ISSUE 22 Spring 2018

Standing side by side with the RAF Family for 100 years YOUR RAFBF NEWSLETTER COMMEMORATIVE RAF CENTENARY EDITION

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF COURAGE See what happened when our youngest supporter met one of our oldest veterans

INSIDE: Thank you for supporting 54,600 RAF Exclusive Interview RAF100 challenge With the Queen’s 100 marathons in Family members Colour Squadron tribute to 100 years THEN AND NOW A MESSAGE FROM OUR CONTROLLER spirits. This was a performance Alice was highly qualified for, having been WELCOME TO YOUR JOIN THE part of the chorus line at the famous Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. At first, CELEBRATION her Commanding Officer was reluctant SPECIAL RAF CENTENARY because he thought it would interfere with her official duties, but Alice reassured EDITION OF ONE HEART. Come along and him that she would perform her job during the day and dance in the evening. salute the RAF In this issue, we celebrate our role in 100 years of the Royal Air centenary at events “He was quite taken aback by that,” Force – and your role in supporting the RAF Family. across the UK from April Sheila says, “because the days were These pages are filled with charity, and I hope that as you read to September 2018. already long and tiring.” members of the RAF Family who these stories, you will feel proud to be Alice’s Commanding Officer gave her have dedicated themselves to the an important member of the team too. a weekend pass to return home and service of our country. In the RAF’s Quite simply, your generous gifts bring 16–20 May Alice served with the RAF for three collect her costumes, which her mother centenary year, it is my honour to hope and help to so many servicemen unforgettable years, and until recently National Aircraft Tour at Cardiff had made. One of Alice’s colleagues introduce their stories in this special and women. Thank you for caring, and her indomitable energy continued. Thank you so much City Hall Gardens also offered to play the piano for musical double-sized issue. thank you for being there. for the vital role you accompaniment. The show was ready “At 94, she was still going to Keep Fit and

play in supporting our 10 June to begin! Line Dancing. She did her garden by I am immensely proud and humbled herself and it looked lovely all year round.” RAF Family RAF Cosford to lead the RAF’s leading welfare “Mum absolutely loved Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE Last year, however, Alice had a stroke, 6–9 July performing, and it and suddenly life changed. Now, she can CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF RAF FAMILY National Aircraft Tour at Horse was even more special only move her head and her right arm. Alice needs round-the-clock care, but said. “We’re just really proud of him.” Guards Parade, London because she was helping the care home fees are very expensive. When Stan heard about Henry’s the servicemen. They A BIRTHDAY PRESENT donation, he was moved too, and he Desperate for help, her family called the invited Henry and his family to his 10 July clapped and cheered RAF Benevolent Fund. home. Henry was thrilled to be able RAF100 Parade and Flypast at and whistled!” Alice gave so much during the war, to meet a real World War II veteran. The Mall, London HE’LL NEVER FORGET… FROM THE SKIES and your generous gifts mean that she You can imagine Henry, wide-eyed, Sheila, Alice’s daughter is now in the comfortable and caring as Stan told him all about his 13–15 July environment she deserves. One of Alice’s experiences as an RAF airframe fitter, Royal International Air Tattoo at TO THE STAGE greatest pleasures at her new home is and his adventures in the war. RAF watching birds visit the feeder outside her window. “ I’d like to be a hero Your kindness is providing essential care for Alice Thompson (95), like Stan when 4–5 August whose incredible career spanned aircraft-building to entertaining Sheila says: “We are eternally grateful. National Aircraft Tour at our troops. Without the help of the RAF Benevolent I’m older.” Newcastle in Northern Ireland Fund, I don’t know where we would be Henry Conway, Age 6 When Alice Thompson joined the RAF in camaraderie of her job, but there was one right now. Thank you.” 1942, aged 20, she thought she would aspect that was particularly distressing. 25–27 August Now 97, Stan recently found himself have to put her professional dancing National Aircraft Tour at Victoria “When mum saw the airmen coming back struggling to pay the maintenance career on hold. She soon realised, from bombing runs,” her daughter Sheila charges on his flat. Family sticks Square, Birmingham however, that her skills offered a explains, “she said they looked absolutely together, especially in tough times like unique opportunity. shattered, nervous and shaking.” this, so we stepped in to help. We also 1–2 September By donating today, you could help provide Stationed in Abingdon, Oxford and helped Stan to access additional So Alice went to her Commanding National Aircraft Tour at Glasgow Innsworth, Alice made flaps and rudders essential care and support for an elderly member benefits, including a £3,000 increase Officer and asked if she could dance Science Centre for Lancaster bombers. She loved the of our RAF Family in their twilight years. in his annual income, and more than for the airmen to help raise their £4,900 in backdated payments. 15–16 September Help from kind supporters like you and National Aircraft Tour at little Henry has given Stan the greatest Cathedral Gardens, Manchester 100 YEARS OF THE RAF, 100 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN gift he could wish for… the chance to spend his last years in his own home. When Michelle Partington became the first female medic to serve Foundation for veterans suffering with When Henry Conway turned 6, he got a birthday present he will on the frontline with the RAF Regiment, she joined a long line of mental illness. It is wonderful that, always remember – the chance to meet Battle of Britain veteran Stan said it was a pleasure to meet the RAF trailblazers. through your support, Michelle is now charming and intelligent young Henry, and RAF Benevolent Fund friend, Stan Harthill. able to help many more veterans. our youngest supporter. “I was deeply Find out what’s on in Over her 20-year career, Michelle military service to open up all roles moved to hear about Henry’s donation Partington made an impressive to women – a move Michelle fully your local area at It all began when young Henry was something to help. He decided to make after seeing me on the TV, so to be contribution to the RAF – culminating supports. “If you are capable of doing watching TV with his parents. The latest a donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund able to thank him personally is raf.mod.uk/raf100/ in three tours in Afghanistan as a the job, it should not matter what RAF Benevolent Fund advert, featuring as part of his sixth birthday present. simply wonderful!” whats-on paramedic and Flight Lieutenant. gender you are.” Stan, came on, and Henry was so “We really think it’s special that he She became part of RAF history, but Sadly, life on the frontline took its toll moved, he asked if he could do wanted to do this,” his mum, Elizabeth, she insists her achievements were and began to affect Michelle deeply. nothing special. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ‘I was one of the lads and that gave led to debilitating panic attacks and Founded in 1919, a year after the RAF, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been looking after our own me the realisation that I was capable Michelle’s eventual medical discharge of anything,” Michelle says. “I proved from the RAF. for almost a century. To help RAF family members like Stan, please complete and return the doubters wrong. The lads on the The RAF Benevolent Fund helped ground did not treat me any differently.” £ the enclosed donation form or call 020 7580 8343. Michelle with the cost of a two-year Last year, the RAF became the first counselling course to set up her own EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW RAF CENTENARY CHAMPIONS 100-MARATHON FOR QUEEN CHALLENGE

Corporal Jon Ward decided AND COUNTRY to pay tribute to the RAF centenary by completing an extraordinary fundraising challenge.

For most people, running a marathon is an enormous test of determination and endurance. For Jon, a Logistics Mover at RAF Lossiemouth, it was just the starting line.

Jon completed his first ever marathon in London back in 2007. He had always wanted to do one, and thought that once it was over he could tick it off his bucket list and move on. But the running bug had caught him, and in 2015 he set his sights much higher. So far, Jon has completed marathons in 17 countries around the world, including Greece, America, and the Caribbean. He “For me this was a even did a marathon in the Falklands personal challenge that while on deployment. I felt very motivated to Jon said: “I have been fortunate that I complete… what better have never needed support from the We spoke to Senior on The Queen’s Colour Squadron representing RAF100 this year. way to mark 100 years RAF Benevolent Fund, but being a serving are always welcomed back with We will be performing across the Aircraftman Bowd about his of the RAF than with member of the RAF, I see first hand how open arms. The old school members UK and abroad, representing the RAF role in The Queen’s Colour the charity supports the entire RAF Family, are invited throughout the year to in Washington, Berlin and also Paris. 100 marathons?” Squadron – from mounting the so it seemed like a natural fit for me to big events. In the UK we have many different Corporal Jon Ward raise funds for them.” Queen’s Guard at Buckingham shows throughout the year; one of Q: Do you have a motto that you Palace to their “thunderous” our biggest events will be the RAF100 live by? drills and the Squadron’s Parade this summer. involvement in this year’s RAF A: I don’t have a motto, but I take every centenary celebrations. day in my stride and I give everything I have for the job. SEE THE QUEEN’S Q: Why did you join the RAF? Q: What are your duties as Q: How is the Squadron marking a member? COLOUR SQUADRON A: I wanted a stable career and the 100th anniversary of the RAF? IN ACTION I wanted to challenge myself and A: As a member of The Queen’s Colour A: To be a member of The Queen’s NAAFI break. For the rest of the day A: The Squadron has loads of jobs have opportunities to travel around Squadron I am expected to be Colour Squadron, we are required we are training in various types of drill the world. professional in all my endeavours to complete an intensive course and movements for upcoming jobs. RAF100 Centenary Gala especially when representing The over four weeks. This involves Q: What makes The Queen’s Colour Q: What has been your proudest at the Royal Albert Hall, Queen’s Colour Squadron in spending hours on the Parade Squadron unique? moment in the Squadron? 31 March 2018 ceremonial duties. In particular, Square and learning to do your A: The Royal Albert Hall was the most A: The Queen’s Colour Squadron is I am required to keep my uniform uniform to the highest standard. prestigious day for me. Performing a RAF100 Parade unique because of our Continuity and equipment to this highest of Q: What does a typical day look 36-man Continuity Drill Display for in London, 10 July Drill Displays – a drill display which standards and regularly practise like for you? Her Majesty the Queen. is performed without words of and improve my drill. A: Flight parade is the first thing that Festival of Remembrance command. We currently hold the Q: How does the Squadron honour Q: What kind of special training we do at work. This is where we are world record for the longest drill its former members? at the Royal Albert Hall and have you had? display of a total of 23 hours and inspected on our uniform, from Cenotaph, November A: Members of the RAF who have served 55 minutes. here we carry out warm up drill until

100 YEARS OF TAKING TO THE SKIES: We take a whistle-stop tour of a century of breathtaking aircraft.

Are you inspired to take on a fundraising challenge like Corporal Jon Ward? You don’t have to run 100 marathons! Sopwith Camel (1917) Supermarine Spitfire (1938) Lancaster Bomber (1942) Gloster Meteor (1944) Tornado (1979) Lightning II (2018) Visit rafbf.org/get-involved/fundraise for ideas. This single-seat biplane was the highest The Spitfire’s superior design and The pride of Bomber Command, The Gloster Meteor became the first A formidable twin-engine combat This single-engine supersonic jet has scoring fighter aircraft of World War I. specifications gave the RAF a big Lancasters ran missions throughout WW2, operational British jet-powered fighter aircraft, renowned for its ability to stealth capability and the most advanced advantage in the Battle of Britain. including the famous Dambusters raid. and served throughout the . operate at low level and in any weather. computer systems in the air to date.

Dates shown are the years the aircraft was introduced into RAF service. Crown Copyright. Courtesy of Air Historical Branch (RAF). MY UNSUNG HERO CARING FOR OUR OWN HELPING MR AND MRS REMEMBERING A SCOTT STAY TOGETHER IN BRAVE AIRMAN Nigel Palmer pays tribute to his remarkable grandfather, THE HOME THEY LOVE 2nd Lieutenant George Palmer (1897–1985).

Since they met in 1944, Nancy (Nan) and Owen Scott have faced If you have served in the RAF and need help, please Like so many of his generation, George Camp in Germany, then to Heidelberg, some incredible challenges together. For their latest challenge, reach out to us at [email protected] or Palmer signed up to fight for his country before being moved to the Clausthal however, they needed your help. on 0800 169 2942. We are here for you. during the First World War. He was 19 Officers’ Camp in Goslar, Niedersachsen, when he joined the Royal Flying Corps’ where he was held until his repatriation. Owen and Nan first met on the “Mum never likes to talk about those 27th Squadron, going on to become a The experience took a heavy toll on dance floor at their local town hall times,” their daughter, Toni, says. “Unlike crew were offered two options by flight stitched into it. The thought of being 2nd Lieutenant. George, robbing him of his memory. in Loughborough, Leicestershire. It my Dad who was happy to recount his control – bale out over the sea or return forced to move out was unbearable. Nigel Palmer, George’s flying days came to an abrupt When he returned home to England, was the height of World War II, and stories on film and to England and attempt to land! The crew (top right) “They are very proud people,” Toni end though on 14 July 1917. During George couldn’t remember where he lived Owen having trained as a flying boat national TV.” unanimously and courageously voted the donated to the says, “and were very reticent to ask operations near Douai, Nord-Pas-de- or even who he was. What a frightening pilot in the USA, was completing his latter. Fortunately, it was a happy landing. RAF Benevolent In his RAF career, eventually becoming a for help. The RAF Benevolent Fund Calais, he was captured by the enemy experience, but after everything George conversion training to heavy bombers On their final mission an engine packed Fund in memory of his Flight Lieutenant, Owen flew 32 missions is the only kind of help they felt and spent the rest of the war in a series had gone through, luck was about to at RAF Wymeswold. In that moment, up on take off, yet they still continued to grandfather George as a Lancaster bomber pilot and was comfortable with.” of prison camps: the Karslsruhe Officers’ favour him. they couldn’t have imagined the the target.” awarded the DFC. His missions included unique situation that the war would “It was a huge relief. It was George did marry Edna, in 1924, and life, he became haunted by the belief that Dresden, Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg, By chance, someone recognised George put them in. Nan and Owen married in 1946. They they raised two children together. He was German soldiers were hunting him again. and he was involved in Operation Manna life-changing. Miraculous!” from a missing persons article in a raised four children together and, now a proud father, then grandfather, then Nan joined the RAF soon after, in Holland and repatriated prisoners of newspaper, and finally he was reunited Nigel says: “I wanted to pay tribute to his that they are in their nineties, they Toni – Owen and Nan’s daughter great grandfather. But despite this happy with his loving family. as a radar operator. She became war from Italy. To say he had a few close depend on the care of their family. life by donating to the RAF Benevolent Your kind donations helped Nan and family life, he never fully escaped the war. responsible for plotting Owen’s shaves would be an understatement. Fund. I find it really appealing that through Owen through this time of financial This emotional bombing runs, which meant she Recently, Nan and Owen went through Sadly, in 1985, as George’s mind my grandfather’s tribute, he is, in a way, “He got hit by flak and his engines caught worry, and they were able to stay in knew exactly where he was going a stressful time when the outgoings on homecoming must have weakened during the last weeks of his helping the RAF Family.” fire,” Toni remembers. “One time a large their home. Thank you for being there every time he took off, and the the flat they had lived in for 25 years been so strange for George, ‘cookie’ bomb was stuck in the bomb bay for this amazing couple. dangers he faced there. became a real struggle. They loved their who did not recognise his and couldn’t be jettisoned. He and his home and had so many happy memories parents or his sister, nor Celebrate a loved one’s life with your own tribute the young woman who Remember someone special with a tribute fund, where you SUPPORTING SERVING FAMILIES told him, “I am Edna, can write about a loved one’s life, share stories and make YOUR remember you asked donations in their memory: rafbf.org/memories INCREDIBLE WE WOULD BE me to marry you?” SUPPORT IN

NUMBERS LOST WITHOUT YOU GIFTS IN WILLS

Sergeant Steve Lawrence’s wife “Life is far from easy for Laura,” Steve explains, “as she suffers from primary A LEGACY OF KINDNESS lives with multiple sclerosis. 54,600 progressive multiple sclerosis. This means When her condition worsened that each time her condition deteriorates Members of the Madame Huguette Rouillard’s lifelong passion and commitment RAF Family you helped you were there to give them she has to adjust to a new ‘normal’. She for the RAF will live on, thanks to her kind legacy gift to the RAF support in 2017 both the support they needed. now finds walking any long distances difficult and could eventually need a Benevolent Fund. For Steve, joining the RAF had been a wheelchair permanently. £4.1 million long-held ambition – he’d been dreaming Huguette’s connection with the and relatives of those who lost “We first received support from the RAF military began at an early age. their lives. In the 1980s, she also To support serving of a career as an Air Force engineer since Benevolent Fund when Laura had to have At 13, as a French girl who helped the 101 Squadron to personnel and their the age of 14. Now, as he approaches three seperate brain surgeries. I was could speak English, she acted re-establish its association with the families his 23rd year in service, his dedication to his duty has been repaid by the RAF faced with the reality of a big financial bill as an interpreter for the British raid, and was a vital part of making while I stayed close by to support her. The Expeditionary Force. Her uncle was it possible for surviving members Benevolent Fund. could for both of us. The adaptations Fund gave me a grant to cover the costs part of the French Resistance, and, to visit the memorial. In appreciation £10 million to the house have given Laura more of my accommodation and travel. later in the war, she helped him care for her work, she was awarded an On individual grants to freedom and independence allowing her for a downed airman, hiding him Air Officer Commanding No. 2 support RAF veterans to relax. “But that wasn’t the end. from the Germans. Group Commendation. “Recently, they also allowed me to Once the RAF Benevolent In May 1944, Huguette witnessed the Huguette dedicated so much complete a course of counselling with £744,000 Fund know that you need ill-fated 101 Squadron raid on the of her life to supporting the RAF, relationship support charity, Relate. Awarded for mobility German Wehrmacht training centre and through the kind gift she left support, they are there It’s helped me in my role as Laura’s aids to help give veterans at Mailly-le-Camp in France. Bomber to the RAF Benevolent Fund in her to step in, whenever you carer so I can best support her and independence Command suffered heavy losses that Will, her passion will live on, helping need them.” our relationship. night, following a communications members of the RAF Family long into Sergeant Steve Lawrence “It sounds like a cliché, but a huge weight failure: forty-two Lancasters were the future. £476,000 was lifted off our shoulders thanks to shot down, killing 258 airmen. For more information about mentioning the RAF Awarded to help top-up “When Laura and I were forced to buy the RAF Benevolent Fund. We would be Benevolent Fund in your Will, please call Matt Smith Years later, Huguette helped to veterans’ care home fees our next house without stairs, they were absolutely lost without the help they have on 020 7307 3444 or email [email protected] reconnect veterans of the raid, on hand to make it as accessible as they given us.” SUPPORTER GALLERY

A MASSIVE THANK 1 YOU FOR YOUR 2 SUPPORT!

Up and down the country, your fellow supporters 3 have been busy raising money to support the 4 members of the RAF Family who need our help.

1 A team of 20 RAF personnel from 612 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Leuchars completed a 165ft abseil from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and raised over £5,000

2 RAF Wittering supported our Great British Sunday Lunch event last year by cooking a delicious lunch for personnel 5 6 3 Our charity mascot, Ben Elephant, took part in RAF Shawbury’s Centenary Races Day to commemorate 100 years since the first military flight from the site

4 Being scared of heights and flying didn’t get in the way of Ceri Lister’s skydive in memory of her father, who served for 12 years in the RAF, and raised a fantastic £600

5 Students James and Amul conquered the 10 mile Great South Run course and smashed their fundraising goal, raising £800 for the Fund

6 The RAF Cosford Cycle Challenge saw 17 RAF personnel compete against one another to cycle the 2017 Le Tour de France route Inspired to host your own fundraising event? – a whopping 3516km in just three weeks! For advice and to download our Fundraising Toolkit, £ visit rafbf.org/get-involved/fundraise

WHAT YOUR KINDNESS MEANS OUR RAF CENTENARY BIG DRAW George and their younger son Joe on the “A WORLD OF holiday they had always dreamed of. YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE “ It means the world DIFFERENCE” to us to go away as RAF100 COOKBOOK a family” Celebrating the RAF Sergeant Phil Tempest and Sergeant Phil Tempest, his wife Jannine were able RAF Scampton centenary, The RAF100 to take the holiday of their Cookbook spans 100 dreams, thanks to the RAF “The villa in France was perfect,” Jannine years, 100 countries Disabled Holiday Trust. says. “We went swimming and biking, and 100 recipes. using the wheelchair bike the Fund Holidays have always been difficult for bought for us a few years ago. We also Researched, written, cooked and the Tempest family. Their 16-year-old took the opportunity to visit Disneyland photographed by members of the son, George, had a stroke before he was Paris while we were there.” RAF Family, this unique book tours born, which left him with cerebral palsy, 100 of the territories in which the For the first time, the Tempest family was epilepsy, autism and learning difficulties. RAF has held a presence since able to come back from their holiday £25 1918. It tells the amazing stories George gets tired quickly and likes feeling truly relaxed. RRP to spend time at home relaxing with of the RAF’s involvement in each DVDs in between trips out and about. For your chance to win one of five region, alongside delicious local The family had been away before, but copies, visit rafbf.org/big-draw recipes for you to try. the accommodation had not been quite or write with your full name and The book includes contributions right for George’s needs, so time away address to: The RAF Benevolent from some of the world’s top together could sometimes be more Fund Big Draw, 67 Portland chefs, including James Martin, stressful than relaxing. Place, London, W1B 1AR. Closes Tom Kerridge and Cyrus Todiwala. 31st May 2018. With help from the RAF Disabled Holiday Full T&Cs at rafbf.org.uk/big-draw Trust, Phil and Jannine were able to take

Every gift you send, large or small, could make a wonderful difference to RAF families who are struggling. Please complete and return the enclosed donation form, call 020 7580 8343 £ or go online: rafbf.org.uk/oneheart