2623 Squadron

from Honington - Winter 2022

1 Squadron

2623 Squadron 2623 Squadron

HM Queen Elizabeth II Funeral

By Cpl Greggory-Macdougall

The days surrounding the Queen’s funeral were a solemn period for all in the military, many serving personnel were involved in supporting roles and saw 2623 RAuxAF Sqn deploy to London in place of its expected Annual Training Period.

55 Broadway, a Grade I listed building adjacent to St James’ Park was the Squadron’s base mixed in with personnel from the Army and Navy over 8 floors.

The first few days saw us deploying around London offering direct support to police roadblocks, providing a presence to assist the public, and affording resilience during peak periods. Some of our units assisted those with accessibility needs through Westminster Hall during the lyingin-state period. In periods of down

2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment (Wolf Squadron) travelled to Grasmere in the Lake District to take part in the 10th Anniversary of the Walking for the Wounded Cumbrian Challenge Charity event. The Wolf Squadron entered two teams into the competition completed the Tougher of 3 routes which comprised of a 32km hike across the Cumbrian hills, ascending a total 1885m over 12 peaks throughout the course and finished strong with a competitive time.

This is the 5th consecutive year The Wolf Squadron has taken part and supported this worthwhile charity with 135 registered teams raising a total of £173,618.00 towards an amazing cause. time, all units capitalised on the opportunity to complete some FD to places like the Natural History Museum and the Tower of London, as well as conducting phys around Hyde Park – a welcome relief from duty and a change of scenery to the Troston 5!

During the day of the funeral, some personnel lined the procession route whilst others stood-to at locations such as Horse Guards or ready to fill gaps and marshal the civilian population before and after the event. We even had a couple of our Squadron members in No 1’s checking guest passes for those attending the funeral inside Westminster Abbey. The whole day went without any major incidents due to the collective effort of all those who took part. The public seemed to enjoy our presence and the police gave good feedback on our professionalism and drive. Getting over 350 personnel out of London at short notice and back to their respective stations all around the UK seemed like it could have been a logistical nightmare. In fact, it was exceptionally smooth given the short turnaround time. All troops were packed and ready to go, coaches were booked, arrived promptly and transited out of London efficiently.

We were proud to have been involved and supported in any way - big or small. I wonder if we’ll be asked to support next year for the coronation of the King…? To which we would be honoured.

Walking With the Wounded - Cumbrian Challenge

THE CHARITY

Established in 2010, Walking With The Wounded ‘WWTW’ is a leading military charity which recognises that those who served, deserve.

Whether mentally wounded, socially wounded or physically wounded, they deserve the care, support and means they and their families need to function in society, serving in the communities in which they live, reigniting their sense of purpose and making a positive contribution again.

Walking With The Wounded gets those who’ve served – and their families - back on their feet.

We do four things: employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering which are saving jobs, homes, relationships, and lives for the veterans who are struggling since leaving the military.

Our innovative partnerships with the NHS, supporting mental health teams across the UK; the creation of Project Nova with the RFEA to intercept veterans in police custody and reduce reoffending; our own mental health capabilities enabling 121 therapies within days; and our award-winning volunteering initiative OP REGEN, are delivering significant, positive, social impacts across the UK.

Nadia’s Journey and Fundraiser

Members of 2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment travelled to London recently to raise money and support for both Cpl Mudd’s Daughter, Nadia, and the charity Leukaemia UK.

Nadia was diagnosed with Leukaemia in March and has been undergoing a steadily increasing dose of chemotherapy treatment which has impacted her in such ways including losing her hair, losing weight, and constantly feeling sick. This takes its toll both mentally and physically and Nadia has had to stay strong and positive throughout, with lots of support from friends, family and the Squadron.

Since 2015, Leukaemia UK has funded over £7 million worth of leukaemia research and care in the UK. This research pushes boundaries, makes vital discoveries, and leads to bold scientific advances that create hope for kinder and more effective treatments for leukaemia. All of which has a big impact on those that who have been diagnosed with the disease.

The sun was out and along with a large number of other stands the day raised over £3000. The best part of the day was when my daughter Nadia turned up to thank everyone for supporting her during cancer treatment and helping raise so much money for such a worthwhile charity and cause.

Cpl Mudd would personally like to thank 2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment and all those involved, and those that donated for their help and support they have given to myself and my family.

by Cpl Paul Mudd