disaster relief: how the royal navy train to help DefenceFocus Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air Force | Ministry of Defence | issue #277 December 13/jan 14

royal seal of approval Sun Millies Awards 2013: heroes honoured by royalty combatbarbie NANAVIGATORVIGATOR

DISASTER RELIEF: HOW THE ROYAL NAVY TRAIN TO HELP DefenceFocus The award for Most Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air Force | Ministry of Defence | ISSUE #277 DECEMBER 13/JAN 14 Outstanding Airman was presented to Sergeant Anna Irwin by Prince Charles and the Duchess of ROYAL SEAL Cornwall OF APPROVAL Sun Millies Awards 2013: Image taken by heroes honoured by royalty Darren Fletcher

Regulars

p12 verbatim Jonathan Slater on the Levene review; its impact and how it affects you. Yes you!

P28 health The curse of winter flu; how to avoid it and stay hale and hearty

P30 puzzles Your monthly brain-teasers in the form of a crossword and sudoku

P31 Competitions Win the smash-hit film Rush on DVD or a two-night break in Torquay Features

p6 that was the year that was Images that captured the breadth of spirit boy to soldier: work carried out by Defence in 2013 P8 sun shines on military winners rifleman apowida on the Meet the courageous Armed Forces art of soldiering P26 recipients honoured by The Sun P14 british military tournament Back at Earls Court were the White Helmets, Field Guns, Marines and camels P18 P18 preparing for the worst Royal Navy disaster relief training for when natures wreaks havoc

P20 row to recovery Injured Service personnel are sailing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic

P22 Gary Barlow Popular X Factor judge talks to Defence Focus about his military-themed TV show

P24 my medals P14 RSM Dave Pearce has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 3 EDITOR’SNOTE

Lorraine McBride humbled by the optimism of war widow DefenceFocus Jacqui Thompson whose husband Gary This month, our magazine is guest edited by was Britain’s oldest reservist to die in Lorraine McBride, roving reporter, celeb- Afghanistan. Jacqui and her admirable For everyone in defence stalker and Defence Focus stalwart for family celebrated Gary’s life and fondly Published by the Ministry of Defence almost 13 years. imagined his mock-horror when Level 1 Zone C Exactly 150 issues ago, newspapers wrongly reported that he was MOD, Main Building Whitehall I landed my dream job 52 rather than 51. London SW1A 2HB with Defence Focus. Memorable locations include General enquiries: 020 7218 1320 From the get-go, it was Kosovo, Cyprus, Belgium, Paris, Clyde EDITOR: Fiona Simpson the variety of stories and Buckingham Palace for a scoop with Tel: 020 7218 3949 that had me hooked. Prince Andrew looking back on his naval email: [email protected] One sign of fast- career. A pinch-me moment was walking ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ian Carr changing attitudes was through the Palace, slightly deafened by Tel: 020 7218 2825 our first cover story, the military music, thinking “Blimey, their email: [email protected] “It’s OK to be Gay”, staff are patriotic”, when it dawned that ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leigh Hamilton after the Government lifted the ban on gay the music came from the Queen’s Guard Tel: 020 7218 5988 people serving in the Armed Forces. band playing on the Palace forecourt. email: [email protected] It was a huge privilege to interview It was fascinating to interview 10 ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lorraine McBride Britain’s last survivors of the First former Defence Secretaries, hearing the Tel: 020 721 82341 World War. I visited Harry Patch at his dramas that defined their time in office. email: [email protected] care home. Self-effacing Harry was There’s even been the odd celeb; such as ART EDITOR: Mark Eagle the last survivor from the trenches in Bruce Forsyth (who remarkably served Tel: 020 721 8 3658 email: [email protected] Passchendaele. He recalled a dying in the RAF on D-Day), Leslie Phillips, Cornishman who begged Harry to shoot and Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPORT: Shell Daruwala him. But before he could draw his watching the then unknown rower, Tel: 020 7218 1320 email: [email protected] revolver, the soldier gasped one final Heather Stanning, train a year before word, ‘Mother’, and died. That one word taking Olympic gold. Inevitably, after 13 MOD does not endorse any product or service advertised ran though Harry’s brain for 88 years. years, I’ve got itchy feet but I will cherish in Defence Focus, nor does it verify any preferential treatment offered by any advertiser to MOD employees. It was equally impossible not to be my memories of working alongside some Queries on advertisements should be addressed to our blown away by the bravery of modern truly extraordinary people from every advertising agency. troops honoured for gallantry. I was also corner of Defence. It’s been quite a ride. Opinions expressed in Defence Focus do not necessarily represent those of the MOD. Articles on all aspects of MOD and Defence will be considered for publication but we reserve the right to edit contributions. MOD staff contributing to Defence Focus should ensure their writing is suitable for open publication.

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4 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 New year message meeting the challenges that face the nation mark francois, minister of state for the armed forces reflects on the last year in defence

s the year draws to a close, In November, I represented MOD at we can look back over what the Cenotaph and the National Memorial has been another busy year. Arboretum, a humbling experience as A Operations in Afghanistan have the nation came together to remember not only proved busy but also pivotal to those who have gone before us, and achieving our long-term strategy. The those still serving overseas, away from Afghans have continued to take up more home and in harm’s way. and more responsibility; their ability Remembrance also provided the to do so is testament to the hard work opportunity for me to gather together of many thousands of sailors, soldiers, some of those Members of Parliament airmen and Defence civilians. with previous military experience. Many We have paid a high price this year people are surprised when I tell them as in previous years, with, tragically, that some sixty current MPs have served eight Service personnel having made the in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (my own ultimate sacrifice. But the progress we time was spent with the Royal Anglian have made has meant that as we move Regiment, Territorial Army). The picture into 2014 we can continue to step further below was taken when more than thirty back as we prepare for the end of combat of us gathered at the Guard’s Chapel at operations. Of course, challenges Wellington Barracks to remember the The Rt Hon Mark Francois MP, Minister remain, and whilst people will naturally fallen. It was a poignant moment. of State for the Armed Forces

focus on the end point, we must bear The pace of service life is a quick Jez Doak Sergeant Picture: in mind that there is still another 12 one, but we have consistently met the months of our combat operation to go. I challenges that have faced the nation For those of you who are deployed, I hope am committed to ensuring we finish our and I hope that all Defence personnel that you have a safe time and you have my mission in good order. reading this can look forward to some utmost respect and thanks for the work While Afghanistan remains time at Christmas with their families. you do. DF Defence’s main effort, it is by no means the only part of the world where the UK Armed Forces made a difference in 2013. The start of the year saw our personnel deployed in Mali, supporting our French allies in preventing that country from being overrun by Al-Qaeda- linked groups. November and December, meanwhile, saw the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force work together to deliver critical aid support to the people of the disaster-struck Philippines and there was much else to keep us busy in between. For me personally, this year has brought many fascinating experiences. I was very proud to see the first Genium prosthetics being fitted to some of our brave servicemen who have lost limbs in Afghanistan. Working alongside charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, we have made real progress in the care of those who have given so much and it is right we continue to Veteran MPs remembrance service in the Royal Military Chapel

support them through their rehabilitation. Wade PO(Phot) Derek Picture:

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 5 Editor’s choice 2013

Fire breather: HMS Dragon’s Lynx helicopter fires infrared flares

Cut above: award- winning chef Private Lee Berry Picture: Corporal Ross Fernie Ross Corporal Picture: Picture: Sergeant Adrian Harlen Sergeant Picture:

Strong arm: a Royal Marine receives a warm What a buzz: Sergeant Scott Weaver

welcome while delivering aid to the Philippines LA(Phot) Nicky Wilson Picture:

Picture: Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC RLC Rupert Frere Sergeant Picture: launches a Black Hornet Nano UAV Flag day: soldiers recreate the famous ‘Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima’ on Arthur’s FEATUREINTERVIEW Seat in Edinburgh to promote Armed Forces Day Picture: Mark Owens Picture: Picture: LA(Phot) Dave Jenkins LA(Phot) Dave Picture:

Polished performance: more than a thousand soldiers and airmen celebrate the Queen’s birthday

Dog’s life: a military Proud moment: Afghan soldiers are presented with working dog in Kabul

certificates for their efforts at the national battle school RLC Dan Bardsley Sergeant Picture: Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

Diamond nine: the Red Arrows training over RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus Picture: Corporal Graham Taylor RAF Taylor Graham Corporal Picture: Sun millies

Official recognition: Most Outstanding Sailor Award was presented by Ronnie Wood to Petty Officer Emily McCullough, reunited with husband Sean after months apart Picture: Darren Fletcher Darren Picture: Millies honour Military heroes the event paid tribute to the excellence and courage of the Armed Forces reports lorraine mcbride

he hard work and achievements of and wife Samantha, defence ministers, women serving at home and overseas. Also the Armed Forces were recognised senior military, government and political celebrated were members of the public who at the sixth annual Sun Military figures and stars from entertainment in various ways work tirelessly to support T Awards (The Millies). The Prince of and sport to pay tribute to exceptional military personnel. Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were individuals in one of the most moving TV Among the winners was triple guests of honour at the event – billed as events of the year. amputee Corporal Josh Boggi, from the “A Night of Heroes” – held at the National In eight categories, the awards Royal Engineers, who was presented with Maritime Museum in Greenwich. They were organised by The Sun newspaper honoured the award for Overcoming Adversity by joined by Prime Minister David Cameron the bravery and excellence of the men and Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins. Josh was

8 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 injured on New Year’s Eve in 2010 but on his first tour of duty. “You just think of completed the 420-mile Big Battlefield doing your job and making sure everyone Bike Ride just three years later and is now is safe; you don’t feel scared as it’s a good aiming to compete in the Paralympics in adrenaline rush.” Rio in 2016. In a message to other injured Later, Holly Willoughby took time to

servicemen, Josh said: “If I do inspire send a message to troops serving abroad Edwards Paul Picture: people, I don’t dwell on it. I’m just a normal at Christmas. She said: “My message is bloke trying to lead a normal life. If you take stay safe. I’ll be thinking of you and raising a a bad turn in life, there’s always something glass over my Christmas dinner. Look after you can do to improve. You just get on with yourselves and come back soon.” being the best person you can.” Sir Bradley said: “The word humble Cool head gets thrown around a lot but we’re all in Prince Charles and the Duchess of admiration for what he’s done, not just for Cornwall presented the award for Most the way he’s picked himself up and thrown Outstanding Airman to Sergeant Anna Life Saver winner, Sergeant Rachael himself into it, but Josh’s story in redefining Irwin, from18 (Bomber) Squadron, who Robinson, and Ricky Gervais his life through cycling is incredibly helped load her Chinook with injured courageous. Hopefully we’ll see him in Rio.” personnel in the aftermath of a Taliban David Cameron presented the award attack. Even when a rocket-propelled for Best Reservist to Lance Corporal Keith grenade struck close by, Sergeant Irwin Mallon of the Royal Yeomanry. By day, kept a cool head to keep the helicopter on Keith works for a publishing house but the ground until all were safely on board. he’s also a member of the Royal Yeomanry Going out of her way to thank her team responsible for detecting IEDs laid comrades, Anna said: “When we go out, by the Taliban. it’s not just the crew behind what we do, it Dan Charity Picture: Paying tribute to the Armed Forces, is everybody that is involved and that’s why Mr Cameron said: “When we say thank you, I wanted to include them. The award is for you say ‘it’s just our job’, but we know you something that happened on a particular go above and beyond the call of duty and we night but the award wouldn’t have thank you for that.” Citing military values happened without all those people.” of courage and comradeship, he added: The award for Support to the Armed “These are the values we should cherish Forces went to Families’ Activity Breaks that we need more of in our country… You who help bereaved families pick up the truly represent the best of British and it’s pieces by providing action-packed holidays. humbling to be in your presence.” Sergeant Rachael Robinson, from A Flight, 22 Squadron, RAF Search and MOVING MOMENT Rescue Force, received the Life Saver One of the most moving moments was Award for risking her life again and again when Petty Officer Emily McCullough to rescue a seriously injured French from the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval fisherman at sea. Nursing Service received the Most Backstage, a completely gobsmacked Outstanding Sailor/Marine Award from Rachael dedicated her success to her dad Ronnie Wood for her exemplary care of who died last month. Asked where her drive Best Reservist Lance Corporal Keith Mallon patients during two tours of Afghanistan came from, Rachael said: “I just don’t want and one in Iraq. anyone to die when I’m on shift, as that The dedicated military nurse has would be my worst nightmare, so I just keep only seen her submariner husband Sean going. I can’t believe it really.” Ricky Gervais for just a few weeks since they married handed Rachael her award and hailed her in 2012, and her acceptance speech incredible achievements. was interrupted when Sean surprised Ricky said: “It is an amazing evening her on stage in a tearful reunion. Emily and I’m determined not to cry. It’s so said later:“To be singled out is just such humbling when people thank you for an honour. This whole thing has been turning up but these people risk their lives.” crackers and I’m so embarrassed that I The highly competitive category of Best cried all over the stage but I just couldn’t Unit was topped by the 904 Expeditionary Air help it as it’s so overwhelming!” Wing Tornado Detachment who have flown Ronnie Wood said: “It’s amazingly missions continually for 23 years. important to celebrate our unsung heroes. There were also two Special You don’t realise what goes on and take it Recognition Awards. The first went to for granted. But when you meet them and veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic. see what they do its mind-blowing.” Veteran Albert Owings, 90, a former radio Holly Willoughby presented the award officer, described the award as “very for Most Outstanding Soldier to Rifleman emotional”. The second award went to Overcoming Adversity: Corporal Josh Boggi Josh Dodds, from B Company, 4th Battalion Camp Bastion’s Support to Operations receives his award from Sir Bradley Wiggins Picture: Darren Fletcher Darren Picture: The Rifles, who killed a Taliban sniper personnel in Afghanistan. DF

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 9 helmand province

Inner peace: the church at Camp Souter in Kabul Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture:

Vigilant: the Reverend Keith Robus conducts a remembrance service Sunset: Kabul city from Camp Souter Picture: Stefano Sbaccanti Stefano Picture: Picture: Corporal Jamie Peters RLC Jamie Peters Corporal Picture: Tough talking Chaplain to the Kabul Support Unit, the Reverend Keith Robus RN is happy to listen writes Ian Carr

owever tough you are, there that is only part of the padre’s work. your day-to-day life here difficult.” are times when you need a bit “My main role is to listen and let the As part of his pastoral duties, which of help to get you through. It is person tell their story in an environment he shared with ministers from other H when life’s burden becomes too of trust and calm reflection. If it is helpful ISAF nations, Reverend Robus conducted heavy that people often turn to the padres. I might make suggestions about how they the short remembrance services held While the Armed Forces are a multi-faith could proceed, but often just the process each Sunday morning outside the ISAF organisation, the padres offer a kind of of reflection and being taken seriously Commanders HQ. “The names of coalition support that transcends religious beliefs by someone is enough to bring forward a troops who have been killed in action are and worship. solution.” read out, followed by an Afghan officer “As a padre I offer to those of any or Perhaps it is because military who reads out the number of Afghan of no faith, friendship, confidential advice, personnel learn early in their careers National Security Forces who have been or just a person who will listen without that the padres are the people who don’t killed in the past week, “ said Reverend judging,” said Royal Navy chaplain the shout at them that makes it easier to talk Robus. “They were poignant moments Reverend Keith Robus, who was based in to them about things that are bothering and brought home to us all the sacrifices Kabul for this year’s summer tour. them suggests Reverend Robus. “We give that these brave people are making week Living alongside their flock on them a chance to be themselves and think after week on behalf of their country.” operations, military chaplains can things through,” he said. Before joining the Royal Navy, understand the hardships, dangers and In these days of Wi-Fi, Skype and Reverend Robus spent 22 years as a difficulties that the troops face, whoever email, British troops can keep in touch parish priest in West London. For a while they are and however hard bitten they may with their friends and family better than he served in the Royal Naval Reserve appear to be. ever before. That of course can be a before joining the regulars four years “Although I am a Royal Naval massive morale-boost, but sometimes ago. He describes making the decision chaplain, and normally my flock would be it can also emphasise the great distance as his calling. “It has meant that I have sailors and Royal Marines, here in Kabul separating them from home. “If you are met some tremendous people. When you I minister to all troops and civilians. In missing your family and you hear that your see the commitment and discipline of the end, people are people and each need daughter has fallen and cut her head, yes these young men and women who want support in different ways.” you can see it on Skype, but you can’t pick to do well and get on in life, and who are Christian worship, exploration and her up and cuddle her, or do the things prepared to do so much for others, it gives prayer are there for those who seek it, but you want to do as a parent. It can make you so much hope for humanity.” DF

10 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 FEATUREINTERVIEW verbatim work in progress Transformation TSAR Jonathan slater SAYS LORD LEVENE’S SECOND ANNUAL REPORT RECOGNISES SUCCESS

DF: When did you begin as DG for Defence 10 years. Then we delegated funding to Commands, saying‘you don’t have to Transformation and Corporate Strategy? the Commands to live within the overall come to us to agree the details of your JS: It was a little over two years ago when budget set. Now we need to make sure that programmes, you need to design them I was asked to take the recommendations Head Office sits between the Board and for yourselves’. That’s the first step. They in Lord Levene’s report and turn them into the Commands acting in a coherent way. then need to delegate that authority down projects. Levene recognises that it is smaller and through their own organisations. becoming more strategic, but there is more DF: What was the first problem you faced? to be done to ensure coherence. DF: Can you say more about what you JS: When I arrived I found that there mean by ‘Think’ Defence? was general support for Levene’s DF: What is the next step for Head Office? JS: It is about people increasingly recommendations and that he was right JS: We are putting in place a regular seeing themselves as part of a collective about the organisation being insufficiently senior management group, chaired by the endeavour. Again, this happens naturally rigorous about how it spent public money. Permanent Secretary, which will bring if you are on operations. If you are a soldier But there was scepticism about the together the civilian and military three- taking a hill, you expect everyone involved Department’s ability to change. stars in Head Office to make sure the Head to be a part of that endeavour. But, back in Office is joined up and coordinated. the business space, historically, too much DF: Why were people sceptical? time has been spent competing for the JS: As far as the staff were concerned, the DF: Levene talks a lot about behavioural same resource. We have to have a more view was that our leaders were not good change. How is that going? joined up approach. The creation of Joint enough at managing change. The Your Say JS: We have brought it down to three Forces Command is an example. It was civilian survey results tell you that. And words, which are be, think, do. one of Levene’s recommendations. It has this was a very big change, involving the That’s Be, as in be a leader. We proved an effective way of encouraging a whole of our operating model, so there was mean that in the business space. I think more collective approach to things like scepticism about it. we all agree that our leadership on the defence intelligence, health, all of those battlespace is second-to-none. The things where it’s more sensible to do things DF: What other pressures were there? challenge is to get people to show the jointly across the Armed Forces. JS: MOD was in the middle of a very same leadership capability when they significant downsizing, so changing the are back in the office as when they are on DF: And doing Defence better? way we work at the same time as reducing operations. We especially want them to JS: Doing it better is about encouraging staff levels and fighting a war overseas, be more empowering to their staff. innovation and new ways of working. To take and gearing up to play a significant role in Think, as in think Defence, i.e. joined a simple example, which is in common with the Olympics meant we were going to be up, and Do as in do it better, i.e. innovate. the broader Civil Service reform agenda, stretched. We are looking for clear frameworks to using digital means to deliver services. be set so staff can work effectively under In the old days Service personnel would DF: Does Levene’s latest annual report delegated authority rather than always have to use a paper-based system to sort show that we have made progress? looking upwards for permissions. out accommodation. Now it is done online. JS: Yes, he says that we’ve made good That’s DIO taking advantage of progress so far. But the task is not complete DF: Is this approach being adopted across technology to work in a new way. We have by any means. Putting in a new operating the whole of government? demonstrated improvement over the year, model is just a means to an end. Its purpose JS: I would say that the nature of our but there is much more to do. is to change the way that we work and challenge is not unique to Defence and that behave. Levene says he can see signs of that the Civil Service reform agenda is designed DF: Delegated authority also means beginning to happen, but it’s still work in to, among other things, encourage people accountability. How does that work? progress. to work collectively across boundaries and JS: In April we established quarterly in a more empowered way. meetings between the Permanent DF: How are we doing establishing Head Secretary, CDS and the TLB holders, the Office’s strategic role? DF: So people can expect to have more people who run the large constituent parts JS: We started with Levene’s responsibility in future? of the Department. recommendation to change things at JS: Yes, and less in the way of too many In these meetings they account for Board-level. Now it is comprised of the controls on how they do their tasks, and not delivering the progress that has been people who have ultimate responsibility too much second-guessing by too many committed to in our plans. We’ve made for deciding how we spend our money. senior managers. good progress and Levene recognises And they have succeeded in balancing the We have delegated funding that. Let’s see what he thinks when he budget – we haven’ t had that for at least responsibility for the programme to the comes back in 12 months’ time. DF

12 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 13 British military tournament Back with a Bang The British Military Tournament celebrates legendary events and heroes in British History

Freddie Joyce, 18, captain of Powerful Something for everyone: told how his crew must block out the roar the tournament combines troops, bangs, camels, from the crowd. music and storytelling Captain of Terrible, Jamie White, added: “I’m not scared of losing a finger but I’m scared of losing and not putting on a good show for people.” Military music is another staple of the show. Linsey Carnegie has performed with a Royal Marines Band in the Royal Albert Hall, on Horse Guards Parade and at Tattoos worldwide, but couldn’t wait to sample the atmosphere of Earls Court. She said: “I’ve heard a lot about it from our ‘old and bold’ so it was exciting to discover that we’ll be part of something as big as this.” Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Dare co-ordinated the tournament. He said: “It gives us the opportunity to showcase what we do and link Motorbike magic: up with the communities that we Captain Richard Carr serve. We meet the public and he British Military Tournament was ditched and Royal Picture: Lorraine McBride they’re able to understand a bit returned to Earls Court to Marines reinforcements more about the Royal Marines and celebrate the achievements of summoned from HMS Ocean. the Royal Navy.” T heroes and legends from military A popular highlight was the White In addition to the show, a raft of fun history writes Lorraine McBride. They Helmets Motorcycle Display Team. At the activities included the opportunity to use included the codebreakers of Bletchley dress rehearsal, Captain Richard Carr from an Enigma machine to create a coded Park, Nelson at Trafalgar and Lawrence of the 24-strong team said: “Our best-known message, while the public met members Arabia, with serving soldiers, sailors and trick is the ‘fan’ formation on motorbikes. of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF and got airmen taking centre stage. People enjoy coming back to see us year their hands on the latest military kit. DF The show took place at Earls Court on 7 after year. We love performing in front of and 8 December. Prince William was guest a big audience which adds to the buzz.” of honour on 8 December, the first time he Performing a compact, fast version of their has attended the event. usual crowd-pleasers, Captain Carr said: Anthony Andrews narrated the two- “We’ve kept all the exciting, big impact hour celebration, featuring dramatic tricks, including a jump over four tanks.” re-enactments, death-defying stunts, set Sergeant Stevie Marshall said: “With a pieces, storytelling, music, and even a focus on teamwork and trust, the lads might submarine emerging through the floor. not be doing ‘green mean’ stuff but still focus on Army values. At shows like this, Highlights included: we’re the guys that make boys want to join ■ Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, the the Army in future.” Tanks for coming: tanks take centre-stage Central Band of the RAF and the London For the finale, Lance Corporal Ian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums Greenhalgh performed wheelies on a quad ■ The legendary Field Gun Run bike at high speed dressed as a giant bear, ■ Vintage and current armoured vehicles, a while the blast of field guns tore through hot air balloon and an Apache helicopter the arena. He said: “It’s hard because I can’t ■ 100 horses and two camels see a lot but the crowd make it a great show. What goes through my mind? Don’t fall off!” A fictional crisis even allowed the Royal Lieutenant Commander Ian Flayne of Marines to show off their muscle power. the Naval Reserve co-ordinated the Field When pirates ‘hijacked’ a global positioning Gun competition with crews from Powerful system satellite to entice a ship closer and Terrible who disassemble and carry the Field Gun fun: Fieldalways Gun: highly always competitive a must-see

ashore to take hostages, a light aircraft field guns across chasms of 200 metres. David Hutton Pictures:

14 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 FEATUREINTERVIEW PROSTHETIC SHOWCASE Extraordinarily normal state-of-the-art genium prosthetics are giving injured service personnel a new lease of life

e take walking for granted. It gone, there’s no point crying’.” may sound stupid, but really, Corporal One of the things that kept him positive when was the last time you Matt Webb in the early days in Birmingham was all the consciously thought about puts his good things he had heard about Headley W Genium putting one leg in front of the other? Court. What he says makes the difference prosthetics Probably not since we were toddlers, taking to the test there is that there’s no culture of sympathy. our first wobbly tentative steps towards a “You’ll be up and about in no time. Nobody madly waving and encouraging mum. really cares you’re an amputee, there’s For people who’ve had above-the-knee plenty more here. So you just have to leg amputations, having to concentrate on constantly move forward. I’ve had some every step can be an immense challenge. tough days, but generally it’s been pretty But like everything these days, good really.” technology is on hand to make the everyday And of course the main thing that has a little bit easier. Earlier this year Philip helped Craig keep a smile on his face is his Hammond committed over £6.5 million family. “I’ve got a two-and-a-half-year- to guarantee that injured personnel and old, and only the other day she asked me veterans with above-the-knee amputations about my leg and I said ‘daddy lost it in could receive the latest prosthetics Afghanistan’ and she said ‘daddy, if we go technology where clinically indicated. back to Afghanistan, do you think we could One of these is the Genium go find your leg?’, ‘err well, maybe not!’” Pictures: PO(Phot) Derek Wade PO(Phot) Derek Pictures: microprocessor prosthetic leg. Since So with no chance of going back and March more than 50 injured Service finding that lost leg, the next best thing was personnel have been fitted with 90 ‘bionic’ the compound all day clearing IEDs, and as to get fitted with a prosthetic. The Genium legs at Headley Court, the Ministry they were leaving he stepped on a pressure leg wasn’t available when he was first at of Defence’s multi-million-pound plate. “It was just a device that was Headley Court two years ago so he was rehabilitation facility in Surrey. missed,” he said. He lost his left leg from on an earlier generation leg, the KX06. The Genium limbs are incredibly mid-thigh. Although Craig describes it as ‘a good leg’, futuristic. When you see them next to the Conscious throughout his evacuation it wasn’t until he got on the Genium that he previous generation of prosthetics they look back to Camp Bastion, unsurprisingly it really began to see a way back to normal light years away. The really space-age bit was his family that were going through his life. “It enables you to do everything that you is in the knee, which contains sensors to mind. “I was constantly telling the family used to do before. Some of the other legs, detect movement, similar to the Wii games ‘don’t worry, I’m not doing the searching, I you need a specific leg for an activity, but console, allowing the limb to move in a do planning, co-ordinating, I’m the man at when you go on holiday you can’t really take natural way. Mark Thoburn, senior clinician the back, I’ll be stepping in the footsteps of a bag of legs, whereas a Genium enables at Headly Court explains: “It’s a very high- my searchers’. My first thought when I got you to do pretty much everyday things.” tech product. Microprocessors control the blown up was ‘no, no, not me’.” It’s the simple things non-amputees hydraulics in the limb. And it allows us to After emergency care at Bastion, he take for granted that can be the most fine-tune them to achieve everything the was flown back to the UK, where he was limiting for an amputee. Before the Genium, patient is hoping to achieve in a normal life.” transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Craig could only walk up and down stairs And that’s the key phrase: normal in Birmingham where the Royal Centre for one step at a time. “With this one I can walk life. It’s not just about paralympic heroes Defence Medicine is based. up and down the stairs, step over step.” achieving superhuman feats; mostly it’s “Initially, your life is turned upside Another feature of the microprocessor knee about people who want to live a normal life, down. I didn’t know any amputees, didn’t is standing. The knee detects and reacts to go to work, play with their kids, go to the know any of my colleagues it had happened the user’s movement, allowing it to sense gym or enjoy a holiday. to, and you do worry for the future.” when they are standing still. After a few Army reservist Sergeant Craig Gadd But Craig isn’t the sort of bloke that sits seconds, the knee locks in place. “With a lot was an engineer search advisor on Herrick around and mopes. He was up within a few of the other legs, you always have to remain 13 in 2010, part of an IED task force whose days of arriving in hospital. with your core engaged to hold the leg up,” job it was to clear a compound next to Camp “I remember being in hospital for a Craig says. “Whereas this one, it senses that Pritzer in the Nahr-e Saraj district. few days and I made it to the bathroom and you’re stood still, it’ll go into a lock stance Craig’s team had been in and out of looked at myself and thought ‘well, it’s and won’t bend, and then as soon as you

16 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 move it’ll free and let you carry on walking, so it’s a really clever leg.” Sergeant Craig Gadd explains why Genium is so good So clever that the team from Headley Court have had a steep learning curve to get to grips with the technology. “Although we’ve used some hi-tech products, this is three times as clever,” says Mark. “We all had to go on training courses, there was a lot of involvement with the manufacturer. But now, we are the subject matter experts in the UK on these products.” Craig is full of praise for the team at Headley Court. “Obviously the skill level the guys have got here is all dealing with high- level amputations, due to the sort of injuries the guys have sustained it’s very different to your average NHS patient, so their skill and expertise does come into it massively.” The team have fitted a lot of limbs now and they know the legs inside out. It’s not just the whizzy microprocessors, it’s about how the limb fits the patient. Every amputee is different, every amputation is different. The prosthetics have to work with all shapes and sizes and all types of lifestyle. As Craig says: “It’s not a one-size- fits-all. The socket is massively important as well. You can have the best leg in the world on the end of your stump, but if you haven’t got a decent fitting socket then it doesn’t matter.” It’s down to the skill and professionalism of the Headley Court team who tailor-make each prosthesis to those wearing them. Each Genium leg is fine-tuned to the patient. When that set- up is correct the team can then programme the limb to achieve those normal everyday functions that we all take for granted. “Those functions could include things like extended standing; there’s a programme you can have for doing press-ups where it locks the limb in full extension. So really that’s about asking the patient what they want,” Mark says. The team work very closely with the physios. Once the patients get their limbs they do a lot of intensive physio. The way they walk and their understanding of the limbs changes. Quite often the team then have to make little adjustments to alignment or the programme to ensure that everything is as fine-tuned as it can be. It enables Once the team have done all it can it’s you to do then up to the patient to make the most of their prosthetic. everything “Wearing a prosthetic limb is the difference between being in a wheelchair that you used the rest of your life or getting on with the stuff that you used to do before,” Craig says. to do before “I was really active, young family, always doing a million and one things outside of the Army. Being able to do that still, as an amputee, you’re living a normal life, just the same as everybody else.” DF

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 17 disaster relief helping hands when disasters strike, it’s all hands on deck to help thanks to the navy’s training writes ian carr

nother hurricane has brought Happily for the inhabitants, such Navy come to the Royal Navy to undergo, havoc to a coastal community. regular devastation has nothing to do some might say endure, FOST. Indeed But although dead bodies have with the effects of global warming, but many of their officers and senior ratings are A been seen among the wreckage, everything to do with the disaster relief embedded on the staff. and terrified survivors in the town have no exercise (Distex) element of FOST – the Flag A week before the exercise at Bull food or water, while others have fled into the Officer Sea Training course which certifies Point, the Dutch ship was given bad weather surrounding hills, no stories of this human crews and vessels as being sufficiently warnings and a request to arrive as soon tragedy will ever hit the headlines. prepared for any eventuality. as possible. Regular updates followed, Footage filmed by a news camera crew “Distex is just one element of the six- including damage reports, some detailed, picking its way through the debris won’t week-long operational sea training that we some compiled as if by civilians. “We have ever be broadcast. It is not the first time that run,” said Lieutenant Commander John modified Distex to mirror the experiences the inhabitants of the isolated settlement of Barry. “In that time ships’ crews will have of HMS Daring in the Philippines,” said Bull Point have had to suffer in silence. been trained and assessed on a spectrum Lieutenant Commander Barry. Each time disaster has struck it is the of activities including war-fighting, non- As part of their briefing the crew of the Royal Navy that has helped restore order. It combatant evacuation, salvage and towing, Dutch frigate were told that ‘mapping of happens so often that you might think that anti-submarine warfare and of course the local area was not available, but Google the mayor would have the neighbouring disaster relief.” maps are known to have good coverage’. naval base at Plymouth on speed dial. Today’s lifesavers whose endeavours “That’s exactly what Daring had to do,” will be recorded by the simulated press are said Lieutenant Commander Barry. “A lot of the crew from the Dutch frigate De Zeven organisations like the UN produce bespoke Provincien. Both the Dutch and the German briefing documents and I’m trying to get

Smoked out: a casualty is rescued from a smoke-filled building

18 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 hold of them to use on future Distex. Daring also worked with embedded reps from DFID and Save the Children. I’ve established links with them to invite them to help us to mould future exercises and make them even more realistic.” On the night before the exercise, the Dutch ship was visited by Lieutenant Commander Barry and by the Mayor of Bull Point, Mr John Bull, who, in real life, is Commander Emmanuel Rouve of the French Navy. “That was to simulate initial contact. We gave a situation report in the Roofless: rescuing casualties light of what happened in the Philippines. from a collapsed building

“ So it was along the lines of saying Su McGinlay Sergeant Pictures: ‘this is what I saw, there was a lot of smoke over here, it smelled funny’. We based they can give a useful brief to the follow-on charity. Joe has helped in 22 disasters the briefing on the feedback from HMS forces and agencies so that they can use around the world. “Navy personnel don’t get Illustrious and in particular from HMS that information to target their efforts. a lot of opportunity to work alongside non- Daring, which was the first responder Following their briefing from Mayor governmental organisations (NGOs). That’s around some of the islands,” said John Bull, the crew of the De Zeven why we are involved, to give them an idea Lieutenant Commander Barry. Provincien spent the night making up of what it’s like dealing with civilians who FOST have a menu of scenarios stores, compiling or listening to briefs and won’t necessarily do as they are told. that they can use during Distex. These planning how they were going to tackle “When you get a disaster, the military are refined and influenced by real-life the day ahead. And, as a new day began, aren’t normally in charge, usually it’s the experiences. “HMS Daring has spent a the inhabitants of Bull Point were getting local government or their agencies. Often lot of time reroofing and putting back desperate. The Dutch recce parties and there are other NGOs around, like us, who corrugated sheets that have been ripped equipment began to arrive by sea boat and the Navy has to liaise with. Sometimes off by the storm, so we will be including later by Lynx helicopter. Organising the military personnel aren’t used to dealing those kinds of scenarios,” said Lieutenant order of arrival of people and kit and in what with people outside their chain of command, Commander Barry. numbers is the first challenge. so exercises like this help.” When a ship the size of a destroyer or “Arguably the most difficult bit of After four hours of toil and drama a frigate responds to a call for help, there the Distex is the command and control of the fires are out, the water leaks have is a limit to what they can achieve. But the personnel on the ground. Our site is quite been dealt with, and everyone has been impact of that intervention is crucial. They small, around 500 metres square, which accounted for. Mayor John Bull is satisfied. get the immediate life-saving response is hard enough. In the Philippines you are Speaking to Defence Focus, this time underway by providing emergency food, dealing with an archipelago of 100 islands. as his alter ego, Commander Emmanuel drinking water, administering basic first aid Where do you start?” said Lieutenant Rouve is full of praise for FOST. “This has and doing whatever they can to reduce the Commander Barry. “That is something been the best exercise I have seen for chance of contagious diseases spreading. we focus on quite hard. How does the testing a ship’s command and control. It “One of the things they will have to sort commander use their recce teams to build shows the real capacity of a ship’s team and out today is a contaminated flood as the up a picture and work out the priorities. gives individuals a chance to show initiative sewage works has been swamped by a tidal “There are five basic criteria we assess. within an overall control. And it really shows surge,” said Lieutenant Commander Barry. Did we account for everyone? Did we identify the importance of a frigate or a destroyer Once all this has been squared away all the injuries? Did we treat them all? Did when dealing with this kind of a disaster.” DF the recce teams must then stabilise the we find all the incidents and at least end up situation. Ships’ engineers repair broken with a plan for dealing with them all?” generators and water pumps to restore Injecting even more realism to the the supply of fresh water, while others collapsed buildings, cars on fire, smoke- fost facts shore up damaged walls, take a headcount filled rooms and swamps of sewage are n Flag Officer Sea Training has been to account for any missing people and the volunteers from University Royal Naval a centre of excellence for basic and establish a morgue to deal with fatalities Units, junior rates who are rotating between operational training since 1958 with sensitivity and respect. ships, members of the Casualty Union and, For the crew, Distex is about applying for the first time, actors from a group called n FOST takes six weeks and includes their core skills and drills in an unfamiliar Amputees in Action who simulate seriously exercises in warfighting, non- environment. “On a ship you might be wounded civilians. combatant evacuation, salvage and dealing with a very similar sort of casualty At each incident a FOST instructor towing and disaster relief that you have to deal with on land. But outlines the scenario. “There’s a baby because it’s not inside a metal box it can crying at the end of that flooded corridor, n More than 100 ships and submarines throw you,” said Lieutenant Commander but you can’t go down there because the from the Royal Navy, NATO and allied Lyndsey Netherwood who is here to pick wall’s about to collapse. Look around, there nations benefit from FOST each year up tips for when her ship, HMS Iron Duke, may be things that can help you.” faces the same challenge early in 2014. Adding an extra dimension are n Between 30 and 40 volunteers help After that their next task is to establish Joe Cannon and Tom Chambers from with each disaster relief exercise a detailed picture of the situation so that ShelterBox, an international disaster relief

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 19 ROw 2 RECOVERY

“This is the person that I was beforehand and I’ve been given an opportunity to participate in a similar LIFE ON THE venture and I absolutely want to be involved in it.” As well as talking to a previous Row 2 Recovery team who took on the Atlantic OCEAN WAVES Challenge, this year’s complement has spent time researching the psychological two amputees overcome their implications of taking on such an ordeal. They have also endured tough training injuries by taking on 100-foot regimes as a team and individually. waves. REPORT BY LEIGH HAMILTON In an attempt to get them physically ready for the crossing, the team recently completed a 24-hour simulated row in the y the time this magazine hits the For most people, taking on such a relative dryness of a gym. The training saw stands, a group of soldiers will momentous challenge would be a decision each rower spend two hours on and two be well into their attempt to row that required a lot of thought, but for hours off a rowing machine to replicate B across the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporal Cayle Royce it was a no-brainer: the pattern the men will endure on the team, comprising two able-bodied and two “I’ve always wanted to do crazy ventures. I ocean waves. Although two of the team are amputee rowers, is taking on the Talisker just love exposure, I love big open spaces, amputees, each rower will spend the same Whisky Atlantic Challenge, which can take I love physical challenges. This is, as far as amount of time in the hot seat. months to complete. I’m concerned, one of the best tests.” Corporal Scott Blaney suffered The challenge covers 3,000 miles from Corporal Royce was wounded in an above-the-knee amputation and San Sebastian in La Gomera to Nelson’s Afghanistan in May 2012 when he stepped soft-tissue injuries from a bomb while Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua. on an explosive device while serving conducting operations in Afghanistan in The Row 2 Recovery team is up against as a sharpshooter with the Brigade 2007. 16 others and is expected to reach the Reconnaissance Force. This resulted in Corporal Blaney has a similar outlook finish line in January 2014, after spending above-the-knee amputation of both legs, to his team mate. Determined to live life Christmas and New Year at sea. facial scarring, the loss of several fingers on to the full, he swam across the channel The four-man crew is made up of his left hand and neck trauma. in 2009 and now campaigns to raise the skipper Captain James Kayll, Captain Although he sustained serious injuries profile of injured Service personnel. Mark Jenkins, Corporal Cayle Royce and which have changed the way he lives his life, Despite sustaining such serious Corporal Scott Blaney, all of whom have Corporal Royce sees the Atlantic Challenge injuries, Corporal Blaney believes he has spent months preparing for the physical as a way to continue enjoying extreme to think positively: “I woke up in Selly Oak and mental challenges that come with sports: “I don’t see it as ‘I’m injured, I need hospital in intensive care with my dad and rowing across an ocean. to prove myself. I need to make sure that everyone stood around me. Since then people don’t think I’m an invalid’. I’ve thought ‘let’s

Bracing: the Row 2 Recovery team will face extreme weather conditions in the Atlantic

20 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 get over this, let’s not feel sorry for yourself Scott. You’re alive, be happy about that’. “I told myself I would walk in a few months and be able to ride a bike within a year. I did my first marathon within two years of losing my leg. The year after that I swam across the Channel.” Having such drive surely makes up for having absolutely no rowing experience. The seafaring know-how comes from the The team: l-r Corporal Cayle Royce, Captain team’s able-bodied skipper Captain James Mark Jenkins and Corporal Scott Blaney Kayll who has rowed the Indian Ocean. For Captain Kayll, signing up for the Atlantic Challenge was a natural decision: “I knew Row 2 Recovery had done this in 2011/2012 because I knew some of the guys who did it and I followed them closely when they went across. “This time round it was as simple as seeing a post on Facebook saying that Row 2 Recovery was going to form another Changes: certain aspects of the boat have Challenge: the team takes part crew. I got in touch and asked if I could help been adapted for the injured personnel in a 24-hour training exercise and they said yes.” Although being on the open sea and feeling the thrill of exposure is reason positive thinking in the world, no matter which will be sailing with the boat, the enough for Captain Kayll to take part, a how you look at it, rowing across the team will be able to communicate within deeper more meaningful rationale lies Atlantic Ocean is very dangerous. Weather the craft. beneath the surface: “The reason someone conditions are unpredictable and at times Captain Kayll explained: “We have like me wants to do something like this is will be incredibly scary. Captain Kayll a radio so we can talk from one cabin to for the adventure, but this is a completely calmly explained: “There are chances of another, which may seem unnecessary, different project with regards to the injured tropical revolving storms, squalls and but if you are in a storm and everything’s guys. I’m in a position to be able to give generic low weather systems that can track battened down, you need to be able to talk something back to them. across where we’ll be and these can pose a to the guys in the other cabin. It will have “They’ve given a huge amount already pretty large threat to us. fleet broadband so we will be able to send through their service and obviously “We’re only on a 29-foot-long piece emails over a broadband satellite system.” through their injuries, so with my of glass fibre and that’s not very big when Until they get a manageable routine experience in ocean rowing I can help them you’ve got five kilometres of depth beneath up and running, initially the logistics of achieve their goals and their dreams.” you and 3,000 miles of water from land to manoeuvring four bodies around the small The other able-bodied crew member land. boat will be challenging. Corporal Royce is Captain Mark Jenkins who serves “If something does go wrong, we said: “I think it’s going to be awkward with the Royal Army Medical Corps as can communicate immediately with the shuffling around for Scott and me initially. a physiotherapy officer. Although his organisers and with the safety boat and We can’t stand up so there’s always going knowledge of the ocean is limited, Captain they should come to assist us.” to be a body in the way.” Jenkins is ready for the challenge: “My In addition to the weather, human Captain Kayll added: “It’s going to be experience of the sea is in no way extensive, factors will play a part. Not only will there challenging for us because I think that as especially in comparison to James the be sea-sickness and the possibility of salt much as Cayle and Scott will do as much as skipper. I’ve spent a bit of time on sailing boils and salt rashes from the water, there they can, there will be certain things they boats, deep sea fishing, but nothing on this will also be discomfort in the cabin of the can’t do, which means that we will have to scale. It will certainly be a challenge for me boat as the hatches will be closed at all do a lot of the work that goes on in the aft getting used to that environment.” times because of the risk of capsize. On the cabin such as navigation and cooking.” Teamwork and pulling together, other hand, when the soldiers are rowing, Once the teething problems have often literally, to achieve the incredible is they will be soaking wet from the waves, so been ironed out and everyone has become something that appeals to all four team they will go from one extreme to another. used to life on the ocean waves, all four members. Captain Jenkins said: “Being As all teams taking part in the soldiers will have their eyes firmly on the part of a small team is fantastic and that’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge aren’t prize. Corporal Royce summarised: “Night what a lot of people in the Army enjoy. I allowed any resupplies of food, drink or stars, big seas; it’s all very exciting. It’s know Cayle, Scott and James are looking equipment during the race, rations are uncomfortable, it’s scary, it’s out of the forward to that. taken on board to make sure they have norm; not something you’d do every day. “When you are injured you miss that enough sustenance to see them through It’s just you and a bunch of blokes out at and getting back into it is part of their for 90 days. Freeze-dried rations are sea. I think the whole trip is pretty cool rehabilitation and part of the experience the staple diet and there will be a variety actually.” that they’re going to have. But also for of energy bars and drinks, as well as Find out more about the team myself and James as well, working as part vitamins and minerals, to keep them going at www.row2recovery.com and of a team, trying to achieve, is fantastic.” and motivated. follow their progress at www. But, even with all the bravado and In addition to having a support vessel, taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com DF

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 21 Gary barlow

Everything changes Fiona Simpson gets a sneak preview of Gary Barlow’s documentary of his recent trip to Afghanistan

Picture: Corporal Ross Fernie RLC Fernie Ross Corporal Picture: Gary Barlow held a concert to entertain the troops of 7th Armoured Brigade at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan

22 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 doing but to go and see it is something else. doing buttogoand seeitissomethingelse. great jobthey[British ArmedForces]areall Bastion. “Ithinkweareallaware ofwhata stars oftheshowwerepeople hemetin lights out!” into CampBastion,atnightwith allthe only bitthatbotheredmewasthelanding was nothingthatworryingme.The early meetingsthatwe’dallhad,there going tobesafethereand,throughthe a dangerousplace.Ifeltlikewasalways out there. it reallyisfortheUKArmedForcesbased sandstorm incamp,Garygottoseelifehow hundreds oftroopstobeingcaughtina getting onaC-17transportplanewith from hisusualpopstarlifestyle.From out there.” thought itwouldbegreattogetsomemusic heard ofcomedianswho’ddoneitbutI but ithadnevercometogetherbefore.“I’d that Garyhadwantedtodoforsometime, good feeling.” they wantedfeltlikeitwasaneveningof brilliant. Toseeeveryoneachievewhat other peopletoit.Thefinalshowwasjust a goodshownow’andwejustaddedthe Band, andIknewthen‘we’regoingtoget we hadthatbandwithus,theRoyalArtillery were visitingatthetime. luck asmembersoftheRoyalArtilleryBand Bastion. Andtheteamalsohadastrokeof of theArmedForcesbasedatCamp even aukuleleplayer,allservingmembers joined onstagebysingers,guitarists,and most memorableconcertofmylife”,heis Gary describesinthedocumentaryas“the include everybody.“ applaud me.Iwantedtogothereandreally else singingandexpectingeveryonetojust and beonastagehigherthaneveryone it. Garyexplained:“Ididn’twanttogothere who couldgetuponstageandbeapartof performance scouringthecampforpeople backing band.Hespentthedaysbefore forces concertwithGaryonstagehis on 23December. captured inadocumentaryduetoaironITV members oftheArmedForces,anditisall culminated inaconcertfrontof1,000 of UKoperationsinAfghanistan.Thevisit regulars andreserves,basedatthehub with soldiers,sailorsandairmen,both I Take ThatstarGaryBarlow. with thearrivalofXFactorjudgeand and glamourcametoCampBastion, n Octoberthisyearabitofshowbizglitz Gary is keen to point out that the real Gary iskeentopointoutthatthe real “I wasn’treallyworriedaboutbeingin It couldn’thavebeenmoredifferent The triptoAfghanistanwassomething “The luckreallydidfallourwaythat And hecertainlyachievesthis.Inwhat But it’snotexactlyyourordinary Gary visitedBastiontospendtwodays

effort these things can be). “I think it has effort thesethings canbe).“Ithinkithas knows, logistically,quitehowmuch ofabig effort tocomeoutandseethem (andhe that someonelikeGaryBarlow makesthe how importantitisfortheguys out there to organisethevisit.Hesawfirst-hand advert forthewholething.” me becausehewasjustagreatguy, met Sean,thatwouldhavebeenenoughfor the reasonforgoingthere.Ifwe’dhaveonly him inourshowandband,thatwas something, you’vegottoadmireit. that theychangetheirwholelifetodo around peoplelikethatwhoaresodriven pride wasveryinfectious.Whenyouare and hadjustdecided‘Iwanttodothis’.His fascinated byhim[Sean].Hewasmyage the meeting.Garyremembered:“Iwas it wasn’tjustSeanwhowasaffectedby up andencouragedhimtoplay.However, gobsmacked whentheXFactorstarturned with himtoCampBastionandwas guitarist, Seanhadbroughthisinstrument a 45-year-oldArmyreservist.Akeen band wasLanceCorporalSeanFowler, great positivity.” them on;itwasjustagreatatmosphere, had aballandtheirmatescheered seeing everyoneafterwardsandthey’dall on stage.Itwasagreatresultand that theyhad,itwasalsogettingtheguys “Not onlytheaudienceandbanter bit ofthewholetripforme,”saidGary. Barlow onthepiano! let alonebeingaccompaniedbyGary singing asoloinfrontofhisfellowtroops, he wenttoAfghanistanthatwouldbe first tour.Johnnyneverimaginedwhen Marenghi, a21-year-oldRAFmediconhis These includedSeniorAircraftmanJohnny musicians andsingersinCampBastion. auditions, Garymetupwithpromising same goal,it’sincredible.” team, thateverybodyisworkingtowardsthe To goandseethewayitallworks,thisbig Gary Barlowtakesafive-kilometrerunwithBritishtroopsatCampBastioninAfghanistan Major Richard Jones from PJHQ helped Major RichardJonesfromPJHQ helped The factthatwegottoputpeoplelike Also amongsttheall-starBastion “The concertwasdefinitelythebest In scenesreminiscentoftheXFactor DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014 |ISSUE27723 on ITVat9pm23December2013. inspired by. he certainlymetalotofpeopletobe matter whatthatis.AndoutinAfghanistan by peoplewholovewhattheydo,no Gary explainedhowheisalwaysinspired at thetopofmygame,Iwanttobehere’.” ‘no, I’vetrainedforyearstobehere,andI’m they dowanttoseetheirfamiliesbutit’slike is horrible,wewanttogohome’.Ofcourse, down, thatpeoplewouldbelike‘thisplace the atmospherewasgoingtobequite head whenheactuallygotthere.“Ithought out thereandmuchofthatwasturnedonits preconceptions ofwhatlifewouldbelike important totheguys.” fact thathehasgoneoutofhiswayishugely But itdoesbringabitofhometousandthe isn’t normalityasfarwe’reconcerned! an operationaltour.Clearly,meetingGary imagine ontheguyswhoareoutthere a biggereffectthanIthinkpeoplewould Flight Lieutenant Collette Knill Gary BarlowinAfghanistanwith Gary Barlow: Journey to Afghanistan is Gary Barlow:JourneytoAfghanistanis Talking abouthisexperience As forGaryhimself,hehadsome DF

Picture: Freddie Claire Picture: Sergeant Dan Bardsley MY MEDALS Picture: xxxxxxxxxxx Picture:

Stable career: Dave Pearce is the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Picture: Sergeant Pete Mobbs Pete Sergeant Picture:

Wilson on FA Cup Final day them so they couldn’t steal when the IRA planted a bomb at ground from each other. a checkpoint and I was involved Every morning the Turkish My Medals in the aftermath. It was my first Army sang chants of defiance RSM Dave Pearce joined the Army as a feeling of terror and adrenaline. to Greece and allegiance to Straight after the bomb, I Turkey. During peace talks, gunner straight from school in June 1992. fell down concrete stairs fully they held a concert in the Here, he looks back on his eight medals. laden up, and for a couple of buffer zone, with potential for Interview by Lorraine McBride. days I didn’t feel a thing until disaster. They invited 3,000 my arm blew up because my Turkish Cypriots and 3,000 adrenaline was pumping Greek Cypriots, with bands in Armagh and did our zig-zag so much. My tour was all playing on a football field. We run, I thought ‘God, is this it?’ excitement, but you don’t think watched, fearing violence I expected bullets flying and of danger when you’re single. I would erupt at any moment, but Northern Ireland World War Three. It was a very didn’t know what to expect from it went off beautifully. I was an Army kid. My father quiet town but when something Ireland but it was a cracking In the buffer zone, we’d was a gunner and I joined the happened it was normally a tour for a young soldier. see a Turkish soldier and Army in Germany and sat the biggie. greet him, ‘All right mate’, and entrance test before even my A groundbreaking moment he’d reply in a pure Scouse or school exams. It was all I knew, came when the peace treaty Manc accent which made us but it was something I really was signed. Northern Ireland double-take and say ‘what are wanted to do. Of course, Dad set me up for the rest of my Cyprus you doing here?’ One guy was was thrilled. career. I loved learning vehicle My UN medal is for on honeymoon in Turkey when When the CO told us recognition and took real peacekeeping in 1996/97. We he was grabbed for national we were going, I felt pure pride in it. I can still remember sat between the Turks and the service. excitement. At 18, I was a them now. Sad isn’t it? I can’t Greek Cypriots. UN blue barrels Nicosia was on our young rifleman with no fear. remember my times tables, yet marked each side’s lines but, doorstep and the moment I Our training was so hard, we can still remember terrorist in the morning, we often found was off-duty I jumped in my car were put through a mincer, so number plates from 1994. them pushed forward ever so to find something interesting. when I first ran out on patrol We lost Lance Corporal Jock slightly until we painted around I’ve always been interested in

24 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 history and an old boy called Nobody ever conquered the Danny ran a bar on the Turkish Afghans and there’s a reason: side that was popular with they’re very complex, very soldiers. He was a Turkish Iraq Afghanistan tribal. Your average Afghan in paratrooper in 1974 so we In 2003, Saddam was very My first tour in 2008 was a fact- a rural village probably doesn’t drank in his tiny bar and he’d much in power. We went over finding exercise. An instructor know or care who Hamad tell us how he’d parachuted the border at night with 16 Air at the Royal School of Artillery, Karzai is as long as his crop into the mountains in Cyprus Assault Brigade to start the I went out as an observer but comes in. and fought with the Greeks. land battle. We gathered at ended up in the thick of it. Certainly the British Then we’d visit the Greek side – the border 24 hours before we In Forward Operating Army made Helmand a safer we had the best of both worlds. were due to cross but when Base Inkerman I was with 29 place and I’d like to visit Saddam’s men set fire to the oil Commando. Afghanistan was in peacetime. You’ve got plants, everything was brought a tricky beast and our minds breathtaking views, mountains forward. It was surreal driving were constantly sharp so that and rivers; it’s an adventure- into a foreign country, watching rockets or IEDs didn’t catch training dream. I often stood Kosovo tank battles erupt around us. us. Two years later, there was looking out over the mountains When we went over the border Camaraderie was a marked improvement in the thinking ‘oh, I’d love to go with 16 Air Assault Brigade fabulous. The Parachute Afghan National Army and up there’. After all, it’s the at the front in 1999, it proved Gun Battery wasn’t for the Police. A lot of resources, time foothills to the Himalayas. a groundbreaking tour. After fainthearted but we trained and effort meant they were I’m out of the Army in weeks of allied bombing, we hard in Kuwait. Soldiers just starting to lead operations on December 2015 and my drove into Kosovo and, while want adventure and we fought, my last tour. time has flown, but I’d do it the Kosovans were delighted, worked and slept on an open The Afghans are an all again. My own boys are the Serbs were less pleased. plain, which was a real buzz. intriguing race. Their world three and eight, so serving in As we advanced into In one operation, our brief is different to ours and it’s Afghanistan over Christmas Kosovo, the Russians raced was to drive through Nazaria definitely an old-school way was particularly hard even us to the airfield at Pristina and support 1 PARA as they to live. I stood in a sangar though we had a cracking Airport, but they got there launched a heli-assault. looking out over villages and day. But I’m glad I’ve had all before us and blocked us in As we approached the compounds and it always my experiences and wouldn’t with their vehicles. outskirts we saw miles of reminded me of Star Wars. change a thing. It felt very east meets west US Marine Corps convoys and we had a bit of a standoff gridlocked. Worming our way at a checkpoint with weapons to the front, US Humvees were pointing everywhere, but got upside down. through in the end. We pushed Our brief was to crack on, saw burning schools, cars, on but it felt like a real Black smouldering buildings and Hawk Down moment when injured victims. Sometimes we stripped the vehicles and I marvelled at what human took out the windows because beings could do to each other. the Americans were getting There’s a human code of hammered on certain bridges. conduct and I couldn’t hit an old We were all ready to go but lady over the head with a pistol. then at the 11th hour we were As the Serbs withdrew, ordered to go no further. we had a period of Kosovan Towards the end of Albanian reprisals. Then the our tour, the Royal Military tables turned and innocent Policemen were killed in a Serbians got battered until 5 siege at a police station. When Airborne Brigade effectively word spreads, you feel sad, kicked the door down and useless and sorry for someone stabilised the area. else’s family. Our tour was I was the Commanding simple: go in and beat the Officer’s signaller and had a Iraqi army but after that, it privileged position sitting in on came down to horrendous negotiations at Café Europa insurgency. on the border watching the Iraq had its moments Serbian Generals squirming. but our artillery duels were Brigadier Freer was quite pretty hairy. Our new radar bolshie, someone I’d always position was so good that respected, and he didn’t take our CO ordered us to stop any prisoners. Young soldiers because we were running out look to people to inspire them of ammunition. The Iraqis had and lead from the front and he a go back but we ultimately certainly did that. As tours go, silenced their guns, which was Kosovo was right up there. our aim.

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 25 BOOKS From Spirit boy to soldier Paul Apowida is a soldier and artist whose debut book has just been published writes Lorraine McBride

Pen portrait: Rifleman Apowida has just published his critically acclaimed first book

It is rare for a rufty- his book sends out a powerful message. an IED on a car – and far worse a dog – are tufty infantryman to “I wanted to let my community know that unflinching in his depiction of a Taliban combine soldiering being a spirit child isn’t what they imagine ambush. “I never pictured what hell would with delicate as they can’t know what a spirit child will look like until this.” artistry and publish grow up to be in future. At the end of the Apowida’s memoir has generated a well-crafted day, if I was a spirit child, I wouldn’t have extraordinary interest and he says that autobiography. And achieved all these good things. It also lets strangers who read it tell him they have all by the tender age of people know that no matter what you go been both hooked and inspired. 28. But then Rifleman through, you don’t have to let it define you.” Paul hopes that by raising awareness Paul Apowida is no After a stint at art college Apowida his story will play a part in stamping out ordinary soldier. moved to England in 2007. He joined the the killing of spirit children. Attitudes are Many soldiers face British Army the following year and served changing partly thanks to the British-based danger on active service but Ghanaian- in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion The Rifles. charity AfriKids who work with disabled born Apowida faced his greatest danger Graphic descriptions of damage caused by youngsters and who funded Apowida’s art as a tiny baby when he lost his mother to meningitis, shortly followed by his father and six relations in quick succession. Canvas for his talents: Apowida is a talented artist and author In a country where odds are stacked against survival, Paul’s terrified community believed that the infant was cursed as a spirit child, seen as an evil spirit who would bring harm to the village.And, in line with their deep cultural beliefs, he was poisoned and left to die in the baking African sun. Rescued by a nun, Paul survived a total of three attempts on his life, all before his fifth birthday. Smuggled into a children’s home, he grew up to become a soldier with the British Army and a successful artist. Apowida’s new book Spirit Boy documents his attempted murder, his early life in an orphanage and his eventual

return to his village as an adult. He believes of AfriKids charity courtesy All pictures

26 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 combatbarbie

course by selling his paintings. Partly to lay ghosts to rest, Apowida “Things are improving but I wouldn’t returned to Ghana and found that, while say 100 per cent. AfriKids tries to stop life was imperfect, the transformation that these acts in northern Ghana. My artwork had happened filled him with hope for the also helps put people through schools, future. builds new schools, and gives children the Katie Arnold Picture: He also met the concoction men who opportunities they didn’t have before.” almost ended his life, and attempted to find Being in Afghanistan in fear of death a shred of justification for their actions. made Paul reflect on his whole life. General “They explained that it wasn’t their Nick Parker, Colonel Commandant of fault, but the influence of their family, and The Rifles, presented medals at their that, with a spirit child, they do what they homecoming parade. When Apowida have to do.” Apowida trails off and the spoke to the press to publicise AfriKids, implications hang unspoken. Day job: Paul Apowida on duty the General watched with interest before “It’s wrong because they didn’t know offering fatherly advice. what caused the deaths of my relations,” “At some point you’re going to have to he continues, “but lack of education causes decide who you are. Do you want to be Paul these things to happen.” the spirit boy forever? Or are you going to be Rifleman Apowida leaves the Army in Rifleman Apowida and get on with the rest 2014 and hopes to become a professional of your life? You can be a great soldier, but if artist or author. A film adaptation of his you’re always thinking about the past, then book is on the cards and he wouldn’t turn what sort of future are you going to have?” down Idris Elba portraying him on the big Apowida took the advice in the manner screen, and, with his optimism and ability to in which it was intended. “I had a big smile succeed, don’t bet against it. and it made me think what a big family “It would be my dream to see my story the Army is,” he said, touched. “The Army made into a film, but my dreams are coming taught me a lot of things, and, whenever I’m true.” You’ve been framed: Rifleman downhearted, I’ve got friends to talk to who Apowida’s handiwork on display Spirit Boy by Paul Apowida is published by can help me.” Silvertail books, £20. DF Health

Flustered about flu jabs? Nervous about the ABC of norovirus? Community pharmacist Angela Chalmers answers those niggly seasonal winter questions health

Q: Antibiotics; do they cure colds? mucus from your nose, or pain and Q: Bugs; is the winter vomiting bug active A: Antibiotics are useless against cold phlegm from your chest, you should also only in winter? and flu viruses, and thankfully most see your GP. A: The dreaded norovirus is also called people are now aware of this due to Antibiotics only work against the winter vomiting bug as it tends to successful public health campaigns. bacteria, so taking them in the absence peak over winter, but can in fact occur However, viruses promote secondary of harmful bacteria can lead to bacterial all year round. Good hand hygiene bacterial infections as they can leave the resistance developing. This stops is essential to avoid picking up and tissues of the lungs, throat, ear and nose antibiotics from working and reduces spreading this virus; however you should weak and inflamed. See your GP if you the treatment options available in the be aware that alcohol hand gel does not develop difficulty swallowing, swollen future. Resistance is now becoming a work against norovirus. This involves glands or white spots at the back of your real problem in modern medicine, with washing your hands thoroughly with throat, as it could be a bacterial throat drug companies struggling to invent new warm water and soap. This is especially infection. If you develop thick, coloured antibiotics. important after going to the toilet,

28 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 vomiting or having diarrhoea, or when vitalnumbers preparing food, as the norovirus is easily spread through these routes. You are THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE READY TO HELP you infectious for 48 to 72 hours after your symptoms have gone, so stay at home to prevent spreading it. At home, work or RN Benevolent Trust: Grants, advice and emotional support.ssafa.org.uk school, it is wise not to share towels or and income supplements for veterans. or call 0845 1300 975. flannels, and to disinfect surfaces with a Call 0239 2690112 or email rnbt@rnbt. bleach-based cleaner, as the norovirus org.uk. Harassment, bullying can survive on hard surfaces. or discrimination: RN Association: Comradeship for JSP 763, The MOD Harassment Q: Colds; what’s the difference between all serving and ex-Service members Complaints Procedures, is a guide for a cold and flu? of the RN, RM, QARNNS, WRNS, Services and civilians. Contact A: The common cold tends to have Reserves, RFA and RNXS.royal-naval- the Defence Business Services on milder symptoms such as runny nose, association.co.uk 0800 345 7772 (+441225 829572 from sneezing, sore throat, headache, cough overseas) or em: PeopleServices@pppa. and feeling a bit under the weather. Royal Marines Benevolent Fund: mod.uk. Flu can also have these symptoms and Relieves hardship among serving much worse – such as fever, chills, all- and former Marines and dependents. Matters of conscience over body pains and skin sensitivity, as [email protected]. and whistleblowing under the the immune system fights the influenza com or call 02392 547201. Public Interest Disclosure Act. Call 0800 virus. Most people would be able to carry 3457772. Select option four. on as normal with a cold, but with flu you ABF The Soldiers Charity: Support to need to go to bed, as your body needs to soldiers and veterans. Service Personnel and Veterans rest while it fights the virus. Both a cold www.soldierscharity.org or call 0845 Agency: Pay, pensions and personnel and flu can last up to a week, but flu can 241 4820. support for the Services and veterans, leave you feeling tired and lethargic for including the JPA system, and Joint weeks after. RAF Benevolent Fund: Help for RAF Casualty and Compassionate Centre: Drink fluids to stay hydrated, and personnel past and present. rafbf.org 0800 0853600: 0800 1692277 keep warm. If your appetite is affected, or call 0800 1692942. or veterans-uk.info try to eat smaller meals throughout the day to give your body more energy to fight The Charity for Civil Servants: Helps MOD Occupational Welfare Service: the virus. Try snacking on fresh fruit, as it anyone who has worked for the Civil Confidential advice on work and contains lots of antioxidants and vitamins Service and their dependents. Advice personal issues. Call 0800 345 7047 to help boost the immune system. about support and financial help. In terms of treatment, both csbf.org.uk or call 0800 056 2424. Service Complaints Commissioner: To paracetamol and ibuprofen can help make a complaint or seek advice, email: ease body pains and headache, and also Army Welfare Service: HQ AWS has [email protected] help reduce fever. Combination cold and relocated to Upavon. Confidential flu remedies tend to contain paracetamol support for soldiers and families. army. Naval Personal & Family Service or ibuprofen with an added decongestant mod.uk/welfare-support/family/ and Royal Marines Welfare: to unblock the nose and dry up nasal default.aspx or call (UK) 01980 615975. NPFS & RMW have three main offices in secretions. They may also contain the UK, where the serving person’s next ingredients to break up a chesty cough RAF Association (RAFA): Comradeship of kin resides determines which (an expectorant) or to help minimise and care for current and former RAF office to contact. an irritating dry cough (a suppressant). members. rafa.org.uk/welfare.asp. ■ Eastern area office - HMS Nelson - People are often overwhelmed by the Tel: 023 92 722 712 - after hours 023 92 number of cough, cold and flu remedies HIVE: Tri-Service information covering 726 159. on the shelf. It can be tricky choosing the issues like education and health. 167 ■ Western area office - HMS Drake - right one; however, this is where your offices. hive.mod.uk. Tel:01752 555 041 - pharmacist can help – they will ask about after hours 01752 555 220. your individual symptoms to ensure you Royal British Legion: Charity providing ■ Northern area office - Helensburgh - receive the remedy that is right for you. DF financial, social and emotional support Tel: 01436 672 798 - after hours 01436 to vets and serving, and dependents. 674 321 (Ext 4005) www.britishlegion.org.uk or RM Welfare - 01752 836 395 (via duty call 08457 725 725. officer, guardroom RM Stonehouse). Still unsure? Visit www.nhs.uk for the latest news RFA Association (RFAA): Comradeship The Defence Medical Welfare Service about flu vaccinations and other and care for current and former RFA (DMWS): Charity providing welfare seasonal health issues. personnel. www.rfa-association.org. support from frontline to recovery for This article first appeared in issue uk or contact 01772 685427. wounded, sick and injured serving 25 of Benhealth, the quarterly member personnel and their families when they magazine of Benenden Healthcare SSAFA Forces Help: Supports serving are in hospital, rehabilitation or recovery (www.benenden.co.uk). personnel, veterans and the families of centres. www.dmws.org.uk or call both. Practical and financial assistance 01264 774000

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 29 PUZZLES sudoku chess Chess players know full well how competitive the game is. For young and old, the thrill of victory and the pain of defeat Compiled by: are integral factors in the Carl Portman game. Chess does not build character, it reveals it. I coach in schools and a recent experience brought this home to me. A young lad was winning his game but it all started to go very wrong, and as his opponent began wiping his pieces from the board, he began to cry. I went over This position is from the game Fidlow- to him and asked what was wrong. He Felice New Jersey 1972. Black seems to said ‘I’m committing suicide here’ which have everything under control, but does Fill in the grid so that every row, every was a very strong reaction. Yet he didn’t he? Showing that chess is a truly beautiful column and every 3x3 box contains the want to resign and end the pain – he game, white can give checkmate in four numbers 1 to 9 was determined to carry on fighting. His moves. How? Try solving it without the use opponent became casual, thinking that of a computer. the game would win itself and before long The first correct answer drawn wins there was a stalemate at the board. The a chess book donated by Chess & Bridge, tears had now dried up and the other lad London. shoved the pieces across the board on the Send your answers to me at carl. brink of his own tears. I reminded them [email protected] please. that there’s always another game and they The answer to November’s problem cheered up, but I was impressed with their was 19.Bd6+ Re7 20.Rxg7 Qxd6 21.Rxg8+ Solution to desire to want to win. Don’t tell me that resigns. The winner will be announced. the November chess is a quiet, calm game for geeks. It is October’s winner was Jennifer Higgs from 2013 puzzle for gladiators! Wassail! DE&S.

topical solution (no peeking)

20.The

16. Eleven 17. Kylie 17. Eleven 16.

crossword London 15. Chaplin 13.

8. Charlie 11. Symptom 11. Charlie 8.

Across Muppets 5. Saving 4. Sky 3.

6. See 4 Down Samuel 2. Ariel 1. 7. Afghanistan’s capital city (5) Down

9. First appearance for a football team (5)

10. Small but delicious crustaceans! (7) Phoenix 22. Simon 21.

12. William Shakespeare, Arthur Miller Pepys 19. Opinion 18.

and Harold Pinter (11) Philippines 14. Playwrights 12.

14. See 20 Down Shrimps 10. Debut 9.

18. View or judgement on something (7) Kabul 7. Banks Mr 6. 19. See 2 Down Across 21. Cowell, the television judge (5) 22. Mythological bird which rises from the ashes (7) Electric Light Orchestra (3) condition (7) Down 4. And 6 Across. 2013 movie about the 13. See 8 Down 1. Main character in the movie The Little making of Mary Poppins (6,2,5) 15. City which hosted the 2012 Olympic Mermaid (5) 5. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Games (6) 2. And 19 Across. In his seventeenth Bear (7) 16. Its Roman numeral is XI (6) century diary, he describes events such 8. And 13 Down. Comedy star of silent 17. Minogue, the pop princess (5) as the Great Plague and the Fire of movies who created the figure of The 20. And 14 Across. Country devastated London (6,5) Tramp (7,7) by Typhoon Haiyan in November 3. Mr Blue _____, a hit single for the 11. Physical feature indicating a medical 2013 (3,11)

30 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 offers

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DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 277 | 31