THE RAF JOURNAL

onetoone ISSUE 3 2017 onetoone 3 4 CONTENTS ISSUE 3 2017

FEATURES Mental Health Awareness Week 08 STN CDR’S FOREWORD BBMF 60th Anniversary 10 The Military Foundation 11 Group Captain Michael Baulkwill PRU 12 Women at War 100 14 JR Festival 16 CHARITY Thrift Shop 16 PEOPLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Annual Awards Dinner 18 3(F) Sqn TECT 20

ANOTHER BUSY BUT EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE THREE MONTHS FOR CONINGSBY, NUMBER 3 (FIGHTER) SQUADRON HAVE CONTINUED THEIR EXCELLENT WORK OUT IN ROMANIA, AND AS THIS COPY GOES TO PRESS THEY WILL BE RETURNING FROM THIS SOUTHERN AIR POLICING OPERATION. lease accept my thanks to our pilots and engineers to the whole Station for all whilst supporting Quick Editorial & Distribution Team P your support and hard Reaction Alert. Number work in making the Operation 29 Squadron run the most such a success. demanding course in the I find it remarkable that Royal Air Force, the Typhoon over the last 12 months, Qualified Weapon Instructor we here at Coningsby have course and this course will onetoone been on continuous overseas graduate its new QWIs in a operations. It started a year few months time after the Editor Publishers ago with Operation SHADER, most rigorous 8 months of Flt Lt Colette McGinn Lance Publishing Ltd, ending with our deployment training and assessment that 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, on Operation BILOXI, a simply any pilot can go through. Deputy Editor Kettering NN16 8NL. superb performance by each Number 29 Squadron is the Flt Lt Daisy Tidbury Tel: 01536 512624 and every one of you in heart of the Typhoon Force Fax: 01536 515481 supporting and contributing and its output is vital for the Distribution Email: [email protected] to this momentous year, upcoming exciting period of Lead: SAC Jason Knight www.lancepublishing.co.uk all whilst providing Quick Force Growth. This is the first Dep: SAC Paul Braley Reaction Alert back here at time that the Royal Air Force Team: SAC Dean Bruce View onetoone online at Coningsby, it’s been a superb has grown in many years, www.onetooneonline.co.uk team effort and you should interesting times indeed. Printed By be rightly proud! So as we look ahead to the Lance Print Ltd Design As we look towards the next few months and years, Tel: 01733 390564 Amanda Robinson next 6 months, it is period our work here at Coningsby of training, with Number XI will remain not only for our Advertising (Fighter) Squadron deploying Operational output, but also Jo Marchant for a variety of training in growing the Typhoon Lance Publishing Ltd, exercises and Number 29 Force both here at Coningsby 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Squadron continuing to and up North at Royal Air Kettering NN16 8NL provide world class training Force Lossiemouth. Tel: (01536) 526674 onetoone 5

YOUTH BASE SUPPORT WING No 17 (Coningsby) Sqn ATC 21 Padre’s Pause 26 SQUADRON NEWS ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS WING 3(F) Sqn 22 MT - Road move to Helsinki 28 XI(F) Sqn 22 Forward Engineering Squadron 29 29(R) Sqn 23 41(R) TES 24 OPERATIONS WING SPORT ATC Visit 30 Tug of War 25 BBMF PR Team 30 MET - A Glimpse into Forecasting 31

Editor’s Foreword • Flight Lieutenant Colette McGinn ISSUE 3 2017

‘So many people spend This edition also their health gaining demonstrates that Coningsby wealth, and then have is as busy as ever, maintaining to spend their wealth to a high tempo of activity with QRA, Ops, exercises, displays regain their health’ and continuous stream of visits; – A J Materi however it is pleasing to see here are many quotes that we still make the ever that I could have chosen important effort to engage in for this edition’s theme of force development, charitable T activities, sporting endeavours ‘Health & Wealth’, but this one sums it up for me. It does not and fun in a bid to keep a work matter how much money we life balance. have if we are not well enough A big thank you to all the to spend, enjoy it and have a authors who submitted articles, quality of life that reflects our I don’t really need to mention hard work. The Mental Health again, how busy people are, Awareness Week was well but it is appreciated that time received on unit with a huge is found to write and report variety of activities undertaken on what has been going on at to promote and educate about Coningsby. I also received some mental health, a topic that should excellent feedback from the last no longer be taboo as ‘1 in 4 edition, praise is always welcome, people will experience at least as is constructive feedback. one diagnosable mental health problem’, read more on pages 8 Health is wealth, Ed. & 9. *Counselling Directory 6 ISSUE 3 2017

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK THE STN CDR WAS EXPOSED TO A COUPLE OF HIGH PROFILE MENTAL HEALTH CASES; THIS TRIGGERED HIS INTEREST IN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSEQUENTLY KEY PERSONNEL ON STATION INITIATED RESEARCH INTO THE EXTENT OF THE ISSUE AT RAF CONINGSBY.

oinciding with this Finally, to finish on a positive it’s where our negative and Happiness Course delivered research was National note, personnel in the positive energy comes from. by Padre Chris Carr. The Stress C Mental Health audience listened to Shawn Craig Williams is an ex Management presentation Awareness Week, which Achor – ‘The happy secret to Royal Marine. Unbeknownst to was well attended by the offered us the amazing better work’. Let me tell you him he suffered from Post- Whole Force. WO Sykes opportunity to raise the secret. 90% of long term Traumatic Stress Disorder asked, “Who do people speak awareness on Station. So we happiness is predicted by (PTSD) and made some to when they are stressed?’. set about arranging a week of your internal world and how problematic life changing Unfortunately, the top answer activities centred on mental you choose to process events decisions which led to still remains, ‘nobody’ and health awareness. in your life. If you choose imprisonment, a loss of career WO Sykes is keen to change The Wratten Suite was to see stress as a challenge and homelessness. It was his the answer from ‘nobody’ to full with personnel attending and raise your positivity in comeback that was inspiring. ‘somebody’. Talking about the quarterly brief on 12 May. the present, your creativity He sought counselling and our issues can sometimes On opening a presentation will then rise and you will be by being mentally committed be the key to making us entitled ‘What is Mental more productive! he described how he took feel better; it is so simple, Health?’ personnel were The visiting presenters control of his life to drive it that it is unbelievable that asked to stand up and remain that delivered their forward towards success and we don’t. The key messages standing if they knew anyone perspective on mental health good fortune. were strengthened in his who had suffered from mental were completely honoured to The Mental Health presentation by a brave lady health – approximately 120 be given the opportunity. We Awareness Week also included who took the courageous personnel remained standing! heard from Etienne Stott, a Stress Management step to share her experiences I am hoping that this fact goes an Olympic Gold medallist presentation delivered publicly. She explained that some way to explaining why and Craig Williams an ex by WO Jon Sykes and a her husband (ex-military) had RAF Coningsby put together Royal Marine. a Mental Health Awareness Etienne Stott won the Week, as it is something that Gold medal at the London affects most people in some Olympics in the sport of canoe way, directly or indirectly. slalom, with crew mate Tim Mental health is Baillie. Etienne spoke of his extremely difficult to define turbulent journey to winning as people’s experiences are the Olympics, which was varied. However, there was marred with many setbacks. a common thread that ran He eloquently and inspiringly through most of my studies in talked about Mindfulness and preparation for this week and Mental Skills Coaching and that was…there still remains a the importance of having a stigma over mental health and strong mind for high level people still suffer in silence. performance. He described With this in mind we decided how a strong mind can be to turn the idea of mental developed using meditation health on its head and look and mindfulness to focus in at putting together a series on the ‘present’ and redirect of activities to promote ones attention from anxieties mental wellness and mental and distracting thoughts. health awareness. He spoke about Dr Peters, The week started with the author of The Chimp the first of two Technical, Paradox. This book explains Entertainment and Design that the mind is made up of (TED) Talks. Personnel three things; two of which watched a comical and are human and are fuelled cleverly constructed clip given by logical thinking, and the by Ruby Wax – ‘What’s so third is your chimp, which is funny about mental illness?’, fuelled by pure emotion that followed by Kelly McGonigal can hijack situations. Etienne discussing – ‘How to make describes how we need to stress your friend’. look after our chimps because onetoone 9

force that rests following and joint 3rd - Sophie Morris operations (PODL) and you and George James. rest your muscles after sport The Mental Health and exercise. When do you Awareness week culminated rest your brain having dealt in the Station’s Mind, with the daily stressors of life? Body and Soul Day which The brain is also a muscle that incorporated the Learning needs resting. Meditation can and Development Fair, the change your brain to help your Health and Wellbeing Fair body respond well to stress and the Refreshers Fair. and it also works wonders for Physical Education Flight depression, anxiety and PTSD. arranged the Refreshers Fair Several personnel enjoyed where 16 clubs showcased Meditation during the Mental their individual sporting areas Health Awareness week, and achievements. The day including Lady Elaine Hillier. culminated in a School Sports I was asked if it could be a competition; 7 teams from regular occurrence – are different sections competed you interested? in a 3-legged, sack and egg outside agencies (solicitors, The Wellbeing Walk was (water balloon) and spoon financial advisors, KIDs, SLI365 popular with Civil Servants. races. Ground Engineering insurance, Leisure not talked to anyone about A gentle stroll into Tattershall Flight was victorious and won Park) offered their services. his stress and she described and along the canal the competition. The Learning and how the stress-related issues proved extremely therapeutic The Health and Development Fair was impacted on their lives for people as they walked and Wellbeing Fair was very equally as successful with when he left the Service. It is talked about a myriad of issues successful. The Dental Centre many colleges and universities important to break down the from work dilemmas, family life and Medical Centre offered offering further education mental health stigma and talk, and personal challenges. advice on dental hygiene opportunities for whole the Coningsby Welfare Team The wider RAF and blood pressure. Boston force personnel. are always ready to listen and community also got involved College provided an array This extraordinary week provide that valuable support. in a ‘Happiness’ competition of discounted massage and was made extra special with The Happiness Course £500 being raised for MIND, was run by the Station Padres the mental health charity. The and it focused on the meaning money was raised from bucket of happiness, forgiveness, donations and the kind- gratitude, relationships and hearted volunteers who baked success. The Happiness cakes that were sold with the Course gave the attendees support of Catering Flight. the opportunity to develop Thank you to all personnel their life’s priorities and in a who bought a piece of cake safe place explore very tough and donated to such a issues. When asked what they worthy cause. learned most from the course, Should you need to, two quoted: please visit the Big White “I have the ability the Wall for support with mental change things to achieve Lady Elaine Hillier viewing the children’s Happiness competition. health. Remember to talk different outcomes in my life.” and talk some more and then “The course has re- which saw the Station Youth beauty therapies. Various work towards creating internal affirmed how important my Club, St Michael’s Primary local support agencies from happiness in the present so family is.” School and the RAF Coningsby RAFA, SSAFA and the British the future can take care Padre Chris would like Nursery and Kids Club create Legion provided advice of itself. to offer you the following pieces of art and poetry that and representatives from Sqn Ldr Rachael Turner advice ‘surround yourself with epitomised what ‘happiness’ people who make you laugh. meant to them. We had 67 Forget the bad, and focus on amazing entries from the the good. Love the people children and they were all who treat you right, pray for displayed on the Mind, Body the ones who don’t. Life is and Soul Day for the Whole too short to be anything but Force to see. We had a huge happy. Falling down is a part volume of votes to count. of life, getting back up is living’ The winners from St Michael’s (José N. Harris – author). School were: 1st – Elize Two further activities that Dawson, 2nd - Ali Saunby were run during the Mental and 3rd – Poppy Carter. Health Awareness Week were The winners from the RAF the Wellbeing Walk and Coningsby Nursery / Kid’s Club Meditation sessions. You are were: 1st – Olivia Cresswell, MIND Cheque presentation. part of a fit military fighting 2nd – Constantine Sallabanks 10 FEATURES ISSUE 3 2017 THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT SUMMER 2017 HAS BEEN EVEN BUSIER THAN USUAL FOR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT (BBMF). ON TOP OF THE DISPLAY SEASON, WE HELD A BIG CELEBRATION FOR OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY WHICH INCLUDED OUR PATRON, THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, MEETING MANY OF OUR WONDERFUL VETERANS.

o mark the anniversary, and Ken Wilkinson. (Sadly, the new ‘Thompson Ken passed away later this T Display’ has been used summer. OC BBMF said: this season. This features the “Ken was a larger-than- arrival of the Lancaster and life character and a fighter four fighters, followed by a pilot of whom we were unique four-ship sequence extremely fond. We are so with the fighters. This section pleased he came to the includes close formation, tail- BBMF’s 60th Anniversary on chasing and elements of the 11th July, where he met The synchronised display. It was Duke of Cambridge again and named after Wg Cdr (later Gp had his photo taken next to Capt) Peter Thompson DFC, Spitfire P7350, which has been who was the man responsible painted on the starboard side for setting up the Flight 60 with the code letters ‘QV-E’ years ago. to commemorate the 19 Sqn HRH The Duke of Cambridge chatting with the late Ken Wilkinson, The Lancaster is looking Spitfire that he flew during a WWII Spitfire pilot. wonderful after her ‘major’ the Battle of Britain. As the servicing at Duxford. Those Few become fewer, we are months that she was away proud and honoured to count seemed very long, but she him as a friend. He will not Meanwhile, it’s ‘Thank came back in fabulous be forgotten.”) Our Hurricane you’ to those who have left condition and is a welcome LF363 is similarly marked with or are about to leave at the sight back in the sky. the letters of Tom Neil and end of the season: Flt Lt To honour some of Paul Farnes, both Hurricane Anthony Parkinson, SAC(T) our veterans, several of our pilots in the Battle. Kris Shimmin, Cpl Carlos aircraft have been repainted Spitfire MK356 is now Broomhead and Angie Duarge. in the markings and colours painted to represent Spitfire of aircraft they flew. The Mk IXC EN152 ‘QJ-3’ which was “Lest We Forget” Lancaster has the colours of operated by No 92 Squadron 460 Squadron on the left- alongside the unit’s Mk Vs in hand side. Dave Fellowes, Tunisia in 1943. In its desert who was an air gunner with camouflage colour scheme, 460 Sqn, sadly passed away MK356 commemorates the early this summer, but he did hard-fought and ultimately get to see the new paintwork successful war in the deserts on a visit to Duxford during of North Africa, and honours maintenance. On the right are the heroic pilots and stoic 50 Squadron markings with ground crews of the Desert Air VN-T for Tommy. John Tait, Force and of 92 Squadron who was the wireless operator in particular. on this aircraft, is the last Aircraft colours and surviving member of this crew markings are not the only which was skippered new features this summer. by OC BBMF’s grandfather, Arrivals include Sqn Ldr Colin Doug Millikin. Bostrom (Navigator), Sqn Ldr This year, our Mk IIa Luke Waskett-Booth (SEngO), Spitfire P7350 bears the CT Tim Davies (Trg Stds), Cpls markings of two of the Chris Rooker and ‘Oscar’ Wild The ’s new nose markings. remaining Few; Geoff Wellum (engineering) and Helen Fearn. onetoone 11 Barrack News Post Office THE MILITARY FOUNDATION IS PROVIDED BY FORCES MUTUAL, WHICH IS PART OF THE POLICE Now open, MUTUAL GROUP. WE ARE A MUTUAL SOCIETY AND Mon - Sat 6 - 6pm Sun 6 - 4pm NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION. WE OPERATE AND THINK COMMERCIALLY, WHICH ENABLES US Cafe TO RETURN ALL SURPLUS FUNDS BACK TO OUR Now open MEMBERS – HM ARMED FORCES AND THE POLICE FORCE. Market Place, Tattershall 01526 348822

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Richard Sivill Gallery • Confidential, Independent Debt Counselling inc Tattershall Engraving • Financial Education and Debt Awareness Full framing service. Presentations Large selection of open • Preparation for Home Purchase and limited edition prints • Mortgage Affordability - How much could including aviation prints. you borrow? Passport ID Photos taken. • How to improve your Credit Score Full Engraving Service - • All Military Foundation Officers are trained and are Trophies, Hip Flasks, Tankards engraved to Members of the Institute of Money Advisers (MIMA) your specification • Squadron Crests etc. We are continually evaluating how we can “Improve • Ideal leaving gifts • Quick Turnaround Military Lives” and have already begun by: 4 High Street, Tattershall. • Pledging to honour the Armed Forces [email protected] 01526 345388 Corporate Covenant • Providing our fee FREE mortgage advice service • Supporting RAF personnel and their families on a 121 Catherine McMahon basis with their finances BSc (Hons) DOptom MASC • Installed nearly 200 FREE to use ATMs across the military David Hilton estate with over 3 million transactions, saving a potential BSc FCOptom of £4.9 million* (*based on a £1.75 charge to 2.8 NHS & Private patients welcome million transactions) Contact lens practitioners New, larger range of frames available Andrew Wain from the Military Foundation is available at RAF Digital retinal photography and field screening Coningsby every Thursday from 10:00 – 14:00 and is situated in the HIVE Complex. New partnership offers full Dyslexia assessments Details available on request: For further information and to book an appointment, call 16 Silver Street, Coningsby Andrew on; 07583 145 836. Alternatively, contact the HIVE on; 01526 344556 Mil: 95721 7868 | Civ: 01526 347868 Internal: CON- Email [email protected] BSWHiveHIO1 | External: [email protected] www.peeblesandhilton.co.uk © Inga Dudkina/shutterstock © Inga 12 FEATURES ISSUE 3 2017

PERSONNELPERSONNEL RECOVERYRECOVERY COURSESCOURSES

Sgt Hayley Sinclair – SNCO Tedworth House is a room, there are free Welfare beautiful 17th century country massages available to all www.justjillsalternativeremedies.co.uk As SNCO Welfare my role house located in Tidworth, and yoga sessions. Whilst I GILLIAN R ROBINSON HMD. DI.HOM. F.B.I.H. involves looking after the Wiltshire. Until it was turned was here, there was also an Homeopathic Practitioner welfare of all individuals on into a personal recovery centre engraving taster course, which station. There is so much job in 2011, the previous 115 years was fantastic. Alternative Remedies satisfaction within this role and it was used as the officers mess I would highly I have the opportunity to make for Tidworth barracks, before recommend this course to Health Food Shop a difference to those in difficult this it was privately owned. anyone being medically Postal Service Available situations or those affected by I was slightly sceptical discharged from the RAF, the 12 The Broadway, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire changes to their lives. One part about going on this course as information I have received Tel: Shop 01526 353 794 Home: 01526 353 417 of my role is looking after the I thought it would just be the by going on it has been so Email: [email protected] individuals that are on Long same as the Career Transition valuable to me. I will soon Term Sick or due to leaving the Workshops available to service be going on the two week RAF under Medical Discharge. leavers which I had already transition course at Tedworth As part of both of these done, but I was totally wrong. House, this is the follow Broken, leaking or blocked guttering processes I enrol individuals The first thing that struck on course from the week at your home or business? onto the Personnel Recovery me was how casual and un- foundation, so I’m eagerly Conservatory roof needing cleaning or fixing? Courses (PRC) to help with their military it was, there were only waiting for that to start now. Don’t know who to call? recovery to return to work 2/3 people on site in uniform, or transition into civilian life. which for people transitioning Fg Off Charlotte Preston - GUTTERCLEANSE My biggest struggle is to civvy street is perfect. OC MT CAN HELP! • Emergency call out convincing individuals to The structure of the As SAC Steve Daly`s line • Gutters cleaned and repaired attend these courses. course was very relaxed; manager and being a relatively • Yearly health checks of your guttering Personnel Recovery you would spend your time new Flt Cdr this was my • Conservatory Centres offer both residential switching between theory first encounter of a medical Full Public Liability Insurance accommodation and day lessons and some practical discharge of this nature. No job too small or too big facilities for soldiers during activities (wheelchair As part of the process I Call Dave their military recovery courses basketball and archery to name have a monthly meeting with 01529 410380 and activity programmes, a couple). Over the course Steve to discuss his progress, 07877 362941 as well as offering a rolling of the week we created an plans and goals for the future. I programme of recovery individual recovery plan using had a few meetings with Steve activities and respite. the HARD FACTS system which prior to attending his PRU They boast state of the art I found to be extremely helpful course at Tedworth House and gym facilities, and can also be for planning my future, we also having recently had a meeting used as a base to start other found out about all the outside with him after his course, the activities from - such as Battle agencies and charities that progression which he has Back courses, Graduated Return were there to help us. There are made is phenomenal. to Work programmes, work far more than you can imagine, It has been visible to his Hardware placements and mandatory ranging from lots of sporting friends and colleagues that Army training tests. charities, Sporting force, he has grown in confidence, DIY – Cookshop The five Personnel Mission Motorsport, to Help pride and that this course Recovery Centres are For Heroes (Band of Brothers), has given him direction and 1 High Street, in Catterick, Colchester, SSAFA, Veterans UK and RAFBF. understanding into the next Edinburgh, Tidworth and There are lots of visits steps he must take. , Lincs Sennelager (Germany). from these charities, so it’s From our discussions PE23 5JL One particular individual easy to arrange a one to one I would recommend these 01790 752548 that is due to leave the RAF meeting if required. courses to be attended as soon under Medical Discharge has The facilities at Tedworth as possible when a medical described his experience at are fantastic, it has a state discharge is faced, as the Tedworth House, Tidworth of the art gym, swimming difference it has made to Steve and how he was apprehensive facilities, sauna and steam is significant. about attending these courses.

SAC Steve Daly – MT VIVA PIZZA After being medically 29 Silver Street, Coningsby, LN4 4SG discharged I found out through 01526 344009 Sgt Sinclair about a few courses that were available to me. The OPENING HOURS first of these was a foundation Open 6 days a week, including bank holidays MONDAY - CLOSED career transition course, there TUES to SUN - 4.00pm to 11.00pm were numerous locations around the UK and Germany to DELIVERY SERVICE attend this, but I chose to go to AVAILABLE Tedworth House. FREE DELIVERY for orders over £8 Tedworth house. (Within a 3 mile radius) onetoone 13 14 FEATURES ISSUE 3 2017 WOMEN AT WAR 100 FOUR MEMBERS OF STATION CATERING FLIGHT ATTENDED THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN AT WAR 100 CEREMONY ON 7TH JULY 17. THE EVENT WAS TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY OF THE WOMEN’S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS (WAAC) - THE FIRST TIME WOMEN WERE FORMALLY FULLY ENROLLED IN THE ARMED FORCES.

eing held at the National all-female Tri Service military band in attendance that suddenly had Memorial Arboretum in marched on and gave us a couple twenty phones being thrown at B Staffordshire, Sgt Sarah of mood setting tunes before him with vague instructions on Barrow, SAC’s Lisa Howarth, Jess Rev’d Wg Cdr Ruth Hake began how to operate them. We even Murfin and LAC Nicole Short set the Drumhead Ceremony. got photo bombed by a veteran off early expecting the worst There were emotional in her wheelchair pretending to traffic and the dreaded question readings of war time letters, be a spitfire. A great ending to a en route, ‘are we there yet?’ We real life accounts from front very worthwhile event of which had neither. Arriving early gave us line personnel and a couple of we all agreed was a privilege to the opportunity to have a quiet hymns (no-one said anything be part of. walk around the grounds taking about singing!) After realising we Sgt Sarah Barrow in just some of the incredibly were not following in the vocal moving memorials. footsteps of Dame Vera Lynn, we As the tri service personnel toned our enthusiastic voices started to arrive, we saw all down to lip sync and re took our manner of uniforms, stripes and seats. The band concluded the pips, too many to salute. After a service with a rousing finale of a welcome cold drink and an air raid tune from each service which was style attack on the muffins and well received by the audience. A chocolate biscuit stand, we took reception followed with a lovely our seats ready for the ceremony. buffet lunch where past and Two hundred women sat outside present mingled, sharing stories on plastic chairs on very uneven and making new friends. An ground in No 1 uniform, it was a impromptu photo was organised sight to behold. As the sun came for all RAF personnel on the steps out, the beautiful programmes bringing us all together. It was Catering Flight at the Women at War 100 ceremony. came in use as hand fans. An taken by the only RAF male officer

WAW 100. onetoone 15 The Leagate Inn FOUR MEMBERS OF STATION CATERING FLIGHT ATTENDED THE ROYAL 16th century in locally BRITISH LEGION WOMEN AT WAR 100 CEREMONY ON 7TH JULY 17. THE sourced food all home cooked by our trained chefs. EVENT WAS TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY OF THE Come try our home-made burgers. WOMEN’S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS (WAAC) - THE FIRST TIME WOMEN Open all day Sundays

WERE FORMALLY FULLY ENROLLED IN THE ARMED FORCES. Luxury en-suite accommodation at 16th Century Inn Little people eat free Mon-Friday 6-7pm A family run award winning traditional pub/restaurant, serving good home cooked food with a large selection of Wednesday night Steak Night 22oz t-bone, cask and keg ales (CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the 8oz fillet or 10oz sirloin last nine consecutive years) 3.5 miles from Coningsby. £17.95 incl drink Families, children and dogs welcome. The bar has an open coal fire ensuring a warm friendly convivial MON- SAT 12 - 2 & 6 - 9 atmosphere in which to enjoy your meal with friend, SUN ALL DAY family or that special person. Free Wi-Fi available. Food is served Tuesday to Sunday between noon and 2pm and 6pm - 9pm Sunday Lunch available noon - 2pm The Leagate Inn, Leagate Road, All year round a great place to eat and drink! Coningsby, Lincolnshire LN4 4RS (Always advisable to book - Telephone 01526 354560) SEE US ON THE TRIP ADVISER T: +44 (0) 1526 342370 F: +44 (0) 1526 345468 www.ebringtonarms.com 1616 FEATURES/CHARITYSQUADRON NEWS ISSUE ISSUE 1 3 2017 2017 JUNIOR RANKS FESTIVAL A GREAT EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT IN THE FORM OF A FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE JUNIOR RANKS COMMITTEE WITH HELP FROM ISS.

T provided the stage, DJ Bryntings provided interim GEF the electrical sets between acts and finished IT’S BEEN A BUSY FEW MONTHS FOR RAF Mextensions, RAF with a half hour set of house Police the electrical sockets classics to end the evening. CONINGSBY THRIFT SHOP, WITH A TRIAL and various volunteers from Apologies to anyone OF OPENING DURING THE SUMMER around the station worked the disturbed by the noise, it was evening which meant that the a rare outdoor event that was HOLIDAY PERIOD. Junior Ranks Committee could enjoyed by a lot people. actually enjoy an event they had A big thank you to all who s the Thrift Shop is run disabled and infirm of all organised! A huge thank you to attended (160+), it was good to entirely by volunteers, ages in the Coningsby and all of the above and apologies if I see so many faces from so many A it usually has to close Tattershall area. have missed anyone out. sections! Please keep coming over the summer months with As always, The Thrift Shop The evening’s entertainment to the Junior Ranks & Live Music many volunteers having other is on the lookout for keen started with Ste Johnson playing Club events as without YOUR commitments. However this year, volunteers who can spare a few an enjoyable acoustic set on support, they would soon fold. we decided to open on Tuesday hours a week to work in the shop, his guitar. Second on the billing junior Ranks events are organised evenings from 1800-2000hrs. so if you feel this is something was the Live Music Club’s ‘PLAY’ with you in mind, so if you have I am pleased to say that this was a you would like to get involved in as they completed their first gig any ideas, join or contact the great success! please feel free to contact: Flt Lt together (though you would Junior Ranks Committee. The Thrift Shop chose 3 McGinn on 01526 347319. never have guessed from the If you require ‘Hammer Monkey’ charities for this period, The standard and set list played). or ‘PLAY’ to perform a function Alternative Animal Sanctuary, The Hedders delivered his customary at favourable rates or if you play Butterfly Hospice in Boston and high energy performance with an instrument or sing and fancy Coningsby Helping Hands. his acoustic guitar and loop starting/joining a band, please The Alternative Animal pedal and last on the billing was contact the Live Music Club via Sanctuary provide much the Live Music Club’s ‘Hammer MOSS as far in advance needed care for abandoned and Monkey’ whose set encouraged as possible. unwanted animals at Rd. a lot of singing and dancing from Junior Ranks Committee/Live The Butterfly Hospice, based those at the front of the stage. Music Club in Boston, provides palliative care and holistic support to patients and their families, working in partnership with local health providers and local community. Coningsby Helping Hands The Animal Sanctuary. provides equipment to the

Hedders.

Hammer Monkey. Coningsby Helping Hands. onetoone 17 18 PEOPLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS ISSUE 3 2017 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

Station Commander’s Award - Sgt Paul Satterthwaite. Station Excellence - Flt Lt Jim Peterson.

Support to Local Community - Cpl Mike Bradshaw. Whole Force Advocate - Sqn Ldr Anthony Martin.

Supporting Station Output - Typhoon Training Facility Team. Station Ambassador - SAC(T) Jack Ryder. onetoone 19

Airman of the Year - SAC Michael Brown. Contibution to Station Sport - SAC Alex Newton.

Contribution to Charity - Sgt David Nutland. Improving Station Life - Mrs Julie Sandiford.

Annual Award Winners 2017. 2020 YOUTHPEOPLE ISSUEAND ACHIEVEMENTS3 2017 AND YOUTH ISSUE 3 2017 3(F) SQN TYPHOON ENTENTE CORDIALE TRUST (TECT)

ON FRIDAY 16TH JUNE, SIX MEMBERS OF 3(F) SQN DEPARTED RAF CONINGSBY IN SUPPORT OF THE TYPHOON ENTENTE CORDIALE TRUST (TECT) COMMEMORATIONS AT NOYES BOCAGE, NORMANDY.

ECT was created with the on the , and was intention of preserving a true inspiration to us all. T the history and memory After a reasonably heavy of the former Hawker Typhoon night on soft drinks at the local squadrons and to develop karaoke bar, the Coningsby the links with the then new members set-off for the Sunday squadrons. church service, taking place at The organisation currently Noyes Bocage, just west of Caen. consists of WWII Typhoon The service was attended by veterans and their families, along former and current members with serving RAF personnel and of the RAF, along with many wider Typhoon supporters. veterans’ family members and On the Saturday, the people from the local community. Coningsby team visited the small The poignant formalities were beach town of Arromanches-les- concluded when wreaths were Bains, made famous for its pivotal laid at the Typhoon Memorial, part in the Normandy landings. which contains the names of the This is because of the artificial 151 Typhoon pilots who gave port that the Allies constructed their lives during the liberation there in June 1944. The party of Normandy. visited the Arromanches360 After a small garden party cinema, which on nine HD hosted by the local mayor, it was screens, continually plays a film unfortunately time for the team comprising archive footage of to start their journey back to the whole story of the 100-day Lincolnshire. We had been part of Battle of Normandy. Everybody a truly humbling, yet enjoyable in the group found the footage weekend supporting and incredibly moving and powerful, maintaining the bond with TECT. revisiting the cinema repeatedly, Further information on TECT can viewing different parts of the film be found at the following link: on each occasion. http://www.tect.org.uk/index.htm From Arromanches the group travelled to Pegasus Bridge for more force development, before returning to Caen to meet up with the TECT party that had travelled over for the weekend. That evening, the team was privileged to meet with the former Hawker Typhoon pilot, Flying Officer Bernard Gardiner. His stories of nights on his favourite drink ‘black velvet’ and the still ever so vivid accounts of flying the aircraft during the war were all truly remarkable to hear. Flying Officer Gardiner flew 70 missions with 257 and 193 Squadrons, amassing 174 hours onetoone 21 (CONINGSBY) NO17 SQN ATC IT HAS BEEN A BUSY TIME AT 17 SQN RECENTLY. WE HAVE HAD OUR AWARDS AND TROPHIES PRESENTATION EVENING, PRESENTED BY WG CDR CLAIRE O’GRADY, WHO SAID, “IT WAS A TREMENDOUS HONOUR TO PRESENT AWARDS TO THE CADETS. he evening recognised they met and mixed with the their individual talents veterans. FS Christopher Sykes T and hard work over the recorded his thoughts from past year. To see these efforts the event. rewarded in front of family and “The most close to home friends was fantastic. All of the moment of the entire event was cadets can be justifiably proud towards the end where HRH of all of their achievements. Well spoke to one veteran and asked, done to all! “So were you 18 when you joined In addition to the regular the Air Force?” to which the awards, CWO Robert Davies gentleman replied with “Near who has been on the Squadron enough” and laughed it off with from February 2012 until June a smile. I had known previously 2017 and is leaving us due to his that men had lied about their age parents moving, was presented so they could go and fight but in with a special print to remember this case, it sunk in and it sunk us by. We wish him all the best in two ways. Firstly, the way this for the future as he has now gentleman just laughed it off and transferred to 2379 (Dawley) Sqn. wanted no attention or praise A recent high point of for for it he did it to serve his country the cadets of 17 (Coningsby) and wanted nothing specifically 17 Sqn with Carol Vorderman. Sqn was the 60th anniversary in return. The second way it sunk of the Battle of Britain Memorial in is I am now the age he would the emotions he would have felt moment they were just doing a Flight which was attended by have been when he went to a war in that cockpit flying at not only job, they had been given a task The Duke of Cambridge, veterans zone; a war zone where the future high speeds and altitudes but and they completed it. of the Second World War, along of Europe depended on young while other aircraft are trying to Talking to the carers that with Air Cadets ambassador men, flying a warplane with the pluck you out of the sky for good. accompanied them however the Carol Vorderman and actor aim of fighting. He was prepared A common theme I found image changed. While most the Martin Shaw. Our cadets helped to make the ultimate sacrifice at amongst the veterans is how time they remember the friends, out throughout the event. In an age where I almost take the in the moment they weren’t they fought with and the work between their duties it meant fact that I will be here tomorrow necessarily afraid to be that in they did to save the UK and they had a front row view of the for granted. I cannot imagine the the belly of a Lancaster bomber Europe, some of the gentlemen air display. In addition to that things he would have seen and or the cockpit of a spitfire, in the can suffer from loneliness and sometimes remember some parts of war they will never be able to forget. In an age that often fails to remember the work they did it is even more important that we listen to them and put on events like the BBMF 60th so that they can have the company of their friends and share the parts of their stories that no fiction book can ever beat.” The Corps is open to all young people between 12 and 17 and provides a wide range of activities. We are continually looking to recruit not only young people but adult volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more please call on 07928 214981 Presentation Evening. or email [email protected] 22 3(F) SQN AND XI(F) SQN AND 29 (R) SQN ISSUE 3 2017 3(F) SQN XI(F) SQN WELL IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER BUSY PERIOD ON AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE, 3(F) SQN CAN LOOK CONINGSBY’S FINEST TYPHOON SQUADRON WITH THE FORWARD TO A PERIOD OF RELATIVE CALM. THE VAST END OF AN OPERATIONAL DETACHMENT AND THE MAJORITY OF THE SQN WILL BE AT HOME, GIVING START OF A WORK UP TOWARDS THE SQUADRON’S OUR ENGINEERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THE JETS NEXT MAJOR EXERCISE. THE TLC THEY REQUIRE BEFORE RESUMING A FULL fter returning from efforts on XI and good luck at FLYING PROGRAMME. OUR PILOTS WILL GRATEFULLY overseas the squadron Brize Norton. REAP THE REWARDS OF MORE FLYING IN THE A has shifted its focus to As we say goodbye to those FADING SUNSHINE. the air to air environment and departing we also say hello to away from the air to ground some new faces. Replacing Kat as hile the autumn calm in Romania to witness QRA environment. In order to achieve the Sqn Into is Fg Off Rich Nott will be a welcome operations over the Black Sea. this shift the squadron has been who arrives from Chicksands. W respite for many, Op They left suitably impressed by working closely with its frontline Alongside Rich we say hello to BILOXI will be remembered what 135 EAW and 3(F) Sqn sister squadron at Coningsby. Flt Lt Si Cook and also to Flt Lt fondly. Home cooked meals have been able to achieve, This partnership has allowed Si Phillips who replaces Andy will particularly be appreciated. in what for us was a relatively both squadrons to maximise their Wood as one of our Engineering Although tasty, a diet based austere location. output in order to achieve greater Officers. As well as these, we on US Army beef burgers and Working side by side with success in Combat Ready Work also welcome some new arrivals chocolate milk is not so good our Romanian counterparts has Ups, Pairs Lead Work Ups, and at home with Wg Cdr Peterson for the waist line. A summer in been a wonderfully enjoyable Fours Lead Work Ups. Without this and Flt Lt Wales both welcoming Romania was extremely fruitful challenge. Integrating our joint effort both squadrons would new babies. On behalf of all the for 3(F) Sqn. Multinational differing cultures and ways of have struggled to achieve the squadron welcome to XI(F) Sqn. exercises in Hungary and Bulgaria working proved to be beneficial high end tactical flying which is As we look towards the saw pilots pit their skills against to all. We look forward to working required to test and train future it is definitely a busy traditional foes such as the with our new friends again in our pilots, engineers, and time ahead for XI. Later this Russian made, MiG 29 Fulcrum. the future. support staff. year we will be deploying to Al This was a welcome change from Back at the home plate, On the domestic side of Dhafra AB in the United Arab routine training missions over business has turned to the Sqn’s things we have said goodbye Emirates in order to participate the North Sea. The Bucharest air work up towards high readiness. to another two pilots, the in Ex ATLC. This exercise will see show was a great opportunity Air to Air disciplines will be Sqn Intelligence Officer and the squadron work alongside to impress the Romanian public honed and refined in increasingly one of our Junior Engineering numerous other nations in one of and a perfect occasion for Brett intense and complex missions. Officers. Wg Cdr John Cockroft the most demanding large force to ‘spin dits’. Flypasts in various This will allow 3(F) Sqn to be well leaves XI on promotion after exercises in the world. In order to locations around Romania have placed Sqn to deploy should the four successful years and will ensure the squadron is ready for ensured that 3(F) Sqn has made need arise. Routine deployments be utilising the tactical and the exercise it takes a lot of hard its presence known. will continue, with both operational lessons he has work from every department Naturally the presence engineers and pilots rotating to learnt on XI in order to improve of XI and also around the wider of Typhoon in eastern Europe the Falklands as well as a lucky UK synthetic training. JC, it has station. As always, your continued attracts a great deal of attention. few deploying with other Sqns been a pleasure working with support to XI is very much Notable guests to 3(F) Sqn’s from across the Typhoon Force. you and we wish you and Jenny appreciated and welcomed. temporary home in Mihail As is always the case, all the best for the future and Flt Lt Patrick Kershaw Kogălniceanu have been Air autumn will be a busy period. look forwards to seeing you Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, However it should prove to be soon. Also leaving us is Flt Lt Chief of the Defence Staff and a valuable time driving 3(F) Sqn Bobby Neaum who is departing Sir Michael Fallon, Secretary of forward to high readiness. Coningsby with four different State for Defence. Both arrived Flt Lt Brian Withington coloured pens in order to take up instructional duties on IV(R) Sqn at RAF Valley. Bobby, congratulations on an excellent tour and good luck to you and Noelle on your move to North Wales. From the engineering team we’ve said goodbye to Flt Lt Andy Wood who has moved to OACTU at RAF Cranwell where he will instruct the next generation of officers. Andy, thank you for your hard work. Finally, we have said goodbye to our Squadron Intelligence Officer Flt Lt Kat Flt Lt Bobby Neaum after his Prictor. Kat, thank you for your final XI(F) Sqn flight. onetoone 23 29(R) SQN THE RELENTLESS PACE OF LIFE CONTINUES ON THE RAF’S LARGEST FAST JET SQUADRON.

hese last few months with “proper” water ingress have seen another two into fighter jets, whilst Zane T courses of UK students got to tell everyone he met graduate from the Operational that he used to fly Harriers, Conversion course, along with before he was in The the first course of Omani’s Red Arrows … instructors who have spent a The entire Squadron year learning how to instruct also recently got together pilots to operate Typhoon, in for a great day of Force a foreign language! Another Development organised Qualified Weapons Instructor by a small handful of our Course (QWIC) is in full swing engineers. Despite the “Pub and the Typhoon Display team Sports” theme, the majority have already provided over 30 of the Squadron did actually flying displays across the UK participate in some fairly and overseas. strenuous activities ranging It’s not been all work and from 18 holes of golf in the no play however, as the British driving rain, an enthusiastic Summer has provided plenty game of football and a of chances for members of the fantastic afternoon of go- Squadron to get out and enjoy karting at one of the premier some personal development tracks in the country. The opportunities. Our resident annual Squadron cricket US Navy exchange officer match is also due in the next arranged a visit to the USS couple of months and the George Bush aircraft carrier, pilots will be hoping to avoid which was docked in the a hat trick of losses to the Solent for the weekend. This formidable engineering team! gave SEngO the opportunity Impiger et Acer. to see how the US Navy deal Flt Lt Ryan Lawton

Onboard USS George Bush.

Typhoon being marshalled at Newcastle airport. 24 41(R) TES AND SPORT ISSUE 3 2017 41(R) TES BEING THE HEALTH AND FAMILY ORIENTED SQUADRON THAT WE ARE, NINETEEN MEMBERS OF 41(R) TES SET OFF TO NORTHERN FRANCE IN JUNE ON AN FD TRIP TO COMMEMORATE THE INCREDIBLE FEATS OF WW1, WHILE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK TO APPRECIATE 41 SQN’S SPECIFIC CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR

EFFORT AND THE BATTLE HONOURS ACHIEVED BETWEEN 1914 Per Ardua Ad Astra. AND 1918.

ravelling via ferry to a great opportunity to broaden limits. So far, he has raised £830 and funds for The Sick Dunkirk, sqn personnel our knowledge of air power and through his Just Giving page, Children’s Trust. T spent the first day visiting history, but it was a fantastic 83% of his £1000 target. It was If anyone would like to the St Omer Aerodrome and way to bond as a squadron and a tremendous and selfless effort donate to either Phil or Craig’s the RAF Memorial at Arras – the appreciate the unique friendships by the lads; Jo decided to take chosen charities, please visit the spiritual birthplace of 41 Sqn. forged through being a part of it easy with a mere 40 miles but below pages at: The next two days were spent something much greater than the did manage a bit more on day 2 www.justgiving.com cycling between stands. With the sum of its parts. to jog the last few miles in with SANE: search for Philip Grantham sun shining and only the odd A focus on good health Craig. While most of the team are – Grim Reaper Ultra Marathon innocuous tumble or attack by came again via an incredible quite happy to say never again, BLISS: search for Craig Blackburn - a frenzied dachshund, it was a challenge undertaken by Sgt Phil Phil is already contemplating his Grim Reaper Ultra Marathon fitting and exhilarating way to Grantham, SAC (T) Callum Lee, next ultra-running challenge in soak up the post war battlefields. SAC (T) Craig Blackburn and Flt Lt order to raise awareness Flt Lt Jo Murray From Notre-Dame de Lorette and Jo Murray. Phil and Callum ran a the serene Ring of Remembrance, staggering 100 miles in under 25 Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, hours, finishing an amazing 2nd the vast Thiepval Memorial, the and 4th overall respectively. Phil mind boggling Lochnager Crater, ran each mile to raise awareness Cambrai Memorial, the Lens Great of mental health, raising over War Museum and the pristine £2026 (with a target of £2500) Messines Ridge British Cemetery, in the process for registered a mix of juniors and seniors mental illness charity, SANE, and delivered an air power focused becoming a ‘Star Fundraiser’. analysis at each. All took time to Craig, whose own baby was reflect on the sacrifices made born 3 months premature, ran a by so many and appreciate the whopping 70 miles for ‘Bliss’ – a relative stability, peace and good registered charity for premature health enjoyed by our generation. and sick babies. Awestruck by his The final day heralded the awe own experience of the incredible inspiring Menin Gate in Ypres and care given to sick babies in a tour of the poignant Flanders intensive care, Craig pushed Grim Reaper Ultra Marathon. Field Museum. Not only was this himself to his mental and physical

RAF Memorial at Arras. onetoone 25 UP FOR A TUG TUG OF WAR (TOW) IS NOT JUST PULLING ON A ROPE LIKE MOST PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK; IT’S ACTUALLY A VERY STRENUOUS SPORT THAT REQUIRES A PARTICULAR TECHNIQUE Final league event at RNAS Yeovilton. TO IT.

he technique involves All competitors in the mainly using your legs military are from different trades, T and core to move and pull ranks and backgrounds. We are together with the rest of the team a very friendly and welcoming rather than using your arms and team to everyone who wants to your hands which are mainly used be involved. As when we’re on the for holding the rope. rope we are all on the same team Teams consist of 8 people and because of this we all have and are divided into different the same desire to fight Gunners Pull Larkhill. weight categories. The categories to win. for men are 600kg, 640kg and No matter the result and 680kg. There is also a catch how difficult the competition is, weight (which has no weight we all walk away with our heads limit), the ladies categories are held high with pride and knowing 520kg and 560kg. Along with the that we gave it 100% on the rope. male and female teams there is Although we like to win, we love also a mixed 4x4 team at 600kg, working together as a team even which is 4 female and 4 male more and improving every time meaning all competitors are but most importantly enjoying varied in weight. every minute of TOW on and off It is not considered a huge the rope. sport within athletics, however The ladies performances during the past year it has in RAF TOW has allowed SAC’s Blandford league event. become increasingly recognised, Kayleigh McConachie and Kaley especially within the Ladies Dudley both MT drivers from RAF categories. This time last year Coningsby, the opportunity to there was no RAF Ladies team for represent their countries. Kayleigh TOW, however due to the rise in McConachie has already achieved popularity we now have enough a gold medal with Scotland TOW participants to enter in two in the Nationals. This is a fantastic different weight categories. achievement that is going to The RAF Ladies team is allow Kayleigh becoming stronger as each to keep representing both teams competition passes, resulting in competitions and opens in medals being won in most many more opportunities within of the competitions we have TOW for the RAF and for her participated in. Our biggest national team. success for the season was One of these opportunities finishing 2nd in the league, is to represent her national team Ladies team at RNAS Yeovilton for League final. resulting in a silver medal. We yet again in Scotland for the UK can put our success down to Championships in August. Kaley our dedication in training, our Dudley has also represented aggression and team work on her country before; resulting in the field. a bronze medal with After much power and TOW. An achievement not to be determination the ladies also overlooked after winning it at her picked up silver medals in the first time representing England. Inter Services competition, Kaley has now started attending coming second to the Army. regular training sessions with the The men however won the national team in preparation for Gold medal in the Inter Services future competitions. competition the 680kg team for the first time in 23 years. SAC Kayleigh McConachie Inter Services at HMS Temeraire. The Animal Sanctuary. 26 BASE SUPPORT WING ISSUE 3 2017

Padre James

FOOD FOR THE SOUL, HEALTH AND WEALTH OF LOVE WINSTON CHURCHILL’S LIFE MIGHT EASILY BE SEEN AS ONE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS. HE CAME BACK FROM POLITICAL WILDERNESS TO LEAD BRITAIN THROUGH WORLD WAR II, HE WON A NOBEL PRIZE FOR HIS WRITING AND HE WAS THE FIRST PERSON EVER TO BE MADE AN HONORARY CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.

t might have been difficult I completed a BA Honours for some to pick a crowning degree in Theology/Philosophy I glory from a life like that, but and History at Newman Churchill had his priorities right. University in Birmingham and “My most brilliant completed a post graduate achievement,” he once said, “was degree at the Catholic University my ability to be able to persuade Leuven, Belgium, before I was my wife to marry me.” ordained a Catholic Priest Loving and being loved are in 2003. Dry Cleaners surely the greatest achievements I worked in the parishes of Our staff are trained in all aspects of in anybody’s life – and Churchill Sutton Coldfield, Small Heath, dry cleaning and stain removal. Our Dolphin Lane, Boston shop is fully equipped knew it! and then my own parish from to deal with a full range of services, a list of which is below. We reward ourselves with a 2007 in Wolverhampton and quality service and take pride in our work. We offer a full range of services including: An introduction… Catholic later Stafford and Oxford. As • Dry Cleaning • Ironing Service • Wedding Dress • Repairs and Padre – Fr James Mealy well as serving as Parish Priest, Cleaning and Alterations Boxing Service • Duvets Cleaning Hi, I am delighted to be Chair of Governors at Primary • Evening Dresses & • Collection and Ball Gown cleaning Delivery joining the Chaplaincy Team and Secondary schools, Prison • Curtain and Soft (Contact us for details) at RAF Coningsby. I hail from Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain Furnishing Cleaning Birmingham, the youngest of 5 and Social Club Director and 10% off for all RAF Customers 24 Dolphin Lane, Boston, children. My Irish parents who Licensee. But RAF Chaplaincy Lincolnshire, PE21 6EU emigrated to Britain in the 1960s, kept coming back into my Tel : 01205 354229 were publicans and I had an mind and I knew I had to do it. amazing childhood, growing up Approaching 40, I had to work in various pubs in and around really hard to get fit and stay Alan Tittershill the city. fit!!! My vocation to RAF ministry Gas Services Engineer To advertise in Those that remember was so powerful that I was the next issue of me from home, are always determined to succeed and pass Natural Gas, quite amazed that the amateur every test. LPG and Oil this publication, boxing champion and rugby I sincerely look forward to Appliances, player is now a Priest! But there ministering at RAF Coningsby Landlord Safety please contact was a powerful vocation to the and I look forward to meeting Certificates, Jo priesthood developing within you all. Finally, truly, be assured Install, Service, me, from as young as when of my prayers for each and Repair, System I was about 4 or 5 years old. I everyone of you, I will pray for Power Flushing, completed my A Levels and you at Holy Mass every day. Heating & Tel: started Seminary (priest training Many blessings and every Plumbing 01536 526674 college), St Mary’s College, kind wish. 26376 Maintenance 303251 Oscott in Birmingham. Padre James Mealy Business Mobile: 07908 961155 Email: Home Number: 01526 343598 [email protected] onetoone 27

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF FORWARD ENGINEERING SQUADRON “ENGINEERING DIVERSITY AT ITS BEST”

Survival Equipment Specialist preparing Aircraft Technicians Survival Equipment Specialist maintaining a an Ejection Seat Parachute for packing maintaining an EJ200 Typhoon Engine Typhoon pilot’s ‘HMSS’ Helmet

RAF Photographer carrying out General Engineering Technician engineering photography OC FES welding aircraft components

General Engineering Technician Survival Equipment Specialist conducting ‘on-man TMEC staff preparing equipment maintaining the runway arrestor cable testing’ of Aircrew Equipment Assemblies for deployment

Armament Technician maintaining an SA80 Assault Rifle Armament Technicians preparing a Paveway 4 Laser Guided Weapon

“Forward Engineering Squadron (FES) is a shining example of ‘Whole Force Concept’ at squadron level. FES is a diverse mix of engineering specialists, civilian and military, regular and reserve, working together to support the RAF Coningsby Mission. Whether maintaining Survival Equipment to protect our valuable aircrew, preparing explosive ordnance or engines for our aircraft, maintaining and repairing Airfield Support Equipment, repairing vital airfield support vehicles, supplying critical engineering test equipment, maintaining and supplying Small Arms for Force Protection, or capturing RAF life though the eye of a lens, we are involved in literally every aspect of RAF Coningsby’s day. FES is truly engineering diversity at its best. Great environment, great people, great Squadron!” Sqn Ldr Wilf Martin, Officer Commanding Forward Engineering Squadron. 3030 OPERATIONS WING ISSUEISSUE 33 20172017

‘VISIT ATC DAY’ BBMF PR TEAM ON 9TH/10TH MAY RAF CONINGSBY THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT HOSTED A STATION LIAISON VISIT INVITING (BBMF) PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM ARE GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS AND STUDENT COMING TO THE END OF AN INCREDIBLY BUSY PILOTS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL. SEASON AFTER ATTENDING OVER 22 EVENTS THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR, OUR BUSIEST YET! he aim was to engage itinerary included visits to other with the pilots to improve sections of RAF Coningsby, e have travelled to At each air show there are T awareness of RAF including the chance to be Plymouth, Eastbourne, between 2 and 10 volunteers Coningsby’s operations; which in ‘up close’ to a Typhoon and ask W Bournemouth, RIAT and working long days. Each event turn improves flight safety and questions of a Typhoon pilot. Sunderland to name but a few. can span from half a day to 4 days. mutual understanding between All of which broadened the We are a team of like- We hand out posters and leaflets pilots and controllers. pilots’ perspective of the local minded enthusiasts of all ranks, detailing information about BBMF When the initial invitations military role. from RAF Coningsby and various including the aircraft, aircrew and were posted it was expected that As the day was brought to other camps around the RAF, engineering staff and talk to lots of the visits would occur on a single a conclusion it was agreed that who volunteer to promote the people about BBMF. Also, there are day. However, the demand was so it had been a very worthwhile work of the BBMF. We all share a plenty of ‘gizzits’ available which high, it was agreed that a second experience for all parties; the passion for the BBMF and what are popular amongst kids and day could take place. Both days pilots had an increased awareness it represents. This year the BBMF adults alike! had a full programme of events on how best to conduct flights PR team fielded its biggest pool We get the opportunity beginning with introductions within the vicinity of RAF of volunteers which has allowed to meet some very interesting from Officer Commanding Coningsby and the controllers an us to attend a number of extra members of the public and also Operations Wing and the Senior insight into the needs of those events throughout the year. many incredible veterans who Air Traffic Control Officer. The pilots. One of the visitors’ quoted Our purpose is to engage attend the shows. All are happy to visitors were given an in depth “A really fascinating behind-the- with the public at events and air share their stories with us and we brief on generic and local air scenes tour. An insight into a shows during the display season. always walk away from each event traffic control procedures and world rarely seen, but occupied The team spreads the word of more informed than the last. encouraged to call Coningsby by people I’ll now be more the work BBMF carry out and to We are extremely honoured Radar when flying in the vicinity. comfortable speaking on my help commemorate all those to be a small part of a very The brief was followed by a radio to”. who sacrificed so much for our special memorial to those who tour of Air Traffic Control where Due to the success of these country. It is also an opportunity have served and sacrificed so the pilots were able to see staff visits it is hoped that further to engage with the younger much as part of the RAF. Each carrying out their day to day tasks engagement/liaison visits will generation to inform them of the member of the team is proud and learn about the equipment take place in the future. RAF’s history and to promote an to play their part. The team is a that is used. interest in today’s modern RAF. As warm and welcoming group that A presentation on ‘Military Sgt Richard Eggleton the permanent staff of BBMF are is considered part of BBMF and Assistance to a Civilian Pilot’ was incredibly busy supporting the we are regularly included in the given detailing an emergency aircraft of the Flight at airfields far Flight’s activities. incident that was brought to from the actual display area, it is If you are interested in a safe conclusion by military not possible for them to work at joining us, contact C/T Johnson/ personnel and confirming that the main air show ground event. Cpl Paddy Graham on x7652/6570. military controllers will always That is where the PR Team come provide the best service they can in to assist by volunteering our “Lest We Forget.” to everyone. This presentation time for this prestigious duty. Cpl Paddy Graham also highlighted that had the pilot not been speaking to ATC, the outcome could have been BBMF PR Team & Supporters. very different. The afternoon onetoone 31 A GLIMPSE INTO FORECASTING FOR THE DISPLAY TEAMS... THE AUTUMN SEASON IS UPON US, ALTHOUGH AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS SUMMER HAS CERTAINLY TAKEN A BREAK WITH UNSETTLED WEATHER AND RAIN BEING COMMON PLACE. he reason being the rain over the north-east of the front just holding to the north no real way around the front jet stream is taking an UK from Saturday morning of Sunderland for the scheduled sitting across the country, the T unseasonal dip south, onwards. The Friday evening display. Taking this into account, Scotland National display to the resulting in cooler air being display went ahead without any BBMF were able to switch north was going to have to be pulled in from the north and issues however BBMF, instead plans and perform a handful of cancelled. This information was a continuous procession of of stopping over at Sunderland smaller displays/flyovers locally relayed to the pilots by Op Met frontal systems feeding off of (for fear of getting pinned in by where the weather was much Emily Hall at the morning brief. the Atlantic. the weather) chose to return to better. Meanwhile Ryan Lawton Once briefed the Typhoon with At RAF Coningsby it base. On Saturday morning, it in the display Typhoon, aided a scheduled later display was is the display season (May scrubbed as cloud lowered to through to October) that our 600-800ft alongside prolonged skills as meteorologists are rain; but in a turn of events it was possibly tested the most. The BBMF (opening the Sunderland BBMF aircraft in particular show) who managed to squeeze being much more susceptible in their display, the Lancaster, to the weather than typhoons Hurricane and Spitfire putting on are the trickiest to forecast a fantastic show and safely return for. For them crosswinds as to base. low as 10 knots along with Along with providing rain, low cloud, or poor 24/7 meteorological support visibilities at a venue can to squadrons here at base, we easily hamper a display. was Operational Meteorologist by flying instruments (so able have Coningsby staff deployed With a jam packed display Stuart Webster who delivered to fly through the thick frontal to Waddington and Marham programme dotted all across the morning briefing to BBMF. cloud) was one of a handful of and much further afield our the UK, we endeavour to keep After tracking the path of the aircraft that managed to perform very own Rosie Jones providing the teams regularly updated slow-moving front via satellite at Sunderland. Come Sunday support down in the Falklands, on the latest weather for their he advised that the weather was morning, the forecast remained with Jessica Crompton and Chris planned visits and where/ unlikely to improve to within unchanged, the front moving Burton heading out to Ascension when possible complications the BBMF flying limits by the slowly south was going to close and Falklands respectively later could occur. Unfortunately it afternoon but that on Sunday in on Sunderland just after the this year. does seem the case that all there remained a chance of the BBMF performance but with Janek Payne too frequently, the parts of the country where displays are planned for that weekend is where the weather is poorest meanwhile elsewhere in the UK is being treated to fantastic flying weather! Working closely with the teams we help them come to a decision on which displays are likely to work and which may be better avoiding due to poor weather, enabling them to make the most out of the weekends and complete as many displays as possible. One testing weekend was that of the 21st– 23rd July where both the Scotland National and Sunderland Airshows were pestered by a lingering occluded front (see chart) that continued to hold low cloud and prolonged 32 OPERATIONS ISSUE 3 2017 WING/PEOPLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS ISSUE 3 2017

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