Northolt Approach
GORDON’S SCHOOL
Proudly Supporting Forces Families for over a Century
YEARS 7, 9 AND 12 BOARDING PLACES AVAILABLE
“Students who attend the boarding school provision exceed their predicted outcomes and consistently reach, and further, their potential”
OFSTED BOARDING INSPECTION REPORT 2019 For Autumn
.
Editorial Team
EDITOR
Sgt Ellen Driscoll
Northolt Approach magazine is published under the kind permission of Station Commander, Group Captain Lee Wales ADC MA BSc RAF. The views expressed by correspondents do not necessarily reflect official policy.
PUBLISHER
Northolt Approach is published by Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL Tel 01536 334222
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jayne Bailey
Tel 01536 334219
Email jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk
DESIGNER
Amanda Robinson
Email amanda@lancemediagroup.co.uk
DISCLAIMER:
This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it.
Next issue...
Next edition will be Issue 17, Winter 2025.
Submission of articles:
Articles for the Northolt Approach should be submitted by email to: NOR-BSWNortholtApproach@mod.gov.uk written in Microsoft Word and pictures should be sent as high quality original jpegs at 300dpi (where possible) and attached as separate files, not embedded in the text or reduced in size.
Autumn Edition 2025
Station Commander’s Foreword
It has been a real honour to take over command of RAF Northolt from Group Captain Jon Hough and I know he has left a lasting legacy for us all to build on. It is evident just how dynamic and diverse the Station is as a strategically important base within London, with its ongoing drive and commitment to support Defence and wider Governmental output, often at very short notice. I know this is only achievable due to our people –military, civil servant and contractor – who
each step up to enable us to operate as #teamnortholt. The variety of activities and events showcased within this edition of Northolt Approach highlights only a small percentage of the Station’s valued connection and relationship with the local community, our families and wider stakeholders. I very much look forward to working with you during my tenure as Station Commander to continue the excellent work and contribution made by everyone based here.
What is the role of the Deputy SWO? - see SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PEOPLE HERE, page 08
RAF Benevolent Fund - see SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PEOPLE OVERSEAS, page 12
GROUP CAPTAIN LEE WALES ADC MA BSc RAF
Month of the Military Child
The dandelion is the official symbol of Month of the Military Child, held each April, to recognise the resilience and adaptability of Service children.
This year the Station Adjutant, Fg Off Alex Manser-Jeffrey, addressed Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils at Glebe Primary School during their assemblies. We arrived for their Purple Up Day and were met with a sea of purple. It was amazing to see just how many had embraced wearing purple and there were some very innovative ideas!
Alex shared her own experience as a child of Service parents, spoke of her time since joining the RAF and included a couple of very lively games – putting ranks in the correct order and naming the aircraft. Following assembly, we had a brief visit to the Forces Families area in the school by some of the military children.
"It was fantastic to visit Glebe Primary School to help them celebrate the Month of the Military Child. The children were all really enthusiastic and engaged with the assembly and it was particularly heartening to hear from the pupils about what they do dayto-day to help their friends and classmates who are the children of Service parents”.
Our thanks to Glebe Primary School for inviting us and in particular to Clare, their Pastoral Support and Safe Guarding Officer, for hosting and sharing the following:
Wg Cdr Caroline Krolikowski SO1 Strategic Comms and Engagement
Worshipful Company of Butchers visit RAF Northolt
Sqn Ldr A Rebbeck, 600 Sqn
Eleven members of the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) visited RAF Northolt on Wednesday 7 May 25.
They were hosted by OC & XO 600 Squadron who escorted them to No. 1 AIDU, the Polish Museum within the Officers' Mess and Operations Wing. Lunch was taken in the Officers Mess with Station Commander Gp Capt Jonathan Hough hosting. The WCB thoroughly enjoyed the insight they gained into life at RAF Northolt and found the briefings interesting and informative. A most enjoyable day for all concerned.
Welcome from the Editor Sgt
Ellen Driscoll
Hello everyone and welcome to this special mini edition of the Northolt Approach, focussing on ‘Our People Everywhere’.
We will be issuing something of a bumper edition at Christmas. Meanwhile, to capture some of the activity that station personnel have been up to over the last few months, I do hope you enjoy the following news from the RAF Northolt community.
This edition features some of the wide variety of activity undertaken by station personnel, from visiting the local primary school to celebrate the month of the military child to adventurous skiing in the French Alps and commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Reims. The contribution of RAF Northolt personnel is also recognised within these pages, with photos from the honours and awards ceremony and a special tribute to one of RAF Northolt’s long standing staff members.
601 Sqn Centenary Celebration
To mark 100 years since the establishment of 601 Squadron, members returned to its ‘birthplace’ on 6 May 25. The visit was an opportunity for both a reflection of its past and to understand the current role of the Station.
Following a visit to HQ Fighter Command at Bentley Priory in the morning, they visited some of the heritage buildings, notably the Sector Ops Room and Scramble Hut, to see at first hand the ongoing restoration works.
Conversely, they also received briefings from both 32 (The Royal) Squadron and Kings Colour Squadron focussing on today’s operational support and output. The visit concluded with the Station Commander providing a wider update on the current role of the Station.
a broad range of backgrounds and commissioned in the rank of honorary group captain (HGC). Their commitment is to provide around 10 days of engagement per year with the Service on a pro bono basis for a maximum of 9 years. The Squadron is commanded by Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm Brecht and its operational delivery is structured around “3As”: Advice; Access; and Advocacy.
Initially the demand signal from the RAF led the Squadron towards a focus on corporate services: for example, HR, infrastructure management and logistics. However, as confidence in the Squadron has grown this has broadened into supporting the development of areas such as digital, cyber and space.
Jayne
To Advertise in this publication please contact Emma on 01536 334219 or email jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk
601 (County of London) Sqn RAuxAF was originally formed in 1925 at Northolt as one of the early RAuxAF flying sqns and gave distinguished service during the Battle of Britain and Second World War as a fighter Sqn, flying both Hurricanes and later Spitfires. It was disbanded in 1957 under the Defence reforms of the time along with all the RAuxAF flying sqns and stood in abeyance for 60 years. The Sqn was reformed in 2017 by the Air Force Board with the role of developing closer and more structured links with commerce, industry and other external organisations to assist the RAF in strategic level decision making. To do so, 35 senior professionals were recruited from
“We are hugely grateful to RAF Northolt and its personnel for the excellent parenting we receive, and the Sqn is immensely proud to have this connection with the Station where we were originally formed 100 years ago. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned with our recent visit. I appreciate that there is much effort behind the scenes for such visits and ours could not have gone better. We were spoiled by the programme, and in the week we commemorate VE Day, it was poignant to visit Northolt. Visiting Building 27, the Scramble Hut and Polish museum was the perfect way to reflect on the past. And the visit to King’s Colour Squadron, then 32 Squadron reminded us of the tremendous work today’s Royal Air Force is up to.”
AVM Malcolm Brecht OC 601 Sqn
Cpl Christopher Nance – RAF Powerlifting Champs 2025
On 7th April, Corporal Nance from The King’s Colour Squadron took part in the RAF Powerlifting Championships 2025, hosted by the RAF Powerlifting Association at RAF Cosford. Arriving with determination and focus, Cpl Nance set out to surpass his previous personal bests achieved at the 2024 Championships and he did just that.
The day began with the Squat event, where he lifted an impressive 195kg, marking a 20kg improvement on his 2024 performance. He followed this with a personal all-time best in the bench press, reaching 160kg—again a 20kg increase. The final event, deadlift, saw him lift 250kg, a 10kg gain over the previous year.
In total, Cpl Nance achieved a combined lift of 605kg—his first time surpassing the 600kg milestone. Among a competitive field of 40 lifters, he placed
8th overall and secured an outstanding 5th place in the bench press category. Looking ahead, Cpl Nance remains hopeful for selection in this year’s Inter Services Championships. For those interested in taking up Powerlifting, Cpl Nance runs a club every Thursday from 17:30 to 18:30 in the Strength & Conditioning Suite. He is also pleased to announce that the club has secured funding from the RAF Central Fund to purchase powerlifting-spec plates, bars, and collars ensuring athletes have access to high-quality equipment.
Stn Honours & Awards Ceremony
Recognising the valued contribution made by members of RAF Northolt personnel, at home and on operations, is at the heart of our Honours and Awards ceremonies. It is also an opportunity to invite and thank families for their support, without which we would not be able to operate effectively.
At the ceremony held on 3 June 2025, Stn Cdr Gp Capt Jon Hough presented a range of awards including LS&GC medal/clasp, OSM for Iraq and Syria, RAF Sports Colours and a Commander British Forces Cyprus Commendation.
Congratulations and thank you to all recipients.
What is the role of the Deputy SWO?
WO Ben Moore (SWO)
The Dep SWO role was formalised in May 24 when I was in my previous role as OC Accts Flt and continued when I was appointed SWO in November later that year. The idea is to ensure support & resilience to the SWO during leave, courses or when they need to be in two places at once. My thinking was that if the Stn Cdr has cover when he is off-unit, then why not the SWO as well? The Dep SWO role is open to any FS or WO and rotates every six months; everyone has an opportunity to apply and if successful, they can experience the duties expected of a SWO as well as deliver in their primary role.
Each individual appointed is given an opportunity to showcase their skills and get a taste of what the role is like should they ever decide to apply for a SWO position. The application process is straightforward; simply register your interest when the trawl comes out, provide the Stn Cdr with a biography and your reasons for applying, and you will then be called forward for interview.
Whether it’s a CO’s inspection, hosting a VIP visit or trawling for a working party for a major station event, the Dep SWO plays a vital role in delivering operational output while gaining experience and knowledge.
A/WO Rob Pugh (Dep SWO Oct 24-Apr 25)
I thoroughly enjoyed my tenure as DSWO. In the absence of the SWO, I made the most of being a presence on Station by visiting station subunits; simply chatting, using it as a soft power - I strongly believe there is a lot of merit in it. The highlight for me was the visit hosted for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff – Mil Start and Ops (Air Marshall Smyth) and a host of Government and Civilian Agencies in early March. It was a short notice tasking and demonstrated ‘North’ and ‘South’ sides working collaboratively in a pragmatic manner achieving something that was very well delivered and results the Station should be proud of! Coming from a very ‘Green’ / RAF Regiment background I enjoyed
seeing how other professions in the Service do their business; I found that interesting. The appointment helped me develop my understanding of how a Station functions. I look forward to hopefully pushing onto future SWO and Group WO roles with a better understanding of the process and what it entails.
FS Jay Morbey (Dep SWO Apr – Oct 25)
Being a Royal Air Force Deputy Station Warrant Officer (Dep SWO) is a highly respected role that supports the Station Warrant Officer in maintaining discipline, morale, and welfare across the station. It offers significant leadership responsibilities, allowing you to influence station culture and standards while acting as a key link between enlisted personnel and senior leadership. The position provides opportunities for professional development, networking, and involvement in decisionmaking processes, alongside the satisfaction of mentoring and supporting personnel. Dep SWOs play a vital role in ceremonial duties and station representation, contributing to the RAF’s public image and fostering community relationships. The skills and experience gained are highly transferable to other employment areas both at FS and WO, making the role both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Sue Browne
The Station Commander is always looking for nominations for commendations – people who go ‘above & beyond’ for the Station. With hand on heart, I can say that Sue Browne should be receiving one at every ceremony in that case. I can’t think of a single person so helpful or accommodating as Sue, and always with a happy smile (though I’m sure sometimes through gritted teeth!) At the Medical Centre’s last CQC Inspection the inspecting team took the unusual step of highlighting one particular person – this was Sue and for all the right reasons. Out of 65 patient feedback forms over 40 named Sue in person or stated how wonderful & helpful our receptionist was.
And our Sue is retiring after more than 26 years at RAF Northolt. I say “our Sue” as she is everyone’s Sue. She has spent the past 10 years reigning as queen of reception at the Medical Centre, after many years in AIDU in Production Flight; there can’t be many on Station who have not had some interaction with her – whether during her AIDU days or getting an appointment here.
She knows almost everyone on Station personally, invariably greeting personnel by name. She will often magically “find” an appointment for you, whether the computer says there is one or not (from experience it’s not been unusual for Sue to say “so & so
needed an appointment so I told them to come over as you had a spare slot 5 minutes ago”).
My favourite is how the Medical Centre got it’s Christmas tree a couple of years ago – Sue trotted off & returned not just with a tree, but one that was pre-lit & with all the decoration! We still don’t know where she ‘found’ it.
I am certainly going to miss Sue – her cheery smile greeting me as I walk through the doors every morning, her ability to “find” anything & everything (a heater, a fan, a spare desk, a filing cabinet: if Sue can’t find it nobody can!), whenever I ask her “how do I….” she says “leave it with me” & I know it will get done.
Thank you, Sue, for all your years of dedication, loyalty & friendship. RAF Northolt will not be the same without you.
A previous colleague, Cpl Adam Bruerton, said “Sue has a unique gift of getting what you need. You need an electric pencil sharpener? Sue can source one for you. You need a flip chart? Sue knows of a section that isn’t using theirs that you can borrow. You need a 6-person inflatable dinghy? Sue knows a bloke who has a cousin who is getting rid of one.”
FS Lisa James
Another previous AIDU colleague, Sgt Wayne Lee, says “Through hard graft, dedication and pride in a job well done Sue very quickly became indispensable at No 1 AIDU. Over the 17 years Sue mastered the digital printing and lithographic plate production; both were fundamental in the production flight safety critical documentation especially through Op Telic. Always the team player, despatch section negotiator, production flight morale officer, stationary store key custodian, finishing section perfect bound bay filler saviour!”
Lee Nicholls remembers Sue’s time in AIDU – “Sue Browne (Subo) would do absolutely anything for anybody and she was always happy and smiling. Sue would always try her best even if computers weren’t her strong point. She would turn into a little Sweary Mary when she got behind a computer screen which always made me smile. She would love to get her hands dirty cleaning out the platemakers. She would walk in completely clean and walk out with black marks all over her face and arms and her green overalls were completely covered in old ink dust. Sue was the stationery queen always knew where everything was in her own messed up system.”
ON OUR PEOPLE OVERSEAS
VE Day 80th Anniversary in Reims, France
In late April with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day approaching, a last minute request arrived in the inbox of the Visual Comms Section to see if we had anyone available to support an Eagle Scheme exped in France that had been invited to take part in VE Day ceremonies in the city of Reims.
Exercise Mailly-Le-Camp
EAGLE is an annual Force Development and Staff Ride week that visits villages in the Champagne region where 101 Sqn took part in a key bombing mission during WWII. It’s open to Regulars and Reserves to learn the history of the area and the wartime links to the RAF as well as take part in memorials at the villages surrounding Mailly-Le-Camp where the Allied bombing raid took place on 3rd and 4th May 1944. Only this year it also coincided with the major milestone of VE Day 80.
It quickly became clear that the ceremonies in Reims where much higher profile than first thought, with French National media coverage, and the RAF contingent had the honour of being heavily involved. We would be joining the main parade at the city War Memorial but also escorting and guarding a lantern containing La Flamme de la Liberte - the Flame of Freedom - which had been transported from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
For context, Reims was the location of the Allied Supreme HQ where Chief of Staff of the German Army, General Alfred Jodl signed the initial unconditional surrender and thus ended the war on 7th May 1945. It was the Russians who demanded the official surrender be signed again in Berlin the following day that meant we now celebrate VE Day on the 8th May each year.
A fascinating job to cover from a Phot’s POV and one I’m very glad landed our way. If you’re into your history (and Champagne) I’d highly recommend keeping an eye on the Eagle Scheme site for next year’s exercise.
Cpl Iain Curlett, Vis Comms
Ex Alto Slopes
Earlier on this year, personnel from RAF Northolt took part in Ex Alto Slopes, Adventurous Personal Development Training (APDT) in Alpine Skiing. The expedition focused on developing physical resilience, mental agility, leadership, teamwork, and risk awareness through structured ski foundation training.
On 8 March at the unsociable hour of 0350, the team departed the station gym for Gatwick airport, with the final destination being the Hotel Village Montana in Tignes, in the Savoie District of the French Alps. Upon arrival, accommodations and ski equipment were allocated, and teams were divided into three groups: SF1, SF2 and SF3. The day concluded with a group dinner, ensuring that everyone was well-rested in preparation for the upcoming training. After a day of logistics and organising, the team started day 2 with a safety briefing incorporating the T-T/P-P model, which stands for Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological aspects of skiing. This was followed by practice of
fundamental skiing skills and basic manoeuvres. The first experience of the slope was challenging and rewarding, ending in the best alpine fashion at the Marmot Pub! The third day was all about developing technique and control, and on day 4 the groups moved onto blue slopes for the first
time, applying their previously learnt skills to more demanding terrain. The following day paired skiers from Group 1 with the advanced skiers from Group 3. Having personalised instructions and guidance helped individuals to improve their technique on body positioning, pole usage and
edge control while navigating the narrow slopes. The valuable insight from the station commander on risk management and techniques made the day more productive. The weather was unpredictable on day 6, and teams had to face higher, more advanced slopes. The usual warm-up sessions
AS1 Sanjay Phombo
were followed by ski exercises, improving the ability to navigate bumps and uneven surfaces. The mental resilience and technical skills in varying weather conditions helped to improve the adaptability skills of the teams. After the final ski run, we gathered for a briefing to understand how APDT aligns with RAF Northolt’s goals, how mastering those skiing techniques actually applies to real-deal missions, and what each team member learnt over the week. Once all the ski equipment was handed over, we ended the expedition with a team dinner. It wasn’t just about ticking the box but was about implementing the training into a
bigger picture, all while building a genuine sense of team spirit. Throughout the expedition, teams developed essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and risk management. The tough conditions pushed them to adapt quickly, stay resilient, and handle both physical and mental challenges. A major focus was on assessing risks on the spot and adjusting plans as needed, skills that are crucial in RAF operations. The teams also achieved ski foundation certifications, gaining technical experience for future expeditions. This experience wasn’t just about skiing but was about building
strong, disciplined teams that can handle pressure, whether on the slopes or in any demanding environment. Embracing any challenges with an open mind is a must for any individual who is considering APDT in the future. The experience will test one's physical endurance; therefore, maintaining a positive attitude and embracing the team members will significantly enhance physical and operational performances, resulting in meaningful and
rewarding life experiences. Ex Alto Slope was a rewarding and valuable expedition, highlighting the importance of APDT towards enhancing resilience and leadership qualities. The training provided a lasting benefit in technical and psychological competencies, reinforcing key military principles and making it highly recommendable for future participants seeking to boost these essential skills. The expedition was thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part.
Whether you’re serving as a Regular or Reserve, we can provide financial support to get you back on track:
Tailored financial support
One-off payments for urgent needs
Simple, dedicated online application for grants up to £750
Benefits advice to maximise income
Find out more and request support: rafbf.org/livingcosts Call our confidential helpline: 0300 102 1919
It gave us the headspace to rearrange our finances and positively plan - I’d encourage anyone in the RAF who needs help to get in touch with the Fund.”
– Serving member of the RAF
