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Winter 2015 DANGEROUS MOONLIGHT | 60SECOND SPOTLIGHT |LIFEAFTER THERAF W ycombe The Magazine of RAF High ofRAFHigh The Magazine Wycombe World Autumn 2018 Main Road, Naphill, HP14 4QA Tel: 01494 562210

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly • Good Beer Guide since 2008 • Real Fires • Excellent smoking area & gardens

Award Winning Great locals and “Choose real life “ great staff for a Traditional British Pub or Wheel Life! great atmosphere!” A quirky pub - it’s bigger than it looks! ” With 2 bars and a function/dining area.

Excellent homemade food - allergies catered for.

Bronze Award www.thewheelnaphill.com [email protected] in Buckinghamshire Station Commander’s Foreword Contents Autumn 2018 Group Captain Rob Woods OBE MA BEng (Hons) RAF

an exceptionally busy nearby Cowleaze Wood to year commemorating, remember seven airmen celebrating and inspiring of No. 51 Squadron who locally and up and down were based at RAF Snaith the country; some of in Yorkshire. Their Halifax our personnel have also aircraft, LW579, crashed contributed to anniversary on 31st March 1944 as it events overseas too. The returned from a raid, killing ‘picture board’ on pages all on board. It is not clear 22/23 captures some of why the Halifax lost height Editorial Team these moments but there and hit the hill just West OIC: Fg Off Adam South Ext 6662 were many, many more to of Stokenchurch but it was Editor: Cpl Daniel Phillips Ext 4526 make us all proud. one of six aircraft that the Deputy Editor: WO Claire Old Ext 5251 Mailbox: HWY-EditorWycombeWorld@ squadron lost in the same More recently, our night on the same mission. 12 mod.gov.uk elcome to the latest attention turned to the Today, a stone plinth from Distribution Manager: edition of Wycombe commemoration of the end Lincoln Cathedral with the Sgt Steven Monks Ext 4527 W World. I do hope of the First World War one men's names inscribed on Distribution Team we have helped to keep you hundred years ago. This it serves as a monument in Cpl Julian Frost Ext 3337 updated on the latest news, year, personnel from across the wood. I commend you Cpl Adrian Catnach Ext 4071 achievements and events RAF High Wycombe came to visit if you have the time SAC Sebastian Marziano Ext 6311 as we’ve gone through together on 9th November but if not then do read the this most memorable in a unified Act of article on Bomber Command All articles are to be in ‘Word’ format year. Above all else, two Remembrance to remember in this edition. with separate JPEG images. remarkable centenaries have the fallen from all conflicts. Designer: Amanda Robinson been commemorated: the Then, on Sunday 11th Finally, we feature Herts Tel: (01536) 334 226 formation of the Royal Air November, many military and Bucks Wing Air Training Email: [email protected] Force and the signing of and civilian personnel from Corps in a special article 8 the Armistice at the end of the Station stood shoulder about how they ‘pulled Advertising: Leah the Great War. Personally, I to shoulder with members together’ to contribute to Tel: (01536) 334 221 Email: [email protected] believe that both of these of their local communities RAF 100 and an informative anniversaries should inspire as the Nation reflected article about the European Published by: Lance Print Ltd us to look to the future and together. Although the Air Group which also marks 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, work alongside one another focus was rightly on the its 20th anniversary this year. Kettering, NN16 8NL for a brighter future, both in anniversary of the signing Tel: (01536) 334222 our local communities and of the Armistice in 1918, Whatever way you choose Fax: (01536) 515481 19 Email: [email protected] across the globe. perhaps the most poignant to reflect on 2018, I hope www.lanceprint.co.uk moment of the weekend for you enjoy reading all of the 22 Picture Board Of course, RAF100 has me came as I joined a small articles in this packed and Printed By: Lance Print Ltd meant that we have had group of local villagers in informative edition. 24 Dangerous Moonlight Tel: (01733) 390564 22 28 Charity Submission Editor’s Welcome 30 The Royal Star & Garters Homes 6 Armed Forces Continuous 13 Life After The RAF Deadline... Cpl Daniel Phillips Attitude Survey 31 RAF Tug of War All articles for the WINTER 13 Bike Safe ISSUE 2018 Edition to be sent 8 60 Second Spotlight 32 About The Air Cadets to the Editor no later than elcome to this the Congratulations to all those gov.uk with your submissions 14 Relationship Support For All 20th November to HWY- third edition of the who took part in the RAF100 by 20th November 18. 8 Danesfest 18 RAF Veterans 33 Herts & bucks Wing ATC Penn Pulls Together [email protected]. W Wycombe World. parade in London and to Submissions should be in For RAF 100 uk. Please send all articles as a those who partook in the RAF word or PDF format, with all 10 CO's Cup Report 15 Hundreds Supported by RAF word document with all photos I would like to take this High Wycombe’s Freedom of images included within the Benevolent Fund 34 Robson Water Sports Centre and images imbedded with in opportunity to thank all the town’s parade. article. Photos should be of 11 Training Development Flight the article. those who have supplied high resolution. 16 Station Clubs & Sports Contacts articles for this quarters If you are wishing to 12 One Act instalment and draw your submit an article or you Thank you for reading the 19 The European Air Group attention to the Armed would like to submit some editors forward and enjoy 12 RAF 100 - 100 Years of RAF Forces Continuous Attitude photos for the new picture the magazine, Engineering Table survey letter composed by board, please email HWY- ACOS Pers Pol. EditorWycombeWorld@mod. Cpl Daniel Phillips

The views expressed by the contributors to the Wycombe World are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander.

WW: 4 WW: 5 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2018: ARMED FORCES AFCAS Findings The RAF Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is incorporated into Who took part? the Tri-Service AFCAS and is issued annually to a sample of serving Regulars. CONTINUOUS ATTITUDE SURVEY 46% Remuneration Leadership Overall The survey is designed to assess and monitor the attitudes of Service personnel 90 90 Response Rate 3029 in key policy and management areas, including pay and remuneration, aspects 80 80 LM supports me in my job Regular RAF Personnel 70 70

Station News Station 40% of work, working with others, leadership, deployment, fairness, career, retention, 60 Allowances 60 LM understands & Tri-Service represents my interests accommodation, work life balance and leave, personal life, health, welfare, and 50 Basi c Pay 50 Response LM sets a positive example Rate 40 Pensions 40 the Armed Forces place in society. X factor 30 30 SL understand the impact of RRP change on personnel 20 20 SL understand & represent 10 10 my interests 0 RAF AFCAS 5 year 0 The Offer 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 DASHBOARD 2014-2018 Satisfaction with:

Commitment & engagement Career management Work life balance 90 90 90 Have KSE to do job 80 80 80 Plan short term 81% 78% 89% 74% 61% 32% 40% 32% 70 70 Posting notice 70 Leave Allowance Medical Treatment Dental Treatment Sport, Exercise & Value for money Basic Pay Allowances Pension Bene ts Pride 60 60 60 Plan long term Fitness Facilities of Service Attachment to RAF Accommodation 50 50 KSE are used 50 Recommend joining 40 40 40 Time away RAF Life Preferences taken into a/c 30 My morale 30 30 Balance between 20 Way career is being 20 Valued 20 personal & working life managed 10 10 10 Opportunities for Flexible working 0 0 promotion 0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Organisational Support Work Intentions to stay Intentions to leave 90 90 90 80 80 80 70 70 70

60 Work location 60 Job security 60 Impact on family 50 Job 50 Dental provision 50 Opportunities outside Challenge Spouse's career 40 40 Healthcare provision 40 Variety FRIs Service morale 30 30 30 % Sense of achievement Pension Amount of pay 88 20 20 27% 20 have the knowledge, 10 10 10 skill and experience 0 0 0 to do the job 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 56% Dear Readers, to Service life; as such it is within the RAF and across widened entitlement and difficult to summarise the Defence. For example, the introduction of Flexible feel immediate Superior AFCAS 2018 findings in a short sound an increasing number of Service will allow us to supports me in my job 58% bite. That said, overall personnel are benefitting develop and enhance our satisfied with opportunities for 1. As you will be aware levels of satisfaction with from the introduction flexible working offer. That professional development the 2018 AFCAS results many aspects of Service of Flexible Working and said, we are not complacent were recently released, life are largely unchanged Flexible Leave projects. We and these AFCAS results and I wanted to take this since last year; however, have enhanced our ability show that there remains The Job opportunity to distribute there is continued, and to prioritise our workforce much to be done to enhance How have previous results the additional information in some cases increasing, levels to match better our the positive aspects and covering the key results and dissatisfaction in a range operational outputs and experiences of Service life. been used? highlight the core trends. of areas. These include, the provided relief for those The results have contributed to the development of perception that families do units and personnel feeling 4. Please would you the Armed Forces People Programme including the 2. The 2018 RAF AFCAS was not benefit from being a the greatest operational communicate this material 53% New Joiners Offer, Flexible Engagement Systems and issued to 6567 individuals Service family, remuneration burden. The introduction widely to personnel on the Future Accommodation Model. and was completed by a (pay and pension), perceived of Enhanced Career your unit through HR staffs 75% 47%

total of 3029 RAF personnel actions of senior leaders, Management has been and through the chain of feel proud get a sense of are satisfied with the (944 officers and 2095 RAF feeling valued, and morale well received and provides command to publicise the to be in the RAF achievement challenge What now? from the job of the job OR). Although the response ratings. everyone from LAC to WO results and to familiarise line The RAF AFCAS will continue to provide robust rate of 46% was 3% lower with direct access to a career managers and commanders evidence to inform personnel policy decisions than in 2017, it was higher 3. You will appreciate that manager. On a wider note, with the content and their including the RAF Strategy, the Armed Forces People than across the other it is essential for the with the return of control of value. This may include Programme and the Armed Forces Pay Review Body Services and I recognise the RAF to understand the our infrastructure budget SROs, weekly execs, office in order to represent the needs of RAF personnel. role you play in highlighting opinions and attitudes of to Air Command, CAS has notice boards and Unit the importance of the personnel to help shape set in place a challenging magazines and publications, survey. Please would you policy development and and comprehensive but do not feel constrained extend my thanks to the implementation. AFCAS is programme of work to by these suggestions. I 82% 93% Unit points of contact one of main ways we do this address those areas which would also encourage you of the Team know their fulfilled my who helped distribute and and remains the primary directly impact on our and your staff to discuss the responsibilities commitments/ 67% communicate AFCAS, and source of evidence for the quality of life. Looking findings and implications for promises to the RAF encouraged also to the participants for AFPRB Annual Pay Round. ahead to next year, we are your unit, and to feedback to find better ways of doing things at work providing valuable feedback It also helps the RAF decide on schedule to introduce any specific comment you about life in the RAF. Overall, where to focus efforts to a Future Accommodation may have. AFCAS covers a breadth improve life in the RAF Model that aims to of personnel issues and and provides key evidence improve and modernise Yours, Further Information: the results present a range for AMP&C to argue the the accommodation offer RAF Report: Please contact Air-COSPers-Pol Psych Grp MBox Tri-Service AFCAS Reports: of attitudinal responses case for change; both through greater choice and Simon Harper https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-continuous-attitude-survey-index

Produced by Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command. 2733_17DM © UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2018 WW: 6 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 7 SECOND SPOTLIGHT DANESFEST 18 60 30 JUNE 2018

n modern times, stress feels If a problem isn’t addressed it more and more part of our could lead to an illness which I everyday lives. What causes will require an intervention stress to us depends in part from a Dr who may refer the he sun was out, the skies where John Chapman-Smith, with the circumstances we face; individual to a specialist. Talking were clear, and it could an ex-RAF Telegraphist set up domestic issues, relationships with a trained professional T not have been a better a Morse Code machine so the and work factors can all play a can help you learn to deal day to have a RAF 100 stand children could type their names, part and whilst serving in the with stress and become more at the Danesfield School Fete using a Morse key, and then Royal Air Force these pressures aware of your own thoughts – Danesfest 2018. With lots of they were given a certificate. can accumulate quickly. Some and feelings. Cpl Daniel Phillips families and friends enjoying There were lots of takers, and it of us can roll with the punches the live music, the bouncy was explained to them that the and take these stressors ‘in our The Big White Wall is an online Job: BSS, C4I Squadron – castles, craft stalls, and other RAF used this type of system up stride, whilst some will require Mental Health and Wellbeing Wycombe World Editor activities laid on by the School. to the early nineteen eighties as help to get through these times. service with a range of self- 3 RAF High Wycombe personnel a means of sending messages However, there are those who help programmes. MOD has a Your RAF career so far: manned the highly successful instead of WhatsApp! The will not seek help and may contract, running for several After graduating from What are you most RAF stand. display also showed pictures find that these times become years now, with Big White Wall Bridgend College in South proud of? of a communications centre so uncomfortable that they that allows free access for Armed Wales 2001, I held down Becoming a father for the 1st The stand was put up the (RAF Stanbridge 1970’s), a become ill. Forces, Veterans and families. a few odd jobs until I time in 2016 to my son Lloyd. previous day, with help from the radio receiver, Teleprinters and Joined the RAF to become Along with my wife Katie RAF High Wycombe Regiment message forms used by British For those serving in today’s More recently the MOD has a Telecommunications who works so hard to ensure Flight, whilst the School was and German operators during Royal Air Force, we recognise partnered with the Royal Operator in 2003. Successfully that we never go without. enjoying their sports day, the NATO years. our people face a variety of Foundation with the aim of graduating phase 1 training utilising a large ‘tactical’ tent pressures and we do all we providing a suite of information MOBILE TYRE FITTING from RAF Halton and phase If you were sent to a and gazebo’s. In the 3rd area FS Gail Lawrence, can to help. This starts on and training products that MOBILE TYRE FITTING 2 training from RAF Cosford desert island, what three who is a member of the RAF joining and throughout Service promote good Mental Health 2004, I was posted to Tactical things would you take The RAF 100 stand was split into Golf Cttee gave the children a where Stress Management and and access to support. The WE COME TO YOU! Communications Wing with you? Music as I dislike 4 different areas of which the chance to win a little goodie Resilience training is provided Samaritans are also part-way • Car, Van & High • Truck & Plant Tyre Specialist (TCW) RAF Brize Norton the silence, Flip Flops as I first was a display of RAF multi- bag full of postcards and posters at all levels of training; from through a project to deliver Performance Tyres • Trade / Accounts Welcome and RAF Leeming as a field wear them all year round terrain pattern clothing and NBC by chipping foam golf balls into basic to recruit to managers in training and information to the • Specialist Wheel • Wheel Balancing operator. After leaving and finally I would take my clothing, various headdresses a 5 hole practice net. There was a bid to normalise the issue and Service Community to reduce TCW I was posted to RAF golf clubs as I would design loaned by clothing stores, which no doubt that this was very encourage our people to seek the risks of suicide. Alignment Service • 4 x 4 Tyres Benson, RAF Northolt before my own course to allow allowed the children to see popular and Gail was kept busy assistance at the early stages of Stockists Of All Leading Makes of Tyres arriving here in 2017. me to play all year round. what is worn by Service people throughout the day. feeling uncomfortable. More directly the RAF in various roles. They took to the Benevolent Fund continue to Your claim to fame? What irritates you dressing up with great relish, The 4th area was the ‘gizzit’ When faced with a problem a support the RAF Community I went to play school with the most? putting on the heavy Kevlar table. Lots of free stickers, pens, Service Person has a number with a variety of initiatives Tel: Chris Akabusi’s daughter. People never saying thank helmets and body armour, pencils, posters etc which were of avenues for support and such as access to Anxiety UK as 01494 you for holding doors and it was explained to them gratefully donated from RAF guidance to turn to. They can presented in Envoy (Spring 18). mobile Your advice to anyone? The open and drivers who where it was used by Service Learning Forces and SSAFA were speak with their Line Manager 565648 two pieces of advice that I never thank you for letting Personnel by Sqn Ldr Ceri Litster. given to young and old. or alternatively seek help from Veterans and their families were given to me and that I them out at junctions. In addition, they could have the Padre or SSAFA worker (their have the opportunity to access have found useful was on my pictures with a dummy 250Lb Many thanks go to the High out of hours helpline is 0300 support from a huge variety of wedding day by my best man What is your favourite Second World War bomb. Wycombe Hive, SSAFA, The 0111 723), who are also open to different agencies, including and these were – Yes dear place in the world? Learning Centre, Supply Section, direct approaches from families. the RAF Benevolent Fund, and The wife is never wrong. The beaches back home in The second area took the Regiment Flight, Ped Flt who In February 2018, the Ministry and might find it difficult to Wales, as there is no place children back into time into the gave help in making this a of Defence and Combat Stress know where to start. The help What do you do when away like home along with the ‘tactical’ communications area, very successful. launched a new partnership the MOD has developed the from work? feeling of tranquillity when to provide a 24-hour mental Veterans Gateway as a first point When I’m not in work I like to walking along the sands. health helpline (0800 323 444) of call for anyone needing help. spend time with the family for serving personnel and https://www.veteransgateway. taking our dog for walks and What would surprise their families. org.uk/ taking my son 19 month people about you? swimming and going to Bucks I refuse to eat Mars Bars ever County Goat Farm as this is since they started putting one of his favourite places. the English football logo I also like to play and watch on the front of the packet. rugby although these days it’s As a proud Welshman I just more watching than playing. cannot justify it to myself.

WW: 8 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 9 CO'S CUP REPORT TRAINING DEVELOPMENT FLIGHT The RAF insists that we take part in several mandated training courses. These are currently being delivered at the

BSW On Thu 21 Jun 18 RAF High Wycombe personnel mustered in the sunshine Training Development Flight at RAF High Wycombe. Please see the list below and please book on to a course that at MT for what planned to be a great afternoon at the RAF Watersports is appropriate and convenient to you. Centre, Danesfield. The event consisted of Dragon Boat racing, where teams of 7 had to work together to race their boat down the river Thames. Diversity and Inclusion Courses Module 2 – Error Management (EM) Foundation Trg It is mandated in leaflet When completed, the FS G LAWRENCE EXT 6723 8141 to AP8000 that all JPA competency “Flight AF Service Personnel and the competency is valid RAF personnel and MoD Safety|Error Management below the rank of Air for 3 years. This training is Civil Service (MoD CS) Foundation Training|Joint” is R Cdre are to undertake mandatory and it is a personal complete the Module awarded. This award is current RAF Diversity and Inclusion responsibility to ensure that 2 – Error Management for 2 years then individuals are training at unit-level and the training remains valid. There (EM) Foundation Trg. required to complete HFEMCT. training is to be recorded are no exemptions to the on JPA. Current training training for prior learning Available dates are as follows: provision is a facilitator-led or training provided by package titled ‘Face it, Fix it’ another Service or country. 04-Sep-18 18-Sep-18 The following dates are available: 02-Oct-18 04-Sep-18 16-Oct-18 18-Sep-18 13-Nov-18 26-Sep-18 23-Nov-18 02-Oct-18 27-Nov-18 16-Oct-18 11-Dec-18 31-Oct-18 13-Nov-18 Human Factors & Error Management Continuation Trg (HFEMCT) 21-Nov-18 It is mandated in leaflet 8141 to Continuation Training|Joint”. AP8000 that all RAF personnel If the 2 year currency has 27-Nov-18 and MoD Civil Service (MoD elapsed, personnel are not 11-Dec-18 CS) are to complete HF & required to attend a further EM continuation training. Foundation session, but are to 13-Dec-18 attend the earliest available Facilitation sessions gain Facilitation session. This will the JPA competency “Flight reinvigorate the 2-year currency All these courses including Pages/HWYWantToBook. Safety|Human Factors training iaw MAA RA1440(2). further details can be booked aspx on the Home – Today via the; I Would Like to Book... page or via the Force Available dates are as follows: (MT, Accommodation, Courses Development website (RAF etc) or via the following URL: High Wycombe > Admin Wing 06-Sep-18 http://authdefenceintranet. > Force Development) or via 12-Sep-18 he day began with a Once the three teams had got the heats so it was anyone’s over zealously, resulting in diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/ the following URL: http:// brief of how the event to grips with the boats it was race. They both lined up on the boat turning sharply and Orgs/RAF/Organisations/ cui5-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/101/ 20-Sep-18 T was hopefully going to time to start the heats. The the start line and waited in missing the bank by inches. Locations/HighWycombe/ ForceDev/default.aspx unfold whilst basking in the blue team, mainly RAF Police, silence for the starters whistle. 04-Oct-18 glorious weather and stunning were extremely pumped for With adrenaline pumping from With everyone back safely surroundings. The group was the event with tactics and nervousness and excitement on dry land, it was time for Human Factors Training 11-Oct-18 then split into three teams of sabotage being talked of. It was the teams waited with the trophy to be awarded. Flt FS G LAWRENCE EXT 6723 18-Oct-18 7; blue, red and blank, with quite apparent from the first anticipation…and they were Lt Davies and Sgt Crawford each group receiving a helping race that the Red team were off! The blank team took the thanked everyone for their 01-Nov-18 Module 1 - Human Factors (HF) Foundation Trg hand from Cpl Hollyman and in for a long day, as timings inside line, which in previous efforts in what turned out to Cpl Joyce from the PEd Flight. and co-ordination were a small heats tended to be the be a top afternoon on the It is mandated in leaflet 8141 to When completed, the 07-Nov-18 problem to say the least; this water. With the blue team Before starting the races, winning position, this however AP8000 that all RAF personnel JPA competency “Flight 29-Nov-18 each group were given an might explain why they nearly was about to change as the awarded the CO’s Cup trophy and MoD Civil Service (MoD CS) Safety|Human Factors Foundation opportunity to practice their capsized earlier in the day. blue team with raw power and photos taken it was time are to complete Human Factors Training|Joint” is awarded. rowing skills. and perfect harmony raced to head back to station. The (HF) Foundation training. (This currency is for Life). All these courses including Pages/HWYWantToBook. The times from the heats were clear. This break proved to be blue team basking in their further details can be booked aspx on the Home – Today This extra training was collated with the red team decisive as they pulled away glory on the journey home. via the; I Would Like to Book... page or via the Force Available dates are as follows: needed by some more than recording the slowest time of and finished in 3.23 seconds, (MT, Accommodation, Courses Development website (RAF others, as the red team, 3.57 seconds and exiting the the quickest time of the day. A thoroughly enjoyable and 26-Sep-18 etc) or via the following URL: High Wycombe > Admin Wing mainly consisting of P1 and competition; this meant that Things however, nearly went challenging afternoon for all http://authdefenceintranet. > Force Development) or via Manning and steered by Cpl the final race was between the wrong for the blue team as Cpl who participated and we look 31-Oct-18 diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/ the following URL: http:// Joyce, nearly capsized which blue and blank teams. Both had Hollyman who was steering at forward to the next event of Orgs/RAF/Organisations/ cui5-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/101/ 13-Dec-18 wouldn’t have been ideal. recorded respectable times in the time, started celebrating Orienteering on Thu 20 Sep 18. Locations/HighWycombe/ ForceDev/default.aspx

WW: 10 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 11 RAF100 – 100 YEARS OF LIFE AFTER THE RAF ONE ACT RAF ENGINEERING TABLE ing Commander aspects of land law, to name BIKE SAFE Tom Cottew served but a few, the debate is W in the RAF in the frequently fierce and ongoing, Admin(Sec)/Pers Branch even after the Supreme Court from 1984 to 2016. His last has pronounced – sometimes 10 years of service were especially so! In one case, spent at HQ STC/HQ Air before the House of Lords,

Community working in the Major Projects a very distinguished judge Cell and its’ successor the said perhaps more than Air Approvals Team. was wise by way of ancillary remarks – academia went The idea of studying law had ballistic!! Fortunately, a very been in the back of my mind similar case came before their for a long time, but up until Lordships soon afterwards late 2012 family circumstances and the ensuing tactical made it impracticable. withdrawal, ‘clarifying’ matters, However, subsequently, and whilst not embarrassing the with retirement looming, I judge, was conducted with a AF100 – 100 Years supports ex-Service members decided to put the matter skill and sophistication that of RAF Engineering’ effected by PTSD, the table to the test. The University of the 1st Duke of Wellington table that was recently was expertly refurbished Buckingham was attractive in would have envied. R ikeSafe is a course motorcycle skills and presented to the RAF High and engraved with the RAF several ways: a full-time degree designed and organised safety before a ride out in Wycombe Officers’ Mess by Engineering ‘Minerva’ crest could be completed in just Moreover, many of the cases by Gp Capt Shea- the afternoon to provide the Engineering Officers and an inscription honouring over 2 years; the post-graduate leave you wondering about the B Simondsat and hosted at RAF advice and feedback on of RAF High Wycombe. both RAF100 and 100 years employment rate was very high back-story and what happened High Wycombe on 16 May. individual’s riding skills. of RAF Engineering. (about 90%); French could be to the protagonists next. Is the The course was funded by the The start of July saw the taken as a minor subject. The man who sued the builder of The winning Performers and Directors. RAF and run for 12 students A really successful day where latest activity in a long list of It was presented by the latter coincided with another his swimming pool all the way from all 3 Services with Police instructors provided both RAF100 events, and the Station Commander, Gp Capt aspiration to live/work in to the House of Lords, because support from 5 Met Police and skills, experience and humour Year of the Engineer, with Robert Woods, on behalf France someday. I attended an it was few inches too shallow 1 Surrey Police motorcycle to improve motorcycle safety, the presentation of a newly of all the Engineers at RAF Open Day in late 2014 which (but still fit for purpose) and instructors from the BikeSafe everyone really enjoyed the refurbished engineering High Wycombe, and received reinforced the favourable effectively lost, making the Scheme. Instructors provided day and benefitted from table to the Officers’ Mess by the Officers’ Mess PMC, impression – this was a best of bad job – in every presentations on improving the training provided. by the Engineering Officers Wg Cdr Yan Williams. It was ‘working’ University that really sense - and enjoying it or did of RAF High Wycombe. commented that this has did welcome mature students. he have to sell up to pay the doubtless now set a high I applied in November 2014 6-figure legal fees? Then there Supporting the charity bar for which other branches to study Law coupled with is the case of the sailing ship ‘Veterans Woodcraft’ of and organisations must now French as a minor subject. The which made a voyage from There has also been the In any event, the tendency Richmond, a charity which hope to aspire to, eventually. application was processed Liverpool to St Petersburg in opportunity to do other things. of French for the same very quickly with an offer 1809. Such was the experience, I had a quite outstanding word to have more than forthcoming in the December. that 2 of the 11 crew decided 2-day placement at Oxford one meaning, certainly After taking Christmas to to desert on arrival! Coroners Court, which was helps with appreciating Chicken Salad. reflect, I accepted the offer in notable for the calm, sensitive the nuances of language. the New Year and shaped my The Captain – whose name and very fair way in which the he RAF High Wycombe Adjudicator for their comedic resettlement plans accordingly. is lost to history - promised Coroner dealt with some very Finally, a word about the Command Performers timing and their portrayal the remainder the wages of distressing cases indeed. University itself. At least half T continued their of the complex relationship The Law School’s method the deserters to get the ship the student body and good success at the RAF Theatrical between the characters. of teaching is modelled on home and then welshed on There are also Moots (mock proportion of the lecturers Association One Act Festival. Oxford University’s with the deal. Who I wonder broke trials), which entails analysing are from overseas, with The drama, “Chicken Salad” by lectures reinforced by weekly the news to a crew of strong- the law as it affects the case the Commonwealth being Over the last May bank holiday, Paul Donnelly, was performed tutorials in groups of 6-7 for minded Liverpudlians – some that you are given, formulating especially well represented. the RAF High Wycombe by Caroline Seraille and Anne each subject (2 per term); hapless clerk after the Captain and fielding the arguments Mature students are also Command Performers took Artus who were portraying a preparation for the latter is had gone ashore? Then there in front of a judge and live fairly common – due to the two excellent One Act plays, Mother and Daughter whose where the bulk of the work is the case of the 2 young audience. Having done 5 of 2-year degree and the fact “Wildlife” and “Chicken relationship had broken down Wildlife. is done by self-study. Whilst boys who inadvertently set these thus far, I can say that the University is genuinely Salad”, to the RAF Theatrical following the death of the this is hard work, it is also very fire to a wheelie bin, which it sharpens the wits no end! welcoming. It is also about Association Festival held at the daughter’s husband. Directed of finding a 1980's cooker paid rehearsals, learning new stimulating, because unlike the in turn burned down a shop. a tenth of the size of the Defence Academy Shrivenham. by Ellis Artus, the excellent off, as “Chicken Salad” also technical skills, and socialising Military Regulations, such as What careers did they choose The opening to train as average UK university – with performance by both actors won the award for the Best in the Oakshott Centre. QRs and SSO’s, which SHQ and I wonder after their successful Citizen’s Advice Bureau Advisor the result that the student “Wildlife” by Barry Hall opened achieved the Runners Up Set Design and Presentation. the SWO will tell you are very appeals against convictions has also proved to be a great body and the academic staff the festival on the Saturday trophy for the production and New members are always clear cut(!), quite a lot of case for arson rewrote a key experience. Combining the tend to know each other rather morning and set the bar high both Caroline and Anne were Following this success, the welcome. You may want to law revolves around getting element of the criminal law? study of a language with better than is the norm. for all the other acts to follow. nominated for the Best Actress Command Performers intend increase your confidence by the balance right between law also makes for variety – This comedy about 2 blokes in award, with Caroline winning! to concentrate on reading performing or learn a new established legal doctrine The picture painted by one something that I am not sure In summary, the last 18 a pub was performed by John a few well known plays skill, such as lighting, sound or and change in all its forms. In national newspaper, not that every University does. months have been very Ryder and Nigel Ridge with As with all performances, in order to select one for set design or simply join a fun areas such as constitutional long ago, is elderly men Studying French was invaluable enjoyable and I shall be direction from Caroline Seraille. the backstage crew were as production in the Autumn. team. If you would like further law (Brexit!), psychiatric injury, in wigs wading through in looking original texts of the genuinely sad when the course They won the Timing award essential to the success as We meet every Tuesday information please contact employers’ liability, criminal dusty tomes could not be early EEC/EU treaties which finishes later on this year. and were commended by the those on stage and the efforts at 2000 for play readings, Flt Lt Rich Doyle on Ext 6180. joint enterprise, the equitable further wide of the mark! were not written in English.

WW: 12 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 13 “IT’S OK TO SAY YOU AREN’T OK" - HUNDREDS SUPPORTED BY RAF BENEVOLENT FUND RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT FOR ALL RAF VETERANS Medical Officer in the first instance) and subsidised annual membership to Anxiety UK. ow in its tenth year, in on anything – and that the RAF Benevolent might be to do a bit of talking undreds of members of The RAF Benevolent Fund N Fund’s partnership and planning, or helping the the RAF Family have been also works in partnership with with relationship counselling family get a job done together H supported by a series of counselling organisations to service Relate has been so with everyone knowing the new welfare initiatives, launched offer support for those dealing successful the service has boundaries of what’s expected by the RAF Benevolent Fund. with the loss of a loved one, been extended to include RAF of them. It all seems to drop in including face-to-face and veterans and their partners. to place so much more easily. To date this year, the RAF’s telephone counselling sessions. leading welfare charity has To date more than 5,000 “We also understand each received almost 300 enquiries RAF veteran Les Campsie says serving personnel have taken other’s fears a lot more. I think for its Listening, Counselling the counselling ‘rescued him up the Fund’s offer of six free we’d protected ourselves from and Wellbeing Service as well as from a very dark place’ following Relate counselling sessions each other in some strange kind those wishing to access help via the death of his wife of 57 and the effects have been of way but now we realise it’s Anxiety UK. years, Patricia. life-changing. The service is okay to say we aren’t okay – and now open to RAF veterans and actually, by talking it through It is thought that one in four The 86-year-old explained: their partners and includes we normally find a happy people will experience a “For me counselling was the additional access to subsidised place much, much quicker!” common mental health illness, first step out of grief, it rescued mediation sessions for couples During all this, we hadn’t We had ‘homework’ to focus on such as anxiety or depression, me from a very dark place. It going through separation or actually set any plans on during the weeks in between Alison Wyman, Head of Welfare at some stage in their lives. was hard at first but gradually divorce, and family counselling. how to just live and so once the sessions too and that Programmes and Development, Many do not seek the help they you can talk about it and it Sam left, I unpacked both of helped us to keep on track.” said: “Relationship counselling is need, with only a quarter of encourages you take the next One service user Caroline, and our homes into one house, just one way the RAF Benevolent those diagnosed going on to step. Talking to a third party her husband Sam, explain how with the mindset of having a Sam added: “When talking Fund supports the emotional receive treatment. outside of the immediate family Relate had a positive impact mutually acceptable layout for at home, we both tended to wellbeing of the RAF Family. is very helpful because you on their relationship. Sam and when Sam returned, as well become very defensive and The Fund also has partnerships Research carried out by the can talk openly, without fear of his long-term partner, Caroline as making sure his children especially when talking about with Anxiety UK and Cruse Fund in 2015, highlighted the giving grief to someone else. are one of the many ‘new’ felt included in everything. our own families and parenting Bereavement Care to offer help need for more mental wellbeing modern families where two styles, let alone which way the to those facing anxiety and support for the wider RAF “I found I lost all my confidence families join to become one. “So fast forward a good few bins should be pointing (yes… depression issues or struggling Family, including veterans and when Patricia died, I found They reached out to Relate months and detachment two it did happen!). By talking with the loss of a loved one. dependants of those who serve. decision making very difficult. I for some counselling sessions ticked off as well, we decided ‘through’ a counsellor, it took just felt inadequate.” when they felt new pressures we needed a little help! Having away the emotion a little and “The mental and emotional People like Sally, a Reservist in arise from moving in together, read about the various means allowed us to almost step out wellbeing of the entire RAF the RAF, who contacted Anxiety Counselling really helped to closer to Sam’s Station. of relationship support through of becoming too personal so Family is vitally important. As we UK, for support with depression. give me the courage to get the RAF Benevolent Fund, that we could actually learn know only too well, RAF families out and about again, to re-join Caroline said: “Having moved in we decided that the one-to- and understand about each can face unique challenges Sally said: “There is still a stigma organisations I had given up to our first home together after one sessions would be our other – in our case, appreciate and that does not change around mental illness. I knew when Patricia became so ill. six years of being together, best route to take. Sam got in our parenting approaches, dig as service leavers transition deep down something was Now I’m a regular member of we naturally had to do some touch with Relate and we set through our more negative into new civilian careers.” wrong but I did not want to my local Probus club, Masonic adjusting. Sam went on an up our initial assessment and scenarios and to create start that first conversation, I Lodge, and I go to the gym overseas deployment 10 days it all went from there really. positive pathways forward. To find out more about had a fear of where to start. I three times a week. It’s even after we moved in, which the Fund’s relationship spent a long time in denial. You given me the confidence to would normally be fine but “Relate helped us step “All a lot of common sense counselling support call have to trust your family or a book my first holiday in years.” this was the first time Sam through what the issues were really but there’s that saying 0845 077 5556 or visit loved one and talk about it. My had been away on ops for and then to help in finding isn’t there that, ‘when you are http://rafbf.relate.org.uk/ other half was adamant that As well as this, the Listening, quite some time. He was still some middle ground to in the picture, you can’t see things could not be left as they Counselling and Wellbeing finding his place in his new work on for taking forward. the big picture’. How true that were any longer but I had to be Service provides confidential Squadron and was also very is at times! The counsellor pushed to get help. I thought I emotional support to help pre-occupied about what “I’ll be honest in that takes you out of the picture was coping but I wasn't. the RAF Family deal with a lay ahead and so those 10 sometimes we came home and allows you to look in.” range of issues from issues days went pretty quickly! angry with each other and I “Without the therapy sessions I from low mood and stress share that not to put others off Both Sam and Caroline would be in a far worse situation to low self-esteem and “He was still cramming in but in looking back we realised concluded: “The positive and I would encourage others loneliness or isolation due to pre-deployment courses, it had brought out things that impact for us is that, with the to please seek help if they feel caring. The service includes gathering and checking off needed addressing. It was non-judgemental support of they are not coping and talk telephone and face-to-face his kit whilst trying to be a actually good to allow the a counsellor, we have stepped to someone about how they counselling sessions, home visits dad too with some pretty rawness of hidden thoughts through learning how to are feeling.” are available. concerned little people. and comments to be aired. slow down in our minds, lose those walls of defence and The Fund’s partnership with If you need support with to communicate better. Anxiety UK includes therapy your mental wellbeing provision for those experiencing contact 0300 222 5703 and Not only to each other but anxiety and/or depression [email protected] where to our family of children. We (only available for non-serving you will be referred to the take one step back now (most applicants, serving personnel service best equipped to of the time!) before we jump should contact their Station support you.

WW: 14 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW:1515 STATION CLUBS AND SPORTS CONTACTS

CHILD CARE To enrol your daughter Service Community Support Judo – Sqn Ldr Steve https://enquiryym.girlguiding. Officer – WO Barry Tanswell Parlor steve.Parlor718@mod. org.uk [email protected] gov.uk 01494 497065 or 01494 494471 07792204571 Theatre Club – Ellis Artus [email protected] Community Development Jujitsu – Holly Hudson 01844 347818 Officer – Dani Bowman [email protected] 07957 [email protected]. 727 054 or Sqn Ldr Dave Ben Club & Youth Club – uk 01494 494470 [email protected] HIVE rafhighwycombehive@ Padre – Rev Sqn Ldr Kevin 01296 656505 btconnect.com or 01494 Capelin-Jones Kevin.Capelin- Orienteering – FS Ian Hall 497831 [email protected] 01494 [email protected] Christina Bohane Fitness – 494469 or 07770226280 Rowing – Flt LT Paul Christina Macdonald Paul. www.christinabohane.com Padre Clerk – Anita Daly [email protected] Medmenham Spring – 07740 880966 [email protected] Dani Bowman Danielle. 01494 494481 Rugby Union – Cpl Daniel [email protected] Commissioning Club – Flt Phillips Daniel.phillips479@ 01494 494470 Lt Mark Warburton Mark. SSAFA – Amy Suttling mod.gov.uk 01494 494533 [email protected] [email protected] or 5426 Red Kites Nursery – 01494 495245 01494 496737 Out of Hours [email protected] 02074639358 Squash – Flt Lt Chris 01494 564439 Command Performers – Flt McGenity chris.mcgenity938@ Lt Rich Doyle Rich.doyle836@ SPORTS TEAMS mod.gov.uk 01494 497968 Wise Owls Nursery – wiseowls. mod.gov.uk 01494 496180 [email protected] 01494 563881 Sub Aqua – Fg Off Andy Danesfield Arms Club – Cain andy.cain101@mod. Toddlers – Gordana Sqn Ldr Dave Carter Dave. gov.uk 01494 496562 or Tancheva-Cobley gtancheva@ [email protected] 07854809373 hotmail.com 07531273942 01494 496104 Target Shooting (Rifle and Babies & Bumps, Toddlers Music Club – Sgt Anthony Pistol) – Sqn Ldr Chris Fopp and Stay and Play – Hive Haworth Anthony.Haworth677@ [email protected] rafhighwycombehive@ mod.gov.uk 01494 497566 01494 496458 btconnect.com 01494 497831 Smithy’s – Sgt Bryan bryan. Tennis – Wg Cdr Stu Graham CLUBS [email protected] Badminton – Sqn Ldr Darren [email protected] 01494 497581 Jones Darren.jones107@mod. 01494 496228 gov.uk Youth Club – Dani Bowman Tug of War – Flt Lt Gareth [email protected]. Cricket – Flt Lt Harry Dowden Davies Gareth.davies599@mod. uk 01494 494470 [email protected] gov.uk 01494 497828

HIVE Equestrian Saddle Club – Sgt Winter Sports – Flt Lt Gareth Christina Robinson christina. Paddock Gareth.paddock520@ [email protected] mod.gov.uk 96770 7676 or 01494 497099 0306770 7676

Football – Sgt Gary Longley Rainbows - Tracey Clark [email protected] on rafhighwycombehive@ 01494 496915 btconnect.com 01494 497831 To enrol your daughter Golf – WO John Sanderson https://enquiryym.girlguiding. [email protected]. org.uk/ 01494 493078

Brownies – Caroline Purdom Hive – Tracey Clarke Tracey. Hockey – Fg Off Amna [email protected] [email protected] Lawrenson Amna. 07968 861 749. 01494 497831 [email protected]

WW: 16 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 17 TMG5579-04 RAFA Storybox A4 advert PRINT READY.pdf 1 18/07/2018 11:40:24

THE EUROPEAN

AIR GROUP EAG it primarily focuses its efforts on delivering tangible outputs at tactical and operational levels. During the past twenty years, it has generated many highly successful air power initiatives across a spectrum ranging from technical enablers and training through to air operations, many of which have been tested and improved during the highly successful VOLCANEX exercises. Some of its work has also formed the basis for The aim of the Steering Group crucial for delivering integrated subsequent developments on Meeting was to discuss the effects, and for setting the a substantial scale, including progress and development conditions for success in the European Air Transport of the European Air Group’s future coalition operations. Command and the European many projects and activities This work also contains Personnel Recovery Centre. across the four Air Group a positive and concrete domains of current interest, narrative for joint and political Much of the Air Group’s day- which are Air Operations, decision makers, providing to-day work is carried out by Force Protection, Logistics and leverage for the incredible the Permanent Staff, based CIS/ Cyber. The discussions N THE EUROPEAN included the Combined Air AIR GROUP’S 20TH Interoperability Programme, I ANNIVERSARY YEAR, AIR which the Steering Group CHIEFS MEET TO DISCUSS endorsed in 2017 to address INTEROPERABILITY, IN the challenges resulting from BRUGES, BELGIUM, ON 6 integrating new 5th generation JUNE 2018 weapon systems with existing 4th generation technologies The European Air Group in multinational operations. Steering Group, comprising The Meeting also discussed the Chiefs of Staff or their the development of a common representatives, of the Air vision on future training and Forces of Belgium, France, military requirements in the Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, context of the Single European Spain and the United Kingdom, Sky initiative. The outcomes of met in Bruges in Belgium on this meeting will enable work 6 June. This year is particularly in these domains to move potential and synergies in at RAF High Wycombe in the significant for the European Air forward with confidence and 4th-5th generation operations United Kingdom, comprising Group, as it is the Twentieth direction and will be put into that we are responsible representatives of the seven Anniversary since it was action by the Permanent Staff for implementing’. participating air forces. For established in its current form and specialists from the seven more information about the in 1998, and this milestone Nations during the coming The primary purpose of the European Air Group, was celebrated in a ceremony year and well beyond. European Air Group is to conducted during the Meeting. promote interoperability VISIT ITS WEBSITE AT The current Director, among its seven air forces, and WWW.EUROAIRGROUP.ORG The Steering Group is the Lieutenant General Vecciarelli highest governance body for emphasized that: ‘4th the European Air Group and generation technologies provides top level direction and will continue to constitute guidance for its work. This latest over 70% of our combined Meeting was hosted by the airpower assets for many Belgian Air Force, which was years to come, while the represented by Major General process of introducing 5th Vansina and was conducted generation assets and bringing under the Chairmanship of them to operational maturity Lieutenant General Vecciarelli continues. The EAG plays a (Italy) who is the current vital role in addressing all of Director of the European Air the interoperability issues Group and Chief of Staff of the related to this combination Italian Air Force. of capabilities, which will be

WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 19 AWARDED to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of Today the School continues the ceremonial aspect and to have the reigning the Bath in the Queen’s New Year Honour’s List, one of our parents sovereign as its patron. However, while the individual is celebrated, the whole A Top Small commented ‘…it is tremendously helpful to have the support of a school that school unites for parades. Since its inception, students have marched and understands and is sympathetic to the demands of Service Life’. there has always been a Pipes and Drums band. Independent School Certainly Gordon’s proximity to a number of military bases as well as Dressed in their Blues uniform the students parade eight times a year and Heathrow Airport and major routes across the country have contributed to the School is the only one permitted to march along Whitehall – an annual for highest A levels the current roll where over 50 per cent of our students are from military tradition in remembrance of General Gordon. The Telegraph families. But an understanding of life in the Services is something that has been running through the fabric of the School since its inception over a All Year 10 students join the CCF (Navy, Army and Air Force) which is often century ago. continued into the Sixth Form.

Military families have priority over others applying for a place at Gordon’s. For many of the children from families in the services, Gordon’s has been The School also employs counsellors for them and tutors to plug any gaps in their first ‘constant’ after a life of moving schools and homes in line with their their education. parents’ postings around the world. It is also a haven from the worry of a parent involved in action. The success of these measures is illustrated by the statistics - Gordon’s is in the top one per cent nationally for achievement at GCSE and A2 Levels over For Tracey Phillips, a military wife, who had moved house with her children the last three years (90 per cent achieve A*-C Grades at A2 and nine times before they returned to England, the decision on where her 92 per cent more than five GCSEs between A*-C including English children should be educated came down to where they felt at home. and Maths). Her daughters had notched up five different schools – three in one academic However it’s not just in the classrooms where students excel, successes are year – across the globe, priory to boarding at Gordon’s. achieved in drama and the arts; debating and public speaking; dance and We are able to offer standard discounts to families sport. The school has an enviable record in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards “The homely feel really stood out for us” recalled Tracey. “We felt a Open Days from HM Forces or UK Diplomatic Services. This Scheme - this year 21 students will be going to Buckingham Palace to receive strong sense of family and the fact that the pastoral and teaching staff their Gold Award. were used to working with military families so understood the special nature of 6th October 2018 & 2nd February 2019 11am leaves parents to pay 10% of published fees after where the kids are coming from and that they have had to taking into account full CEA entitlement. Set in over 50 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, the School is home to move frequently.” some 800 students and offers Residential (weekly and termly) Boarding from Boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 11-18 only £5,378 per term. “House parents are also aware that they [children from a service family] are Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6TH under extra pressure because their parents may have been posted to a T: +44 (0) 1608 658999 or E: [email protected] Originally built in 1885 by public subscription as a national memorial to war zone”. to request a prospectus and arrange a visit. General Charles Gordon on the insistence of Queen Victoria, the School was opened as a home for ‘necessitous’ boys. The idea behind it being that the Marching has added benefits for her children too: “We can see how it instils www.kinghamhill.org.uk boys would be trained for civil and military life. discipline and pride, and is part of what makes the school so unique.”

Kingham Hill School ad 190mm x 133mm August 2017.indd 1 02/08/2017 12:25 Picture Board

Fg Off Milam, Cpl Phillips, Cpl Shields, Cpl Joyce and SAC Archer Gp Capt Woods and other dignitaries captured during the service lead the High Wycombe procession through town centre. given during the Freedom of High Wycombe.

Sgt Danny Batson at Danesfield Water sport centre along with ISW Personnel receiving a Team commendation during the the Dragon Boat. Cpl Joyce and his Dragon boat team pit themselves against Cpl recent Honours and Awards. Hollyman’s team during the recent CO’s Cup event.

WO Marshall attends the Marlow Veterans Tea Party.

CO’s Cup visits Danesfield Water sport centre for some Dragon CO’s Cup visits Danesfield Water sport centre for some Dragon Boat racing. Boat racing.

Fg Off Milam taking charge of the Sunset parade.

Gp Capt Woods, Wg Cdr Riley and Mayor Faraz Chan Raja follow Trade Group 1 Career Managers receiving a Team commendation close behind the freedom scroll. during the recent Honours and Awards.

Cpl Hollyman and his Dragon boat team during the recent CO’s Cup event.

WW: 22 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 23 from cities below, or guided expected. Also the equipping by searchlights to the bomber of all Pathfinder Lancasters with stream. Their success was limited H2S, an active radar emitter and there were many accidents which the night fighters could DANGEROUS MOONLIGHT due to the lack of training home on to, would increase the of day fighter pilots in night vulnerability of the bombers and flying. Due to these factors their reduce the chances for success contribution to bomber losses in a protracted campaign. BOMBER COMMAND IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR By Bob Hickox combined with their accident Historian rate did not make their losses Stirling losses were so heavy s Commander-in-Chief and the Bristol Blenheim and with Lancasters and Mosquitoes, were fitted with H2S, a look Twin engined bomber – Handley Page Hampden. worthwhile and their use was during the Battle of Berlin due of Bomber Command Beaufort and Vickers Wellington. the best aircraft for the job. down radar which could identify discontinued after a few months to their limited ceiling that they A from 1942-45, Air The best of the bunch were In 1940, the Germans had rivers and coastlines through warfare and countermeasures and would have a detrimental were retired from operations, Marshal Harris presided the Beaufort and Wellington, a employed Kampfgruppe 100 cloud and other landmarks, equipment. Various 2 Gp aircraft effect on bomber crews’ In the first six months of 1944, plus the older Halifaxes. NJG over the rapid expansion number of the latter of which to precede the main force on which was a useful aid to the were used including Mosquito, morale. Luckily the Germans when German night fighters 5 defending Berlin suffered of Bomber Command attacked Wilhelmshaven in each raid, and with the aid of navigators in the Main Force, Wellington, Halifax, Beaufighter, did not exploit this tactic very were equipped with SN-2 target 14 Bf.110 night fighter losses with the introduction of daylight, However, the majority navigational beams (Knickebein, particularly when the target was Stirling, and Liberator aircraft. often, otherwise it would have acquisition radar and “Schrage in combat and another 12 in 4-engined bomber aircraft of them were shot down by X Gerãt and Y Gerãt) accurately cloud covered. However most Together with the Lancaster, become a very serious issue. Musik”, upwardly inclined 20 accidents, about one third its in much greater numbers, German fighters and it was lit up the target area with crews would have preferred the Halifax and Stirling were the During 1944-5, the Mosquitoes mm cannon for attacks from strength. Harris failed to achieve improved bombing tactics, concluded that night bombing incendiary fires. These methods the placement of a ventral two other four-engined heavy of 100 Group claimed 258 below, 1,041 Lancasters were his objectives. German civilian and the effective use of radar was the only sustainable option. had been very successful and machine gun turret instead, bombers. But the Stirling had a Luftwaffe aircraft shot down lost on operational sorties. This morale did not break, the city's technology. He succeeded However, this made the target ensured the destruction of the which was badly needed for short wingspan which enabled for 70 losses over Germany. was equivalent to the loss of defences and essential services in turning what had been a much more difficult to find old centre of Coventry, heavy combating German night it to fit in most hangars. This 70% of all Lancasters built in were maintained and war poorly equipped force with and more advanced navigation damage to other provincial fighter attacks from below. gave it a low ceiling where it Electronic measures and counter this period. When aircraft lost production in greater Berlin mediocre results into an aids were badly needed. The cities, and the blitz on London, was in greater danger from measures gave one side the in accidents and non-combat did not fall. Area bombing efficient and deadly weapon of No.100 (Bomber Support) flak and searchlights. So it was advantage and then the other. losses are factored in also, consistently failed to meet its war, a situation brought about Group was a special duties taken out of frontline service In particular, the German signal Bomber Command lost the stated objective, which was largely by dint of his personal group within RAF Bomber by the beginning of 1944. The intercept service became equivalent of 94% of Lancasters to win the war by bombing commitment and strength Command. It was formed later marks of Halifax with Bristol skilled at detecting Bomber built in the first half of 1944. The Germany until its economy of character. With the first on 11 November 1943 to Hercules air-cooled engines, Command’s habit of testing RAF’s failure to learn about the and civilian morale collapsed. 1,000-bomber raid in May 1942 consolidate the increasingly which were less susceptible H2S on the ground prior to a capabilities of the SN-2 radar and on Cologne, scraped together complex business of electronic to damage by flak or bullets raid. The Germans were able to “Schrage Musik” for more than 8 The bombing had kept a check with a mixture of twin-engined warfare and countermeasures than the water-cooled inline detect these emissions which months after the German night on German production and and four-engined bombers, within one organisation. The Merlin engines of the Lancaster, provided early warning of a fighters started using them, left caused the direction of resources and some from training group was responsible for the remained as part of the heavy raid, which was then sent out to the Lancaster crews virtually from offensive to defensive squadrons, much of the centre development, operational bomber force with the Lancaster individual German night fighter defenceless during the most purposes. In 16 raids with of that city was destroyed, the trial and use of electronic until the end of the war. units to place them on alert. The intense phase of the bombing 9,111 sorties on Berlin, Bomber defenders being overwhelmed warfare and countermeasures Himmelbett system co-ordinated of Germany, especially during Command lost 492 aircraft, with by the scale of the raid. With equipment. Various 2 Gp aircraft No.100 Group was a pioneer in ground-based radars with its a series of attacks on Berlin. their crews killed or captured, this raid Harris sent out a strong were used including Mosquito, countering the formidable force night fighters in a grid from 1942 and 954 aircraft damaged, a rate signal to Bomber Command's Wellington, Halifax, Beaufighter, of radar-equipped Luftwaffe onwards. But this system was a Harris believed he could break of loss of 5.8%, exceeding the 5% detractors, particularly in Stirling, and Liberator aircraft. night fighters, utilising a range static defence and vulnerable if the morale of the Germans with threshold that was considered the Royal Navy, that he Together with the Lancaster, of electronic 'homers' fitted to its Command and Control was a series of destructive raids on the maximum sustainable meant business, and that his Wellington and Beaufort when where much of the area of the Halifax and Stirling were the de Havilland Mosquito fighters. disrupted. As a Lancaster could Berlin. Despite the devastation operational loss rate by the command was not going to be based in Malta did much to the docks and the East End of two other four-engined heavy This detected the German night pass through it in less than they caused, these raids were RAF. Over the course of the war, dismembered and its resources interdict the shipping crossing London was heavily damaged, bombers. But the Stirling had a fighter's various radar and radio four minutes, the grid system very costly to Bomber Command Bomber Command suffered a shared out between the other the Mediterranean from Italy including much of the City of short wingspan which enabled emissions and allowed the RAF could be easily overwhelmed. beginning in August 1943 with casualty rate of more than 61% two services. to supply Rommel’s Afrika London. Night fighters at that it to fit in most hangars. This fighters to home in onto the Therefore Harris introduced 18 more raids over the next six amongst its aircrew, with 44% Korps. But by 1944 both were time were largely ineffective gave it a low ceiling where it Axis aircraft, either to shoot a dense bomber stream in months. Harris’ mistake in the being killed. A very high rate Although promoted Marshal relegated to the training role. before airborne radar had was in greater danger from them down or disrupt their May 1943 which channeled all Battle of Berlin was in failing to of loss. The Pathfinder Force of the RAF in 1945, unlike the been sufficiently developed, flak and searchlights. So it was missions against the bomber bombers through a few boxes realise that the Nachtjagd was suffered particularly heavy losses other main leaders of the war With the publication of the Butt so the German night bombers taken out of frontline service streams. Other Mosquitoes and into a tighter formation no longer tied to Himmelbett due to the ability of the Germans years, Harris did not receive a report in August 1941, which sustained relatively few losses by the beginning of 1944. The would patrol around the known which overwhelmed the handful boxes. It was more effective to to home in on to the H2S radar. peerage in the 1946 New Year concluded that at best only 10% to British night fighters and later marks of Halifax with Bristol Luftwaffe fighter airfields ready of fighters in their path with let the twin-engine night fighters Honours. Politicians, including to 20% of night bombers placed anti-aircraft fire. Although Harris Hercules air-cooled engines, to attack any landing night too many targets. In response pursue a free hunt using their The death toll on the ground Churchill himself, were quick to their bombs within 5 miles of was opposed to the formation which were less susceptible fighters they came across. to this the night fighters airborne interception radar as an was approximately 10,305 distance themselves from the their intended target, it was of an elite force within Bomber to damage by flak or bullets This constant harassment had shifted to more decentralised, important aid to finding a target. casualties, a fraction of those bomber offensive, particularly decided that targets should be Command, its necessity than the water-cooled inline a detrimental effect on the operational methods which Harris did not realise this until killed in the Hamburg raids the raid on Dresden, now that areas rather than more specific outweighed his opposition due Merlin engines of the Lancaster, morale and confidence of many enabled them to free hunt later in the war, so that losses earlier in 1943, when over 40,000 the war had been won, and targets, and the area bombing to very poor bombing accuracy remained as part of the heavy Luftwaffe crews, and indirectly within the bomber stream. from his closely packed bomber people were killed in one raid Sir Arthur Harris and Bomber of cities to destroy civilian at the time. It was formed under bomber force with the Lancaster led to a high proportion of This was much more effective, streams were much higher than due to a firestorm which affected Command became victims of morale was initiated. In order to Gp Capt D.C.T. Bennett and its until the end of the war. both aircraft and aircrew especially when they were post war political expediency. make night bombing generally contribution to the war effort wastage from crashes as night equipped with airborne radar. more accurate however, the was immense, perfecting as it No. 100 (Bomber Support) fighters hurried in to land to For the first three years of Pathfinder Force (PFF) came did techniques for precision Group was a special duties avoid the Mosquito threat. Consequently, single-engined war from 1939 to 1942, into being on 15th August 1942, Main Force bombing, including group within RAF Bomber “Wilde Sau” (Wild Boar) day Bomber Command was with headquarters at Wyton, “Oboe”, blind bombing system Command. It was formed This tactic was also used by the fighters were also used as made up of twin-engined Huntingdonshire. It was formed and “Gee” radio navigation on 11 November 1943 to Germans who sent over intruder night fighters. They were not medium bombers which at the direct request of the Air equipment with which the consolidate the increasingly aircraft to our bomber airfields equipped with airborne radar carried a limited bomb load Ministry and initially comprised target could be found more complex business of electronic when they were landing after as it was considered that they and which were extremely five squadrons, one from each accurately, and brilliant target warfare and countermeasures a raid. A number of bombers could be used en masse to inflict vulnerable while daylight of the operational Bomber indicator flares dropped which within one organisation. The were shot down in the airfield disastrous losses on the bomber bombing. These included the Command Groups before would indicate the aiming point group was responsible for the circuits, the crews of which stream, picking out their targets Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, becoming No.8 (PFF) Group at to the Main Force bombers. development, operational were then least expecting it. visually from above against the the Handley Page Hampden the beginning of 1943 equipped Progressively, all Lancasters trial and use of electronic Such attacks were very effective lighter background from fires Vickers Wellington.

WW: 24 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 25 the centre of Hamburg. This brought together in one place. Twin engined bomber – Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. prospect of surviving a tour of with the RAF area bombing was caused by the coalescence This prevented the complete Bristol Beaufort. 30 operations and by 1943, only campaign. It pointed to the great of large fires which consumed destruction of one centre of war one in six expected to survive success of the USAAF's attacks oxygen at a rapid rate that production in one attack. With their first tour and one in forty on Germany's synthetic oil plants caused high winds to blow aircraft production however, would survive their second starting in the spring of 1944. into the fires. This left carbon although numbers produced tour if they undertook one. This had a crippling effect on monoxide which caused the far exceeded those in earlier German transportation. It also deaths of many in the shelters years, parts constructed in The aim of the bombing prevented the Luftwaffe from who were unaware of its deadly different locations did not offensive, to break the morale flying to anything like the order presence. The initial use of always fit together as well as of the German civilians, must be of battle that the aviation engine “window”, metal strips cut to the they should, which degraded considered a failure. The scale plants, parts and sub-assembly same wavelength as the German the performance of some and intensity of the offensive was fabrication, and final assembly radars and pushed out of the aircraft or caused dangerous an appalling trial to the German manufacturing facilities that Lancasters, confused the German weaknesses in the structure. “Schrage Musik” and other twin- due to the destruction of the oil Both the Junkers Ju.88 and distance themselves from the people and the Hamburg attacks Luftwaffe training and logistics radars to such an extent that the engined night fighters such refineries at Ploesti in Romania Messerschmitt Bf.110, although sometimes controversial nature particularly profoundly shook could have otherwise sustained. defending fighters were sent in Harris recognized that the as the Junkers Ju 88 routinely and the synthetic oil plants designed originally for other of the destruction they had the Nazi leadership. However, Further, in going for targets they the wrong direction and there Nachtjagd was growing decimated Lancaster raids at by the American 8th Army Air roles, became extremely visited upon Germany, in reply on balance, the indiscriminate knew the Germans must defend, was no opposition to the raid. stronger and that bomber an exchange rate that Bomber Force daylight bombing raids effective night fighters. Originally to the Germans own unlimited nature of the bombing and the new American longer range Unfortunately once the Germans casualty rates would soon reach Command could not afford. contributed to a lack of new, designed as a heavy fighter, bombing of our cities. In fact, the heavy civilian casualties escort fighters, such as the North realised what was happening an unsustainable level. The well-trained pilots. Problems the Bf.110 was outclassed by during the Battle of Britain, and damage stiffened German American P-51 Mustang, were they were able to use a different equipping of a large number In the first 6 months of 1944 with the introduction of faster the Spitfires and Hurricanes in more bomber crewmen lost resistance to fight to the end. able to inflict crippling losses wavelength to enable their of Lancasters with H2S ground 1,041 Lancasters were lost on and improved dedicated the Battle of Britain and had to their lives than fighter pilots The blitz on British cities in 1940 on the Luftwaffe's fighter force. radars to see through “window”. mapping radar in the dorsal operational sorties. This was night fighters like the Heinkel be withdrawn from that battle. while attacking the barges and 1941 had the same effect. However it should be pointed As a result, these devastating position under the fuselage equivalent to a loss of 70% He.219 until the last few weeks The Ju.88, whilst being one of collected in the Channel ports But by the time of the “Baby out that later in the war the RAF raids could not be repeated both robbed the ability of the of all Lancasters built in this of the war, which were never the most effective medium of France, mining coastal waters, Blitz” in 1944, German bomber also made a great contribution against other German cities. It Lancasters to have a defensive period. When Lancasters lost in produced in quantity, caused a bombers of the Luftwaffe, and other missions to hinder capability was much reduced to the oil offensive, as its abilities they had been Albert Speer, the gun position below and helped accidents and non-combat losses decline in the effectiveness of became also an extremely any attempt at invasion. Later and the British night fighters to attack precision targets had German Minister for Production, the German night fighters are included, the loss rate was the Nachtjagd. Also a muddled successful night fighter. Both in the war, night bombing of with their improved airborne greatly improved since the indicated that such destruction to find the bombers from a equivalent to 94% of Lancasters production programme, political aircraft were heavily armed with Germany tied down thousands radar were much more effective, arrival of new navigation and of 4 or 5 other cities would have considerable distance via the built in the first half of 1944. interference, Allied bombing cannon and had a long range of Germans plus armaments on so that the destruction on the target finding equipment. brought a rapid end to the war “Naxos” passive radar detector A sustained loss rate of 3.3% and the wasting of resources and therefore more time in the the home front, which could ground was minimal compared which homed onto the H2S radar meant that no Lancaster aircrews on too many projects in air to shoot down bombers otherwise have been employed to the Blitz of 1940/41. Apart from those flying from By the end of 1943, the emissions. The introduction of would survive a 25 mission tour. general, added to this decline. than single-engined fighters. usefully on the fighting fronts. In the middle war period, for this country, there were airmen Nachtjagd (Night Fighter Force) the Lichtenstein SN-2 radar to Loss rates exceeded this in 6 of In particular the 88mm anti- every one hundred Bomber from Bomber Command who found that the RAF was jamming find targets in 1943 was also a 12 months in 1942 and 1943. The Luftwaffe might have The General der Jagdflieger aircraft gun was also a very Command aircrew who started served in the Middle East, North or disrupting most of its radio significant electronic advance posed a greater threat to the (the defending fighters), efficient tank destroyer. So the their tour, only sixteen would Africa, Malta, and Italy and the frequencies from electronically for the German night fighters. After the considerable losses British night bombing policy, Adolf Galland, said that the less of them at the war fronts the remain with their squadron Far East, who have still not been equipped airborne Lancasters consequent on the attacks particularly with the introduction combination of the Pathfinders' better. In fact, the anti-aircraft alive and unwounded at the awarded Campaign Medals, The known as ABCs and ground- Harris recognized the tactical on Berlin, the night bomber of new night fighters such as the operations, the activities of No. gunners and other defenders end of thirty missions. Of the bombing and torpedo attacks on based stations which severely success of the German force was diverted to attacks Heinkel He.219 and Messerchmitt 100 Group, the British advantage were mostly teenagers in the others, 25 would be PoWs, 5 shipping in the Mediterranean, disrupted the night fighters’ radio night fighters when he on transportation depots and Me.262 night fighter. General in radar, jamming and Window later years of the war, due to a would be wounded and the supplying Rommel’s Afrika navigation linkages. This often said on 7 April 1944 : - railway junctions in France Kammhuber, head of the night techniques, combined with shortage of suitable personnel. remaining 54 dead or missing. Korps, were instrumental in made it more difficult to mass and elsewhere to disrupt fighter force, stated that with intelligent attacking tactics, Despite these tragic losses, limiting his essential supplies fighters against the bomber “The strength of the German communications with the 18 wings of aircraft instead of as well as the discipline and Allied bombing of German comradeship remained strong. of fuel and armaments at the stream. Radar jamming became defences would in time reach a Normandy coast. Known gun 6, he could have forced the bravery of the RAF crews, had cities killed between 305,000 There would be an indomitable end of a long supply line. Thus, so effective by mid 1944 that the point at which night bombing positions and other defensive British to curtail or change been remarkable. He had severe and 600,000 civilians. One of spirit and a high level of morale his Panzers ran out of fuel and night fighters were forced to use attacks by existing methods and measures were bombed in their heavy bombing policy. problems in trying to defend the most controversial aspects amongst aircrew, 21 of whom were unable make further other firms of communication, types of heavy bomber would preparation for Operation Germany in the air at night. of Bomber Command during won the Victoria Cross. The small attacks at El Alamein, losing such as the use of civilian radio involve percentage casualty Overlord in June 1944. With Despite the above, night fighter . World War II was the area numbers of aircrew who could the initiative and the battle. broadcasts. But the so called rates which could not in the certain exceptions such as the aces like Heinz-Wolfgang CONCLUSION bombing of cities. Until 1942 not function properly due to fear From there he retreated to “Monica” tail-mounted radar long run be sustained. We have raid on the panzer training Schnaufer shot down seven Those serving in Bomber navigational technology did overcoming their commitment the Mareth Line and Tunisia warning device on Lancasters not yet reached that point, school at Mailly-le-Camp and Lancasters in 19 minutes in Command were not awarded a not allow for any more precise to duty had to be taken off and, after one or two notable provided too many false returns but tactical innovations which the bombing of Wesseling February 1945 and only broke Campaign Medal until 65 years targeting than at best a district operations quickly, as the successes against inexperienced from other bombers for it to have so far postponed it are in the Ruhr, these targets in off the action due to exhausted too late, concurrently with the of a town or city by night survival of the crew depended American forces, was forced be useful. The Germans soon now practically exhausted.” France were generally less well ammunition. His final three Bomber Command Memorial, bombing. All large German cities on each member doing their into a wholesale evacuation to created the Flensburg radar These high losses were the defended and the Bomber victories came in March 1945. which was finally dedicated in contained important industrial job to the best of their ability. Sicily, and then to Italy a few warning receiver which could logical result of a weapon system Force was able to recover from However, Bomber Command’s Green Park, Central London, on districts and so were considered If this was compromised in months later. The retreat from home in on “Monica” after that was designed around a its rough treatment over Berlin. electronic warfare had been 28 June 2012. The great majority legitimate targets by the allies. any way they were at a much Tunisia to Sicily resulted in more examining this radar emitter single characteristic, bomb load. At Mailly-le-Camp interference improving and by early 1945, it of surviving combatants had higher risk of being shot down. axis prisoners being taken by from crashed Lancasters, But it was not enough for the from an American radio station was able to jam the SN-2 radar. died of natural causes by then, so A Bomber Command crew the allies than the number of Lancaster to reach Berlin with a prevented communications The Mosquito could bomb Berlin that recognition for their sacrifice member had a worse chance of A US survey of their bombing German prisoners at Stalingrad. Hitler had not put armament large bomb load. It needed to between the Master Bomber with relative impunity. While its was too late for most of them. survival than an infantry officer in results was little concerned Bob Hickox production on a war footing survive and fly multiple missions and the Main Force causing bomb load was inferior to the World War I. Controversially, more until 1942 when he realised in order to justify its cost of much confusion of which the Lancaster, its high speed made it At least 5,000 Bomber personnel were killed serving Bristol Blenheim. that the war on the eastern construction. It was undermined night fighters took advantage almost invulnerable to Germany’s Command aircrew were in Bomber Command than front would not be over in a by a failure to make realistic shooting down 42 bombers, night fighter and other defences. killed in training accidents in the Blitz, or the bombings few months. Thus there was operational assessments in the a loss rate of 11.6%. The Light Night Bomber Force, and 45-50,000 were killed on of Hamburg or Dresden. By considerable slack in the critical early days of the Lancaster Only the declining strategic based upon the Mosquito, operations, a total of 55,000, comparison, the US Eighth system. With the reorganisation design program. Not enough position of the German military was the model for successful apart from the thousands of Army Air Force, which flew of production under the new effort was put into defensive and the failure to priorities night strategic night bombing. But others physically and mentally daylight raids over Europe from Minister for Production, Albert measures in a night flying role fighter production prevented Harris would not allow any scarred due to their experiences 1942 onwards, had 350,000 Speer in 1944, much industrial and night navigation until failure these aircraft from demolishing reduction in his monthly bomb in the war. Such sacrifice went aircrew during the war and production was dispersed to became a very real possibility. the Lancaster Main Force tonnage delivery statistics and unrecognized due to the political suffered 26,000 killed and 23,000 smaller sub-contractors before Tactically the Messerschmitt bombers. Increasingly from would not allow the Mosquito expediency of politicians over POWs. In Bomber Command, the completed parts were Bf.110 with the SN-2 radar and 1943 onwards, fuel shortage to supplant the Lancaster. commanders. They wished to statistically there was little

WW: 26 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 27 RAF ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW GIFT LUNCH CLUB TO HELP PARENTS FEEL CLOSER TO HOME LANDS JACKPOT Charity he Royal Air Forces hugely popular way for children through the RAF Association thoroughly recommend others Association is helping to feel connected to a parent Storybook Wings service. I felt to use this fantastic service!” T serving personnel or carer who is working away so very reassured and warmed oyal Air Force (RAF) Similar clubs have been live music, quizzes, guest For more information please feel more connected to from home. Developed in to know that she was able to If you would like to record veterans have been launched throughout the speakers, walks, gardening contact the hotel by calling home by launching the conjunction with Meg Wickett hear my voice and enjoy our a Storybook Wings story served a healthy boost UK. Kevin O’Neill of the RAF and outings to local 01669 620 235 or visit the ‘Wings Doodle Box’. from the HIVE at RAF Benson, precious time together even and receive a free Wings R after the Royal Air Forces Association, explains how attractions. Transport will be following website: the Wings Doodle Boxes will in my absence. She thoroughly Doodle Box you can contact Association (RAF Association) the initiative came to life: “We provided by the hotel which www.rafa.org.uk/wingsbreaks/ The boxes will be given to allow parents to take little enjoyed the audio and book your local HIVE or email was granted £9,670 by the Big were in the middle of a really includes disabled access. rothbury-house. all children who receive a personal touches from home combination and I would [email protected] Lottery Fund. cold snap last winter and Storybook Wings story from away with them, something were concerned for some of now until the end of 2018 and to make them smile and feel a The RAF Association is our members who live alone, are being launched to coincide little closer to home and family. introducing a new Lunch Club particularly after overhearing with the tenth anniversary of for ex-service personnel at its one lady tell her friend ‘I don’t the hugely popular scheme. “We launched Storybook Wings welfare hotel, Rothbury House bother cooking much these The boxes contain a pillow 10 years ago and has touched in Morpeth, Northumberland. days, it doesn’t seem worth case, wash bag, welcome home the hearts of more than 2,300 The club aims to help reduce it when there is just me on banner and cards, all of which families. It is now supported loneliness and isolation among my own.’ can be coloured in using the by 36 stations worldwide from older members of the RAF fabric pens provided. The box Fylingdales to the Falklands community and which, it is “We’re delighted to have been itself can also be coloured and from Marham to Minhad. hoped, will have a positive awarded funding from the Big in to make it stand out in a We have high hopes that the impact on their wellbeing. Lottery Fund, the hotel provides parent or carer’s bedroom. Wings Doodle Boxes will really Furthermore, the club will a warm and friendly atmosphere take flight and do the same.” encourage good nutrition, for people to enjoy a meal and Shameera Mandhu, who James, an RAF parent, said: particularly for those who meet friends.” In addition to manages the Storybook Wings “Prior to deploying to Kabul, live alone. lunch, the hotel already offers service at the Association, said: I recorded The Gruffalo for “Storybook Wings remains a my one-year-old daughter

CELEBRATE RAF CENTENARY BOUQUET ARRANGED FOR RAF ASSOCIATION The 1st of April marks 100 years since the he Royal Air Forces continue offering vital welfare Royal Air Force was formed and will be Association (RAF support to those within the RAF presents Association) has teamed family that are in most need.” commemorated by numerous special events T up with boutique florists across the country - www.raf.mod.uk/raf100 Appleyard London to create Appleyard London will donate an exclusive bouquet. 10 per cent of the purchase price of every specially designed simple way for you to join Available from www.poppyshop. In traditional RAF colours – bouquet to the RAF Association. in the commemorations org.uk, where all profits raised red, white and blue – each If you’d like to treat yourself or A and help support all go directly to The Royal British bouquet has been handcrafted loved one, while supporting members of the British Armed Legion and their important work by experienced florists. the RAF Association, please visit Forces, past and present in supporting past and present

www.appleyardflowers.com/rafa. and their families, is with members of our Armed Forces. Flowers have associated this range of RAF inspired meanings, many dating products, specially created for back centuries, and so the centenary by The Royal it was important to not British Legion. only select the right colours, but also to choose There’s something for everyone Camelot The Panto appropriate blooms. Sky- in the range, which includes a blue hydrangeas traditionally set of stylish cufflinks, a keyring, represent perseverance zip-clip and lapel pin, each ------while red and white roses featuring the RAF’s distinctive reflect love and peace. red, white and blue roundel 7.30pm on 3rd, 4th & 5th January 2019 logo. There’s also a hand painted th Rebecca Davies, Corporate English bone china mugs 2.30pm on 5 January 2019 and Major Gifts Manager at the depicting 100 years of RAF Peter Chennells Hall, Rockware Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 0AA RAF Association, said: “We’re history in words and images and Adults £10 - Concessions £5 - & £5 (in uniform) delighted Appleyard London a range of products (pen, mug, For more information please email [email protected] has decided to support the coaster, lens cloth) featuring Box Office 07908 902667 - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/271298 RAF Association by designing some of the RAF’s most

a bespoke bouquet. “The famous aircraft. money raised will enable us to

WW: 28 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 29 Shoe Repairs, Key Cutting, Sports Trophies RAF TUG OF WAR & Engraving hat a season its been A huge crowd and an ITV outside for the RAF Tug of War broadcast assembled at the Also dry cleaning W team and the RAF High main ring at the show for the & watch batteries Wycombe athletes involved competition to see the best having returned from their first teams in Wales battle it out for ever overseas tour with silver the converted rosettes. The RAF medals in the heavy weight gave an exceptional account of New High Wycombe Care Home To Look After RAF Veterans 27 High Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AE class at the Military invitational themselves and the respect of in Gutersloh, Germany. The RAF the assembled sides finishing 4th • Care home for veterans The Royal Star & Garter Homes Cally Madden Tel: 01844 274651 100 invitational followed shortly overall with RAF High Wycombe’s Email: [email protected] opening in early 2019 during an important time in their Marketing & Communications after hosted exceptionally well Flt Lt Davies coaching. • RAF Benevolent Fund history. The grant we have given Manager by RAF High Wycombe on the gives £57,600 grant ensures that the physiotherapy E: cally.madden@starandgarter. org 11 July, the largest event of The 1st of Aug saw the military towards physiotherapy room is not only fit for purpose T: 020 8481 7692 / 07881 017299 the 2018 Military Tug of War domestic season finale with room fit-out and fully equipped, but there to calendar involving over 20 teams the best individuals from all 3 • Home will provide care help residents in need of vital About The Royal Star & Garter from across Defence which services forming 2 UKAF sides for 74 residents and in-house therapy. Homes: also included the first ever Inter over 4 weight classes to take include a specialist The Charity provides award- Service Cadet competition on the Civil Service and the 30-bed dementia wing “As we look towards the RAFBF winning care for veterans and which was narrowly won by the British Police in the annual centenary in 2019 and seek to their partners who live with ACF. RAF men’s teams made 2 Triangular event. Sandhurst he Royal Star & Garter stand side by side with those disability or dementia. of the finals throughout the day memorial ground hosted the Homes has thanked The in the RAF Family, we know that saw some exciting matches event that the UKAF dominated T Royal Air Force Benevolent that our enduring relationship The Royal Star & Garter Homes between the Royal Artillery, RLC, winning 2 of the weight classes Fund after receiving a generous with The Royal Star & Garter is a charity founded in 1916 to Mercian Regt and a number of and coming second in the grant towards its new High Homes will help us assist even care for the severely injured RAF teams. other 2. A contingent of 8 RAF Wycombe Home. more deserving beneficiaries young men returning from the pullers (including RAF High – something that fills me with battlegrounds of the First World Many thanks to the PEd Flight for Wycombe) were included in The Charity was given £57,600 great pride.” War. Today we provide specialist hosting so well and the grounds the Squad, the most for over from the RAFBF which is being care to the whole military family maintenance staff for preparing 2 decades and they enjoyed used to fit-out its physiotherapy The Charity’s Chief Executive, in our friendly, state-of-the-art and recovering the field! Cpl significant successes. room in High Wycombe. Andy Cole: “Physiotherapy has Homes. Disabled ex-Servicemen Adam Hill (PSF), Fg Off Adam been at the heart of our special and women, and their spouses, South (WSF) and Flt Lt Davies The RAF team is now focusing The Home, which is under care in The Royal Star & Garter can all benefit from our (TDF) were in medal winning on competing at the Royal construction and expected to Homes for over a century. It pioneering approach to nursing, teams throughout the day Highland games at Breamar on welcome its first residents in promotes fitness and wellbeing dementia and therapeutic care. which was Judged by Wg Cdr the 1st September in front of early 2019, will provide care and addresses the impact of Robson (Manning). The Queen. The Indoor season for military veterans living with serious health conditions. This We are in the process of building will then follow shortly after disability or dementia. generous grant from the RAF new Homes around the country Just a week later the RAF in November. Benevolent Fund will have a real to provide specialist nursing care assembled at Aldershot for the The charity was formed in impact on the residents who will for disabled ex-Service people in Inter Services, again with RAF The team is always on the 1916 to care for disabled live in our new High Wycombe the best modern surroundings, High Wycombe people involved. lookout for new people of any young men returning from the Home. We look forward to including dementia care facilities Always fiercely contested with shape and size to get involved battlegrounds of the First World supporting even more RAF to address this growing need. each Service fielding 2 teams with this sport that’s affords War. It has Homes in Solihull, veterans in the future.” The Charity has award-winning in each of the weight classes. its athletes some fantastic West Midlands, and Surbiton, Homes in Solihull, West Midlands, This year was no different with competitions throughout the South West London. Once open, the £25 million and Surbiton, Surrey, which all six sides giving nothing away year and a team camaraderie High Wycombe Home will also enables the Charity to offer in some brutal encounters that is difficult to match. High Wycombe was partly provide the Charity’s award- interim care for young disabled that made for some exciting Interested? then contact the chosen as the location of the winning specialist nursing Service personnel. Following the viewing for the crowd and the RAF High Wycombe OIC and Charity’s new Home because of and therapeutic care for successes of the first two Homes, TV audience curtesy of Forces RAF team manager, Flt Lt Gareth its close connections with the 74 residents and include a a third Home in High Wycombe, TV. In the end Army ‘A’ won the Davies (Station Training Officer) military, and in particular RAF specialist dementia care wing for Buckinghamshire, is being built, men’s and ladies categories on ext 7828 or the RAF Secretary High Wycombe and RAF Halton. 30 residents. with a planned opening in 2018. thanks to their international Sgt Mike Hawkins Michael. standard athletes, the RAF [email protected] or The Royal Star & Garter Homes The Home will create at least 140 We are proud to have enjoyed To advertise in the battled hard throughout the day follow the team @RAFTug has close links to several RAF new jobs, with registered nurses, Royal patronage since our next issue of this and were well deserving of their organisations. The Royal Air Force care assistants, housekeepers foundation, including that of Her publication Silver medals presented by Air Association and RAF military and physiotherapists all sought Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from Please contact Marshall Evans. bands also support the Charity in for recruitment. 1953 to the present day. Leah on various ways and their continued Just the 6 days of rest for generosity helps to improve For further information the team before their next Twitter: 01536 334 221 the lives of residents living in please contact: @starandgarter appearance, this time as invited our Homes. or email guests of the Welsh Tug of War Goolistan Cooper Facebook: [email protected] Association at the Royal Welsh RAF Benevolent Fund Chief Communications Officer facebook.com/starandgarter show. Ahead of them were some Executive David Murray said: E: goolistan.cooper@ intimidating opposition which “I am sincerely honoured, on starandgarter.org Website: included the recent Gold, silver behalf of the RAF Benevolent T: 0208 481 7669 / 07391 868796 www.starandgarter.org and bronze medallists from the Fund, to be able to help Welsh Championships.

WW: 30 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 31 HERTS AND BUCKS WING ATC PENN PULLS TOGETHER FOR RAF100!

team of 9 RAF Air Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps Cadets from 871 and RAF Air Cadet participants. ABOUT THE AIR CADETS A (Penn) Squadron competed in the RAF100 Tug of War competition, he RAF Air Cadets, 200 independent and at RAF High Wycombe. better known as the state schools across T 'Air Cadets', are a UK- the country In the year that both the wide cadet force with more RAF and the RAF Tug of War than 40,000 members aged Our aims are to: team turn 100 years old, the between 12 and 20 years. Cadet forces were invited • Promote and encourage to take part in this special We're sponsored by the RAF100 competition.

Clubs & Committees a practical interest Royal Air Force and can give in aviation and the Teams from the Army you hands-on experience of Royal Air Force among Cadet Force and the Sea activities and courses that young people Cadet Corps joined RAF Air will challenge and develop • Provide training which Cadets from Penn and were your skills to help you will be useful in the introduced to the sport with succeed in whatever you Services and civilian life a safety brief and the issue want to do. HRH The Duchess • Encourage the spirit of of their safety equipment. of Cambridge is also our adventure and develop Honorary Air Commandant! qualities of leadership The main competition got and good citizenship underway, allowing the Cadets The RAF Air Cadets is to observe techniques and made up of two areas: And there's one more come up with their own tactics, RAF Air Cadet team in action. important thing - it's whilst also being lucky enough • Air Training Corps - The a lot of fun! to chat with the coach for ATC is the RAF's cadet the RAF Tug of War team. force, divided into six Website: with an RAF100 competitor regions, 34 wings and www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets Sadly, the RAF Air Cadet team medal, the Army Cadet Force more than 900 squadrons were runners up and although were presented with the within communities About Herts & Bucks each participant was awarded Tug of War winners’ cup. around the UK • Combined Cadet Force Wing ATC Herts and Bucks Wing ATC Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps (RAF) - The CCF (RAF) is our is one of 6 Wings within and RAF Air Cadet participants. section of the CCF which Central and East Region. It is made up of cadets from is made up of 30 Squadrons all three services, coming across Hertfordshire and together in approximately Buckinghamshire.

WEBSITE www.hertsbucksaircadets.org FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/hbwaircadets TWITTER www.twitter.com/hbwaircadets INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/hbwaircadets

Rose Carson / Shutterstock.com

WW: 32 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WYCOMBE WORLD AUTUMN 2018 WW: 33 ROBSON WATER SPORTS CENTRE

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