RAF News Edition 1545, 7th Oct 2022

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Simon Mander

UK FIGHTER pilots honed their combat skills over the Hebrides in the largest single mass firing of missiles by Typhoons and F-35B Lightnings.

Pilots from eight frontline squadrons launched 53 Advanced Short Range weapons during 34 sorties.

In one mission two IX (B) Sqn Typhoons teamed up with a pair of F-35Bs to deploy the close-range missiles.

An RAF spokesman said: “The exercise provided an efficient method for the disposal of the end-of-life weapons whilst providing

Hebrides missile blitz

an opportunity for frontline pilots to practise employing the weapon.”

Lossiemouth’s IX(B) Sqn – the oldest dedicated bomber squadron in the RAF – is well acquainted with the ASRAAM.

Developed to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder, it was used by a Typhoon to destroy a Daesh drone over Syria in December 2021 – the first time an enemy aircraft had been shot down by the RAF since the Falklands War.

The weapons drill came six days after three Typhoons targeted a former US Navy warship in a devastating display of firepower in the North Atlantic.

Victor museum debut

ONE OF the last remaining Cold War Handley Page Victors, XH648, has gone on display at IWM Duxford following a fiveyear restoration project supported by a fundraising campaign that raised more than £25,000.

The historic jet-powered strategic bomber made its first flight in November 1959, and was then flown with 15 Sqn, based at RAF Cottesmore, as part of the Far East Air Force during the confrontation with Indonesia in 1962-63.

On return from Indonesia it was converted by Handley Page in 1965 into a two-point tanker and spent 10 years with 55 Sqn at Marham before being retired to Duxford just over 10 years later. The aircraft has been repainted with its markings from its service with 55 Sqn.

Retired Sqn Ldr Garden ‘Gary’ West, who flew more than 1,800 hours on Victors, said: “It’s an honour to see one of the Victor Mk 1s I served in restored to its finest fettle.

“Its unique and unmistakable presence brings back vivid memories of operations and I hope lots of people will visit and learn about its place in aviation history.”

Carl Warner from IWM Duxford

added: “As the only surviving Victor B1A in the world, this is an iconic aircraft with a design that was seen as incredibly futuristic

when it was first developed in the 1950s. It was even intended to have a fully detachable cockpit for use as an escape pod.

“Today it stands as a symbol of innovation and tells an important part of the story of the Cold War conflict.”

FRIENDS REUNITED: RAF veterans alongside restored Handley Page Victor now on display at the Imperial War Museum

Lossie eyes 2024 Wedgetail arrival

PREPARATIONS FOR the arrival of the RAF’s new E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft have begun at Lossiemouth.

The fleet will be located alongside the recently completed £100 million Atlantic Building, which is home to nine already operational Poseidon MRA Mk1 aircraft.

Both aircraft types are military derivatives of Boeing’s 737 and operating both from the Scottish base will harness its strategic location.

The Wedgetail can simultaneously track multiple airborne and maritime targets and use the information it gathers to direct fighter jets and warships.

It has been used by the Royal Australian Air Force on operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

Following enabling works, including diverting utilities and ground levelling, the main construction phase is scheduled to begin next spring.

The target for Initial Operating Capability is 2024 for the Wedgetail, marking a return to Lossiemouth for 8 Sqn after an absence of 30 years.

Cyprus inferno

UK Griffins battle island wildfires

Fasouri.

AN AWARD-WINNING statue of a WWII pilot has been unveilled at a garden paying tribute to Battle of Britain veterans at London’s Biggin Hill Airport.

The four-metre-tall figure was constructed from 223 layers of laser cut stainless steel and first unveiled by designer John Everiss at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year.

It now has pride of place in a commemorative space at the former wartime RAF base.

A Spitfire performed a flypast ahead of the opening ceremony.

Mr Everiss said: “It’s the perfect place for our pilot sculpture to be looking to the sky as the Spitfires take off in front of it.

“It’s humbling to be able to play a small part in commemorating the Battle of Britain story and the historic role of London Biggin Hill Airport.”

The garden was opened by Randolph Churchill, greatgrandson of Sir Winston Churchill, with veterans and their families, as a tribute to all those who have served or are now in the military.

Simon Mander

GRIFFIN HELICOPTERS were scrambled to support Cypriot firefighters battling a blaze near Akrotiri.

Crews from 84 Sqn took off to drop water from underslung Bambi buckets to tackle the wildfire in Fasouri, on the border between the base area and their civilian neighbours.

Two Griffin HAR2s launched, flying for more than nine hours and unleashing 65 tonnes of water as part of an island-wide aviation response involving four Forestry Department fixed-wing aircraft, two contracted Helix helicopters, and a Cypriot Police helicopter as the on-scene airborne commander.

Officer Commanding Sqn Ldr Jean-Marc David said RAF personnel battled for hours to stop the flames reaching important local infrastructure.

He added: “This is the second time this season that a fire has broken out in the same area, but thankfully, with the sterling co-ordinated ground and air efforts by civilian and military emergency services, the fire was successfully contained overnight and finally put out the following morning.

“The cause is currently unknown and firefighting crews continue to patrol the area as plenty of smoke remains,.”

There were no reports of any injuries or damage to buildings.

The RAF unit trains throughout the year to deal with blazes sparked by the hot Mediterranean climate and conducts search and rescue missions, airlifts Force Protection personnel, and assists the Republic’s civilian authorities.

Keira’s tears for family WWII hero

Tracey Allen

HOLLYWOOD STAR Keira Knightley was moved to tears when she learnt about her World War II RAF hero greatuncle in a Channel 4 documentary.

The actress wept as she discovered during the programme that her great-uncle Andrew, a bomb aimer, was shot down during his eighth bombing mission over the German industrial town of Essen then spent 18 months as a prisoner of war.

The star was told about Andrew Williams’ story in My Grandparents’ War as she heard about the wartime love affair between her grandfather, a Royal Navy sonar operator, and her grandmother Jan. Andrew was Jan’s younger brother and the family feared when he was reported missing in action

in 1943 that he had died. His pilot was killed but the rest of the crew bailed out and were taken PoWs. Towards the end of the war they were forced to walk 600 miles in freezing weather, over two months, before US Army members could break the news to them that the war was over.

On the show, Knightley read out what her greatuncle had written when he realised he had survived his ordeal. He wrote: “I remember staggering to a wall, sliding down to the ground and crying. We’d finally been released. I was only about seven stone by this time and I’d thought we were all going to die.”

Although the star has appeared in hit films set in WWII, including Atonement and The Imitation Game, she was previously unaware of her own family’s wartime experience.

AN XBOX 360 controller used to operate the camera of UAVs in Afghanistan and Iraq features in a new exhibition at London’s Imperial War Museum.

The War Games show looks at how the reality of war is represented in the virtual world and how video game technology is used to help shape real wars.

It features a retro game zone with 13 classics including Battlezone, Medal of Honor and Top Gun. l Go to: iwm.org.uk for more details.

Wokk-a result

Tracey Allen

A UNIQUE Land Rover customised by a firm of British automotive aces to honour the Chinook’s 40 years of service has made £138,000 at auction for the RAF Association.

The one-off vehicle was sold by top auctioneers Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival, the popular vintage motoring festival.

Specialist auto firm TECNIQ rebuilt a Q40 Defender taking design cues from the Chinook for both the vehicle’s interior and exterior.

In a salute to the workhorse helicopter – known affectionately as the ‘Wokka’ – the plush motor’s bodywork has been hand-finished in complementing shades of gloss and matte dark green, to match the camouflaged bodywork of the iconic Boeing aircraft.

A graphic representation of the famous double-rotor design, inspired by the flying suit badges worn by Chinook aircrew, is subtly depicted on the rear of the vehicle through a matte paint finish.

Lightweight carbon fibre racing seats are upholstered in handstitched Bridge of Wier leather with sheepskin inserts in a subtle nod to the seating of the Chinook.

The bespoke motor also features a quilted roof lining and instrument cluster and centre console with military design influence, while the rear luggage compartment is portioned off using the webbing taken from the load bay of the aircraft.

Company chief Nigel Lempriere

said: “It is a really proud day seeing the efforts of the team and all those who have been involved in delivering the Q40 Defender achieve such a fantastic result for RAFA.

“It was a fantastic moment to see the vehicle on display and the interest it received prior to the sale, and to hear how much interest it generated from potential bidders around the world.

“The money raised is going to such a worthy cause, supporting the welfare of members of the RAF family, past and present.”

RAFA fundraising director

Rachel Huxford added: “A huge thank you to TECNIQ for their extraordinary generosity in gifting us the Q40 Defender, and for the enthusiasm and dedication they have continually put into this project that has made all of this possible.

“The auction of this exceptional vehicle generated an incredible amount that will enable us to make a real difference to the lives of RAF personnel, veterans, and their loved ones when they need it most.”

Chinook tribute Land Rover nets £138k for RAF charity

SALUTE: Stylish interior also features military-style webbing in the back

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THREE TYPHOONS launched strikes alongside Royal Navy and US Navy forces destroying a decomissioned warship in a devastating display of firepower in the North Atlantic.

The rare live test of complex weapons was described as unleashing ‘fire and fury,’ on USS Boone.

Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster fired two Harpoon anti-ship missiles at the same time as a US P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft launched one of its own – slamming 660kg of high explosive against the ship.

The frigate’s Wildcat helicopter then punched Martlet air-to-surface missiles into the Boone’s hull in the first firing of the Fleet Air Arm’s new anti-ship weapon.

The operation was a double first – for an RAF fighter dropping live ordnance onto a warship, and for a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter using its onboard laser-targeting pod to guide Coningsby’s 41 Sqn jets’ Paveway IV bombs on to the maritime target.

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815 Naval Air Squadron Wildcat captain Lt Ross Gallagher said: “The exercise presented a great opportunity for the Wildcat to Laser Target Designate for Typhoon dropping Paveway IV.”

Exercise Atlantic Thunder is the first of its type for the Royal Navy in 18 years and took place alongside the US Navy and the US Air Force.

HMS Westminster Commander Ed Moss-Ward said: “Atlantic Thunder has demonstrated that UK and US naval and air forces can work together to deliver an endto-end kill chain against a maritime target at long range.”

The Americans fired SM-6 missiles from destroyer USS Arleigh Burke, before US Air Force 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Eagles attacked, sending the target to the bottom of the ocean.

USS Boone served in the US Navy between 1982 and 2012 and is named after Medal of Honour winner Vice Admiral Joel Thompson Boone, the most-highlydecorated medical officer of World War I.

TARGET: Decommissioned frigate USS Boone was blasted by Typhoon and Royal Navy HMS Westminster during Atlantic exercise

FIRE POWER: Royal Navy frigate HMS Westminster unleashes Harpoon missiles on

Singles serve up home truths on military accommodation

Simon Mander

A LACK of tasty treats and dodgy internet connections were the main gripes of military personnel in single living accommodation, according to the latest Forces-wide survey.

And those serving in the RAF were more prepared to live in a mixed rank block than any of the other Armed Forces, said the research.

Most ‘livers-in,’ were least satisfied with current snack preparation facilities (63 per cent), response to requests for maintenance and repair (61 per cent) and Wi-Fi provision (54 per cent) according to a poll of regulars and reserves earlier this year.

Fewer than half of the 8,000 military personnel polled said they would prefer mixed ranks blocks, although more RAF personnel backed the idea than those in the Army.

Meanwhile, under half of respondents would consent to stay in mixed accommodation if Senior and Junior ranks were separated by floor, with Officers more likely to agree with this option than reject it.

Almost a third of Service personnel do not currently use

In Brief

Kart attack

TEAMS WITH 903 Expeditionary Air Wing hit the Akrotiri Go-Kart track to raise funds for cancer victims.

The Royal Air Force riders clocked up 903 laps of the station’s onemile circuit, netting more than £900 for Marie Curie which provides care to patients with terminal illness.

mess catering facilities, with most blaming the quality of food and the lack of choice.

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Nearly two thirds of Officers said they did not dine-in because they prefer not to wear formal dress compared to just 18 per cent of other ranks.

Most military personnel cited quality as the most important factor regarding accommodation rather than choice, cost and value for money.

Just under half of Service personnel were satisfied with the amount they pay per month, while a third said they were dissatisfied.

Most prioritised having enhanced cooking facilities and an en suite, with 65 per cent preferring a full shared kitchen with no or limited access to dining facilities in associated messes, and 30 per cent opting for both facilities.

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The survey found most Service personnel were satisfied with the welfare provision (70 per cent), lighting (65 per cent), and parking (57 per cent) around single living accommodation with around half satisfied with value for money.

Shake-up paves way for Protector

Staff Reporter

A NEW command structure has been declared fully operational at Waddington as the station takes control of the P8 Poseidon sub hunter fleet and prepares for the arrival of new Protector UAVs.

The move marks a change from a system set up in the 1950s and a chance for non-aircrew to secure top jobs, station chiefs say.

Under the shake-up Commander ISTAR Air Wing takes over legal responsibility for minimising flying risks, allowing the Station Commander’s job to be filled by any commissioned RAF profession.

The changes have been welcomed across the ranks.

Air Operations Officer Flt Lt Gemelle Robertson said: “The decision to change the station commander to ‘any’ profession gives an exciting opportunity for career progression which was previously not an option. I think this may give non-aircrew reason to stay in service for longer.”

Engineering Officer Flt Lt Mathew Morley said: “The separation gives the engineering profession the wonderful opportunity to take on significant and meaningful command appointments as station commanders.”

Commander Air Wing, Gp Capt Christopher Melville, who has worked closely with Lossiemouth units since the Poseidon Sqns were brought into the ISTAR Air Wing, said: “I am responsible for leading the Air Wing as a fighting formation across a number of bases, for the training of our air and ground crews, and for Air Safety.”

The changes have enabled the current base boss to focus on

setting up the infrastructure for Protector’s arrival, improving security by opening new military dog kennels, and providing better facilities including an E-sports Arena and welfare club.

To prevent disruption to the ISTAR Force’s global operational role the changes were managed by a separate team, led by Deputy Force Commander Gp Capt Jim Beldon.

He said: “We had to take a degree

of risk in creating a new model that broke with a tradition of command at RAF flying stations that dates back decades.”

Project Manager Flt Lt Mallory Short said: “This project will shape the future of how our Main Operating Bases are structured and organised and it presented many challenges as it was the biggest change since the 1950s era Binbrook model.”

SADDLE SCORE: Riders raise more than £900 on the track in Akrotiri

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Personnel in single accommodation put quality over value for money but catering choices and Wi-Fi come under fire, according to a survey of more than 8,000

NEW ARRIVAL: Changes at RAF Waddington follow the arrival of new Protector UAV

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Simon Mander

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FALCONS PARACHUTISTS jumped from a Puma helicopter to perform their signature red, white and blue display for royal visitors to Brize Norton.

The performance marked the award by the Sultan of Brunei, HM Hassanal Bolkiah, of Parachute Wings to his son HRH Prince Abdul Mateen at the Oxfordshire station.

The Prince has spent two weeks undergoing initial training alongside 64 UK Forces personnel, carrying out landing, on board aircraft and canopy drills ahead of four descents from 1,000ft.

The visit was hosted by Air Officer Commanding 2 Gp, Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall; Brize Norton Station Commander Gp Capt Claire O’Grady; and Commander Air Wing, Gp Capt Gareth Burdett, and included a tour of Parachute Training Squadron hangar.

Youngsters take up tech challenge

JUNIOR boffins took up the RAF science and technology challenge at Wittering this month under the supervision of station experts.

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The students from the local primary school used recycled newspapers bonded together to produced a range of structures and totem poles as part of their class project on Aztec and Mexican culture.

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WO Steve Poulton said: “Getting children to understand the basics of how science, engineering and technology work together and how they feature in everyday life is really important.”

BUILDING BLOCKS: Local school pupils get to work at Wittering

CHUTE-ING STAR: HRH Prince Abdul Mateen receives his coveted ‘Wings’ from his father HM Hassanal Bolkiah during a ceremony at Brize Norton

Often feel fatigued? Try magnesium

Feeling tired and don’t know why? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, less than half of us consume our recommended daily amount of magnesium, a mineral that helps turn the food we eat into energy.

Best known for helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue, magnesium is also vital for our health.

Deficiency can cause mood swings, migraines, eye twitches and muscle cramps.

If you have low magnesium levels, you are also less likely to get a good night’s sleep.

Magnesium is present in foods such as black beans, bananas and pumpkin seeds, but to get the benefits we need to absorb it into our bodies.

One way to ensure we consume a consistent level of magnesium is

by taking a daily supplement – but not all supplements are equal.

Your body’s ability to absorb the magnesium depends on the way that the supplement is made.

‘Most supplements use magnesium oxide – it is the most common form, as it has a high concentration of magnesium but it’s not easily released into the body,’ explains Dr Miriam Ferrer PhD, head of product development at FutureYou Cambridge.

‘Taking more magnesium to try and make up for the problem isn’t the best approach, as too much

Free MAGNESIUM for the over 50s

Leading Cambridge company to offer scientifically proven energy range

FutureYou Cambridge, a nutraceutical company known for its well-researched nutritional supplements, is giving away packs of its flagship energy product to new customers.

The offer is aimed at helping the over 50s, who commonly suffer with low energy and fatigue, but is open to people of all ages. It comes after the Cambridge firm received a fl urry of positive reviews for its best-selling energy product on Trustpilot, the independent online review platform.

can cause an upset stomach so we created Magnesium+ using magnesium lactate which is twice as absorbable as a standard magnesium oxide supplement. This means you need much less per capsule to deliver the same amount, making it a much more efficient way to take this essential mineral.’

‘Since I’ve been on this supplement I have more go in me than I had before.’

in me than I had before,’ writes Stephen.

And Nicole, 57, says: ‘I genuinely started to feel different within a couple of weeks. I started to feel much more perky – that’s the best word to describe it.

Reviews gathered on independent website Trustpilot speak of its effectiveness. ‘Since I’ve been on this supplement I have more go

‘I feel like I’ve got more energy and more desire to do stuff. I’ve taken them religiously ever since.’

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‘I am a woman of 74, and a few months ago I realised that I had no energy at all. I put it down to my age, but it was really impacting on my life in so many ways. My husband read an ad for Magnesium+ and I thought I would give it a try. Within two weeks I was a different woman, with energy to spare,’ says Anne.

Adam Cleevely, FutureYou

Cambridge’s CEO, explains the thinking behind the offer: ‘After receiving so much positive feedback on Magnesium+, our team is confident that people will love it within their first pack.

‘So we’ve decided to offer that first pack for free, because our team is excited to spread the word about Magnesium+ with as many people as possible –as excited as our customers, who have been leaving such amazing reviews.’

Paint it Black

UK CREWS training alongside Royal Australian Air Force pilots on Exercise Pitch Black presented their hosts Down Under with a classic painting of a Typhoon and 54 Sqn Spitfire flying over the Northern Territories.

6 Sqn Typhoons from Lossiemouth taking part flew from Akrotiri, stopping off in the UAE, India and Singapore.

The South Pacific war games involve more than 100 aircraft from 17 nations including Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore, operating from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal.

Gunner Toby’s anatural leader

HOT SHOT Gunner AS1 Toby Ray has scooped a top Forces award from the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.

The RAF Regt man was presented with the Tedder Academy Leadership Talent prize for inspiring his comrades at Honington.

Kabul rescue hero

tops flying awards

EXCEPTIONAL AIRMANSHIP by

an RAF Atlas pilot who landed troops at Kabul airport under Taliban fire while low on fuel has been recognised by a top

Having been forced to hold off due to an abandoned aircraft in flames blocking the runway and aborting one attempt, Sqn Ldr Mark Parker achieved the rescue mission during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. He wins the Air Pilots’ Grand Master’s Award for showing ‘unwavering courage under fire’ during Operation Pitting – the largest UK military evacuation since World War II.

Sqn Ldr Parker was one of the first to land in Kabul with troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade. He held his ground as machine gun rounds hit the tarmac around him as the Taliban stormed the Afghan capital and closed in on the

Speaking after completing the mission he said: “We knew that the country was being quite rapidly overrun but the predictions were that Kabul

would hold out for several more days at least.

“The guys in the Air Traffic Control Tower were under direct attack and we could see smoke rising from the south side of the field and there were rounds hitting the ground around the aircraft.

“The speed of the collapse took us by surprise. I remember when we came into land it was chaotic. There is not a lot you can do when it is happening all around you. You just focus on keeping the aircraft and the crew safe.

“I don’t think any of us knew just how we would be affected by the evacuees.

“Everybody found it extremely moving. So many of the people on board had few or no possessions. Some of them looked totally traumatised by what they had been through and there were a lot of children.

“I don’t think there was a single crew member who wasn’t moved by what they saw.”

The Brize Norton-based LXX Sqn Atlas pilot is one of three serving and ex-Air Force personnel recognised by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.

He is joined by Robert Pooley, whose work establishing flying scholarships have helped countless young people learn to fly. He is awarded this year’s Sword of Honour – for an outstanding contribution to general aviation.

RAF veteran test pilot Phil O’Dell is recognised for his ‘vision and determination’ in being ‘fundamental,’ to the success of RollsRoyce’s record-breaking electric Accel flight. His record attempt at extracting maximum performance from a futuristic aircraft considered high risk due to its limited endurance, instability, high control forces and a poor view from the cockpit earned him the Derry and Richards Memorial Medal for outstanding achievement in advancing the art and science of aviation.

Other winners included another Accel pioneer, former Red Bull Air Race pilot and retired British Airways Captain Steve Jones who is awarded the Myles Bickerton Trophy for outstanding flying achievement.

Veteran display pilot Stuart Goldspink wins the Hanna Trophy after 50 years in the cockpits of vintage aircraft worldwide.

The Pike Trophy, for an outstanding contribution to civil flying instruction, goes to Anthony Mollison, who for more than 30 years has flown over 11,500 hours instructing and examining in light aircraft.

The Air Pilots’ Trophies and Awards are presented at London’s Guildhall later this month.

CDS SIR TONY

VETERAN: O’Dell

Para-dog Rob’s WWII medals to net £30,000

AN ANIMAL VC presented to legendary parachuting dog Rob who served with the SAS in World War II is expected to sell for £30,000 when it goes under the hammer later this month.

The PDSA Dickin Medal for Gallantry and RSPCA Red Collar for Valour were won by War Dog Rob, who jumped 20 times on parachute descents during the conflict.

The black-and-white collieretriever, bought as a puppy from Colemere Farm near Ellesmere in Shropshire in 1939 for five shillings, lived his early years with the Bayne family in nearby Tetchill as their farm dog and pet until his owners volunteered him for duty in 1942.

Following action with the infantry in the North Africa campaign, from September 1943, Rob served with 2 SAS on sabotage missions in Italy as patrol and guard.

Auctioneers Noonans spokesman Christopher Mellor-Hill said: “Rob the Parachuting Dog is the most famous of all the Dickin Medal recipients and we are delighted to be offering his medals on behalf of the family who owned him.

“Rob was the first War Dog attached to the SAS to be awarded the ‘animal VC,’ and was reportedly the only War Dog to have been nominated for the Dickin Medal by the War Office.”

Demobbed in November 1945, Rob led a Wembley Parade of 32 war dogs on July 16, 1947 in front of 10,000 spectators, being the only dog present to hold both top animal honours.

Over the years books have been written about him and he even featured on the front page of the Radio Times

Instituted by the founder of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, Maria Dickin, in 1943, the Dickin Medal has been awarded 71 times – 32 of them going to pigeons, 34 to dogs, four to horses, and one to a cat.

Most were granted for bravery in WWII, but more recent honours have gone to Arms and Explosives

Search Dogs of the RAF and Royal Army Veterinary Corps for their gallantry in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Air dog Buster received the award after serving with Special

Forces in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Dickin Medal was also presented earlier this year to dogs supporting security forces at Camp Bastion.

At the time of receiving the award, Rob’s owner, Edward Bayne, said how caring Rob was as a farm dog: ‘He used to help settle the chicks in their houses at night, picking them up in his mouth when they had strayed away – he had a wonderful mouth – and tucking them in under their mothers.’

Mr Bayne’s son, Basil, who now lives in Antrim, Northern Ireland and is selling the medal, learned to walk by holding onto Rob’s tail or clutching his coat.

He said: “Following his wartime exploits, Rob was returned to us and settled back into life on the farm, occasionally making public appearances to help raise funds for returning Prisoners of War and their families.

“In February 1948 he disappeared for five days with his companion, our other dog, Judy, and returned in an emaciated condition without

his distinctive red, white and blueribbon collar.

“Several years later a local farm worker out rabbiting with a spade found the collar hooked around the root of a tree where Rob had strained and lost weight until he was able to slip it over his head.”

Rob died in 1952, aged 12. The collar, a portrait painting, photographs, certificate, manuscripts, books, and letters will be offered for sale by Noonans on October 12. The proceeds will be donated to the Taylor McNally Foundation, which promotes education for young people in Northern Ireland.

JET set net cash boost

YOUTH CHARITY the Jon Egging Trust has landed a £100,000 windfall to help fund its Blue Skies educational programme for disadvantaged students.

The Trust, founded in memory of Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging in 2012, landed the funding windfall from the Impetus group which supports good causes across the UK.

JET founder Dr Emma Egging said: “We believe that all young people should be able to leave school armed with the skills they need to succeed. Many of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and often face significant life challenges and lack positive role models.”

Home run for COS

LOGISTICS SPECIALIST Wg Cdr Mark Concarr has been appointed as Chief of Staff at Wittering overseeing the Support Force.

It is a return to the Cambridgeshire station for the 43-year-old who held the post of Deputy Commander at 1 Expeditionary Logistics Sqn in 2013.

He said: “There is more than one element to this job; you’re managing the activities of the Force Headquarters, and co-ordinating the tasks and operational outputs of the Support Force in response to Defence need.”

Simon Mander

HERO HOUND: Rob’s wartime bravery has been

magazines over the years including the Radio Times (right)

WITTERING RETURN: Wg Cdr Concarr

FUNDING LIFT: The Jon Egging Trust runs the Blue Skies project for disadvantaged students

AIRLIFT

With no specialist air transport or logistics experience, Luftflotte 4 never stood a chance of the German Sixth Army from fierce Russian onslaught equally lethal Eastern winter

THOSE WHO claimed that the award of operational medals to RAF crews who plucked more than 15,000 evacuees from the clutches of the Taliban at Kabul airport on Op Pitting was ‘rewarding a defeat’ should probably be made to read this book.

About a different airlift at a time when military aviation was at its most basic, this is the story of the Luftwaffe’s ultimately doomed attempt to save the encircled and

beleaguered German Sixth Army at Stalingrad in the winter of 1942 and shows starkly the perils of mass air operations.

Author aviation historian Robert Forsyth makes no apology for adding to the groaning bookshelves of tomes on the epic conflict, and nor should he, for as he contends, ‘the bulk of the Stalingrad historiography to date has been focused on the land actions.’

His account concentrates on the Luftwaffe’s desperate attempt to feed and equip an army, so it at least had

a chance to break out and save itself –which Hitler ultimately refused to let it do.

It is, as he says, ‘a colossal story,’ of a race against time as the Red Army closed in to annihilate its enemy across the vast Russian steppes, a feat of human endeavour in unimaginable conditions and an account of how not to run a complex air campaign.

For 71 days, Luftflotte 4 – a combat unit tasked for a job for which it had no experience, specialist air transport or logistics expertise – battled to sustain 6 Armee.

And between November 1942 and February 1943 it managed to deliver 116 tons of freight a day and evacuated 24,900 wounded for the loss of 488 aircraft and 1,000 airmen.

It was commanded by a dashing decorated World War I veteran Friedrich-Wilhelm Morzik, known as Fritz, who, even at the outset warned:

“The decision to keep an encircled army corps supplied exclusively by air had been based on a completely erroneous, or at least over optimistic, estimation of the Russian winter, of the resources available... and the insurmountable difficulties in covering the tremendous distances involved.”

I

ncredibly, it seems, no one in the Third Reich had heard of Napoleon’s disastrous 1812 retreat from Moscow.

Battling appalling weather in temperatures plummeting to –40˚C that made it impossible to start even serviceable aircraft, the airlift was also equipped with the wrong types – such as huge Me 321 cargo gliders which had to be towed by two He 111s and were so big there was no 1,000m-long

BOMBING RAID: Ju 87 Stuka banks over Stalingrad towards the west and away from the Volga River (EN Archive)

THE

DAMNED

transport Luftflotte of saving from a and an winter

strip at Stalingrad for them to land on.

This combined with an incredible lack of escort fighters and anti-aircraft defences for airfields made Hitler’s promise of 500 tons of supplies a day to the 364,000 starved and freezing soldiers besieged in Stalingrad an impossible dream.

As Forsyth damningly concludes, despite dark mutterings of ‘betrayal’ by Sixth Army chief Paulus, the Luftwaffe paid a very high price to save an army that did not attempt to save itself.

And in the inevitable blame game that followed the fatuous Goring, who boasted so shamelessly about ‘his Luftwaffe’ yet chose to attend a glittering Wagner gala at the restored Berlin Opera House on the day the operation started, is an easy target.

But really the stubborn stupidity of the entire high command was to blame.

As military doctor Heinrich Potthoff wrote in his diary: ‘Those responsible for the debacle did not set an example. For those they had sentenced to die, they were no shining example at all. As leadership personalities, they stayed well away from the firing line.’

And the seismic shame of the destruction of the first German army since 1806 that even master spin doctor Goebbels couldn’t disguise was even felt by those who bore the least blame.

Forsyth quotes one Luftwaffe commander who wrote: ‘At the end of the Stalingrad operation, the

members of my Gruppe asked that no requests for medals or decorations be put forward and I granted this request.’

Impeccably researched, this is one for CAS’s reading list and a must for any student of air power.

Ambrose.

Released on November 10 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Stalingrad – a defeat that changed the course of World War II – it is military history at its best.

WE HAVE copies of To Save An Army: The Stalingrad Airlift by Robert Forsyth to give away to the first readers drawn out of a hat who correctly answer the following question:

Win!

Who commanded Luftflotte 4 during the Stalingrad airlift?

S

ome of the details Forsyth unearths are impressive, for example that while the filthy, freezing, lice-infested infantry relied on woollens and fur coats donated by German housewives and film stars the ‘elite’ murderers of the SS were snug in fur-lined gloves and jackets, and long johns from a stockpile of confiscated goods in Riga.

Likewise, he reveals the alarming hazard faced by Heinkel 111 crews of parachute-equipped containers opening inside the aircraft during flight as it approached a drop zone at low speed with the bomb bay doors open.

By conjuring a compelling narrative from complex events and by skilful use of eyewitness diaries and rare contemporary photographs, Robert Forsyth puts himself in the same illustrious company as Anthony Beevor, Max Hastings and Stephen

l To Save An Army: The Stalingrad Airlift, by Robert Forsyth, is published by Osprey in hardback, priced £25.

Email your answer, with ‘Stalingrad competition’ in the subject heading, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 21. Please include your full name with your entry.

German troops quickly haul

supplies

possibly at Demyansk (EN Archive)orld

10 airmen laid to rest

TEN WARTIME airmen have been laid to rest in three ceremonies in one week in the Netherlands.

The full military burial of the remains of Typhoon pilot Flt Sgt William Robert Stephen Hurrell, 78 years after his death, was the latest at Jonkerbos War Cemetery.

Flt Sgt Hurrell, of 175 Sqn, was flying in a formation of six aircraft on an armed reconnaissance north of Arnhem on September 26, 1944 when they were attacked by up to 60 enemy ME109s.

His coffin was carried by The Queen’s Colour Squadron personnel at a service led by Honington Chaplain Rev Sqn Ldr Josephine Critchley and attended by his family from Australia, diplomats, and local dignitaries.

His remains were discovered in 2019 after excavations by the Joint Aircraft Recovery Team of the Netherlands MOD on farmland near the village of Eefde in the municipality of Lochem.

Working alongside the Recovery and Identification Unit of the Royal Netherlands Army and the Air Historical Branch, the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) reviewed documents confirming the identity of the aircraft.

Flt Sgt Hurrell’s great-niece Brydie said: “We grew up knowing that Bill was shot down at the end of the war and that his parents had never found him. We knew he was in the Netherlands, we just weren’t sure where exactly.

“When we heard about the salvage project we were over the moon. Representing the rest of my family back home means a lot.

“Bill’s parents and his brother, my grandfather, died never knowing where he was but we now have closure for them and for ourselves.”

E

arlier the RAF and the Royal Canadian Air Force held a joint ceremony for the seven-strong British and Canadian crew of Stirling BK716 of 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron.

They left Downham Market, Norfolk, on March 29, 1943 for a raid on Berlin, but shortly afterwards their flight was designated ‘missing believed killed’.

The crash site was later located in Lake Markermeer and, in 2020, the remains were removed by the Joint Aircraft

Recovery Team of the Netherlands MOD.

Following the recovery, JCCC confirmed from the wreckage’s unique engine plate that it was Stirling BK716.

Human remains were few, and it was impossible to assign them to individuals, but all were remembered at burial. They were Britons FO John Frederick Harris, FO John Michael Campbell, Sgt Charles Armstrong Bell, Sgt Ronald Kennedy, and Sgt Leonard Richard James Shrubsall, and Canadians FO Harry Gregory Farrington

Also in the same week, the remains of Liverpool-born Leading Aircraftman John Stuart Mee Bromley of 264 Sqn were interred 82 years after his aircraft was shot down near Dordrecht.

A blessing ceremony was also held at Idaarderadeel (Wartena) General Cemetery for PO Peter Clement Vellacott Joslin, of Hornchurch, who died when his Lancaster crashed in September 1942.

and Flt Sgt John Francis James McCaw.

KILLED: British and Canadian crew of BK716

BEARER PARTY: Personnel from The Queen’s Colour Squadron carry the remains of the crew of Stirling BK716 to their final resting place

PHOTO: SGT SAMANTHA CROWE, CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

MILITARY HONOURS: The Queen’s Colour Squadron (left) fold the Union Flag at the grave of Flt Sgt William Hurrell, above

PO PETER JOSLIN

CEREMONY: Representatives of the British Embassy in the Netherlands receive the Union Flag which dressed the coffin of Leading Aircraftman John Bromley, shot down in 1940

Win!

Battle of Britain in pictures

IN HIS stunning new book, The Battle of Britain A Visual History (iwm.org.uk), military historian Anthony Richards tells the heroic story of the famous air battle, as well as the Blitz bombing campaign which followed, through photographs, interviews, diary and letter extracts, film stills and artwork from the worldrenowned Imperial War Museum archives.

Personal testimony from those who lived through the famous ‘Spitfire Summer’ of 1940 brings the title’s unique visual retelling of one of the crucial moments of the conflict vividly to life.

Richards said: “We should recognise that any study of the Battle of Britain is faced with a number of difficulties right from the outset. For one thing, historians don’t agree on what date the battle began. There was also no clear geographical boundary to the battle, no one event to indicate when it ended, and no clear overwhelming defeat of one protagonist by the other to indicate who actually won.”

He explained: “To add yet another element of complexity, we should remember that the Battle of Britain could never really be considered as an outright British victory. It was, more accurately, an avoidance of defeat. This is not to downplay the importance of the battle and the necessity to fight – far from it – but we should keep in mind that at the conclusion of 1940 neither side had any particular advantage to speak of.

“By the end of the year Britain had avoided a potential German invasion, yet was still isolated and facing a powerful foe. The battle had stopped Hitler from claiming a quick and ‘cheap’ victory, yet there would be further years of sacrifice ahead before the conflict could be truly won and brought to an end.”

He described the battle as being ‘one of the vital moments of the war’, adding: “It was a defining turning point, not only in the history of the Second World War but in cultural and national terms as well…The pilots of Fighter Command

who flew into battle and risked their lives on a daily basis are still, to this day, granted a particularly special form of recognition.”

Win copy of the book

WE HAVE copies of The Battle of Britain A Visual History (rrp £25) to win. For your chance to own one, tell us: Who was the British Prime Minister during the Battle of Britain?

Email your answer, marked Battle of Britain book competition, to: competitions@rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 21. Please include your full postal address with your entry.

NO. 303 (POLISH) SQUADRON: Leconfield, North Yorkshire, October 24, 1940. Shown (left to right) are Plt Off Bogusław Mierzwa, Plt Off Witold ‘Tolo’ Łokuciewski, Plt Off Mirosław ‘Ox’ Ferić, Flt Lt John A Kent ‘Kentowski, Fg Off Bogdan Grzeszczak, Plt Off Jan ‘Donald Duck’ Zumbach, Plt Officer Jerzy Radomski, Fg Off Zdzisław Henneberg and Sgt Eugeniusz Szaposznikow ©IWM

BETWEEN SORTIES: A Supermarine Spitfire of No. 19 Sqn being rearmed at Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire, in September 1940 ©IWM

RAF ‘KILL’: Frames from gun camera footage showing a Ju 87 Stuka being shot down by a British fighter, 1940 ©IWM

BOMBED: Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspects damage inflicted on a hotel in Ramsgate, Kent, by Luftwaffe raids the night

RECEIVER ROOM: Flt Off P.M Wright supervises as Sergeant K.F Sperrin and WAAF operators Joan Lancaster, Elaine Miley, Gwen Arnold and Joyce Hollyoak work on the plotting map at Bawdsey Chain Home station, Suffolk, May 1945 ©IWM

in

and Medals

Specialists in Orders, Decorations and Medals

minia

in Court

Court and Ord

Ordinary

dinary

for display.

Gp Capt Thomas Dobie, OBE

WWII bomber pilot and world authority on motion sickness

GROUP CAPTAIN

Thomas Dobie, who has died at the age of 99, served as a wartime bomber pilot before joining the RAF’s medical branch when he specialised in aviation medicine, becoming a leading authority on the study and treatment of motion sickness.

After leaving school in 1938, he entered Leeds University Medical School where he joined the University Air Squadron. He enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in April 1942 and, after completing his initial training, was sent to Canada where he trained as a pilot under a UK/US bi-lateral training agreement.

Following a course on the Wellington, he joined 415 Squadron RCAF in Coastal Command. He flew anti-shipping operations and strike support missions in the area of Dieppe to Heligoland. During the period of the D-Day landings, he co-operated with naval forces hunting for German E-Boats operating in the English Channel.

In August 1944, he left for India to join 436 Squadron, RCAF flying the Dakota on re-supply missions in support of the Fourteenth Army as it advanced from Imphal to Akyab and Ramree. After VJ Day he joined 10 Squadron at Poona flying support transport routes in India. His accident-free flying of more than 500 hours resulted in the award of a commendation. In April 1946 he left the RAF to resume his medical studies.

Altitude

He returned to Leeds University to continue with his medical studies, graduating in 1950. During this period, he served with 609 (West Riding) Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force flying the Mosquito, and later the Spitfire and Meteor jet, from RAF Yeadon (now Leeds International Airport).

In April 1951, Dobie rejoined the RAF to serve in the Medical Branch specialising in aviation medicine. He joined a number of medical officers who were experienced pilots at the Institute of Aviation’s physiology department at Farnborough, where they became Flying Personnel Medical Officers. With the greater performance of modern aircraft, their work concentrated on the effects of altitude on aircrew, the possibility

of decompression at high altitude, and the need to develop and test appropriate breathing apparatus and flying clothing. Protection was also needed for the effects of high-g manoeuvres.

2TAF

In March 1953, he left for Germany to serve as the aviation medicine adviser at the HQ of the Second Tactical Air Force. He was responsible for aeromedical and survival training, aeromedical surveillance and accident investigation. He organised the building of an Aviation Medical Training Centre (AMTC) at RAF Wildenrath that held courses in aviation medicine for aircrew. The centre was also equipped with a separate mobile decompression chamber for travelling to all airfields in the Command. He also provided teaching on winter survival courses in Germany and Austria.

HQFTC

Four years later Dobie returned to the UK to fill a similar appointment at the HQ of Flying Training Command: adviser in Aviation Medicine, including various aspects of physical and psychological selection of potential aircrew trainees; investigation and management of human engineering problems, both in the air and on the ground; and accident investigation.

He became very aware of the extent of air sickness in trainee aircrew and the need to reduce the loss of valuable aircrew who suffered from this debilitating condition. He devised a treatment which exposed the subject to repeated provocative stimuli, as similar as possible to those experienced in flight but graded in duration and intensity so that adverse symptoms were kept to a minimum.

He used a turntable on which the subject was tilted to induce symptoms of motion sickness. Over a period of days the severity of the stimuli was increased. In successful cases, about two to three weeks were necessary before a satisfactory degree of ‘acclimatisation’ was achieved, and the subject then went on to a course of rehabilitation flying.

During his time, Dobie returned 38 pilots, all of whom were regarded as suffering from intractable air sickness, to full unrestricted flying.

He wasawarded the Richard Fox

GP CAPT

DOBIE:Got

pilots with air sickness

back flying

Linton Memorial Prize during this period for his valuable contribution in the investigation of flying accidents involving injury, and with aircrew emergency procedures.

OBE

In 1962, he became the commanding officer of the RAF Aviation Medical Training Centre responsible for training aircrew in high altitude emergency techniques including exposure to pressure breathing in a decompression chamber. He was responsible for relocating the unit to a new modern facility at RAF North Luffenham

in Rutland, which involved the revision of training procedures.

For his work he was appointed an OBE.

He later served in the MOD, responsible for all aspects of aviation medicine. In a later appointment in MOD, he had the added responsibility for all RAF aeromedical technical matters, which required him to be the RAF representative on numerous NATO and international committees.

Cosford

After commanding the RAF hospital at Cosford, he was placed

on the retired list at his own request in September 1972. For the next six years he was a senior lecturer at Leeds University and a member of the board of the Faculty of Medicine.

For six years, from July 1978, he was the Director of Medical Services for the Saudi Arabian Airlines. In 1984, he relocated to New Orleans as a visiting scientist at the US Naval Biodynamics Laboratory.

Throughout his professional career, Dobie wrote extensively and was widely recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on motion sickness.

Take a holiday in Shropshire? Well, Stranger Things have happened

SOME HOLIDAY destinations are so obvious that, at the first sign of a sunny day, the weight of the tourist rush practically causes the UK to list to one side. That’s great if you love the bustle of fighting for your spot on the beach, but I’d rather look for quieter destinations. I’m talking about those hidden gems that the madding crowd has, so far, failed to discover. The secluded coves, the tranquil lakes and the peaceful riverbanks.

If you’re looking for rural perfection, England in all its glory, then Shropshire takes some beating. At 1,347 square miles, it’s the largest county in England without a coastline and, geologically, it’s fascinating. Twelve of the 13 geological periods can be found right here, so the landscape changes dramatically, depending on where you are.

The Shropshire Hills in the south feel very much like being in the Welsh mountains, while a mini Lake District can be found at Cole Mere. Then there’s the picturesque little towns that were pioneered along the riverbanks of the Severn during the industrial revolution.

Bridgenorth is a quaint market town, with a vibrant nightlife and a bustling high street. It sits at the end of the famous Severn Valley Railway heritage line and is always worth a visit. Take the Victorian funicular railway up to High Town and savour local produce in the traditional inns or vintage tea rooms. Wander past the Victorian buildings, lulled by the mellow sound of steam engines chugging away in the distance. Alternatively, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge. Here you’ll find more amazing pubs, great shops and tantalising restaurants, along with a number of immersive museums.

In the main town of Ironbridge you’ll find Thomas Telford’s masterpiece, the engineering wonder that gave the town its name. Since it opened on New Year’s Day 1781, the bridge has spanned the Severn, defying its raging waters through countless winters and providing a picturesque backdrop for picnics during scorching summers. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, and yet, it’s not my favourite crossing along this part of the river. That award goes to Coalport Bridge.

As the name suggests, Coalport is where vast amounts of the black stuff arrived to fuel the booming industrial town. Years ago, this was the thriving centre of industry, with roads and buildings covered in dirt and grime from relentless traffic. These days it’s a serene spot on the riverbank, with a quaint country pub

and stunning views of the old iron bridge.

Ironically, the pub is called the Woodbridge Inn, but we won’t hold that against it because the food is great and the welcome is always warm.

Stay

There are many lovely places to stay along the riverbanks but the most unusual, and arguably the best, is the former railway station. Coalport was part of the Severn Valley Railway until 1963 when the line was closed.

The line now terminates at Bridgenorth but, if your train could continue along the old line, Coalport would be your second stop. Sitting less than 10 miles from RAF Cosford, it nestles in its own woodland, overlooking the river. It is a truly lovely place, a station lost in time.

Resting on restored rails, just down from the station buildings, you’ll find two period railway carriages. These have been lovingly converted into holiday accommodation, providing the perfect spot for a family break. Each has its own lawn area and outdoor seating where you can relax on a hot summer’s evening. There’s plenty of parking available too.

The carriages are bespoke creations and each has its own character. Carriage 2 sleeps four people, featuring large en suites in two master bedrooms, a lounge and a kitchen. We stayed in Carriage 1, which is very much designed with a family holiday in mind. It sleeps up to six people, with two twin bedrooms and a master double room. The master room features an en suite, with a whirlpool bath, while a second bathroom provides a shower and WC for other guests.

The kitchen is amazingly well-stocked for a selfcatering holiday, featuring a washing machine/dryer, a fullsize dishwasher, a refrigerator/freezer, a double fan oven, a microwave and enough pots, pans and utensils to feed 12.

In the lounge area you’ll find a large cream leather sofa, a 40” flat screen TV and air conditioning

Service

Coalport Station Holidays is a familyrun business and the attention to detail is outstanding. With extensive local contacts, Steve and Lisa can advise on issues ranging from finding a babysitter to having your shopping delivered. They’re also happy to tell you all about the history of the station and the carriages.

Cost

Rates vary throughout the year, but a fournight stay in Carriage 1 (sleeps six) at the end

of September is on offer for under £500. Check the ‘offers’ section of the Coalport website and ask about military/blue light discounts at peak times.

Down Sides

With such a perfect walking location, some will be disappointed that there is a strict no-dog policy.

Also, the carriages are an obvious compromise that allow guests to live in comfort within the shell of a relic from a bygone era. As such, taste is subjective.

Eat

There are a number of great restaurants in Ironbridge and, because the carriages have fully equipped kitchens, you can eatin quite comfortably. Have a takeaway delivered or order your supplies from the local supermarket and eat outside in your own private garden. Alternatively, the Woodbridge Inn is within easy staggering distance. I tested it.

Relax

At night, relax in Coalport’s extensive grounds or sit by the moonlit water on the riverbank. Star gaze under skies that are completely unspoilt by light pollution. During the day, book a canoe expedition and take a gentle paddle down the river, sailing under Tommy Telford’s iron wonder. Follow the winding river on, into the outstanding natural beauty of Severn Valley’s secluded woodland. Alternatively, try your hand at paddling a Coracle. Back in the mists of time, before Telford’s bridge was built, these bowlshaped vessels were used to cross the river. They’re a piece of history that soon became obsolete and ceased to exist but, thanks to

Shropshire Raft Tours, they’ve now been reimagined and are available to hire once more. Coracle hire costs £40 for maximum of four.

Adventure

Meet the faux-Victorians at Blists Hill living museum and feel properly immersed in history. Walk the fascinating tar tunnel, let children get ‘hands-on’ at Enginuity, or visit the fascinating Coalport China Museum. If you want to visit often, you can buy an annual pass that allows you unlimited access to every attraction for £82.

Alternatively, head up the line to Bridgenorth where you can board the steam train to Kidderminster. The Severn Valley Railway is one of the best-preserved heritage lines in the world and offers a number of special events throughout the year, including a 1940s War Weekend, a Halloween Ghost Train and a Santa Special at Christmas. It’s a joy to experience in every season.

At £45 for a single day family pass tickets are not cheap, but it really is an opportunity to travel back through time. If you’re staying at Coalport, you’ll even get an odd feeling of déja vu when you arrive at Arley Station. They’re incredibly similar and it’s almost like a scene from TV hit Stranger Things You find yourself standing on the platform of a shadowy reflection in the ‘upside down’. Did I mention that it would be a cool stay at Halloween?

VICTORIAN STYLE: Tilly Morris dresses for the occasion at Coalport, and the interior of the carriage accommodation, inset top Below left, a coracle ride with dad Tim

AWARD

Kia’s bright Future

TIM MORRIS Motoring Correspondent

BACK TO The Future is one of my all time, favourite films. The plot was captivating, the comedy was brilliant and the casting was perfect; Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd and a Delorean DMC-12.

Then I heard a rumour that there was a mission afoot to do a remake and my heart sank. Oh good grief, I thought, another attempt to butcher a classic. Fortunately, Robert Zemeckis had the good sense to tell the studio to ‘get stuffed’ and the idea got kicked into the long grass. But it had started me thinking. If you were to reboot the film, what car could possibly be unusual enough to replace the Delorean?

Well Kia’s EV6 would certainly be on the casting list. It’s ‘out there’ styling and rapid performance give it an instant appeal and, with a bit of a rewrite, it even fits the script.

“This sucker’s electric, I just need a super-fast 238kW charger to top up the battery (from 10-80 per cent) in 18 minutes…” “Marty, I’m sure that in 2055 those are available at every parking spot, but here in 2022 public charging stations capable of delivering that much power are a little hard to come-by.” They are!

That said, if you can find one, the EV6 can charge faster than a Tesla. The latest, 584bhp GT version can even beat a Porsche Taycan 4S off the mark (according to Kia’s

figures) and hit 160mph at the top end. Reaching 88mph will therefore not be a problem.

It has many other star qualities too, including a whopping 328mile range and nicely weighted handling. Our test car was the EV6 Air 77.4kWh, rear wheel drive, with a price tag of £41,695. With a 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top end of 114 mph, it’s not quite the headline act of the GT but, for real world use, it’s still impressive enough to entertain genuine petrol heads. On the other hand, your emotional support snail can still ‘rest easy’ because it has the greenest of green credentials. Zero emissions and a ‘Vegan leather trimmed steering wheel’ no less.

Interior

Using recycled PET bottles to make fake leather is a bit of a PR gimmick but, honestly, the interior quality is excellent, up there with the likes of Audi. Surfaces are finished in gloss-black or a rubberised texture that’s nice to the touch and everything feels really well bolted together.

The infotainment touch screens are well laid out and they’re quick to respond, with sharp graphics. The cockpit design is pleasing to the eye and everything works. The interior temperature is controlled by physical dials on the dashboard for example and everything is where you’d expect it to be.

The seats hold you well in place through the bends and there’s plenty of space, front and back. The boot’s not gargantuan but it’s enough for all the family clutter, providing 490 litres of space with the back seats up, or 1,300 with them folded. There’s also a 20-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for your charging cables and other small items. Handy.

It will slingshot you away from the lights at a staggering rate and allow you to zip through tight gaps in traffic with immense confidence. At the same time, it’s quiet, calm and relaxing on a long run, quieter possibly than either the Tesla Model Y or the VW ID.4

It’s been deliberately designed to fool your senses into thinking that it’s a sports model. It even has paddle shifts behind the wheel… in a car that doesn’t have gears. The paddles simply select the drive mode in this case, which can be confusing if you’re used to using paddles, because you find yourself flipping between modes at every single bend.

Verdict

On The Road

The EV6 is a nice car to drive, in many ways. Our test car felt sporty-ish but it’s obvious that it’s not designed to give the levels of handling you’d expect from something like a Lotus. What it does really well however is short bursts of power.

Through tight turns it grips well and, being lower than most SUVs, there’s very little body roll. There’s not a lot of feedback to the driver through the chassis, or the steering, but it’s certainly accurate enough to allow you to position the car with confidence at speed. I found it to be one of the better handling EVs on the market, certainly more engaging than its closely-related Hyundai Ioniq 5 cousin.

Great Scott! As a film car the EV6 would have a lot going for it, especially the high-end GT, but in the real world the ‘Air’ model, with its 77.4kWh battery, does just fine. It’s a brilliant EV, with a long range and the ability to charge rapidly. It’s good to drive and there’s enough space inside to be comfortable on even the longest run. It’s not the most competitively priced EV on the market but it certainly stands out from the crowd and, if you can’t see the appeal of that, you’re just not thinking fourthdimensionally.

Kia EV6 Air

‘OUT THERE’: Butdistinctive EV6 isno Delorean (above)

Constable collars gold

RAF VETERAN Ben Constable walked away with gold in Taekwondo at the recent Commonwealth Celebration Competition in Stoke.

Competing against home nation and Commonwealth athletes, along with invitational players from the Netherlands, Germany and Columbia, the former RAF man took gold in the technique sequence display known as poomse, with the medal presented by his coach Master Peter Johnson 7th Dan of Stoke UTA Taekwondo club.

Constable, (AC Ret’d) a 4th Dan black belt, gained a degree in Sports Development and on leaving the Service qualified as an international para taekwondo instructor. He now

works with Service veterans and their families suffering from PTSD.

Previously he won two bronze medals in kyorugi (sparring) at the British University Championships in 2006 and 2007 and silver in the Yorkshire Open in 2015.

Constable said: “Last year I was diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s, and PTSD. One subject that helped me cope over the years and is the reason for the late diagnosis is sport.

“However, as age caught up, I decided to move to the non-contact side of the sport and perform in poomse (patterns), this is taekwondo’s version of karate’s kata.

“It is the technical element of the sport, so to win this medal in it was great.”

An ultra-busy autumn

THE SERVICE’S Ultra Running Club has finalised its autumn schedule.

It kicks things off with the Punk Panther event at Nidderdale Way, Harrogate with 28, 55, 83 or 110-mile distances for runners to choose from on October 22. Discounts are available to RAF Ultra Running Club entrants.

The Beacons Trail Marathon and Ultra Marathon are up next, offering 46-mile events in the Brecon Beacons on November 12. For details visit: uphilldowndale.

com/events/beacons-ultra.

The final event of 2022 will see the club compete in the St Edmund’s Trail Races on December 4. For details visit: positivestepspt.co.uk/events/stedmundst-marathon-and-halfmarathon-2022.

To compete in one of these events, join the RAF Ultra Running Club Defence Connect page or email: Thomas. Phillips113@mod.gov.uk or caroline.maynard-burrows393@ mod.gov.uk.

Jones ends season in style with catch of the competition

THE FINAL Service carp event of the season saw 26 anglers make their way to one of the finest day-ticket complexes in the UK, Linear Fisheries, Oxford.

FS Matt Hunt and Sgt Tony Jones took the top spot on the second lake – Brasenose One – with a combined total of 171lb 11oz after an action-packed end to the year.

A day of squally showers and winds greeted the anglers with the first catch coming from the pairing of Cpl Lloyd Moore and Sgt Danny Clark, with a 32lb mirror carp.

A lightning storm slowed things before Cpl Luke Davenport landed a 15lb mirror, taking him and partner Sgt Matt Curtis into the lead. WO Richard Cooke and partner FS Dave Thorpe hauled another 30+ lb fish before Sgt Martin Emery and partner Cpl Steve Cavanagh landed a 36lb mirror as things

began to heat up. WO Jason Verney and Sgt Glenn Beardsall’s 17lb 4oz common began a six-fish flurry between themselves and Jones and Hunt. This put Verney and Beardsall in first place with 132lb 4oz, followed closely by Hunt and Jones with 107lb 11oz.

After a lengthy period of quiet, Jones once again leapt into action on the final morning, cementing his pairs position at the top of the leader board with a sixth mirror carp of 22lb 14oz, taking their total over 170lbs and increasing the gap over second place with a little over an hour remaining.

Further catches did not alter the final scoreboard, with Verney and Beardsall coming second with a total of 152lb 4oz, and third place going to Emery and Cavanagh with 100lb 4oz.

The biggest catch of the event went to Jones with a 36lb 2oz carp.

MR BIG: Sgt Tony Jones with his huge carp

Biggest stage in World for RAF women

Trio represent their nations in New Zealand

League team in good shape for the Inters

AMY COKAYNE: England stalwart Daniel Abrahams

RAF WOMEN’S rugby will have three of its finest on show at the World Cup in New Zealand.

With a combined 102 international caps, Fg Off Amy Cokayne (64, England), Fg Off Sarah Bonar (31, Scotland), and Fg Off Carys Williams (7, England and Wales) are set to star for their respective countries at the tournament, which starts at Eden Park, Auckland, on October 8.

The opening day’s action sees Fg Off Cokayne’s England face Fiji in Auckland, before Fg Offs Bonar and Williams face off on October 9 at Northlands Event Centre, Whangarei.

RAF News spoke with Bonar and Williams about their selections and the prospect of representing their Service on the biggest rugby stage of all.

Williams (pictured inset right) said: “Facing Sarah in the opening game will be no different to playing anyone else, you don’t have any time for anything else, but afterwards we will have a catch up.

“To be selected is exciting. There is a bit of relief also as I have only been training with Wales since July.

I just want to go out there now and do well.”

Williams’ parents Wyn and Bethan will be flying out to watch all her games. She said: “The reaction to my selection has been amazing from everyone in the Service and to have my parents out in NZ will be special.”

Bonar, who joins the first Scottish women’s team in a World Cup since 2010, said: “It’s a childhood dream

THERE WAS a solid win for the RAF’s rugby league stars as their season turns to the Inter-Service Championships.

Head coach FS Gary Dunn’s senior team beat Bentley ARLFC 32-10 in a stern test in the side’s final IS preparation match.

Tries from AS1 Adam Middleton, Cpl Phil Laycock, AS1 Juite Tupua, Cpl Liam Bradley and AS1 Perez Raqio – with AS1 Josh Caldwell kicking four conversions – saw the Service side home after going a try down in the first half.

If a tough challenge was what Dunn wanted, that’s what Bentley provided in all areas of the pitch.

Dunn said: “Integration of fringe players into the Senior team has allowed us to develop talent from within the group whilst asking established players to lead.

“At stages tonight we were really pleased with our execution and attitude, but we are under no illusion that without that for the full game we may give ourselves problems against the other Services.

“For the next four weeks leading into preparation for the Navy game, we’ve challenged our players to make the final improvements in their strength and conditioning.

“Selection in the first team squad will be tight and players who have played all year could miss out, it is up to them to come into camp in the best physical state so they can aid the group’s success.”

come true and I am really excited. I played in 2017 qualifiers, but narrowly lost out to Spain.

“We were such a young team then, but most of the personnel hasn’t changed, so we have grown together and that has made us a great unit and very tough to beat.

“I am so grateful for the support from the RAF every time I pull on my Scotland shirt; I know I am representing the Air Force as well, so it is really special.”

THE ACADEMY side lost 24-22 to National Conference Division 1 side Myton Warriors in a closely contested match.

From the heartlands of rugby league in Hull this was set to be a tough challenge for an RAF team with several players stepping up to play in unfamiliar positions.

The Warriors started strongly, scoring out wide, before taking a 20–0 lead at the break.

After the interval AS1 Will Oakley scored near the posts before Cpl Aaron Harrison went over from close range.

Midway through the half Cpl Liam Doyle produced the try of the game with a full-length solo effort to score under the posts. Late on in the game to add to his 3 conversions Sgt Adam Crombie crossed in the corner to put the RAF side 22-20 to the good.

The Warriors regained possession from the restart and a fortuitus kick saw them score and take the lead 2422. In the dying minutes of the game

AS1 Ryan Carr made a break from well inside his own half but was held up on the Warriors’ line.

SARAH

We're on top form

Rookie Hurricanes storm to National Champs victory

Daniel Abrahams

THE FORMATION Skydiving National Championships fell under the spell of the RAF as the Service Hurricane team leapt to victory at the prestigious event in Lincoln.

Flt Lt Tom Gillings-Rice (Captain), Flt Lt Enrico Ventola, Flt Lt Matt Crolla, Cpl Kara Beacock and Wg Cdr Colin Laker (videographer) fought through tough competition to win the competition's rookie class at Skydive Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire.

The mixed squad had attended all three 2022 UK Skydiving League events, setting them up perfectly to perform at the National Championships.

Giddings-Rice told RAF News: “Previously, the team competed at the Armed Forces Parachute Championships and won the rookie category, albeit with a slightly different set-up, against a field of six other teams.

“This Hibaldstow victory was made even sweeter by the fact that the team in this configuration had only

one training jump together, which was the day before the competition started.

“The weather was on our side which meant the first day of the comp was full on and tiring with six jumps. Each involved learning a new round of three formations and practising on the ground before boarding the plane, so we definitely earned our supper that evening.”

At the start of the second and final day, the Service team led by only a handful of points and a poor first round meant their final jump had to be perfect for them to win.

With all of their opponents having jumped and been judged, they needed five points to win. As it was they came home with eight to take the title in style.

Giddings-Rice added: “All members of RAF Hurricane are currently serving and are members of the RAF Sports Parachute Association, which has been very supportive and has enabled our competing at this level to be possible.”

l Follow the association on Instagram @ rafsportpara.

GOOD SHAPE: RAF Hurricane team in action

Open swimmers hitting the Poole

TOP-10 FINISHES were the hardearned reward for the Service’s open swimmers at this year’s Inter-Service Championships at Branksome Chine Beach, Poole.

A small team of five RAF athletes attended the event which, having already suffered a delay due to bad weather, would consist of three separate races: one 4km, one modified 1.5km and a modified 4 x 500m mixed relay.

The light blue swimmers would be fighting for places rather than the overall IS crown, and able to compete in just two of three races on the day, unable to field a relay team due to lack of numbers –making the battling displays even more impressive.

Sqn Ldr Stephen Brassington said: “It was certainly a testing championship course, not only physically, but the mental strength required to push on was the bigger challenge. Several swimmers did not finish, several triumphed, and the rest aimed to complete the swim without injury.

“With predicted storms and torrential rain en route, it was comforting to see the Navy and Army swimmers with nervous looks.”

The opening race started with a

beach run and the field of 35 competitors were then all scattered back by the huge waves, battling to reach the first buoy.

With several swimmers unable to finish, Flt Lt Hannah Dodwell was the first female to clear the water and third overall, closely followed by Flt Lt Nicola Mackay, finishing as the fifth female.

Fg Off Beth Dalton pushed through to the end of the race and finished ninth female.

Brassington added: “The events were modified due to worsening weather conditions and the day was a significant challenge for all.”

The second race, a one-kilometre sea swim, reduced from 1.5km due to the worsening weather, saw four RAF swimmers tackle tough conditions, with Flt Lt Dodwell in the mix again, placing second female (10th overall), with Sgt Ross Wisby 14th male (17th overall) and Flt Lt Mackay seventh female (22nd overall); Cpl Bob Gratham swam, but did not score.

Without three female or male swimmers competing in the race, the RAF scores did not count towards the overall total.

l Follow RAF Open swimming on Instagram @rafswimming.

CYCLING

1,500km in four days for Sarge

EXTREME PAIN but an impressive finish time of 98 hours and 28 minutes was the reward for debut London–Edinburgh–London (LEL) cyclist Sgt Mark Williams.

The RAF Akrotiri-based armourer recently took on the endurance ride, which saw him complete more than 1,500km (932 miles) with 14,500m of ascents, in a field of more than 1,550 riders from 54 countries.

He said: “LEL is by far the hardest event I have ever undertaken and it pushed me mentally and physically beyond what I thought possible.

“I still can’t quite comprehend the enormity of the challenge, although my body is reminding me.”

With a plan to complete 300km (186 miles) per day of the five-day ride, Sgt Williams would have to survive on four to five hours sleep a night, which quickly became around two hours because the large dormitories

provided for riders were so noisy.

Swapping sleep for making time, Williams decided to ride through the night and the Service rider’s only nocturnal hiccup was getting lost as he neared Dunfermline.

In increasing pain from his Achilles tendon though, Williams was faced with the real prospect of pulling out, but battling on the RAF man completed a slow ride

into Edinburgh – where he picked up company for the first part of his return.

He said: “The extra company was a godsend. Arriving back at Brampton some 15 hours and 20 minutes after I left, it felt like a good time to rest up. “I really did not know if my ankle would last out, and with some severe climbs to overcome such as Chapel Fell, the whole thing was draining me completely.”

Receiving some physio at Barnard Castle, Williams headed back out.

Having crossed the Humber and onto the Fens, before hitting Cambridge, the RAF man was battling unknown demons, never having ridden this far and with little sleep, but he somehow reached the capital and the finish.

He told RAF News: “There were times when quitting was a real option and I thought about the excuses I’d give people, but somehow I kept a positive mindset and finished – broken, but finished.”

MARK: Feat of endurance and fitness

RAF SWIMMERS: Hardy bunch had success in Dorset

Not bad for a side hustle

RAF pair win British title.... but parents brand them 'boring'

Daniel Abrahams

THE DYNAMIC motorsport duo of Corporals Rob Atkinson and Mark Middleton were labelled ‘boring’ after they won the British Formula 2 Sidecar Series in Knockhill, Scotland.

The RAF Brize Norton Movers had finally achieved their dream in the sport after five years of blood, sweat and commitment, but their parents weren’t overly impressed.

Atkinson told RAF News: “We only had to finish sixth or above to take the title and we played it safe because we wanted a drama-free race, but once we crossed the line our parents said ‘We came all the way up here and that was boring as hell.’”

Middleton added: “We needed sixth or better and we just sorted that out. We finished sixth with a 20-second gap on the racers behind us, and that was good enough.

“It wasn’t until the final lap that we began to let things sink in.”

The RAF pair were almost unable to race because Service sport had been suspended after the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

Atkinson said: “We were driving up to Knockhill for the final round of races when we received a call saying we may have to turn back.

“It was a tough call to receive, to be so close and then have RAF Motorsport chairman Gp Capt Brian Watson on the phone.

“But then, after what seemed like a lifetime, director of RAF Sport Air Commodore Rich Fogden got in touch and we were allowed to race.”

The pair had seen their 2020 season hit when they couldn’t race in the opening rounds following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, eventually coming second overall.

Atkinson said: “This time around we had blown up our engine in the previous round at Croft – so it was down to this final race, once we had been given the allclear.

“It’s fair to say there was nothing that was going to stop us winning.

“It was strange though to have won yet not be able to contact anyone, out of respect for Her Majesty, and we had to tell our sponsors, Artic Building Services, not to say anything until the period of mourning had passed.”

l

Follow Mark and Rob on FB: RAF F2 Sidecar Team.

of the best of RAF Sport action

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INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED

All eyes on Cheltenham

MORE THAN 500 events and almost 1,000 authors and speakers are appearing at this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival –staged at various venues around the elegant spa town until October 16.

The packed festival programme promises “the best new voices in fiction and poetry appearing alongside literary giants and highprofile speakers, political thinkers, and beloved stars of the stage and screen.”

Among the top names are bestselling authors Robert Harris, Ben Macintyre – talking about his new book Colditz: Prisoners of the Castle – Alexander McCall Smith, Lenny Henry, Graham Norton, Ruth Jones, Monica Ali, Alan Titchmarsh, Ardal O’Hanlon and Jessie Burton.

But perhaps the biggest name at the 2022 festival is U2 legend Bono (inset right) – though tickets to see him discuss his new memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story sold out.

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, whose recent autobiography, Pop, Bad Pop, was a commercial and critical hit, talks about his life story and reveals secrets from his early life in Sheffield, and musical theatre star Michael Ball discusses his debut novel The Empire theatrical life on and off stage.

Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby, who recently led the commentary for the BBC’s coverage of The Queen’s committal at Windsor Castle, will reflect on his extraordinary 50-year career and Melvyn Bragg recalls growing up in the

Cumbrian market town of Wigton, celebrating the people and place that formed him in conversation with his daughter, Marie-Elsa Bragg.

And Lenny Henry sits down

with journalist and broadcaster Miquita Oliver for The Sunday Times Culture Interview to reminisce about his rich career and discuss his latest book, Rising to the Surface

The comprehensive festival programme features categories covering art and design, current affairs, entertainment, faith, food and drink, history, lifestyle, nature, poetry, psychology, travel and adventure and science.

There’s also the ever-popular family programme which this year has appearances by How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell, Lenny Henry introducing his brand new children’s story The Book of Legends and Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child among its highlight.

The world’s first literature festival is 73 years old this year and is sponsored by The Times and The Sunday Times l Go to: www. cheltenhamfestivals.com for more information and booking details or call the box office on: 01242 850270.

Meet the Tiger Shark King

THE OCEAN Film Festival

World Tour is bringing a new collection of the best ocean-themed films to venues around the UK this autumn.

From big wave surfing to tiger shark conservation, the festival is a cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans, with inspirational short films from above and beneath the waves.

“Dive into a night of wild seafaring voyages and astounding marine life – without getting your feet wet,” said tour director Nell Teasdale.

“We’re so excited to be bringing this new collection of captivating films to ocean-loving audiences

around the UK – and we guarantee you’ll be inspired to have an ocean adventure of your own too,” she added.

The Ocean Film Festival originated in Australia, with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans. Each screening features a free prize giveaway to win oceanrelated goodies. The UK tour works with charity partners the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.

Tour dates run up to February 2023 and venues include London, Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth, Abingdon, Poole and Edinburgh.

Among the film highlights is

Circumnavigate in which fatherof-three Brendon Prince, from South Devon, attempts to become the first person ever to stand up paddleboard around mainland Britain – a challenge that many have tried, but none have achieved.

Circumnavigate joins Brendan on his gruelling journey around Britain’s spectacular and often treacherous coastline, in an attempt to break five world records and raise awareness for water safety education.

And Tiger Shark King focuses on conservationist and diver Jim Abernethy who, more than 20 years ago, discovered the ‘affectionate’ side of large predatory sharks after

removing a fishing hook from the jaws of a tiger shark.

Since then he has removed thousands of hooks from sharks in the warm, clear waters off the Bahamas, and has brought divers to safely encounter these

apex predators with the goal of destigmatising sharks as mindless killers.

more details,

watch the trailer and book tickets.

TIGER SHARK KING: Aiming to show ocean predators in a more flattering light

U2's Bono is going...and so could you too

CRESSIDA COWELL

MONICA ALI

LENNY HENRY

RUTH JONES

GRAHAM NORTON

POPULAR: Annual literary Festival

Greats reunited for 'escaper' tale

C

INEMA COMPANY Pathé have announced the start of principal photography on the film The Great Escaper, starring Sir Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson – 47 years after the two screen legends last acted together in the Joseph Losey classic The Romantic Englishwoman

Caine and Jackson will be directed by the BAFTA-nominated Oliver Parker (An Ideal Husband) from a script by BAFTA-nominee William Ivory (Made in Dagenham).

Inspired by true events the new film will tell the story of octogenarian Bernard Jordan’s escape from his care

home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France.

Parker said: “No one can resist a

script that makes people both laugh and cry – I loved Billy’s writing and the story itself, so inspirational and so moving; to have Michael and Glenda – two iconic actors – agree to honour this story with their brilliance, it’s the cherry on the cake.”

World War II Navy veteran Bernard captured the world’s imagination when he disappeared from his care home in Hove to join fellow veterans at the commemorations in France in 2014. He passed away the following year, aged 90.

Caine will play Bernard and Jackson will star as his wife of 60 years, Rene.

Elephant expert packs her trunk

UK tour for woman who saves herds

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION-

IST, filmmaker and anthropologist Saba DouglasHamilton says she’s ‘super excited’ to be back in the UK this autumn with a new speaking tour, taking in venues in England and Scotland.

She lives in Kenya with her husband, Frank Pope, and their children, and runs Elephant Watch Camp – where she is pioneering the concept of conservation tourism with the help of the Samburu nomadic community.

A 12-part BBC series – This Wild Life – has been made about their lives in Samburu, aired on the BBC and PBS, and now showing on syndicated channels around the world.

Born in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Saba met her first wild animal when just six weeks old –an elephant called Virgo, one of around 400 elephants her zoologist father, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, was studying in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.

Virgo had a single right tusk and at 18 hadn’t yet learnt to be afraid of

humans. Inquisitive and friendly, it wasn’t long before she became used to the researchers and would walk over to greet them when they called her name.

When Saba first met Virgo, her mother approached the elephant on foot, holding her newborn baby in her arms. Virgo let them come close

then stretched out her trunk and took a good sniff of the baby. She then coaxed her own calf forward as if to introduce it to the humans. Their friendship lasted two decades, until Virgo disappeared in the mid 1990s.

Saba’s first job was with Save the Rhino Trust in Namibia. She joined her father’s charity Save the

Elephants (STE) as Chief Operations Officer to help launch the research centre in Samburu National Reserve, north Kenya. Here she was talentspotted by the BBC and began to work as a TV presenter and producer of wildlife documentaries.

She explained: “I grew up in East Africa, living mostly in Kenya, but

also in Tanzania and Uganda. My father had spent part of his boyhood in Africa and always wanted to return. His work means I’ve always felt intimately connected to elephants, and to their fate.

“During my time with the Save the Rhino Trust I learnt that conservation is a really tough calling. It’s a constant battle and you’re fighting every step of the way. You’re trying to slow down the exploitation and damage, trying to stop the haemorrhaging of the natural world.

“In my late 20s, a great friend was shot in a violent robbery in Kenya. That triggered a big change in me: I realised I could be dead tomorrow. I felt the need to push myself hard to explore my limits and find out who I was. I climbed lots of mountains and danced at full moon raves in the California desert, but in between spent my time in the bush working with STE; then someone from the BBC asked if she could see what I was like on camera, and that led to my work as a TV presenter.”

She added: “I enjoy the creativity of filmmaking and telling stories, so it was a wonderful medium to bring together everything I most cared about. I love the teamwork; you have to work very closely with the other people in the crew – there’s a wonderful synergy, a great sense of purpose.”

l Go to: sabadouglashamilton.com for tour details.

Despite all, life's still good

NINO ROTA’S timeless score for

Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning masterpiece La Dolce Vita, featuring 14 tracks previously unreleased on vinyl and digital, is out later this month.

The newly-remastered version of the original album, from specialist label Cam Sugar, is released on October 28.

Frequently regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, La Dolce Vita was a watershed moment for Italian cinema globally.

A Cam Sugar spokesperson said: “This release presents a unique opportunity to

hear its iconic score as never before. La Dolce Vita’s instantly recognisable score has been fully restored and remastered from the original master tapes.

“Blending jazz, rock and roll, Latin rhythms and circus music, the score perfectly captures the glamorous, jetsetting Roman nightlife as well as the solitude and dissatisfaction depicted in Fellini’s opus.”

Rota was a prolific composer for film, scoring more than 150 during his lifetime and dozens for Fellini’s films – their artistic partnership is considered one of

the most iconic in the history of cinema.

Alongside La Dolce Vita, Rota is also known for composing the music for the first two films of Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy.

CAM Sugar has an extensive catalogue of Italian original soundtracks, with more than 2,000 original scores from over 400 composers. Soundtracks from the archive have won more than 500 international awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Score for Il Postino n Go to: camsugarmusic.com for more information.

Jackson

Bernard and Rene

The Great Escaper

starred in The Romantic Englishwoman

ELEPHANT WATCH: Saba Douglas-Hamilton

Edited by Tracey Allen

Real-life Quincy getting answers from the 'silent witnesses' to murder

Pathologist of over 50 years embarks on UK tour

DR RICHARD SHEPHERD makes his living from death. One of the world’s most sought-after forensic pathologists, he is returning to theatres this autumn with a nationwide tour –including his first appearance in the West End, writes Tracey Allen.

A regular on TV, he’s also back on the small screen presenting The Truth About My Murder, a new true crime original series, showing on the CBS Reality channel now.

The distinguished pathologist has worked on some of the most high-profile cases of recent times, including the Bloody Sunday inquiry, 9/11 and the Princess Diana inquiry.

His 23-date Unnatural Causes tour kicks off at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on October 12 and finishes at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester on November 11, with the London show at the Duchess Theatre on October 31.

Audiences can expect an enthralling evening – although not for the faint-hearted – with tales of murder cases Dr Shepherd has worked on throughout his five decadeslong career. The audience will also get the chance to take part in solving a real-life crime scene mystery when he invites them to get involved.

He said: “On stage I talk about why I became a forensic pathologist, why we do post mortems, how we look at stab wounds

and injuries and what being a forensic pathologist involves.”

His fascination with his subject started at an early age, he explained: “When I was about 13 a friend, whose father was a GP, brought a forensic text book into school. Where most of my classmates thought it was disgusting I thought ‘wow, that’s amazing – and I was hooked.’”

Tales of true crime have probably never been more popular – why does he think we continue to be so captivated by stories of murder and murderers?

“I think it’s because so few of us have ever been directly involved,” he said, “and yet it’s that sort of horror story that grips people. There is a real frisson when we hear about cases on the news and I’m always fascinated about which particular cases seem to get publicity.”

Recent notorious cases he examines in

The Truth About My Murder include the killing of author Helen Bailey by her fiancé Ian Stewart in Royston, Hertfordshire, the death of lecturer Peter Farquhar who was gaslighted and murdered for money by churchwarden Benjamin Field in Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire, and the homicide of Lesley Potter in Mumbles, South Wales by her husband Derek, who then hanged her to make it look like suicide.

Chillingly, Dr Shepherd revealed that a murderer is most likely to be someone you know, as opposed to a

He said: “You are sitting looking at them over breakfast; those you have relationships with, either directly with relatives or with neighbours and friends – they are the ones who kill you.

“The random killer is very rare.

Take the case of Wayne Couzens for example [the Metropolitan police officer convicted of killing Sarah Everard] – he was in the wrong place at the

wrong time for her, with the wrong mindset and the wrong set of odd beliefs and odd drives. Had they missed each other by 10 yards it might have been someone else he killed.

“It’s the random killers that scare people but random killers are relatively few and far between. When you look at the cases I have covered for The Truth About My Murder the vast majority of murderers have a link with the victim.”

r Shepherd acknowledged that he understands some may consider those in his profession to be ‘ogres’.

D

He said: “We can be seen as ogres –people say why bother to cut up a dead body, they’ve suffered severe injuries, they’re obviously dead, why do you need to find out what happened?

“But we’re not ogres, we do our jobs with care and compassion and that’s what drives me, that search for the truth.

“Society need to understand the totality of what’s gone on so the families can begin their grieving on the basis of some solidity, some truth and some proper facts.”

He added: “I think I have been incredibly lucky; having had 50 plus years of a profession that I find endlessly fascinating.”

l

Go to: drrichardshepherd.com for tour details. CBS Reality is available on Freeview (67), Sky (146), Virgin (148) and Freesat (135).

Your Announcements

You

In Memoriam

DRAPER Pete Flt Lt (Pilot), Cpl Pete Cosens (Crewman, 73rd Halton) and Cpl Ray 'Ginge' Simpson (U/T Crewman, 74th Halton) of 155 Squadron, lost in the crash of Whirlwind Mk4 helicopter XJ413, Slim River, Malaya, September 20, 1957

– 65 years chaps but not forgotten.

“We will remember them.”

Al Payne (Crewman, 73rd Halton )

PATTON Michael Charles (Mick/Mike). Sergeant Air Loadmaster with 7 Squadron (S.F Flight) at Odiham. Died September 22, 1996, aged 29, near Castlemartin,Pembrokeshire – during a night tasking.

“His laughter was better than birds in the morning, His smile turned the edge of the wind...”

In loving memory of a very dear and much-missed son, brother, husband and father

I was stationed at Stanmore Park from 1968 to October 1969 and was known as SAC Christine Warrington.

I moved to RAF St Mawgan in October 1969, where I was employed as a civilian at the camp.

I am seeking news of JT Roger (Ginge ) Summerfield/ Somerfield who was on detachment at Stanmore Park where we met. He was training on the Nimrod Simulator at Borehamwood.

I am also trying to locate Bob Somerville, who was on detachment from Marham to Binbrook between 1967 and 1971. I attended Bob’s wedding in Belfast. Please contact: christineacaley@ gmail.com.

LOOKING for any members of the 47th entry TG19 Hereford 62-64. Any still about? Please contact Jim Cummins via email on: Carol_cummins@aol.com or call: 01302 532865, 07517 416702

Reunions

THE 60th anniversary reunion of the 49th Entry 2 Sqn Clerks Boy Entrants at RAF Hereford is to be held from May 15-17, 2023 at Thoresby Hall, Ollerton, Notts. If interested in attending please contact Dave Beaumont on: 07538651712 or email beaumont.d@sky.com or Bob Cuss, email: rbc324@ john-lewis.com.

Associations

ALL Women’s Royal Air Force and RAF Women Officers are invited to the Association’s Annual Reunion Luncheon at The RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London on October 22. New members always welcome. Email: suearnold474@gmail. com for further details.

THE RAF & Defence Fire Services Association was formed in 1995 and would like to attract new members of all ranks, serving and retired. The annual subscription fee is £16 and for that you receive three Association magazines a year called The Flashpoint, to which members are invited to contribute their stories. We meet for a reunion and AGM once a year. For more information and how to join please visit the website: rafanddfsa. co.uk. The RAF & DFS Association also has close links with the Museum of RAF Firefighting, visit: firemuseum.uk.

IF you trained as an RAF Administrative Apprentice (or are related to one) we’d be delighted to welcome you to the RAFAA Association. 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.

Please see the website: rafadappassn.org; or you can contact the Membership Secretary on: 07866 085834 or the Chairman on: 01933 443673

Five rise to tough challenge

Seeking

SEEKING S.J.E Adams. Number 680159, 78th Entry Halton. Call Reg Butchers: 07702 238509 or email: reg. butchers@btinternet.com

RAF Bawdsey Reunion Association. Did you ever serve at RAF Bawdsey? If so, why not join us at our next annual reunion which will take place at Bawdsey Manor on June 3, 2023. For details please contact Doreen at doreen.bawdseyreunion@ btinternet.com or phone: 07513 301723.

How to use our service

RAF Catering WOs’ and Seniors’ Association (RAF CWO & SA): all serving or retired TG19 Warrant Officers or Flight Sergeants and all former Catering Branch Officers are invited to join the RAF CWO & SA. We meet twice yearly. For more information please get in touch with Dave Scott via email: davescott10@hotmail. co.uk.

A TEAM of RAF personnel have raised £500 for Services charity SSAFA after completing a gruelling Tough Mudder endurance event.

AS1 Dawa Lama, born in Dhading, Nepal, who joined the RAF in March last year, organised the fundraiser with three colleagues from Phase 1 training at RAF Halton: Cpl Melissa Gaffey, AS Marcelle Lowe and AS Andrew Duffy. Lama’s civilian girlfriend Beth Taylor also took part in the challenge, held at Badminton.

Lama said: “During our Phase 1 training at Halton we had a day of briefs from many different and wonderful charities that had

a big impact on myself and the team. Since that day I have always wanted to help out and make a contribution – no matter how little –to help the charities with the great work that they do.”

He added: “SSAFA provides amazing support and care to the Armed Forces community, and it works in close partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to provide direct specialised support to personnel in need of help from any physical, emotional, or social issues. So, the decision to pick SSAFA as our charity of choice for the event was pretty simple.”

Tribute to Battle of Britain fallen

THE BECCLES branch of the RAF Association held its annual Battle of Britain Sunday church service at St Michael’s Church, Beccles last month to commemorate the fallen. Rev’d Canon Richard Henderson conducted the service.

Branch president Brian Vousden said: “Many civic guests, including Peter Aldous MP and our mayor Dr Barry Darch, attended.

REMEMBERING: Service attendees at St Michael's Church, Beccles

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

we are currently unable to

“AM Sir Roger Austin read the eulogy and salutation For The Fallen. George Watson, president of the Royal British Legion Suffolk, RAF veterans

and RBL standard bearers from many branches and veterans associations and cadets also attended.”

Mr Vousden added:

notices submitted by post.

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“Our march through Beccles was suspended as a mark of respect for HM Queen Elizabeth’s period of mourning.”

Squadron marks landmark anniversary

2620 SQUADRON (County of Norfolk) RAF Regiment marks 40 years since its formation and 20 years since its deployment on Op Telic.

The Squadron intends to hold an event at RAF Marham in the form of a family day and evening function, and a visit to the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre is

also planned. The event will be held at 2620 Sqn on March 31, 2023. If you wish to attend, please email the ProjO: philip. lister513@mod.gov.uk. This is unique for 2620 Sqn and for all other personnel who have served with or alongside the Squadron in the UK and on operations all over the world.

Sgt Michael Patton

MUDDER MATES: The team celebrate getting to the finish line of the Tough Mudder challenge at Badminton

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Museum hosts autumn fair

THERE’S THE chance to get up close to birds of prey including owls, falcons and hawks at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands this October half-term when it hosts a new seasonal autumn fair.

“Feathered friends from the Shropshire Falconry are flying in to meet visitors. The birds and their handlers will be on site each day; visitors can see them in the pop-up falconry, and learn more about their incredible capabilities, their daily routines and special diets,” said a museum spokesperson.

The three-day event from October 22-24 also features more than 35 local exhibitors displaying and selling their seasonal craft goods and sharing tips and advice with crafters.

Organised by the Creative Crafts Association, handmade products on sale at the fair will include soaps, candles, textiles and jewellery.

The spokesperson added: “Families are invited to

take part in willow weaving workshops delivered by the experts at Willowpool Designs.

“This versatile and sustainable material is easy for small hands to bend and weave into various designs, so you can test your willow

weaving skills on the day and create a decorative item to take home.”

Entry to the event and the museum, at Cosford, is free.

Go to: rafmuseum.org for more information and to pre-book your arrival time visit.

Services mark end of an era

A SPECIAL commemorative cover (pictured above) has been released to mark the disbandment of the Postal & Courier Service (P&CS) Reserve element of the British Military.

A spokesman for the British Forces Philatelic Service (BFPS) said: “The cover design, commissioned by 162 Regiment, Royal Logistics Corp, symbolises the history of the P&CS by showing the cap badges of the major Regiments and Corps that it was part of. A first class stamp will be cancelled by the bespoke BFPS handstamp numbered 3242.”

Standard unsigned versions of the cover cost £8 each and signed numbered limited editions are £16 each. They can be ordered from: bfps. org.uk or by post by sending a cheque (payable to ‘BFPS CIC’) to BFPS, The Old Post Office,

Links Place, Elie, Leven, KY9 1AX.

The BFPS is closing 10 years after it was formed to take over and operate the then dormant Forces Philatelic Bureau, to reinstate the production of commemorative covers and special handstamps to mark military events and anniversaries. Its two volunteer directors, Graham Meacher and Darrell Drury, have decided to retire.

Mr Drury said: “BFPS has collaborated with many organisations, both civilian and military, to produce philatelic covers to commemorate over 100 anniversaries and special events, and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Service charities. We are very proud of what we have achieved and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

STAR ATTRACTIONS: Birds of prey will be with their handlers at the RAF Museum, Midlands' autumn fair this month

Su Doku

RANULPH FIENNES is a legendary figure – the achievements and accolades that open this documentary are so numerous that you cannot take them in. Fortunately, the film slows its pace as we meet Ranulph, now in his late 70s, a charming and gentle man who still has within him a drive to explore and push boundaries.

Besides his dashing good looks and funny quips, he seems perfectly ordinary. Born Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet OBE – he prefers Ranulph, or Ran to his friends, refusing the title as he felt it was unearned. From a line of military men, his father was

a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the Scots Greys, who died before Ranulph was born, leaving him with an urge to pick up the mantle and follow in his footsteps.

Fiennes was actually kicked out of the SAS in the mid-60s, wrapped up in a plot to blow up a film set that was ruining a picturesque little village. Narrowly avoiding prison time, he became a man for hire, picking up Army contracts, one of which led him to serve in the Armed Forces of Oman. After much research, his team went on to discover the lost city of Ubar – just another thing to add to his CV.

Other than his absent father, another figure looms large over

the film; Fiennes’ childhood sweetheart and first wife Ginny. She was apparently the one filled with dangerous ideas, the one who pushed him to take on expeditions, whilst performing navigation support herself, who had him write books (he is now a celebrated author 30 times over). There is tons of footage of both of them, from grainy home movies to the video diaries of their epic voyages, including the first-ever trip to include both North and South Poles. Relying solely on sponsorships, they found huge support from the then Prince Charles, who is seen expressing great admiration for Fiennes.

One of the prime characteristics

evident in this documentary is Fiennes’ relentless persistence. A heart attack merely delayed his climb of Mount Everest, which he eventually achieved aged 65. The severe frostbite he got in his fingers during one journey, he dealt with himself. But the most difficult challenge to overcome, it seems, is the death of Ginny –serving perhaps to motivate him to continue pushing himself, and questing into the unknown.

Fiennes is a remarkable figure, who is marvelled at but revealed as grounded in this well-made documentary.

Review by Sam Cooney

out of 5 roundels

Win!

WE HAVE copies of Explorer on DVD up for grabs. For your chance to win one, tell us:

What is Ranulph Fiennes’ full name?

Email your answer, marked Explorer DVD competition, to: competitions@rafnews. co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room 68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by October 21. Please include your full name with your entry.