A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone, I hope you all enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends. For those who are keeping the wheels in motion over the festive period thanks and have a great time in the New Year.
Front Cover
Three RAF Chinooks from 18(B) Sqn, RAF Odiham soar in formation over the new Lancaster memorial in Lincoln, built by the Bomber County Gateway Trust - On Freedom’s Wings.
Though now a rotary squadron, 18(B) Sqn dates back to 1915 and was a bomber unit in WWII, making this flypast especially meaningful.
Today we remember Wing Commander Hugh Malcolm VC (posthumously), CO of 18 Sqn in 1942, and all the crews who gave their lives in the pursuit of the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Chinooks have been in the area as part of Exercise #COBRAWARRIOR, training with our NATO Allied Air Command allies to enhance readiness and interoperability.
Whitey
STATION COMMANDER’S
FOREWORD
Gp Capt Sarah Moorehead
This time of year always puts a smile on my face; leaves have started to drop, we’ve had the fun of Halloween, the spectacle of Bonfire Night and the anticipation of Christmas coming soon.
Autumn also provides a time for us to reflect on some of the key milestones in our service history, to commemorate the Battle of Britain and during Armistice to Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For those of us who serve this is a particularly poignant time and it was great to see so many of the Whole Force and local community coming together, in Odiham village on Remembrance Sunday and at the SH Memorial on 11 November, to pay their respects. Over the last few weeks, we have also had the opportunity to reflect on some of our proud history here at Odiham with visits from local Civic Organisations, Airfield Research Group, Odiham Historical Society and to build on the legacy that we have aimed to create with Odi100. Congratulations must also go to our 3 frontline Sqns who have now all achieved the significant milestone of 110 years. Happy birthday!
As we head towards Christmas it presents a time for reflection on the significant changes that have occurred across the unit, the improvements we are working towards, the innovation in action and the Chinook force
output that the whole Station has enabled. The number of hours flown, operations supported, lives saved, qualifications achieved, visits hosted, children inspired through STEM, money raised for charity or circuits delivered only paint a fraction of the picture of what this unit has achieved. But none of this would have been possible without the support of our station personnel, families, friends or indeed the local community. Our Annual Formal Reception back in September allowed us to say thank you to our community leaders, but now is the time to say thank you to you all. Whoever you are, if you are reading this then I am sure that one way or another you have contributed and supported RAF Odiham to do what it does best and meet Defence outputs. Thank you for all that you do and your unwavering support.
I wish a very happy festive period to all and a peaceful 2026.
FORCE COMMANDER’S
FOREWORD
As we approach the festive season, it is a privilege to reflect on what has been another extraordinary year for the Chinook Force. Together, we have demonstrated that we are capable, trusted and ready to deliver our vital role in Defence operations. I never fail to be impressed with the professionalism, and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in every task we undertake.
This year, we delivered aerial firefighting operations for the first time in Cyprus, saving lives and enhancing a critical strategic relationship in the largest wildfire seen in a generation. We have shown adaptability and resourcefulness in demonstrating our warfighting capability in the field during exercises in the UK and Estonia, Alongside these achievements, we have continued to deliver on our nondiscretionary commitments, both at home and overseas, ensuring the safety and security of our nation and its interests.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of every member of the Chinook Force and our support from RAF Odiham and our industry partners. Whether operating on the front line, supporting from behind the scenes, or enabling our success through
critical roles in the Air Base, each of you has played a vital part in our collective achievements. Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and teamwork.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the families and loved ones who support us. Your understanding, patience, and encouragement are the foundation that allows us to succeed in our mission. The sacrifices you make do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.
As we celebrate the festive season, let us take a moment to reflect on all we have accomplished together and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. For those on duty or deployed over Christmas, thank you for your service and to your loved ones for their sacrifice.
I wish you and your families a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Gp Capt Bishop
Annual Formal Inspection
RAF Odiham welcomed Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Appleton, for our Annual Formal Inspection. During the visit, AVM Appleton delivered a Matters of the Moment brief before receiving presentations on Global Enablement, Infrastructure, and Wellbeing.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge and present the RAF Odiham Honours & Awards, a ceremony recognising individuals who have achieved significant milestones and outstanding accomplishments in their careers.
In quieter moments, AVM Appleton signed our prestigious RAF Odiham Visitors’ Book
and looked back through our historical records, reflecting on the station’s activities over the years.
The visit was a great success and highlights the strong and evolving relationship between RAF Odiham and its new command structure within RAF 2 Group.
Annual Formal Reception
RAF Odiham proudly hosted its Annual Formal Reception against a stunning sunset, guests enjoyed a spectacular flypast from a Spitfire and a Chinook.
We were delighted to welcome guests from a range of backgrounds including community leaders, teachers, friends of the Station, and of course the fantastic 1827 Squadron @aircadets, who paraded and helped run the event with pride and professionalism.
The evening served to recognise and reinforce the vital link RAF
Odiham and the Chinook Force share with broader Defence and with our local community, especially fitting in this year of Odiham 100 celebrations.
A memorable occasion, and a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between the Station and all those who support it.
Runway25
Finding the right mortgage broker to help with your mortgage can be difficult for anyone, but for those serving in the armed forces it becomes a bigger challenge as many brokers do not have the experience to fully understand your circumstances. Even explaining your payslips can become a major task.
PFL Mortgages are specialists for the armed forces, and as part of their pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, for miliary families they have removed the barrier of their standard £395 broker fee, offering their service to you free of charge.
Arranging your mortgage is only part of their service. They will help you from the day you first think about a mortgage, explaining the whole process of house buying or remortgaging, and remain with you every step of the way.
PFL Mortgages work with over 60 lenders, including every major bank and building society in the UK. They are regulated by the Financial Services Authority, which means that they are required by law to find the best deals for you.
Managing Director Graham Salloway says ‘As with most mortgage brokers in the UK, we are paid a commission by the lender. Offering our service free of charge affects our profits, and we can make a small loss in some cases. But by offering the deal to all military families including veterans, it has enabled us to grow our military client base substantially.’
Island Inferno
1310 Flt Respond to Wildfire Crisis
An operational account of aerial firefighting missions in Cyprus 2025, by Flt Lt Eveson 18(B) Sqn
Chinooks from RAF Odiham, deployed to RAF Akrotiri to provide Aerial Fire Fighting (AFF) support to the Republic of Cyprus. New procedures, building on techniques last seen on the Chinook Force some 25 years ago, were developed for use with the recently trialled ‘Bambi Bucket’; a system capable of carrying and deploying 5000 kgs of water onto a fire. The capability remained relatively underutilised in Cyprus, as contracted firefighters often had the small wildfires contained, long before the call-out cascaded far enough to activate the Chinooks. However, as a severe heatwave took hold of the island, 18(B) Sqn, (deployed as 1310 Flt), were soon to experience a wildfire on a scale not seen in decades.
At around midday on 23 July 25, a fire broke out near the quiet village of Malia in the Limassol District, approximately 20 miles north-west of RAF Akrotiri. As the flames intensified, it rapidly spread beyond the control of the on-scene firefighters; 1310 Flt were called to assist and RESCUE 50 was scrambled. During start, mission critical equipment tested unserviceable, but a small team of engineers, working on a rotorsrunning aircraft in the intense heat, were able to fix the centre hook and get RESCUE 50 airborne, just 36 minutes from receiving the activation call.
En route to the wildfire, the crew collected water from Kouris Dam, allowing them to arrive on scene ready to begin firefighting. As they approached the area, the size and severity of the situation became apparent; flames stretched for miles with a thick wall of smoke choking the sky. Ash rained down and intense heat radiated from the homes, farmland, and woodland now ablaze. The ground crawled with activity as emergency services fought the fire and residents fled the areas worst hit.
RESCUE 50 established 2-way comms with the Airborne Mission Commander (AMC), callsign ARIS, and were vectored to their target –the south-western edge of the fire. The radios continued at a relentless pace, as the AMC coordinated a complex, multi-aircraft picture, deconflicting several fixed-wing (FW) and rotary-wing (RW) aircraft, as every available asset was now airborne in response.
As RESCUE 50 drew closer, conditions worsened but, with farmland, buildings and gardens ablaze on the edge of Malia directly ahead, the crew committed to their first target, descended to drop height and set up on parameters. The ground undulated sharply, making terrain following difficult, and the intense heat lifted, shook and jolted the aircraft from its flight path. Visibility reduced further and conditions continued to deteriorate, but the aircraft was held steady for long enough to provide a stable platform. A countdown commenced as the crewman talked onto the target,
the water dropped, and a direct hit was confirmed as it traced a line along the leading-edge of the fire, extinguishing it and stopping its advance. Facing rising ground ahead, the crew climbed and turned away, back into clear air. Heading north, RESCUE 50 proceeded to Arminou Dam to collect more water and slot into the traffic pattern.
The speed of the fire’s advance meant precise and effective water drops were needed to contain the flames. Operating in a visually degraded and constantly evolving environment, the crew were unable to conduct recces of the targets but still needing to get as close as possible to the fires, they instead relied on CRM and visual cues to guide them deep into the target area, at low level. Amid the dense concentration of aircraft, all with different water deployment methods, efficient and safe operating were essential and, given the Chinook’s performance and payload size, RESCUE 50 often assumed the lead amongst the RW assets. From here, they were able to provide tactical direction, and the coordination of formation drops to maximise impact onto the targets. As all the RW assets became familiar with their counterparts’ capabilities and limitations, formation water dips and drops became increasingly polished and well-sequenced, resulting in multi-
type formations delivering large concentrations of water into critical areas at a high frequency.
The mission inevitably shifted focus from containment in open terrain to emergency suppression around villages and infrastructure. The situation became increasingly harrowing and desperate when residents were seen frantically signalling passing aircraft for aid. The flames rapidly approached their homes, laying waste to everything in their path and leaving nothing but charred ground and burnt-out houses in their wake. But, with so many targets and limited time, the crew were forced to make quick and difficult decisions and drop on only what they considered to be the worst areas and where the water would be most effective.
RESCUE 50 briefly returned to Akrotiri for a refuel before launching back into the fight, as the fire continued to grow with ferocious intensity and speed. Immediately slotting back into the traffic pattern, RESCUE 50 were once again delivering water onto the fire; following short holds to allow FW deconfliction, the trail of waiting helicopters would turn their sights onto the target; as RESCUE 50 again led deep into the affected area, showing absolute resolve for making consistent and accurate drops.
The day continued at an unrelenting pace, as RESCUE 50 flew between the reservoir and fire. Gradually, other assets retired, and the number on station dwindled until soon, RESCUE 50 was the last AFF aircraft remaining. Unwavering in their determination to fight the fire, they stayed beyond sunset until the light faded and conditions became unworkable. The crew
made their final drop, donned their NVDs and set to RTB.
The clear route home, previously flown, was now blocked with a thick blanket of dark smoke and ash hanging in the sky. With night firmly established and nearzero visibility, the crew headed east in an attempt to find clear air, identify Limassol, then let down when safe from terrain. With help from ATC and with conditions easing, they found references at the coast, clung to the strip of lights and followed them south to Akrotiri, landing on fuel minima.
Day 2 saw RESCUE 50 depart at first light and head straight back into the fray with the same determination as Day 1. They immediately identified fires near Kouris Dam and began to suppress them. ARIS then directed their efforts towards where they were most needed, where, once again, they integrated with the other traffic to provide a near continuous delivery of water onto the targets. Opting to take water from tiny reservoirs, usually considered unsuitable, proved critical to the suppression of fires around the neighbouring villages, as rapid delivery of multiple drops could be achieved.
A crew change, later followed by an aircraft change, meant RESCUE 50 were able to exploit maximum crew duty and aircraft flying times and remain operational from first light, until darkness fell. Once again, they were the last to leave the scene; this time, however,
it was clear the firefighters were prevailing in their efforts.
Unknown to the crew at the time, this was the largest wildfire to hit Cyprus in 51 years. It devastated an area of approximately 125km?, (roughly the size of Paris); 2 people lost their lives, multiple were injured and countless displaced with significant damage to property and infrastructure.
In the background, RAF Akrotiri had set in motion the emergency evacuation of key military sites on the island. The firefighting aircraft offered the last line of defence against the fire and, had they failed, would have switched their mission to the airborne evacuation of military personnel from Episkopi and Troodos. The unflinching nerve, professionalism and dedication of all the air and ground-based firefighters meant the critical point for the fire’s spread was never reached and it was instead safely contained.
RESCUE 50 flew into extremely hostile conditions, venturing unsighted into unforgiving terrain that was on fire and blanketed by thick smoke. Despite being the newcomers to AFF, 1310 Flt held their own amongst seasoned professionals, largely due to the on-scene presence of the Chinook, which was unmatched in its capability, allowing them to drop more water than any other single aircraft. 1310 Flt were ready when called, delivering critical and lifesaving support to the Republic of Cyprus.
AFF Aircraft in Stats:
Total Chinook Hours Flown: 17:05
Water Dropped (per Day and Crew): Day 1: 25 buckets / 125 tonnes of water (Crew 1)
Day 2: 40 buckets / 200 tonnes of water (Crew 2) followed by 25 buckets / 125 tonnes of water (Crew 1)
Total Water Dropped: 90 buckets / 450 tonnes of water
‘FOREST 3-6’ AT8 Air Tractor (x4), ‘NASHMI 1-2’ AT8 Air Tractor (x2) C-130 (x2)
Kings Camp
For two weeks 4-8 and 11-15 Aug 2025, our Children activity camp was a huge success, providing an exciting and enriching experience for all who attended.
The children enjoyed a wide range of activities that helped build confidence, teamwork and establish new friendships, while also encouraging physical activity and creativity.
The incredibly positive feedback from bath participants and parents highlighted just how valuable this opportunity was for our young people.
RAF Odiham would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund for their generous funding and support, which made it possible for our community to access such a rewarding
and memorable experience and to Kings Camp for providing the fantastic activities for the two weeks.
Nepal Day
This year’s Nepal Day was extra special as we focused on the Newari community, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley.
We were honoured to welcome such a large gathering from the community, who treated us to multiple vibrant performances, cultural displays, and traditional dress. Their presence brought the heart of Kathmandu right here to RAF Odiham.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without food, and Gurkha Streetfood, with unique tastes curries, noodles and momos, delighted us all with their authentic Nepali flavours.
Events like this remind us of the deep cultural heritage
MAcr Ruffles Retires
For two weeks 4-8 and 11-15 Aug 2025, our Children activity camp was a huge success, providing an exciting and enriching experience for all who attended.
Master Aircrew Bob Ruffles recently departed RAF Odiham after an incredible 40 years of dedicated service to the Royal Air Force.
To mark this remarkable milestone, Bob received a traditional ‘march-off’ from Force Commander, Group Captain, Hannah Bishop and all on Station, a fitting tribute to his outstanding career, professionalism, and legacy.
On behalf of everyone at RAF Odiham, we thank Bob for his exceptional service and wish him every success for the future.
within the Gurkha family and the enduring friendship between the UK and Nepal.
A huge thank you to our fabulous Nepalese community and everyone who made this celebration unforgettable.
Odiham in Bloom celebration
August 8th proved a wonderfully popular day with our Odiham in Bloom event
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our ODI100 Odiham in Bloom celebration.
From stunning gardens to smiling faces and teddy bears galore, the event was alive with colour, joy, and community spirit. Congratulations to our garden competition winners your green thumbs truly impressed the judges. Our teddy bears picnic was the perfect way to end the day, filled with laughter, sunshine and lots of cuddly guests.
ODIHAM
Airfield Research Group
This week, we were delighted to welcome visitors from the Airfield Research Group and Alton Probus to RAF Odiham.
Their visit focused on surveying our historic buildings, providing a fascinating link to our origins in 1925, when the site consisted of little more than a rudimentary runway and a few Bessonneau hangars.
WACC Update
Progress continues at pace on our WACC (Welfare and Community Centre) here at RAF Odiham!
Adding a special touch to the works, the nursery children decorated the site boards with their colourful artwork, bringing smiles to all who pass by. The paint and brushes were actually kindly provided by the contractors delivering the project!
This fantastic initiative reflects the values of the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) a national programme that promotes best practice within the construction industry, placing community engagement and a positive image at its heart.
Together, we’re not just building a centre, but strengthening community spirit along the way.
This year, as we celebrate #ODI100, marking 100 years of aviation from this rural Hampshire site, we’re reflecting with pride on how far we’ve come.
From those humble beginnings to today’s modern
home of the Chinook Force, RAF Odiham continues to deliver world-class capabilities in support of Defence and NATO operations across the globe.
COBRA WARRIOR
If you move in sporting circles, you might have heard the phrase: “Yeah, but can they do it on a wet night in Yorkshire?”
For the RAF, Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is nothing new, but it’s absolutely essential. Modern fighting forces must be resilient, agile, and ready to sustain operations far from their main bases to ensure deterrence credibility and warfighting success.
During Exercise #COBRAWARRIOR, Chinook Force
personnel from RAF Odiham are proving exactly that. Operating out of RAF Leeming, they’re living in tented accommodation and working at distance from traditional support units, showing they can deploy, survive, and fight anywhere, anytime.
Behind the scenes, the RAF Odiham Catering Squadron is
keeping spirits high and stomachs full, serving hundreds of hot meals to our active and hungry troops.
So, can we do it on a wet night in Yorkshire? Yes, we can!
CAPABLE. TRUSTED. READY.
Training
Royal Marines with the
27 Squadron RAF Odiham recently joined forces with 42 Commando Royal Marines on a training exercise, demonstrating the power of joint aviation operations.
As part of a task force, our Chinooks delivered the Heavy Assault Force into the objective under cover of escort, provided by Commando Wildcats and Merlins.
This demanding night raid showcased the versatility and cooperation of the Joint Aviation Command (JAC) task force, with roles including:
• STRIKE
• LIFT ESCORT
• Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) & Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT)
A great example of joint capability at work, proving that together we can deliver far more than the sum of our parts. TRAINING
The mission highlighted how different platforms and specialist teams combine to deliver rapid, decisive effect from precision firing and overwatch to casualty evacuation and heavy lift.
EAGLES RUGBY
Eagles Fly High on Home Turf!
A huge congratulations to the RAF Odiham Eagles, who marked their first match on a newly renovated pitch with a brilliant win over the RAF Benson Bulldogs!
In fairness, RAF Benson might have been slightly distracted this week, hosting The Prince of Wales and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan!
But while royalty was visiting Benson, the Eagles were busy defending their throne at home, and did so in style!
Fantastic effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship from both sides, a great way to christen the new pitch!
I am a traditional kiltmaker and seamstress who moved to Odiham in 2022. I started Strike Medal Mounting in February 2025 and in my first year it has been wonderful to serve all corners of the Armed Forces community, especially those based at RAF Odiham.
I stitch the medals by hand in the traditional method and source ribbons and miniature and replica medals from suppliers who hold the Royal Warrant and MOD Licence.
All medal sets are returned in a complimentary felt pouch for their safe keeping. I can also make ribbon bars for Service Dress.
I have also sourced a quantity of original 1940s issue WW2 ribbons which I have used to recondition WW2 medals, preserving their original character.
I am proud to be part of a Service Family – my son has been in the Army for 20 years and my daughterin-law is a MOD Medical Doctor.
I am based near Odiham High Street and have a great view of the Chinooks doing their circuits from my window! If you have any medal requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
