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The Royal Air Force Regiment
Ground-based specialists, NEWSLETTER NO: 272 protecting RAF assets from enemy attack. FEBRUARY 2012
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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 272 FEBRUARY 2012
1 Dear Readers. BRANCH AGM So if you can, please help to swell our Branch funds. Branch funds really need an The Branch Annual General Meeting was – injection of cash so if any of you as many of our held this month and as is usual in our Branch, the – members already do could include a donation to three executive office positions of Chairman, Branch funds when you pay up your Committee Secretary and Treasurer are each elected in turn, would be extremely grateful. for three years. This year, it was the Branch ’s position tha Treasurer t was due for election to Newsletter Subscriptions the office. All the other officers had agreed to I have a list of members of other branches stand again and after the President Dave Gooding and others, who have asked to receive the Birmingham Branch newsletters. The took the Chair, they were all were again elected to £7.00 per year. their various offices. The Branch Committee for subscription for this service is 2012 is therefore as follows. So would those other branch members and PRESIDENT Dave Gooding others who have asked to be put onto the VICE-PRESIDENT Peter Swash Circulation List for Birmingham Branch newsletters and wish to continue receiving the CHAIRMAN Ron Sharp £7.00 as SECRETARY Malcolm Baldwin newsletters, please send a cheque for TREASURER Tom Magee above, IMMEDIATELY to THE BRANCH MINUTE SECRETARY Ken Bridgwood TREASURER Tom Magee and NOT to me. BRANCH QM Tom Magee A reminder as above, will only be given in PRO/SOCIAL SEC. Michael Beard the March and April newsletters, after that non- RESEARCH CO-ORD Hughie Cooper payers will not be reminded again and will be FINANCIAL AUDITORS Trev & Joan Round removed from the Newsletter Subscription Roll. My thanks to all those members and The President gave his thanks to all the Newsletter subscribers that have already paid but Branch Officers for again putting themselves if you wish to remain as members or to continue forward to serve the Birmingham Branch in their – to receive the newsletters, would all non-paid up various offices. Our Chairman Ron Sharp who – members and newsletter subscribers please pay due to his medical condition was unable to be your Subscriptions immediately. with us, sent his best regards to everyone and thanked all those who have contacted him with Goodies for our Injured Boys their good wishes. It is most important that we remember the BRANCH SUBSCRIPTIONS dangers that our young men and women serving Branch Subscriptions were due on 1st on operations are all facing, so please remember ’s time again for you to put February so yes, it the appeal your Branch Committee have set up. your hands in your pockets and to pay your Please send any donations you may wish to make, subscriptions to the Branch and to the to the Branch Treasurer Tom Magee and he will Association. At the AGM, it was agreed that pass them on to the right place. subscriptions would remain the same again as last We still need money for the injured lads £10.00 for Associatio £5.00 for year, that is n and and lassies so see what you can do. We are still £15.00 in total your Branch Subscription . collecting money for the further support of our Please remember to pay for in order to injured troops. We must remember them after reduce my workload, there will only be reminders they leave Selly Oak Hospital or Headley Court, in the March and April newsletters, after that, for those badly injured may need support and or non-payers will not be reminded again and will be assistance for the rest of their lives. £5.00 for removed from the Branch Roll. Now The Royal British Legion is the best twelve newsletters every year is quite a good option for this and this year our new Lord ’t you think? ’s “Home for the Brave Appeal” is the best bargain don Mayor one for us to support this year.
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’ For those wishing to make donation work commitments. That s when marching up directly to the hospital, please address any and down with the Standard started and that was a donations or correspondence to; RCDM,Level 2, lot better for me, loving all that marching stuff, so Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, a bit of self help at home was needed, practice ’m Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WB. makes perfect I suppose !so I still practicing And as the point of contact for all when I can. I have paraded the Birmingham donations (financial and non-financial) has Branch Standard on the following occasions. changed from Major Cheesman to Mrs D Binion, I completed my Standard Bearer Training please address them to her and due to lack of in March 2011. My first parade was at RAF storage space for goodies, could everyone please Regiment Association Reunion in April at first contact Mrs Binion on 0121 371 5317 to Bodelwyddan Castle. Then there was the Armed arrange a suitable appointment. Forces Day{naming ceremony} on 25the June at BRANCH BIRTHDAYS the NMA Alweras. A very Happy Birthday to the following This was followed by the Tower of Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays London Service on 10th July and then the Battle of are this month, may you all have many more. Britain Ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance in 4th Feb David Kelly Chesterfield Derbyshire Birmingham on 15th September and then the City 7th February Ray Harrold Presteigne Powys of Birmingham Remembrance Day Parade on 13th 10th Feb Hughie Cooper Stafford Staffordshire November. I have enjoyed them all and am 11th Feb Albert Weager Coleford Glouc looking forward to attending many more in the 14th Feb William Davies Machynlleth Powys future with great pride when I am called upon to 16th Feb Ian Smith Shoreham by Sea Sussex do so. Per Ardua. Bob. ’ham 18th Feb Graham Garvey B West Mids ******************** 20th Feb George Matheson Lower Hutt NZ Many thanks for that report Bob and I look OUR BRANCH STANDARD BEARER forward to following your career as our Standard Robert McGowran Bearer for many years to come. Since taking up his duties as our Branch A NEW MEMBER Standard Bearer, Bob has dedicated himself to We welcome Leslie Nichols of performing to the very best of his ability. With Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Leslie enlisted in July this in mind, he has been trained as a Standard 1953 and after his Basic Training at RAF Bearer with the RBL. The Legion run courses Hednesford, his Regiment Training at RAF throughout the year for new Standard Bearers and Dumfries and a Signals Course at RAF Catterick, existing Standard Bearers every Sunday morning served with 2 Armoured Car Squadron at RAF Habbaniya and RAF Shaibah in Iraq and then at between 1000 hours and 1200 hours at RBL – Kingstanding. He sent me the following RAF Nicosia in Cyprus with a three week information. detachment for the entire Squadron, to RAF “ I turned up on Sunday 13th Amman in Jordan - until his discharge in July February to meet Dave and Debra Gooding. Dave 1955. We welcome him and hope that he has a handed the Birmingham Standard over to me just long and happy association with us. CORRESPONDENCE before the training commenced. I was very proud ’ve had the following plea for help from to see and to be holding something very close to I me and my family. Now it was just knowing what Birmingham Branch member John Bowen of to do with it! Totten, Hampshire. So my training commenced as per the Dear Malcolm. About three or four issues RBL Ceremonial Handbook. Standard at the ago of the newsletters, there was a chap from order, carrying, sloping, dipping, dipping for Canada who was looking for a couple of lads he Royal Salute, dipping for Act of Homage, it was was once stationed in Germany with. Well I quite demanding for my first time. I had to adjust know one and got in touch with him. I then took my sling a couple of times before getting a grip of one of our old mates with me to see him and we it but it got slightly easier after that. I went had a few good weeks going out for a few pints another twice after that first Sunday, due to my and a meal. But when I telephoned him to wish him a Happy New Year, his son told me that he
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’d like to let his old friend in had passed away. I and country. In your service you live the values Canada know but I have since lost his address. this building stands for: courage, forbearance, ’s hoping. Happy New Year. John. ’s nice to Here self-discipline, service and sacrifice, so it ’s 70th celebrate the Regiment Anniversary in this ******************** ” place. I searched through my back copies of the ’ The Regiment has its roots in the RAF newsletters without any luck and as there wasn t a ’s letter, I telephoned Armoured Car Companies that protected the RAF lot of information in John in its air control role of preserving the peace of the him to see if he could add anything to it. He told Middle East after the Great War. Air Commodore me that the only name he could remember was Nicholas Bray, Commandant General of RAF that one of his mates in England was Colin Regiment, said 90 years after the RAF Armoured Gannon. Can anyone else help John to find out “we are Car Companies were originally formed who the guy is in Canada? If so please let me still fighting on the ground for the control of the know. ’s reputed the RAF Regiment is the “The Flash” air. And it from the Chairman only organisation outside the UK special forces ’s remained on operations since its formation Due to a loss of data in the post during the that ” he said. Christmas rush, we are now having to recast the 70 years ago, Flash entirely. I should be grateful if all He added that ten members had been contributors who sent items to Tom Renshaw killed in action or have died of their wounds since “We should spare a thought for the could send them on to Bill Espie, who will be 2007. standing in for Tom. His email is members of our Corps who are out on operations [email protected]. Address for hard copy is:- today in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the ”. Honister House, Market Place, Botesdale, Diss world Norfolk IP22 1 BTI. His telephone number is ” Speaking after the service, Squadron 01379890348 Leader Jim Rowe, of 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, ’s personnel were the latest generation Peter Drissell, RAF Regiment Association said today ’s rich history to carry the story Chairman in the Regiment RAF Regiment News on. RAF Regiment Squadrons 1, 15, 26 and 27 ’s 70th from Honington were at the service. Hundreds celebrate Regiment Group Captain Andy Hall, RAF Anniversary “Bury St The rich history of RAF Regiment was Honington Station Commander, said: celebrated at a special Service of Commemoration Edmunds, Suffolk and East Anglia show a ’ 70th wonderful sense of support to our men that means to celebrate the Corps Anniversary which ” was held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St so much. He also said: "The RAF Regiment is Edmunds from 11.00 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. on Friday extremely proud of its heritage and I am 3rd February 2012. extremely proud of the contribution my airmen About 600 service personnel filled the are making every day to the success on current cathedral - almost all of whom are based at RAF operations. Moments like this also afford us the Honington - and dignitaries including Lord chance to reflect on the sacrifices and Tollemache the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lord achievements of those who served before us. We Tebbit and the Mayor of St Edmundsbury look ahead to a successful future." Councillor Christopher Spicer turned out for the Senior Aircraftman Tom Jackman, 1 occasion. Afterwards, there was a flypast by a Squadron RAF Regiment, said: "It's important to vintage DC-3 Dakota aircraft that rounded off the remember that over the last 70 years the traditions prestigious event in style and reflected the RAF and values haven't changed; however the Force Regiment's parachuting heritage. has modernised to keep up with current theatres. The Reverend Canon Matthew Vernon This reflects the adaptability of the RAF “On behalf of the cathedral community I am said: Regiment and the necessity of its role." delighted to welcome you. We are proud of our The Reverend Matthew Vernon, Canon friendship with RAF Regiment and we are Pastor at the Cathedral, said: "We are honoured to honoured to host this service today. We be hosting this service which commemorates the appreciate very deeply what you do for our Queen contribution of the RAF Regiment over the past
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70 years and which highlights our developing The Press Officer confirmed that it was ’s Colour Squadron of the RAF relationship with them." indeed the Queen The Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Regiment on guard and further informed me that Christopher Spicer, said the Regiment and RAF they would also be carrying out ceremonial guard “very much” part of the Honington were duties at the Royal Palaces on two further dates, community. Sunday 5th February and Thursday 9th February. Now although we thoroughly enjoyed the show the highlight of my day was seeing the ’s Colour Squadron on guard at Her Queen ’s Palaces. Well done the lads. Majesty RAF Regiment snipers protect Afghan family from insurgent attack A Military Operations news article published on 1st February 2012 Snipers from the RAF Regiment used their skills and training to protect an Afghan family caught up in an attack by insurgents in Helmand province. Gunners from II Squadron RAF
Regiment got local people, including children, to RAF Honington safety before turning their weapons on the
Winston Churchill and the Regiment attackers. The incident happened during an The vulnerability of the RAF on the operation by the unit in Helmand province where ground became apparent in the early 1940s and they have been working hard to build relations when the island of Crete fell to the Germans, with the local community and regularly hold Winston Churchill barracked his air staff for shuras (meetings) with local elders. failing to defend their bases. “It must be understood by all ranks," said the Prime Minister, "that they are expected to ” fight and die in the defence of their airfields. In February 1942, the Royal Air Force Regiment was formed, and it's been fighting on the ground for control of the air every year continuously since then. A member of the RAF Regiment keeps an eye RAF Regiment Mounts Guard at Royal on the surrounding countryside through the sight of his L115A3 long range rifle Palaces On Wednesday 2nd February Valerie and I The news coincides with today's (1 “ went down to London to see the show, Les February 2012) 70th anniversary of the formation ”. This show has been continually Miserables of the RAF Regiment in 1942. A unit from II performed at various theatres world-wide for over Squadron, which is normally based at RAF twenty-seven years and as everyone we know Honington in Suffolk, was on a foot patrol when ’t, we decided it seems to have seen it and we hadn the attack happened. was time we did. However, in London on our The patrol, which included snipers were way to the theatre, we decided to do a bit of sat down talking to elders and children when they sightseeing and at one stage, drove past came under fire from an insurgent position. Buckingham Palace and then up the Mall past St Reacting quickly, the patrol ensured the civilians James Palace. To my great surprise and delight, were out of harm's way before taking cover the RAF Regiment were on guard. This was a themselves. Having positively identified the total surprise to me so the following day I firing position, the RAF Regiment patrol returned searched the internet to see if it was referred to fire with a range of weapons including the – – anywhere and it was not so I telephoned the L115A3 long range rifle, a state-of-the-art weapon used to locate and eliminate enemy activity. Press Office at Buckingham Palace.
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range of capabilities from fast jet Tornado aircraft to Gunners on the ground where they partner and work with the ANA. II Squadron RAF Regiment, a parachute- capable field squadron, has been deployed in Afghanistan since October 2011 and will continue to serve until May this year when they hand over to 51 Squadron RAF Regiment from RAF Lossiemouth. L115A3 Long Range Rifle RAF Regiment snipers fulfil a vital and enduring role on the battlefield, in terms of Gunners keep watch during a meeting with a intelligence-gathering, target identification and local shopkeeper in Helmand province eliminating high-value targets. The L115A3 rifle, part of the Sniper System Improvement After the insurgent threat had passed the Programme (SSIP), is a large-calibre weapon local family thanked the RAF Regiment by which provides state-of-the-art telescopic day and passing around naan bread. The RAF Regiment, night all-weather sights, increasing a sniper's along with the RAF Police, provide essential force effective range considerably. protection for the strategically-important Camp The first batch of SSIPs were deployed to Bastion and the local area. Afghanistan in May 2008. Designed to achieve a The RAF Regiment, who are the soldiers first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out of the RAF and are known as Gunners, conduct to 1,100 metres, Accuracy International's L96 foot and vehicle patrols with the Afghan National sniper rifle has also been upgraded with a new x3- Army (ANA) to ensure that Camp Bastion and the x12 x 50 sight and spotting scope. local community is kept safe from insurgent The L115A3 long range rifle fires an attack. 8.59mm bullet which is heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96 and less likely to be deflected over extremely long ranges. Other elements of the Sniper System Improvement Programme include night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods.
Members of II Squadron RAF Regiment and the Afghan National Army speak with local elders 1. S&B 5-25x56 Day Scope. Magnifies Squadron Leader Jules Weekes, Officer target up to 25 times allowing the sniper to Commanding II Squadron RAF Regiment, identify targets more easily. commented: "All the Gunners on the squadron are 2. Holding Stock. Reduces the length of the physically and mentally robust. In the three weapon when being carried in a backpack. months we have been deployed the lads have 3. Adjustable Cheek Piece. Allows the performed to the highest of standards, with their sniper to comfortably align his eye with activity and engagement helping to build a rapport the day scope. with the local community, as well as reassuring 4. Suppressor. Reduces the flash and noise them of the improving security situation." signature, reducing the chances of The RAF continues to play a vital role across the whole of Afghanistan providing a wide
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detection and thus increasing the Leader Jules Weekes, Officer Commanding II survivability of the sniper. Squadron RAF Regiment, said: 5. Adjustable Bi-pod. Allows the sniper to There is a certain dynamic to Taliban support the rifle in a set position while activities in this area. They operate in small teams locating the target. of five or six, travelling by motorbike as their 6. 5-round Magazine. Allows the sniper to preferred guerrilla tactic. Part of this operation is fire 5 rounds rapidly while being small to find out how 'he' does business." enough not to interfere with the alignment. Several suspect compounds were targeted
Calibre - 8.59 mm; weight 6.8 kg; length by the operation which saw the Ospreys land 1,300 mm; muzzle velocity 936 m/s; feed 5-round troops at two separate landing zones, either side of box. the wide Chah-e Anjir wadi. The dismounted RAF Regiment leads operation against troops - supported by a number of II Squadron Ridgback and Jackal armoured patrol vehicles and Taliban bomb-makers a specialist US Marine IED-clearance team - did Members of the RAF Regiment have not go unchallenged. found and destroyed a large cache of Taliban IED- A number of small arms attacks were making equipment in an operation conducted beaten off by the ground troops and heavier alongside Afghan and US forces. Operation attacks were dealt with by Apache and Cobra DISHATA PASHA (Pashtu for 'backfoot') was gunships. One US Marines patrol, temporarily launched at dawn on Monday 6 February 2012, pinned down by heavy small arms fire, was with RAF Regiment troops from II Squadron. supported by a show of force from an F-18 which The force also included warriors from the Afghan was sufficient to deter the insurgents. Army's 3rd Brigade of 215 Corps, and US As well as gaining vital intelligence the Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force. operation found a substantial IED cache in a The troops deployed by US Osprey compound, which contained a variety of bomb- aircraft, with its unique tilt-rotor capability, and making equipment, mines and several complete the operation resulted in the finding and IEDs which were ready to be used against ISAF destruction of a suspected insurgent IED cache forces. Wing Commander Jason Sutton, the close to Bastion Airfield in Helmand province. Commander of 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, They also acquired a wealth of intelligence said: despite coming under fire several times. The "The open approaches to this area mean operation took place in the dashte (or desert) that it is hard to gain the element of surprise. south of Bastion Airfield, whose protection is the However, by using the Ospreys to approach task of II Squadron, operating as part of 3 RAF rapidly from an unexpected direction, the Force Protection Wing. operation managed to achieve it. The RAF The dashte is a sparse landscape of rolling Regiment's role is to defend air bases and those fields and scrub dotted with compounds and is who operate from them, but the old adage of increasingly being used as a harbouring area by attack being the best form of defence remains as Taliban forces who have come under pressure true today as ever. Targeting the insurgents and elsewhere as a result of successful coalition their supply networks takes the initiative away operations. In this 'bed-down' location the from them so that we can dictate the terms of the insurgents have mingled with the local population, fight. It disrupts the insurgents' attempts to attack some of whom have Taliban sympathies, and their Bastion and its vital air operations, denies them presence has seen attempts to increase poppy freedom of movement, and supports the Afghan production in the area to fund their summer National Security Forces as together we work to campaign. protect the population who live around the base." Because of the sparse agricultural cover in II Sqn RAF Regiment is a parachute- the area during the winter, the insurgents have capable RAF infantry unit, which fights on the based themselves in compounds to fire on ISAF ground to maintain control of the air, and foot patrols. The string of IEDs that had been specialises in the protection of air bases and air sown across approaches to the area, together with operations. The RAF Regiment is fully a part of their 'stand-off and shoot' tactics, was meant to the RAF and their organisation, equipment and stop ISAF forces from getting near. Squadron
8 training are designed specifically for their tasks. just seemed in his element, very at ease and The RAF Regiment, formed in 1942, is 70 years happy. It was tremendous to meet him." old this year and has been deployed on operations Prince Harry described his relief at finally continuously throughout this time. The nickname qualifying as an Apache helicopter pilot and for RAF Regiment personnel is 'Rock Apes'. shared his excitement at preparing for a future “It’s been a hard slog The role of RAF Force Protection Wings deployment to Afghanistan. ’s finally over,” Captain Harry Wales of the is to provide command and control of ground but it force protection at air bases in order to ensure air Army Air Corps said, as he prepared for months operations can continue unhindered. The Wings of pre-deployment training. typically provide on-base security operations Harry, 27, shared war stories with delivered by the RAF Police, and off-base Afghanistan veterans of the RAF Regiment and operations delivered by RAF Regiment discussed future training before a coming tour of squadrons, who operate in the large ground duty when he visited their base at RAF defence areas around bases. Honington, near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. No 3 Wing provides force protection for The Royal top gun, who served for 10 Bastion Airfield and Camp Bastion, working in weeks in Afghanistan as a forward air controller conjunction with the US Marines who are tasked in the winter of 2007-08 before a US website and with protecting the adjacent Camp Leatherneck. an Australian magazine broke a news blackout As well as having under its command II Squadron about his deployment, met RAF Regiment RAF Regiment and No 2 (Tactical) RAF Police personnel responsible for protecting the air bases Squadron, 3 Wing also includes an attached Royal in the war zone and their families. Artillery element and a detachment of Tongan He chatted to men from 15 Squadron RAF Defence Force personnel, who work with the RAF Regiment who are due to deploy to Afghanistan in Police to provide perimeter and entry point October, including many who had already served “He was security, and on other operations at Bastion multiple tours of duty in the country. Airfield and Camp Bastion. talking to us about his tour in Afghanistan and ” 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps, of the Afghan Camp Bastion and what the kit was like in camp, National Army, is based at Camp Shorabak, said Senior Aircraftman Josh Brown, 22, from adjacent to Bastion, and is supported by UK Cambridge, who showed the Prince an 81mm troops from Task Force Helmand and Bastion. mortar he will be using out there. Prince Harry presents awards at RAF Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) Josh Brown, Honington who showed him equipment used to fire mortars, th said it was a great honour to meet the prince. He On Friday 10 February, Prince Harry “It is bit surreal when you see him first but visited RAF Honington in Suffolk to meet service said: personnel and their families. The prince, named when you speak to him he is a normal down to earth guy. It is just like talking to another Honorary Air Commandant by the Queen in 2008, ” also presented a selection of service squaddie. commendations. Jacqui Thompson, whose Prince Harry chatted to Armed Forces husband was killed in service in Afghanistan four comrades about ''nightmares'' remembering how years ago, was given a special award for her work to use all his kit when on tour in Afghanistan. for service charities. "It was incredibly special The 27-year-old Captain with the Army Air Corps and such an honour," said Mrs Thompson. also spoke to servicemen and women about the Prince Harry was driven to the base from fast food joints in Camp Bastion. Wattisham Army airfield, where earlier this week Dressed in comfortable combat fatigues he qualified as an Apache pilot. He spent about and sporting a Rolex watch he shared stories with an hour inside the 15 Squadron RAF Regiment's the troops based at RAF Honington in Suffolk. hanger being shown hardware and speaking with Corporal Robert Owen talked to the Prince about personnel who had protected air bases from attack communications equipment the Royal used on his in Iraq and Afghanistan. 10-week tour in the country as a forward air Mrs Thompson said: "I was watching him controller in 2007-08. with the members of the RAF Regiment and he Harry was familiar with the Bowman Radio System from when he directed jets
9 dropping bombs on Taliban positions in Helmand Memorial to include HMCS Petrolia province. It was announced this week that he is A stone memorial at the National due to return to Afghanistan later this year. Memorial Arboretum will include a plaque with Corporal Owen, 29, from Shropshire said: ''He the name of a Second World War escort ship - Her was saying, because there's a lot of kit nowadays, ” Majesties Canadian Ship HMCS Petrolia. The you've got to remember so much . memorial will be dedicated in September 2012 at After meeting troops and being shown the annual reunion of the Castle Class Corvette weapons and equipment used by the regiment, Association. Prince Harry chatted to the families of serving During the war's Battle of the Atlantic, the troops. The prince last visited RAF Honington in Royal Navy had small escort ships known as July 2010, where he presented the Elizabeth Cross "Castle Class" Corvettes. Each was named after a medal to two servicemen killed in Afghanistan. famous castle. During the war, 12 ships were The Prince, who was made Honorary Air transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and Commandant of the base by the Queen in 2008, named after towns; and the HMS Sherborne qualified as an Apache pilot earlier this week and became the HMCS Petrolia. was presented with a top gun award as best co- The Association is comprised of crew pilot gunner on his 18-month course. He is members who served on the ships. But many expected to go to Afghanistan within the next six members are very elderly and the Association will to 12 months. have to disband eventually. A final design for the NATIONAL MEMORIAL memorial has been selected and its construction ARBORETUM (NMA) UPDATE will start in March, 2012. The stone memorial will be in the shape of The National Memorial Arboretum a castle gate with a plaque showing the names of The National Memorial Arboretum is the ’s year all the Castle Class ships, with those of the Royal UK -round Centre of Remembrance; a Canadian Navy - including HMCS Petrolia - listed spiritually uplifting place which honours the under the RN/RCN names. The name of every fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters ship that served in the Royal Navy and the Royal pride in our country. The Arboretum is part of Norwegian Navy will also be listed separately on The Royal British Legion family of charities. the memorial. The Castle Class memorial will be Sited in the heart of the Nation, with built with stones from the castles after which the 50,000 maturing trees and 200 memorials, it is a ships were named. beautiful and lasting tribute to those who serve The memorial will be completed in their country or who have died in conflict. polished granite and Welsh slate and the stones Visitors from all walks of life number from the various castles will form a crenulated around 300,000 per year, including service effect around three sides, to give the effect of personnel, veterans, students of all ages, groups castle ramparts. The Association currently has a and individuals. Over 200 special events are held tree and plaque in the arboretum's navy area. annually. The Act of Remembrance, including a HMCS Petrolia was an Allied ship Silence, is observed daily in the Millennium commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy on Chapel. June 29, 1944. It was built in 1943 in Belfast, The Arboretum, situated on land gifted by Northern Ireland as the HMS Sherborne. It was Lafarge, is home to the striking Armed Forces built for the Royal Navy but never commissioned Memorial which commemorates those who have into the Royal Navy. It was instead given to the been killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from Royal Canadian Navy as the HMCS Petrolia. the end of the Second World War to the current It's unofficial "Hard Oil" badge showed an conflict in Afghanistan. oil storage tank, drilling rig and oil refinery as a £12 million redevelopment campaign is ’s A nod to the Canadian town of Petrolia oil history. in place for the creation of a world-class The town was presented with a plaque by the Remembrance Centre worthy of those who give Canadian Navy in 2010 to commemorate the so much to our Country. Thanks to the generous HMCS Petrolia. The presentation was in donations and pledges received to date, the fund is conjunction with the Navy's 100th anniversary now half way to its target. celebrations. HMCS Petrolia was
10 decommissioned in 1946, sold for mercantile 11.00 a.m. for the AGM and at 12.30 p.m. for the service and scrapped in Bombay in 1965. The service, the Burma Star Association (BSA) will ship's original bell is displayed in Petrolia's hold their annual service of commemoration for municipal office. past holders of the Burma Star medal. For further Future Events at the NMA information contact: Glynis Longhurst (BSA Treasurer) on 020 7823 4273 or at Wednesday 25th April 2012
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Saturday 7th July 2012 before being discharged in Jul 05. No further On Saturday 7th July at 12.00 noon in the Service details are known. The funeral was held ’ Church in Hilgay, Norfolk, at 15.00 Pavilion Marquee and at the Royal Artillery at All Saints Garden, the Royal Artillery Association (RAA) on Fri 20 Jan 12. Family flowers only were will hold its annual Service of Remembrance and requested but donations in his name may be made wreath laying. For further information contact: in favour of Help for heroes. He is survived by Allan Solly (RAA Membership Secretary) on his daughter, Michelle Bush, of 44 Empingham 01980 845 362 or by email to
12 in the RAF in 1939, becoming a Ground Gunner NEW DEFENCE CBRN WING before being assimilated into the RAF Regt on its NUMBERPLATE formation in Feb 42. No further Service details The newly-formed Defence Chemical, are known. He was a member of the Norfolk Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (DCBRN) Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. The funeral took Wg, a UK Defence asset manned by the RAF place at 14.15 on Wed 15 Feb 12 at the West Regt, has been designated 20 Wg RAF Regt by Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Near Bury St the Air Force Board Standing Committee. The Edmunds. There is no known next-of-kin, but the abbreviated title will be: DCBRN Wg (20 Wg Corps extends its sincere condolences to any RAF Regt). surviving family. 58 SQN RAF REGT STANDARD NEW NOTICES: PRESENTATION NEW YEAR HONOURS & AWARDS 2012 A new Standard will be presented to 58 The following State Honours to Corps Sqn RAF Regt at RAF Leuchars on Wed 9 May members were announced in the New Year 12. further details will be issued in due course. Honours List 2012: IDENTIFYING SURVIVING MEIKTILA Appointment to the Most Excellent Order of VETERANS ’s Mei the British Empire: In preparation for this year ktila – As Companion: Air Cdre N Bray CBE MA RAF Anniversary celebrations on Mar 12, the Regtl CG RAF Regt Sec is seeking to identify any surviving RAF Regt As Member: Wg Cdr M R Hooker MBE RAF veterans of the Burma campaign who fought at, or – Regt (Retd) Regtl Sec were involved in, the Meiktila battle. Please ’ The following RAF Commanders contact the Regtl Sec at HON- Commendations to Corps members were [email protected] if you are able to help. announced in conjunction with the New Year PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PENSION Honours List 2012: CALCULATION CHANGES CAS Commendation: Most Service pension recipients will be – – - Flt Lt (A/Sqn Ldr) I A Ham OS(Regt) aware that the Public & Private Pension A/OC 504 Sqn RAuxAF calculations will change shortly from using the AOCinC Air Comd Commendations: Retail Price Index (RPI) to the Consumer Price – – - Sqn Ldr D A Devoy OS(Regt) Ex Index (CPI). Many workers in the Public and FPHQ RAF Honington, now DISC Private Sector have contributed to their pensions Chicksands on the understanding that on retirement these – – - Flt Lt T J Slark-Hollis OS(Regt) RAF Pensions would be increased each April by the – FP Centre CBRN preceding September's RPI rate. – - Sgt Fryatt Gnr - FPHQ RAF Honington From April 2011 the Government has ’s Com AOC mendations: transferred these increases to the CPI measure, ’Brien – – - Flt Lt K M O OS(Regt) FP HQ which in the Treasury's own words "...is designed – RAF Honington J7 to take account of the fact that consumers tend to – – - Sgt R J Cooke Gnr FPHQ RAF shop around, switching to cheaper alternatives – Honington Trg when prices of similar goods change." – – - Cpl O N Hughes Gnr FP HQ RAF Interestingly, a number of prominent – – Honington CBRN agencies including the Bank of England it – – – - Cpl J S Lovett Gnr FPHQ RAF appears will continue to use the RPI calculation. – Honington CBRN A Govt e-Petition is attracting considerable – – - SAC A J McMahon Gnr Ops Flt RAF support and you may wish to consider adding Lossiemouth your support to retain the RPI calculation. The – – - Cpl J A Bovingdon Gnr Regt Flt RAF hyperlink is: St Mawgan https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitio - RAF Coningsby Team Commendation: ns/1535/signature/new Regt Flt CENTURION 2011 - RAF Honington Team Commendation: Despite the best intentions of the Editor, RAF Regt Recruiting Spt Flt (RRSF there is still a delay on the publishing of the 2011
13 edition of Centurion and the current 70th duty) are entitled to free public transport travel Anniversary-related - and other - activities is (using the Oyster Card system) within the M25 all further delaying its issue. The editor apologises day on all Transport for London (TFL) means. for the lateness of the Journal and will advise There is a similar arrangement for when its issue is imminent. mainline railways - again only for that portion RAF REGT GOLD BROOCHES within the M25 - but not on morning rush-hour A very limited number of the highly trains (ie those arriving at main line termini before attractive Hallmarked 9ct yellow gold RAF Regt 09.30). For further details and to apply for the Brooches are available for purchase. The design hard-copy application form, please go to the ’ Crossed ’ Agency incorporates the Corps -Rifles and Defence Personal, Welfare and Veterans Adastral Crown design and the rifle length is or TFL (www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14424.aspx) approximately 30mm. A strong locking clip is websites. incorporated in the pin and each brooch comes in HRH PRINCE HARRY VISITS RAF an attractive polished wooden case. HONINGTON Inevitably, the rapidly rising price of gold HRH Prince Henry of Wales, in his is making these items quite expensive and this capacity as Honorary Air Commandant of RAF latest tranche may well be the last for the Honington, visited the Home of the RAF Regt on foreseeable future. Dispatch by Special Delivery Fri 10 Feb, just a day after it was announced that is usually within 24 hrs of receipt of order. Please he would deploy as an Apache Attack Helicopter contact the regtl sec at HON- pilot to Afghanistan later in 2012. [email protected] for further details. Prince Harry was escorted from his CORPS NETWORKING Wattisham airbase by the Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Andy The Corps is now fully incorporated in the Hall, and received a short briefing to bring him global professional networking website LinkedIn up-to-date with Honington and the Corps ®. It provides an excellent means to keep in activities, before presenting Commendations to a ’s touch with colleagues and friends. There are two number of individuals, which included AOCinC Corps-specific Groups, the RAF Regiment Commendations for Sqn Ldr Dave Devoy, Flt Lt (Networking) Group, which is designed to cater Trevor Slark-Hollis, Sgt Niky Fryatt and Mr Tom ’ Mess Manager of some 17+ years. for the non-commissioned Gunner elements and Joy, the Offrs those about to exit the Service, and the RAF Also honoured were RAF Regt Assoc ’ Group Regiment Officers , which is intended to members, Mr Tom Renshaw and Mr Steve ’s provide a degree of biographical detail as well as Horton, who received their 2011 CG ’s Commendation was provide networking and discussion capabilities. Commendations. A CG ’ Group is endorsed by the The Officers also presented to Mrs Jacqui Thompson, widow of CG RAF Regt and all officers, both serving and SAC Gary Thompson RAuxAF Regt, who was veteran, are encouraged to join. Membership is Killed in Action at Kandahar Air Base in April achieved by simply logging-on to Linkedin.com 2008, for her outstanding support to Service and registering basic details. Once registered, just Charities and for her championing of the Corps. complete the necessary details in your personal After the presentations, the Prince met – Profile and then apply to join the appropriate with members of 15 Sqn RAF Regt who will be ‘Search’, ‘ Group (click on RAF Regiment deployed to Afghanistan in late-2012, the RAF FP ’ (Networking) or RAF Regiment Officers ). The Centre, and the newly-formed Def CBRN Wing, Group Manager will than check authenticity and, before spending some time with families of the as appropriate, admit the applicant to the Group. Honington units. He then departed for his ® has over 110,000,000 members LinkedIn afternoon engagement in London. worldwide, but it is not designed for social VACANCIES FOR ADDITIONAL DUTIES networking. COMMITMENT (SO2 FP CONCEPTS & FREE LONDON-AREA TRANSPORT FOR DOCTRINE) VETERANS Vacancies have arisen for 2 x sqn ldr Veterans in receipt of a Service War (RAF Regt or RAFP) to serve on a part-time, 180- Pension (ie (ie a tax free amount in recognition of days per year Additional Duties Commitment an injury or other disability incurred while on (ADC) as SO2 FP Concepts and Doctrine, as a
14 part of the RAF FP Centre, Lessons and Concepts 12 May - Annual RAF Regt Chapel Cell. Although working for RAF Honington, the Commemoration (Catterick). ’ Dinner Club Annual posts would be established at any RAF FP Force 30 May - RAF Regt Offrs – Element location or HQ RAFP, allowing the Reception 2012 (House of Lords) * Date applicant to serve in his geographic area of choice Change on ADC Terms and Conditions of Service. 4 Jun * - Naming Ceremony (for those killed in The closing date for applications is 9 Mar 2011) at the National Armed Forces' Memorial 12; interviews will take in March (date tbd) at (NMA Alrewas). RAF Honington. Telephone enquiries concerning 15 Jun - 63 Sqn RAF Regt Assoc Reunion (Union these vacancies and how to apply should be made Jack Club, London). ’ Day + RAF Regt Annual to FS Gary Stannard, FP Centre Adjt - 01359 30 Jun - UK Veterans 237302. Memorial Commemoration (NMA Alrewas) RAF REGT FREEFALL COMPETITION 19 Jul - II Sqn RAF Regt 90th Anniversary – ’ Day (RAF H TEAM CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Families onington). The RAF Regt Freefall Competition team 21 Jul - RAF Regt Assoc NEC Mtg 2-11 (venue (Team CENTURION) is looking for talented 4- TBC) way freefallers to compete this year in the Armed 1 Aug - Centurion Journal 2012 - Article Forces Freefall Competition at JSPC Netheravon Deadline. – 7-13 Jul 12. The RAF Regt would like to enter 28 Sep 1 Oct - RAF Regt Assoc AGM and two teams (an experienced and an inexperienced Reunion (Wyboston Lakes) – team). 18-19 Oct - RAF AC Assoc Autumn Reunion The intention is to accompany the already Morley Hayes (Dinner on 19 Apr) ’ Dinner Club Annual highly acclaimed RAF teams in this prestigious 26 Oct - RAF Regt Offrs competition. Team CENTURION will make best Dinner 2012 (RAF Club, London). use of wind-tunnel training as well as weekends at 11 Nov - Remembrance Day (Nationwide). Netheravon or Swansea in order to field the best 2013 teams possible. Volunteers will need to have their 31 Jan - Corps Operational Review (RAF own equipment and insurance and be qualified up Honington). to FS-1 by 21 May 12. They will need to be 1 Feb - 71st Anniversary of the Formation of the available away from primary duties 7-13 Jul and RAF Regt. for at least four weekends before the competition. 1 Feb* - Corps 71st Anniversary Commemoration Training costs will be mostly self-funded Service (Bury St Edmunds). ’ Briefing and Corps but competition and entry fees will be Service 1 Feb - Corps Officers provided. Volunteers should make themselves Formation Dinner 2012 (RAF Honington). known to the competition team captain, Flt Lt 11 May - Annual RAF Regt Chapel Gareth Mooney (Trg Off 27 Sqn RAF Regt) by Commemoration (provisional date, Catterick). ‘[email protected]’ before 21 May email WHO RULES BRITAIN? ’s 12. Why do we bother to elect our MP when “Great Britain” is General enquiries about Team the Government of our once CENTURION should be directed to Flt Lt Tony controlled by the European Commission operating Antoniou (Team Leader) or Sqn Ldr Colin Laker in Brussels? We elect our Governments to serve – (Chair). and protect the people of the United Kingdom ’t expect CORPS DIARY DATES: we don our freedom to govern ourselves * Provisional Dates to be imperilled by bowing to the wishes of 7 Apr - 90th Birthday of 2 ACC / II Sqn RAF elected or unelected faceless bureaucrats from Regt. other countries of the European Community. – 12-13 Apr - RAF AC Assoc Spring Reunion The recent ruling concerning Abu Qatada Morley Hayes (Dinner on 13 Apr) shows that our best interests are not being served 9 May - 58 Sqn RAF Regt Standard Presentation and meanwhile, we are denied our democratic (RAF Leucahrs) right to vote on the EU which is the main obstacle 11-14 May - RAF Regt Assoc Spring Social to removing him. Our laws and government (Nidd Hall, Nr Harrogate). should over-ride any decision taken outside our
15 country. Further to this, at the moment, our The crew will be 50/50 men and women, £23 National Health Service is wasting million and balanced in accordance with the latest Home each year on translators. When you add the cost Office directives on race, gender, sexuality and of translators for every other public service, the disability. Sailors will only have to work a total cost must be staggering. All this could be maximum of 37 hours per week in line with saved by placing the following simple notice in all Brussels Health & Safety rules, even in wartime! “If you do not speak such public services areas All the vessels will come equipped with a ”. This is what English, then bring an interpreter maternity ward and nursery, situated on the same you have to do everywhere else. We are the only deck as the Gay Disco. ones stupid enough to provide interpreters. And Tobacco will be banned throughout the following on from the furore caused by the debate ship, but cannabis will be allowed in the over the possible freeing of the terrorist Abu wardroom and messes. The Royal Navy is eager Hamza al-Masri it makes us all wonder just who to shed its traditional reputation for "rum, sodomy – does rule Britain Europe or our own Parliament. and the lash" so out has gone the occasional rum Whatever you or I may think about our ration which is replaced by sparkling water. – politicians and you all know what I think of Although sodomy remains, it has now – them it is far more preferable to be ruled by our been extended to include all ratings under 18. own brand of politician that by European The lash will still be available but only on request. politicians and judges. Indeed, some European Condoms can be obtained from the Bosun in a judges are not only unelected, they are not even variety of flavours, except Capstan Full Strength. qualified in law. In view of some of the Saluting officers has been abolished ridiculous decisions coming out of Europe, maybe because it is deemed elitist and is to be replaced ’s about time that we considered leaving the it by the more informal, "Hello Sailor". All European Community altogether. information on notices boards will be printed in
******************** 37 different languages and Braille. Crew On a similar subject, one of our members members will now no longer be required to ask Ken Lobley of Todmorden, Lancashire has sent permission to grow beards or moustaches - this “tongue in cheek” article about me the following applies equally to female crew members. our obedience to European Union Brussels The MoD is working on a new "non- Directives. specific" flag because the White Ensign is Britannia Rules the Waves considered to be offensive to minorities. The Union Flag had already been discarded. The Royal Navy is proud of its new fleet The newly re-named HMS Cautious is due of Type 45 destroyers. Having initially named the to be commissioned soon in a ceremony first two ships HMS Daring and HMS Dauntless, conducted by Captain Hook from the Finsbury the Naming Committee has, after intensive Park Mosque who will break a petrol bomb over pressure from Brussels, renamed them HMS the hull. She will gently slide into the water as Cautious and HMS Prudence. The next five ships the Royal Marines Band plays "In the Navy" by are to be named HMS Empathy, HMS the Village People. Her first deployment will be Circumspect, HMS Nervous, HMS Timorous and to escort boat loads of illegal immigrants across HMS Apologist. £850 million each, they meet the the channel to ports on England's south coast. Costing The Prime Minister said, "While these needs of the 21st century and comply with the ships reflect the very latest in modern thinking, very latest employment, equality, health & safety they are also capable of being up-graded to and human rights laws. comply with any new legislation coming out of The new user-friendly crow's nest comes Brussels." His final words were, "Britannia equipped with wheelchair access. Live waives the rules." ammunition has been replaced with paintballs to ******************** reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt and to cut ’s all for now, keep smiling if Well that down on the number of compensation claims. you can and stay happy. Stress counselors and lawyers will be on duty 24 hours a day and each ship will have its on-board Malcolm industrial tribunal.
16 Saturday 16th June 2012 24th Ann Branch Sunday 17th June 2012 Cosford Air Show DATES FOR Sunday 24th June 2012 National Service Day MAKE Sunday 24th June 2012 Mem Service Plymouth Ho YOUR th A Sunday 24 June 2012 Allied Air Forces Mem th DIARIES DATE Saturday 30 June 2012 Regt Ann Comm NMA Saturday 15th Sept 2012 Battle of Britain Day Sunday 6th October 2012 Merchant Navy Day Thurs 15th-Fri 30th Mar 2012 Battle for Meiktila An Sunday 21st October 2012 Battle of Trafalgar th ’s Day Saturday 17 March 2012 St Patrick Sunday 4th November 2012 Midlands Fest of Rem th th th ’ham Poppy Ball Thursday 5 April 2012 11 Ann Ded of Mem Saturday 10 Nov 2012 B st ’ham St G Concert Saturday April 21 2012 B Sunday 11th Nov 2012 Remembrance Sunday rd ’s Day th th ’ham I Monday 23 April 2012 St George Sat 24 -Sun 25 Nov 2012 B nt Tattoo th th ’s Day Wednesday 25 April 2012 ANZAC Day Friday 30 November 2012 St Andrew Sunday 29th April 2012 ANZAC Day Parade Friday 1st February 2013 Branch Subs Due Fri 11th-Mon 14th May 2012 Spr Reunion Nidd Hall Thursday 14th February 2013 Branch AGM Saturday 12th May 2012 Annual Chapel Comm.
C HAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER Ron Sharp Malcolm A Baldw in Tom Magee 46 Lightwood Road 61 Pear Tree Cres cent 11 Pavilion Avenue Yoxall, Burton on Trent Solihull Lodge, Sh irley Smethwick, Warley Staffordshire DE13 8QE Solihull, B90 1LE West Midlands, B67 6LA Tel No: 01543 472411 Tel: 0121 608 379 1 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail [email protected] Baldwinmalc@blu eyonder.co.uk [email protected]
PRESIDENT BRANCH VICE-PRESIDENT Dave Gooding QUARTERMASTER Peter Swash ‘Mdina’ Rowney Green Lane 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Tom Magee Rubery, Rednal 11 Pavilion Avenue Rowney Green Birmingham Smethwick, Warley Redditch West Midlands B45 0NE West Midlands, B67 6LA Worcestershire, B48 7QF Mob: 07982 425539 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail Tel No: 01527 60870 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
MINUTE SECRETARY RBL LIAISON OFFICER STANDARD BEARER Ken Bridgwood Dave Gooding Robert McGowran 29 Claverdon Drive 31 Queen Elizabeth Road 11 Hindon Grove Great Barr Rubery, Rednal Acocks Green Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham West Midlands, B45 5HR West Midlands B45 0NE West Midlands B27 7JP Tel: 0121 357 4242 Mob: 077597 36879 Robertmcgowran63@hotmail. [email protected] [email protected] co.uk
RESEARCH CO-ORD/ PUBLIC RELATIONS FINANCIAL AUDITORS LINK-UP DATA BASE OFFICER/SOCIAL SEC Trevor and Joan Round Hughie Cooper Michael Beard 7 Board School Gardens 11 Sandringham Close 21 Abingdon Road Dudley Baswich Lane Bloxwich, Walsall West Midlands Stafford, ST17 0AB West Midlands DY3 1XA Tel: 01785 242269 WS3 2SX Tel: 01902 672597 [email protected] Tel: 01922 491453
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