Win! Win! Bestselling tribute to a WWII icon
The Forcest'e favourir pape
● R'n'R p4-5
Win! Win! Recipes by the girl in Hitler's tub
Friday June 14 2019 No 1469 70p
● R'n'R p3
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Wake up call Why sleeping on the job will help you win the battle Cricket T20 title slips from RAF
See p21
Miracle man the Luftwaffe could not kill
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Tracey Allen
● Sport p35
Rugby League Historic run is over for girls
● Sport p34
PRIME MINISTER Theresa May and US President Donald Trump led the tributes to the Allied fighters who turned back the Nazi tide on the beaches of Normandy as the world marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day – the biggest military operation ever mounted. ● See p5 for report
A 100-YEAR-OLD WWII Air Force wireless operator who lived to celebrate D-Day has revealed how he cheated death more than a dozen times. Jack ‘Lawrie’ Lawrence walked away from 12 air crashes, was struck by lightning and even survived a Nazi firing squad after escaping three times from a PoW camp. Lawrie, nicknamed Lucky by his RAF pals, revealed the details of his incredible war service during a VIP visit to Biggin Hill to see the restored D-Day Spitfire MJ772 take to the skies again as the world marked the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion. He said: “After surviving the German firing squad I was a gibbering idiot. “We were once shot up by an ME 110 fighter and I bailed out at 15,000 ft but landed in a labour camp with lots of barbed wire. That’s a bit of bad luck if you ask me.” ● See p18-19
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P3
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I want to fly the Spitfire again before I’m 100
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My friends think it’s crazy I could get my pilot’s licence before my driving licence
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Success should really just sharpen your curiosity
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WWII fighter ace Sqn Ldr Allan Scott, aged 98 p17
Flying scholarship winner Air Cadet Alex Braybrooke, aged 17 p23
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Musician Jamie Cullum, back with a new album, Taller RnR p4-5
MoD vow on ‘living wage’ Simon Mander
RAF News Room 68 Lancaster Building HQ Air Command High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE Editor: Simon Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497412 Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497563 Features Editor: Tracey Allen Email: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 01494 497622 News Editor: Simon Mander All advertising: Edwin Rodrigues Tel: 07482 571535 Email: edwin.rodrigues@rafnews. co.uk
DEFENCE SECRETARY Penny Mordaunt has promised a pay rise for the lowest paid members of the military and extra protection for veterans facing investigations into historic allegations of wrongdoing. The Portsmouth North MP and serving Royal Naval reservist said the country had a duty to care for its Armed Forces while they were serving and afterwards. She said: “That is why we will shortly consult on protecting against repeated investigations and litigations against our veterans and Armed Forces personnel into historic operations outside the UK and consult on paying higher levels
of compensation for those injured on combat operations, or to the families for those who have been killed. “Nor should any soldier, sailor, airman or woman be asked to serve our country and not be sufficiently rewarded. “The Armed Forces are exempt from the living wage, as they are, in effect, on call 365 days a year, but I am determined to ensure the lowest paid members of the Armed Forces are lifted to ensure that none of them are below an acceptable salary to live well on. “That is what I will be arguing for in the decisions on this year’s pay review, and it will be a spending priority for me. It is the right thing to do, but I also recognise that the decision to serve is not motivated by money.”
This Week In History
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1948
Dakota over Berlin After the Soviets walked out of Allied Kommandatura in Berlin eight RAF Dakotas flew in to Wunstorf. The Berlin Airlift began on June 26. 1936
Vickers bow with K4049`
The prototype Vickers Wellington (K4049) made its first flight from Brooklands. A total of 11,461 of the twin-engined bombers were finally built.
1945
Liberators raid Liberators of No.159 Squadron, led by Wg Cdr LB Ercolani, were dispatched on a 2500-mile round trip to bomb Japan’s last supply
ship, the 10,000 ton Toho Maru. Several hits sank the tanker. Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (Sutton Publishing).
SIE RR A. A L PH A . VI C TO R. ECH O. We ’ r e p r o u d t o o f f e r c u r r e n t a n d f o r m e r m i l i t a r y p e r s o n n e l s a v i n g s o n s e l e c t e d v e h i c l e s.† Search: Ford Militar y Sales
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Model shown is a Fiesta ST-3 3-Door 1.5 200PS Manual Petrol with optional Full LED Headlamps. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Combined 40.4 (7.0). *CO 2 emissions 136g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. * There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.
Royal Air Force News Friday June 14, 2019 P5
D-DAY ANNIVERSARY
They didn’t “ boast, they didn’t fuss. They served” Prime Minister Theresa May as the world marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day
THE WORLD paid tribute to the heroes of D-Day 75 years after Allied Forces turned back the Nazi tide and changed the course of history. The Royal family, Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump joined leaders from across Europe and the Royal family in Portsmouth for a day of celebration to honour thousands of Allied fighters who died on the beaches of Normandy.
Ageing D-Day veterans took to a stage on South Sea Common to honour their comrades who did not survive the landings. In one of her last engagements as Prime Minister Mrs May said: “If one day can be said to have determined the fate of generations to come, in France, in Britain, in Europe and in the world, that day was the 6 June ,1944. “More than 156,000 men landed on D-Day, of which 83,000 were from Britain and the Commonwealth. “Over a quarter of a million more supported operations from air and sea, while the French Resistance carried out extraordinary acts of bravery from behind enemy lines.
“Many were terribly wounded, and many made the ultimate sacrifice that day, and in the fierce sacrifice that followed, as together our Allied nations sought to release Europe from the grip of fascism.They did not fuss, they did not boast. They served.” The Red Arrows performed a flypast over the crowd, ahead of the appearance of a lone Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which flew over nine Royal Navy ships, carrying veterans to the French coast. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “The people of Portsmouth and our Armed Forces have demonstrated the eternal affection and respect the nation holds for our Second World War generation. These commemorations have given young and old the opportunity to learn why we should never forget the debt we owe for the peace and freedom we now enjoy.” First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones said: “It was right here, in the waters around the Solent, that the majority of British and Allied assault convoys destined for Gold, Juno and Sword beaches on that fateful day were loaded and assembled. “There is no more fitting a venue for all of us to gather, 75 years on, to reflect on the enormity of Operation Neptune and to give thanks for the incredible bravery, determination and sacrifice of all those who took part in the biggest naval and amphibious operation ever mounted anywhere in history.” Members of the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade dropped from the skies over Normandy from an RAF Hercules to recreate the famous airborne landings. As the sun rose on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, the British Army marked the moment the first British soldier landed on Gold Beach. At the cathedral in Bayeaux – the first town to be liberated by the advancing Allies, thousands more gathered for a service. As the veterans of the biggest military operation in history made their way to nearby Arromanches, the Red Arrows once more took to the skies above them, this time accompanied by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota.
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Royal Air Force News Friday June 14, 2019 P7
News
Parents conquer their mountain of grief Simon Mander
THE PARENTS of an airman who died of a blood infection after returning from peacekeeping duties in Kosovo are to scale the three largest mountains in Yorkshire in his memory. RAF Physical Training Instructor Simon Beadel (inset, with mum Sue), who followed his father and grandfather into the Service, fell ill while on Christmas leave in 2009. His condition worsened rapidly and he died of pneumonia and sepsis just three hours after seeking medical treatment. Grieving parents Sue and Chris, pictured right, launched a fundraising crusade following his
death and now hope to conquer The Yorkshire Three Peaks - a route of 24 miles that includes 5,200 feet of ascents to reach the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The couple aim to complete the trek in less than 12 hours to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Mrs Beadel said: “No one expects to lose a child but when we did, the Fund were there for us. “We just want to give something back. “Simon was involved in many crazy stunts when fundraising for charities, and, as his parents, we have picked up the baton to carry on the fundraising he would have loved.”
News bulletin
Model citizens COSFORD WILL be hosting a large model Air Show next month featuring displays by a line up of mini aviation icons including the mighty Vulcan bomber. There will be static displays along with flying demonstrations with radio controlled aircraft hitting 200 mph, organisers say. The event takes place on July 6-7 and tickets are available from the RAF Museum at Cosford.
UK Typhoons face down Putin threat ON THE NATO BEAT: Typhoon tracks a Russian Sukoi SU-27 over the Baltic during a QRA sortie
Simon Mander TYPHOON JETS have launched for a fourth time in response to Russian jets as part of their Baltic air policing mission. In the latest alert UK fighters based at Ãmari Air Base intercepted two Russian SU-30 Flanker fighters, two SU-24 Fencer attack aircraft and a AN-12 transport aircraft flying off the north coast of Estonia. A Typhoon pilot from XI(Fighter) Sqn attached to 121 Expeditionary Air Wing,
was on Quick Reaction Alert duty when the scramble was called. He said: “We were scrambled to intercept a group of four Russian fighters. “The intercept was routine, and we stayed with them for around 25 minutes during their transit from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad region.” “Once this task was
completed we hauled off and conducted a further intercept of a Russian AN12 aircraft travelling at much lower altitude and slower speed along the same route. “The intercept of all five aircraft was uneventful and conducted in a professional manner throughout.” The RAF took over enhanced air policing operations from the
German Air Force on April 3 as part of a Nato mission to provide greater protection for Estonia and the Baltic states. The Alliance’s Assurance Measures HOMAGE: Bodil Friele’s were was inspired by have first announced inartwork 2014 and the RAF father Olly Olsen’s, returned to Ãmari her for the third time. Their inset, left, experiences in last deployment was in 2016. WWII. Top left, Olly’s Red The mission isCross designed counter POW label.to Inset, far left, artist PHOTOS: Russian aggression and Bodil. reassure Nato Anna Lythgoe to collective allies of the UK’s commitment defence.
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P8
Crew View
Exercise Arctic Challenge
RAF TYPHOON crews from Lossiemouth joined more than 4000 military personnel from across Nato in the Arctic Circle for one of the most extreme air combat training exercises in the Nato calendar. RAF News caught up with some of the airmen and women keeping the UK’s swing-role fighter in the game. PHOTOS: SAC Anna Lythgoe, RAuxAF
Cpl Tania Barr, Logistics Mover, RAF Lossiemouth
Fg Off Ben Stubbings, Logistics Officer, RAF Wittering
Flt Lt Craig Allison, Typhoon pilot, RAF Lossiemouth
Flt Lt Luke Swithenbank, Medical Officer, RAF Wittering
I love going to new places and I’ve never been to Sweden. It’s interesting seeing how the Swedish work compared to us. They’ve been really helpful in hosting us and it’s a nice atmosphere to work in: everyone seems to be working really well together.
The best part of this exercise is the team that I work with: everyone is highly qualified with a lot of experience, so I’m just learning as much as I can from them to be ready for future deployments. It’s a great training opportunity, not just for the pilots but for all the support personnel too.
We don’t often get to participate with 100 aircraft all airborne at the same time, so it’s quite a unique experience. My favourite part so far has been getting to ‘fight’ against a Swedish Gripen jet; it’s good fun to see what we can do against each other and how differently we like to fly. Obviously, we are friendly forces so it’s a good chance to have a bit of fun whilst learning something as well.
It’s important that we have British medical personnel here to support our aircrew and keep them in the air, which keeps our aircraft in the air. Hearing the sound of those jets roaring across is a good show of airpower, and the little things we do to support that on the ground is important work.
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Flt Lt Roberts, Junior Engineering Officer, RAF Lossiemouth
Flt Lt Rosie Privett, RAF Police, RAF Coningsby and Detachment Security Officer
Fg Off Tamsin Jessup, Station Adjutant, RAF Cranwell and Deployed Admin Officer
It’s the same here as it is back in Scotland, grey and wet. If an aircraft has issues in Scotland we can sort it out quickly whereas here in Sweden it adds a bit more challenge, but we’ve got a really good engineering team who have knocked it out of the park.
This is my first exercise working with the CounterIntelligence Field Team. It’s been interesting working with our counterparts from the other nations. We’ve been sharing intelligence with the Swedish and the Americans here, going out on recces together and comparing notes.
This is the first time I’ve been on exercise as the Deployed Admin Officer. I’m enjoying it. There’s been some challenges that I didn’t expect but it’s absolutely prepared me for future deployments.
FS Gav Livingstone, Hercules Loadmaster, RAF Brize Norton
SAC Craig Agyako, Armourer, RAF Lossiemouth
SAC Max Smith, Survival Equipment Technician, RAF Brize Norton
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I’m enjoying the new skill set that we’re out here to practise with our Hercules; it’s good to see it being used in the real world. I’m not so much enjoying the punishing cycle rides that my boss is putting us through!
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Sweden is a really nice place and it’s great getting to see different parts of the world. As a first exercise it’s pretty good because it’s getting us used to a faster pace for how things work on deployment.
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Being on the exercise is good. I feel part of a team. I’ve never worked with a fast jet squadron before so it’s interesting to see how they work, although my favourite part so far has been going on a low-level flying trip in the Hercules.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P9
News
Typhoon Arctic showdown with Swedish combat jet
GRIPEN GRIN RAF ON TOP: The Detachment Typhoons have performed well against the Gripens
TYPHOON TOP Guns are getting to grips with their Swedish comrades in a contest for air supremacy in northern Europe. The Lossiemouth-based fast jets are taking part in Arctic Challenge with 140 aircraft and 4,000 troops from Britain, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, France,
Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. And they’re testing their coalition partners’ effectiveness in a realistic threat environment to the limit. Typhoon pilot Flt Lt Craig Allison said: “Getting to fight against a Swedish Gripen jet has
been my favourite moment so far; it’s good fun to see what we can do against each other and how differently we like to fly. “We don’t often get to participate with 100 aircraft all airborne at the same time, so it’s quite a unique experience.” Located at Sweden’s Luleå-Kallax
£22m for cyber war fight DEFENCE IS to get a new £22 million nationwide network of cyber centres to counter virtual threats. While details on locations are yet to be confirmed, building is due to begin next year, with operations expected to commence in the early 2020s. The move is part of a £1.9 billion investment that has already funded the National Cyber Security Centre –
which brings together government, intelligence agencies and the private sector – and the state-of-the-art Defence Cyber School. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “We know all about the dangers, whether the attacks come from Russia, China or North Korea. Whether they come from ‘hacktivists’, criminals or extremists. Whether it’s malware or fake news. Cyber can bring down our national infrastructure and undermine our democracy. “It’s time to pay more than lip service to cyber. We must convince our adversaries their advances simply aren’t worth the cost. Cyber enemies think they can act with impunity. We must show them they can’t. That we are ready to respond at a time and place of our choosing in any domain, not just the virtual world.” The centres will operate WARNING: Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt says the UK must be ready to defend itself from cyber attacks by rogue states
air base, the RAF is contributing 155 personnel from 14 stations to support its seven aircraft: five Typhoons, a Hercules and a Voyager transporter. Each day sees up to 100 aircraft fly simultaneously in the exercise area, which extends across the airspaces of Sweden, Finland and Norway. The pilots from each nation take part in simulated scenarios to practise their combat air skills, alternating between playing the role of enemy or ally. Typhoons fly alongside Swedish Gripens; F-18s from Finland and the US; F-16s from Norway, Denmark and the US; and the Rafale and Mirage from France. The exercise tests skills including threat-evasion tactics, aerial load drops to friendly forces, search and rescue, and air-to-air refuelling. And being uniquely operated from three airbases in three
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It’s good fun to see what we can do against each other and how differently we like to fly
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different countries adds further complexity to already demanding missions. British and American personnel were welcomed by a visit from The Crown Princess of Sweden who took a tour of the British, Swedish and American fast jets. Officer Commanding 6 Squadron Wing Commander Matt D’Aubyn said: “Flying alongside the pilots from other nations is great because there’s always that slight competition. You always want to prove yourselves and, so far, the UK contingent is performing very well.”
VIGILANCE: RAF monitors for threats
round the clock by the Army and give Britain’s Armed Forces and allies the upper hand on emerging digital threats. General Officer Commanding Force Troops Command Major General Tom Copinger-Symes said: “Combining artificial intelligence with our military analysts will help us better understand threats and exploit opportunities, in turn enabling us to get the truth out much more rapidly, quashing the noise of disinformation from our enemies.”
ROYAL GUEST: Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland, in the cockpit of a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, with RAF Detachment Commander Wg Cdr Matthew D’Aubyn PHOTOS: SAC ANNA LYTHGOE RAUXAF
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P10
News
Typhoon Nato role in a class of its own
Wide awake club SNOOKER FANS Sgt Chris Bullen and Cpl Joel Pickersgill (pictured right) have launched a bid to smash the world record for the longest ever snooker match by clocking up 100 hours at the baize. The duo had planned to mount their record attempt last year to celebrate the RAF’s centenary but Joel was posted to the Falklands. Chris said: “The current record is 85 hours. “Sleep deprivation will be an issue but we are good mates and will keep each other going – and we’ll have a large supply of coffee.” All proceeds from the event will be donated to the RAF Association.
STANDING STANDING SIDE BY SIDE S IDE B YS IDE WITH THE RAF W ITH H TH ER AF FAMILY FAMIL LY FOR FOR 100 YE Y ARS 100 YEARS
Simon Mander UK TYPHOONS policing Nato skies from Estonia are a class act – according to local schools and community groups who have added lessons about the RAF’s supersonic fighter to the curriculum. The arrival of four RAF Typhoons at the Amari air base to safeguard the country’s skies from neighbouring Russia’s military aggression caused a media stir last month. Since then groups of youngsters have been queuing up to meet some of the 140 RAF personnel supporting the Nato peacekeeping mission. Coningsby-based XI(Fighter) Sqn recently played host to the
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Tormilind skout pack. Twelve-year-old Karl Nommik said: “We’ve been learning about the Typhoon fighters, the fire and rescue section, Apache helicopters and other Estonian and British forces including how fast and high the jets go. “I like the way the Typhoon looks – it has a very pointed nose and it goes very fast. The speed of the Typhoons is really cool. During a tour around one of the jets, youth group leader Maimu Nommik added: “It’s really important to have our Nato friends supporting us. “My parents left as kids during WWII because it wasn’t safe here for them as my grandfather was at the Army headquarters. “It’s very important for us to have the protection of the Royal Air Force.”
Bat to the future O p31
Q
We are excellent. We are QE.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has found Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate to be ‘Excellent’ across all schools, praising our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.
Queen Ethelburga’s has a long-standing relationship with the British Forces, welcoming students from military families for over 100 years. We currently have over 300 such students living as part of the QE family. We welcome day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years. We are CEA accredited and in recognition of our commitment to Forces families, we offer a significant reduction in fees. In 2017/18 this meant that our Forces families paid just 10% of fees. In 2018/19 Forces families will pay just £955 per term, per child (with the benefits of Childcare Vouchers this figure can be as low as £614 per term). We pride ourselves on our wrap-around specialist pastoral care for our students, providing a secure and supportive home from home. We are focused on creating the right learning and living environment so that every one of them can thrive. For further information or to arrange a visit contact our admissions team on: Tel: 01423 33 33 30 Email: admissions@qe.org
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P12
News News bulletin
Reds licenced to thrill Staff Reporter
LEARNING CURVE : RAF engineers help local youngsters solve technical challenge
School of Rock RAF TECHNICAL experts in Gibraltar launched a drive to promote science and technology in local schools. In the latest class-based session pupils designed and built parachute systems. A spokesman said: “The students engaged in fun-filled activities and all contributed to their designs, displaying excellent teamwork.”
THE RED Arrows have been given the go-ahead for a Brexit busting tour of the US after showcasing their latest routine to air safety chiefs. The team has cut back their usual UK airshow appearances to fly the flag for UK business during a stateside tour for the first time in decades. The RAF aerobatic aces, now in their 55th season, were cleared for lift off and presented with their public display authority after honing their new routine at the Hellenic Air Force base of Tanagra in Greece. Team chief Wg Cdr Andrew Keith said: “Getting to the point where we are ready to display in front of millions of people takes a huge amount of effort, over a sustained period, by every member of the Red Arrows. “It is an honour to command this dedicated group of men and women, that not only showcase the RAF exceptionally well but are also proud ambassadors for a Global Britain.” To prepare for the season pilots fly three times a day, five days a week working up to the team’s famous nineship formation. Sqn Ldr Martin Pert, who flies in the Red 1 position, added: “Public Display Authority marks the finale of months of tireless effort from
FLYING THE FLAG: Red Arrows will be performing across the US this summer.
everyone in the Red Arrows. “The whole team is utterly committed to the output of our core task – providing a world-leading display.” The hunt is on for a new home for the Red Arrows following a decision to close RAF Scampton – the display team’s base for the last 20 years. Among the frontrunners are Leeming in North Yorkshire, Scampton’s neighbouring station at Waddington and Wittering in Cambridgeshire.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P13
News
Beer can decoy protects UK Typhoons Simon Mander A BEER CAN sized electronic device that can blind incoming enemy missiles is being tested by the RAF’s multi role Typhoon fighters. The latest version of the BriteCloud decoy system, first used by Tornado, undergoing trials with Coningsby-based 41 (Test and Evaluation) Sqn. With mission programmable electronics packages, the small canisters come in several variants to fit different aircraft. Each device has spring-loaded air foils and contains a miniaturized radio-frequency jamming module. Wg Cdr Pete Ward said: “The initial flight-trial of BriteCloud from Typhoon is a key milestone in moving closer towards a viable and extremely valuable capability for the war fighter. “Trials will now move to
News bulletin
operational testing and validation before the initial operating capability is declared, planned at this time for later in 2019.” When an enemy missile locks onto an aircraft, the pilot ejects the decoy through the aircraft’s flare dispenser and it sends out an intense electromagnetic signal that blinds the incoming missile radar to the aircraft and draws it off target. RAF Typhoons have unleashed 33 BriteCloud devices against simulated battlefield threats. Additional trials will involve launching BriteCloud from military helicopters and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The decoy could be available for deployment by the end of the year, a spokesman for the MoD said.
The Cod Father Frying squad serves up Brit favourite in Baltic Staff Reporter
Narrow escape STATION CHIEFS at Leeming are offering civvies and serving personnel the chance to relax with a narrow boat holiday. The station inherited the ageing vessel which has been completely restored and refurbished following a fundraising campaign.
Charity nets funds for family getaway MILITARY CHARITY SSAFA is offering to fund free holidays for up to 20 Forces families after securing funding for three years. The scheme is aimed at serving parents with children with additional needs and disabilities. The next family breaks will be offered in October.
RAF CHEF Cpl Jamie McFee has been dubbed ‘The Cod Father’ after serving up morale boosting fish and chips to Air Force crews in the Baltic. The 3 Mobile Catering team laid on the nation’s favourite dish for 140 airmen and women supporting RAF Typhoons guarding Nato’s skies from Amari airbase in Estonia, as the UK marked National Fish and Chip Day.
SOLE FOOD: RAF Fire crew get stuck in with their Estonia hosts . PHOTOS :ROB BOURNE
RAF fire fighter SAC Ferrie was among those who took a break from his duties to tuck in to the surprise menu. He said: “We’ve just come from the fire section. “We’re stocking up on lunch for some fire training later today with our Estonian colleagues. It’s a treat to have fish and chips, particularly as it’s National Fish and Chip Day. The RAF has a long tradition of ‘Fish Frydays’ too.”
Sqn Ldr Macfarlane, who deployed with 121 Expeditionary Air Wing, added: “It’s great to share our national dish with our Estonian Air Force friends to celebrate the UK’s National Fish and Chip Day. “We’re here to contribute to Nato’s Baltic Air Policing, supporting our
Nato allies and friends. We work very closely with our Estonian colleagues and it’s great to share some of our traditions with them.” The freshly prepared British menu was a hit with the RAF’s Estonian hosts who joined the celebration. Capt Aliis Grabbi from the Estonian
Air Force was invited with several of her colleagues to share the iconic British lunch with the RAF and Army. She said “In Estonia we have fish and we have chips but we don’t eat them together, so it was good, I really enjoyed it, the chefs here have done a great job.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P15
News
That’s a kit of alright Staff Reporter RAF FOOTBALL chiefs have netted a top award for distributing sports kit to young sports fans in Africa and across the world. Since it started in 2006 more than 226,000 items, including around 66,500 shirts have been dispatched to 57 countries. The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond team, which is backed by a host of Premier League clubs and UK sports businesses, has landed the County FA’s Special Recognition award.
The Appeal is operated from Shawbury by the RAF’s current FA Council member, Wg Cdr Neil Hope. He said: “It was an honour to receive this recognition on behalf of RAF Football and I’m proud of the hard work our entire team puts in. “This Appeal is globally reaching and provides aid through football. It utilises the love of football across the world whilst promoting English football and the RAF.” CHARITY CRUSADE: A volunteer from the Football Shirts to Africa appeal with a young sports fan near Nairobi, Kenya.
COMBAT TRAINING
Vietnam vet powers Finnish battle drill
IN THE PICTURE: Johnny Johnson with 617 Sqn’s Wg Cdr John Butcher
Dam good show
BRITAIN’S LAST surviving Dambuster George ‘Johnny’ Johnson is to voice a new film telling the inside story of his aircraft’s role in the legendary raid. Filmmaker Andrew Panton has reconstructed the 1943 mission for his brand-new documentary Attack on the Sorpe Dam. He spent four years working alongside the 97-year-old Bomber Command veteran and focuses on the part that he and his crew of Lancaster AJ-T played during Operation Chastise. He said: “While much has been said about the attacks on the Mohne and Eder dams, which were breached, there has been less said about the attack on the Sorpe dam. “The story of how it was attacked is truly remarkable and is part of the Dambusters’ legend that we focus on in this film.” The veteran airman relived the raid with an emotional flight over the Sorpe dam in a helicopter during filming. The show includes animated sequences showing Lancaster AJT’s journey to its target and the attack with never-before-seen perspectives in colour, producers said. Johnny will be in Bath on July 6, for the RAF Benevolent Fund, talking about his role in the raid and the making of the film ahead of its release later this year. Go to: bathboxoffice@visitbath.co.uk.
A VETERAN US aircraft which saw action in the Vietnam War is proving a battle winner for RAF forward air controllers honing their combat skills in Scandinavia. The 1968 vintage 0-2 Skymaster aircraft is doing the job of the latest combat fast jets at a fraction of the cost in Nato combat drills in Finland. “The aircraft has a few bullet holes in it from Vietnam when it was a US Air Force aircraft but it’s a good solid platform,” says its civilian pilot Steve Brown of Abacus Technology. Fitted with state-of-the-art equipment the O-2 can provide forward air controllers with exactly what they would receive from a modern warplane. The trials are part of Exercise Bold Quest designed to help Nato forces test the compatibility of the latest communications kit, which involved more than 2000 personnel from 14 countries. “We’ve come here to trial our equipment in an environment where we have all the assets required to both train and to advance our capability,” said RAF High Wycombe-based Army Air Corps WO1 Norrie Kennedy. He said: “Our job is to coordinate the attack of aircraft near friendly soldiers. Close Air Support is a team sport, each participant, whether on the ground, in the air or in command and control, all have a part to play.” From an observation post high on a disused ski slope, the RAF Regiment and Royal Artillery personnel are using its commanding view of the Finnish countryside for miles around to find the enemy.
WHAM-BAM THANK YOU ’NAM: Skymaster prepares for sortie, below, RAF JTAC monitors the battlespace, below left, O-2 over Vietnam.
Their vests have a camera which enables the aircraft to see what the they are looking at. Using the FireStorm high precision targeting system, the controllers can locate targets and generate precise coordinates passed digitally to combat aircraft including Finnish Air Force and US Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and French Rafales.
And at the centre of the operation is the Skymaster which can remain on station for hours at a time. “This isn’t the first time we’ve operated with it.” said Kennedy. “It works very well, it’s persistent and for trials it’s ideal and very cost effective.”
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P17
News
Spit ace Allan’s D-Day mission 98-year-old vet gets airborne to mark 75th anniversary
News Bulletin
PADDLE UP: Air Force veteran Andy Webb
All oar nothing VETERAN AIRMAN Andy Webb has launched a bid to row the distance covered by British forces who launched their attack on Sword beach in Normandy from Portland in Dorset. The Forces fundraiser will be clocking up the 262-mile return trip in 10 sessions on a rowing machine at The Guildhall, Chard, to raise funds for the annual British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Ton-up trio SKY’S THE LIMIT: The restored Spitfire, inset, Allan Scott. MAIN PHOTO: cr6.biz
A 98-YEAR-OLD World War II fighter ace took to the skies again in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Sqn Ldr Allan Scott, who scored six victories and was awarded the DFM, was among a group of vets take off in the vintage fighter T.6 MJ772 featuring the distinctive D-Day markings. Afterwards he said: “It was great fun to get back in the Spitfire again, I love it. As soon as I get airborne I’m happy. “I’m looking forward to flying it again, soon I hope, and I don’t have to wait for two years until I’m 100. I know I’m going to fly it then but I want to fly it beforehand as well.” MJ722 served on
High speed spill wipes out Vickers
●Sport p33
D-Day with 341 (Free French) Sqn. It returned to the Normandy beaches to take part in the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Sqn Ldr Scott, whose first tour was from Biggin Hill with 124 (Baroda) Sqn when he was 19, added: “I have fond memories of the Spitfire. I have flown more than 100 different types of aircraft, from the Lancaster to helicopters, and the Spit has always been my favourite. “It was a joy to fly – it got you out of trouble so often because it could out-manoeuvre enemy aircraft. It was an easy aircraft to fly, it could be part of you. I know it’s always called iconic but I think it deserves that.” He also flew the Spitfire during the siege of Malta in 1942 with 603 (City of Edinburgh) Auxiliary Sqn and 1435 Sqn. He said: “During the battle we lost 36 pilots in one week. We wanted to
keep the Mediterranean open, keeping supplies going to Rommel so that he could carry on with the El-Alamain battle. Sometimes we were down to only four serviceable Spitfires.” He added: “I met a lot of Luftwaffe pilots after the war and they were a nice bunch of guys, but we didn’t think that at the time.” Other veterans at the event included Fg Off Gerry Abrahams, (pictured left) who served 31 operations on Lancasters with 75 (New Zealand) Sqn and WO Kenneth Bryan who served with 1315 Flight Transport Command on Dakotas. Mr Abrahams said: “I was one of the lucky ones. So many of our bomber crews were lost and you had to have luck on your side to even reach 20 operations. I lost many good friends but I will always remember them.” Organiser Robin Brooks said: “It is an honour for us to fly the veterans. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for the way we live today.”
MILESTONE: From left, Brian, Gary and Andy
A TRIO of Brize Norton-based airmen with 4624 Sqn were celebrating this month – after clocking up more than 100 years’ service between them. Warrant Officer Gary Searles and two members of the Operational Flights – Corporal Brian Bufton and SAC Andy ‘Rizzo’ Rees Williams – passed the milestone moment as they all celebrated 35 years service.
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P18
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P19
Feature Live wire
Hit by lightning, shot down multiple times, bails out and lands virtually in a German PoW camp, endures three hours in front of a Nazi firing squad and still reaches 100…
NOW, THAT’S LUCKY
JACK THE LAD: A young ‘Lawrie’ Lawrence
and fellow veterans rie Lawrence (fifth from right) BROTHERS IN ARMS: Law
A
FLYING COFFIN: 83 Sqn Hampden Photo: Air Historical Branch
line up on the pan during a get-
together
POW: Lawrie (back row, second left) and colleagues in Stalag VIII-B Lamsdorf, where he faced a firing squad
WORLD WAR II veteran, now 100, “I was now a gibbering idiot and happy to get who cheated death multiple times back to Lamsdorf in solitary confinement.” during his RAF service more than His daughter Beverley said her father didn’t earned his nickname Lucky. discover until last year why he wasn’t shot – Incredibly, Sqn Ldr Jack ‘Lawrie’ Lawrence, because it was against the Geneva Convention. survived a three-hour wait in front of a Nazi firing squad, as well as numerous crashes while awrie joined the RAF in August 1936. a wireless operator on Hampdens. Training at the Electrical and Wireless School The centenarian was among the guests at at RAF Cranwell included four months flying a special event for veterans at Biggin in a Vickers Valencia. He remembered: Hill Heritage Hangar ahead of the “If the wind was strong we went 75th anniversary of D-Day. backwards, which was very bad for He was shot down on navigation.” September 1, 1941, during a He was posted to 61 bombing raid to Cologne. Squadron at RAF Helmswell, The pilot, Sqn Ldr Eric flying Ansons, Blenheims and Willcox DFC, was killed in finally Hampdens. the crash and the rest of the He said: “Blenheims crew taken as prisoners of were very high-performance war. aircraft and we had many Lawrie managed to escape crashes, nearly always fatal. The from the prison camp, Stalag squadron averaged one funeral a OUT: At 89l G VIII-B Lamsdorf, but got caught week and we filled the graveyard IN T R A ST eless Schoo near the Swiss border. at the local village church. I lost Course Wir He said: “On my way back to many good friends.” Lamsdorf, I was put in a room three floors Converting to Hampdens meant life on down and left for two weeks, then one Sunday the squadron became far more serious. Lawrie morning I was taken out and put in front of a remembered: “It was particularly difficult to get firing squad and informed I had been court- out of the aircraft in an emergency, in fact it soon martialled and sentenced to be shot. became known as the flying coffin. However, I “This was because, after The Great escape at was a member of a good crew and we enjoyed Stalag Luft III and the shooting of 70 officers, Hampden flying thoroughly.” Hitler had ordered that anyone caught escaping Lawrie flew with this crew for two years, on was to be shot.” 14 bombing raids. He added: “After standing in front of the He said: “We were nearly shot down by one of firing squad for three hours a Luftwaffe officer our own submarines over Liverpool. We crashed arrived, shouted at everybody that I was a ‘terror at Doncaster in a storm and force-landed on fleiger’ [terror flyer], grabbed me and took me Blackpool racecourse, then on the 14th trip we away. were struck by lightning.
L
“
It was particularly hard to get out of a Hampden in an emergency – it soon became known as the flying coffin”
aircraft and could only stand there and hope I wasn’t looking at the funeral pyre of any of my crew. Years later I realised I was; my friend the pilot.” In hospital, he said he was treated well: “A young Luftwaffe officer appeared at my bedside and explained he was the pilot who had shot me down and could he do anything for me? He was quite elegant and charming and when my breakfast, consisting of thin soup, arrived he sent it back and demanded a breakfast suitable for a flyer.”
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awrie’s local newspaper, the Ossett Observer, reported that he was missing. When he bailed out, he had practically landed in a German camp. He was eventually sent to the PoW camp at Lamsdorf and, changing identity with a New Zealand army private, escaped but was captured 12 days later. After this escape attempt – the first of three – he was put in front of the firing squad. On his second attempt he was caught after escaping at night from an aerodrome at Görlitz, where he had few months later he been sent to work. His third volunteered to return escape, while on the Long to operations and joined 83 March in 1945, was successful. Squadron – his crew were shot He said: “I got through the down on their sixth op and pilot German lines and reached a ed w g n ti et BIG DAY: G Sqn Ldr Willcox killed. Canadian tank unit. They supplied Lawrie injured his ankle when me with a car and petrol and I drove he bailed out – on the way to hospital in an westwards until I found an aerodrome, from ambulance, the Germans made a detour to show where I was flown to the UK.” him his Hampden, ‘blazing away merrily in a Lucky Lawrence continued to serve in the field.’ RAF after WWII, retiring in 1969. He said: “I could hardly deny it was my By Tracey Allen
“My left hand was badly burnt, consequently I missed the next trip and they were shot down. My replacement on that trip lost his left arm and nearly died.” Lawrie made 22 trips with this crew and survived four crashes, two of which destroyed the aircraft. He completed 37 operations and survived a total of 12 crashes before his CO recommended a rest from operational flying.
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NEAR MISS: Lawrie with daughter Bev, who holds the helmet her father was wearing when his Hampden was shot down, killing pilot Sqn Ldr Eric Willcox DFC. Its earpiece was shot off during the attack
Regulars Announcements l p 6-7
R'n'R Win!
Win Folk By The Oak family passes l p5
Walking tall - Jamie Cullen l p4-5
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 3
R'n'R Book
Lee Miller A Life with Food, Friends & Recipes by Ami Bouhassane
Win!
UK Box Office Top 10
Penrose Film Productions with Grapefrukt Vorlag
A unique celebrity cook
T
HE REMARKABLE Lee Miller – beautiful, talented and tough – made her name as a pioneering female war photographer a n d correspondent in World War II. The American former model was taught photography by the legendary Man Ray. She married the Surrealist painter Roland Penrose. After the war she found a new celebrity as a Surrealist cook, working from the kitchen of her Sussex home, Farley Farm House. A new book Lee Miller A Life with Food, Friends & Recipes by her granddaughter Ami Bouhassane, with an introduction by Miller’s son Antony Penrose, explores Miller’s
life through the influence of food. A trustee of the Lee Miller A r c h i v e , Bouhassane has worked closely with the material in the book for more than 19 years. This intimacy with the work has given her a unique insight into her grandmother’s life and access to never before published manuscripts and photographs which reveal a previously unknown aspect of Miller. This impressive, colourful title, illustrated by many of Miller’s striking photographs – such as the one pictured right – features more than 100 of her imaginative recipes – for dishes including Muddles
Green Green Chicken, Onion Upside-Down Cake and Pink Heaven – and material from the cookbook she was secretly hoping to publish at the end of her life. Miller also used cooking as a way to cope with the difficulties of her war experience. What she had witnessed as a war correspondent touched her deeply. She suffered from what would be diagnosed today as PTSD. The book reveals that, in a magazine interview, Miller said: “I am a compulsive cook” and, by the time of her death, her library of cookbooks numbered more than 2000. For your chance to win a copy of Ami Bouhassane’s book (rrp £29.95), answer the following question correctly: What was the name of Lee Miller’s husband? Email your answer, marked Lee Miller cookbook, to: competitions@
Music
Keane Wildwood Kin
keanemusic.com wildwoodkin. com
1 Aladdin (pictured below) 2
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
3
The Secret Life of Pets 2
4 Rocketman 5
Pokemon Detective Pikachu
6
John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum
7 Ma 8 Avengers: Endgame 9 Paw Patrol Mighty Pups HOMELESS: Like the women of Germaninvaded countries, German women now cook in the ruins, Nuremburg, Germany 1945 by Lee Miller: Monte (Robert Pattinson). © Lee Miller Archives, England 2019. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk © Roland Penrose Estate, England 2019. The Penrose Collection. All rights reserved.
rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE by June 28.
10 The Hustle
Source: BFI
Festival dates
Keane and Kin back with albums and major tours A
FTER MONTHS of speculation, Keane, one of Britain’s best-loved bands, are back with a new album out on September 20 on Island Records and featuring the powerful first single The Way I Feel. Written by Keane and produced by David Kosten and the band themselves, Cause and Effect features 11 new songs recorded in London and Sussex. Keane have also announced a major UK tour this autumn including two nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall – tickets go on sale on June 14. The band will play a series of festivals this summer including BST in Hyde Park on July 14. Cause and Effect is Keane’s fifth studio album. Their four previous albums have all entered the UK charts at number one and accumulated sales of more than 13m worldwide and 2.6 billion streams. The birth of this new album came as something of a surprise even to the band. Singer Tom Chaplin had
NUMBER ONE BAND: Keane's fifth album, below, is out in September. PHOTO: Alex Lake
released two successful solo albums but missed his old sparring partner Tim Rice-Oxley. “I found myself wondering how I had come to let this very enigmatic and important relationship in my life drift,” Tom said. Meanwhile, Tim found his life falling apart and from the ashes had written an album’s worth of incredibly personal songs. When Tom, bassist Jesse Quin and drummer Richard Hughes
heard the songs, they were immediately drawn to them. “Hopes and Fears was a break-up album too, but it was about a breakup when I was 19,” Tim explained. “It’s a bit different when you’re older and you’ve got kids – your whole little world shifts on its axis.” The video for The Way I Feel was directed by Kevin Godley (ex 10cc), who previously directed the video for the band’s hit single Is It Any Wonder and Tom’s solo release Still Waiting. Tim added: “We’re not some heritage act. We’ve got a lot of great music in us.” n Alt-Folk trio Wildwood Kin
– sisters Beth and Emilie Key and their cousin Meghann Loney – will release their self-titled second album (right) on October 4 via Silvertone Records/Sony. The single Never Alone, is out now. Produced and co-written with Ed Harcourt it’s deeply personal and a message to anyone feeling as isolated as Meg's brother – who sadly committed suicide. Meg said: “Because Ed’s so raw and heart-on-sleeve it wasn’t long before we were talking about shared experiences of mental health. “We played some riffs and sang harmonies that had been knocking about for years and asked ourselves: how does this make us feel? “It all came out from there. Never Alone is about walking and loving someone through a dark place. We knew it had to be honest and hard
hitting, but uplifting too.” Each of the trio (below, left) makes an equal contribution to the band. For the new album they experimented with a variety of co-writers across sessions in Los Angeles, Nashville and Oxfordshire. The album will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital/streaming and is available to pre-order now, with Never Alone provided as an instant download. The band have announced details of their first headline tour, to follow their busy summer of festival appearances including Glastonbury and a main stage performance at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention. The headline tour starts on November 6 at the Waterfront Studio, Norwich and runs until December 4.
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 4
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 5
R'n'R Competition Spitfire
simonandschuster.co.uk
I
T WAS a top 10 bestseller when it came out in hardback – now Spitfire, A Very British Love Story, by former RAF navigator John Nichol, is out in paperback, and we have copies to win. The iconic Spitfire found fame during the darkest early days of World War II. But what happened to the famous fighter and its crews beyond the Battle of Britain and why is it still so loved today? Nichol’s latest book features edge-of-the-seat stories and heartstopping first-hand accounts of battling pilots, sacrifice and wartime love, aristocratic female flyers and the mechanics who
A Nichol classic
braved the Nazi onslaught to keep the aircraft in battle-ready conditions. His passionate portrait of this magnificent fighter aircraft, its many innovations and updates and the people who flew and loved them, carries the reader beyond the dogfights over Kent and Sussex. It spans the full global reach of the Spitfire’s deployment during WWII, from Malta to North Africa and the Far East, then over the D-Day beaches. Nichol served in the RAF for 15 years. On active duty during the first Gulf War in 1991, his Tornado
Win!
The Big Event
Competition
bomber was shot down during a mission over Iraq. He was captured, tortured and held as a prisoner of war. He cowrote the bestselling Tornado Down and is also the author of Return of the Dambusters, Tail-End Charlies and five novels. Just send us the correct answer to this question for your chance to win a copy of Spitfire (simonandschuster. co.uk, rrp £8.99): For how long did John Nichol serve in the RAF? Email your answer, marked Spitfire book competition, to: comp et it ions@raf ne ws.co.u k
Folk By The Oak Hatfield House
F
or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 28.
ESTIVAL FANS will once again be flocking to the stunning Hatfield House in Hertfordshire (filming location for the hit movie The Favourite) for a packed day of music and activities for all ages. Main stage acts this year at the familyfriendly event on July 14 include Frank Turner, The Staves, Seth Lakeman, Karine Polwart and The Lost Words: Spell Songs (the musical companion piece to The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris). The Acorn Stage will be headlined by Elephant Sessions, and will also welcome Robert and Jackie to talk about The Lost Words, their ‘beautiful protest’ at the loss of common nature words from the language of children.
It's family fun for folk of all ages in Herts
There’s a family area that’s within worth £110 each, to be won. sight and sound of the Main Stage To enter, simply answer this so grown-ups don’t have to miss out question correctly: on the music while entertaining the Where is Folk By The Oak youngsters. held? While there’s plenty of Email your answer, delicious street food from marked Folk By The around the world on offer, Oak competition, you can take your own food to: competitions@ and drink into the arena, so rafnews.co.uk or keeping the whole family post it to: RAF News, fed and watered doesn’t Room 68, Lancaster have to break the bank. Building, HQ Air Activities on offer include Command, High natural crafts, longbow archery, HP14 SETH LAKEMAN Wycombe, storytelling, bubble making, 4UE, to arrive by circus skills and face painting. June 28. We have three family passes (admits n Go to folkbytheoak.com for two adults and two children), more information.
Win!
Hornsey Road UK tour
C
years; like the artists I saw live formatively – Dr John, Prince, James Brown, Ben Folds and The Roots.”
Show celebrates 50 years since classic album
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H
AT HOME ON STAGE: Cullum has appeared at top venues around the world, including Glastonbury Festival
W
ith a career spanning more than 20 years, Cullum’s legendary live shows have seen him perform and work alongside artists as diverse as Herbie Hancock, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, and Lang Lang. Along with his successful recording career – he has sold more than 10 million
albums to date – he is a multi-awardwinning music broadcaster. He used his student loan to record his first LP, Heard It All Before. The success of his major label breakthrough Twentysomething and its follow up Catching Tales saw him nominated for a Brit, Grammy and numerous other awards internationally. He went on a world tour, taking in more than 40 countries, culminating in a longheld ambition to play at the Glastonbury Festival. Cullum said: “A show on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 18 years into my career was a highlight for me. It had been a long, unspoken goal to myself to bring together as high a level of musicianship as I could muster, together with the stagecraft I’ve endeavoured to build up over the
aving gained a first-class honours degree in Film and English Literature from Reading University, one of his major ambitions was to work on music for movies. He fulfilled that with commissions for Disney’s Meet The Robinsons and heist movie King of Thieves and worked with Clint Eastwood on the Gran Torino score. What’s next for Cullum? He said: “I still feel like a passionate fan of music and a student at that. I’m starting to dive into the world of music theory in an effort to significantly deepen what I can do at the piano. “But it is as a songwriter I have my highest aspirations now. I tasted that hunger with Gran Torino. It was the first time I felt like I had started to really understand the craft a little more, not just on instinct alone but using building blocks and skills I had been slowly accruing over the years. “I’ve come to understand that success should really just sharpen your curiosity. I’ve seen that in my heroes I’ve both worked with and interviewed and I hope it is something that I too can carry with me for many years to come.” n Keep an eye on jamiecullum.com for details of his 2020 tour.
Abbey Road tribute
Beatles' golden days with superfan Mark
Jamie's walking tall
whether it was a jazz record, whether it was ticking this or that box. The songs would be king and they would be honest. “Sometimes it was just me at the piano, pressing record; at other times it was myself and Troy trying to capture something that felt authentic. I didn’t really know what I was making at first. I feel prouder of this than anything I’ve done and that’s a good feeling.”
THE STAVES: Dreaming of a fabulous set at Folk By The Oak next month
Theatre
Jamie Cullum
He's not the biggest bloke, but with talent, success and a beautiful wife...
R I T I C A L LY- A C C L A I M E D musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum is back with a new album, Taller. It’s his eighth studio album and comes five years since his last one was released. Written and recorded at home and at the studio of long-time friend and collaborator Troy Miller (Emeli Sandé, Mark Ronson, Laura Mvula), Cullum said that while making the record he felt like a songwriter, first and foremost’. He said: “There’s a line in a song called Endings Are Beginnings that is ‘I write to learn what I’m thinking,’ and that sums it up pretty accurately; this album is like my working notes for life. I don’t think I’ve made music like this before." Cullum is married to the author and former model Sophie Dahl, granddaughter of writer and World War II fighter pilot Roald Dahl. Talking about the album’s title track, Taller, he said: “Historically, there have been jokes about my physical stature and being married to a taller woman. So, I wanted to own it and it seemed like a great image to take, one that could be perceived as vulnerability and yet, vulnerability turning out to be a superpower, rather than a weakness.” Other tracks on the album, such as Usher, Drink and the powerful Mankind, have prominent funk, pop and gospel influences. Of Drink, he said: “It’s about dealing with things that are troubling and confusing, but how, in taking them on, there is a freedom inherent in that, and suddenly they aren’t so black and white, but nuanced. It turns out the grey is where the truth lies.” He added: “I was really focusing on this being an album of my songs. I wanted it to be about my songs, about my writing. It was also a love letter to my wife. I wanted to put aside
Playlist Top 10
CALL ME DAHL-ING: Jamie with author wife Sophie, granddaughter of WWII fighter pilot and writer Roald Dahl
HIS SEPTEMBER marks the golden anniversary of The Beatles’ multi-platinum album Abbey Road – the last work they recorded before their break-up. To explore this anniversary, leading Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn will start a 21-date UK tour with his newly-created Abbey Road show Hornsey Road. The two-hour event is an illustrated history of the Fab Four and what’s considered to be their biggest album, providing a unique insight into the band who changed the course of culture and whose influence is still substantial. Hornsey Road tells the stories behind the songs and the lives of Abbey Road's four creators – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – the youngest just 26, the eldest 29 at the time it was made. Lewisohn has an extensive archive of Beatles materials, amassed over more than 40 years. On stage he will be talking audiences through some of that archive, including rare music, photos, films and collectable artefacts. He said: “Hornsey Road is all about Abbey Road, the people who made it and the time in which they did it. This artistic triumph was created at a hectic junction in the Beatles’ lives, and I’m going to be revealing the rich history, refreshing the remarkable stories behind its making, and bringing it all back by sight, sound and smell. “I’ll be delivering an original and surprising look at this collection of great songs.” He added: “I’ll be explaining the album’s making in the context of the 1969 contemporary music scene, and depicting the four Beatles as friends, bandmates and artistic individuals at the peak of their creative powers, crowning the many precedent-setting events of their previous six years together with this glorious parting shot.” The reason why the tour is called Hornsey Road will be revealed during the show. The tour starts on September 18 at the Theatre Royal, Northampton and finishes at Home, Manchester on December 4. Venues include Bristol, London, Liverpool, Lincoln, High Wycombe, Birmingham and Swindon. The Abbey Road album was named after the street in St John’s Wood, North London, where the Beatles
TYPHOON DISPLAY pilot Flt Lt Jim Peterson, back for his second air show season, says the following songs are all linked to his 20 years in the RAF. Here’s his Top 10 Playlist:
1 Survivor Eye of the Tiger Stone Roses 2 The Sugar Spun Sister 3 Oasis Live Forever Everything But The Girl 4 Missing (Todd Terry Club Remix) Not Alone 5 You're Olive Park 6 Linkin Numb Killers 7 The Mr Brightside & Status and Plan B 8 Chase End Credits Guetta and Sia 9 David Titanium 10 Avicii Hey Brother
ARCHIVE: Mark has collected Beatles memorabilia for 40 years
recorded most of their music from 1962. Because of the Beatles, the zebra crossing near the front gates is one of London’s most popular tourist spots, declared a Grade II-listed site by English Heritage in 2010. n Go to: hornseyroad.net for more details about the tour.
AIR SHOW STAR: RAF Typhoon
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 6
R'n'R Your Announcements
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
Deaths BRODIE George Warrant Officer, aged 68 RVM, BEM. Died peacefully on May 22 after a short illness, surrounded by his family. George leaves his wife Julie, his mother Margaret, sister Rosemary and daughter Teresa, her husband Bob, son Ben and wife Sam and grandsons, Robert, Jason, Ryan and Daniel. George was born in Clydebank Scotland, joined up at 18 in 1969 and joined Trade Group 19. He was a larger than life character and his tales of his 28 years service are legendary. He served on numerous stations within the UK, Troodos, Cyprus, the Ascension Islands, the Falklands, RAF Guttersloh, and was on the Royal team that helped with Royal visits. He received his BEM in recognition of his service and his RVM for 50 years in uniform and service to the Monarch. He left the Royal Air Force in 1997 and joined the Yeoman Body at the Tower of London where he hosted lots of RAF groups in the Yeoman Warders Club and lots of tales were told.
He was one of the founder members of the RAF Catering Warrant Officers and Seniors Association. Together with the Yeoman Body, the Association did him proud at his funeral held at Clydebank Cemetery on May 29. Donations gratefully accepted to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Born in Liverpool he spent the early years of his life in Germany and Hong Kong where his father was serving with the 7th Royal Hussars. Brian joined the RAF in 1961 and worked on many different aircraft types whilst stationed in the UK at Binbrook, Kinloss, Bicester, St Athan and Brawdy as well as tours in Cyprus, Ghan, the Maldives and the Falklands.
GEORGE BRODIE HUGHES Brian, Chief Technician (Airframes), passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on May 26 after a short, acute illness nursed by his devoted wife Joy at his home in Crundale, Pembrokeshire, which is where he wanted to be. Brian is also survived by his sister Beryl, nephew David, niece Emma, cousin Jean, brotherin-law Barry and his dog Smwt.
BRIAN HUGHES Brian met Joy, who was serving in the WRAF at the time, at Binbrook and they we married in 1968. Together they had a full and active life as his hobbies included hill walking, surfing, swimming, canoeing and DIY, together with his love of dogs, the latter despite being bitten by a rabid dog when a
youngster in Hong Kong and requiring a course of very painful injections in his stomach. Cremation took place at Narberth on June 6 with family only flowers. Any donations, if desired, can be made to the Paul Sartori Foundation or Cancer UK and sent: c/o Mrs Liz Ward, 9 Greenhill Park Drive, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, SA61 1LS. MULLAN David John died unexpectedly at home on January 23 aged 46. Beloved son of Jenny and John (Sqn Ldr Admin Ret’d 1997). Devoted husband of Katie, proud father of triplets Harry, Oliver and Jasper and elder brother of Gareth. A thanksgiving service was held on February 28. A Just Giving page was opened for donations to Help For Heroes. For further information contact: Mullanja@btinternet.com.
How to use our service There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death, in memoriam seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. Help us to avoid errors by typing your announcement or using block capitals. We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by post to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Naphill, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE or by email to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk
Important Notice The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this publication. Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed.
Use the coupon for RAF News announcements Name .......................................................................................................................................................... Address ...................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................... Please send to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE.
DAVID MULLAN
In memoriam ROWLEY Brian Ex WO. Fondly remembering my dearest husband who died June 7, 2003. The years pass by but you are never forgotten by your children and grandchildren and me. Love always, your devoted wife Dorothy. Email: dd.rowley@btinternet.com. WATT Catherine Grace (née Leech). Former WAAF Corporal Passed away June 12, 2002. Seventeen years gone The pain and sorrow live on. WATT Alfred. Warrant Officer retired. Passed away 25 May 2009. Both remembered with love and sadly missed.
Seeking I am trying to trace Mark Irwin, who I believe was a dog handler in the RAF. He was a former Police Cadet in Lancashire and was on the 3rd Residential Course at Stanley Grange in 1969/70.
Were you with the Arrows?
REDS ALERT: The famous aerobatic team's Association is seeking new members. PHOTO: Bryan Nimmo
THE RED Arrows Association is calling for new members to help foster and maintain the comradeship and ‘esprit de corps’ shared through the unique experience of service with the worldfamous aerobatic team. The Association is the official organisation that brings together former and serving RAF Red Arrows team members. It currently has more than 250 members and organises various events, has a dedicated Facebook page and biannual newsletter and holds a popular annual reunion. Membership of the Association is £5 a year and is conditional on having served on the Red Arrows (including the Yellowjacks) as either aircrew, ground crew or civilian support
staff at any time since its formation in 1964. Associate membership is also available to people closely connected to the team. This year’s Red Arrows Association annual reunion takes place at RAF Scampton on June 21. It is expected that around 150 members and their guests will attend the event that includes a Gnat flypast, BBQ lunch and the chance to meet some of the current team pilots and ground crew. The Association’s AGM will also take place as part of the event and all members are encouraged to attend.
In September we are having a 50th anniversary re-union dinner and would very much like Mark to be with us. Please contact me by email if anyone can help. Philip Walsh, email:Savoyard1@ uwclub.net.
07764 781657.
Reunions 230 (Tiger) Squadron RAF Association Reunion. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire August 29-31. Details from: 230assocreunionsec@gmail. com or call Rod: 07764 781657. THE 97th Entry Halton Aircraft Apprentices reunion at the Park House Hotel, Shifnall on September 3 and 4. Please contact Ted Savill on: 01554 773533. RAF Boy Entrants Association Reunion 25th Association Anniversary Harper Adams University, Salop, September 6-8. Details from: rafbeareunion@gmail. com or please call Rod on:
n Please email: secretary@ redarrowsassociation. co.uk or visit the website: redarrowsassociation.co.uk for all events, membership details and how to join,
314 CA Telegraphist 50th Anniversary Reunion. A reunion of the 314 CA TELEG entry will be held at RAF Cosford in October. Any former 314 Entry members who have not yet been contacted should contact Mac Halliwell by email: definitas@gmail.com. COASTAL Command Officers' Reunion, RAF Club, October 12, 2019, October 10, 2020. Please contact Ray Curtis, call: 01264 735349 or email: hjn3@btinternet.com. RAF Boy Entrants 45th Ground Wireless Reunion We s t o n - s u p e r - M a r e , October 12. Email: suddesr@ aol.com or call: 07840125396. CALLING all Clerks, Cooks and Suppliers from No 320 Admin Apprentice Entry RAF Hereford. January 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of our entry into the RAF and the start of our 12 months initial training. In celebration
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 7
R'n'R Your Announcements
You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk we are looking to organise a reunion of all members of No 320 Entry in January 2021. If interested in attending please forward your contact details to ex Apprentices: Chris Short e-mail: chrisj.short@ hotmail.com; or call mobile: 07922 077864; landline 0115 9899366; Bob Williams email: user20robert@aol. com; or call mobile: 0776 8717420.
Dance to the music with Massed Bands
Tucano celebrations AFTER 62 years, Fast Jet training is leaving RAF Linton-On-Ouse. If you’ve ever been involved with Tucano, past or present, across the Whole Force, please come and join us for an End of BFJT Hangar Party on September 28, 2019. Email for more information and ticket requests: LINTucanoOSDHangarParty@ mod.gov.uk.
Blackpool AF Week BLACKPOOL’S Armed Forces Week is from June 24-30. Go to: visitblackpool. com/armedforces for details.
Special D-Day covers released TO MARK the 75th anniversary of D-Day this month The Normandy Memorial Trust has been campaigning to have a memorial built to record the names of all the British personnel and those from civilian services who lost their lives in the D-Day landings and the Normandy Campaign. Sculptor David WilliamsEllis’s centrepiece for the
memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, overlooking Gold Beach, was unveiled on June 6 in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and veterans. Profits from a commemorative cover produced by the British Forces Philatelic Service (BFPS) will be donated towards the cost of the memorial.
As well as the standard unsigned version (pictured above), a numbered limited edition of 75 covers, signed by George Batts, the patron of the Normandy Memorial Trust, can now be ordered from the BFPS online shop (bfps.org.uk) or obtained by post – send a cheque (made payable to ‘BFPS CIC’) to: BFPS, The Old Post Office, Links Place, Elie, Leven, KY9 1AX.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Find out how we can help you develop your career path for civvy street visit openuniversity.co.uk/rafnews
BIG SOUND: The RAF musicians' compere for the evening is Alan Dedicoat, inset, famous as the voice of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing
COMPERED BY ‘The Voice of Strictly’, Alan Dedicoat, the Massed RAF Voluntary Bands will be in concert at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on July 7 at 3pm for Dancing In The Air. More than 120 musicians, dancers and singers will present a treasure trove of favourite toe-tappers of all time, from Borodin to Bernstein, Benny Goodman to the Blues Brothers. Described as an afternoon of high-octane fun for all the family, all proceeds from this concert will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund. Tickets are available from the Symphony Hall website: thsh.co.uk/event/dancing-in-the-air.
Preparing for the move to civilian life? Whether or not you already have a career option in mind, take a look into the exciting DQG UHOHYDQW TXDOL¿FDWLRQV WKDW ZH RႇHU You’ll enjoy the reassurance that we’re a world-leading provider of distance learning and that over 1,500 forces personnel are FXUUHQWO\ VWXG\LQJ ZLWK XV
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 R'n'R 8
R'n'R Prize Crossword No. 252 Across
Solve the crossword, then rearrange the eight letters in yellow squares to find a former RAF station.
Prize Su Doku
Solutions should be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Prize Crossword' with the number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE to arrive by June 28.
No. 261 Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9.
1. Song close to Marian’s heart (4) 8. Fish attractively priced if you’re a bit tight (10) 9. ‘We’ll Meet Again’ in Paris (2,6) 10. Likelihood of overdose without drugs (4) 12. Swindler’s garment? (6) 14. Imagine I leave awful problem (6) 15. In Denmark it tends young animal (6) 17. Make a mistake on rink (4,2) 18. Stravinsky initially ignored great orchestral rehearsals (4) 19. After secondary school left French summer intact (8) 21. Defence Secretary joins Harry’s brother and George (10) 22. Cut petrol hauliers first (4) Down 2. Rifle lunge causes RAF operation (10) 3. It irritates the young (4) 4. Rather distant about particle (6) 5. Following Bath, Rosie oddly skimpy (6) 6. Irk a trio confused at station (8) 7. Untidy eating-place? (4) 11. 617 is their magic number (10) 13. Without us, Seine truly destroyed completely (8) 16. Points to cart producing delicious drink (6) 17. American uncle with nothing against South African food (6) 18. I duck Western Australia state (4) 20. Interminable record featuring Nirvana at the outset (4)
Name ................................................................................................................... Address ............................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................
Name .......................................................................... ..................................................................................... Address ......................................................................
Crossword No 249 winner is Mrs C Ford from Wisbech who wins a copy of Churchill's Cookbook by Georgina Landemare (iwm.org.uk). Solution to crossword No. 249: Across – 7. Meteor 8. Jojoba 10. Airbase 11. Fakir 12. Span 13. Storm 17. Shark 18. Juno 22. Onion 23. Outcrop 24. Shadow 25. Hornet. Down –1. Embassy 2. Eternal 3. Topaz 4. Cosford 5. Tonka 6. Sabre 9. Centurion 14. Chinook 15. Currant 16. Compote 19. Boost 20. Divan 21. Stool.
FORMER RAF STATION: ........................................... Crossword No. 252
Competition
Flying Tigers Blu-ray
Fabulous Films Ltd/Fremantle Media Enterprises
Part of a plane – Cockpit
Win!
Flying freedom fighters R
ELEASED FOR the first time on Blu-ray, Flying Tigers is a tribute to the intrepid, youthful and courageous American ‘pilots for hire’ who harassed the Japanese Air Force over the Burma Road prior to their sneak attack on Pearl Harbour. John Wayne stars as the Squadron Leader and John Carroll as the cocky pilot who vie for the affection of Red Cross Worker Brooke, played by Anna Lee. First released in 1942, the film employed technical advisors Lawrence Moore and Kenneth Sanger who were actual Flying Tigers. Although the film company constructed a fleet of P-40 fighter planes, precision flight formations for which the Flying Tigers were famous were filmed at the Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Co. who painted a real squadron of P-40s. These scenes had to be sent to Washington DC for censorship to prevent any breaches of security. Fake instrument boards inside the aircraft were also
designed for security reasons. Some footage of dog-fighting and ground fire by Japanese ack-
In the film the American Volunteer Group, or Flying Tigers, fight bravely for China’s freedom despite the fact that they are greatly outnumbered. Sqn Ldr Jim Gordon (Wayne) gets a new recruit when Woody Jason (Carroll) joins the group. Woody signs up only because he needs money to pay for a breachof-promise suit. His egotism and mercenary motives gain him the ill-will of fellow fliers. He further antagonises them by stealing Jim’s girl, Brooke. We have copies of this classic movie on Blu-ray to win. For your chance to own one, simply send us the correct answer to this question: What is the name of character John Wayne plays in Flying Tigers?
acks is from actual confiscated Japanese reels.
Email your answer, marked Flying Tigers competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by June 28.
..................................................................................... Solutions should .......................................................Su Doku No. 261 be sent in a sealed envelope marked Solution to Su Doku No: 260 'Su Doku' with the number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, to arrive by June 28. Su Doku No. 260 winner Miss A Gilliland from Cheltenham wins a copy of The Churchill Who Saved Blenheim by Michael Waterhouse & Karen Wiseman (unicornpublishing. org).
TV
Wild Bill
ITV 9pm Wednesdays
LOWE AND BEHOLD: The US actor is a top cop working in Lincolnshire
Rob stars in ‘unique’ drama HOLLYWOOD HEARTHTROB Rob Lowe (St Elmo’s Fire, About Last Night), plays the protagonist in ITV’s new prime time drama, Wild Bill. He stars as high-flying US cop Bill Hixon, who is appointed Chief Constable of the East Lincolnshire Police Force. Bill arrives in Boston with his teenage daughter Kelsey in tow, hoping they can flee their recent painful past. The six-part series also features familiar faces Rachael Stirling (The Bletchley Circle), Angela Griffin (Ordinary Lives) and Anjli Mohindra (Bodyguard).
Lowe said: “Wild Bill is one of those shows that could only be located in the place where it is meant to be done. There have been very few, if any, TV shows centred in the Lincolnshire area.And to do it now, when Boston is known as the home of Brexit, also gives it a timelessness. “It looks amazing. The show is almost a western allegory. I’m literally a new sheriff in town. “I’m always trying to find something about a project that is original. “So between the location and tone, Wild Bill is very unique.”
Proud to support
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“The best thing about mountain rescue? It’s definitely the team and of course, helping people. It just gives me a really big rush, a real adrenaline rush, knowing that I’m going out there to help someone.”
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P21
Health Feature
Sleeping on the job
N
OT GETTING enough sleep can have a devastating effect on our physical and mental health – but sleep has an image problem. We label it as ‘laziness’ and that’s particularly the case in the Armed Forces, according to leading sleep expert Professor Matthew Walker. Author of the international bestseller Why We Sleep (greenpenguin.co.uk), he has carried out extensive research into the effects of sleep deprivation and found that, in most developed nations in the military, Service personnel generally don’t get enough shut-eye. He said: “We stigmatise sleep with this label of laziness and that’s especially true in the military. Those who are getting sufficient sleep (eight or nine hours a night) are judged as being slothful and that’s a real problem. “People have this ‘sleep machismo’ attitude about how little they need but we know from data that there is no such thing as an ability to overcome insufficient sleep.” As Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, he knows more than most about the detrimental effects of not getting our regular night’s rest – and his work has uncovered some eyeopening revelations. He has found that insufficient sleep leads to long-term chronic inflammation within the body. It causes hypertension and cardiovascular disease as well as stroke, increases your risk of developing diabetes, specifically Type 2 diabetes, and leads to overeating – setting you on a path towards being overweight or obese. Prof Walker explained: “In military life the amount of sleep afforded to Service personnel is not enough. Early morning awakening is usually required and, typically, people don’t go to bed any earlier to offset that. As a consequence, they are undergoing more chronic sleep deprivation. The more chronic that deprivation is, the more severe the consequences.” He added: “Many Service personnel are younger, aged between 16 to 30 – these young minds and brains don’t want to wake up early. They would prefer to be waking up, on average, at around 10am, but in the military model you have to get up much earlier.”
W
hen sleep gets short, accidents at work increase and performance on the job decreases. And when you’re on frontline operational duties in particular, those are risks you can’t afford to take. He said: “If
When the going gets tough, the tough get going; but it helps if they’ve had a decent kip first, so says snooze master Prof Matthew Walker. He’s issued a wake-up call to frontline fighters not getting enough zzzs
STAYING ALERT: Getting enough sleep is critically important for everyone, including fast jet fighters
you’re trying to sustain high-level performance for long periods, the longer you’re trying, the worse your performance becomes as you are getting less and less sleep. “Lapses of attention can be catastrophic – an example is the Chernobyl disaster where sleepdeprived operators failed to register critical safety signals.” Working with the military, Prof Walker found that Service personnel who went without sleep for 24 hours were far less capable of memorising facts and gathering new information and relaying it. He said: “An under-slept Service person is RESEARCH: Prof Walker
going to be demonstrating signs of neurology that you would describe as amnesia – difficulty in learning information and retrieving it.” His study also looked at the impact of a lack of sleep on processing facial stimuli. “Service personnel often have to go out and meet the public, particularly on deployment to countries like Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said. “A lot of people use facial clues as information – the face is perhaps the greatest communicator of emotions and intent after the voice. “We found that when individuals are sleep-deprived they start to mistake friend for foe, they begin rating neutral or even pleasantlooking faces as looking more aggressive or angry. “That means you start making misinformed judgements and emotional decisions about what you want to do in response to that individual.”
P
rof Walker’s research has revealed some alarming
statistics – it seems, in the 21st century we are more sleep-deprived that ever before. He said: “In 1942 the average adult was sleeping 7.9 hours a night. Now in the UK that is down to six hours, 49 minutes, in the US it’s six hours, 32 minutes and in Japan, six hours, 22 minutes. “That’s the average, which means there’s a large swathe of people who are sleeping far less than those hours.” Of course, military personnel have to be at peak fitness, especially when on ops, so the importance of a good diet and regular exercise cannot be underestimated. However, the physiological impact on your brain and body of a night without sleep is markedly worse than either a lack of exercise or lack of food for 24 hours, said the Professor. “Even a lack of water won’t produce the same degree of impairment that a lack of sleep will.
Probably the only thing that’s more important and critical than sleep in that equation is lack of oxygen,” he explained. In 2019 we are suffering from what Prof Walker calls ‘a pernicious erosion of sleep time’. Reasons for this include the rise and abuse of caffeine, the invasion of technology (too long looking at screens and devices), working hours and commuting times getting longer – even basic, indoor electric lighting. He added: “We are a ‘dark-deprived’ society in this modern era. We need darkness to release the hormone melatonin, so that we can sleep soundly. “Every aspect of your brain and body is going to get better when sleep is elongated. “Getting enough sleep is critically important – I’m on a mission to get that message across.” By Tracey Allen
You’ll always be part of the family Our support doesn’t end when your service does. Together, we can be there for all those who’ve served in the RAF and their families.
Become a member for just £2 per year.
Patron: Her Majesty The Queen Registered Charity 226686 (England & Wales). SC037673 (Scotland).
Call 0800 018 2361 or visit rafa.org.uk/join
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P23
RAF Association Feature
RAFA scholars
ABBI FLYNN
“This offers me an opportunity I could never have received elsewhere. It will help me in reaching my career goal of becoming an RAF pilot.”
ALLAN HEDDOW
“I’ve always been very interested in aircraft and I hope one day to become an engineer or an air traffic controller.”
Sky’s the limit for Maleha Would-be astronaut is over the moon with out-of-this-world scholarship win
RAFA scholars
THOMAS GRIEVES
“I fractured my right foot but temporarily removed my walking boot so I could be in full uniform to meet CAS.”
JOE STEVENS
“My grandad was taken prisoner during the war after his Spitfire was shot down in Holland.”
MILAN GANDHI
ALEX BRAYBROOK
“I was encouraged to go for this scholarship by my mum, who had always dreamed of being a pilot herself. I want to make her proud.”
“My friends at school think it’s crazy that I could get my pilot’s licence before I get my driving licence.”
REACHING FOR THE STARS: Maleha Khan (second left) with fellow scholarship winners and CAS, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
ALFIE WILLIAMS
“I became interested in joining the RAF when I saw them delivering aid into a conflict area on the evening news.”
BEN WOBER
“My grandfather was a flying doctor and my dad is a serving Logistics Officer, so flying is something that’s been in my family and I want to continue.”
ROYAL AIR Force student Maleha Khan is one step closer to her dream of becoming an astronaut – after clinching a flying scholarship. The 19-year-old cadet officer is among a group of 11 youngsters hoping to reach for the skies with the RAF to be awarded flying scholarships by Forces charity the RAF Association. She was joined at a special presentation by 18-year-old cadet Joe Stephens, whose grandfather Cyril flew Spitfires during the war. He said: “My grandad was taken prisoner during the war after his Spitfire was shot down in Holland, but I didn’t know that until after he passed away a few years ago. “I joined the local cadets when I was 13 and it just clicked with me. Since then, they’ve been teaching me the basics of flying and I’ve even had a couple of hours’ flight time, so I already know my way around a cockpit.”
Officer cadet Maleha hopes the RAF scholarship is the first step on her journey to the stars. She added: “I am the first in my family to take an interest in flying and would love to be an astronaut. “I saw the Red Arrows when I was 14 during the 70th D-Day anniversary celebrations. They were amazing to watch. “I was really taken with the men and women in uniform who were parading and signed up with the cadets.” Cadet Flight Sergeant Thomas Grieves shrugged off a foot injury to receive his scholarship. He fractured his right foot on the RAF Cosford March in April. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, presented the group of young aviators with their scholarships at the Royal Air Forces Association conference in Birmingham. Ten of them will receive 12 hours flying training. There was a special
scholarship prize for 17-year-old Alex Braybook, who will receive 35 hours for his commitment to the Forces charity. The prize means he could qualify for his pilot’s licence before he manages to pass his driving test. He said: “I found out I’d received the scholarship on my 17th birthday, which I think is the best present I’ll ever get. “My friends at school think it’s crazy I could get my pilot’s licence before I get my driving licence.” More than 250 young aviators applied for the scholarships this year. RAF membership director Del Rowlands said: “We’re delighted to be offering these dedicated young people the chance to learn to fly through our flying scholarships. “This year’s applicants were particularly strong, and on behalf of the Association I’d like to wish them all the best during their courses and in their future careers.”
AIREY NEAVE: Tory MP and MI9 officer told of OLIVIA BROWN the huge “My dream job would be torisks one taken day fly commercial airliners, by those like the Boeing 747, and take helping passengers around the world.” people escape the Nazis during WWII
ROBIN DALTON
“I’ve been hooked on flying ever since my godfather, Richard Skinner, took me for a flight in his own private plane for my ninth birthday.”
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P25 n Please note letters must be a maximum of 300 words and any accompanying pictures sent as attached, hi-res JPEG files
Post: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4UE Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk
Letters
The early days of Nato Star letter
BOWING OUT: WO Tim Davies
Not Goodenough I HATE nit-picking and really look forward to getting RAF News, however the article regarding WO Tim Davies bowing out of the RAF from Wittering stated on the picture that Waddington personnel saw him off. Sorry. Keep up the good work Bernard Goodenough Via email Editor’s note: Our mistake Mr Goodenough. Apologies.
Win bottle of spirits
THIS APRIL sees the 70th anniversary of Nato. In April 1959 myself, as an SAC airframe mechanic, a colleague SAC Bruce Barbour (engine mechanic) and a Sergeant, from 26 Squadron, were detached from RAF Gutersloh, West Germany, to USAF base Bitburg near the city of Mainz in what was then West Germany, for the 10th anniversary of the Nato
alliance. There was a march past by the various countries in Mainz, followed by a flypast in two sections; the first section consisted of one aircraft from each of the main countries: the United States, Great Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Canada and West Germany. The second was of 12 aircraft from the same countries. The
second section aircraft took off from their own respective bases, the pilot for the RAF was the late Flt Lt Chris Wilmot. Bruce is pictured, above, left in front of a Skyblazers F100 (USAF Europe Aerobatic team), there is a Hawker Hunter F6, and I am standing by our Land Rover, centre. George West West Lothian
Appeal over Manby Panel WOULD ANY reader have had sight of a decorative panel which my grandfather, W.E. Trumble, made in 1966? The RAF Manby Panel (above) was made of enamelled copper, aluminium and wood veneers, measuring 140 x 75cm. It was commissioned for the Officers’ Mess of the RAF College of Air Warfare and represented aspects of aviation. RAF Manby closed in 1974 and there is a suggestion the panel was moved to Cranwell. Extensive investigations so far have all proved negative. The family would love to know what became of the panel. Please email: dsbirch17@gmail. com if you can help. Sue Birch, via email
THE WRITER of our star letter or email of the month wins their choice of either a bottle of refined Spitfire Heritage Gin or smooth Supermarine Vodka ‘built to be the best’ from spitfireheritagegin.com. Spitfire Heritage Distillers support the Spitfire Heritage Trust.
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Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P26
Graduations
The right materiel AIR MARSHAL Julian REGIMENT Young, Air Member l Pilot Officer H C for Materiel & Chief Edgar BSc Econ of Materiel, was the l Pilot Officer T J Reviewing Officer at McNamara BA the graduation of The l Pilot Officer J H B Queen’s Squadron from Risk Royal Air Force College Cranwell l Pilot Officer M S O Cranwell recently. West Graduates consisted of officers l Pilot Officer M Wilson BSc of Initial Officer Training Course PgDip No 58, Specialist Officer Initial Training Course No 1 and Reserve PROVOST Officers Initial Training Course No l Pilot Officer C A Mitchelmore 63. l Pilot Officer L V Nye BSc GRADUATING OFFICERS OF INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING COURSE NO 58 PILOT l Flying Officer N R G J Alderson BEng l Flying Officer C J Barnes MEng l Flying Officer J A Butler BA l Flying Officer J D G Camm BSc l Flying Officer J E Chamberlain BEng l Flying Officer G D Copping BA l Flying Officer V P Delaney BSc l Flying Officer A S Dobson l Flying Officer A C Hunter BEng l Flying Officer J W King BEng l Flying Officer P H G Morgan l Flying Officer R Shields BSc l Flying Officer A J Whyte BSc l Flying Officer C R Wroot REMOTELY PILOTED AIR SYSTEMS (PILOT) l Flying Officer E O Hoath l Flying Officer T W Pinhorn AIR OPERATIONS (CONTROL) l Flying Officer S A K Allen l Flying Officer H E J Burton l Flying Officer S J Day BA l Flying Officer S G Makin l Flying Officer A J Mawdsley l Flying Officer S N Smith BA l Pilot Officer T Allum BSc l Pilot Officer J T Brader BA l Pilot Officer S O Clegg BA l Pilot Officer J R Followell BEng l Pilot Officer E G Gregory MSc BSc l Pilot Officer O E Hobbs BA l Pilot Officer W J S Lygo BSc l Pilot Officer D J Ramsbottom l Pilot Officer M D Saer LLB AIR OPERATIONS (SYSTEMS) l Flying Officer A G Colbridge l Flying Officer A C Lamb l Flying Officer T Shortland l Flying Officer E R J Tarr l Pilot Officer S C Hancox BSc l Pilot Officer C E Kirkman BA l Pilot Officer J M Sunderland BSc l Pilot Officer C T Taylor MSc BSc l Pilot Officer P J Tedesco BSc l Pilot Officer B K Wightman INTELLIGENCE l Flying Officer D J Bett BA PGCert MA l Flying Officer D L Charlesworth l Pilot Officer F M Geraghty l Pilot Officer L H Gold-Lewis BA l Pilot Officer J D Sumpter BA
ENGINEER (COMMUNICATIONS – ELECTRONICS) l Flying Officer Z H A Al-Sadoun BSc l Flying Officer R Amin MEng l Flying Officer A Buhidma BSc l Flying Officer D S A Kilpatrick BEng l Flying Officer A U Ozkan MEng l Flying Officer B W Savage FdSc l Flying Officer M Sloan MSc BEng MIET l Flying Officer S T J Vella BEng l Flying Officer E A Ventola BSc l Flying Officer T E J Wakefield l Flying Officer J A Welsh BEng ENGINEER (AEROSYSTEMS) l Flying Officer E O J Calow BEng l Flying Officer L Danby BEng l Flying Officer J E A Darby BEng l Flying Officer M K Dhaliwal MEng l Flying Officer D M Finch MEng l Flying Officer R L Flower BEng l Flying Officer P J Gates BEng l Flying Officer J J Graham BSc l Flying Officer M A Greensill BEng l Flying Officer J J Harper BEng l Flying Officer O-O S-K Odunaiya BEng l Flying Officer D J Pritchard BEng l Flying Officer D Rowe MEng l Flying Officer A W Simpson BEng ARAeS l Flying Officer R Stokes BEng l Flying Officer A J Street BEng l Flying Officer B Wylie BEng LOGISTICS l Flying Officer D R Tindall l Pilot Officer N Ahmed MA l Pilot Officer A S Collier BSc l Pilot Officer O C Henderson BA l Pilot Officer E W Reinhardt PERSONNEL SUPPORT l Flying Officer K L Blackburn l Flying Officer B L Dzekashu MBA l Flying Officer D Harper-Dixon l Flying Officer A S Spurle l Pilot Officer K L Dawes l Pilot Officer H Jones PERSONNEL TRAINING l Flying Officer J J Langan BA l Pilot Officer G J M Dudley MSc BSc PGDE l Pilot Officer R S Graves BSc PGCE
Awarded to the cadet who, in the opinion of his or her peers, has made the greatest contribution to the Course: Officer Cadet S N Smith BA THE BAE SYSTEMS TROPHY Awarded to the RAF or International cadet who has attained the highest marks for professional studies on the Course: Officer Cadet L H Gold-Lewis BA THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS’ PRIZE Awarded to the International cadet who has produced the best overall performance in leadership, officer qualities and professional studies on the course: Officer Cadet N Nordholz
OFFICER CADET S N SMITH: Sword of Honour
GRADUATING OFFICERS OF SPECIALIST OFFICER INITIAL TRAINING COURSE No. 1 WEAPON SYSTEMS OFFICER l Flying Officer C J Sugden BEng PROVOST l Flying Officer J L Smith BA MEDICAL BRANCH l Flight Lieutenant J W Penny MBChB MRCGP PRINCESS MARY'S ROYAL AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE l Flight Lieutenant E Miller BSc l Flight Lieutenant K F Redgate DipRN l Flight Lieutenant G D Walters DipHE l Flying Officer C-L Bowers BSc CHAPLAIN BRANCH l Reverend (Flight Lieutenant) J C Newell BTh DipMin LEGAL BRANCH l Flight Lieutenant H L Granger LLB l Flight Lieutenant C R Jones BSc(KCL) GDL LPC l Flight Lieutenant S V Mason LLM GRADUATING OFFICERS OF RESERVE OFFICERS INITIAL TRAINING COURSE No. 63 PERSONNEL TRAINING l Flying Officer E Durden-Myers MSc MA BA FRSA FHEA
THE GROUP CAPTAIN WILLIAMS’ MEMORIAL TROPHY Awarded to the RAF cadet who, during Initial Officer Training, has shown the greatest improvement: Officer Cadet B L Dzekashu MBA THE SARAH MOLAND MEMORIAL PRIZE Awarded to the RAF cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities of courage and fortitude to complete IOT: Officer Cadet G J M Dudley MSc BSc PGDE THE WARRANT OFFICER BILL TORRANCE TROPHY Awarded to the cadet who, at the discretion of the Physical Education Staff, has throughout the Course, performed to a consistently high level during every Physical Education session: Officer Cadet L V Nye BSc THE RAF CLUB PRIZE Awarded to the RAF cadet who, in the eyes of the Directing Staff has, throughout the course, shown grit and unwavering perseverance, meeting every challenge with enthusiasm: Officer Cadet S C Hancox BSc
PERSONNEL MEDIA l Pilot Officer C Sully
PRIZEWINNER OF SPECIALIST OFFICER INITIAL TRAINING COURSE No. 1
MEDICAL l Squadron Leader A J Netherwood MBBS DRCOG DCH DFSARH MRCGP PgCertCE l Squadron Leader C B Winter MBBCh FRCA DipMedEd
THE DAEDALUS TROPHY The Daedalus Trophy is awarded to the student who, during training on the Specialist Officer Initial Training Course, has proved to be the best all-round cadet: Officer Cadet H L Granger LLB
PRIZEWINNERS OF INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING COURSE No 58 THE SWORD OF HONOUR Awarded to the RAF cadet who, during Initial Officer Training, has demonstrated outstanding ability, leadership and other officer qualities and potential for further development: Officer Cadet S N Smith BA THE MacROBERT PRIZE
PRIZEWINNER OF RESERVE OFFICERS’ INITIAL TRAINING COURSE No. 63 THE MacROBERT SWORD OF MERIT The ROIT MacRobert Sword of Merit is awarded to the cadet who, during training on the Reserve Officers’ Initial Training Course, has proved to be the best all-round cadet: Officer Cadet E DurdenMyers MSc MA BA FRSA FHEA
Halton CAMPION INTAKE, Course Number 632, have graduated from Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton after successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive basic training. Numbering 84 men and two women, they were watched and cheered on by full stands of almost 400 family members and friends. The Reviewing Officer was the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, who was escorted by Cpl Carl Finch. Music was provided by The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment with Bandmaster WO Craggs. A Typhoon from 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby provided the flypast, to the delight of all assembled. From the 86 graduating recruits, eight were awarded trophies and awards. The winners were: l AC Longhorn, who was awarded The Rothschild Trophy for achieving the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training, and The RAF Benevolent Fund Trophy for displaying the greatest effort and determination on Number 5 Flight. l AC Holmes: The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Trophy for showing the highest overall standard in drill and deportment. l AC Woolven: The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Shield for showing the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education. l AC Abdallah: The Station Commander’s Cup for displaying effort and determination on Number 6 Flight. l AC Strickland: The Dusty Miller Memorial Trophy for showing the most willingness to help others, as voted for by their fellow recruits. l AC Biggins: The Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on Number 5 Flight. l AC Hill: The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Trophy for displaying the best overall determination and effort on Number 6 Flight. l Finally, The Lord Trenchard Trophy is awarded to the best overall Flight. It was awarded to Number 5 Flight and collected on their behalf by AC Hoyland. The Queen’s Colour was paraded by four personnel from Logistics and Supply Training Squadron. The Colour Bearer was Fg Off Edward Law with Colour Warrant Officer Simon Davy and Colour Escorts Sgt Scott Gasser and Sgt Victoria Stewart. WO Davy is soon retiring from the Royal A i r Force after 35 years of service. DELIGHT: Hug for graduate
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P27
Volvo XC90 T8
Motoring
TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent THE VOLVO XC90 is so well built that you could probably have an accident and not even notice. That’s what I jokingly said when I reviewed the old XC90 on Motors TV in 2009. Little did I realise that a decade later I would embarrassingly prove that statement to be perfectly true. Yes, during this test for RAF News I managed to clobber a £75,000 car and didn’t even realise it had happened until it was going back. There was no noise in the cabin, not a hint of a wobble and barely a mark on the car. It was only when we washed it on the day of return that we realised something had happened. Perplexed, we started looking back through the photographs and video we’d taken since the car arrived. Eventually we spotted where a mark had first appeared and I then retraced my route from that day. Finally we’d worked out what had happened.
Evidence There I was, proceeding in a westwardly direction when, without warning, a delinquent road sign leapt viciously out of an edge and assaulted Volvo’s flagship model M’Lord. It appears the cause of the incident had been a carelessly placed road sign that had been concealed by tall grass and a hedge on a tight bend by a building site. It had been left so that it leant out into the narrow carriageway and, due to the car’s height, combined with the angle, I had completely failed to spot it. It is an occupational hazard as a motoring journo that things can go wrong from time to time, but it’s the fact that I didn’t hear or feel it that astounded me. The build quality of this car is incredible. The XC90 is a proper SUV, an enormous full-fat, luxury, 4x4 that gives prestige rivals a very good run for their money. This latest version has a great-looking exterior too.
Details, details We don’t often remember the first detail that makes us like, or dislike, a car but there’s usually something subtle that gets locked into our subconscious somewhere. In the case of the XC90 T8 Hybrid for me it was, wait for it, the gear knob. Of all the obscure details that could grab my attention, the shiny chrome and glass centrepiece seemed to sum up what this car is all about, perfection. Everything on the latest model has been designed by Volvo from scratch – the new platform, the engines, the interior, the lot. The attention to detail is outstanding, from the plush dashboard to the sporty R-Design seats. Volvo is quite rightly proud of this car. It is, in many ways, better than most 4x4s on the market
The XC90: You can’t knock it.. but I managed hybrid rivals have to dispense with them in order to make space for the batteries. The optional air suspension is excellent, the seats are beyond comfortable and the audio system is outstanding.
Verdict Pros l Refined and good looking l Great performance and fuel economy l Excellent plug-in hybrid system l Seven-seat practicality l Good kit list
Evolution
Cons l Slightly noisy petrol engine for a £75k car l Fiddly infotainment system l Some road noise Overall: The world has moved on since Volvo introduced the original XC90 and there are now many more models on the market competing for the top spot. The new XC90, even the incredibly clever T8, isn’t going to steal Range Rover’s title of ‘king of the SUVs’ but against everything else it holds its own. Which model is best is a very personal choice but, taking a step back, I personally think it takes a clear second place in this race. and I’d go as far as to say that the Scandinavian design is beautiful. Press the shiny Start button and you get to meet ‘Sensus’. It may sound like a name that Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg would give to one of his children but this is what Volvo calls its latest-generation, on-
board infotainment system. Its graphics are high resolution and it’s one of the best parking aids I’ve ever seen. The menus are intuitive too. You can swipe, pinch and zoom, so it feels slick. It is in fact very clever, possibly too clever, because there are a few too many features operated by the tablet screen. As a result you’ll need to take your eyes off the road for far longer than you’d like to operate the climate control, for instance. As you would expect, it is a perfect car for the family and the three-row seat design works as well today as it did when the XC90 was first launched. Importantly, the T8 retains its third row of seats, whereas many
Volvo acts independently these days and the XC90 is a Swedish fashion statement. The company operates under the ownership of a large Chinese conglomerate but that’s obviously a very hands-off affair that allows Volvo to be, well, Volvo. Back in the day people bought the XC90 because it was a very solid, practical car that gave you enough space for all the children. It was a safe, dull option, one of those motoring experiences that left you feeling like someone should hold a wake for your sense of adventure because it was the only decent thing to do. The new XC90 is light years away from that. It’s still the safest, best-built SUV around and it returns a staggering 100.9mpg on a combined cycle, but by thunder it’s rapid. It has the same enormous body and the same spacious interior but this is a car that will go from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. That makes it faster off the mark than a Porsche Boxter. The ‘twin-engine’ plug-in hybrid produces 317hp through the front wheels and its rear electric drive gives you a further 87hp. It
is surprisingly responsive. The handling’s not bad either. Don’t expect to get much feedback through the steering wheel but there’s not too much roll or understeer, which is impressive given that the T8 is the heaviest version of what is already a substantial car. It can’t quite match BMW’s X5 or Porsche’s Cayenne for handling finesse, but it’s sharper than the Q7 or the Discovery in my book. The extra heft of the battery packs has been spread effectively so you only notice it when you’re really pushing the boundaries and even then its 4WD system gives it good traction on wet roads.
Electric The T8 is a plug-in hybrid which means, literally, that you plug it in to charge it. Volvo says you can travel about 27 miles on just electric power, but I didn’t get over 18, sadly. The real selling point here is that if you have a relatively small daily commute you could potentially go a month without having to visit a petrol station. I engaged the silent EV mode every day and quite frankly almost mowed down a few unsuspecting pedestrians in the process. They hadn’t heard it coming and would therefore just step out. This prompted me to think, if pedestrians can’t hear it coming and it’s so well insulated you could have an accident and not notice, thank heavens for the high-tech, radar collision avoidance system.
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Sport
6 pages of RAF Sport start here l Tabke talk at Champs: p31 RUGBY LEAGUE
All Gold show for RAF Try blitz sees Service team crush former Championship side
UKAFRU U23 Oxbridge
36 48
RAF RUGBY League head coach Chf Tech Garry Dunn kept his emotions in check despite his side’s 68-6 defeat of Gloucester All Golds RFL. Speaking after the Inter-Services warm-up match at St Peter’s High
Ground, he said: “I thought the boys did quite well overall, the opposition couldn’t handle the power of our middle and we played effectively off the back of that. “We were patient when we needed to be and executed our opportunities well when they arose. The game did offer us some challenges though, with boys playing out of position due to
injury and availability and adapting to this allows the squad to develop as a whole. I thought SAC(T) Josh Williams was outstanding in both attack and defence and has shown great improvement over a really short space of time. “It was a useful tool in our preparation for September and the Inter-Services but the squad need to be under no illusions because the upcoming games will be a much stiffer challenge.” It took just four minutes for the RAF to get on the scoresheet as prop SAC Ben Mellor touched down with SAC Nick Arnell converting. Loose forward SAC Ben Harley crashed over, with Arnell adding the extras. The All Golds scored a converted try in the 13th minute as the points kept coming, with Hooker L/Cpl Andy Webster running over three minutes later for a converted score. Mellor then powered over after 22 minutes, with SAC Josh Williams producing a strong break to enable Mellor to secure his hattrick with Arnell slotting the extras for 30-6. Continued on page 31:
GOLDEN SHOW: Above, left, right, action from the recent IS warm-up win PHOTOS: SBS
Royal Air Force News Friday, June 14, 2019 P30
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Sport TUG OF WAR
Tug stars Lord it up THE EXPERTISE of the Service’s tug of war team will once again be at the frontline of the annual Macmillan Tug of War competition hosted by the Palace of Westminster. This year at the request of Lord and Lady Taylor of Holbeach, Service athletes were asked to coach the House Lords team and the Ladies/Baronesses team for the match against the House of Commons and other entrants from the business world. The coaches, Flt Lt Greg Curtis, Sgt Mike Hawkins (RAF ToW Manager) and Cpl James Todd (RAF ToW Head Coach) coached both House of Lords teams while Flt Lt Gareth Davies will be coaching the team from Marks and Spencer. Head of RAF ToW, Wg Cdr Nick Robson (AIR), said: “This is a great annual event and it
is an honour to be asked again to help in the coaching of these teams. It raises huge funds for the Macmillan charity, and it is an opportunity to showcase both the sport and RAF athletics.” Head Coach for RAF ToW, Cpl James Todd, said: “As we build the Royal Air Force squad for the outdoor season, this is a good way for the coaches to hone their own instructional skills with complete novices whilst helping to raise money for a great cause.” RAF ToW Manager, Sgt Mike Hawkins added “Tug of War is the ultimate, team sport that draws on all the characteristics we see in our military personnel; strength, tenacity and personal resilience.” Anyone who is interested in trying Tug of War should contact their PEdO or the RAF ToW Association via the Sports Federation website.
RAF to rescue FIXTURES 2019:
New man leads Fund THE RAF Central Fund has announced its new CEO following the appointment of Ross Perriam. Perriam has previously worked with Sport England and held director and CEO roles in the UK and European fitness and sports sectors. The Central Fund Board’s Chair of Trustees Dr Eamonn Molloy said: “We are fortunate to have found someone of Ross’ calibre and experience to lead the RAF Central Fund. “He brings a deep expertise in motivating others through physical activity, which is critical as we continue to refine the Central Fund strategy in this period of exciting changes in the sector. “We believe his combination of sector experience, commercial acumen and commitment to the physical well-being of serving RAF personnel positions him to be an excellent fit for the role of CEO at the Fund.” Perriam said: “I couldn’t be more honoured to have been chosen to lead the RAF Central Fund. “I believe in the benefits of physical activity and will do my best to support the Board of Trustees and team in fulfilling their passion to make a difference for RAF serving personnel.”
24 May 2019
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SERVICE RUGBY union got another huge fillip as FS Andy Yeates took the reins for the New Zealand All Blacks Sevens team during a match at the recent HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Yeates, RAF Senior men’s team manager, had taken the role of Liaison Officer for the team during the London leg of the series, but when a disciplinary issue saw first team manager Ross Everiss indisposed, the RAF man stepped in for the team’s final game, a 35-14 win against Ireland. This unexpected twist took place at Twickenham as the team prepared for its fifth place play-off clash, when Everiss was called away for a disciplinary meeting for one of the NZ players. Yeates stepped in, winning the toss for the team, before sitting on the bench and carrying out his new-found managerial responsibilities. He said: “It was a huge privilege and honour to be asked to carry out the managerial role. Walking out in front of 49,000 spectators is something I’ll never forget and is without doubt a highlight of my rugby career, plus we won the game which m e an s I’ve got a 100 per cent international win record.”
Hill adds weight to Poppy Ride
Sports Lottery 1st Prize
PITCH SIDE: Main, Yeates watches the action at Twickenham, inset, all smiles before kick-off
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THE DYNAMIC RAF Triathlon duo of Sgt Scott Hill and Sqn Ldr Roy Brunning took up their roles of ride captains for the Royal British Legion Poppy Ride. Having recently completed the RBL London to Paris (Pedal to Paris) ride in these roles, Hill and Bunning were on hand to offer entries advice and support from beginning to end. The Poppy Ride consisted of three distances with the longest reaching the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Staffordshire before returning to the Battle Back Centre at Lilleshall Sports Centre in Shropshire. Hill said: “It’s really satisfying to help riders of all abilities and knowing that their efforts are all to support our forces. “Providing feed stations throughout the routes, which travelled through miles of countryside, the rides were designed to raise the profile of the charities’ work.” Follow Scott Hill on Twitter @ scotthill1983.
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Sport TABLE TENNIS TURNING THE TABLES: Clockwise from top, action from the recent Championships PHOTOS: HALTON PHOTOGRAPHIC
Titles tumble in TT championship IT WAS a battle royal for InterStation and individual titles at the RAF Table Tennis Championships at RAF Halton with Leeming taking the highly prized team crown. Leeming fielded a formidable team which deservingly pocketed the Inter-Station A Cup, pipping a strong Benson team in the final. RAF Marham’s experienced team shone throughout, walking away eventual winners of the B cup with Coningsby coming a close second.
The veterans’ trophy was awarded for the first time in honour of the late Mr Brian Cullis (ex RAF TT), following a familiar final face-off, which saw WO Tony Stead defeat WO Martin Jones. The ladies’ singles saw new finalists SAC Louise Hart and Cpl Hayley Cunningham make for an interesting clash, which Hart won. The high-quality men’s singles final lived up to the hype with Flt Lt Anth Barella securing the trophy over Chf Tech Richard Johnson which made a fitting conclusion
to a captivating tournament throughout. Chf Tech Craig Walton said: “A special mention must go to SAC Ben Law who was deservingly awarded the Daphne VeitchWilson trophy for his awe-inspiring improvement and additionally to Johnson for his continuing yet outstanding contribution to RAF Table Tennis and thus awarded the prestigious Chris Moffatt memorial trophy.” He added: “The RAF Table Tennis community is always
looking for players of all abilities, with its next event the Festival of Table Tennis being held at RAF Halton, October 9-11.”
In a league of their own Continued from page 29: The half-time score was added to on the final whistle as Sgt Paul Bartlett powered over for 36-6. Receiving the kick-off the military side marched up the park to score through Cpl Nathan Barker, who converted his own effort. SAC Phil Laycock made it 46-6 after 56 minutes with an unconverted try, while SAC Josh Williams smashed a massive tackle to break-up an All Golds attack in the middle, to see Laycock go over with Barker slotting the extras for 50-6. Harley then broke the line after 66 minutes for 56-6, but the Service side were not finished yet, punishing an All Golds knock-on close to their line which was picked up by prop SAC Josh Williams who drove the ball under the posts, with Barker kicking the extras. Another error led to the final score of the game, with replacement forward SAC Kev Raqio picking up a loose ball to score under the posts, with Barker kicking the extras for 68-6. Follow RAF Rugby League on Twitter @RAFRugbyLeague.
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Sport FOOTBALL
All Gunners blazing Six-goal thrashing seals it
THE RAF Regiment smashed in six goals to douse the RAF Fire Service at Cranwell for their penultimate fixture of the 2019 season. A slow start to the first half saw no chances until the 20th minute when Cpl Matty Lazenby smashed a shot into the bottom corner. From here the floodgates opened and the Gunners scored a further three goals before the break as Lazenby secured his hat-trick before becoming provider for SAC Ben Mearns to score. The second started pretty much like the first with both teams locked in an arm wrestle until SAC Mearns broke clear to slot home his second
of the afternoon. The Fire Service did apply some pressure, but it was from that pressure that Regiment centre half FS Si Ballard dribbled the ball from the halfway line, before rounding the visitors’ keeper to set up Flt Lt Dave Batey with a tap in. Regiment manager Sgt Tom Morton said: “The RAF Fire Service side were an unknown for us, so all we could do was make sure we were prepared properly, the lads looked sharp in training on Wednesday and they took that into the game. “I always think if you enjoy watching your own team then things are going OK and I Ioved watching them today.”
FIXTURES 2019:
MOTOR SPORT
Crash sees Vickers out for month
FIRE STARTERS: Main and left, action from the penultimate Regiment clash PHOTOS: Gordy Elias, RAF Cranwell Photo Section
TOUGH TUMBLE: Main and right, Vickers hits the ground, while his bike cartwheels away, Vickers still smiling through the pain
JUST AS the season was hotting-up RAF Regular & Reserve rider Ryan Vickers suffered a spill and a broken collarbone derailing his season for a month. The spill took place racing at Donington for round three of the British Superbike Championship. Team manager Lee Hardy said: “Ryan was making headway at the time and was improving with every lap, but two laps from the end of his five-lap run Keith Farmer
exited the pit lane as Ryan was approaching at approximately 170mph. Farmer had not looked to acknowledge Ryan at this point and he tried to avoid a collision. “Unfortunately he lost the front wheel and both he and the bike went hard into the gravel, breaking his right collarbone while he was tumbling through the gravel.” Hardy added: “He will have the collarbone plated and, all being well, he will be back at Brands Hatch for the fourth round.”
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Sport RUGBY LEAGUE BULL AND GATE: Main, a Bulls player comes up against a Service brick wall, below, a RAF star digs in to halt a Bradford Bulls attack PHOTOS: SBS
Bull charge too strong
CRICKET
Service ladies bow out of Challenge Cup A HARSH 56-0 Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Bradford Bulls signalled the end of the Service rugby league ladies historic cup run at Sleaford RFC. The well-drilled Super League outfit wasted no time in getting on the score sheet as the Service side struggled to come to terms with their opponents, scoring after three minutes. Team captain Flt Lt Linda McLean rallied her troops as a grubber kick saw the RAF defence split in the corner for another converted try after 16 minutes, and a 50-metre run after 22 minutes saw the score reach 16-0. Running in tries every five minutes, along with greasy conditions, made things difficult for the Service team, who had conceded six tries by the break. Sgt Nikki Edmonds said: “It was difficult throughout for the girls, and it really was unchartered waters for all of us. “All is not lost though. All teams who successfully made it to Round Two of the Challenge Cup are entered into the Women’s Challenge Shield Competition. “We are now drawn to play York
City Knight (Super League) in the Shield Quarter-Finals.” The second half fared no better for the battling side in light blue, as the bulls ran in a further six
tries, with none of the extras being bagged as conditions proved tricky for kickers. Follow the RAF ladies rugby league team on Twitter @ RAFRugbyleague.
Batmen cannot rise again Continued from page 35: With the RAF sitting on 80-4, after the 12th over, Watson repeated the score in the 14th for 94-4.
He fell just short of carrying his bat, but had set the course for 135-6 which the Navy narrowly failed to get. Follow RAF Cricket on Twitter @rafcricket.
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Sport Historic Cup run ended for girls
Regt have six-appeal against Fire men
Vickers season halted after spill
l Sport P34
l Sport P33
l Sport P33
T20 title slips away CRICKET
Opening loss puts paid to Service hopes at Lord’s
WICKET TAKER: Above, Sgt Ash Watson takes an Army wicket, below, Flt Lt Adam Fisher prepares to strike PHOTOS: SAC MATT SMITH
Daniel Abrahams Lord’s Cricket Ground IT WAS a case of the one that got away for the Service’s short game cricketers at Lord’s as they saw the IST20 crown slip out of their grasp after a narrow opening defeat to the Army. Although they had the Army in a tricky position chasing a first innings score of 122-8, Flt Lt Adam Fisher’s men could not drive home their advantage with the Army struggling to get runs on the board. Despite beating the Royal Navy in their final match by six runs, bowling them out for 130 as they chased the light blues’ score, the title, so well won last year, was gone with the Army the eventual winners.
Fisher said: “I thought the Army clash was a good game, we were under par with our batting, but we had them under the pump and did not execute our bowling properly and let them off. “They struggled and got themselves into a hole, unfortunately we helped them out of it. “The Navy played well, but we used our experience to get it over the line. It was very difficult to get the lads up for it. It’s tough after a tight opening loss, it makes it hard to pick yourself up. So, I am really glad we managed to dig a result out for ourselves and, of course, for the wider RAF, who we are out there representing.” Fisher’s men were put into bat first after losing the toss and it was the captain who led the charge increasing the scoring
rate with his side 46-2 after eight overs, producing a lovely sweep shot to the Mound Stand to reach 35, but sadly falling, clean bowled for 40. Sgt Ash Watson saw the team reach the 100 mark. Having posted a low score, it took the Army until the 17th over to finally get ahead of the required run rate, but two big sixes from their captain Cpl James Boynton off the bowling of SAC(T) Tom Shorthouse broke the bowling stranglehold as they edged to the win. Before the nail-biting bowling finish against the Navy in the closing match, Watson produced an imperious innings with the bat, crunching a sublime six over midwicket to see his side reach 80-4. Continued over:
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