Northolt Approach
Editorial Team
EDITOR
Sgt Ellen Driscoll
Northolt Approach magazine is published under the kind permission of Station Commander, Group Captain Jonathan T W Hough 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 15, Summer 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.
s we head into Spring after what feels like a very long winter, I’m delighted to welcome you all to another edition of the Northolt Approach.
The range of activity taking place at RAF Northolt is as broad and inspiring as ever; the Station has welcomed visitors including members of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer and other inspiring female role models in celebration of International Women’s Day, whilst hosting fundraising activities in support of Service charities, community visits and force development, all against a background of continuous and busy operational output. Thank you all for your contributions, and for your continued insights into life and work at Northolt; I hope you all enjoy yet another bumper read!
GROUP CAPTAIN JONATHAN T W HOUGH ADC MA BSC
As I write this final foreword for the Northolt Approach, I do so with immense pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of reflection. It has been the greatest honour of my career to serve as Station Commander of this remarkable Station; a place steeped in history, defined by resilience, and powered by an extraordinary Whole Force team of people. From its crucial role in the Battle of Britain to its modern-day contributions to defence, diplomacy, and national resilience, RAF Northolt continues to stand as a symbol of excellence and service.
During my time in Command, one of my personal ambitions was to rebuild and strengthen our sense of community after the long shadow cast by COVID. I have been continually inspired by how Team Northolt, families, and wider support networks have come together; not only to reinvigorate the community,
Met Office open day: A huge success!
Did you know RAF Northolt has an onsite Met Office team? The Met Office provides weather forecasts through a range of products for a variety of customers across the station, highlighting any flight safety hazards posed by weather conditions.
The Met Office hosted a very successful open day at the start of the year, attracting visitors from across the station, including representatives from the Ceremonial and Air Events teams, Station Operations and 32 Squadron. It provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse range of products and services the Met Office has to offer. Attendees were introduced to satellite imagery and various computer models. Visitors also participated in a ‘cloud quiz’ and February maximum and minimum temperature sweepstake, with Met Office merchandise prizes up for grabs. To top it all, the
meteorologists conjured a cloud inside a plastic bottle on demand - a particular highlight of the day. This was closely followed by a selection of homemade baked goods which went down a storm, pardon the pun!
The open day proved to be an excellent opportunity to meet new faces from across the station and raise awareness about the crucial work carried out within the Met Office. A big thank you to all those who attended and helped to make the event such a great success. The Met Office looks forward to welcoming our visitors again and future opportunities to increase engagement and spread awareness around the station. For those interested in weather and climate who were unable to attend, the Met Office warmly invites anyone to stop by as the team of forecasters are very passionate about sharing their knowledge. The office is located in the Terminal Building, next door to Station Operations.
but to build something even better with enjoyment at the heart of what we do. Whether through Station events such as CO’s Cup or the Annual Formal Reception, local engagement, or simply looking out for one another, we have reignited the spirit that has always made RAF Northolt more than just a place of work: it’s Team Northolt with community at its heart.
As I prepare to hand over Command to Gp Capt Lee Wales, I do so confident that the Station is in good hands, safe in the knowledge that RAF Northolt is not only operationally strong, but united, forward-looking, and ready to face whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead. I am eternally grateful to those that entrusted me with this remarkable role, but also to all of you who have been part of this incredible journey. The future is bright - keep striving for the excellence that this Station is renowned for.
Angel Dunderdale
600 Squadron Annual Formal Dinner and Farewell to OC 600 Squadron
600 (City of London) Squadron held its all-ranks Annual Formal Dinner at the Victory Services Club in London on 16 January.
It was attended by over 100 past and present serving officers and aviators. The principal guest was the Honorary Air Commodore, Viscount The Lord Trenchard, grandson of the 1st Viscount Trenchard, founder of the RAF. The jazz ensemble of the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force provided a delightful accompaniment to the fantastic dinner provided by the staff of the Victory Services Club.
The occasion also marked the formal dining-out from the Squadron of the Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Steve Duddy, after 34 years of Volunteer Reservist service. Having joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in January 1991 as part of No. 1 MHU (Maritime Headquarters Unit) at Northwood HQ as an assistant Air Traffic Controller, he commissioned into the Int Branch, completing ROIT (Reserve Officer Initial Training) at RAF Cranwell in 1999. In his time, Wg Cdr Duddy participated in exercises at Faslane, Sigonella and the Falklands, and supported JHF HQ and Land Command as part of Op TELIC in 2003. Recognised with the Queen’s
Volunteer Reserves Medal in 2010, he changed to Full Time Reserve Service in 2011 as the XO of 600 Sqn. Stepping up as acting OC 600 Sqn between 2013 and 2014, he later took formal command as Officer Commanding in 2017, a position he has served in until retiring. The Annual Formal Dinner marked a poignant end to a long and dedicated career of Reserve service, and it was gratifying to see so many current and former personnel attend to mark the occasion.
SWO’s Corner
– WO Ben Moore
The last time I wrote an article for the ‘Northolt Approach’ I was 3 weeks into the role, and now I’m 3 months; where does the time go? It has been great to see so many of you when I’m out on my rounds – to be able to pop in and have a brew is most welcome, and gives me an opportunity to find out what is working in your sections and, just as importantly, what I need to address.
My focus since starting out as SWO has been to re-generate interest and momentum towards the Junior Ranks Committee (JRC). Working alongside the Station Adj (OIC JRC) and listening to the JRs' ideas on how to improve the ‘lived experience’ and the planning
of future social events has been refreshing; it’s exciting to hear what they have planned for 2025! It’s important that despite the large amount of supported units we have at RAF Northolt, we ALL have a part to play in making the station an enjoyable and rewarding place to be. At the last JRC monthly meeting we had a record 25 attendees. We have now reinvigorated the Station Shadow Board (SB) with 24 new members who met up with the Command Board for the first time on 3 February to provide valuable feedback and ideas based on activities that are happening across the unit. To listen to the voices and suggestions from people across the Wholeforce is so important. If you are keen to get involved and make a difference, please do get in touch.
I do hope you all found time to rest and recuperate over the Christmas period, be that with family or friends,
and I certainly hope you enjoyed the myriad of festive activities the station provided throughout December. Who knew a retired RAF Rugby player could play football and enjoy it! The Turkey Trot was a great way to burn off some over-indulged Heroes And Celebrations; a huge thank you to PEd Flt for organising.
I finish off once again by thanking you all for your support and everything you do for RAF Northolt. As we head into the spring there are many activities to look forward to, such as the Sword and Wheel upgrade, Families Day on 7 June, Boxing Night, and much more that you can all get involved and contribute towards. Doing so will inevitably get the best out of you and your peers.
SWO’S CORNER
Padre's Piece
Padre Samuel de Beck
Spitzer covered RAF Northolt Chaplaincy between December 24 and Feb 2025.
Padre (Rabino) Samuel held the duty mobile for RAF Northolt Chaplaincy until mid-February and was stationed in Chaplaincy every Tuesday and Thursday. An established Opera Singer as well as the first RAF Rabbi, his musical talent compliments his faith with excellence and provided much needed cover and compassion over the winter period. His time in the post included officiating at the Holocaust Memorial Service and 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz held at the Royal College of Defence Studies London (RCDS London) on 27 Jan 25.
“I
was very honoured to have been invited to officiate at the Holocaust Memorial Service and 80th year commemoration for the liberation of Auschwitz at the RCDS in London this year.
A
very important and poignant milestone for our consciousness and warning to all future generations.”
600 Squadron Aviator attends Jalsa Salana
Last summer 600 Squadron Air Specialist (Class 2) Alexander Donald attended the annual Ahmadi Muslim community event in Hampshire. “Love for all, Hatred for none” is the motto of the religious event, Jalsa Salana, which saw over 43,000 people attend from all over the world. They descended on a field in a leafy part of Hampshire in a gathering comparable in size to that of Glastonbury festival.
This was the first occasion AS2 Donald had the privilege of wearing his Number 1 uniform and he reflected “I was nervous because I didn’t want to get my shoes muddy from the field!”
AS2 Donald learned about the history and challenges of the Ahmadi community who originated in British Colonial India in the 19th century. They have the same core beliefs as mainstream Islam but recognise a modern lineage of leaders in the form of a Caliph (much like a Pope) whom the community sees as their spiritual leader. “It was a privilege to meet so many people from all over the world and learn so much about the Ahmadi community. It was also amazing to talk to people about my journey in the RAF so far, including to young people who had seen Top Gun!”
As well as learning about the religion’s history and culture, it was an opportunity for AS2 Donald to mingle and dine with senior members of all three Services including Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren and Air Vice Marshal Simon Edwards.
Military guests were given a tour of the site where exhibitions displayed photos of the Caliph meeting world leaders, UK Government officials and Royalty. They were then introduced to the numerous charity projects the Ahmadis are involved with, including bringing sustainable energy to rural villages in Sierra Leone.
AS2 Donald recommends this annual event to anyone interested: “The Ahmadis are so keen to reach out to members of the Armed Forces and it is also a great opportunity to meet people and showcase what the RAF has to offer....I was amazed at how interested people were because of my uniform – I was also very interested in their culture and we had so many interesting conversations.
AS2 Donald concluded “if you like meeting new people, learning about different cultures and being treated to authentic and delicious South Asian food, you will love this!”
Padre Samuel officiating at the Holocaust Memorial Service and 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
600 Squadron join an Air-to-Air Refuelling Sortie
Members of 600 (City of London) Squadron joined an RAF Voyager mission to observe an Air to Air Refuelling sortie as part of an FD trip at the end of January.
Members of the Intelligence and Air Operations Flts joined the sortie to experience first-hand how this vital capability enables air power. The AAR Squadron’s Intelligence Analyst was on the sortie which proved extremely valuable to 600 Sqn, as their Regular counterpart was able
to brief the Int Flt on the Sqn Analyst role.
The FD event also served as the occasion to present Sgt Derek Jelley with his final leaving gift from his 600 Sqn colleagues, a Squadron plaque personalised with his years of service. The AAR was Sgt Jelley’s last duty before leaving the Service after 35 years. He noted that it has been 22 years since he first walked through the door of the Air Terminal at RAF Brize Norton for his first deployment, so it was a fitting location to make the presentation. And also, that not much had changed at Brize in those 22 years!
CHALLENGE COINS
The coins come in hard plastic capsules as standard
50 1.75” = £400.00 (£8.00 + VAT ea)
100 1.75” = £550.00 (£5.50 + VAT ea)
200 1.75” = £1,000.00 (£5.00 + VAT ea)
300 1.75” = £1,350.00 (£4.50 + VAT ea)
500 1.75” = £1,975.00 (£3.95 + VAT ea)
50 = £150.00 +
50 2.00” = £437.50 (£8.75 + VAT ea)
100 2.00” = £650.00 (£6.50 + VAT ea)
200 2.00” = £1,150.00 (£5.75 + VAT ea)
300 2.00” = £1,500.00 (£5.00 + VAT ea)
500 2.00” = £2,125.00 (£4.25 + VAT ea)
FS Jeanette Scott
At the end of January, RAF Northolt hosted members from the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS). The scheme offers Members of Parliament and Peers exposure to the UK’s Armed Forces.
The AFPS is an annual scheme and participants are expected to commit to a minimum of 15 days. The insight into military life aims to improve the quality of debate in Parliament on military issues. AFPS members spent the day visiting different sections at RAF Northolt. Following a
welcome address from the Station Commander, they had a presentation from AIDU; a tour of an SLA block to gain an understanding of the accommodation offered and were then treated to a musical performance by RAF Music Services. After lunch in the WOSM, they visited 32 (TR) Squadron, BFPO and the Polish Museum, in the Officer’s Mess, where they had an informative presentation from Mr Kornicki, former Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. The day finished with a Q&A session with the Station Commander.
D&I Culture Event
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee held a Station Cultural Event on Wed 5 Feb consisting of three parts: a presentation from Air ViceMarshal (retd) Monahan on the importance of Organisational Culture; the Cultural Treasure “Pub Quiz”; and the launch of the Station Commander’s new Inclusion Statement. Held in the FDS Conference Room, the wellattended event attracted over 70 Station personnel. AVM Monahan’s fascinating lecture drew on his years of research and PhD, presenting an examination of how culture (both good and bad) is defined, how it operates, and, crucially, how it can be changed for the better. His work focussed on the RAF specifically and provided much food for thought in the subsequent Q&A.
The second event - Northolt’s first ever Cultural Treasure “Pub Quiz” - began with a bang, as quizmaster Air Specialist (Class 1) Holden tried to ramp up the audience’s energy and creative cogs. The quiz focussed on Northolt’s history, heritage and culture, as well as drawing on statics from the most recent Stn Welfare Climate Assessment. After the quiz had concluded, the scorecounting commenced whilst the final activity began: the launch of Station Commander Gp Capt Jon Hough’s new Inclusion Statement.
The Inclusion Statement was the raison d'être of the event, and Gp Capt Hough opted for a thought-provoking discussion-based format rather than just a verbal presentation. The Inclusion Statement was handed out to all present, and after it had been read,
AS1 Toby Holden
a very thoughtful discussion ensued. The new Inclusion Statement can be found on the Stn D&I Hub SharePoint Page. Following the discussion, the quiz results were announced, and the lucky winners – Team Two – received five boxes of
Krispy Kreme doughnuts (that’s over 30 doughnuts in total!). Congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Joanne Mackowski, Flying Officer Benjamin Wober, Flight Sergeant Mark Bell, Flight Sergeant Mike Williams, and Mrs Rosie Lofty.
A Final Farewell
All great things must come to an end. On 30 January, 32 (The Royal) Squadron, along with the Air and Space Commander, Air Marshal Allan Marshall, AOC 1 Group Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin and many more distinguished guests of honour gathered in the Royal Air Force Club to bid their final farewell to the AW109SP and the Rotary Wing CSAT (Command Strategic Air Transport) capability.
Nearly six decades of illustrious history were celebrated by Whole-Force representatives, reflecting back to the very origins of the capability in the 1930s. Although many platforms have performed the role over the years, from the Dragonfly to the
Wessex, the most recent, and final, iteration was the AugustaWestland 109SP. This aircraft was operated in conjunction with Sloane Helicopters Ltd in what was possibly the definitive example of a modern civilian/ military partnership.
From supporting the G7 Summit in Cornwall to BREXIT negotiations in Brussels; Royal Birthday Flypasts to numerous short-notice compassionate moves which allowed service personnel to be with their loved ones as quickly as possible when it mattered the most, the impact of the platform and all involved cannot be understated.
The dinner was a moving and fitting conclusion to a unique capability that will be sorely missed.
Flying Officer Lukasz Torzewski
40th Anniversary of the Band of the RAF Germany Coach Crash
On 11th February 1985, the Band of the Royal Air Force Germany was travelling to an engagement at the RAF Winter Survival School in Bavaria when their coach collided with an aviation fuel tanker on the autobahn in Langenbruck, Germany. The devastating accident resulted in 21 people losing their lives: 19 RAF Musicians, an RAF Policeman and the civilian coach driver.
RAF Music Services held several special commemorative Services to mark the 40th Anniversary of the tragedy. In December 2024, the Band of the RAF College performed a musical tribute at the Hauptkirche (main church) Rheydt Monchengladbach, Germany, under the baton of Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Murray. Readings and addresses were made in both English and German as the Band performed marches, fanfares, and repertoire from the Band of the RAF Germany, celebrating the ties between the two nations whilst paying tribute to the fallen.
A memorial service led by The Venerable Dr (Air Vice Marshal) Legood, Chaplain-in-Chief (RAF), was held the following day at Rheindahlen Military Cemetery, the final resting place of six of the musicians.
The Band of the RAF Germany emblazoned drums were used to create a ‘Drumhead’ altar with wreaths laid by Air Marshal Stringer, Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Command; Provost Marshal (RAF)’s Warrant Officer (WO) Good, RAF Police; and Felix Heinrichs, the Lord Mayor of Monchengladbach. The Last Post was sounded by a Trumpeter and the Band played reflective music under the direction of WO Scullion
On Monday 10th February, the Band of the RAF Regiment
performed a musical tribute at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the RAF. The Book of Remembrance was displayed inside the entrance of the church, laid open at the page with the names of those who died in the accident. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the tribute which was again led by the Chaplain-in-Chief.
The following morning, on the 40th anniversary of the accident, a memorial service was held at RAF Northolt where families, friends, survivors of the accident, and serving personnel gathered to remember those who died. During the service, the Last Post was sounded, followed by the laying of floral tributes, accompanied by music from the Central Band of the RAF.
Guests included Reverend (Wg Cdr ret’d) Andrews who led the funeral service of six RAF Musicians at Rheindahlen Military Cemetery in 1985, and Wg Cdr (ret’d) Meyer, who was OC Admin at RAF Rheindahlen at the time of the accident. Also present was Flight Lieutenant (ret’d) Wyver, who was the Adjutant of the Winter Survival School in Bad Kohlgrub. He helped set up a field hospital in a local hotel, comforted the survivors throughout the night and organised two Puma helicopters to fly the injured to hospital. Reverend (Wg Cdr) Andrews donated his Admin Order, order of service, and notes for the funerals including the prayers and readings, which he had kept safe all these years. In 2023, Flt Lt Wyver donated his ceremonial sword which has been mounted and is on display in the band room.
Sgt Nicola Juden
Station Support Force Training 2024 with the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment
On 28 November, musicians from the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment travelled to Chilcombe Range to undertake a 100m live shoot in readiness for commitments to the Station Support Force in 2025.
The Band, instructed by RAF Northolt's Force Protection (FP) Flight, was split into three details who took their place on the range for around two hours each. The difference with this shoot from previous years was that it was much longer - 100m, rather than the normal 25m. A new experience for the Band!
The frost was still very fresh when the first detail took to the range that morning. Despite the cold temperatures, the mood was generally high with good team camaraderie amongst the Band and the training staff. As the day warmed up, the sun’s rays beamed onto the range, making the targets very difficult to see.
This made for a challenging shoot but was a good insight into overcoming external factors that are out of our control.
While certainly a long day for those involved, it was also a somewhat rare opportunity for the musicians to come together in a non-musical setting to be challenged. Days like these are always one for the memory box.
A huge thank you to Northolt’s FP Flight for their knowledge, expertise, assistance and good humour. Also, to Warrant Officer Andy Harris who found himself back in familiar territory, travelling down from RAF Northolt to spend the day on the range and show his support.
Cpl Kathryn O’Grady
Alla Prossima and Thank You to WO Migliore and WO Antonucci
WO Migliore.
On 31 July 2025, RAF Northolt and in particular, members of the Warrant Officer and Sergeant’s Mess (WOSM), must say farewell to WOs Giuseppe Migliore and Domenico Antonucci.
Both serving in the Italian Navy, WOs Migliore and Antonucci have undertaken a posting for the NATO Allied Maritime Command for the last four years and have been an integral part of RAF Northolt. Staunch supporters of the RAF Northolt WOSM, they are regular attendees at many
formal and informal functions and host an annual Italian quiz night which, characterised by superb authentic wine and food, has become a highlight of the calendar and will be sadly missed!
WOSM members are also indebted to WO Migliore for his dedicated work in the WOSM garden, where he has created a beautiful and tranquil oasis, much appreciated by all who enjoy it.
We wish both WO Migliore and Antonucci the very best for the future as they return to Italy later in the year.
Sgt Ellen Driscoll
WO Migliore and WO Antonucci in the WOSM Garden.
It is not all work on Op TIMBERN. Personnel were able to explore Cyprus on day trips to nearby cities to try new food and see the sights, while others engaged with opportunities on the station such as flights with 84 Sqn. Gunners were privileged to be on board one of the last troop flights on the Puma Airframe before it’s retirement in March 2025. We were fortunate to also engage in charity work. LCpl Coombs organised a 19.42mile tab around RAF Akrotiri in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund and to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the formation of the RAF Regiment. He successfully raised £2400
for the RAF Benevolent fund, a fund all personnel on the Squadron are keen to support. As Op TIMBERN went on, the Squadron continued its C-UAS commitments to Op SHADER with Flight Sergeant Kinvig and his team. They were welcomed back at the end of January and able to provide support to UK taskings. The Squadron will send another detachment later in 2025. The Squadron cannot meet these operational commitments without the absolute professionalism displayed by those individuals on rear-party in the UK. The gunners conducted many ceremonial taskings including high-profile funerals, state visits, and step
lining duties for the MOD. Looking ahead, the Squadron is taking some well-deserved respite before commencing a busy summer of ceremonial tasks. Look forward to seeing the Squadron practice and
execute VE Day celebrations, Battle of Britain, and Tower of London duties. All before winter starts and the Squadron looks to complete its dual nature once again honing skills of dismounted close combat troops.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
International Women’s Day was celebrated across Station through a variety of events. On 6 March, personnel had the chance to meet the UK Chancellor, The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, as part of her visit to engage with industry partners. On appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer, she became the first woman to hold the office in its 800year history and there was an opportunity to capture this with serving members of the Armed Forces.
The Station also hosted two very informative and well attended fireside chats. The first saw Lt Lily-Mae Fisher speak about the power of mindset, setbacks, success and positive thinking. She shared her incredible experiences of
becoming one of only seven women to complete the elite All Arms Commando Course, become a Royal Navy pilot and also a GB triathlete. This clearly showcased why she is such a role model in today’s climate for service personnel.
Our second fireside chat was titled “From 3 A Levels to Commanding 7000 personnel” during which Air Commodore Claire O’Grady, Deputy AOC 2 Group, spoke openly and honestly about her unique experiences as well as some of the challenges faced in an RAF career that began in 1998. She spoke about the highs and lows of leadership during progression through the Commissioned ranks with a particular focus on her time as Station Commander RAF Brize Norton.
On 15 May whilst HMS Sutherland was temporarily moored in London, the ship’s Captain, Commander James Wallington-Smith, took the opportunity to invite Gp Capt Hough and 32 (the Royal) Squadron
onboard. 32 (TR) Sqn is the affiliated RAF sqn to HMS Sutherland. The guests enjoyed meeting the crew, a tour of the ship and a full lowering of the Colours ceremony at sunset; an unforgettable experience for all.
Steel Summits Charity Challenge for the RAF Benevolent Fund
Following last year’s successful event and keen to establish it as an annual fixture, AS1 Jones and Cpl Ruff of No.1 AIDU hosted another Steel Summits Charity Challenge in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) on 14 November, with five more AIDU hopefuls (Sgt Wrigglesworth, Cpl Davison, Cpl Spencer, AS1 Grimston, and AS1 Phombo) taking part.
The challenge consisted of scaling the 38 floors (180 metres) at The Gherkin building. Officially 30 St Mary Axe and previously known as the Swiss Re Building, the Gherkin is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London and an unmistakeable focal point of the London skyline.
The team repeatedly climbed up the fire escape stairs and came down the service elevator from 8am to 8pm. They achieved 130 ascents collectively – 23,400m – more than the heights of Mt. Everest (8849m), Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) and The Three Peaks (3408m) combined!
The team also arranged a bucket collection in January at London Waterloo station in conjunction with the event to generate additional funds on behalf of RAFBF.
The RAFBF help serving and former members of the RAF family with a wide range of welfare, financial, practical and emotional support. Any member of the RAF family can approach the Fund for help, including partners and dependants of RAF members. We would like to thank WO Morgan for assisting with the event on the day and to everyone who has donated – so far we have raised £260. If you wish to donate, search Steel Summits online at JustGiving.com.
Cpl Jack Ruff
600 Squadron Wargaming Exercise
Over the Duty weekend in January, 600 (City of London) Squadron held a Wargaming Exercise with members of 614 Sqn in order to demonstrate wargaming as an analytical technique.
Wargaming exercises are a great platform to develop skills in situational awareness, critical thinking and tactical decision making - they allow
problems to be identified, enemy and friendly courses of action to be explored, and help understand what could happen, rather than what should happen.
The outcomes of the exercise were positive; participants all benefitted greatly, and the Squadron will be using these kinds of exercises more widely in the
future to help prepare its Reserve personnel for their operational roles and to help them understand the wider security context of UK deployments.
Station Medical Centre staff visit the Tower of London
Personnel from Northolt’s Station Medical Centre visited the Tower of London for a Force Development Day on 29 January, learning about the history and military significance of the Tower.
During the day, there were opportunities to speak to Yeoman Warders who offered a fascinating insight into their roles, and the importance of keeping historical ceremonial traditions alive. As personnel toured the tower, individuals gave presentations describing its iconic history as a fortress, palace and prison.
Recruitment
Resettlement
Elcas
Directory
Armed
Career
CTP
Franchising
Insurance
