BATTLE OF BRITAIN DINING IN NIGHT - The Insight Online

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INSIGHTIssue 5 2013From theEditor…From Brammerto Bremner…There may have been someminor confusion over theBrammer/Bremner handoverof the editor role of the InsightMagazine, but I clearly have alot to thank Squadron LeaderBrammer for, the last editorialfor a start. I am grateful forthe vibrant and professionalmagazine that he and his teamhave developed and hope tocontinue to ensure it meets theneeds of RAF Waddington andthe local community.As we enjoy the last few daysof Summer it is clear from thewide range of articles that wehave received, that the Stationhas had an extremely busy butrewarding few months. Withcontinued support to enduringand contingency operations Iam extremely grateful to thosewho have taken the time topresent articles highlightingthe diverse activities of servicepersonnel, families and thecommunity. The Insight teamhave been working hard toensure the magazine reflectsthe spectrum of activities at RAFWaddington and we are alwayskeen to receive articles, so pleaseif you are organising an event oractivity, send us some picturesand an article, to let everyoneknow what you are up to.Looking forward, there aremore changes coming to theInsight editorial team and weare all keen to ensure that themagazine meets the needsof the readers. If you haveany feedback for the teamplease contact us at WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk.On the coverBattle Of Britain Dining In NightEDITORIAL TEAM:WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.ukExternal Email: Use personal email addresses listedTel: 01522 720271 (6706 Ext No.)Editor:Sqn Ldr Stewart Bremner8SQN-EngOC@mod.ukDeputy Editor:(Flt Lt) Heather Constantineheather.constantine261@mod.ukAssistant Deputy Editors:(Sqn Ldr) Mark Brammer and (Flt Lt) Joey Marquet–HorwoodDistribution:Corporal Stephen CalvertExt 6495 steven.calvert415@mod.ukArtwork: S OliverPhotography:Sgt Karl Whitelaw, Cpl Loz Platfoot, Cpl Sarah Draper,SAC Chris Davidson, SAC Lauren Pope, SAC Andy Stevens, SAC BenStevensonAdvertising by:Jo MarchantTel: 01536 526674Designed by:Rosalyn ParryTel: 01536 521126Published by:Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House,Bath Road,Kettering. NN16 8NLTel: 01536 512624Fax: 01536 515481www.lancepublishing.co.ukEmail: mike@lancepublishing.co.ukPrinted by: Lance Print Ltd4 InsightMAGAZINE

22 183906In this Issue…06StationCommandersForeword14COMMUNITY MATTERS28EX BRILLIANT ARROW06RAF WADDINGTON’S V (AC)SQN WINS DACRE TROPHY16WADDINGTON BRAVESGREAT SUCCESS32EX HENDEUM07BATTLE OF BRITAINDINING IN NIGHT18REFURBISHED CLIMBINGWALL OPENS34EXERCISENORMANDY EAGLE10THE BATTLE OF BRITAINMEMORIAL FLIGHT20RAF WADDINGTON RUGBYTOUR 201339PUSH (ANOTHER) 500!13ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP22RAF WaddingtonTHROUGH THE AGES4154 SQN 97TH ANNIVERSARYREUNION WEEKENDThe magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazinedo not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements acceptedon the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.InsightMAGAZINE 5

StationCommander’sForeword...Group Captain Al GillespieStation CommanderWhat aSummer….The tempo and variety of activitysupported by RAF Waddingtonis really quite daunting. That wecontinue to deliver so much, soconsistently and so successfullyis impressive in its own right butI don’t underestimate how muchof that success is based on theprofessionalism and ingenuityof our team. It never ceasesto amaze me how seeminglyimpossible tasks are achieved,against the odds - it genuinelyis the people that makethe difference.RAF Waddington is unique inthat we host such a diverse,and sometimes disparate, rangeof cutting edge capabilities. Itis often the case that thesecapabilities, and the extentof our ongoing operationalcommitment, are only fullyunderstood here at Waddingtonso it seems natural that weshould invest a significantamount of effort in hostingsenior visitors from acrossGovernment and wider Defenceto better their understandingof what we do and how we doit. This engagement is vital if weare to maximise the effectiveemployment of our battlewinningcapabilities but also, andreally importantly in my view, ithas the positive side effect thatour efforts are widely recognised.I was honoured to host ourHonorary Air Commodore,His Royal Highness the Earl ofWessex, at our Battle of BritainDining-In Night in the Officers’Mess. This was the first timethe Honorary Air Commodorehad been able to join us at sucha formal function and I knowhe was particularly proud tojoin in our commemoration ofthe courage and fortitude of“the Few”. The Honorary AirCommodore was delighted withthe evening although I have yetto gauge whether he was alsoimpressed with the stamina ofsome of the modern generationwho were still celebrating whenhe departed the next morning…I am always pleased to seearticles highlighting that forcedevelopment, adventuroustraining, community supportand sporting activitiescontinue at RAF Waddingtonin parallel with the operationalcommitments. These activitiesare key to the continuingdevelopment of our personneland provide welcome respitebetween the operationalcommitments. They also providevaluable support to servicefamilies and engagement withthe wider community, both vitalto the continued success ofthe station.As I approach the end of mytenure as Station Commander,I can look back with immensepride at the achievements of theStation. These achievements havenot been easy, they have reliedupon the enduring commitmentof our personnel, underpinned bythe support of our families andfriends. It has been an honourto be part of such a varied andcapable station, championingISTAR by consistently delivering onoperations in the UK and overseas.RAF Waddington’s V(Army Cooperation) Squadronwins theDacre TrophyThe squadron which playeda central role in supportingFrench operations in Maliearlier this year has won therelaunched Dacre Trophy.6 InsightMAGAZINE

Presenting the prestigioustrophy to V (Army Cooperation)Squadron at the RAF Leucharsairshow, Air Vice Marshal StuartAtha, Air Officer CommandingNo. 1 Group, praised itsmembers’ efforts over what hasbeen a busy 12 months.Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha,Air Officer Commanding No. 1Group said. “This recognises VSquadron’s contribution, not justin Afghanistan, which endures,but also at very short notice toAfrica, where it was key to thesuccess the French enjoyed,” .The RAF Waddington-basedsquadron has been flyingSentinel R1 aircraft carrying theAirborne Stand Off Radar (ASTOR)system over Afghanistan since2008. In January 2013 it wasdeployed to assist French forcesagainst Islamic insurgents in Mali,flying 66 sorties and generating100 intelligence reports as ittracked insurgents fleeing Frenchground troops.Accepting the trophy, SquadronLeader Chris Setterfield said itmeant a lot to everyone on thesquadron. “It is an extra level ofrecognition and a pat on theback as we continue to workhard,” he said.Air Commodore Dacre wasduring the 1930s whose sonFlight Lieutenant KennethFraser-Dacre was killed in 1943.In his memory, the familypresented the RAF with thebronze Dacre Trophy, which wasawarded most proficient fighterSquadron, annually, up until2005.V Squadron was a multiplewinner of the Dacre Trophyin the 1970s when it flewLightnings and the awardrecognised weapons proficiency.The trophy was last presented in2005 and this year retired GroupCaptain Phil Dacre agreed, onbehalf of his family, that it shouldbe revived to recognise the bestsquadron in No 1 Group.He said: “I think it has a deepermeaning as a result of thischange and it is very appropriatethat V Squadron should be thefirst winners.”Squadron member FlightLieutenant Russ Power wassure his colleagues appreciatedwinning the Dacre. “For someoneto say you’re doing a good jobis quite nice,” he said. “It’s been abusy three years and the familiessuffered the most - they deserveit more than we do.”Author Off Cdt Rob Taylor,7644(VR) SqnRAF Waddington’sOfficers’ MessBattle ofBritainDining InNightHis RoyalHighness theEarl of Wessexjoins RAFWaddington forBattle of BritainDining In NightRAF Waddington HonoraryAir Commodore His RoyalHighness The Earl of Wessexwas the guest of honour at RAFWaddington’s Officers’ MessBattle of Britain Dining In Night,a formal occasion held eachyear to commemorate the mostimportant event in Royal AirForce history.Since its formation 95 years ago,the RAF has continually defendedthe skies over Great Britain.Winston Churchill famously said“Never in the field of humanconflict has so much been owedby so many to so few”. He wasreferring to the monumentalbattle the Royal Air Force foughtover Britain between the 10thJuly and 31st October 1940defeating the German Luftwaffeand halting the planned invasionof Britain.Station Commander RAFWaddington Group CaptainAl Gillespie said “It’s an honourto host our Honorary AirCommodore His Royal HighnessThe Earl of Wessex at such asignificant formal occasion whichwe proudly hold each year toremember the sacrifice madeduring the Battle of Britain andcelebrate the freedom thatthis has afforded over the last73 years”.Honorary Air Commodore is anhonorary position bestowed byHer Majesty The Queen and isdesigned to strengthen the bondbetween the military unit andthe individual. His Royal HighnessThe Earl of Wessex was appointedRAF Waddington’s Honorary AirCommodore in October 2008and has visited the Station severaltimes since.InsightMAGAZINE 7

Catering for yourBusiness or Private FunctionNow in our 14th year of providingfabulous food in Lincolnshire• Garden now open• Finest quality home-made food,hot or cold• Affordable prices• All dietary requirements catered for• Choice of menus or choose your own• Use of our welcoming café foryour celebration or party,seating for 40 people• Air conditionedMrs H’s Christmas BazaarDecember 4th 5pm - 8pmyOU aREclEaRly apERsOn OFTasTE!Valentino’sPizzeria31 E Redwood Drive,Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9BNOpEn 7 Days a WEEk4pm till 11pmFasT FREE DElivERyOn orders of £6 and overFamily mEals & pick-Up spEcialsPlease contact us for more informationTel: 01522 722770Tel: 01522 722321Order online: just-eat.co.ukThe Red Lion, DunstonMiddle Street, Dunston, Lincoln, LN4 2EWt: 01526 322227 e: info@redlion-dunston.co.ukw: www.redlion-dunston.co.ukExperience our extensive and affordableCountry Fayre which is served lunchtimes andevenings 7 days a week. Come and check outour New Menu, launching in SeptemberSunday Carvery£6.9512noon to 3pmNormal menu5pm - 8pmSteak NightsWeds & FridaySteak & Wine for 2£19.99Rib Eye Steak£9.95Now takingChristmas bookingswith our excellentChristmas Fayre MenuavailableChristmas Day Menubookings also being takenBed & Breakfast accommodation is available in our superb Lodges. Please check our website for details on forthcoming special menus and occasions in the diary.Mon - Fri lunch time specials £5.50 excluding bank holidaysNOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS8 InsightMAGAZINE

Independent FInancIal advIceat RaF WaddingtonW01522 539602www.bellesandbeaux.co.ukorried about your retirement planning,do your savings need reviewing ordo you need insurance to reflect yourcurrent needs? We can help.Independent Financial Adviser Alastair Rush, servedfor over 20 years in the RAF and understands yourconcerns. For expert advice, insight and empathy,contact us for a free and friendly discussion.Call today01572 897311 / 07887 422275advice@yourwealthcare.co.ukwww.echelonwealthcare.co.uk18A Leicester Rd, Uppingham LE15 9SDEchelon Wealthcare a trading style of Wealthcare (1985) Ltd is anappointed representative of The Whitechurch Network Limited whichis authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.“Somepeopledon’t knowwhat they’redoing at2020 hours,let aloneIN 2020”of Waddington,your local supermarket serving the local community.• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables• Fresh Meat,Poultry & Fish• Fresh Dairy Produce• Chilled Ready Meals• Lunchtime Snacks• Freshly Baked Bread• Home delivery• Cash Dispenser• Celebration Cakes(to order)• PayzoneBar Lane, Waddington Lincoln01522 721970• Cream Cakes• Groceries• Frozen Foods• Wines, Beers & Spirits• Newspapers & Magazines• Flowers & House Plants• Carpet Cleaning• Glass Loan• National Lottery• Extended range nowavailable• Free ParkingConvenient opening hours:Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm Sat 8am – 9pm Sun 10am – 4pmMajor credit cards accepted.Convert your skill, experience and training into a internationally recognised civilianqualification with an ILM certified course at RAF WaddingtonLM Leadership and Managementaward level 2 £175ILM Leadership & Managementaward level 3 £750 & level 5 £950ILM Coaching award level 3 and NLPPractitioner £1500ILM Coaching and Mentoring certificatelevel 5 and NLP Practitioner £1700NLP Practitioner only(not ELC eligible) £795Starting an On-line Business & ILM Enterprise &Entrepreneurship level 3 £1500Continuous Improvement manager - ILM level5 qualifications in Service Improvement &Leadership & Management £22501 - 2 Oct 20132 - 4 Feb 20149 - 12 Sept 201310 - 13 Feb 20147 - 10 Oct 2013 (Part 1)4 - 8 Nov 2013 (Part 2)3 - 7 Mar 2014 (Part 1)7 - 11 Apr 2014 (Part 2)14 - 18 Oct 201312 - 16 May 2014Feb March 2014We are fully approved so you can use SLC’s, ELC’s or Resettlement grants to fund trainingAll courses are available at RAF Coningsby on an ‘as requested basis’.Please speak to TDF for details.£250 discount if 2 courses are booked togetherFor further info contact your Learning Centre or Inspired2Beon 01522 501886 or email info@inspired2Be.com• Hairdressers• Airbase HDAirbrush Make Up• Tanning & Waxing• Aromatherapy• Massage & Facials• Weddings, Balls, Proms42 Bar Lane, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9SA01522 720415Opening Times: Tue - Wed 9:00 - 5:00Thurs - Fri 9:00 - 7:00 Sat 9:00 - 1:00InsightMAGAZINE 9

The Battle of BritainMemorial Flight (BBMF)The Flight Engineer’s DayThe BBMF motto is “Lest weforget” and our core businessrevolves around veterans,reunions, parades, funerals etc.In fact, last month my taskingincluded the dropping ofa WW2 pathfinder’s ashesand the 100th birthdaycelebration of the oldestsurviving member of BomberCommand. But I am not suremuch is known about theFlight outside of the peoplewho are part of the Unit; soI wanted to provide a little‘insight’ into what beingpart of BBMF entails.So how does someone becomepart of the Flight? The answer tothat depends on your trade. Ourflying season aligns with the goodweather of the British summermonths, so there is insufficientwork to justify full time aircrew;therefore the BBMF is an additionalduty for aircrew. As you canimagine, this can impact heavilyon an individual’s primary role andrelies on good will from your bossto release you to fly. The Flight’spilots are either multi-engine orsingle seat fast jet qualified, andwill either fly the Flight’s bombersor fighters respectively. Navigatorsare predominantly drawn fromthe fast jet fraternity and fly on theDakota and Lancaster. Loadmasterscrew the Dakota and are selectedfrom both fixed and rotary wingaircraft types. As a Flight Engineer, Ifly on the Lancaster. Unfortunately,the trade is currently in declinebecause of the retirement of ourremaining aircraft types: VC10,Tristar and Hercules K. However,the E3D Sentry is potentially alonger term survivor that requiresa Flight Engineer, so eventually allLancaster Flight Engineers will bedrawn from RAF Waddington.BBMF aircrew tour lengthsare generally 5 years. When avacancy appears a trawl forvolunteers will be promulgated;however, you are free to writea letter of application at anytime. Selection is based onyour performance in the airand on the ground, operationalexperience, instructional abilityand finally, on your performancein a selection interview. Unlikethe aircrew, our groundcrew arefull time RAF personnel who arealso specially selected to serve onthe Flight. They will have alreadyproven their technical abilitieson modern mechanical andavionic aircraft systems. However,historical aircraft require adifferent skill set which is seldomtested by modern aircraft. Sopart of the selection processwill include a familiarisation visitto the Flight, where informalvetting will occur, before anoffer for a place is awarded.So what about the aircraft I flyon as a Flight Engineer? PA474 ispredominantly a Mark 1 Lancasterthat was prepared to operate inthe Far East as part of the TigerForce. However, as the bomberrolled out of the factory thewar ended, so she never sawcombat and as a result is one ofthe few surviving Lancasters. Theaircraft was employed on severalpeacetime duties includingphotographic reconnaissance andexperimental wing design trialsbefore eventually making it to theBBMF. As with all the aircraft on theFlight, the Lancaster is painted torepresent a famous airframe fromWW2; this season PA474 wearsthe colours of a 617 Sqn aircraft‘Thumper Mk 3’ to celebrate the70th anniversary of the DambusterRaid. During WW2, Lancastersusually flew with a crew of 7 thatincluded air gunners, a wirelessoperator and a bomb aimer. Today,we routinely fly with a crew ofonly 4 which comprises 2 pilots, anavigator and a flight engineer.So what does my day consist of?I generally arrive at Coningsby 3hours before take-off and, if it’s alonger flight, collect crew rationsfrom the Airmens’ Mess. I then goto the BBMF hangar and checkthe aircraft log book. This details‘snags’ from the last flight, anymaintenance work carried out andprovides essential engineeringinformation like: engine powerreadings, weight and balance dataand the amount of fuel loaded.This leaves me with a small amountof time to read any new orders,thereby ensuring I am up to dateand subsequently ‘in the green’.The navigator and the pilots arenow gathering in the planningroom and, with 2 hours leftbefore take-off, we all attend ameteorological brief. After ‘metbrief’, I calculate the All-Up-Weightof the aircraft and determine theCentre of Gravity position. Thisensures the aircraft is balancedand not overloaded, whichpreserves the fatigue life of thisvintage aircraft. Up to this pointmy job has been somewhatacademic in nature, so it’s nowtime for a change of emphasis.I walk to the aeroplane andcarry out a thorough ‘pre-flight’internal and external inspectionof the engines and airframestructure, flight systems andinstrumentation. We now have1 hour to go before take-off andthe whole crew gather in theplanning room for a detailed briefon our tasking; this will includebut not be limited to: routing,flypasts and displays. It is at thisstage that I give any passengersor flying groundcrew a Lancastersafety brief. We generally roll intothe ‘out brief’ which confirms weare authorised and fit to fly.The Lancaster’s mighty Merlinengines are started up, regularlydrawing a crowd on the publicroad next to our hangar, as peoplewatch the start, taxi and take-offof the iconic aircraft. In the air, Istand behind the Co-Pilot; this isbecause his sits in my seat! Myjob is mainly lookout and systemmonitoring; however, in the unlikelyevent of a malfunction or failure, Iam integral to the running of theemergency ‘red card’ drills. Withmy technical knowledge of theaircraft I am in an ideal position toprovide advice on the implicationsand corrective action required. Ialso operate the undercarriage andfuel system, and am responsiblefor the safety of passengers andthe security of fuselage load.It only remains for me to say thatwe are all volunteers on the Flightand we rely heavily on a stream ofapplications from suitably qualifiedair and groundcrew. So if you fancya challenging, once in a lifetime stepback in time, why not give it a go?FS Mark Fellows.10 InsightMAGAZINE

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Allchangeat the topIt’s all change at the top at RAFWaddington with the arrival ofthree new Squadron Executives.Joining us from AdvancedCollege Staff Course andassuming command ofBase Support Wing is WingCommander Colin Owen.Wing Commander Owenjoined the RAF in 1998 as aPhysical Education Officer andhas previously worked as thePersonal Staff Officer to theStation Commandant at RAFCollege Cranwell.5 (Army Cooperation) Squadronis now under the command ofWing Commander Dave Kane.Wing Commander Kane joinedthe RAF in 1991 and flyingHarriers; has seen active servicein both the Balkans and morerecently numerous tours inAfghanistan flying in supportof UK and ISAF operationsthroughout the country. Morerecently he has been located atMOD Main Building in London.Assuming command of 51Squadron is Wing CommanderTom Talbot. Wing CommanderTalbot joined the RAF asa pilot in 1995 and haspreviously served on 51Sqn as a Flight CommanderOperations flying operationaltours in the Mediterraneanand Afghanistan. He hasalso previously completed anumber of deployments asRAF Waddington’s detachmentcommander in Oman,responsible for both NimrodR1 and Sentinel R1 operationsin Afghanistan.RAF Waddingtonstart EAW trainingOn 1 Mar 2014, 34 ExpeditionaryAir Wing headquarters will standup at RAF Waddington.Station personnel could betasked at short-notice toestablish an airfield anywherein the world to enableanything from humanitarianand disaster relief to majorair operations.To prepare for the 12 monthcommitment, personnel fromthe Station recently tookpart in the first of a series ofexercises aimed at settingup an Expeditionary AirWing headquarters, ExerciseFLEDGLING EAGLE.The two-day exercise introducedpersonnel to the EAW concept,raised awareness of unitsavailable to support the EAWand prepared individuals forexercises they will undertake inthe months running up to thestand up.Team from Air Command. Someof these exercises will be hostedhere at RAF Waddington whilstfor others, we will deploy tomore austere and unfamiliarenvironments. This initial exercisehas complemented the extensivepreparation that the team havealready put in place and hasvindicated my confidence thatwe are well set on the road todelivering a well prepared andhighly effective EAW.”Preparation towards the EAWwill culminate in a week longdeployed exercise in early 2014which will test each member’sprofessional and military skills toensure they are ready to meetwhatever challenge they mayface in 2014.(L-R) Wg Cdr Owen, Wg Cdr Kane,Wg Cdr TalbotSenior Aircraftman JonathanJones who took part in theexercise and will work as anIntelligence Analyst on theEAW said, “During the exercisewe participated in workshopswhere we carried out smallplanning tasks. These were anexcellent opportunity to getto know the people we couldbe working with on the EAWand learn about experiences onoperations.”Wing Commander Alun Roberts,Chief of Staff Operations, 34 EAWsaid, “Over the next few months,before the EAW stands up, wewill undertake a series of trainingexercises lead by the Joint ForceAir Component EAW TrainingInset:Waddington EAW personnel beingbriefed by a member of the JFACEAW Training Team.Main:Waddington EAW personnelundertaking a planning task.InsightMAGAZINE 13

What a busy summer it’s been! It really has been full onfor the last couple of months at RAF Waddington andthis definitely applies to Community Support Squadron.The summer is always busyit seems with ‘business asnormal’ on many fronts butwith the added challengesof short notice deployments,school holidays, our traditional‘Airplay’ Holiday ActivitiesProgramme and beingshorthanded this year due tostaffing changes, this summerhas been busier than ever forCommunity Support Squadron.Karen has been a real stalwart,providing a valuable and highquality service both in her corerole as HIVE Information Officerand also in recent years, as anintegral part of the CommunitySupport Team. Karen leaves largeshoes to fill and her expertiseand commitment providingessential support to ServicePersonnel and family memberswill certainly be missed. All ofthe Community Support Teamwish her the very best in hernew role which will almostcertainly provide a challengein these ever changing times.have benefited greatly from theexcellent RAF Benevolent Fundsponsored ‘Airplay’ project. Theproject that saw a large injectionof funding for stations a few yearsago has provided dedicatedyouth work staff who havedelivered both term-time andholiday youth provision in recentyears. Earlier this summer theStation Youth Worker, Miss KirstyForrester also left to pursue a newrole which was well deserved butalso left us with the challenge ofdelivering a summer programmethat has gone from strength tostrength in recent years. Beforeleaving, Kirsty planned thissummers programme that notonly included our normal tripsand activities, ice-skating, AltonTowers, Low Ropes etc. but alsosaw the introduction of someOn 21 June, Community SupportSquadron saw the departure ofMrs Karen Pearce, one of it’s mostexperienced staff. Moving on topastures new, Karen took up theposition of Personal Assistant Airplay Holiday Activitiesto the Station Commander,having served within the HIVE In recent years, RAF Waddington,at Waddington since December Service Personnel and many2000. Over the last 12 years, of their families and childrenCommunityMattersnew initiatives, watersports, skiingand snowboarding, an ‘airfield’camp out and the re-workingof our ever popular (annual itseems) ‘Masterchef’ event. Thisyear one of the key personalitiesinvolved in the development andcontinued success of ‘Airplay’,Air Commodore (Ret’d) PaulHughesdon (a director of theBen Fund) visited the station tobe a guest judge. Accompaniedby Mr Damian Pinel, the ChiefCommunity DevelopmentAdvisor from HQ Air Commandand yours truly, this years eventhad a delicious RAF theme. Withlarge numbers of young peoplepreparing food menus based ontraditional and cultural delicacieswhere the RAF has bases orpersonnel around the world,the event was a great success.Overall the programme thissummer was hugely successful,in the main due to one of our‘sessional’ youth work staff(Miss Kristina Rodier) steppingup to the plate and ensuringthat over 450 activity placeswere offered to young peopleover 19 different activities. Howwe maintain or develop thisprogramme for future holidayperiods, is one question I haven’tquite got my head round yet!Support To Deployed FamiliesThroughout a Service personscareer it is now almost commonplace that Service personnel willspend time away from home.Regardless if this is part of anOperational Deployment or adomestic exercise or trainingcourse, family members leftbehind can still experience14 InsightMAGAZINE

The next scheduled Families Deployment Briefings are to be held onThursday 19 September 2013Thursday 28 November 2013additional stresses and strains.Separation through duty isnever easy and coming morefrequently that at any time inrecent history, it can often be areal challenge to Service families.RAF Waddington continuesto place great importance onproviding support to familiesaffected by separation throughduty. Through its dedicatedCommunity Support Squadron,RAF Waddington continues toprovide a range of activities/initiatives providing practicalsupport leading up to, during andafter the Service person returnshome from deployment. Regularevents and activities continue totake place at RAF Waddingtonand at venues within the Countyof Lincolnshire and beyond.Deployed Families GroupOnce each fortnight, a smalldedicated group of communitymembers meets in the IntegratedWelfare Facility (IWF or HIVEas more commonly known),providing support to familieswho are affected by OperationalDeployment or separationthrough duty. The group run bymembers of the community, onbehalf of the community is anexcellent way to pass a Saturdaymorning, entertain the childrenand provide or receive mutual@ 09:30 in the HIVE@ 09:30 in the HIVEsupport from those who knowexactly what Service families aregoing through. If you are left athome with the kids, weekendsand holidays can be tough,this group aims to make thosetimes that little bit easier.Deployed Families TripsAs part of RAF Waddington’scommitment to it’s familiesaffected by deployment orseparation through duty, theStation has long supportedregular days out and visits to localleisure attractions. During 2013,Community Support Squadronstaff have already planned,organised and ran several tripsthat have included YorkshireWildlife Park, Fantasy Island,Skegness and Alton Towers toname but a few. With manyfamilies affected by deploymentor separation through duty,enthusiastically participating thisyear, the programme for 2013 hasbeen better than ever. If you arecurrently, or due to be affectedby operational deployments orwill be separated through dutyfor a minimum of 60 continuousdays during the remainder of2013, just look at what you willbe able to look forward to.Families Deployment BriefingsService Personnel deployingoverseas are well looked afterand well prepared prior todeparture. At RAF Waddington,we believe that the families ofService personnel should alsobe well looked after and equallywell prepared. Regardless of therelationship to a Service person,whether it is a spouse, Mother,Father, brother, sister or a partner,being prepared or at least beingaware of the support that isavailable, is really important.Community Support Squadronand other key Station welfarepersonnel are therefore pleasedto be able to offer regular familiesdeployment briefings for Servicefamilies affected by deployment.Conducted in the IntegratedWelfare Facility (HIVE), every twomonths, briefings are providedto ensure that families are awareof the support that is availableduring periods of OperationalDeployment. Consisting ofa short presentation with anopportunity to ask those reallyimportant questions, briefingsare friendly, informal and offera great opportunity to meetother families experiencingsimilar pressures and stresses.For further details about anyof the support available toService families affected byoperational deploymentsor separation through duty,please contact the RAFWaddington HIVE.Tel: 01522 727675E-mail: WAD-BSW-PMS-HIVE@mod.ukSeptemberButlins, SkegnessOctoberTwin Lakes, Melton MowbrayNovemberThe Deep, HullDecemberSunday Lunch including BFBS ChristmasMessages Pantomime, LincolnInsightMAGAZINE 15

Waddington Braves Great SuccessOn Saturday 14th September, RAF Waddington Flying Club played hostto over 40 children from the Douglas Bader Foundation.The foundation supportschildren with limb loss andother physical disabilities byoffering unique experiences andimproving life-skills to increaseconfidence. Taking to the air inthe clubs fleet of light aircraft, thechildren followed in the footstepsof Battle of Britain pilot DouglasBader. Douglas lost both legs ina flying accident before the war,but was determined to overcomehis disability and went on tobecome one of the most famousfighter pilots of all time.Whilst airborne many got thechance to take the controls of anaircraft for the first time under theeagle eye of their instructor, whilstothers took the opportunity tosee their house from a bird’s eyeperspective. Everyone thoroughlyenjoyed their flight and as soonas they landed, they were alreadylooking forward to repeating theexperience next year. The children,who all came from the Lincolnarea were aged 6 to 16 and by theend of the day they were nearly allaspiring future pilots.Once again the weather forecastwasn’t too promising for ourBraves Young Aviators Day, butthe Met department at the stationobviously new far more about thelocal climatic conditions than didour chums at the BBC or, indeed,my seaweed!! Once again as Ipulled back the curtains in myLincoln hotel Saturday welcomedme with grey skies and appearedto be rather blustery but a quickcall from Gary Mennell at theairfield eased my concerns; heassured me thatit was going tobrighten up around mid-morningand it would be a great day forflying. I was still a bit doubtful aswe drove the short distance to therendezvous point but, just as ourguests for the day started to arrive,the clouds began to break andby the time everyone had beenescorted to our base for the dayand received a briefing, the sunbroke through and, sure enough,the day was transformed just asthose in the know had predicted!!The club made three of theiraeroplanes available to us for theday, two Cessna 172s and a PA-28Warrior. As the first wave of flightsdisappeared into the distancetowards Lincoln, excitement onthe ground grew as group numbertwo readied themselves for theirturn. The circuit took in much ofthe local countryside and affordedsome superb views of the City ofLincoln, particularly the Cathedral,Castle and soccer stadium.When the first flight returned itwas reported that visibility wasexcellent and that the wind speedhad really dropped. The groundsupport team had everythingbrilliantly organised and everyonewas put completely at ease byClub Chairman Chris Hives, whohad assumed the mantel of chiefsteward at “Air Waddington” for theday, as he prepared the Braves fortheir first flight in a light aircraft.Before we knew where we wereit was time for our lunch breakand we welcomed our afternoonaviators before the morning groupcould eat all of the sandwichesand smashing cakes cooked by thewives ofsome of the members, and leavefor home. Whilst the two groupswere together the Station Fire& Rescue Team paid us a visitand everyone was given theopportunity to have a look at thevery specialised equipment that isalways “at readiness” on station.The weather held fair throughoutthe afternoon, indeed, it probablyimproved a bit as time went on.Looking across the vast expansesof the station everything was sopeaceful; there was no other flyingactivity apart from the Bader Bravesand it was difficult to imagine justhow different the station mustbe on a normal working day. TheCessnas looked rather insignificanttrundling along the ten thousandfoot long runway designed tohandle the very biggest of ourmilitary aircraft but to all those whotook a flight, the Cessna becameBader’s Spitfire!!By 16.00 everyone had beentreated to a flight and ourwonderful day drew to a close.The aircraft were returned to theirhome at the Flying Club HQ, 54Squadron HQ which had beenour home for the day, was clearedand locked up, the safety barriersdismantled and stored and, bythe time I left the station, it wasa picture of perfect peace andquietness as the early autumnsunshine began to drop towardsthe horizon. I bet it was a differentstory on Monday morning though!As always we are indebted to allof our friends at Waddington,particularly everyone at theFlying Club all of whom hadworked so hard to make sure thatour Waddington Bader Braveshad an absolutely fantastic andunforgettable day. Thanks guys, itwas brilliant. “It’s clear to see fromall the happy smiling faces just howmuch everyone enjoyed it.”Flight Lieutenant Chris Hivessaid, “As Chairman of The RAFWaddington Flying Club, I wasdelighted that the Club was ableto share the joy of flight with somany of the Bader Braves onSaturday. Judging by the sizeof their post-flight smiles, it wasobvious that the children had reallyenjoyed the chance to take controlof an aeroplane and to have seenthe City of Lincoln from a birdseyeperspective.“16 InsightMAGAZINE

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RAF WADDINGTON CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING CLUBOPENS ITS REFURBISHED WALLIt is said that we are born with just two innate fears; loud noises andfalling, which is surprising considering today’s phobia obsessed culture.What is even more surprising isthe growing number of peoplethat actively chose to placethemselves in situations thatseem to almost guarantee aconsiderable fall from height! I’mtalking of course about the evergrowing sport of Rock Climbing.With its roots dating back to theVictorian era, climbing as we knowit today can be traced back to thefirst solo ascent of Napes Needle(The Lake District) by WalterParry Haskett Smith in the late1880’s. In many ways, climbinghas advanced significantly overthe last 130 years but the cruxof the sport remains essentiallyunchanged; “climb to the top ofthe highest thing around andhope you don’t fall!”The RAF views climbing, as withmany other forms of AdventurousTraining (AT), as ‘the only wayin which the fundamental riskof the unknown can be used tointroduce the necessary levelof fear to develop adequatefortitude, rigour, robustness,initiative and leadership todeliver the resilience that militarypersonnel require on operations.AT contributes to recuperationfrom the mental stress ofoperations, by re-introducing theconcept of fear in a controlledenvironment. AT is thereforea core military training activitywhich supports operationaleffectiveness and the ethos ofthe Armed Forces’. Put simply,working through our fears,innate or otherwise, can oftenhave significant benefits to ourprofessional outputs.The new facility was formallyopened by the StationCommander, Group Captain AlGillespie on 6 August in a smallceremony attended by membersof the RAF Waddington Climbingand Mountaineering Club.The club’s training officer CorporalAsh Johnson said, “The overhaulwill enable RAF Waddington tocontinue to meet it’s mandatedAT targets whilst maintaining ourstatus as a strong contributor toRAF Climbing. It also ensures thatwe’re able to continue our liaisonwork with the local communitywhich includes working withorganisations such as the Princes’Trust and the Air Training Corps”.If you’re interested in gettinginvolved in the sport, pleasecome along to one of the club’straining nights which are held atthe climbing wall every Tuesdayfrom 1800-2030. The clubprovides training and advice forboth novices and experiencedclimbers and is open to Servicepersonnel and dependants. Aswell as indoor climbing, the clubroutinely runs outdoor climbingsessions and overseas expeditions.For further information, pleasecontact Flight Lieutenant I Dodd(Ext 8503). Alternatively visit theRAF Mountaineering Associationwebsite at: www.raf.mod.uk/rafmountaineering/Flight Lieutenant D S HandleyAlthough RAF Waddingtonhas been home to an organicclimbing facility since 2001, 12years of constant use and littleinvestment had led to a severedecline in usability. In an effort toregain this important Station asset,the RAF Waddington Climbingand Mountaineering Clubsuccessfully secured funding fromRAF Waddington, the RAF CentralFund and the RAF Sports Lotteryto conduct major renovation workon the existing Wall. Work beganin June and was completed inearly July providing 2 additionalclimbing routes and a significantincrease in overall usage options.18 InsightMAGAZINE

Station Commander, Group CaptainAl Gillespie is shown the ropes.InsightMAGAZINE 19

RAF WADDINGTONRUGBY TOUR 20130500hrs, Wed 15th May: the start of a week-long rugby tour of Catalonia.The squad, 22 members strong,travelled to Barcelona to visitseveral Spanish rugby clubs.This presented an excellentopportunity to play a very highstandard of rugby union, whilstconducting community andcharity projects and developingrelations between the RAFWaddington RFC and the peopleof Southern Spain.Waking early on Thursdaymorning the squad’s first trainingsession took place in the rainon a beach of sharp grit! Thesession focussed on preparingthe squad to deliver the tour’sfirst challenge: train 80 childrenaged between 8 -16 in a foreignlanguage. However, havingliaised with Stephane Cazalbou,Sitges RFC’s youth coach andrefined the content of thesession, Gee ‘Drop Short’ Jennerran the team through the drillsthat we would be coaching andnominated 3 training activityleads. It soon became apparentthat most of the team hadobviously missed these sessionsas juniors but eventually theforwards had mastered simplepassing and the backs hadremembered how to tackle.Despite the unexpectedly dampweather and painful playingsurface, the squad picked up thekey points and the session endedwith a mandatory swim in thesea, much to the surprise of thelocal life guards!Sitges RFCYouth Training SessionThursday 16th May saw the teamtravel to Sitges RFC. ByUK standards their clubwas small but by Spanishstandards Sitges is a bigclub. The plan was tocoach Sitges’ under 14’s,12’s and 10’s using drillssuch as tackling, touchrugby and exploitingspace, passing drillsand rucking. Havingcompleted the trainingsession and after the kidshad stopped bullying ourmascot ‘Harry the Hornet’ (MartinWallhead in a hornet outfit),every child was presented withRAF Waddington memorabiliawhich was kindly donated by theRAF Waddington Air Show team.After a well deserved break theteam supported the seniors ‘oldschool’ training session wheretheir coach spent most of thetime telling players off! This didprovide the team with a chanceto experience the Spanish playingstyle which was very open andunstructured. After 4 hours inthe Spanish heat the session wasover, the youth team coachthanked Waddington players fortheir time and presented MajJenner with a handmade tilewith the club’s Dolphin symbol.Amazing Spanish hospitalityfollowed in the open air clubhouse and traditional seafoodpaella and a few beers wasshared with our excellent hosts.A great night was had by all!First Fixture V CEU BarcelonaSeniors and under 23sFriday 17th May began with abeach training session focussedon preparing the team for theirfirst fixture against CEU Barcelona,a local university team and oneof the highest ranked teamsin Catalonia. With several soreheads and phantom injuriesappearing training was slow.A long coach journey took theteam to Barcelona that evening.The squad were lucky to havea brand new kit for the comingseason which we wore for thefirst time. This kit came courtesyof the Nuffield Trust and oursponsor Envitia (who provideSpatial Information Services toseveral key air platforms at RAFWaddington). Due to severalinjuries, the teams agreed toplay two games of tens, oneagainst the seniors XV and thesecond against their under23s. CEU Barcelona Seniorsstarted the match and after anunstructured first quarter theHornets began stamping theirauthority on the home side’sturf. Punishing tackles fromcentres Paul ‘Blunthead’ and MattMorgan disrupted the hometeam’s attacks and allowed theHornets to turn over the ball andto break away for an early try.This galvanised the home team,regaining some composure andspreading the ball wide. At halftime the scores were level at14-all, with two tries and twoconversions each. As the secondhalf progressed, however, theHornets’ physicality and forwardstrength sapped the hometeam. Some well controlleddriving mauls gained territoryand disrupted the home teamdefence with Waddington backsexploiting the opportunitywith a well worked try. The halfended with a respectable winby the Hornets 21–14.After a brief interval the Hornetswere back on the pitch, but thistime facing a more athletic Under23 team. The home team beganwith tremendous enthusiasmand enjoyed disrupting the play,seeking gaps in the Hornets’defence. Their fitness stretchedthe Hornets’ resistance andtheir distribution put the teamunder significant pressure. Withsome crucial tackles made, thetide turned, with Waddingtonback in possession, the forwardsreverting to typical British rugbyand through a succession“After some emotionalmoments for thoseinvolved from those and whohilarityweren’t, we completedthe day’s activity with agame of rugby...”of short punchy crash balls,breaking up the defence andshipping the ball to the backs fora simple opening try. Despite thehome team breaking throughthe Waddington defence toscore two tries, the Hornetsremained in control throughoutthe second half and scored twomore excellent tries combiningphysicality with sharp handlingand good lines of running.The final score for the half wasWaddington 19 CEU Barcelona10. Post match hospitality ensuedin the centre of Barcelona,pizza and beer flowed and theinternational language of rugbywas enjoyed by all, including20 InsightMAGAZINE

some good natured drinkinggames and rugby sing-offs.The evening ended withthe exchanging of giftsonce again.Force DevelopmentThe weekend providedwelcome recovery from 2days of rugby and, as partof the Force Developmentcomponent enjoyed a coastalwalk to the east of Lloret De Mar.However, en route Ollie ‘AWOL’Loak took the opportunity toincorporate hill reps for the tourmembers who had repeatedlymissed breakfast. After someemotional moments for thoseinvolved and hilarity from thosewho weren’t, we completed theday’s activity with a game ofrugby/volleyball on a secludedbeach. Day 2 of the weekendprovided a day of recovery. OnMon 20th May, the second partof the FD component beganwith an early start that saw theteam travelling into Barcelonafor a cultural visit. This beganin the morning with a walkingtour of Barcelona, conducted byan English guide, focusing onthe military aspects of the city,majoring on the Spanish CivilWar. This walk concluded withlunch and the entire group wereable to see a different dimensionof the city. The afternoon hadbeen scheduled for a museumvisit, however due to a publicholiday that had to be cancelled.The group were given theafternoon to explore Barcelona,before being coached back tothe hotel.The Final Game VTarragona RFCAfter the weekend break, theHornets were growing restlessfor the final game of the touron Tue 21st May. After survivingthe horrors of the hotel’smonotonous packed lunchesand the long coach journey, theteam arrived surprisingly wellprepared at the small club in aworking area near Barcelona’sdocks. Playing a full 15-a-sidegame the visitors were confidentthey could start strong but it wasnot to be. In the stifling heat, thehome team started by playingto their strengths, passingfluidly and avoiding gettinginvolved rucksand mauls.Only the soliddefence ofWaddington’swingspreventedthe homeside reachingdouble figuresand soon theforwards feltMaj Gee’s harshwords. Witha new tacticof smashinganyone carrying a ball theHornets started to make groundand soon the tables began toturn. Quick ball from a line outand punishing pick and drivesfrom the forwards allowed MajGee to crash over from 5m outunder the posts at the end of thefirst half. He also converted thetry. At half time the team werelosing by a single conversion.Some inspired substitutions andproven fitness and conditioningin the second half allowedWaddington to break open theTarragona defence. The forwardsrepeatedly rampaged throughthe tired Tarragona pack, andgave the backs excellent goforward ball resulting in asuccession of tries, with SAC“Rick Ashley” Booth scoring thewinning points resulting in anemphatic 31-19 win.ReflectionsThe Station tour has beenextremely successful with allof the players on top form andproving to be great ambassadorsfor British military rugby.The generosity and naturalbonhomie of our Catalonianhosts and the generosity ofthe Station, Nuffield Trust,and sponsors, with whom theexperience would have onlybeen a fleeting dream, struck usall. The tourists returned fromthe tour refreshed, tighter knitand wiser rugby players. RAFWaddington RFC wishes tothank Stn Cdr RAF Waddington,Stn Cdr RAF Scampton, theRAF RU, and the Nuffield Trust,who helped in the purchaseof this year’s new playing kit,our sponsors ENVITIA, theRAF and Army Sports Boardsand members of the RAFWaddington RFC Committee.Sqn Ldr Jamie MeighanClub President (2011-2013)Envitiaproud sponsors ofRAF WaddingtonRugby Team 2013/14Envitia is proud to sponsor the RAFWaddington Rugby Team for theforthcoming season.This kicked off with a Help forHeroes match and followedup with a community tour ofSpain (see article).The sponsorship arrangementwill see Envitia front of jerseyfor the duration of the season,including all league and cupgames. As part of an on-goingcommitment as an officialsponsor Envitia has alreadysupplied the team shirts. Thesewere officially presented duringa ceremony at RAF Waddingtonin front of the veteran VulcanXM607.Envitia, based in Horsham,supply geospatial technologythat enables shared situationalawareness for on-boardISTAR platforms.InsightMAGAZINE 21

RAF Waddington through the Ages:Part 4 The Desert WarsWith the disbandment of 50 Squadron and the retirement of its last AvroVulcan from service in 1984, RAF Waddington found itself facing permanentclosure. However, it soon became the home to NATO AWACS operatingaway from their main base at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen on the Germany-Dutch border, proving the Station’s ability to support a sizeable AEW fleet.These aircraft were co-manned bythe RAF until the United Kingdompurchased its own AWACS fleet,which entered service in 1991.Although the UK aircraft were notready to enter service during the1991 Gulf War, Waddington servedits own role in DESERT STORM,becoming the port for Americancausalities arriving back from theWar. With the arrival of the Station’sfirst new E-3D Sentry and theElectronic Warfare OperationalSupport Element (now knownas the Air Warfare Centre) fromRAF Wyton in 1995, the Stationcompleted it’s transition to theforefront of UK ISTAR Operationsand took its place in the ensuingDesert Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.E-3A aircraft alongside 5Hangar on forward deploymentto RAF Waddington, 1984Using the ramps and taxiwaysrecently vacated by theVulcans, NATO’s Airborne EarlyWarning E-3As begin to useRAF Waddington as a ForwardOperating Base. Royal Air Forcecrew flew alongside their NATOcounterparts in preparation forthe arrival of the new NimrodAEW3 aircraft and retirement ofthe Shackelton AEW Mk2.Construction of the futureSentry Dispersal on the Stationsports pitches, late 1987With the cancellation of theNimrod AEW3 Programmein 1986, Waddington wasdesignated the new homefor 8 Squadron and theBoeing E-3D Sentry. ExistingStation infrastructure andhangars were insufficientto support the new aircraftand extensive modernisationbegan. The Station sports pitchgave way to the new AlphaDispersal and taxiways wererebuilt to accommodate the344,000lb aircraft.22 InsightMAGAZINE

The arrival of the UnitedKingdom’s first Boeing E-3DAWACS in 1991The arrival of the first Royal AirForce E-3D Airborne Warningand Control System, airframeZH101, marked the end of anera for the venerable ShackletonAEW2 on 8 Squadron.Destruction of the World TradeCenter Twin Towers in New York,Sep 11, 2001.On September 11, 2001, a seriesof terror attacks on the UnitedStates prompted the nation toinvoke NATO Article 5, callingfor fellow nations to come assistin their defence. NATO E-3Aspreviously stationed at RAFWaddington began to patrolthe skies over North Americawhilst E-3Ds, Nimrod R1s andover 500 personnel from theStation moved to the MiddleEast and joined the allies in thecampaign against the Talibanin Afghanistan, providingaround-the-clock surveillanceand intelligence to air andground forces.Arrival of the 51 Squadron and theNimrod R1, 1995.Alongside the move of the futureAir Warfare Centre to Waddington,the specialised fleet of electronicreconnaissance Hawker SiddeleyNimrod R1s joined the E-3D at RAFWaddington. Having previouslyparticipated in the 1991 operations inIraq, the aircraft continued to providesupport to combat patrols over Iraqthrough Operation Telic in 2003.Working alongside United StatesNavy EP-3s and United States AirForce RC-135 Rivet Joint, the aircraftprovided an unsurpassed electronicand communications intelligence thatwas the first choice among equals oftheatre commanders.A Sentry E-3Ds from 8 Squadronarrives at Prince Sultan Air Base inSaudi Arabia on March 2, 2003.At 0200 on March 19, 2003, a SentryE-3D from RAF Waddington calledon station alongside a 51 SquadronNimrod R1 working with UnitedStates Special Forces and Marines tolocate and secure Iraqi missiles andcombat troops in the Iraqi WesternDesert. Within days the aircraft wereflying over Iraqi territory, wherethey maintained a near-continuouspresence until cessation of primarycombat air operations in May, 2003.After a short period of recuperation,8, 23 and 51 Squadrons quickly sawthemselves return to Afghanistan.InsightMAGAZINE 23

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SLEAFORD GOLF CLUB WINTER MEMBERSHIP OFFERCome and play one of the County’s best winter playable courseWinter Membership available from1st November – 31st March inclusiveONLY £200.00 PER PERSON (Excludes weekend play)Sleaford Golf Club Terms & Conditions apply.Information Contact Club Manager on 01529 488273InsightMAGAZINE 27

ExerciseBrilliantArrowLate August, as many people weregearing up toward the upcomingbank holiday weekend, a large partyof 8 Sqn Air and Ground personnel,along with other keen supportingvolunteers, were packing their bagsand jumping on board the E-3Dheading off to Orland Main AirStation (MAS), Norway.Leaving slightly earlier thanplanned, due to station standdown, they quickly acclimatisedto the local area, revisingnecessary documentation andcommencing the initial plansfor the upcoming exercise. Theremainder of the personnel,who were unable to comeout on the initial deployment,were transported from RAFWaddington down to RAFBrize Norton, and from therevia Hercules C-130K out toOrland. After this long trekthey were able to join the restof their crew, tired but lookingforward to the commencementof Exercise Brilliant Arrow 13(BAW13).BAW13 was a live flying exercise,conducted primarily from OrlandMAS, involving some 50 militaryaircraft and over 800 exerciseparticipants; taking place fromthe 25 August to 06 September.The event was organised byNATO’s Headquarters AlliedAir Command (HQ AIRCOM)in coordination with the HostNation, Norway.The aim of BAW13 was toprovide all involved with training,essential to fulfil their role inthe NATO Response Force(NRF). This is a highly readyand technologically advancedmultinational force made up ofland, air, maritime and specialforces components, which theAlliance can deploy quicklywherever needed. The liveflying conducted in BAW13 wasplanned in such a way to providea realistic and challengingenvironment allowing aircrewand controllers from tenAllied nations to execute forceintegration training at the aircomponent level.In addition to the UK forcesother nations involved includedNorway, France, Germany,Greece, Italy, the Netherlands,Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. Therange of aircraft participating inthe exercise included the F-16,Tornado and Mirage 2000Dfighters, two airborne warningand control system (AWACS)platforms (the 8 Sqn E-3D andthe French E-3F), three transportaircraft, four helicopters andthe DA-20 special jammingaircraft. To support the training,other assets were brought inincluding Ground-based airdefence systems and ForwardAir Controller teams. All of theseassets and nations came togetherto create a realistic BAW13exercise environment.Every day of the exercise around80 sorties took place split into two28 InsightMAGAZINE

separate waves. The COMAOwave in the morning and theshadow wave in the afternoon,both waves saw participatingaircraft trained in variousair to air and air to groundscenarios. Working in two crewsthe 8 Sqn aircrew planned andflew alternating days andwith the tireless supportof the 8 Sqn Ground crewall but one mission wascompleted successfullyallowing effectivecommand and control ofthe exercise to ensure allthe training took placesafely and without incident.The addition of a CombatSearch and Rescue (CSAR)Mission, enabled crew toreact and respond to adowned aircrew situation,an event for whichthere is limited trainingopportunities in routineUK flying. On this daycertain enthusiastic membersof the E-3D detachment, wereinvited to volunteer to act as thedowned aircrew running aroundNorway adding extra realism tothe training. Here E-3D crewhad to effectively allocate theirtime between controlling the airwar, which continued as in everyother day, but with the addedresponsibility of aiding the safepick up of the ‘downed aircrew’,and learning what challengesand pitfalls could be avoidedwith more training.Detachment personnel took theopportunity to visit the GermanWWII coastal battery, Austråttfort. The turret with 3 x 28CMguns, was actually the C turretfrom 'Gneisenau' - the GermanWWII battle cruiser, sistership ofthe 'Scharnhorst'. The ship wasdamaged in an air raid in 1942,and so the main guns wereremoved and employed in thecoastal battery role at variouslocations around Norway. Avery interesting tour gavethose detachment personnel inattendance a rare insight into thelives and living conditions of theGerman soldiers, operating atone of these Forts during WWII.Other opportunities availableto a few fortunate individuals,included theopportunity to flywith the RNoAF 339thSquadron. One of thosefortunate individualswas Fg Off Rob Stewartwho describes hisexperience below:The RNoAF 339th Sqnflies the Bell 412 that'sthe venerable 'Huey' toyou and I-and bringsan entirely differentaspect to the scenariosbeing run on BAW-13.Everything from SFsupport to CSAR to ship huntingfell into the remit of the 339th, sowhen I was invited to join themon a sortie I, of course, jumped atthe chance.The trip started well: beingasked to assist in fitting theM134 mini-guns to the sides ofthe choppers is far flung froma normal day in the office. Thiswas soon followed by the usualsafety briefs, with the doorgunner, giving the brief, addingadditional emphasis on ensuringwe had our seat belts on tight...It soon becameclear why. Westarted theflight with somelow-level flyingacross someof Norway'simpressive terrainall the while, theside doors opento the elements.It soon dawnedon me that thesmall strip ofworn-out fabricacross my lapwas all that waskeeping mefrom topplingout the door.Before long, wewere making atactical landingto engage withthe JTACs andcoordinate thenext phase ofthe mission,this turnedout to includesome gut-wrenching tacticalmanoeuvring with a whole lotof practice gun runs thrown infor good measure. The sortiewas then rounded off with aflyover for the benefit of 'NATOTV' before coming to a halt andlanding back at Orland MAS.A morning with a good mix offear and fun also making somefriends with our NATO brethren.All in all, a success.’ Fg Off RobStewart, Surveillance Operator,8 Sqn.As well as the opportunities toexperience part of Norway’smilitary history or act uponinvites to go flying low level,other individuals took thechance presented to them to goexploring the local landscape,see the wildlife during walksexploring the many hills aroundthe base or falling victim to“It soon dawned on me thatthe small strip of worn-outfabric that was across keeping my lap me was fromalltoppling out the door.”the sharp stones which werethe pitfall of a few bike ridesand the local area. Someindividuals took the chance, atthe weekend, to visit Norway’sfirst capital, Trondeim, a livelyand cultural city of Norway,whilst others enjoyed theevening entertainment puton as part of BAW13. Thisentertainment included an AC/DC tribute band amongst othervarious music nights, all givingopportunities to get to knowparticipating members of othercountries detachments andjoining in on sing offs, whichwere notably dominated by theenthusiasm of the German andGreek Singers.All in all BAW13 provided a greatopportunity for 8 Sqn personneland supporting members toparticipate in a multi-nationcommand and control air to aircombat exercise, with variousdifferent scenarios, with theaim of enhancing training andskills for all involved. Operatingout of Orland MAS as a ForwardOperating Location (FOL) forNATO’s AWACS, enabled theground crew, led by DEOFlt Lt Eckersley, to achievea fantastic result of 8 outof 9 missions completedsuccessfully. A massivethank you goes out to allinvolved in ensuring theaircraft were in a good stateto achieve such a result.At the end of BAW13Exercise Director ColonelFrank Gerards stated thewhole effort had been a‘Job Well Done’.Continuing on ColonelFrank Gerards stated:‘During the past ten flyingdays we have flown atotal of 534 missions trainingcovering the whole spectrumof Air Power capabilitiesin order to prepare for awide array of NRF missions.The whole exercise hasbeen conducted safely andwithout incident, with theprofessionalism of both air andgroundcrew having been ofthe highest standard. All in allwe can be very satisfied withour achievements.’So as the exercise participantsall make their way back to theirrespective bases, and reflect onthe training and experiencesof the past few weeks, all canhappily reflect on a Mission welldone, our thanks go out to theBAW13 Exercise Director ColonelFrank Gerards of the NetherlandsAir Force and the senior HostNation representative LieutenantColonel Hans Jørgen Nordskogfrom the Norwegian JointHeadquarters, who workedtirelessly together to put on afantastic exercise. On behalfon 8 Sqn I look forward to thenext opportunity to work outof Orland MAS and be involvedin future multi-national levelexercises enabling the Sqnpersonnel to build on lessonslearnt over the past two weeks ofExercise Brilliant Arrow 2013.InsightMAGAZINE 29

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Ex HENDEUMOn 24th May 2013, 9 membersof 8 Squadron visited the RAFMuseum at Hendon to look atseveral aircraft types on display.The aircraft were all similar oridentical models to those flownby 8 Squadron over her history.Each of the Squadron memberspresented on one of the aircraft;we all returned to Waddingtonwith a much better appreciationof both our predecessors’ efforts,and the technical advances inaircraft designs that allowedthe Squadron to pursue such avariety of airpower roles over thepast 98 years.Burma-Sumatra -Liberator Mk VIPresented by Flight LieutenantAllen WeirThe Liberator displayed in theRAF Museum is a very similarmodel to that flown by 8Squadron. The American-builtLiberator MkVI was operated by8 Squadron for only 6 monthsfrom May 1945. Initially based inJessore in India, it quickly movedto Minneriya in Ceylon where itwas primarily involved in specialops in support of guerrilla forcesfighting the Japanese in Burmaand Sumatra. Stores, agents andeven a dog were parachutedinto the jungle areas. Whenthe Japanese surrendered, 8Squadron aircraft were taskedwith supporting the protectionof allied POW camps by droppingleaflets, which encouraged theJapanese to look after theircharges, along with food andmedicine supplies. In mid-November 1945, 8 Squadron wasdisbanded and its aircraft flownto India for disposal.The First Aircraft of8 Squadron - BE2Presented by FlightLieutenant Ed Purkiss(54 Squadron)service just after the outbreakof WWI. With a new wing planform, increased dihedral anda new tail-plane the aircraftThe establishment of 8Squadron Royal FlyingCorps was approved on14 Oct 1914, with theSquadron forming on 1stApril 1915 at Brooklands.The Squadron wasequipped with the RoyalAircraft Establishment(RAE) BE 2C and deployedto St Omer, France on 15thApril 1915.The BE2 was a much improvedBE1 (Bleriot Experimental 1).Designed by Geoffrey de Havillandin 1912, the BE1 employed awater-cooled Woolsey enginegiving a top speed of 70 mph.The improved BE2 was poweredby a 60HP Renault engine,giving a higher top speed,improved aerodynamics, butstill with wing-warping as theprimary method of roll control.The aircraft was redesigned byET Busk in May 1914, enteringwas inherently stable. A largerrudder and the introductionof ailerons improvedcontrollability. Intended asa front-line reconnaissanceand light bomber, the aircraftsuffered from a lack of air to airmanoeuvrability, and becameprey to the Fokker Eindecker.Over 3500 aircraft were built,and it remained in front lineservice until 1917 before beingrelegated to submarine spottingand service as a training aircraft.The aircraft was retired fromservice in 1919.WWII - MosquitoPresented by Flight LieutenantSimon DachtlerAfter disbanding in India inNovember 1945, 8 Squadronsoon re-formed back in Aden on1st September1946 by renumbering114 Squadron;it thusbecame alight bomberSquadronflyingMosquitoes,and it wasengagedon generalduties, training, photography,shipping searches and policingthe Aden Protectorate. The new8 Squadron possessed eightMosquito Mk ‘s armed with four.303 Browning machine guns andfour 20mm cannons, with oneaircraft having dual controls forinstructional duties.The Mosquito was a remarkableaircraft for its time; not only was itmade largely of wood but it wasdesigned asan unarmedbomber,dependingon its superiorspeed toescape enemyfighters,hence it wasnicknamed‘The WoodenWonder’. Intotal 2,298 FBMk VI’s were built, nearly onethirdof Mosquito production.Total Mosquito production was7,781 of which 6,710 were builtduring the war.Post WWI - BristolF.2 FighterPresented by Flight LieutenantDave GrahamA few weeks after the Armisticewith Germany in 1918, 8Squadron continued flying butin a purely reconnaissance role.As part of the British Army ofOccupation, it was tasked withmonitoring the dispositionof German land forces andpolicing the shifting bordersafter the conflict. For this task,the Squadron re-equipped withthe Bristol F.2 Fighter. Originallyconceived as a powerful androbust 2-seat reconnaissanceaircraft, when fitted withthe high-performance RollsRoyce Falcon or Hispano-Suizaengines and with forwardand rear firing machine guns,the aircraft proved to be fast,manoeuvrable and wellarmed– more than a matchfor most German fighters indogfight combat. Known as the“Brisfit” or “Biff”, the aircraft wassurprisingly capable as a fighter.The most successful F.2 pilotof WW1 was Andrew EdwardMacKeever who scored 31 kills,but this tally was surpassedby Charles George Gass, whoscored 39 kills while flying as anobserver. Unfortunately, unlikegood crews, the Falcon andHispano-Suiza engines were inshort supply. Several front-linereconnaissance Squadrons thatacquired the new Bristol F.2received the Type 15 versionthat was fitted with the lesspowerful and more unreliableSunbeam Arab engine. No. 8Squadron flew this versionuntil it was disbanded inJanuary 1920.32 InsightMAGAZINE

Operations Wing ForceDevelopment Day,DCAE CosfordOn Wednesday 2nd July, 8 personnelfrom RAF Waddington OperationsWing visited the RAF Museum atDCAE Cosford in Shropshire, primarilyto look around the Nimrod R1, XV249.Hawker Hunter -FGA9Presented by Flight LieutenantNigel JohnsonIn 1958 the Royal Air Forceheld a competition to find asuitable type to replace itsMiddle East-based Venomground attack fighters.Hawkers won with a proposalfor a modified Hunter F6 andan order was placed for theconversion of a number ofairframes. The new versionwas designated FGA9 to showits new role and the type firstflew in July 1959. The aircraftwas fitted with upgraded airconditioning, greater oxygencapacity, external fuel tanks,and a tail parachute so itPost WWII -HawkerTempestPresented byFlight LieutenantMichael ClarksonThe HawkerTempest VI arrivedin service with 8Squadron in Mar 1947, bythis time flying out in Aden.Initially 8 Squadron conductedmixed force operations withMosquitos in reprisal andcoercive raids against rebellioustribesmen. By May, the Tempesthad completely replaced theMosquito and had continuedthe success of the previoustype. The eight rockets carriedby the Tempest were a potentweapons system; however,operators did have issues whenfaced with a strong wind. TheSquadron quickly developeda technique whereby aircraftwould fire the first 2 rockets tosight the target, followed bythe remaining 6 in a salvo todeliver a deadly blow. In onewould be better suited tothe hot temperatures andlong transits of the theatre.It was also fitted with rocketrails and could carry highexplosiveor armour-piercingrockets, in addition toretaining the Aden cannon ofthe F6.FGA9s saw most of their serviceoverseas, primarily in the MiddleEast, and the last operationalHunter FGA9s were flown by8 Squadron. The Squadrondisbanded in December 1971prior to reforming with theintroduction of the ShackletonAEW1. The Hunter FGA9 atHendon is painted in 8 Squadronand 43 Squadron colours, asboth Squadrons operatedpool aircraft again out of RAFKhormaksar, Aden.such operation, 18 hits wererecorded out of 24 rockets.(Not bad for an unguidedsystem!) On occasion rocketswere not required to achievethe desired effect. For instance,at the end of January 1949,a detachment of 8 SquadronTempests left for Mogadishu inItalian Somaliland. This was atthe request of the British Army,who anticipated trouble withthe local population; however,after a few shows of forceover towns the dangerpassed and the detachmentreturned to RAF Khormaksar.The following months saw 8Squadron repeatedly placed onreadiness, poised to respond tosimilar situations.This was the second leg of theWings Force Developmenttrip to look at the Future ofISTAR compared to the past.The Rivet Joint at Mildenhallrepresenting the future andthe Nimrod representingthe past.Upon arrival, we were welcomedby the staff at the RAF Museumand led outside to the static Ex51 Squadron aircraft that hadonce flown in the skies aboveRAF Waddington. Speciallyopened for our eyes only, ExAirframes Technician FlightLieutenant Darrell Griffiths andEx Weapons System OperatorSergeant Rhys Littlejohn usedtheir experience with the aircraftto enlighten the rest of the partyof the capabilities of the Nimrod.After a lunch break, we werelet loose into the rest of theexhibits; armed with a pen andnotepad, we had just 3 hours tocomplete a questionnaire on thevarious displays and compile adiscussion that we would holdwhen our time was up, back atthe Refuel Café. It was intriguingto look around the four hugehangars of aircraft, especiallythe ‘Test Flight’ hangar. This wasfull of weird and wonderfuldesigns that engineers andinventors had developed andit was interesting to see whatcould have been flying today,if it had caught on of course. Inspite of the task set for us, the‘Fun n Flight’ interactive displaywas almost too tempting forsome and possibly too muchtime was spent attempting tosuccessfully drop a packageonto a target from a scale modelC130 Hercules!With our time up and ournotepads full, we gathered todiscuss the role of Air Power andhow it has transformed since thebeginning of flight and how itcould continue to develop intothe future. Some interestingpoints were raised, includingwhether or not unmannedaerial vehicles would eventuallyphase out the need for pilotsaltogether. This is particularlyrelevant to RAF Waddington as13 Squadron has recently stoodup and remotely pilots the MQ9Reapers in Afghanistan.A very enjoyable day cameto an end with the results ofthe questionnaires, provingthat even RAF personnel inan RAF museum don’t knoweverything! Returning toWaddington, eventful as it wasin an attempt to miss the worstof the traffic, quizzes were heldand the champion of generalknowledge emerged!Many thanks to CorporalJenna Earl for organising thetrip, Sergeant Neil Cullen fordriving the minibus and the RAFMuseum Cosford for opening upthe Nimrod and allowing us toexplore her.From left to right: Senior AircraftmanAdam Gibson, Flight Lieutenant DarrellGriffiths, Corporal Marie Flitcroft,Corporal Jenna Earl, Sergeant DarrylRobinson, Sergeant Neil Cullen, FlightSergeant Andy Talbot.InsightMAGAZINE 33

Exercise Normandy EagleOn 8th September, Sergeant’s(Rookie) Rooke, Stu Douglas andPetty Officer Chris Van Geene (allfrom the Air Warfare Centre at RAFWaddington) met up with 8 otherservice personnel to participate inExercise Normandy Eagle 13.Led by Warrant Officer RichardNevitt, from 22 TrainingGroup Generic EducationTraining Centre, the exerciseconsisted of combiningboth Adventurous Trainingand a Staff Ride together toencourage and develop selfreliance, initiative, leadership,teamwork, expeditionaryops, airborne ops, /troopinsertion; Close Air Support/ Air interdiction, ethos,core values and standardsand a sense of adventureamong service personnel.Incorporated within theexpedition, personnelstudied and visited varioushistorical WW2 areas aroundthe Normandy coastline.Day 1Having departed Gosport onHMS Kukri, a Nicholson 55ft sailing boat, we set sail forOuistream, France, at 0600 hrs.The crossing was bothphysically demanding andchallenging with the shipspersonnel being split into a 2watch system working 4 hourson and 4 hours off. Each watchwas responsible for keepingDay 1a constant look out for ships,sailing the boat, preparing mealsand changing the sails as theweather changed, while the offwatch rested.With the ever changing weatherand sea state, some found it morechallenging than anticipated.Nonetheless, we all arrived safelyat Ouistream at around 2300hrs ready for our bed, havingenjoyed a good crossing.Days 2, 3 and 4Armed with a combination tothe shower block but with noshower token, personnel madedo with anything that wouldhold water; be it a baby sink orGosport MarinerDays 2, 3 & 4 Mulbery HarboursDay 1 Is that a carrot?even the cleaning ladies sink,the aroma was far more pleasantthan pre-cleanse.Suitably refreshed, breakfastwas then served (by the Motherwatch) and we departed theKukri to be met each day by theSpt Team from 22 Training GroupGeneric Education Training Centre,Squadron Leader’s David Stubbsand Heather Wootton. We werethen driven to various locationsaround the local area.Day 1 Challenging sea stateSpeeches on aspects of theNormandy beaches were givenby both crew and support staff,these included: Sword Beach,34 InsightMAGAZINE

Montgomery statue, HillmanStrongpoint, Pegasus Bridge, CaenMemorial Museum, ExpeditionaryAirfield B3, Arromanche cliff,Mulberry harbours, Point Du Hoc,Omaha Beach, Port en Bassinand Bayeux Cemetery. The indepth research that personnelcarried out, coupled with actuallybeing at each site gave peoplea much better appreciation andunderstanding of the efforts andsacrifices people made, in orderfor ourselves to be where weare today.Day 5Conscious of the tides andlack of wind forecast an earlyrise was inescapable. At 0500hrs the crew awoke to prepareto motor/ sail Kukri back toGosport. With a sea like a millpond we set off on our 100mile journey reaching groundbreaking speeds of 4.8 knots’under motor. Fortunately, at1500 hrs Zephyrus provided uswith a westerly wind to assistus northwards. All hands onDay 6 Plain sailingDays 2, 3 & 4 Port en Bessindeck was announced as theships additional front sails wereprepared and hoisted andsubsequently increased ourspeed to just shy of 8 knots.Having been sailing in totaldarkness the glimmering lightsof the Isle of Wight were spotted.Collision avoidance and accuratenavigation into Portsmouthharbour was the main priorityas everyone tried to identifythe correct light sequence offlashing lights amongst a massarray of varying lights on thecoastline. Once spotted thefinal course was set and wefinally arrived back at Gosportaround midnight.the boat for its next trip. 2hours later, with reliable Kukriin ship shape, personnel wenttheir separate ways havingthoroughly enjoyed their week.If you are interested inparticipating in any of theAdventurous Training or StaffDay 6 Back safe and soundrides at no cost go to thefollowing link:http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/RAF/Organisations/Orgs/GETC/Pages/EagleSchemeHomepage.aspxSergeant J. G. ROOKEDay 6After a good nights sleep allpersonnel awoke to prepareDay 6InsightMAGAZINE 35

D&M T WINGMobile towbar fitting serviceWitter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fittedVan Ply lining and extra seat fitting.Service discount available01529 306670Mobile 07740 683867Email dandmtowing08@btinternet.comUnit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park,Sleaford NG34 8GLWeb dandmtowing.co.ukLincoln’s No. 1 Motorcycle Repair CentreSERVICING EXCEEDSMANUFACTURERSSTANDARDSINSURANCE APPROVEDACCIDENT REPAIRSSPECIALIST ENGINEERSREBORING etc.ROAD & MOTOR CROSS TYRESBEST PRICES IN AREAWe also offera full collectionserviceMoTTestingLincoln01522 52382014 Clifton Street, Lincoln. LN5 8LQ (alongside Pelham Bridge)Repairs and Servicing of allmakes and modelsTyres Supplied & FittedM.O.T. TESTINGCLASSES1, 2, 4, 5 + 7FREE Re-TestsMotorcyclesand CarsUnit 2, Hadley Road, Woodbridge Road,Industrial Estate, East Road,Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EWTelephone (01529) 307162Wrightway Motorcycles & CarsMotorcycle & Scooter M.O.T’sWe service and repair cars too!Fully Qualified Master TechnicianUnit 5, 1 Sadler RoadLincoln, LN6 3RSTel: 01522 698487Mobile: 07725347338Email: wrightwaymc@gmail.comwww.wrightwaymc.comBEING POSTED? NEED TO SELL YOUR CAR QUICKLY?Call Mathew on 07860 363002Main office line FREEPHONE 0800 118 2527We will give you a price guide over the phoneSettle outstanding financeConsider any part exchangeNo matter what age or mileage36 InsightMAGAZINE

(Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance)Qualified Weapons InstructorPresentation& Graduation DayThe intensive Qualified WeaponsInstructor (Intelligence Surveillance& Reconnaissance) course beganin January......with enthusiastic studentsarriving at RAF Waddingtonfrom across Defence and as farafield as California. The studentswere drawn from Air BattlespaceManager, Intelligence Officer, RNAircrew, Army, USAF IntelligenceOfficer and RAF Aircrew Branches.Over the next 7 months thestudents were uniquely trainedas ISR leaders and tacticians,demonstrating extensive ISRknowledge during the numerousexams. They demonstrated skillsthroughout the Direct, Collect,Process, Disseminate (DCPD)process and across the J2/3/5/6domains, both academically andpractically during demandingABTC exercises and at Ex CQWI.During the course they were posedtwo challenging research topicsby Army ISTAR and the MaritimeWarfare Centre and identified somesignificant issues and potentialsolutions that could mitigatethese problems both in the nearand longer term. The syndicatepresentations are their opportunityto share these thoughts andshowcase themselves to aninfluential audience fromacross the ISR domain.Despite being only the 4th QWI(ISR) course to graduate, such isthe profile of the course and thesuccess of previous graduatesthat the audience included AOCNo. 1 Gp, AVM Atha. Followingthe presentations the AOCshared his thoughts on theircontent and offered a welcomeinsight into the shape of ISR inthe years to come. The covetedQWI patches were awardedby Commander Joint ForceIntelligence Group, BrigadierDavies; whose organisation isat the very heart of UK DefenceIntelligence modernisation.The new graduates take theirplace amongst the elite of ISR,with posts contributing toISR Operational effect in suchdiverse locations as Afghanistanand Colchester. In addition tothe coveted patch, graduatesalso have the opportunityto enrol for the MSC in ISRManagement, this collaborativeprogramme in associationwith Lincoln University createsthe framework for civilianaccreditation of this uniqueMilitary course. Graduates arerequired to produce a researchframework, an essay and adissertation to complete the MSc.Course 5 will commence inJanuary 2014, with 12 willingvolunteers selected.An exciting day’s cricket on 14 Aug13 at RAF Vine Lane, Uxbridge, sawRAF Waddington clinch the RAFT20 Cup from RAF Lossiemouthand RAF Odiham.Having won the RAF T20 Cup forthe 4 previous years, Lossie arrivedas favourites and were confidentof extending their hold on the title.However, after an early flight, theywould need to maintain focus inorder to deliver on their potential.Conversely, Waddington were thein-form team, enjoying an excellentregular season and lying second inthe league. A quiet self-assurednesspervaded the team – all were eagerto bring silverware to Lincolnshire.RAF Odiham made up the trio (thesame three sides as last’s final day).Odiham had some good playersand were certainly capable ofan upset.The early match was RAFLossiemouth vs RAF Odiham. Thelow scoring match set the tone forthe day, as Lossie only managed 104all out. Odiham’s response startedbriskly, as they were keen to chasethe total quickly. A bright startsoon fell foul of some audaciouslyattacking strokes. They succumbedto 63 all out, a loss of 41 runs.Lossie, now on the victory march,were keen to claim the title byputting Waddington to the sword.Fortunately, Waddington hadother ideas.The second match of the day sawRAF Lossiemouth clash with RAFWaddington. Lossie batted first.The top order was keen to batthrough and marshal the team toa good score. However, they failedto capitalise on a good base to theirinnings, crawling toward a total of96-3. Waddington bowled well(Corporal Lee Griffiths 1-7 from 4overs, Sergeant Rob Buckley 1-10from 4 overs) and kept it tight inthe field. Waddington took tothe total in aggressive fashionand Lossie were soon punishedfor their small total. SergeantStuart Fraser-Cattanach was themain Waddington protagonist,bludgeoning a rapid-fire 47 toensure Waddington achieved agood run-rate in addition to totalvictory and winning by 7 wkts inside14 overs.The final match of the day turnedout to be the best. Waddingtonneeded to win to claim the title –Odiham had disappointed in theirfirst game but were keen to restorepride. Waddington elected to batfirst, hoping to set a commandingRAF Waddington Cricket Team RAF T20 Winners 2013:Back Row (left to right): Chas Gimenez (President), John Dawson, Mat Haisman(OIC), Mark Lamper (Secretary), Paul Keymer, Lee GriffithsFront Row (left to right): Alan Cowdale (Dep OIC), Craig Reilly, Stuart Fraser-Cattanach (Vice-Capt), Rob Buckley (Capt), Ryan Watson (Treas), Jaime GreenRAF WADDINGTON ENDRAF LOSSIEMOUTH T20 DYNASTYtotal for the fragile Odiham battingline up. Unfortunately, despitegood performances by LanceCorporal Craig Reilly (24), SergeantFraser-Cattanach (24) and CorporalGriffiths (23), Waddington mustereda below-par 114. Odiham losttheir Captain (C Thomas) andbest batter in the first over to theoutstanding Waddington CaptainSergeant Rob Buckley (1-13 from 4overs). However, the other openerSenior Aircraftman Neil Langhamwas progressing the total nicely.Eventually succumbing on 36,the foundation was set for a goodchase. Waddington had other ideas.Senior Aircraftman Ryan Watsonwas reintroduced to the attackand bowled superbly well underpressure to produce arguably thebowling performance of the day.He took an important three wicketsat the death to deny Odiham theironly victory of the day and confirmWaddington as RAF T20 victors.Special note should go to StuartFraser-Cattanach, who was awardedthe Player of the Day Trophy byGroup Captain Reaves, RAFCAChairman. He complemented hisunique brand of aggressive battingwith two wickets and a resoluteperformance in the field.RAF Waddington have also reachedthe Final of the RAF Cricket Cupwhich is due to be played at RAFVine Lane on Mon 2 Sep 13; areport will follow for that event, indue course.Captain Paul Keymer, 5(AC) Sqn38 InsightMAGAZINE

It was “wheels-up” of a differenttype on the runway at RAFWaddington on Friday 16thAugust as Ex-RAF RegimentGunner Sean Allerton (48)completed the next stageof his PUSH 500 CharityWheelchair Challenge.Push(another) 500!Following a motorcycle crashnearly 20 years ago, Sean fromSherburn-in-elmet, near Yorkwas left a tetraplegic and is nowconfined to a wheelchair.Inspired by the news that TheProclaimers had become patrons ofthe Forgotten Heroes Charity, Seanset himself a 500 mile wheelchairchallenge which he successfullycompleted in March of this year.Not one to rest on his laurels Seanhas set himself another 500 milechallenge, 3 miles of which hecompleted on a loop of the airfieldat RAF Waddington on Friday.Sean said:“As a recipient of thesupport of the RAF Charities I’mable fully appreciate just howmuch of a difference they canmake to the life of someone whoneeds it. I hope you can sponsormy efforts which provides vitalfunds for them”.Sean was joined on his challengeby several of his supportersincluding personnel from8 Force Protection Wing RAFWaddington who regularlyprovide specialist forceprotection capabilities at Bastionand Kandahar Airfields, membersof the Yorkshire University AirSquadron who have supportedSean throughout his challenge,and an RAF Waddington PhysicalTraining Instructor (PTI) CorporalOllie Loak. Keen to experiencethe challenge as Sean does, hissupporters completed part ofthe course in wheelchairs.When he’s not too busy raisingmoney for Charity Sean canbe found flying, a hobby he’srecently discovered and excelledat. Having been given a flyingscholarship for disabled peopleSean is now an accomplishedsolo pilot.More info can be found atwww.push500.com/the-challengeTo donate please go towww.push500.com/sponsorInsightMAGAZINE 39

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54 Squadron97th AnniversaryReunion WeekendOn 27 September, 54(R)Squadron welcomed Associationmembers to RAF Waddingtonfor their annual reunion event.Gathering in the crew roomon Friday evening for atraditional Squadron beer calland sumptuous buffet (thanksto Mrs Karen Cropper), OfficerCommanding 54(R) Squadron,Wing Commander Tim Monk,welcomed retired and servingmembers and their families.Awarding Warrant Officer SteveCorlett with a well-deservedA2 Instructor Upgrade, WingCommander Monk receiveda gift of new model aircraftpainstakingly recreated inSquadron livery by Mr JohnGreen (probably the finest aircraftmodel maker in the country). Themodels now sit proudly amongstother Squadron aircraft in a newpresentation cabinet locatedwithin the Squadron crew room.Saturday’s events started witha visit to RAF Cranwell, where atour of College Hall Officers’ Messwas hosted by Curator Ms HazelCrozier. Association membersreturned to RAF Waddingtonwhere a families’ afternoongave them the opportunity tofly the Sentry simulator, tourthe Sentinel static display andwitness an amazing Spitfire flypastflown by Station CommanderRAF Coningsby, Group CaptainJohnny Stringer, a formerSquadron member. Followingthe Annual General Meeting,Saturday’s formal dinner washeld at the stately Branston Hall.The Squadron Standard set thebackdrop for a delicious mealattended by some 83 members.Association President WingCommander Monk was joinedby Assistant Chief of the Air Staff,Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer,himself a former OC 54 Squadron,new Chairman Wing CommanderSimon Prior (Retd) and PadreWing Commander Kev Hart. WingCommander Monk highlightedhow busy the Squadron had beenover the previous 12 months,with training, standardisation andoperational involvement acrossall ISTAR Force Elements based atRAF Waddington.The oldest Association memberand ex-Second World WarSpitfire pilot, Mr Ken Bellamy waspresented with a 90th birthdaygift of a Spitfire Haynes’ Manualby Patron Air Marshal Sir RogerAustin (Retd). For his lifelongcontribution to the Association,Sir Roger was gifted a largepicture of Sopwith Camel – theSquadron’s First World Waraction being the subject ofhis current research. Ex OfficerCommanding 54(R) Squadron,Wing Commander Anne-MarieHoughton also presented theSquadron with an impressivenew piece of silver (in the familiarshape of a Lion rampant sable) asher departing gift.Since its reformation at RAFWaddington on 1st September2005, the 54 SquadronAssociation has gone fromstrength to strength with around250 members. The Association iskeen to attract more members(whether they served on theground or in the air) and wouldparticularly welcome interestfrom veterans of the Jaguar era(1974-2005). The Association isramping up for the Squadron’s100th anniversary celebrations,hopefully to be held where itwas formed at Castle Bromwichin 1916. However, next year’sreunion will be held overthe weekend of 19th to 20thSeptember at RAF Waddington.Membership of the Associationis free. Serving and retired 54Squadron members interested inbecoming involved with futureAssociation activities shouldcontact Secretary Flight SergeantJase Brewster at jkb100@live.co.uk. Audax Omnia Perpeti!Below:Association members assembledin front of a Sentinel R1 aircraft atthe Families Afternoon.Above:Six OC 54s reunited – fromleft to right: Air Marshal SirRoger Austin (Retd), WingCommander Simon Prior (Retd),Wing Commander Tim Monk,Wing Commander Anne-MarieHoughton, Group Captain DimJones (Retd), Air Vice MarshalEdward Stringer.InsightMAGAZINE 41

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New barbershop opens in NavenbyLuke’s Barbershop opened on 3rd January this year.Started by Luke Daniels, the business has beenestablished to give the modern and traditionalman a place to feel comfortable, with ‘good oldfashioned barbering” and wet shaves with hottowels, without the need of an appointmentor the fuss that goes with modern gentleman’shairdressing. The purpose of Luke’s Barbershop isto offer quality service in the surroundings manymen are used to, and also with very traditionalsurroundings from the 1930’s when barberingshops were at their pinnacle for men’s grooming.The barbers is set in the beautiful village ofNavenby and is sure to add to the number ofquality establishments already within the area.“We chose to open the Barbershop as we feltthat for the surrounding area and well beyond,there was nobody offering a service where wetshaves and a mixture of modem and traditionalbarbering could be obtained,” commented Luke. “We have always felt that with the right premisesin the right location, we could offer the completepackage. Most men do not like the fuss of makingan appointment, or deciding when their hair is dueto be cut, so we feel strongly that this barbershophas no appointments for any of the services-Theshop’s first priority is the people of Navenby andthe surrounding village~~therefore all ages arecatered for from first haircuts to our respectedsenior citizens, men on their way to and from workand the surrounding RAF bases.”Decades ago, shaving was one of the biggestservices in the barbershop. In fact, gents wouldfrequent the shop most days for a shave and wouldinsist in having their own brush and mug.One of the main reasons for this was the shavewas cheap and quite a relaxing process, as a facemassage was always included. However at home itwas difficult to maintain and use a fixed blade razor(cut throat). It was also time consuming and anuncomfortable shave because gents had very littleexperience of looking after the blade.Shaving was a very lucrative business for the barberuntil the early 1900’s when the safety razor wasintroduced.The art of shaving then hit its demise and wasat the point of extinction until now. With thebarbershop becoming fashionable once more,modern barbers are looking not just to cut hairwell but to start taking care of their male clientelebetter.The wet shaves are very much for the modernman, they are done in such as way that theclient does not feel too fussed over but gets anextremely pleasant service. The Luxury Wet Shaveconsists of a total of 5 hot towels, moisturisers,oils, creams, 2 shaves and a freezing cold towel,leaving the face extremely smooth and soft, all in40 minutes.The Wet shaves are already proving popular, withmany ladies treating their partners to a luxury wetshave experience.Luke’s Barbershop, 19 High Street,Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0EN.T: 01522 811816www.lukesbarbershop.co.ukInsightMAGAZINE 43