RAF CONINGSBY SUPPORTS HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S FUNERAL

BY CPL WILL CHATWIN FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF HER LATE HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, SEVERAL OPERATIONS WERE CALLED IN ORDER TO BEST SUPPORT THE STATE’S OFFICIAL PERIOD OF MOURNING AND FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

On the 11 September 22, a number of Tri-service personnel from Units across the country, including RAF Coningsby, were stood up in order to assist in the undertaking of one of these operations known as Op BALLAM. Around 50 personnel from RAF Coningsby were sent in aid of Op BALLAM. The main aim of the operation was to assist the London authorities in maintaining crowd control during the mass influx of visitors to the city of London. Tri-service personnel were tasked with marshalling duties whereby they would be required to staff the streets of London helping to re direct the flow of crowds, give directions, or simply maintain a feeling of public safety.

Throughout the operation Tri-service personnel were accommodated in a disused office block in central London. Accommodating 1500 Triservice personnel in a building designed for workspace came with its own challenges. Showering, sleeping, and eating arrangements all had to be externally brought into the office block to ensure personnel were able to effectively undertake duties throughout the operation. All Tri-service personnel proved exceptionally adaptable to these conditions, coming prepared with sleeping bags and roll mats to set up bed spaces on the floor for the week.

Due to the nature of operations in central London it was decided that personnel would need to remain close to the accommodation should they be required on short notice to aid in operations. As a result, personnel were confined to a 100m radius of the accommodation. To keep active during this period PTIs from RAF Coningsby began offering fitness sessions on the rooftop of the building, including yoga and circuit sessions. In addition to this, personnel were offered the opportunity to visit some the prominent landmarks in the local area when there was a lull in taskings.

The operation helped to contribute towards a safe and peaceful period of state mourning and funeral services within the City of London in which Tri-service personnel will have been proud to have served in. With the success of Op BALLAM and the overall success of Op LONDON BRIDGE, focus will now shift towards how Tri-service personnel can best aid in the Coronation of His Majesty the King which I’m sure all members of the armed forces will be proud and eager to serve in.

“All Tri-service personnel proved exceptionally adaptable to these conditions, coming prepared with sleeping bags and roll mats to set up bed spaces on the floor for the week. ”