RAF News Edition 1530, 25 Feb 2022

The Forcesit' e favourer pap

Entertainment

Competition

The world's greatest stand-up?

Cursed family horror

See R'n'R pages 4-5

Win! Friday February 25 2022 No. 1530 70p

See R'n'R p3

––

Defence chiefs: UK Armed Forces in the new age of multi-domain warfare See p16-17

Football

End of era

Vet's Atlantic SOS ”

See page 27

Athletics

Brize prize

It was the most terrifying moment of my entire life”

See page 28

Alpine

IS triumph for women

See pages 30-31

THE CREW of a giant cargo transporter launched a dramatic rescue after disaster struck Cadet Ambassador Emma Wolstenholme's bid to row across the Atlantic.

The 39-year-old RAF veteran issued a distress call after electronic kit failure left her without navigation systems 400 miles off the West African coast.

See p3 for the full story

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P2

“

“

“

People are paying to see a miserable and frustrated middle-aged man”

From the start of the competition it was clear we had underestimated our potential”

Hertz has broken new ground in the world of search dogs and helped save countless lives”

IS-winning RAF Ladies Ski team captain Cpl Rachel Hughes See p30-31

Police dog handler, now WO, Jonathan Tanner See p9

Comedian Stewart Lee See RnR 4-5

CAS pledge to upgrade Service accommodation Staff Reporter

RAF News Room 68 Lancaster Building HQ Air Command High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4UE Editor: Simon Williams Email: editor@rafnews.co.uk Features Editor: Tracey Allen Email: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk News Editor: Simon Mander

CHIEF OF the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston has unveiled a £1billion 10-year programme to improve Service accommodation and basic amenities.

The move comes as UK defence chiefs vowed to cut bureaucracy across the military and fast track promotions for talented personnel as part of the recent £24 billion budget boost announced in the recent Integrated Review designed to combat the growing high-tech threats facing Nato allies.

Sir Mike said: “I can’t have a conversation about drones and space and future combat air systems if they haven’t had hot water that morning and have been freezing all night.

“For that reason we are addressing the underfunding of our infrastructure, which has been endemic for 10 years.”

IMPROVEMENTS: Chief of the Air Staff ACM Sir Mike Wigston with Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin at Air Command

This Week In History

Sports Editor: Daniel Abrahams Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk Tel: 07966 429755

1941

Greek deployment

BLENHEIMS, LYSANDERS and Hurricanes arrive in Greece to reinforce RAF units in the Mediterranean.

All advertising: Edwin Rodrigues Tel: 07482 571535 Email: edwin.rodrigues@ rafnews.co.uk Subscriptions and distribution: RAF News Subscriptions c/o Intermedia, Unit 6 The Enterprise Centre, Kelvin Lane, Crawley RH10 9PE Tel: 01293 312191 Email: rafnewssubs@ subscriptionhelpline.co.uk

See p16-17

1922

Piccadilly premier THE DUKE of York opens the RAF Club’s permanent address at 128 Piccadilly, formally the site of the Running Horse Inn in central London.

1991

Iraq PoWs released SEVEN TORNADO aircrew shot down and captured during Operation Granby are released from prison in Iraq.

Extracts from The Royal Air Force Day By Day by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork (The History Press)

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P3

News

Solo row bid ends in rescue Tracey Allen THE CREW of a cargo ship staged a dramatic night sea rescue after RAF veteran Emma Wolstenholme issued a distress call 400 miles off the West African coast when her bid to row across the Atlantic was hit by disaster.

The 39-year-old was forced to abandon her solo world record rowing attempt to cover the 3,000mile distance between Tenerife and Barbados when electrical problems left her without vital satellite navigation.

Kit failure also meant that the emergency battery on her Automatic Identification System (AIS) beacon – a safety device which pinpoints her location – was running dangerously low.

She said: “Everything was going well until my electrics failed. I had been reasoning all the different work-arounds for every bit of kit that had failed.

CALMER WATERS: At start of the row

RAF Cadets ambassador saved from ocean after sat nav fails in Atlantic

“

Without the Automatic ID System no ships could see me and I wouldn’t get an alarm to wake me if one was approaching while I slept

”

“I could have continued for a couple more days on battery power AMBASSADOR: Emma with Cadets chief but there was no point in delaying Air Cdre Tony Keeling the inevitable.

“Without AIS no ships could see waves and extreme conditions in her me and I wouldn’t get an alarm to 20ft boat, the Cadets Ambassador wake me if one was approaching admits that navigating towards the gigantic Petrel Arrow cargo ship while I slept.

“With waves crashing over that answered her distress call was the side drenching me every few one of the most daunting moments minutes it was too rough to sleep of her life.

She added: “Watching a 210m on the deck. ship, lit up like a Christmas tree, “The wind was between 25at night drifting towards my 30 knots and was predicted to tiny boat was one of the most increase and the swell was the terrifying moments of my life. size of a house.

“I heard a story of a boat “Trying to keep her 90 being dragged under on degrees to the waves was a previous rescue and almost impossible and couldn’t stop thinking took all my concentration of that. I managed to to hand-steer her into a release the parachute safe position. anchor with about “It was a heartbreaking 100m to go and then yet obvious decision. I made rowed with all my might sure there was definitely into wind towards the no other way around the ship. problems before I called for a m Em : DUTY “My boat was help.” an ist an in Afgh Despite braving huge drifting towards

RESCUERS: With her sea-faring saviours

the back and I really believed my nightmare was coming true. I managed to inch closer and the ship kept drifting towards me.

“They threw me a rope but my boat was going up and down in the swell, scraping on the side of the ship.

“I went for it and managed to grab hold of the rope ladder and took a moment to breathe, realising I was safe.”

The Indian crew of 20 on board the Bahamian-registered Petrel Arrow were en route to Vlissingen in the Netherlands with a 70,000 tonne cargo of paper.

After rescuing Emma they were able to winch her stricken 20ft boat on board. She said: “The captain said he could make one attempt but if it didn’t work, my boat would be gone.

“I was ecstatic. I followed the captain outside to watch the

GIGANTIC: Imposing Petrel Arrow that Emma had to row to in the dark

incredible teamwork of the crew of Petrel Arrow haul my boat up using ropes for control of position and a crane.”

The intrepid veteran launched her record bid to raise £80,000 for the RAF Air Cadets and smashed her target before setting sail.

She added: “I put my heart and soul into this adventure. I feel like I have let everyone down but I keep trying to remind myself it was the right decision and that the situation

was escalating quickly in a worse direction.

“Up until then it was going so well. I had dolphins join me for part of the journey. One night they were so close to my boat the red port-side light on my boat lit them up and they sparkled like something magical. I saw a whale too – it was huge.

“I experienced everything the ocean could throw at me and waves the size of houses. I had everything except for flat conditions.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P5

News In Brief

CAREER LIFT-OFF: Win a place on Cosford Museum aerospace course

Typhoon bolsters NATO’s defences in Eastern Europe

Young boffins tech challenge HIGH-FLYING STUDENTS with a passion for science and technology are being invited to compete for a place on a top residential aerospace course at RAF Cosford.

The RAF Museum and aerospace company Northrop Grumman are offering students the opportunity to spend five days at the Shropshire station on the Summer Time Advanced Aerospace Residency programme.

Applicants have to compete in a series of challenges exploring aerospace concepts for a chance to win a place on the course.

A spokesperson said: “The challenges will require investigation into real-life RAF operations, decrypting secure communications and designing their own aircraft.

“Our mission is to engage the next generation of young engineers and innovators by bringing classroom studies to life.”

To apply go to: rafmuseum.org/ STAAR

Simon Mander

FOUR EXTRA Typhoon jets have flown to Cyprus as Britain bolsters Nato’s defences in Eastern Europe amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

The Coningsby-based 3 (Fighter) Sqn jets arrived in Akrotiri to provide Air Policing cover over Romania and Bulgaria alongside Allies.

The latest deployment adds to the six aircraft already stationed in the Mediterranean and brings the RAF force to squadron-strength, capable of sorties in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea Region.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Alongside our Nato Allies, we are deploying troops and assets on land, sea and air to bolster European defences in response to the build-up of Russian military forces on the border of Ukraine.

“Nato and our allies have been clear that an invasion of Ukraine will be met with severe consequences.

“De-escalation and diplomacy

INCREASED SECURITY: Four more Typhoons arrive at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, to support Nato forces in Europe

remain the only path out of this situation.”

In recent weeks, the US Air Force has deployed American-based aircraft to Europe and forwardbased fighters from Western Europe eastwards. Giant B-52 Stratofortress bombers have landed at RAF Fairford while F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, flew to Estonia on Baltic Air Policing duties.

The Pentagon has also sent F-15C fighters from RAF Lakenheath to Poland and F-16 Fighting Falcons

from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany to Romania to signal the United States’ resolve to gain air superiority if conflict spills over beyond Ukraine.

The UK is doubling its troops in Estonia and sending extra tanks and armoured fighting vehicles with the Royal Welsh battlegroup leaving Sennelager in Germany and British bases for the Baltic state, with Apache helicopters due there on exercises.

At sea, HMS Trent is patrolling the Eastern Mediterranean

alongside ships from Canada, Italy, Spain and Turkey with HMS Diamond expected to join them.

Most of the 350 Royal Marines of 45 Commando committed to Poland have arrived with 1,000 more personnel at readiness to support a humanitarian response.

The UK has supplied Ukraine with light, anti-armour defensive weapon systems, body armour, helmets and combat boots.

The Foreign Office has advised all British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately.

Badge of Honour SPEAKING UP FOR FORCES: Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle

A-Hoyle there THE SPEAKER of the House of Commons, Honorary Colonel Sir Lindsay Hoyle, flew in to RAF Akrotiri on board an 84 Sqn Griffin during a visit to Cyprus.

Mr Hoyle made history as the first Speaker of the House of Commons to make an official visit to the island, at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart.

AMERICAN PERSONNEL celebrated their RAF heritage during ‘dress down Friday,’ while on Exercise Red Flag in Nevada.

Nicknamed the Chiefs after their badge insignia, F-15E Strike Eagle crews of 335 Fighter Squadron regularly remember their WWII ancestry.

Formed in May 1941 as the second of three RAF Eagle Squadrons, they were originally composed of American volunteers

flying RAF Hurricanes and Spitfires out of England.

Following the entry of the US into the war, they were transferred to the US Army Air Force as the 334th, 335th, and 336th Fighter Squadrons, then combined to form the 4th Fighter Group flying P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs.

Currently the 335th is one of six F-15E squadrons and operates from Seymour-Johnson Air Base in North Carolina.

WARTIME BOND: RAF and USAF pilots celebrate historic Anglo-American links

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P7

News

Brothers in Arms Simon Mander TWO FAST JET pilots from the same family separated by postings across the Atlantic were reunited on Exercise Red Flag.

Lossiemouth-based 1(Fighter) Sqn Typhoon flight commander Sqn Ldr Ben Spoor caught up in Nevada with his brother Sqn Ldr James Spoor, who now flies a USAF F-35 with the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base.

James, who has flown both types, said: “The Typhoon certainly has the edge in performance but the F-35’s capabilities and systems do provide the pilot with a vast amount of information that is astounding.

“I will always hold the Typhoon in high regard and right now I don’t think I have a clear favourite.

“It has been really great to see how my brother and the Squadron are doing on the exercise, especially having served on 1(F) Sqn myself previously.”

The latest Red Flag is Ben’s fifth and he says the scenarios testing

In Brief

STORM DAMAGE: Repairs underway at Brize after record winds hit Britain

some of the best pilots in the world are more complex than they have been before in both the air and ground-threat environments.

He said: “The Red Flag team deliver relevant, current threat simulations in which we can train to fight with our Coalition partners.

“There is nowhere else in the world where we get to interoperate with all the different high-end aircraft that are at Nellis for Red Flag.”

422 TES Commanding Officer, Colonel Brent Golden said: “I see the exchange programme as absolutely vital, not just to our squadron, but to the integrated air forces of the USAF and RAF. “The F-35 has ushered in a new era and level of integration in air operations and our exchange offers an opportunity for experts from both countries to work hand in hand to refine the effectiveness and suitability of these systems.”

SPOOR RELATIONS: F-35 pilot Sqn Ldr James Spoor and Typhoon pilot Sqn Ldr Ben Spoor catch up on Exercise Red Flag

Fins have changed at 100 Sqn

Storm Eunice batters £70m Brize hangar THE ROOF of a £70m hangar at RAF Brize Norton was damaged by Storm Eunice, one of the worst to hit the UK for decades.

A video on Twitter shows parts of the hangar’s roofs being ripped off by the strong winds.

A statement from the station said a clean-up operation would start once it was safe to do so.

The statement said: “We are aware that due to high winds there has been damage to one of our aircraft hangars.

“We are liaising with local authorities to ensure the appropriate actions are taken and the station has taken the decision to close Station Road as a precautionary safety measure until further notice.

“A clean-up operation will commence once it is safe to do so.

There is no immediate operational impact. We would advise the public to be extra vigilant or, if possible, avoid the area.”

Staff Reporter A HAWK jet has had a tail makeover to mark more than a century of service by 100 Sqn. The design has been painted on XX221, which will display it in the run-up to the unit’s closure on March 31 and the final flight of the black aircraft.

Wg Cdr James Taylor-Head posed with the new livery, which pays tribute to all who have

served in its 105-year history.

It depicts the first ‘Blood and Brains’ squadron flag acquired during WWI. It later evolved into the squadron’s crest, depicting a skull and crossbones and the motto ‘Never stir up a hornet’s nest.’

The colouring on the tail

represents its role as a ‘Red Air’ aggressor squadron in air-toair combat training missions.

The blue and yellow flashes are the official Squadron colours.

After closure, the Hawk T Mk1 jet will join the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and be painted red.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P9

News

Animal magic

BASTION BEAT: Hertz with RAF Police handler WO Tanner at ISAF’s Helmand base

Hero hound of Helmand Hertz nets canine ‘VC’

Tracey Allen

A RETIRED air dog dubbed the ‘Hero hound of Helmand’ has been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal kingdom’s highest bravery honour – for saving countless UK and Allied lives at the height of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Shorthaired pointer Hertz was the first UK military working dog trained to sniff out electronic communications kit used to trigger IEDs, the biggest killer of frontline troops during the 14year campaign.

Working with specialist RAF Police handlers, the courageous canine patrolled the areas around Camp Bastion and supported security patrols in Kabul.

On his first day on duty in Helmand with Air Force Police handler WO Jonathan Tanner he sniffed out a haul of drugs and personal electronic devices.

During his 13-month tour he went on to track down more than 100 items of contraband and became a favourite and highly valued figure on the ISAF base.

WO Tanner said: “Hertz has broken new ground in the world of search dogs and has without a doubt protected vital equipment and saved the lives of countless British and Allied Servicemen and

NOSE FOR TROUBLE: Cpl Simon Dack and Hertz check lorries for drugs and electronic devices at Camp Bastion PHOTO: CPL DANIEL WIEPEN

DOG GONG: Medal winner Hertz prepares for take-off in Puma II helicopter

women due to his intelligence and amazing nose.

“He was also the one constant throughout my tour and a shoulder to lean on when missing home or generally having a bad day.

“I miss his wayward moments – munching absolutely anything he thought was vaguely edible including a British Army Officer’s pistol holster when sat next to him on a helicopter.

“When Ed Sheeran performed

during a visit to Afghanistan Hertz clearly wasn’t keen on the tunes and ate a chair instead to pass away the time.”

In 2014 Hertz was assigned to work with new handler Cpl Simon Dack and continued to use his canine super-skills to protect frontline lives.

PDSA director Jan McLoughlin said: “Hertz’s exceptional abilities were apparent to all who served alongside him, and he was clearly a vital part of the team whose work helped to save many lives. His

bravery and devotion make him a thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

The Dickin Medal was introduced in 1943 and PDSA’s animal roll of honour includes 37 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat.

Hertz joins RAF bomb detection dog Buster – who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia – and Belgian Malinois Kuno, who

charged through a hail of machine gunfire to take down a terrorist during a Special Forces raid in Afghanistan.

Provost Marshal Gp Capt Russ Foster-Jones added: “Hertz is a one of a kind and his story demonstrates just how important animals are to our Armed Forces, and the key life-saving roles that they play.

“He richly deserves this honour and I think I can say from all of those who worked alongside him that we are incredibly proud that PDSA has recognised such a remarkable dog.”

KU DARES WINS: Military dog Kuno was injured in Special Forces raid

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P13

US desert drill tests Voyager Simon Mander

VOYAGER TANKERS are keeping US Navy EA-18 Growlers topped up during Exercise Red Flag.

Brize Norton-based 10 and 101 Sqn air-crews have also kept 1 (F) Sqn and 41 TES jets airborne as they conduct simulated combat missions over the Nevada desert.

High terrain around Nellis Air Force Base and a nearby international airport forces aircraft to make their final turn to land within only 2.5 miles of threshold – a tight manoeuvre in a large airliner.

Officer Commanding 101 Sqn, Wg Cdr Mike Udall, said: “The sharply-rising terrain up to 10,000ft means that climbing a 200-ton airliner isn’t possible in quite the same way as for the hundreds of fighter jets here.

“To overcome these challenges all crews have undertaken synthetic training in operating around Nellis, which is predominantly a fighter base and therefore Air Traffic Control tend to treat the majority of traffic in this way, although they are sympathetic to our constraints.”

The Voyagers’ ability keep fighters in the air for longer periods means the crews are fully integrated into fast jet missions.

Nellis is also playing the role of a Forward Operating Base requiring engineering support and Leeming-based 90 Signals Unit

News

DEFENCE SALE: The Waddington-based E-3D retired from RAF service last year

Chile nets E-3D deal TANKS A LOT: Voyager

communications technicians to adapt to operational conditions.

Ex Red Flag was set up by the United States Air Force after it lost more than

1,700 aircraft in the Vietnam War, to prepare aircrews for combat.

The Exercise is now administered by the 414th Combat Training

Squadron and conducted over the 4,500 square mile Nevada Test and Training Range. The RAF has been a regular participant since 1977.

Kitchen crew get a taste of the frontline ROOKIE COOKS got a taste of catering under camouflage on a deployed skills course at Wittering.

Trainee RAF Chefs and Air Ground Stewards joined 3 Mobile Catering Squadron to learn to feed the troops in extreme field conditions and transform operational ration packs into nutritious, tasty tucker.

FS Michael Liu said: “You’ve got to understand the relationship between food and morale.

“Personnel are working very hard over long hours and need something familiar and nourishing.

“We’re serving up spicy pulled pork, chicken pie and sponge pudding with

CHILE IS to get two former RAF E-3D Sentry airborne early warning aircraft, it has been confirmed.

The UK withdrew the last two iconic Waddington-based AWACs last August after 30 years’ service.

A MOD spokesman said: “Two E-3D Sentry aircraft will be transferred to the Chilean air force following a period of crew training in the UK.” The Chilean air force currently has one aged Boeing 707-300 AEW aircraft that is expected to retire in April.

The US Navy bought another retired E-3D last year to use as a crew trainer.

peaches for dessert.”

Initially formed in 1975 as the RAF Mobile Catering Support Unit, 3MCS has been supporting exercises and operations for more than 40 years.

Basic military skills were also on the menu for the trainee chefs with Corporals Mike Salmon and Sean Bunday teaching them to camouflage the outline of a tented kitchen with netting.

Gp Capt Nick Huntley added: “Keeping basic military skills up to scratch is essential.

“The chefs could be cooking in a field kitchen one day and find themselves on duty at a checkpoint the very next, both are equally important skills to maintain.”

Vets help is on the cards Staff Reporter SERVICE LEAVERS are being issued with new ID cards to help them access support and services.

Anyone leaving since December 2018 will automatically be issued one to verify their time in uniform to the NHS, local authorities and welfare groups.

All other veterans will be able to apply for a card by the end of this year, which will give GPs and support agencies instant access to their details.

The move follows a government pledge to ensure no one is disadvantaged by their service, under the Armed Forces Covenant.

The cards will complement the NHS’s commitment to providing specialist health support.

Last year, NHS England set up dedicated mental healthcare services backed by £10 million funding alongside the ‘Veteran Aware’ drive.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P15

News In Brief

Royal orders for Falcon as BAe 146 bows out

HIGH-TECH THREAT: Lasers can damage surveillance equipment

Tests combat laser threat DEFENCE SCIENTISTS are researching new materials to improve protection for optical sensors within digital cameras against laser attacks.

Cameras mounted on RAF aircraft capture crucial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data but can be damaged by highintensity laser attacks.

Defence Science and Technology teams are testing protection filters to protect sensors operating in contested environments.

The data gathered is being reviewed, after which industrial suppliers will be asked to speed up the development of the technology.

Defence scientist Chris Westgate said: “We protect assets not just from conventional threats, such as bullets and explosives, but from novel and unconventional threats such as cyber, radio frequency and other attacks.

“By improving the resilience and durability of equipment we will help UK Forces retain freedom of action against current and future threats.”

Simon Mander TWO DASSAULT Falcon jets are to replace the RAF’s four-strong fleet of BAe 146 aircraft under an £80 million deal.

The MOD signed a contract with Bristol-based Centreline to buy two Falcon 900LXs under a two-year support contract.

The smaller-engined, 18-seat corporate tri-jets produce lower emissions and will also be able to fly further, Defence Equipment

and Support said. The which will support the aircraft will initially be UK Defence and operated by a mixed our wider strategic military and civilian partnerships.” crew ahead of upgrades Based at to missile jamming Northolt, 32 Sqn and communications operated two BAe systems and then flown 146 C2s in the fixedby 32 (The Royal) Sqn wing passenger role e 146 RETIRED: BA pilots. with two more C3s Air Cdre Andrew Martin configured for tactical said: “DE&S and RAF teams have transport duties until the type done an incredible job to procure retires in March. these modern and efficient aircraft, DE&S chief Sir Simon

Hercules UK return after 46,000-mile Antarctic mission

CAREER CHANGE: Finding work after leaving the Forces

Vets jobs boost VETERANS ARE to get more help finding jobs following the merger of two military charities.

The Officers’ Association and RFEA have teamed up to provide career support to Service leavers and their families as Forces Employment.

The new Forces Employment charity chief executive, Alistair Halliday, said: “Veterans and Service personnel have a range of skills that make them well-placed to thrive in the public or private sector.”

A HERCULES transporter has returned home after flying the equivalent of twice around the world to deliver vital supplies to the British Antarctic Survey team.

Brize Norton-based 47 Sqn aircrew racked up around 140 flying hours across 26 sorties and 46,000 nautical miles supporting Polar scientists.

The mission, dubbed Exercise Austral Endurance, saw the C-130J ZH868 fly to RAF Gibraltar, Senegal, Ascension Island, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, the Falkland Islands and over SkyBlue field station in Palmer Land, Antarctica.

Seven supply drops were made by the Army’s on-board 47 Air

Despatch Sqn personnel, who have a strong working relationship with the RAF crew.

And air-to-air refuelling by a 1312 Flight Voyager enabled the Hercules to make 11-hour drop sorties to complete the missions.

Back at its Oxfordshire base, the aircraft is getting some much-needed TLC starting with an engine wash.

Next up, is maintenance

by RAF, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin and Marshall Aerospace engineers to get her ready for her next challenge on Exercise Frozen Spirit.

Then it’s back to the wash bay for an exterior clean to remove any corrosive salt accrued while flying over Antarctica.

POLE POSITION: Hercules ZH868 undergoes servicing at Brize Norton after flying 26 sorties to resupply the British Antarctic Survey on Exercise Austral Endurance PHOTOS: CPL LEE MATTHEWS

Bollom added: “We have worked innovatively and at pace to negotiate a contract that is exceptional value for money and ensures this critical capability is available.”

After 40 years service, two BAe 146 aircraft are being preserved at the British Airliner Collection at Duxford, Cambridgeshire and the South Wales Aviation Museum at St Athan in South Glamorgan.

The remaining two aircraft have been bought by a civilian operator.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P16

Feature

UK Defence pre age of multi-do A £24 billion budget lift will keep UK Defence at the vanguard of NATO in the age of multi-domain threats as Chiefs pledge to build for the future ...with showers that work THE BUILD-UP of Russian forces on the border with Ukraine marks a shift from the traditional 20thcentury, boots-on-the-ground threat to the real multi-domain challenge of which Defence chiefs have warned.

With a £24 billion budget boost and growing investment in cyber and space operations, British Armed Forces remain at the vanguard of Nato’s efforts to preserve the peace in Europe, Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (pictured right) says.

For the RAF, the recent Integrated Review will see the retirement of proven combat workhorses the Hercules C-130 and Puma helicopters and the introduction of P-8 Poseidon and the new Wedgetail surveillance aircraft plus a ramping up of the F-35 programme.

The launch of the RAF’s Space Command and the rapid development of the sixthgeneration Future Combat Air System mark a clear direction of travel to counter the new high-tech enemy state playbook.

Sir Tony said: “What we are seeing on the border of Russia

and Ukraine isn’t a move from traditional 20th century warfare to super-digital and super-cyber activity. It is everything all together.

“Russia’s response is multi-

domain warfare. Troops on the border, maritime and air forces in the Pacific and the Mediterranean; disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks.

“It is all of those elements melded together with the potential for false flag operations, political operations and plans for puppet governments. They are all mixed in together.

“Last year we saw Russia attacking satellites and creating debris and mayhem. It’s not the jets and the platforms and traditional structures being replaced by some super new thing, it’s all of what we knew in the past fused with what we know in the present and what will be shaped in the future.”

Strategic Defence Review The ground work for the rapid modernisation of the RAF and UK Defence was laid back in 2015 in the last Strategic Defence Review.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, added: “I have deep gratitude for the decisions our predecessors made back in 2015.

“What we saw in the earlier part of the last decade was an

Chief Marshal Sir AIR COMMAND TALKS: Chief of the Air Staff, Airal Sir Tony Radakin Admir Staff, e Defenc the of Chief and n Mike Wigsto

INVESTMENT: F-35 programme is to be ramped up

increasingly reckless and aggressive Russia threatening the sovereign states along its borders and its behaviour in our seas and skies.

“That awareness that the threat to the UK and our allies had increased has meant that the decisions made in 2015 gave us just enough of a lead time to ensure we have the forces we need to respond as an alliance member today and being a nation at the vanguard of European security in Nato.

“Had decisions not been made in 2015 to reinvest in the frontline and grow squadrons and to buy Poseidon we would be very poorly placed.

“While we are ready and

contributing today to the situation in Ukraine, we have to make sure our successors are thanking us for the decisions we now make, rather than cursing us.”

Investment On the home front, the Future Generation Air Force programme will have practical and cultural impact on personnel, from a pledge to fix basic amenities like showers and heating in Forces accommodation to the controversial decision to ditch traditional gender labels with the introduction of the new ‘aviator’ term for all RAF personnel.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P17

epared for the omain warfare A400M ATLAS: Replaces Hercules

“

I can’t have a t conversation abou space and future s if combat air system had our people haven’trning hot water that moezing and have been fre all night” CAS, ACM Sir Mike Wigston

air systems if they haven’t had hot water that morning and have been freezing all night.

“For that reason we are addressing the underfunding of our infrastructure, which has been endemic for 10 years.

“When we talk about unleashing the full potential of all of our people and taking advantage of talent we have to give people who are really shining the opportunity to be challenged at the next rank, with opportunities opening up.

“It’s unlocking the system which until now has been very restrictive.

People who capture their managers’ eye are being given the opportunity to be tested. We are promoting more and more people below the zone.”

Also in the firing line is military bureaucracy and a streamlined approach to promotion in a bid to maximise talent across the ranks and improve retention.

Sir Tony said: “The dominant security threats we face are now state threats. What that means for our people is a need to modernise and to adapt to the threats that are out there.

“A big part of that is embracing a technology revolution. It requires an Air Force that needs to be out there in the world with the intelligence skills to react to the threats and people who are comfortable with cyber and how we use it defensively and offensively.

“Along with that we must be an organisation that looks after our people. They are people who are in high demand and are of high value.

We must look after them when they are deployed, when they are back and take care of their families and loved ones too.

“It works both ways; we can’t have high-tech gizmos in an organisation where the showers don’t work, and people are right to complain.

“When we say ‘you are really valued and we know you have great skills and willingness to serve the nation but I don’t trust you to hire a car without a one-star signature’,

I think it is ridiculous. The cultural things are important but we’ve got to back it up with cash and proper empowerment.”

Astra Air Force chiefs have pledged £100 million a year for 10 years under the Astra programme to upgrade accommodation and basic amenities and hope to fast-track promotions for talented personnel.

Sir Mike (right) added: “I describe heating and hot water as the entry price for the next generation air force.

“I can’t have a conversation about drones and space and future combat

Wigston report At the heart of the Forces culture change is the Wigston Review, highlighting sexism and racism in the military.

Sir Mike added: “Setting the right culture, which is an inclusive culture where everybody can contribute to the output of the organisation, rests on the determination of the leaders.

“There is a myth that you can’t be an effective fighting force and be inclusive or that there is some kind of reason that you can marginalise people or that bullying and harassment is an acceptable price to pay.

That is absolute rubbish.

“You can be an effective fighting force and inclusive at the same time. To my mind this is about relentless messaging and authentic leadership and clear communication and giving everybody the opportunity in our organisation.”

ADVERTORIAL

IT EC 2

26-28 April 2022 ExCeL, London

Advancing training through technology What you need to know Set to reunite the simulation and training community under one roof and super-charge its members, the International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT2EC) returns this year. Analysing emerging trends, this conference is the key forum where stakeholders from military, government, industry and academia come together to share knowledge and insights about training, simulation and education.

The three-day exhibition will take place at ExCeL, London in 26-28 April 2022, and promises to be the meeting point of the brightest minds of the European training and simulation world. Providing the ideal networking platform, show organisers expect to welcome more than 75 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees representing over 45 nations.

Exploring evolving technologies The event will be led by an overarching theme which will focus on evolving technologies for training and education data and explores modelling and algorithms. Under this theme, the show’s conference will investigate the notion of Digital Twins, the risks of AI and the applications of Machine Learning for training. This will include topics such as “Train, Reflect, Learn and Train Again” and the Reality-Simulation-Reality cycle which have become fundamental enablers for robust training systems.

This year’s exciting agenda includes discussions about augmented reality prototypes, simulator-based military training and education, the role of commercial gaming in training multidomain leaders, data visualisation, and

digital twins. The show will welcome UK and international panellists from organisations such as the US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Finnish Defence Forces and the Joint Warfare Centre of Qatar.

NATO will also have a strong presence at the show, as the organisation aims to explore new avenues in military training.

A key discussion includes a panel on Wednesday 27th April featuring Lars Jansson, Project Engineer, FMV; and Captain Peter Lindskog, Developer of Simulation Systems for Military Training, Swedish Armed Forces, who will discuss Exercise VIKING 22: Leveraging MSaaS Technology and Process. RAF Wing Commander, Ruari Henderson-Begg, and Dr Robert Siegfried, Chair of the NATO Modelling and Simulation Group, will also join forces on Thursday 28th April to discuss Distributed Synthetic Training: Roadmap towards a Future NATO Capability.

What can visitors expect to see on site?

IT2EC 2022 visitors will find exciting features on site which aim to explore ambitious new solutions that could reshape the future of training and military and civil domains. These include, a new Technology Lounge and the return of the Disruptive Technology Theatre (DisTec), where exhibitors will host live demos of wearable tech, AI/Machine Learning, Robotics and 5G networking. The lounge is entirely free-of-charge and will give visitors a hands-on experience of real-life applications, such as arson investigation, firefighter training and armed police response.

To get an exclusive 10% discount on conference tickets, use code MOD10 when you register for IT2EC 2022

IT2EC’s bustling show floor will host leading training and simulation organisations of all sizes. The long list of exhibitors includes; Lockheed Martin who unveiled a new training simulator in November 2021 for the F-35 joint strike fighter, as well as SAAB who is set to deliver a number of live tactical engagement simulation training systems to multiple international partners, such as Poland and the Netherlands.

Reflection on the immense value that SMEs bring to the industry, IT2EC will also welcome a range of small and medium innovative companies and offer a dedicated platform for them to showcase their advances in simulation technology.

Examples include professional-grade VR/XR hardware and software specialist, Varjo, who recently introduced a new Aero Headset to the market, and SimCentric who has expanded the capabilities of its SAF-FORESIGHT live range planning system with additional risk assessment, analysis and safety intervention tools to support live-fire collective training.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet MAK Technologies, the Winner of the 2021 DisTec Challenge, a competition which invited progressive organisations to showcase solutions that can disrupt training, education and simulation as we know it. Legion, the Grand Final winning entry by MAK Technologies, is a next-gen scalability and comms framework which enables distributed simulation exercises to scale into millions of entities.

In response to COVID-19, IT2EC 2022 will follow government health and safety guidelines to ensure that social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to protect attendees.

www.itec.co.uk/mod-2022-registration

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P19

Feature

Forces’ Sweetheart in the picture once more

M

ORE THAN 100 objects from the estate of Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn are now on show in the exhibition Dame Vera Lynn: An Extraordinary Life.

Among the items featured in the display, at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft in East Sussex until April 18, are her secret diary from her three-month tour through Burma in 1944, plus photographs of the young performer with troops. And visitors can read moving letters sent into her radio show Sincerely Yours, which connected Servicemen with their loved ones at home.

The exhibition chronicles the nine decades Dame Vera spent in the public eye, from her early days as a singer, to her wartime service in the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), through to her extensive post-war entertainment career and charitable work.

Steph Fuller, the museum’s director and CEO, said: “This has been an incredibly exciting

RADIO SHOW: Rehearsing for Sincerely Yours at the BBC, 1956

ARTIST: Vera Lynn painting at home in London, 1956

her personal items including the diaries and correspondence really brings Dame Vera to life for a new generation.”

The singer lived in Ditchling from the 1940s until her death in 2020.Her daughter Virginia LewisJones said: “I’m highly delighted that this exhibition is taking place.

We hope it brings lots of interest and joy to the people who come and visit.”

In the 1950s and 60s Dame Vera travelled the world with her husband, musician Harry Lewis, who was her manager, and daughter Virginia – previously unseen objects from this time, including her travel trunk, travel iron and vanity case, are on display.

Highlights from the much-loved entertainer’s wardrobe include an orange billow-sleeve dress worn when she appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1972 and a purple maxi dress with a floral sequined bodice and pleated flute-shaped sleeves she wore to meet the Queen Mother.

LOVED: Star with daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones

WELL-TRAVELLED: Singer’s trunk

exhibition to put together to commemorate our former patron Dame Vera Lynn. Displaying

The Burma Star and War Medal Dame Vera was awarded in 1985 can be viewed, alongside the khaki military shorts she wore when performing to Allied troops, plus posters, playbills, gold discs and awards, including her 1959 Ivor Novello and her 2018 Classic BRIT Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dame Vera was an accomplished painter and more than 20 of her paintings will also be exhibited for the first time.

Tracey Allen n Go to: ditchlingmuseumartcraft. org.uk for more information and for a virtual tour if you are unable to attend the exhibition in person.

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Boris Defence bonanza fuels UK space race MAY THE FORCES BE WITH YOU: Boris Johnson has pledged extra funding for military space defence technology

£16.5bn to combat Russia & China 'Star Wars' threat Simon Mander DEFENCE IS set for the biggest funding lift since the end of the Cold War government budget boost of £16.5 with a to transform the Armed Forces. billion PM Boris Johnson announced the spending spree to counter the growing threat Russia and China in space and the cyber from realm.

Among the projects to receive extra funding are a national Cyber Force and RAF Space Command, to safeguard military and commercial satellites from attack by adversaries.

Senior Air chiefs this week warned the next major conflict could be won or lost in space and that a move away from traditional military war fighting is vital to protect the UK and its allies.

Mr Johnson said: “I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first.

“The international situation is more perilous and intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this, we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.

“This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our Armed Forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life.” l Continued p3

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Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P21

Graduations

Halton

PARADE: New recruit

PRIDE: Graduates

Newbie Callum meets the Chief RAF HALTON’S first graduation of 2022 had a special guest, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

He said: “It is an enormous pleasure to be your Reviewing Officer today and what a fabulous parade it has been.

“I am delighted to be here and share your graduation and I am delighted to see your friends and family share in your success.

“Today you have demonstrated your commitment to your country

First graduates of 2022 and nation and have proved yourselves worthy members of the Royal Air Force. My sincere congratulations on everything you have achieved. The future of the Next Generation RAF is in safe hands.”

The band was provided by the RAF Music Service and there was a Puma flypast from RAF Benson.

SUPPORT: Loved one

TROPHY WINNER: AC Callum Farnan

AC Callum Farnan was awarded the Lord Trenchard Trophy for the Most Outstanding Recruit on the Intake.

RAF officers make grade at Cranwell CADETS from the RAF Officer Training Academy have graduated from RAF College Cranwell.

Air Vice-Marshal Richard Hill, Director Defence Support Transformation, was the Reviewing Officer at the graduation of The Queen’s Squadron consisting of officers from Modular Initial Officer Training Course No 9.

He said: “It is an honour to represent the Chief of The Air Staff at the graduation of No 9 Modular Initial Officer Training Course. Our Service’s newest officers have shown outstanding character in successfully completing the course whilst overcoming the challenges induced by the global pandemic.

“They have demonstrated all the elements of resilience, teamwork and leadership that we will look to enhance and employ as they pursue their careers in the Royal Air Force, and in due course across Defence alongside Royal Navy, British Army, Civil Service and industry colleagues.”

Cranwell REVIEWING OFFICER: AVM Richard Hill inspects the graduates

PHOTO: ANDREW WHEELER

PHOTOS: FIONA TREVITT

One Flight grads of Arnold 690 Intake: AC Backhouse, AC Blackmore, AC Boorman, AC Braid, AC Brayson, AC Brown, AC Browning, AC Burton, AC Butcher, AC Carter, AC Chandler, AC Cload, AC Cook, AC Craddock, AC Cranswick, AC Craster, AC Cubbin, AC Devita, AC Dixon, AC Donovan, AC Drury-Hughes, AC Dudley, AC Evans, AC Fair, AC Forster, AC Freeman, AC Glazzard, AC Goble, AC Goffin, AC Grant, AC Gratrick, AC Gray, AC Greig, AC Griffith, AC Heald, AC Hope, AC Kirby, AC Roberts, AC Robinson, AC Smith and AC Wright.

Two Flight grads: AC Adewuyi Nzonlie, AC Clegg, AC Evans, AC Farnan, AC Fraser, AC GregoryWilkinson, AC Hunt, AC Hussain, AC Karkoszka, AC Keyland, AC Lawson, AC Lee, AC Leonard, AC Lloyd, AC Madera, AC Mann, AC Meades, AC Mellins, AC Mellor, AC Miller, AC Mullins, AC Murphy, AC Murray, AC Newman, AC Roberts, AC Robinson, AC Seru, AC Sleigh, AC Sleight, AC Smith, AC Stewart, AC Sutton, AC Thompson, AC Ward, AC Wilburn, AC Wilson, AC Winstanley, AC Winter, AC Wright and AC Wylie.

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Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P23

Wg Cdr Tom Horton DSO, DFC & Bar Obituary

Kiwi DFC W Pathfinder dies at 101 HORTON: Dropped flares to mark out targets for following bombers

ING COMMANDER Tom Horton, who has died aged 101, was one of the lastsurviving, highly-decorated New Zealand pilots who flew during World War II. He completed more than 100 missions and was decorated three times for his gallantry.

Born in Masterton, New Zealand, he learnt to fly with the civil reserve before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in October 1939.

After completing his training as a pilot, he left for England in April 1940 and converted to the Fairy Battle before joining 88 Squadron.

For the next few months, he flew coastal patrols before the squadron re-equipped with the twin-engine Blenheim bomber.

Horton flew anti-shipping patrols over the North Sea and attacked enemy harbours. On August 28, 1941 a large force of Blenheims attacked shipping in Rotterdam harbour where it met intense anti-aircraft fire and a force of enemy fighters. Weaving between cranes and ships’ masts, Horton selected a vessel under construction as the target for his 500lb bombs. His was one of the few aircraft to escape unscathed.

Over the following months, he attacked coastal convoys before the squadron exchanged its Blenheims for the American-built Boston.

Industrial targets and power stations were attacked in northern France. On three occasions, his aircraft was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire and he had to return to base on one engine. In August 1942 he was awarded the DFC when he was described as ‘an excellent captain.’

A

fter a tour as an instructor, in July 1943 he joined Bomber Command’s Pathfinder Force to fly the Mosquito with 105 Squadron, which was equipped with the recently developed blind-bombing aid ‘Oboe’. The system was based on the transmission of a radio beam from ground emitters and aimed at the target. The specially-equipped Mosquitoes flew along this beam to the target before dropping markers and flares for the main bomber force.

Horton had joined No 105 at the height of the Battle of the Ruhr when the major industrial cities in the area came under attack. On September 3, Bomber Command mounted a large raid on Berlin and Horton and his colleagues dropped flares on ‘spoof ’ targets to divert German night fighters from the main force. Later in the month he marked targets at Aachen and Gelsenkirchen before he flew three raids on the Cologne power station at Knapsack.

During the winter of 1943 and early 1944 he dropped flares and target indicators over the recently identified V-1 flying bomb sites under construction in the Pas-deCalais and near Cherbourg. When Oboe marking was not required, Horton dropped 500lb bombs.

By the spring of 1944, 105 Squadron crews were marking

major rail centres in France in preparation for the Allied landings in June. Ammunition dumps and the large gun batteries on the Channel coast became a priority as D-Day approached. On the night of June 5/6, 1944 Horton marked the rail centre at Boulogne to prevent Panzer reinforcements moving to the Normandy beachhead.

A

fter the first V-1 doodlebug had fallen on London on June 13, Horton, now a flight commander on the squadron, dropped target indicators over numerous launch sites including those at Rimeux, Marquise and Thiverny, which were attacked by a force of Lancasters.

In August Horton was awarded a Bar to his DFC when the citation emphasised his ‘great courage and determination.’ Oil targets became a priority later in the year and Horton and his navigator, Lionel Poll DFC, used their Oboe equipment to mark them for the following bombers.

On March 6, 1945 Horton dropped flares and markers over the town of Wesel as a prelude to the Rhine crossings. An engine failed and he made a crash landing on an emergency landing strip in East Anglia, the second similar emergency in a few weeks. On April 25, 1945 Horton flew his final operation when the target was Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’ at Berchtesgaden. It was his 84th Pathfinder mission and 111th wartime operation.

Shortly afterwards he was awarded the DSO.

“

I was just trying to stay alive and doing what I was damn well told, luck played a great part”

H

orton returned to New Zealand in 1946 and a year later accepted a permanent commission in the RAF. After several staff appointments he was appointed in December 1952 to lead 203 Squadron in Coastal Command.

The squadron operated Lancasters, but within a few weeks it began re-equipping with the Americanbuilt Neptune maritime patrol aircraft. Operating from Topcliffe in Yorkshire it patrolled the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. In 1955 Horton went to the Air Ministry and later served as the senior air staff officer in Gibraltar.

In 1964 he was assigned to the Pentagon in a Nato appointment and he retired in December 1966.

Late in life when he was asked about his time in World War II, he commented: “I was just trying to stay alive and doing what I was damn well told, luck played a great part.”

Horton decided to settle in the USA, where he died in December.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P24

Audi S5 Quattro

ro ICONIC: 80s Audi Quatt

Motoring

POWER: S5 Quattro

FIRED UP: DCI Gene Hunt with original Quattro

t n u H e h t Still in WITH THE world preoccupied with a pandemic in 2020 a major automotive milestone slipped past virtually unnoticed.

Under normal circumstances ‘40 years of Quattro’ would have been a BIG deal because Audi’s technology completely revolutionised the world of motorsport. The original Quattro made a dazzling debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show and soon took the rally world by storm.

It was a chiselled coupé that produced 200bhp – enough grunt to ensure that it could scrabble its way around slippery bends at ludicrous speeds. Nobody had seen anything like it and the road car was all but identical, save the roll cage.

It’s little wonder that it became the star of the show in BBC 1’s time travel drama Ashes to Ashes. Gene Hunt’s famous shout of ‘fire up the Quattro’ became the show’s most memorable tagline.

Quite right too, the Quattro is the stuff of legend… and its spirit lives on in the new S5. It’s got a turbocharged diesel V6 that delivers 349bhp. It’ll do 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds which, harking back to our

TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent 80s theme, is a full 2 seconds faster than Magnum PI’s Ferrari 308 GTS. It’s precision-built German muscle that goes like stink and yet, unlike the range-topping RS5 model, the S5 is capable of averaging more than 40mpg.

Outside This car really is the essence of Quattro because it has all the right lines in the right places. The angular rear windows, the flick of the boot spoiler, the GT stance and the long nose all add up to make it look right. Four exhaust pipes, the silver door mirrors and a chunkier front bumper help to set it apart from the regular A5.

Inside The S5’s interior isn’t miles apart from the one found in the regular Audi A5 but there are a few key differences. The front sports seats are finished in expensive

Nappa leather and they’re far more supportive, holding you firmly in place when you’re sideways through the bends. They’re also electrically adjustable in every direction you could want and can even give you a massage. The standard look is classy grey leather but you can order them in red if you want to make a statement.

Everything is solidly built, as you would expect, and it feels expensive.

Audi’s done a great job here and in my book it’s smarter inside than a Mercedes AMG C43, one of its closest rivals.

The infotainment system’s good too. Every S5 gets a 10.1in colour touchscreen in the middle of the dash that’s intuitive to operate. You also get a 12.3in ‘virtual cockpit’ screen behind the steering wheel.

Flick this into the ‘S’ arrangement and it becomes dominated by a big central rev-counter, just like Audi’s R8 supercar. Nice!

On The Road The S5 is pretty rapid off the mark. Its 3-litre V6 bi-turbo diesel is a seriously complicated bit of engineering because it combines what is basically a 48 Volt electric supercharger with a regular turbocharger to give a total of 345bhp.

That, transmitted to the road through Audi’s world-leading Quattro four-wheel drive, gives you immense power.

Its low centre of gravity helps with rapid direction changes too and because the new S5 is 60kg lighter than the old car it’s even more agile. Of course, it’s still a massively heavy beast in comparison to the original Quattro but it’s a move back in the right direction.

It has its faults of course. It’s still not as playful as I’d like and I’d prefer to feel more drive from the rear end.

Powering into bends with too much oomph is an odd experience too because it just invokes unexpected understeer but these are minor grumbles from someone who really wants a Quattro to still feel like a Quattro.

Verdict Pros Quattro quick off the mark Pulls like an express train Surprisingly frugal Grip in spades Comfortable ride Cons Less fun than its ancestor Auto gearbox a tad slow Heavy engineering Petrol engines sound better Overall I’ve always loved the Quattro and I wanted to love this one too but the S5 isn’t the same type of raw energy as its greatgrandfather. Audi also seems to have dialled back its available aggression. That could be a ploy to ensure it doesn’t steal any attention from its RS5 sibling but diesel power feels like an odd choice in any case.

Petrolhead griping aside, the Audi S5 is fast, economical, comfortable, beefy and absolutely worth considering if you’re after a rapid coupé.

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Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P27

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Sport

pages of RAF Sport start here Women storm the Inter-Service Snow Champs: p30-31

Captain Marvel Lewis Brownhill forced to retire

FOOTBALL

Tributes to RAF & UKAF star as injury ends playing career Daniel Abrahams

TRIUMPH: Lewis lifts FA Vase aloft at Wembley after winning it with Thatcham Town in 2018

“HE MIGHT not be the captain on the pitch, but up until the end of this Inter-Service championship, he will be our captain.”

This was the ringing endorsement from SRT men’s head coach WO Andy Kutcha at the news that Sgt Lewis Brownhill, captain for the 2022 IS campaign, has had to retire from the game due to an ongoing knee injury.

Brownhill – who played 151 games for the RAF, scoring 31 goals, winning six IS crowns, along with three Kentish Cups – announced his retirement to Kutcha and the squad recently.

Such is his importance to the Service, the head coach will be keeping him around until the IS campaign is over.

He said: “In the role of captain, Lewis is invaluable. He will be staying around, his loss is a blow to us, but his infectious attitude in and around the camp and his leadership qualities are something we are not going to give up easily, he will be here for the whole campaign. I will not be letting what he brings to the party slip away.”

SQUAD STALWART: Sgt Brownhill in action for UKAF against Irish Defence Force last year

FS Dyfan Pierce, UKAF head coach, added his words of praise for Brownhill, saying: “Lewis had recently signed for Leek town and was having a great impact for them until he suffered a knee injury. I was hoping it would be a slight knock, as I know he was very proud to captain the RAF SRT into this year’s Inter-Services.

“I spoke with him a number of times while he was waiting for the outcome and totally understood his decision to retire.

“It was a big blow. Lewis was a key member of the UKAF squad, with so much experience. His retirement is a big loss to both RAF SRT and UKAF, but he can certainly look back on a great Service football career.”

'This lot are giving me a headache' HAVING WRAPPED up an unorthodox 2-1 win over Oxford University, SRT head coach WO Andy Kutcha said his team are giving him the kind of headaches he wants.

After leading the match through a Cpl Jake Gosling first-half strike, Kutcha’s men sealed the win with an out of character long ball goal which was struck home by Cpl Dave Wood in the game’s final minute to make it three wins out of three.

The recent run of form started with a 6-1 win over North Leigh FC followed by an impressive 2-0 win over Conference Premier side

Oxford University RAF Senior Men

1 2

Aldershot Town. Kutcha said: “We really have momentum. We have been playing good sides and getting good results.

“So, we go into the training camp in fine fettle, this is exactly the position I want to be in. I want to have a real headache with what players to cut.”

Kutcha, who has already reduced his squad to 21 players, will reduce it again to 18 following the joint training camp in Norwich

at the end of the month for both the Service’s senior squads, ladies and men.

The camp will see Kutcha’s men face Norwich CBS and Wroxham FCs in their final pre-IS matches.

He said: “The mixed camp is a brilliant move and will definitely build togetherness. We will all support each other through the coming weeks and seasons, and this will build camaraderie.

“It’s a great step forward in bringing RAF football together, instead of as separate entities.”

On cutting down his squad, Kutcha said: “I have made

uncomfortable decisions before, so I am up for doing the same.

“I could not now select my starting 11 from this group of players, they are that good. The squad depth is fantastic, for every spot I have two players who are strong enough to fill it.

“Logistics can always throw a spanner in the works, but we are in a solid place to deal with anything thrown at us.

“For now, each shirt is up for grabs, it’s down to the players to raise their games again and make it impossible for me not to select them.”

WO ANDY KUTCHA: Man with a plan

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P28

Sport

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CROSS COUNTRY

Brize have their eyes on the prize BIG FIELD: 130 runners took part PHOTOS: LUKA WAYCOTT

Cleansweep for the RAF's movers and shakers

THIRD: RAF Waddington's Cpl Helena Schofield

IT WAS a podium perfect day for Brize Norton as they took all three main titles at this year’s RAF crosscountry championships at Halton.

The station took the men’s, women’s and junior titles and also swept up the team award for good measure on the return of the event, after Covid-19 caused it to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

A field of 130 runners from across the Service did battle, with Brize runners Fg Off Mike Kallenberg taking the men’s race, and SAC Chloe Richardson (inset below) storming to victory in the women’s.

The testing 10km men’s and sixkilometre women’s courses provided plenty of action, with Kellenberg, returning from injury, following up his recent second at the Sir Sefton Brancker event with the win. He held off Odiham runner Cpl Rob Wood, coming home in 37 minutes and 10 seconds, 27 seconds ahead of Wood.

Kallenberg said: “It was tough out there. I could feel the presence of the runners behind me, they were definitely hunting me down. I knew that Rob was close behind me, so I

just concentrated on getting to the finish.”

The women’s race saw a threeway fight develop with England international Richardson finishing in 24 minutes and nine seconds.

Wittering runner Sgt Chloe Finlay (25m, 27 secs) came in second and RAF team captain Cpl Helena Schofield (Waddington) third in 25 minutes and 59 seconds.

Richardson said: “It was a really hard course, getting pulled along by the men makes the pace a little bit harder, and not to mention those hills.”

The pairing of Richardson and Schofield had set up their battle royal at the championships with a superb first and third respectively in the Brancker event and their race didn’t disappoint.

Rounding up the titles for Brize, SAC Tom Flavre (Thayre) took the junior men’s title in 38 minutes and 47 seconds, while Cosford civilian Florence Seaton took the women’s junior crown in 30 minutes and 54 seconds.

FG OFF KALLENBERG: Back to winning ways

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Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P29

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Sport

RUGBY UNION

Heartbreak at late Chinnor winner

CLOSE GAME: Injury time converted try nicked it for Chinnor against valiant RAF team

A HEARTBREAKING late try saw the senior men’s rugby union side lose by a point 29-28 to Chinnor, denting their InterService preparations.

With the opening IS clash against the Army next month, head coach FS Justin Coleman said: “It was great to get 29 players on the pitch all fighting for IS selection.

We created a lot, but two yellow cards put us under pressure.

“To come back from that and lead was really pleasing. Although a loss with the last kick of the game will feel disappointing to the players, there are loads of positives too.”

Chinnor RFC RAF Senior Men

29 28

Despite big carries in midfield for the Service side early on from SAC(T) Isaac Norton and Cpl Kieran Forbes, Chinnor scored from a turnover, before running in a second to lead 12-0 at the break.

Senior debutant Cpl Will Lamont ran in the RAF’s first score early in the second half. SAC Kev Raqio’s push-over try on 49 minutes was followed by 20 minutes of consistent Chinnor attacks.

Losing two men to the sinbin

finally told for the RAF as the hosts made it 22-14.

Again, the RAF fought back and SAC(T) Ryan Crowley, touched down.

With just one point in it entering injury time, Crowley fed SAC(T) Ken Hodgson who scored, with Cpl Jedd Evans converting.

With the game deep into injury time a RAF penalty from the kickoff was punished and Chinnor took advantage.

Kicking to the corner they scored a well worked try for 27-28, before sending over the winning points with the final kick of the game.

PARALYMPICS

Cranwell helping Thomas pursue Paralympics dream Warrant Officer's son aims for Games glory Daniel Abrahams WO ANDY Talbot’s sporting son Thomas has united RAF Cranwell personnel with his dream of competing in the Paralympics in the sport of Frame Running.

Tom, 17, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is the current world number two in the sport and had targeted the Paris 2024 Games as his first Paralympics.

Now Recruitment and Selection personnel along with many others from across the station have joined forces to help raise vital funding for Tom through a sporting charity endurance effort.

The challenge, entitled Tom’s Podium Pathway, will see 10 teams complete a 22-mile row, 88-mile walk/run and 286-mile cycle – the total distance of 396 miles represents the distance from Cranwell to Paris.

The challenge, which will also see personnel from across the globe compete virtually, must be undertaken in a 24hour period between March 24-25.

The Cranwell event will take place at the East Camp Gym CV suite and on nearby football pitches, w i t h m o n e y raised

helping to purchase equipment for Thomas.

Buoyed by his recent selection onto the England Paralympic Talent Programme, Tom was hit by the recent announcement that the Paris Games had not selected Frame Running as one of its events, so the focus of his efforts has now changed to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Proud dad Andy said: “It’s amazing to see how quickly everyone has got behind Thomas’s cause. I am thrilled to see the energy this has developed.

“The news from Paris could have been devastating, but we have just focused on LA instead.”

He added: “When Thomas was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, we were told it was unlikely he would ever be able to walk or talk.

Through the support of physios, surgery, and a sheer determination to succeed, he has become an accomplished athlete representing his country and setting numerous world records.”

Thomas said: “I have always loved sport and adore football, but I was always the boy that was left out on the sidelines.

“When I started competing in Frame Running, everyone was like me.”

The Podium event’s charity page is: justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ 24htoparis, with photographs and updates being posted on the Facebook page: RAF-Cranwell-RSCharity-Fundraiser.

THAT'S MY BOY: Proud dad Andy with Thomas at the training track; Tom with medals and mascot (left); and competing (inset above)

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P30

Sport

Follow us

@rafnewssport

Email: sports@rafnews.co.uk

SNOW SPORTS

Ladies sweep the Daniel Abrahams

IT WAS the Inter-Services event that nearly didn’t happen, but that didn’t stop the RAF women taking home the ski and snowboard titles from Meribel, France.

The annual event, which was in its 70th year and 15th hosted at the French venue, had looked doomed until the host nation again opened its border to travellers from the UK following Covid-19 restrictions.

Without training camps and Service championships and missing some key athletes, two team wins and two runners-up spots was an incredible return for the RAF. The women’s ski team, led by new captain Cpl Rachel Hughes, fielded four members instead of seven, yet stormed to a title win.

Despite losing Fg Off Grace Feethan during training, (replacement but technical reserve skier Cpl Sophie Andreas stood in), they won all but one of the five races to secure the IS crown.

Hughes, taking the individual combined title, won gold in the Super G, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super Combined. SAC Winks Baxter took second in the slalom, the race which sealed the team title for the RAF. Women’s snowboard captain Wg Cdr Claire Collis sealed the team win with gold on her last run

Surprise double joy for depleted team in the final event, the Slope Style, along with the individual crown.

Cpl Jasmine Furber (inset below celebrating and in action) won best newcomer and silver in the Boarder Cross.

Flt Lt Paddy Morris led his men to a runners-up spot, taking gold in the Boarder Cross title along with best trick and gold in the Slope

Style and individual title.

He said: “Overall, we had great coaches, proactive team management, generous sponsors and talented snowboarders; the result of which is great team spirit and it’s a pleasure to be a part of.”

A runners-up spot behind the Army with a very inexperienced team was a superb return for the men’s skiers. Team captain Cpl Barnaby Rudge said: “I’m hugely proud of the guys, they performed brilliantly. When you think out of nine guys only two of us had previously competed at multiple Inter-Services, it’s even more impressive.”

For the Telemark team, led for the first time by Cpl Steve Fryer, a year of good development saw them field debutants Flt Lt Ben Tawney and Wg Cdr Alexa Smyth and Flt Lt Sarah Shave.

Fryer said: “The team stepped up at the Inters and performed much better than expected, having lost vital training time.

We received compliments from the Technical Director of the race about how we have improved over the last few years.”

SKI CAPTAIN: Cpl Rachel Hughes and in action, main picture

‘We underestimated

MEN’S CAPTAINS: Skier Cpl Barnaby Rudge and boarder Flt Lt Paddy Morris, inset

PHOTOS: CPL JACK WELSON

HAVING SECURED top spot for her weakened team at Meribel, suitably delighted women’s alpine ski team captain Cpl Rachel Hughes told RAF News: “From the start of the competition it was clear we had underestimated our potential this season.

“The raw emotion and connection between the ladies and their coach could be felt all around the prizegiving ceremony.

“The immense team cohesion that

is at the heart of the RAF Ladies Alpine Team spurred us on to take four out of five team events, leading to retaining the Overall Combined Team gold.

Not only did we prove our skill and excellence as a team, the individual results cannot be dismissed.

“The true spirit and benefit of military sport was encompassed by the 2022 RAF Ladies Alpine Team. The strength, resilience and perseverance shown is simply outstanding.”

Follow us

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 P31

@rafnewssport

board at Champs Countess lends support in role as Forces patron

WINNERS: RAF Super G women skiers

PHOTO: CPL JACK WELSON

RAF sports chiefs hail women’s achievements PRAISE FOR the stunning results of the Service’s women’s ski and snowboard teams came from all corners following the double team success.

Snowboarding chairman Wg Cdr Nicola Duncan said: “Superimpressed with not only the team and their performance at the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships this year, but the wider snowboard squad, and how collectively everyone has embraced the Covid challenges and come out the other side stronger than ever.

“I am gutted Claire [Wg Cdr Collis, snowboard captain] is hanging up her racing boots, she has been an exceptional Ladies Team Captain and her leadership and mentoring both on and off the hill has been phenomenal.”

Gp Capt Martin Cunningham,

PHOTOS: STEVE LYMPANY Sports Winter

RAF Alpine Association Chair, added: “I am hugely proud of the performance of the Royal Air Force athletes in this year’s Inter-Service Championships.

“In particular the RAF ladies have performed brilliantly this year: taking the top team and individual spots in skiing and snowboarding.

“Their outstanding determination and teamwork have truly paid off.”

Chairman of UKAF Snowboarding Air Cdre David Tozer said: “I am overjoyed at the RAF snowboard and alpine teams’ performance this year. Both the ladies snowboard and ski teams had an outstanding pair of results. With individual champions in men’s and women’s snowboard and women’s skiing this has been an excellent year.”

ourselves’ Women’s snowboard captain Wg Cdr Claire Collis made a winning moment that will never be forgotten. She won her final race on her last run to ensure victory for the RAF women.

She told RAF News: “I couldn’t be happier with how the whole team performed this year. Going straight to the Inters with less preparation than usual could have been really daunting, especially for the newer members, but everyone rose to the challenge and we came out with a well-deserved win.”

BOARDING BRILLIANCE: (clockwise from top left) Wg Cdr Claire Collis with trophy, Flt Lt Harriett Low, Sqn Ldr Sarah Boon and Cpl Jasmine Furber PHOTO: CPL JACK WELSON

BACKING: Sophie, HRH The Countess of Wessex

FOR HER second overseas trip of 2022, Sophie, HRH The Countess of Wessex, showed her support for the Service winter stars in Meribel, presenting awards and opening the Championships.

As patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association, the Princess opened the event, saying: “I hope you

PHOTO: SAC EOIN KIRWAN-TAYLOR

all enjoy yourselves and have incredibly good fun while you are here. I know you will all be doing your absolute best as well.”

Presenting awards at the Boarder Cross among other events, the Princess’s presence was another huge boost for the event which had seemed impossible just two weeks before it was held, due to the pandemic.

Bring on Alpine Challenge – but date clash for 2023 Inters THE FUTURE for next year’s ISSSC Alpine Championships venue may be uncertain, but the 2022 RAF Champs will go ahead in Austria next month.

The Inter-Services competition’s host venue of Meribel, France, home to the week-long blue riband event for the last 15 years, will be holding an Alpine World Cup event on the week scheduled for the Service champs in 2023.

No decision regarding alternate dates or venues for next year’s championships had been reached as RAF News went to print.

Having cancelled the original RAF championships event in January, due to Covid restrictions in Europe, the Winter Sports Association has rescheduled

Exercise Alpine Challenge 2.0 for March 5-12 in Austria.

RAFWSAA Chairman Gp Capt Martin Cunningham said: “Putting together squads for a new event in Austria is a massive boost for RAF winter sport and I’m very grateful for the hard work by all the committee members, sponsors and supporters who’ve made it happen.

“It’s good news for grassroots skiers and boarders too. While all abilities are welcome, instruction will be focused on novice to intermediate level skiers and boarders.” n Further details are available via station Winter Sports OICs and on the association’s RAFWSAA Facebook group.

66p ISSN 0035-8614 08 >

9 770035 861037

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 R'n'R 1

Announcements P6-7

Puzzles P8

R'n'R Win!

Win horror thriller p3

Lee's way – Stewart's on tour p4-5

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 R'n'R 4

R'n'R STEWART LEE: 'The world's greatest stand-up'

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JOIN THE CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC

S

INCE THEIR formation in 2006, Gentleman’s Dub Club have made a name for themselves as one of the most respected names in dub music.

GDC have been touring for nearly 14 years and are festival favourites across the UK and Europe, regularly playing to crowds of 10,000 or more.

Their Down To Earth tour kicks off in Cardiff on March 3 and culminates at the legendary Kentish Town Forum, London on March 26.

The band have seven studio albums and numerous singles and remixes under their belts, and 2021 saw the release of their Down to Earth LP. Bass and synths player Toby Davies said: “Our live thing is very important to us. We’ve forged our sound over the years doing live gigs, initially in Leeds, then all around the North and it all grew from there. When all that was no longer an option, it definitely hit us pretty hard, as I know it did for everyone else in the live industry.

“Our initial reaction though, was to recognise that if we didn’t do anything else at that point it could all tail off for us, so keeping the momentum going even without being able to play live was so important.

“Writing the album during that time was a real saviour for us. It gave us a really good opportunity to use that time effectively and we’re really proud that we did. Coming back to the live show with no new music for it wouldn’t have been a healthy place to be in, so it was a lifesaver for us.”

The Gents finally got back to proper gigging at some festivals a few months ago.

Toby said: “The first gig back we played was at SheepFest in North Devon. We eased into it, there was suddenly this moment where it felt like everything just ramped up. The energy from that point on was unbelievable.

“We’d done a few socially distanced gigs before that, which were great, but there was still that insecurity looming over everything in the summer, so when it finally got back to proper shows, it was an incredible feeling.

“We’ve got some special treats prepared for the tour in March.”

Vocalist Jonathan Scratchley added: “All the time we weren’t gigging I found myself not only missing playing itself, but lots of other things I hadn’t anticipated. Just being part of a group of friends and coming together as a band is such a huge part of my life, so when that was taken away, it was massive for me.

“Obviously losing work and income was really

Gents back on road with another LP

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CELEBRATION: Gentlemen's Dub Club members are ready to party

bad, but that loss of friendship, family and togetherness was just as much of a loss in many ways. Being in a band is so enriching to my life, so to go back on the road in March I’m as excited about being together with my mates for four weeks as I am about the shows themselves, which are going to be amazing.”

Interview by Jules Boyle n Go to: gentlemansdubclub.com for tour details.

resumably Lee live if his unique controversiall streaming ser with the Cana who opposed podcasts abou “Yes, that a laughed Lee. “ that internet subject to th fact-checking when I do jok media like TV in newspaper “But I al would be fu people re stuff were

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 R'n'R 5

's Basic Lee human Tornado

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E STARTED out as a standup in 1988 aged just 20, went on to make four series of his own show for BBC2 and has warded with Baftas, Oliviers and Comedy Awards. w, 34 years on, the controversial t Lee, dubbed ‘the world’s greatest stand-up’ by The Times, is touring untry with his delayed Snowflake do tour that runs until July. e show visits more than 60 towns ties across the UK, including Exeter, ngham, Leeds, Huddersfield, York, Wycombe, Bromley, Edinburgh erth. he Tornado half of the show is y about the disconnect between that of critical acclaim, and not being ly a household name,” he said. e’s modesty doesn’t ring true. He not have appeared on Strictly Come ng but his tours play to audiences of ter of a million. added: “Yes, but the internet is full ry people saying ‘Who is he? I’ve heard of him.' To be honest, that me, as I can chatter away to strangers t being recognised. The current s a long bit based on a conversation with a woman about baked potatoes couldn’t have had if she’d known was.” xplained: “The first half of the night, , is a long shaggy dog story about w loads of rotisserie chickens being to the American comedian Dave essing room in London in 2018. aterial had to be ditched after ough. I had 20 minutes in 2019 I imagined the new James Bond e like – but it’s out now. That said, at bit and switching in some new tightened the second half.”

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The internet is of angry people ing 'who is he?' d that suits me

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y more people will have to see f they want to experience humour, as he has ly taken his material off rvice Spotify in solidarity adian rock star Neil Young, d the comedian Joe Rogan’s ut Covid vaccination. all went a bit wrong,” “I do think it’s bad platforms aren’t he same kind of g that even I am kes on traditional V and radio, or rs. lso thought it unny if the two emoving their e unknown me

Irascible 'unknown' returns with new UK tour

and superstar Neil Young. And of course, it’s an easy stand to take, because you only get 0.003 cents a play on Spotify, so I only need to sell one DVD to make up a year’s Spotify dosh.

“But then loads of musicians pulled their stuff too and people said I was trying to get this Rogan bloke no-platformed, and he was a fellow comedian. First of all, I didn’t know he was a comedian – I thought he was a wrestler or from Ice Road Truckers or something – and I wasn’t saying he should be banned, just that the YouTube and Spotify and Facebook posts should be fact checked so they can’t use unverifiable sensationalism to drive their numbers. And I stand by that.”

He added: “As usual, the press release about little me pulling my comedy off this massive platform was full of jokes which got cut out by people that covered the story and made me look much more of misery than I am.”

Does such misrepresentation bother Lee? “Not really,” he said. “People are paying to see a miserable and frustrated middle-aged man wind himself up into a frenzy about everything, so it probably helps! Although the funny thing with this tour is that my obvious delight at being back on the boards can’t help but infect the audience. I’m just an old-fashioned entertainer at heart.” n Stewart Lee’s new show, Basic Lee, will open this autumn and tour throughout the UK in 2023. Go to: stewartlee. co.uk for details.

ANGRY: Comic says fans pay to see a 'miserable and frustrated middleaged man'

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 R'n'R 6

R'n'R Your Announcements

You can email photos for announcements on this page to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk

Deaths

WO Geoff Dimmer DIMMER Geoff WO, sadly passed away at home on February 13 aged 88 surrounded by his family. A much-loved man who will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

Born on May 15, 1933 he joined as a Boy Entrant aged 15. He was stationed at many RAF camps throughout his career: Wittering, Brampton, Valley, St Athan, Coltishall, Swanton Morley, Waddington and Huntington along with overseas postings to Germany, Singapore, Sylt, Sharjah, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands to name but a few. He had a distinguished career and was very proud to receive the Long Service Medal, British Empire Medal and ultimately was made a Member of the British Empire.

When he retired from the RAF as a Warrant Officer at RAF Coltishall, he was only home for a few days before being asked to return there to work for the Civil Service. He did this for 10 years before finally retiring.

While stationed at RAF Coltishall, he was a founder member of the Model Railway club, which found itself relocated a couple of

times, before finally ending up at Catfield, Norfolk where it continues to thrive to this day. He only stepped down from the chairmanship a week before he passed away.

Geoff leaves his children Paul, Peter and Anne and grandchildren Sarah, Vikki, Ashley and Arianne.

The funeral service will take place at Cromer Crematorium on Friday, March 4 at 11am. Family flowers only, donations if desired to the Big C in Norwich.

Enquiries to Murrell Cork Funeral Directors: 01692 402059.

Pam could receive treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Bill enjoyed working with the Waddington Pipes & Drums Band, and also served as the chairman of the RAFA Waddington Branch.

Funeral to be held on March 1 at 1.50pm at Lincoln Crematorium followed by a wake at the Bomber Command Centre from 2.30pm. Family flowers only, however donations towards RAFA would be greatly appreciated.

FARMER, William (Bill) George (Warrant Officer ret’d) sadly passed away on January 27 in Lincoln County Hospital following complications from diabetes. He will be missed deeply by his two sons, Mark and Andrew, and his four grandchildren, all of whom have been touched by so many messages of condolence.

Bill joined the Royal Air Force at a young age and would serve his entire career in the RAF until retirement, having been stationed at various stations both in the UK and abroad.

I am interested in contacting any ex-40th entry 1 Squadron, C Flight, Boy Entrants, at RAF Hereford 1960-61. Are there any still about? Please contact Ken Tinker on: KenMckean100@ gmail.com or call: 01722 790344 or 07377 03054.

Seeking

LOOKING for anyone stationed at RAF Safi, in Malta, and RAF Idris, in Libya, between June 1963 and December 1965. Also, anyone on the RAF flight on Floriana parade ground for Independence Day in September 1964, in Malta.

Please contact Geoff Stevens, on: moomin33@hotmail. co.uk or (01795) 479803.

Reunions

WO William Farmer Once retired he emigrated to Australia with his late wife Pam, enjoying several years there together before moving back to the UK so

RAF Admin Apprentice Association Annual General Meeting and Reunion June 17-19, Northampton Marriott Hotel. For full details and options please contact the association’s social secretary on: 01403 581324 or email: socialsecretary@ rafadappassn.org. This will be our first reunion since lockdown and will be a great chance to catch up with old friends and indeed make new ones.

THE RAF Changi Association (inc. HQFEAF)

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.

We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: tracey.allen@rafnews.co.uk. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept notices submitted by post.

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.

founded May 1996 welcomes new members from all ranks, ex RAF/WRAF/WAAF and civilian personnel who served at RAF Changi (inc.

HQFEAF ) during 1946-72.

For more information please contact our Membership Secretary: Malcolm Flack on: 01494 728562 or email: MemSecChangi@outlook. com or visit: www.rafchangi. com for more details.

RAF Bawdsey Reunion Association.

Having cancelled our 2020 reunion, we have provisionally planned the next reunion for Saturday, May 21 before The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the extended public holidays in early June, and we look forward to seeing our friends again then. Any queries please email: doreen. bawdseyreunion@btinternet. com or call: 07513 301723.

RAFAA Association IF you trained as an RAF Administrative Apprentice (or are related to one) we would be delighted to welcome you to the RAFAAA. Our aim is to promote friendship and general wellbeing among our veterans, via social gatherings and assorted activities, as devised by an elected committee, and a regular newsletter. See :rafadappassn.org or contact the Membership Secretary on: 07866 085834 or Chairman on: 01933 443673.

We we want to hear from you.

Catering Association RAF Catering Warrant Officers’ and Seniors’ Association (RAF CWO&SA): All serving or retired TG19 WO or FS and all former Catering Branch Officers are invited to join the RAF CWO&SA. We meet twice yearly. For more information or a membership application form, please send an email to davescott10@ hotmail.co.uk

Thanksgiving service A thanksgiving service will be held for Sir Michael Oswald GCVO on Friday, March 25 at 11am at St Clement Danes, London WC2R 1DH. There will be an opportunity to meet up afterwards, for which an admission card will be required. Please email: michaeloswald1934@gmail. com or contact a member of the family for an admission card and further details.

Chance to nominate inspirational women THE DEFENCE community is being asked to nominate inspirational females in the industry for an International Women’s Day campaign next month.

The Defence Discount Service Inspirational Woman of the Year 2022 award marks the achievements of women advocating change and making the industry a better place for all, said a spokesperson.

The competition is open to every woman who works in Defence, including those in the Armed Forces, reserves, MOD civil servants, cadet forces and Nato personnel in the UK. Entries close on March 1, and the winner will be announced on International Women’s Day on March 8.

Participants are invited to send their nominations along with a few lines

about why their nominee deserves to be named Defence Discount Service’s Inspirational Woman of the Year to: communications@ defencedis counts er vice. co.uk.

The winner will receive £500 of Virgin Experience Days vouchers.

Last year’s winner of the inaugural awards was LCpl Natasha Day RAMC, who launched the Defence Breastfeeding Network to provide a safe space for new mothers in the military.

Tom Dalby, CEO of Defence Discount Service, said: “There are so many fantastic initiatives in the Armed Forces, and we urge all members of the Defence community to come together and nominate the women they believe are making an impact and have gone the extra mile over the last year.”

Where is Lanc painting?

READER MIKE Ridge is asking RAF News readers for help identifying the whereabouts of this painting of 61 Squadron Lancaster DV401, which took off from RAF Skellingthorpe to target Berlin.

Mike said: “The aircraft was shot down by Oberfeldwebel Heinz Vinke at 01:30 on January 3, 1944 over Mirns in Holland. The crew all died in the subsequent crash.

“The Flight Engineer was Sgt Gordon Heasman, his grandson Colin has asked if I can assist in tracing the painting’s current location. Would any RAF News readers know?” n If you can help, please contact Mike via email: ridgemr@ btinternet.com

Top prof lectures at IWM OXFORD UNIVERSITY Professor Margaret MacMillan, best known for her book Peacemakers: The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and Its Attempt to End War, is the key speaker for the IWM Institute’s 2022 Annual Lecture on March 23.

This year’s discussion, War: How Conflict Shaped Us, taking place at the Imperial War Museum in London, will be chaired

by BBC newsreader Reeta Chakarabati and will be followed by an audience Q&A. The discussion will focus on MacMillan’s book of the same name and will be an opportunity to hear the eminent war historian question the complex relationship between war and society. n Go to: www.iwm.org.uk for details.

Royal Air Force News Friday, February 25, 2022 R'n'R 8

R'n'R Crossword

Prize Su Doku

No. 310

No. 320

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the 17 letters in yellow squares to find an aviation term

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 7. Almost annoys the rest (6) 8. The endless spots on clobber (6) 10. Boat almost left party in Los Angeles (7) 11. And 18 Across. Big cat takes insect on RAF plane (5,4) 12. And 22 Across. Another RAF plane uses gravity to hold up teacher (4,5) 13. Before two beginners do winter sport with flair (5) 17. Christmas decoration correctly left out (5) 18. See 11 Across 22. See 12 Across 23. Underline in French: the man embraces Mandela’s party (7) 24. Light film disrupted outside Sydney (6) 25. Request the sound of a bell we hear (6) Down 1. Want a try in the past (4,3) 2. Cotton twill fabric fine on RAF chopper (7) 3. 100 reach castle of villain (5) 4. Shave RAF inventor (7) 5. In Islamabad, general sports RAF emblem (5) 6. About to ruin incantation (5) 9. Key rivals destroy 495th Fighter Squadron (9) 14. Most beautiful RAF site, perhaps (7) 15. Rodin sculpts queen on German plane (7) 16. Above all, I’m embraced by Gordon Ramsay outside Londonderry (7) Solution to Crossword No 309: 19. Snub corpse (5) Across – 1. Scam 8. Early Grave 9. Opulence 10. Salt 12. Circus 20. Andrew or George, say, upset Mark (5) 14. Shrimp 15. Enrage 17. Boeing 18. Crew 19. Shawbury 21.

21. Fish’s partner caresses him in passionate smooch, at first (5) Wellington 22. Dash Down – 2. Campaigner 3. Meal 4. Drones 5. Lycees 6. Preserve 7.

Cent 11. Lemon Grass 13. Cranwell 16. Easing 17. Blasts 18. Cowl 20. Bond RAF aircraft – Hurricane

THE RED: Brigstocke

Solution to Su Doku No: 319

Theatre

Anything Goes UK tour

Anything Goes at Online drama Barbican O N RIGINAL THEATRE Online presents Marcus Brigstocke’s bittersweet drama, The Red, online from March 17 until June 16.

Commissioned for BBC Radio 4 and winner of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2018 for Best Single Drama, Brigstocke’s compelling drama of family and addiction is based on his own recovery from alcoholism as a teenager. The 2019 stage production had acclaimed runs at Omnibus Theatre and the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Best known for his standup comedy and as a regular performer and writer on Radio 4 including The Now Show, I’ve Never Seen Star Wars and The Brig Report, he said: “I am thrilled that The Red is coming back. It is a deeply personal piece of work for me. It is in large part my story. I am so proud that it has been such a success and hugely excited that it will be seen by more people now.” n Go to: originaltheatreonline. com for more details. Age guidance: 14+. Running time: 60 minutes.

EW STAR casting has been announced for Anything Goes, the hit musical that’s sailing back to the Barbican in London for a return residency following its sold-out run last summer.

The new cast includes WhatOnStage Award winner Kerry Ellis (Wicked/We Will Rock You) as Reno Sweeney and Olivier Award winner Denis Lawson (Bleak House/New Tricks) as Moonface Martin. Joining them on board is Simon Callow (Four Weddings & a Funeral/Amadeus) as Elisha Whitney and Bonnie Langford (EastEnders/9 to 5) as Evangeline Harcourt.

As well as its return to the Barbican from July 15 – September 3, the show will also be visiting theatres in Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Canterbury and Manchester, starting on April 11.

This classic musical romp across the Atlantic promises to take audiences back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by PG Wodehouse and Guy Bolton.

The show features a collection of

NAUTICAL ROMP: (left to right) Simon Callow, Kerry Ellis, Denis Lawson and Bonnie Langford star

some of theatre’s most memorable songs – including I Get A Kick Out of You, Anything Goes, You’re the Top and It’s De-Lovely.

Ellis said: “I am so excited to be taking on the role of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes this summer. This glorious show is classic musical theatre at its very best. Reno is an iconic character. I can’t wait to get

my tap shoes on and share this fabulous musical with audiences up and down the country.”

Callow said: “Like everyone who saw Anything Goes last summer, I was swept away by it. The sheer joy of sharing its exuberance, wit and style with my fellow theatregoers – the perfect antidote to Covid and all its miseries. I couldn’t be happier

PHOTO: HUGO GLENDINNING

to be joining the show as we spread the joy around the country and back to the Barbican.”

Langford added: “I simply adore this show. It’s vibrant, fun and bursting with a feel-good energy that is contagious both on and off stage. It really is musical theatre at its finest.” n Go to: anythinggoesmusical. co.uk for more information.