honours Awards. As a Australia before retiring in 1970. The funeral was result, the CG will consider the award of his held on 27 Nov in Altringham. He is survived by personal commendations to suitable Corps his wife, Mrs J Cooke, of 82 Bowness Road, nominees on an annual basis. The Award Year Timperley, Manchester WA15 7YB, to whom the will run from 1 Aug to 31 Jul. Submissions for Corps extends its sincere condolences. such an award must be completed using the GENERAL NOTICES: formal CG's Commendation Nomination Form CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR DEPLOYED UNITS obtainable from the Regt Sec. Submissions must Individuals and some RAF Regt Assoc be received no later than 1 Sep annually. Where £910 branches donated the princely sum of the award of a Commendation is not viewed as towards the Christmas Cheer for deployed units justified, no Commendations will be awarded for appeal. This was in response to the MOD that Award Year. requesting that parcels not be sent to avoid over- RAFR REGT ASSOC MEMBERSHIP loading the BFPO system at a time when families' The Constitutional objective of the Association mail needed the priority in air freight terms, both shall be to maintain and promote esprit de corps to and in Theatre. The very generous donations and comradeship amongst all RAF Regiment were divided equally between the units at Camp personnel, both past and present, in order to promote the good name, reputation and traditions Bastion and Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. ‘Flash’ are entitled Thank you to all who contributed. of the Corps. All who wore the RAF REGIMENT MEMORIAL PROJECT to join. For more information and an application 2009 - UPDATED form, contact the Assoc Sec, Frank Xavier at: The block paving project at the Corps [email protected]. Memorial Garden, at the NMA Alrewas, has been CORPS DIARY DATES: completed on time and within budget. The T- 5 Feb 10 - Handover-Takeover of CG RAF Regt shaped walkway has been completely re-paved appointment. and provides the opportunity to install - at cost - 5 Feb 10 - Officers' Corps Study Day and individual commemorative stones with simple Formation Dinner 2010 (RAF Honington). wording reflecting an individual's name and unit, 6 Feb 10 - 27 Sqn RAF Regt Homecoming Parade or dates, or perhaps units themselves. (Bury St Edmunds). This form of memorial is considerably 7 Feb 10 - 68 Miles for 68 Years Services' Charity cheaper and longer lasting than the current NMA March (Holkham Hall to Honington). metal memorial plaques, which are very 16 -19 Apr - RAF Regt Assoc Spring Reunion expensive to produce and are showing early signs Weekend (Alvaston Hall, Cheshire). of decay. The commemorative stones ordering 8 May 10 - Annual RAF Regt Chapel process is being developed and will be announced Commemoration (Catterick). in due course. Thank you to all who contributed

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18-21 May 10 - Regt-USAF Exchange Offrs 'British Invasion III (Washington DC) 11 Jun 10 - RAF Regt Officers' Dinner Club Reception (House of Lords). 26 Jun 10 - RAF Regt Annual Memorial Commemoration (NMA Alrewas). 27 Jun 10 - National Armed Forces Day (NMA Alrewas and nationwide). 29 Oct 10 - RAF Regt Officers' Dinner Club Annual Dinner (RAF Club, London) RAF Regt Golf Society 2010 Calendar 31 Mar - RAF Regt GS AGM - Thetford GC. 28 Apr - RAF Regt GS v Jt CBRN Regt. Thetford GC. 19 May - RAF Regt GS v RAF Police - Venue TBC. 16 Jun - RAF Regt GS v Royal Artillery - Mentmore GC. 6 and 7 Jul - RAF Regt GS Championships - Mentmore GC. 28 Jul - RAF Regt GS v Royal Marines - China Fleet GC. ******************** ’s all for now Well that , keep smiling if you can and stay happy. Malcolm

16 15th - 30th March 2010 65th Ann Battle of Meiktila Monday 5th April 2010 9th Ann Ded of Mem.l DATES FOR Thursday 8th April 2010 Branch Night MAKE Fri 16th-Mon 19th Apr 2010 Ass.n Spring Reunion YOUR rd ’ A Friday 23 April 2010 St George s Day th DIARIES DATE Sunday 25 April 2010 ANZAC Day Sunday 9th May 2010 Runneymede Mem Service Saturday 8th May 2010 Regt Chapel Comm Service Monday 1st February 2010 68th Ann RAF Regt. Thursday 13th May 2010 Branch Night Monday 1st February 2010 Branch Service NMA Thursday 10th June 2010 Branch Night Friday 5th February 2010 CG Changeover Sunday 13th June 2010 Cosford Air Show Thursday 11th February 2010 68th Ann RAF Regt. Wednesday 16th June 2010 22nd Ann of Branch Thursday 11th February 2010 Branch AGM Saturday 26th June 2010 Reg.t Comm NMA Thursday 11th February 2010 Branch Subs Due Sunday 27th June 2010 National Service Day st ’ Monday 1 March 2010 St David s Day Thursday 8th July 2010 Branch Night Thursday 11th March 2010 Branch Night Thursday 12th August 2010 Branch Night th ’ Wednesday 17 March 2010 St Patrick s Day Sunday 3rd October 2010 Merchant Navy Day

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER Ron Sharp Malcolm A Baldwin Tom Magee 46 Lightwood Road 61 Pear Tree Crescent 11 Pavilion Avenue Yoxall, Burton on Trent Solihull Lodge, Shirley Smethwick, Warley Staffordshire DE13 8QE Solihull, B90 1LE West Midlands, B67 6LA Tel No: 01543 472411 Tel: 0121 608 3791 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MINUTE SECRETARY BRANCH STANDARD BEARER Ken Bridgwood QUARTERMASTER Dave Gooding 29 Claverdon Drive Tom Magee 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Great Barr 11 Pavilion Avenue Rubery, Rednal Birmingham Smethwick, Warley Birmingham West Midlands, B45 5HR West Midlands, B67 6LA West Midlands B45 0NE Tel: 0121 357 4242 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail Tel: 0121 604 4637 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT AND RBL RESEARCH CO-ORD/ Peter Swash LIAISON OFFICER LINK-UP DATA BASE ‘ ’ Mdina Rowney Green Lane Dave Gooding Hughie Cooper Rowney Green 31 Queen Elizabeth Road 11 Sandringham Close Redditch Rubery, Rednal Baswich Lane Worcestershire, B48 7QF Birmingham, B45 0NE Stafford, ST17 0AB Tel No: 01527 60870 Tel: 0121 604 4637 Tel: 01785 242269 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS FINANCIAL AUDITOR FINANCIAL AUDITOR OFFICER/SOCIAL SEC Trevor Round Joan Round Michael Beard 45 Sandfields Road 45 Sandfields Road 21 Abingdon Road Sedgley Sedgley Bloxwich, Walsall Dudley Dudley West Midlands West Midlands West Midlands WS3 2SX DY3 3LB DY3 3LB Tel: 01922 491453 Tel: 01902 672597 Tel: 01902 672597

THIS NEWSLETTER IS PHOTOCOPIED AND BOUND BY KIND PERMISSION OF WRAGGE AND CO SOLICITORS