RAF News 15.11.2019

The Forcest'e favourir pape

Win, win Great action movies

Entertainment Kammy hopes to score Xmas No1

● R'n'R p4-5 & p34

● R'n'R p4

Friday November 15 2019 No 1479 70p

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Heroic Jewish airmen are honoured at last See p18-19

Boxing RAF stars are just knockout

P8 Poseidon adventure Historic first for XIII Sqn

Game-changing sub hunter delivered in Jacksonville ● Sport p30

Basketball Is it a Mirage?

No, we won it

● Sport p35

THE FIRST sub-hunting Poseidon MRA1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is ready for service with the RAF. The Pride of Moray was received at Naval Air Station Jacksonville by Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, Air ViceMarshal Harv Smyth.

It’s the first of a £3 billion fleet of nine aircraft which will protect Britain against threats at sea. ● See p9 for full story

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Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P3

“

I had been in the Middle East for six months and when I returned Mum had changed

“

Andy called out ‘fire, fire, fire’ and evacuated the cockpit through the hatch

”

“

I was blown away he knew who I was Football pundit and singer Chris Kamara on meeting music royalty Elton John RnR p4-5

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Flt Lt Rosie Brooks on balancing her RAF career with caring for a parent with dementia p9

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RAF News Room 68 Lancaster Building HQ Air Command High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE

Bloodhound alert as Andy Green hits 500 mph p7

REV FLT LT Mandeep Kaur bows her head after laying a cross during the official opening of the Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Among those who came to pay tribute to the fallen were more than a dozen D-Day veterans who joined those who fought in the Falklands and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

During the event 93-year-old D-Day veteran Norman Williams gave an emotional reading of In Flanders Fields before a bugler played the Last Post.

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

This Week In History 1973

Subscriptions and distribution: JPIMedia Print Holdings Ltd 26 Whitehall Road Leeds LS12 1BE Tel: 020 7855 7574 Email: rafnews@jpress.co.uk

Lanc joins the Flight

Lancaster B1 PA474 flew to RAF Coltishall to join the Battle of Britain Flight, which was renamed and became the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Flight moved to RAF Coningsby in 1976.

1933

The last RAF biplane bomber

The RAF’s last biplane heavy bomber, the Handley Page Heyford, entered service with No. 99 Squadron at RAF Upper Heyford.

1941

Big buzz about Mosquito

The Mosquito entered full squadron service with No. 105 Sqn at RAF Swanton Morley in the lowlevel bombing role. The first bombing raid was carried out on May 31, 1942.

Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day

By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (The History Press).

STANDING SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE RAF FAMILY FOR 100 YEARS If you serve or have served with the RAF, you and your family can request help.

FREE CALL 0800 169 2942 rafbf.org/help

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WELLBEING BREAKS FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING INDEPENDENT LIVING TRANSITION

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P5

News

All Stations go for new podcast THE RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a new podcast series, All Stations, to mark the charity’s 100th birthday this year.

It brings to life the compelling and remarkable stories of members of the RAF family.

Hosted by actress Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, pictured below), the first series looks at those who have overcome adversity.

To celebrate the podcast launch, the Benevolent Fund is offering a signed copy of Born to Survive, the memoir of Allan Scott DFM who features in episode one, to win. Spitfire ace Allan was posted to Malta during World War II when the island was under siege from continual raids by the Luftwaffe.

Other podcast interviewees include Jacqui Thompson, whose husband Gary was killed in Afghanistan while serving with the RAF Regiment;

RAF veteran Bob Greig, left paralysed after a parachute accident; and WWII pilot George Dunn.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply listen to episode one of All Stations via your preferred podcast service and answer the following question correctly:

Win!

When Allan Scott takes Sue Holderness for a spin in his sports car, Sue asks if he will go too fast. Allan says ‘no’, but what does he say next?

Email your answer, marked RAFBF Podcast, 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 November 29.

The podcast can be accessed via rafbf.org/newsblogs/all-stations-podcast and is also available through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast streaming services.

SPIT ACE: Allan Scott with former CAS Sir Stephen Hillier and RAFBF chief David Murray

Royal Remembrance Duke & Duchess of Sussex in Westminster Abbey tribute THE DUKE and Duchess of Sussex paid their respects at the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey before Armistice Day. It was the seventh time HRH Prince Harry has attended the event and the first time for Meghan.

The Field of Remembrance is organised by The Poppy Factory and has been held in the grounds of the Abbey since 1928, when only two Tribute Crosses were planted.

There are now approximately 70,000 produced by the factory team each year that are planted on more than 360 plots.

Ex-Servicemen and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross carrying a personal message in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.

Their Royal Highnesses each laid a Cross of Remembrance.

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, November 15, 2019 P7

News News bulletin

FIRE DRILL: Brize crews tackle blaze

Brize blaze FIRE CREWS at Brize Norton honed their life-saving skills during a week-long training exercise.

The station’s Tactical Air Transport Fire teams staged a series of disasters ranging from domestic house fires to major road traffic accidents and an air crash during the emergency drills alongside Forces medics.

Sgt Perry Swinnerton said: “It allowed us to practice our Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Procedures at real time incidents and allowed lessons to be learnt by both parties in a safe and controlled environment.”

Bloodhound fire scare as airman Andy hits 500mph AIRMAN ANDY GREEN evacuated from the cockpit of the Bloodhound rocket car after the scorching desert heat sparked a fire alert as the car hit the 500mph barrier.

The RAF pilot leapt from the vehicle when a heat sensor triggered the alarm as he performed the shut down procedure after a blistering run across the Kalahari desert track.

A spokesman for the team said:

“During the engine shutdown procedure, a fire warning alert went off in the cockpit.

“Pilot Andy Green called ‘Fire, Fire, Fire’ over the radio and quickly evacuated the cockpit through the hatch.

“Rescue trucks were on the scene in seconds.

The firefighters inspected the rear engine bay and discovered there was no fire.”

The alert was triggered by a fire wire designed to burn and break at 160°C. The 36˚heat on the track combined with the heat soak from the car’s Eurofighter Typhoon engine triggered the alert, the team said.

Technicians also revealed the car suffered damage to its sensitive aerodynamic panels during high speed runs.

Despite the setbacks Bloodhound hit the halfway mark with its recordbreaking bid for the 1000mph target.

No reprieve in war on terror Combat crews continue hunt for Daesh killers

RISING TENSIONS: Kurdish YPG fighters stand guard over women and children of Daesh fighters held at a camp in Syria, centre, Typhoon prepares for a mission, inset below, terror leader al-Baghdadi, below Pavewaybomb hits target during RAF strike

Simon Mander

WELL PLANTED: Halton chief Gp Capt Wilson plants a lime treet in Wendover woods

Halton team branches out HALTON CHIEF Gp Capt Katherine Wilson led the celebrations as the station marked its centenary by planting 100 trees in local woodland.

The RAF base shares the anniversary with the Forestry Commission whose personnel joined woodland conservation staff for the event.

Gp Capt Wilson said: “Forestry England has done a remarkable job maintaining the vast woods around Halton.

“I’d like to thank all Halton volunteers and members of the public who joined us for this momentous occasion.”

UK AIR POWER will continue to hunt down Daesh terrorists following the fall of the fake caliphate and death of the group’s leader, according to the RAF’s outgoing Middle East combat chief.

Speaking as he handed over after 12 months as Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group, and Air Component Commander, Air Cdre Justin Reuter said regional instability means the US-led coalition still has a lot to do.

His statement follows the death of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi following a raid by US Navy Seals on a compound in Northwest Syria.

“The biggest success has been the physical defeat of the caliphate, however, there is still wide acknowledgement that there is a long way to go,” said Air Cdre Reuter (right).

“83 EAG’s

input will be vital in the future fight against Daesh, using all RAF attack capabilities.

Working alongside our allies has never been more important.”

With rising tensions throughout the region, the Group has seen the last operational sorties of the Tornado GR4 bomber and the first missions of the F35-B Lightning.

In the last 12 months RAF aircrews have flown 1324 missions and launched more than 200 strikes on what remains of the hardline terror group “It has been a remarkable and busy time for 83 EAG in a complex environment,” Air Cdre Reuter added.

He handed over command to C-130 Hercules pilot Air Cdre Tim Jones.

Air Cdre Reuter said: “To be in command of 83 EAG with all of its illustrious history, while

engaged in combat operations in the Middle East as well, is a privilege.

“The success of the Group belongs to those who have served over the last year and any failings or shortcomings are mine alone.”

Air Cdre Jones said: “It is an

honour to lead this group during a period of challenge and change.

“I look forward to working with our outstanding people and coalition partners as we continue to deliver vital airpower cross this fascinating and ever evolving region.”

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, November 15, 2019 P9

News

Forces dementia carers in crisis, report reveals Tracey Allen FORCES FAMILIES face a tougher battle caring for loved ones with dementia because of the demands of a military career, according to a survey by the RAF Association.

Research reveals military carers have to deal with the increased pressures of being deployed away from home and being posted abroad at short notice.

Flt Lt Rosie Brooks’ mother Dawn, 59, was diagnosed last year with early stage Alzheimer’s Disease. Dawn lives in Worcester and Rosie is based in London.

She said: “I am able to work from home a few days week – I live about a five-minute drive away from Mum – otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do all the things needed to care for her.

“She can wash and dress herself but she can’t organise things and make appointments so she’s had to give up work.

“We suspected she had Alzheimer’s but because she was relatively young the doctors had to rule everything else out first.”

Rosie (inset) added: “I had been away for six months, serving in the Middle East. Before I left in 2017, Mum was normal and when I came back I just could not believe the change, she was like a different person.”

The strain of trying to care for Dawn while Rosie was working in

Whitehall soon started to take its toll.

She said: “My whole life was flipped upside down overnight.

I found the social care system difficult to navigate and I struggled to look after Mum properly.”

Around 15 per cent of respondents had an unpaid carer responsibility for someone with a health problem, with dementia the most frequently cited condition, the survey revealed.

Rory O’Connor, the RAF Association’s director of welfare and policy, said: “People who join the military understand there will be challenges and sacrifices as part of their role, but life can change dramatically and beyond all recognition when an ageing parent is diagnosed

SUPPORT: Nick Bunting, the RAF Association’s Secretary General, at the charity’s recent research symposium

with dementia.

“Suddenly personnel working a long way from home can be faced with an impossible situation.

Trying to coordinate or provide care from a distance, when you can’t be there in person, can be agonisingly frustrating.”

Sqn Ldr Richard Lewis, stationed at High Wycombe, lost his father to the disease and his mother, Freda, was diagnosed four years ago.

Richard said: “I was actually considering leaving my job at one point because I was travelling long distances to take on my share of carer responsibilities alongside my sister.

“Fortunately, I was offered a more flexible working arrangement, so I have been able to stay with the RAF while supporting my mother.”

He said knowing the RAF Association and the Alzheimer’s Society were looking to support people in similar situations was hugely encouraging.

Hunt is on as P8 delivered First of UK’s Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft lands at Jacksonville Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft Technical Specifications

The P-8A Poseidon is based on a Boeing 737 commercial airline with high levels of reliability proved on more than 4,000 aircraft flying worldwide.

Length 129.5 ft (39.47m) Height 42.9 ft (13.03m)

Two CFM56-7 engines providing 27,000 lbs thrust each

THE RAF has taken delivery of its first sub-hunting Poseidon MRA1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The jet, dubbed Pride of Moray, was handed over to Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

It’s the first of a £3 billion fleet of nine aircraft which will enhance Britain’s ability to track enemy shipping, protect the continuous atsea nuclear deterrent, and conduct Nato missions across the North Atlantic.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston said: “Poseidon is a game-changing maritime patrol aircraft, able to detect, track and if necessary, destroy the most advanced submarines in the world today.

“With Poseidon MRA1, I am delighted and very proud that the RAF will once again have a maritime patrol force working alongside the Royal Navy, securing our seas to protect our nation”.

Following an unveiling ceremony

in Seattle, the aircraft, callsign POSIDN1, was flown to Florida where RAF personnel are being trained to operate it.

The Poseidon MRA1 is designed to carry out extended surveillance missions at both high and low altitudes. The aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge sensors which generate high-resolution area mapping to find both surface and sub-surface threats.

The aircraft can carry up to 129 sonobuoys, which are dropped from the aircraft into the sea to search for enemy submarines and relay acoustic information via radio transmitter back

to the aircraft.

The P8 will be armed with Harpoon anti-surface missiles and Mk 54 torpedoes capable of attacking both ships and subs.

The UK has signed agreements with both the US and Norway to cooperate on Poseidon operations across the North Atlantic.

UK crews have worked alongside MPA squadrons in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA to maintain maritime surveillance skills under the Seedcorn programme.

The first P8 aircraft early next year will be based initially at Kinloss before moving to Lossiemouth following the completion of runway repairs.

All nine aircraft will be delivered by November 2021.

Poseidon will be flown by 120 Sqn, the leading anti-submarine warfare squadron in World War II. 201 Sqn will join the programme in due course, the RAF said.

A total of £460 million is being invested in Lossiemouth to prepare for the arrival of the new aircraft, including the construction of a £132 million strategic facility.

Maximum speed

490 kts MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT

189,200 lbs (85,820 kg)

WEAPONS

5 x internal and 6x external stations 5 x Mk54 Torpedoes (internal) 4 x Harpoon Anti-shipping Missiles

CREW 2 Pilots 2 Tactical Co-ordinators (Taccos) 2 Weapon System Operators (WSOp) (Acoustic) 2 Weapon System Operators (WSOp) (Electronic Warfare)

Increase protection for UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent and the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers

ABLE TO CARRY A TOTAL OF

129 SONOBUOYS

TO ENABLE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE ACOUSTIC DETECTION

be 9 will delivered m t o 4 , ha r e n 0 n m au 0 0 i le t i s ca l

Simon Mander

Wingspan 123.6 ft (37.64m)

Maximum altitude 41,000 ft

Operated by

120 Sqn

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P10

News In Brief

Air Force beard ruling sparks growing trend ONE IN 10 men in the RAF now sports a beard, according to MoD figures.

An estimated 2700 have applied for permission to grow face fuzz following the Service’s landmark ruling to axe the century-old beard ban in August this year.

The rate is slightly higher in the RAF Regt where an estimated 15 per cent of personnel have applied.

Under new rules applicants must seek their commanding officer’s approval and have two weeks to grow a beard of at least 2mm.

MEASURE UP: SWO checks growth on SAC Hugh McMillen during 3 Sqn parade in Oman

Proclaimers go the extra mile A FORCES charity campaigner inspired by The Proclaimers’ anthem I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) joined forces with the Scottish singing duo to give his fundraising crusade a lift.

Ex-Gunner Sean Allerton has already raised more than £38,000 for military causes by covering 2000 miles in his wheelchair after launching his Push 500 campaign.

The RAF vet, injured in a road smash while stationed at Akrotiri, was joined by the 57-year-old Proclaimers twins Charlie and Craig Reid as he completed 16 laps of The Orange at Cranwell to add to his total.

MILES AHEAD: Singers Craig and Charlie Reid with Sean and Gp Capt George Bettington at Cranwell. Inset left, the singers topped the charts in the 90s.

CASWO backs policy change We Salute You

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Staff Reporter PERSONNEL POLICY changes are transforming the Service, according to the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff ’s Warrant Officer.

Speaking ahead of the annual Warrant Officers’ conference attended by more than 150 Royal Air Force WOs, CASWO Jake Alpert said: “This is an exciting time to be in the RAF. There are so many opportunities.

“There are a lot of transformation programmes across the Air Force.

We are redesigning our system to make sure it gives people a more flexible working pattern.”

CASWO, who took over the role from WO Clive Maitland last month for a three-year tour, said

being chosen for the most senior job a non-commissioned officer can hold in the RAF was ‘without a doubt the pinnacle of my career.’

He added: “It’s a privilege and an honour to be selected by the Chief of the Air Staff himself.

“My job is to be the bridge between the airmen and women and the senior leadership team.

“It’s very important that the CASWO is able to communicate with anyone from an airman or woman to an Air Marshal.”

WO Alpert joined the RAF 31 years ago. Before becoming CASWO he was the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base.

He has served operational tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P11

News

Photo of the week

IOR: RAF Typhoons COLD WAR WARR nt USAF B52 bomber gia e pull up alongsid SCOT T PHOTOS: CPL ALEX

RAF TYPHOONS had a veteran Cold War warrior in their sights as they launched a simulated combat sortie to track a veteran American B-52 bomber in UK airspace.

The UK aircraft carried out a staged scramble to intercept the long-range strategic bomber which saw action during the Vietnam War. The iconic Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service with the USAF since 1955 and has

been flying for 65 years.

Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Ian Duguid, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This training exercise with the B-52 is the latest in a series of air integration training opportunities that have seen RAF and USAF aircraft operating together training to fly missions in a hostile air environment and marks a shift away from the counter-insurgency operations that have been conducted in recent years.â&#x20AC;?

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 5, 2019 P12

News News bulletin

BACKING: RAF Benevolent Fund chief AVM Murray with charity mascot

Families net Cyprus funds FORCES FAMILIES in Cyprus have received a cash boost to provide floodlit sports facilities at Episkopi.

Extra funding from the RAF Benevolent Fund will also cover the cost of a CCTV security system and follows cash for a karaoke machine, laser tag game and bowling alley.

The charity also recently fitted new floor and air conditioning for the Jelly Tots children’s’ play area.

The RAF charity agreed to fund £64,000 of Tri-Service projects following a fact-finding visit to the Cyprus base by RAFBF chief AVM David Murray.

Utah saints

PEDAL POWER: On the road, inset, taking a well-earned break

CYCLISTS FROM a Reaper unit completed a high altitude endurance ride to raise cash for a Red Arrows pilot killed at an air display.

Personnel from 39 Squadron pedalled for five-and-a-half hours riding at 5,300ft elevation from Las Vegas to St George, Utah on behalf of the Jon Egging Trust, set up after the death of the RAF pilot in 2011.

The team kicked off their challenge in the town of Hurricane perched 3000ft above the Mohave Desert.

The route followed a steep 1000ft climb through Snow Canyon State Park and an epic descent back to the start point.

Defence vow on Service leavers No veterans left behind says minister

“The acid test will be whether the policy translates into practice on areas such as the translation of military skills into the workplace, overcoming misperceptions of veterans, and sharing data”.

Support from the new agency will not stop when personnel leave the military and can continue for as long as it is needed.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Stepping up support will help ensure that no veteran is left behind.”

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said: “A career in the Armed Forces provides individuals with immense skills and experience which means that most are successful on civvie street.

“But some do struggle and the introduction of our new policy will mean more support is available.”

The announcement comes after the government established the Office for Veterans Affairs to bring together relevant departments.

Simon Mander

VETS SUPPORT: Former CAS Sir Stephen

Sir Stephen joins Vets welfare fight FORMER CHIEF of the Air Staff Sir Stephen Hillier has been appointed as a trustee of campiagning Forces welfare charity Veterans Aid. Charity chief Dr Hugh Milroy said: “Sir Stephen’s skills in leadership, his experience in delivering complex programmes and his deep military knowledge make him the perfect candidate.”

Odiham Jim’s in RAF HELICOPTER pilot Flt Lt Jim Hopkirk has been appointed as an A1 Qualified Helicopter Instructor, joining a select group of aviators.

The qualification recognises the instructor’s exceptional ability and is rarely awarded.

VETERANS’ CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed more support for military personnel and their families as they re-join civilian life The measures include the launch of a new Defence Transition Service of dedicated defence staff across the country to help those struggling to demob.

More responsibility will be placed on commanders to identify those likely to face the greatest challenges.

Previously, help focused on ensuring personnel found jobs but now they and their families will also receive guidance in personal finance, accessing healthcare, housing costs and paying council tax.

Forces in Mind Trust Chief Executive Ray Lock said: “The creation of the Defence Transition Service is a welcome step in the right direction.

“The enhanced support it offers to the most vulnerable will have

FAIR TRADE: Military skills are valued in work place but some employers admit they discriminate against Forces applicants. Left, FiMT chief Ray Lock

a big impact; but, as a modest resource, it has to be targeted at those who need it most to be effective.

“We are pleased to see that

the government is now developing a more holistic approach which supports the whole family, not just the Service leaver.

Brands Hatch-et job for Vickers

See p31

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P13

News

War Graves team battle to honour The Fallen Projects mark 100 years of Remembrance Simon Mander DAMAGED MEMORIALS to military personnel killed in action in remote locations scarred by modern conflict were being restored as the world marked the 100th anniversary of Remembrance Day. More than 300 graves have been restored at Habbaniya War Cemetery in Iraq after decades of neglect caused by conflict and are among the latest projects launched by the Commonwealth Wargraves Commission (CWGC).

Spokeswoman Liz Woodfield said: “Wherever possible we will seek to restore sites to a standard befitting of people’s sacrifice.

“People bow their heads in silence for Remembrance. For us it involves not just quiet reflection, but hard work and loud machinery, travel to remote locations.

“Wherever you go in the world, there are small reminders of the sacrifices given by the generations before us.”

The CWGC estimates there are more than 23,000 locations worldwide marking the Allied fallen.

Air Force teams deployed on a UK training mission to Nigeria to combat Boko Haram have also worked on sites in Maiduguri, a former World War II British airbase Sqn Ldr Andy Bates said: “Maiduguri was a key element in the ‘Takoradi Route’, to get to the Egypt and the Middle East.

“It is fitting that an operation that started with RAF aircraft once again deploying to Nigeria is in a position to remember the past.”

Work restoring the Mombasa African Memorial uses 3D scanning technology to

Squip march AIR FORCE Survival Equipment Technicians gathered at Halton for their annual training symposium.

The two-day event closed with an awards ceremony and performance by the Squipper’s Survival Equipment Band.

Organiser FS Ann Thomas said: “It was an opportunity to discuss future concepts and recognise achievements.”

PHOTO: LUKA WAYCOTT

RESTORATION: Clockwise from top, working on a monument, war graves at Maiduguri, help from a Chinook

capture the exact likeness of the memorial before manufacturing replacement elements.

“The repairs were only made possible by the RAF quickly flying back many of the bronze panels to the UK for precision restoration before being returned,” said the Commission’s Chris Anderson.

A RAF Chinook was called in to help install a 600kg granite marker at the UK’s most remote wargrave on the summit of Ben More Assyn, 2000 ft above the nearest village The site marks the resting place of six airmen who died in an aircrash in April 1941.

Their bodies were found by a local shepherd, who buried them together using parts of the wreckage for a makeshift cross.

By 2010 a slowly growing pile of stones, added to by the odd passing walker was all that remained, sparking fears the site could be lost.

SOCIAL WORK

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Contact our conďŹ dential, independent service, call 03000 111 723 Available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, email psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk Our offices are also open Monday-Friday 08.30-17.00

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P15

News News Bulletin

NATO TALKS: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

Nato feels the need for speed

Chute-ing stars

NATO COUNTRIES must invest in hypersonic weapons and artifical intelligence to counter emerging threats to global security, Alliance defence chiefs say.

Speaking after top level talks with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Battlefield techniques are advancing rapidly, with our adversaries using increasingly varied methods to disrupt the international rules-based order.

“We have discussed a range of important topics, from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic missiles, to the valuable work on security sector reform in Iraq.”

Britain has the largest defence budget in Europe, the second largest in Nato, and nearly 1000 personnel in the alliance’s command structure.

FALL GUYS: (From top), Sgt Mennary, Sgt Sammut,FS James Bruce, Flt Lt Wilce. PHOTOS: CPL ANDREW MORRIS

THE RAF Falcons parachute display team has unveiled its new line up for the 2020 airshow season.

Flt Lt Chris Wilce joins as deputy commander supported by new coach and former team member FS James Bruce and display parachutists Sgt Ben Sammut and Sgt Rob Mennary.

Flt Lt Wilce said: “I’ve wanted to be an RAF Falcon since my mid-teens, so to say I am honoured to be selected

Brain scan bid to beat PTSD UK TROOPS could be fitted with brain scanners to monitor their state of mind during military operations in a bid improve mental health support.

The MoD is funding a range of projects including using neuroscience and artificial intelligence life coaches to help reduce the risk of PTSD in frontline fighters.

The University of Kent has been awarded defence funding to research brain endurance trials to reduce fatigue experienced by pilots and soldiers.

London-based technology firm Diem Analytics has also has been awarded £150,000 to develop a robot to interview Service personnel and analyse the effects of combat duty.

Forces personnel chief Lt Gen Richard Nugee said: “Defence innovation is about more than just the kit. It’s also about our men and women who serve our country.”

Theo hits the beach YOUNG FUNDRAISER Theo Lea-Hagerty netted more than £300 for Forces charity when he hit the beach with airman dad Steven for a charity run.

Theo, five, (right, with Steven) completed the Kids Kilometre challenge organised

by Bournemouth civic chiefs and donated the cash he raised to the RAF Association for the Storybook Wings initiative.

Mum Megan said: “Theo was inspired to do the run after his Dad completed the Manchester marathon for charity earlier this year. Theo clocked up the distance in just over six minutes. We are so proud of him.”

for the 2020 season would be an understatement.

Needless to say, I am extremely excited and very much looking forward to working with the Team for the 2020 season.”

Sgt Sammut added: “It is a privilege to be selected for the RAF Falcons. I cannot wait for the start of the season and to display all around the UK representing the RAF and defence.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P17

News News Bulletin

Brize and shine

Station fundraisers take a bow at awards ceremony GRAVE VISIT: RAF Gunners join Sri Lanka Forces at Trincomalee

Sri Lankan showdown

RAF GUNNERS took time out from training Sri Lankan troops to pay their respects at Trincomalee Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery.

During the visit the RAF team paid tribute to a father and son who have tended the graves for nearly 40 years.

The RAF Honington-based personnel are in the country to swap Force Protection techniques with the Sri Lankan Air Force Regiment.

Sqn Ldr Brendan Dunne said:“It’s a real honour to be able to exchange our practises.

“We have many operational similarities and the opportunity to enhance our bond has been one of the best experiences in my career.”

Who dares fundraises FORMER SAS man Maj Ken Homes is mounting a 130-mile charity trek across the desert in Namibia, south west Africa.

The Forces survival expert will be leading a group of fundraising volunteers on a 13-day expedition to support veterans housing charity Alabaré. To volunteer go to: www. alabareevents.co.uk

Needs you...

Call 01494 497412 if you have a story

BRIZE WINNERS: The Bravo recipients, below, Cpl Hayley Court. PHOTOS: Paul Crouch

Simon Mander

A RECORD-BREAKING rugby team and an airwoman who helps the homeless scooped top awards at this year’s ‘Brize-giving,’ ceremony.

RAF Brize Norton’s Horus 7s team, which played the longestever 7s match in 2017, received the Sporting Achievement award for attempting the longest 10s rugby marathon world record attempt, raising £4.5k for charity.

Big-hearted Cpl Hayley Court won the Station Commander’s Award for giving up her time to support a voluntary group called ‘Christmas care for the homeless’ All the nominees for the seventh annual Brize Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service (BRAVOS) were put forward by their colleagues.

Another winner was SAC Rob Thompson who got the Valiant Volunteer Award for organising team building sessions with 2267

Air Trg Corps and local schools and raising more than £2,500 for charity through cycling events.

Other presentations included the Operational Lynchpin Award to SAC Ren Phillips and SAC Steven

Gunners lay down Standard Staff Reporter HUNDREDS OF poppies cascaded from the arches of a village church to mark the laying up of 2 Sqn RAF Regiment’s Standard.

Air Cadets of 2267 (Brize Norton) Sqn decorated helmets for each of the 29 personnel on the unit’s Roll of Honour.

The service at St Mary’s Church in Witney, Oxfordshire, was run by Rev Ross Meikle and Brize Norton Padre Sqn Ldr

Paul Stephens in the presence of veterans, families and friends.

Officer Commanding 2 Sqn RAF Regiment Sqn Ldr Mark Bowden said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise, remember and celebrate the successes of the squadron over the past 29 years, of which there have been many.”

“We received our new Squadron Standard last September after our arrival at RAF Brize Norton, and wanted the right occasion to conduct this laying up ceremony.”

Williamson, and the Top Team Award to the Survival Equipment Section The Inspired Innovation Award was presented to SAC(T) Andrew Oglesby and the Leadership Impact

Award went to Flt Sgt Michael Rowlands.

The Robinson Memorial Award was presented to Sgt Susan Marshman Station Commander Gp Capt Dan James said: “People are the core of our business and the annual Bravos awards provides the perfect opportunity for me to personally thank those who have excelled by making RAF Brize Norton a better place in which to live and work.”

Royal Air Force News Friday November 15, 2019 P18

Feature

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P19

Bomber Command Centre research

Honoured at last Bomber Command archivists hope to finally name the Jewish airmen who hid their true identities to protect their families as they fought the Nazis

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AR HISTORIANS have launched a search to trace the identities of Jewish airmen who fought and died battling the Nazis with the RAF’s Bomber Command.

Archivists at the International Bomber Command Centre hope to reveal the real names of those among the 57,861 casualties commemorated at the Lincolnshire memorial who hid their faith and their names to protect themselves and their families.

Since it began in December 2018 it has become a global project.

Researchers have so far identified more than 500 Jewish airmen including three from Jamaica, nine from South Africa, 163 Canadians and 32 Australians.

“Research is now focusing on investigations to trace relatives.

I have received some wonderful comments from families,” said Collections Archivist Cathie Hewitt.

The project has received an emotional response from relatives of those forgotten airmen who served and died. One family told Cathie: ‘I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for my family, and for all of the Jewish members of Bomber Command.’

Typical of the stories she has unearthed is the tale of Londoner Bernard ’Sonny,’ Goldman who changed his too-Jewish sounding name to Kenrick by deed poll in 1938.

At the outbreak of war he volunteered for the RAFVR and joined 61 Squadron. On his fifth

mission to Hanover on September 22-23, 1941 his aircraft was attacked by three fighters.

The navigator and bomb aimer baled out when they saw Pilot Officer Anthony Bird had been knocked unconscious in the firefight. But, Bird later wrote: “Bernard stayed with me and was attempting to pull me off the controls when I regained consciousness.

“Due to the damage the plane was difficult to handle, and Bernard was able to jam a piece of apparatus under the pedals to allow me to maintain control.

“As the target was in front of us, we decided to drop our bombs and made our way home without a navigator.”

Bird won the DFC and Kenrick was awarded the DFM for valour.

Bernard flew another four operations from Syerston before they were transferred to RAF Skellingthorpe.

On their 16th mission they were again attacked by a night fighter that hit the fuel tank. Bird and the badly injured navigator survived but all the other crew perished and are buried in Hanover War Cemetery.

Lancaster navigator Flt Sgt Edouard Zadoc Seligman was one of the last men to be killed flying with 166 Squadron before the unit was disbanded in the autumn of 1945.

The 23-year-old died when his aircraft crashed at Kirmington in poor weather after a ‘Bullseye’

cross-country navigation exercise and is buried in Golders Green Jewish Cemetery.

Australian navigator FS Simon Stanley Solomons died on his 13th mission after his Lancaster crashed while laying mines in the Baltic during a raid by 402 aircraft on nearby Stettin in August 1944.

His body was washed ashore on a Swedish beach. He is now buried in Malmo’s Jewish Cemetery while the remainder of the crew are remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

Canadian bomb aimer Fg Off Max Gennis is believed to have been involved in a mid-air collision with another Lancaster following a 483-bomber raid on Berlin on December 16, 1943. He is remembered on Ottawa’s Scroll of Honour of Jewish War Veterans.

The initial search involved scanning the losses database for traditional Jewish names among the 3.6 million pieces of information it holds and cross-referencing those details with other archive sources.

Cathie added: “Further research revealed that many changed their names before enlisting. I cross referenced the database with ‘We will remember them’ by Henry Morris, a record of the Jews who died in the Armed Forces 19391945, Jewish Military Museum records, and various other books.”

By Simon Mander l The project still needs your help – please email: info@ internationalbcc.co.uk and put in the subject line Jewish project.

MAX GENNIS: Died in a midair collision during a raid on Berlin 1943

SIMON SOLOMONS: Killed during a mine laying mission in the Baltic in 1944

BERNARD GOLDMAN: Changed his name to Kendrick by deed poll and went on to win the DFM for valour

Win!

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Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 R'n'R 3

R'n'R Film Review

Oscar buzz

The Report Out now

Glowing Report for CIA 'exposé' Playlist Top 10

Detainee torture in spotlight

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ARTIST, ACTOR and musician Nickolai Salcedo stars as Caribbean World War II great Ulric Cross in the film Hero, that continues its tour around the UK with screenings and Q&As. Go to: heroulriccross.com for details.

Here's Nickolai's Top 10 playlist:

Bowie 1 David Rock 'n' Roll Suicide Manson 2 Marilyn Antichrist Superstar Fela Kuti 3 International Thief Thief (I.T.T.) Canal 4 3 Mud Madness 5 Dahlia Everybody Learns Against The Machine 6 Rage Killing in the Name Sound System 7 Kin Small People Ting Rudder 8 David Engine Room Baktagir 9 Göksel Kerbela 10 Huun-Huur-Tu Legend

HERE’S ALREADY an Oscars buzz around The Report – and it’s not difficult to see why. Based on real events, this gripping, absorbing film, written by Scott Z Burns (The Bourne Trilogy) is his directorial debut, and it’s a triumph.

Adam Driver (Star Wars sequel trilogy) stars as idealistic Senate staffer Daniel Jones whose boss, Senator Dianne Feinstein (Annette Bening, Captain Marvel) tasks him with leading an investigation into the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program, created following 9/11.

Jones sets to work in a celllike windowless basement and what his diligence uncovers is truly shocking.

There are some slightly distracting jumps in time but as soon as the

TORTURE CHAMBER: CIA interrogators await a detainee. Right, Driver

story gets underway, it’s riveting.

Workaholic Jones discovers that the CIA are employing ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ (EIT) – torture – on detainees. Led by overzealous retired Air Force psychologist Dr Jim Mitchell (played with conviction by Douglas Hodge) the program uses what he calls ‘reverse Survival BENING

Competitions DVDs

Evasion Resistance and Escape techniques.’

The CIA maintains this is legitimate ‘as long as lasting harm isn’t caused’. But when waterboarding results in the death of detainee Gul Rahman, Jones asks the pithy question, “So, how long is Rahman going to be dead for?”

In his relentless pursuit of the truth, Jones is inviting some powerful enemies – as one CIA member tells him: “Your b*llsh*t

report will never see the light of day.”

His tenacity even starts to pall with his colleagues, with one stating bluntly: “We have been down in this basement for two years, nobody is waiting for us to come out.”

Six years on the report is finally delivered. At least 119 detainees were subjected to the brutal EIT program and the CIA admits, says Jones, that at least a quarter of them should not have been detained.

In November 2015 President Obama signed into law the McCainFeinstein amendment banning the CIA’s ‘enhanced interrogation techniques.’

There are excellent performances from Driver as the totally dedicated Jones and Bening as the astute and honourable Feinstein, with strong support from Jon Hamm (looking devilishly Don Draperesque), among others.

This film delivers an important story with the urgency and pace of a first-class thriller – highly recommended.

By Tracey Allen 4 roundels out of 5

UK Box Office Top 10

Win!

Fabulous Films Ltd/Fremantle Media Enterprises

Beastly goings-on for Blunt S

TARRING BENICIO DEL TORO, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins and Hugo Weaving, an extended cut of The Wolfman (certificate 15), now out on DVD, includes 17 minutes of additional footage not shown in cinemas.

Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro), is a haunted nobleman who returns to his family estate after his brother’s fiancée, Gwen Conliffe (Blunt), begs him to help find her love. Reunited with his estranged father (Hopkins), Talbot sets out to find his brother... and discovers that a beast with an insatiable bloodlust has been killing villagers, and a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline (Weaving) has come to investigate. But as he hunts for the nightmarish beast, Talbot discovers a horrifying destiny for himself…

Filming took place at Pinewood Studios; Chatsworth House, Derbyshire; Castle Combe in

Wiltshire; the National Trust village of Lacock, Wiltshire; Stowe House in Buckinghamshire; Foggintor Quarry on Dartmoor; and the Old Royal Navy College, Greenwich.

We have copies on DVD up for grabs – for your chance to own one, answer this question correctly: Who plays Inspector Aberline in The Wolfman?

Email your answer, marked Wolfman DVD competition, to: competitions@ rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, HP14 4UE, to arrive by November 29.

WE ALSO have action thriller The Eiger Sanction (certificate 15) starring and directed by Clint Eastwood to win on DVD. Based on the novel of the same name

by Trevanian, it’s the everyday story of an art history professor and mountain climber who

doubles as a professional assassin and is coerced out of retirement to avenge the murder of an old friend.

Universal bought the film rights in 1972, soon after Trevanian’s novel was published. Eastwood took on the project as leading man – after Paul Newman turned it down – and director, with Oscarwinner George Kennedy (Cool Hand Luke, Naked Gun) as his climbing buddy Ben Bowman.

Answer the following question correctly to be in with a chance of winning a copy of the DVD: Who starred as Ben Bowman in The Eiger Sanction?

Email your answer, marked Eiger Sanction DVD competition, to our usual competitions email and postal addresses (see above) to arrive by November 29. Entrants must be over 15.

1 Joker 2 The Addams Family 3

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

4

Stephen King's Doctor Sleep

5 Terminator: Dark Fate the Sheep Movie: 6 Shaun Farmageddon (below) 7 Abominable 8

Zombieland: Double Tap

9 Sorry We Missed You 10

DanTDM Presents The Contest

Source: BFI

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 R'n'R 4

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 R'n'R 5

R'n'R Theatre

An Evening With Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?

Len live

UK tour EARLY DAYS: Lenny starting out on his career

My audience has grown with me over the years, they get me

Chance to see Lenny Henry: Live & uncut

HERE’S STILL time to catch one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Sir Lenny Henry, on his nationwide tour.

The writer, TV presenter, awardwinning actor and Comic Relief co-founder is travelling around the country until November 29 with his show An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?, returning to his first love, live performance.

In the first part of the show, he takes the audience through a jam session of funny and sad stories – triggered when writing his memoir – from growing up in the Black Country, school, friendship, family secrets and unashamed racism. With his mother’s mantra of ‘H’integration’ echoing in his ears, Lenny recounts setting out on his roller coaster ride of a career – but at every stage wondering: Am I good enough? Is this what they want?

In part two, he is interviewed by author, co-writer and friend Jon Canter, for further insights into his life and career.

Lenny said: “Live performance is just the best. Being in front of an audience is the best thing you can do. Films and telly are extra, but

live is you unfiltered. It’s just you stood there talking to an audience.”

Recalling the greatest live show he ever witnessed, he said: “What Morecambe and Wise did in front of a live audience was very different to what they did on telly. Their TV show was brilliant, but Eric was probably 20 times funnier on stage than on telly. I worked with him in Bournemouth in 1979, and it was one of the most extraordinary live experiences I have ever had. It was so funny and loose.

“I try to get to the same space when I perform live, create real sense that this is unmediated and unmitigated. I attempt to communicate to the audience that ‘We’re gonna have a great time for the next 90 minutes'.”

The show is bolstered by the presence of his legions of loyal fans, who have followed him up and down the country for the last four decades. The performer, 61, who has also appeared in dramas Broadchurch, Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle, The Long Song, and Danny and the Human Zoo added: “What is lovely is that my audience has grown with me over the years, they get me – and

Exhibition

Intimate Audrey In Amsterdam Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam

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CUTE CHILD: Audrey aged 10 ©Audrey Hepburn Family Archive

OLLYWOOD LEGEND Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels and, during World War II, spent her youth in the Netherlands. The film and fashion icon, known for her gamine looks, was so badly affected by the Dutch famine of the winter of 1944 that she suffered from malnutrition.

The star of screen classics including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, Funny Face and My Fair Lady died at her home in Switzerland in 1993, aged just 63.

Now an exhibition celebrating her 90th birthday year has opened in Amsterdam. Intimate Audrey In Amsterdam, created by her

what I’m trying to do – I really cherish that.”

The other aspect of live performance he adores is that he can improvise.

“My favourite comedians are the ones that have not only put in the hard work on their show, but they can also (once the show is up and running), swim between sections of their script and fool around,” he explained.

“Those are my favourite performances: where you’re allowed to improvise right then and there, and the audience gets that. That’s what’s really exciting about live performance; you’re not watching a robot, you’re watching a human being. If you come to play, the audience really appreciate that.

“I hope people enjoy their evening out with me – but I also want them to feel at the end that they’ve learnt something about who I am and how I got there. This is a Len they’ve never met before.”

By James Rampton ■ Lenny Henry’s autobiography Who Am I, Again? is published

by Faber, £20 out now. Go to: lennyhenryontour.net for ticket details.

H

E’S ‘THE voice of Saturday afternoons’ – now football pundit and TV presenter Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara has set his sights on clinching the coveted Christmas number 1 spot.

The former footballer is aiming high – he wants to be the first solo artist to release the nation’s favourite festive tune since Cliff Richard grabbed the top slot with Mistletoe and Wine back in 1988.

Chris’s debut album, released on November 15, features a collection of Christmas classics, including Let It Snow, Santa Baby and Walking in a Winter Wonderland, as well as a brand new track, Here’s To Christmas – the new album’s title.

The Sky Sports presenter, well-known for his catchphrase ‘unbelievable’, said: “I know it might be surprising to some, but anyone who knows me – especially those who shared a changing room with me in my playing days who first told me I could sing – will tell you what a big fan I am of big band music.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get to record a full album, though.”

He added: “Here’s to Christmas is something I’m really proud of and I think it stands up as something fun, but something that doesn’t sound half bad too – an album to get everyone into the swing of Christmas.”

Kammy was known for being a tough-tackling midfield enforcer, playing for teams including Brentford, Stoke and Leeds before moving into management.

His irreverent style in analysing matches for Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Special on Saturday

YOUNG STAR: First show, aged 12 ©Audrey Hepburn Family Archive

Playlist Top 10

B

ASED ON a true story, Dauntless: The Battle of Midway stars Judd Nelson (TV’s Empire, New Jack City) and C Thomas Howell (SEAL, The Punisher) in a tense tale featuring stunning action sequences.

It’s June 1942 and the Japanese Navy has swept across the Pacific. To try to change the course of World War II, a United States carrier group is positioned off the coast of Midway, tasked with springing a trap on the enemy. During this pivotal battle, the two-man crew of a US Navy dive bomber is forced to ditch in the sea.

Set adrift, the men look towards their comrades for rescue – the

ragtag crew of a PBY Catalina sent to search for survivors. With days passing and the chance of rescue fading, the men are forced to face their own mortality.

The film is out now on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download and we have three copies on Blu-ray to win. For your chance to own one, answer this question correctly: Who are the two main stars of Dauntless: The Battle of Midway?

Email your answer, marked Dauntless Bluray competition, to: competitions@rafnews. co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, HP14 4UE, to arrive by November 29.

This'll have you hooked FOOTBALL PUNDIT and TV presenter Chris Kamara has released his debut album, Here’s To Christmas, full of favourite festive songs.

Here’s his Top 10 Playlist: KAMMY: Hidden talents

afternoons has seen the 61-year-old become a national treasure. He’s also a presenter of ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK and has appeared on many primetime shows as a guest, including a celebrity special of All Together Now, the singing contest where his musical talent was first

Intimate images of a big screen icon son Sean Hepburn Ferrer, can be seen at the Beurs van Berlage in the heart of the Dutch city, and runs until January 31, 2020. It was staged in Brussels earlier this year.

The exhibition is described as ‘a walk behind the screen and through Audrey’s life as a Flemish child, wife, mother and ambassador’.

It features hundreds of original and reprinted photographs, memorabilia, dresses and accessories as well as Audrey’s fashion drawings and humanitarian writing – never seen in public before.

■ Go to: intimateaudrey.com for more details.

Win!

US bomber Here's to Chris-mas WWII crew adrift at sea DVDs

Unbelievable! Kammy's hoping to score a festive No. 1

”

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Competition

Chris Kamara

Dazzler Media

NOW: New hit show

“

The Big Interview

MUM: With son Sean, 1961

©Audrey Hepburn Family Archive

LATE '80s: At home in Switzerland ©Audrey Hepburn Family Archive

revealed to a wider audience. He’s even had a cameo appearance on TV soap Emmerdale.

He said: “My agent told me Adam Greenock from Silver Screen Records wanted to meet me after seeing me on All Together Now. I said ‘it’s a wind-up’ – I thought Ant and Dec would be there, waiting in another room .

“I recorded with a 22-piece big band and a conductor – it was surreal. We did 15 tracks and nine were chosen for the album.

Richard Scott, who writes for Robbie Williams, sent Here’s To Christmas to me and I thought ‘what an amazing song’.

Kammy added: “When I met the big band members for the first time I thought ‘how do they feel about me singing with them? They have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, and with superstars, but they were so lovely, they made me feel so comfortable.”

Chris cites Elton John’s Your Song as his all-time favourite track and revealed he was almost overwhelmed to meet the musician in person, watching his beloved Watford football team play against Manchester City a few seasons ago, with his husband David and their two children.

Kammy said: “I was going to ask him for a selfie when he was in the directors’ box – he saw me and called out ‘Kammy’.

I was blown away that he knew who I was. He shook my hand and said he loved my work on Sky – I couldn’t tell him how much I loved him in case he thought I was only saying that because he’d said it to me. I asked David to take a picture of me with Elton.”

Before making it in football, Chris was in the Royal Navy – he joined at 16 and was in for four months.

He said: “I had the opportunity to become an apprentice footballer with Middlesbrough but my dad wouldn’t allow it. My brother joined the Army when he was 16 and I joined the Navy for a six-month trial period.

“I played for the Navy football team and they bought me out for £200. Afterwards they sent my dad a message saying if it didn’t work out for me as a footballer they would take me back into the Navy – but it couldn’t have worked out any better.”

What about performing the Christmas songs live? He said: “It’s a wait-and-see situation. We don’t want to get carried away but my family and friends love Here’s To Christmas and if things go well we’ll have mega things in place for 2020.”

Interview by Tracey Allen ■ Go to: chriskamara.com to order the album.

WHO DOESN’T love Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse? Even if you’re not a particular fishing fan you can’t resist their funny and heart-warming BBC show Mortimer & Whitehouse Gone Fishing.

Series 1 and 2 are now out as a DVD box set and we have one up for grabs.

Following their life-changing heart surgeries, comedy legends and lifelong

John 1 Elton Your Song Elton John 2 Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me Stewart 3 Rod Handbags & Gladrags That 4 Take Never Forget 5 Queen Don't Stop Me Now Warwick 6 Dionne That's What Friends Are For Morrison 7 Van Brown Eyed Girl Cohn 8 Marc Walking in Memphis O'Sullivan 9 Gilbert Alone Again Bublé 10 Michael Lost

PALS: Paul and Bob

friends Mortimer (Vic Reeves Big Night Out) and Whitehouse (The Fast Show) embark on a relaxing yet epic journey around Britain, eating great food, discussing life and death, and attempting to catch some of the nation’s iconic fish.

Bob is a keen apprentice and eager to learn, while experienced angler Paul has his patience tested time and again as he tries to teach Bob the rules of the river.

To win a copy, simply email or post us the correct answer to the following question, by November 29 – see our competitions email and postal addresses above: What's the name of Bob Mortimer’s long-term comedy partner?

Children's favourite Moomins AND WHO doesn’t love The Moomins too? The fabulous family star in a new, animated series, Moominvalley, based on the popular work of Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson.

The hit series follows the curious and idealistic Moomintroll with his extraordinary family and whimsical friends, as they go on an adventure into the magical world of Moominvalley.

The series features the voice talents of stars such as Taron

Egerton, Matt Berry, Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet, Will Self, Warwick Davis, Richard Ayoade and Jennifer Saunders.

It’s now available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital and we have a copy on DVD, featuring all 13 episodes on two discs. All you have to do for a chance to win it is send the correct answer to this question to our competitions email or postal addresses (see above)

by November 29: Who was the artist and writer who created The Moomins?

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 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

Death UNDERWOOD Timothy Wg Cdr Retd. Died October 14. A loving and much loved husband, father, granddad and friend to all in the community. A celebration of his life was held in St Mary’s Church, Bures, Suffolk on November 14. Donations if desired to RAF Benevolent Fund or Haig Housing Trust.

Seeking 16 Sqn associates of the late Jerald (Jerry) Winter, are you able to supply any photos of him for a forthcoming magazine article in which he features? Please email Mick Britton: mbritton2@aol.com.

ON behalf of my father Ian Seaman I am trying to trace a Barry Wrigley who served with my father in Cyprus between 1950 – 1960. Both were air frame technicians.

Please contact Phil at: philseaman11@gmail.com ON behalf of my father, Ernie Bennett, I am trying to trace some of the men who he served with on National

Service in Cyprus on Troodos Mountain between 19571958. Ernie was a technician and he served with Tom Richardson, originally from Ashington, and Lonny Fletcher, originally from Jamaica. Also looking to find any other RAF personnel who were on Troodos during this time. Please contact Julie Catton on: 07760 451403.

LOOKING for Heather Appleford, Dawn Bryant, Karen Dear, Dawn Greenstreet, Kim Deighton and Julia Coyne who attended Forres Academy between 1970-1976. Their fathers were stationed at RAF Kinloss. Some of us met up last year for our 60th birthday year and are having another reunion this month.

We would love to see them or anyone else from our year.

Please contact: alexandra. bayne@yahoo.co.uk.

can please help with any information please get in touch with Marie via email: whiskymac73@gmail.com.

Reunions THE Red Arrows Association is calling for new members.

It organises various events, has a Facebook page and biannual newsletter and holds a popular annual reunion. Membership 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.

Please email: secretary@ redarrowsassociation.co.uk or visit: redarrowsassociation. co.uk.

I am looking to contact Stuart Taylor aged 49 approx.

He was based at RAF Brize Norton in the 00s, I think as a member of the ground crew. He lived in Blackpool in the 1980s and worked in Blackpool Tower for a short time in 1987. If anyone

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.

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Please send to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4UE.

31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association Annual Reunion will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the Magherabuoy Hotel, Portrush, Co Antrim. Email: paddyj31@btinternet.com.

158 Squadron Bomber Command.

The 158 Association is very active and we want to contact any veteran or relative of a veteran. We are planning a Reunion and Memorial Service for autumn 2020.

Please contact: KevB@ silenicus.com.

COASTAL Command Officers’ Reunion, October 10, 2020. Please contact Ray Curtis, call: 01264 735349 or email: hjn3@btinternet.com.

A limited number of tickets are available for all serving and retired members of the Mechanical Transport/Logs Driver Trade for the weekend of Friday, March 20 to Sunday March 22, 2020. Two nights B&B and a gala five course dinner on Saturday with first class cabaret and entertainment both nights at one of Blackpool’s most popular seafront hotels, all for the bargain offer price of £98 per person. For a great weekend in Blackpool with like-minded people ‘pull up a sandbag’… For further details please email: admin at: 2020rafmt@gmail.com.

Tickets are selling fast – first come, first served.

and please indicate whether still serving or not. Once numbers of attendees are known, formal invitations will be sent.

Friends church concert

RAF Catering Assoc MEMBERSHIP of the RAF Catering Asoociation is open to those who are serving or have served as a Warrant Officer or Flight Sergeant in Trade Group 19 and former RAF Catering Officers. For more information and an application form please email Eddie Jones: janedjones6@ tiscali.co.uk or telephone: 01487 823480.

RAF Theatrical Assoc THE RAF Theatrical Association is looking for volunteers. Contact RAFTA at info@rafta.co.uk or visit: RAFTA.co.uk.

230 Sqn Association £6 gets you full membership of 230 Sqn Assoc and details of annual reunions Go to: 230sqn.co.uk for details..

THE Friends of St Clement Danes Church Annual Concert, featuring the Band of the RAF Regiment supported by the Choir of St Clement Danes, will take place at 7pm on Thursday, November 28.

Tickets are available at the church door on the night or from RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, Douglas Bader House, Horcott Hill, Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4RB; email: enquiries@ rafcte.com or telephone: 01285 713456.

RAF Locking reunion

Admin Apprentices RECRUITING now for RAF Administrative Apprentice Association. Did you train as an Apprentice Supplier or Clerk at RAF Ruislip, St Athan, Bircham Newton, Halton or Hereford? Please contact: www.rafadappassn. org for details of YOUR association.

5131 Sqn event APRIL 1, 2020 will see the formal disbandment of 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron, the last remaining bomb disposal unit in the RAF. To mark the event, the squadron will be taking part in a final parade followed by an evening of celebration at RAF Wittering. Anyone who has served on the squadron or undertaken EOD duties is invited to express an interest in attending. Final date to be confirmed but will be held in April, 2020.

For further details please email: 5131bd75@gmail. com including name, rank held, and phone number

TRIBUTE: A

monument to RAF Locking was unveiled in 2018

THE RAF Locking 119/219/404 Apprentice Entries 50th Anniversary Reunion will be held on October 23 and 24, 2020.

An informal evening on October 23, 2020 will allow exapprentices to gather before the formal dinner on October 24. The formal event will take place in the ballroom of the Weston-super-Mare Winter Gardens BS23 1AJ, for all RAF Locking 119/219/404 Entry Apprentices and wives/ partners.

For further details please contact Barry Cox at: barrycox124@hotmail.com.

Free social media course TICKETS ARE available for Social Media Spouses Live, the UK’s first free networking event for military spouses and partners looking to further their knowledge and skills in social media. The event will take place on November 29 from 10am to 2pm at The Lights in Andover.

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, it is the first dedicated free online course to offer military wives and partners detailed training on how to use social media to obtain the skills they need to find flexible and interesting work that fits around military and family life, to grow their business or to find a career in social media.

Go to: smspouseslive.eventbrite.com to book tickets.

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 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

Get up close to aircraft THERE'S STILL time for visitors to the RAF Museum, Cosford to go behind the scenes to see aircraft conservation projects with the chance to speak to the teams who carry out the vital work.

Up to November 16 visitors can get up close to the current conservation projects undertaken by the museum’s team of technicians, apprentices and volunteers at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre during the annual Conservation Centre Open Week.

Highlights will include the newly-restored World War II Westland Lysander III (S.D.) fuselage, and the Handley Page Hampden fuselage, now nearing completion.

The Open Week this month will be the last opportunity for aviation fans to view both aircraft at Cosford before they move to the RAF Museum in London

for public display in the New Year.

It is also a chance to see the Messerschmitt Me 410 (above) in a stripped back condition with engines and internal structure fully visible for the first time.

Darren Priday, the museum's Conservation Centre Manager, said: “New this year will be the chance for our visitors to see the

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020 7928 4814 www.ujclub.co.uk

Dedicated to Outstanding Service for Enlisted Members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces

Me 410 in more detail than would normally be possible when the aircraft is on public display.”

The Conservation Centre will open between 10.15am and 1pm each day and admission is £6 per person (children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult).

Go to: rafmuseum.org.uk for more information.

Carol concert for Fund THE RAF Benevolent Fund will hold its annual Carol Concert on December 5 at the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, St Clement Danes in London (pictured above).

For the first time the service will take place during

the week, to enable more people to attend.

At this year’s special centenary concert there will be readings by RAF personnel, RAF Benevolent Fund ambassadors and celebrity supporters.

Members of RAF Music

Services will provide musical accompaniment to the festive evening and this will be followed by seasonal refreshments.

Doors open at 6pm, with the service beginning at 6.30pm. Tickets are available at: rafbf.org and cost £25.

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 R'n'R 8

R'n'R Prize Crossword No. 261

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 13 letters in yellow squares to find an aircraft.

7. Plant 100 for Romeo (6) 8. Mission that is finally kind (6) 10. Morning hideaway they eventually pardon (7) 11. Girl involved in Havana omission (5) 12. Sounds like a sinister lake (4) 13. No taxi returns for food (5) 17. Take legal action against newspaperman returning skinny material (5) 18. Endlessly obstruct group of countries…(4) 22. …and bar first colossal he-man (5) 23. Gather together 18 holes: doing well (5,2) 24. Frenchman may agree it’s not much (6) 25. It’s used to thrust a type of music that is raucous to start with (6) Down

Name ...................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................

Aircraft: ........................................................................... Crossword No. 261

No. 271 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.

Across

1. Heartless man grabs Irish county’s F1 team (7) 2. And 4 Down. Spitfire ace, not quite as repetitive as 20 Down (7,7) 3. Be a saint or a monster (5) 4 See 2 Down 5. Steals back piece of furniture (5) 6. 15 Down has him bottled up (5) 9. Outside Lombardy chicken colonel uses veteran planes (9) 14. Refuse queen first spot on German plane (7) 15. A boy makes noise at pantomime (7) 16. Ghostly 3D imaging technology for Typhoon? (7) 19. I leave prawns for monkey (5) 20. And 21 Down. Was this group’s music repetitive? (5,5) 21. See 20 Down

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 November 29, 2019.

Name ...................................................................... .................................................................................

Address ..................................................................

The winner of Crossword No. 259 is Mr K Pentecost of County Durham, who wins a copy of Battle of Midway by John Grehan (frontline-books.com).

Solution to Crossword No. 259: Across – 1. Pass 8. Half A Dozen 9. Blenheim 10. Elba 12. Rabbit 14. Rodent 15. Dakota 17. Runway 18. Seal 19. Recently 21. Hypersonic 22. Keen Down – 2. Amalgamate 3. Shun 4. Albert 5. Hammer 6. Poseidon 7. Anna 11. Ben Wallace 13. Brollies 16. Across 17. Racing 18.Soho 20. Nick RAF station – Wittering

Film Review

Competition

Falls flat

The King Out now

.................................................................................

Solutions should ....................................................Su Doku No. 271 be sent in a sealed envelope marked 'Su Doku' with the Solution to Su Doku No: 270 number in the top left-hand corner to RAF News, to arrive

by November 29, 2019.

Su Doku No. 270 winner Mr GTT Bean from Gloucester wins a copy of Early French Aviation by Graham M. Simons (penand-sword.co.uk).

Motown The Musical New Theatre Oxford

Win!

The King plain ordinary Motown memories

S

HAKESPEARE’S HENRIAD plays become a modernised historical epic but pared down to a few characters and fewer battles.

The King appears more as a morality play about the compromise that comes with power and the inevitability of war.

Timothée Chalamet is Prince Hal, the wayward son of King Henry, a drunken Lothario – albeit with perfect curls. His reluctance to fight his father’s war loses him favour and the crown. But when his father (Ben Mendelsohn) is unable to keep peace within the country it seems rebellious young Hal might just be what England needs, as a series of events lead him to become King Henry V. A self-proclaimed pacifist, the new King resists trivial provocations from France but with counsel in his ear speaking of politics and ‘the mood of the people’, he finds himself drawn in. Co-written and directed by David Michôd, you might expect harsh and unflinching violence, what with his debut Animal Factory.

The King bides its time however, and for the most part consists of Henry trying to avoid battle, deliberating with his advisor (Sean Harris) and the Archbishop (Andrew Havill). When violence eventually creeps into the film, and war is waged against France, it appears at various stages to mark the compromise of Henry’s stance, its graphic depiction marking each lost foothold with gruesome impact.

This aspect of the film appears original, but serves only to highlight the larger parts of the film which are all too familiar and dramatically played

M

PACIFIST: The young king (Timothée Chalamet)

Allstar/Netflix

out. The Battle of Agincourt interestingly begins messy and unclear, suffocating under the weight of clattering armour down in the mud, until King Henry’s right-hand man Sir John Falstaff stands and takes off his helmet so we can follow along.

Joel Edgerton, who shares a writing credit, is Falstaff: bulky and burly with a Yorkshire affectation – one that stands up against Chalamet’s impressive but sometimes waning English and Robert Pattinson’s double-barrelled French accent, as the almost moustache-twirling Dauphin.

It is entertaining at times, original in moments, but for the most part The King is just flat with some interesting performances thrown on top.

By Sam Cooney 3 out of 5

OTOWN THE MUSICAL is winning a pair of tickets to the gala roaring into the New Theatre night performance on Wednesday, Oxford this Christmas – and fans December 18, as well as a chance to are being encouraged to share their meet the show’s biggest names and Motown memories. talent.

The show tells the story of Berry To be in with a chance of Gordy’s world-famous Motown winning this great prize, simply record label, which gave rise to send your experiences and photos huge stars such as The Jackson to Stephanie Tye, communications 5, Diana Ross and the Supremes, manager at the New Theatre Stevie Wonder and Oxford, by one of the Marvin Gaye. The following methods: production is at the email: stephanietye@ city’s George Street theambassadors.com, venue from December call: 01865 320775 17 – January 4. or write to Stephanie Martha Reeves Tye, c/o New Theatre and The Vandellas, Oxford, George Street, Smokey Robinson and Oxford, OX1 2AG. a 15-year-old Stevie Or you can share Wonder all took to UK SHOW: 'The Supremes' your memories via stages in March 1965, the theatre’s social and were soon household names. media channels on Facebook Together with Motown The (oxfordnewtheatre), Twitter (@ Musical, the New Theatre Oxford is newtheatreox) or Instagram appealing for anyone who attended (newtheatreoxford). those ground-breaking gigs or other All entries must be received early Motown concerts in Oxford by 5pm on Friday, November 29, and the surrounding areas to share 2019. Entries must include a name, their photos and experiences. address and phone number and Anyone who shares their winners will be notified no later memories will be in with a chance of than December 6, 2019.

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P20

Feature

Next generation networks Royal Air Force BAME advocate Gp Capt Shaun Harris says diversity is at the heart of the Next Generation RAF’s strategy

“O

CTOBER WAS another busy month for the RAF’s BAME Network and Specialist Engagement Teams who, with their LGBT and Gender counterparts, often behind the scenes, are at the forefront of delivering the Next Generation RAF (ASTRA).

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston’s words at the MoD Race Network’s Black History event highlighted his commitment to a vital enabler for future success; and it isn’t technology.

Speaking about the Service’s journey, he said, ‘throughout the RAF’s history it is natural talent and potential that has mattered much, much more than where somebody came from or what they looked like.’

A refreshed, but not changed, edition of the RAF Strategy will soon be published under the new CAS’s signature, which links the delivery of Next Gen RAF Capability to our ability to think differently and harness the full potential of imaginative and innovative people.

The same document offers another lesson from history: more diverse organisations make better decisions and are more innovative.

Put simply, people from different backgrounds and with different experiences think differently and, in a team, are better at solving complex problems.

CAS’s fellow presenter, renowned diversity and inclusion coach Linbert Spencer, agreed that the most successful organisations need diverse thinking, but warned that unlocking it relies on people feeling included.

RAF attention in this area is clear, with over a third of the total attendees at the MoD event coming from Groups, Career Management, Recruiting, and Air Civil Service HR. Although there is more to be done to deliver the RAF senior leadership’s vision, the RAF’s Specialist Engagement Teams and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Networks, are starting to make a difference.

Engagement Specialist Engagement Teams (SET) across the UK have been forming and nurturing links with communities that sometimes have little knowledge or experience of the RAF, especially with fewer veterans and bases.

Like any relationship, it takes

time to dispel myths and build trust, but the Teams are passionate about their work and they are gradually growing their networks. Sgt Al Cameron, from the Scotland and Northern Ireland SET, finds his job ‘hugely rewarding and challenging in equal measure’.

“The reaction I get from sharing the opportunities available and aspects of my own 34-year career with young adults from similar backgrounds is often humbling.

The RAF’s commitment to social mobility, equality, diversity and inclusion is a powerful message to deliver – and a crucial element of how we are perceived.”

RAF BAME intake has increased from 2.8 per cent to 6.2 per cent over the last few years, due in no small part to the work of the SETs, who are often supported by BAME Network volunteers at events across the UK.

Ambassadors Sqn Ldr Amir Khan, OC Northern SETs, said: “The SETs have had the opportunity to engage with many influential community leaders and parents, and we find their perception of the Royal Air Force differs from our narrative, but once we have had the opportunity to ‘myth bust’ there is a healthy interest in branches and trades within the Medical and Engineering arena.”

With the continued support of Ambassadors and the Specialist Recruiting Teams at HQ R&S there is a palatable growing interest in the Royal Air Force as a ‘viable, professional’ career.

Additionally, personal experiences and lifelong learning which are an organisational norm within the RAF are always a benefit.

There is a lot more to do, but the genuine commitment from the highest levels to welcome and nurture talent wherever we find it definitely helps.

SETs and BAME Network volunteers also increase awareness of their Service, as does the quality of RAF personnel at events such as Asian Achievers, Muslim Excellence and the Black Excellence Awards.

Sgt Shevonne Bramley, a SET member, RAF Engineer and recent nominee for a national excellence award, said: “I’ve come a long way from the council flat I grew up in and I have gained many qualifications during my Service, including a degree.

“Now I enjoy sharing my experiences with those considering

employment in the RAF. As a female, qualified bomb disposal operator, whose parents were from the Windrush Generation, I can speak with authority about the opportunities that the RAF offered me and how they are even better for people from similar backgrounds joining today.”

If SETs are more outward facing and focused on recruiting talent from the most diverse backgrounds, the RAF BAME Network concentrates on supporting those already in the Service and their managers and promotes greater understanding and inclusion.

When asked about the role of the Network, its chair Flt Lt Kyle Roachford, said: “Anyone who has an issue normally wants to get advice from someone who understands them because of their similar background and experience.

“If the question is specific to your race, gender or sexual orientation, for example, and you are from a minority group, you might struggle to find anyone who understands your challenges, which is one role of Network members – to be that initial ‘sounding board’. I was recently asked whether we needed a White Man’s Network, which is an interesting question that misses the point a bit.

“If there are a lot of other people in the organisation who have similar backgrounds and experience, it is easier to find someone to talk to – the network already exists. The BAME Network is not about being exclusive, it is born of a need today, until the Service has greater BAME representation at all levels.

FORUM: Forces personnel at the Black History Month launch at Air Command

diverse.”

Shortly after arriving in post, the new Chief of the Air Staff ’s Warrant Officer commented: “When I sat down and researched and wrote a personal D&I statement it really made me think about whether we understand enough to make the most of all the talent within our Service. I decided to go out and get myself a Reverse Mentor.”

Network Members at RAF Benson have also launched a BAME Insights initiative, to increase understanding of different cultures and perspectives across a broader audience.

One of the architects of the initiative, Flt Lt Sabrina Sheikh, said: “Learning from the success of our LGBT colleagues, we hope to start adding BAME allies to our Network, creating more people who BAME personnel immediately feel confident to approach if they have a problem.”

At one of the final events of Black History Month, the Powerlist Black Excellence Awards on October 25, 2019, the Air Member for Personnel,

Air Marshal Andy Turner, presented an award to Baron Woolley of Woodford for inspirational work promoting opportunity and inclusion over 23 years.

Excellence In his speech, Air Marshal Turner spoke of his pride at some of the RAF’s Black Excellence team, from a cross-section of ranks, trades and branches distributed across the tables at the venue, eloquently sharing thoughts about their Service with some of the highest achievers in the UK. Afterwards he said: “I think when you reflect back, we have come a very long way in the last few years. Inclusion is a big part of how we think and who we are and diversity in recruiting is up by 200 per cent in the last year alone.

But we have to do better and we will be restless until we represent the society we defend. After all, representative diversity is the DNA of our Next Generation RAF, it will run through everything we do.”

”

Culture “We also give advice to managers about how to approach an issue that seems to be race, culture or religion related. To give a, fortunately very rare, example, if an individual is claiming they can’t do something for cultural reasons the Network can get advice for their manager about whether that is correct.”

To promote greater understanding of how people from BAME backgrounds may perceive things differently, the Network also provides Reverse Mentors to senior leaders who want them. Flt Lt Will Wambiru, one such Reverse Mentor, said: “I am pleased that some of our most senior leaders genuinely want to understand different experiences I have had compared to theirs, and that they are interested in my opinion about how to make our Next Generation Service even more inclusive and

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P21

Business News

Air Force entrepreneurs are turning to recycling to break into the business world.

Tracey Allen reports

Typhoon tycoon takes off RAF TYPHOON engineer Sqn Ldr John Mercer set up his company Icarus Originals turning metal from iconic UK aircraft into bespoke cufflinks.

In a year he and his Royal Navy veteran business partner Alan Lock have expanded the product range from just one to 18 and now do business all over the world.

It started out as a one-off project, John explained: “I worked on the Tornado during its final days and sales of the cufflinks [called ‘Pink Link’ as they were made from a Tornado GR4 named ‘Pinky’ because of her desert camouflage] helped raise money for military charities.

“They weren’t launched as a commercial product but were very popular and we had enough material left to sell cufflinks at a more commercial price to build the brand up.

“We were then asked to make something for the long-suffering spouses of the disbanding Tornado crew.”

The result was the company’s Tornado pendant that, again, was so well received John and Alan were asked to produce more.

John (far right) added: “All our products are made in Britain – that’s really important to us.

We try to do everything to a really high standard.

“We use craftspeople based at Birmingham’s famous jewellery quarter and the products’ storage bags, made from genuine flying suit material, sewn by a seamstress in are Shrewsbury. We try to put money back into British business.

“A lot of the other stuff, like design work and physical packaging, I spend my evenings doing

in my spare room. I have learnt so much in terms of design that I can use in my RAF job.

“The RAF paid for me to do a Masters in Business so that I could get more skills and I studied for that outside working hours.”

The limited edition Pink Link cufflinks sell worldwide and Icarus Originals has recently produced F-35 cufflinks made from aluminium from an operational Lockheed stealth jet.

The company’s aviation range also features Vulcan XH558, Tornado F3 and F4 Phantom cufflinks.

John said: “In a year we’ve raised around £3,500 from sales for the Panavia Tornado Preservation Trust, Blind Veterans UK [Alan is registered blind] and the Vulcan To The Sky Trust.”

The business has been licensed by the Red Arrows to produce cufflinks made from a Hawk T1. The product range is also expanding to include cufflinks made from metal from Concorde, the Jaguar jet, the E-Type Jaguar classic car and even the Japanese bullet train.

John and Alan were delighted to be named finalists in the Gift of the Year 2019 with the Pink Link cufflinks.

John said: “Running a business is hard work – you don’t realise how much until you look back and see what we’ve achieved in a year.” ● Go to: icarusoriginals.com

Heidi bags a winner AFTER A 16-year career in the Air Force, Heidi Burton took redundancy from her post teaching at the Defence School of Photography and became self-employed in 2012.

Now she divides her time between the photography studio and her workshop where she makes unique bags, wallets and medal pouches from military uniforms.

She said: “The plan when I left was to concentrate on photography as a business – making the bags was a hobby, I never intended to do anything with it commercially.

“I didn’t really start sewing until 2010 when I got married and moved from the Mess to a house where I finally had room for a sewing machine.”

Heidi (left and at work, far right) has kept that first machine she bought on eBay for £20 – a 1960s duck egg blue, cast iron Brother model – at her workshop in Weston-super-Mare.

She made a bag ‘just for fun’ then friends

started to commission her – now she splits her time between making bags, cushions and other items and photography.

She said: “One of my first uniform bags was for my friend Amanda who was in the Navy.”

Delighted pal Amanda said: “When Heidi asked me for my uniform to make a handbag I thought she was crazy.

“The bag is a talking point every time I use it and not only with ladies. My male military friends wanted one for their wives out of their own uniforms. I have a selection of Jimmy Choo and other designer handbags

but my upcycled uniform bag outshines them all.”

Each one of Heidi’s products is unique, incorporating the customer’s rank badges, medal ribbons, and uniform buttons with linings made from material featuring aircraft-related designs. Prices range from £20 for a medal pouch to £145 for a handbag – all made to order.

She said: “It’s really important to me that my work has that personal touch.”

Before setting up on her own, she had little experience of the commercial world. She said: “The resettlement courses I did before leaving the RAF helped with knowing what’s involved in running a business. It’s a lot more challenging than you think, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“I work so many more hours now than I did when I was serving. I’ve made things for people in all three Services, and for the police and for customers in Canada and the US.” She added: “Rather than putting your old uniform in the loft or the back of the wardrobe, this way it still means something to the client.

“I never expected the bags business to take off like it has, I’m still quite shocked.” ● Go to: handbagsandhome.co.uk

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P22

Feature

the crate escape

Show some bottle and win a round on us

T

HE BRITISH military thrives on tradition – but there is one Air Force custom RAF News is happy to call time on.

Getting ‘crated’ by your pals for appearing in the Forces’ favourite newspaper could cost you more than a few quid these days.

So we’ve teamed up with the UK’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame to offer readers the chance to win a crate of Spitfire Ale by featuring in the paper.

Show some bottle and send us a pic of yourself or your colleagues reading RAF News and we’ll pay your debt to society by buying YOU a round of beers.

BUDE AWAKENING: Plt Off Johnathan Richardson fom Derbyshire was snapped relaxing with the Forces’ favourite paper and an alfresco pint in Bude, Cornwall. “I love the RAF News – I never miss it...” he said.

● To be in with a chance of winning a crate of Spitfire Amber Ale send your pictures to: editor@rafnews.co.uk along with your postal address and phone number.

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Make sure of your copy of RAF News by taking out an Annual Subscription. Just fill in the form below and you will receive the best coverage of the RAF every fortnight.

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Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P23

Obituaries

WWII radar operator who became the face of BOAC A

FTER ATTENDING the funeral of her 19year old brother who had been killed flying a Blenheim at RAF Digby on July 1, 1940, 17-year old Faith Sisman lied about her age and applied to join her mother and sister in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

In September, at the height of the Battle of Britain, she enlisted and after six weeks of ab initio training at Harrogate she left for RAF Yatesbury to train as a radar operator where she was the youngest of 60 young women on the camp amongst almost 2000 men. After qualifying she served on the fighter base at Hornchurch in Essex.

In March 1941 she began a series of appointments at various Signals Wings in Britain and was soon promoted to Corporal before spending seven months training radar operators.

In January 1944 Faith went to the WAAF Officer Cadet Training Unit at Windermere, graduating as a section officer.

For almost two years she served as a signals officer at HQ No. 10 (Fighter) Group at Rudloe Manor near Bath, in the underground control centre, which was responsible for controlling fighters in the southwest of England.

In 1946 she moved to Bletchley Park and later in the year was sent to Germany to discuss resettlement arrangements for the WAAFs serving overseas. She was released from the WAAF in November 1946.

In her later life she acknowledged that women played a major role during the war particularly in the radar field where the skill of the WAAFs allowed more men to take up overseas postings.

Faith described her wartime service as: “A marvellous experience. I learnt about life from a schoolgirl to a young woman.

Discipline, responsibility, very interesting work and meeting so many people and there was always the social life.”

Faith was offered a job by IATA on the technical side because of her wartime experiences.

However, her determination to travel led her to join BOAC as an air hostess in 1948 on a salary of six pounds a week.

Very attractive and glamorous in her uniform, she became the airline’s most photographed, interviewed and experienced air hostess.

The immediate post-war years were a time of luxury air travel when the service resembled that of a first-class hotel.

Journeys across the North Atlantic took 17 hours and the flight from London to Sydney took 72 hours (with stops) for the

GLAMOROUS: Faith Sisman in uniform

passengers, while the crews did it in stages spread over 18 days.

As new aircraft were introduced celebrities and royalty were regular passengers and Faith was the senior stewardess on many such flights.

She was on duty when Prime Minister Anthony Eden went to Jamaica at the height of the Suez crisis in 1956, and The Queen was

a regular traveller.

By 1956, Faith had made 150 Atlantic crossings. In a radio broadcast soon after this flight she described the role of the air hostess: “She must be a Jill of all trades.

“She must learn to serve a sevencourse meal to 60 people from a galley four foot by six; open a magnum of champagne with a

deft flick of the wrist; make beds, wash up, tend to babies’ needs and help mothers amuse their restless children.”

In a newspaper article Faith recalled that trainee air hostesses had to become experts on ‘air sea rescue, first aid, crash landing drill, as well as what fish are safe to eat, what jungle plants are useful and

how to keep people alive if they became stranded in the desert or the Arctic’.

Her career as a hostess ended in 1959 after her marriage to Jorgen Jenk, a decorated Danish war hero.

He died in 1988 and in 2000 she married Ian Jeffrey, a former Coastal Command and BOAC pilot. She died in October, aged 96.

LAND AND AIRLAND DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXHIBITION

08-12 JUNE 2020 / PARIS THE UNMISSABLE

WORLDWIDE EXHIBITION 1,802

exhibitors

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65 startups at Eurosatory LAB

98,721

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227

Official delegations from 94 countries and 4 organisations (representing 760 delegates)

696

journalists

from 44 countries

75 Conferences 2,102 Business meetings made 2018 key figures

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P25

Graduations

Watch this Space First joint graduation of air management recruits

THE FIRST ever joint graduation has taken place at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations.

A total of 33 Royal Air Force & Royal Navy personnel graduated in the historic ceremony at RAF Shawbury, following the move of the School of Aerospace Battle Management from RAF Boulmer in the summer.

The quadruple parade comprised personnel from No 433 Joint Air Traffic Control Course, No 1 Aerodrome & Precision Approach Course, No 2 Flight Operations Specialist Course and No 19-2 Aerospace Systems Specialist Course.

Head of Defence Airspace and Air Traffic Management Gp Capt Rob Dargan was the Reviewing Officer. He presented certificates and trophies to the graduates of all courses. l The Bairstow Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No. 2 Flight Operations Specialist Course with the best overall performance, was presented to LAC Rose Mackay. l The Salesian Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No. 2 Flight Operations Specialist Course who, through their own efforts and determination has shown the greatest improvement during the course, was presented to LAC Zac Woods.

l The Jackson Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No 19-2 Aerospace Systems Specialist Course with the best overall performance, was presented to LAC Ben Malley. l The Darren Hucknall Memorial Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No 19-2 Aerospace Systems Specialist Course who through their own efforts and determination has shown the greatest improvement during the course, was presented to LAC Thomas Friend. l The Alenia Marconi Systems Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No 433 Joint Air Traffic Control Course with the best academic performance throughout the course, was presented to SLt Conor Green RN. l The Bunting Trophy, awarded to the trainee on No 433 Joint Air Traffic Control Course who produced the best practical performance in the assessed phases of the course, was presented to SLt Conor Green RN. One of the trophy winners, LAC Woods, said: “I enjoyed my time on the course. Some parts were easier than others and I particularly liked the simulator elements. The trainers treat you like an adult and want everyone to pass the course whilst ensuring we have the best time and experience during our training.

“I am really looking forward to

LAC MACKAY: Bairstow Trophy

LAC WOODS: Salesian Trophy

LAC MALLEY: The Jackson Trophy

LAC FRIEND: Darren Hucknell Memorial Trophy

NO 19-2 ASSC: (Front) LAC Irwin, LAC Lake, Lac Malley, Cpl Sullivan, Gp Capt Dargan, LAC Friend, LAC Houlden, LAC Sommerville. (Rear) LAC Bradshaw, LAC Lonsdale, LAC Baldock, LAC Irwin, LAC Davies, LAC Williams and LAC Woodelki

my posting to RAF Lossiemouth, where I will learn new skills and pastimes, meet new people and get to actually do my job working in Air Traffic Control.”

Gp Capt Chris Mullen, Commandant of the Defence College of Air and Space Operations, said: “Congratulations to all the trainees who have graduated today.

This first joint graduation marks

the culmination of the hard work and planning to merge the School of Air Operations Control and the School of Aerospace Battle Management. RAF Shawbury is truly the new home of the Air Operations Branch and Trade Group 7 Phase 2 training, and the start of a new era. Congratulations to all the graduates and good luck in your future careers.”

Reviewing Officer Gp Capt Dargan added: “This graduation recognises and celebrates the success of the merger of the School of Air Operations Control and the School of Aerospace Battle Management. I was delighted to present certificates and trophies to so many talented people at the ceremony today.

“This is a very special occasion for these outstanding individuals, who have performed superbly throughout their training. I am in no doubt that they will apply themselves with the same dedication and enthusiasm as they join their new units.”

Ready for frontline chopper action AIRCREW from the three Services are ready to join the frontline after graduating from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury.

A parade celebrated the graduation of 13 pilots, one aircrewman and six Weapon System Operators.

Since April 1 last year the rotary wing training element of the UK Military has been delivered using a modern fleet of 29 Juno (H135) and 3 Jupiter (H145) helicopters fitted with glass cockpit technology and an advanced touchscreen avionics suite. Trainees also learn via stateof-the-art synthetic systems, before getting airborne.

Reviewing Officer Air Cdre Jamie Hunter, Director Flying Training, presented the graduates with their brevets. He said: “Congratulations to all the graduates. This is a very special occasion for these talented individuals who have performed superbly throughout their training.

“I am in no doubt that they will apply themselves with the same dedication and enthusiasm as they join their Operational Conversion Units and then on towards the frontline.

SGT MORTIMER: Sgt John McLuckie Trophy

FLT LT HOWARD-WILLIAMS: Two awards

“The changes in the delivery of flying training at RAF Shawbury have been transformational; the helicopters are cutting-edge and provide exceptional performance and reliability, matched with an excellent standard of instruction to create a system as fine as you will see anywhere in the world.”

As well as the coveted aircrew brevets, a total of six awards were presented: l The Bob Bowles Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Army pilot who achieved the best overall performance and was presented to Capt Helliwell. l The Peter Adams Trophy is

awarded to the Army pilot who achieved the best performance during the tactical phase and was presented to Capt Lewis. l The Captain Albert Ball VC Trophy is awarded to the pilot who achieved the best overall performance. The Scarf Trophy is awarded to the student pilot who achieved the highest marks within the tactical phase; both trophies were presented to Flt Lt HowardWilliams. l The Sgt John McLuckie Trophy is awarded to the student crewman who achieved the best overall performance and was presented to Sgt Mortimer.

BREVET BRAVOS: The rotary wing graduates at the Defence Helicopter Flying School

l The Creighton Trophy is awarded to the student crewman achieving the highest marks within the tactical phase and was presented to Sgt Feeney.

Group Captain Chris Mullen, the Station Commander and Commandant of the Defence Helicopter Flying School, said: “I would like to congratulate all the graduates and award winners today as they move on to the next

stage of their career with their respective Services; flying the Apache, Wildcat, Chinook, Merlin, Puma and Griffin helicopters.

Congratulations and good luck in their future frontline military careers as aviators.

“This success is due to the collaborative partnership with our flying training provider Ascent Flight Training and our industry partner Airbus Helicopters UK.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P27

Subaru e-Boxer

Motoring

Boxer goes another round Wizard electronics revamp veteran off roader TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent TWENTY YEARS ago the car market was all about speed and grip as cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru Impreza WRX battled it out.

Now it’s more about saving the planet and seeing who can develop the most polar bear-friendly vehicle. That is where Subaru’s first European Hybrid comes in.

The cosmopolitan city of Riga in Latvia was the venue for our chance to get a first drive in what the manufacturer is branding the e-Boxer.

It’s a real eye opener for many reasons, not least of all its clever electronics.

When we upgrade our mobile telephones we expect all the latest features like facial recognition and a raft of personalisation options but our expectations tend to be somewhat less when we purchase a new car.

In Subaru’s case you won’t be disappointed however because you do get facial recognition.

Once registered, a user can simply get in and the car will set everything up without even having to press a button.

For me that unusual detail was the first clue that Subaru has really put heart and soul into developing the e-Boxer.

We had two models on test, the XV and the Forester, an old favourite of mine.

The new Fifth Generation Forester is longer and wider than the outgoing car with more space in

48lb ft of torque. It may not sound impressive but the extra pep from the motor is noticeable.

Tackling difficult terrain is surprisingly easy and because e-Boxers retain Subaru’s traditional drive system, it won’t let you down by switching to two-wheel drive when the battery runs out.

Thanks to the improved power output and extra torque from the electric motor it’s also easy to deploy the exact amount of grunt needed to crawl through tough terrain or climb slippery slopes. the cabin and a bigger boot.

This is now 1,779 litres with the seats down and it features a faster automatic tailgate.

The new Forester looks good too, with a revised front-end design and new signature rear lights.

Inside it feels far more expensive than the previous car and features softer materials on surfaces that were once bland plastic. It’s not quite up to Audi levels but against cars like the Mitsubishi Outlander it’s a winner.

The Boxer’s most important revision is its new drivetrain. The new system is essentially a ‘mild hybrid’ that adds electric assistance as drive leaves the CVT gearbox.

It’s capable of powering the car in emissions-free running for

On The Road

extremely short periods but really it’s intended to assist the traditional all wheel drive system rather than replace it.

It features a fairly small electric motor which produces 16bhp and

Both the Forester and the XV offer good control through tight bends.

The platform that they’re based on provides plenty of grip and offers responsive steering for such high vehicles.

The CVT gearbox has long been Subaru’s Achilles Heel. That’s because when you want anything near full-power the familiar overrevving from the 2.0-litre flat four kicks in and ruins the party.

Using it around town presents very few problems but the issue was particularly noticeable on the track.

In the e-Boxer’s defence the addition of the electric motor did reduce the negatives of the CVT to a significant degree however and it now feels more punchy off the mark

than the standard petrol car.

This is just as well because the CVT box is unlikely to go away anytime soon.

The reason for this is simple, it forms an essential component of Subaru’s clever ‘Eyesight’ safety system which reads the road and brakes for you if it senses an impending collision.

The system also reads the face of the driver and attracts your attention if it thinks you’re not paying attention.

Economy

Both cars are still solid all-wheel drive vehicles so savings are likely to be reasonably modest. Subaru tells us that the e-Boxer is around 11 per cent over the standard car on a run.

For now the e-Boxer will only be available in Forester and XV models, but development of the Impreza is planned in the near future. We were teased with hints that a full EV is also in the pipeline, but as yet there are no details.

Subaru e-Boxer Price:

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Engine:

2.0 litre 4cyl petrol hybrid

Power/torque: 148bhp Transmission: CVT auto, four wheel drive 0-62mph:

11 secs

Top speed:

120 mph

Economy/CO2: 36 mpg/149g/km

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Sport

6 pages of RAF Sport start here l Badminton stars smash it: p33

EYE OF THE STORM Odiham ring night has golden finish

SPORTING ACHIEVERS: Main, all the nominees for this year’s RAF Sports Awards PHOTOS: KATE RUTHERFORD, LUKA WAYCOTT

Team America – oh yeah Tug of War stars shine bright in Oregon Worlds event BIG REPUTATIONS weren’t enough to halt the RAF Tug of War charge Stateside recently as the association produced some incredible results at the World Championships in Oregon.

The female team members secured one gold and three silver medals while the men put in impressive performances against Team Canada and the USA. Wg Cdr Nick Robson, HQ Air Command and Head and Chairman of RAF TOW, said: “To have taken the first RAF Tug of War team across to the USA was a significant achievement. To deliver the results against world-class opposition was highly impressive and builds for the 2020 outdoor season.”

Facing a field of teams from the American Mid-West, Canada and Ireland, the competition was going to be tough for a RAF team that varied in experience with a mixture of novices to experienced pullers.

Competing in more than six different weight categories, the RAF team were pushed to new gruelling limits against the host USA team and Canada.

Following on from a two-day training camp, the men and mixed teams delivered credible results against World championship competition, claiming three ends against both Canada and the USA in various weight classes.

Continued on page 34

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019

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Sport BOXING

Odiham night to remember Record crowd and eight out of nine wins lift assoc

PACKING A PUNCH: Clockwise, Cpl Nathan Hall in the ring, declared the winner, SAC Brad Axe is victorious, Axe in action, SAC Sam Cook delivers a devastating blow. Far right, SAC Arran Devine fights to win

Staff Reporter RAF ODIHAM IT WAS a night to remember at Odiham as the Service’s boxers recorded eight out of nine wins in front of a bumper crowd of 450 spectators.

The RAF contingent made up of seven Odiham boxers, supported by competitors from Lossiemouth, Halton and Brize Norton, took to the ring to face mixed opposition consisting of boxers from the Army, Portsmouth University and a number of local clubs. The action was non-stop from the first bell and made for an extremely competitive night of boxing.

“

The Odiham show has provided a platform to demonstrate our association’s ability to compete

RAF ODIHAM RESULTS 1. SAC Tom Hinkley (RAF Odiham) lost to Joel Herron (Portsmouth Uni) 2. SAC Sam Cook (RAF Odiham) beat Pte Willetts (1 Mercian Regt) 3. SAC Ethan Crozier (RAF Odiham) beat Rfn Dewhurst (2 Rifles) 4. SAC Tom Vaughn (RAF Brize Norton) beat Cpl Greig Stensland (RAF Halton) 5. SAC Jared Pugh (RAF Odiham) beat Will McHattie (Portsmouth Uni) 6. SAC Luke Selby-Grace (RAF Odiham) beat Cft Collins (Army BT) 7. SAC Aran Devine (RAF Lossiemouth) beat Jack Collins (Guildford) 8. Cpl Nathan Hall (RAF Odiham) beat Spr Spence (Army BT) 9. SAC Brad Axe (RAF Odiham beat Mickey Parsons (Broad Plain)

”

Sqn Ldr Parker, the Odiham head coach and head of RAF Boxing Development, said: “With eight wins out of nine, the RAF team displayed a significant amount of skill, endeavour and passion.

“That passion, skill and endeavour was shown none more so than from SAC Bradley Axe (Odiham), whose victory over a more experience National Elite boxer was awarded performance of the night.

“Across the board each and every boxer excelled themselves which is a testament to their own hard work and sacrifice in the weeks leading up to the show.

“The Odiham show has provided a platform to demonstrate our a s s o c i a t i o n’s ability to compete across all levels and

highlights how close we are in terms of development to our fulltime sister Services.” The next fixture up for the RAFBA sees Cpl Nathan Hall and SAC Tyler Hall (Honington) compete in the regional rounds of the National under 21 Championships in Bristol.

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Sport MOTORSPORT

Down the Brands blow for Vickers

Hatch...

FALL GUY: Ryan Vickers

WWW.DHOLLANDPHOTOGRAPHY

RYAN VICKERS’ promising debut BSB (British Superbike) season ended in disappointment as the RAF rider failed to finish any of the three races at Brands Hatch.

He eventually lined up 21st on

the grid for the opening 20-lap race, following practice and qualifying sessions at the Kent venue held in mixed conditions, with the final session seeing some dry weather.

Producing a solid start, the 20-year-old worked his

way up to 18th by lap seven, but an engine blow from BMW rider Joe Francis saw three riders crash, taking Vickers with them. The RAF rider’s Kawasaki ZX-10RR was badly damaged, with Vickers unable to restart it.

Having failed to finish the restarted 12-lap race, Vickers was then placed in the back row of the grid for the next day’s opening race.

With a lot of work ahead to get back into the chasing pack, the drama didn’t end there when his chain came off as he prepared for the warm-up circuit and then three laps into the race he crashed out on the exit of Graham Hill Bend.

“

I’m gutted the final round has gone the way it has

”

As a result, he had to start the final race of the weekend and season from the penultimate row of the grid, in 27th place, and although he immediately gained three places on the opening lap, he wasn’t able to progress any further.

Subsequently, rather than risk any further damage, he pulled in to retire at half race distance.

With three DNFs (did not finish)

over the course of the weekend, Vickers was unable to add to his points tally, but he still ended the season 16th overall on 68 points, producing eight top-10 finishes to highlight his potential for 2020.

He said: “I’m gutted the final round has gone the way it has and it’s the complete opposite of how I wanted the season to end.

“I’d had a good meeting at the previous round at Donington and wanted the three races here at Brands to go in a similar fashion, but things have conspired against me with the crash and then taking a heavy tumble.”

Team owner Lee Hardy said: “It’s hard to know what to say really other than, for one reason or another, it’s been a disastrous weekend.

“A crash in free practice on Friday pretty much set the tone for the rest of the weekend and with the conditions patchy during the first one and a half days, Ryan was never able to come back from it.”

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Sport

BADMINTON

ROWING

TWICE THE FUN: Action from the men’s doubles (also below)

It’s a net gain for High Wycombe A RECORD attendance set the scene for the inter-stations badminton tournament at Halton, with High Wycombe coming out on top, winning the women’s singles finals to secure glory.

Burnett Gymnasium was the venue as nine full teams were entered into a round robin format of singles, level and mixed doubles across two draws, with each team made up of four male and two female players. Stations unable to field a full team were entered into sub-draws of competition badminton, but were unable to compete for the overall trophy.

High Wycombe and Brize Norton ran out as group stage winners, earning their place in the final match for the championship.

Both teams put up an emphatic display resulting in the closest final seen at the tournament. The mixed and men’s doubles saw very closely-fought battles, and it came down to the ladies’ singles, which was won by High Wycombe, to take the match by one rubber, 8 – 7.

Meanwhile, the consolation battle saw Marham beat Coningsby to third place.

An association spokesman said: “The strength of numbers and professional manner in which the

COMPETITIVE: Ladies’ doubles

FITNESS: Rowers

Inter-Services double for men teams, in their station colours, presented themselves shows how the sport is growing in popularity and continues to sow its seed across the Air Force. It was a privilege for RAFBA to host the tournament and showcase the development of badminton within the Service. It looks like this year is going to be busy.” n Follow the association on Twitter @RoyalAirForceBA.

PHOTOS: SAC BEN MAYFIELD

IT WAS a decade-busting day of success for the Service’s oarsmen and women at Peterborough City Rowing Lake.

Rowers of all levels met to do battle at the annual Joint Services Regatta (JSR). The event sees boats racing side by side over a 1000m course and offers competition for novices all the way to elite InterService athletes.

Following on from a hugely successful summer, the Service was able to field crews in nearly every category and was quietly confident of ending the regatta season on a high. In total there were 19 trophies up for grabs, including the four allimportant Inter-Service events.

The RAF began its hunt for glory in the novice events, winning the

Oarsome display by rowers men’s coxed four, double and single, while the women won the novice coxed four.

The Open events were next with the Service fielding two men’s eights for a single race. Following some close races, especially in the men’s open coxed four, the RAF secured wins in the men’s open eight, coxed four and pair.

There were now only four highly-coveted Inter-Service events – two men’s and two women’s – left to fight for.

The women’s coxed four went down to the wire, resulting in a photo finish which went to the Army. The Army also picked up the

women’s double. The Quad raced first for the men, with a blistering start sealing victory for the Service.

The day finished with the men’s eights, the RAF and Army crews dropped the Navy from the start, but stayed neck and neck all the way to the finish, with the RAF eventually winning by a narrow margin.

The final win meant that for the first time in over 10 years the RAF had won both of the men’s InterService events, finishing the day with a total of nine wins. n Follow the RAF Rowing Club can also be followed on Twitter via @RAF_Rowing_Club.

Royal Air Force News Friday, November 15, 2019 P34

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Sport TUG OF WAR

Decade dent 10-year wait worth it for Tug stars

Continued from page 29: Categorised in the allfemale 520kg and 540kg; the RAF women proved their

worth when they joined their American counterparts, winning three silvers and a gold. The combination of Forces and Oregon pulling power brought

home the wins for the female Oregon, WI TOW Squad.

Cpl Lottie Lofthouse, 1 Air Mobility Wing, RAF Brize Norton, said: “The opportunity

TEAMWORK: Action from the World Championships in Oregon

to compete on the international stage against some of the toughest and strongest teams in the world has been an honour. I speak for myself and on behalf of the team

that it has been a privilege to wear the RAF crest on our shirts; what a proud moment for us all.”

Follow RAF Tug of War on Twitter @RAFTug.

COMPETITION

ANGLING

Win Duran DVD

Leeming national coaching classes push boundaries for all levels as club’s coach brings in the professionals

IT’S CLASSED as a ‘Triumph’ of a documentary covering the life of boxing icon Roberto Durán and RAF News has teamed up with Dazzler Media to offer one reader a copy of I Am Durán on DVD. The 85-minute, certificate 12 DVD covers the story of four-time World Champion Panamanian boxer, Durán, a titanic figure straddling five epic decades as a fighter and ranked as one of the most entertaining, controversial and finest of all time.

Durán transcended his sport to inspire his country to rise up against its CIA funded dictator, and achieve independence.

The DVD features compelling interviews with Durán himself plus Hollywood movie icons Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone and boxing legends Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Marvin Hagler and Ricky Hatton. It’s directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mat Hodgson, (The Four Year Plan).

You can order I Am Durán from Amazon: https://amzn. to/2mFPymw.

One lucky reader can win a copy

SERVICE CRICKET buffs got up close and personal with the English Cricket Board thanks to a two-day course at Leeming.

The ECB-run Foundation Cricket Coaching course was the first of its kind to be delivered to potential Service coaches. It was organised by Wg Cdr Andy Coe. He oversaw the repair of the station’s neglected cricket pitch and formed the RAF Leeming Community Cricket Club, in a bid to encouraging new players of all ages.

It followed a series of training workshops run by the station’s team, which trained the future coaches in planning techniques and structuring lessons. Cpl Aimee Jepson was in attendance to take back the skills learned to members of the Service’s women’s cricket team.

Coe said: “My long-term goal is creating and expanding an enduring facility for RAF Leeming and surrounding communities.

“Cricket gave me a focus when I was young, and I’ve seen how fantastic it can be for a community.

Win!

by answering this simple question correctly: Where was Roberto Durán born?

Email correct answers to: sports@rafnews.co.uk, mark emails Duran.

Or post entries to: Duran Competition RAF News, Rm: 68 Lancaster Building, High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 4XE. Deadline for entries November 15.

“I’ve had a huge amount of support from across the station in getting the club set up. Cricket is for everyone – from the

representative level to station and even school levels. I want this to be something that is still running years from now.”

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Sport Bad is good at Halton ● Sport P33

Knockout stuff ● Sport P30

Vickers’ poor end to season ● Sport P32

Shooting parlour

Cosford hosts smash hit Champs

HOOP DREAMS: Main, action from one of the clashes over the week-long RAF Championships, Cosford, below right, a player collects a rebound during the champs PHOTOS: CPL NICK EGAN, RAF COSFORD

STAFF REPORTER HQ Air Command IN A historically jam-packed Basketball championships at Cosford the Mirage walked away as overall winners, beating Growlers 49-58 to complete an amazing week of hoop action.

The championships involved 18 matches, 12 of which were played over a packed day of action, with coaching and observation classes for coaches.

A total of 66 players attended including 24 that had not previously been to a RAF basketball game, meaning the event had

attracted a broad spectrum of experience and ability.

The final was the Service big battle – FS Peter Clowes leading his Mirage team to the title after they eventually overcame the Growlers.

The match was close at half-time, but Mirage set a 10-point difference following the break and held it in the third and fourth quarters despite a courageous attempt to fight back from a combative Growlers team.

In the plate final Typhoon won with a late push towards the end of the match, with only one point in it at half-time, in a game that remained competitive to the end.

The fifth and sixth place play-off matches

saw the Eagles win 62-49 over the Falcons.

The teams were level at the break, and it was another close game.

The Eagles pulled away at the end of the fourth quarter to win it with a scoreline that did not describe the true battle.

Other awards were handed out after the final game.

Most Valuable Players (MVP) for Cup and Plate were: Cpl Marcus Shields and Cpl Joshua Brown respectively.

Best rebounder of the tournament: SAC(T) Wes Dzaro.

Defensive player of the tournament: Cpl Marcus Shields. Follow RAF Basketball on Twitter @RAFBasketball.

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