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THE JHC delivering joint success on operations
THE CESSATION OF Joint Warrior tests BRITISH ARMY AVIATION GERMANY COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS Our Paratroopers strengthen French ability connection Training on air, land and sea with their counterparts from Ttohe British Army’s rapidreact reaction force demonstrated the French Foreign Legion the unique reach and agility capabilities
Exercise White Knight British Army descends on the European Alps to train and compete in alpine ski racing
CHF Aircrew Prove it’s Snow Problem getting an Arctic in the Box for Winter Training
journal of the joint helicopter command
Issue 2, 2014 2, Issue
Editorial 30 Editor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbourne E: [email protected] T: 01264 381 122
sales Sales Manager: Laurence Rowe E: [email protected] T: 01536 526 662
Designer Designer: Chris Keller E: [email protected] T: 01536 521 126
48 Publisher LZDZ is published by Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL T: 01536 512 624 E: [email protected] W: www.lancepublishing.co.uk Message from Company Registration Number: 3253372
21 14 Printer the Commander Lance Print Ltd, Unit 3 Houghton Hill Industries, Houghton Hill Farm, Houghton, It was with great sadness from Campaigning to Contingency. Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2DH that in my first month in This transition will need a change in T: 01480 492 183 command we lost Lynx ZF540 our mindset as well as a review of how E: [email protected] in Afghanistan. My thoughts we train and operate. In many ways W: www.lanceprint.co.uk are with the families and Contingency will be more demanding loved ones of Capt Clarke, Flt – the unknowns and risks are greater as Further Information Lt Chauhan, WO2 Faulkner, are the needs for agility, lateral thinking W: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ Cpl Walters and LCpl Thomas and Mission Command. Many internal aboutdefence/whatwedo/ who were tragically killed. changes will also be apparent within JHC. airsafetyandaviation/jhc The majority of our aircraft are being lready in my short time upgraded or changed and there are Editorial Submission date: in command, I have been some structural and geographic changes Thursday 3rd July 2014 impressed with what I have for some of our units on the horizon. Please submit all entries for the next issue seen during my visits to JHC The programme is pretty full by no later than the date stated above. Aunits. Your professionalism, commitment with numerous challenging exercise and energy in getting the job done have opportunities, especially with our 28 Cover credit been evident. I know how much we US and French colleagues. © MoD Crown Copyright have supported operations and the high Please make the most of standards we have delivered. I thank you all these opportunities – be safe, and particularly your families and partners. learn and have fun. The future offers considerable Notices CHF Aircrew Prove it’s Snow Problem ...... 18 The Cessation of British Army Aviation opportunity as we complete the main Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE, In Memoriam ...... 6 Medics Take to the Beach Germany Commemorative Events ...... 34 task in Afghanistan and transition Commander JHC for Battle of the Fittest ...... 19 16 Bde Host BBC Essex for Live Show ...... 36 Operations Joint Warrior Tests Army’s Ability to React ...... 21 5,000 Hr 2 Star’s Final Chinook Flight ...... 37 RAF Chinook Helicopter Used to Exercise Joint Warrior Wakeboarding Twins Join Team GB ...... 38 Deploy Troops & Equipment to Isle Training for Contingency ...... 24 of Wight for Flood Relief Efforts ...... 8 Reservists Train with Army’s Equipment A Look Back to Cougar 13 ...... 9 Rapid Reaction Force ...... 26 667 Sqn AAC Continue to Lead the Exercise Fuels Endeavour ...... 27 Way in… Aviation Trials & Development ...... 40 Training Airborne Medics Put Through Their Paces ...... 28 230 Squadron 16X AAC Reserves Recruiting & Training ...... 29 Honours & Awards Air Awareness Week ...... 10 Paratroopers Strengthen French Connection ...... 30 QCVS for Sapper Oxley ...... 43 From Rifles to Rotor Blades ...... 11 Operational Honours & Awards 2014 ...... 44 Ex Clockwork 14 ...... 12 People Disclaimer This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in Driver Training ...... 14 Para Wins Bodyboarding Tri Service Title ...... 32 Sport & Charity any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been Keeping it All Running Like Clockwork ...... 16 CSE Takes Al Murray to Afghanistan ...... 32 Exercise White Knight 30 ...... 48 taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily Major Milestone for Commando Pilot ...... 16 Determined Ash Runs the London Marathon .....33 Exercise Caribbean Wings ...... 50 those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.
4 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 5 In Memoriam In Subscribe for FREE Online at www.easyresettlement.co.uk for latest news, training and employment opportunities
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6 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 7 Operations
n Saturday, 15th February 2014 a Chinook helicopter crewed by personnel from 27 Squadron, RAF Odiham was called to transport O22 Reservists from 7th Battalion, The Rifles to flooded areas in the Isle of Wight. The Chinook Helicopter returned later the same day transporting two military Land Rovers with their drivers and equipment to Newport where they would be used by Reservists to help with the flood relief taking place on the Island. Friday’s storm created further tidal Defence Minister Mark Francois said: flooding and ground flooding in areas across “I am delighted that we have been able the island affecting local residents. The to provide further assistance to those personnel from 7 Rifles were called to assist affected by the flooding in the Isle of the civilian authorities and local communities Wight. With thousands of military personnel with tasks including distributing sandbags already playing their part in efforts to help and engineering services to help bring flood-affected communities we are also some respite to those affected. A specialist using reservists, such as 7 Rifles, who are helicopter handling team from the Joint getting stuck in and playing their part to Helicopter Support Squadron, RAF Odiham support the relevant civilian authorities were called to prepare the under slung loads to provide whatever support we can.” prior to their transportation to the island. Group Captain Richard Maddison, Station Commander RAF Odiham & RAF Chinook Force Commander said: “This is a A look back to RAF CHINOOK HELICOPTER USED TO DEPLOY fantastic example of the adaptability and TROOPS & EQUIPMENT TO ISLE OF WIGHT capability of the Chinook Force and all its support personnel. The Chinook Force has COUGAR 13 continuously supported national resilience and military aid operations since it was Written By: Lt Tom Morris, 845 NAS IN SUPPORT introduced into the RAF in 1981. It is a truly adaptable aircraft, capable of operating Wednesday the 23rd September and a group of three day and night in adverse weather and Junglie pilot’s, forming part of the Joint Helicopter Force environment. The aircraft, however, would (Contingency) (JHF(C)) onboard HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, are OF FLOOD not be able to reach its true versatility waiting eagerly by the pilot door for a boat transfer across without the support of the thousands of to the Royal Navy of Oman’s corvette Al MUAZZAR. service and civilian personnel stationed at RELIEF EFFORTS RAF Odiham. Everyone, be it aircrew or his fantastic opportunity engineers, administrators or caterers, pull arose as part of exercise AS thousands of military personnel continue to contribute to together to achieve one aim, and that is Omani Cougar, part of the flood relief efforts across affected parts of the United Kingdom, to enable the Chinook force to be able to wider Cougar 13 deployment the Royal Air Force has deployed its Support Helicopters provide this level of support to the British Tdemonstrating the Armed Force’s to assist the rapid deployment of troops and equipment. public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” capacity to project an effective maritime component anywhere in the world and an opportunity to exercise and train with our partner nations in the Gulf. Lt Tom Morris one of the pilots fortunate the passengers on board an extended enough to make the trip said “Cougar product no doubt of our common training PUMA HELICOPTER FORCE JOIN FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS time to assess the various areas suffering has been a fantastic opportunity to gain with the Omani officer’s at BRNC. from, and in danger of, flooding. The experience of flying to a number of different Post lunch we were back in more familiar The RAF’s Puma Helicopter The Puma Force was notified yesterday explained: “Two aircraft were tasked and flew Puma Force is dedicated to using its ships, but I have not yet had the opportunity territory as we witnessed the Omani super Force joined UK flood relief morning that it should stand ready to assist at to a number of different locations, primarily new helicopter to provide any assistance to visit and witness the operation of any lynx landing on their flight deck, considerably efforts yesterday, supporting short notice, and the first call came in a short located within the Thames Valley area, to carry needed amongst some of the worst of our partners beyond the flight deck. smaller than what we are used to, and met efforts on the ground from while later. The first aircraft lifted from RAF out airborne reconnaissance and observe how flooding seen in the UK in living memory.” Once onboard we were treated to Mahir the pilot. He was kind enough to show the skies above the south. Benson at 12.10pm and spent over three hours the flood and relief operation has progressed. With no immediate change in the breakfast and given a quick tour of the us around the helicopter and introduce us to transiting across the flooded Thames Valley The tasking also helped identify those areas weather predicted, the Puma Force has ship before moving to the operations his ship’s flight of engineers and maintainers, eplicating the role they area, assisting aid commanders in assessing most as risk and in need of further aid.” placed several crews on standby in direct room to witness the first of a number of giving us an appreciation of the challenges played in operational the flood damage and the next stages of the Wing Commander Mark Biggadike, support of the flood relief effort for the air defence exercises (ADEXs) that had they face operating from a Corvette. theatres such as Iraq, flood relief effort. The second aircraft lifted the Officer Commanding of 33 Squadron, next two weeks, with this commitment been programmed for the day. Although Finally there was the customary the Puma HC Mk2 early in the afternoon and spent almost two explained how the upgraded Puma HC extending further should the rainfall none of us junglie’s could claim to be exchanging of gizzets and goodbyes Rhelicopters from RAF Benson in hours providing additional reconnaissance Mk2 has been of assistance: “The Puma HC continue. These crews will be ready to entirely au-fait with the intricate workings before the sea boat arrived to return us Oxfordshire supported aid commanders above the overflowing River Thames. Mk2 was the perfect platform to carry out fly at short notice, providing helicopter of the ops rooms during an ADEX it was to the slightly precarious challenge of the on the ground by providing aerial Flight Lieutenant Tim Barry, a pilot with the reconnaissance tasks. Its increased fuel support to wherever it is needed within a striking the similarities in procedures pilot ladder up ILLUSTRIOUS, the end of visibility of flooded areas. 33 Squadron who flew one of the sorties, capacity and more efficient engines allowed matter of hours of receiving the call. between ourselves and the Omani sailors, a a very enjoyable and educational trip.
8 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 9 Training
capabilities, and culminated with a day-flight on the advanced Puma Mk2 that involved 230 Squadron a Concealed Approach and Departure; skimming along just tens of feet from the Air ground. This was a real first-hand insight to the planning cycle, application and debrief of what the platform could do; excellent.’ Awareness Just as there is value in members of 16X having a closer appreciation of what a day in the life of the SH Force is like, the reciprocal Week is also true. To this end, last year several 230 Sqn aircrew attended 2 Para’s Skills at Arms Meet, embedding with the Med Air-Land intergration through Group and taking the opportunity to discuss enhanced understanding Puma Mk2’s abilities in the CASEVAC role. Subsequently, Sgt ‘Cas’ Cassidy deployed with 2 Para’s Fire Support Group (FSG) Written By: Flt Lt C M Vosper, 230 Sqn environment for Air-Land Integration (ALI). The 8Fd Company (Para) REME, part of 7AA Bn on Ex ACTIVE EAGLE. On his return Sgt I considered myself reasonably familiar concept of running a SH Awareness training I was invited to attend a newly formulated Cassidy used the experience to bring to with such aviation hardware. However, I In the latest in a series of events, package was subsequently driven at unit air-officers course hosted by 230 Sqn who fly life the ‘support’ element of SH. He recalls, From hadn’t factored in just how familiar I would 230 Sqn hosted colleagues from level from both 230 Sqn and 16X Air Staff. the Puma Mk2, during what was a thoroughly ‘a week in the field with 2 Para seemed become with the underside of a Chinook 16 Air Assault Brigade (16X) on a 16X personnel, including participation from enjoyable and useful few days at RAF Benson. daunting, but after lugging several hundred as it hovered a mere foot or two above my bespoke Support Helicopter (SH) 2 Para and 1 Royal Irish, received aviation The visit was designed to give prospective rounds of their ammunition and stores Rifles To head, whilst frantically trying to hook up Awareness Course, during subject briefs including the tasking process, air-officers and other interested parties the around I was privileged enough to spend a load with the help of my team mates. the first week of March. flight planning, meteorology and tactics. chance to see the immense capability of the night in a FIBUA building at STANTA Rotor Nothing can really prepare you for Capabilities briefs for both Puma Mk2 and the new-into-service Puma Mk2, and forge with the FSG fielding aviation questions. It the first time a helicopter bares down he aim of the week was to Merlin were also delivered, along with a links with the Puma Force and the wider was immediately apparent that there would on your location to pick up a load, or enhance the understanding of comprehensive walk round of each type. All RAF for future tasking and joint exercises. never be a lack of enthusiastic customers Blades! the firm grip of an instructor who stops SH planning considerations for participants then shadowed a crew through The visit delivered on its promise, and I to support and that this small engagement you from foolishly trying to follow 16X air planning staff, and to each stage of the planning and preparation left with a far deeper understanding of what was ideal in continuing to develop a Having risen from the ashes the helicopter around with the sling Tintroduce the much enhanced capabilities for flight. They then flew on a day sortie, support helicopters could be used for, and closer Puma Force/16 AAX relationship.’ of a Rifles Company, 678 connector outstretched. Neither did of the new Puma HC Mk2. The requirement observing the workload and how the crew how to task them. The knowledge gained OC 230 Sqn explains, ‘I am a firm (Rifles) Squadron of the most of us appreciate the strength of for this training was identified by 16X in interact, the low level environment and tasking will be invaluable to the planning of future believer that the benefits of improved Army Air Corp is on the map the downwash from a Merlin, (which their post exercise report for Ex JOINT on Ex PASHTUN PANTHER. The aspiration exercises and operations where Support- mutual understanding at unit level are and getting ready for action earned at least one member of our course WARRIOR 13, the idea being to generate for future courses is to fly at night as well. Helicopters are available. In summary; it was tangible. Through a mature appreciation in North Milton Keynes. the nickname ‘FOD’), or the general a greater understanding of SH planning Lt Alex Deakin, one of the 16X participants an extremely well-hosted and informative few of opportunities and constraints, from the sense of confusion the RAF can create factors for staff and to foster a better commented, ‘As the representative from days that focused on the support-helicopters perspective of both the aircrew and troops, he dark green berets are by simply ‘doing their own thing’. we see the incentives of closer working being exchanged for a Having proudly earned ourselves the relationships rather than the institutional bright, jaunty shade of unlikely title of ‘Rigger/Marshaller’, we and cultural barriers which can cause light blue, photographs of entered the second week of the course frustrations. There is also huge benefit Tapaches are now adorning the office which was dedicated to refuelling. The from building personal relationships and walls and people of all ranks are being sheer number of levers, buttons and trust. To deploy on an operation and be sent to Middle Wallop to complete the gauges on the Oshkosh had most of us met with a familiar face will in itself get ALI Class 3 Reserve Ground crew course. looking thoroughly confused by the end off to a good start. This individual respect There were mixed feelings of of the first walk round. However, with and understanding is a benefit reaped by excitement and trepidation as my small much repetition throughout the practical the SF through organic support, and while band of five travelled down to Middle phase, we soon got the hang of it and all this level of support cannot be replicated Wallop in February to start the course. By in good time to practice on a Lynx with across the whole of the green Army and day two, the guys at 2 (Training) Regiment rotors on at the end of the final week. SH Force, a focus on establishing personal had really thrown us into it. As the week It was an unforgettable experience rapport with those high readiness units we progressed, we learned the practicalities for us all and we returned home with are most likely to deploy with is important.’ of fighting helicopter fires with 90l foam proud smiles and a buzz of excitement, Other inter-unit events have included trolleys, helicopter marshalling skills, how looking forward to the next challenge 230 Sqn support to 16X table top planning to rig various underslung loads, (which and sharing our stories with the rest of exercises and 15 key personnel from each included a trailer, a Landover, missile the Squadron. Our newly formed 678 main unit within 16X visiting 230 Sqn to boxes and a seemingly never ending (Rifles Sqn in North Milton Keynes will better understand how to utilise the Puma supply of very large tyres), as well as how specialise with the “Apache helicopters” Mk2. The benefits of developing an ever to set up a night time landing point. in Wattisham paired with 4 AAC and closer relationship between the Puma By day four, we were hands on and a number of us are already signed up Force and 16X, heralding the new Puma lucky enough to work with Bell, Chinook for the necessary Apache Ground crew Mk2 capability while building relationships and Merlin helicopters over the course of Basic Course starting very soon. for the future are evident. The mutual three days. As a born and bred Falkland The Army Reserve future’s bright respect is clear, but that will not get in Islander who grew up with the sound of and Air Corps light blue for 678 (Rifles) the way of good healthy banter! Chinooks and the like flying overhead, Squadron is full steam ahead.
10 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 11 Ex Clockwork Ex
CLOCKWORK is the annual training package held in Northern stick to the metal, is a challenge. Carrying wearing a considerable amount of protective Norway by the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF). Based out aircraft maintenance is all the more clothing, which saps the dexterity necessary at a dedicated British site within Royal Norwegian Air demanding in these severe temperatures, for fine engineering serials, and to which Force base, Bardufoss, which is located approximately 200 especially if you add in wind chill.” the crews must adapt and overcome. Kilometres inside the Arctic Circle at 69 degrees north and In order to deploy to CLOCKWORK, all CPO Martin Strick is an Air Engineering sits across the E6, the only road to run the length of Norway. personnel must first complete the Air 338 Technician (AET) and squadron Watch Chief; course in the UK and the Cold Weather Survival “For the engineers new to operating in this he training encompasses a Course (Air 336) on arrival in Bardufoss. environment, it can be slightly overwhelming wide spectrum of disciplines, The Cold Weather Survival Course at first. Everything takes longer, everything. all taught to the highest consists of classrooms based lectures on the Just dressing to travel to the line is an evolution standards, ensuring that CHF environment and survival techniques. This is in itself, combine this with removal of aircraft Tand other aspects of Joint Helicopter followed by outdoor training, initiated with a protective covers, pre-warming the aircraft Command from across the three services snowshoe ‘yomp’ up Radar Hill where students if necessary, positioning power rigs, and can operate, fight and win in a demanding spend nights in a ten man tent, a four man stowing of equipment, a simple line flyer cold weather environment; skills learned tent and a ‘quincy shelter’, which is essentially [routine tasking aircraft] may take as long as here were applicable in the mountains an igloo. During the day a variety of training 45 minutes to prepare. One of my main jobs of Afghanistan. Proof that, if you can exercises are conducted such as navigation, as WCPO is to ensure personnel are briefed survive and operate effectively here, you yelper sledge racing and a snowshoe hike correctly, dressed accordingly, and are aware can survive and operate anywhere. to the very top of Radar Hill and back. of the time constraints and whilst carrying Conditions in Norway are extreme and The course ends with the ‘eagerly out their tasks quickly and efficiently, also so all personnel are trained to survive and anticipated’ ice breaking drills. Students must ensuring minimum risk and confidence that work in the freezing conditions, from Chefs plunge into a hole cut from a frozen lake, we have carried out each evolution safely.” to Engineers to Helicopter Aircrews. Lt push their bergen out then, once permission Aircrew train to conduct helicopter landings Cdr Mike Day, the Commanding Officer of has been sought from the Mountain Leader in deep to produce ‘whiteout’, an effect similar CLOCKWORK said; “The main challenge The Air Engineering Department Instructor, pull themselves out using ski to the ‘brownouts’ of desert landings. This Benson ahead of their transition to the Junglies’ its reliability. “It is a good aircraft. It is old that we have up here in Norway is preparing reiterate the philosophy of working in the poles. The water is near freezing and the makes Norway training invaluable for learning Merlin Mk4. Lt Cdr Mike Day said flying the but it gets the job done,” said Sea King pilot everyone to operate in this harsh arctic Arctic “the punishing environment up air temperature as low as minus 30°C which the skills necessary for flying on operations two together was a symbolic and historic Lt Dominic Savage, 25 “It is a pilot’s aircraft environment. We operate in temperatures here is the biggest operating difference. makes for an emotional experience! in Afghanistan and other hot, arid climates. event “All has gone well with no issues at all.” and I know there are some who no longer down to minus 30°C which poses a challenge The basics, like wearing gloves when Engineers and groundcrew are trained to This year CHF’s Sea King Mk4 helicopters The iconic Sea King, which will remain in fly it who wish they still did. You feel like to individuals as well as aircraft operations.” working on aircraft, so your hands do not conduct their work in the extreme cold and were joined by the Merlin Mk3 from RAF service until March 2016, has once again proved you are flying a bit of British heritage.”
12 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 13 Ex Clockwork Ex
sheds. That is, garden sheds made of After a variety of theory lessons, fibreglass, sitting on top of four rubber the 30 year old, 6t lumbering beast is tracks, connected by a steering joint. Being then thrown around on the skid pan Swedish, they are left hand drive. This makes with tracks and gearbox screaming for a borderline terrifying experience on in defiance until either the student the first road drive practice on British roads. is bored or the instructor is sick. The rest of the week is taken up with off Following this, a long distance road driving and lessons on maintenance. road drive is carried out, followed by more lectures on how to keep the big green antique vehicle running. When the students have proven themselves competent on road, the off road stage commences. After a quick intro into off road driving in a controlled environment, the BV’s are taken up onto the main training area for CLOCKWORK - Andsfjell aka Radar hill. The remainder of the course is then spent learning how to attack inclines, safely traverse and also how to slide down hills with all four tracks locked up and the instructor stamping on the imaginary The next stage is to complete the five day brake pedal. Due to the fact snow can Snow and Ice course in Norway. This consists go from being as hard and compact as of various lectures on Norwegian traffic concrete to something more akin to icing law culminating in a theory test, safe winter sugar, this can from time to time present EX CLOCKWORK driving, and the principles of skidding. These a few issues. It also hides the terrain very principles are then demonstrated, practised effectively, so suddenly dropping several and more often than not ignored, on the skid feet into a bowl and/or sliding sideways pan. Once the students have satisfied their off rocks is a common occurrence. All told desire to re-enact Tokyo Drift in a heritage this makes for quite an exciting (mildly 4 wheel drive Land Rover/Big Green Lorry, stressful) final stage of the BV206 process. a long distance road drive is used to ensure Occasionally a genuine recovery Driver Training the required standards have been met. has to be carried out, but more often Written By: Cpl R Andreason RM CHF nfortunately for myself and the reappear at a speed akin to asking CLOCKWORK So how do you go about tackling this At this point the majority of Ranks are than not the course runs as it should rest of the Driver training section personnel disappearing after being asked risk? Simple. You find four instructors, give then let loose on Norway using the lessons with the students heeding the lessons No one likes to be told they in CLOCKWORK, it falls upon for volunteers for an Ice Breaking demo. them an ageing fleet of vehicles, a bag from the course to great effect, keeping taught, the instructors remaining can’t drive. As far as the us to deliver the news that from Factor into this the poor light levels, the rat, and the empty corner of an airfield. all four wheels on the road and pointing uninjured and the vehicles returning to majority of the Military is Utime to time we all need a reminder that no reduced visibility, the single lane roads, the The first stage in the process for Ranks in the correct direction. Occasionally the ‘Rock Hanger’ in one piece. With concerned, they could have one (ourselves included) is perfect. The Arctic moose, the Norwegian lorries, right hand drive requiring BV206 training, the workhorse this goes awry, but the post Christmas the exception of one unnamed student, been Colin McRae had they environment is a fantastic opportunity to do so. vehicles in a right hand lane country and you of the Winter environment, is to conduct CLOCKWORK accident sheet remained clear. the trees of northern Norway remained been given the chance. It Braking distances on ice can increase have a recipe for; at best paperwork for MT a ‘Blackshod’ (without snow) course in For Ranks who have completed the BV206 unmolested, though apparently that seems that JHC CLOCKWORK tenfold and the front end grip required to and work for the VM’s and at worst the first the UK. For those of you that have never ‘Blackshod’ course, they then progress onto was more down to a confusion between is no exception… make a vehicle change direction can vanish and call to the Duty Medic’s phone since 2001. seen or been in a BV, imagine two garden the BV206 ‘Whiteshod’ (with snow) course. left and right, than driver error.
14 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 15 Ex Clockwork Ex
and operate in the Arctic environment with nights spent in self dug snow holes and tents in extremely testing weather conditions. The Logistics department acts as a lynch pin for the delivery of survival, snow and ice driving and flight training serials that run throughout the five month period at CLOCKWORK. With upwards of 250 personnel to feed and provide stores and clerical support to throughout the detachment, the department (the setup of which closely resembles that of a Type 23) certainly has its work cut out. Within the dept, there is a range of experience levels including both Royal Navy and Royal Marines, from seasoned Killicks to personnel fresh from their first sea going unit. Running for nearly 50 years, the Exercise is for all departments to hone their core skills well established with the bulk of the training whilst working in the Arctic environment. delivered on-site being aviation centred, Day to day the rhythm inside the facility Keeping it all utilising the snow environment to deliver mirrors that of life onboard, complete with contingency training for desert landings (brown- rounds, meal times (including the 4th meal Running Like outs). However there are plenty of opportunities for night serials), wholeship evolutions (the sensation of store ship in a chill con at -20!), cheque cashing and HoDs/ DepCos CLOCKWORK and with the obligatory confusing of light blue and green counterparts by Navy Written By: Lt J Skelding personnel exercising the right to free ‘Jack Speech’, to name but a few things! A healthy 69 degrees north, 200km inside the Arctic Circle, temperatures work/life balance is encouraged with day dropping to -25°C, helping to maintain flying programmes for the trips, skiing, dog sledding on offer and Sea King and its replacement Merlin… how challenging could it be? even the occasional night in the Bar. CLOCKWORK provides unique challenges, combined with the opportunity elcome to JHC Forward HQ element. The main objective To that end all of the 60 enablers and unit to work in a fantastic part of the world years to update the existing facility and CLOCKWORK, a winter for the site is “To provide support and personnel (sometimes in excess of 200 flight that most are unlikely to visit in the course with 1SL outlining his desire to grow training facility set operational training and support facilities and ground support elements) must first of their careers. It also offers the chance CLOCKWORK (in conjunction with its inside Royal Norwegian to enable aviation capable units and pass the Air 336A, the Cold Weather Survival to work with a great team, across the owner JHC and Land Command), the future WAir Force Base Bardufoss, operated support arms to survive, operate and Course. The course, spanning nine days, gives RN as well as RM, Army and RAF. With looks exciting for personnel fortunate by the Commando Helicopter Force fight in extreme C2 environments.” all personnel the skills necessary to survive a DIO rebuild scheduled in the next two enough to attend the exercise.
Major Milestone for His first appointment as a Commissioned Iraq and one to Afghanistan in just two years excited I was, an excitement that persists Officer was ‘A Flight’ Commander in 847 and in 2008 achieved 4,000 hours whilst in to this day. I consider myself very lucky to NAS, in charge of 23 pilots and responsible Kandahar. A further ground tour followed at have achieved the career I have had. Commando Pilot for eight aircraft. During this appointment Commando Helicopter Force Headquarters My favourite moments of my aviation job he led a detachment to Op VERITAS in the as a Staff Officer in Plans but true to form have been those times when I have been 2014 is the 350th Anniversary of Royal Marines and having Persian Gulf as a response to 9/11. This was volunteered for another deployment to able to directly support my fellow Royal served more than 35 years, Acting Major ‘Barney’ Barnwell followed by a deployment to OP TELIC in Op EMPEROR where he flew the Mi17. Marines in the Cdo Bde, whether that was has been a Royal Marine for over 10% of the Corps’ life. 2003 where he led combat aviation patrols On completion, he rejoined 845 NAS in my Gazelle leading aviation patrols on the over the Al Faw and Basra; frequently being as the Flight Commander in 2011 to Al Faw peninsular, finding and destroying dditionally as a pilot for deployed to operations in Northern Ireland, engaged by hostile enemy fire for which undertake no less than three further tours tanks heading toward 40 Cdo RM or in my over 27 years, Barney the Falklands War and the UN in Cyprus. he was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’. in Afghanistan thus achieving his 5,000hrs Sea King lifting out men of 42 Cdo from recently celebrated Environmental training has seen him deploy After attending the Royal Navy Initial during his final tour. Of note 1,000 of his FOBs to get them home for RNR during the 5,000 flying hours. This to Borneo, Norway, Belize and Egypt. Command and Staff Course he was appointed to 1,600 hours flown in the Sea King have been particularly difficult time that was HERRICK 14. Aachievement is significant for any aviator On completion of his Army Pilots course at Commander Amphibious Task Group (COMATG) on operations in IRAQ and Afghanistan. The changes in military aviation since I but especially so for someone who did AAC Middle Wallop, he joined 3 Commando as the SO3 Aviation Officer. His exposure to Major Barnwell said “I feel very privileged started on Gazelles in 3 Cdo Bde Air Sqn not join the Royal Marines to fly! Brigade Air Squadron as the first Corporal Task Group exercises enabled him to establish and proud to have seen and been part of have been considerable but the big constant He joined the Royal Marines as a recruit Pilot in the Royal Marines in Feb 1987. He his credentials as an amphibious staff officer. such a fascinating era in Commando aviation. has been the quality of the people I have in 1978 and served first as a rifleman aged reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class Thereafter he returned to flying duties I still remember my first flight as a passenger had the honour to work with, some of whom only 18. Then as an Assault Engineer in 1 in 2001 as the Squadron Sergeant Major in 2006 with 845 NAS as a Sea King Flight in a Sea King Mk4 as a young Marine in are directly responsible for me still being 40 Commando and 45 Commando he and was then selected for a Commission. Commander. Here he added three tours of 40 Cdo on Ex TEAMWORK 1980 and how alive to accomplish 5,000 hours.”
16 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 17 Ex Clockwork Ex Medics take to the beach the backdrop. This is even more challenging when conducted at night with NVG. for battle of Deploying to Norway is often the first time that the aircrew will have experienced the incredibly cold temperatures associated the fittest with operating 200km inside the Arctic Circle. A Sea King preparing for a field Army medics have raced landing at about 70mph with an outside each other on the beach and air temperature of -25°C will mean the air through the waves to find out crewman will experience a wind chill of who is the fittest in the unit. about -70°C. They also have to deal with the recirculation produced by the rotor riday 28th March contest downdraft, dependant on how much saw some 100 men and snow has fallen, this can often be severe women of 16 Medical so the aircrewman’s commentary is vital Regiment put through their for the pilot as it allows him to anticipate Fpaces on a four mile run and assault losing all his hover references immediately course in full battle rig along the shifting prior to landing. The students also learn sands of Mersea Island in Essex. the value of dressing appropriately for Physical fitness is vital to the the freezing weather conditions! Colchester-based unit, with the troops The training then moves to the next trained to deploy by parachute or phase, up into the mountains to operate helicopter to provide medical support CHF Aircrew Prove it’s In the run up to deploying, the aircrew are the aircraft at a much higher altitude to 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British harder than it looks and, without being busy ensuring they are current in accordance and in stronger winds. Here, the student Army’s rapid reaction force. complacent, I’m very proud to have won with JHC flying regulations and that all their crew are presented with some significant Lieutenant Colonel Philip McNee, this event. I’m a keen runner and put survival drills are in date until the end of performance limitations to work with to Commanding Officer of 16 Med Regt, said: a lot of effort into training, both what the deployment. Some personnel deploy enable them to land on a ridge or in a valley. “The beach run was a tough event but we do as a unit and in my own time. If to Norway early in order to complete the Operating in the mountains can be an every member of the Regiment put in an you’re not fit enough you can’t do the Snow Cold Weather Survival course which is run uncomfortable and intimidating feeling outstanding effort, showing the strength job we do, it’s as simple as that.” by the unit Royal Marine Mountain Leader. initially. It takes the eye time to adjust to of their spirit as much as their fitness. Private Kimberley Preston, a combat This training enables crew to survive in the the scale of the mountains, becoming “As troops within 16 Air Assault medical technician from Stonehaven in freezing environment in the event of any accustomed to closure rates and, for Brigade, physical fitness is one of our top Scotland, was the first female soldier problems in adverse weather conditions or the air crewman, vertigo can sometimes priorities. On operations we’re expected to finish in 35 minutes 16 seconds. Problem forced landings during the deployment. be experienced on approach to the to parachute or fly in to where we need The 20-year-old said: “Fitness is getting an Arctic in the On arrival at the JHC CLOCKWORK site in mountaintops with the ground being to be and then be totally self-reliant, really important for us as a unit. We the Royal Norwegian Air Force Base Bardufoss, thousands of feet below the aircraft carrying all the equipment we need to both would deploy on operations alongside Box for Winter Training a period of ground training takes place to until the very final stages of landing. serve our role as medics and survive.” the Parachute Regiment and we have to refresh crews on snow and ice limitations, Also included during this training First across the finishing line in a match their high standards to be able Written By: Sgt p Collacott Bardufoss. This is a challenging task as not local air traffic procedures and the task of is low level navigation, load lifting by time of 28 minutes 47 seconds was to keep up with them on the ground. all the desired re-fuel stops have the correct making up new maps. The maps produced in day and night, formation sorties to Lance Corporal Chris McMillan, a “I represent the Army at both sprint and Each year over 50 Commando fuels, the stores and engineers carried on Norway are very good but occasionally can include landings at field landing sites. Royal Engineers electrical engineer. Olympic distance triathlon, so I train two Helicopter Force aircrew the transit have to be carefully balanced be missing some low level hazards that may These skills are vital as they enable the The 26-year-old from Weston- or three times every day on the different deploy to Bardufoss in to ensure endurance to reach those stops be encountered during sorties, such as major Commando Helicopter Force to deliver super-Mare said: “Running on sand is disciplines and my general fitness.” northern Norway for specialist safely, factoring in weather issues especially power cables. Some of these are notorious effect for future deployments, operations flying training and the once the North Sea has been crossed. and can be suspended hundreds of feet up and exercises. The snow ‘white-out’ mirrors aircrewmans responsibilities Engineering preparations then begin, across valleys the aircraft are flown down. the same effect as desert ‘brown-outs’ being well in advance of this ensuring the correct role fit and the servicing With ground training complete the flying experienced in Afghanistan for example. annual winter deployment. required for the aircraft to be fit for the three to starts in earnest. The course involves snow The training culminates with a FOBEX four day transit. This is often a difficult task with landings by day and night and with night vision (Forward Operating Base Exercise) which wo months prior to aircraft are still being utilised on other exercises goggles. These are conducted both above and involves the aircraft, aircrew and engineers deployment, all the maps, or deployments right up to the last minute. below the tree line. Flying above the tree line living in the field while they support troops on-route aviation supplements This year the Sea Kings did not return from Op presents the student pilots and aircrew with exercising all over northern Norway. and survival equipment have Patwin in the Philippines until two weeks prior some very challenging conditions. It becomes While this training is taking place, Tto be ordered, this needs to be done in to flying to Norway which required a fast turn very difficult to judge rates of closure, height planning the return trip commences with good time to enable the aircrew to plan a around time from the engineers who worked above the ground and seeing some of the the students being given this task to plan route from RNAS Yeovilton up to RNoAF incredibly hard to ensure the aircraft were ready. contours is a tricky business as they blend in with and execute as a climax to the course.
18 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 19 You could be Warrior Joint Ex in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...
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Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected] visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 21 Ex Joint Warrior Joint Ex
n aviation assault to Puma 2 support helicopters, protected by to conduct the full range of military Cerney, Gloucestershire, capture the airfield at Apache attack helicopters, to assault the operations from non-combatant for vehicle and personnel Kinloss Barracks today airfield. Once secured, more troops and evacuation operations to warfighting. checks. On Saturday (5th (Monday 7th April) marked heavier equipment were delivered across the The operation was planned and April) they took over West A16 Air Assault Brigade’s arrival on day by C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. launched from West Freugh, some 250 Freugh from 3 Commando Exercise Joint Warrior, the biggest Airfield capture is a key skill required miles away near Stranraer. The troops Brigade Royal Marines and carried out annual military exercise in Europe. for the brigade’s role as the Air Assault deployed from their base in Colchester battle preparations. Kinloss will now be This is realistic and well-resourced Troops from the 3 PARA Battlegroup Task Force, which is ready to deploy last week, passing through the Joint established as a base for further missions, training that reflects the type of landed at Kinloss in Chinook, Merlin and anywhere in the world at short notice Air Mounting Centre (JAMC) in South which could include helicopter-borne operations that the brigade could be called infantry strikes and stabilisation operations. The 1,600-strong 3 PARA BG deployed on to do, both in terms of the tactical on Joint Warrior is built around the airborne challenges and their expeditionary nature. infantry of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Brig Nick Borton Regiment bolstered by artillery, engineers, medics, signallers and logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade. The 600-strong Joint Helicopter Force, part of the Joint Helicopter Command, which includes Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force helicopters providing transport, attack and reconnaissance support to troops role as the British Army’s very high-readiness of the unique flexibility, reach and agility on the ground, is being commanded formation for contingency operations. of airborne and air assault troops.” by the brigade’s 3 Regiment Army Air “This is realistic and well-resourced training Exercise Joint Warrior involves 13,000 Corps, based at Wattisham in Suffolk. that reflects the type of operations that the military personnel from eight countries, more Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, brigade could be called on to do, both in terms than 30 warships and 25 different types Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, of the tactical challenges and their expeditionary of aircraft and helicopters. Taking place said: “Joint Warrior provides an excellent nature. The mission we have achieved in a short twice a year, the training aims to test how opportunity for 16 Air Assault Brigade to space of time, and what we will go on to do the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force work alongside the Royal Navy and RAF in its across the exercise, is a powerful demonstration work together and with allied forces.
22 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 23 Ex Joint Warrior Joint Ex
Exercise JOINT WARRIOR Training for Contingency… It was on a sunny afternoon in Mid-March that 27 Sqn, C Flt and engineers from 18/27 left RAF Odiham to embark on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. We were to take part in the biggest NATO led exercise of the year – Ex Joint Warrior; with 33 ships, three submarines, 48 fixed wing, 40 rotary wing and 13,584 personnel taking part across nine different nations.
he Chinook force embarked As the exercise progressed, the Chinooks just off the coast of Isle of got involved in ‘Dry/Wet Wader’ exercises Wight, dominating the deck with 40 Cdo by day and night, increasing and exiled to the rear ‘spots’ their competence of beach assaults as well Tso that our downwash would not affect as our amphibious assault capability. By now, Austere living conditions were the other helicopters. Once all aircraft were ILLUSTRIOUIS was tracking North up the West order of the day once established at West on-board, the ship (don’t say boat, the Navy coast to our final destination – West Freugh, Freugh. Tent city was erected, an Operations get upset) set sail, doing what could only be where the main assault would take place. hub was set up (in a bog) and Army living described as crazy ‘J’ turns all the while track With the day of the final assault drawing established. Body armour and weapon progressing West. After the obligatory safety ever closer, the meticulous planning that were a must if leaving the accommodation briefs and familiarisation (anyone know where had taken place was now beginning to bear area and showers but a distant memory. 2JE Starboard Aft is?) the exercise began… fruit. It would be a massive, multi-aircraft, The weather was typically; wet, windy, “DON ANTI-FLASH!” (clam sized white multi-pronged, Sea, Land and Air assault, cloudy, rainy and any other synonym of bad gloves and white head cover) – three words conducted by all three services of the British you can think of. This restricted airborne everyone very quickly got used to. The ships Military as well as the other nations. With Ops initially but not to a point that we company were also being assessed and the exception of ‘teething problems’ (and couldn’t achieve what was required. as part of the exercise, the boat… I mean two Dutch landing craft crashing into each The land phase was colossal, with Apache, ship, would regularly be probed by enemy other), the hierarchy deemed the assault a Lynx, Merlin, Puma, Hercules and Fast air aircraft and vessels. This quickly brought to success! As our time aboard ILLUSTRIOUS all being involved for huge rotary based light for those who hadn’t embarked before, was drawing to a close, we would soon be inserts; the Chinook again being an integral that we as a Chinook force were a very small leaving the comfort of the ‘floating bar’ part for any mission ‘go, no-go’ criteria. cog of a much bigger machine. It was upon and exchanging silverware for sporks! The main effort of 3 Para was to assault and realising that fact, that you did not have We left ILLUSTRIOUS after having spent secure RAF Kinloss. With Kinloss being about the freedom to get airborne, service the nearly two weeks embarked, to take up new 200 miles away from West Freugh, this required aircraft or brief for sorties as you had done residence in West Freugh… more commonly days of planning, with incredible attention to before, that a mind-set change was required. and fittingly known as ‘Wet Freugh’. It was detail so as to co-ordinate a simultaneous, You were regulated by the strict timings of here that we now changed our mind set from surprise attack; in something that resembled the ship and it was the ship who told you the Nautical to the Land based; working the famous scene from Apocalypse Now! when you could and couldn’t do things. now with 3 Para for their validation. With the day of the assault drawing and the fleet released, communication was seen to be lacking and confusion ensued. Unperturbed, the assault was a resounding success, captured by what seemed the World’s media on location. Some aircrew even took the opportunity to spend the night in the ‘Boeing Hilton’. With a week and a half in the field, the Chinook detachment packed up camp and set off home for Odiham. It was a mammoth learning curve to those who had not embarked on a ship or lived in the field before, with the added complications that come from those environments. All departments performed admirably and it was the synergy between everyone that helped to make the exercise a huge success; the Chinook force once again being the integral unit, now prepared for wherever or whatever lies across the horizon post Afghanistan…
24 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 25 Ex Joint Warrior Joint Ex Training
NSC PROVIDES MISSING LYNX Crews flying the latest incarnation of the British Army’s primary battlefield utility helicopter can now Exercise familiarise themselves with in-flight operational procedures in a virtual FUELS ENDEAVOUR environment thanks to training, simulation and Written By: Sgt Mark Adair, Tactical Supply Wing consultancy specialist NSC.
Reservists train with Exercise FUELS ENDEAVOUR is an annual live fuels esponding to a request handling exercise, led by 516 STRE (BP), which is designed from Joint Helicopter to validate the military’s deployed fuel handling capability Command to the pilot Army’s rapid via training in a simulated austere environment. Defence Simulation Centre, Rthe Surrey-based company produced reaction force his year’s selected location a detailed visual and functional model for the Ex was sunny (yet of the recently upgraded Lynx Mk9a. Airborne reservists have taken their place in the British thundery!) Cyprus, and The digital recreation of the Army’s rapid reaction force on Exercise JOINT WARRIOR. brought together many aircraft, which is currently deployed Tdiverse units from within both the on operations in Afghanistan, will RAF and the Army. These different bring greater fidelity to Armed ome 50 paratroopers Reservist medics from 144 Parachute units also delivered an equally diverse Forces’ training serials conducted and medics from Army Medical Squadron have been working as range of skills from a plethora of trade using Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2). Reserve units have worked combat medical technicians with the infantry groups which included: Sappers; Divers; Mark Bentley, a senior developer alongside their regular and within treatment facilities set up by 16 Logisticians; and Marine Engineers. As at NSC, said the updated Lynx Scounterparts in 16 Air Assault Brigade, Medical Regiment, their regular parent unit. the Ex was focussed on Defence wide trg and subsequent rehearsals, a team of model would add authenticity to the including an assault by helicopter Major Yukmo Kan, an anaesthetist at training, TSW’s (Rotary) fuels operators just eight personnel was able to construct collective training of helicopter crews. and rapid air landing to capture Southend University Hospital, is working joined forces on this occasion with a the complete installation within six hours. “In addition to replicating the the airfield at Kinloss Barracks. as a medical officer. The 39-year-old is in designed to prepare them to serve similar organisation from HQ Air (1 The exercise also afforded all Mk9a’s distinctive cowling and Private James Dytham, a mental health charge of triaging and treating casualties as the Air Assault Task Force (AATF), Expeditionary Fuels Sqn (1 ELS) which personnel an opportunity to witness sensors, NSC’s main effort was to nurse from Bedlington in County Durham arriving at the military equivalent of a which is ready to deploy anywhere in provides capability for fixed wing ac) to the deployment of the Towed Flexible simulate the helicopter’s WESCAM has been in 4th Battalion The Parachute hospital’s accident and emergency unit. the world at short notice to conduct form a single team of RAF Ex players. Barge Discharge System (TFBDS). The [an electro-optical laser designator]. Regiment for two and a half years. Maj Kan said: “I joined up to challenge the full range of military operations Following the introduction of the 2nd TFBDS is a 300,000 litre beast towed “The model is not a pilot or The 27-year-old said: “Being a nurse myself and use my clinical skills in a The AATF includes a platoon phase of the Joint Operational Fuels by an Army workboat, which is utilised helicopter simulator – it is controlled and a paratrooper are poles apart, very different environment. This is the from 4 PARA and a section from 299 System (JOFS 2) this fuels team was to offload fuel from an ocean tanker in using a keyboard and mouse within but I joined the Paras to challenge first brigade exercise I’ve been on and Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers tasked to be the first to construct and shallow waters. Once the TFBDS has VBS2 – but it does allow a crew to myself within one of the strongest I’ve really appreciated the scale of the of High Readiness Reserves (HRR), operate a Primary (600,000 litre) Bulk been filled, it is then moored 200m get used to working together and infantry regiments in the world. deployment. As an individual, you are a who have a signed agreement with Fuels Installation (PBFI) which included offshore and connected to a manifold communicating with each other.” “This is my first exercise with the cog within a cog, but everyone has to do their employers to be released at short Aircraft Refuelling and Aircraft Defueling raft. Once connection is complete, the regulars and it’s been very different. At their job for the whole machine to work. notice for an operational deployment. modules. This new equipment has been unit discharges fuel onshore via flexible 4 PARA we work at platoon level and “In the four years I’ve been a reservist Lieutenant Colonel Dave Macauley, designed to support protracted Ops pipelines into 136,000Ltr tanks. cram a lot into a weekend training camp, I’ve seen a real change in culture and we who is in charge of the brigade’s in an austere environment and can In conclusion, Ex FUELS ENDEAVOUR whereas on a major exercise like this are now fully integrated with regulars. This reservists, said: “The reserves within 16 simultaneously refuel either two road proved to be an extremely useful training there’s more time and resources to work exercise has been a great opportunity to Air Assault Brigade are fully partnered tankers or up to six aircraft, along with serial which fully supported training for on bigger and more complex tasks. cement the working relationships we have with their regular counterparts. This the capability to defuel from either ac contingent capability and provided both “I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from already formed with 16 Medical Regiment.” integration has been powerfully or vehicles. In order to corroborate commercial suppliers and DE&S project the airfield assault. There’s a massive The 1,600-strong battle group deployed demonstrated by the way regulars and initial training, the first ten days of Ex teams with useful feedback regarding adrenaline kick running into action on Joint Warrior is built around the airborne reserves have worked together on Joint FUELS ENDEAVOUR consisted of several the real time performance JOFS 2 Eqpt. off the back of a Hercules transport infantry of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Warrior. It has been a very demanding iterations of both construction and It also provided TSW operators an aircraft. Time flies and before you know Regiment bolstered by artillery, engineers, and complex exercise that has shown that deconstruction of the fuels site, prior opportunity to test equipment that will it you’re four hours into an attack, medics, signallers and logisticians from reservists are capable and ready to deploy to the introduction of ‘live’ fuel into the form an essential element of enabling but it only feels like five minutes!” 16 Air Assault Brigade. The training is with the Army’s rapid reaction force.” system. Consequently, as a result of that capability for years to come.
26 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 27 Training
AAC Reserves Recruiting &Training With Op FORTIFY well underway and recruiting and training the Reserves one of the Army’s top priorities, 2 Regiment AAC is delivering the training of the AAC Reserves.
he AAC Reserve Regiment will expand, taking on an extra 400 recruits in the coming months. The first TAAC Reserves’ Training Course took place at Middle Wallop in November 2013 and was delivered by 668 Squadron AAC. This was the trial of the Phase 2 Aviation Specialist Groundcrew course (Res). This 15 day course (which encompassed three weekends) aimed to welcome and train soldiers who were serving with B Coy 6 Rifles, D Coy PWRR, 7 Rifles, 100 Rgt RA and 38 Sig Regt. These soldiers were retraining prior to transferring to the AAC. The soldiers were trained as AAC Groundcrew, developing new skills during the intensive 15 day course Airborne including firefighting, underslung loads rigging and marshalling and refuelling of aircraft. The emphasis of the course was to qualify personnel to complete these tasks and enable the AAC to medics deliver helicopters to the front line. put throughxercise their SERPENTS ANVIL haspaces In addition, these soldiers’ previously tested the techniques and learned skills will no doubt prove useful From infected insect bites to the high-tech, lightweight to the AAC. Currently in Afghanistan, gun shot wounds, airborne equipment that 16 Medical the AAC operates from large airfields ERegiment would use to provide medical and protected areas; in the future the medics have practised treating the full range of care to the Air Assault Task Force (AATF) ability to deploy helicopters to the front injuries they may have to – the British Army’s rapid reaction force. line may well involve the creation of a deal with on operations The training saw Colchester’s Friday Forward Arming and Refuelling Point around the globe. Woods stand in for a fictional African (FARP) or a Forward Operating Base country where British troops have been soldiers evacuated from the battlefield “My soldiers have performed brilliantly. hospital - and we’ve had everything from (FOB). These new AAC Reservists will be deployed to help bring stability in the by an RAF Merlin helicopter. As well We’ve been working round the clock in cold minor burns, insect bites and cases of at the forefront of such action, refuelling face of an insurgent threat. Within an as their medical skills, the troops were and damp conditions, but every casualty diarrhoea and vomiting to deal with.” and rearming our aircraft enabling them hour of arriving, the medics had set up challenged on logistics, securing the who has come in has received the first Private William Blayden works in to deliver an effect where it is needed. a tented treatment facility and received hospital and living in the field. rate medical care that I would expect.” the resuscitation suite, which receives The first two courses were received their first casualties. Within three hours Major Alex Woodward-Court, Officer Private Cameron Ronaldson, 19 from serious casualties and assesses the with great enthusiasm by the soldiers the unit was running at full capability Commanding 19 Medical Squadron, said: Manchester, said: “This is only my second treatment they need. The 27-year-old taking part. 668 Sqn commenced with a resuscitation suite, operating “Our role is to provide lifesaving care to week with the regiment and it’s great to from Swansea said: “The volume and delivery of the third AAC Reserves theatre, intensive care beds, a holding casualties and give ongoing treatment until get out on an exercise so soon. I’ve been variety of patients we’ve had to deal with course in March 2014. Many more ward and primary care facilities. they can be evacuated back to larger and able to apply the skills that I’ve learnt in has really put us under a lot of pressure. courses will follow to train transferees Across the week-long exercise the more capable hospitals. This exercise is all training and prove myself to everyone. It’s tested our existing skills and training, as well as new recruits to fulfill the medics received a steady stream of about ensuring our skills are up to speed so “I’m working in primary healthcare - but we’ve also learnt a lot about how many varied duties the AAC Reserve simulated casualties, including injured that we are ready to deploy on operations. which is the walking wounded area of the to operate together as a team.” will perform in the coming years.
28 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 29 Training
Paratroopers strengthen French connection British paratroopers have been training on air, land and sea with their counterparts olchester-based B Company, on Corsica’s snow-capped mountains and, prove critical in future operations. from the French Foreign Legion as the two units build a closer working relationship. 2nd Battalion The Parachute in the Mediterranean Sea, handling assault “Corsica itself has been an excellent Regiment (B Coy, 2 boats and attacking and defending beaches. location that has allowed us to train PARA) has been working The two-week long training was part of in the air, on the land and in the sea. Calongside 2e Regiment Etranger de the Interim Combined Joint Expeditionary As airborne troops the sea and high Parachutistes (2e REP) at their base Force (i-CJEF) - an operational partnership mountains are not familiar environments on the rugged island of Corsica. between the British 16 Air Assault Brigade to us, but it has been rewarding to Exercise BLUE LEGIONNAIRE has seen and the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste, challenge ourselves and learn new skills.” the two units fire each other’s weaponry which stands at high readiness to deploy Private Davey Clark, 23 from Hull, and practise fighting together in urban on contingency operations ranging said: “I only joined 2 PARA from basic areas. The 2 PARA soldiers earned from war fighting to disaster relief. training in November, so this is my first French parachute wings by jumping Major Adam Wilson, Officer Commanding exercise - to come to Corsica to work with French Ensemble de Parachutage B Coy, said: “2 PARA and 2e REP maintain with the French Foreign Legion has Individuel parachutes from a French strong links as sister battalions. Exercise really thrown me in at the deep end. It’s C-160 Transall aircraft, while jumps BLUE LEGIONNAIRE has been about us been really interesting to learn about from an RAF C-130 Hercules earned seeing 2e REP on their home turf and French tactics and weapons, with the 2e REP soldiers their British wings. learning more about how they operate first round I’ve fired since joining 2 PARA 2e REP has specialist mountain and and live. It has been a huge success in coming from a 22mm cannon in the amphibious troops who taught 2 PARA’s developing the understanding, respect and turret of a French armoured vehicle!” soldiers survival techniques and climbing trust between our two units, which could Corporal Chris Hooper, 26 from Hereford, said: “It’s been a very different experience to see how another army does its business. The legionnaires are a very disciplined and professional outfit and we’ve worked well together because we’ve got the same role and mentality. It’s been a friendly exercise with a lot of war stories swapped – they did an operational jump in Mali last year and we’ve get a lot to say about Afghanistan.” 2e REP’s Captain Pierre-Francois Mitton said: “2e REP is defined by three things – Corsica, the Legion and parachuting. This exercise has been an excellent opportunity to show our sister unit 2 PARA who we are and what our unique capabilities are. “2e REP and 2 PARA share the airborne spirit and our soldiers have a very similar level of training, discipline and operational experience. After training together we know each other better and are well placed if we deploy on an operation in the future.”
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Para wins bodyboarding Parachute accident parachute was pulling me across the ground. got behind me. There probably wasn’t a doesn’t stop Initially I didn’t know what was happening but it moment where other runners did not take felt like I had broken my back.” Ash was taken time to chat and encourage me. As for the Tri-Service title determined Ash to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where run itself, it seemed to be easy for the first in his bid to run he went through spinal checks, these showed half, probably because of all the support he had broken his back, specifically his L2, and sense of occasion of the day. However, the London crushing the bone. If Ash had been a member at about 16 miles the heat and weight on A paratrooper from St The 28-year-old said: “I first got on execution, the technical difficulty and Marathon of the public he would have had a metal plate my back started to take its toll. But I kept Albans has mastered the a board when I was about six and really aggression of what you do. It was a inserted but as he was still keen on parachuting going and slowly ticked the miles off, waves by winning a military enjoyed it, but when I joined the Army I really tough competition because the again, despite what had happened, the racing each runner in a fancy costume as I bodyboarding competition. fell out of doing it. I found out about the sea conditions were very changeable, A Soldier who had a parachute hospital team agreed to let the bone heal. Ash passed them. A ‘Rhino’ and myself seemed Army surfing team and went for a try out and I was lucky with the waves. accident runs the London said: “I was very lucky with how I landed and to have an ongoing battle throughout the rivate Gareth Evans, of 2nd last December. I think I surprised them “I’m very proud to have won, but Marathon for Spinal Research. the injury was quite isolated, I could heal and 26.2 miles which was only settled in the last Battalion The Parachute Regiment, – and myself – with how good I was!” also surprised. While Colchester is get back to full fitness. Other people I have 200 metres when I pipped him across the beat off competition from the Just a few months later Pte Evans, who close to the sea there aren’t the right soldier who narrowly escaped met along the road to recovery have had much line… The sense of achievement on crossing best boarders in the Army, Royal went to Nicholas Breakspear Catholic waves, so I can’t get on the water much, paralysis when he broke his more serious injuries and are now paralysed, the finishing line was huge. To think that PNavy and Royal Air Force to win the Tri- School, found himself competing in and a lot of the other competitors back during a parachute jump including members of my unit who have been only just over a year ago I was in a back Service Bodyboarding Championship 2014. the tri-service surfing championships train a lot more than I do.” has completed the London wounded on operations.” “I’m running the brace and couldn’t even tie my own shoes Pte Evans got into bodyboarding held in Newquay at the end of April. Pte Evans has served a rifleman AMarathon for Spinal Research to help London Marathon for them to raise awareness and now I have just carried a 40lb bergan when he spent time in Durban in South He said: “Competitive bodyboarding with Colchester-based 2 PARA for fellow soldiers and others who have been of the impact of spinal injuries. I think it’s really around the London marathon was a real Africa as a child, but had not been out is scored on the tricks you do coming five years, including a six month paralysed through spinal cord injury. Spinal vital to conduct more research into spinal buzz, especially when my civilian friends on the waves for a number of years. off a wave, with points available for tour of Afghanistan in 2010-11. Research is hoping that his determination injuries. If there is a chance that paralysis could barely lift my bergan off the ground.’’ will inspire others to sign up for the London through spinal cord injury can be reversed then Ash hopes to beat his time next Marathon in future. Captain Ash Neve, I would call on everyone to support the efforts year. He has raised £1,500 so far,
© Cpl Daniel Wiepen RLC Wiepen Daniel © Cpl who is aged 27 and from Broadstairs in of Spinal Research. Every donation, however donations can be made at www. Kent, is one of the inspirational team who big or small, will make a real difference.” justgiving.com/ashleyneve. Pictured sought-after comedians on the circuit Al Murray on ran the Virgin Money London Marathon Ash ran the London Marathon in full army and has a huge interest in the military. the CSE stage in for Spinal Research. He knows from gear with 40lbs of kit on his back, together CSE takes Camp Bastion About Spinal Research “We were delighted to take him first hand experience the importance of with his girlfriend Jess, who works in London. Jerry Doyle, Head of Fundraising and Al Murray to over to Afghanistan – it’s something research into spinal cord injuries, having Ash completed the marathon in five and a half Communications at Spinal Research said. we’ve discussed for years but the broken his back in a parachuting incident hours, he said: ‘It was slower than I wanted but “Spinal Research needs you! Run, like Ash, timing never worked out until now.” in Oxfordshire which saw him drop without I was just glad to finish it after my accident. I to help soldiers and others whose lives have Afghanistan been devastated by spinal cord injury. To make Musicians Sinead Quinn and Brooke his parachute from 100 feet to the ground. really enjoyed the whole experience. I have a donation to Spinal Research through Ash’s Comedian Al Murray has just Supple were the supporting acts for Ash was in 3rd Battalion The Parachute managed to recover from my back injury Justgiving page, go to: www.justgiving.com/ performed two live shows for the CSE shows, while MC Maff Brown Regiment but is now based at the Infantry fairly quickly and the idea of running the AshleyNeve. Our vision is a world where spinal cord injury doesn’t mean a lifetime of paralysis. hundreds of British troops introduced the comedian famously Training Centre at Catterick, training marathon was the final hurdle. It also gave Every day 20 people sustain a spinal cord injury deployed in Afghanistan. known as The Pub Landlord. new recruits to the Regiment.’’ Ash says, me the opportunity to raise some money for and three people in the UK and Ireland are Headliner Al delivered two top-notch “It was in September 2012, when I was Spinal Research, this was a real motivation told that they will never walk again; their lives and those of their families are changed forever. l said: “It’s been great to stand-up gigs for military personnel doing a routine training parachute jump in for me as it reminded me how lucky I am to Spinal Research is here to give hope to those visit, the reception has been as they approach the end of combat Oxfordshire when my parachute collapsed have recovered so well and that there are 50,000 people living with a spinal cord injury. fantastic and I can’t wait for operations in Helmand Province. in the air. At 100 foot off the ground, I was people out there with spinal injuries preventing Spinal cord injury can affect anyone in the community regardless of age, race or sex but everyone to get home.” “It’s been a great coup to see Al too low to pull the reserve parachute. I only them from taking part in such an event. it does disproportionally affect young adults AThe team from CSE Forces Murray performing in Camp Bastion at had a second before hitting the ground at Throughout training Ash was constantly aged 18 – 24. At Spinal Research our focus is to Entertainment coordinated the four-day such a critical time,” added Angie. about 60mph. Having done all the training, aware that his back injury could lead to him find an effective treatment for spinal cord injury that not only improves sensation and movement trip to Camp Bastion. Entertainment “These are probably the last big shows I knew to keep my legs together and to roll to withdraw from the race in order to prevent for people living with paralysis, but brings us Manager, Angie Avlianos, said: “Al we’ll do here so it’s nice to make a little bit as soon as I hit the ground, which is exactly further injury. Ash said: ‘’The support on closer to a day when we finally conquer it. Murray is one of the most highly of CSE history with such a great cast.” what I did. But then I couldn’t move as the the day was incredible. The crowd really
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Commanding Officer, Lt Col Paul Tedman with an interesting reply from the Dep Col Comdt that included an insight into how professional aviators of yesteryear conducted flying operations. A fitting send off for a historical moment in the ever-changing role of the Army Air Corps. The commemorative THE CESSATION OF statue will be re-sited in Yeovilton as a permanent reminder of our recent past. In order that the soldiers did not miss out on all of the celebrations an ‘All Ranks Party’ was planned for the following evening. Held in BRITISH the Hangar it was a truly British event with live farewell toasted by the Officers and Warrant having fun, for the best part of 50 years entertainment, a disco, curry and warm beer. It Officers from a viewing point on the aircraft the role was primarily that of deterring a was an opportunity for the whole Regimental control tower. Fittingly, one failed to depart possible Soviet invasion which thank fully Family, including wives, spouses and partners the Gutersloh airspace and another broke was never realised. Whilst many would ARMY AVIATION to get together a final time and celebrate down in Holland, with the remaining aircraft recall deploying on Ex ACTIVE EDGE in the prior to the departure of the aircrew on arriving at their new home in Dishforth. early hours of the morning, equipped with posting and the advanced party to Yeovilton. Those personnel that have been fortunate enough beer to last the duration, there Concluding the week’s events and cutting enough to serve Germany will no doubt was also a serious commitment elsewhere. the ties to 1st (UK) Armoured Division, cherish the memories of their time, whether Germany based aviation personnel GERMANY Commander Royal Artillery (CRA), Brigadier on exercise, working or socialising. The role assisted on the Berlin Air Lift, deployed COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS Humphrey addressed the Regt. In his address of Germany based units over the years will no to Northern Ireland on roulement he stated that “it is an immense privilege to doubt be remembered as a time of enjoyment commitments as well as in support to formally mark this significant event and the both in and out of work, that introduced a operations in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq Regiment has a proud record over the last generation to cheap beer, German cuisine and most recently Afghanistan. The 20 years and it is important that we take the and an interesting nightlife, even if half of last personnel will leave Gutersloh in opportunity to reflect with pride on all of the locations were marked ‘Out of Bounds’. September 2014 and focus its attention those achievements.“ The symbolic last flight It could be argued that the camaraderie, on the future, the move to Yeovilton of the Lynx from Gutersloh was led by the cohesion and general enjoyment of being and the transition to Wildcat; if it is half RQHI, with the CRA in the front, the aircraft based in Germany may never be equalled as good as the time spent in Germany flew past the air traffic control tower as a final elsewhere, but of note it was not all about we have an exciting future ahead.
Written By: Cpt Sean Thatcher support to 1 (UK) Armoured Division until ordination over your body to become aircrew. cessation of flying in October 2013 and the Additionally, the AAC RSM awarded medals to The Army Air Corps ceased last remaining personnel from 1 Regt are the children of deployed personnel remarking its aviation commitment due back in the UK by September 2014. that the drill on the “mini-heroes parade” to Germany with the To mark the cessation of British Army was on par with that of the marching troops. departure of the last aircraft Aviation in Germany the Regiment hosted The evening events began with The from Gutersloh in October a number of events to celebrate the Band of the Parachute Regiment providing 2013. Army aviation in its achievements of all Army Air Corps personnel entertainment in the form of a marching various forms has been based here over the past 68 years. The first of display, Beating Retreat and Sunset was present in Germany since these was the presentation Operation Service played with the Union Flag lowered the end of World War II. Medals from, Brigadier Sexton. A cohort of followed by a fly past over the officers’ personnel from 661 Sqn and the Helicopter Mess. Lt Gen Sir Gary Coward KBE CB, Dep ormed initially as AOP Flts & Handling Detachment, that had only days Col Comdt, unveiled a Commemorative Sqns attached to Armoured before returned from Afghanistan, swapped Statue, a Lynx, before a Regimental Dinner Units, the aviation presence combat operations for Drill and paraded for a hosted in the Officers’ Mess and attended was located in a scattering Medals Ceremony. The Officer Commanding by all 1 Regt Officers, Warrant Officers, Fof less well known locations such as 661 Sqn, Maj Toby Moore led the parade SNCOs and invited guests. An after Soltau, Loddenheim, Herford, Osnabruck, demonstrating to the younger soldiers Dinner canter through the history of Army Verden and Munster before establishing present that you need absolutely no co- Aviation Germany was delivered by the permanent Army Air Corps locations in Minden, Wildenrath, Detmold, Hildesheim, Soest and Berlin as part of The British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). With the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany in 1989 the majority of the AAC units then based in BAOR began a staged move back to the UK, leaving 1 Regt in Gutersloh and a small presence (12 Flt) in Bruggen as part of aviation support to British Forces Germany (BFG). 1 Regt AAC provided aviation
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New New Garrison Commander nursery is no stranger to Colchester for Army An officer who has Col Wilkinson OBE joined the Army deployed on three tours in 1987 and has served on operations base of Afghanistan with in Bosnia, Cyprus, Northern Ireland Colchester-based troops has and Afghanistan. He was awarded Bigger and better facilities to returned as Commander an OBE in 2010 for his work planning look after children have opened of Colchester Garrison. operations in Afghanistan while posted at Wattisham Flying Station. to the Permanent Joint Headquarters. olonel Gary Wilkinson After handing over command of 7 Para he new Wattisham Airfield OBE served in Helmand RHA in 2012, Colonel Wilkinson served Childcare Centre was Province with the town’s 7th as the Senior Military Representative officially opened Thursday Parachute Regiment Royal at the Olympic Park. He commanded a 13th March by Major General CHorse Artillery in 2006, 2008 and as the joint force of 4,500 military personnel 5,000 hr TRichard Felton CBE, the Commander unit’s Commanding Officer in 2010-11. supporting the civilian-led security of Joint Helicopter Command. He comes to Merville Barracks from a 12 effort for the London 2012 Olympic and 2 Star’s The Holly Road centre is available month posting as Deputy Commander Paralympic Games, before deploying on for families from the military and Task Force Helmand, leading a range operations in Afghanistan for 12 months. final civilian communities in the isolated of issues including supporting the As Commander of Colchester and rural area around Wattisham. development of the Afghan National Garrison, Col Wilkinson OBE is Chinook The new nursery has the capacity to Army and Police in Central Helmand. responsible for the management provide day care for up to 52 children completion. For some years the childcare a range of demountable buildings that Col Wilkinson OBE, 45, said: “I’m of Merville Barracks in Colchester, flight aged up to five, as well as after school centre struggled on in demountable buildings could only cater for 32 children and enormously proud to have been Wattisham Flying Station and Rock and holiday clubs for primary school- that were dated, damp and not really fit lacked a kitchen and office space. associated with 16 Air Assault Brigade Barracks in Woodbridge, as well as AVM DIXON, Former aged children. It was built by the for purpose. The new centre is essential to Jackie Lyons, deputy chair of the in recent years during a time of overseeing community relations in Essex. Commander Joint Helicopter Ministry of Defence and equipped with meet the childcare needs of service families organising committee, said: “The new intensive operational deployments and He said: “I have the great privilege Command (JHC) completed funding from Suffolk County Council. living in an isolated rural location. It will building is a massive improvement remember with sincere appreciation as of being the Army’s representative in his last flight in the Chinook The majority of the children who use greatly enhance the morale of the soldiers on what we had before, and greatly a commanding officer the support which engaging with the civilian community before handing over command the centre are from the approximately based here, who are continually engaged improves the facilities for families at our families received from the good here in Colchester and across Essex. I of the JHC at the end of March. 250 military families living at Wattisham, on and supporting operations, to see this Wattisham. It has brought us into one people of Colchester. I look forward very am conscious of and very grateful for which is the main operating base for the investment by the Ministry of Defence in building and improved what we can do much to renewing my strong association the extraordinary support that we in the VM Dixon, who has British Army’s Apache attack helicopter. the welfare needs of their families.” with the children and the numbers we can with both the Brigade and the town.” Armed Forces receive from our local achieved over 5,000 Wattisham Station Commander Colonel The original centre was established take. We opened our doors in January He took over from Colonel Mike community and I will do everything I can flying hours during his Jason Etherington said: “It has been a in 1990 and run as a registered charity. and the children love the new centre, Newman MBE this week, with the to ensure that these strong relationships career, returned to RAF real pleasure to see this project reach Before the new building it operated from which is the most important thing.” latter retiring from the Army. are maintained and nurtured.” AOdiham last week to complete his last sortie in a Chinook. The former Commander began his association with the Chinooks flying on18 Sqn in Germany, before returning to the UK to flying in support of Special Forces 16 Bde host Operations on 7 Sqn. On promotion to Sqn Ldr in 1990 he was posted to BBC Essex an op tour in Northern Ireland flying for live show both Chinook and Puma. Following staff tours in MoD and a UN tour in Colchester Garrison hosted Rwanda he returned to Odiham in BBC Essex’s Dave Monk Show 1998 taking command of 27 Sqn. on Wednesday 26th February. During this tour he led the UK’s Support Helicopter flying operations he programme came live from over Kosovo in 1999, captained Merville Barracks as the radio the lead aircraft during the record- station launched its coverage breaking self-deployment of Chinooks of the 100th anniversary to Sierra Leone in 2000 and led the Tof the outbreak of World War One in first amphibious trials and operational 1914. From joining soldiers for breakfast embarkation of RAF aircraft aboard to a performance by the Band of The HMS OCEAN. There ended his Parachute Regiment, the programme Pictured direct link with RAF Odiham, he provided an insight into everyday life BBC Essex presenter then went on to command RAF Dave Monk interviews for soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade Major Dave Walker, Benson and complete various tours in the present day as a contrast to second-in-command of in MoD before finally taking up post 7th Parachute Regiment historical features about WWI. Royal Horse Artillery as Commander JHC in 2011.
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he twins will form two thirds Richard also joined the RAF in 2002 as several wins and top place finishes, with of the GB Masters Men a military transport technician. His current the brotherly rivalry always spurring team, competing in the post is within the Support Engineering Flight them on to bigger and better things. This category alongside long at RAF Brize Norton where he oversees the year at the Inter-Service competition, Tstanding professional wakeboarder maintenance of a wide variety of military Richard came 1st in the boat competition Matt Crowhurst. The Masters category vehicles and ground support equipment. and finished in a comfortable 2nd place is for competitors over 30 and is a As if being successful RAF wakeboarding overall, with Ross also achieving success hard-fought contest between the twins is not enough, their similarities by placing 2nd in the Open Division 2 most experienced senior riders. continue into their personal lives. Ross and the Wakeboard Boat Nationals. It has been revealed that Ross and Richard are both 30 years old, married fellow RAF Wakeboarder Emma The brothers spend most of their Corporals Ross and Richard although Ross is 15 minutes older. They in 2011 and they live at RAF Benson with spare time at the Oxford Wakeboard Phillips, twins who both hail from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. their 1 year old son Ollie. Richard married and Waterski Club, which is home to the serve in the Royal Air Ross joined the RAF in 2002 as an fellow RAF Wakeboarder Hayley in 2013 RAF Southern Units Club, of which Ross Force in Oxfordshire, have armourer. His current post is with the Merlin and they live at RAF Benson where they are is currently Chairman. It’s a real family been selected for the Great Force at RAF Benson where he oversees expecting their first child in March 2014. affair with wives Emma and Hayley also Britain Wakeboarding all aspects of the weapons trade on the Ross has completed numerous UK tours competing, although Hayley is obviously Boat Squad 2014. Merlin Mk3 and Mk3A fleet of helicopters. including Cosford, Leuchars, Wittering and taking on a more supportive role at the moment as she is heavily pregnant. Ross explains, “The Phillips family is kind of synonymous with wakeboarding here; we train most nights and it’s a real family affair. Even Ollie had his first taste of sitting on the water with his Mum just after his first birthday. He loves it and we hope that this news will allow us to expand on the work we’re already doing.” Benson and has also deployed to Afghanistan Their passion for the sport is evident, in support of Operation HERRICK. Much We serve our particularly when they’re both together. like his brother, Richard has completed Despite the continual friendly rivalry numerous tours in his RAF career including country every day rearing its head, they are both obviously UK tours in St Athan, Coningsby, Wittering, in the military keen to promote their sport and are Chicksands and Brize Norton. He has also thrilled at the prospect of representing completed two detachments in Basrah, Iraq and to be given their country. Richard explains, “It’s an in support of Operation HERRICK, a tour in the opportunity honour for us to have been selected to Kandahar in support of Operation HERRICK to represent our represent Great Britain. We’re hoping that and a detachment in the Falkland Islands. this will help expand the reputation of Despite their busy RAF careers, both country in our wakeboarding, particularly if we’re able to brothers have been heavily committed chosen sport too get sponsorship to allow us to compete to their sport. Initially beginning with at the highest level. We serve our country mountain biking, both competed for the is fantastic every day in the military and to be given Cpl Richard Phillips RAF before retiring from the sport and the opportunity to represent our country starting wakeboarding. Ross began first, in our chosen sport too is fantastic.” with his passion setting in during 2007 in Dunfermline. After a career move to RAF Wittering, Ross continued his passion at Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire and it had already become clear that he had a lot to offer to the sport of wakeboarding. Younger brother Richard was introduced to wakeboarding by Ross at the RAF East Midlands Club at Tattershall Lakes in late 2008 and began competing soon after. Both were selected to represent the RAF in 2009 and Ross has since won the RAF Championships an impressive four times and was appointed Team Captain in 2011. The brotherly rivalry spurs each of them to do better though and after coming a disappointing 5th in his first Championships in 2009, three years later Richard became the RAF Champion, comfortably beating his big brother. Both have competed in numerous Service and civilian competitions and have achieved
38 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 39 Equipment
Watchkeeper takes to the skies Watchkeeper, the Army’s latest unmanned aircraft, started flying from Boscombe Down in Amesbury in February.
he reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, which is currently undergoing trials before entering Tservice, will be flown by highly skilled 667 Sqn AAC Continue to Lead the way in… across the defence and aerospace industries pilots in a restricted airspace over is part and parcel of life for those who work the MoD’s Salisbury Plain Training there. Many of the trials are completed Area in Wiltshire during this period. jointly with other organisations and the It has now achieved over 500 flying Aviation squadron has very close links with the hours as it reaches the final stage of Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre at the trials process before operational Boscombe Down, indeed the current flying and training starts later in 2014. Squadron Commander came to D&T after The Army operates four other four years spent as a Test Pilot there. unarmed unmanned air systems (UAS) Trials and Recently, joint trials were conducted on a in Afghanistan, protecting soldiers developmental flare countermeasure, the on the ground by providing them real impressive photos of which are reproduced time intelligence and reconnaissance. here. Boscombe pilots were also involved Watchkeeper, has a wingspan in the Common Defensive Aids System of 35 feet and a max altitude of Development trials where 667 Sqn flew their venerable 16,000 feet, will be operated Lynx Mk7 with a fridge-sized pod of by 1st Artillery Brigade. Written By: Maj JL LEE experience to deal with the novel equipment experimental defensive aids system sensors Colonel Mark Thornhill, Commander and strange trials locations, not to mention on each side through various simulated exactly where it might be used – during of 1st Artillery Brigade, said: “The Tucked away at the back of an office along the side of hangar the interpersonal skills to deal with a wide threat environments to help develop the nap-of-the-earth flight on NVG for example. arrival of Watchkeeper at Boscombe number one at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop are range of ‘customers’ who’s gadgetry is next generation of defensive aids for UK Perhaps most surprisingly one of the Down is an important milestone in this a set of filing cabinets. In them are dusty manila folders carried on board the trials aircraft. helicopters. It is no exaggeration to say that most significant trials this year, if successful, programme and we are excited about containing reports on bits of equipment tested or developed by Working together with scientists, work conducted by the Lynx of D&T has will not have an immediate impact on being able to begin training on this 667 Squadron Army Air Corps dating back to the mid 1960s. technicians, engineers and aircrew from directly contributed to the survival of other Battlefield Helicopter capability but on new and impressive capability. “ platforms in recent operational theatres. that of the world’s most advanced fighter here are exotic things in away while modifications are embodied. The retirement of the Lynx Mk7 next aircraft, the F35 Lightning II. Again, with here; an Autogyro which was It is not quite the famed Lockheed ‘skunk March will present a challenge to the one of D&T’s oldest trials partners, the going to be developed as an works’ and there are no unserviceable flying squadron as trials work in the future will need scientists and engineers at QinetiQ, the education project for REME saucers in there but, now as part of the Joint to be completed on their single Lynx Mk9A. reliable, unassuming Gazelle Mk1s, of which Tapprentices and would be made out of Helicopter Command Operational Evaluation While clearing this aircraft to carry some D&T has two, will be used as airborne trials re-used bits of the Skeeter helicopter, Unit, advanced developmental work happens of the trials equipment will need support platforms for highly advanced aspects of the a Westland Scout ‘gunship’ reminding here of benefit across UK Defence. from the Lynx Project Team within DE&S F35 Joint Strike Fighter’s mission systems. the reader that the Apache was nowhere Currently the squadron has a mix this more capable aircraft has enormous It is a far cry from the days of strapping near the first attack helicopter for the of Gazelle, Lynx Mk7 and Lynx Mk9A potential as a host platform for technology Gatling guns to the doors of the Scout. The Army. Interesting, perhaps surprising, aircraft, although it has crews qualified demonstration projects of the future. dusty old typed pages from that trial report things have always happened quietly on Apache and Wildcat too. Most of the Work is starting now to look at what indicate it was not particularly accurate. in this corner of Middle Wallop at the aircrew remain current on more than one will happen once the Gazelle and Lynx If the development of the F35 continues Army Air Corp’s ‘development and type and all are experienced aviators and Mk9A are retired later this decade. While as planned then it’s weapons should be trials’ squadron, or as it has always been qualified JHC Trials Pilots. But the really there are civilian organisations out there very accurate indeed and it should be known in army aviation circles ‘D and T’. unique characteristic of the squadron is that can conduct trials on aircraft there borne in mind that some of the credit for Historically, much of the work has been that, rarely in the AAC of today, it has it’s are unique advantages to retaining the successful development of the advanced classified, indeed even today the hangar own integral REME support. D&T has an ability to use military aircrew to conduct mission avionics contained within it lies in security is tighter than other locations almost unique team of exclusively Class them under military regulation. Most a quiet corner of Middle Wallop airfield and aircraft inside are routinely screened 1 Technicians who have the skills and significantly it allows the kit to be tested behind the doors of Hangar One.
40 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 41 Honours & Awards & Honours
The Regiment, which was disbanded in 1957 and absorbed into the Army Air Corps, had 98 pilots killed and 77 wounded on the operation. Of 416 British gliders that 848 NAS took part, only 88 were undamaged. Marks Hall was the headquarters of the RAF’s 296 and 297 Squadrons, which were Awarded the based at nearby Earls Colne Airfield. On Operation Varsity the squadrons’ Halifax Bambara Flight transport aircraft towed into action 60 Horsa gliders carrying troops from the British 6th Airborne Division. The estate, now an Safety Shield arboretum, features a memorial in the form of a scale replica of Earls Colne’s runway layout. which help to create the sense of identity, 848 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air The annual commemoration is history and purpose that is behind our Station Yeovilton, has been awarded the prestigious organised by 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, current achievements on operations.” Fleet Air Arm Bambara Flight Safety Shield. The which is based at Wattisham in Suffolk David Brook, who is chairman of award is presented annually to the unit that promotes and flies the Apache attack helicopter, the East Anglian branch of the Glider and endorses flight safety in Naval aviation. with the unit’s 664 Squadron currently Pilot Regimental Association, suffered deployed on operations in Afghanistan. shrapnel wounds when the glider he he shield was presented training pipeline and Maritime Today’s event saw soldiers from the light was piloting was hit after it landed by Capt Nial Griffin, Counter Terrorism commitment. blue berets of 4 Regt AAC soldiers on parade near a German artillery position. Commanding Officer of the These and other challenges were match the headdress of veterans in attendance, The 91-year-old said: “The Commando Helicopter Force. met head on with robust leadership, with music from the Band of The Parachute importance of this service is to honour TLt Cdr Paul Barker accepted the award committed personnel and a strong Regiment and a flypast by two Apaches. our colleagues who didn’t come back on behalf of 848 NAS with Lt Cdr Kevan Flight Safety ethos…. The squadron Major Simon de Labillière, the Regiment’s and to keep alive the memory of a very Smith, Sgt Nick Batchelar, CSgt Paul is commended for its approach Service honours acting commanding officer, said: “It is both successful operation. The experience Collacott and CPOACMN Andy Vanes. to Flight Safety throughout this a privilege and an honour for the Regiment of war is not something that you can In the citation for the award, ACNS extremely turbulent period.” anniversary of Second World to serve as the custodians of the memory of really describe, or want to, and what (A&C) Rear Admiral Russ Harding 848 Naval Air Squadron was first War airborne operation Operation Varsity. It is particularly significant is important to me is to remember the said: “Faced with significant challenge established in 1943 equipped with for us to be here today to honour past faces of the friends I served with. Many throughout 2013, the Squadron Avenger aircraft, but was disbanded after Soldiers past and present joined together to commemorate the operational achievements while one of our of them died on Operation Varsity maintained a comprehensive and well the war. 848 NAS has been disbanded anniversary of the largest airborne operation of the Second World War. squadrons is deployed in Afghanistan. and as the years go by the number managed Flight Safety organisation and reformed on a number of occasions, “The wartime achievements of the Glider of surviving veterans gets fewer.” with a very open and Just Culture.” notably seeing service in Kuwait in 1961, peration Varsity saw the River Rhine, opening the way for Pilot Regiment to deliver troops to the The event marks the start of a The citation went on: “Noteworthy the Falkland Islands in 1982 and during 40,000 British and the final advance into Germany. battlefield are astounding; given that they significant summer of anniversaries for was the requirement to deliver the Gulf War in 1991. The Squadron was American troops landed Today (Monday 24th March) a service at were flying gliders made of wood and had Airborne Forces, with 2014 marking personnel into Merlin Mk3 conversion re-commissioned in 1995 to undertake by glider and Marks Hall, near Colchester in Essex, only crude instrumentation to assist in their the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June training against a tight timeline for an operational training and Royal Marine Oparachute in March 1945 marked the 69th anniversary of the flight and navigation. It is important that our 1944 and Arnhem in September 1944, disbandment and infrastructure support role as part of the Commando to successfully secure mission and particularly the Glider soldiers have the opportunity to mix with with commemorative events planned handover while maintaining high Helicopter Force. 848 NAS was again a bridgehead across Pilot Regiment’s involvement. veterans and learn about their experiences, in Normandy and Holland. standards across the CHF Sea King disbanded in December 2013.
apper Adam Oxley of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) worked as QCVS the Resources Yard Commander within Task Force Helmand (TFH). SA role usually fulfilled by a more senior for soldier, the 24-year-old was in charge of stock worth millions of pounds and his ability to Sapper deliver force protection measures, especially to forward patrol bases, was crucial. The Queen’s Commendation for Oxley Valuable Service recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations. A Woodbridge-based soldier The announcement of Spr Oxley’s has been awarded a Queen’s award was made with the release of the Commendation for Valuable latest operational honours and awards Service (QCVS) for his list which includes 117 personnel. The tireless work in delivering awards are principally for actions roughly vital force protection during during the period March to September his tour of Afghanistan. 2013 during Operation HERRICK 18.
42 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 43 Honours & Awards & Honours & Charity Sport
and persevered with their game Pictured 1 REGIMENT AAC Vs 1 MED REGIMENT Master Aircrew plan. They had some great chances Sunderland (left) and to get back into the game but the Flight Lieutenant Lockyear (right) AAC defence marshalled by LCpl Ali Boucher stood firm. 1 Regt BRITISH ARMY AAC continued to press and were now playing with confidence and dominated the remainder of the match. (GERMANY) Inevitably and not long before the final whistle, the ball was in the back of the net again. This time it was LCpl Nick Allen- Innes that finished a sweeping move that MINOR UNIT begun with SSgt (TQMS) Edgeworth at left back and this time the goal stood. Both teams battled until the very end but as the CUP FINAL final whistle was blown it was 1 Regiment AAC who were the deserved victors. 1 Regiment Army Air Corps are BA (G) Minor Unit Football Champions As the curtain continues to fall on 70 for the 2013/14 season. A superlative team performance ensured a 3 – 0 years of military engagement in Germany, victory over a previously unbeaten and capable 1 Medical Regiment side. it is a perhaps a fitting end that 1 Regt AAC have played their last game of he Hotel Klosterpforte in Playing with extra confidence, 1 Regt AAC competitive football in Germany and Marienfeld played host to applied significant pressure on 1 Med Regt’s leave as the BA (G) Minor Unit Football both the BA (G) major and defence and it was not long before the ball Champions. The Regiment can now look minor unit finals and was was in the back of the net again, only for forward to rebasing at RNAS Yeovilton Tan ideal setting for a BA (G) festival of the referee to disallow the goal for offside. and now enter the UK competition football. This fantastic venue hosted the WO1 (ASM) Loz Lawrence’s disappointment at the quarter final stage and face a Distinguished Flying Cross Portugal team during the World Cup in was palpable. 1 Med Regt remained positive difficult fixture against MoD Kineton. • Flight Lieutenant Charles Peter 2006 and numerous clubs have used it LOCKYEAR, Royal Air Force for training; Aston Villa, West Ham and Rangers to name the most recent. Mention in Despatches In glorious sunshine and on a playing Operational • Master Aircrew Robert Sean surface worthy of the English Premier SUNDERLAND, Royal Air Force League, 1 Regt AAC kicked off. The team had spent the previous week preparing for Honours&Awards Queen’s Commendation the final under the critical eye of manager for Valuable Service and coach, Capt Jon Clement. He had • Brigadier (now Major General) worked tirelessly and instilled a style of Richard Friedrich Patrick FELTON, play that was based on possession and CBE late Army Air Corps passing football. The game was evenly Flight Lieutenant Lockyear took off again in an attempt to move the • Sapper Adam Robert OXLEY, matched although 1 Medical Regiment was the Captain of a Chinook Chinook away from the engagement zone. Corps of Royal Engineers had the better chances in the first 20 taking part in multi- When informed that six troops were on • Corporal (now Sergeant) minutes. However, after a period of play ship Deliberate Operation the LS and were in contact with the enemy. Aaron Michael RENNIE, Royal with both sides vying for dominance, it inserting troops into a Lockyear immediately elected to re-land and Army Medical Corps was the AAC that broke the deadlock known high-threat area. evacuate the now perilously isolated forces. • Lieutenant Colonel Paul Terence just before halftime; LCpl Isaac Sands The aircraft’s electrical system had partially TEDMAN, Army Air Corps applying the finishing touches from WO2 s Lockyear landed his aircraft failed by this point, leaving no working (AQMS) Stu Henry’s pass and scoring at the target Landing Site navigation equipment and no signals from the JCC the only goal of a pulsating first half. (LS), it was immediately No 2 engine. Lockyear applied exceptional • Major Paul James L’ESTRANGE, Having consumed the obligatory engaged by small arms fire. navigation and airmanship to reacquire the LS The Royal Irish Regiment halftime oranges and received a team talk AThe first round instantly disabled the in the most disorientating and challenging of • Acting Sergeant Gregory Ralph that could not be aired before the evening aircraft radio system, preventing the crew situations, making his approach unperturbed MUGRIDGE, Royal Air Force watershed, the AAC players took to the from communicating normally, and also by the obvious impact of small arms fire. • Corporal Gareth David John pitch refreshed and revitalised. The game leaving Lockyear devoid of any Attack Remaining resolute, Lockyear continued RUNDLE, Army Air Corps (V) immediately picked up where it left off in Helicopter (AH) mutual support. Further his approach knowingly placing the aircraft • Sergeant Phillip Robert the first half with both teams playing some rounds incapacitated the No 2 Crewman, into an extremely hazardous situation with TYRRELL, Royal Air Force great football. It was end to end action who dropped to the floor bleeding from no consideration for his own safety in order and the next goal from either team could the groin. Due to the loss of the normal to extract the six isolated soldiers on the have been the deciding factor. 1 Regt AAC intercom system, Lockyear was not aware ground. The aircraft came under sustained manoeuvred the aircraft right next to continued to put pressure on the opposing that the No 1 Crewman had inadvertently small arms fire from multiple enemy firing the troops who immediately re-boarded. goal and after another great passage of lowered the ramp and six troops had points and was hit again. With his injured Lockyear successfully landed the aircraft play; they scored their second goal with disembarked the aircraft when he called crewman firing from the starboard door at Bastion hospital, where the injured were AAC Corps player, Airtpr Louis Davies an aborted landing and immediately mini-gun, Lockyear calmly and courageously treated and the aircraft shutdown. prodding in with a typical poacher’s goal.
44 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 45 Sport & Charity Sport 190,000 Sit-up Challenge for TSW
In September 2013, 18 area, which includes many Armed Forces personnel from Team 5 led by Veterans, and facilitates drop in centres to FS Barlow, Tactical Supply enable social interaction. A challenge was Wing based at MoD Stafford, set that all members of the team had to On deployed to Afghanistan individually complete 10,000 sit ups during to deliver aviation fuel their time in theatre. Each individual was support to UK and ISAF required to keep a log of the activity and Battlefield helicopters. record the amount completed each day Your to ensure the target was met. The team rior to the tour the Team completed over 190,000 sit ups during decided to use their the event. On Friday 30th January 2014 all Bike! upcoming Det to raise available personnel made the short trip money for a local charity. to AgeUK HQ in Staffordshire in order to With weather that hasn’t PAfter much deliberation, South meet with the Chief Executive, members been conducive for cycling Staffordshire AgeUK was chosen as a of staff and some of elderly users of this and many times when a worthy recipient of any funds raised. facility, to present a cheque for £1,900. The pedalo would have been a This charity organisation provides money will be used to provide IT equipment more appropriate mode of voluntary care to the elderly in the local for use in the day care centres. transport than bicycles, members of the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and 28 Squadron RAF are busy training for Commando Helicopter Force a charity bike ride.
or team members the Takes the Road weather has certainly made training a challenge, with to Twickenham one session ending in water Fup to their knees and wishing they In the run up to the annual difficult and are aiming to complete had worn flippers instead of trainers! Army v Navy rugby match held the 111 miles in under 14 hours. The ride is being organised by Sgt at Twickenham Stadium, a The 25 members of Team CSS have Matt Smith, who is a currently part challenge has been laid down been busy preparing for this event, of 28 Sqn RAF, after a close friend by the Royal Navy and Royal even while supporting the Commando and colleague of many in CHF was Marines Charity (RNRMC) to Helicopter Force’s Arctic training in medically evacuated from Afghanistan ride, row, swim, walk, crawl, northern Norway where team members in 2013 when it was discovered or even hop the equivalent stated that swimming in freezing water he was suffering from Multiple distance from your place of for the ice breaking drills was excellent Myeloma, a rare form of cancer. work to Twickenham Stadium. practise for the HMS Heron pool! Raising funds for Myeloma UK, Team leader Capt Garry Mason SSAFA and the Queen Elizabeth n the 30th April 2014 the said “It’s great being a part of this Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Combat Support Squadron challenge supporting the RNRMC, Team 115 will ride from RAF (CSS), part of the Commando having seen first hand what the charity Benson in Oxfordshire to RNAS Helicopter Force based in does for our men and women, whether Yeovilton in Somerset, a distance ORNAS Yeovilton will be completing a 1 they are deployed or at home.” of approximately 115 miles. mile swim, 26 mile run, 24 mile row and a The ride will take place on the 12th 60 mile cycle ride to match the 111 mile April 2014 by a mixture of Royal Navy distance from Yeovilton to Twickenham. To support Team CSS please follow and Royal Air Force personnel. To With an early start straight into the the visit their Virgin Money Giving support Team 115 please donate using HMS Heron swimming pool setting the page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ the Virgin Money Giving fundraising challenging standard for this event, team/CHF-Road-to-Twickenham page: uk.virginmoneygiving. Team CSS want to make it a little more com/MatthewSmith50.
46 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 47 Sport & Charity Sport
E x e r c i s e In cold and pisted conditions, the WHITE jump that had been a non-event during training KNIGHT now launched racers 50m down the slope! Each winter the British Army descends on the European Alps to train and compete in alpine ski racing. The AAC and RAC traditionally start the ski season off with Exercise White Knight; six weeks of training and competition in the fantastic Swiss resort of Verbier. It is a real privilege as Verbier is renowned for its superb skiing and lively atmosphere.
he anticipation was palpable as we reached the foot hills of the Alps Our first tentative run on skis turned out outfit of choice. There is something the six man team headed for the snow began to fall thick and heavy. to be a grading exercise with over 100 sets liberating about standing in a start gate at Dover in late November. We Little did we know this was to be the of eyes critiquing our every move. Some the top of an empty piste with only a thin were sharing two vehicles with 4 only snow fall we would see for the first people could clearly talk the talk in the bar layer of shiny lycra between you and the TRegiment so space was at a premium for the three weeks; our dreams of glorious but were found wanting when asked to elements. To the shouts of “angulation” long 14 hour journey, but this did provide days spent powder skiing would sadly walk the walk! Graded and subsequently and “allez” we threw ourselves down a great opportunity for team bonding. As remain in the realms of our minds. grouped, we then immersed ourselves the mountain as fast as possible for the in three weeks of dedicated training glory of 3 Regiment AAC. With previous with a team of veteran Swiss Ski School experience, Cpl Will Dop along with Capts instructors. Despite their age they put us Sam Blackmore, Phil Wilson, and Nathan all to shame with legs of steel and a sense Torbett consistently finished in the top 20 of balance that simply boggled the mind. of 100. With less experience and training After three relentless weeks our LCpls Luke Corbin and Craig Warner were bodies yearned for some respite. initially placed lower down the order but Bruised but not broken, we were given made incredible headway through the field, three days off over Christmas. This showing exciting potential for future years. presented an excellent opportunity to Having achieved a solid performance sample the famous Verbier social scene, in Verbier, the team then had to split two something that did not disappoint! ways. For some the reality of the real With the Christmas festivities behind us world back at Wattisham called. For four it was time to race. Skis were waxed, edges lucky individuals the challenge of the sharpened, and sky blue cat suits became Divisional Championships awaited.
Divisional Championships on the longest skis possible, point them With a taste for speed, 3 Regiment excelled Overall, although not hugely straight down, and go as fast as gravity with everyone making up a minimum of 17 competitive against the traditionally Exercise SPARTAN HIKE 2014 would allow. Slalom was our nemesis with places and some as many as 29. Capt Torbett strong teams, we had a selection a mere miss-placed ski costing either lots even achieved a top 15 finish amongst a field of excellent results which show With Verbier in our rear-view mirror, we bid adieu to our of time or a disqualification, as Cpl Dop of 160 racers. After surviving the Slalom much promise for the future. surrogate home for the last six weeks and headed for the and Capt Torbett found out all too well. we moved back to the key speed event: Exercise Spartan Hike is a great Serre-Chevalier Vallée to ‘knuckle down’ to some high level With the first competitive race over Downhill. With the training day in falling way to culminate six weeks intense competition. 35 teams from all across three UK Div descended however, most of us had improved on our snow, we had an unexpected surprise on training. It tests both your nerves on Villeneuve for what was to be nine days of intense racing initial starting point. That said, the mystery the race itself. In cold and pisted conditions, (downhill) and your technical ability with a much more serious feel to it than in Verbier. of the seeding point lottery continued to the jump that had been a non-event during as a skier (the dreaded slalom!). confuse all that tried to work it out. With the training now launched racers 50m down the Combined, WHITE KNIGHT ith both 3 and 4 Regiment slightly by something that we hadn’t seen in next race a single run of the super G (very slope! With five of the top 15 falling, it was and SPARTAN HIKE provide a real living opposite each Verbier… too much snow. This meant races similar to the downhill but with a couple more an intimidating run where making it to the challenge for all involved. They other, a healthy level of were conducted in a slightly unusual order, gates). Plenty of time in the morning allowed finish was a much an aim as going flat out. are both incredible fun and such banter fed morale and with team giant slalom, followed by super G, for a number of thorough inspections of the Thankfully Cpl Dop was to be our only victim a unique opportunity; something Whelped to cure the acute withdrawal team slalom, slalom, giant slalom and finally ‘little roller’ (massive jump) before the race. with a minor technical error. The remainder I would recommend to anyone. symptoms from Verbier. The racing downhill. Luckily this suited 3 Regiment as Once dressed in spandex and going at race of the team put in a great performance and Keep your eyes peeled for commenced immediately only hindered Verbier had proven we preferred to strap pace, people were flying all over the place! once more improved on start positions. information on next year!
48 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 49 Sport & Charity Sport
12th to 26th January 2014 EXercise CARIBBEAN Pictured Tobago Cays – Swimming between desert islands and WINGS snorkelling with Turtles, a tough Written By: LCpl Luke Corbin day in the office!
In January 2014 I had the pleasant thing to witness or experience. We to sit on the beach and get fat, but they privilege to deploy to the were grateful when we dropped anchor for go to Dominica to go exploring and get Island of St Lucia with 13 the evening, even though it meant carrying fit. He was not wrong. We climbed up members of 3 Regt AAC for out anchor watch throughout the night. gorges and waterfalls before bathing in a sailing expedition around With a new day and revitalised crew we natural hot springs and tasted fresh local the Caribbean Islands. sailed South for the Grenadines and our produce, coconuts, grapefruit, star fruit, first stop, the Island of Bequia. On route and sugar cane straight from the trees. n amazing opportunity, but however we made a terrible discovery; the On return to St Lucia our last duty on the not an easy task, as eight starboard head (toilet) was blocked. The boat was the final deep clean ready to hand crew members, including Skipper and First Mate (Capt Russ Archer) the boat to the next crew. I really enjoyed Ex myself, had no previous went below to start to clear the blockage. CARIBBEAN WINGS and I know the other Aexperience of sailing. We arrived in the After much initial amusement I was soon Pictured crewmembers did too. This really was the picture postcard Marigot Bay to meet made to regret my smart comments as Airtpr Pictured Maj Nick Barton’s chance of a lifetime to see and experience Big seas on the watch finish raising HMSTC Discoverer and Skipper SSgt Greg Sam Hodgson and I were called upon to way to Barbados the main sail some amazing places and creatures; from Miller (Royal Signals), who had sufficient help. Disconnecting sewage pipes in order to flying fish, dolphins and turtles to exotic experience to overcome the challenge clean them out was not what we had signed birds, from beaches to rainforest, and the of taking us to sea on a 67’ yacht. up for! Sam made it very clear that this was to explore the island whilst the skipper Another day of sailing south found us in a karaoke bar near the village where Rihanna open ocean between. It was extremely First we were put into watches and the worst job he has ever completed in the and mate carried out yet more repairs to in the islands of Tobago Cays, a collection had grown up and enjoying a bank holiday challenging at times, but all the more cabins allocated to individuals. We Army as I threw up over the side of the boat. the boat. Meanwhile whilst snorkelling of small-uninhabited islands in a marine game of volleyball on the beach with the locals; enjoyable for it. We sailed over 570 nautical then received a detailed brief on basic The next island stop was Mustique; LCpl Aiden McBeth and Sam both stood reserve surrounded by a large coral reef. The more training on our part is definitely required! miles, 45 hours sailed at night and at the ship life, which covered all the safety playground to the rich and famous and on sea urchins, black balls of four inch beaches were just getting better and better. The last stop before home, and definite end we were awarded our competent aspects and precautions of living on a home to the likes of Brian Adams and Mick spikes. Their trip to see the local doctor We snorkelled with turtles and stingrays and highlight, was Dominica. We anchored up, and crew qualification. It was a brilliant all boat. A four man team led by Capt Paul Jagger. ‘Basil’s’ jazz bar and grill right on included an island tour before being explored the reef. That evening we had a crew went ashore to meet our tour guide ‘Sea Cat’. round Adventure Training experience, Whatnell set off to buy supplies for the the beautiful white beach became our base prescribed vinegar and a dose of ‘man up’. meal hosted by ‘Mr Fabulous’ on one of the He told us that people go to the Caribbean which I would highly recommend. two week voyage whilst the remainder of deserted islands. We were cooked a lobster the crew checked equipment on board meal fit for a king. The bring-your-own drinks and explored the local beach. With news policy meant that Cpl Guy Hockaday could be from home of wind and rain storms we creative with the cartons of juice and screech set about the arduous task of enjoying to disguise the day’s rum ration. The cocktail the winter sun and Caribbean breeze as was shared with crews of neighbouring boats the sun set on our first day in paradise. who dined alongside us as we demonstrated The next day we sailed to the bottom the impeccable British Military hospitality. of St Lucia, to learn how to raise and lower Fully rested and resupplied, we set sail for the different sails whilst on the move. Barbados, a 30hr trip heading straight into wind The crew also practised man over board over rough and ragged seas. Sea sickness set procedures and the different jobs that in once more as the wind and waves increased, Pictured Pictured Dominica, the chance to we would be tasked with during sailing. Mustique, home to the and we experienced the challenges of cooking stand under a tropical No one was prepared for what happened rich and famous, and and eating when the boat is leant over at a 45 waterfall and swim in the crew of HSMTC natural hot springs next however. As the wind picked up half Discoverer for the night. degree angle. The trip was worth it to hear could not be missed the crew became sea sick, which was not a Airtpr Heidi Bushell sing Rihanna’s ‘Rude Boy’
50 LZDZmagazine | Issue 2, 2014 THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk Issue 2, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 51