Inside this Issue: OPS/EXERCISE 33 Sqn 12 Days In The Lebanon STATION EVENTS RAF Benson Honours & Awards SPORTS RAF Benson MTB Club

The official quarterly publication of Benson

30 MILES FOR CHARITY Spring 2019 Issue 80 www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson Who is the Joint Helicopter Command’s support helicopter training partner?

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Your worldwide training partner of choice CONTENTS SPRING 2019 08 From the the station – please keep them Editor… coming in! Whatever you do, Publishing Team we want to hear about it – if Well spring has you need advice with how PUBLISHER certainly sprung here to write it just contact me Lion’s Roar is published by Lance Print at Benson! via email (andrew.lyes254@ Ltd, 1st Floor Tailby House, Bath Road, mod.gov.uk) and I can offer Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL hints and advice. Pictures Tel: 01536 334223 Already a really busy time are great as well as everyone Email: [email protected] and some fantastic articles always wants to see what Visit: www.lanceprint.co.uk from around the station. has been going on! The more Company Registration No.3253372 Special thanks must go to Micheal imaginative the article the better!! Prendergast for his amazing Hopefully we’ll have good weather in ADVERTISING MANAGER article about Flt Lt Gunn and his the spring and everyone will be out and Leonard hugely impressive contribution to about and breaking out their pens and Tel: 01536 680414 12 Bensons efforts during the second paper(or emails!!) Email: [email protected] world war. As I’ve always said the Lions Roar is nothing without the Andy Lyes DESIGNER amazing contributions from around Lion’s Roar Editor/OIC Amanda Robinson Tel: 01536 334226 Email: [email protected]

PRINTER Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6TD Tel: 01733 390564 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.lanceprint.co.uk

ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND FEATURES TO… MAcr Andy Lyes, The Editor ‘Lions Roar’ RWOETU, RAF Benson, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6AA Contents Spring 2019 Tel: 01491 827062 Email: [email protected] PAGE JHSS - EXERCISE PAGE THE CEREMONY 08 HOOKERS HERALD 23 OF THE KEYS PAGE RAF BENSON HONOURS PAGE JHF HQ - EX SAIF SAREEA 24 & AWARDS Don’t Forget! 18 29 10 Look out for the PAGE BEST OF BENSON PAGE 33 SQN - 12 DAYS IN next edition of Lion’s THE LEBANON SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES: 26 Roar which is due Articles for the Lion’s Roar should 12 out in June 2019 30 be submitted by email, written PAGE in Microsoft Word (preferably not PAGE 230 SQN STANDARD PARADE 30 MILES FOR CHARITY the latest version format) and – OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW pictures should be sent as high 14 28 quality original jpegs and attached as separate files, not embedded PAGE 230 SQN - NATO PAGE RAF BENSON MTB CLUB DISCLAIMER: in the text or reduced in size. TIGER MINI MEET This publication is copyright Lance Publishing 17 29 Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written PAGE ALASTAIR permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every PAGE STN GOLF EXPED care has been taken during the preparation of this DONALD MACINTOSH GUNN magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held 18 responsible for accuracy of the information herein or 30 for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the PAGE LOGS SQN THROUGH PAGE SSAFA Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images THE YEARS © UK MoD Copyright 2016 unless otherwise 21 31 stated.

4 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 5 REGULARS STN CDR’S FOREWORD

Foreword from the Station Commander... Editorial Team OIC/EDITOR Welcome to my first edition of the Andy Lyes Ext: 7062 Lion’s Roar as Station Commander. 33 SQN REP Flt Lt Dave Rawson 28 Sqn, Ext: 8039 230 SQN REP Benson has lived up to its reputation of that show just why Benson is held in Flt Lt Paul Hutton being one of the friendliest, welcoming such high regard. From the 230 Squadron 230 Sqn, Ext: 7159 stations in the RAF and it’s an absolute Standard Consecration ceremony with 28 SQN REP privilege to be given the job of Station His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Flt Lt Dave Stanford Commander here. Kent to the latest round of honours and 28 Sqn, Ext: 8072 As some of you will know, I arrived awards presented during the Annual LS REP a little earlier than November as I Formal Inspection, the professionalism Fg Off Robin Wilson spent several months working my way and dedication that you are known for is OC M&T Flt, Ext: 7428 through the Puma conversion course clearly evident. EXPEDITION & SPORTS REP with 28 Squadron. Since taking over the Please do keep sending in articles Fg Off Sam Bacon office from Hamish, the pace has been to the editing team as the Lion’s Roar is STO, Ext: 5219 relentless and I’m still learning everything one of the ways that we showcase Team BSW REP about this incredible team and getting Benson to others. I know most of you Ms Nikki Hamilton to grips with leading the many fantastic don’t do these things for recognition SEO, Ext: 7245 and diverse people we have here at but I truly believe that rewarding and OPS WG REP Benson. I’m doing my best to get around recognising the work that people do is Flt Lt Tom Barber Ext: 8139 the Station to meet as many of you as vital, not only to ensure that you feel 606 SQN REP possible but I know that is going to take valued but also to inspire others to Flt LT Rosie Gilmour me some time, so inside this edition achieve the same level of greatness. 606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238 you’ll find an interview where I answered I look forward to getting to PHOTO & IMAGERY REP some of the questions that have been know you all better over the coming Sgt Malthouse posed by the team. You’ll also find some months and to reading more about your Photo Section, Ext: 7265 fantastic articles amazing endeavours. CARTOONIST FS Dave McCrindle MLO ADJ Ext 7085 DISTRIBUTION Mr Tizzard, Mr Cole, Sgt Fiona Rotherham 606 Sqn

COVER CREDIT: RAF Benson Photographic Section.

6 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability JHSS EXERCISE HOOKERS HERALD Exercise Hookers Herald Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) have recently completed their annual Continuation Training exercises 1 & 2 (CT 1 & CT2). Image credit: SAC Ryan Murray.

Deploying into a frozen -12C Longmoor training area JHSS began their annual back-to-basics field exercise. Testing both RAF and Army personnel in Section battle drills, navigation, patrolling and building clearances, alongside harbour defence and administration in the field, culminating in a Platoon attack. Being a Joint and mixed -badge Squadron, it is essential that all personnel are trained to the same standard and are able to conduct these drills effectively in extreme conditions. With JHSS instructors to hand JHSS personnel were soon effectively carrying out Section level attacks, with the Army’s Battlefield simulation adding realism by telling individuals whether they had been hit. The finale of the exercise saw a SNCO deliver his orders and prepare for a Platoon level attack, assaulting 3 separate enemy positions. Each section, under their section commander, assaulted and suppressed the enemy before regrouping in the as both passenger and underslung loads rear. The Sections seamlessly completed were moved across the training area. their assaults and demonstrated a strong This allow new members of JHSS understanding of the tactics involved and to gain additional exposure under the importance of mission command. the disc away from the familiarities The Second week saw JHSS of Odiham and Benson Tac-Parks. redeploy to Salisbury Plain for CT2. In all CT1 & 2 were both hugely This element was directed towards our successful for JHSS who have confirmed specialist role as helicopter handlers, our personnel’s abilities to perform their preparing multi-lane load parks and duties in austere conditions at all hours. complex loads for JHC assets to utilise. Having accomplished this JHSS can look Whilst the weather proved abysmal, forward to yet another busy year supporting with significant snow and fog, JHSS were still Aviation assets around the Globe. able to achieve all of its training objectives, further demonstrating their status as a highly professional specialist unit. Our Helicopter Handling Instructors oversaw the rigging of complex loads such as R-WMIK, 105 Light guns and plenty of landrovers. Aircraft from RAF Odiham arrived on station to utilise the loads provided, the training proven to be highly successful

8 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 9 JHF HQ EX SAIF SAREEA Exercise Saif Sareea 3 Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 was the largest joint exercise of its kind in 17 years.

This was the largest scale exercise south of Mussanah to the Convoy Support JHC elements at the CSC. To facilitate this of 2018 with over 5000 tri-service Centre (CSC). This transition was vital to vital provisioning the team synchronised personnel deploying into Oman. ensure medical and Puma flying cover urgent re-supply with frequent long Approx. 60 personnel from RAF Benson commenced on the 4th September. distance journeys which exceeded UK commanded by Sqn Ldr Rowe deployed Upon arrival at the CSC, a small team of expectations in carrying out these duties. on the 13th August as a formed Unit, Flight Ops led by Fg Off Britten conducted Often working cohesively with Joint providing Medical Evacuation Response 24/7 shift patterns as part of the Rapid Force Logistics Command when placing Team capability for the duration of the Reaction MERT team. The mission was to demands, sourcing GSE and completing ex. This included Aircrew, Engineers, get the aircraft airborne within the golden long arduous journeys they liaised with Suppliers, MT drivers, Caterers, SES, 30 minute window. Once airborne their the UK and also Avn TF3 preventing GEF, FHQ and Flight Ops personnel. job is to liaise with the Host Nation assets the Puma fleet from being grounded The initial set up of the exercise and individuals to move the Puma aircraft on numerous occasions. In recognition took place at RAFO Mussanah Air Base. across Oman on urgent medical tasks. of their work ethic the DSG team were Here Puma Force (Pu Fce) engineers on The Pu Fce engineering team were also awarded an SJFLogC commendation. the advance party were immediately required to provide 24/7 shift cover for the In addition, numerous caterers and facing extremely challenging weather duration of the exercise. Responsibilities chefs from RAF Benson and Odiham assisted conditions whilst constructing the three included fault diagnostics and rectifications DSG and engineers in the set-up of the CSC Puma airframes, with temperatures within a particularly austere environment. technical site tent build. These caterers and exceeding 50C on a daily basis. AMM Good maintenance procedures allowed for chefs were essential when providing the SAC (T) Joel Woodward said it was one flexibility in aviation tasks, thus ensuring whole of CSC with good quality meals four of the most rewarding experiences aircrew gained their Environmental times a day. Often working long days with he’d endured in his RAF career. Qualifications for Op TORAL and additional minimal time off, this service was always first Almost immediately after the arrival VIP transportation could be achieved. These class. Serving food with a smile and always of Pu Fce freight at RAFO Mussanah, duties were accomplished in extremely willing to cater for individuals with dietary movement personnel from Benson Mobility austere conditions and with limited requirements, they often organised theme Support Fight were hard at work. Offloading technical support equipment, in honour of nights and mess event to raise morale. airfreight, organising ISOs and managing this achievement Puma Force was presented Morale when deployed at the CSC the correct location of equipment ensured with a commendation. To note was the and on Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 has always the smooth running of the ex. This support impressive Main Rotor Gearbox change in remained positive by personnel. SACs PET HOTEL extended to facilitate the long haulage some of the most challenging conditions Calder (MTD) and Ingram (J1) would often Call us on 01491 836103 and passenger road move seven hours that the engineers have ever had to face. organise numerous welfare activities to The Deployed Support Group (DSG) keep personnel fit and busy. This included Book online at www.avalonkennels.co.uk consisted of Supply, MTDs and GEF football, rugby and cricket plus games • Luxury Dog and Cat Hotel personnel. They consistently provided against Local Employed Contractors. In • Award winning Grooming Parlour logistical support for Puma Force and all addition Sgts’ Potter (SNCO TSW), Jones • Own brand dog/cat food (SNCO J1) and organised weekly quiz • Open all year competition and regular cards nights. • Fully licensed and insured SAC Duckworth Avalon Pet Hotel, Icknield Way, Oakley Wood, Ex SS3 Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6PP Tel: 01491 836103 | Email: [email protected]

10 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 11 33 SQN 12 DAYS IN THE LEBANON 12 Days in the Lebanon 6 personnel from RAF Benson’s Puma Force, consisting of both 33 and 230 Sqn Aircrew, deployed to Lebanon on the 23rd January as part of an Aviation Short Term Training Team.

This 12-day deployment was the first of and appetite to learn shown by the LAF AF and defeat the threat of a Daesh invasion. what is hopefully an enduring affiliation personnel being a highlight of the visit. These Pumas, along with other units between 9 Sqn of the Lebanese Air The team also had the opportunity to of the LAF play an essential role in the Force(LAF) and 33 Sqn of the RAF. observe a number of training sorties, internal security, stability and Counter This first iteration of Defence encompassing emergency handling, Terrorism resilience of Lebanon. Engagement activity with the LAF flight testing, winching and mountain One of the many take-aways from the saw the Benson team visit the British flying, including a landing on the highest visit, was the importance of fostering and Embassy in Beirut, Hamat Airbase, mountain in the middle east at 10,200 nurturing personal relationships between Rayak Air Force School (less than 5 ft. The wealth of training areas within the two Sqns that will in time grow, develop miles from the Syrian border), the LAF 10 minutes flying time of Hamat Airbase and add a tangible value to both parties. By Defence Academy as well as meetings was truly exceptional with access to broadening the mutual understanding of with the LAF Chief of the Air staff. a gunnery/bombing range, fast-rope not only the platform itself, but every aspect training area, mountain flying, low level of what makes up a front-line helicopter The key deliverables of the visit and maritime Search and Rescue ops. Squadron; courseware/training/planning/ focused primarily on discussion and The LAF AF have proven themselves operating will aid and assist in building trust, mentoring in three core areas: to be an exceedingly adept and capable rapport and a thirst to share knowledge, • Training for and safe conduct force in the fight against Daesh on their ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship. of air testing activities. own country’s borders. A remarkable To a man, the team noted from the • Recruitment, selection and training modification to their Puma helicopters outset that all the members of the LAF that of rotary wing rear crew. enabled the fitment of 30mm Aden we interacted with, be it senior officers, • Flight Safety, Crew Resource cannons, SNEB Rockets and 1000lb junior pilots or engineers showed a genuine Management and bombs. This upgrade was enthusiasm for, and were highly receptive Human Factors. brought into service in to, the proposition of learning from and an exceedingly short being mentored by members of the RAF. These took the format space of time, thus During the weekend the team of briefs, classroom allowing them took the opportunity to visit the discussions as well the capability famous Lebanese vineyard of Zsara, as less formal chats to successfully the Jeita Grottos, the Roman port of in the crew-room carry out Byblos and thanks to OC33 Sqn, a 10 and mess, with offensive air mile walk around downtown Beirut! the genuine operations enthusiasm to counter Flt Lt M Reynolds 33 Sqn

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12 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 13 STATION EVENTS 230 SQN

230 SQN Centenary Standard Parade The final occasion marking 230 Squadron’s Centenary year, following a series of celebratory events in 2018, was the consecration of their new Squadron Standard.

Images by: Sgt Rachel Malthouse and SAC Ryan Murray.

This blessing was carried out as part of required in the run up to the big day. Drill a full Standard Parade, with HRH Prince Instructors from Benson and beyond proved Michael of Kent fulfilling the role of invaluable, and certainly necessary to whip Reviewing Officer, as the Honorary Air everyone into shape (especially some of Marshal of RAF Benson. the officers, who had not marched or done Typically replaced every 25 years, any sword drill since Initial Officer Training, Standards today are not used as they once some 15 years ago!) – Sgts Steve Sciascia were – we no longer use them to rally and Si Brister, and Cpl Liam Jones showed troops in the midst of battle. However, considerable dedication and expertise from this does not mean that they have lost the very start of the project. Instrumental their significance; they are still revered as assistance came from elsewhere on station, a symbol of a squadron’s heritage. These particularly from 33 Sqn, Works Services Flt banners of silk still represent the very ethos (it came down to the wire but the D Hangar of a squadron and proudly display its Battle floor was wonderfully clean by the day Association members, friends and family of Honours, thus capturing its history and itself), MT and the Officers’ Mess on the day. Sqn personnel, Stn Execs and a welcome operational achievements. Once marched on by OC 230 Sqn, Wg number of ‘volunteers’ from across station. Preparations for the parade were being Cdr Brad Hewitt as Parade Commander, the Following the Parade itself everyone made months beforehand, and then a week parade was set and waited for the arrival of moved to the Officers’ Mess for a High Tea of intensive drill training and practice was the Royal Reviewing Officer. Following his reception, with Prince Michael and other VIP inspection of the parade the old standard guests taking the opportunity to meet and was poignantly marched off, with Flt Lt congratulate participants and their guests. Paul Hutton leading the Old Standard Party, The reception concluded with the Sqn before the new 230 Squadron Standard Association presenting their 230 Sqn Airman was consecrated by The Venerable (Air of the Year Award, complete with pre- Vice Marshal) Ellis, Chaplain-in-Chief and recorded acceptance speech – for 2018 this Archdeacon for the RAF, with Prince Michael prestigious award was given to Sgt Beven, bestowing his royal assent also. Flt Lt Rhys in recognition of his outstanding service Burrows then had the honour (and daunting across Ex IMPERIAL ZEPHYR, Op RUMAN and task) of slow-marching the new standard many months on Op TORAL. Say I Do back to its place within the Parade, for the The presentation of this new Squadron A historic and stunning venue Sqn to then conduct its marchpasts of the Standard draws the Centenary celebrations for weddings and civil ceremonies dais, both in slow and quick time. Following to a close, giving an opportunity for current in the heart of Wallingford. the Advance in Review Order, a final Royal members, and several 230 veterans, to Salute and a “Three cheers for HRH Prince reflect on the Sqn’s illustrious history and Wallingford Town Hall Michael of Kent” led by the Parade Warrant its hard-fought Battle Honours, whilst also To view the ceremony rooms Officer (WO Warren), the Parade finally marking the start of a new chapter in the please telephone 01491 835373. marched off and a collective sigh of relief Sqn’s history. The event proved a triumph could be heard! of meticulous planning and collaboration www.wallingford.co.uk/weddings In addition to Commander JHC as across many personnel across RAF Benson… the senior guest, also watching were and that perhaps the RAF aren’t that bad at a number of Former OCs, other Sqn drill after all! Article by Fg Off Harry Heap.

14 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 15 230 SQN NATO TIGER MINI MEET

GORDON’S SCHOOL 230 Sqn NATO Tiger Mini Meet BOARDING IN SURREY The Mini Tiger Meet is an offshoot of the NATO Tactics Meet, designed to encourage participating sqns to engage with partner nations and discuss tactics and training, ultimately to aid interoperability across NATO.

It also gives participants the opportunity As well as the practical element of the to discuss details of the upcoming Tactics survival ex, the participants were given Meet following later in the year and a theoretical lesson from the Swiss promote the ‘tiger spirit’ in an informal Mountain Leaders prior to deploying. This yet valuable event. This year the Mini covered the basics of operating in a winter Meet was excellently hosted over a long environment, ranging from basic personal weekend by Staffel 11 of the Swiss Air admin to providing a detailed overview Force, based at Meiringen Air Base. on the variety of survival shelters that The theme of this year’s Mini Meet was can be dug to survive in an extreme cold Years 7, 9 and 12 boarding places available from £5,378 per term. Winter Survival, planned to culminate in weather environment. the survival phase to a conclusion and to an overnight winter survival exercise akin As a result of the weather forecast bolster the previously gained knowledge Ranked in the top 1% of all schools in and Wales to that which all Swiss Air Force jet pilots – which would see winds up to 140mph of Search and Rescue operations, there undertake. This ex is to equip them with and temperatures reaching -40°C with was a demonstration of how a helicopter over the past 3 years at A Level. the skills and mindset required to survive wind chill overnight – the extremely extraction would occur in the mountains. in a cold, mountainous environment, experienced chief mountain guide, in This involved 2 Swiss Air Force Super Puma having ejected. Participants would gain conjunction with Swiss Air Force Mountain helicopters making approaches to a snow- www.gordons.school winter survival skills and the vital survivalist Leaders took the difficult decision to covered Helicopter Landing Site before mindset, building on their aircrew postpone the overnight element. This departing. The demonstration also included Survival Evasion Resistance and Extraction decision hinged on the risk of taking 50 briefings on how to signal for recovery (SERE) training. inexperienced participants up onto the and approach the aircraft safely in more Having arrived rather late due to the mountain in such arduous conditions, treacherous conditions. All survival training Standard Parade, the Tigers of 230 Sqn ultimately deemed to be simply too high. was conducted as if it was a permissive were transported from the airport into This decision was not taken lightly, and our environment, with winter survival in a non- Gordon’s – The Most Unique School in England Lucerne to meet with the rest of the ex’s Swiss hosts were deeply disappointed not permissive environment having an extra set participants and begin getting to know to be able to take participants onto the of associated challenges on top of simply Built by public subscription over a century ago at the insistence of Queen Victoria, Gordon’s School is the national each other. The following day began with a mountain overnight to put their theoretical surviving the extremely austere conditions. monument to General Charles Gordon of Khartoum and is listed as one of Britain’s outstanding schools by tour of the Pilatus aircraft factory, an aircraft knowledge into practice. This however Ultimately the NATO Tiger Mini Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. manufacturer based solely in Switzerland. meant that there was the opportunity for Meet was an overwhelming success as it Of particular interest to the military further theoretical training, which expanded provided an insight into the ways in which A non-selective, co-educational residential and day boarding school, the School is in the top 1% of all schools in England aviators was the PC21 – a Tucano-like 2 seat on the initial briefing received earlier the civilian world is working to facilitate and Wales for progress at A Level. turboprop jet training aircraft currently used in the day and provided more detailed military flying training; and achieved its for Swiss Air Force fast jet training. A tour knowledge on avalanche rescue techniques main aim of providing a further insight into While embracing modern ideas, General Gordon’s legacy of traditional values remains. The School’s ethos is that high of the factory concluded with a brief look and the process of Search and Rescue mountainous winter survival. It was a unique performance without good character is not true success. at the state of the art ground training and operations in a mountainous Extreme Cold opportunity for 4 members of the Sqn to briefing facilities, which enable crews to Weather environment. participate in an arduous winter survival To this end, it’s not just the classrooms where students excel. Successes are achieved in drama; the arts; debating; public thoroughly prepare for an upcoming sortie The cancellation meant that the ex in austere conditions, whilst bolstering speaking; dance and sport. The School also boasts an enviable record in attaining Duke of Edinburgh awards. as well as review the most minute details of next day the participants would conduct the Sqn’s reputation with the NATO Tiger the sortie in the debrief, all in a user friendly a condensed day only ex. This saw them community and aiding multinational Set in some 50 acres of Surrey countryside within easy access of major airports and roads, the School is home to around and time efficient manner. donning snow shoes and walking for military cooperation. 800 students and offers Day and Residential (weekly and termly) Boarding from only £5,378 per term. There was much anticipation ahead approximately 2 hours up the mountainside, of the planned Winter Survival element, in groups led by Swiss mountain guides. 230 Sqn Participants: There are three main admission points – at 11 years old; 13 years old and for Sixth Form. being the primary training focus of the Upon reaching their destination – a Flt Lt Cowen (DetCo) Scholarships in sport and the creative arts are offered for those coming into the Sixth Form. Scholarships include a Mini Meet. The Swiss are world experts in mountain lodge – the participants then had Flt Lt Heap (Author) monetary award and provide beneficiaries with a programme to enhance their development and give them wider winter survival and were therefore keen time to consume their ration packs before opportunities to progress in their field. Bursaries are also available. to impart their specialist knowledge onto beginning the practical element of the the participants who generally had little to survival. This involved applying the previous The real judgement of Gordon’s is the students. All who visit are struck by the friendliness, discipline and vibrancy no experience of operating in the winter day’s theory lessons and building a ‘quinche’ throughout the school and by the family atmosphere, exemplified by the special rapport between staff and students. This environment. Specialist kit was issued, designed to provide shelter for 4 people is borne from a community that strives to live with integrity, to be courteous, enthusiastic and diligent, even in adversity. including a sleeping system, rations and overnight. They were expertly helped by a variety of dedicated winter kit such as the Swiss who provided useful knowledge Gordon’s School is unique. Please book a visit and find out why. snow shoes, a shovel, avalanche probe and and advice for building snow shelters. The personal locator beacon; all designed to mountain guides also demonstrated various Gordon’s School, West End, Woking, Surrey GU24 9PT best prepare the training expedition to deal survival shelters that can be dug by aircrew Telephone: 01276 858084 with the elements and the very real, ever- when on the ground, including the single- Website: www.gordons.school present threat of an avalanche. man emergency survival shelter. To bring www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 17 STATION HISTORY FLT LT GUNN

Alastair had flown in total 404 hours 40 minutes. Alastair was mentioned in dispatches Flight Lieutenant Alastair on 11.6.1942 and 8.6.1944.

He was awarded the following: Donald Macintosh Gunn (60340) 1939/45 Star Atlantic Star with clasp “Aircrew Europe” Alastair Gunn was born on the 27th September 1919, the second son War Medal 1939/45. For taking to his parachute in order to of Doctor James Turner Gunn and Mrs Adelaide Lucy Frances Gunn save his life the manufacturing company Irvin issued a certificate and letter in his of Deansland, Auchterarder Perthshire in Scotland. name to his father along with a small metal Caterpillar badge. He was educated in the local private Here he learned to fly the single engine school until he was 10 years of age Fairey Battle medium bomber aircraft. We are very grateful that Alastair’s and then went to Cargilfield School On 18th January 1941 Sandy was nephew who was named after him has in Edinburgh from 1929 – 1934. This awarded his Flying Badge or ‘Wings’ as more gracefully given RAF Benson the story was followed by Fettes College also commonly known. and photographs of his uncle so others in Edinburgh from 1934 – 1937. Along with his wings came a further can learn about this ‘GREAT ESCAPE’. He was in the Rugby XV 1st squad promotion, this time to Sergeant. From the and the cricket 1st squad during 1936 heady heights of being a Sergeant he was /37. He left school in 1937 with the discharged of that rank just seven days Spitfire AA810 was his next and last aircraft view of taking up engineering and later when he was awarded a Commission he flew leaving Wick on the 5th March 1942 served as an Apprentice to Harland becoming 60340. at 08:07. Flying along the coastline near and Woolf Ltd at Govan in 1938 – 39. As a newly Commissioned Officer Trondheim Alastair he was attacked by two Interested in fly fishing, mainly he moved onto No.3 School of General German aircraft, Messerschmitt BF109’s Salmon and Trout, he also enjoyed cars Reconnaissance at Squires Gate Blackpool photos of the aerodrome at Caen on his flown by Leutnants Heinz Knoke and Dieter and motoring. for Navigation training in the returning trip, landing at 13:55. Gerhard. His aircraft was hit several times Gunn volunteered for the Royal Air and Blackburn Botha aircraft. In total Alastair had flown 16 requiring him to take to his parachute and Force at the outbreak of war by going to Moving onto ‘C’ Flight, No.3 Operational sorties over Europe flying land in the snowy mountains near Surnadal. No.2 Reception Centre at Cardington to Operational Training Unit at RAF Chivenor out of Benson and accumulated 57 hours Found by some local Norwegians enlist. While waiting for his call up he spent in April 1941 Alastair learnt to fly the twin 15 minutes over areas such as Caen, they planned to take him to the Swedish time at Pembroke College Cambridge engine Bristol Beaufort aircraft as well as Cherbourg, Le Harve, Orleans, Tours, Dieppe, border but he had no Ski’s so Alastair took returning to Cardington on 22nd June further training on the Avro Anson but this Wilhelshaven, Bremerharven, Hamburg, the decision to give himself up rather than 1940 where he was mobilised and became time including additional night flying. Rostuck, Stettin, Swinemunde and Bonn. hinder his new found friends. No 952477 Class 2 Aircraft 210 hours 30 minutes of flying later By the 12th of February Alastair now After three weeks of questioning by hand/Pilot. Alastair is sent to 48 Squadron at Hooton promoted to (on 25th January) the Germans he was sent to the German Two days later he was down at Bexhill Park in Cheshire on 2nd July 1941 for a few had moved on detachment to ‘C’ Flight at province of Lower Silesia near the town of on the south coast at No.4 Initial Training weeks before moving to Stornoway also Wick in North of Scotland as part of the Sagan. Today the town is known as Zagan Wing starting his service career with the with 48 Squadron. team which kept an eye on the German and is in Poland. obligatory square bashing. (marching Here he flew the Avro Anson over the Battleship Tirpitz in the Norwegian Fjords. During his time in the Prisoner of and drill). Atlantic which included him covering 10 On the 19th February he flew in Spitfire War (POW) camp he was given further After a couple of months he moved to convoy duties. AA797 to Aalsund, Molde, Trondheim promotion to Flight Lieutenant as of 25th No.51 General Pool in the August of 1940 For the next three months he flew Fjord and Aas Fjord to find the Tirpitz January 1942 and also became a member staying only a few days before going to operations from Hooton Park and Stornaway location. Flying down the Trondheim Fjord of the tunnelling team which resulted in No. 9 Elementary Flying Training School at before moving down to RAF Benson and he photographed the ship while it was the now famous ‘GREAT ESCAPE’ of 24th RAF Ansty in Warwickshire. Here, Alastair, joining No1 Photographic Reconnaissance steaming in a North-Easterly direction. March 1944. This was made famous by Paul nick named ‘Sandy’ was re-mustered Unit (PRU) on 4th September 1941 to The time taken for this sortie was 5 hours Brickhill’s book and the Hollywood film of to Group 2 Pilot and reclassified as a convert to long range PRU Spitfires. 45 minutes and on landing he had just 25 the same name. Leading Aircraftman. No matter how good a pilot anyone gallons of fuel left in his tanks. Alastair was captured on the road Accumulating just over 46 hours on was who joined the PRU they all had to On March 1st 1942 Alastair was flying to Gorlitz which was south of the camp. the Tiger Moth Sandy left on the 27th undergo additional training so that they AA797 once again over to Norway but on Taken to Gorlitz prison he and all the other September to pastures new at No.12 Service became proficient in the art of taking arrival found that there was full cloud over re-captured prisoners were interrogated Flying Training School at RAF Grantham in photographs at different heights and at everything so turned for home. On his quite harshly. On the 6th of April 1944 a Lincolnshire for further flying training. speed. Alastair had in one way gone back to return he had trouble in finding Wick and truck pulled up outside the prison and the basic flying as he was given a DeHavilland for forty minutes convinced himself that names of Deny’ Street, Neville McGarr, Jack Hornet Moth, Tiger Moth and Fairey Battle he was not where he should be so flew Grisman, Alastair Gunn, Harold Milford and to fly before they would let him loose on due south for eight minutes then turned John F Williams were called out to go into the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. onto another course where he eventually the truck. Flying out of Benson as part of ‘D’ saw land, the very tip of the Shetlands. Everyone thought they were being Flight his first operational mission which Eventually after five hours and five minutes taken back to their POW camp at Stalag was carried out on the 16th of the month flying he landed at Wick. He had the Luft III. Sadly, none of the prisoners were flying Spitfire R7043 leaving at 11:45 for Le compass swung immediately and found that taken there, they were taken to a desolate Harve which was covered in cloud. With it was 10 degrees out. Had he stayed on his spot and all were shot, with their bodies the odd break he managed to successfully original course he would have run out of being cremated at Breslau and their ashes photograph the required areas plus took fuel and ditched into the sea. returned to Sagan for burial.

18 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 19 STATION HISTORY FLT LT HALL A HISTORY OF LOGS SQN STATION HISTORY Flight Lieutenant Charles Piers RAF Benson Logistics Squadron In the early years of Logistics at RAF Benson, ‘Suppliers’ were called Egerton Hall 50896 ‘Equippers’ and referred to as the Equipment Branch.

Unfortunately, there is very little we know Finally, on 11th May 1949, it records he was During these periods the forefathers of Squadrons of Fairey Battle Bombers. of Flight Lieutenant Hall, the other RAF registered in Poznan British Cemetery, ‘Suppliers’ supported the Squadrons These departed in Dec 1940 to be replaced Benson pilot inside Stalag Luft III, but Row R, Collective Commemoration. during WW2 when RAF Benson was new. by Wellington Bombers and Spitfires of searching known records we managed to An image of Logistics HQ behind SHQ No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit. It collate the following. during WW2. Equipment Officer Pilot was previously a civilian unit known as the Charles was born on the 25th of Officer Bristow was stationed here. ‘Heston Flight’ based in where they July 1918 at Edgebaston, Kings Norton, The Station Badge from 1955, the received contracts from MI6. Staffordshire. Unfortunately, although his Lion harking back to the Station being Following the end of WW2, RAF Benson Next-of-Kin was recorded as his Father - built on the Manor of Bensington, once retained the photographic reconnaissance In the late 1990’s, RAF Benson’s future Halstead, Kent, there are no educational belonging to the Royal Duchy of Cornwall. element past the time of prop driven aircraft seemed unsafe with Joint Helicopter details for him. However, he enlisted into The Scallop being the traditional symbol of up to the Gloster Meteor (the first British Command considering the closure of one of the Royal Air Force on 11th February 1935 as medieval pilgrims signifying the mobility of operational jet of the war) and English its airfields. The Queen’s Flight disbanded in a Boy Photographer, serving in the ranks at the service. Electric Canberra (the first jet aircraft to 1995 and Royal flying was the responsibility RAF Halton until 16th April 1941, when he of No. 32 (the Royal) Sqn based at RAF was discharged as a Leading Aircraftman. Northolt. Moving into the 21st century, On 17th April 1941, he was commissioned as with LS HQ being demolished in 1997 and a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Branch, a new two-story building encompassing Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. more elements of supply being erected in On the 28th December 1941, 50896 its place. Pilot Officer Charles Piers Hall MiD took off RAF Benson started the 21st century at 10.40 hours in Spitfire Mk. I {PR} Type G, responsible for No. 2 Group (Air Combat Serial No. AA804, Code Letters ‘LY’ of No. Support) entire Puma fleet, flown by No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, RAF 33 Sqn and No. 230 Sqn. No. 28 Sqn is Benson, No. 16 Group, Coastal Command, responsible for the Chinook Operational on a Reconnaissance Operation. The aircraft Conversion Flight (a training flight with is believed to be flying on its first operation an emphasis on preparation for Ops). In and the third operation for Charles. He conjunction with these military units, was tasked with a high-level operation to RAF Benson is also home to the Oxford Dusseldorf and Essen but was later recorded University’s Air Sqn, its own local flying as missing. It was later reported that his club, the National Police Air Service’s local engine cut and his aircraft crashed South- Thames Valley unit and Thames Valley East of Bergen op Zoom, Holland, at 14.05 Air Ambulance. hours. On 15th January 1942, a telegram A Puma Mk 2 deployed in Oman for from the International Red Society, According to experts from the College of ever make a non-stop transatlantic flight). Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 in 2018. quoting information from Berlin, stated Arms, the RAF Logistics Command Badge During the 1950’s, the name Administrative In the 1980’s the building was that Pilot Officer Charles Hall was a Prisoner was authorised in 1993. In May 2009, the Assistant encompassed the Supply trade, converted into the Queen’s Flight Carpenter of War, but with no camp stated. He was same badge (with amended wording in the predominantly due to ‘Supply’ not being as Shop, Paint Shop, A/C Trim Shop and A/C granted the rank of Flying Officer with effect ) was authorised for Logistics Branch diverse as it is now. Seat Section. In 1984, the RAF purchased from 17th April 1942 and promoted to Flight (previously Logistics Command). In 1962, No. 105 Sqn reformed for the two BAe 146’s for the Queen’s Flight. Lieutenant with effect from 17th April 1943. The Blazon (description in Heraldic last time flying the Armstrong Whitworth In the early 1990’s the Old Barrack It was later stated that he had died whilst language) is upon a Gauntlet fesswise Argosy as part of RAF Transport Command Stores was demolished for a new Avionics a (PoW) after a report had an Eagle affronty wings overt ensigned fleet, later from 1968 No. 114 Sqn (until and part Supply Store. been received from the Protecting Power of an Astral Crown. Depicting total 1971) and No. 267 Sqn (until 1970) flew the An exert from the 1987 Argos stating that Flight Lieutenant Hall, PoW at Logistic support to the RAF represented Argosy as a Wing from RAF Benson. From Magazine (RAF Benson’s on Station Stalag Luft number 1423 was shot on 25th by the Eagle. The Astral Crown depicts 1945, the Barrack Stores was converted into magazine, now the Lion’s Roar. Homage to March [1944] when attempting to escape. excellence in the Command’s sphere a stage and cinema called ASTRA. the No. 230 Sqn badge). In 1948, it was recorded that he had been of endeavour. In the badge the Eagle cremated at Liegnitz on or after 31st March and Crown are gold and the Gauntlet is 1944 and had No Known Grave, prior to the shown as a light-coloured metal. Its Latin following note: ‘Amended date of death motto – “Sustentamus ut Bellent” – its presumption 31st March 1944’. Additionally, English translation “We Sustain That They in 1948, it says that this officer was shot, May Fight”. together with 49 other RAF personnel, by The Royal Air Force went through an the German authorities in the Liegnitz area expansion programme in the years prior on 31st March 1944 whilst attempting to to WW2 due to geopolitical issues. RAF escape from Stalag Luft III, Sagan, Silesia. Benson was built in 1937 and opened on He was cremated at Liegnitz on or after 1st Feb 1939 under command of Gp Cpt 31st March 1944 and has No Known Grave. R.T Leather AFC, where it accepted two

20 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 21 THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS FD THE FRAMING STUDIO 250 varieties and colours We frame your photographs, The Ceremony of the Keys prints, watercolours, of basket & oils, certificates, medals and needlework. patio plants On the 23 Jan 19, 20 members of EWHQ set off for London. Images by: Cpl Steve Brown. What do you want framing? all grown Ask us, you may be surprised! We stock a large selection on the nursery Thankfully there was no major issues getting Sentry: “Halt! Who comes there?” On the answering “Amen” the clock of the of frame mouldings there with all the snow about; but Flt Lt Chief Warder: “The keys”. Waterloo Barracks strikes 10pm and the and mountboard. Gmitrowicz did decide to use an out of date Sentry: “Whose keys?” Last post is sounded, marking the end rail card to try and get through the barriers Chief Warder: ”Queen Elizabeth keys”. of the ceremony. The Guard is dismissed, We also sell mirrors, Busy Baskets Nursery trading as: at the station. The main thing is, no one in ready made frames and Sentry: “Pass Queen Elizabeth’s Keys. and the Chief Warder takes the keys the group noticed much. On arrival it was framing accessories. All’s well. to the Queen’s House for safekeeping mentioned that Fg Off Pearce was turning 25; overnight. We then retired to the HANGING BASKET VEGETABLES FS Jackson thought it would be only fitting for The Warder and escort marched down Yeomans bar for refreshments. SPECIALISTS & HERBS him to have a Birthday sash. to the foot of Broadwalk Steps where the Before the Ceremony we had time to main Tower Guard is formed up to meet I think I can speak for everyone in Opening Times 126b Broadway them. The party halted, and the officer BEDDING & PERENNIALS, have a look around the tower where Flt Lt the group to say what an honour Monday: closed Didcot Gmitrowicz, FS Jackson, Sgt Davis, Cpl Banks and in charge gave the command to Present OX11 8AB and privilege it was to witness The Tuesday: 9.00 - 17:00 CONTAINER PLANTS CLIMBERS & SHRUBS myself, delivered talks on how the tower was Arms. The Chief Warder stepped forward, 01235 815934 Ceremony of the Keys and we would Wednesday: 9.00 - 17:00 used during WW1 and WW2. This included a doffed his bonnet, and proclaimed. Seasonal Opening: April-July & September-November like to thank Sqn Ldr Jones for the Thursday: 9.00 - 17:00 brief insight in to the historical residence of the Friday: 9.00 - 17:00 www.framingstudiodidcot.co.uk 7 days a week - See website for details tower, the last people to be held prisoners there Chief Warder: “God preserve invitation and Sgt Beech for organising Saturday: 9.00 - 13:00 [email protected] (the Kray twins), a quick history of the crown Queen Elizabeth”. every detail of the trip, even though he Sunday: closed Facebook: The Framing Studio Didcot e: [email protected] jewels and current roles and duties carried Guard: “Amen!” didn’t attend on the day. 01491 833 831 out by the Yeoman Warder. Once the tour had w: www.purelyplants.co.uk finished, we had enough time to get a bite to 10% forces discount offered on Purely Plants Nursery, 142a Wantage Road, eat and return to the tower. On arrival we were greeted by our production of valid ID card or in uniform. Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0LU Yeoman Warder who was an Ex FS Armourer. He proceeded to give us tour of the tower however this time it was dark; so, it made all the stories of murder and executing a little more haunting. We were then invited to warm up in the Yeomans bar before being given a run down on how the Ceremony of the Keys would go. We walked down to the Bloody tower and waited in silence. At exactly 9.53pm, the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in a Tudor watch coat and bonnet, and carrying a candle lantern, left the Byward Tower and fell in with the Escort to the Keys; a military escort made up of armed members of the Tower of London Guard. They continued to lock the 3 Towers finishing LOCALLY SOURCED SEASONAL DISHES with Byward Tower. On returning, they were challenged by the sentry and the dialogue between the guard and the Escort to the Keys has not changed since it first started.

Multiple real ales available

www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 23 STN EVENTS HONOURS AND AWARDS Honours and Awards Air Vice Marshal David Cooper, the Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group, presented dozens of medals and commendations to RAF Benson

personnel in a special ceremony in the Officers’ Mess. Cpl Mitchell OSM Afghanistan. Flt Lt Armstrong OSM Afghanistan. Flt Lt Davidson OSM Afghanistan.

The Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to those who have demonstrated distinguished service, or for gallantry that is deserving of recognition, was presented to Master Aircrew Jamie Dunkerley. With the Puma Force committed to Operation TORAL in Afghanistan, it was no surprise that amongst the medals being presented were Operational Service Medals with Afghanistan Clasp. They were awarded Flt Lt Fennell OSM Afghanistan. FS Pope AOC 2 Gp commendation. Accounts flt AOC 2 Gp Commendation. to: Flight Lieutenant Niall Davidson, Mark Cpl Cole OSM Afghanistan. Armstrong and Robert Fennel, Sergeant Cpl Chinnock OSM Afghanistan. John Luckin, Corporals Luke Chinnock, Tom Coles and Aidan Mitchell, and SAC Thomas Hendleman. The Accumulated Campaign Service Medal, awarded to those who have completed 720 days of qualifying deployments, was presented to Corporal Andy Holding. The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, awarded in recognition of long service with irreproachable character and MAcr Lyes Royal Warrant and clasp to LS&GC. SAC Hendleman OSM Afghanistan. Sgt Luckin OSM Afghanistan. conduct over 15 years reckonable service, Cpl Flynn AOC 2 Gp Commendation. Cpl Holding ACSM & OSM Syria and Iraq. was presented to Corporal Adrian Martin. The Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded for a further 15 years exemplary service, was presented to Sqn Ldr Kelvin Hamblin and Master Aircrew Andrew Lyes. The Royal Warrant of the RAF was awarded to Warrant Officer Vanessa Roe and Master Aircrew Andrew Lyes. The Personal Commendation of Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group was presented to Flight Sergeant Sally Pope and Sqn Ldr Hamblin LS&GC with Clasp. Stn Cdr presents Puma to AOC 2 Gp. WO Roe Royal Warrant. Corporals Kelly Flynn and Simon McNamara, Cpl Martin LS&GC. Cpl McNamara AOC 2Gp Commendation. with team commendations being awarded to the Accounts Flight, the Station Engagements Team and Photographic Section and the Catering Flight. Speaking at the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Cooper said: “I love coming to give awards to people; it’s one of the most important and rewarding jobs. We have some outstanding people across the Whole Force and days like today are incredibly important to recognise those that have gone above and beyond. None of these awards have been given lightly and they each highlight a phenomenal amount of work. Congratulations to you all and a special thank you to your families for their Catering Sqn AOC 2 Gp Commendation. invaluable support.” Honours and Awards Group. MAcr Dunkerley MSM.

24 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 25 STN EVENTS BEST OF BENSON

Open Morning Tuesday 30 April 2019 0930 - 1130 hours Best of Benson Book online at pipers.sc/visitpipers 2018 saw many of RAF Benson’s personnel going above and beyond what would be ordinarily expected of them.

An extremely busy exercise programme finishing with Ex SAIF SAREEA 3, alongside Op TORAL, ensured nominations received for the annual Benson Awards Evening Cpl Emily James and Cpl Jody Whitehead. were of the highest standard. Joined by AOC 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Cooper and Commander JHC, Rear-Admiral Pentreath, RAF Benson celebrated the very best of our people. The evening also gave RAF Benson the opportunity to give a fond farewell to the outgoing Station Commander, Gp Capt Cormack on his final day in command. With the room filled to capacity the Learn | Play | Grow Benson79 Awards Evening celebrated the very best that Benson has to offer with 6 Means-tested bursaries available for Reception and Sixth Form entry 2019. highly contended awards on offer. This year’s awards and their very deserving Independent day school for girls aged 4 - 18 winners were: Engagement Team & Photographic Section. Pipers Lane, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6LP www.piperscorner.co.uk • 01494 718255 • @PipersCornerSch The Serco Award for Teamwork The Airbus Award for Loyalty The Spirit of Benson Sgt Sasha White. The Serco Award for Teamwork is awarded The award for Loyalty is presented to the The Spirit of Benson Award is a significant to the individual who has demonstrated individual who has best demonstrated the honour given to an individual who has exceptional teamwork skills in their primary commitment, self-sacrifice, example and achieved personal and professional and additional duties, above and beyond courage required to work in, or in support excellence through exemplary that is required by everyday service life at of, military life and RAF Benson’s output. determination and commitment, Royal Air Force Benson. The award for Loyalty was presented to characterised by their selfless drive to help The award for Teamwork was presented Corporal Joanne Farrell of 606 Sqn others in which they regularly ‘go above and to Flight Sergeant David Donnelly of the beyond,’ without seeking recognition. • Excellent Hacking Lower Farm is RAF100 • 24 hour supervision Contact: about 9 miles south Police Flight, sadly he could not attend the Sue Clayton The Royal Air Force 100 award is The Spirit of Benson award was presented to • 25 acres of Oxford, in the evening due to being posted to RAF Akrotiri. Lower Farm, Berrick Salome Thames Valley presented to the team or individual Acting Sergeant Sasha White. • All year round turnout available Wallingford, Oxfordshire The Boeing Award for Resourcefulness and its within easy • Floodlit all-weather arena OX10 6JL who has encapsulated RAF100’s aim to reach of a large and innovation. • Small or large paddocks [email protected] Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire The evening saw the Station, JHC and 2 07768 721241 network of bridle • DIY or part livery through their personal and professional Group recognise the very best that Benson 01865 891073 paths, including The Boeing Award for resourcefulness • Friendly atmosphere endeavours throughout the year. The has to offer. After a fantastic meal served by easy access to the and innovation • Plenty of parking for Horseboxes Ridgeway Is presented to the individual who has award for RAF100 was presented to the Catering Squadron the evening finished the Station Engagement Team and in the Officers’ Mess bar where the winner Hacks, Hunters, Ponies, Competition Horses and Hobby Horses, demonstrated innate ingenuity and Cpl Joanne Farrell. Ridden, driven or retired – we can accommodate them all. resourcefulness in the finest traditions Photographic Section. had a well-deserved celebratory drink. of the British Military. The award for resourcefulness and innovation was To be in the presented to Corporal Jody Whitehead of PSF and Acting Corporal Emily James of next Issue of Logs Sqn. Official, Summer Mindfulness Classes Lions Roar

The CAE Award for Peace • Energy • Pain Professional Excellence Relief • Stress Reduction Please submit The award for Professional Excellence is ‘Calming minds, your articles presented to the team or individual that changing lives‘ has demonstrated the greatest desire to Andy Lyes Benson Parish Hall Sunnyside, Benson, OX10 6LZ for continuous improvement and who Monday: 7 – 9pm from May 13 – July 8 (not 27 May) has striven for professional and personal Tuesday: 9.30 – 11.30am from May 14 – July 9 (not 28 May) Email: excellence over the past year. Cost: £155 inc’course notes & downloadable meditations Andrew.Lyes254@ The award for professional excellence was Open to Indiv’s, Grp’s and Businesses Fully qualified & accredited teacher. Contact: mod.gov.uk presented to The Health Usage Centre Benson 79 Group. Health Usage Centre. Em: [email protected] M: 07957 571620 of ELW.

26 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 27 CHARITY BRIZE TO BENSON THE 30 MILER BENSON MTB CLUB SPORTS Brize to Benson: The 30 miler Benson Mountain Bike Club On the 24th January, Cpl Scott Green, RAF Police, completed a gruelling 30 “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” mile speed march, or Tactical Advance to Battle (TAB) in military terms, from — Albert Einstein his previous posting at RAF Brize Norton to his new post within the Protective And to keep moving, we in the Benson You want to organise adventurous training Security Section here at RAF Benson. MTB club like to ride our bicycles! Not for your section? No problem. We can only do we like to ride our bikes but we signpost and guide you through the want everyone to really get the most out process. Most recently we led a group of One evening in September 2018, while the time’ moment after completing the first of riding one. And don’t worry, you don’t 12 personnel from 33 Sqn to Swinley forest. scrolling through old tour photos, Scott 18 miles with legs which felt like they had even need to own one, so please read on! The group’s abilities varied but everyone found pictures from a previous charity been filled with lead. Our February Expedition saw 8 finished the day with a smile on their face, a event which occurred whilst he was Training for the event started in Benson personnel of all ranks, trades and story to tell and some new skills. That’s what deployed with the Royal Military Police October 2018 with a training program experience ride the trails of North Wales. we really enjoy, watching a rider progress in Close Protection Unit to Kabul in 2016. structured around a London marathon Spread over two days and based at the confidence and just have a great time, and The event was a 12-hour stretcher race, training plan. Early on into the program Capel Curig Adventurous Training Centre, you experienced riders out there may even ‘Stretcher to the Limits’, which saw him running or ‘tabbing’ with weight was we first rode out to the Marin trail, well be able to teach us a thing or two so get and his colleagues from the seven-man introduced. Scott was regimented with his known in the MTB community as the first on board! close protection team run laps of Camp training regime, much to his wife Carly’s man made trail in the UK, it’s a real test for Resolute Support for a continuous twelve annoyance, spending most evenings and even an experienced rider. The second day Interested? hours carrying a 90kg stretcher. Upon Saturday mornings out training which involved a short drive to the trail centre Watch the sports and social page for receiving his new posting notification to undoubtedly paid off during the event! at Llandegla. Although a strong wind was upcoming rides. Get our contact details Benson, the ‘Brize to Benson 30 miler’ idea The 24th January felt like it came blowing it was the perfect location for really from the gym and we hope to see you on came about. around quicker than it should have after a letting off the brakes and putting a rider the trails soon! After viewing recent media coverage rather good Christmas period where the through their paces. Its café also gets an A*. of the magician Dynamo and TOWIE star word ‘overindulge’ may have occurred more BUT! Sam Faiers who both suffer with Crohns often than it should have. This is only a small slice of what our club disease, Scott had never saw or previously Luckily the weather on the day was has to offer. We want to make mountain heard of regular fundraising for the charity overcast albeit slightly on the chilly side biking accessible to everyone, the casual Crohns and Colitis UK. Whilst looking at which made an all-day TAB more pleasant. commuter, dedicated road riders, downhill statistics of Crohns disease, Scott discovered Scott completed the event averaging hero’s and the ‘I can ride a bike’ and fancy a that on average every 30 minutes someone just under 14 minutes per mile arriving go rider. in the UK is diagnosed with either Crohns at Benson with a warm welcome from Benson is absolutely the perfect or Colitis. It was at this point a light bulb members of the Police Flight. place to start out and backed by a team moment occurred. The distance from A huge thank you must go to Scott’s of experienced qualified instructors and Brize Norton to Benson is 30 miles and the wife Carly for putting up with the training leaders; Richie, Chris, Ian and Benson’s statistic of patients diagnosed is every 30 routines, Cpl Andy Blake for acting as the SPOTY most valued person, Tim, to name minutes. That was it! It was decided, Brize to safety and support team on the day and a few. You will have the support and Benson...but how? finally both RAF Police Flights at both instruction to achieve, improve and have a Clearly cycling would be too easy, Benson and Brize Norton for support and really good laugh. running would be a challenge, a weighted the warm welcome as he arrived at Benson. march carrying 18kgs whilst maintaining the There is still time to donate! Please Combat Fitness Test (CFT) 15-minute mile visit; www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ pace? Well it was certainly a ‘good idea at brizetobenson

28 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 29 SPORTS ROTARY RYDRER SSAFA COMMUNITY

To Advertise in Rotary Ryder 5-15th Nov 18 the next Issue SSAFA It all started over a cold drink post a tremendous victory in the annual golf match of Lions Roar The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association between RAF Benson and our American Air force friends at RAF Lakenheath, (SSAFA) is the UK’s oldest tri-Service charity. with the win in the bag the conversation turned to the following year and that Please Contact Founded in 1885 by Major James Gildea local community projects, support the Master Sgt Floyd was to be posted back to the United States taking a job at T01536hink 680414 Printto look after the families of soldiers community volunteers and raise funds to Patrick Air Force Base. LanceT Printh isink an established printersPrint based deploying overseas, it quickly grew to assist members of the community if no Lancein Peterborough. Print is an establishedAt Lance we printers combine based skill, encompass the Royal Navy later that year public funds are available. It can help with inexperience Peterborough. & knowledge At Lance to we provide combine a complete skill,and then, in 1918, the RAF. needs such as childcare costs, travel costs experienceprofessional & service. knowledge to provide a complete Today it has over 6000 volunteers and for parents to visit while a partner is on Floyd asked, “Why don’t you guys come golf bags were on the buggies and the GPS professional Email service. each year provides a wide range of practical, deployment or funds for separating families out to Patrick for the Veterans, weekend range finders all ready to go. We aim to fill our clients with confidence in financialthe and emotional help to tens of who are experiencing financial difficulties. golf tournament, it is your 100th The course was a tropical paradise Weknowledge aim Leonard@to fill that our any clients work with undertaken confidence by us,in thousands thewill in the armed forces community. It also makes grants to projects or groups anniversary year”? however the frequent signs warning of knowledgebe completed that to any the workhighest undertaken possible standard.by us, will All serving personnel and their dependants within the RAF Benson community. That conversation sparked thoughts Alligator attacks made for a somewhat more be completed to the highest possible standard. lanceprint.co.uk as well as veterans and their families are Usually such payments are to meet and the wheels then started to go in to heightened golf experience. Call Today: deemed eligible for support, irrespective a one-off financial need; where there are motion, could this be possible? After 13 Day two and we played at Eagle Call Today: of rank or length of service. The help more complex welfare or financial problems, months of planning and a lot of hard work creek Golf Club another superb PGA (01733) 390564 provided by SSAFA through its network of there may be a referral to another agency. a team of 12 mixed handicap players from Championship course that was a near (01733) 390564 volunteers is independent of an individual’s Community volunteers receive training and RAF Benson arrived at Gatwick airport to replica of the Brabazon course at the chain of command and speedy assistance supervision in order to provide emotional board a flight departing for Florida to play Belfry. Again, the hospitality shown was was good to see Floydy, however there was www.lanceprint.co.uk can be given without moral judgements support, practical help and information to in several competitions culminating in the fantastic and the golf was truly amazing a steely determination in his team that they www.lanceprint.co.uk being made. The RAF Benson SSAFA Service serving personnel and families. They have Veterans week end competition at Patrick another great wildlife display as we toiled would most definitely avenge the defeats Committee aims to raise awareness of access to professional advice and can refer AFB. Luckily Florida boasts the most golf with alligators, snakes and lizards with they had suffered whilst at Lakenheath. In the help SSAFA can provide, fundraise for to relevant services where necessary. courses per square mile than anywhere in FS Stephens being chased by a pair of teams of two we played a full Ryder cup Think Print style match over both days, the games were the world, so we would be spoilt for choice nesting storks. Lance Print is an established printersTheir based functions include: all close and the camaraderie shown from when it came to play. Day three and we ventured out to a in Peterborough. At Lance we combine skill, both parties was amazing, like old friends We were really on a high as we wonderful course and gated community • welcoming and giving advice to meeting up for a social. experience & knowledge to provide a complete travelled across the Atlantic with clubs called Celebration, the multi-million-pound hink Print newly arrived partners of serving T professional service. Ultimately local knowledge payed off packed and a team spirit that was so strong development was awesome, and the Golf Lance Print is an established printers based personnel who may be unfamiliar and we were beaten 14-10 however we all and as a team we all had a great feeling failed to disappoint, a stunning course in Peterborough. At Lance we combine skill, with Service life agreed that the score really was irrelevant as We aimLance to fill Print our clientsis an with confidence in the that this was something special for us and and one that boasted some big gators and experience & knowledge to provide a complete • befriending those who feel isolated this was more a celebration of our unity as knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will for RAF Benson and it really proved to be the scourge of the Floridian residents, the established printers or lonely and need someone to two forces coming together, andprofessional friendships service. be completed to the highest possible standard. just that. Burmese Python. Practice here was on a listen to them, especially when their spawned through sport. We were hosted based in Peterborough. On arrival we made the quick transit to special driving range that was a stunning partner is deployed overseas for dinner and then treated toWe an excellent aim to fill our clients withCall confidence Today: in the our hotel and then prepared ourselves for lake with floating islands with families of At Lance we provide skill, • providing support during illness, Tiki evening a local hostelry overlookingknowledge that any work undertaken by us, will the first day of play. Our match on day one baby gators swimming by your feet. injury or transition to civilian life the Ocean. be completed to the highestexperience possible standard. & knowledge was at Shingle Creek Golf club a superb PGA Day four and five this was the why (01733) 390564 • supporting families coping with Our final day of Golf saw a return to championship course and what a course! we were here, our competition against the to provide a complete additional needs and disabilities Shingle Creek Golf Club and aCall team match Today: On arrival we were met by the staff of the Patrick AFB Veterans week end or for us professional service. • giving practical help such as lifts to that really showed how far we had come course and hotel complex and ushered remembrance week end. Security sorted and from hospital as group and how everyone’s golf had www.lanceprint.co.uk into the club house for coffee, when we as we were cleared on to the camp and we (01733) 390564 • supporting the bereaved improved in the 7 days. emerged into 100-degree heat to take up drove up to their golf course, Manatee Cove We aim to fill our clients • supporting separated partners and Of course a trip like this could not be our range time before teeing off, all our Golf Club. We were met at the club and it their families possible without the support of www.lanceprint.co.uka large with confidence in the number of people, the Station for granting Tknowledgehink that any workPrint the permission, the sports board for their Lance Print is an established printers based For those living at RAF Benson, SSAFA services are coordinated through Deborah Wise, help with some funding, the gym for their in undertakenPeterborough. At by Lance us, willwe combine be skill, the Personal and Family Support Worker, who can be contacted on 01491 827287 support, LS Design for our team Polo Shirts, experience & knowledge to provide a complete completed to the highest (Mil 95261 7287) or [email protected] the golf courses that we played who gave professionalThink service. Print us a superb discount and to the USAF Lance Printpossible is an established standard. printers based inWe Peterborough. aim to fill At our Lance clients we combine with skill, confidence in theAlternatively, the SSAFA single point of contact for the RAF is: members from Patrick AFB who invited us experience & knowledge to provide a complete knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will to play, showed us fantastic team spirit and professional service. be completed to the highest possible standard.Tel: 03000 111 723 (available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week) friendship throughout. We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the E-mail: [email protected] This trip really cannot be undervalued, knowledgeCallCall Today: that any workToday: undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard. (monitored Monday-Friday, 8:30-17:00) it has had a huge impact on retention Forcesline – 0800 731 4880 – is the gateway to SSAFA services for all serving personnel with not just the participants but other Call(01733) Today: 390564 (01733) 390564 and veterans, wherever they may be in the UK and more details can be found at golfers that now wish to do similar. We have (01733) 390564 www.ssafa.org.uk received an invite to return in 2019 from the force commander at Patrick AFB and with www.lanceprint.co.ukwww.lanceprint.co.ukRemember, no matter how big or small the problem, SSAFA can help. luck 12 more golfers can get involved with this amazing opportunity.

30 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 31 COMMUNITY STN CDR INTERVIEW PERCY AND WILLY COMMUNITY Stn Cdr Interview Percy & Willy Illustration By: FS Dave Mccrindle Group Captain Adam Wardrope has been I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with Station Commander for a few months now, so me for saying that Chinook has a close place in we thought it was time to get to know him a my heart. Maybe when I get a few more hours little better. We asked a selection of personnel on the Puma I might change my mind. what they’d like to know about him… What would you say is your leadership style? How old are you? Wow, that’s a tricky one! I pride myself on being 46. Ask me again in two years and I bet I won’t approachable to anybody and they will get an be 48, I’ll probably feel like 55. honest answer. I also believe in doing what’s right, not just what’s easy. I don’t judge people You joined as Junior Rank. What was that like just on their ability but on their optimism and that’s my era, right up to more compared to what you do now? enthusiasm too because that’s infectious and modern stuff and everything in between. It’s clearly very different in terms of makes for a great place to be. I’m also very much responsibility but it’s still as much fun. I talk a ‘you can’t do this by yourself’ kind of person. What’s your favourite movie? about my time as a Junior Rank and I look back You have to surround yourself with a network I love Second World War films – A Bridge Too on it as great times. Those 8 years weren’t me of people that know what they’re talking Far is without question my favourite film by trying to get out of the airman structure; it about and trust their advice and guidance. It’s a country mile. A Sunday afternoon and bad never even crossed my mind when I joined at ultimately you that makes the decision, but you weather and we’re watching films like Reach For 17 that I would be an officer let alone a Station have to have good people around you. the Skies or The Great Escape. Commander! Life is a bit different now but I hope I lead by example and I try my best to it’s as much fun and adventure as it always inspire wherever I can. What about your favourite book? was, there’s just a lot more responsibility and I’m not a big reader – I probably read 2 pressure. Now I have a lot of people to look after What’s your biggest weakness? or 3 books a year. I like biographies and and I spend most of my time worrying about The softer side of me is that I always want to see autobiographies. I went through a phase of others rather than just myself but that’s all part the good in people, which isn’t always the right reading the Dan Brown books but normally of the job. thing to do. Sometimes you must face facts that I read about people who have done someone has broken a rule or done something extraordinary things like Sir Ranulph Fiennes What’s the highlight of your career so far? wrong and it’s for their own gain, it’s not or Winston Churchill, which is the one I’m There are a few! On a professional level, I think accidental or for the good of the organization. reading now. it has to be my time spent on the Chinook Luckily, I have a great team on Station to advise Force in Afghanistan on numerous operations and guide me towards right thing to do. What do you do when you’re not in and being awarded the DFC. Career wise, the office? without question it’s being given the Station What job would you do if you weren’t in Everything we do is quite busy, so I do believe Commander job. Never in my wildest dreams as the RAF? in relaxing, although my wife would call it me an SAC did I ever think that I would become a Really easy – paramedic! When I was at Odiham being lazy. I enjoy running. I’m not a big runner, Station Commander! On a personal level, it’s the I joined the Co-Responders and it really opened I’ve done a couple of marathons in my time, children. I’m very proud of my kids and they’re my eyes. It was a truly grounding experience. but I do like putting a pair of headphones on just a joy to be around. They’re also what makes You saw all sorts, good and bad, but it was and going for a run. It’s a good way to relax. the pressures of the job a lot easier because I fantastically rewarding. It was like being back Both my children are sporty so most of the can turn family life on quite quickly. Family life on operations but with the added benefit of weekend is spent watching them, taking them is more important than work life and just being directly helping people every night. It also gave to athletics or rugby or football, but we enjoy the dad-taxi and doing all those normal things me a real education on some of the mental that – it’s watching them do their thing. I’m a keeps you sane and brings you back down health issues that exist and that’s what gives me huge motorsports fan and I love Formula One. to earth. the ambition to make Benson the Gold Standard My favourite driver was Fernando Alonso. I met when it comes to health and wellbeing and him while on holiday, although I walked right What’s your most embarrassing moment? mental health provision for our personnel and past him and it was my wife that had to point I’ve probably had too many! Just before families; helping people find the right help or out who it was! I walked over like a teenager Christmas I turned up at Highclere Castle and advice before it goes wrong. I have a real and meeting a pop star to ask for a photo and that’s Are Your Tyres everyone was in uniform except me. I then deep respect for the Health Service and they proudly displayed on my wall at home. Now I’m had to go and explain to the Chief of the Air face many of the challenges we in the military a Lewis Hamilton fan as Alonso has moved on. Road Worthy?re Staff why I wasn’t in uniform, which was quite face every day. Unfortunately, I think I’m too old As a family we’re also huge Man City supporters embarrassing. Another one that sticks in my to be a paramedic now! (sorry!) so we do watch a lot of football in mind is when I was a trainee at Cosford and our house. I asked someone how long Padre’s Hour was What do you dress like when you’re not going to last. I obviously hadn’t thought that in uniform? How are you liking Benson so far? through and got quite a lot of stick for it! Even though I have a black Labrador, I don’t own I’m loving it! Benson is like no other station that any red trousers. I do have a checked shirt but I’ve served on. It’s a great area, a beautiful part Chinook or Puma, what’s your favourite? when I’m at home I’m definitely a jeans kind of of the world, we have a community feel that I’ve not just flown Chinook, I’ve also flown Lynx person, in fact, I’m usually in shorts and a t-shirt I’ve never sensed anywhere else I’ve served. As and Dauphin as well, Puma is just the latest. I do (the wife has the heating up so high the house a camp it’s excellent. We obviously have our like Puma as it’s very different to Chinook and is like a tropical rainforest!). I’m quite a slob to issues and our challenges, but my job would smaller helicopters can be more fun to fly, just be told – I like relaxing and I try to get out of my be quite dull without them – I see them as for the sheer operating. It’s also very capable uniform as quick as I can. opportunities not threats. It’s already got under and the job it’s doing in Afghanistan now, my skin; just a few months in and it absolutely there’s nothing that can hold a torch to it as it’s What’s your favourite style of music? feels like home. I feel welcomed and part of that really found its niche in that urban environment. It’s quite eclectic! I don’t think I have a particular community and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere That said, I have over 2000 hours on Chinook style, no favourite artist or band, but I like else. The family are also loving it, although we’re and because of all the operations I’ve done on it, running so listen to things that have a beat. looking forward to spring and summer, so we the times its bailed me out and looked after me, I’ll listen to anything from Queen, because can get out and explore the local area more.

32 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson SPRING 2019 LION’S ROAR 33 COMMUNITY HIVE

Coffee & Craft - An informal group for adult Little Frogs - Wednesday 0900-1100 A coffee dependants of deployed personnel. Bring your own morning and activity time for parents and young craft or do ours, or just come for some support and children. Stories, songs, craft, friendship and fun. DRAYCOTT ENGINEERING friendship. Held in the HIVE from 1800-2000. Contact Held at the station church. HIVE Information Officer on - 01491 827213 for details. RAF Benson Ceramics Club - (Bldg 183) Opposite Little Monkeys - For parents and parents to be, and the Thrift Shop. The club has over 400 moulds and 3 their pre-school aged children who want to come kilns. Annual membership is only £10 a year! Open to and meet other families and have fun! This new group all RAF personnel and their families. For details contact GARAGE, TYRE & are running in the new Community Centre in their Cpl Sasha White on 01491 837766 ext 7219. brightly revamped facilities. £1 per session per family and tea, coffee, juice, and snacks for the children are Youth Club - Monday 1900-2100 (secondary school provided. Each session is free play and this group age) Tuesday 1730-1930 (age 7-11). The station youth offers support and friendship to other military families. club runs in the rooms above Costa and the facilities EXHAUST CENTRE See Facebook RAF Benson Little Monkeys. include a big screen TV with WI and a X-Box 360, air hockey, football table, pool table, tuck shop and a Beavers - Wednesday 1800-1930 (age 6-8) in the large disco area. For details ring CDO Meg Wickett Scout Hut above the Community Centre. on 7983.

Cubs - Monday 1830-2000 (age 8-10.5) in the Scout The HIVE Information Officer is situated behind Proud Hut above the Community Centre. to Serve (Costa Coffee) and a warm welcome awaits. The HIVE offers free WiFi, Stand-Alone computers, HIVE Scouts - Tuesday 1830-2030 (ages 10.5-14) as above. magazines and resources, Information on the surrounding area and is able to help with welfare Explorers - Friday 1830-2030 (age 14-18) as above. referrals and signposting to support & help. The HIVE now also offers the following : For details contact: raf-benson@ thameschilternscouts.org.uk Mortgage Advice Clinic – Fortnightly on Thursdays with representatives of Lexion Financial Services Rainbows - Thursday 1700-1815 (age 5-7) in the Scout 0930-1530. Hut above the Community Centre. NatWest Community Banker – Christine McElhill of Brownies - Thursday 1800-1930 (age 8-10) in the NatWest offers help for NatWest customers fortnightly Scout Hut above the Community Centre. from 1100-1400.

Guides - Thursday 1900-2030 (age 10-14) as above. Solicitor Clinic – Alternate Thursdays, Richard Rodway from the Head Partnership in Henley offers Military Wives Choir - Rehearsals take place in the free 30 minute appointments. station church. No auditions required, just turn up and pay £1 subs per week, first week free for details Citizens Advice – Every Friday by prior booking via [email protected] the HIVE Officer.

Additional Needs & Carers Group – Tuesday from 0930-1100, for any Benson Families with a disability or additional need. Friendly, welcoming group Take a look at our service Options at Draycott Engineering and book your service today! ALLAWAY Interim & Full Service or Interin Service (six monthly) • TYRES, EXHAUSTS & BATTERIES AUTO ENGINEERS Rich’s Sidings, Lower Broadway, Didcot, Oxon OX11 8AG M.O.T. TESTING SERVICING & • LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT MECHANICAL REPAIRS & TYRES • WHEEL BALANCING CLASS 1 & 2 MOTORCYCLE MOTs • PUNCTURE REPAIRS NOW AVAILABLE • AIR-CON SERVICING 01235 819966 £10 DISCOUNT ON MOTs TO RAF PERSONNEL 01491 824145 Mon to Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 2pm (excluding motorcycle MOTs) FORCES DISCOUNT GIVEN UNIT D, THE CROFT, www.wallingfordtyres.com WHITELY ROAD Ayres Yard, Station Road, TEL: 01491 833116 HITHERCROFT IND. EST., WALLINGFORD, OX10 9DD Wallingford OX10 0JZ www.draycottengineering.com 34 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2019 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability