please take your free I ssue 3, 2015

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THE JHC delivering joint success on operations

Army Aviators Celebrate Their Diversity

Ex Eagle Sapper

Army Show Thrills Colchester Crowd

Joint Helicopter Command Demonstrates a Swift Response

journal of the joint helicopter command Contents

Contents Issue 3, 2015

16 24 Capability Begins 10 With Training… Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) is a 50:50 joint venture between AgustaWestland Limited and The Boeing Company. 34 32 It was formed in 1998 as a special purpose vehicle to deliver the Attack Helicopter Training Service contract for the UK Army. The contract was financed under a PFI arrangement. Cover story Army Show Thrills RAF Engineer on Ex Forlorn Hope...... 36 Joint Helicopter Command Colchester Crowd ...... 10 Top of the World ...... 23 French Exchange ATIL holds a unique position as a training organisation in being able Demonstrates a Swift Response. 20 Military Pays Tribute to Britain’s MK7 Finale ...... 24 for The Army Wildcat ...... 38 to provide total synthetic training solutions in the areas of Aircrew, Longest Reigning Monarch...... 12 End of an Era and King of The Mountains ...... 40 PEOPLE Squadron Leader Bert Hinkler A Look to The Future...... 26 Ex Skargard Finn...... 42 Groundcrew and Maintenance training. A range of equipment is Past meets the present at afc dsm Memorial...... 13 Reserve Paras Train in Spain...... 44 employed to represent the sophisticated systems that reside within an TSW Naming Ceremony ...... 5 Lord Lieutenant of HERITAGE Joint Helicopter Force aircraft of the complexity of the Apache. Padre Stan finally retires... Visits The ...... 13 The Gazelle Sqn Gets ready for Cougar...... 46 aged 92 ...... 6 75 Years on and Still Bringing Life back to From weapons to avionics, each device allows students to familiarise Army Aviators Celebrate Securing the Skies...... 14 Ex-military Aircraft...... 28 Sport themselves with some of the most advanced technology in the world. The Their Diversity...... 7 Tour of Britain Sprints Armed Forces Day CAPABILITY TRAINING Down Wattisham’s Runway ...... 48 equipment is based on full size aircraft systems and provides a high degree Commando Style...... 8 Cleared to Lift ...... 16 Entente Cordiale Builds on Soldiers Do Battle on of fidelity offering the necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the Woodbridge Celebrates RAF Reservists Exercise Eagles Amarante...... 29 the Sports Pitch...... 48 need to use operational aircraft for training purposes. Constant investment Military Links ...... 9 Ready for Anything...... 19 Crawl, Walk, Run and Fly...... 30 Army Medics Swim by the MoD and ATIL in technology insertions has ensured that the training New Commander Flies into Ex Agile Spear...... 19 Best Practice Shared on Regular English Channel...... 48 system remains one of the most up to date in the world. 1 Regiment Army Air Corps ...... 9 and Reserve Medical Exercise .... 32 Triathlon Success Boosts Ex Eagle Sapper ...... 34 Army Benevolent Fund...... 50 Aviation Training International Limited Coldharbour Business Park, Editorial Submission Date… View this publication Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4JW TH online please scan the FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2015 QR code using your smartphone or tablet. Tel: 01935 810300 Please submit all entries for the next issue by no later than the date stated above.

Email: [email protected] This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence Web: www.atil.co.uk arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 3 Foreword People

Foreword MeettheTeam Editorial Editor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbourne E: [email protected] T: 01264 381 122 – sales Sales Manager: Laurence Rowe E: [email protected] T: 01536 526 662 – Designer Designer: Rowena Wilson E: [email protected] T: 01536 526 673 – Publisher Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL T: 01536 512 624 E: [email protected] W: www.lancepublishing.co.uk Past meets the present As I write this, the JHC has some 50 aircraft continue to hone our ability Company Registration No. 3253372 and 3500 personnel deployed on 10 exercises to undertake embarked – in 6 countries around the world in addition to and littoral operations. Printer at TSW Naming Ceremony our continued commitment to Op TORAL. Finally, in July the Lynx Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon Mk7 was retired from service. Road, Orton Southgate, his high tempo is I also recently visited Ex AGILE This is a significant milestone, Peterborough PE2 6TD The Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) based at MOD there was an opportunity for also unveiled in the foyer of the important as we make SPEAR which demonstrated not only in terms of its history T: 01733 390 564 Stafford is the only remaining RAF Unit in the refreshments and a tour of the building. The picture taken in the transition from how effective we are in the and contribution to Defence, E: [email protected] county and shares the site with 22 Sigs Regt. new block, including the social 1970 (albeit as a light hearted our long standing joint environment; here the but also because this heralds W: www.lanceprint.co.uk rooms, kitchen and a standard gesture to recruit new airmen to Tcommitments in Afghanistan JHC deployed forces from all a new dawn in capability. We – ith the relocation Main Building in the late 1960s. bedroom with en-suite facilities. the Wing) will remain as lasting to a future of contingency three services, including a large are already transitioning to Further Information of Army units from Despite initial opposition he was An iconic photograph of the testament to the heritage and operations. We have increased contingent from our reserve Wildcat AH1 and the next W: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ Germany, MOD posted to RAF Stafford in 1970 then Wg Cdr Craven-Griffiths ethos of TSW and a reminder of our opportunities to train with our forces at 606 (Chiltern) Squadron generation ISTAR capability aboutdefence/whatwedo/ Stafford is going to form the Wing with TSW being entitled ‘TSW Needs You’ was the Wing’s proud beginnings. allies as was demonstrated during Royal Auxiliary Air Force. This this brings to the battlefield. airsafetyandaviation/jhc Wto be home to two further Signals declared fully operational in Jan Ex SWIFT RESPONSE. I was Exercise not only demonstrated 847 NAS has completed – Regts (16 Sigs Regt and No.1 1971. The original concepts of lucky enough to visit our forces our ability to react to future its conversion training and Cover credit Armoured Sigs Regt). This has refuelling aircraft in deployed in Germany during this Exercise Humanitarian and Disaster Relief is currently deploying on © MoD Crown Copyright resulted in a significant amount austere locations and rotors and was thoroughly impressed Operations but also showed the COUGAR while the Army Air of investment for MOD Stafford, turning refuels were pioneered with what I saw; our air assault, integrated support and utility Corp’s 661 Sqn is nearing the under Project BORONA, for new by Craven-Griffiths and are rotary and combat support our Reserves bring to the JHC. end of its conversion to type infrastructure works at the site. a testament to his vision and forces demonstrated their ability We now move into the next training with conversion to One of the benefits of this was determination in those early days. to conduct complex missions round of exercises with the role expected in early 2016. new single living accommodation, Gp Capt (Retd) John Craven- whilst operating with multiple first phase of the COUGAR of which TSW recently had the Griffiths, is now in his 80s, but foreign nations. This is a good deployment in full swing. I wish you all good luck privilege of receiving the first was delighted to hear that his example of our future operating This deployment offers the for the rest of the year. of the new accommodation name would live on at Stafford in environment and I was impressed JHC a huge opportunity, not blocks to be built. The Wing the form of the Craven-Griffiths by how our forces adapted only to continue our training Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE was also allowed to choose a Block. So in June this year he and thrived in this setting. with allied nations but also to Commander JHC name for the block, which will be travelled back to Stafford for accommodating personnel from an emotional naming ceremony TSW. For the Wing there was only lead by the current CO TSW, Wg one name that immediately sprung Cdr Tim Moss and our Wg WO, Please turn to page 20 for the cover story to mind, that of TSW’s founding Mick Stokes. Accompanied by Joint helicopter command father Gp Capt Craven-Griffiths. family, friends and invited guests demonstrates a swift response Craven-Griffiths was the citation was read out and LZDZ Magazine is also online and can be found at: www.lzdzonline.co.uk instrumental in developing the Group Capt Graven-Griffiths concept of a Tactical Supply unveiled the naming plaque. Unit whilst working at MOD Following the ceremony

4 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 5 People Army Aviators Celebrate Their Diversity Written By: Gareth Palmer

From Mauritius to Nepal triumphed on the pitch, before and Fiji to Ghana, the soldiers and their families tucked diverse backgrounds into a lunch including Nepalese of soldiers who fly and curry, Jamaican jerk chicken maintain the Apache and Suffolk Blue cheese. attack helicopter have Lieutenant Colonel Paul been celebrated. Hayhurst, Commanding Officer of 4 Regt AAC, said: “This has Regiment Army Air been a fantastic way to bring the Corps (4 Regt AAC) Regiment together for a fun day held a cultural day at of sport and culture. It’s important Wattisham Flying Station that we celebrate and understand 4in Suffolk in July to fly the flags each others’ different cultures, of the nations its soldiers come because that is part of the from. The colourful event saw the different skills and backgrounds Regiment and its families come that we combine in the unit to together, with soldiers donning deliver our operational role.” national dress and serving up Corporal Ravi Buldawo, food from their home countries. a combat HR specialist from Padre Stan finally retires… Middleton St George, which is now outside the Station church. In total seven countries were Mauritius, swapped his uniform I’ve been able to show off the “From my experience, the Teesside Airport, Stan was also Stan may well be longest represented, with the event for kurta pyjama and served island’s culture, music and food. Army is a very inclusive and asked to serve at RAF Catterick. serving chaplain the RAF has taking place on the touchlines homemade Mauritian samosas. At the same time, I’ve found open organisation that allows In 1974 he moved to Alnwick and known, and indeed may be the of the Regiment’s hotly- He said: “People immediately out more about the culture of everyone to be who they are took on the role of Officiating longest serving member of the contested squadron rugby sevens think of Mauritius as being other soldiers from across the while working together towards Chaplain to RAF Boulmer. Further Armed Forces family. He was also competition. 656 Squadron all about beach holidays, but world that I serve alongside. the same objectives.” moves saw Stan serve in Harrogate one of the few who have become aged during the 1980s before moving members of the ‘ten ton club’, south and taking up what was having flown at over 1000mph in to be his final post as Officiating a Lightning, a supersonic fighter Chaplain to RAF Benson in 1994. aircraft of the Cold war era. Stan was forced to retire by his Group Captain Simon family after they banned him from Paterson, Station Commander continuing to drive earlier this at RAF Benson, was thrilled year. Last week he returned to RAF to present Padre Stan with Benson for one last service, which his paintings and bid him a was held over a three course meal fond farewell on behalf of the in the Officers’ Mess and saw Stan thousands of RAF families Written By: Nikki Hamilton being presented with a special that Stan has supported over painting of RAF Benson past and the years. He said: “It was my Padre Stan Jones, the Officiating Chaplain to present, originally commissioned absolute honour to formally 92RAF Benson, has finally retired from serving in for the Station’s 75th anniversary. thank Stan for his outstanding and alongside the Armed Forces at the age of 92. As well as providing pastoral and unerring commitment to the support for RAF Benson personnel Armed Forces for so many years. tan volunteered for the Commander of Joint Helicopter for over 2 decades, Stan has He has offered friendship, support Royal Navy to undertake Command, Rear-Admiral Tony been an integral part of daily and guidance to many thousands his National Service and Johnstone-Burt in a special life on the Station including the of Service personnel and their explains “much to my ceremony at RAF Benson. delivery of Christmas services families and he will be greatly Sdismay was balloted and forced In 1960, Stan was appointed and christenings. Amongst his missed by all. We wish him all the to work in the coalmines.” He as Officiating Chaplain to RAF more bizarre tasks, Stan also best in his well-earned retirement was finally presented with his Middleton St George, which donned a festive red suit and and extend our grateful thanks Bevin Boy badge in recognition was to begin his extraordinarily white beard to officially light to the Jones family, especially of this Service in 2008, which was long service alongside the Royal the Christmas tree, much to the his wife Muriel, for sharing him proudly presented by the former Air Force. While serving at RAF delight of the children gathered with us for so long.”

6 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 7 PEOPLE New Commander Woodbridge Celebrates Flies Into 1 Regiment Military Links Army Air Corps Written By: Kerry Randall Written By: Gareth Palmer n the 6th of Suffolk’s airborne July Lieutenant engineers have paraded Colonel Gavin through Woodbridge Rundle became for the first time under Othe new Commanding Officer their new name. of 1 Regiment Army Air Corps 3 Parachute Engineer (1AAC), taking the reins Regiment marched from Lt Col Paul Tedman. through Woodbridge Lt Col Tedman oversaw one in July to exercise of the busiest periods in the 2its Freedom of the Town for Regiments history as 1AAC left the first time since its name Germany after over 20 years was changed to reflect its and relocated to the Royal role, history and ethos. Naval Air Station Yeovilton Soldiers marched through in Somerset. During that the town ‘with swords drawn, time, 1AAC also bid farewell bayonets fixed, drums beating, to the Lynx Mk7 helicopter bands playing and Colours flying’ and began a new chapter in led by The Band of The Brigade of their Regimental history as Gurkhas. The Chief Royal Engineer they began the transition on Lieutenant General Sir Mark the new Wildcat AH Mk1. Armed Forces Day Mans KCB CBE DL, and Mayor of Lt Col Rundle said; “I Woodbridge Cllr Josh Sayles took am delighted to be taking the salute outside Shire Hall. command of 1 Regiment AAC Lieutenant Colonel John on the cusp of the new era of Commando style Clark MBE, Commanding Wildcat. Life for the whole of Officer of 23 Parachute Engineer the Aviation Reconnaissance Regiment, said: “As a Regiment, Force continues apace and 1 Merlin Mk3 aircraft from 846 Naval Air Squadron the Aviation Reconnaissance Wincanton. The AAC have had we hugely value the support Regiment is right in the thick of of the Commando Helicopter Force wowed the Force, supported the Royal many families move in to the local we receive from the people of the change with the transition crowds at the National Armed Forces Day event British Legion Armed Forces area, so it was an ideal opportunity Woodbridge. A fantastic crowd onto the Wildcat. The Regiment at Stoke Park, Guildford in June this year. Day event at the Memorial Hall to give everyone a good came out to watch the parade is supported by dedicated and in Wincanton, Somerset. understanding of who we are.” and we take great heart from hardworking personnel who n front of HRH The Duke of Marines around the globe.” The Armed Forces display “I was privileged to speak to the support that represents.” have risen to the challenges York, The Prime Minister and In addition to the Merlin consisted of three vehicles: some of Wincanton’s veterans; Cllr Sayles said: “Woodbridge and the demands of not only a a huge crowd, the Merlin flying during the event, 846 A crane from the REME, a who were particularly interested is hugely proud to be the home new aircraft type but relocating appeared from behind the NAS personnel manned another communications Landover from in the advancements our ration of 23 Parachute Engineer from overseas. I am very proud Itrees to pick up troops of the Merlin Mk3 on the ground for the AAC and a BV from the Royal packs have made. The Royal Regiment and, on behalf of the to be their new Commanding Princess of Wales Royal Regiment the public to look around and ask Marine Commandos, in addition Marines seemed to attract a Town and the Town Council, I Officer and at the opportunity at the end of the dynamic display. questions about its capabilities. a variety of military and flying kit, disproportionate amount of the am delighted to welcome the to take 1 Regiment forward Landing in the smoke, Lt Natalie Grainger from 846 and equipment was displayed. female population; this was helped Regiment to assert its Freedom at this exciting time.” the aircraft was momentarily NAS, manning the display, said, WO2 Tim Couzens, by the adjacent stand selling of Woodbridge. It has been hidden from the crowd as “We had long queues and 1 Regt AAC, said, Go Commando calendars!” a great day to celebrate the the troops got onboard. literally thousands of people “The local community were “Overall this was an links between the town and Lt Cdr Alex Hampson from looking around the aircraft very interested in the whole event. excellent day well worked by its airborne engineers.” 846 NAS, flying the Merlin, said, all day. Everyone has been It was a fantastic opportunity to the soldiers and well supported After the parade, the Regiment “It was a huge honour to fly incredibly positive about the show off the Armed Forces to by the local population.” hosted veterans from the Suffolk in front of the crowds on such event and I expect that there Coastal area for lunch in Elmhurst an important day for the nations will be lots of photos appearing Park. Representatives from the Military; the support from our in family albums judging by the MoD’s Service Personnel and public was phenomenal. The amount that have been taken!” Veterans Agency and military advice and link veterans to The Freedom of Woodbridge Merlin is the latest helicopter Closer to home, charities including The Royal support available locally. was initially granted to to join the CHF and one that from CHF’s Combat Support British Legion, SSAFA, Help The park gates were then the Regiment in 2006 and brings a huge increase in Squadron, aircrew from CHF HQ 4 Heroes, Blind Veterans UK, opened to the general public, with exercised four times under its capability for use by our Royal and Army Air Corps soldiers from and BLESMA The Limbless a barbecue and music from The former name of 23 Engineer Veterans were on hand to give Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas. Regiment (Air Assault).

8 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 9 PEOPLE

Army Show Thrills Colchester Crowd Written By: Gareth Palmer

Military displays and a celebration of sport thrilled the crowds at the Army Show in Colchester.

housands of people from Woodbridge-based 23 enjoyed the 16 Air Parachute Engineer Regiment Assault Brigade and and a Military Working Dog. Colchester Garrison Equipment on static display TShow in July, which showcased included an Apache attack the equipment and skills of 16 helicopter, bridging equipment Sports Partnership for Essex, ran - showed the opportunities for itself to the local community to “It’s important that we Air Assault Brigade, the British and a field hospital that can be sports activities on B Ground, people of all ages and abilities say thank you for the fantastic give people the opportunity Army’s rapid reaction force. deployed by parachute. The Red giving people the chance to try to get involved in sport. support we receive and I am to meet their soldiers and see The event on Abbey Field Devils - The Parachute Regiment’s different sports and meet Essex A collection supported delighted that we have achieved their kit and capabilities, so culminated in an explosive freefall display team - dropped in athletes. Local clubs - including Colchester Nepalese Society’s that. It’s been a great day, with that they better understand combat demonstration from the sky, while the day was Colchester United FC’s Football fundraising for relief efforts after thousands of people coming out what the Army does.” that saw 2nd Battalion The set to music by The Band of The in the Community programme, the recent earthquakes in Nepal. to enjoy exciting and eventful The day’s hot weather had Parachute Regiment show how Queen’s Division, The Band of Colchester Stragglers Colonel Gary Wilkinson activities with something for forced the postponement of the they would assault an enemy The Royal Corps of Signals and Orienteering Society, Kelvedon CBE, Commander of Colchester everyone, from military music PARAS’ 10 endurance challenge, position. The airborne infantry Colchester Military Wives’ Choir. and Feering Cricket Club and Garrison, said: “Our intention and sport to a breathtaking which has been rescheduled to were supported by sappers Active Essex, the County Colchester West End Bowls Club was for the Army to showcase combat demonstration. Sunday 15th November.

10 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 11 HeadingPEOPLE

to recognise the Queen’s Moth into Mount Pratomagno granite stone which was taken Military Pays Tribute achievement as Britain’s longest in the Italian Alps on 7 January out to the Mount Pratomagno reigning monarch. It has also 1933 whilst attempting his second site by OC 28 Squadron, Wing reaffirmed our close working solo England to Australia flight. Commander Marty Lock, To Britain’s Longest relationship with the town’s 6 The aircraft wreckage was Squadron Leader Charlie Young Regiment Army Air Corps and the found in April 1933 by a local and Flight Lieutenant Splash airmen from nearby RAF Honington man, Gino Tocchioni, who placed Ashton, and installed onto the Reigning Monarch who I would like to thank for a marker at the crash site and at 1.4 tonne basalt boulder prior putting on such a great occasion.” the site where Bert’s body was to the unveiling. The boulder Written By: Gareth Palmer Reservists from the town’s 6 Regt AAC and the military lead The length of the Queen’s actually found as it appears he had had been transported from Suffolk’s military and Regiment Army Air Corps joined for community engagement in reign has been calculated by crawled almost 80 metres through Mon Repos Beach, Bundaberg, civilian communities airmen from RAF Honington and Suffolk, said: “It has been a huge experts at the Royal Household Squadron Leader the woods before he died. Bert where Hinkler first flew in his have come together civic dignitaries, including Lord privilege to join with the people to the nearest point of was given an Italian State Funeral homemade glider in 1912. to mark Her Majesty Lieutenant of Suffolk Lady Euston of Bury St Edmunds to mark this accuracy, taking into account Bert Hinkler in May 1933 and is now buried The motto of 28 Squadron The Queen becoming and Mayor of St Edmundsbury historic occasion for Her Majesty Leap Days in both reigns. in a cemetery in Florence. where Bert served as a pilot in Britain’s longest Cllr Patrick Chung, for the parade the Queen. The sunset ceremony A sunset ceremony is a The memorial was the 1918 is “Whatsoever you may do, reigning monarch. on Angel Hill. A Tornado GR4 provided a dignified tribute to traditional military parade acf dsm Memorial initiative of Queenslander Kevin do” was mirrored in Bert’s life from 31 Squadron, based at RAF the Queen’s service to the nation, to signal the end of the day Three personnel from 28 served with the Royal Naval Air Lindeberg who met Mr Tocchioni story and will continue to inspire t around 5.30pm Marham in Norfolk, made a flypast while also celebrating the strong and the mounting of an Squadron at RAF Benson Service on the Western Front in 1974 and decided that the young and old in Australia where on Wed 9 Sept Her as the Union Flag was lowered, bonds between Suffolk’s military overnight guard. recently attended a in World War One and on 28 crash site should be properly Bert is a national hero of aviation. Majesty surpassed with music provided by The Band and civilian communities.” ceremony near Florence Squadron in northern Italy before marked and commemorated. The unveiling ceremony was Queen Victoria’s reign of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Mayor of St Edmundsbury Cllr in Tuscany to unveil a undertaking a number of epic and The memorial incorporates a attended by about 200 people, Aof 23,226 days, 16 hours and 30 Before the ceremony, a Patrick Chung said: “The Queen record breaking flights. In 1928 time capsule which includes including Australian, British and memorial to a former minutes. The historic milestone, portrait of the Queen was has been a great ambassador World War One pilot. Bert Hinkler was the first pilot to messages from the Prime Minister Italian dignitaries and Hinkler’s which is tinged with sadness for unveiled and a Loyal Toast for the country for more than 60 fly solo from England to Australia of Australia, Prime Minister great nephew John Hinkler. the Queen as a reminder of the made by Lady Euston at a civic years. Today has been a day of quadron Leader Herbert and in 1931 was the first pilot to of Italy and the Queensland The memorial now forms a death of her father King George reception in the Athenaeum. celebration and it was a brilliant John Louis ‘Bert’ fly across the south Atlantic on Premier to be opened in one key part of the of the Italian VI, was marked with a sunset Lieutenant Colonel Rob opportunity to bring our families Hinkler AFC DSM, an a trip from Canada to England. hundred years. Additionally, 28 Alpine Club Arezzo Branch’s ceremony in Bury St Edmunds. Olney, Commanding Officer of 6 and our communities together Australian National from Sadly he was later killed when Squadron also commissioned 8.4km mountain trekking path, SBundesberg in Queensland, he crashed his de Havilland Puss a stone mason to engrave a called The Hinkler Ring.

Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Visits The Royal Navy Written By: Tracey Clempson OYAL Naval Air the permanent representative Station (RNAS) of the Crown in that County. Yeovilton welcomed The Lord- Lieutenant a visit from The Lord for Somerset is delighted R– Lieutenant of Somerset. to be attending Air Day this Annie Maw, appointed Lord- year on 11 July 2015. Further Lieutenant for Somerset in March Information 2015, visited the air station and 6 Regiment Army Air Corps had the opportunity to see the is an Army Reserve unit that new aircraft operating out of provides ground crew as Yeovilton and meet those that reinforcements to other Army operate and support them. Air Corps Regiments, both The Lord – Lieutenant visited on exercise and operations. The regiment is based at Bury 825 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) St Edmunds and has four flying Wildcat Helicopter, 846 Squadrons - 675 Squadron NAS flying Merlin Mk 3 and 1 in Taunton and Yeovil; 677 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC). Squadron in Bury St Edmunds, Appointed by Her Majesty Norwich, and Ipswich; 678 The Queen, Lord-Lieutenant Squadron in Luton and Milton Keynes; and 679 of a County is an Honorary Squadron based at Middle Officer appointed by The Wallop and Portsmouth. Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. He or she is

12 Issue 3, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 13 PEOPLE

RAF personnel from World War Two and acknowledge Seated promptly at 1830 across Kabul celebrate that our role of protecting Britain with Flight Lieutenants Stringer, the successes of the remains, providing security Eldridge and Frost providing Battle of Britain. both at home and abroad. short vignettes from those that “There was no budget for served in the Battle of Britain in ighty RAF personnel this event, KBR, our contractors, between courses. The evening joined together at have been really helpful and culminated with Air Commodore the TORAL Aviation understood what we were trying Cooper, the Senior RAF Officer in Detachment (TAD) on to achieve. They have pulled Kabul, providing a closing speech. Ethe 15 September to remember out all the stops to ensure we After the dinner he said: and celebrate the efforts and were able to mark this event and “Tonight’s dinner, held in success of the Battle of Britain put on quite a spread, notable Afghanistan, represents in in a traditional dinner night when you consider they had microcosm what the Battle of setting, only on this occasion, an extra 32 mouths to feed Britain represents to the RAF. It is slightly reversed it was wine into and no additional resource.” a celebration of the ‘few’, but it’s water! Flight Lieutenant Charlie The evening started with a also a demonstration of the Pride Emmerson, the organiser, said: drinks reception in the Hanger, we feel in the contemporary and “I wanted to arrange orange juice or water being the modern RAF. This detachment 75 something fitting that got as many tipple of choice, a minutes silence has seen all ranks, branches Years on RAF personnel from across Kabul was held at 1800 to remember and trades working together together to celebrate the fact those that lost their lives in the in difficult conditions to deliver and Still Securing the Skies the RAF protected the Nation in Battle of Britain and in other Puma operations in Afghanistan.” Written By: Squadron Leader Tracey 1940, influenced the outcome of conflicts since around the world. During WW2 and the Battle of Britain the RAF worked very to the UK following 13 years closely with allies and partners to in Afghanistan, the Puma HC2 deliver air power to great success has manned the skies alongside and continues to do so today. Op their U.S. counterparts who have TORAL or to use NATO’s name, Blackhawk and Chinook aircraft. Op RESOLUTE SUPPORT (RS), The TAD hold only an eighth sees the TAD working alongside of the missions rotary assets 43 other nations. Since March yet each week they move over 2015, when the Chinooks returned a third of the personnel and freight around Kabul. They are also able to fly and take on additional commitments when other aircraft are grounded for high winds; some might say the RAF Puma Detachment is ‘punching above its weight’. The success of ‘The Few’ would not have been possible without the Whole Force, then, as Further now, every individual in the Whole Information Force contributes to the success of the mission with ‘the Few Commemorative supported by the many’. Today FLYPAST OVER RAF BENSON the aircraft and equipment has While the RAF Puma changed but the mission remains Detachment was the same, securing skies and remembering ‘The Few’ ensuring the safety of personnel. far away in Afghanistan, The TAD operations flight worked RAF Benson (their home base) marked the occasion extremely hard to organise the with a spectacular flypast. movement of personnel around The aircraft were part of a the Kabul base cluster; ensuring formation of Spitfire and this was done with no impact to roles RAF personnel are filling numbers have made a significant Hurricane aircraft that flew tasking requests, at no cost and in Kabul. The aircraft are always impact to the safety of Op RS. around the south visiting tied into work requirements. most visible, however, 27 RAF Celebrating the Battle of Britain many former world war two fighter stations to The Officer Commanding TAD, personnel are filling embedded in our final few days has given mark the 75th anniversary Squadron Leader Greenwood roles across the NATO mission. the team something positive to of the Battle of Britain. said, “the attendance list “The TAD has done really focus on. I’m really impressed demonstrated the breadth of well on this tour; our small with everyone’s efforts.”

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The UK Chinook ilots have been featured “The primary role is saying areas. People approaching to be aware of how the centre of Force has been in many novels and what you see; turning what we the aircraft on the ground is gravity will shift; it’s like taking involved in articles, but what about can see into valuable information something we have to be very a maths exam that’s continually Cleared every major the rest of the crew? for the pilots and to give them aware of, as is low level flying evolving. If we need to get from Written By: PAt times a Chinook’s crew can situational awareness with the and night flying. It’s down to us point A to point B via point C, incident since Tom Mercer the Falklands consist of up to five people but aircraft. Imagine you have an to make sure that the aircraft how much fuel will we need? and there is only two of those sit up front; aircraft and you put that aircraft is safe in all aspects of flying. Fuel is weight, so how much to no shortage what’s it like to be one of the in a protective bubble; it’s our This part of the job is called capacity does that leave us of tales to be remaining two or three? What responsibility to make sure voice marshalling. We are that to carry as cargo? If we’re not told from the exactly does a Chinook crewman that nothing risks breaking that third voice in the cockpit; the picking stuff up until an hour voices inside do? I sat down with Sergeant Ben bubble wherever we’re flying, additional voice of reason.” into the flight, how much fuel will the cockpit. Matterface from 27 Squadron, whether it’s with underslung The different areas of we have burnt and how much to discuss the role in detail. load, at altitude or in confined voice marshalling have specific additional weight can we take sets of terminology that must on and lift? When are we going Lift be used in order to correctly to run out of fuel in Tank 1 and convey the situation. switch to Tank 2? There are so “We have to be very exact many different factors that have in what we say. There is a very to be taken into consideration.” specific way that we have to say It’s a complex enough things and it must be word- conundrum during daylight perfect and said with the right hours so how does that all tonality. We start to build a change when flying at night? picture for the pilots and with “The actual sortie itself is very experience, the picture gets similar but we will have done a more and more detailed; the pilot little more in-depth route study, can only see to the front and has especially if we’re going to be a restricted view to the side.” at low-level, to make sure that It not just about learning we’re aware of any obstructions. the correct terminology though, Situational awareness can be the crewman is responsible extremely impaired when using for much more than that. night vision goggles - you have “We’re responsible for to be much more aware of your calculating everything to do with surroundings. Taking the time the aircraft: what we can carry, and consideration to properly how we can carry it and how asses things is absolutely crucial. much fuel we can have, plus our Making sure that the aircraft is cargo arrangements. Quite often in the right state in the dark is we’ll plan the route and navigate also trickier so it’s paramount ourselves. There are times when that we’re focused on the job we may get called off mid-tasking at hand. We have to make sure and reassigned; as a result we that the aircraft is extra tidy have to plan a completely new and that we’re not going to trip route on the move. We have over something in the dark; digital moving maps with the crew resource management is Mk4 which is much easier than key at night. It’s an experience using physical maps like in the based skill I guess, you can’t Mk3 and used to have in the Mk2. really be taught CRM but you We’re gradually all converting to learn continually with each hour the Mk4 and Mk6 so navigation that you fly. Sometimes it can be is becoming much easier. Trying as simple as getting everyone to plan a route on a map, with a together before going out to the pen, while in flight in a Mk2 was aircraft and saying “Let’s think a nightmare, they don’t call it the about this lads, what’s the best shaking office for no reason!” way we can go and pick this up?” The weight of the aircraft is Noticing whether a pilot is a little an ever changing entity when tired, knowing whether your crew in flight, especially if caught in is getting on, noticing something strong winds, so this all has to out of the ordinary on board - it be factored into the equation. all comes with experience.” “We’re constantly calculating As was mentioned at the the weight of the aircraft when beginning of this article, the we’re on the move and we have Continued on page 18

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Continued from page 17 regular exercising troops. part of the Armed Forces: Chinook can be operated by RAF Reservists From the logistical challenge “RAF Reservists are a special a crew of up to 5 pilots. How of moving all the required breed; balancing their own does the crew dynamic shift with Ready for Anything equipment to the exercise careers and home life with the more team members on board? location to the provision of challenges and adventures of “Well, we work the helicopter RAF reservists have non-combatant evacuation accommodation for over 150 the RAF. The transferable skills with the aim of completing been playing a major operations, one of the many personnel as well as the essential that they develop are widely a specific task. We use it to part in hosting an tasks that form the contingency meals and administrative support, recognised by employers and achieve an endgame and we all exercise to prepare the readiness capabilities of Defence. the exercise has been a mammoth the roles are as varied as civilian work together to get that done UK Armed Forces for For almost 20 years, 606 undertaking for 606 Squadron. employment. From caterers to whether there’s three of us or five contingency operations. Squadron personnel have The team of part time personnel, fight operations managers and of us. You may have several aims deployed alongside counterparts supported by a handful of full time from drivers to regiment gunners, in a sortie so the key is making ver 40 members from RAF Benson and RAF reservists, has been intrinsically 606 Squadron proves that RAF sure that we’re all thinking ahead of 606 (Chiltern) Odiham to operational theatres involved in the successful delivery Reservists provide the right mix of of the aircraft to make sure that Squadron Royal such as Iraq and Afghanistan. of the essential training for capable and motivated individuals everything is ready to go when Auxiliary Air Force This week saw the Squadron the Puma and Chinook Forces, to Defence. I am extremely proud required. We need to be as Odeployed to Salisbury Plain this take on a major role in the move Tactical Supply Wing and the Joint of all that 606 Squadron has swift and smooth as possible; week to deliver Joint Helicopter towards contingency operations Helicopter Support Squadron. achieved on this Exercise and dropping the load, dropping Command’s annual Exercise with the team providing ‘real life Squadron Leader Dave the new experiences and skills troops - it’s irrelevant what the Agile Spear. The exercise support’ to Exercise Agile Spear Warren, the Officer Commanding my personnel have obtained will task is, timing is everything. simulated the Armed Forces and undertook opportunities 606 Squadron, explained how provide useful no matter what we We’re actually quite used to being called upon to conduct for exercise play alongside his personnel are an integral are called upon to do next.” having a fifth person on board because one is normally there all the way through training, albeit from an instructors’ point of view. tasks that form the contingency contingency readiness and We’re very used to having that readiness capabilities of Defence. this is something we should fifth person on board. We never Wing Commander Toby be extremely proud of.” stop learning; whoever says they Sawbridge, the Detachment Over 100 cadets from the know it all is quite frankly lying!” Commander, explained: local area were also involved in During my time at RAF “We have already successfully supporting the exercise, playing Odiham, I was fortunate enough tested our humanitarian and the part of civilians requiring to get kitted up and spend some disaster relief response on evacuation. This role is crucial time out on the airfield where that we’re accurate and entirely the ground. Sometimes we’ll was certainly pushing the limits. previous exercises and Exercise to ensuring that realistic training several crews were practicing happy with our positioning. It’s land-on if there’s time and have a Flying day into night can be Agile Spear gives us the ability can be obtained by the support with underslung load. I was usually at that time that we call proper briefing with the hookers tough, especially if it’s dusk to to conduct a non-combatant helicopter forces and those who keen to see the versatility of the hookers in. They’ll hook it on the ground; diagrams are night and you haven’t had much evacuation operation in a enable helicopter operations the Crewman for myself. up and then the pilot will lift best for circumstances like that of a break. 18 Squadron were permissive and uncertain such as the mobile air operations “We tend to get very involved once everyone is clear; with and can really aid in efficiency.” on HMS Ocean and we were environment. This joint exercise teams from the Joint Helicopter when it comes to underslung everything swinging around, the Sergeant Matterface is based up at RAF St Athan for by the Royal Air Force and British Support Squadron and load, it’s our bread and butter. underside of the Chinook can be still very much in the infancy an operation at Keevil airfield Army, led by the Joint Helicopter technicians from Tactical Supply When we go across to JHSS, we a very dangerous place to be.” of his career but he was keen up on the Plain. It was more a Command, ensures that we Wing who supply forward-based have professional hookers that I’ve often wondered how to share his own experiences planning exercise for HQ and for hold contingency readiness in aircraft refuelling points. do a DLPC (Defence Landing a crew works out how they’re from working in the field. us it was a question of waiting one of the many ways we could While the training was Point Course) where they learn going to lift something but “I’ve been in the training to move, formulating a plan on Ex Agile Spear be expected to deploy in the primarily to validate the non- everything they need to know detailed lift instructions system for eight years now. how we were going to carry out future. We have seen personnel combatant evacuation capability, about hooking; I did it a couple actually exist for most things. I started on the Nimrods our tasking and get the job done. Following the completion of recent combat from a variety of trades and the Joint Helicopter Support of years ago while I was holding “There are a lot of instructions before getting reassigned to It was like a massive puzzle. operations, the UK Armed Forces moved towards experiences working together Squadron and 606 Squadron in line to be a crewman. We can on how to lift a certain type of helicopters, which was always We got certain information a requirement to be prepared for any eventuality. to achieve the required training both took the opportunity hook up a lot of loads to the land rover, ISO container etc. my endgame. I haven’t been filtered down to us, as and when objectives, with regulars and to conduct their own highly helicopter without any hookers Sometimes there’s not a way of to Herrick, I missed the last required. From a Commander’s eptember saw Squadron, 244 Signals Squadron, reservists working side by side successful continuation training. being involved when required telling what’s inside a container operation by about a week perspective, he/she would contingency preparations 132 Aviation Support Squadron as they would on operations. Their essential support roles though and that’s when voice or how the weight is distributed. so I haven’t had any major have had a lot of information tested as over 200 of 7 Battalion REME and 606 “Our contingency readiness ensure that the Puma and marshalling becomes crucial. If a pilot were to pull power on overseas challenges...yet. and they had to decide who personnel from the (Chiltern) Squadron Royal means that we can deploy Chinook support helicopter The crewman will come up with something that was too heavy, Exercise Joint Warrior proved needs to know what and when. SRoyal Air Force and British Auxiliary Air Force joined within 5 days to be flying in any forces are adequately supported the idea of how to load-up in we’d obviously have to leave it interesting though, lifting some The flow of information was Army deployed to Salisbury together for a week of intense overseas location to conduct in any environment for any most instances and the hookers in place and a rethink would be exceptionally heavy loads from forever changing so we always Plain Training Area to conduct training for contingency humanitarian, evacuation and objective, whether it is the may not be required - this is required. Lots of things can be one airfield to another where the had to be ready for everything Exercise Agile Spear 15. operations. The exercise disaster relief operations. It provision of accommodation especially true when in the put into nets to make it an easier aircraft was physically bending to change at the last minute. The Puma Force, Chinook simulated the Armed Forces has taken a very short time for and communications, the field on operation. It’s a very piece of cargo to lift; its down to like a banana - I couldn’t close Operationally speaking, the Force, Joint Helicopter Force being called upon to conduct the UK Armed Forces to move preparation of under-slung fragile set of events. A voice the crewman on how these things one of the doors because it no Chinook is an obvious and big Headquarters, Tactical Supply non-combatant evacuation from the mindset of continuous loads or dedicated operations package exists specifically for are lifted but we sometimes get longer fitted! It was all within target so had to make sure that Wing, Joint Helicopter Support operations, one of the many combat operations to one of controllers tasking aircraft. underslung load to make sure information from our teams on the aircraft’s capabilities but we were ready for anything!”

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Joint Helicopter Command Demonstrates a Swift Response Apache and Chinook helicopters and Division, which was challenged Arming and Refuelling Points Paracadutisti Nembo, which Maj Morales, himself a US paratroopers from Joint Helicopter to restore security to a country (FARP) - the military equivalent also included a company of exchange officer working with Command have taken part in the largest dealing with the aftermath of of a Formula 1 pit stop – to American paratroopers. 2 PARA, said: “I was on the multinational airborne exercise in a failed coup and the threat maintain the helicopters. Two C-130J Hercules from the aircraft as an American officer, Europe since the end of the Cold War. of international terrorism. Lance Corporal Matt RAF’s 47 Squadron took part in a with a British paratrooper 3 Regiment Army Air Corps Davies, 28 from Tenby, said: mass drop of 1,300 paratroopers sitting to my left and an Italian xercise Swift Response readiness forces to interoperate led a Joint Helicopter Force “Our job is basically to ensure from eight nations by 13 aircraft paratrooper to my right. We 15 brought together in response to international crises. of some 280 soldiers and six the aircraft is ready and safe from four different countries. all jumped out together to 4,800 soldiers from British troops operated as helicopters flying in support of to take off on its missions, so From the DZ, the paratroopers do the mission together.” 11 NATO countries in part of a larger task force built ground troops. It planned and we marshal the aircraft on the marched overnight to capture an Pte Josh Brown, 20 from Esouthern Germany for training around the US Army’s 1st Brigade executed strike missions by ground, load the weaponry airstrip for additional troops and Basingstoke, said: “It was a to improve the alliance’s high Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Apaches from 663 Squadron, and refuel it. On this exercise equipment to be landed. A non- great jump, I was the first to as well as moving soldiers and we’re doing some real back to combatant evacuation operation leave my plane and the sky was equipment with Chinooks from basics soldiering while operating was then carried out and, as the already full of canopies. From the RAF’s 18 Squadron. The very sophisticated aircraft and security situation worsened, the there we’ve been working very British helicopters also operated working alongside American task force launched offensive closely with the Italians and on joint missions with US Army helicopters, which has been an operations against the insurgents. before the exercise started UH-60 Blackhawks and US Air interesting and challenging mix.” 2 PARA’s Major Ben we practised our urban skills Force CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors. C (Bruneval) Company, Morales said: “This exercise with the Americans and played Out on the Grafenwoehr 2nd Battalion The Parachute has been a great experience football with the Polish! We’re and Hohnefels training areas, Regiment deployed to work with for our paratroopers. all paratroopers and understand groundcrew ran Forward the Italian 183° Reggimento We haven’t trained with these each other, even if we’re Italian and Americans units before and only met each other This is a complex exercise that demonstrates 48 hours before the exercise the capabilities that NATO has and builds the started. We were able to make a plan that reflected each of alliance’s interoperability and mutual trust. our different ways of operating, NATO forces have worked together extensively and then got on with it. on recent operations in Afghanistan, but that “The relationship between was about a particular threat and environment. us is working smoothly. We have liaison officers in the This is contingency, preparing for operations battlegroup HQ and I have an where we do not know what the mission Italian and US officer working is, where we will be, who are partners are within my company, so we’ve got and who the belligerents will be. The more an immediate contact to help understand and communicate training we can do with our partners the with the other units.” easier it will be when the fight comes “Major General Richard Felton ”

Continued on page 22

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RAF Engineer it raises the standards within the trade. Also, at competitions where the public can watch on Top of the World us competing, hopefully it inspires young people to Written By: Nikki Hamilton pursue a vocational career.” An RAF aircraft engineer is on top of the in Birmingham and spent two Wing Commanding Neil world after a stunning medal-winning years training hard to become Bennett, the Officer Commanding performance while representing the UK the best aircraft engineer in Engineering and Logistics Wing at the WorldSkills competition in Brazil. the UK. His hard work paid off at RAF Benson and Hadland’s in May this year when he was commanding officer, was enior Aircraftman frame itself was a significant selected as the sole competitor thrilled to hear the news of his (Technician) Shayne challenge. Marks were awarded to represent the UK in his trade achievements. He said “Senior Hadland, a Puma for each area of the practices at the WorldSkills competition. Aircraftman (Technician) Shayne engineer from RAF and the final product, with The opening ceremony of Hadland is an outstanding aircraft SBenson, was chosen to represent competitors ‘facing off’ against the WorldSkills competition technician with exceptional the UK at the WorldSkills other countries in each round. saw Hadland undertake the technical ability. His success at competition held in Sao Paulo, Hadland, originally from role of flag bearer for the UK both the National and World level Brazil from 11-16 August 2015. near Stourbridge in the West team, which he described as are a testimony to his commitment The 24 year old competed in the Midlands, joined the RAF on an “amazing” and was certainly and dedication towards his aircraft engineering category apprenticeship in 2008 as an a once in a lifetime event. He profession, and founded upon and was given the silver medal aircraft technician mechanical was delighted to represent the world leading technical for his outstanding performance. and it was soon clear that he was his country and feels that training provided to Royal Air Hadland, an experienced RAF an exceptional engineer after competitions such as WorldSkills Force technicians through the engineer who has already he was named RAF Apprentice are a great recruitment tool for Defence School of Aeronautical worked on both Merlin and Puma of the Year very early in his the engineering trade. Hadland Engineering at RAF Cosford.” Continued from page 21 helicopters and has completed career. He achieved a bronze explains “The reason that it is Group Captain Simon two operational deployments to medal at the national final at good to compete in your trade Paterson, Station Commander speaking a different language.” Afghanistan, was also given the the National Exhibition Centre at such a high level is because at RAF Benson where Hadland is Private Alex Bailey, 20 from honour of being named Best of has spent much of his RAF career Blackpool, said: “This is my first Nation for the United Kingdom. so far, said: “I was genuinely overseas exercise and it’s been a The competition saw Hadland delighted when I found out that really interesting experience to compete in 7 different tasks Shayne had been so successful work with different armies and against 15 other countries: in the WorldSkills competition. learn from the slightly different daily inspection; cable rigging; He has worked extremely hard ways that we do the same job.” enabed a UK brigade to work removal and refit of a Powered to get to this position and For the JHC this exercise is a inside a US division and a UK Flying Control Unit; engine thoroughly deserves this success. key step towards being ready to division inside a US corps, and boroscoping; compressor blade He is a real credit to the Royal deploy ’s a US brigade combat team to blending; electrical loom building Air Force and all of us here at Air Assault Task Force within work inside a UK division and and fault diagnosis; and sheet Benson are very proud of him the US Army’s 82nd Airborne US division inside the UK-led metal fabrication. Each task winning both a silver medal and Division from 2016, as set out Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. was given a time frame and being named as Best of Nation in a 2013 agreement between 3 Regt AAC’s Commanding establish the ground truth of how completing the task in the time for the United Kingdom.” the two armies. It prioritised Officer Lieutenant Colonel well we are able to operate with contingency operations and Mike Neville said: “We need to our NATO allies and identify the areas that need fixing; so that when conflict chooses us we are in a position to meet the challenge. “We’ve matched up all our paperwork, but the only way to has and builds the alliance’s truly understand our relationship interoperability and mutual is to try it in the field. It’s about trust. NATO forces have worked understanding the abilities of together extensively on recent our different aircraft, how we can operations in Afghanistan, but that talk to each other, how we can was about a particular threat and sustain operations together, how environment. This is contingency, we can plan together and how preparing for operations where we we carry out missions together. do not know what the mission is, Major General Richard Felton, where we will be, who are partners Commander of Joint Helicopter are and who the belligerents will

Force, said: “This is a complex be. The more training we can do © LaiQuocAnh / shutterstock exercise that demonstrates with our partners the easier it will the capabilities that NATO be when the fight comes.”

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Lynx Replacement – the AW-159 The Lynx is gradually being replaced in UK service by the Augusta Westland 159 ‘Wildcat’. A Wildcat AH1 from 652 AAC, based at RNAS Yeovilton, represented the type at the farewell event. Although the Wildcat bears a fairly strong superficial resemblance to the Lynx, and shared ancestry, only about 5% of the parts are common to the Lynx AH7s. By comparison the figure for the AH9As is more like 30%. Despite this relatively low commonality, those parts of the retired AH7s M SERVICE that can be recovered for the RO Wildcat fleet will be used. X MK7 RETIRES F LYNFinale Army’s Lynx attack helicopter variants. A number of AH9As, k7 which is in reality something M deployed in support of Army of a Lynx/Wildcat hybrid, will : Andy Aitchison training in Belize, Canada, USA, continue in service until 2018. Written By Europe and the Middle East. The AH7 was not only On Friday 31 July, current and former Lynx AH7 service history operated by the Army Air Corp; Lynx aircrew gathered at AAC Middle The AH7 fleet was once 113 847 Sqn NAS has also used the Wallop to mark the retirement of the strong, consisting of 107 type. Perhaps most importantly last AH7s from service. airframes converted from AH1 the aircraft has always been very standard and 12 new builds. highly regarded by its crews. It is The Lynx has Etienne Coetzer & Sergeant Retief Since entering service in 1977 known as a pilot’s aircraft – highly deployed in support Uys, all flew in the final formation. (as the AH1) it quickly gained a manoeuvrable with lots of control The day also marked the 70th reputation for versatility and the power. It was certainly fast of UK and allied flypast of all six of anniversary of the formation of list of roles it has performed is a too. For many years a modified troops across the the remaining aircraft 671 Sqn AAC. Guest of Honour long one. The Lynx has deployed Westland demonstrator held the world. It has been operated by 671 Sqn was Jonathan Hayward, son of in support of UK and allied troops world speed record for a rotary right there at the AAC marked the Sir Jack Hayward who was a across the world. It has been aircraft. Arguably the AH7 was sharp end in almost Aretirement and very last flights of founder member of 671 Sqn. The right there at the sharp end in also the best looking of the Lynx the AH7. The occasion also saw farewell was also attended by Lt almost every theatre the UK variants. It was clear from the every theatre the UK the graduation of the last three Col Dawson (retd), formerly of the armed forces have been active in. faces of those present at Middle armed forces have student pilots to qualify on the Rotary Wing Test Squadron and It saw extensive front line use in Wallop that the aircraft will be been active in. Lynx. The three pilot graduates, test pilot on the original Lynx AH1 Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Kosovo, much missed. However, it’s not Captain Jordan Jones, Sergeant programme back in the 1970s. Iraq and Afghanistan. It has also quite the end yet for all of the

Farewell Flypast very last backflip by a Lynx. The the first Lynx to do a backflip so The six aircraft lifted together aircraft which performed the it is fitting she also did the last.” ” and then flew past in figure manoeuvre, XZ184/B, was flown The six aircraft then landed “ ‘7’ formation, symbolically by WO1 Mick Kildea and Capt for the last time as they had representing the Mark 7. Neil Posthumus, the AAC’s award- taken off – all together. However, The Lynx AH7 is one of only winning 2014 display pilots. XZ184 also (just) managed the two rotary types to date that have WO1 Kildea said, “I am very honour of being the last of the been certified to perform the proud to have been a part of six aircraft to touch down for the famous backflip manoeuvre (the the formation today. It’s a great very last time. Thus ended the other being the Bo105). It was privilege to be the final person long and varied service career long the trademark manoeuvre to fly the final aerobatic flip for of the most numerous variant of the AAC Lynx Display Team. the . The Mk7 doing of what has been one of the As such it was entirely fitting that the backflip today was converted British Army’s most successful the final flight also featured the from a Mk1 airframe which was battlefield helicopters.

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Honorary Air Marshal of RAF Benson I have had the pleasure of seeing 28(AC) Squadron excel both in the UK and on operations over the last 15 years; with the reformation of 28(R) Sqn as the joint Puma and Chinook Operational Conversion Unit I look forward to celebrating its continued success and centenary next year. I am also thrilled that the Merlin will continue to serve Her Majesty’s Armed Forces with 845 Naval Air Squadron under Commander Punch and I wish them the best as they conquer the challenges of operating at sea. This impeccable parade provides a highly impressive and fitting occasion for such a momentous day at RAF Benson.” Wg Cdr Marty Lock, Officer Commanding of 28(R) Squadron, said: “It has been an extremely 845 taking over from 28 Squadron and it has been a great day.” have been integrated into the proud and special for me to take and also the hard work to Beginning in 2012 with Merlin Force at RAF Benson; command of 28 Squadron. I know ensure we have the Operational 846 Naval Air Squadron, working alongside their Royal how hard so many people have Conversion Unit ready. I aircrew and engineers from the Air Force counterparts to absorb worked to get to this point, both appreciate everyone’s efforts Commando Helicopter Force over a decade of experience of operating and maintaining the technologically advanced aircraft. 845 NAS stood down as a Sea King Squadron in May 2015, handing over the duty of seeing End of an the venerable aircraft out of service to 848 NAS, and moved to RAF Benson to begin the transition onto the Merlin helicopter. Already a proven platform, the Merlin will ensure the Commando Helicopter Force will continue to support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines well into the future. The Squadron will remain at RAF Benson until summer 2016 and a Look to The Future when they and the remaining Era Merlin aircraft will return to Written By: Kerry Randall the home of the Commando Helicopter Force, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, reuniting July marked the end of an era as the all CHF Squadrons for the first last Royal Air Force Merlin squadron handed over to the Royal Navy. time in over three years. Cdr Matt Punch, Commanding Officer of 845 fter almost 17 years, Highness Prince Michael of Kent, OBE were also in attendance to combined Puma and Chinook Naval Air Squadron, said: 28 (Army Cooperation) Honorary Air Marshal of RAF represent the Royal Navy and Operational Conversion Unit. “Today has been a wonderful Squadron handed the Benson, as the Royal Reviewing Royal Air Force on parade. His Royal Highness Prince opportunity to celebrate the final Merlin helicopters Officer. It marked one of the final After a long and illustrious Michael of Kent said: successful transition of the Ato 845 Naval Air Squadron to stages in the transition of the history, beginning in 1915, the “I am honoured to be Merlin Force from the Royal form the Commando Helicopter Merlin helicopter from the RAF future looks bright and busy the Reviewing Officer for the Air Force to the Royal Navy. Force’s second Merlin Squadron. Support Helicopter Force to the for 28 (Army Cooperation) handover of the 28 Squadron I am delighted and proud to A formal ceremony took Commando Helicopter Force. Squadron as it will move Standard and the Standing Up take command of 845 Naval Air place at Royal Air Force Benson Rear Admiral K E Blount OBE from an operational role to a of 845 Naval Air Squadron at Squadron and look forward to an and was attended by His Royal and Air Vice Marshal G Parker training squadron, forming the RAF Benson. In my capacity as exciting and bright future.”

26 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 27 Heritage Training

The Gazelle Sqn Flight moved to Goose Green on 5 June and on 7 June they helped with the evacuation of casualties Bringing Life Back from Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. The whole Squadron moved to Fitzroy on 9 June together with to Ex-Military Aircraft 5 Inf Bde HQ. On 10 June all 656 Sqn were eventually fitted with The Gazelle Squadron veterans in aircraft restoration skills The current aircraft; known as 68mm rockets and test firing was is a unique team of ex- and to give them flying experiences. Ginger, Gary, Gordon and Gavin conducted in Choiseul Sound. British Military Gazelle BLESMA helps wounded have all seen military service On 13 June 2nd Bn Scots Guards helicopters in their original servicemen and servicewomen with the Royal Navy, Royal Air attacked Mount Tumbledown with military paint schemes and who have lost limbs, the use of Force and AAC. They are: 656 Sqn in support flying CASEVAC with their original military limbs or eyes, to rebuild their sorties. The 14th June saw the registrations, sponsored lives by providing rehabilitation ZB627 (Ginger) was procured Squadron engaged in continuous by Falcon Aviation Limited activities and welfare support. as an RAF training aircraft. It calls for CASEVAC flights, urgent and Babcock International. The Squadron attended many served primarily at RAF Shawbury. replenishment missions and liaison events this year including the It also served with 7 Sqn RAF work in support of 2 PARA who had he team, formed in Abingdon Air and Country Show, based at Odiham in moved off Wireless Ridge and were early 2014 and includes Weston Super Mare Air Day, Armed and was used for night vision advancing on Stanley. As British four Gazelles from Forces Day, The Royal International reconnaissance sorties. Not a lot Forces entered Stanley, 656 Sqn the Royal Navy, Royal Air Tattoo (RIAT), RNAS Yeovilton more is known about Ginger sadly flew into Port Stanley racecourse TMarines, Army Air Corps and and RNAS Culdrose Air Days, RAF there are few service records left. where several Argentinian Hueys Royal Air Force. Throughout the Benson and RAF Odiham Families were found in flying condition and 2015 season, the RAF aircraft, Days, and finished the season at XZ321 (Gary) served with the Army one was immediately pressed into Entente Cordiale far we have been bringing the two brigades are able to work ZB627, and Royal Marines aircraft, Brizefest on 5th September 2015. Air Corps for 28 years. Initially it service in support of 5 Inf Bde. force together at Wattisham, together, it offers a potent XX436, appeared as a static The 2016 programme is already served with 2 Flt AAC, 6 Flt AAC XZ 321 remained in the Falklands Builds on familiarising ourselves with the option to our political leaders to pair at air shows and military filling up and will see the Sqn and 658 Sqn AAC. It then served until Dec 1983. It then returned to different equipment we use respond to international crises.” events with additional aircraft displaying all over the country. with distinction in The Falklands the UK to storage and next saw and planning and rehearsing The partnership is part making an appearance where The Gazelle Squadron adheres War (Op CORPORATE) with 656 service in Northern Ireland in 1989 Exercise for the missions to come.” of the 2010 Lancaster House possible. The team is currently to a traditional military structure Sqn AAC. It had just finished a and remained there for most of Major Stephan Cognon, chief agreements, which set out rebuilding two additional aircraft and although Squadron personnel Phase II Modification Programme at the rest of its service life. It has Eagles Amarante of staff of 1er RCP, said: “This closer military and security for display in 2016 and beyond. are civilian, the majority are RNAS Fleetlands and was lodging been restored in the desert colours training is about improving ties between Britain and The Gazelle Sqn is dedicated experienced ex-military pilots, with the Advanced Rotary Wing of 4 Regt AAC who supported our ability to work together France. I-CJEF was validated engineers and groundcrew, Training Squadron at the Desert Rats amongst other British and French paratroopers trained as ready to deploy in 2013, to supporting various charitable together in a major exercise to demonstrate at all levels, from the planning causes, and in 2015 these include many of whom performed when 656 Sqn was giving orders Brigades in the First Gulf War. their ability to operate together. and decision making to the with Exercise Eagles Amarante the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman’s with military air display teams to deploy as part of 5 Inf Bde. paratroopers working side- part of an ongoing programme Association BLESMA, Naomi House, including the ‘The AAC Blue After training with the Brigade on XX436 (Gordon) spent most of xercise Eagles Amarante The ground troops were by-side on the ground. If our of joint training. Disabled Trekkers Camp 2015 and Eagles’ and ‘The RN Sharks’. The Sennybridge training area, the main its 26 year service as a training involved 1,800 troops supported by British and French the Nepal Earthquake Fund. Squadron Headquarters is based body of the Squadron flew direct to aircraft with the Royal Navy and from 16 Air Assault aircraft, including Apache attack The Sqn works closely with the at Bourne Park and headed up Southampton on 8 May 1982 and 705 Sqn at RNAS Culdrose. In Brigade and 11e Brigade helicopters from 4 Regiment Gazelle Trust by a ‘Commanding Officer’ and the Sqn’s Gazelles including XZ321 1978 the aircraft flew as part EParachutiste. Both brigades Army Air Corps; Merlin, Chinook which was established to restore a ‘Squadron Sergeant Major’. were loaded on the Nordic Ferry, the of The Tri-Service Helicopter provide their armies’ rapid and Puma support helicopters iconic British military helicopters The Squadron has four Flights ship sailed the next day. Nordic Ferry Team in the British Helicopter reaction forces and are at the and Hercules transport aircraft to flying condition. The Trust is that conduct flying displays, anchored off San Carlos settlement Championships. Throughout its forefront of Franco-British from the RAF; Gazelle and working with the British Limbless static displays, engineering and on 3 June, in high winds and almost service life the aircraft flew as 39/ military co-operation. Together Puma helicopters from Aviation Ex-Service Men’s Association maintenance and also support to continuous rain the Gazelles flew CU. It spent its last 5 years’ service they form the Interim Combined Légère de l’Armée de Terre; (BLESMA) to help educate and train civilian Gazelle pilots and owners. off to Clam Valley. The Gazelle in storage at RAF Shawbury. Joint Expeditionary Force and Transall transport aircraft (I-CJEF) which is ready to deploy from the Armee de l’Air. ZB647 (Gavin) spent all of its 32 at short notice on operations Their overall challenge year service with the Royal Navy anywhere in the world. was to restore stability to a and for the majority of this time The two-week long exercise troubled region, with a key it was a training aircraft with started on 27 Sept, with British task being a helicopter-borne 705 Sqn at RNAS Culdrose. In and French troops converging night raid on Rock Barracks 1994 the aircraft represented at Wattisham Flying Station in before the troops parachuted the UK at the World Helicopter Suffolk. The airfield was used onto the Stanta Ranges to Championships in Moscow. as a forward mounting base assault enemy positions. for the joint force (built around Major Chris Prior, second- For more information about the Colchester-based 2nd Battalion in-command of 2 PARA, said: Gazelle Sqn please go to www. The Parachute Regiment and “Working with the French is a thegazellesquadron.com 1er Regiment de Chasseurs fantastic opportunity and we are Parachutistes) to plan and sharing experiences and learning execute missions from. a lot from each other already. So

28 Issue 3, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 29 TRAINING

‘Crawl, Walk, Run’ and Fly 846 NAS Learn How to Land on Decks Written By: Lt Natalie Grainger, 846 NAS

Eleven months after 846 Naval Air Squadron reformed with the Merlin Mk3 helicopter, the crews have been conducting deck landing training on the Royal Fleet Auxilary (RFA) ARGUS.

or a number of 846 NAS on RFA Argus following an equally important phase was aircrew this was the the initial training package training the aircraft engineers first time in over three before the crews were tasked of 846 NAS to deploy onboard years they had operated to conduct further Deck and reacquaint themselves Fwith a ship due to being on Landings on HMS Ocean. with operations at sea. exchange with the RAF whilst A challenging week followed Sgt Lodge RM Aircrewman, undergoing conversion training with a busy deck on the ‘O’ Boat 846 NAS, said: “It was a great from the Sea King Mk4 to the as their JHC cousins, 27 Sqn opportunity for CHF Merlin Merlin Mk3 at RAF Benson. (RAF) were also embarked with to go ‘feet wet’ and begin Much like learning to crawl, three Chinooks conducting their to prove ourselves back in walk and run, the first stage initial Deck Qualifications prior the maritime role, further required the Qualified Helicopter to deploying on Cougar 15. broadening the capability of Instructors to utilise the vast Alongside the aircrew training, the new CHF aircraft.” deck experience with the Mk2 Merlin crews from 824 NAS and once this ‘train the trainer’ package was complete and all the crews had conducted the vital Simulator Deck Landing Practice, 846 NAS made their way to RFA Argus positioned off Portland for live flying serials. Far surpassing their training expectations, the Squadron re-qualified five crews in day/night and Night Vision Devices (NVD) deck landings within the first week alone. A week of consolidation training was completed

30 Issue 3, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 31 Training

technicians, paramedics and other these two backgrounds is what emergency services which are all gives us the good results that pertinent to the type of work they we have managed to achieve.” carry out in their reservist roles. The experience and When we train together there is knowledge sharing was not only always a cross pollination of skills, limited to the British Army, with we get so much out of training four medics from the United with the regular element and we States Army attached to the also bring in our experiences from exercise as part of an exchange Best Practice a wide variety of civilian roles.” programme. Captain Michelle Reservist Major Sam Ley, who Levesque from 224th Area is an anaesthetist at a Glasgow Support Medical Company, based Shared on Regular hospital, explains how the training in Maryland, USA, discovered has a direct benefit to both that whilst there are some strong military and NHS medical care. similarities between the two and Reserve He said: “We gain so much countries, her role as a Physician more experience working with Assistant is fulfilled differently the military because working in within the British Army. Medical Exercise an NHS environment we don’t She said: “In regards to medics actually see patients as badly it is honestly very much mirrored. Written By: Julia Wilde injured as we have done on As a Physician Assistant, I Over 100 regular and reserve troops from 16 Medical Major Steve Wignall, Officer useful for our medics who have some adventure training, which it also gave them the opportunity operations. The great thing is notice that they don’t have Regiment, which provides dedicated medical Commanding 19 Medical the added complication of has been a real morale boost to work closely with their we can take all that knowledge that particular position in the support to 16 Air Assault Brigade, have been in Squadron, explained: “The first extracting casualties backwards for my soldiers because we regular counterparts and share back into the NHS and improve British Army, but they do have Gibraltar conducting a two-week training exercise. part of the exercise concentrated to a Role 1 Post. The second have been extremely busy.” knowledge and best practice. the services. Within my components of it. I function in on military medical skills; it has phase provided 144 Squadron For 144 Parachute Medical Major Eric Bellew, Officer hospital there have been some the United States Army alongside aking part in Exercise medics from 144 Parachute been especially useful being with Role 1 validation which Squadron, which is the only Commanding 144 Parachute changes to services as a direct the Physician and work in a Barbary Sun were Medical Squadron who are based in Gibraltar because we have essentially ensures they are able medical reserve unit with Medical Squadron, said: “A result of knowledge gained in Role 1 just like this. It has been regular medics from in London, Cardiff, Nottingham been able to use the complex to deploy on operations with parachute capability, the exercise proportion of our reserves already Afghanistan and Iraq. We both great to be able to train and Colchester-based 19 and Glasgow. The training tunnel system, which is a unique their regular counterparts. Finally, not only provided their essential work in the medical profession have different training that learn with them and we have TMedical Squadron and reservist consisted of three unique phases. training environment and very we have been able to carry out quality assurance validation but as doctors, nurses, ambulance we do and the combination of integrated with them also.”

32 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 33 Training

Engineers have placed the unit’s 400 Regular and drinking water every day and “It was great to have parachuted into their Reserve soldiers on a mission construct defensive positions. jumped into the exercise. first major exercise to support an ally nation facing The week-long training Parachuting is the specialist since their Regiment’s the threat of an insurgency culminated with a test of the skill we offer as a Regiment and name was changed to backed by a hostile neighbour. sappers’ infantry skills as 51 we all feel proud to have that Ex reflect their airborne The serials began with the Parachute Squadron assaulted recognised in our new name.” role and heritage. Regiment, which changed its a strongpoint prepared and Lance Corporal Mark Langley, name from 23 Engineer Regiment defended by their colleagues 26 from Redditch, said: “It’s been 3 Parachute Engineer (Air Assault) earlier this year, in 9 Parachute Squadron. a varied and tough exercise. Regiment jumped into parachuting into the troubled Lance Corporal Ollie We’ve been living on the field Eagle Exercise Eagle Sapper region as a show of force. Seymour, 28 from Harlow, and tested on the full range of as it rehearsed its The troops then spread out is part of the unit’s Recce our combat engineering skills, 2role providing close combat across Salisbury Plain to build Troop, which established a with a strong focus on our ability engineering to 16 Air Assault bridges across rivers, establish concealed observation post to serve as infantry as well. Brigade, the British Army’s rapid water supply points capable to watch over the target for “The parachute jump went reaction force. The exercise of providing 40,000 litres of 48 hours before the attack. really well for me with clear Sapper The 28-year-old from Harlow skies, not much wind and a said: “As engineer recce our key soft landing. There’s a modest role is to look at infrastructure, pride within the Regiment such as electricity and water about our new name and the supply in an area, and establish recognition of what we do.” routes for troops to advance Lieutenant Colonel John along. Observing a target Clark MBE, Commanding ahead of an infantry assault is Officer of 23 Para Engr Regt, a secondary capability we have said: “Across the year our two that it is good to practice. We’ve regular squadrons, supported cut out a hide inside a bush by our reservists, have a busy and would happily work from schedule working alongside other this location for up to a week, units in 16 Air Assault Brigade. and longer if we were dug in. Exercise Eagle Sapper is our

chance to come together as a Regiment to focus on maintaining our core skills as engineers. “To carry out a parachute insertion was both an excellent run-out for our airborne capability and a fitting way to celebrate our recent name change. Parachuting defines our role, history and ethos as a Regiment.”

34 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 35 training Ex Forlorn Hope Written By: Kerry Randall

July 2015 saw personnel and assets from across to exercise combat recovery Combat Support Squadron. the JHC convene at RNAS Yeovilton for Exercise serials in both the Maritime Participants convened at 846 FORLORN HOPE to practise joint personnel and Littoral environments. NAS to conduct briefings on recovery in preparation for contingent operations FORLORN HOPE was tactics, techniques, procedures as part of the UK Joint Expeditionary Force managed and controlled by the and table-top exercises which (JEF) and Lead Commando Group (LCG). Commando Helicopter Force culminated in flying and Headquarters calling on a number ground serials on Dartmoor. ecent campaigns have on earlier training conducted of assets from across the JHC The Wildcat conducted led to a reliance on on Ex JOINT WARRIOR. including; Merlin Mk3’s, Wildcat, intelligence, surveillance and coalition joint personnel The exercise was designed to Apache and Sea King alongside reconnaissance sweeps of the recovery structures in the explore how different aircraft and a Ground Extraction Force pick-up area on Okehampton Rland environment, so the aim of Ex capabilities, such as the Merlin from 42 Cdo RM, Forward Air Range, and quickly identified FORLORN HOPE was to conduct and Wildcat can integrate with Controllers (Airborne) (FAC(A)), the enemy forces closing in on a joint personnel recovery at 3 Cdo Bde RM and wider Joint Isolated Personnel (ISOPERS) and the ISOPERS location. Once RNAS Yeovilton, in order to build Helicopter Command assets willing enemy forces from CHF’s the FAC(A)s had called in

simulated close air support the spirit and airborne fires, the together to achieve a whole recovery package of Merlins, attack was neutralised. With greater than the sum of its parts. escorted by the Wildcat closed the enemy beaten and the It’s a big call to place to pick-up the downed crew. aircrew secured, it was time more people in harms way Whilst on the ground, 42 Cdo to head back to the ‘floating’ to recover others which is were attacked by enemy forces call sign of ‘HMS Yeovilton’. why joint personnel recovery as they tried to authenticate the This was the second year involves a healthy-degree of ISOPERS. The ensuing fire fight that the Commando Helicopter risk management. However, by was coordinated from above by Force has delivered Ex FORLORN mastering this capability our the Ground Extraction Force HOPE, building on the success fighting men and women can go Commander and the FAC(A)s, of the 2014 exercise. It proved about their business with one using a pre-briefed battlefield that with practice, personnel and fewer concern; that should it go management plan and through a capabilities that often function in wrong, there’s somebody there combination of ‘bootie’ fighting relative isolation can be brought to get them back to safety.

36 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 37 TRAINING

Navy Base BAN Hyeres, Côte Stéphane Rousson has worked “During the flight planning d’Azur. After joining the Navy in for Airbus Helicopters, located briefs we must ensure that 2003, completing flying training in Marignane near Marseille, for everyone fully understands in 2006, he held a variety of over ten years. He is a trainee what we are going to be doing posts from flying the Dauphin for flight test engineering on and that we use standard, as a Mission Pedro (search and the production line for light common phraseology and rescue) to his most recent post helicopters. During his time fully apply the methodology flying the Eurocopter AS565 with Airbus Helicopters he learnt during training.” Panther with 36 Squadron was also an aircraft prototype “However, working here in before joining EPNER. engineer, managing the aircraft the UK is very good, we learn Capt Teveu explained more preparations for flight test more about how the mission about the EPNER courses; “There engineering and worked in systems work on aircraft that are two courses with EPNER, one the research and development we have not seen before, and long course which is 11 months department for safety analysis. to know what functions the and the short which is for six After his first flight in the helicopters can provide to the months. The main difference Wildcat AH1, Stéphane said; crew. It is interesting to learn between the courses is that “It’s interesting because it’s more about the human interface we on the short course are not very different to the helicopters philosophy differences between able perform all the same tests we make in France in my company. manufacturers and customers.” in flight as those who do the My first impressions are that the On completion of the course, long course. We are limited to cockpit avionics and mission Stéphane will return to Airbus performances and assessment of systems are very interesting with Helicopters to work in the the systems in the helicopters. We a lot of functions to assess.” production flight department concentrate on enabling systems “We have performed the as a flight test engineer for the as opposed to pure handling. first flight today to test the production of light helicopters. So our work here on the Wildcat performance and engines and When a helicopter is assembled, xchange AH1 will only assess the mission it seems to be good. Over the he will ensure it is fully tested, French E systems and performances.” allocated flying period we will that all the functions, vibrations After his first flight in the be assessing the performances and the performances are Wildcat AH1, operated by of the helicopter; the mission good so when the production rmy Wildcat the Aviation Reconnaissance systems, and so on, against flights are performed the for The A Force, Capt Teveu said; a mission scenario set by the company and customers can “We have only performed EPNER Instructors for the French be sure all the requirements Written By: Kerry Randall one flight so far so it is a bit too Army for training purposes. The and all the functions are safe. the Empire Test Pilots’ School range of aircraft with different the aircraft and role and do a early to form an opinion, but mission scenario will include The test pilot and engineer (ETPS), the United States Air handling qualities. The students lot of work before they even despite there being similarities requirements such as how it would training is incredibly demanding Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS) fly a variety of different military get to see the aircraft. When to Lynx such as the automatic operate in a hostile environment and hard work. During the and the United States Naval and civilian aircraft types, from they arrive at the host unit they flight control system, the systems for example. We then provide assessment period the students Test Pilot School (USNTPS). around the world, throughout understand the aircraft a little, are very interesting - which we’ll the global assessment during work long days, learning about Lt Cdr Lee Evans RN, Rotary their training – sometimes up to go in the simulator, take the cover more in the report!” the presentation, it’s very the new aircraft they have Wing Test Pilot Tutor and Flight 24 during the year long course.” aircraft flying and then have six “The language difference is important in the assessment been assigned, completing the Commander for ETPS explains; “Use of modern military hours to do the assessment.” a challenge, especially in flight. to provide confidence in the assessment, analysing the data “We invite the other T&E aircraft throughout the ETPS “Once they have landed from On the radios it is quite difficult aircraft relating to the mission and then writing up the report schools to come to the UK to test course is paramount for training the last flight the students have to understand and this is a key set by the instructors.” ready for the presentation. military or civilian aircraft as part effective T&E professionals, we ten days to write the report, safety point that we brief before Stéphane explained more This ensures those pilots, of their final exercise. In turn, this are extremely grateful that 652 which includes a lot of data flying with the safety pilots about the language challenges; aircrewmen and engineers allows ETPS to send our students Sqn AAC have been able to host and analysis. This report is then to ensure that everyone fully “The language barrier may responsible for the test and overseas so they can also test ETPS and EPNER in what I know presented to an audience made understands what actions will be be a problem. It is difficult to evaluation of the aircraft flown French test pilot and du personnel navigant d’essais aircraft we wouldn’t normally is an extremely busy training up of senior test pilots, engineers, carried out during the flight.” communicate during the flight by the and a flight test engineer et de réception) based at the have access to, such as the French and trials period for them.“ academics and invited guests.” “Everyone has been very but this is briefed to everyone her Allies across the world are students have spent two Istres Le Tube Airbase, France. Tiger Attack helicopter, the The students of all four schools “The students are testing welcoming, very warm. They have beforehand and it gets easier the very best, fit for purpose weeks with 652 Squadron EPNER is the French equivalent French NH90 or the Rafale. In must complete an assessment everything; cockpit, flying been supportive with making to understand each other and the safety of the aircrew Army Air Corps, at RNAS to the UK’s Empire Test Pilots’ America we’ve conducted student at the end of the test pilot and controls, how it is augmented helicopters available for us and as the flight progresses.” and troops is assured. Yeovilton, assessing School (ETPS) based in Boscombe evaluations of the V22, Blackhawk flight test engineer course. They with the automatic flying control spending time going through the Wildcat AH1 for Down. The Empire Test Pilots’ and F18 among others.” are given a scenario in which to system, engine and rotor the all the systems which helps their end of course School is a Military commanded “The ETPS course begins test an aircraft they have never performance, the EO system, the with the work we are doing.” assessment report. Test and Evaluation (T&E) flying with full time academics before flown before, including six hours navigation system, the moving On completion of the course, training unit run in partnership students learn how to safely flying and 20 hours ground/ map, the night interoperability, Capt Teveu will be join the CEPA aptain Gwenaël Teveu, with QinetiQ, as part of the Long assess and report their findings simulator assessment time, getting in and out, emergency (Centre d’Expérimentations Marine Nationale Term Partnering Agreement. on aircraft performance, stability during which they assess the exits – everything is tested Pratiques de l’Aéronautique (French National As one of the four leading and control, and mission systems. aircraft against a specific role. against set standards. It’s a huge Navale) to fly the Lynx where Navy), and Stéphane test pilot schools in the world, The training also requires the “The aircraft the students amount of work for them.” he will be in charge of the CRousson (Airbus Helicopters), EPNER maintains close links students to broaden their assess must be completely new to Capt Gwenaël Teveu serves evaluation of system upgrades are students with EPNER (École with the other three schools; aviation experience and fly a them, they’ve got to understand in the French Navy, on the to the French Lynx.

38 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 39 training King of the

MountainsWritten By: Lt Cdr Rob Trewinnard-Boyle

Operating out of GAF practice the art of safely flying come back again.” Alpine retreat. Reflecting on Kaufbeuren, home in a challenging and unfamiliar Remembering events 70 the atrocities committed at to the Luftwaffe’s 1st environment which is vital for years previously as Allied one site was in stark contrast Technical Training the pilots and aircrewmen of Forces swept through Bavaria, to the beautiful mountain School for Tornado and CHF. Deploying to foreign 848 NAS personnel also scenery at the other. Eurofighter, two Sea exercises like MOUNTAIN EAGLE took the opportunity to visit This was the last planned King Mk4 helicopters, is ideal for us to train and to the concentration camp at overseas detachment for the aircrew and engineers provide wider opportunities Dachau and The Eagles Nest Junglie Sea King prior to their from 848 Naval Air for our Squadron.” at Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s retirement next year. Squadron deployed on During the detachment, Exercise MOUNTAIN personnel from 848 NAS EAGLE to hone their participated in adventurous specialist flying skills. training as part of Exercise BAVARIAN SURPRISE at the xercise MOUNTAIN nearby Naval Outdoor Centre. For EAGLE was designed several junior Squadron members to introduce recently this was their first foreign qualified Sea King detachment and being able to Ecrews to, and refresh the more participate in rock climbing, experienced crews on, the kayaking and klettersteig challenges of flying through routes in glorious Alpine mountainous terrain and the weather during the exercise associated weather conditions was a fantastic opportunity. whilst teaching the tactical skills By rolling personnel between required for insertion of troops BAVARIAN SURPRISE and aircraft into this unforgiving environment. maintenance at Kaufbeuren, the With great weather and good maximum numbers were able to aircraft serviceability, the Sea attend the Adventurous Training, King crews flew approximately building confidence, leadership 8 hours a day, flying through and developing new skills, while valleys, landing in dry riverbeds ensuring the flying training in the and perching on high mountain mountains continued unabated. peaks. Flying in dramatic Wtr Daniel Wade said; settings and with the challenges “Learning to kayak down of high altitude mountain the white water rivers has flying, it was demanding but been a great challenge and enjoyable for all involved. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Lt Alex Craig, 848 NAS It was a great opportunity QHI and Detachment to do something different, Commander, said; I’d recommend it to anyone “We are here to learn and and definitely want to

40 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 41 training

lines went up all over our rocky day 4 when we turned up to the supplies almost back to full. ex professional Swedish female home for the night to dry kit. small island of Bullerön. This On day 6 the weather turned volleyball player who provided Food and water were our was also our first real campsite, again, rain hammered kayak us with hot chocolate, cake and main concerns on this trip (along complete with ‘longdrop’ and paddler for 2 hours before smoked salmon tails until we Ex Skargard Finn with capsizing) and was planned ablutions, a public sauna and we searched for shelter in the were warm and only slightly by ‘paddle buddies’ (pairs who fire pit. The public sauna has village of Sandhamn, often called damp. Leaving was difficult The Stockholm Archipelago (Skärgård) consists of edge. Tents were assembled, moved aside and the winds shared tents and looked after a supply of logs which you the St Tropez of Sweden. Here but we had to cross to more 30,000 small Islands off the East coast of Sweden. food cooked and most were in dropped enough to start our each other on the water). Though cut yourself to stoke the small our small plastic boats were sheltered water as the winds On the 31 Aug, 12 personnel from 5 Regt AAC bed by 8 wondering why they journey again. This time paddling we had plenty of food, there are burner which in turn heats rocks dwarfed by expensive yachts and were due to pick up again. We and 2 instructors boarded a plane in Dublin to volunteered for the expedition. far into the unpopulated mass no natural sources of fresh water onto which water is poured. In speedboats. Being outside of the set up camp in a nature reserve undertake an 8 day Sea Kayaking expedition. The morning after was wetter of tiny Islands, taking turns at in the Archipelago so we were no time the small wood cabin tourist season most of the cafés before getting back into our and windier than the night before navigating and leading with the carrying all of our drinking water was red hot and full of Swedish and shops were closed, however kayaks for an evening lesson and we only managed an hour sunshine breaking through and whilst cooking and washing with yachters and 5 Regt personnel, we eventually stumbled on one on towing a casualty. In order and a half of paddling before the smiles starting to appear. After sea water. We had marked the alternating between the hot which was happy to accept to qualify for a K2F or S3N a instructors told us to get off the a more productive afternoon we locations of settlements which in room and the much cooler sea to 14 very cold and wet soldiers syllabus has to be followed, water as it was getting too risky arrived at a suitable campsite – an the tourist season are populated get the full experience. Between who needed to sit out a storm. and our instructors were keen to continue. Thankfully, an old Island approximately 100m long and have wells often over 100m us and the boats moored on Complete with spraydecks and to equip us with the necessary summer house was available for and 50m wide with a small wood deep to access fresh water. We the Island for the night we sodden ‘Cags’ we shuffled into a skills to complete the trip safely. shelter and much needed lunch. in the middle. It was infinitely managed to fill up on day 2 but managed to drink the well room which was half art gallery, This camp became known as A few hours later, the clouds better than the first night and tow our first big water stop was on dry, thankfully with our water half café. It was owned by an ‘Wolverine Island’ after one came into the tents whilst we were asleep and stole some dried pasta, flapjack and one of Lt Mike Askey’s boots (which was subsequently recovered). Previous campsites had been named mosquito, ant and spider for obvious reasons. After a last night complete ollowing an early start with an inappropriately large in Aldergrove, 3 bus campfire and bottle of Pol Roger journeys, a flight, a we paddled back to Runmarö night in a hotel, and early in the morning. A swift Fthen a taxi boat we were united de-kit and a 2 hour journey by with our steeds for the week. boat and bus later we were back Approximately 16 feet long, our in Stockholm at Maude’s Hotel. boats were loaded with kit, food Those with enough energy had and water before we left our a hot shower before taking bearded Viking fixer on the Island in the sights of Stockholm. on Runmarö and headed south. Others curled up in bed for a The Stockholm Archipelago has a few hours before making their reputation for being a sheltered, way to the ‘Hairy Pig Deli’ in warm and pleasant place to take the ‘oldtown’ for our end of your family on a canoe camping expedition meal and a few beers adventure. If however, you go in to celebrate our challenging the autumn, expect high winds, but successful 100 Km kayak plenty of rain and exposed in the Baltic sea. There are 12 crossings with fairly high sea members of 5 Regt AAC and 2 states for novices in heavily laden instructors who now truly know kayaks. The locals thought we the meaning of ‘it’s Baltic’. were nuts; which was fitting as we later changed the route due to adverse weather conditions. Even so, we still had a 1 km open crossing in sea state 3 to Eventually, cold and soaking wet we settled reach our first campsite. Wild camping is legal on virtually all for a deer track five metres from the waters of the Islands so we paddled edge. Tents were assembled, food cooked for a few hours before looking and most were in bed by 8 wondering for somewhere to call home for why they volunteered for the expedition. the night. Eventually, cold and soaking wet we settled for a deer track five metres from the water’s 42 Issue 3, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk “ LZDZ / Issue” 3 2015 43 training

Reserve Paras Train in Spain Reservists from 4th 4 PARA soldiers earned Battalion The Parachute Spanish parachute wings Regiment (4 PARA) are by jumping under Spanish training on the dusty canopies from a Spanish plains of Spain alongside CH-47 Chinook helicopter. their regular counterparts 4 PARA then moved south from the Spanish Army. to Chinchilla, near Albacete, for field training with La Tercera xercise Iberian Star Bandera Paracaidista “Ortiz de has seen some 135 Zarate”. The joint force jumped soldiers from 4 PARA, into a simulated mission to test which has detachments their ability to work together. Ebased across the country, Lieutenant Colonel deployed for two weeks of James Loudoun, 4 PARA’s demonstrating the freedoms operations with the Spanish, training with the Brigada Commanding Officer, said: and frictions that working with we already know about them Paracaidista “Almogávares” VI. “This exercise has been an a NATO ally can bring. For the and how they operate. The exercise ran in excellent opportunity for 4 PARA individual paratrooper, their “I’m a plumber by trade, but two phases, starting with and developed the morale, horizons have been broadened currently unemployed. Serving familiarisation training with La motivation and professionalism by learning about the different with 4 PARA shows employers Segunda Bandera Paracaidista of our paratroopers. equipment and tactics used that I am commited to work “Roger de Lauria” at Torrejon, “Training with our Spanish by another army. Finally, by and I’ve gained some extra near Madrid. The paratroopers counterparts from the Brigada bringing together paratroopers qualifications to go on my CV.” fired each other’s weaponry Paracaidista has improved the from our locations across Captain Luis Sanchez Garcia, and swapped tactics, while battalion’s knowledge base, by the country for a demanding of “Roger de Lauria” II, said: “It’s exercise, it has developed our important to train with our NATO cohesion as a battalion.” allies and it has been interesting Private Ryan Anderson, a to learn about 4 PARA. We 25-year-old facilities manager have slightly different tactics from Croydon, said: “It’s and equipment but it has been been an interesting and fun an easy relationship between experience to come to Spain us, because paratroopers are and work with a different army. the same type and quality of The language barrier has been soldiers in every army.” there at times, but we’ve worked together well to reach an understanding of the differences and similarities between us. “I’ve always been interested Further in the military, but other things Information happened in my life and I didn’t 4th Battalion The Parachute join up. I joined the Reserves Regiment is the reserve last December, and it’s given battalion of The Parachute me the best of both worlds.” Regiment, the British Private Tom Emsley, 23 from Army’s airborne infantry. 4 Leeds, said: “We’ve worked on PARA is based at Pudsey in the basic skills like patrolling Leeds, with detachments at Edinburgh, Glasgow, and setting up harbour areas Croydon, White City, with the Spanish paratroopers. Liverpool, Newcastle This training is important Upon Tyne and Rugby. because, if we were to go on

44 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 45 training

In total; two Chinooks from Joint Helicopter Force 28 Squadron RAF, four Apaches from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps and four brand New Gets Ready for Wildcat AH MK 1 from the Commando Helicopter Forces’ 847 Naval Air Squadron made up the principal players in JHF2. These aircraft were supported by engineers for all the aircraft types, operations staff and the CHF Commando Mobile Air Written By: Kerry Randall Operations Team (MAOT); The Cougar JHF is a sizeable Unit onboard HMS Ocean and HMS Bulwark. During September a Royal Marines of 3 Commando American and other NATO forces It was also the first Joint Helicopter Force Brigade and the Amphibious during October and November. deployment for the Wildcats (JHF) from the JHC Task Group (COMATG). Lieutenant Colonel Mark in their maritime role and they has been on exercise During the week long Johnson Royal Marines, are busy honing their skills with across the south manoeuvres, RAF Chinook and Commando Helicopter Force the Apaches and Chinooks. west of England in Army Air Corps Apache aircraft (CHF) Chief of Staff and Lt Col Johnson continued, preparation for Cougar; have operated from the flight Commanding Officer of the JHF “The deployment is crucial for deck of HMS Ocean, along with said, “This initial phase of our our collective training and force the Royal Navy’s major Wildcat AH Mk1’s of 847 Naval deployment, called Ex South preparation, ensuring continual deployment to the Air Squadron and Merlin Mk 2’s West Sword has been essential availability of the JEF (M) lead Mediterranean this year. of 814 Naval Air Squadron who work up training for all of the element, with particular focus are also embarked for the Cougar crews and engineers involved on the integration of joint s part of Exercise deployment. This Combined Air with the JHF. Deploying on enablers such as the helicopters South West Sword, Group makes up the aviation such a major deployment like of JHF. Cougar offers JHC the helicopters from component of what is called Cougar with so many different opportunity to work in the the JHF have been the Joint Expeditionary Force - aircraft can be demanding; Joint, Combined and Embarked Aflying missions over the beaches Maritime (JEF (M)), which is set but it offers the Force a great environment whilst carrying out and training areas of Devon to leave UK waters and head opportunity to work together Littoral Manoeuvre (LitM) and and Cornwall, working with the south for exercises with French, in a maritime environment.” Amphibious training.”

46 Issue 3, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 47 Sport Soldiers Do Battle on the Sports Pitch Written By: Gareth Palmer 6 Air Assault Brigade held a Festival of Sports at Merville Barracks in July, with troops 1competing in rugby, football, hockey, tug of war, aquathon, tennis and volleyball. The competition was won by 13 Air Assault Support Regiment , Tour of Britain who were presented with the Commander’s Cup by Brigadier Sprints Down Nick Borton DSO MBE. Private Joel Whiteman, said: “It’s great for the Regiment to Wattisham’s Runway win the overall competition and Written By: Gareth Palmer the bragging rights for the year! Apache attack a fantastic spectacle to have Boxing and rugby league are my fierce but fair competition that’s helicopters made the Tour of Britain sprint pass main sports but I played hockey brought everyone out of a busy way for bicycles on through Wattisham and a very today after only a couple of hours working routine to enjoy doing 12th Sept as the different event for our soldiers coaching over the last week. something different together Aviva Tour of Britain and families to enjoy. Our runway It was great to try something and build their team spirit. sprinted down the has given a unique challenge for different and we all gave it our runway at Wattisham the race, as it rare to get such best at all of the sports.” Flying Station. a long and straight stretch of Warrant Officer Class 1 Joe road to race along, while riding Foreshew RAPTC, who is in n enthusiastic into the wind makes it that much charge of physical fitness and crowd of soldiers harder. But the professionals sport for 16 Air Assault Brigade, and their families are only did it once, whereas at said: “This competition has welcomed 120 of the SSAFA Wattisham Triathlon provided an excellent opportunity Athe world’s top cyclists as they we do it four times every year, for our men and women to raced through Wattisham, the so I have no sympathy!” showcase their fitness and first time the Tour has passed The stage, broadcast sporting prowess. We’ve seen through a military base. The live on ITV4 and British base’s 2,400-metre runway Eurosport, was the seventh and provided a unique setting for an penultimate day of the Tour, intermediate YodelDirect Sprint. taking riders 142 miles from A breakaway group of Fakenham to Ipswich. France just before midnight. on spotting drills - to focus to know how demanding it was and once I got swimming I three cyclists lead the main Army Medics He said: “The team was on how to keep an eye on the before I got started,” he said. quickly settled into a rhythm. peleton down the runway and superb; everyone was up for boat in the waves - and bilateral “The second I jumped into the It was good to be with friends into a stiff headwind. British it and no-one wanted to let breathing, to break the habit of water and the cold hit I wanted when you’re freezing cold rider Alex Dowsett, from the Swim English Channel their colleagues down. always breathing form one side to get out, but I didn’t want to and exhausted and we were Movistar team, was first across A team from Colchester-based 16 Medical We’d all trained hard, but it and make it easier to swim in let the team or myself down all elated to finish.” the finish line, which was Regiment has swum across the English was a tougher challenge than we waves. Both skills really paid off. marked by a pair of Apaches. Channel, battling high winds and the expected with the tides and wind “Swimming at night in Colonel Jason Etherington, strongest spring tide of the year on the way. taking us on a long zigzag across heavy waves is an interesting Commander of Wattisham the Channel. It was a fantastic experience, and you find out a Flying Station, said: “It’s been xercise Serpents Swim an estimated 40 miles to swim feeling to finish but we were all lot about yourself when you’re saw the mixed team the 22 miles from Dover to asleep on the way back, there cold, wet and alone in sea! It of eight medics swim Calais. They also had to battle was no cigars and champagne!” was a challenge, but one that from Dover to Calais winds of up to 23 knots that Sergeant Craig McDougall, we all massively enjoyed and Eas a relay. The crossing took 17 whipped up heavy waves. a 37-year-old radiographer I’m so proud to have finished.” hours 20 minutes in total, with Lieutenant Colonel Philip from East Kilbride, is a Sergeant Mike Brewer, a each medic swimming at least McNee, Commanding Officer of qualified swimming coach and 30-year-old biomedical scientist two hour-long sessions before 16 Med Regt, started the swim oversaw the team’s training. from Swindon, was one of the last handing over to a colleague. off from Dover’s Shakespeare “Open water swimming is very swimmers to get in the water. With the tide dragging them Beach at 6.30am on Friday different to swimming lengths in “I had seen people swimming off route, the medics swam (28 Aug) and they arrived in a pool,” he said. “We’d trained for six hours and it was daunting

48 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2015 49 Sport You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...

Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos. There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk apt meia PRICES: Nov to Mar £190 Apr & Oct £255 Organised by Captain Rob being novices and the other half May & Sept £290 Triathlon Success Boosts Gittoes, Army Air Corps, the made up of sprint distance racers June £330 triathlon consisted of 400m swim up to national level athletes, July & Aug £410 Army Benevolent Fund for novices and 750m swim for tri service and international experienced triathletes, 20km competitors too. So in only Written By: Kerry Randall bike and 5km run and with over two years this event has grown The Aviation bursaries, they also provide 80 competitors taking part, a significantly and we will continue Reconnaissance Force grants to other Forces charities. fantastic £1270 was raised for off this success next year, with the (ARF) recently held Brig Nick Knudsen, Somerset the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. help of the Army Benevolent Fund a Triathlon at their County Chairman for the ABF, Capt Rob Gittoes, to make it bigger, better and raise home base in the The Soldiers Charity said; Aviation Reconnaissance more for the ABF.” He added. RNAS Yeovilton, raising “The ABF is the principal Force Adjutant said; WO2 Tim Couzens, 1 funds for the Army charity for the British Army, “I’ve been taking part in Regiment Army Air Corps, Benevolent Fund The charged with looking after all triathlons at my local club since took part in the event. As a Soldiers’ Charity. soldiers, ex soldiers, their families 2009 and joined the AAC Triathlon triathlon first timer, he said; and dependants who are in team in 2012, becoming team “As the words ‘How hard can he Soldiers’ Charity need. Each year we give up to captain shortly after. This led to it be?’ left my mouth, I knew began as the Army 5,000 grants and support over the Army Triathlon Association I would regret them, and sure Benevolent Fund in 1944 80 other military charities, here and that got me thinking about enough as Capt Rob Gittoes and for over 70 years they in Somerset we look after a fair organising an event for my local gave the standard response, Thave provided lifetime support number of people and the ABF base. I wanted the triathlon to ‘Prove it then!’ I knew I couldn’t to serving and retired soldiers needs about £40,000 a year just also benefit the ABF, the Soldiers’ back down. I thoroughly and their families. The scope of to meet our basic requirements Charity and as a result we have enjoyed taking part and their work is huge; supporting for Somerset. The support from raised over £1200 for the charity.” definitely will do so again next individuals in need, from mobility 1 Regt AAC is a great boost to “The inaugural Yeovilton was year. It was a great experience assistance and respite breaks to our fundraising in the county held last year with 38 participants, and I highly recommend for care home fees and education and very much welcome.” this year we had 84, with half anyone to have a go.” To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected]

50 Issue 3 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations