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50
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ea) 100 2.00” = £650.00 (£6.50 + VAT ea)
200 2.00” = £1,150.00 (£5.75 +
OIC:
Swiss Air Force rolls into RAF Leeming for YORKNITE
The Operational Training Centre
607 (County of Durham) Squadron RAuxAF News
609 (West Riding) Squadron
RAF Leeming in Pictures
RAF Leeming Logistics Squadron Supports Local Food Bank with Donation Drive
PEd Flt News
YUAS News
RAF Leeming Saddle Club
Lord Wakefield RAF Novice Boxing Championships
2024
BY STATION COMMANDER GROUP CAPTAIN GROUP CAPTAIN JOHN ‘GEORDIE’ LAWSON
Welcome to the Spring edition of Excalibur! This is the first such foreword I have written since my appointment as Station Commander in December, and it is a great honour to do so. Since my arrival I have visited many sections across the Station and met many people in my quest to better understand what everyone does and how best I can support them. Wherever I have been and whoever I have spoken with, I have been made to feel most welcome and thank you all for that, even our diehard Newcastle United supporters.
It is very clear that RAF Leeming has a positive vibe and is delivering its core business at pace, to an exceptional standard and without missing a beat. For this I must thank my predecessor, Air Commodore Paul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton; his leadership through a period of challenging circumstances was crucial to putting the Station on the sound footing it is today.
In addition to my own arrival in December, Group Captain Andy Colley preceded me by a few days in taking up post as Commander 90SU. Strong relationships and collaborative working across all 16 Resident Units, Operations Wing and Support Wing will be critical to ensuring we maintain positive momentum across the Station. We are, without doubt, living with increasing uncertainty.
Adversaries grow evermore daring in how they wish to bring greater instability to the world and do us harm. Everyone at RAF Leeming has a role to play in ensuring the RAF is prepared to support and deliver the tasks our government
direct. We have a busy programme of exercises to support this year, culminating with YORKNITE 25 in November, and you can read in this edition about the ongoing important work of the Operational Training Centre. I await with eager anticipation the outcomes of the recent Strategic Defence Review; I am genuinely hopeful that this will be positive news for the Station and the unique and world-leading capabilities we offer. Whatever the outcome, I know from what I’ve heard and seen so far, the Whole Force of RAF Leeming, supported by fantastic friends and families, will continue to discharge their duties with innovative thinking and commitment, just as they have repeatedly done over the last 85 years.
And so, to that milestone, the Station’s 85th anniversary. Having missed out on celebrating our 80th anniversary due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we will make up for it this year. There will be much to look forward to: an 85th Anniversary Dinner and Charity Auction; the Annual Reception; Families Day; the
Leeming Awards Night, and much more. Planning is well advanced and those managing each event will always be grateful for additional volunteers and other support. There will, of course, be other opportunities to socialise with old and new friends, and importantly to have fun. Are you planning anything special to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day? Please do and consider asking what facilities you could use on station to do so.
‘‘ And so, to that milestone, the Station’s 85th anniversary. Having missed out on celebrating our 80th anniversary due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we will make up for it this year. There will be much to look forward to: an 85th Anniversary Dinner and Charity Auction; the Annual Reception; Families Day; the Leeming Awards Night, and much more.
Finally, I am passionate about the value of a positive lived experience. Regular feedback is key to our continued success. Good ideas are not the preserve of the few. So, I implore you all, as you go about your work, as you use social facilities and live your lives here, to look around, flag up the issues and help work through the solutions. Remember, faults do not fix themselves, poor service does not just magically get better –they need to be reported. Please use the communication forums available to ensure your views continue to be heard – all of you – Regulars, Reservists, Civil Servants, Contractors, families, and partners.
Once again, many thanks for the warm welcome you’ve given my family and I.
The Swiss Air Force and RAF Leeming have successfully completed YORKNITE 2024 with ongoing positive engagement between the two partners.
The YORKNITE series of exercises continue to operate at pace from RAF Leeming and allow the Swiss Air Force to undertake essential training whilst
simultaneously demonstrating the flexibility of the Station to deliver. From international co-operation with fast jet partners to equally fast-paced helicopter, heavy-lift tactical aircraft & fast-jet activity,
RAF Leeming consistently ensures visiting Units can achieve their wide variety of training objectives. We look forward to welcoming the F/A-18 Hornets back later in 2025.
January saw the OTC staff, aided by Regular and Reserve Evaluators from across the RAF, prepare and deliver pre-deployment training for 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) in advance of their planned deployment on Op CHESSMAN, in Poland. Since 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and the Donbas, the UK has contributed to NATO’s Air Policing task. Air Policing is now referred to as Enhanced Air Policing as part of NATO’s Air Shielding Mission on the eastern Flank and the RAF has deployed to various sites across Eastern Europe.
The Expeditionary Air Wing remains a Force Element to support Air Power deployments, but rather than use one of the standing EAWs, the Air Policing task has been filled by Individual Augmentees, creating a more challenging training problem. The EAW forms up at Leeming but in most cases, until the team join us for pre-deployment training, they are most likely to have never met. There are some significant wins gained by the team coming together prior to the detachment commencing, as team bonding, understanding each other’s working areas and learning to work together as a team are essential. The EAW is comprised of a Command Node, who met prior to the Command and Staff
Trainer event to establish SOPs and familiarise themselves with their Terms of Reference. The core element of the EAW then arrived at Leeming to receive several pre-deployment briefs including: A2, cyber threats, human security, NATO, information ops. The core EAW staff were then observed, mentored, and evaluated through a Command and Staff Training exercise which encompassed events testing all the A1-9 functions.
The EAW pre-deployment training is designed to enhance the
readiness and effectiveness of RAF personnel in complex operational environments. This occurs by engaging in realistic scenarios and joint exercises, developing critical skills necessary for modern air warfare, particularly in deployed and expeditionary settings. The training delivery is based on evaluating the numerous NATO generic standards as well as incorporating lessons identified by previous iterations of NATO enhanced air policing missions. Why is this important? It would be short-sighted to deliver training without measuring
the impact and dynamically addressing how we fully prepare an EAW for deploying. Also, as 140 EAW will be reporting to NATO, it’s essential for them to follow NATO’s expected SOPs. To assess the impact of the training we deliver; the OTC deploys to visit the EAW in Theatre to ensure that our training evolves to meet the needs of the EAWs and to support their interoperability.
Op CHESSMAN also sees the Swedish Air Force deploying alongside 140 EAW with their JAS39C Gripen aircraft in their first NATO Air Shielding mission. Following the invitation from the OTC, the Swedish NATREP for NATO Readiness brought representatives from the Gripen Squadron and the Swedish AF command element. The Swedish contingent were keen to learn from the OTC as they are the newest members of NATO and are looking to rapidly accumulate knowledge required for such tasks. The exercise provided valuable opportunities for personnel to share best practices, refine expeditionary tactics, and improve their ability to operate together seamlessly. This was particularly useful, as while the UK is mature in delivering air operations, there are aspects of operating over the Baltic Sea with a common adversary that the Swedish contingent added
great value to. Such collaborations are essential in today’s dynamic security environment, ensuring that allied forces can integrate effectively in future operations.
140 EAW personnel, at the desk level, gained useful insight into how their SAF counterparts react to operational events and plan for significant changes in threat. This is particularly valuable not only for the OTC but also essential in fully preparing the EAW HQ staff
for working with partner nations whilst deployed.
The 2-week exercise period not only built a highly effective team who will deploy to Poland to provide Quick Reaction Alert as part of the Air Policing Mission, but it was also designed to prepare them for the complex battlespace they will find in the Baltic and as the US drives desires for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Last year, Malbork was the busiest
QRA location, with the Italian Air Force Typhoons being scrambled 26 times. 140 EAW could face a similar operational tempo or become involved in other missions as the task evolves.
The OTC’s role is in preparing our personnel for the potential changes, which is very much down to the highly experienced mix of Regular and Reserve staff who come create such effective training.
As ever, the OTC is always looking for new Evaluators to join our staff. The opportunity to become a NATO Evaluator involves attending the NATO Course at Oberammergau in Germany and is open to Sgt to Wg Cdr, with Courses running in Jan and Sep each year. Attendance leads to involvement in OTC training and Evaluation events in the UK and overseas. If you’re interested, come and chat with Flt Lt Shannon Casey at the OTC.
Members of 607 Sqn displayed a whole lot of grit and determination to tackle the ultimate all-terrain challenge in Scotland recently.
Exercise MUDMASTER brought success for the RAF Reserves as 4 Sqn teams of drivers and navigators put our trucks through their paces in a gruelling test of navigation, driving, observation and marshalling skills.
Although this was our first year competing in this exercise through Scotland’s roads and hills, we were joined by other Reserve Squadrons - 501 and 614 Sqnswho had taken part before. A total of 126 teams competed this year
from across the 3 Services as well as teams from the Dutch Army and civilian teams, all driving a range of vehicles from Motorbikes up to 15t Man SVs. The RAF was able to submit 15 of the 57 teams in the MAN SV exercise, and, along with 3 motorbike competitors from RAF Brize Norton, ensured the strongest RAF contingent to date.
Planning and preparations began many months ago on 607 Sqn’s MT Flight, involving refresher lessons in map reading skills/
orienteering and hours of off-road driving in the MAN SV vehicles.
Cpl Spence Lee said: “As our first time taking part, it was a bit of a learning curve as to what to expect from the weekend. All our teams gave their all, in sometimes challenging conditions, using the skills brushed up on over various training weekends, and everyone did themselves proud.”
He added: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and hopefully this will become a training calendar regular”.
Congratulations to Cpl Lee and AS1 Keogh, who took home the best RAF Leeming prize, and AS1 Dewsbury and AS1 Simpkins of 501 Sqn, who won Best Overall RAF.
A huge thank you as well to 154 Scottish Regiment RLC, Maj Urquhart, and the team for organising this fantastic event.
Words and photos by Cpl James Hutchins (607 Sqn, PTVR MT JNCO)
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Between September 2023 - December 2024, 609(WR) Squadron volunteered to raise money for a chosen charity, Beach Access North East (BANE).
BANE promotes social inclusion, independence and choice for disabled & elderly people across the North East of England. They provide free loan of specialised equipment at beaches across the region, currently operating at several beaches throughout the North East. The importance of this charity enables access to beaches for those with mobility difficulties. They offer a variety of beach wheelchairs, carriages, hoists and turntables, all available for free hire, enabling disabled & elderly persons from the community to enjoy the coast along with their friends and family. The amount raised was £3650 which became the single largest donation to the BANE Charity in its history. It is recognised that this amount of money could not have been raised single handedly or without the kind donations made by members of the public. A special thank you must go to:
• The partner of FS Geldart (Mrs Denise Kell) who held craft making activities with friends which included wreath & broach making and this raised over £200.
• The daughter of Sgt John Foster, Hollie Kilroy who is a Ground Safety Officer at AMT Headingley, set up collection days at both Leeds Rhinos Rugby League &
• Donations from Thompsons of Prudhoe & Yes Tax, both companies have links to 609 Squadron and donated £250 each.
BANE are always looking for help in any form at all, from volunteers to help with the wheelchairs, to fundraising, donations and sponsorship. https://beachaccessnortheast.org/
Following on from his success at the InterServices Weightlifting Championship at the end of 2023, LCpl Bretton qualified for the UK Armed Forces Weightlifting Team for 2024.
He represented the UK Armed Forces with pride and competed against the British Under 21s. The start of 2024 saw the previous year repeat itself with LCpl Bretton competing once again for the RAF at the Inter-Services, heavily contributing to the 3rd RAF victory in a row! With a proven track record, Bretton was then invited to compete at the English
Weightlifting Championships at the end of December 2024. While LCpl Bretton wishes to mirror his success throughout 2025 he has began to provide training for others a varying levels within the sport to encourage involvement and enable future RAF and UK Armed Forces success going forward.
Each year, at the start of February, RAF Honington hosts a conference and dinner night, intended to mark the anniversary of the formation of the RAF Regiment and review all what the Corps has accomplished in the previous year. As part of this event, awards are presented for a range of achievements, aimed at acknowledging the hard work and dedication members of the RAF Regiment have shown throughout the year.
This year, 609 (WR) Squadron was awarded the Strickland Trophy. This award recognises 609 Squadron as being the best Auxiliary RAF Regiment Squadron. As always, competition was tough, but
it was 609 Squadron that was deemed to be on top. This is a direct result of the hard work and sheer dedication that the whole Squadron has shown over the past 12 months. Members of 609 Squadron are in no doubt the potential challenges they may face in the year ahead, but given their track record, will undoubtably go from strength to strength in order to deliver on its varied spectrum of tasks.
The trophy was presented to the Squadron’s Executive Officer, Flight Lieutenant Niall McKiernan by the Honorary Air Commodore for the RAF Regiment, Ex-Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Steven Dalton.
Members of RAF Leeming Logistics Squadron joined forces to collect non-perishable food and essential supplies for Northallerton based food bank, Hambleton Foodshare.
Led by AS1 Gabriel, AduAppau, the initiative raises awareness and demonstrates the squadron’s desire to support the local community. AS1 AduAppau said: “ Food insecurity is a growing concern, and I felt compelled to take action to make a tangible difference. Supporting food banks is a cause close to my heart as they play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals and families don’t go hungry. This initiative aligns with my personal values and the sense of duty I uphold as part of the military. The response from my colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am deeply moved by their generosity.”
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A further £32,000 was approved through the LIG panel to enhance our kit, driven heavily from not only the PEd FLt but from Grp Cpt Hamilton. PEd will continue to drive improvements to the Stn Gym as it provides a worthy environment for SP to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
£7,509 - Concept II Bikes x7 | £5,886 - SkiErg. Concept II x5
Now the PEd Flt have 9 Rowers, Skiers and C2 bikes extending the range of conditioning we can provide throughout our programme.
£9,638 - StairMaster x2
CV Suite upgrades upon request by Gym users. These high spec machines simulate walking up a staircase at varying speeds –predominantly training the glutes, quads and calves.
£4,239 – Lateral Deltoid Machine | Hip Thrust | Barbell Jack | 2 Foot Tib Bar | Track Handle Sport x4.
Lateral raise machine is a fixed path pin loaded machine designed to isolate the deltoid muscles. Hip thrust machine allows for a controlled glute/hamstring dominant bridge movement. Accessories have been purchased to bolster the kit we already have and make it easier and safer to load a bar.
Last year’s season finished in style with a classic Pub Quiz in the Stn Cinebowl which crowned GEF the 2024 title winners.
This year’s season will include a combination of traditional CO’s Cup sports such as It’s a knockout, Kwik Cricket and Dodgeball with a series of less physically dominant events such as Go Karting, Orienteering and E-sports.
PEd are pleased to announce that we are going to reintroduce Pre & Post Natal classes, Aircrew Conditioning Programme and we have added Hyrox circuits to our Thursday lunchtime slot. PPN will run on the first Tue of every month, in the Gym @ 1000hrs and will provide support to eligible Whole Force RAF Leeming personnel. ACP will run on the 2nd Tue of every month at the same time slot for all aircrew personnel and will provide support and conditioning tailored to the demands of the role. Hyrox is our new Thu lunchtime slot encompassing a hybrid style of training in line with the new global Hyrox competition. It focuses on running, ergs and lower limb muscular endurance.
Cpl Daymon Underhill-Rose is our new ATI and will be delivering minor and major expeds for our SP, including activities such as Stand Up Paddleboarding, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Hiking and more. For details on how to organise your own exped please follow the How To guides on our PEd SharePoint.
Our relationship with Bedale Golf Course continues into 2025 as it has through the 2024 season Mar-Oct. Golf tags can be purchased at a heavily discounted rate from the PEd Flt for a fee depending on golf members/ non-members and reserved through our SharePoint.
Santa Run – over 60 SP turned out for a brisk yomp in the December breeze braving 5km in the fanciest dress. Mince pies and brews followed, to take the edge off. This event – amongst other – assisted in over £1,000 raised funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The Station held its very first Colour Run, again raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron has been busy over the transition period into 2025.
From charity and community outreach to adventurous training and sport, YUAS has been keeping busy. Alongside this, the Squadron has seen a boom in new members, with 56 courses arriving over the months. Going into the new year, it’s exciting to see the opportunities and experiences for personal growth on Squadron and in the RAF.
This academic year YUAS has conducted two care home visits in uniform in order to give back to the Yorkshire community and continue the squadron’s community engagement efforts.
On the 30th November, two YUAS students arrived at a Leeds care home. They gave a presentation on the background and work of a University Air Squadron. This was not only important for outreach and improving public awareness of YUAS and indirectly the RAF as a whole, but more critically gave our students an interesting chance to engage with the residents who happened to be ex-servicemen and women and get their perspective on life and how the forces have changed
over the decades. Further afield YUAS students share their experiences at their old schools, ATC Sqns and help out at Sqn visits.
In February, YUAS students visited The Yorkshire Air Ambulance at RAF Topcliffe. The visit was an exciting experience, allowing for an insight into equipment, aircraft, and day-to-day operations. It was interesting to hear about the challenges faced by crews when operating across varied locations and
under intense pressure. This visit was particularly insightful for medical students. The range of cutting-edge medical equipment onboard the aircraft was extraordinary, and it was clear the paramedics and the aircrew were highly skilled. In support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, YUAS took to the sports field that February afternoon for an interflight football tournament. Raising awareness and funds for this important organisation was fulfilling and eye-opening. The chance to beat fellow members
of the squadron on the pitch was also an added incentive.
Yorkshire has a reputation for AT and rightly so. Operation Cold Dip went ahead on the 8th -13th December. Students undertook two days of winter mountaineering in Scotland at Grantown-on-Spey. This exercise challenged YUAS students, providing them with two days of winter mountain skills training in a dynamic winter environment. Eventually, they moved off the hills and spent two days canoeing. They went from rapids to rigging sails as part of a lake crossing. Not only did the exercise provide a great opportunity for individual and peer development, it also helped the ATI’s assessment as the students were actors in these training exercises in their canoe phase.
In the new year, Yorkshire ran another mountaineering trip, aiming to help students gain their Summer Mountain Foundation qualifications: a really important and useful skill to have,especially for those going into armed forces careers. This expedition involved learning the basics of map navigation and learning about how to survive on the mountains in summer conditions. I can personally attest
to the usefulness of this trip in providing students with lifesaving mountaineering skills. It also sets them on the path to becoming summer mountain leaders, a qualification which allows them to run expeditions and AT on their future squadrons.
Yorkshire also hit the slopes in early February, travelling to Montgenèvre. It is an exciting time to be a fitness enthusiast on YUAS and these opportunities also allow students to connect with those of other sqns and learn from their experiences.
Another important part of the YUAS calendar is the arrival of a new course: 56th course. All those who have passed their medical have been warmly welcomed, arriving at town nights and engaging with squadron members at park run events across Yorkshire.
The new cadre have been sent to RAF Cranwell to learn basic soldiering. This includes the fundamentals of drill, weapons handling, and an introduction to the RAF way of life in a simulated phase one environment. The arrival of new members to the Squadron is always an exciting
time of the year and fostered by a weekend camp at Leeming run by the QFIs who wear several different hats when it comes to providing training. This camp and a forthcoming AT camp on the Lake District gives genuine opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn more about the RAF, and get out of your comfort zone. It’s also a chance to pass on the Yorkshire spirit to the next generation, ensuring that the Squadron remains a defining part of university life for years to come.
Of course on top of all this professional and personal development it is important all on YUAS and the wider RAF remind ourselves why we exist as an organisation. As we approach the three-year mark since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is important the West stands strong in the face of Russian aggression and remembers the daily sacrifice by Ukrainian serving personnel.
As the squadron’s English student and unwitting poet, I wrote a poem in 2023 based on the experience of meeting Ukrainian servicemen and women in training areas across the country. I thought it pertinent to share it, given the opportunity.
The boys are away with the Air Force fray
The boys musing on which war-games to play
Innocence is bliss, I’ve never had Athena’s kiss.
Legs crossed, infantile, I lie for a while
Packed into the coach, stacked in single-file
Innocence is bliss, to me and the lark.
We are off! We are off! off out to play
With sticks, stones and arrowheads, do make way Innocence intact, a lyre sweetly plays; Mellifluous sounds, sweetly from the road
“On me!” He calls, our packs a heavy load
Innocence of toy soldiers: natural plastic men.
And from the west a pious guiding wind
Even the raucous rabble have been pinned
Innocence is bliss: find me a better rhyme than this.
We don’t have to kiss Priam’s shaking hand
Nor stand petrified on Agean sand
In ignorance another bus arrives.
They move up beside, our joy not our fault
A drill sergeant calling time, Left, Right, Halt. Innocence all around, in the music of our crowd.
The boys on the bus opposite to us
The boys whose faces are streak marked with rust Innocence is bliss. I must remember this.
An odyssey: three thousand miles travelled
In their eyes horror begins to unravel Innocence is bliss.
But since that first day, I never did see
The boys of Bakhmut: faces that haunt me
Innocence is bliss, all I hear is their sound.
In the black night, we whistle through the air
Celebrating our ordeal: a week of military funfair
And still, they fire salvos into the dark English air.
to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm @ Christmas Show Jumping Competition!!!
18/01/25: Congrats to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm @ Richmonds Late Christmas Show Jumping Competition!!!
18/01/25: Congrats to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm @ Richmonds Late Christmas Show Jumping Competition!!!
18/01/25: Congrats to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm @ Richmonds Late Christmas Show Jumping Competition!!!
18/01/25: Congrats to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm @ Richmonds Late Christmas Show Jumping Competition!!!
January 2025 news: Congrats to Team Colley for getting 3rd place in the accumulator and 6th in the 90cm at Richmonds Late Christmas Show Jumping Competition!
Well Done to Cpl Lou Charlton for competing on Eye on You (aka Betty) and receiving results in British Dressage.
Gaining 2 of the required 3 qualifying scores for the Pet Plan Summer Championships. Being placed 4th 65% and 5th 63.33% out of a very competitive field.
The RAF Leeming Saddle club recently demonstrated its skill and determination while representing the station in civilian competitions, securing all the qualifying scores needed to be invited to the upcoming regional championships.
Entering civilian competitions presents a unique challenge for military riders, as the demands of military life often set us at a disadvantage to other competitors. However, the RAF Leeming team rose to the occasion, proving that their rigorous training and commitment translate seamlessly into competitive success!
Through a combination of luck, stubbornness and partnership with her horse,
team member Cpl Lou Charlton achieved three qualifying scores, securing her place at the regional championships. These results reflect not only individual achievements but also the collective effort of the team, coaches, and support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. With qualification secured, Cpl Charlton now shifts her focus to preparing for the regional championships. This next stage of competition will bring together top riders, providing an opportunity to further demonstrate the strength of RAF equestrian sports.
The Championships soon arrived! On a rainy February weekend, Cpl Charlton, her trusty steed Betty and Saddle club OIC FS Ange Polgreen travelled to a cold and wet Alnwick ford. Facing off against some of the region’s top riders, the competition was fierce.
Equestrian sports within the RAF embody dedication, discipline, and resilience qualities that are essential both in the saddle and in military service. Representing the station in a civilian competition is a proud achievement, and the team’s performance highlights the strength of military equestrians in the wider sporting community
Unfortunately, this time wasn’t their moment to shine. The tension and pressure proved too much for Betty to keep her nerve and they fell short of the score needed to qualify for Nationals.
Despite the result, making it this far was a massive achievement for the pair. As trainer Sam Whyley put it “Championships are 90% disappointment, 10% fun and sunny days”. Brush it off, pick yourself up and keep going.
Equestrian sports within the RAF embody dedication, discipline, and resilience qualities that are essential both in the saddle and in military service. Representing the station in a civilian competition is a proud achievement, and the team’s performance highlights the strength of military equestrians in the wider sporting community.
The finals were also supported by 2 non championships bouts.
To open the show, AS1 Ryan Titley (RAF Lossiemouth) who suffered defeat in his semifinal bout, but showed a good performance, was invited to compete again against a fresh opponent. Showing true warrior spirit, he accepted and beat his opponent AS1 Joshua Madden (RAF Northolt) by unanimous decision. To take us into the interval, RAF Elite squad boxer Cpl Frankie Lyall (RAF Leeming) displayed the difference in levels as she took on Chloe Davies (Newark ABC). In a highly skilled contest, Lyall appeared to breeze through to a Unanimous decision victory.
AS1 Aidan Cooper (RAF Marham) took on LCpl Michael Cocker (RAF Leeming) for the Lord Wakefield Class A 67kg title in what was a top contender for fight of the night. After the non-stop slugfest, Cooper earned the unanimous points victory.
AS1 Alex Masterman (RAF Coningsby) used his class to defeat AS1 Joe Smyth (RAF
Marham) by referee stoppage and earn the Class A 71kg title. His second referee stoppage of the week, he was also crowned Boxer of the Tournament.
Cpl Jos Sumpter (RAF Brize Norton) earned the Class A 75kg title against AS1 Kieran Brimicombe (RAF Marham) by way of a stunning KO, 52 seconds into the first round.
AS1 Paulo Trofa (RAF Marham) took a unanimous win over Spr Ben Reeves (RAF Wyton) to earn the Class B 75kg title.
AS1 Mason Slender (RAF Coningsby) used his massive height and reach advantage to score a referee stoppage over AS1 Connor Bignell (RAF Wyton) and earn the Class A 80kg title. Another Coningsby boxer earning 2 stoppages in 2 fights.
AS1 Lewis Denton-Fray (RAF Coningsby) managed to avoid the power of LCpl George Gatenby (RAF Marham) and take the Class B 80kg title by unanimous decision.
In an all Marham affair, training partners AS1 Lewis Neal (RAF Marham) and Cpl Adam Collins
(RAF Marham) fought for the Class A 92kg title. It was Neal who got the better of his stable mate and scored a referee stoppage.
The Super-Heavyweights closed out the show. In a thunderous contest, AS1 James Durkin (RAF Marham) beat Cpl Ben Gurnell (RAF Brize Norton) by referee stoppage with little time remaining in the third. Earning him the Class A 92kg+ title.
With 7 boxers in the finals taking 4 titles, RAF Marham took the Major Unit Trophy. Their efforts also earned them the RAF Regiment Trophy for 15 Sqn. Having only started training properly earlier in the year, this was an incredible Championship for the Marham team.
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All boarders are cared for by specialist staff outside of school hours. QE has won or been a finalist in several prestigious boarding awards including the BSA Best Extension or Refurbishment (won, 2024), BSA Belonging
“Our Forces Club is about being able to share the experiences of being connected to the military community and allowing the military children to have an identity and support network whilst having fun”
and Inclusion (finalist, 2024), BSA Innovation in Boarding (won, 2022), TES Boarding School of the Year (finalist, 2022) and Muddy Stilettos’ Outstanding Pastoral Care (finalist, 2022).
The hustle around campus makes the school feel like a town. Students have access to an activity centre with a home cinema, climbing wall, weekend fast-food café and a selection of board games and consoles. The campus also
has a medical centre, gym, swimming pool, uniform and essentials shop, tuck shop, coffee shop, 312-seat theatre, and plenty of outdoor space for recreational activities.
we have both ex-military personnel and staff who were once themselves military children, who can use their personal experiences to best assist our Forces students with their individual circumstances.
Forces students, like every student on campus, can approach Pastoral Coordinators, House Parents, Teachers, Form Tutors, Student Wellbeing and Welfare Ambassadors, Prefects, Senior Managers who are trained in mental health first aid, our School Counsellor who is a trained therapist, or our onsite General Practitioner. They can also approach an Independent Listener who is not associated with the school. In addition, military children can access additional support provided by our Forces Liaison Officers who are trained specifically to identify and support the additional needs of our Forces students including separation anxiety, worries surrounding parent deployments and issues arising from moving around a lot. Within our Pastoral and Forces Liaison Teams,
Students can seek academic support during homework sessions and can participate in over 100 extra-curricular activities onsite including the Forces Club, Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There is plenty on offer at weekends too, including performing arts and creative arts academies, timetabled activities, and exciting trips offsite.
QE prides itself on its accommodation. Years 6 to 13 have ensuite bedrooms with TVs, phones, desks and storage and benefit from a modern, well-equipped common room. Younger students have a boarding house designed for little people, with chill-out spaces, a wellness room, study pods, baths and an open plan kitchen dining space.
