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Home , Fleet Air Arm, George Zambellas, Henry Allingham, Joint Helicopter Command, Jonathon Band, Mark Stanhope

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Issue four

A Proud Year for The Fleet Air Arm

The ’s Fleet Air Arm is working at full stretch deployed on operations around the world but this year’s Centenary of has provided a brief respite and an opportunity to reflect on past and present glories, a remarkable history and an indomitable spirit that remains as strong as it was 100 years ago.

The celebrations have taken place on flight decks Afghanistan in recent months and while we have and battlefields, in the heart of the City of , missed the celebrations in the UK, the sense of all in the Far East and on the plains of Kandahar. of one company is extremely strong. Elements of 845 and 846 have been operating out here since The Fleet Air Arm makes up one fifth of the Royal 2007. We are proud to be Royal Navy. The Fleet Air Navy but with many of its personnel and aircraft at Arm is making a real difference out here.” sea or assigned to Joint Units, including and the Joint Command, it is This year’s celebrations have included a Fly Past over scattered far and wide. HMS Illustrious in London, a magnificent service in St Paul’s Cathedral and a Royal Garden Party at The intensity of operations in Afghanistan has kept Buckingham Palace attended by 6000 members of the Squadrons with the Helicopter the Naval aviation community. Speaking after the Force exceptionally busy and embarked Squadrons service in St Paul’s, Ade Orchard OBE and Flights are maintaining high levels of vigilance said “This year’s celebrations have really brought the on counter piracy, counter narcotics and maritime Fleet Air Arm family together. Over the past 100 surveillance operations in all the world’s hot spots. years the Fleet Air Arm has quietly got on with the job rarely attracting the recognition that it deserves “Working hard and playing hard has always been but this year there has been an overwhelming the Fleet Air Arm ethos” said Chief Air Engineering respect for what we do. The nation’s gratitude for Technician Neil Copeland, 845 A Flight SMR in the sacrifices being made by those serving on front Kandahar. “It has been pretty challenging in line operations has been very humbling.”

“Delivering operational

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An Important and Proud Year for The Fleet Air Arm

2009 has been an important and proud year for the Fleet Air Arm. Our Front Line Squadrons have been continuously deployed maintaining a global presence on operations from the Northern Arabian Gulf to the and 845 and 846 Squadrons continue to do an outstanding job in Afghanistan.

Royal Navy Sea King ASaC7s are also in Afghanistan supported by teams from Fleet Support (Air). The Fleet Air Arm is to be found wherever there is work to do and this year Naval aviation has never been in greater demand. The Fleet Air Arm has also received an unprecedented number of Operational Honours and “The Fleet Air Awards and the Fly Navy 100 Balbo took the top trophy Arm is to be at RIAT for overall best flying demonstration. found wherever

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth The cutting of steel of the first of the new aircraft

carriers took place in July and at the same time the RN there is work And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; “ and RAF reached agreement on Joint Force Harrier, to do. Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth paving the way in which the new Joint Combat Aircraft Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things will operate in the future. We also look forward to the You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung introduction into service of the Lynx replacement, Centenary Service in Wildcat and to taking delivery of the King Air 350 to High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there replace the Jetstream. I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung Rear Simon Charlier Given the intensity of operations, our Centenary events Fleet Air Arm My eager craft through footless halls of air. have far exceeded anything we hoped for, strengthening St Paul’s Cathedral Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, our ties with our valued affiliations, raising our profile in I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace the public eye and achieving strong support and backing for the regeneration of the nation’s carrier strike Over 2,400 current and former serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, Where never lark, or even eagle flew – their guests and families attended a Service of Thanksgiving to capability. I am enormously grateful to the Fly Navy 100 celebrate the Centenary of Naval Aviation in St Paul’s Cathedral on And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod team for their supreme efforts in giving us a year we will Friday 8 May 2009. The high untresspassed sanctity of space, always remember.

The service was attended by Simon Scott Thomas, died in a Sea Put out my hand and touched the face of God. members of the Royal family, Vixen in 1966. Her mother remarried, including HRH The Prince of Wales, but tragically was widowed a second Royal Navy Sea Kings The Duchess of Cornwall, HRH The time. Kristin’s step father, another Duke of York, the Right Honourable Fleet Air Arm pilot, Simon Idiens, John Hutton MP, former Secretary of died in a Phantom accident in 1971. Deploy to Afghanistan State for Defence, dignitaries from Kristin’s mother, Debs Ingerfield, who the City of London and the First Sea attended the service with her Lord, Admiral Sir daughters and grandsons, said “It KCB, OBE. Five former Chiefs of the was such a memorable and special Naval Staff, of the Fleet, Sir day and just so wonderful to be back Julian Oswald GCB and Sir Benjamin in the Navy family again.” Bathurst GCB, DL, Admiral Sir GCB, LVO, Admiral The Lord After the service HRH The Prince of West GCB, DCS and former Vice Wales took the salute as the Guard Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir from HMS Illustrious, current serving Peter Abbott GBE, KCB were also aviators and veterans marched past among the distinguished guests. St Paul’s Cathedral. The late , the last remaining veteran The service had a strong Naval theme of the , who with battle ensigns hung in the nave died in July, took part in the parade and a deeply moving act of in his wheelchair and was warmly remembrance reminiscent of a burial applauded by HRH The Prince of at sea, when the Fleet Air Arm Roll Wales (pictured left). of Honour containing the names of Following the call for more and increased surveillance capability in the the 6,749 Royal Naval Air Service and Receptions were held after the battle against the Taliban, Royal Navy Sea King ASaC7 Airborne Surveillance and Fleet Air Arm personnel who gave service in Guildhall, Merchant Taylors’ Control helicopters from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose have deployed to their lives in the service of Naval and Skinners’ Hall. Speaking in Afghanistan. aviation, was placed on the altar to Guildhall, the Lord Mayor Locum The aircraft are providing vital additional capability to the joint forces. The the poignant sound of the bosun’s Tenens, Alderman Sir Michael Savory, Royal Navy Sea Kings with their powerful Searchwater Radar are the call piping the ‘still’. spoke of the huge respect the City of modern variant of the Fleet Air Arm’s traditional role of The poem ‘High Flight’ was read London had for the Royal Navy and airborne early warning. Although primarily designed to during the service by the the longstanding and close ties operate over sea, the aircraft proved invaluable internationally acclaimed actress, between the Service and the civic during the second assisting in Kristin Scott Thomas, whose father, heart of London. battlefield reconnaissance operations.

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The Fleet Air Arm Association

The Fleet Air Arm Association has worked hard to actively support this year’s Centenary by fund raising for the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, the Fly Navy Heritage Trust and the Royal Navy Historic Flight as well as promoting the Fleet Air Arm in the public eye. The Association which has 21 Branches around the country and a membership of over 1,000 exists to perpetuate the comradeship, sense of service to one another and social Centenary Celebrations in camaraderie that its members enjoyed in the Fleet Air Arm.

The Association’s President, Sir Kandahar KCB, CBE, ADC said “The Fleet Air Arm Association is one of the youngest

And a bottle of Associations, it was only established in 1981

“ but it has accomplished a great deal of valuable work and been a stalwart support to bubbly for“ the today’s Fleet Air Arm. The Association’s aim of rendering services to one another is in the aircraft! finest traditions of the Service. The humility, kindness and sense of selflessness that I have seen among its members, sets it apart as a living embodiment of the fellowship of Naval aviation in the community.”

Fleet Air Arm Association veterans attended the service at the Pioneer Memorial at Eastchurch in May and Mr Peter Roalf from the Branch laid a wreath on behalf of the Association in memory of the early Naval aviators who did their flying training at Eastchurch. The Fleet Air Arm Association was also represented at the Service of Thanksgiving Hundreds of people lined the streets of Eastchurch on the in May to celebrate the in St Paul’s Cathedral in May with many beginning of Naval aviation and pay their respects to the achievements and spirit of adventure of Association members taking part in the march the early Naval aviators at the Pioneer Memorial in the centre of the town. The occasion was Royal Navy and aircrew and engineers serving as part of the UK Joint Aviation past afterwards. Membership of the marked by a of Naval Strike Harriers, Hawks and Falcons and a historic de Havilland on operations in Afghanistan were joined for their Centenary celebrations by Rear Association is open to both serving and ex Sea Vixen. Admiral DSC, for a commemorative photograph and slice of birthday cake serving ranks in a Fleet Air Arm trade. Visit our outside their hangar at Kandahar airfield. web site at www.faaa.org.uk On 1 March 1911, the first four Naval officers with Eastchurch. “My grandfather gained his wings selected for flying training assembled at the on 12 July 1913 on the Short at Eastchurch Colonel John McCardle OBE RM, Commander of distinction in the finest traditions of their aerodrome just down the road from Eastchurch. Their and his son, my late father, got his wings in 1942. It the UK Joint Aviation Group with responsibility forebears, demonstrating their ‘can do’ ethos on names, Samson, Gregory and Longmore is an amazing story to have 96 years of Naval for all UK helicopters in Afghanistan said “We felt a daily basis in the most demanding Royal Navy and Gerrard Royal Marines aviation passed down from grandfather to grandson it was important to mark the occasion and environment.” The celebrations continued with a Centenary Cheers! Light Infantry are inscribed on the memorial and live – almost the entire Centenary of Naval aviation!” capture the significant contribution being made Barbecue in the evening and a raffle to raise The nation’s thirst for its Naval aviation on in the spirit and ethos of Naval aviation today. by the men and women of the Fleet Air Arm money for ‘Help the Heroes’. heritage is being met up and down Admiral Charlier thanked the Mayor and Mayoress of today. They continue to serve their country with the country by Wadworth’s Swordfish “Not only did the first Naval pilots learn to fly at Swale, Cllrs Alan and Jean Willicombe and leader of Beer, launched by the Fly Navy Eastchurch but the first Naval aircraft were built here Swale Council Cllr Andrew Bowles for the warm Heritage Trust in May. The beer, and Eastchurch was the first Royal Naval Air Station” reception and hospitality of the people of Sheppey, with its subtle hint of Pusser’s Rum, said Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, speaking at the and HMS Sultan for providing the Guard of trainee and sold out in a major national pub service. “The early Naval aviators were totally Air Engineering Technicians for the service. chain on its first day and is retailing immersed in the development of aviation. When very successfully through Tesco and wind or weather conditions prevented them flying “Eastchurch is the home of Naval aviation and we Singapore a range of pub chains. When asked they spent many hours absorbed in aeronuatical will always be grateful to the people of Eastchurch why Swordfish? Admiral Terry experiments working out schemes for fitting for giving us a fair wind and a flying start,” said In Singapore the officers of HMS Ocean, HMS , RFA Loughran, Chairman of the Fly shaped air bags to the undercarriage skids – the Admiral Charlier. He also thanked the Fleet Air Arm Wave Ruler and HMNZS Te Mana, in the company of 815, 820 Navy Heritage Trust said “the Fairey beginning of the – and exploring the Association for their sterling support. The Fleet Air and 847 Naval Air Squadrons and 6 Royal New Swordfish is the Fleet Air Arm’s feasibility of folding wings for easier manoeuvring Arm Association standard bearer, Mr Don Zealand , celebrated the Centenary with a Mess iconic aircraft. Every drop of and stowage. No sooner had Lieutenant Samson Armstrong Rich of the Branch Dinner in the world famous Raffles Hotel. The evening was Swordfish beer drunk should stir completed his flying training than he put his new (pictured above) paraded the national punctuated with tales of daring deeds throughout the 100 the memory of its glorious deeds found skills to use in the Fleet. In May 1912, Samson Fleet Air Arm standard. years of Naval aviation and was rounded off in time and the men who flew it while became the first pilot anywhere in the world to take honoured tradition with a hearty rendition of the ‘A25’ song. contributing to our Heritage funds in the process. It off from a underway.” The , part of the Taurus 09 Task Group, were in is also an exceedingly good Ale!” Singapore prior to conducting a joint air and sea exercise with Swordfish is available from the brewery on During the service Commander Max Snow, a serving the Navies and Air Forces of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand 01380 732277, Tesco and major pub chains. Naval aviator, spoke of his own family connection and Singapore.

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Fleet Air Arm Legends!

Celebrated veterans, from left to right, Lt Cdr John Moffat, Lt Cdr Edgar Lee and Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown were honoured guests in HMS Illustrious on 7 May. Lt Cdr Moffat was the pilot of one of the Swordfish from HMS Ark Royal credited with disabling the German , Bismarck in 1941, Lt Cdr Lee is the only survivor of the heroic attack on the Scharnorst Battle Group in the Channel in 1942 and exceptional Test Pilot, Captain Brown is the most Find, Fix and Strike! decorated pilot in the Fleet Air Arm. The Fleet Air Arm motto, ‘Find, Fix and Strike’ has stood the test of “I remember flying into that hail of fire as if it was time. On 7 May 2009, 100 years to the day on which the Royal Navy yesterday” said Lt Cdr ‘Jock’ Moffat. “We flew in really ordered its first , the celebrations onboard HMS Illustrious close and waited until the very last minute to drop our moored in The Thames at were a splendid and fitting tribute torpedoes. Landing back on afterwards was just as bad. to the enduring strengths of Naval aviation. The waves were up to 60 foot high. Ark Royal’s deck “Today is a glorious moment in Naval was rising and falling over 50 feet!” history” said First Sea Lord, Admiral proudly over the ship defying the grey Sir Mark Stanhope. “The bravery, leaden skies. The Duke spoke warmly “It is stories like these on which the ethos of the Fleet tenacity and accomplishments of the of his service in the Fleet Air Arm and Air Arm is founded” said Rear Admiral Simon Charlier. Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air described his pleasure at being part of Arm have proved the case, time and the celebrations. “Flying at sea is time again for Naval Air Power. Today challenging but it is not just the the Fleet Air Arm has never been in aircrew who deserve recognition.” he greater demand and our aircraft are said. “The engineers, handlers and delivering operational capability everyone onboard ship are just as on all fronts.” much a part of the Fleet Air Arm’s illustrious history”. HRH The Duke of York, in Chief of the Fleet Air Arm was Guests at the celebrations onboard guest of honour onboard HMS HMS Illustrious included current and Illustrious as a formation of Merlin, former serving Fleet Air Arm Sea King and Lynx helicopters, as well personnel including Captain Eric as Hawk and Jetstream aircraft flew Brown, the Navy’s celebrated Test Pilot whose services to Naval aviation It was sheer magic . . . I have are unsurpassed, Sir George Martin, “ pictured top left, who was a pilot in worked with so many good the Fleet Air Arm before his famous people in the Fleet Air Arm, career in the music industry and Members of Parliament, including the

many of them geniuses in Secretary of State for Defence, former their time.“ Chiefs of the Naval Staff and Flag Officers of Naval Aviation together with the Chief of the Air Staff and Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown CBE, DSC, AFC, FRAeS Royal Navy representatives from industry and

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They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the Commodore-in-Chief years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember Visits Yeovilton them. Vernon Ball Pat Beagley and Culdrose Stanley Brand Doug Buckland HRH The Duke of York KG, unmissable Commando assault. During Donald Bunce Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air his visit to Culdrose he met fellow aviators Cyril Cox Arm has given huge support to this he had served with in 820 Squadron during Len Cox year’s Centenary, taking part in all the the Falklands conflict, visited the Merlin Terry Crowley major events and visiting both Royal Systems Trainer, had a sortie in the Russell George Naval Air Stations and the Fleet Air simulator and was briefed on the Sea King Tom Hallhead Arm Museum. ASaC7s. He was also presented with an Lew Howells impressive trophy to commemorate the Stan Inchcliffe Eric Lascelles He joined a crowd of 32,000 at Yeovilton Centenary of Naval aviation – a Sea King Frank Hunter International Air Day in July particularly door that had been totally reskinned in Mick Lawrence enjoying the dramatic displays by the brass and which will hang in the new Dennis Leach Telegraphist Air Gunners Sea Vixen and French Rafale and the Junior Rates Mess. Andrew Linsley Gren Lockett Dennis Lydall Remember Absent Friends Tex Lymer The John Mayes Service at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial, Mary Morgan Lee-on-Solent Terry Noble Joe Oliver This year the Telegraphist Air Gunners Association annual memorial Frank O’Shaugnessy service at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial, Lee-on-Solent on Sunday 17 Fleet Air Arm Ken Phillips May, the 62nd anniversary of the formation of the Association, was an Ron Porter especially poignant one. In recent months 42 of their number have Stewart Robertson died and as their names were read out, one by one, and the wreaths in the Public Eye Jeff Powell of remembrance were laid on the memorial there was a prevailing deep sadness among those May Rawstron remaining that the Association would not be able to continue to exist for many more years. Hank Reed Over 20,000 people visited the Fleet Air Arm display at the Old Royal Naval College, Vic Rogers Telegraphist Air Gunners and 60 became Prisoners of War. TAGs were awarded William Ruddock Greenwich in May, crowding along the banks of The Thames to watch the weekend (TAGs) served in the Fleet 2 CGMs, 115 DSMs, 20 BEMs and 134 Mentions in Leslie Sayer flying demonstrations and viewing the Naval aircraft in the college grounds. Air Arm from 1922-1950 Despatches. They served in 77 different Aircraft Ken Sims providing communications Carriers, 12 Fleet Carriers, 10 Light Fleet Carriers, 33 “The sheer volume and enthusiasm of the Ray Sturtivant by Morse Code and Escort Carriers, 19 MAC ships, 3 small carriers and in crowds was overwhelming” said Lieutenant Dickie Sweet manning the rear gun. 11 and 36 . Ian Keam. “The public support and gratitude Tony Tarran Three thousand TAGs were for the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm was Norman Turner trained in the 28 year life Speaking at the lunch in HMS Collingwood after the very humbling and made me extremely proud Bill West Bill Woodward span of the branch; 507 service, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns, KCB, CBE, ADC to wear my uniform.” were lost through enemy said that the TAGs were hugely respected and that action or flying accidents their loyalty and legacy would never be forgotten. The flying demonstrations against the backdrop of the Old Royal Naval College held everyone in rapturous attention as Merlin, Lynx and Sea King helicopters played out an exciting counter piracy scenario followed by a Duke of Edinburgh mercy mission to rescue a hostage. The next Fleet Air Arm in the Public Eye event will be in Liverpool from 23-26 October 2009 Opens New Exhibition including a fly past over HMS Illustrious and a static park in front of the Liver Building. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opened an impressive new exhibition hall at the at Yeovilton in July. The exhibition entitled ‘A Celebration of Naval Flying’ coincides with this year’s Centenary of Naval aviation and includes many exciting new exhibits including a replica of a Shorts S27 bi-plane, the Sea King which was flown by HRH The Duke of York during the Falklands Conflict and a battle proven Sea Harrier.

As Founding Patron of the Museum, The centrepiece of our Naval aviation heritage, Duke took the opportunity to talk to unrivalled among the world’s leading Museum staff and current and former aviation museums.” serving members of the Fleet Air Arm. The opening of the new exhibition was Chairman of the Trustees of the Museum, also timed to coincide with the Admiral Terry Loughran said “When His celebrations around Armed Forces Day. Royal Highness opened the Fleet Air Arm Over 200 Fleet Air Arm veterans attended Museum forty five years ago we only had the event and enjoyed a buffet lunch three aircraft, now the Museum is the under the wings of Concorde. FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM 9928 new new new 17th Aug:Layout 1 17/8/09 09:49 Page 10

www.fnht.org Fly Navy Heritage Trust First Sea Lord Signs Up!

In his last visit to Yeovilton as First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir GCB, ADC pledged his support to the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, by joining the FNHT as a Supporter and urging everyone who has served with the Fleet Air “ Nothing gets Arm to do the same. you in the

“It is your Trust – and it needs your support,” said Admiral way Naval Band. “We all have a part to play in safeguarding our Naval “ aviation heritage.” aviation does!

This year the Trust has been instrumental in issuing commemorative stamps and Centenary coins, fuelling the Buckingham Palace cause with a traditional liquid propellant, Wadworth Swordfish Ale, commissioning a Centennial of the Few piece of music for the Fleet Garden Party Air Arm called Daedalus and “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” launching a campaign to 6000 current and former serving members of all ranks and rates of ’s words immediately conjure up images of plucky RAF chaps running seek national recognition for the Fleet Air Arm and their guests attended the Centenary of to their Spitfires to go and give ‘Jerry’ a damn good thrashing. However, it is frequently former Royal Naval Air Stations around the country to be Naval Aviation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 9 July 2009 overlooked that 56 Fleet Air Arm pilots also took part in the with four designated as Naval Heritage Sites. in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke of York, The becoming fighter ‘aces’. Although rarely acknowledged, three Naval pilots also flew Earl of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Prince Michael of . On 16 October, in recognition of the longstanding role Scotland with the famous 242 Squadron commanded by the legendary Douglas Bader. has played in the history of Naval aviation, the Trust will be “It was a day we will remember Former Second Officer WRNS, Kate The young Naval aviators who took part in the and Petty Officers, RE Dubber and DE Taylor holding a Centenary Dinner onboard the former Royal Yacht for the rest of our lives” said Worsley, who served at RNAS Battle of Britain between July and October flew with 808 Naval Air Squadron. Royal Britannia berthed at Leith near Edinburgh. This is an important veteran Telegraphist Air Gunner, Culdrose in the 1960s said “I went 1940 saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Marine pilots were also represented in these opportunity for members of the Fleet Air Arm community in Bill Jones, who was among those with my daughter. It was such a battle. 23 Naval pilots served with twelve RAF squadrons; Captain AE Marsh RM and Scotland to meet up and enjoy a once in a life time evening. presented to The Princess Royal. privilege to be invited.” Fighter Command Squadrons, flying Spitfires Lieutenant AJ Wright RM flew with 804 and The Fleet Air Arm’s long standing connections with Scotland are “It was so impressive, even when and Hurricanes, and a further 33 served with Lieutenant RC Hay RM with 808. set to continue with the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers you arrived the entrance to Many of the guests were 804 and 808, the two Fleet Air Arm Battle of being built in Rosyth and the new aircraft based at Lossiemouth. Buckingham Palace was flanked by presented to Members of the Britain Squadrons who operated under Fighter Seven Naval pilots were killed and two helicopters and just as the Royal Family including veterans HOW YOU CAN HELP Command, providing Dockyard defence. wounded during the Battle of Britain and Members of the Royal Family from the Fleet Air Arm For an annual subscription of £20 you can help support whilst all 56 Naval aviators are listed on the stepped out onto the terrace, a fly Associations, personnel from the our Naval Aviation Heritage. Everyone in the Fleet Air The first Naval fighter ace in the battle was Battle of Britain memorial in London, the past of Merlins, Lynx and Sea Commando Helicopter Force Arm community should be a member! To sign up today Sub Lieutenant Francis Dawson-Paul who flew contribution made by the Royal Navy is rarely Kings flew overhead.” who had just returned from please telephone 01935 842005 or email [email protected] Spitfires with 64 Squadron. He was followed recognised. In the iconic films ‘Battle of Afghanistan and Rear by Sub Lieutenant Arthur Blake from 19 Britain’ and ‘’, despite Admiral Sir Donald Squadron, who also flew Spitfires, and then Douglas Bader having three Naval Officers in Gosling who has been so Sub Lieutenants ‘Dickie’ Cork and ‘Jimmy’ his Squadron, including his wingman ‘Dickie generous in his support to Gardner from Douglas Bader’s 242 Squadron. Cork’, no reference is made to them. In the the Royal Navy and Fleet Cork was awarded the DFC for his actions. eyes of the world the Battle of Britain is, and Air Arm over many years. always will be, an RAF victory and the In a fitting tribute to the The two Fleet Air Arm squadrons flew Gloster contribution and sacrifice of the ‘Few’ is Centenary, at the end of Sea Gladiators, Grumman Martlets and Fairey something that is indisputable. However, the the afternoon guests were Fulmars, normally only seen in carriers. 804 Royal Navy, and those with an interest in Naval served with champagne. Naval Air Squadron, based at Hatston, aviation history, should never forget the consisted of 22 pilots flying Sea Gladiators and bravery of the few within the ‘Few’ who Martlets whilst the 11 pilots of 808 Squadron, fought in Naval uniform. based at Wick, were equipped with Fulmars. Sunday 15 September 1940 was the Amongst these pilots were five Petty Officers decisive turning point in the Battle of earning themselves the Battle of Britain Clasp. Britain and this year’s annual Battle of Petty Officers TJ Mahoney, FL Shaw and WEJ Britain service will be held in Westminster Stockwell flew with 804 Naval Air Squadron Abbey on Sunday 20 September 2009.

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Afghanistan Heroes Honoured 122 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel from the Commando Helicopter Force were presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House in July.

The aircrew, engineers and support personnel said “At any one time we have at least six of 845, 846 and 847 Naval Air Squadrons Royal Navy helicopters in Helmand working had recently returned from long operational flat out moving troops and equipment tours in southern Afghanistan and were around the battlefield. No sooner has one invited with their wives and families to a very crew come home than another one goes special welcome home reception in London. out.” Crowds lined the streets and cheered as they marched along the Mall to Clarence House. HRH The Prince of Wales has very fond memories of his time as a Jungly pilot. He The Commando Helicopter Force is a served as a helicopter pilot in 845 Squadron combined Royal Navy and Royal Marines in 1975 and was the first member of the force flying Sea King and Lynx helicopters in Royal Family to fly in an operational Fleet Air support of UK armed forces. Commanding Arm Squadron. Officer of the Force, Captain Jon Pentreath

Editor’s Note Our Last Link I joined the Fleet Air Arm in 1974 and have served with the RNAS at RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Tributes have been pouring in following the death Culdrose and of Henry Allingham in July. Henry, who was born in more recently, two 1896, joined the fledgling Royal Naval Air Service as operational tours an air mechanic in 1915. Less than a year later he in Afghanistan. At saw action at sea in the and in no time in the last 35 years, even 1917 found himself in flying over the during the Falklands conflict, has the Western Front as an air gunner with the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm been so heavily Air Service. committed to operations as we are now. The whole military community is Later in life Henry became an active member of the involved in Afghanistan with Fleet Air First World War Veterans Association, the last of a Arm personnel embedded in all areas of generation commanding huge respect and the operation. If the lessons of history admiration. His personal memories breathed life into are to be learned, flexible, adaptable the history books. “We have lost someone very multi-purpose Naval air power – where special” said Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns. “Henry and when you need it – is key. This has was a truly honourable man and a living link with always been the rationale for the Fleet our heritage. He will be greatly missed.” Air Arm and we are delivering it on all fronts. If you have not had a copy of Henry celebrated his 113th birthday in June at a the Centenary edition of or I always considered party given by the Fleet Air Arm at HMS President. seen the DVD ‘100 Years of Naval “ He was presented with a birthday cake delivered by Aviation’ please don’t hesitate to call or myself a Navy man. Royal Marines fast assault craft, a blanket email the Fly Navy 100 office. embroidered with Fleet Air Arm wings and a Commander Sue Eagles decanter of Pusser’s Rum, his favourite tipple. QVRM, RD Royal Navy Henry Allingham, 1896 - 2009 “

Fly Navy 100, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8HT Tel: +44 (0)1935 456150 or 456530 Email: [email protected] royalnavy.mod.uk/flynavy100 1909 - 2009 Photography: Getty Images, Peter Holland, Sandra Rowse, Paul Osborne, Kevin Daws, The Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Royal Navy Photographic Branch Designed and Printed by Shelleys 01935 815364