ISSUE 3 INSIGHTINSIGHT ISSUE 3

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1

INSIGHT In this issue… ISSUE 3 2018

From the 09 8 SQN DEPLOYMENT TO FOB AKTION 10 EXERCISE WINTER MARCH Editor… EDITORIAL TEAM: 10 IBCC OFFICIAL OPENING Sqn Ldr Keith Bissett MSc BSc RAF. [email protected] External Email: 11 IBCC INSPIRE 23 19 Use personal email addresses listed Tel: +44 (0)1522 728377 11 BRITAIN’S LAST SURVIVING DAMBUSTER

Editor: 12 8 SQN CELEBRATE RAF 100 Sqn Ldr Keith Bissett [email protected] 13 RAF 100 DINING IN NIGHT Deputy Editor: 14 51 SQN PARADE IN Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson [email protected] 16 RAF100 CHURCH SERVICE & FÊTE Welcome to this issue Artwork: 19 FREEDOM OF LINCOLN PARADE 2018 of Insight. S. Oliver 20 RAFA WISBECH VISIT Advertising by: Welcome to this issue of the Insight Jo Marchant magazine. As we approach the 21 RAFBF VISIT Tel: 01536 526674 summer holidays there are several 16 14 summer clubs available on Station – 22 COMMUNITY MATTERS more of this in the HIVE/Integrated Designed by: Welfare Facility area of this issue. Amanda Robinson 23 RAF 100 INSPIRE - RACE THE LINE There are several reports from the [email protected] many RAF100 events happening on Station and locally in Lincoln: the RIVET JOINT ENGINEER CO-MANNING Published by: 24 Station’s exercising of the Freedom CONTINUES of Lincoln Parade, 51 Squadron’s Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, exercising of the Freedom of Bath Road, Kettering, NN16 8NL 25 THE STORY OF DAVE ROMANS Snaith, the RAF100 all-ranks Dining Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481 In Night, and the RAF100 Church www.lancepublishing.co.uk RAFMSA CLASSIC RACING TEAM Service and Church Fete. The RAF100 26 [email protected] program will see the majority of the upcoming events occurring by 28 STATION NURSERY EXPLORES STEM the end of the summer with the last Printed by: events expected around the Battle Lance Print Ltd 29 5 (ARMY COOPERATION) SQN of Britain commemoration events in September. 30 ANZAC DAY 2018 As always we strive to include as many articles as we can from our 13 11 Station community.

Please get in touch through WAD- On the cover: The Freedom of 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 [email protected] Lincoln Parade. do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5

Station Commander’s 8 Squadron Deployment to FOB Aktion 4-18 May 18 8 Sqn deployed to MARCOM and the Standing Foreword... NATO Maritime Group 1, Forward Operating made up of 8 ships from Base Aktion, on the the Netherlands, Italy, Gp Capt Tom Burke at the International Bomber west coast of Greece Turkey, Canada, Germany MA BSc RAF Command Centre (IBCC) to complete two and Greece. While on task, official opening ceremony separate NATO taskings the Sentry also coordinated Welcome to Insight on the 12th April. – Op Sea Guardian with the US Carrier Strike Group (USS Harry S. Truman) magazine. The weeks and NATO Assurance leading up to the It was a challenging who were conducting day for our veterans but Measures (NAM). further operations in the summer are typically despite the freezing fog Mediterranean in support allies, the defensive nature This Exercise involved a busy for the Station they were resolute in of Op Inherent Resolve. of NATO as well as to deter number of NATO ships, and 2018 will be no remembering the 57, 861 he Squadron deployed Russia from aggression or including the RN Type 45, exception. As you well fallen comrades that are with a combination The second tasking involved the threat of aggression HMS Duncan dealing with know we are always recorded on the metal walls T of aircrew and operating in Romanian against NATO Allies. Current both exercise and real in demand and are in of remembrance. The Centre engineers, as well as with airspace in support of NATO Units supporting the world scenarios. ~This was is brilliant - well worth support from C4I, Mission NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing Romanian Airforce include a great example of the the habit of delivering a visit. The Race for the Briefing Flight, Survival Mission, encompassed RAF Typhoons from II (Army Sentry and Daring class successfully whenever Line Science, Technology, Equipment Section and under the NATO Assurance Co-Operation) Sqn at RAF destroyer working hand in the country calls. Thank Engineering and Maths FTRS personnel from AAR. hand to provide a combined you to one and all for (STEM) regional final was The first tasking, Operation Air and Maritime picture, keeping the mission on a great success. Eight local Sea Guardian, is “a non- as well as consolidating time and on target. schools designed and built article 5 maritime security various maritime procedures small cars with rocket operation aimed at working developed in the UK. motors to race the clock with Mediterranean the team with the fastest stakeholders to maintain The 100% operability of the he first few months of car (some over 50mph) went maritime situational Sentry throughout and the the RAF’s centenary forward to the national awareness, deter excellent support services final. Events like these are and counter terrorism and provided by FOB Aktion have been busy the 3rd May in the Warrant excellent chance to both T being used by our Schools enhance capacity building.” meant that the maximum nationally but also locally. Officers’ and Sergeants’ celebrate and commemorate Engagement team to inspire It is led by Allied Maritime Operational flying, as well The Lincolnshire and Station Mess. The dinner attended in our 100th year. There are kids to consider STEM Command Headquarters as valuable training was RAF100 teams have put by Air Chief Marshal Sir still several RAF100 events subjects during school and (MARCOM) in Northwood. gained while deployed. on several events that Michael Graydon GCB CBE programmed over the next as a potential career. For 8 Sqn this meant using are truly fitting as acts of RAF, Air Marshal Stuart few months, including the the aircraft’s radar and Mission umbrella, a Sentry Lossiemouth as well as 135 The detachment did also commemoration, celebration Atha CB DSO ADC RAF, celebrations on The Mall Another highlight this communications systems commitment ongoing since Expeditionary Air Wing. get time off to explore the and inspiration. I was several former Station in London on 10th July. month was the All-Ranks to search for maritime 2014. The goal of these Concurrent with the NAM local Greek towns of Preveza privileged to meet with Commanders, and over 170 The Station team can be Dining In Night held on Contacts of Interest across Assurance Measures is to task, 8 Sqn also supported and Lefkada, providing an Bomber Command veterans Station personnel was an contacted at WAD-RAF100@ the Mediterranean. These demonstrate the collective Exercise Sea Shield in the excellent opportunity to mod.gov.uk. On the 31st were then reported to both resolve of NATO and its Black Sea. interact and learn about May the Station hosted the our NATO partners and second ISTAR Awards Dinner. their culture. This was At the dinner, which drew exemplified by a fantastic together the Whole Force, traditional Greek grill night we presented 6 awards to hosted by the FOB staff. very deserving teams and individuals but I appreciate There are NATO FOBs also that everyone cannot win. situated in Trapani, Italy; Orland, Norway and Konya, I wish you all a great Turkey. They provide a summer season – there self-contained base for will be much to celebrate AEW with all the required – from 100th anniversaries Operations, Logistics and to England winning the Welfare Support required for World cup once again…. both training and Operations across various NATO regions. For Faith and Freedom. MAGAZINE 8 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHT 9 IBCC Official Opening Britain’s Last Surviving Dambuster IBCC InSpire Flies In An RAF Lancaster Again A selection of pictures of Veterans and RAF On Sunday 13 May Memorial Flight (BBMF). Squadron Leader are thrilled that we were 18 The International The event (the first of its George ‘Johnny’ able to finally mark this Waddington personnel kind at the IBCC) was a amazing anniversary in at the official opening Bomber Command great success, with more Johnson MBE, DFM, such a poignant way”. of the International Centre (IBCC) hosted than 300 motorbikes in the last British He continued, “It was Bomber Command an event called ‘InSpire attendance, raising over Dambuster, flew on always our intent to pay Centre in Lincoln on 2018’, a motorcycle £3000 for the main charities board the Royal Air tribute to Johnny as the Thursday 12th April. ride-in event raising and just shy of £200 raised Force Battle of Britain last British Dambuster by charitable donations by WMC for LEBBS. Memorial Flight’s carrying out this sortie on 16th May and we were for the IBCC, RAF Although a long day spent (BBMF) Lancaster bitterly disappointed that nfortunately the Benevolent Fund and on 17th May for weather meant the on their feet, with the the weather stopped us Exercise Winter March Motorcycle Outreach unpredicted sun beating an historic flight yesterday. We seized the U aircraft flypasts were cancelled but this didn’t (see www.inspirelincoln. down creating many red to mark the raid’s opportunity to complete deter the thousands present org.uk for details). and shiny foreheads; WMC 75th anniversary. this mission today with from commemorating the received laudable praise Johnny on board, flying sacrifice of over 57,000 men from the IBCC staff, the a shortened sortie. and women who lost their addington InSpire2018 event organisers ohnny flew in lives serving or supporting Motorcycle Club and from the attendance the bomb aimer’s Sadly, the quick turn of Bomber Command W (WMC) were public (via social media, J position, the same events did not give the during World War II. invited to attend and assist post event) for their position he had in 1943, necessary time to organise the event organisers with professionalism, drive and as the aircraft flew over the essential safety boosting the IBCC volunteer good humour throughout the dams of the Derwent measures to handle the numbers by providing the day. WMC are located Valley, just as he did 75 large volumes of traffic that a marshalling team to on RAF Waddington, host years ago whilst training would have been present orchestrate bike parking on many local ride-outs, socials for the 617 Squadron had we announced the site and a Helmet Crèche and charity events; plan raid on the German dams flight, but we felt it was for storage of motorcycle further ride-outs to large (Operation CHASTISE). important to fly Johnny on gear, the proceeds of UK biking events and the Officer Commanding this historic day.” At the end which would be donated occasional overseas trip. BBMF, Squadron Leader of the sortie the Lancaster Fancy a new challenge? including making survival to WMC’s charity for 2018; Andrew Millikin said: “We landed at RAF Waddington. Here’s one way you snow shelters and how to Lincolnshire Emergency If you work at RAF navigate and communicate Blood Bike Service (LEBBS). Waddington and would could be spending in “white out” conditions. Air Commodore Andrew, the ISTAR Force like to get involved with your weekends. Up for a challenge, our Commander, takes in the memorial wall. The pre-event weather the club search for them gunners competed in a report put a lot of bikers on the Waddington MOSS tough 10k cross country off attending; predicting Portal (under the Station hree Reservist Gunners alpine ski race where super a full day of heavy Information Links Tab from 2503 Sqn RAF fit SAC Anderson crossed downpours, right up until > Station Community > T RAuxAF Regt were the line in 1st place with the the night before. However, Clubs Committees and among 60 RAF Reservists, other 2503 Sqn personnel on the day the clouds Welfare > Waddington hosted by the Norwegian following behind in a cleared by midmorning Motorcycle Club). They also Reserve Officers Federation, credible 11th and 21st. providing glorious meet at 1700hrs on the who have been out in Outside of the RAF Reserve sunshine throughout; first Wednesday of every Norway recently on Exercise Regiment these Gunners picture perfect for a month at the Sports Club Winter March 2018. Held work in the security flypast provided by ‘PA474’ bar (on the main drag, in the stunning scenery of industry, as a joiner and Avro Lancaster Bomber, opposite the Cost Cutter Hardangervidda National as a railway engineer. courtesy of the Britain Shop) for a social ride out. Park – a remote and hostile area of the Arctic circle - If you are aged 18-50 years personnel were undertaking old and are interested in Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) becoming a Gunner in the training in temperatures RAF Regiment Reserve at down to -30c. Participants RAF Waddington call 01522 learn how to use NATO 728288 or visit www.raf.mod. alpine ski and avalanche uk/recruitment/lifestyle- rescue techniques along benefit/life-as-a -reserve for with arctic survival skills more details of how to apply.

10 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 11 8 Squadron Celebrate Studio 11 Several hundred personnel RAF100 RAF 100 and their families enjoyed Hairdressing a traditional village fete There are a number of that took place in a hangar. 01522 720415 Dining In Night events being organised The event was opened by by 8 Squadron to the Deputy AEW&C Force As part of RAF backdrop for diners to were treated to thought his distinguished career, celebrate RAF100, but Commander Air Commodore Andrew Martin, and the Waddington’s RAF100 enjoy the tremendous provoking speeches followed by Air Marshal perhaps one of the most guest performers included events, the station held cuisine delivered by from Air Chief Marshal Atha with a fascinating and unique for the Squadron the team of mess chefs. Sir Graydon, describing motivating insight into his the Military Wives Choir a combined Dining-In was the invitation from With Vulcan, Spitfire and the people and events view that RAF Waddington from Brunssum, as well Night in the Warrant NATO to attend the as the band of the Royal Lancaster models on display, that affected and shaped is at the forefront of current Officers’ and Senior celebrations in Germany. Netherlands Air Force operations, and ISR being amongst others. The crew Non-Commissioned more in demand than ever. very much enjoyed listening Officers’ Mess on the Diners were presented osted by to the fantastic music and Thursday 3rd May. with mementos of specially NATO Airbase with the sun shining the designed and crafted coins, H Geilenkerchen, atmosphere was great. coasters, and ale to enable the home of the NATO he event saw 180 them to remember the event AEW&C Force and a former As well as an 8 Squadron personnel from for the next 100 years. RAF Station, this event E-3D and a Dutch Havard T all ranks across was heavily supported by as the backdrop, there station joining each other Special thanks must go JFC Brunssum based just were two of the largest to commemorate and to the Mess Mangers, over the border in the birthday cakes to grace 42 Bar Lane celebrate 100 years since the chefs, staff and voluntary formation of the Royal Air band. It was clear to see Netherlands. The invite a RAF100 celebration. At Waddington for 8 Squadron to get the end of the afternoon, Force. To mark the occasion that significant effort had involved and showcase the Air Commodore Andy LN5 9SA www.studio11hairdressing.com the diners were joined by gone into making the E-3D, to our friends that Huggett, Chief of Staff JFC previous RAF Waddington event the success it was. we work so closely with Brunssum, was presented Station commanders as personnel explored the but rarely get to meet, with a framed print by Sqn well as the current Deputy rich history of the RAF was surely an opportunity Ldr Andy Armstrong of 8 Commander of Operations, with speakers delivering we couldn’t miss. A small Squadron, along with the Air Marshal Atha and guest historical vignettes taking team were selected to Aircrew and Engineers. of honour, Air Chief Marshal guests through time from Sir Michael Graydon. the formation of the RAF, to present day. The mess Guests were entertained staff delivered the Sea throughout the evening Bass, Lincolnshire Pig by the RAF Waddington and a strawberry desert Voluntary Band who, as with military precision usual, provided an enjoyable and timing, before guests

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12 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13 Wing Commander 51 Squadron Parade Simon Cloke’s reading. in the Town of Snaith Number 51 Squadron exercised their Freedom of the Town of Snaith, Yorkshire on Sunday 29th April 2018. the Snaith Priory which was The local brewery also well attended by locals, showed its support in he Freedom of 2012 and is renewed by veterans and members of the putting on a special brew Snaith marks the parading every 3 years. This Airfield Memorial of ale named “Swift & T close relationship year’s event tied in perfectly Garden Committee. Sure” after the Squadron’s the Squadron has with the with the ’s Squadron Leader Bissett, motto. The Squadron area and its residents. From centenary and its aims to said: “Due to operational will visit Pollington and October 1942 to April 1945, ‘Commemorate’, ‘Celebrate’ pressures on the Squadron the nearby Selby Abbey 51 Squadron flew its wartime and ‘Inspire’. Despite we can only exercise the again, where the previous operations from RAF Snaith, delivering operations from Freedom every 3 years. It is Squadron Standard is near Goole in Yorkshire. the UK, while concurrently a privilege to command the laid up, in November for For that period, the exercising in the USA, the parade this year.” Remembrance Sunday. Squadron operated as part Despite the Squadron Squadron parade led by the moving several times over Executive Officer, Squadron Further acts of the years since 1945 from Leader Keith Bissett, and Remembrance were Snaith to Leconfield, Watton, supported by 2357 (Goole) conducted at the Pollington Wyton and to its current , marched Airfield Memorial Garden, home RAF Waddington, the down the Market Street of on the grounds of RAF strong bond between 51 Snaith. The salute was taken Snaith, where the Squadron, FREE DELIVERY ON Squadron and the people by local dignitaries including veterans and locals took time 12 MONTH CALL 01526 344102 of Snaith, East Cowick and the Lord Lieutenant of the to reflect on the Squadron’s WARRANTY ALL UK ORDERS* Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm nearby Pollington still East Riding of Yorkshire, loss of 687 personnel during holds firm. the High Sheriff of East the time it was based at & other electrical goods. Yorkshire, the Mayor of Snaith during World War II. Individual tailored quotes for repairs & servicing. Great value Officer Commanding 51 Snaith, President of the 51 The gardens at Pollington • Great value for money services and sales all carrying Airfield, like the town of Squadron, Wing Commander Squadron Association, Air • High quality service a warranty! Simon Cloke, said: “It is an Commodore Chris Jones and Snaith, are a spiritual home We stock spares for all • High quality products major brands of laptops, honour to be able to exercise risked so much from the Wing Commander Cloke. for the Squadron. The Town computers and TVs. These the Freedom of Snaith today, airfield a few miles away.” & Civic council, alongside ivill Service. WEEE spares and parts are sold on a a place we consider our Following the parade, members of the town dined recycling & handling global scale to both the public of No.4 Group, RAF Bomber spiritual home. The freedoms The Freedom of Snaith Reverend Eleanor on a buffet lunch with the S specialists. Experts in and trade. If you are looking for the sales, repair & Servicing spares, parts, repairs, servicing was bestowed upon 51 personnel of 51 Squadron. Command, equipped with we enjoy today are, in part, Robertshaw conducted a of LCD TVs, Plasma screens, or general sales of electrical the . down to the many that Squadron on 22nd April moving church service in Laptops, Desktop computers goods then look no further.

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14 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15 RAF100 Church Service & Church Fête

pop-corn from the SSAFA The Official cake The RAF Waddington Chaplains recently celebrated RAF100 with stand, or just revelled in cutting by Mrs quality family time. Padre Dorothy Brown, a special Station Church Service, followed by a Church Fête. Rachel Cook entertained Church Warden of the Station Church. the crowd by singing some well-known songs, as well he Church Service unfolded in front of their Padre Alex in the stocks. as (but not simultaneously!) included pieces by the eyes, with Tiger Moths, displaying some impressive Voluntary Band and Spitfires, Station aircraft, T Karate self-defence moves. Military Wives’ Choir. Almost and Vulcans whizzing 120 service personnel, across the screen. After All the events on the day families and friends, of all the performance, the were free-of-charge, funded ages were present, requiring boys and girls were able by the RAF Chaplains’ Branch additional chairs to be in workshops to make Church Collection Funds. provided. Prayers were said their own aircraft and to Padre Philip Wilson, who led by the Reverend (Squadron display their craft work. the organisation for the day, Leader) Chris Lawrence and commented, “The chaplaincy the Reverend (Squadron Back outside in the brilliant team wanted to give The Fete RAF100 cake. Leader) Rachel Cook. Wing sunshine, people queued something for the whole Commander Tim Monk read for ice creams, enjoyed community to enjoy. We the Lesson. The sermon, looked at the RAF100 themes preached by the Reverend 250 people turned out on a Padre Rachel Cook gives a of “Commemorate, Celebrate beautiful May afternoon. A self-defence lesson. and Inspire” and decided that highlight was the cutting of the Church Service would the specially-commissioned be our commemoration, RAF100 Birthday Cake, the Fête would be all about by Mrs Dorothy Brown, celebration, and Messy Church Warden of the Church, starting in the Station Church. autumn of 2018, for young children, will be our time to A unique part of the day inspire the next generation.” was an RAF100 Puppet If the Service and Fête The Waddington Military Show inside the IWF, where events are anything to go Wives’ Choir performing children sat enthralled as by, Messy Church, which in the Church. Padre Philip the history of the Air Force will be advertised more fully Wilson presides later in the summer, looks over the Fete. Playing ‘beat the mole’. SSAFA popcorn stand. like being a real treat!

(Wing Commander) Alex Hobson, reflected on the enduring spirit of the Padre Alex Hobson Royal Air Force; where, during his sermon. although people and places inevitably change, there Padre Rachel Cook. are nonetheless permanent values handed on from generation to generation.

Afterwards, the lively congregation proceeded to the Integrated Welfare Facility lawn where a Church Fête was in full- swing, complete with face- painting, bouncy castle, Lincoln Fun Bus, stocks and old-fashioned games. Padres Philip and Alex - announcing the guess It’s estimated that around the weight of the padres competition.

16 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 17 Freedom Of Lincoln Parade 2018 In the year the Royal The public support we have seen today is a perfect Air Force celebrates example of the strong and Parade Commander. its centenary, service lasting relationship we share personnel from both with the City of Lincoln. RAF WAD Station Commander’s Cadet RAF Waddington (Cadet Flight Sergeant and RAF Scampton Matthew Pearce) – First marched through Official Ceremonial. Lincoln High Street on Friday 20th April exercising their right to the Freedom of the City; an honour which dates to Roman times.

Standard Bearers. eing awarded the Freedom of the B City is an ancient honour granted to military organisations giving them RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums. the right to enter the city “with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed”. The 60 personnel on parade were accompanied by both the RAF Waddington Voluntary Band and the Pipes and Drums of RAF Waddington.

Group Captain Tom Burke, Station Commander RAF Waddington said: The Royal Air Force is celebrating its centenary with a series of national events in 2018. We are very proud of our heritage and our close connection to the County.

RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19 RAFA RAF Benevolent Wisbech Visit Fund Visit Mr Tony Kiddle, an the pilot, Segeant Atkinson, of Waddington, was discharged a few hours your local supermarket serving the local community. ex-56 Squadron prior to Tony visiting but, technician, and four having signed into the • Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Cream Cakes esteemed colleagues medical facility, the Pilot • Fresh Meat, • Groceries of RAFA Wisbech were was informed that Tony Poultry & Fish • Frozen Foods hosted by the RAF had popped by. The pilot • Fresh Dairy Produce • Wines, Beers & Spirits Waddington Station found Mr Kiddle at work on • Chilled Ready Meals • Newspapers & Magazines the flight-line and given RAFALO team in May. • Lunchtime Snacks • Flowers & House Plants the silk scarf given to him • Freshly Baked Bread • Carpet Cleaning by Sergeant Atkinson in • Home delivery • Glass Loan • Cash Dispenser • National Lottery • Celebration Cakes • Extended range now (to order) available The Integrate Welfare • Payzone • Free Parking The RAFBF Board of trustees visited the Facility was next and the station on 24th April trustees were briefed Convenient opening hours: on the expansion plan Mon – Fri 7.30am – 10pm Sat 7.30am – 9pm Sun 10am – 4pm 18, where they met and discussed welfare Major credit cards accepted. Station personnel and provisions with key looked at areas where welfare personnel. Tours their support could help of the Rugby Club and the Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln swimming pool completed 01522 721970 alleviate the challenges of service life. the formal visit, before the trustees enjoyed an excellent meal with the tarting with an station execs. Here the operational theme, the trustees commented on tarting the visit at the 1951 (picture 1) for his kind trustees were given how impressed they were Heritage centre, they gesture. In 2016 this scarf The S a tour of a Sentry E-3D by with the professionalism were given an insightful was donated to 56 Squadron. S Flight Lieutenant Kirsty and determination of brief about the history of RAF Moving to 8 Squadron the Generous Briton Harding and her team. Station personnel. Waddington by historian Mr RAFA visitors were hosted The trustees then had tea Chris Dean. During this Tony by Flt Lt Tidbury who Good Food - Good Beer - Good Company and coffee with 13 Squadron recalled stories linking his facilitated a walk around personnel and discussed the time to 56 Squadron, such as an E-3D and informed the unique challenges faced on the day he visited a downed group of the intricacies of the Reaper Force. A packed Sergeant pilot. Unfortunately working life in the air. programme continued with an excellent tour of the Nursery, which was facilitated by the OIC and Pam the Nursery Manager. CATERING FOR ANY OCCASION Full or light buffets for business meeting or private clients

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20 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21 Community Matters RAF100 Inspire - Race for the Line By: John Ferguson, Community Development Officer (Waddington Finals) As part of RAF100 Deployment Briefings Wing Commander Cloke with the students Half way through 2018 STEM activities, RAF & staff of the Lincolnshire contenders and already and what a Service personnel deploying STEM ambassadors. overseas are well looked Waddington STEM busy year it’s been! The after and prepared well Ambassadors, in Community Support prior to departure. At RAF conjunction with The Team at Waddington Waddington, we believe Learning Partnership, have been as busy that the families of Service have recently held the personnel should also be as ever and have lots Regional Final for ‘Race planned for the summer. well looked after. Partners, parents, brothers, sisters for the Line’ - an event or even a child, being designed to inspire prepared or at least being the next generation Deployed Families Trips aware of the support that is of engineers and As part of RAF Waddington’s available, is really important. scientists by engaging ongoing commitment to families affected by The Community Support them in some rocket deployment or separation Team and other key Station powered racing. The rockets cars – capable of through duty, the Station welfare personnel are around 50 mph! has long supported regular therefore pleased to be able days out and visits to to offer regular families ince February, STEM and data, such as speed OC School Engagement engagement programme local leisure attractions. deployment briefings for Ambassadors, or travelled, is collected using Team and RAF100 STEM throughout the year. Special ‘Rocketeers’ as they a MicroBit, telemetry unit, Project Officer said: This mention must go to Fight Service families affected S are known, have facilitated fitted inside the car. Teams is a fantastic opportunity Sergeant Tony Horsenail, So far during 2018 the by deployment. Briefings School Race Days at 8 local can then design and make for young people to really and Sergeant Nick Shipley, Community Support Team take place in the Integrated Secondary Schools. The their own axles and wheels explore STEM subjects who worked tirelessly in have planned, organised Welfare Facility (IWF) on 01522 727675 or email Forces Community Covenant competition is run nationally and introduce modifications in a fun way through the background to bring and run several trips the first Thursday of every on WAD-BSW-PMS- and RAF Benevolent with over 18,000 teams such as fins, fairings and collaboration and creative this whole event together. including visits to Pizza month and provide an [email protected] Fund’s Airplay project will competing. Year 7 Students spoilers to improve the thinking - the competition Hut, Twin Lakes, Odeon, opportunity to ask those take place at RAF Cosford from across our region have car’s performance. The key has been fierce! I’ve been We are always looking for Bowling and Yorkshire all important questions. Holiday Activities and every RAF Station is been challenged to design, is mass! The lighter the impressed by the ingenuity enthusiastic and engaging Wildlife Park. The pace Briefings are friendly, for Children expected to be involved. The build and race a model car, the faster it goes. and resourcefulness that personnel to become STEM rocket car which can cover I’ve seen today and it’s Ambassadors, so if you feel however, does not let up as informal and offer a great Over the summer holidays, event open to young people (intact!) a 20 metre distance great to see so many young inspired, please contact over the summer we have opportunity to meet other the Airplay Team will aged 11 – 17 will take the in the fastest possible people, girls and boys Flying Officer Fox to find out many more events planned; families experiencing similar be putting together a form of a music festival with time. Waddington School alike, so engaged in what how you can get involved. pub lunches, Bowling, pressures and stresses. programme providing a live music, free activities Engagement Team have been they’re doing. Of course, Flamingo Land and Drayton Why not come along range of activities where and overnight camping in a mentoring their teams for this wouldn’t be possible Manor amongst others. and get a free coffee? children aged 8+ can get safe, secure environment. several weeks in an advisory without the professionalism, involved in. Although, at the role, helping them to dedication and enthusiasm If you will be affected by For further details about any time of writing this article, For details about Airfest understand the requirements of Waddington STEM operational deployment or of the support available to the programme is still to and all the other holiday of the task in order to Ambassadors who deliver then leave the students to activities, around busy core will be separated through Service families affected by be finalised, I can provide activities planned, problem solve themselves. Students explore the displays of roles, to provide a rich STEM duty for 60 continuous operational deployments information on one huge please contact Kathryn aircrew survival equipment days, why not have a chat or separation through duty, project taking place in early Smith (Station Youth on display. Finding out more about All the rockets are identically jet engines. with the HIVE and see what please contact the RAF August. Airfest, a project Worker) Kathryn.Smith@ powered by rocket motors, we have coming up. Waddington HIVE on funded through the Armed actionforchildren.org.uk There were some pretty impressive speeds recorded on the day. The winning team for the Lincolnshire region, with a winning time of 46.8 milliseconds and travelling at a top speed of 47.8 mph was the Beacon Academy (Team “The Americans”) from Cleethorpes. This team will now go on to the national finals which will be held at RAF Wittering in June. Flying Officer Andy Fox, The Winning Team from Beacon 22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE Academy. INSIGHTMAGAZINE 23 Rivet Joint Engineer D&M T WING The Story of Dave Romans This is the first of the pool and his friends. Co-Manning Continues Mobile towbar fitting service a series of articles So low was his impromptu Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted “beat up” that one of the from the archives of pilots who was on the diving Van Ply lining and extra seat fitting. board threw himself into Service discount available Waddington’s Heritage Centre. We start with the water in fright. Romans 01529 306670 was doubly unfortunate Mobile 07740 683867 events at Waddington that day, because the diver Email [email protected] 78 years ago, just was non-other than the OC Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park, before the Battle of 44 Sqn, Wg Cdr Reid who clambered out of the pool Sleaford NG34 8GL of Britain. Web dandmtowing.co.uk and was soon on the phone to Waddington to demand y the beginning of July the arrest of the pilot. 1940, France had fallen Romans was subsequently B to the Blitzkrieg tactics restricted to navigation of the German Army. The duties until further notice: You may have noticed efficiencies at future British Expeditionary Force it was common during the deployed locations. had been evacuated from early days of the war for more USAF personnel Dunkirk and Britain waited junior pilots to carry out than normal at RAF “Co-manning is the essence anxiously as the Germans observer duties with more Waddington during of the entire UK/US Rivet gathered yet more strength experienced pilots until they and behind the pilot’s barely perceptible but fatal seat. Reaching the cockpit, wound. For his gallantry that April, this is because Joint Programme and it in France and invasion gained their own crew. underpins the successes threatened. Prime Minister Romans found his pilot night, Plt Off Romans was UK/US Rivet Joint the RAF has enjoyed with Winston Churchill, ever the These were the unconscious in his seat with awarded an immediate DFC. engineering co- Rivet Joint. The growth of optimist, had vowed to fight circumstances which, on the the aircraft losing height He had an eventful tour: manning is continuing engineering co-manning on regardless of the cost night of 18 – 19th July, led rapidly. Unable to rouse him, regaining his pilot status is the next logical step to – however, with the Royal to Dave Romans being in Romans desperately tried to he successfully ditched to develop at a pace. an already proven concept Navy tied up in defence the nose of Hampden P1324 unfasten his straps and lower his Hampden twice in the and the ability to work on of British waters, the only which was being flown by the back of the seat – the space of 4 days, his crews each other’s Rivet Joints means of taking action to Plt Off Walker. Their target Hampden, nicknamed the all emerging unscathed on ollowing a highly is an excellent example of the enemy was through the was the German airfield “flying suitcase” by its crews, both occasions. successful USAF the synergies between our RAF and Bomber Command. at Eschwege which they was very narrow with the F detachment from Offutt organisations – we look reached in bright moonlight cockpit less than 3 feet wide. Romans remained on flying AFB to RAF Waddington forward to continuing to 1940 was to become one and attacked at 3,000 Finally, Romans was able to duties at Waddington for a in March a further develop this. of the hottest summers on feet. Almost immediately, lower the back of the pilot’s subsequent tour, piloting engineering detachment record, and with no ops searchlights probed the sky seat, but with time against Avro Manchesters with No Lincoln’sVAUXCARE 1st Independent Vauxhall Specialists deployed to Waddington Wing Commander Cloke, planned for one night in as flak defences opened up him he could not pull Walker 207 Sqn, but soon moved from RAF Mildenhall in Officer Commanding 51 early July, No 44 Squadron at at the vulnerable aircraft. clear, so in desperation on again in June 1941 to • Service • MOTs April to expand on the Squadron, said... Romans sat astride the still No 90 Sqn at RAF Polebrook • Repairs • Clutches & Brakes collaborative successes. “The concept has since been body of his pilot and took which was in the process of • Engine Management • New Spares further proven during 51 the controls himself. converting from Blenheims • Air Conditioning • Gearboxes The co-manning of aircrew Squadron’s deployment to to lend lease Boeing on the Rivet Joint is well Exercise STORMFORCE at With considerable effort B-17 Fortresses. established; the aim of this Offutt AFB this April and Tel: (01522) 510610 he managed to grasp the expansion in the engineering May. Looking to the future 4 WAVELL ROAD, ALLENBY IND. EST, control column and throttles Romans’ luck finally came co-manning programme there is an expectation that MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN, LN3 4PB and pull the Hampden out to an end on 8th September is to ensure that both the there will be opportunities for of its dive. Kicking Walkers 1941 when his B-17 was shot RAF and USAF engineers further co-manning during www.vauxcare.co.uk feet off the rudder pedals, down by fighters on a raid to are working to best practice operations away from our Romans was then able to Norway. None of the crew while investigating possible Main Operating Bases.” attract the attention of the survived and they are buried wireless operator/upper at Bygland near Oslo. gunner, Sgt Logan, who pulled Walker from beneath RAF Waddington Heritage Digital Design RAF Waddington decided to As they completed their Romans and administered Centre is run by volunteers. use their off duty period for bombing run, Romans first aid. Dave Romans flew If you wish to visit then a trip to Lincoln’s open air noticed the shell bursts the Hampden directly back please contact us to book Sales and Marketing swimming pool. get closer, and the aircraft to Waddington, landing a date and time on WAD- rocked as Walker took successfully just before [email protected]. One of the Sqn pilots had violent evasive action and 0400 from where the uk. Please give us at least Contract Publishing drawn the short straw entered a steep climb. With still unconscious Walker 2 weeks’ notice if possible however. Canadian Plt no change in power setting, was taken to Lincoln so that we can arrange for a Off Dave Romans was the Hampden stalled and County Hospital. volunteer tour guide to open Branding Solutions left behind because his pitched into a spiral dive. it up for you. Hampden aircraft needed an Unable to contact his Unfortunately, Walker died Tel: 01536 521126 pilot, Romans left the nose soon after – his skull had We are located in the old [email protected] air test, but not wishing to lancepublishing www.lancepublishing.co.uk be left out of the fun he used through the small narrow been penetrated by a small NAAFI building, next door to the opportunity to buzz passage that passed under piece of shrapnel, leaving a the Raven’s Club.

24 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 25 RAFMSA Classic Racing Team The Royal Air Force Every race saw positions traded and even a first Motor Sports podium for Flight Sergeant Association, RAFMSA, Bond with a well fought Classic Racing Team for third place at a wet and windy Anglesey. are two race meets into sublime Maxton chassis have can contact the Comp sec another busy season Fielding 20 machines this both come back with huge Flight Sergeant Ian Ridley for of the Classic Racing year, the team has grown to power increases helping information on building your 13 riders as well as a small them join Green for some own machine and joining us Motorcycle Club’s support team who have so close racing. Closing on the or the possibility of loaning a 2018 season. far ventured out to south group Heggs and Dickinson Yamaha XJ600. Wales’ Pembrey and Norfolk’s push the limits (sometimes Snetterton’s 200 circuit. too far) as they put in he team had a The team was already consistent results at both successful year in the represented in the PC125, Pembrey and Snetterton. T post classic 250 air PC250 and PC500 air cooled We all now look forward to cooled class for 2017 which class’ but for 2018 we now Oulton park and keeping you saw Sqn Ldr Woodward have Rudd with two new up to date with our progress, hold into 2nd place in the riders, Chief Technician be it in this magazine or on championship. It also saw Calendar and SAC(T) Nash, our social media accounts the debut for 51 Squadron in the 600 junior production on; Facebook, Twitter riders Flight Lieutenant on Yamaha XJ600s. With and Blogger. Dickinson, Corporal Heggs the two new riders building and Flight Sergeant Ridley their machines; it was left If you would like to join closely followed by 51 to Rudd and Bartlett (on a the RAFMSA classic racing Squadron racing veterans borrowed XJR600) to battle team on some of the UK’s Chief Technician Rudd and it out during round one at best race circuits then you Sergeant Green. Other Pembrey circuit. Both riders units across Waddington came back pleased to have were represented with Flt had a chance to participate Sgt Bond representing 8 in such a large and Squadron, Sergeant Flynn varied grid. from the Air Warfare Centre and Sergeant Bartlett Meanwhile; the PC250 class from Scampton. kicked off with revised machines and renewed Close racing between hunger to be the top RAF these and other club rider. Woodward has clung riders from across the on to his lead wherever his world made for an exciting motorcycle remained upright season for competitors and whilst Rudds’ light weight spectators alike. Suzuki X7 and Bartlets

26 INSIGHTMAGAZINE Station Nursery explores STEM Activities during RAF 100 (Army Cooperation) Squadron The children and staff The children also took part at Spring nursery in a biology experiment to 5 see what would happen if we With a strong feeling of the process and Sergeant at RAF Waddington touched bread with washed John Fullard ran the 2018 have been exploring and unwashed hands. One of Déjà vu, V(AC) Squadron Commando Speed March in Science, Technology, the children said “that bread once again deploy a respectable 1hr 10mins. A dozen engineers, led by Engineering and Maths got mouldy ‘cause we didn’t two Sentinels to RAF Importantly Sergeant Dave wash our hands and the Akrotiri to re-join the Flight Sergeant Rob Bassett, Mason received recognition (STEM) during April germs grew”. spent two days in London for his work as Sqn FOM and and May. fight against Da’esh in on a Force Development UMO with the award of the Typhoons class (our two- the skies above Syria activity visiting the Cabinet Rauceby Challenge Trophy year olds) had lots of fun and Iraq. War Rooms, St Clement by the Worshipful Company exploring floating and Danes, the Battle of Britain e began by of Farmers. V(AC) remains sinking with different Monument and the RAF challenging our as busy as ever; and, with objects and as a next step ith a mere 4 months Memorial. Flight Lieutenants families to create that in mind, the last words W to this activity they made or so between Nick Thorne, Ian Dodd, should go to the many robots at home to enter boats using corks and other deployments, the and Sergeants Patrick a competition. We had W people who are often in the materials. The children then Squadron has been as busy Bernardi and John Fullard an amazing response and has achieved so far this background, but never out of took them outside to try and ‘at home’ as it ever was ‘on brushed up on their winter the winners were chosen year. ‘Upstairs’ has seen our thoughts – our families. figure out how they could det’. Recouping lost time for mountaineering skills on by Warrant Officer John Flight Lieutenant Andrew Without them, we simply make them move across the the Operational Conversion Ex HIMALAYAN VENTURE Siddons who was astounded ‘Dusty’ Dearing complete couldn’t do what we do; water. The children used Unit; vital engineering work and Ex WINTER WARM-UP. by the effort put in by the his QFI course and Flight thank you all. straws to create rockets on both the aircraft; hosting families who got involved Lieutenants Phillip ‘Zinky’ that they could launch with royal visitors and, a wide but ultimately chose the Nizinkiewicz, Darren Isaac, wind power! variety of other activities to robot named “young pilot in Alex Chevis, Sergeants Andy support Force Generation, training” which was themed Ashley and Rob Stone all Spitfires class (our toddlers) all have placed demands on the RAF100 celebrations. complete their OCUs. Not had the chance to explore on the whole Squadron Our Tornados preschool class to be outdone though, fabrics and materials while during a period when many did the cola and Mentos ‘downstairs’ saw Flight creating some fantastic were expecting a slightly volcano experiment. The Lieutenant Jake Bradley models from junk. Fizz lower tempo - especially as children counted down successfully achieve his bombs in the water were a throughout January we were and said “Wow!” when it ‘Reds & Greens’ engineering real hit with the children, limited to a single jet! exploded. They also learned You could be in the Algarve, qualification at his producing lots of colours about magnets and one first attempt. and smells. They also Having said that, across child said “I knew that would watched some skittle relaxing in the sun... the board the Squadron’s stick, it’s metal.” They also It’s not all been work sweets turning water into response has been positive made different kinds of A spacious 1 bedroom apartment with shared swimming pool. The apartment is though: Flight Lieutenant rainbow colours. and enthusiastic and the gooey slime. situated on the top floor of a 3 storey block. Quiet location, but only 5 mins walk Daz Wicks-Randy ran the to the marina and another 5 mins to the town centre. RAF’s premier SAR/GMTI Eastbourne Half Marathon, Even our youngest children squadron can feel rightly raising an astonishing £5000 got involved by exploring Self Catering Holiday Apartment proud of everything it for St Wilfred’s Hospice in lots of textures, tastes and • Twin bedroom. smells. We bought them • Open plan kitchen & lounge. • The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, sensory mats they can crawl microwave, toaster and washing machine. across which have been • Family sized bathroom. very popular. • The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two single beds) and a table to seat four. • A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. We all had so much fun and • Patio doors open onto the balcony, offering learnt a lot! views over the pool and across Lagos. • Ample parking space in front of the building.

Our Chinooks preschool class PRICES: used our programmable Jan - March £225 April £300 robot bugs to plot a route May £325 on a specially designed map June £375 which taught the children July/August £475 Sept £375 about programming, Oct £325 predicting and positional Nov/Dec £250 language. They drew around and measured their shadows at different times of the Phone Judith on day and had wonderful 01536 711884 discussions about why they www.algarve-retreats.com/ had changed. property-to-rent/apartment-meia.htm

28 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 29 ANZAC Day 2018

Representatives from RAF Waddington RAF Waddington along memorial Garden. with 467/463 Royal Australian Air Force association members gathered today for a Service of Dedication to commemorate ANZAC Day.

reathes were 467/463 Squadrons, graced laid at both the the skies with a perfectly W Waddington timed flypast over the Village Memorial as well memorial garden. as at the RAF Waddington Memorial Garden. The Guests were then hosted for Lancaster of the Battle of lunch in the Officers’ Mess Britain Memorial Flight, followed by a tour of the RAF the aircraft type flown by Waddington Heritage Centre.

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