Lookout

The Lookout The
Magazine of RAF Boulmer Issue 2 - 2016

The Lookout
Issue 2 • 2016
Editorial Team
Editor
Flight Lieutenant Sophie Atkinson
Tel: 01665 607385 or 95818 7385
Email: Bou-Lookout-GrpMbx@mod.uk
Deputy Editor
Sergeant Lisa Cavill-Eardley
Tel: 01665 607433 or 95818 7433
Email: Bou-Lookout-GrpMbx@mod.uk
Publisher
© This magazine contains official information and should
be treated with discretion by the recipient and the views
expressed in this magazine, unless specifically stated otherwise,
do not reflect MOD, RAF or Station policy and are the personal
views of the author. No responsibility for the quality of goods
or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by
the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in
good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd,
Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire
NN10 0RU.
Contents
Station Commander’s Foreword 4
From the Editor 4
Padre’s Peace 4
1016 (Berwick) Sqn celebrates its 75th Anniversary 8
Chain Home at Craster 10
Get Involved with Challenge Events 10
The Changing Face of the RAF 11
Charity Peak Challenge 12
From Guardroom to Castle Keep 14
Getting to Know... Sgt Darren ‘Taff’ Lewis 15
School Blow Out 16
RAF Boulmer Welcomes Guests 18
RAF Boulmer Commemorates ANZAC Day 20
RAF Ski Championships 23
Queensberry Rules, KO! 25
Running Down the Competition 26
Tel: 01933 419994. Fax: 01933 419584.
E-mail: sales@forcespublishing.co.uk
Managing director: Ron Pearson
Design: Jo Glen
Sales manager: Amanda Mains
ON THE COVER…
Flight Lieutenant Miley leads the parade at
the ANZAC Day ceremony at East Chevington
cemetary, Northumberland.
Submission deadlines:
Please send all submissions for Issue 3
2016 of The Lookout to the Editor by 29th
June 2016.
p20
THE LOOKOUT 3

Station Commander’s Foreword
Group Captain Mark Coleman
To quote from one of my favourite
poems: ‘The time has come the walrus
said ….’ 1 and, indeed, the time has
come for me to bid a fond farewell to all at
Royal Air Force Boulmer, to those in the Air
Surveillance and Control System and to the
Northumberland community. Whilst the
name of my replacement (Group Captain
Rich Jacob) was announced nearly a year ago,
I find it astonishing how quickly that time
has gone by and sadly this will be the last
opportunity I have to write the foreword to
‘The Lookout’. Nicky, Laura and I have had
the most wonderful time here in the North
East of England. As well as being appreciative
for having been given the privilege of
commanding Royal Air Force Boulmer I
am also ever grateful for the way that the
Coleman family has been accepted into the
local community.
Over the past 2 years the Station, and the Air
Surveillance and Control System, has been
exceptionally busy. Throughout that period we
have worked 24/7 to ensure the integrity of the
UK’s airspace; ever ready to react to suspicious
aircraft as part of the UK’s Air Counter Terrorism
response or react to non-NATO military aircraft
operating around the UK. We have also
participated in several operations both within
the UK and overseas. For example: designing
and implementing the air policing plans
for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
and the NATO Summit in Wales; deploying
Air Defence assets in support of the Maltese
Government during the Commonwealth
Heads of Government meeting; and, providing
much needed air situational awareness to UK
aircraft operating over Syria and Iraq. I am
immensely proud of all the personnel involved
in these operations; they have typified the
professionalism and sense of duty that has
been and always will be the foundation of a
strong and capable Armed Force.
In conclusion, my tour at Royal Air Force
Boulmer has been the highlight of my career.
It is with much sadness that I will leave the
Station and the Air Surveillance and Control
System. I have been privileged to be here
and to work with some outstanding people.
Nicky, Laura and I will definitely miss being in
Northumberland, but we take with us some
great memories. We wish you and your families
all the very best for the future.
1
The Walrus and The Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
(from Through the Looking-Glass and What
Alice Found There, 1872).
From the Editor
Flight Lieutenant Sophie Atkinson
Spring is here and I for one am enjoying every
possible moment outside in the sunshine. I was
fortunate enough to take advantage of some
Adventurous Training in the Lake District recently
with some other members of my Squadron (see
pages 16/17) – a great experience despite some distinctly
un-Spring like conditions!
The issue is full of the opportunities our people have
taken to use the outdoors to their advantage in their
personal and professional development. We fit all of this in
around our 24/7 commitment to doing, and supporting,
operations. If you could be inspired to join us, check out
Squadron Leader Phillipson’s account of being a RAF
Reservist (page 11) – there are lots of ways to be part of
the team.
Padre’s
Peace
The other night I was out in my
back garden admiring the sunset.
What a gorgeous sunset it was
too with light refracting through
clouds of various shapes and giving
off beautiful shades of pink and
purple… Glorious! The sky’s not
always that beautiful and neither
are people, but always remember,
everybody has a beautiful side
to them. Sometimes it’s just hard
to see.
Padre Paul
This is my last issue as Editor before I hand over the reins -
thanks go to an excellent team for all their support during
my tenure as Editor.
I hope you enjoy the issue and the long days of summer
ahead. Best wishes.
Sophie
4 THE LOOKOUT

THE LOOKOUT 5

6 THE LOOKOUT

THE LOOKOUT 7

1016 (Berwick) Squadron celebrate its 75th
C
adets
from England’s
most northerly Air
Cadet Squadron
recently celebrated their own
75th Anniversary with a day of
special events.
Members of 1016 (Berwick) Squadron
commemorated the founding of the Squadron
on the 22nd February 1941 by Councillor
Ayre and the then Commanding Officer
Major J A Herriott who were inspired by the
Government announcement of the formation
of the Air Training Corps a few weeks before.
The Squadron has been in continuous
existence since then, and it celebrated its 75th
Anniversary with a Service of Commemoration,
a Parade through the town and a civic
reception in the town’s Guildhall.
Mr Phil Rowatt, the Squadron’s historian,
explained one of the challenges that has always
faced the Squadron. ‘Berwick-upon-Tweed
has always been a military town, with strong
Army history and traditions; the town has one
of the oldest purpose-built Army Barracks in
the UK, and is the home of the former Kings
Own Scottish Borderers Regiment. It has
therefore always been challenging to develop
and maintain a presence for the Royal Air Force
without competing with the Army! Indeed,
by 2013 the Squadron roll had dwindled to
a single cadet and it was under serious risk
of closing down due to lack of numbers.
However the return of an experienced Officer
Commanding, the hard work of new adult
volunteers and a determined recruitment
campaign in local schools means that the
Squadron has now 34 cadets on strength and
its future looks secure.’
The Officer Commanding 1016 (Berwick)
Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Susan Gillies,
paid tribute to her staff, cadets and civilian
committee. ‘We are a Squadron that is very
proud of our history of 75 unbroken years
and our current success is down to the hard
work of all those who are involved in the
Squadron: staff, cadets, parents and those on
the Civilian Committee who make it all work
in the background. While we are reasonably
central in the UK, we are also somewhat
isolated; our nearest neighbouring Squadrons
are between 25 and 40 miles away, Wing events
are commonly about 60 plus miles away, and
our cadets leave Berwick-upon-Tweed at 0430
in the morning when they are travelling to RAF
Leeming for Air Experience Flying. We are really
fortunate to have cadets from both sides of the
English-Scottish border, although synchronising
our activities with the different school holidays
in each country can complicate matters!’
Since its resurgence, in addition to routine
Squadron training nights, 1016 Squadron
has offered its cadets air experience flying,
adventure training, a Duke of Edinburgh’s
Awards programme, target shooting, radio
training, and initiative exercises, whilst also
taking part in inter squadron sports and
swimming; its cadets and staff also regularly
visit RAF Boulmer, to develop and maintain
their links with the Royal Air Force.
Flight Lieutenant Gillies went on to explain how
the Squadron is building strength-in-depth.
’Since the Squadron has renewed, a small band
of staff has worked incredibly hard to increase
the number of activities that we can offer to
our cadets; we have started small, but are
progressively increasing our own skills along
with the skills of our cadets. It is indicative of
our progress that the Squadron’s most senior
cadet has recently been selected as the Lord
Lieutenant’s Cadet for Northumberland; Cadet
Flight Sergeant Doolan only joined the Air
Warrant
Officer Karen
Bowers, Stn
WO, RAF
Boulmer,
marshalling
the parade.
8 THE LOOKOUT
1016 Sqn 75th Anniversary
Service of Commemoration

Anniversary
by Mr A Stewart
Below: Cadets from 1016 (Berwick-Upon-Tweed)
Squadron parading through the town.
Squadron Leader Sheedy RAF VR(T), Durham
and Northumberland Wing ATC North Sector
Commander, leading the Parade for the 1016
Squadron 75th Anniversary Day
Left: Former
1016 Sqn Officer
Commanding,
Flight Lieutenant
(Retd) Starling
RAF VR(T) with
the Mayor of
Berwick-Upon-
Tweed, Councillor
Hazel Bettison
at the Civic
Reception in the
Berwick-Upon-
Tweed Guildhall
Squadron Leader
Sheedy RAF VR(T),
Durham and
Northumberland
Wing ATC North
Sector Commander,
leading the Parade
for the 1016
Squadron 75th
Anniversary Day
Cadet Organisation in 2013
and is eagerly anticipating the
extra responsibilities and duties
that the appointment will bring
him. We are fortunate to have
excellent staff and cadets, and
tremendous support from
parents, teachers, the town and
district and RAF Boulmer. The
foundations are now laid for the
Squadron to continue to provide
training in life skills and aviation,
and 1016 (Berwick) Squadron
is now looking forward to
celebrating our own 100th
Anniversary in 2041!’
Cadet Flight Sergeant Doolan,
parading the 1016 Squadron colour
into the Service of Commemoration
Group Captains Leeming (Air Cadet
Organisation, North Region, Regional
Commander) and Coleman (RAF
Boulmer Station Commander) taking
the salute from the Parade outside the
Berwick-Upon-Tweed Guildhall.
THE LOOKOUT 9

Chain Home
at Craster
By Senior Aircraftman W Smith
One spring morning, the School of Aerospace Battle
Management Simulator & Support flight (SSF)
embarked on a quest to further our knowledge of the
British Air Defence network that was put in place for operation
during World War II. The plan for the day was to visit the
Chain Home radar site in Craster village, about 10 km up the
beautiful Northumberland coastline from RAF Boulmer.
The Chain Home radar sites across the United Kingdom played a
crucial part in Britain’s Air Defence during the Battle of Britain. A
Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) unit once stood proudly 50
metres above sea level just north of Craster village, giving Britain
protection from enemies both air- and sea-borne. Craster featured
the Air Ministry’s experimental Type 2 radar systems that were
designed for detecting enemy aircraft at low level. The previous
Type 1 radar was restricted to high level detection, but it did have
an extended range for airborne early warning capabilities. Once
the air threat from the Luftwaffe was eliminated the Chain Home
systems were used for detection against Germany’s latest long
range ballistic missile, the V2 rocket. Furthermore, post-war it was
again reactivated and used against the threat from the Soviet
Union and searched for long range bombers. Today there are a few
remaining hard standing buildings and a plaque to honour the
work of those who worked on the site over the years in the defence
of Britain.
We are very spoilt to have the remains of one of the first of its
kind just a short walk up the coast from RAF Boulmer; this was an
excellent opportunity to learn about the radar systems once used.
This particular Force Development day couldn’t have been more
relevant to the work done to this day at RAF Boulmer. SSF took great
interest in, and inspiration from, the contribution to Air Defence of
men and women from up to 70 years ago.
Get involved with
CHALLENGE EVENTS
Are you looking for a new challenge, an incentive to get into
shape or just a fundraising opportunity with a difference? The
Royal Air Forces Association has plenty lined up in 2016 no
matter what your fitness level. Challenges including skydiving and
Snowdon multi-activity weekend, as well as overseas challenges
such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking the Great Wall of
China to name a couple.
Whether it is running in Edinburgh, Liverpool or the Great North
Run or you want to test your skills in our Snowdon multi-activity
weekend, where you will be cycling, running and canoeing through
the beautiful Welsh countryside of the Snowdonia National Park. For
thrill seekers we run a range of skydiving challenges in collaboration
with the RAF Falcons at various locations throughout the UK.
There will be something for everyone with our fundraising
challenges and the money you raise helps us to support members
of the RAF family in need. The spread of events throughout the year
means that there is no excuse not to sign up to something!
Each challenge event comes with a minimum fundraising target,
which we realistically expect you to hit within a few months
after the event and our challenge events team will give you all of
the support they can for this. Whether you want to set yourself
a personal goal, or join as a group for some team building, the
Association has lots of challenges to offer. For more details, contact
Baz or Amanda on challenge-events@rafa.org.uk to see what your
challenge will be in 2016.
The section on
their investigative
walk to Craster.
10 THE LOOKOUT

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE RAF
When I left the RAF at the end of
2014 I never imagined that I would
put on the blue uniform once
more, let alone operate again as a Master
Controller (MC), with tactical control of the
Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Force which is
responsible for the security of UK airspace 24
hours a day, every day of the year. Although
I was asked to consider Full-Time Reserve
Service (FTRS) or even an extension of service
during my last 18 months in the Service, I
intended to retire – completely.
- A VIEW OF THE WHOLE FORCE CONCEPT
The prospect of joining the Royal Auxiliary Air
Force (RAuxAF) had not occurred to me either,
because of the presumed ‘geographical’ nature
of the organization. Also, I did not believe the
RAF would be happy with a ‘part timer’ being a
“live” operator, especially as I was now planning
to live at the other end of the country. Yet to
my surprise I found that the RAuxAF option was
very much still on the table, and that I did not
have to live near a Squadron to join one. So I
am now a member of 602 Sqn RAuxAF which
has its HQ in Glasgow and my time back in
uniform has been split between Boulmer and
Scampton, even though I live in Somerset.
Squadron Leader
Phillipson on
live operations
– as if he’d never
been away!
By Squadron Leader M Phillipson, 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force
In October I spent three weeks at Boulmer
participating in Exercise JOINT WARRIOR (a triservice
multinational exercise), and then went
on to prepare for NATO’s Exercise RAMSTEIN
ASPECT in November. Both of these periods
involved me with the Battle-staff or on the
simulator – no “live” work. Imagine my surprise
when I was asked if I would be willing and
available to help out early in 2016 to cover
some live MC shifts; this would help maintain
staffing levels while personnel took part in
Exercise RED FLAG in the USA. One of the most
attractive aspects of being in the RAuxAF is
that I have a large say in when I work, and after
discussing the request with my wife, I agreed to
go back.
I arrived at Scampton in January, and I must
admit to being somewhat apprehensive at
trying to regain my operating endorsement
after nearly 18 months away. However, to
my surprise, I found that I had forgotten very
little, and that hardly anything had changed.
I quickly re-gained my ‘ticket’ and was on ‘Q’
again (i.e. working as a MC for a shift) – working
weekends and being on call. I also found myself
running some simulated exercises for the crews
here as well as instructing in the simulator.
Again nothing had really changed, so I was
able to get back to my old ways in a very short
time. In fact, after a week, I felt that I hadn’t
been away for anything longer than a couple of
weeks leave.
So what does this tell me about the RAF and
my role as an Aerospace Battle Manager?
Well, with the onset of the New Employment
Model – the wide ranging review of terms
and conditions for serving personnel - it is
becoming apparent to me that retaining
experience is going to be a challenge, as
fewer people are likely to complete 35+
years service as I did. No matter how the
technology changes (and I came back after a
major equipment upgrade), the principles of
what we do change little – which means that
experience still counts. The use of reserve forces
– either FTRS or RAuxAF – is a very effective
way of retaining that essential experience.
The differences between the two enable the
Service to attract those people like myself who
do not want a full time commitment, as well
as those who do wish to stay in the RAF full
time, but with a much more stable domestic
life. In my situation I aim to do my minimum of
15 days in uniform (yes, that’s all I am committed
to) in blocks of one or two weeks at a time if I
am going to be away from my home area. I am
also eligible for any role in the RAF for which I am
qualified, even to be deployed abroad should
it be requested and acceptable to me. If I lived
closer to an RAF establishment I could, with
the agreement of the unit and my Squadron,
fulfil my commitment by working a couple
of days a month. Compare this with the FTRS
commitment which, while full time as the name
suggests, is tied to a specific post at a specific
unit, and depending on the type of contract,
may allow for deployment or not.
For those of you reading this and considering
leaving the Service in the near future for
whatever reason, it does not mean that you have
to leave it all behind you. There are options to
remain part of the Service – full or part time –
and not necessarily in the branch or trade you
left. While some things (mainly technology)
change, the basic elements of what we do
remain the same. You may think that you have
nothing left to offer, but the truth is you have
experience, and that is an invaluable commodity
in increasingly short supply.
THE LOOKOUT 11

Charity Peak Challenge
by Senior Aircraftman Brettell
Personnel from RAF Waddington and RAF
Boulmer set down a challenging task.
Consisting of Flight Sergeant John Hughes,
Sergeant Lisa Cavill-Eardley, Corporal Peter Todd
and Senior Aircraftman Andrew Brettell, the team
aimed to raise money for two separate charities;
The Matt Hampson Foundation (£295) and the
Lions Club Alnwick Branch (£400).
The challenge was walking/running 3 peaks in the Lake District; these
being Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Skiddaw, with a goal to complete
within 12 hours. This was achieved, with a total time of 11 hours 10
mins (including travelling to and from start points) and a climb time
of 9 hours.
As the morning began, the base of Helvellyn was layered with thick
fog. Thankfully, half way up we broke through and were welcomed
by a cloudless blue sky and spectacular views. As we pushed ahead
with the rising sun we reached the top of Helvellyn within an hour,
breaking into a morning jog on our descent where we encountered
for the first time others who seemed bewildered by these strange
people jogging in the opposite direction at such an hour.
We drove to our second climb and were faced with Scafell Pike
looming overhead with, we would soon realise, its many false
summits. The peak began with a gradual climb on a well-maintained
gravel path, which we were soon missing as the terrain became
difficult and at times hazardous. Working together we climbed higher,
leaving the greenery and the first false summit behind, we entered a
section covered in large boulders; no paths but the relief of the true
summit now in view. This excitement was short lived as we realised
that to reach our goal we had to descend and scale two further false
summits before the final stage climb. This sounds trivial, but when
your body is aching and cramp’s setting in, each step affects your
already drained energy levels. With the guidance of Peter Todd and
sheer determination, we successfully completed our second ascent in
a time of 1 hour 57 minutes and began our descent, encouraged by
the thought of one final peak.
At last, Skiddaw. This 686 metre climb; although the smallest would,
for me, become the most painful. I would soon realise my body was
now running on fumes. We set off with the sight of most people on
the peak now descending as our team began. As the sun was setting
and dark clouds appeared for the first time, we struggled up the slope
feeling the burn. We climbed step after step until we reached the
summit 1 hour 30 minutes later. At this point we were all suffering
and my legs were in agony, cramp surging through them. The relief of
transiting downhill was a blessing. We descended quickly with the sun
dipping and finally finished our challenge 11 hours and 10 minutes
after the start with a mixture of feelings from pride to pain. “Now
where’s that pint!”
Helvelyn Scafell Pike Skiddaw Totals
8.64km 16.96km 10.10km Distance – 35.7km
Ascent – 770m Ascent – 1060m Ascent – 686m Ascent – 2516m
Descent – 785m Descent – 1062m Descent – 712m Descent – 2559m
12 THE LOOKOUT

THE LOOKOUT 13

From Guardroom to Castle Keep
The Military
Provost Guard
Service (MPGS)
Detachment at RAF
Boulmer recently
embarked on the
second of their
bi-annual Force
Development Days.
The aim of this
Force Development
activity was to
enhance historical
military knowledge
and promoting
team building.
The guarding robes of the past were
heavier than today’s version!
The historic Newcastle Castle Keep
& Black Gate was the chosen venue.
Private Taylor was entrusted with
driving duties and with Private
Warren his trusted navigator, the
minibus arrived safe and sound at
the Newcastle Quayside.
The cost of entry to the venue was
kindly subsidised by the Station
Force Development Section.
Dress was smart casual (including
woolly hats and gloves!) and the
day started with a tour of the
Castle exterior, observing the
ruins of a formerly much larger
establishment, now surrounded by
modern roads and buildings. Three
Tour Guides provided an in depth
description of the castle’s history
and interesting facts about where
the castle got its name, its age, its
creators and why it was built.
The information gained about
the Castle Keep was particularly
pertinent to the MPGS as it was
By Private A Taylor
Enjoying the view from the top of the Keep.
explained that the security of an
establishment was a priority to
the Romans and that and that an
emphasis was put on protecting
their own assets and people above
all else.
The castle itself dated back 2000
years to the days of Romans and
Hadrian’s Wall. A formerly wooden
castle had been replaced by a
stone one as Newcastle became
an important royal stronghold
for controlling the North and
defending England from the Scots.
As the town developed from a
cluster of buildings around the
castle to a bustling area of huge
wealth, the castle housed the
Sheriff of Northumberland and
became an administrative and
judicial centre for the North.
Eventually, city merchants raised
money for the building of a town
wall and the castle remained
a place of imprisonment and
execution into the 17th century.
The railways took away most of
the wall remains, meaning today
the most prominent remaining
structures are the Castle Keep (a
Grade I listed building, the main
fortified stone tower), and the Black
Gate (its fortified gatehouse, now a
Scheduled Ancient Monument).
The Black Gate, when built,
consisted of two towers with a
passage running between them.
On either side of the passage was
a vaulted Guardroom, a familiar
scene to our MPGS Soldiers! There
was a drawbridge at the front and
another at the rear. There was also
a portcullis which could be raised
and lowered to seal the entrance
passage and safeguard the castle
from intrusion.
Our guides were entertaining
and informative, including some
interactive involvement when
discussing parts of the castle. The
multi-layered uniform of a soldier
was expertly demonstrated by
Lance Corporal Brown and he was
also given the chance to wield
some weapons from the medieval
period.
Last but certainly not least came
the highlight of the day, a climb to
the roof of the Gate, which offered
unrivalled views over the city’s
many bridges, the River Tyne and
of course St James Park. All told,
this was a fantastic day of learning,
team bonding and camaraderie. A
great opportunity to discover more
about our local military history and
one thoroughly enjoyed!
Spectacular views
over the Tyne
from the top of
the Keep.
14 THE LOOKOUT

Getting to know...
Sergeant Darren ‘Taff’ Lewis
Sergeant Darren ‘Taff’ Lewis arrived at RAF Boulmer in January 2015. As
the Senior Non Commissioned Officer in charge of Mechanical Transport
Control, he oversees the day to day running of the Mechanical Transport
fleet, authorising their use by station personnel. Here he provides us with an
insight into his passions...
WHAT PART OF THE COUNTRY ARE YOU FROM AND WHY IS THIS
THE BEST PLACE EVER?
I was born in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, an old mining village at
the mouth of the Amman Valley. It has stunning scenery, is home to
one of the few modern stone circle monoliths in Wales and is also
home to John Rhys Davies (Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings).
WHAT DID YOU DO PRIOR TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT
DID THIS ENTAIL?
Prior to arriving at RAF Boulmer I was Acting Flight Sergeant at RAF
Wittering near Peterborough. Here I was in charge of 18 Senior
Aircraftmen, 11 Corporals, 25 civilian drivers and a fleet of over
380 vehicles.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT AND DO YOU SUPPORT
ANY TEAMS?
My passion is rugby and of course I support Wales.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A FILM OF YOUR LIFE?
I would love it to be Ryan Reynolds but if he was busy then I would ask
for Matt Le Blanc to do the honours!
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE
TV CHARACTER AND WHY?
Lee Majors from The Fall
Guy because he’s a stunt
man bounty hunter and got
to act alongside Heather
Locklear (massive crush!).
WHAT FACT DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU… UNTIL NOW?
When I was 12, I starred in a Welsh soap opera called Pobl-y-Cwm. I
have no idea why I admitted to that!
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND COULD
ONLY WISH FOR 3 THINGS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
My fiancée for companionship, a bottle of HP sauce because it goes
well with anything and Bear Grylls’ survival instinct to live.
WHO IS YOUR HERO?
My mum is my hero; she raised ME for a start!
THE LOOKOUT 15

School Blow Out
By Flying Officer Bell and Senior Aircraftman Coulson
Staff from Sim Support Flight and Surveillance
Training Flight in the School of Aerospace Battle
Management at RAF Boulmer recently set out
in several groups for Adventurous Training in
the beautiful Lake District. From their base in
Keswick, the groups climbed Blencathra (circa 868m)
and Helvellyn (circa 950m), the latter being the third
highest point in England. They also tackled blue and red
mountain biking trails in Whinslatter Forest.
MOUNTAINEERING
When tackling Helvellyn teamwork
and morale were tested, along with
navigational skills as with every step
the summit never seemed to get
any closer! One group was more
fortunate than the other, as the
weather allowed them to enjoy the
views which were definitely worth
the long climb. However, the British
weather lived up to its reputation
and the descent proved to be the
most challenging part owing to
layers of snow and ice. This forced
the group to take an alternate
route back down with the added
surprise of a bad turn of weather
and exceptionally strong winds,
leading to some unique walking
angles. Pushing through and finally
reaching the end of the walk, it was
safe to say everyone was ready to
call it a day, after a total of 14km
and 8 hours of trekking. The second
group weren’t so lucky in their
timing; pleasant conditions in the
first stages of the climb quickly
turned to a grand tour of mist and
cloud, limiting visibility to only a
few metres at points, including at
the summit!
For the group tackling Blencathra,
solid progress was being made
until the weather took a turn
for the worse. Unfortunately the
climb could not be completed
due to the high risk to safety and
as the visibility grew worse Senior
Aircraftman Blundell, wearing a
very standout high visibility jacket,
guided the way off the hill to safety
for the rest of the group. Under
the direction of the Expedition
Leader, qualified Mountain Leader
Flying Officer Halton, it was a
valuable lesson that regular risk
assessments should be conducted
throughout a climb and that you
should never press on in dangerous
circumstances; reacting correctly
to emerging weather conditions
is paramount.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
West of Keswick, the groups
embarked on mountain biking
in Whinlatter Forest. Whinlatter is
The views – when
available! – were
well worth it.
home to the longest mountain
bike trail in the Lake District, with
varying levels of difficulty. Before
jumping straight into the route,
all bikers conducted a check of
their bike to ensure they were fully
serviceable and correctly set up for
the trail and then practiced skills
on a course on the flat ground to
get used to the bikes and the gears.
Some grasped the techniques
quicker than others, resulting in
some dismounts and falls along the
course, which is to be expected.
One biker even managing to fall
over his handlebars and somehow
land on his feet – this was a big
morale boost for the others! The
trails required the ability to work
the gears effectively, to ensure you
were not braking with enough
force to throw you off the bike,
or forced to roll back down. One
group confidently completed
a red trail through the forest
estimated at around 12km, while
the other group completed a
blue route of around 8km. Both
were big achievements given that
The groups thoroughly
enjoyed the mountain
bike challenges at
Whinslatter Forest.
The opportunity to get outdoors and above ground level for a few
hours is not something to turn down, and learning that the snow on
the side of the mountains might disappear from under you, taking
you with it, is always good to know!
16 THE LOOKOUT

Adventurous Training (known as AT) is a tool used to develop
military personnel’s teamwork, physical robustness and
personal approaches to new and challenging environments.
all participants had little to no
previous experience.
Throughout the challenges,
we were physically pushed
but thoroughly enjoyed the
experiences and safe to say would
all definitely do it all again – but
would hope for better weather
next time!
Ascending Hellvelyn
The weather closed in as
we reached the summit
From this experience, some individuals have since opted
to further develop themselves by booking on to courses
which will enable them to become qualified trainers in either
mountain biking and mountaineering.
THE LOOKOUT 17

RAF BOULMER WELCOMES GUESTS
The sun came out at exactly the right time as
RAF Boulmer welcomed guests at a Spring
Reception in the Officers’ Mess.
On a beautiful Northumberland evening, the
Station Commander, Group Captain Mark
Coleman, was delighted to greet guests
including civic dignitaries and representatives
of the many organisations throughout the
county with whom the Station has close ties.
It also gave Station personnel the chance to
thank all those who have provided tremendous
support to the Station, its people and
their families.
The evening included a ceremonial Sunset
Ceremony and Parade by a flight of Royal Air
Force personnel, led by the Band of 5 Royal
Regiment of Fusiliers. The ceremony included
the lowering of the RAF Ensign, the National
Anthem and a flypast by an E3D Sentry aircraft
from RAF Waddington.
During his speech to the assembled guests,
Group Captain Coleman reported that the
Station was in good health and spirit.
“Search and Rescue operations had been a
significant part of RAF Boulmer’s role and will
remain an important chapter in the Station’s
history. However, in terms of personnel, A
Flight 202 Squadron accounted for just over 5%
of the overall Station population. The increase
the Station has seen in Defence training over
the last year has resulted in a noticeable
increase in the overall Station population.
The School of Aerospace Battle Management
has continued to deliver “class leading”
Aerospace Battle Management training, a
term coined by NATO to indicate the ‘primus
inter pares’ position which the School now
enjoys internationally. This year has seen over
600 students being trained, predominantly
Royal Air Force and our sister Services, but
also students from Canada, Slovakia, Pakistan,
18 THE LOOKOUT

Norway, United States of America, Oman, and
Saudi Arabia to name but a few. The creation
of the NATO specific training course is paying
real dividends, and in the year ahead we will
see further defence engagement opportunities
being taken at the School, reflective of the
level of international recognition the Service
has received for its management of the
exceptionally congested airspace over Iraq
and Syria.
The staff of Control and Reporting Centre has
worked 24/7 to ensure the integrity of the
UK’s airspace; ever ready to react to suspicious
aircraft as part of the UK’s Air Counter Terrorism
response or react to non-NATO military
aircraft operating around the UK. The CRC
has undergone a considerable information
technology upgrade during the last twelve
months but despite a very disruptive period
for its personnel, they have remained focused
on the mission, without rancour, with the skies
above the United Kingdom remaining secure.
The Station has continued to provide
tactical and operational control of aircraft in
multinational exercises such as Exercise JOINT
WARRIOR in the UK and Exercise RED FLAG
in the US to enhance their aerial combat
competencies, as well as participating in
Exercises COBRA WARRIOR and TRIPLEX
WARRIOR in order that Aerospace Battle
Managers in the CRC are able to meet the
training demands for fast jet pilots as the
Service reaches its final Typhoon aircraft
operating numbers, and in preparation for the
arrival of the Lightning II (the harrier jump jet
replacement).
The Station has hosted over 900 members
of uniformed youth organisations in the
last year, and provided 360 Air Cadets with
week-long training camps to enhance their
leadership acumen, offering them challenge,
excitement and adventure in a safe and
controlled environment. Outreach activities to
the Air Cadets has also included our personnel
co-ordinating and leading Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh expeditions, as well as camps to the
Lake District.
Our dedicated Youth Activities Group has
also been working with several primary and
secondary schools, building pupils’ leadership
and communication skills and supporting
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics curriculums (or STEM), as part of a
wider Station initiative to promote the demand
the Service, and society, has in these fields.
The Station continues, time permitting, to
support sporting activities, indeed one of our
team was selected for the GB Bobsled squad
and we have 16 representatives competing at
Combined Services and RAF level sports, with
many more participating in and coaching,
officiating or managing local teams.
We continue to have many personnel that
commit their spare time to supporting the
emergency services through voluntary
work, either with the Royal National Lifeboat
Institution, HM Coastguard, as retained firemen,
or as First Responders with the St John’s
Ambulance Service.
The Station Charities committee continue
to generate significant monies for the
Station’s chosen charities for the year ahead.
The charities what we are supporting this
year are: the Royal Air Force Association,
Northumberland Hospice Care and Tiny Lives,
the special care unit within the Royal Victoria
Infirmary for sick and premature babies”.
As Group Captain Coleman and his family
move on to his next posting this summer,
they will look back with fondness on his time
at RAF Boulmer, which has ben the highlight
of his career. He reiterated his gratitude for
the continued support and backing of our
neighbours, friends, colleagues and business
associates within the local community,
which was so important to the Station and
its personnel.
THE LOOKOUT 19

RAF Boulmer commemorates
ANZAC Day
By Flying Officer Hannah Jacques
More than 200 members of the
Northumberland community
were in attendance at the
Annual Service of Remembrance to
commemorate ANZAC Day, held at the
East Chevington cemetery on Sunday
24th April 2016. The event sought to
honour the sacrifice made by 10 brave
airmen of the Australian and New
Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), who lost
their lives in the Second World War and
are buried at the site. The 10 airmen
served at the former RAF Acklington,
one of the country’s most important
fighter bases during WWII.
The ceremony, organised by the Newcastle
branch of the RAF Association (RAFA), was
attended by representatives from Royal Air
Force Boulmer, the Royal Australian Air Force
and the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal Air
Forces Association as well as the Royal British
Legion, the Air Training Corps, Northumberland
County Council, Chevington Parish Council and
children from Broomhill First School. Veterans
and local villagers also attended the very
moving service.
Sydney Graham, Chairman of the Royal Air
Forces Association Newcastle branch and
organiser of the event, said: ‘It is a privilege
for our RAFA Branch to organise the ANZAC
Ceremony each year and this year’s was
probably the most successful we’ve had
yet with over 200 people assembled in the
cemetery. The whole of the RAF family was
represented - serving personnel, veterans and
relatives, plus of course the local dignitaries,
residents and children, which made it a real
community event. It is right that we honour
the young men who came so far and who
sacrificed their lives in the cause of our
freedom. I was very proud of the tribute we
gave them and, of course, very grateful to RAF
Boulmer for their magnificent contribution to
the event.’
Wreaths were laid at a memorial stone and
Reverend Michael Borg, Rector of Upper
Coquetdale, directed the gathering in prayer
before the national anthems of Australia and
New Zealand were played.
During a roll call of the ANZAC personnel
buried at Chevington, members of 1801
(Alnwick), 2522 (Bedlington) and 1110
(Ashington) Squadrons of the Air Training Corps
laid a remembrance cross on the grave of each
of the young airmen.
Flight Lieutenant Miley, Flight Commander
of the Guard of Honour from Royal Air Force
Boulmer remarked: ‘It was a real privilege to be
the Flight Commander during the parade and I
am honoured to play a part in such a humbling
and emotive ceremony. It’s important to
remember those who fought for our country
and those from other countries who fought for
our freedom and democracy.’
During an address to the gathering, both
serving personnel from Australia and New
Zealand made touching comments and
displayed immense gratitude to the local
community of the remembrance for their
forces, especially being where they are laid
at rest. Flight Lieutenant Damien Bruning of
the Royal Australian Air Force read a poignant
poem, adding to the ambience and giving
tribute to the 10 brave airmen of who had sadly
lost their lives.
20 THE LOOKOUT

The ceremony concluded with a march-past
of a ceremonial party led by Flight Lieutenant
Miley and Parade Warrant Officer, Warrant
Officer Bowers, joined by the standard
bearers, veterans and local community
representatives. The salute was received by
Wing Commander Phelps of Royal Air Force
Boulmer, Flight Lieutenant Damien Bruning
and Lieutenant Gary Morris of the Royal New
Zealand Navy, as well as Newcastle President Air
Commodore Forster.
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance
in Australia and New Zealand which
commemorates the members of the Australian
and New Zealand Army Corps who fought
at Gallipoli during World War I. It now more
broadly remembers all those who served
and died in all military operations for their
countries. It is commemorated with parades,
including every town and city in Australia, so
that the sacrifices of Anzacs are remembered
across generations.
‘It was an honour to be part of the Chevington ANZAC day ceremony. I have
participated in operations with colleagues from Australia and New Zealand and
have seen their commitment and dedication to service. It is incumbent on us to show
our respect and thanks to those buried so far away from home.’
Wing Commander Phelps
THE LOOKOUT 21

RAF SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
RAF Ski Champs:
An annual event where personnel from
all stations are encouraged to compete
against each other in a full range of
downhill race events; be it on skis
or snowboards.
Boarding a flight bound for
Salzburg, Austria, the home
of Mozart, it was not soaring
melodies that we were looking
for but the lofty peaks of the
mighty Alps which loomed large
over us as we touched down.
Our eventual destination was a
stone’s throw from the fabled
Berchtesgarden. Remembering
that our predecessors and
allies had fought fiercely and
bravely on the nearby hills
and slopes, we were ready to
take on our challenge; the RAF
Ski Championships.

y Flying Officer James O’Toole
After a day of reacclimatisation
to the alpine environment, the
races began in earnest. Apart from
those of use who were strapping
on a pair of skis for the very first
time, all were required to race at
least once. One by one, Boulmer’s
finest threw themselves out of the
starting gates, a multicoloured
blur of bright jackets and lycra.
Sharpened edges carved tracks
through the fresh snow as the
team attempted to do the same to
the rest of the competition. There
was high drama amongst the
snowboarding contingent as Flying
Officer Gav Painter went head to
head with Corporal Martin Gribble.
They beat each other in each of
the two races, but Corporal Gribble
emerged victorious with the
fastest time overall, beating Flying
Officer Painter by two seconds at
the final count. They ranked 12th
and 13th respectively. There was
also a notable performance from
Flight Lieutenant Sam Dempsey in
the highly contested Men’s Fiacaill
Grand Slalom, who managed
to stay within 10 seconds of the
overall winner, earning himself a
very respectable mid-table finish.
It wasn’t just racing that drew the
best out of the team. For a few of
us, it was the first time we had ever
strapped on a pair of skis and the
challenge for us was to learn how
to get down the mountain without
injury. In what turned out to be a
crash course in more ways than
one, we spent the week not racing
but being put through our paces
in training. I can personally testify
from the bruises at the end of each
day that the week was anything but
a holiday!
Thankfully, whether racing or
learning, the RAF Boulmer team
survived without any significant
injuries. As we went our separate
ways to recover before heading
back to duty, it was obvious that
everyone had achieved some
significant personal milestones. Roll
on 2017!
by Flying Officer O’Toole
THE LOOKOUT 23

Queensberry
Rules,
KO!
The noble sport of boxing once
again took centre stage at RAF
Boulmer recently. Five bouts
of three 2-minute rounds were
fought between RAF, British Army
and local talent. The event, held in
the Mechanical Transport hangar,
was a showcase of upcoming talent
within the Armed Forces; several
boxers had fought only once prior
to the evening. Given the range of
competitors the bouts were drawn
through consideration of weight
division and experience level,
thereby guaranteeing safety first
whilst also promising an even and
thrilling fight.
A packed hanger full of personnel from across
the Station and the local community were
treated to some excellent displays of strength,
endurance and flair. Prior to handing out the
final awards following the boxing, the Station
Commander, Group Captain Mark Coleman,
said “the quality of the boxing this evening has
been quite outstanding, a great deal of credit
goes to the boxers and their trainers for the
spectacle that was achieved.”
Every competitor received an award for
competing. A further 2 awards were presented
for the Best Bout and the Best Boxer. The
award for the Best Bout was awarded to Senior
Aircraftman Allen (RAF Marham) and Senior
Aircraftman Luby (RAF Brize Norton); this was
the bout that saw Senior Aircraftman Allen
taking the win on a unanimous points score.
Following the fight Senior Aircraftman Luby
said that he was “disappointed to have lost
the fight, but pleased with the performance,
given that the opponent was a higher
weight category with a significant reach
advantage.” The Best Boxer award, selected
by the Station Commander, was awarded to
Senior Aircraftman Allen in recognition of his
“professionalism and control in the ring”, as
Group Captain Coleman summarised in his
awarding of the trophy.
Praise and thanks goes to the entire Boxing
Evening committee who in addition to laying
on the boxing also arranged a 3 course
meal for all paying guests. Thanks also go
to the boxers, the officials, and the RAF and
Combined Services Boxing Associations for
their commitment to the evening. This was
a truly memorable evening, and one which
people should expect to become a regular
feature in the RAF Boulmer Calendar.
by Wing Commander Taylor
24 THE LOOKOUT

Group Captain
Coleman
declares Senior
Aircraftman Allen
as Best Boxer.
THE LOOKOUT 25

Running Down The Competition
By Senior Aircraftman R Openshaw
The RAF cross-country (XC)
championships were hosted by RAF
Halton in Aylesbury and the Boulmer
Running Club fielded a strong team of eight
for this annual event.
The team consisted of Squadron Leader Crow,
Warrant Officer Thomsen, Corporal Crane,
Corporal Dawson, Senior Aircraftman Kelsey
and Senior Aircraftman Spink for the men.
Corporal Parsons and Senior Aircraftman
Openshaw made up the women’s team. The
two and half lap course (10km), for the men,
and one and half lap course (6km), for the
women, covered a mixture of grass, trails and
hills. Fortunately, the mud was kept at bay
and the weather was kind to the athletes on
the day – a nice change given the storms
which characterised the weather at the start of
this year!
The team put in a very strong performance,
which paid off as the men’s team finished
eighth overall. Corporal Dawson and Warrant
Officer Thomsen were selected for the senior
men’s and veteran men’s Armed Forces Inter
Service XC team.
Overall, Senior Aircraftman Mike Kallenberg and
Flight Lieutenant Tamsyn Rutter were crowned
cross country champions. RAF Waddington
retained the men’s trophy, whilst RAF
Honington took the women’s team honours.
A strong RAF Boulmer XC team ready for the championships!
Boulmer Running Club wish our two athletes going forward to the Armed
Forces Inter Service competition the very best of luck!

THE LOOKOUT 27