Rap movie classic High-speed read The Bag Eminem Bio of jet Forces' Oscar winner genius on DVD Whittle favourite Win! Win! Friday January 29 2021 paper ● See RnR p5 ● See p23 No. 1507 70p ––

●Pages 15-21 30 years on

Motorsports Setbacks end season Wingman UAV gets £30m lift

● See p28 Cricket Pandemic's bowled out

Simon Mander DEFENCE CHIEFS have unveiled plans for a fleet of uncrewed fighters designed to fly at high speed alongside RAF Typhoons and F-35s. Belfast-based firm Spirit AeroSystems has landed a £30 million three-year deal to design prototypes of the aircraft, dubbed 'Loyal Wingman', which the RAF hopes will be supporting combat operations by 2030. ● Continued on p3 ● See p29 We are excellent. We are QE. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has found Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate to be ‘Excellent’ across all schools, praising our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development. Queen Ethelburga’s has a long-standing relationship with the British Forces, welcoming students from military families for over 100 years. We currently have over 300 such students living as part of the QE family.

We welcome day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years. We ±ųå)e±ÏÏųåÚĜƋåÚ±ĹÚĜĹųåÏŅčĹĜƋĜŅĹŅüŅƚųÏŅĵĵĜƋĵåĹƋƋŅ8ŅųÏåŸü±ĵĜĬĜåŸØƵåŅýåų±ŸĜčĹĜĀϱĹƋ reduction in fees. In 2019/20 this meant that our Forces families paid just 10% of fees. In 2020/21 8ŅųÏåŸü±ĵĜĬĜåŸƵĜĬĬޱƼģƚŸƋƊĿĂĂŞåųƋåųĵØŞåųÏĘĜĬÚŠƵĜƋĘƋĘåÆåĹåĀƋŸŅüĘĜĬÚϱųåšŅƚÏĘåųŸƋĘĜŸ ĀčƚųåϱĹÆ屟ĬŅƵ±ŸƊƅŎĉŞåųƋåųĵšţ

We pride ourselves on our wrap-around specialist pastoral care for our students, providing a secure and supportive home from home. We are focused on creating the right learning and living Qenvironment so that every one of them can thrive. For further information or to arrange a visit contact our admissions team on LjŎĉƖƐƐƐƐƐƐƐ)ĵ±ĜĬ×±ÚĵĜŸŸĜŅĹŸÄŧåţŅųč Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York, YO26 9SS | www.qe.org News Friday, January 29, 2021 P3

We’ve suffered in TV from I remain the RAF’s youngest The world’s changed due to female characters always having living ex-prisoner of war. I hope that Covid and thrown hurdles in my “to be one certain thing continues“ for a long time to come way,“ but I am giving it everything ” ” I can to get to China Gulf War ”Bobsleigh veteran David Morven star L/Cpl Waddington Shanwayne Christie, star See p19 of crime drama Stephens The Bay on his See RnR p4-5 Olympic bid See p30-31 Wingman breaks cover

Continued from front SUPPORT ACT : How the new The new combat air platform is Loyal Wingman unmanned being developed alongside the aircraft could operate with the sixth-generation Tempest RAF’s radical sixth-generation PHOTO: MOD Tempest fighter. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, said: “We’re taking a revolutionary approach, looking at a game- changing mix of swarming drones RAF News and uncrewed fighter aircraft Room 68 alongside piloted fighters like Lancaster Building Tempest, that will transform the HQ Air Command combat battlespace in a way not High Wycombe seen since the advent of the jet age.” Buckinghamshire The deal with Spirit is expected HP14 4UE to safeguard more than 100 jobs at the firm’s Northern Ireland site. Editor: Simon Williams Defence Minister Jeremy Quin Email: [email protected] said: “This is a great win for the Northern Ireland defence industry Features Editor: Tracey Allen and will showcase some of the Email: [email protected] most pioneering engineering work currently being undertaken in the News Editor: Simon Mander UK. “The £30 million project will Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams accelerate the development of Email: [email protected] the UK’s future air power Tel: 07966 429755 by delivering cutting- edge uncrewed aircraft, All advertising: maintaining our position as Edwin Rodrigues a world leader in emerging 07482 571535 Tel: technologies.” CAS: ACM Wigston Email: edwin.rodrigues@rafnews. co.uk

Subscriptions and This Week In History distribution: JPI Media Print Holdings Ltd 1945 26 Whitehall Road Mosquito mission Leeds LS12 1BE 544 SQN Mosquitos launch Tel: 020 7855 7574 Operation Haycock flying courier Email: [email protected] missions from RAF Benson to the Crimea, Cairo and Athens via Italy in support of the Yalta conference.

1942 RAF Regiment forms 1991 THE RAF Regiment is Buccaneer laser debut Extracts from established under the command The Royal Air of Maj Gen C F Liardet, on loan BUCCANEERS FLY their first operations on Operation Force Day By Day by Air from the Army. The new unit Desert Storm providing laser designation for two Tornados Cdre Graham is composed of 150 existing attacking a bridge over the River at Al Samawah. Pitchfork (The defence squadrons. Six Paveway bombs destroy the structure. History Press) SUPPORTING SERVING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RAF AND THEIR FAMILIES

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The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109) Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P5

News You’ve Ern-ed it Tracey Allen SURVIVOR: Flt Lt Shot down, captured Holmes was captured A FORMER Lancaster pilot who was after eight weeks on imprisoned in the notorious Stalag the run. Inset below left, Dutch farmer Luft III camp and made to take part and then force marched Fons van der Heijden in the gruelling Long Marches has who sheltered the UK celebrated his 100th birthday. airman was executed Flt Lt Ernest ‘Ernie’ Holmes, who by the Nazis served on 76 Squadron and then across Europe by the with 35 Squadron on Pathfinder operations, was shot down near Eindhoven in May 1944 when retreating Nazis - WWII returning from a mission over Dortmund in Germany. Ernie was among three survivors Lancaster pilot Ernie of his eight-strong crew and spent eight weeks on the run before he was helped and hidden by celebrates his 100th Dutch families. He fought with the Resistance but was eventually captured and imprisoned in Stalag Luft III, made famous by the Hollywood film The Great Escape. He took part in two of the Long Marches across Germany in 1945 when thousands of allied prisoners of war were forced to trek from prison camps by the Nazis in blizzard conditions towards the west in an attempt to stop them being liberated by the advancing Russian Army. Ernie was liberated on May 9, 1945 and repatriated to Britain five days later. On his return he discovered that he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying DFC WINNER: Ernie Holmes (left) and at the helm of a Lancaster bomber Cross in 1944 for his ‘keenness, courage Flying Instructor aircraft and crew were shot down. and devotion.’ for the East of He unveiled a memorial to the He stayed in the Scotland University squadron and visited the graves in RAF after the war, Air Squadron and Eindhoven of his fallen crew. leaving in 1962 Glasgow UAS. He now lives in a care home in for a career in In 2018 Ernie Perth, Scotland. Due to Covid-19 civil aviation. returned to Holland restrictions he was unable to He later to take part in a receive visitors to congratulate him became a memorial service in on his centenary but was sent audio Qualified the field where his birthday greetings. French honour Stalag Luft survivor WORLD WAR II navigator to Germany in January 1945 in Stanley Booker, 98, has been appalling conditions.” appointed Chevalier in the Ordre She added: “Stanley and his National de la Légion d’Honneur compatriots arrived exhausted – the highest French order of at Luckenwalde PoW camp near merit – by the President of . and then became prisoners Stanley was serving with and hostages of the Russian Army. Bomber Command’s 10 Sqn when “They were held as political his Halifax was shot down in flames prisoners whilst the Russians and crashed near Dreux in northern negotiated the release of some France on June 3, 1944. His pilot Soviet prisoners held by the British and wireless operator were killed and American forces. Finally, they – five other crew members escaped were liberated by the Americans by parachute and were hidden by – three weeks after VE Day – and the French resistance. WWII HERO: Navigator Stanley Booker eventually flown back to the UK on EAGLE EYED AIRCREW caught up with contenders on a round- His daughter Pat Vinycombe into filthy cattle trucks where they May 29.” the-world yacht race during a routine patrol over the South Atlantic. said: “My father and a fellow experienced extreme privation, Then a 22-year-old Flying The RAF A400M was on a reconnaissance mission when it captured crew member were betrayed to starvation and terrible thirst, they Officer, Stanley went on to be this dramatic image of competitors in the Vendée Globe competition. the Gestapo by a Belgian traitor. found themselves at the notorious promoted to Sqn Ldr. In 1951 he The A400M tracked and opened radio communications with Stanley was denied prisoner of Buchenwald Camp. was recruited to work for M16 in contestants on the non-stop and unassisted solo race, which war status and was treated as a spy. “He was transferred to Stalag and Berlin. occurs every four years. See p27 for more. After a gruelling five-day journey Luft III in Poland, then forced to Pat is currently editing her with other allied airmen packed take part in the Long March back father’s autobiography.

Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P7

News

WWII PILOT: Eleanor In brief Wadsworth flew more Farewell to ATA’s Eleanor than 22 different aircraft types with the Air Transport Auxiliary BAE lands F-35 Tracey Allen Spitfire – which she said was her favourite. Lightning deal SPITFIRE GIRL Eleanor The ‘ATA girls’ famously Wadsworth, one of the last ferried RAF and Royal DEFENCE GIANT BAE has landed women pilots with the Navy warplanes between a £70 million contract to boost Air Transport Auxiliary factories, maintenance mission and synthetic training (ATA) in World War II, units and frontline services for F-35 Lightning crews at has died aged 103. squadrons. Marham, in Norfolk. Eleanor joined Defence Secretary The announcement comes as the ATA, a civilian Ben Wallace paid the fifth-generation stealth fighter organisation, in June tribute to Eleanor, prepares for its first operational 1943 and by the time from Bury St Edmunds. deployment on board the UK she left in September He said: “We should Carrier Strike Group. 1945 had flown 600 never forget Eleanor’s hours on 22 different aircraft example and achievements.” types, including the Hurricane and See full obituary on p24. Art ace Jack nets his own book deal Publisher snaps up autistic 14-year-old’s pictures of iconic RAF aircraft for aviation title

Tracey Allen The book features snippets from pilots about their flying experience A SEVERELY autistic boy whose accompanied by Jack’s illustrations. interest in drawing and painting Sara added: “We do not have a historic RAF aircraft has helped military connection but because him to communicate has of Jack’s love of the military, published a book of his we wanted to help families artwork. like ours in the Armed Sales from 14-year- Forces. It must be really, old Jack Berry’s book really hard to be in the will go towards military Armed Forces, to be charities including away when your child SSAFA. has additional needs Jack, who started and know that your drawing aircraft last partner is looking after summer, suffers from them 24/7. anxiety and depression and has “Even though he can’t join up not spoken for five years. in the future, I feel that the RAF and His proud mum Sara explained the Services have opened their arms BRUSH WITH FAME: RAF fan Jack Berry that her son communicates through and accepted Jack for who he is. I individuals who have a child his pictures and is a huge fan of think that is really important.” or adult dependent with an the RAF and the Battle of Britain Part of the proceeds from Jack’s additional need or disability. Memorial Flight. book, available from Amazon, will Go to: ssafa.org.uk/get- She said: “Drawing is a great outlet go to SSAFA’s Forces Additional help/disability-support/ for him to express what he is thinking Needs and Disability Forum, a tri- additional-needs-and- and feeling.” Service group for serving families or disability-support Have YOU’VE GOT THE Build pride SKILLS. connecti ons WE’VE GOT THE OPPORTUNITIES.

ALL WE NEED IS YOU.

Improve Increase well-being Self-esteem

VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR LOCAL SSAFA TEAM We need your skills at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to continue making a lasting diff erence to the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. Find out more about a volunteering role that will value your talents visit: ssafa.org.uk/volunteer

Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Est. 1885. S604.1220 Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P9

News In brief Gib Jab

ONSIDE: Cpl Rich Barnes joins Forces teams at Bristol FC’s stadium Shot in the arm for Vacs mission

MILITARY MEDICS have been practising vaccination procedures at Ashton Gate Football Ground Simon Mander the six cold cases of the vaccine of British Forces Gibraltar are relentlessly alongside the Foreign in Bristol so they can back up the were handed over to Royal Gibraltar working together to get the life- Office and Gibraltar government NHS in the South West of England. THOUSANDS OF life-saving doses Regiment soldiers, who rushed them saving jab into British arms as colleagues to make this happen.” RAF Corporal Rich Barnes of the Covid-19 vaccine have been to St Bernard’s Hospital. quickly as possible.” The airlift is part of Operation joined other Air Force and airlifted by the RAF to Gibraltar. A total of 5,850 doses of the Military personnel based in Broadshare, the UK Armed Forces’ personnel training Enough of the breakthrough vaccine were kept at -70˚C in Gibraltar are also being held at response to the pandemic overseas, to qualify as part of the Vaccines Pfizer-medicine to give 6,000 jabs temperature-controlled packaging readiness to provide logistical which has included delivering vital Quick Reaction Force. were delivered to the Rock by a with 10kg of dry ice on board the assistance to the government in medical equipment including The nationwide Force has 21 Brize-based A400M transporter. A400M. The vaccine will be used their response to the pandemic. oxygen, medicine and PPE to the teams, with three assigned to each Covering a mere 6.8 square to protect Gibraltar’s frontline The latest mission follows a South Atlantic Islands. of the seven NHS regions and kilometres and with a population workers and the most ‘at-risk’ similar deployment last March, So far, the military has assisted headed up by a Medical Support of more than 33,000 people, the members of the population. when the Armed Forces provided with repatriation flights from Officer linked into the local Joint British Overseas Territory is one Armed Forces Minister James logistical support to the delivery China, Peru, Japan, Senegal, Nepal Military Command. of the most densely populated Heappey said: “Following the of PPE and medical advice. and Cuba. Military assistance The medics will vaccinate places on Earth and vulnerable to RAF’s delivery of thousands of British Forces teams have also been deployed to people on a needs basis – when an outbreak of the pandemic. vaccines this weekend, the airmen Gibraltar Cdre Steve Dainton the Turks and Caicos Islands and required and requested by the After landing at RAF Gibraltar, and women, sailors and soldiers said: “British Forces have worked the Cayman Islands. NHS in a ‘surge’ capacity. Gunners mark historic West Africa mission RAF GUNNERS commemorated brutalising civilians. the 20th anniversary of their part in The drop coincided with a a mission to quell a brutal civil war planned meeting between an in Sierra Leone. insurgent leader and his Liberian Operation Silkman in 2000 was backers to halt the illegal trade in the first British mass-parachute ‘blood diamonds’. airborne operation since Suez and The rendezvous was called off Point involved II Sqn RAF Regiment. after the drop was publicised by Three C-130 Hercules the local media and watched by the Of Order transporters flew from Ascension country’s President, defence and Island to drop paratroops at police chiefs. IN THE This Week In History Yongro, near the country’s capital After landing, the Gunners joined feature on p3 in the last edition Freetown, to quell a brutal civil war UN personnel demonstrating General of RAF News (1506, January 15) and demonstrate the UK’s support Purpose Machine Gun and Mortar we stated that the Long March of for the government. drills and conducted jungle patrols. PoWs from the German Stalag Luft The show of strength was intended Operation Silkman followed III camp during World War II took to deter the rebel Revolutionary a large-scale British amphibious place in 1944. United Front which had rampaged assault the previous November to The correct date is 1945. Many through the West African country secure government control of the thanks to RAF News reader Paul in an 11-year conflict, amputating country. Scarbro for spotting the error. the limbs of their enemies and SHOW OF STRENGTH: The Gunners Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P10 News Photo of the week

AN RAF dual-role Voyager tanker and transporter touches down on the rain- soaked runway at Brize Norton as storms lashed the UK. This image was captured by RAF photographer Cpl Lee Matthews. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P11

News News bulletin Russia raising Nato tensions Veterans risk PTSD spike PERSONNEL WHO leave the Armed Forces after frontline combat tours are significantly more likely to develop PTSD symptoms than those who continue to serve, according to a new study. Research by King’s College for the Forces in Mind Trust reveals ex-serving personnel are three per cent more likely to develop the condition than THREAT: President serving personnel, have worse Vladimir Putin long-term outcomes and are less likely to improve than personnel still in service. Overall the incidence in PTSD amongst frontline fighters who served in and Afghanistan is 12 per cent but researchers say the loss of military support can speed up the development of symptoms. SKY POLICE : UK Typhoon stationed in Estonia FiMT chief executive Ray Lock intercepts a Russian SU-30 said: “Transition from military to Flanker skirting Nato civilian life is key, so it must be a airspace over the Baltic particular focus for change. “This report highlights in particular the importance of RUSSIAN ATTEMPTS to test Nato an increased level of Russian can be vectored in on potential the skies of Romania, Bulgaria promoting continuity and air defences are on the increase, military air activity close to the intruders by 40 air surveillance and Iceland. diversifying support structures. according to latest figures. Alliance’s borders,” said Nato radars and reporting hubs. Nato jets respond to Action must now be taken to Alliance warplanes – including spokesperson Oana Lungescu. The RAF has completed Baltic unannounced military flights better support serving and ex- RAF fighters – scrambled more “Nato fighter jets are on Air Policing missions for Estonia, and civilian aircraft losing Service personnel with PTSD.” than 400 times in 2020 to intercept duty around the clock, ready to Latvia and Lithuania since the communication with air traffic unknown aircraft approaching scramble in case of suspicious three countries joined in 2004. controllers due to technical Alliance airspace, a moderate or unannounced flights near the Nato also protects the Western problems or hijacking. increase on the previous year. airspace of our Allies. Air policing Balkans – Albania, Slovenia, and The Alliance has two air And 90 per cent of these is an important way in which Nato Montenegro – which do not have operations centres – one in missions – around 350 – were provides security for its members,” fighters of their own while talks Germany, covering northern in response to flights by Russian she added. are underway to extend coverage Europe, and one in Spain covering military aircraft. Across Europe around 60 jets to North Macedonia. the south – which monitor all air “In recent years, we have seen serve as a quick response force which Last year the Allies also policed movements across Europe. MT team helps drive

BRIZE AND SHINE: Canadian airman Capt Craig Hughes in the C-17 cockpit at school virus testing RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire Staff Reporter infection spreading during lessons. Canada high Wittering transport aces have also AIR FORCE teams carried out been brought in to deliver oxygen THE FIRST Royal Canadian Air Covid testing on school pupils in and PPE during the pandemic. Force pilot is flying sorties with Brize- Lincolnshire as the Forces continue School head Alastair Anderson based 99 Sqn C-17 crews under the to support frontline health workers said: “We’re delighted to have an multi-national exchange programme. and the UK-wide virus screening RAF support team on site to assist Capt Craig Hughes, who usually programme. us with developing a high-quality flies with 429 Transport Sqn at Wittering personnel were called testing programme – their input Trenton, Ontario, said: “It’s a real in to Bourne Grammar School where will be invaluable in keeping our honour to fly with the RAF. teachers are still holding classes for staff and students safe.” “These exchanges are designed vulnerable youngsters and pupils Station chief Gp Capt Jo Lincoln to share different experiences and whose parents are key workers. added: “I am proud Wittering expertise from one air force to The airmen and women from personnel are helping our local CLASS ACT: Wittering another.” the nearby station’s MT squadron community to keep their students and teams overseeing testing of A 99 Sqn airman from Brize is provided staff and NHS workers teachers safe during the pandemic. school pupils as part of the currently filling Craig’s seat with with support as youngsters were “Assisting our local community UK screening programme the Trenton-based squadron. tested to prevent the chance of the in this way could help save lives.” By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Medallists WorcestershireWorcestershire Medal Service Ltd Bromsgrove SpecialistsSpecialists in OrdersOrders,s,, Decorations and Medals

Suppliers of replacement and miniaminiatureature medals. Medal mountingmouunting in Court and OrdOrdinarydinary Style MedalsM framed for display.displlay. For all your medal related relatted needs including the susupplyupply of ribbonsribbons, storage cacasesases and other related itemitems.ms. BBespoke Medal ManufactuManufactureure WorcestershireWWoorcestershire Medal ServiceServvice Ltd 56 Broad StreStreet,et, SidemooSidemoor,r, BromsgrBromsgrove,rove, B61 8LL www.worcmedals.comwwww.worcmedals.comm TTel:el: 01527 8353758355375 emailemail:: sales@[email protected] Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P13

News Dust busters French call in Chinook to fuel Mali THREAT: Lossiemouth at risk from huge numbers of gulls and migrating geese terror fight 3D-radar beak Staff Reporter performance Gao, Mali A CHINOOK airlifted a massive LOSSIEMOUTH HAS become the fuel tank across a desert landscape first RAF station to use 3-D radar so French and Malian troops can technology to track airfield bird extend their fight against Islamist numbers to reduce the deadly threat extremists in the West African of strikes during aircraft take-off and Sahel region. landing. The 1310 Flt workhorse, Based on the North Scottish currently flown by Odiham-based coast, the station is at a high risk 27 Sqn personnel, underslung from the annual winter migration the container to transport it to a of an estimated 10,000 geese and forward operating base 25 miles nearby farmland attracts huge from their main airfield at Gao. numbers of crows and seagulls. UK National Component The radar provides real-time Commander Lt Col Steve Brining height and positional information said: “The UK provides heavy of airborne targets and accurately support helicopter lift to enable tracks bird activity out to 10km and French and Malian ground and PERMISSION TO SAND: up to a height of 700m. aviation elements to operate at 1310 Flt Chinook whips up Until now, flying activity at RAF a dust storm as it lands at Lossiemouth has been minimised significant range and remain French FOB in trouble-stricken resupplied.” West African state Mali during periods of peak bird activity Latest figures show that between PHOTO: FLT LT MATT JEFFERY to reduce the risk of a strike. July 20, 2018 and January 8, 2021 The pilot project has been delivered RAF crews have flown 2,790 hours, in just six months as Lossiemouth transporting 16,551 people and carrying out medical evacuations provide direct support to ground achieved on a daily basis by French, welcomes the arrival of the new P8- hauling almost 1,500 tonnes of freight. with personnel operating under the units, deliver medical evacuations British and Danish aviation aircrew Poseidon maritime patrol fleet. British crews are now fully same command structure, sharing and provide the capability to and aircraft. These personnel are The Robin 3D MAX avian radar integrated with Danish Merlin and common missions and frequently conduct autonomous operations fully integrated into the structure was selected for the 12-month trial French, Cougar, Puma Tiger, Gazelle flying as mixed formations. against armed terrorist groups. of the GTD-A, all share common due to its versatility and safe frequency and Caiman helicopters supplying French Commander Colonel “Given the huge scale of Mali and missions and often fly as mixed band and could be rolled out at other and transporting soldiers and Sylvain added: “The aim is to the operating area, these tasks are formations.” stations, a spokesman said. Civvy jet scramble Typhoon boom rocks Eastern UK Staff Reporter The swing-role fighters travelling at 1,150mph caught up A PAIR of RAF Typhoons caused with the jet which was escorted to a sonic boom heard across the East Stansted airport where it remained of England after scrambling to until Essex Police gave the all- intercept a private jet. clear for it to resume its journey to Residents in Essex, , Barbados in the West Indes. Kent, Cambridge and London heard An RAF spokesman said: “Quick the Coningsby-based fighters smash Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft the sound barrier after launching in were launched from Coningsby to pursuit of a private charter civilian intercept a civilian aircraft that had aircraft that had lost communications lost communications. with air traffic control. “Once communications were The unresponsive plane was later re-established, the aircraft was reported to be a rental Bombardier intercepted and safely escorted to Global Express which was heading Stansted Airport. to Britain from Nuremburg in “The Typhoon aircraft were Germany when its radio went silent authorised to transit at supersonic about an hour into its flight. speed for operational reasons.”

Gulf War warriors

Granby 30th – six page special report Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P16 Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P17

Feature FIRST GULF WAR: 30 YEARS ON

AIR POWER: Invading a Tornado GR.1s at low level over huge miscalculation by the Saudi desert Iraq’s despotic leader Saddam Hussein

ADDAM HUSSEIN’S on BY GRAHAM August 2, 1990 eventually PITCHFORK precipitated the biggest air Scampaign involving the RAF since Aviation historian, World War II. author and Air Cdre (Ret’d) Six days later the government STRIKE FORCE: Jaguar and Tornado fighter-bombers in distinctive sand camouflage during Operation Granby announced the deployment of British forces to the Gulf region and, on August 10, Air Chief Marshal air superiority led into the Sir was appointed the destruction of the Iraqi Command, Joint Commander of Operation Control, Communication and Granby, with his headquarters at Intelligence facilities; the location High Wycombe. and destruction of all NBC sites; Air defence of was the pursuit and destruction of the the initial priority and on August 10 Republican Guard; and, finally, ABOVE: A Tornado GR.1 a squadron of Tornado F3s deployed the reduction of the Iraqi land returns to Muharraq after successfully attacking a to Dhahran on the Saudi Arabian capability by 50 per cent. The extent target during the Gulf War coast. A few days later, a squadron and diversity of the Coalition’s air of Jaguars, with VC 10K air-to-air power was such that these elements BELOW: Two SEPECAT refuelling support, deployed to could be pursued concurrently. Jaguar GR.1A aircraft depart Oman, later moving to Bahrain The UN deadline expired and on another sortie and Saudi Arabia respectively. A the air campaign began just before Nimrod detachment arrived to midnight GMT on January 16, patrol the Persian Gulf and by mid- 1991. Among the initial waves were August all three detachments were 20 Tornados armed with JP233 AIR flying operational sorties. airfield denial weapons, reaching PHOTOS: On November 29 the United their targets having refuelled HISTORICAL Nations Security Council from Victor and VC10 BRANCH (RAF) approved a Resolution tankers en route. Later calling on Iraq to in the day Jaguars DEVASTATION: Precision air strikes crippled Iraqi forces and sent a strong message to regime withdraw from were in action and Kuwait by January Tornados mounted 15, 1991. further attacks. The build-up For the next five of RAF forces days, the Tornados then gathered continued to pace and by the carry out their end of the year the predominantly Air Commander TROOP SUPPORT: night attacks against in theatre, Air Vice- Westland Puma HC.1 Iraqi airfields. By Marshal W.J. Wratten, had January 23 it was clear that a formidable force available, the was not going drawn from across the RAF, to to appear and as the destruction of RAID: A 208 Sqn Buccaneer taking SUPPORT: A 55 Sqn support Coalition operations. Iraqi runways was now irrelevant, off from Muharraq, Bahrain, Victor refuels a 135 aircraft were deployed in Tornado offensive operations carrying a Paveway laser-guided Tornado GR.1 and theatre with 46 Tornado attack and switched to medium-level bomb and Pavespike targeting pod Buccaneer S.2 on reconnaissance aircraft, 18 Tornado bombing. To improve accuracy on the port wing weapons pylons their way to a target F3s, 12 Jaguars and 17 tankers. In a force of 12 Buccaneers were addition to three Nimrods, there deployed to use their Pavespike were 31 Chinook and Puma support laser designation capability. helicopters and seven Hercules for Tornados, now armed with penetrations into Iraq, and also for the transport force had logged over In addition to air defence duties, types in theatre. Large stockpiles The results were devastating with Kuwait after just 100 hours, in-theatre support. laser-guided bombs, attacked increasing fighter time on CAP. AAR 50,000 hours, more than twice their the RAF Regiment provided support were created in theatre and regular nearly 350 of Iraq’s combat aircraft suffering remarkably few casualties. RAF Regiment squadrons targets marked by the Buccaneers. support also extended to support of normal peacetime rate. for the helicopter force, and as the air resupply allowed the operational destroyed or driven into exile. There were many lessons learned provided low-level air defence Accurate pin-point destruction other Coalition aircraft. The 31 support helicopters in land offensive approached, Scorpion task to be achieved. In addition, Half of Iraq’s airfields required during the campaign, the most with missiles, plus the of bridges, petroleum sites and Jaguars attacked targets in Kuwait aircraft, fighter escorts and defence In addition to patrols in the theatre, augmented by 12 Royal and Spartan vehicles were flown into engineering staffs conducted major repairs and two-thirds of significant being the undeniable ground defence of airfields. The hardened aircraft shelters resulted. with bombs and rockets. Once the suppression aircraft, all with AWACs Persian Gulf, the Nimrods operated Navy Sea Kings, was employed a desert airstrip, crossed into Iraq extensive preparations to transform their hardened aircraft shelters effectiveness of stealth technology Tactical Support and Tactical Throughout the air campaign, land campaign started on February and AAR support. Such tactics in direct support of allied warships in direct support of 1 (BR) with 1 (BR) Armoured Division and aircraft geared to a war in Central were destroyed. In addition, Iraq’s and precision-guided weapons. Communications Wings were the Tornados flew more than 1,500 24, they were tasked against capitalised on lessons learned and operating at the northern end of the Armoured Division. It operated in ended the war astride the Kuwait- Europe to operations in the desert. electrical generation capacity, oil During Operation Desert Storm, deployed in strength and medical offensive sorties and the Buccaneers interdiction targets. They flew more tactics honed on the United States’ Gulf. a variety of roles including casualty Basra highway. By the ceasefire on March 3, the facilities and almost all the major air power emerged as the primary teams were also moved to theatre. 214. Tornado reconnaissance than 600 sorties over enemy territory. Flag Training Programme. The heavy involvement of the evacuation, ferrying prisoners of RAF had flown more than 6,100 bridges over the Tigris and Euphrates element of the Coalition forces. aircraft flew at night, deep into Iraqi Offensive operations were Crucial to the attack sorties and Air Transport Force of Hercules, war to internment camps and direct his huge air effort could not sorties, surpassed only by United had been destroyed or severely General McPeak, the USAF Chief he Coalition’s Air Campaign territory seeking Scud missile sites predominantly conducted around the Tornado F3 air defence patrols VC10s and Tristars throughout the support of ground operations. By the have been achieved without States aircraft. Over 80,000 tons of damaged. of Staff, commented, “the first time Plan comprised five elements. and gathering vital intelligence. large ‘Force Packages’ comprising was the RAF’s airborne tanker force, build-up phase continued during end of the hostilities they had flown Tthe efforts of the logistics staffs in bombs were dropped, of which some The six-week air campaign in history that a field army had TThe initial priority of achieving During the campaign, the attack assets, ECM support a capability fundamental to deep hostilities. By the end of the conflict, 2,358 sorties. support of 160 aircraft of 16 different 7,400 tons were precision-guided. allowed the ground forces to liberate been defeated by airpower.” Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P18 Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P19

Feature Operation Granby by Tracey Allen and Simon Williams

The RAF PoWs Young pilots and navs captured after falling to Saddam’s brutal barrage of anti-aircraft guns

GULF VETERAN: Flt Lt John Nichol in 1995, sitting on the side of a Tornado F3

while we were planning our sortie.” Flt Lt John Nichol Nichol explained that, contrary NE OF the most to some early opinion, Iraq was a AIR memorable images from formidable adversary. AT THE SHARP END: Tornado pilots were targeted by Iraq’s extensive anti-aircraft artillery PHOTOS: Othe start of the first Gulf He said: “There was a real sense HISTORICAL War was of PoWs Flt Lts of trepidation because we really BRANCH (RAF) John Nichol and John Peters, feared the Iraqi military system. Flt Lt David Waddington battered and bruised by their It was a very complex, hardened, PRISONERS: Flt Lt Nichol (left) and Flt Lt Peters were paraded, battered and bruised, on television by the Iraqis, in contravention of international law HE RAPID deployment of RAF captors. The Tornado pilot battle-proven system [the Iran-Iraq Tornado GR.1s to Muharraq air and navigator had been shot war in the 1980s lasted eight years]. was not getting airborne and our Tbase in Bahrain in August 1990 as UK down and were kept captive “We were fearful of their air force tactics changed again to medium Flt Lt John Peters forces entered the first Gulf war marked by Iraqi forces for six weeks. – they had really good Soviet fighter level attacks and then again to There was the start of a new era of air operations. Thirty years on, Nichol aircraft – of their surface-to-air medium level precision-guided OHN PETERS describes the huge fear among Barely a year on from the collapse (pictured inset below), now missile systems and their integrated attacks with laser-guided bombs. Jfirst Gulf War as “the last the Americans; the of the Soviet Union, a young a bestselling writer, revealed anti-aircraft artillery. “The Tornado was incredibly ‘traditional’ war”. “ generation of fast jet pilots ditched fighting in the desert was a “For the guys on the first effective, it quickly adapted to The former Tornado GR.1 amount of body bags the Cold War doctrine and adapted ‘totally alien environment’ for operation at night that sight of the being a precision bomber. But pilot, who now runs his own fast to a very different enemy and an the Tornado force. integrated AAA over the airfields don’t forget that it wasn’t all about consultancy business, said: taken out to the extreme environment. He said: “We were Cold was heart-stopping. Nobody the Tornado. There was also a big “I think it was a watershed of Gulf was enormous At 24, Flt Lt David Waddington War warriors. Every exercise had seen it before until the first Jaguar force out there doing an ‘traditional’ war, almost a World was one of the youngest pilots to and attachment was about incredible job, they were attacking War II extension of the jet age because they thought face the menace of Saddam Hussein countering the threat from targets in Kuwait from day one, in into air power, the zenith of it was going to be a and his well-equipped and battle- the Soviet Union. To then daylight.” military airpower. It was the hardened forces. find ourselves in the desert in Nichol stressed: “The aircrew first indication of computerised bloodbath He said: “As a very junior guy on YOUNG GUN: Flt Lt Dave Waddington in a totally alien environment and groundcrew performed technology in weaponry. ” the squadron I had a lot of mixed Bahrain in 1990, before being taken prisoner to where we had trained – incredibly well in unprecedented “We went into that war with dumb emotions when the call came through Europe, Canada, Alaska, the circumstances.” [unguided] bombs and we ended that we were deploying. to unpack your kit and then you were UK – was astonishing and it Seven Tornado GR.1s were lost it with laser-guided weaponry and “I felt real pride that I had been on QRA and ready to get out there to was a massive learning curve in combat and five aircrew killed cruise missiles. trusted to do this and be part of halt the Iraqis. for everyone.” in action, with seven captured, “It scared the hell out of the team. There was professional “We never underestimated the Despite that, morale in including Nichol and Peters, to Russia and China because their excitement that I was going to do challenge in the early days. There is the squadrons was high, said become PoWs. philosophies – some of their what I had been trained to do but a natural tendency in the military to Nichol. Nichol said: “I wouldn’t be alone missile systems, their aircraft – anxiety about living up to the trust overestimate an enemy’s capability “It was bloody exciting. in saying I expected much greater they thought were parable and that had been placed in me.” but that is the right thing to do. The war starting was certainly casualties in the first few days. It it was blatantly shown that they Waddington, who went on to become “We respected the threat from the a surprise – I thought the was a tragedy there were losses, a weren’t.” the RAF’s Tornado Force Commander, Iraqi forces and we sensed there was politicians and the diplomats number of my friends were killed.” Remembering the events of was part of the first deployment of an imminent and very real danger would sort it out. One crew per Tornados flew into the first targets. Looking back to Gulf War I, January 1991, just before going Tornados to arrive in Bahrain. to us trying to protect the sovereign l See detachment were given the job We had never been to war, no one he said: “It was one of the last into combat, he said: “When the With the Saddam war machine integrity of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.” p21 for of planning and they did that had launched mass attacks on that fully successful conflicts – people Baker-Aziz talks broke down there poised to push through Kuwait more in absolute secrecy, no one else scale and we did not comprehend have forgotten this. The military was a real reflective moment when and into Saudi Arabia they were hat instinct was well founded. knew about the targets. the amount of fire the Iraqis could were requested and authorised by everyone just thought ‘bloody immediately put on Quick TFlt Lt Waddington and his “The start of the war was a put up.” the UN to liberate Kuwait from hell, we are actually going to go Reaction Alert. navigator, Flt Lt Robbie Stewart, FREEDOM: From top, RAF aircrew John Nichol, John Peters, Dave Waddington and Robbie Stewart return to the UK after their ordeal shock. I remember going into He added: “Our tactics changed occupation and did exactly that. to war’. The atmosphere changed. Waddington said: “When were shot down and taken the Ops Room and hearing my rapidly. The first couple of nights “I look at the men and women It was a mixture of excitement I got to Bahrain I had an prisoner during a strike on Al “As we came in to start the last part of a new era of air power where the that to where we are now was squadron singing the squadron were low level airfield attacks trying in the Air Force who have come because of the operational flying immediate sense that this was Tallil airfield. of the attack profile I saw a missile RAF became much more capable of accelerated by what we achieved in war song, the one we sang that to destroy enemy runways. There after me and I see a different breed and trepidation because you were very real. There was a fear He said: “There were eight shoot up directly in front of us.” adapting to different circumstances the Gulf War. signified the end of an exercise. was only one way to get Iraq out of of warrior – they are more highly going into the unknown.” that the Iraqis were looking Tornados. I was number two Held for six weeks as PoWs, and challenges. “Never forget that the enemy I thought: ‘Oh my God, we’re Kuwait and that was a ground war. trained, more adaptable. As Cold He added: “Iraq had the most JOHN PETERS: Runs a consultancy business at pushing through to of the first four and our job the ill-fated duo were released “That became the mindset. You has a vote and never forget the going’. “We were stopping the Iraqi Air War warriors we had to change integrated air system outside the Saudi and that meant was to launch 1000lb alongside RAF Tornado comrades can’t predict what you are going to risk you are taking. We have been “We stood in the Ops Force from taking off to attack the almost on an hourly basis. Now Central European front with good “There was huge fear among the we would be flying ‘dumb’ bombs to John Nichol and John Peters. have to do. You have to adapt and fortunate in terms of the operations Room with the news on in the ground forces when the invasion our young men and women are technology, fibre communications Americans; the amount of body straight away. suppress the airfield Waddington returned to the think. The Air Force has just got better we have been involved in from the background and heard reports came, to deny Iraq’s Air Force the fully prepared to go into conflict, between missile sites and a good bags taken out to the Gulf was “That did not defences and make UK and rose to the rank of Air and better at being able to do that. air perspective. that Baghdad was under attack. use of the skies. and many are battle-hardened, size air force. It also had one of the enormous because they thought it happen but we it safer for the back , commanding the “At the time everything from “I remain the RAF’s youngest We were listening to it unfold “After a couple of nights, it that’s probably the difference largest armies in the world. was going to be a bloodbath.” were still straight four to come in RAFs Tornado Force until his our doctrine to our mindset was living ex-prisoner of war, I hope along with the rest of the world became apparent that the IAF between us.” into it. It was fast. HIGH-FLYER: Dave Waddington low and drop the retirement in 2015. He added: probably still based on the Cold that continues for a long time to You just had time went on to become an Air Cdre heavy JP233. “Operation Granby was the start War strategy. The transition from c om e .” Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P21

Operation Granby Feature Low-level, high-risk raids through a curtain of fire XV Sqn’s Wg Cdr John Broadbent arrived in Bahrain in November 1990, as the squadron commander with the RAF Tornado detachment. He recalls the first high-risk, low- level strikes against Iraqi airfields using the 10,000lb JP233 weapon

HE EXHILARATION that I felt after landing from Muharraq’s opening mission of the war with our eight-aircraft formation intact following our copy- book attack against Tallil airfield was short-lived. The airfield’sT defences had been shocking in their intensity and it was scary as hell. Saddam’s anti-aircraft artillery was putting a massive amount of lead in the air. MISSIONS: There were dozens of them, each Broadbent capable of firing 1,000 rounds a “minute. With the tracer rounds, it looked like a solid curtain of fire. Getting through it felt like trying to run through a shower without getting wet. Those 15 seconds it took to overfly the target were the longest of my life. Surviving it seemed almost miraculous but didn’t stop me from shouting some cheerful, albeit inane, encouragement across to Pablo Mason and Gary GULF VETERAN: John Broadbent LEADER: Commanding XV Sqn from the front NIGHT MISSIONS: The Tornado Force crews were kept busy Stapleton, who were about to lead their formation on the next to be to show calm resolution, get en route to the tanker and had That was where it excelled. in a relatively benign environment. mission. on with the task and lead from the to return to base. The remaining Conversely, fully loaded we were The enemy fighter threat had They were to return a few short front. That third loss coincided six aircraft rendezvoused with limited to a height of 20,000 feet been eliminated and, at 20,000 ft, hours later having suffered our with my own third low-level JP233 the tankers in thick cloud and and the results from level bombing we enjoyed relative safety from squadron’s first loss when John mission and one that turned out to horrendous turbulence so bad that at this altitude were poor. In an anti-aircraft fire. Nichol and John Peters were shot be especially stressful. nearly all of the refuelling baskets attempt to improve our accuracy The radar guided SAM threat down, bringing home the grim were damaged during our attempts HQ directed us to undertake high remained but we hadn’t been reality of war. Two more nights he eight-ship mission aimed to to take on fuel. angle dive bombing instead. threatened by one for a long time brought a further two losses. disrupt operations at a major Only three aircraft were able Achieving a stable dive to and in any case our own radar- The crews were feeling the Tairfield. Half the formation were to get sufficient fuel to continue release point and then recovery jamming pods were designed to strain. We had started the conflict loaded with JP233 to be delivered as a formation, the lead pair with from such a relatively low starting negate those, plus we were usually with 12 aircraft and 24 crews and from a level attack and the other JP233 together with one of the loft altitude meant re-entering the part of a larger international not much more than 72 hours half with eight 1,000lb bombs for bombers. effective anti-aircraft envelope. I package which included US Wild later we were three crews down, defence suppression using a ‘loft’ Aborting the mission since we was reluctant to ask my crews to Weasel assets. presumed dead. I wanted to put manoeuvre. were reduced to less than half our do that. As we were approaching the my arms around my detachment One of the JP233 aircraft aborted force by the end of the tanking, What we really needed were target, one of our crews called and share their grief. on the ground, and a second or turning back in the face of the precision-guided munitions a missile launch. That really But my main objective had experienced technical difficulties ferocity of the defences, never and the means to deliver them. got everyone’s attention and seriously crossed my mind. Fortunately, HQ resolved the immediately all eyes were out But when we got back – given issue of finding ramp space for of the cockpit searching for the that we seemed to have achieved the Buccaneer aircraft needed for missile. It struck our number five the goal of air superiority, and in laser designation and we flew our aircraft, crewed by Rupert Clarke the light of our losses – I felt it was first PGM mission from Muharraq and Steve Hicks. Steve was killed time to transition to medium level, on February 2, transforming our in the strike. Rupert survived and or at least change tactics. results immediately. was captured. That was another We duly switched to medium dreadful blow and low point for level and that reduced the pressure n February 14 I led a formation the team. but the Tornado weapon system of four Tornados each armed Overall, I am immensely proud was optimised for low-level Owith three laser-guided bombs of what our air and ground crews ingress and weapon delivery and and two Buccaneers providing achieved, especially in those early was ill-suited to medium-altitude laser designation against hardened days. They all displayed remarkable bombing with free fall weapons. aircraft shelters on Al Taqaddum fortitude, resilience and flexibility. With its terrain-following radar, airfield. It was not an easy mission and we the Tornado was able to operate at By this stage of the war we all had our own personal fears but REPATRIATED: Sqn’s Steve Hicks very low level at speed and it could had been delivering LGBs from we each overcame them in our do that automatically day or night. medium level for almost two weeks own way. ” Top honour as collegiate continues to improve offering for boarding students

STAFF and students at Queen A level programmes (equivalent “We will continue to find ways Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) are in university points to A* and A to broaden and improve the cur- celebrating following the news grades at A level).The Faculty, riculum and enrichment oppor- that the school has been recog- which offers a wider range of ac- tunities we offer and continue to nised by the UK Boarding ademic, creative and vocational extend students’ learning beyond Schools Association Awards as a courses, achieved 96 per cent the classroom. We will use our re- Finalist for their work to contin- A*/B at A level and 86 per cent cent online teaching experience ually improve their offer for D*/D in BTECs. to update our IT strategy, taking boarding students, to better meet are as busy on campus as during The Collegiate has risen to the the opportunity to develop e- their needs. the week, with a wide range of challenge of starting the new learning in an impactful way. The Collegiate has also been sporting, creative and performing school year during the current “Through our academic, pas- announced as a Finalist for its arts, cultural and outdoor activi- COVID-19 pandemic, gaining toral and enrichment pro- ap==proach to supporting inter- ties on offer. Boarding houses the COVID Safe BSA Charter grammes, we will continue to national students as they become also host a varied programme of and providing boarders with the develop the personal qualities of part of the QE community. activities, encouraging students option of a two week pre-term our students, such as leadership, QE welcomes girls and boys to socialise and follow their indi- stay for students to become ac- resilience, critical thinking and re- from three months and supports vidual interests. customed to the changes put in sponsibility. As always, we will them through four schools – Known locally, nationally and place to ensure their safety, pre- prioritise the safeguarding, health Chapter House (three months to internationally as a place that pare for the school year ahead and wellbeing of all our students Year 5), King’s Magna (Years 6 promotes the highest standards and complete any quarantine pe- and staff.” to 9),The College and Faculty in all that it does, the Collegiate’s riod that might be necessary. (both Year 10 to 13), with those exam results consistently rank it Principal Jeff Smith explains: * To note: At the time of writ- wishing to board being able to do amongst the top ten day and “QE has complied with, and ing, the BSA Awards 2020 so from Year 3. boarding schools in the UK. In gone beyond, the measures re- ceremony had not yet taken Set in 220 acres of picturesque 2020, students in the academi- quired by the Government and place. To find out more about North Yorkshire countryside, the cally focused College achieved 97 we have committed ourselves to QE and to arrange a socially Collegiate provides a safe and per cent A*/B at A level and 100 the BSA School Safe Charter, distanced private tour of happy community environment per cent D*/D in the small num- putting adaptable plans in place campus, please visit for its 850 boarders. Weekends ber of BTECs taken to enrich the for this coming year and beyond. www.qe.org

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ACADEMIC RIGOUR generous forces’ bursaries Nurturing a love of learning At Bromsgrove all pupils, of professionals from nurses to them to their full potential. One of the UK’s leading A flourishing regardless of their age, develop caterers, all offering the most Senior School is where pupils boarding natural curiosity and a love of caring pastoral support. This become more independent in day and boarding schools gives just a flavour of what community learning in a safe yet stimulating their learning both in and out setting. makes a Bromsgrove pupil so of the classroom. Small classes and inspirational teaching. successful in their future careers. Over 560 boarders: The Preparatory and Senior The activities programme Pupils start at the Prep Schools provide continuity of encourages them to take on 85 prep boarders School at age 7, many progressing Set in a good central England location, easy to reach education for children from the responsibilities and to develop and from the School’s own from all corners of the country. age of seven to eighteen years. more skills whether that’s in Pre-Preparatory School. 480 senior boarders Having the advantage of programming robots, taking At Prep School academic part in music and drama, CCF Exceptional results at A level, IB Diploma and GCSE. beautiful grounds spread over and extra-curricular horizons and kitcar teams or editing the Please contact 100 acres, with gardens, naturally wide; the curriculum wildlife areas, forest school and award winning pupil magazine A strong House and tutor system to look after your is broad and enriching and the Admissions for extensive outdoor sports opportunities for sport and there is something for everyone. child’s pastoral and academic wellbeing. details pitches, Bromsgrove’s boarders extra-curricular activities are have plenty of space around extensive. *To find out more information An outstanding range of extra-curricular activities. 01527 579679 them. With national level sports on how to join Bromsgrove A boarding community of teams, award winning choirs School, and about our [email protected] Co-educational, Day and Boarding over 580 youngsters, aged 7 to and musicians, and multiple generous forces bursaries, 990 pupils aged 13-18 18, live in comfortable houses, individual honours, whatever don’t hesitate to contact our 720 pupils aged 3 - 13 looked after by dedicated your child shows a talent or admissions team who will bromsgrove-school.co.uk 560 boarders from the age of 7+ houseparents and a wide range interest in we aim develop be happy to help. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 1

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HAYFIELDHOMES.CO.UK Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 3 R'n'R DVDs Win! Books Win! Dragon (15) & Curse of the Golden Flower (15) Hawkeye Out now on Blu-ray and DVD. Fabulous Films Ltd/Fremantle Media Enterprises (grubstreet.co.uk, hardback rrp £20) 's top fighter ace Legend of Bruce Lee AWKEYE IS the 101 and 105 Sqn, including what’s autobiography of the top- been described as the greatest scoringH Israeli Air Force ace jet-versus-jet air battle in history of aces, Brig Gen Giora Even- with four MiG-21 kills in one continues to intrigue Epstein. He was nicknamed engagement. His final score was ‘Hawkeye’ because of his 17 aerial victories. ASON SCOTT LEE CURSE OF the Golden threatens him most of all. amazing vision of more After his last and Lauren Holly Flower is a stunning epic As the secrets of the Imperial than 20/15, enabling battle he became Jstar in Dragon, about about the folly of war family unravel against this him to pick out enemy commander of the the life of the film and and the disintegration backdrop of breathtaking opulence aircraft long before his First Jet Squadron, 117, martial arts legend of one family under the and grandeur, an attack on the squadron mates. began civilian flying, Bruce Lee. weight of unrequited palace by myriad armoured Born on an Israeli retrained to command From a childhood love, unforgivable warriors results in a spectacular kibbutz in 1938, Giora 254 MMR Squadron in of rigorous martial arts betrayals, and a never- climax of thrilling action and epic flew fighters for the the 1982 Lebanon War training, Bruce Lee (Jason ending thirst for power, tragedy. Israeli Air Force and flew the F-16 aged Scott Lee – no relation) from the director of We have copies of Dragon and achieving recognition 50 before retirement. realises his dream of the stunning Hero and Curse of the Golden Flower on DVD as a highly skilled Along the way he met opening his own kung fu House of Flying Daggers, to own. To be in with a chance of military aviator numerous fighter school in America. Before Zhang Yimou. winning one, answer this question: and becoming the pilot legends such as long, he is discovered On the eve of highest-scoring jet-mounted Douglas Bader, Al Deere, by a Hollywood producer the Chong Yong Festival, Who directed Curse ace with the most number Pierre Clostermann and Randy (Robert Wagner) and begins a golden flowers fill the of the Golden Flower? of confirmed victories in the Cunningham. meteoric rise to fame and an all- Imperial Palace and when French Mirage. Having overcome You could win a copy of this too-short reign as one of the most the Emperor (Chow Yun Email your numerous hurdles just to learn absorbing book. To enter, just tell charismatic action heroes in film Fat) unexpectedly returns answer, marked how to fly, he went on to compile a us: history. to his Empress (Gong Li) DVDs competition, record of Arab MiGs and Sukhoi Mystery surrounded the death of and two sons, the tension is to: competitions@ kills that bettered any other When was Giora Even-Epstein Bruce Lee at the age of 32 in 1973. clear in his lavish kingdom. rafnews.co.uk or combat aviators’ tally. born? When his 28-year-old son, Brandon His absence has given post it to our usual This fast-moving Lee, died of an accidental gunshot rise to illicit love affairs, competitions address autobiography details his Email your answer, marked wound on the set of The Crow a dangerous alliances, and – see p3 of the main experiences, particularly in the Hawkeye competition, to: few months before the release of malicious conspiracies; paper, to arrive by intense conflicts of 1967, the [email protected] or Dragon, conspiracy theories were all of which threaten February 12. Please Six Day War, and 1973, the Yom post it to our usual competitions fuelled about the ‘curse’ of Bruce to overthrow his power. state on your entry if you prefer to Kippur War. The reader shares the address – see p3 of the main paper, Lee. Dragon is dedicated to Brandon However, it may well be the win Dragon or Curse of the Golden cockpit with him as he describes to arrive by February 12. Please Lee. Emperor’s own dark secret that Flower and add your postal address. every action he undertook with add your full postal address. Film Review Freshman Year (12) On digital release from February 19 A square peg in a round college BRIEF CONNECTION: Alex (right) with Maggie (Dylan Gelula)

LEX IS in his first year of college, handsome and intelligent enough to get by, but his closest friend is a stuffed animal. Unable to connect hole withA anyone, including his hedonistic roommate, he leaves parties to watch old family videos and feigns an indie film highlighting the pitfalls The interactions seem lived in, illness just to hear the voice of his mom over the of each year in the American school uncomfortably so. People mishear phone. system, all told from the perspective of and misunderstand each other, and Desperately homesick, moving from Texas to study the unsocial outsider. Freshman Year the silences stretch out in long takes. in LA, Alex feels like a newborn baby but without the combines the themes of both of these Youthful naivety is captured in essence safety and warmth of his mother. This is what he tells debut features, looking at the party life through mumbled exchanges, ping- Maggie (Dylan Gelula), a girl in the year above who has of a college student but through the lens ponging between direct and deep no such troubles, as they end up spending an impossibly of someone struggling to adapt, and this questions and their swooping dismissal: long night together after both leaving a dorm party it does with painful attention to realism. “Did it affect you when your Dad died?... unfulfilled. Young Cooper Raiff writes, directs Death is ass.” Finally having a moment of connection, Alex and stars as the ultra-sensitive Alex, Freshman Year is an impressive struggles to readjust and doesn’t understand why Maggie impressively casting himself in an debut exploring the lesser seen college then pretends that she doesn’t know him. unflattering light, endearing at times experience in its full awkward splendour. Along with Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade and Olivia but cringeworthy and self-pitying at 4 out of five roundels Wilde’s Booksmart, it looks like we’re going to have others. Review by Sam Cooney PARTY POOPER: The socially-awkward freshman Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 4 Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 5 R'n'R

TV The Big Event The Bay 2 DVDs New series 8 Mile Secrets of the Fabulous Films Ltd/ Museum, BBC2 Fremantle Media Ents Visit V&A Demoted DS is all Eminem's for a spot got awards of culture at sea in The Bay rapped up NEW ROLE: Absolom ORVEN CHRISTIE is back as Bill (Cosmo) and Stephen (Tompkinson). really precarious state because she’s on police family liaison officer DS “We left Lisa in a bit of a state at the end probation. There’s doubt around whether BOSS: Daniel Ryan as Lisa's superior, DI Tony Manning Lisa Armstrong in the second of series one and when we meet her again she’ll ever be able to claw her way back up Mseries of hit crime thriller The Bay on she’s still paying for her mistakes – she’s to her previous role. I T V. had to sell the house and is living in a small “She’s tried to rebuild her relationship Armstrong (left) returns to Morecombe flat with the kids. She’s been demoted and with her children, which feels like it is on Win! Bay for a new case, after dealing with the is no longer allowed to work as a FLO. the mend, but with the job that she has and HISTORIC: Leather despatch box owned repercussions of her actions in series one. “There are real tensions in the police the time that takes up, that’s always a little by Winston Churchill, 1921 ©V&A She is given the opportunity to prove team. She’s definitely on the outside, bit delicate too. herself when asked to assist a murder trying to prove her worth to reclaim the She no longer has any of the things she HE BBC has announced investigation in the northern coastal town. trust and respect of Manning, Med and the used to rely on. They’ve all been broken APPER EMINEM won an the return of Secrets of the Reflecting on what made series one rest of her colleagues. However, her past is down, so she’s just a bit at sea and is trying Oscar for his track Lose TMuseum following the popularity such a success, executive producer about to reappear, throwing her home life hard to get solid ground under her feet RYourself for the film 8 Mile of the first series shown last year. Catherine Oldfield said: “I think people into turmoil.” again.” in which he stars with Kim At a time of national really connected to the world, the sense of Christie revealed: “Some of the things Basinger, Brittany Murphy and lockdown, when the doors community and the characters as well as that are often said to me about Lisa, about Mekhi Phifer. to museums are shut, BBC the twists and turns of the investigation. her being complicated and flawed, feel like Directed by Academy Award- audiences are again invited into a It’s a very real show... The Bay feels like it is unusual but the truth is every human Lisa is like a comfy winning producer/director Curtis hidden world: behind the scenes somewhere you might live or you know being is complicated and flawed. outfit for me Lanson (L.A Confidential) 8 Mile at the world-famous museum of people who live in places like it.” “I feel we’ve suffered a little bit in TV explores a week in the lives of a art, design and performance, the Daniel Ryan reprises his role as DI Tony from female characters always having ” group of young people struggling V&A. Manning, with Taheen Modak (below) to be one certain thing, so when they’re She added: “The scripts are really to find their way in the urban The series is part of the Beeb’s returning as DC ‘Med’ Kharim, along with multi-layered, people aren’t sure if they are different this series. Series one was a lot decay of 1995 Detroit. Culture In Quarantine initiative, the Armstrong family: Abbie (Imogen likeable. more“ character led. This year it feels more For those like Jimmy 'Rabbit' bringing arts and culture into the King), Rob (Art P arkinson) and Penny “I like playing her because she’s really crime led. Smith Jr (Eminem) and his homes of the nation. (Lindsey Coulson). relatable. Lisa doesn’t suffer fools, she’s “There isn’t anything quite like it on friends, hip-hop is the only thing Housing more than 2.3 million Joining the cast are some familiar very straightforward and she really, really TV – the characters in this show are quite standing between them and the objects that span over 5,000 years, faces from TV drama including Stephen loves her kids. different. That was what always appealed void. the V&A’s collection ranges from Tompkinson, Sharon Small, James “When she likes someone, when to me about it. Rabbit knows his ticket out fashion to photography, sculpture Cosmo, Joe Absolom and Sunetra she cares about someone, she really “It’s also really nice to see Lisa trying to is through his rhymes, but to to ceramics, architecture to Sarker. cares about them. When someone’s redeem herself from some of the mistakes succeed he has to channel his theatre and performance. Oldfield added: “We are exploring annoying to her, she’s really annoyed she made and not necessarily succeeding anger into his lyrics and face the Series two of the six-part a different part of Morecambe in the by them. I like that. She’s smart. at that. showdown of his life. Secrets of the Museum will reveal crime story for series two – it’s set in “Lisa is just a single mum who’s “It gets ever more complicated as new Among numerous more of the objects and their a slightly more affluent part of town pushed her way through. She’s made elements are thrown in. nominations and wins, 8 Mile fascinating stories, as well as than the previous series. some really heavy mistakes and “Lisa is like a comfy outfit for me, when won the Academy Award for Best some hidden gems not on display, “This series focuses on a she’s paying for it. She’s in quite a I got the first scripts it was like sinking Original Song for Lose Yourself said the BBC. new case that involves a family vulnerable place. back into an armchair.” (beating Paul Simon and U2), The series will follow the work who own and run a local “She’s got no money and n The Bay series 2 continues on ITV at and making it the first hip-hop of the curators, conservators solicitors firm, headed up by her professional life is in a 9pm on Wednesdays. song ever to receive the award. and technicians, whose job is to Eminem won rave reviews preserve and care for priceless for his performance but it was objects. Film Music reported that he found the semi- Accompanying the V&A’s Concerts autobiographical role extremely specialist teams, Secrets of the Help Help's a tale of our lockdown times Hope it doesn't go Pete Tong demanding, especially as he Museum will reveal the tricks Out summer Ibiza Classics, Olly Murs, Rick Astley appears in every scene. The film of their trade: the painstaking was a reflection on his early craftsmanship and expertise EW AWARD-WINNING certain way with their own unique TAR DJ Pete Tong is due to Dance With Me Tonight as well as career. involved in conserving, cleaning, psychological thriller Help from weaknesses and traits.” headline what’s been described as tracks from his triple platinum 8 Mile is out on DVD and Blu- loaning, acquiring and displaying Nshort film director Blake Ridder (The Help was shot entirely in the UK, S‘a hedonistic night of nostalgia’ when album Never Been Better. He will be ray on February 15, with extras some of the museum’s objects. English Teacher, A Simple Robbery) so the team had to cope with the he takes to the stage with The Heritage returning to the venue after his last including the making of the film, They include Michelangelo’s wax was shot in just 12 days during challenges of the British climate. Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley appearance there, in 2017, attracted 'Battle Rhyme for Reel Time' – models and Constable’s sketches, lockdown with a cast and crew of James, also the film’s producer, for the Ibiza Classics night. a 21,000 -strong crowd. Detroit MCs Take on Eminem, Winston Churchill’s despatch only 20. explained: “Because of the micro- The event, at Northampton’s Astley will be visiting Newbury plus never before seen freestyle box and Vivien Leigh’s attaché Set for release this summer, Help budget we had [£40,000], time was Franklin’s Gardens – the home of Racecourse for the first time, during battle footage and an exclusive case, costumes from Shirley follows Grace, who, after a painful our enemy. We had several scenes rugby union team Northampton the Dubai Duty Free International Eminem Superman . Bassey, Slade and the National break-up, visits her friend Liv planned to be shot outdoors but Saints – on June 25, promises favourite Weekend. We have copies of 8 Mile on Theatre’s production of Follies, who is living in the idyllic English a few days into the production the club tracks and fresh hits reimagined, In 2019 he completed a massive DVD up for grabs. To be in with a 350-year-old doll’s house countryside with her boyfriend weather forecast predicted the worst coupled with incredible visual effects 38-date stadium tour as special guest a chance of winning one, just tell and contemporary pieces from Edward and his dog Polly. The trio amount of rain of 2020 was about and the latest in music technology, of Take That, playing to more than us: designers Molly Goddard and JW start the weekend in high spirits but to hit us, so Blake had to quickly said its organisers. 500,000 people. The Never Gonna Anderson. dark revelations soon plunge them rewrite some of the scenes to make Tong said: “I can’t remember a Give You Up singer who had 40 Who directed 8 Mile? Tristram Hunt, director of into chaos. VISIT: Grace (left), with Liv and Edward Right, Duncan James has a cameo them work indoors. In the end it time when I was more excited and million sales in the Eighties, then the V&A, said: “At a time of The film, starring a cast worked out so well that I liked looking forward to playing to the shot back to number 1 almost 30 Email your answer, marked renewed lockdown and enforced including Louis James (Edward), during a lockdown two months ago, not to the extreme in them even better.” people who will be coming to watch years later with a new album 8 Mile DVD competition, to: separation from our great Emily Redpath (Grace) and Sarah and now it’s ready for release. Not this film. Redpath said: “I hope Ibiza Classics at Franklin’s Gardens. after a career break to focus [email protected] cultural centres, we are even more Alexandra Marks (Liv) – and a only that, it’s also getting so much “From the get go, this film communicates the After being locked down for over a on his family, has also starred or post it to: RAF News, Room delighted to invite audiences back cameo from Duncan James from love from the festivals. It’s a great I knew I wanted intricacies of relationships year that energy is going to blow the CONCERT HOPES: DJ Pete Tong on the decks, Murs (right) and Astley (inset) on the main stage of Reading 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air for another behind-the-scenes boyband Blue – is a New York Film feeling. I can’t wait for everyone to this film to be a and how, if unaware, our base place apart.” Festival performing with one Command, High Wycombe, look at the V&A.” Festival 2020 award winner and also see this. The film explores human very character- desires can develop into something n Go to: musicplussport. FANS OF Olly Murs and Rick Astley September 21 respectively. of the world’s biggest rock HP14 4UE, to arrive by February n The series is due to be scooped an award from the CKF relationships in its rawest form. driven story. So it much darker.” com for tickets and sales@ are also in for a treat this summer Singer and TV bands, Foo Fighters. 12. broadcast in the spring. Series 1 International Film Festival 2020. “I wanted to tell a story about was important for nFor more details go to: helpmovie. northamptonsaints.co.uk for – both are due to headline at the presenter Murs is set to n Go to: Please remember to include of Secrets of the Museum can be Ridder said: “It still hasn’t quite something real and something that me to have every co.uk and see the official trailer information about hospitality Party in the Paddock at Newbury perform his biggest hits, newburyracecourse.co.uk your full postal address. Entrants viewed now on BBC iPlayer. sunk in yet that we made a film I have experienced in my life, albeit character behave in a on: youtube/xdfbvboYa2o packages. Racecourse, on August 14 and like Heart Skips a Beat and for details. must be over 18. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 6 R'n'R Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page to: [email protected]

Deaths a Boy Entrant at RAF Halton planned the next reunion for (81st Entry). After passing Saturday, June 5, and look out in 1958, he had a long forward to seeing our friends MILLIGAN David WO career during which time he again then. Take part in global (Ret'd )passed away served at RAF Valley, RAF In the meantime we wish you peacefully on January 16 El Adem (1960), RAF Little all a safe and healthy time from a short fight against Rissington (1962), RAF during this unprecedented cancer. David will be sadly Seletar (1969), RAF Changi period. If you have any missed by his wife, son (1970), RAF Lyneham queries please email: doreen. charity challenge and daughter. His three (1971), RAF Kemble (1975), bawdseyreunion@btinternet. grandchildren will sadly RAFC Cranwell (1978), RAF com or call: 07513 301723. THE RAF Museum Challenge was due to start during the next few months miss him too. David served Kinloss (1983) and RAF has launched a new on March 2, 79 years since is that we concentrate more as a mess manager around Sealand (1987). He retired Apprentices' Assoc virtual challenge, where the Lancaster’s first mission than ever on looking after Britain and also in Cyprus in 1995 after 39 years’ proud participants can choose with the RAF, but we want to ourselves and each other and Gibraltar. service. He will be sadly whether to complete 80K, keep people motivated and and that is why we are missed, but now at peace. ARE you a Trenchard Brat 150K or 500K. moving in lockdown, so you encouraging all our staff to PICKEN Keith MBE, ex who did your training at RAF Registrations for the can begin the challenge as take time out of their day, Chief Technician formerly Seeking Halton, Maybe you were Lancaster Challenge opened soon as you sign up. while working from home, of Newcastle Under Lyme trained at No. 1 S of TT RAF earlier this month, 80 years "Participants can select to get outdoors and enjoy passed away peacefully on Cosford or at RAF Cranwell? since the first test flight of some daily exercise. Wednesday, January 13, BOY Entrants 45th Ground Some Brats were trained at the Avro Lancaster. “Our staff will be leading aged 61. A much loved and Wireless. Tracing the above other RAF training schools, Participants of the the way by participating loving husband, dad, son and for a reunion in York, June many were Boy Entrants Challenge can walk, run, in the Lancaster Challenge brother Keith will be sadly 2021. 57 out of 107 traced trained at RAF Cosford hike, swim, cycle or and we hope families, missed. The funeral service with, sadly, 12 deaths. or St Athan. Wherever we row their way to the participants from our will take place at Fenland Contact [email protected]. were trained we were known finish line. They will previous challenge Crematorium, March, throughout the RAF as the have access to a events, along with Cambridgeshire on Monday, Reunions Trenchard BRATS. Our downloadable log our friends in the February 8 at 3.30pm. No Association, The RAF Halton sheet to record their RAF and partner flowers by request but Apprentices’ Association, distance, before organisations will donations in Keith's memory DID you serve at RAF Changi (The Old Haltonians) being rewarded join us. Support are for the Stroke Association or HQFEAF Singapore? The welcomes you all. with an exclusive, from our challengers and Diabetes UK and can RAF Changi Association Check us out via our website L a n c a s t e r enables us to keep be made on the day or (inc. HQFEAF), founded 'Old Haltonians' and then Challenge medal the doors of our sent c/o Swearers Funeral May 1996, welcomes new contact us at: membership@ after the challenge museums open for all Services, Blenheim Road, members from all ranks ex rafhaa.co.uk for further closes on May 17, generations to enjoy.” Ramsey Road, Ramsey, RAF/WRAF/WAAF and details. the anniversary of Participants can Cambridgeshire, PE26 1AL. civilian personnel who Operation Chastise, stay connected as they Tel: 01487 812239 served at RAF Changi (inc. Admin Association better known as the complete the Challenge by HQFEAF) during 1946-72. Dambusters Raid, said the joining the RAF Museum WILLIAMS, Ken, Flight For more information please event’s organiser. Virtual Running Group on Sergeant (Ret’d) of Grantham, contact our Membership THE RAF Administrative As a virtual race, the Facebook. You can meet Lincolnshire on January 14 Secretary: Malcolm Flack Apprentice Association Lancaster Challenge can the distance to suit their other challengers, share at Queen’s Medical Centre on: 01494 728562 or email: welcomes all Administrative be completed anywhere in ability and complete the your progress and ask fellow in Nottingham, aged 81. MemSecChangi@telco4u. apprentices who trained as the world. Within the first challenge at any time, participants for advice. Husband of Liz, father net or visit: www.rafchangi. Suppliers or Clerks at RAF 48 hours of registrations anywhere, individually, However you choose to to Richard and Alun and com for more details. St Athan, RAF Bircham opening, more than 1,850 or with members of their complete the challenge, the Newton, RAF Halton, RAF people signed up with household bubble. It is open museum says it would love SINGAPORE Armed Ruislip or RAF Hereford. entries from around the to participants of all ages, to hear from you. Tag @ Forces Reunion. Were you Go to: rafadappassn.org. for globe including Australia, but we recommend under rafmuseum in your photos seconded from the RAF further details. New Zealand, , 16s are accompanied by an on Facebook, Twitter to the SAF at RAF Tengah Spain, Switzerland, Canada, adult.” and Instagram or with between 1971-75? If so Catering Association America, Singapore and RAF Museum CEO #LancasterChallenge2021. please contact Peter Priscott Thailand. More than 400 Maggie Appleton (pictured To register for the for a 50th anniversary Armed Forces personnel are above) said: “During these Lancaster Challenge visit reunion in August. Email: SERVING and Retired already taking part. difficult times, looking after rafmuseum.org. Entry is £20 [email protected] or Catering WOs and FSs plus RAF Museum London our mental and physical per person and all proceeds call: 01842 878554. former Catering Officers’ are public events manager Ella health is important for us all. will go towards supporting welcome to full membership. Hewitt said: “The Lancaster Key to planning our recovery the RAF Museum. FS Ken Williams RAF Bawdsey Reunion For further information Association. Due to the and an application form grandfather of Victoria, coronavirus pandemic we please email Eddie Jones: James, Holly and Emma. regrettably had to cancel the janedjones6@btinternet. Wellbeing workshops for partners Ken joined the RAF in 1955 annual reunion last summer. com; call: 01480 823480; when he was 16. He joined as We have provisionally Facebook: RAFCWO&SA. A NEW series of online like to overcome personal belief, boosting their workshops aimed at challenges to sign up to the skillset and employability, supporting the partners Thrive workshops.” exploring alternatives to How to use our service of RAF personnel is to be Research carried out paid employment, improving launched next month. by the Fund found that wellbeing and emotional There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death, in memoriam The RAF Benevolent identifying what they want to resilience, and reducing seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. Fund’s Thrive programme, achieve and the appropriate social isolation. We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: which provides a range routes to do it are the main RAF spouse Charlie [email protected]. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept notices submitted by post. of courses aimed at employment challenges Whitford has benefitted helping spouses overcome for the partners of serving from the programme. She Important Notice employment challenges, RAF personnel rather than said: “The Thrive workshops will begin with ‘developing a lack of job experience or looked really, really good The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or courage’ on February 4, qualifications, CV writing – something to help RAF mentioned in this publication. Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval teaching participants how skills or interview practice. spouses find their own value or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their to boost their confidence The second workshop and self-worth, leading current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that and self-belief. course, due to start on March to better employment the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. Lauren Cooper, the 11, will focus on ‘goal setting’. prospects. I found the whole All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. Fund’s welfare programmes The Thrive programme course really useful.” All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in coordinator, said: “We aims to help RAF partners Go to: rafbf.org/thrive advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed. are inviting RAF partners overcome these barriers for more information about or spouses who would by increasing their self- the 90-minute workshops. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 7 R'n'R Your Announcements You can email photos for announcements on this page to: [email protected]

VINTAGE MODELS: The museum's Remarkable life of service collection features classics

WORLD WAR II veteran application which was “Following the Vera King, who worked immediately accepted. capitulation of the Japanese for Lord Mountbatten in “At RAF West Kirby, she forces, Lord Mountbatten Ceylon, has celebrated her joined a draft being prepared moved his headquarters 100th birthday. to go by sea to the South to Singapore. Vera was Vera served for six years East Asia sector. Following responsible for packing up in the WAAF, joining in interviews, Vera and a girl the furniture and equipment 1939. from the Women’s Royal and sending them on before David Hewings, secretary Navy Service were selected to she returned to the UK.” of the RAF Association’s fly out to Ceylon, in advance After leaving the WAAF Bognor Regis branch, said: of the main party. in 1945, Vera worked for “Having exceptionally fast “They, two Servicemen an airline based at Speke shorthand skills, Vera’s and two war correspondents Airport in Liverpool that services were much in were given exclusive use of was eventually absorbed into demand and her repeated Lord Louis Mountbatten’s British European Airways. applications for overseas – then Supreme Allied On moving to Bognor Please help save fire museum service were always declined. Commander, South East Regis, she joined the local After D-Day, in September Asia – personal aircraft, an RAF Association branch and A PLEA has gone out to help find a new The museum was started by former 1944, Vera made another Avro York. As the aircraft’s was a founder member of its home for the Museum of RAF Firefighting RAF firefighter Steve Shirley after his wife identity was known by the WAAFs group, continuing – or it could be closed and its collection presented him with a model fire engine staging airfields en route, to be its driving force sold. when he passed out from his initial training they were always treated to until it disbanded in 2017, Chris Bradley from the museum said 36 years ago. a red carpet reception, even the year she received the it now has to vacate its current home in When he retired from the Air Force as though Lord Mountbatten badge recognising her 60 Scunthorpe because the premises, owned a Warrant Officer Steve had amassed more was not on board.” years of membership of the by a used car dealership, are up for sale. than 50 military and civilian fire vehicles He added: “There the girls Association. It will be the museum’s fourth move – the world’s largest collection – ranging joined Lord Mountbatten’s David said: “Covid-19 in three years since it had to vacate RAF from Victorian to modern day models. staff, taking dictation from restrictions prevented the Scampton in 2017. Chris added: “It is a priceless collection, him and the senior officers branch from celebrating her Chris said: “Sadly, some of the vehicles with some sole survivors and prototypes at the SEA Allied Forces birthday as we would have are rotting away outside now as we have with restored wartime vehicles which saw Headquarters. Their duties wished. We will certainly nowhere to put them. Ideally, we would like service during the D-Day landings and the included typing signals, be making amends when a new home in Lincolnshire as the 40 plus Blitz.” reports and even some of his the restrictions are lifted. volunteers mainly live locally. Q If you can help the museum find a new personal letters to 'My dear Vera remains one of our “If we don't find anywhere soon, there is home please contact Chris or Steve via its Cousin Bertie', King George most respected and loved a chance the collection will have to be sold website: firemuseum.uk or call: 015227 BIRTHDAY GIRL: Vera King VI, and others. members.” off and history will be lost.” 30198. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 R'n'R 8 R'n'R

The winners of Prize Crossword 288 and Prize Su Doku 298 Prize Crossword will be published in our February 12 edition. Send entries to Prize Su Doku No. 289 the address printed in the Su Doku panel opposite. No. 299 Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 10 letters in yellow squares to find an aircraft Across Fill in all the 6. See 14 Across squares in the grid 7. Red-blooded Scotsman has laugh (5) so that each row, 9. And 19 Across. In other words a Chinook… in other words, a each column and Chinook (5,5) each 3x3 square 10. Hood’s sport (7) contains all the 12. Knowing opponents? (4-7) digits from 1 to 9. 14. And 6 Across. Other figure changed by wind from plane (11,7) 18. Crestfallen at a party for newspaperman (7) Solutions should 19. See 9 Across be sent in a sealed 21. See 20 Down envelope marked 22. Military intelligence illuminated artificial intelligence back in force (7) 'Su Doku' with the number in the top Down left-hand corner to 1. Poet goes past Weasley (5) RAF News, Room 2. Necklace worn by faltering competitor? (6) 68, Lancaster Name ...... 3. In Tupelo, Walter was depressed (3) Building, HQ Air ...... 4. At beginning of month actor reaches station (6) Command, High 5. Cleaner Reginald returns horse (7) Wycombe, Bucks, Address ...... 8. Sounds like chocolate bar is pleasantly crisp (7) HP14 4UE, to arrive ...... by February 12. 11. Liverish, I leave upsetting shrink (7) ...... Su Doku No. 299 13. Small creature, big creature, right pain (7) 15. Crazy story has point about shellfish (6) 16. Once nothing, jerk becomes flamboyant (6) Solution to Su Doku No: 298 17. What a gaggle becomes in flight (5) n e winner of Crossword No. 287 is Mr K Pentecost of Co 20. And 21 Across. Acrid tea spilled by RAF aspirant (3,5) Durham. n e winner of Solution to Crossword No. 288: Su Doku No. 298 Name ...... Across – 1. U-boat 4. Biretta 8. Dead End 9. Bombe 10. Raid is Mr TLD Wil- Address ...... 11. Beriberi 13. Beer 14. Jest 16. Rap Music 17. Pair 20. Award liams of Llantwit 21. Croatia 22. Everest 23. Beast Major, Vale of ...... Down – 1. Undercarriage 2. Okapi 3. Trek 4. Badger 5. Rabbited Glamorgan...... 6. Tempest 7. Amelia Earhart 12. Befuddle 13. Biplane 15. Big Cat 18. Astra 19. Bomb RAF station – Mount Pleasant RAF aircraft ...... Crossword No. 289 Passenger Music Sword from the Stone (Gingerbread Mix) Midge Ure & Band Electronica New single and UK tour 2022 UK tour Ure all the Rage, Midge

ORMER ULTRAVOX frontman Midge Ure has announced a major 26-date tour with Band FElectronica for 2022. The Voice and Visions tour will feature highlights from the Ultravox PASSENGER: albums Rage in Eden and Quartet, plus Helped by the Ure’s solo hits. pop superstar Ed Sheeran Ultravox, whose 1981 hit Vienna brought them global success, recorded Rage in Eden, their second album, in the same year and Quartet, their third album with Ure, in 1982 with Passenger's Sheer joy production from legendary Beatles producer George Martin. It became RITISH SINGER-songwriter industry, to other musicians, and their third Top 10 album, featuring BPassenger – aka Mike it seems to resonate across the four Top 20 singles including Hymn. Rosenburg – has released a special board. I genuinely think it’s had The Voice & Visions tour kicks off single version of Sword from the the best reaction of any song I’ve at York’s historic Grand Opera House Stone (Gingerbread Mix), produced ever written.” on February 22, 2022, visiting 26 cities by his good mate Ed Sheeran. It’s He added: “Ed was really across the UK before culminating at the opening track of Passenger’s excited about the song when I Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on April acclaimed new album Songs for the played it to him and suggested 2. The 2022 tour news follows the Drunk and Broken Hearted. that he produce a version that overwhelming response to Ure and The album was originally due could potentially work as a radio Band Electronica’s 'The 1980 Tour' in to be released in May last year, single. It’s not every day you have 2019. but when the global pandemic that kind of offer from a pop Ure said: “I can’t begin to tell you turned the world upside down, genius, and I’m so delighted with how great it feels to be back out touring Rosenburg decided it wasn’t what he and Joe [co-producer Joe after the uncertainty of the past two quite finished – he took off a few Rubel] have come up with. It has years and it is especially exciting to songs and added three new ones, been such a fun one to work on.” delve back in time and revitalise two including Sword from the Stone. Passenger’s rescheduled tour standout albums from my career, Rage He said: “I’m so excited about dates for 2021, starting in Belfast in Eden and Quartet. This is the logical this one. It’s that cliché that you on August 26, include a headline and emotional follow up to the 1980 make your most poignant work show at the London O2 Brixton t ou r.” when you’re having a bit of a hard Academy on September 8. n Go to: midgeure.gigantic.com and time. I have played it to friends Go to: passengermusic.com for venue box offices for ticket details. and family, to people in the tour details. URE: Tour dates AdvertisingAdvvertising featurfeaturee FlightPRO is Oceans apart

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Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P23

Win! Jet Man Feature Frank Whittle: Blessed with a brain quite out of the ordinary

RANK WHITTLE was a suffered the frustration of seeing his “He had virtually no social life man ahead of his time. But ground-breaking project repeatedly after 1943, few if any friends beyond despite having been an unrecognised by the British his immediate circle of colleagues at Fengineering genius, a pioneer who government until it was too late to work, no significant other interests invented the turbojet engine, after play a major part in the war. except flying and almost nothing to World War II he was invalided out In the book, subtitled The distract him from his pursuit of the of the RAF, his health destroyed at Making And Breaking of Frank jet save the demands (and these all the age of just 40, a broken man. Whittle, Genius of the Jet Revolution, too constrained) of his immediate In Jet Man, his fascinating the author reveals a highly driven, family. He was on a mission, after biography of Whittle (headofzeus. single-minded young man. all, to change the world.” com), Duncan Campbell-Smith tells Campbell-Smith said: “His drive to the moving story of the talented launch a successful jet plane, at first maverick, described as ‘a self-taught to fulfil a youthful vision and then Many of the aeronautical obsessive and risk- to help vanquish Hitler’s Germany, young graduates takingly brilliant RAF pilot’ who quickly became… all-consuming. who rallied to his cause“ during the Story of a genius war cherished their WE HAVE copies of the book to win. For memories of working your chance to own one, simply answer the following question correctly: What rank with him for the rest was Frank Whittle when he retired from the of their lives OBSESSION: Air Cdre Frank Whittle eyes model jets on his desk at Brownsover Hall, post war RAF? Email your answer, marked Jet Man ” He added: “Many of the young brain quite out of the ordinary.” competition, to: competitions@rafnews. Campbell-Smith portrays a graduates who rallied to his cause Whittle retired from the RAF co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, complex, sometimes difficult, during the war cherished their in 1948 as an . He Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, man. He said: “Whittle’s slightly memories of working with him for was knighted that year and moved High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by elusive character was part of what the rest of their lives. to America to work as a research February 12. Please remember to include so intrigued many colleagues and “All who knew him well could professor at the US Naval Academy your full postal address with your entry. forged friendships that lasted a agree, above all, that he was blessed at Annapolis. Despite being a heavy lifetime.” (and sometimes burdened) with a smoker, he lived until the age of 89.

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Send to RAF News Subscriptions, JPIMedia, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds LS12 1BE Tel: 0207 8557574 email:[email protected] Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P24 Obituary Air Cdre Tom Bennett CBE

IR COMMODORE TOM BENNETT, who has died aged 91, flewA in support of an RAF detachment gathering air samples over the Pacific. He later served in helicopters Former RAF during the Malayan Emergency, in Northern Ireland and in Hong Kong. Bennett graduated with the first post-war entry at the RAF College Cranwell and initially served on Hastings squadrons. In January 1954, a high Commander priority requirement arose to support a US nuclear test programme at the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. Two Canberra aircraft, equipped to gather air samples, flew to Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, situated 200 miles south of in Hong Kong the test site. To support these two aircraft, and carry ground personnel and spares, three Hastings transport aircraft of 511 Squadron were tasked, one flown by Bennett. The aircraft left their UK bases on February 14, 1954 and arrived nine days later having routed through the Far East and Australia. On the flight from Darwin to Townsville, Bennett’s crew suffered from food poisoning. Fortunately, a Canberra pilot was amongst the passengers and was able to assist. Bennett recovered sufficiently to make the landing at Townsville. It was a fairly unusual trip “ ” On the final leg from Momote to Kwajalein, the engines overheated and most of the flight was flown on two of the four engines. Bennett commented: “It was a fairly unusual trip.” Over the next 10 weeks, the US authorities carried out six nuclear tests and the Canberras collected air samples. A proportion of these were allocated to the British and Bennett and his crew then took them to Darwin for HONOUR: Bennett (right) onward delivery to the UK for greets Prince Charles evaluation. In the middle of May the test programme was complete and course in 1960 before serving as the near Belfast. His two years in the Commodore in the post of Director services to support the arrival the Hastings and Canberras training officer on the Bloodhound troubled province coincided with of Quartering. of units deployed to the islands. returned to their UK bases. ground-to-air missile. extensive operations in support of At the time, Bennett and his Throughout this period it was In 1962 he volunteered for loan the security forces. staff were occupied with works necessary for Bennett to deal with fter attending CFS, he service with the Sudan Air Force, The resident Wessex helicopter services and major upgrades of the higher levels of the other services served at Cranwell as a training pilots and paratroops on squadron and detachments of UK- RAF’s airfields and establishments. and with other government flyingA instructor on the Balliol Dakota and Fokker F27 aircraft based squadrons were vital for At the beginning of April 1982, his departments. and then the Vampire. based at Khartoum. the success of many operations, attention had to be redirected to He was described by his Air In 1956 he opted to transfer On return, he commanded the particularly those near the border. support the . Marshal – a member of the Air Force to helicopters and in 1957 operations wing at Lyneham during At the end of his tour Bennett was The relatively bare base on Board – as,“an inspiration to his staff left for Kuala Lumpur and the Comet/Britannia/Hercules era. appointed OBE. Ascension Island became key to who has brought the greatest credit joined 155 Squadron to fly the In late 1969 he started a four- the whole operation as the forward to his Service in the eyes of all who Whirlwind during the Malayan year period at the MoD, where fter a further period in MoD, operating base. There was an with whom he has had dealings.” For Emergency. he had responsibility for the he was posted in January immediate requirement to enhance these services, Bennett was advanced He provided transport and development and introduction into 1979A to Hong Kong as the RAF the facilities at Wideawake Airfield, to CBE. He retired in 1983. casualty evacuation support for service of the Puma helicopter. Commander where a Wessex including accommodation, He was the chairman of the the Army and local police for His extensive experience in squadron was based at Sek Kong to technical and support facilities and committee of No 1349 (Woking) their jungle operations against transport support and helicopter provide internal security, transport storage. Squadron of the Air Training the Communist terrorists. operations led to his appointment support and a rescue capability. After the recapture of the Corps and a strong supporter of On return to Britain Bennett as Officer Commanding the In the summer of 1981 he Falkland Islands there was an the Aircrew Association, being the completed a guided weapons operations wing at Aldergrove, returned to MoD as an Air urgent need to provide essential chairman of the Woking Branch. Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P25 Eleanor Wadsworth Obituary Spitfire Girl Eleanor was years ahead of her time Pilot and ATA comrades trailblazers for equality

LEANOR WADSWORTH, who has died By July she was flying twin-engine aircraft. aged 103, was the last surviving female On one occasion she was flying a single- pilot living in Britain who flew during engine Fairchild Argus to collect a crew after EWorld War II. She was one of 166 females who they had delivered a Lancaster bomber. Just flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). after take-off, a piston failed and flew through She was working as an assistant architect on the engine cowling. Reacting quickly, she the construction of new facilities for the ATA at immediately turned for the airfield and made a White Waltham when a notice appeared seeking safe emergency cross-wind landing. more pilots. Later in life she commented: “The thought of learning to fly for free rom October 1944 she was based was a great incentive [so] I put my at Ratcliffe near Leicester. In one name down and didn’t think Fmonth she flew 10 different types much about it.” of aircraft including 20 Spitfires. Her application was The aircraft was her favourite: successful and she was “It was so perfect to handle, amongst the first six just lovely and flew like accepted from those you would want it to. who had no previous [They had a] beautiful, flying experience. throbbing engine in the She joined in June front. 1943 and began her “It was so training at Thame, responsive, light to the near Aylesbury, and touch. Like a beautiful went solo after 15 sports car really.” hours flying time. In April 1945 she Her first task was delivered a Spitfire to fly the ‘air taxi’, Mk.V AR501 from an aircraft used Ratcliffe to Catfoss, to shuttle pilots to near Scarborough. factories and airfields This aircraft is to deliver aircraft and now based at the then return them to Shuttleworth Collection their parent airfield. at Old Warden and As she gained more recently completed a experience, she began long-term restoration to delivering aircraft to fly. squadrons. Eleanor had the photo On a delivery flight in of 501 as she is today proudly December 1943 she ferried a placed in her logbook. Fairy Swordfish. Trussed up She left the ATA as a Third in her Irvin jacket in the open MEMORIES: Eleanor with logbook Officer in September 1945 cockpit it took four days to get having flown 600 hours on 22 different types through very bad weather staging through three of aircraft. airfields before arriving at Machrihanish on the Eleanor was particularly proud that “We were Mull of Kintyre. the first to get equal pay for equal work. We were In February 1944 she had gained sufficient years ahead of our time in what we did but also experience to fly fighter aircraft and first how we were paid like for like.” flew a Hurricane in March. After delivering a Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “It was number from the Hawker factory at Langley she ordinary people doing extraordinary things that progressed to the Spitfire, which she flew for the defeated fascism and we should never forget first time on May 18. Eleanor’s example and achievements.” PROUD: In ATA uniform

Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P27

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07966 429755 Sport 5 pages of RAF Sport start here Stephens battles on for Olympic dream: p30-31

RUGBY SAILING Covid hits both codes RAF eye SERVICE RUGBY Union and League associations suffered a double set of Covid setbacks this week, as the Inter-Services and Challenge Cup involvement were both cancelled. Globe RAF rugby league, along with its sister Service teams and amateur sides, didn’t feature in this year’s Coral Challenge Cup first round draw, which only racers involved professional teams. The move followed an announcement from the sport’s governing body this week. The RAF has played in the Cup 22 times. Chf Tech Garry Dunn, RAF men’s team head coach, said: “It’s disappointing, however understandable that the military sides, along with the top amateur clubs, will not be invited to participate in the Cup this year.

We were looking forward to having the chance to retain “our IS champions title “It’s a” great honour for us to compete in the competition, it allows us to tap into the heritage and spirit of it.” Dunn’s charges narrowly lost 10-18 to Bentley ARLFC at RAF Cosford in the 2020 first round, the team’s last game. He added: “Unfortunately, the Covid situation has forced the hand of the sport’s governing body.” The announcement of the first cancellation of the rugby union Inter-Services championship since World War II was also made by the sports management committees this week. A joint Service statement read: “After considerable deliberation, we have made the collective and unanimous decision to cancel the 2021 competition. The heavy hearts which accompany such a SAFE AND SOUND: Brit Charlie Dalin's yacht Apivia; inset, RAF A400M PHOTOS: CPL PHIL DYE BFSAI/CPL LEE MATTHEWS JADTEU decision will be understandable. "By making the decision now Daniel Abrahams we can instead turn our attention HQ Air Command towards putting together an A400M crew say hello below outstanding 2021/22 Inter- A PAIR of yachts competing in the Vendée Services Championship.” Globe yacht race were given the RAF treatment Utilising the A400M capabilities, the aircraft Flt Lt Daniell said: “From a personal aspect, RAF women’s team recently as an RAF A400M monitored their and its crew were able to locate, observe and this was a fantastic opportunity during my first Sqn Ldr Chrissy Siczowa said: journeys and made contact near the Falklands. communicate with both vessels in the round the operational tour of the Falkland Islands. “We’re obviously disappointed The flight from British Forces South Atlantic world, non-stop and unassisted solo race, held “It also enabled our crew to practise our as we were looking forward to Islands (BFSAI), co-piloted by Flt Lt Rob Daniell, every four years. maritime patrol and search procedures on a having the chance to retain our IS was on Maritime Routine Reconnaissance Apivia, captained by Charlie Dalin, a small, fast-moving craft. champions title. From here we’ll (MRR) in the Falkland Conservation Zone Southampton University alumni and the Omia- “Making radio contact with Charlie and be looking to build towards next (FCZ) during which the crew sighted the Apivia Water Family, captained by Benjamin Dutreaux, Benjamin was a great privilege and I wish year.” and Omia-Water Family, both competing in the were in second and sixth place respectively on them all the best for the remainder of the Continued on page 31 Vendée race. day 58 of the race. gruelling race.” Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P28 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews

Sport

MOTORSPORTS Plans Hatched

Final round sees spills, now time to plan for next season

Daniel Abrahams The team had seen the last run mechanical issues in the shape of championship organisers worked bag, Vickers had secured a fifth HQ Air Command in to their sea on blighted, not only an arm pump. extremely hard to see things place before crashing out in the by the Covid-19 pandemic, but by This forced him to retire through. For us, we had come out next race, while Kennedy had come MORE BAD luck struck the RAF a series of crashes and mechanical from two of the weekend’s races, of the previous round with a mixed home seventh. Regular and Reserve BSB team issues. acquiring seven points from his “Now after Brands we have to during the final round of the single completed outing. focus on next season and the championship at Brands Hatch. Manager Hardy said: plans are already in place and After a paltry seven points for “When things began we will be announcing them the Service team, manager Lee last year, I would never very soon. Hardy is now looking to the future I would never have thought I would “So it’s an exciting time to ensure his charges produce the be seeing the season for all involved in RAF results of which he knows they are have thought I would end in the middle of a Regular and Reserves.” capable. be seeing the season pandemic, but that’s n Follow the team A crash and mechanical issues “ where we are. on Twitter @RAF_ ruined their final hurrah when end in the middle of “The team, Recruitment and @ both riders had been looking a pandemic event and OfficialBSB. good for more top 10 finishes and Championship points. ” The final Donington Park Circuit points tally had seen the duo of Ryan Vickers and Jack The final round went the same Kennedy secure 15th, on 45, and way, as Vickers crashed out during 17th, on 27 points respectively. qualifying, breaking his collar INTO THE FUTURE: Vickers’ Brands Hatch spill saw bone, leaving Kennedy as the sole Top and left, Kennedy th shows his pace during him remain in 15 , while Kennedy representative. a tough final BSB secured another seven points to Sadly, for him and the team, championship round at rise one place in the final standings the demanding West Kingsdown Brands Hatch for the year. track saw his Kawasaki develop PHOTOS: TIM KEETON - IMPACT IMAGERY PHOTOGRAPHY Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P29

Sport

CRICKET FUNDRAISING

WOD is the way ON THE hour, every hour, for 12 hours was the RAFRU Women Senior XV mantra as they stormed through the WOD’athon charity FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS: Action from the RAF cricket match against the Honourable Artillery Company PHOTO: SAC CONNOR TIERNEY event. WOD stands for ‘Workout RAIN AND Covid may have of the Day’ and comprises a stopped play, but the cricket gruelling set of cross fit exercises association didn’t let an entire to be completed in a set time. season slip through its hands, Cricket on a roll The challenge is deemed tough holding a series of fixtures and an to complete once, but the RAF overseas tour. girls completed it 12 times over a The year began with RAF Cricket 12-hour period to raise money for Association (RAFCA) players Covid-hit season still provided thrills and wins the RAF Benevolent Fund. touring India and Sri Lanka under Sgt Ben Brook, pictured above the UK Armed Forces Cricket XI were able to complete fixtures Honourable Artillery Company the visiting Free Foresters coming with Fg Off Hollie Wilkinson, Men’s XI squad banner. during the months of August was a harder-fought tie with just out on top. the RAFRUW Strength and The tour provided the and September – with all of them seven runs being the margin of Senior team coach Wg Cdr Conditioning coach, was the man opportunity to play first-class sides conducted with strict safety victory. Stuart Bradford said: “It was great to pushing his charges to the limit. in both countries, along with the practices. After the team’s successful see our captain, Flt Lt Adam Fisher, He said: “The season has been a team conducting International “In total seven fixtures were day at Finsbury Barracks, they take a leading role and our bowlers complete write-off for the players Defence Engagement with made possible thanks to the were invited to a three-way T20 show improvement in every game. and with us based all around Commonwealth Nations and commitment, flexibility and energy competition at Tickhill CC against “We still have areas to improve the country we have not had the outreach projects. of the management, coaches, the Fire Service and Northumbria/ on and the guys have a great opportunity to come together and Wg Cdr Emma Watkins said: players, officials and support staff Durham Police. opportunity to develop, setting us train. “The cricket was hard-fought within RAFCA and our opposition The Fire Service came out in good stead for the year ahead. “This was the perfect way to but, ultimately, the sheer class of clubs. Wins against the MCC, victorious by 33 runs over the “Looking forward, the focus is bring everyone together.” the home sides playing in home Honourable Artillery Company, Service side, but in the second game on encouraging and supporting The challenge was open to the conditions prevailed. Northumbria Police and United the RAF triumphed by 63 runs. players to train individually and military and civilians, with some “With the onset of the pandemic, Hospitals being the highlights.” Success continued to come safely during the off-season, and to athletes joining for an hour while domestic cricket across the UK was RAF XI manager Sqn Ldr Jimmy against the United Hospitals team be ready for a return to cricket in others pushed themselves for the obviously put on hold, and many Iago described the dominant seven- at Vine Lane, Uxbridge, with a 2021.” whole 12 hours. wondered if there would be any wicket, season opening win over the seven-wicket win. Sgt Brook provided the play at all over the season. MCC as ‘a great return to cricket’. The season concluded at Vine n Follow RAF cricket on Twitter workouts with ‘special guest’ “Thankfully, RAFCA Men’s The follow-up match against the Lane, with two tough contests and @rafcricket. sessions from Army Rugby Union and another of the RAFRUW’s FOOTBALL sponsors, SecureCloud+. RAFRUW player SAC (T) Kat Robinson said: “It was a great effort from everyone involved. Aki top league “The initial aim was to raise £500, but the eventual total after 12 hours was an incredible £1,600, RAF AKROTIRI has kicked off in Cyprus has seen them rise to the which reflects the effort put in by 2021 in style by winning the top. those involved and the desire to 2019/20 RAF Football Association “The award is presented for support RAFBF.” Club of the year award. performances on the pitch, as Women’s Rugby Director Gp A delighted Gp Capt Neil well as the administration and Capt Mark Jackson said: “The Jones told RAF News: “Football communication off it. It truly is a event was superb. All those who is the largest participation sport club award. took part and donated should in the RAF, with more than 6,000 “Over the last 12 months RAF be justifiably proud of their personnel engaged in the sport in Akrotiri were second to none in achievements. some guise or other. every regard. “In particular I would highlight “Each station has some form of “This award is in recognition Sgt Brook for his outstanding participation in the game, with the of all the outstanding work, effort to organise the event and majority putting forward teams to participation and effort undertaken motivate us all through the 12 play in competitive leagues. to truly bring RAF Akrotiri back hours of exercise. “When you consider the size into the RAF FA fold. “It is so important that we of some stations such as Brize “The RAF Cup story of 19/20 continue to support the RAFBF, Norton, Coningsby, Marham and wasn’t to be, unfortunately, but I am particularly at this time, a Lossiemouth, it is an outstanding hopeful that the legacy the current charity that continues to provide achievement that the exceptional management will leave behind will unstinting support to the RAF work of all involved in RAF Football forge the way for others to follow.” family.” Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P30 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews Royal Air Force News Friday, January 29, 2021 P31

Email: [email protected] Bobsleigh Telephone: 07966 429755 Sports roundup Pandemic means Cup and IS woe Stephens’ rocket to target China ’22 l Continued from p27 “We can now also look forward to the IDRC (World Cup) in New Zealand this September, where Olympic target but a tough road ahead hopefully we will see strong RAF representation. ALONG WITH the potential virtually, about his unusual training man organised a trial event in “We understand the huge thrills and spills of a 100mph methods. London in September to track down challenges that Covid has Olympic bobsleigh run, The Queen’s amused reply and the illusive Jamaican bobsleigh stars brought upon not only RAF L/Cpl Shanwayne Stephens has laugh of: “Well, I suppose that’s of the future. Sport, but the entire country as encountered untold battles on his one way of training”, came after Silva said: “He was lucky to find a whole and we all acknowledge road to Beijing 2022. Stephens explained how, due to gym a few athletes, none of whom had and agree that this is the right Since competing at the Inter- closures, he had taken to pushing ever done bobsleigh, at the event decision. Services ice sports in Konigssee, his Mini Cooper car up and down and started to plan his season. “On a personal note, I’m Germany last year, Stephens has hit a road to simulate bobsleigh push “Sponsorship for all sport looking forward to keeping hold the national headlines, made HM starts. has been hit by Covid so he was of the trophy for another year.” The Queen laugh and is currently In order to make the 2022 working on a shoestring budget. hand-building a team to help his Olympic Games there were certain The new athletes – Samuel Caven, charge for the China games. qualification standards he had to Dy’neal Fe’ssal, Matthew Wekpe Flt Lt launches RAF Regiment Gunner make this season. and Scott Cecy – all had jobs in Stephens, 30, said: “Representing Chf Tech Mark Silva, Stephens’ the UK and getting released for 6-8 100k challenge your country of birth and the RAF, team manager, said: “This includes weeks was proving difficult, not to whilst aiming for qualification completing five four-man races at mention the numerous Covid tests, FORMER RAF Tug of War for the 2022 Olympic Games, was three different tracks. The four- rightfully required, which were a manager Flt Lt Gareth Davies has never going to be easy. The world man is a tougher discipline than challenge in themselves.” thrown down the gauntlet with a has changed due to Covid and two man, which when you get Stephens, who has spent the fitness challenge to raise fund for thrown more hurdles in my way. wrong can be very dangerous.” last two seasons racing on the the RAF Central Fund. Rest assured, I am giving everything Danger aside, finding three other North America Cup circuit, this He said: “The RAF School of I can to get ‘Cool Runnings’ back to athletes to work with would be season formed part of the first Physical Training are challenging where I believe it belongs.” tough enough, but during a global male Jamaican team to represent at all-comers to kick-start their 2021 The Queen’s Colour Squadron pandemic, it has proved extremely World Cup level since 2006 in two- training and complete 100km in man has battled bravely through difficult. man bobsleigh, alongside Wepke, 30 days. 2020, became a national figure after Stephens seems to do difficult running at Igls, . “The PT School is the second he was pictured in a Hello Magazine well, and instead of flying athletes oldest in the RAF, formed in 1918 article and gained BBC airtime around the world to see if he can l Follow L/Cpl Stephens on and now based at RAF Cosford after he spoke with HM The Queen, build a team, the resourceful RAF Twitter @jambobshan near Wolverhampton – so it has plenty of experience in challenges and of course understanding the wider value of an event such as this. “Entrants can break the challenge down to 3.2km a day or complete it in bigger chunks. It really is the perfect way to burn off any extra festive calories and set you up for what will hopefully be a much better year. “Now it’s up to everyone to decide if they are up to taking on the challenge.” Davies added: “The challenge is already proving popular, we already have CASWO and AOC 22 Gp signed up, so I have arranged for the numbers to be increased to 600 with each of the participants receiving a fantastic medal and at least £3,000 being raised for RAF Central Funds.” Entering the challenge and recording distances however they are completed – running, walking or cycling – can be easily done via the link at the bottom of the article. Davies added: “Once entered, there is a personal domain, with entrants given 30 days to finish the challenge anywhere that they wish. It’s hoped OLYMPIC DREAM: On the track in this will help with Konigssee; top, Stephens with Scott Cecy; people’s headspace and their New right, taking time out; far left, push start at Konigssee Year’s fitness plans at a time when we all need to focus on something PHOTOS: VIESTURS LACIS REKORDS/ stimulating.” SAC MATT SMITH/SAC KATRINA KNOX n See myrace.wlve.co.uk/event/ raf-cosford-100k-challenge 66p ISSN 0035-8614 04 >

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