The Official Magazine of The UKMAMS Association Spring 2004 Issue No. 49

Inside this Edition

Where are they Now

From the 540

E-Mails Letters & Notices

The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS Association, PO Box 1126, Swindon, Wilts, SN5 7WB. E-mail: [email protected]

Every time I’ve made an effort to sit down and start this magazine something has happened to interrupt me. Some of you may already be aware that I have now been posted from UKMAMS to a newly established post as the RAFLO at Marchwood Military Port. Its part of the ongoing expansion of 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing based at Stafford, so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out in the future. I will be continuing as the editor for the foreseeable future, but you may find yourselves looking at more than the occasional picture of ships!!! (See front cover). With the Association now open to the whole of the Movements trade I was hoping for at least one article from outside UKMAMS, but it appears that there is nothing going on out their. All you MSF people, I will be visiting you all shortly so expect me to keep on to you for articles and pictures! Putting the younger element to shame, the e-mails are coming in thick and fast from our more senior members, and you can read a good selection of them towards the back of the magazine. Its good to hear from so many people. There’s a bit of golf going on and the details can be found in these pages somewhere. For those of you that didn’t know, this year is the 30th anniversary of UKMAMS moving to Lyneham, more about that later on, as it involves the AGM, meet ang greet and a dinner dance. There is a flyer included in this edition but you will have to be quick with your replies as the date is fast approaching. Sadly, I have just received news of the death of Les Charlesworth. I had already intended publishing a letter and some photos recently received from him, in this edition, so I think its only fitting that I should carry on and publish them. I’m sure he would have wanted it that way. It just remains for me to say, read on, enjoy and don’t forget to write if you have any comments. (Unless its about mistakes……we all make them!!!)

Mick

A taste of thing to come for RAF Movers? Front cover and Right. Marchwood Military Port with two Roll on Roll off ferries and an RFA ship docked. So far very interesting. I'll let you know in future editions how this new post progresses and develops.

2 WHERE ARE THEY NOW, WHAT ARE THEY DOING?

By Ian Berry

Eddy Turner was last heard of living in the Luton area where he worked for a freight forwarder, he has not renewed his membership. Steve Cross lives and works in the Castleford area of West Yorkshire. Bruce Morgan lives in Marlborough in Wilts and works for BMW in Central Swindon. Dave Abrams lives in Whyke Regis near Weymouth and until recently owned and ran a game and fishing shop but we believe that he may now have retired. Gordon Gray is another one who has not renewed his membership, Gordon was the Head of Personnel, now known as Human Resources at Honda in South Marston in Swindon. Chris Thistle now lives and works in the Sidmouth area of South Devon. John Morgan is still serving as a Sgt and was last known to be at the Movements School at Brize Norton. Peter Underwood always said he was going to retire to Canada and become a pig farmer, in reality when he did leave the RAF he went to Canada and became a Lt Cdr in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve! He now lives in Pictou County in Nova Scotia. Paddy McGinn is somewhat of a ‘Walter Mitty’ and is still serving and is presently a Sgt on the strength of 4624 Movs Sqn RAuxAf at Brize Norton. Brian Goswell retired from the RAF some years ago (1999) due to the threat of a posting to JHSU with the Royal British Army. Brian lives in Malmsbury and after a spell as a forklift driving instructor he is now involved with a garage. John Kilpatrick lives in Weston Super Mare and worked for many years at Bristol Airport, however his present employment is unknown. Pete Boothroyd retired several years ago and lives in West Swindon although he still works at RAF Lyneham as a civilian in ESG. Paul Steiner retired as a Wing Commander and vanished for a while, however, he has now been traced to Cyprus where he works as a Transport Advisor for the UN! Frank Cairns is retired and resides in Castle Connell in the Irish Republic. Ben Johnson lives in Clitheroe in Lancashire and is now retired after working for many years as a Brewers Rep!! Eddy Mottram lives in Woodley, Berks and I believe still works as a Manager for an In-Flight catering firm supplying Heathrow. Pat Mackenzie is no longer a member of the Association and lives in Hereford where he earns a living as a Financial Consultant. Tony Price lives and works in the Cardiff area of South Wales. Mick Rawle went into business with his son and ran a very profitable packaging firm in Carterton where he lives, he may now have retired. Bill Young is we believe now retired and lives in the Skelmersdale area of Lancashire. Ray Scott ex-FEAF MAMS has not renewed his membership, he still lives and works in Torquay. Toby Keane lives in the Evesham area of Worcestershire, last heard of he was running a caravan site with his wife. Tim Leaning retired from the RAF as an Air Commodore and then became a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ when he took up a job with Huntings who provide services to the RAF. He still lives in the Wootton Bassett area of Wilts. Don Hunter was several years the Station Manager for Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, Don is now doing the same job but this time in Johannesburg in South Africa. Richard Mighall continued with the RAuxAF after leaving the RAF and became the Inspector of the RAuxAF, as a Group Captain, however, he has now retired. (Some may remember his absent-mindedness which included leaving his dog on the Sqn balcony one night and leaving his staff car in a Swindon car park after driving home with his wife!) Tony Prout left the RAF some three years ago and lives locally in the Swindon area where he works for Honda, Dale Walker is still serving and is presently a FS on the strength of JATE at Brize Norton. During his time in Gander he was awarded an MBE and after that completed a year attached to the Special Forces but managed to never spend a night under canvas!! Robbie James retired many years ago as a Group Captain, he was then a Manager of a Golf Club in the South East before relocating to his present home in Derbyshire. Mick Day became somewhat of a celebrity when he became the first retiring SNCO to receive the new RAFA Retired Serviceman’s Identity Card. Mick lives in Carterton and is another ‘poacher turned Gamekeeper’ as he is now the Imprest Clerk at Brize Norton!! Dave Spencer is also still serving and presently the FS on JHSU at RAF Odiham.

3 FROM THE 540

By Ian Berry

1969 – 35 YEARS AGO…

JANUARY

Scampton – Special. Fg Off David Powell plus 5. Rotation of Redbeard Missiles and ancillaries between UK and Cyprus.

Ballykelly – Special. FS John Evans plus 4. Deployment of Shackleton personnel and equipment from Northern Ireland to Halfar, Malta. Argosy task 4425, Hercules 3755/6 and Andover 4931.

Eastleigh – Exercise Spume/Cablet. Flt Lt DJ Edwards plus 2. Deployment of 48 Field sqn RE and 1Bn Prince of Wales Regt from UK to Kenya and recovery of 16 para Brigade from Kenya to UK.

FEBRUARY

El Adem – Exercise Lateran. Fg Offs Dave Benson and roger Clarke plus 10. Positioning of 2 Fd Sqn RAF Regt and 14 Air despatch regiment from UK to Libya. Aircraft used included Herc Tasks 3409-20, Andover Tasks 4856/7 and Argosy Tasks 4302-6, 7501/2. (Photo right)

Maguire AFB – Special. Flt Lt E Coombs and Fg Off Jim Stewart plus 10. Airlift to UK of Phantom and Hercules spares from New Jersey during the American Longshoremens’ strike.

West Raynham – Exercise Caboodle. Fg Off P Wiblin plus 6. Deployment of personnel and equipment of 54 Sqn (Hunters) from UK to Libya.

MARCH

Leeming – Special. FS Roy Millington plus 2. Positioning of Tiger Cat Launchers and equipment from Leeming to Abingdon.

Cottesmore – Special. FS Dave Eggleton plus 3. Rotation of Redbeard Missiles between the UK and Cyprus.

Coolidge (Antigua) – Operation Sheepskin. Flt K Murphy and Fg Off CF Clark plus 10. Provision of an Air Movements Organisation at Anguilla and Antigua during the political unrest in Anguilla.

APRIL

Tangmere – Exercise Summer Breeze. Fg Off Nigel Sanders plus 5. Deployment of 3 Gp TSU from UK to Luqa, El Adem and Akrotiri utilising Herc Tasks 3230-4 and Argosy Tasks 4374-7.

4 Lyons – Exercise Cardiac. FS Alan Wincott plus 2. Recovery of HQ Army Aviation between France and UK using Herc Task 3220 and Argosy Tasks 4352/3.

Freeport - Exercise Ounce. FS Roy Millington plus 1. Airlift of RAF personnel and equipment to Bermuda in aid to the civil power in case of disturbances during the Black Power Conference

1974 – 30 YEARS AGO… JANUARY

Decimomannu – Special. Flt Lt Brian Clucas, FS Taff Thomas, Sgt Ivan Gervais, SACs Bob Ford and Thacker plus 1. Deployment of 1 Sqn (Harriers) from UK to Sardinia and recovery of 20 Sqn (Phantoms) from Sardinia to Wildenrath.

Addis Ababa – Special. Flt Lt ‘Jock’ McKay, FS John Evans, Sgt Syd Avery, SAC Dinger Bell plus 2. Deployment of Scout Helicopters of 665 Sqn AAC to Ethiopia and delivery of RE supplies in support of relief work to Sgt Ian Berry at Khartoum Airport, Sudan.

Wattisham – Exercise Broken Figure. Flt Lt Gerry Keyworth, Sgt DK Henderson, Cpl Boot Pratt, SAC Ian Place plus 1 Deployment of Phantom personnel and equipment to Cyprus.

FEBRUARY

Khartoum/Wau – Exercise Mirza II. Sgt Ian Berry and JT Ted Moore. Two month detachment to the Sudan attached to 46 Sqn (Andovers) to Support 32 Sqn RE with supplies whilst based at Tonj close to the borders with Zaire and the Central African Republic. (Photo right)

West Raynham – Missex. Flt Lt Gordon Townsend, FS Pete Sgt Dave Wright, Cpl Geordie Sanderson and SAC Dave Cromb. Rotation of Bloodhound Missiles between UK and Bruggen.

Luqa – Special. Fg Off Brian Hunt plus 4. Offload of Britannia and Belfast aircraft at Malta.

MARCH

Cairo – Special. Flt Lt Charles Collier plus 5. Delivery of a Sea King Commando Helicopter on a Belfast to Egypt for use by the Egyptian Armed Forces.

CFB Uplands – Special. Fg Off Pete Arnold, FS Roy Armstrong, Sgt Ian Berry, JT Gordon Gourdie, SAC Ian Place plus 2. recovery of Wessex Helicopters from Ottawa to Boscombe Down after cold weather trials. n.b. This was Gourdies’ swansong and a 48hr delay was awarded as well as giving him the Penthouse Suite in the Sheraton. (Photo right)

5

Jacksonville – Special. Fg Off Tim Leaning plus 5. Recovery of 201 Sqn (Nimrods) from Florida to UK.

APRIL

Odiham – Special. Fg Off Pete Arnold, FS Dave Barton and Johh Illsley, Sgt Ian Berry plus 2. Deployment of 4 Wessex Helicopters of 72 Sqn from UK to Masirah on 2 Belfast aircraft. (Photo right)

Benson – Exercise Gimcracker. FS John Bell plus 3. deployment of TCW from Benson to RNAS Yeovilton.

Marham – Operation Dragonfly. Flt Lt Alistair Gallaugher, Cpl Hugh Curran and SAC John Smith. Deployment of personnel and equipment of 57 Sqn (Victors) from Marham to Leuchars.

1979 – 25 YEARS AGO…

JANUARY

Cold Lake – Special Fg Off Eric Howlett plus 5. Delivery of 60 drums of aviation fuel from Boscombe Down to Canada.

Wright Patterson – Special. Fg Off Ian Drake plus 5. Collection of Sparrow Missiles from US for onmove to UK.

FEBRUARY

Yumdum – Special. Flt Lt Ron Turley, Sgt Bob Turner plus 1. Deployment of Army Air Corps and 1Bn Coldstream Guards from UK to the Gambia.

Bahrain – Special. Flt Lt Guy Blyth, Cpl Bruce Oram and Gus Cobb. Evacuation of British Nationals from Iran.

MARCH

Edinburgh Field – Special. Flt Lt Len Henry plus 2. Offload of an Stonechat Missile in Australia and recovery of elements of UKLF from Brunei to UK.

Calgary –exercise Med Man. Flt Lt Dick Leonard, Sgt Alan Soane and Cpl Dick Bullimore. Delivery of 2 Gazelle Helicopters to Calgary and recovery of Sparrow warheads from Wright Patterson AFB to UK. APRIL

Leuchars – Special. FS Sam Heaphy plus 2. Deployment of 27 Sqn RAF regt from Scotland to Belize.

Coltishall – Exercise Sprung Tiger. Fg Off Tom James plus 12. Deployment of 6 & 41 Sqn (Jaguars) from UK to Tirstrup in Denmark.

1984 – 20 YEARS AGO…

JANUARY

Shanghai – Exercise Atap Hurdle. Fg Off Mark Attrill plus 2. Deployment of 40 Cdo RM to Brunei and recovery of the CAS from Shanghai.

6

Pope AFB – Tacomex. WO Mick Humphries plus 2. Deployment of TCW and 30 Sigs Regt to North Carolina for comms exercise.

FEBRUARY

Kathmandu – Exercise High Trig. FS Mick Day plus 2. recovery of 42 Survey Engineering Regt from Nepal to UK.

New Zealand – Exercise Fiery Orient. Fg Off Steve Heaton plus 2. Rotation of elements of UKLF between Hong Kong and New Zealand.

MARCH

Stornoway – Special. Wg Cdr Bob Dixon plus 2. Resupply of LOX to HMS Illustrious.

Andros Island – Operation Knit. Fg Off Colin Waitt plus 5. Movement of Royal Navy freight between Patrick AFB and Andros Island.

APRIL

Nairobi – Exercise Larch Pole. Fg Off Howard plus 5. Recovery of 9 Para REME from Kenya to UK.

Montijo Funchel – Exercise Open gate. Sqn Ldr Pete Arnold plus 2. Deployment of RM Cdo to Madeira.

1989 – 15 YEARS AGO…UNFORTUNATELY THE 540 COMPILERS SQN LDR HOWARD MARTIN & FLT LT SEAN CULLIGAN HAVE LEFT NOTHING OF VALUE TO BE EXTRACTED FROM THE 540 FOR THIS PERIOD!

1994 – 10 YEARS AGO

JANUARY

Evenes – Exercise Pendulum. Fg Off Dick Allen plus 2. Deployment of 40 Cdo RM to Norway.

Honington – Exercise Red Flag. Sgt Tim Pyne plus 5. Deployment of 13 Sqn (Tornados) from UK to Nellis AFB.

Leuchars – Exercise Tartan Eagle. FS Keith Smith plus 2. Deployment of Commachio Troop RM from Scotland to Norfolk NAS.

FEBRUARY

Thumrait – Exercise Magic Carpet. Flt Lt Jim Bridgman plus 5. Recovery of 9 Sqn (Tornado) from Oman to UK.

Sofia – Operation Piccadilly. WO Ian Berry plus MAMS Engineer. Recovery of a M30 100mm Soviet Artillery piece from Bulgaria to Scampton for the JACIG Team. (Photo right)

7

Marham – Operation Monocle. Flt Lt Jason Comfort plus 5. Rotation of weapons between UK and Germany.

MARCH

L’Orient – Exercise Spontex. Fg Off Jones plus 2. Deployment of 810 NAS (Sea King) from Culdrose to France.

Port-O-Spain – Special. Sgt Don Hazlewood plus 2. Rotation of personnel from HMS Newcastle in the Bahamas.

Prince Hassan AB – Exercise desert Cat. FS Jim Buchanan plus 4. Recovery of 6 Sqn (Jaguar) from Jordan to UK.

APRIL

Salalah – Exercise Rocky Lance. Flt Lt Geoff Maple, FS Keith Smith, Sgt Dillon Willans, SAC Blyth plus 2. Deployment of 1 Bn Green Howards to Oman.

Thumrait – Exercise Rocky Lance. Flt Lt Lee Matthews, WO Ian Berry, Sgt George Quarless & Cpl Bobble Roberts. Deployment of 1 Bn Green Howards and ammunition to Oman.

Ankara – Special. Flt Lt Erica Best plus 5. Deployment of 13 Sqn (Tornado) and TCW to Turkey.

1999 – 5 YEARS AGO…

JANUARY

Fagernes – Exercise Quadruped. FS Pete Polidano, Sgt Al Randle, SACs Hartley and Rogerson. Deployment of SBS from UK to Norway.

Banja Luka – Operation Palatine. Fg Off Kingston, FS Taff Isaac and Sgt Neil Baldock. Deployment of 2 Para to Bosnia and recovery of 3 RHA to UK.

Oman – Exercise Magic Carpet. Flt Lt Wilson, Cpls Gareth Beynon and Ian Robinson. Route support for 6 Sqn (Jaguars) on exchange with RAFO.

FEBRUARY

Gaberone – Exercise Diamond Cutter. Flt Lt Crabtree, Sqn Ldr Green, Cpl Campbell, SACs Craig Heath and Stretch Mansfield. Deployment of 1 Bn RGBW to Botswana.

Roosevelt Roads – Maritime Ex. FS Mick Maybery, Sgt Rip Kirby (Kinloss MSF) and Cpl Nixon. Recovery of Nimrods from Puerto Rico and deployment of 30 Sigs Regt to McDill AFB, Florida.

McChord AFB – Exercise Trumpet Dance. Flt Lt Stoneley, Sgt Eddy Sunderajoo, Cpls Brown and Clow, SACs Crafts and Walker. Deployment of 1 Bn Welsh Guards to USA and recovery of 1 Bn Grenadier Guards to UK.

MARCH

8

Tonopah – Exercise High Rider. Flt Lt Ellie Pook, FS Neil Baldock and SAC ‘Muff’ Mufford. To provide Strike Attack Evaluation Unit with movements support.

Balikisir – Exercise Ample Train. FS Ian Wilkinson, SACs Flaherty and Baker. Deployment of 11 Sqn (F3 Tornado) from Leeming to Turkey.

Homestead AFB – Exercise SDV Acceptance. Sgt Al Stacey, SACs Powell and Baker (Brize Norton). Recovery to UK of SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle).

APRIL

Tirana – Operation Agricola. Fg Off Huntley, Sgt Taff Kelly, Cpls Ray Wallace and Blue Hughes, SAC Harris. Delivery of Humanitarian Aid to Albania.

North Island – Special. Fg Off Grant, FS Andy Hartley, Cpl Steph Morrison and SAC Naylor. Collection of Sea Launched Cruise Missiles for the Royal Navy.

Nairobi – Exercise Grand Prix. FS Tony Geerah and Cpl Craig Fitches. Handling of Civilian Charter Flights at Nairobi Airport.

Letters, E-Mails and Notices

The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS Association, PO Box 1126, Swindon, Wilts, SN5 7WB. E-mail: [email protected]

A huge collection of correspondence for this edition……including an update from the Alps, courtesy of Rip Kirby, and a few responses to the article from Tony Moore. But I’ll start with this one from Dave Cromb.

Happy New Year everybody. A blast from the past for our respected more senior members. Might have to lower the bucket a little lower in the well of memories, see how you go. If you recall the "muffins"" of Maripur I'm sure you can remember something of this former station. I came upon it surfing through Service pals recently. I was actually reading up on the Hastings 759 which crashed on finals into RAF Gan, in appalling weather. I believe Kat was another staging post to the Far East/Australia back in ' 58/9. Gan was in the process of being upgraded to take over that task at the time the Hastings came to grief. Google came up with an enlightening site, Remembering RAF Gan, but that's another story another time. Look forward to reading your responses Gentlemen. Cheers for now,DC

Dear Michael, Ian Berry kindly passed on your missive, and yes, there are those of us who enjoyed a tour in Ceylon, later to become RCyAF Katunayake. In 1956 I was stationed at 367 SU Little Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island, as a part of what was to become an all embracing trek across the Far East. At that

9 time I was the station PTI and spent a lot of time travelling with HK sports teams, rugby, swimming and athletics, to other areas of the Far East, Japan, Phillipines, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur amongst others. I even had to volunteer for the boxing team to get to KL! During that period I had not managed a trip to Ceylon. The opportunity arose when a cross posting was offered and I took the opportunity to move. The flight was a back breaker, all the way by Bristol Vibrator of the RNZAF, Kai Tak to Clark Field, thence to Borneo, on to Changi, Butterworth, Car Nicobar, finally Negombo. An extremely busy staging post for all manner of aircraft. The airfield was shared with the fledgling RCyAF and some civilian traffic. Station flight boasted Valettas on which I enjoyed several trips to Gan when it was being opened up, I was involved in organising sports facilities. After the Vibrator the Valetta was luxurious - the rivets could actually fly in formation. Whilst at Negombo I joined the Jungle Survival Team and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as it involved trips to Singapore to the Survival School. The Bridge on the Kwai shot in Ceylon gave me my first taste of stardom, quite a number of us as extras were paid to act our part as members of the HM Royal Army. I was on Parade the day that the Royal Air Force handed over Negombo to the Ceylon Government in 1958, from that day it was to become known as Katunayake. I have many tales about life on Ceylon and it certainly was an idyllic posting. Perhaps you might like a few anecdotes some time, I also have shots of the pan and the airfield with various aircraft parked. Hope this reaches you and indicates the RAF were alive and kicking in Ceylon. Cheers, Norrie (Radcliffe)

Mick, Many thanks for another great Team Brief in Issue 48 - it is always good to hear news of old friends! However, to set the record straight, news of my demise in "People on the Move" is a little premature! I have not yet left the RAF but am currently serving as a Wg Cdr at the Defence Clothing Integrated Project Team (DC IPT), together with ex OC UKMAMS - Wg Cdr (Ret'd) Barrie Hay. We are located at Caversfield, Bicester - remembered by many, I am sure, as RAF Bicester. Now in my 40th year in the Service, I will retire at the end of 2004 - just where did all those years go? While in contact, I thought you might be interested in the attached photos from my H Team archive. First, the Team pictured by Changi's most photographed palm tree on Ex Bersatu Padu in 1970 - L to R Cpl Jimmy Jones, Sgt John (Shep) Shepherd, Flt Lt Alan Walker, SAC Tim Newstead, SAC Bob Davies, FS Taff Thomas. Second, the Team enjoying a meal at a maccan stall in Changi village on Ex BP - L to R Flt Lt Alan Walker, FS Taff Thomas, Sgt John (Shep) Shepherd, Cpl Jimmy Jones, SAC Tim Newstead and SAC Bob Davies.

10 And finally, another picture from the trip to Goa in October 1973 (reported in Issue 48 "From the 540") - clockwise Flt Lt Gerry Keyworth, SAC Alan 'Boot' Pratt, Cpl Ian Berry, SAC Ian Place, SAC Tim Newstead and Sgt Dave 'DK' Henderson.

Very best wishes to all old friends and colleagues. Keep up the good work!

Tim Newstead H Team and Training Team 1970-1977

This one from George Lynes - proving I am not the only one to occasionally mis-identify aircraft!!!

For Tony Moore. Tony, wonderful to know you are still alive and kicking, thought you had been abducted by aliens, or worse, emigrated to the USA. Read your article. Your memory is outstanding, although your aircraft recognition merits F minus I'm afraid. The airframe was that of a Supermarine Walrus amphibian. Only the fuselage at that. It was used by the RAF Museum to reconstruct a complete Walrus aircraft, which was then put on display in the Museum. Lovely to read of your family fortunes and many congratulations on your 31st Anniversary. Speak again soon. George Lynes

An E-Mail from 'H' Firth. Now residing in South Africa.

From Sqn Ldr ' H' Firth. Having just received the Team Brief for September I am writing to update you on life as a civilian in South Africa. I retired from the RAF, 39 years, after a last tour as a Loggie with the UKMOD Team in Saudi Arabia. I have bought a house in Mossel Bay. This is on the famous Garden Route and the area is fantastic for all types of outdoor activities. I am a Rotarian which takes up a good deal of my time and also a volunteer on the local Life Boat. In between times I play golf and keep my self in shape. Any Movers are welcome to call if they are in the area. Phone number available on request. Best regards to all. H

This one below from David Howley....

Hi Mick,

Three items:

1- The "Early Controllers" course is No.1 - held in early 1972. The ugly git with the "tash" is me, directly behind S.Ldr Harries. Somewhere I have an original photo 'though my list of names is missing. Other names that I do

11 remember are:- second to my left is (I think) Hope Irvine, front row 3= Sgt Terry Titterington, then "Taff" Sugg, to Jack(?)Janman's left is Sgt Ken Wadey. All the other faces are so familiar but the names do not come - its not old age I was always useless at remembering names - much to my total embarrasment at times.

2 - Where are they now - Ian is nearly 3 years out of date. I did work for BBC Radio until made redundant, local Health Service for a year and then worked from home doing Aircraft Illustrations for books etc. Moved to Harby, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire in 2000, still working from home, am on the Village Hall committee, but also got a job as Deputy Superintendant Registrar in the Melton Registry Office. Other than that I am a "man of leisure" except when the Domestic Authority dictates!

3 - Page 15 - "Air Force" - I think not! The Aircraft are Grumman F-14 Tomcats of VF-31 Squadron USN. So can anyone come up with an Air Force one?

Regards David

Item 3.....Artistic license.....the ships superstructure on the right was also clearly visible , but the caption 'US Navy' would not have worked quite as well !!!

Mick.

To Dave Barton, George Lynes, John Evans,

Great to hear from you all! Just opened the Email and was amazed and delighted to have messages waiting from the three of you, good to know you are all alive and well. Dave, yes I do remember the litre bottle of Southern Comfort we polished off that Sunday morning at Abingdon in 1973. If I remember rightly, I answered the door in my dressing gown at about 10 o'clock and by 12.30 I was wrecked! I recall that you drove home in your Moggy Minor (I think). How on earth you made it I don't know! No breathalysers in those days! Still got a bottle in the cabinet as I don't touch the stuff these days (Southern Comfort that is, other forms of alcohol are imbibed regularly). George, thanks for putting the record straight and supplying the history of the WALRUS we repatriated to the RAF Museum. John also spotted the error and he reminded me of the little ditty he chalked on the side: The time has come the Walrus said To retire from doing my thing I think I approve of my latest move Cos I'm being converted to swing wing John, no plagiarism as I have given you full credit! Lovely to hear from you and glad you are keeping fit on the golf course. Give Dave Eggleton my regards next time you see him. Although my stint on UKMAMS only represented two years of my twenty four in the RAF, I probably have more fond memories of that time than any other. It was great to have the opportunity to travel and work as part of a close knit and professional team - good old "F Troop". I do recall that not all the jobs were as relaxing and exotic as the one I wrote about, I think we all had our share of "Missile Exchanges" and other less glamorous tasks. I recall John and Dave had a sure-fire way of ensuring all those hours in the air slipped away quickly, they drank copious quantities of orange squash. It took me a while to realise that it was what they put in it that made them sleep so well! Although I said in the article that I live in the Loughborough area, nothing stays the same forever. I have got a transfer with my company and now work at Yeovil. I started there on 10th Nov and live in a caravan during the week and travel home at weekends. Still living the life of a gipsy! As soon as the sale of our house goes through we will move out to await the completion of the new house we are buying at Ilminster. As we will both be living in the caravan at that stage, we will be off the air for a while, probably till early January. Once we are re-established I will be in touch. Ilminster is 1 Mile off

12 the A303 and 15 miles from the M5, so anyone travelling down to the west country will be more than welcome to drop in. I hope you all stay fit and well and thanks once again for getting in touch. Tony and Di Moore

Hi Tony and Mick,

An interesting account from Tony Moore, (Team Brief No 48, Sept. 2003) with regards the mammoth trip on Belfast 365 departing 16th march 1973 and returning on time at Brize on 2nd April - a good RTW task. Sorry Tony, I was not the missing person taking the photograph. Do not remember why I was not on that task as according to my log book I was on 14th March 2 x scouts into Herc - Lyneham to Bardufoss and return on Belfast 366 2 x Wessex to Yeovilton on 15th March. I can only think I was required for my expertise with loading helicopters but more probably I had booked some leave! It was obviously a great trip and there was I thinking I had been everywhere man! I noticed that John Evans and Chris Twyman were on the photo. - say no more! I do occasionally come to the Midlands as sister-in-law lives in Wolverhampton so put aside that bottle of Southern Comfort (remember upon your promotion to Cpl!!) I will call upon you. Talking marathon trips, I well remember being tasked on July 10th 1974 delivering a Sea King helicopter to Goa via Akrotiri, Masirah, Bombay to Dabolin on Belfast 368. This was during the conflict in Cyprus and there were few aircraft available and as a result we were the only team not involved with the problems. From Dabolin we flew back to Masirah to say farewell to our Belfast. Two days later we picked up Herc. 196 to fly on to Gan, Tengah, Darwin and Townsville. We spent the next week flying between Townsville and Honiara (Guadalcanal, Br. Solomon Islands) delivering army personnel and equipment on a daily basis. The Australian Air Force were not aware that the Herc. did not have any cooking facilities and our orders for steak for main meals were raw. We soon solved the problem by moving to a Motel which had a barbeque and the steaks were put to good use upon our return with lots of Cyprus brandy acquired on the flight out. After that exercise we were taken back to Tengah and with no RAF flights in the offing (The Herc. went on to HKG) we were left with no alternative but to return home by BA 747 from Paya Leba to LHR via Bahrain. A very quick de-brief and as the only team available we found ourselves two days later picking up a Herc. from Lyneham for Akrotiri, Masiah, Gan, Tengah and Darwin to continue with the Solomon Island task - main party. Back to Townsville and once again doing the daily trip to Honiara. No problems this time with catering - we had it 'sussed' out along with more demi-johns of brandy. That 'mission' completed we headed back to Tengah and then on to Gan and Gan (u/s). The task then took us to Mauritius, Nairobi, Blantyre (Malawi), back to Nairobi - remember the Stanley Hotel with the outside cafe bar with the orange tree? Then back home via Akrotiri and sadly Brize (Lyneham was closed due to fog). But did make Lynehan the next day - August 22nd - a total of 43 days but alas, not RTW.

Hope to see you soon Tony.

Dave Barton ('F' Troop)

The Alpine update from Rip Kirby - This is just the first installment.....Part 2 in the next edition.

Greetings one and all - ho ho ho ! (belated) happy humbug & new year season to you all. Well, we finally managed to grab a little more free time to continue drafting the promised (& much delayed) newsletter. Life has been pretty full on, we can tell ya. So what has been happing with Macpherson/Kirby Enterprises (Inc.) since we started the big career break. As might be

13 expected, the last few days in good old UK were somewhat hectic - sorting out all the last minute bits and pieces. But we were de-stressed by the time we hit Dover for the ferry on 29th Nov. Had a good crossing and set off towards the Alps on the BIG adventure. Well, made good time until we got a little closer to the Paris suburbs than we would have liked (due to a somewhat suspect Autoroute). Lost quite a bit of time (and got re-stressed) due to mis- directions (roads out here can have up to 3 different numbers) and rush hour traffic. But eventually got clear and pressed on to almost halfway on our journey. Pulled over at great handy little motel and grill for the night. Sunday dawned bright and clear, so off we set again: shortly to encounter todays' drama - a puncture. Unpacked the boot & changed to the space- saver wheel and limped onwards, not expecting to be able to get it fixed on a Sunday am in France. But nay - Myrah spotted a rack of tyres on a services forecourt as we sped (not) past. So, assuming they wouldn't sell tyres without the means to fit them - we pulled in at the next services and, sure enough: a workshop there had us sorted in a jiffy. Bet that wouldn't have happened at Newport Pagnell. So, sporting 2 new top of the range Firestones (another one needed imminent changing too) we then made excellent time, arriving at Chalet Elliot in La Tania (which was to be our home during the 2 week course) about mid afternoon. Coincidently, some of the training staff arrived at the same time from Val D'Isere, having just finished coaching the trainees there. Introductions were quickly made and we soon settled in for a fortnight of hectic madness. The Snowline crowd proved to be a really social (and mad) bunch, many friendships being made, tall tales told and pints supped. The course was very comprehensive, covering (for Myrah) toilet roll presentation to packed lunch making and (for Rip) keeping smiling while driving guests back to their chalet for a forgotten lift pass.....and back again (for ski poles this time). All too soon, it seemed, the course was over and the budding ski bums scattered to the 4 winds (or should that be: 3 Valleys). We moved a mere 4 kilometers along to the next village and our abode for the next few months - Chalet Jacques in Meribel Village (about 3 km from Meribel town centre). Settled in there very quickly, cleaning from top to bottom (and side to side) and generally getting set up for the first guests. Although a bit out of town, we have a chairlift about 40 metres from our front door which provides a very quick link into the main system. As part of our set up week procedure we sampled the beverages and fare in the local pub, making sure of course we got seasonnaire workers prices. And so to the first guests, a great family of 5 from Ulster who arrived on 20 Dec. As Jacques sleeps 8 we were not full and they treated us gently on our first week. The (relatively) easy life was soon over though - the following clients were 8 Danes from Copenhagen, with 2 infants in tow (1 15 weeks and 1 @ 21 weeks old). A (very) full house and fairly demanding - Myrah was most impressed to be able to help out with kiddies bottles and bib washing. But they were all very friendly and had a great time. Next we continued the international clientele theme and hosted 6 crazy Russians from the Moscow Mafia. Myrah is contemplating writing a book on that particular weeks experiences - Never Rush a Russian springs to mind!!! it was Myrah's birthday that week and with not a guest in sight at 9.35 - cooked breakfast finishing at 9.30 she abandoned them in the chalet and went ski-ing for the day!! Great fun. Meant the two of us had to clear up the debris late afternoon but worth it. This week we have no guests at all so have been deployed to help out in other chalets - the theory being that we will all get out on the mountain much more quickly and get finished and to the pub in the evening..... However we have had 48 hours of torrential rain, which has washed away the large dump of snow we had on Sunday so that has put that theory into touch! Unfortunately for Rip he was ski guiding a party of die hards one of the days - "we've paid a lot of money for this holiday so we are going to ski - lead on !!!" You should have seen the state of him when he eventually managed to persuade them that it was really rather silly to be out in this weather - about 3.30pm!! Ironically Val D'Isere has too much snow - they have been having difficulty getting out of resort and unfortunately several people (not Snowline staff) have been killed in avalanches. Weather here is due to be snowy and sunny from today - Wednesday (which is our day off ) until Tuesday so should be some good ski-ing again. It is now snowing good style so looks promising - Yipee, bring it on ! Finally, for those not in the know yet here's a bit of admin trivia

14 for you - we are one hour ahead of UK. Mail is coming through ok - seems to average 5 days or so. Internet cafes we use don't normally let us read attachments and we cannot print there either so apologies if we do not laugh enough at your funnies. BY now you should have had some alternate phone contacts nos for us - let us know if not. As regards our former jobs - well, we have hardly thought about them at all so far. Got plenty of happy memories but the change of career direction is certainly suiting us. Well, thats it for this time. Best regards to all of you. Cheerio for now.

Rip Kirby.

PS. Looking forward to attending a meet n greet or 2 on our return late Apr/early May.

Thanks for all that Rip - Look forward to the next installment...Nice to see your lifestyle hasn't changed!!!

Mick

A little controvery from Dinger Bell in Masirah!

Dear Ed,

How come nearly a year after the start of the Gulf War there doesn't seem to be anybody on UKMAMS who received an award or even a commendation? I notice that a lot of guys at Brize and Akrotiri received awards and even the 'punchy' SAMO at Akrotiri got an MBE! Did the squadron mess up somewhere down the line or are the stories I hear from the odd visitor to Oman true that it's all down to crap admin by the Sqn Ldrs, surely that's not true? Please comment.

Cheers,

Dinger - DynaCorps Masirah

I'm afraid I can't answer that one Dinger (and keep my job!!!) - But I'll see if I can get someone to make a few comments in the next edition...... Mick

Dear Mick,

I was very interested to read Tony Moore's article in Issue No 48. As OC UKMAMS at the time I was fortunate that C Mov O decided that the politics of the trip required the presence of the Boss - a decision that I have long been grateful for! It was indeed a most memorable three weeks - I very much enjoyed the company of F Troop and the aircraft instructing and training crews on board, with whom we built up a very friendly rapport. Just for the record I think there is just one mistake in Tony's excellent account and that the Sopwith he mentions as part of the return load was in fact a Walrus - destined for the RAF Museum at Hendon. As recorded it was in a pretty dreadful state and required the gentle touch for which UKMAMS has been displaying for many years. The rest of the load was mainly rattan furniture (correctly disinfected of course) most of which was to grace Chris Twyman's pad for many years! For the record Anita and I still live in Abingdon in the same house we bought at the time I handed the Squadron over to Lyneham in Feb 74. We keep busy with the local branch of Save the Children (Dave

15 Eggleton is one of our volunteers) and are grandparents to four boys aged 9,8,7 and 6. Who said that retirement was a time of leisure!

Keep up the good work - I much enjoy Team Brief, as Michael Parkinson would say.

Yours,

Bryan Morgan OC UKMAMS Sep 71-Feb74

News of the UKMAMS annual golf from Dougie Betambeau

Further to the original letter sent out before Xmas, from the minimal reponse received the overnight package looks favourite. The proposed venue is Abbey wood, Redditch, Worcs, (they have a website). Dates: 5th/6th Sept(Sun/Mon). Cost: £59p.p.(B/B, evening meal, 2 rounds toast, sorry golf!!!!). These deals are such good value that that need to be booked asap, and confirmed with a £30 deposit. I have 15 interested people as of 10th March, so I would ask interested personnel to contact me soonest to enable this event to take place. Looking at a shut-off date around 20th May, with deposits to enable me to book this venue. 15 of us are going regardless, so get your replies in soonest. Regards Dougie B.

Dougie can be contacted on [email protected]

This last letter and photographs were received from Les Charlesworth shortly before the sad news of his death was announced.

Passenger Section Brize Norton 1975

Back Row ?, Al Salisbury, ?, Mo Mohindra

Front Row ?, Les Charlesworth, Babs?, Phil Vickery

16 Dear Mick, I must put pen to paper and say a big, big thank you to UKMAMS for my invite to the Top Table bash on 14th Nov. it made my day when the many old mates I knew welcomed me with “God Les, don’t you look well, and its good to see you”. Because I left the R.A.F. in Nov 83 there were many new faces, but that good old movers spirit was right there with everyone – glass in hand (sometimes both hands) and it made me feel good when I went for breakfast Saturday morning and the waitress, bless her, said, “ are you still in the Air Force”? I reckon I have worn well and possibly don’t look my 75 years, but 6 years as a farmer and 35 years in the R.A.F. has helped. I have had a few very hard months since June, when cancer got the better of my wife Jean and she lost the fight at the tender age of 55. We had 35 great years together on various stations, West Raynham with Bloodhounds, Brize, Gatow and Lyneham. Jean in fact was born the year I joined the R.A.F. As many of you know, I have always played piano and been involved with dance bands and military bands, and have played restaurant piano around Worcester and Stratford-on-Avon. Brian th 500 Missex load at West Raynham 1974 Conellan reminded me of the one night in the mess at Wildenrath when a mess member started taking the piss. The team went to “Battle Stations”. Thank you for the Team Brief – I don’t find it boring!! So to everyone, keep the letters and photo’s rolling in and double the number of pages. Good luck, Happy Xmas, and the very best for the New Year to movers everywhere.

P.S. Hope this can make the next “Team Brief”.

Les Charlesworth Worcester

“B” Team Gulf MAMS Muharraq 1968

Back Row Les Charlesworth, Tony Saw, Henry Ellerby, ?, ?

Front Row Barry Belton, Dave Allen

17

Membership News and People on the Move

By Colin Allen

After many months of trying we have eventually made contact with Carlos King who had continued to pay his subs by Standing Order but had moved house. Carlos married recently and has completed his two years probation with the Stratheclyde Police Force. He is now based in Govern which he says is the scariest place he has ever been to in his life.

We welcome back four old members. WO Steve Beaumont who was down South in the Falklands but has now returned to take up the post of the Training Standards Officer at UKMAMS in place of Clive Bishop who has returned to DAMO duties. Sgt John Magill who is currently the DRAFLO Novara Italy, ex Sgt Pete Morrison who is now living in Stafford and running his own business; Stafford Motorhomes Ltd and ex FS Rip Kirby who retired from the RAF in November and up until May 2004 will be working for a Ski Travel Company in the French Alps.

We also welcome as a new members, Wg Cdr Malcolm Symonds OC 4624 Sqn R Aux AF. RAF Brize Norton and Cpl Marcus Breen, Day Pax, UKMAMS

OC MAMF Simon Fletcher has been promoted to Wg Cdr and posted to MOD Endsleigh in Bath. His replacement Sqn Ldr Neil Jones hardly had time to get his feet under his desk before he found himself on a 6 week detachment to Qatar.

Peter Spear ex ‘Alpha’ Team, July 69 to Nov 71 is now doing some part time driving as a prelude to his retirement. Peter says that in his humble opinion the comment by one of our ex-members that Team Brief was boring could not be further from the truth. It is good to keep in touch with the past either through the Association and Team Brief or on the Net with the OBA. A number of years ago Peter surprised his wife by suggesting they visit those places that he had never been to with MAMS After she had picked herself up off the floor he explained that it was his plan to go on a touring holiday ‘Right around the World’. The fact that he told his company he would be away from work for a minimum of 9 weeks was neither here nor there and the fact that he got away with it made it all the more enjoyable or as Alan (Boot) Pratt would have put it ‘Ruthless’.

Iain Davidson ex UKMAMS Cpl MTD has moved and is now living in Buckden, St Neots. Iain recently met up with Mick Stead at Parkhurst Nick, not as an inmate but as Prison Officers. He also has a chat every so often with Stewart Sinclair ex UKMAMS who works at Prestwick Airport. Iain also comments about the quality and importance of Team Brief as it brinks back great memories of his time at UKMAMS 76/78 and of Wildenrath 72/75.

Gp Capt Neil Cromarty retired from the RAF late last year and is now living in Sherborne Dorset.

Dave Howley moved from Bexleyheath some 2 years ago and now lives in the village of Harby near Melton Mowbray. He writes articles for Air Modelling Magazines and is a judge at National Air Model Shows and competitions.

WO Alec Simpson is back at UKMAMS after his tour at Akrotiri

WO Roy Bolton has finished his tour at Hanover and is the WO Air Cargo at Brize Norton.

Dougie Russell Left the RAF in 2003 and now lives in Witney and works for TNT Logistics in Didcot.

It appears that my news about the demise of Tim Newstead in the last edition of Team Brief was a little premature. Tim has not yet left the RAF but is currently serving as a Wg Cdr at the Defence Clothing Integrated

18 Project Team (DC IPT), together with ex OC UKMAMS – Wg Cdr (Ret’d) Barrie Hay. They are located at Caversfield, Bicester – remembered by many as RAF Bicester. Now in his 40th year of service Tim will retire at the end of this year.

Congratulations to Andy Brooks who is posted from RAF Stafford to RAF Brize Norton on promotion to Flt Sgt and to Viv Neary-Phillips who has returned from Gander also on promotion to FS to join the Support and Training Flight at UKMAMS as the replacement for Taff Woods who has gone back on shift.

Congratulation to our Editor Mick Cocker on his promotion to FS and posting to Marchwood.

This month I would like your help in trying to trace the following people whose Team Briefs have been returned as ‘Addressee Unknown/Addressee Gone Away’.

F/Lt Andy State F/Lt Jim Bridgeman F/Lt Tony Vine Sqn Ldr Tony Freeman Mr Tim Leaning Mr RJ (Eric) Bristow Mr Ian (Wigan) Johnson F/Lt Rich Davidson Mr Bev Beverage Cpl Ray Wallace Mr Bryan Greenwood Mr Mark Vincenti Sgt Phil Armitage Sqn Ldr Tim Flint Sqn Ldr Ian Drake Sqn Ldr Euan Mackensie Mr Kev Traynor Wg Cdr Mark Brierley Sqn Ldr Roly Barth F/Lt Andy Wilson Wo Mo Mohindra Mr Basil Hughes Mr Ron Corrie Mr Richard Williams Mr David (Nip) Betts

Please, if you know of the whereabouts of any of the individuals either speak directly to them and ask them to let me have their new contact details, or write to me at PO Box 1126 Swindon Wilts SN5 7WB, give me a call on 01793 703538 or e-mail me at [email protected].

FROM THE HEART…

By Ian Berry

Well, it’s nearly a year now since I last wore a uniform and surprisingly to myself I haven’t missed it as much as I thought. The biggest worry is wondering if your change of finances will keep you going and finding a job. Well, so far the pension has removed my worries and I’ve got a job to boot so I’m very happy and after so many years I’m also stress free! I was given some very sound advice from my predecessors and am now passing on the same advice to the next batch of pending deportees, Keith Smith and Alic Simpson included.

My Top Table last year was brilliant and so were all the people who attended. It just once again supported my feeling that the Movements Trade is one big (mostly) Happy Family and even when you leave the RAF you are not ‘cut adrift’. I must say many thanks at this stage to Tony Geerah for his involvement in the organising of the event, this was his final one as he has now taken the Queens Guinea and become the very first Fast Track Commissioned Mover. I can remember over the years many an event he has organised from Horse Racing Nights to the cabaret at John Purkis’s wedding reception. During my time we

19 were gifted with a few outstanding organisers who have all nigh left the service, these include Douggie Betambeau, Mark Bagnall and Colin Allen. Still, there some talented people left who need support from the apathetic masses, Rod Morgan, John Magill and even Ray Ralph! The latter’s Incirlik parties were famous as was Douggie’s punch recipes…

In 1990 whilst I was at Lyneham I discovered that a Committee had been formed to organise a 25th Anniversary Reunion for the Squadron. It was chaired by Sqn Ldr Chris Hewat and had the likes of Mike Slade and Bob Turner on board as civilian representatives. I then asked if I could join the Committee but was rebuffed with the comment that WO George Lynes was the representative from shift! It was sad to see that nothing got organised and as time dragged along the Reunion was delayed a year with the pending Gulf war as the excuse. In early 1991 I was at last invited onto the Committee with the departure of Messrs GTL and others and Mike Slade became the Chairman. At the same time Bob Turner stated that he always wanted to form a UKMAMS Association. As has happened before Bob had the idea and I got suckered with the task. Things progressed in leaps and bounds and the first Newsletter was produced in September 1991 just three months after the formation of the Association. The support at that time was outstanding and although I had never worked with Mike Slade as I had just missed him at Abingdon I found him to be a man after my own heart. The wrong thing to say to Mike was “No” or “It can’t be done”. You had to say, “It can be done but first we must do this…”

I don’t know what has happened to the Squadron in the last 13 years but in 1991/2 nearly every Officer and SNCO on the squadron joined the Association. Support was outstanding and everyone wanted to help, what on earth has happened since then? With an injection of new blood we were able to track down over 1,000 movers and the biggest ever reunion on the 26th Anniversary in May 1992 will never be matched. On the Friday night over 450 Movers and Wives attended the Meet and Greet in the Pegasus Club. On the Saturday night over 600 attended the Dinner Dance including contingents from NEAF, FEAF and Gulf MAMS. The Sunday Service saw the local church packed, what a weekend. And what a tremendous buzz I got from my involvement. It was also the first opportunity for my wife to meet all the original team from my Abingdon days; we’re all still very close now. Does this affinity still exist? I don’t think so. Could we organise an event like that one 13 years ago today? I don’t think so. Why? Because of apathy and too many people not prepared to get involved. To nominate people and award tasks, as Secondary Duties is not the way ahead. If people are given tasks like this why aren’t they written down on their confidentials if they fail? Several years ago the Association lost many subscriptions through a volunteer for a Secondary Duty not carrying it out. Genuine volunteers are the one’s who get things done. Over the years I’ve noticed a gradual decline in the support we have received from the Squadron

20 with a lot of ex-Officio people attending the meetings but failing to make any input or produce material as requested. I think now there are less than half a dozen present Officers on the Squadron who are members of the Association and not many other ranks. It’s time they produced something using their newly acquired laptops!. It’s also a sad fact that over the last 15 years there have been more OC UKMAMS (present incumbent one of those excepted) who have been obstructionist than supportertive and it seems that all they want is our money to fund Squadron events to which Association members are not always aware of. It’s got to stop, genuinely support us and get involved or we’ll have to reconsider our involvement. As a full time working chap I find it quite hard sometimes to find the time to write articles but the thought of over 450+ paid up members still waiting for their Newsletter keeps me going. Requests for material from the squadron not only seems to have fallen on deaf ears it is obviously being ignored! Might I suggest that if someone is tasked to produce something he produces or is disciplined? It’s also galling to see certain members writing articles for the RAFA Magazine or books about Harriers but will not contribute to their own Newsletter. Well, that’s enough for now, I know many ex-UKMAMS will concur with my comments and if they want to be heard they must write with their own opinion.

As Ian points out - we are suffering from a severe lack of enthusiasm for the association from the current generation of movers. I know we have been busier than we have ever been (that includes me!!) but I know there are still plenty of people out there that still have the time (if not inclination) to sit down and write a few lines and take a few photographs. I can now produce little, if any, current information from UKMAMS as I am about as remote from Air Movements as you can possibly get being at Marchwood. I am still endeavoring to maintain my C17 'Q', so that may allow me to get the odd photo with associated story, but this will be a far cry from the cross section of tasking and current "Life on UKMAMS". If you are currently serving on UKMAMS and have the occasional story to tell, don't be shy, write it down and let me have it. I know plenty of you that have spun a yarn or two behind the sandbags in the last few years, so maybe now is the time to go public with the tales that are printable!! Or would you rather I spill the beans about some of the happenings on those remote desert nights? I wait in anticipation, and, as I have mentioned several time before, this now includes all of you out there on Main Base Movements, MSF's, JHSU and anywhere else. You can't get an exemption Chit for this. This is YOUR association and we need YOUR support, not only for the magazine, but for the Association as a whole.

Mick

21

No. 7 Movements Operator Course - 4 April to 5 June 1973

Back Row Standing: – Acs Dickman, Eccles, Brown, Thompson, McGregor, SAC Woolerton, SAC Busuttill, AC Fitzgerald, AC Kelly, SAC Clews, Acs Davies, Mackie, Usher

Front Row Seated: - Sgt Cormack (DS), Sgt Sugg (DS), Sgt Harris (DS), Sqn Ldr Harries (OC), FS Janman (DS), Sgt Hartill (DS), Sgt McQuigg (DS), FS Markwick

And finally - a view of the modern UKMAMS - For all those who remember the plush hotels ...... Read on.

THE FIELD PHASE OF THE UKMAMS MOBILE TRAINING COURSE FEB 04

For the Staff and students within Standard Support and training Flt (SSTF) it is time once again to don our smocks and play toy soldiers on the Bramley training area near Basingstoke. The aim of this course is to prepare qualified movers (TG18) and movements qualified Supply Officers for the high life of mobile operations. ‘Easy life’ I hear you cry, it’s all hotels, comfy beds and swimming pools. Sadly this is a barely remembered past told in stories by crusty cobwebbed movers. The reality in the modern era of expeditionary ops is tents, deep trench latrines, boil in the bag and the odd smell emanating from Strangely Brown in the corner. He’s been on these types of ops the longest so they say! This final week of the 4-week course is designed to allow movers to experience the pleasure of operating in an austere environment. It is ably supported by a motley-crew of instructors who have a wealth of experience from a myriad of operations over the last few years. Some of the most recent holiday destinations have been Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman and Macedonia to name but a few. It is the

22 instructor’s sole task to pass on as much experience and knowledge to our wide-eyed touristy looking movers. The first day of the field phase at Bramley starts with a nav ex on an area of about 3 square km. ‘This is small’ I hear you cry, ‘even I couldn’t get lost’. In fact this area serves a dual purpose; it is perfect for brushing up on basic navigation skills and also allows our more elderly instructors to be found when they have become slightly disorientated, can you hear me Mr Bishop! The students then have a delightful lunch of biscuits brown and that paste that smells remarkably like cat food. In the afternoon it is time for the students to build their Forward Operating Base, ready for the movements exercise later in the week. This can be located in disused buildings, wooded areas, or out in the open depending on the whim of the senior instructors and the sometimes fluffy but barely controllable resident Regt Rotweiller. UKMAMS are blessed with a very dedicated and professional Regt Sgt who is an essential part of the team and directs much of the activity throughout this week. In the evening the students carryout a sight and sound exercise, where the instructors make various noises at distance in the dark and the students have to guess. I’m sorry Billy, what did you say? No the instructors haven’t got a Donkey. This may seem pointless but it does serve to highlight how sound will carry in the dark and what hostile forces will be able to find out about your location. Initially on the second day of the course the students may be shouted at due to an activity I am unable to divulge (we don’t want every mover in the world knowing the score now do we). This can be an unsettling time for Billy who clings desperately to his teddy! Another full day of activities ensues with contact drills (let me see your war face), and general running away training in the morning. This makes movers more tactically aware in their environment and ensures that they will run away in good order if they do get in harms way. In the afternoon the students are trained in a full range of deployment issues at disparate locations around Bramley (Do you really think I’ll give you that much detail). This tests the student’s navigation skills and provides entertainment for the elderly instructors in the Saga wagon. Hath emyone theen my theeth!! During the week the students also undertake Op OUTLOAD, a name that has become infamous in the shady world of movements. It strikes fear into the hearts of grown men (permission for bottom lip to quiver sir!) and causes much bed wetting and gnashing of teeth. To be serious though the aim is to teach students how to operate in a movement’s environment while at a bare base deployed location. This training and experience has been invaluable to mobile personnel over the last few years who have found themselves in real situations, very similar to the scenario of Op OUTLOAD. I must take this opportunity to thank my instructors and OC MAMF, who should really receive equity cards for their sterling work during this phase. Never have I seen more camp acting or hilarious role-playing. I think the dress may have been a bit too much Geoff, but each to their own. The students also get to do a great deal of running around in webbing, shooting blanks at instructors who are dressed in various foreign garb and armed to the teeth. This activity does however have a real purpose and is not just for fun. It breeds confidence in your personal weapon (Geoff’s is called Dave), and promotes the importance of teamwork and personal admin. These are all essential attributes when operating in austere and often independent locations. The idea is also to put pressure on the students by filling their waking time with intense activity. This inevitably makes them tired and provides a good opportunity for the instructors to see inside that inner shell. Its only when the chips are down you see the true personality of an individual. This may sound harsh, but we place a great deal of trust in our globetrotting brethren who may live and die by the decisions they make. On the final morning the students are poured into a minibus where they are driven back to RAF Lyneham. At this stage they are mostly incoherent, responding only to smells of boil in the bag treacle pudding or sausage and beans. Hopefully they have acted like sponges throughout the week and absorbed everything we have been trying to teach. It is time now to put the resident RAF Regt Rotweiller back in his kennel until his essential skills are needed again in a few weeks for the next flock of Lambs.

23

UKMAMS 30th Anniversary Celebration of the move from RAF Abingdon to RAF Lyneham

DINNER DANCE

When: Saturday 12th June 2004 Venue: Wessex Restaurant Time: 1930-2000hrs Tickets: £15 per person from Flt Lt JA Symons, UKMAMS, RAF Lyneham, Wilts, SN15 4PZ

Applications for tickets to be received by 01 June 2004. Cheques made payable to ‘SERVICE FUNDS RAF LYNEHAM’

24