Operation Escalin Aviation Engineering On

OPERATION ESCALIN

In September 2021, as fuel stock projections started to decline, showing in some cases below 20%, the fuel supply picture began to look bleak, and a National crisis began.

Written By: Cpl Scott Gillson

Four Mechanical Transport Drivers (MTDs) from RAF Odiham Logistics Squadron were placed at R1 readiness and then activated as part of Operation

ESCALIN. This is a Defence contingency operation, to provide Military Assistance to

Civilian Authorities, to resolve fuel delivery shortages to forecourts across the UK.

On 30 Sep 21, Cpl Scott Gillson and SAC Mike Lea, RAF Odiham MT, were briefed to report to Kendrew Barracks, Lincolnshire, with little information as to where they would be deployed to or how long for, the guesses ranged from 6 days to 6 months.

Later that day, they received information that they would be assisting Hoyer at the Hemel Hempstead Fuel Terminal. Initially they arrived as part of an 18-strong team, compromising of 9 crews, made up from 9 RAF Logs MTD’s and 9 ‘drivers-mates’ from various trade groups across the RAF. They were shortly joined by a further 4 crews which included 2 additional drivers from RAF Odiham: Cpl Genevieve Loni and SAC Stevie Kane. On arrival at Hemel, the drivers received 2 days of training carried out by civilian training staff from Hoyer. These included site induction safety briefs, driving assessments and carrying out supervised fuel deliveries, all under the watchful gaze and increased speculation of

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