THE JHC delivering joint success on operationslancepublishing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/LZDZ...THE bEgINNINg of THE END afor n opaEraTIpoNa HEche rrICk… pilot’s perspective

T H E J H C d e l i v e r i n g j o i n t s u c c e s s o n o p e r a t i o n s

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847 nas leads the waYsince returning from operations in afghanistan last Year, 847 nas has been going through a regeneration process

sNIpErs from army’s rapID rEaCTIoN forCE

take aimsnipers from 16 air assault brigade’s infantrY

units came together on the stanford training area (stanta) in norfolk

lyNX TakEs top spot at fairfordarmY air corps lYnX displaY wins prestigious award in its final Year

raf support helicopter

squadrons wwi heritage

disclaimer This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

operationsThe Beginning of the End for Operation HERRICK… An Apache Pilot’s Perspective ....................................... 6

trainingHelicopter Crews Prepare for Future Operations ......................................8Exercise FORLORN HOPE .......................... 9Exercise GALLIC MARAUDER .......................10 Snipers from Army’s Rapid Reaction Force Take Aim .......................... 12British & French Rapid Reaction Forces Train for Joint Operations ..............14Controlling Joint Fires: 847 NAS Leads the Way ................................16Paratroopers Battle to be the Best .............. 24

featureMilitary Descend from the Skies to Mark D-Day 70 .................................... 18JHC Supports Armed Forces Day 2014 ........ 19 JHC Impress at RIAT ..................................... 20 Apache Delivers an Explosive Display ......... 20 RAF Puma Mk2 & Merlin Display for the First & Last Time ............................... 22Lynx Takes Top Spot at Fairford ................... 22Chinook Display Team .................................. 23 heritageD-Day Veterans Meet Today’s PARAs ........... 25Apache Regiment Restructures for the Future ... 26

honours & awardsHonours & Awards .......................................... 27

THE JHC delivering joint success on operations

Issue 3

, 2014

message from THE CommaNDEr36

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20

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maj gen richard felton cbe, commander jhc

4 lZdZmagazINE | issue 3, 2014 issue 3, 2014 | lZdZmagazINE 5

peopleJunglie Assault Finale to the RNAS Yeovilton Air Day ................................. 28Supporting the Local Community TSW Detachment to Kenya ........................... 29New Sound of Army Music Takes Off ........... 30New Appointment: Capability Director Air Commodore Richard Mason OBE ............31OC 5AAC Workshop Wins Prestigious Engineering Award ......................31Colchester Soldiers Helping the Local Community ..................................... 32

wwi heritage16X Mark Outbreak of First World War ........ 33 JHC Aircraft 1914 - 2014 ........................................34RAF Support Helicopter Squadrons ............. 35

VIsIT: www.lZdZonline.co.uk

sport & charitYCHF and Merlin Force Ride for Duffers ... 33Public Take on… Paratroopers Fitness Challenge ...................................... 365 Regt AAC vs Irish Air Corps Cricket Match ............................................ 37

editorialeditor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbournee: [email protected] t: 01264 381 122

salessales manager: Jo Marchante: [email protected]: 01536 526 674

designerdesigner: Chris Kellere: [email protected] t: 01536 521 126

publisherLZDZ is published by Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NLt: 01536 512 624e: [email protected]: www.lancepublishing.co.ukCompany Registration Number: 3253372

printerLance Print Ltd, Unit 3 Houghton Hill Industries, Houghton Hill Farm, Houghton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2DHt: 01480 492 183e: [email protected]: www.lanceprint.co.uk

further informationw: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/

aboutdefence/whatwedo/airsafetyandaviation/jhc

editorial submission date:friday 10th october 2014Please submit all entries for the next issue by no later than the date stated above.

cover credit© MoD Crown Copyright

A s we worked through the summer months and many of you took well earned leave, the JHC continued to

support UK Defence on all fronts. Our people are delivering success overseas on enduring operations and at home for the Commonwealth Games and NATO Conference. In addition, the recent events around the world remind us why we must always be prepared for any eventuality. The ongoing crisis in Iraq demonstrated the relevance and utility of JHC to wider Defence. I was extremely impressed with the rapid deployment of our Chinooks, 47 Air Dispatch Squadron and the support elements. I also want to acknowledge and thank those forces that didn’t deploy but proved their ability to respond when called upon.

In training our forces have been busy exercising around the world. Interoperability, especially with our French and American allies, is a key part

of the future. You have all demonstrated total professionalism and shown how Joint and Combined exercises should be delivered. I have been encouraged with all that I have seen.

We also saw the Centenary of the First World War in August, and with this we must pause to remember the fallen that went before us.

I offer my congratulations and thanks to all our crews involved in the summer display programme, the good work you do in promoting the JHC and our capabilities to the public is extremely important. You have all delivered a first class performance this season and the JHC can be rightly proud of your awards and achievements.

I wish you and your families a successful run up to Christmas during what will be an exciting and challenging few months.

THE bEgINNINg of THE END for opEraTIoN HErrICk…

an apache pilot’s

perspectivewritten by: Capt James Cambrook, 664 Sqn AAC

6 lZdZmagazINE | issue 3, 2014 THE JHC delivering joint success on operations VIsIT: www.lZdZonline.co.uk issue 3, 2014 | lZdZmagazINE 7

Operation

s

S ince first deploying to this conflict in the autumn of 2010, and now coming to the end of my third tour of duty, what has struck me on

each occasion has been the subtle yet distinct changes which have taken place that have made each deployment quite unique from those previous. Arriving three weeks ahead of the Provincial Elections in September 2010, I found myself launched quite unceremoniously into an intensive fight to secure the Green Zone, an area of fertile farmland adjacent to the Helmand River, regarded as the ‘breadbasket of Afghanistan’ for the contrast it presents in a country which for the most part is arid and mountainous. Across this terrain of fields of 10 foot high crops, each one defined by deep, water filled drainage ditches and flanked by dense tree lines, British soldiers found the Insurgents and frequently called on us to protect them as they navigated this disorientating landscape. With close to 90% of the Helmand populous committed to subsistence agriculture in this region, these were the communities which most urgently needed our protection to enable economic progress to be achieved. Our role was to provide over-watch to UK, Danish and US soldiers whose task it was to dominate the ‘Green Zone’ and make that security a reality.

Ironically, their success in doing so became manifestly clear over the course of my second deployment in 2012, as the fight against the insurgency shifted away from the Green Zone towards a newly urbanising desert area north of the Nahre Bughrd (NEB) Canal, known as the Dashte. Areas which, during my first tour were synonymous with human tragedy were now areas of apparent calm, as the security established by ISAF paved the way for Afghan Uniformed Police to mount checkpoints at road junctions and canal crossing points and deter the movement of insurgents across the battlefield. To suggest these areas were now safe would be wildly optimistic and hopelessly inaccurate but the ability of ISAF to so dramatically influence the geopolitical terrain at such a local level cannot be argued. An insurgency derives its strength from the population within which it exists; when they are unseated in the way they were in the Green Zone, they found themselves on the back foot. The increase in mentored patrols, with ISAF soldiers embedding themselves

Eight years of conflict in Helmand has seen soldiers and aircrew from Wattisham labour heroically in the extremes of the Afghan climate, delivering Attack Aviation in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The conflict remains hard fought in places for the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF), but significant progress has been made in bringing security to this troubled corner of the world.

with ANSF to allow them to gain confidence in their training whilst having the muscle behind them to deal with anything they encountered, was another significant change and mark of progress being made. I have seen with my own eyes Afghan soldiers racing across open ground, with nothing but an AK-47 and ill-fitting helmet as protection to chase down a lone insurgent who has been harassing his patrol with rifle fire. These are brave men who are committed in what they do.

Arriving in Helmand for my third tour in mid January 2014, the overriding theme throughout has been transition; the handover of patrol bases to the Afghans and the return home of British forces. Since the partnering of ISAF with ANSF which had become routine in 2012, almost exclusively the ANSF were now found to be operating entirely independently of ISAF. Another clear indication of progress being made towards autonomous security, this heralded a significant challenge as we came to terms with what this meant for us as attack aviators. The emphasis was no longer on reaching out and striking the enemy but allowing the Afghans the opportunity to achieve this for themselves by their own skill and means. This has led to some frustrating duties, as we respond to the aftermath of an engagement by escorting the medical evacuation helicopter to collect casualties, rather than being on hand to prevent those casualties from being sustained in the first place.

The withdrawal from the Green Zone is now complete and the transition now in its closing months. Still there is a battle to be fought and won but the focus now is the defence of the UK forces now residing in Camp Bastion to ensure the final stage of transition is successful. Since the Apache first deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, soldiers and aircrew from the Attack Helicopter Force have continuously maintained a state of high readiness to support the ISAF mission 24 hours a day. Progress has been slow, such that at the micro level it may appear absent. At the macro level, however, gains have been incremental and steady. Not all objectives have been achieved, but, for the average Afghan who wants nothing more than to live in peace, raise his family and sell his wares at market each week, he can do so with increasing confidence.

8 lZdZmagazINE | issue 3, 2014 THE JHC delivering joint success on operations

Train

ing

VIsIT: www.lZdZonline.co.uk issue 3, 2014 | lZdZmagazINE 9

T he course takes experienced personnel from various military helicopter fleets

including Lynx, Puma, Chinook and Merlin and teaches them advanced tactics in fighting and evading

against fast jets, electronic warfare systems and other potential challenges. Personnel from the United States Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Czech Air Force are also involved with the exercise.

Major Kevin Geoffroy of the United States Air Force, who is currently on a two year exchange with 28(AC) Sqaudron based at RAF Benson said: “An exercise like this is one of the premier helicopter exercises that exists in the UK. Getting the chance to be part of it and operate to see how it works together in the UK is fascinating and a great learning experience for me. The course has been a great challenge to expand the mind and see how the British forces operate and to take a little bit of that away with me when I leave. It’s an absolutely beautiful country to fly in.”

RAF Leeming makes it a perfect location for hosting an exercise of this

July 2014 saw elements from the Fleet Air Arm and 3 Commando Brigade deploy on Ex FORLORN HOPE to

practise Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR) in preparation for contingent operations as part of the Maritime Task Group (MTG) and Lead Commando Group (LCG).

The exercise was designed to explore how existing and emerging capabilities, such as Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) and Wildcat can integrate with 3 Cdo Bde RM and Joint Helicopter Command assets to exercise Combat Recovery serials in both the Maritime and Littoral environments. With the move away from operations in Afghanistan, the MTG (a high readiness contingent force) will find itself deploying around the globe in support of UK Defence interests, and should be ready to assure those who operate as part of it that British Forces are fully trained and capable of rescuing them should things go awry.

The exercise was orchestrated by the Commando Helicopter Force Headquarters using a number of assets including: a SKASaC; two Wildcat HMAs; two Junglie Sea King; a Ground Extraction Force from 40 Cdo RM and 45 Cdo RM; Forward Air Controllers from 847 Naval Air Squadron; CHF medics; Isolated Personnel (ISOPERS) from 845 NAS and willing enemy forces from 42 Cdo RM.

E X E r C I s E

forlorN HopE

Participants convened at 845 NAS to conduct briefings on Tactics Techniques and Procedures for Combat Recovery Operations as well as aircraft drills and table-top Tactical Development. This culminated in flying and ground serials, using the mission concept and orders, simulating the participants being embarked in the MTG in a littoral scenario.

The SKASaC and Wildcat conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sweeps of the pick-up area on Okehampton Range, and quickly identified the Enemy Forces closing in on the ISOPERS location. Once the Air Controllers had called in simulated close air strikes on the enemy vehicles the Recovery Package of Junglies, escorted by Wildcat closed in to pick-up the downed crew.

With 45 Cdo having made their way from Arbroath to Devon for the exercise, the opportunity could not be passed to give them a bit of fun, so they were contacted on the HLS as they tried to authenticate the ISOPERS. The ensuing firefight was coordinated from above by the Ground Extraction Force Commander, who was airborne in the back of a WC and the FAC(A)s, using the pre-briefed Battlefield Management

plan and through a combination of ‘bootie’ fighting spirit and airborne fires the enemy was soon dispatched. This let the medics from CHF Medical Section carry out their work on the casualties, stabilising them for the flight home. With the enemy beaten and the aircrew secured, it was time to head back to the ‘floating’ callsign of ‘HMS Yeovilton.’

Ex FORLORN HOPE was not as pessimistic as its name may seem and proved that with determination (and of course practice), personnel and capabilities that often function in relative isolation can be brought together to achieve a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Joint Personnel Recovery involves a healthy-degree of risk management. It’s a big call to place more people in harms way to rescue others but the reason behind exercises such as Forlorn Hope is that the Commanders will have a capability at their disposal to do so if required, and that our fighting men and women can do their jobs with one fewer concern; that if it all goes wrong, there’s somebody there to get them back to safety.

In the days of muzzle-loading muskets a ‘forlorn hope’ was a band of soldiers chosen to take the leading part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high.

HElICopTEr CrEWs prEparE for

future operationsThe skies over North Yorkshire have been buzzing with the sound of Helicopters

as an international cohort landed at RAF Leeming to take part in the flying phase of a Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course, Ex HAWKOWL.

type, with easy access to military training areas such as Spadeadam and Otterburn as well airspace over the North Sea.

The Czech Air Force provided fast jet support to the exercise, flying L-159 ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft), which are similar to the Hawk jets of 100 Squadron based at Leeming, they play the ‘bad guy’ aggressor role, simulating attacks against the helicopters.

Major Denis Dubravcik of the Czech Air Force said: “The exercise is great for us and

unique to be here in Great Britain for the first time to participate in such an exercise. It is good to share these experiences with different nations and different platforms with helicopters against jets.”

Squadron Leader Mike Gallagher of RAF Benson who led the Exercise, said: “The exercise is important because we never really know what threats we may come up against. We have obviously been in Iraq and Afghanistan for a long time and we just need to be trained for any eventuality.”

EXErCIsE

gallicmarauder

7 para rHa EXErCIsE WITH frENCH forCEs


Train

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T roops from the Colchester-based 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 PARA RHA) have fired artillery guns

and called in fast jets alongside their counterparts from the 8th Parachute Marine Infantry Regiment (8 Regiment Parachutiste d’Infantry Marine, 8 RPIMa) and 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35th Regiment Artillerie Parachutist, 35 RAP), both based near Toulouse.

The soldiers, who are only recently back from an interoperability exercise in the south of France, are taking part in the two week live firing exercise, which started last week, to strengthen ties between French and British units.

The 260 exercising troops fired a combination of artillery guns and mortars as well as receiving air support from jets flying off the French aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle.

16 air assault brigade 16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Army’s largest brigade with some 6,200 soldiers, combining the speed and agility of airborne and air assault troops with the potency of Apache attack helicopters. The brigade’s core role is to provide the Air Assault Task Force (AATF), the British Army’s rapid reaction force, which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to conduct the full spectrum of military operations, from non-combatant evacuation operations to warfighting

Airborne forces from Britain and France have conducted a joint artillery and air support

exercise at Castlemartin in Wales.

Commanding Officer of 7 PARA RHA, Lt Col Will Lynch, said. “This opportunity is perfect for us to continue to improve the way in which our two Armies operate. Exercise Gallic Marauder has been a fast moving artillery and air support exercise

that has allowed us to operate in an all arms environment and asses each others strengths and weaknesses. We have learnt a lot from this exercise and we look forward to the continued co-operation between our sister regiments.”

Lt Col Laurent Cuny, the French exchange officer working in the headquarters of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said, “Ex Gallic Marauder has been a great chance for British and French artillery and air assets to work alongside each other. We already plan together at the brigade headquarters level but this training gives the soldiers a chance to work with each other on the ground. The exercise ticks three boxes, interoperability development, relationship building and solid live fire training.”

Ex Gallic Marauder has been a great chance for British and French artillery and air assets to work alongside each other.Lt Col Laurent Cuny


Among the soldiers taking part were snipers from 1 R IRISH, based at Tern Hill in Shropshire, and Colchester-

based 2 and 3 PARA and The Pathfinders.Snipers fulfil a vital and enduring role

on the battlefield, in terms of intelligence-gathering, target identification and eliminating high-value targets. They work in pairs, with the more experienced acting as the spotter, using high quality optics to sight targets and judge wind and elevation to guide the shooter, who is equipped with the powerful and accurate L115A3 rifle.

A 2 PARA sniper said: “Being a good sniper is about applying to a very high standard the basic skills learnt by every infantry soldier – marksmanship, navigation, observation and field craft.”

“On a six month tour I only fired one round,” he said. “We were observing insurgent positions and movements and feeding back what we were seeing to commanders to shape their planning. That requires patience, the ability to interpret what you’re seeing and responsibility, because the information we’re providing as relatively junior soldiers is being acted on by senior officers.”

The art of sniping is learnt on a rigorous nine week long course. Commenting on the course, a 1 R IRISH sniper said: “The sniper course is one of the hardest you can do as a soldier. I spent the best part of a year preparing for it and was one of very few people to pass my course. I was determined to complete the training so I could use a weapon system that will maximise the effectiveness of my unit.”

sNIpErs from army’s rapID rEaCTIoN forCE

take aim

Snipers from 16 Air Assault Brigade’s infantry units came together on the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk during May to test their skills against each other. As well as hitting targets at ranges of up to 1,200 metres by day and night, the snipers were tested on close quarter shooting, stalking and their observation and concealment skills.

Brigade training officer Captain Spencer James said: “The sniper concentration has been about bringing snipers from all our units together to work on their skills and learn from each other. It has been intensive training that everyone has enjoyed and benefited from. We’ve also tested our sniper pairs to pick out the best two to compete for the brigade in this year’s Tri-Service Sniper Competition.”

Afghanistan has proved the value of snipers and, as the Army adapts to the challenges of future conflict, snipers will have a central role in the structure of units.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Shervington, Commanding Officer of 3 PARA, said: “Snipers are highly trained and capable personnel that have a key part to play in the modern infantry. As well as offering a precision strike capability, snipers are trained in observation and can provide significant information to improve a commander’s understanding of the battlefield. As airborne troops we are by design a light and fast unit and to have snipers within our ranks is a significant force multiplier.”

The sniper concentration has been about bringing snipers from all our units together to work on their skills and learn from each other. It has been intensive training that everyone has enjoyed and benefited from.Capt Spencer James

Train

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Train

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brITIsH & frENCH rapID rEaCTIoN forCEs TraIN for joint operationsAirborne forces from the UK and France have practised how they would plan and operate together.

Exercise Tears of the Sun 2, which took place during June in Toulouse, France, is the key interoperability exercise between

Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade and 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP), two units at the forefront of closer military co-operation between Britain and France.

Both brigades provide rapid reaction forces, held at high readiness to deploy on

helicopters from the Joint Helicopter Command and French Puma and Gazelle helicopters, the force was challenged to plan and execute missions together. These included joint parachute and helicopter assaults to seize objectives on training areas around Toulouse.

Major General Richard Felton CBE, the Commander of Joint Helicopter Command, said: “Exercise TEARS OF THE SUN 2 has provided first rate training for all JHC elements involved and has carried forward the excellent work from 16 Air Assault Brigade and 11e Brigade Parachutiste in delivering our interoperability in-line with the I-CJEF. It has been exceptional value for money and offered JHC forces the opportunity to operate in an unfamiliar environment. I hope to maintain the interoperability momentum in-line with CJEF requirements.”

Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “Exercise Tears of the Sun has been a great opportunity to train alongside our French partners in 11e Brigade Parachutiste, both on the ground and in the air. Since the operational partnership between our

two brigades was validated last year a lot of hard work has been carried out to strengthen links and understanding at the unit level. Our respective artillery, engineers, aviation, logisticians, medics and infantry have trained side-by-side to learn more about each other’s equipment and tactics. This exercise has been hugely successful in bringing all of these maturing relationships together to demonstrate how we would plan and operate as a joint force able to carry out complex operations anywhere in the world.”

Brigadier General Olivier Salaün, commander of 11e BP, said, “The main benefit of these exercises is to reinforce the level of interoperability between both brigades. Field exercises are the best way to learn the challenges of working with each other, they also help us to develop our working relationships and ensure we are able to operate together when required.”

Further interoperability exercises are planned with the French and US military over the coming year, to build on the success of previous exercises of this type.

operations anywhere in the world. Together they form the Interim Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (I-CJEF) which is capable of tackling operations ranging from disaster relief to war fighting. Ex Tears of the Sun 2 has provided an opportunity for troops to plan and fight, side by side, to further prove their readiness and develop understanding of similarities and differences between them.

The 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) and 8th Regiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine (8e RPIMa) came together to form a potent fighting force. Supported by British Chinook and Merlin support helicopters and Apache attack


Train

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W hilst the 847 Naval engineers have been extremely busy supporting 652 Sqn Army Air Corps

field the new helicopter, the remaining 847 aircrew have been busy refreshing their joint fires disciplines – notably the direction of artillery and naval gunfire support (NGS) and the forward air control (FAC) of fixed wing and helicopters.

The capability the Wildcat AH1 brings, heralds a new era of operational capability for 847 NAS, providing valuable options to the Operational Commander across the whole spectrum of military operations. The Wildcat will operate in extremes of climate, day and night. It is equipped with sensors and lasers that have been integrated into a modern tactical processor which will allow it to find, identify and designate multiple targets for a variety of assets.

847 NAS has worked closely with 7 PARA RHA on Exercise CYPHER RESOLVE. This gave eight pilots from 847 NAS the opportunity to practice

‘call for fire’ procedures on Salisbury Plain enabling them to regain their competency in artillery spotting.

These crews then turned their attention to the art of controlling NGS, provided in this instance by HMS DAUNTLESS and DRAGON. This was, for some, a new skill that had to be mastered and for some old hands a refresh in techniques. Ground training instruction was provided by 148 Battery Royal Artillery in RM Poole. This taught the basic principles of directing naval fire, which bears some similarity to artillery fire. Once the theoretical and synthetic training on the artillery simulators were completed the crews ventured out to St Albans Head for a live shoot.

Under the watchful eyes of instructors the aircrew supported the Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) course students by acting as spotters for their live fire range serials at Lulworth Cove on the South coast exercise areas. The training was a complete success for all involved and by the end of the day the PWO students,

aircrew and ships’ companies had been put through a thorough workout and the range buoys had been comprehensively bombarded by the 4.5in guns.

In conjunction with this activity, some 847 aircrew were selected to complete the FAC course at RAF Leeming. This seven week long course trains individuals in the art of coordinating and controlling close air support (CAS) missions in support to ground forces. 847 NAS now has two fully qualified Supervisory Forward Air Controllers (SupFACs) on their strength, in addition to three FACs. This number is set to grow as the unit moves towards Wildcat transition. Two of the three FACs have now achieved fully qualified status, with the third soon to follow.

The capability this offers to control all fire disciplines from the air is a significant step forward for the squadron. The next stage will be to achieve FAC airborne (FAC (A)) status for those not already qualified, with both SupFACs already

range of capability by refreshing key war fighting skills that have become dormant over the last 11 years of campaigning in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 847 NAS the majority of its aircraft commanders are now fully capable of controlling artillery and NGS and nearly half can direct and control fixed and rotary wing aircraft to deliver kinetic effect on the battlefield.

As operations in Afghanistan come to a close there is greater emphasis on the ability to conduct contingency operations. This will require an adaptable and flexible force. What shape or form these operations will take is unknown but one thing is assured; 847 NAS will continue to provide a significant capability to any Task Force, whether afloat or ashore.

qualified. Currently 847 NAS is the only rotary wing unit in UK Defence with an organic FAC training capability.

As the squadron nears Wildcat conversion, it can take pride in knowing that it has prepared as best it can to deliver a

CoNTrollINg JoINT fIrEs847 nas leads the waYSince returning from operations in Afghanistan last year, 847 Naval Air Squadron has been going through a regeneration process. The Sqn is building towards achieving its very high readiness (VHR) contingency role, but this time as the first front line Sqn to operate the Wildcat AH Mk1.

The capability the Wildcat AH1 brings heralds a new era of operational capability for 847 NAS, providing valuable options to the Operational Commander across the whole spectrum of military operations.


Featu

re

T he display was a simulation representing a peace-keeping operation in a post conflict environment

where a high profile criminal is to be arrested obtained. The Royal Navy Task Force identified the criminal using its Intelligence and Surveillance capability provided by the Lynx helicopter and Royal Marine Commandos were deployed onboard the two 845 NAS Sea Kings.

The demonstration continued with the Royal Marines fast roping from the hovering Sea Kings and then coming under attack from a well armed militia. As the situation deteriorated, Close Air Support was called in from the AAC Apache Attack helicopter, which neutralised the enemy forces and the Royal Marines were then extracted by the Sea Kings back to the simulated Queen Elizabeth carrier.

A second operational capability demonstration later in the afternoon showed the skills of the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) with the 845 NAS Sea King evacuating a ‘casualty’ after a vehicle hits a mine.

jhc supports

armed forces daY 2014On Saturday, June 28th two Sea Kings from 845 Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, took part in a joint operational capability demonstration for Armed Forces Day 2014. Together with an 3 Regiment Army Air Corps Apache and a Royal Navy Lynx the display wowed the crowds in Stirling, Scotland.

Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Jon Evered said; “It was a huge pleasure to represent Commando Helicopter Force and showcase our capabilities in a role demonstration in front of the people of Stirling.”

Both demonstrations were a resounding success and the Stirling crowds were thrilled with the displays showing the aviation skills of the Royal Navy and Army working together and demonstrated just some of the many roles undertaken by the Armed Forces on operations and deployments around the world.

W atched by HRH The Prince of Wales and the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter

Wall, the spectacular display began with a jump by the Red Devils, the Parachute Regiment’s freefall display team. Among them making a tandem jump was 89-year old Jock Hutton, a veteran of D-Day who parachuted into France himself 70 years ago.

Then, after a flypast by two Spitfires from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 12 British paratroopers jumped from a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, one of the original aircraft used for D-Day by airborne troops. Further jumps were made by troops from the UK, France, Canada and the United States from C-130 Hercules and other modern military aircraft.

The parachute jump commemorated the involvement of more than 20,000 Allied troops – including 7,900 British troops from 6th Airborne Division – who landed by parachute or glider in Normandy on the night of 5/6 June, ahead of the invasion force arriving on the beaches.

Speaking after making the tandem jump, Jock Hutton, 89, said: “I couldn’t see very much of anything on the ground, but I had a leg bag on me which landed before me and gave me full warning I was about to crash down. We dropped very low, we didn’t stay in the air as long as we did today. The type of aircraft was very different to the C130. We had a task to do, and that was foremost in our minds. Our main target was to liberate Ranville and we did that before first light.”

Piloting the Dakota over the Drop Zone was Flight Lieutenant Sebastien Davey. He said: “As a transport pilot my role includes dropping parachutists on the front line but doing it in a Dakota over Ranville 70 years after D-Day was second to none and the pinnacle of my career.”

Flight Lieutenant Davey, who also co-pilots the Lancaster and is a tactical flight instructor for the C-130J Hercules, added: “I can’t begin to imagine what the brave men of 1944 went through, flying low and at night, but it was an incredible honour to do this for them.”

More than 300 airborne troops from the UK, France, Canada and the United States, and one 89 year old D-Day veteran, parachuted on to the fields of Normandy in June to mark

D-Day 70, the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

Private Nick Rabson, of 16 Medical Regiment, jumped from the Dakota carrying the parachute wings worn by his grandfather Donald Rabson when he parachuted in to Normandy 70 years earlier.

Private Rabson, 23 from Crawley, said: “It was a very emotional experience to think I was jumping in to the same area that my grandfather did in 1944, although his jump was into hostile territory at night.

“He died last year and didn’t talk much about the war, but what he did say inspired me to become a paratrooper and I know he was proud that I followed in his footsteps.”

The parachute descent was part of a series of events to mark the contribution of Airborne Forces to the invasion of Normandy. The day began with commemorations at Pegasus Bridge, which was captured in a daring glider operation by 2nd Battalion The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. There followed a veterans’ lunch, attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Other events included services at Breville Les Monts and Merville, a Normandy Veterans’ Association event at Coleville Montgomery and a parade and service at the Royal Artillery Memorial at Le Breche.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), The Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) have been working with the Normandy Veterans Association to ensure that veterans, now all in their late eighties and early nineties, receive a fitting commemoration during D-Day 70. For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/mod/dday70.

C hinook, Apache and Lynx all put on outstanding flying displays to a public and industry audience of 140,000 people

while further static displays were on hand to engage with the public including Puma Mk2, Merlin, Defender and Gazelle.

Both the RAF and AAC were represented and received a huge amount of public and media interest. The subsequent digital and social media campaign following the event reached over two million people with impressive images, video footage and stories from all the crews.

It was a fitting farewell year for the Lynx Mk7 Display Crew, WO Mick Kildea and Capt Neill Posthumus of 671 Sqn AAC, who took the top award over the weekend, beating the Red Arrows and Typhoon display among many others.


Featu

re

JHC ImprEss at riat

T he Apache display from 3 Regiment AAC based at Wattisham in Suffolk included pyrotechnic explosions to

apache delivers aN EXplosIVE DIsplayThe Army Air Corps Attack Helicopter Display Team put on an excellent display to thousands of onlookers at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July (11th to 13th July), with the Apache becoming one of the most talked about displays of the weekend.

simulate the gunfire and rockets used by the Apache when on operations adding impact and awe to the flying display.

The scenario followed a typical sortie in support of ground troops in Afghanistan, with real time radio transmission between the pilot and simulated ground forces bringing the display to life. Flown by display pilot Warrant Officer Bruce Allen, the Apache show cased aerobatic manoeuvres, highlighting the agility and speed of the aircraft in its ability to support ground troops.

The awe inspiring finale to the display was the wall of fire; a huge explosion

The JHC wowed the crowds at The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) held at RAF Fairford in July.

To view what it looks like behind the scenes at RIAT scan the QR code above with your smart phone/tablet.

followed by a low level pass by the Apache leaving the crowds with one of the best photo opportunities of the weekend.

Capt Jim Trayhurn (Army Air Corps), Attack Helicopter Display Team Manager and Pilot Instructor said: We are bigger and better this year and hope to wow the crowd with a pyrotechnic display, we take the aircraft to its limits to show the public the capability of the aircraft, this allows them to get a flavour for what we are doing when on operations.

The team now move forward to their remaining displays for the season.

Gazelle from 665 Sqn, 5 Regiment AAC


Featu

re

raf puma mk2 & mErlIN DIsplay for THE

first&last timePuma Mk2 and Merlin Helicopters of Royal Air Force Benson in Oxfordshire have attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) for the first and last time as RAF aircraft.

The award is presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the

Best Overall Flying Demonstration.The display, flown by Warrant Officer

Mick Kildea (Aircraft Captain) and Captain Neill Posthumus (Co-Pilot) of 671 Sqn Army Air Corps beat all military and civilian teams

army aIr Corps lyNX DIsplay WINs prEsTIgIous aWarD IN ITs fINal yEar

lYnX takes top spot at fairfordThe Army Air Corps Lynx Display Team attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in July as part of their final display season and won the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword.

to the top spot and become the first Army display and second helicopter display after the Chinook to win the prestigious award.

Tim Prince, CEO RAFCTE said: The judges look at all displays and make a judgement on the skills demonstrated, this year the Lynx proved to be the best.

Winning Pilot, WO Mick Kildea, of the Lynx Display Team said: This is both

mine and Posti’s (Capt Posthumus) first year of displaying. We both feel privileged to be selected to display this fantastic aircraft for its final year. I can say I will be very sad when I display it for the last time. We tried our best in an on wind crowd (the worst type), however it went well. It’s a massive shock to be honest.

The Lynx is unique in terms of helicopter design with a highly responsive semi-rigid rotor head, coupled with the British Experimental Rotor Programme main rotor blades which makes it ideal for aerobatic manoeuvres, its signature move is the back flip from the hover which can not be done by any other helicopter in the world. This showcases the professionalism and ability of both the aircraft and pilots, tenants which have made the AAC a hugely agile force on operations in support of ground troops for many years.

When asked what is like to fly the display, WO Mick Kildea said: Most people think

that we are pulling a lot of ‘G’ during the display but this is not the case, therefore it is not very physically demanding. However it is very challenging mentally. Another very important point is that we must, as a crew, communicate to the highest standard in order to ensure we are heading in the correct direction. Due to the gyroscopes being ineffective after the first manoeuvre

we must also disengage the AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) prior to displaying. With the AFCS disengaged, the accuracy required from the pilot must be exceptional.

WO Mick Kildea has been flying with the Army since 1998, following previous service with the Royal Corps of Transport. During flying training, he won best Fixed Wing at RAF Barkston Heath, best Advanced Rotory at RAF Shawbury and Best Pilot at Middle Wallop on the Operational Training Phase. During his career he has qualified on the Firefly 260, Squirrel HT1 & 2, Lynx Mk7 and 9, King Air Beechcraft 200, Britt Norman Islander and Defender and the Grob 115E Tutor.

WO Kildea is multi-engine and rotary qualified; a QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor fixed wing) and a QHI (Qualified Helicopter Instructor). He has seen ops in first Gulf War (Op Granby 1990-1991), the first Bosnia (Op Grapple 1992-1993), again Bosnia (Op Palitine

T o hear what Display Pilots Flt Lt Charlie Brown and Flt Lt Andrew Waldron had to say about it, please use the following link: www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152564452264885 or to

find out more about the team go to www.raf.mod.uk/chinookdisplayteam/.

The RAF Chinook Display team have been busy juggling their day jobs with the busy display season over the summer.

chinook

displaY team

To watch the Pilot interview and cockpit footage scan the QR code above with your smart phone.

the team now take this success forward to other displaYs for the season. You can see them at the following:

august• 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st: Bournemouth Airshow• 30th: JHC Families Day @ Middle Wallopseptember• 6th: Weston Super Mare Armed Forces Day• 12th: Jersey Airshow

1998 all of which was on the ground with RCT) and in Northern Ireland (Op Banner 2003), Iraq (Basra 2004 & 2005), Bosnia (2006) all flying the Lynx and Iraq (Bagdad 2008) flying the Defender.

WO Kildea currently teaches Conversion to Type and Role to Lynx Students at 7 (Trg) Regt AAC at Middle Wallop and is the Lynx Display Pilot with Capt Posthumus.

M aking its debut, the new and improved Puma Mk2 has been proudly displayed to the public by a mixed

crew from 33 and 230 Sqns. The Puma Mk2 is the product of a £260 million upgrade including new engines, avionics systems

and a glass cockpit. This gives the Puma Mk2 increased capability and performance allowing double the payload and distance, making the aircraft extremely versatile both on the battlefield and when assisting the public, as it did during the 2014 floods.

Flt Lt Dave Masterton of 230 Sqn, who has flown the Puma for four years said: The Mk2 has bags of power and great performance whilst retaining the handling of the Mk1, still making it a real pilot’s aircraft but with double the payload and range.

Flt Lt Paul Spiers of 33 Sqn, who has flown the Puma for six years, said: This is the first air show season for the Mk2 with a lot of media interest, so it’s great we are able to come here and show it off to the public.

This year the display aircraft is painted black as a tribute to the 90th anniversary of 230 Sqn. The black paint scheme and ‘P’ insignia are taken from the Second World War Shackleton flown by 230 Sqn and known as Black Peter.

Also attending RIAT for the last time as an RAF aircraft is the Merlin of 28 and 78 Sqns. The Merlin transitions to the Royal Navy, Commando Helicopter Force next year.

Flt Lt Joe Hannaby of 28 Sqn, who has flown the Merlin for five years completing four tours in Afghanistan, said: I am proud to have flown the Merlin both in the UK and on operations overseas, however this is tinged with a little sadness as we prepare to transition the Merlin to the Royal Navy.

It’s been a privilege to fly Merlin into RIAT as an RAF aircraft for the last time; it’s an end of an era.

The Merlin Force has recently returned from ten years on constant operation inc Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

78 Sqn will disband in Sept this year when the first Naval Air Squadron to fly the Merlin will stand up.


Train

ing

T he Bruneval Cup saw the 15 platoons of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) put through paces

around Colchester’s Merville Barracks and Middlewick Ranges. The competition saw troops in full battle rig take part in an eight-mile march, a stretcher race,

paraTroopErs

battle to be the bestParatroopers have competed against each other to be the best, while celebrating their proud history.

assault course and a two-mile run, finishing with a session on the firing ranges.

The competition honours the Bruneval Raid, the first airborne operation carried out by British troops. In February 1942 troops from the recently-formed 2nd Parachute Battalion jumped into Bruneval, on the northern French coast, and captured equipment and technicians to gain an understanding of German radar technology.

The competition was won by 2 PARA’s Mortar Platoon who were presented with the trophy by

Lieutenant Colonel Ollie Kingsbury, 2 PARA’s Commanding Officer.

Team captain Corporal Paul Ruttledge, 31 from Newport, Isle of Wight, said: “The Bruneval Cup is very important to 2 PARA because it celebrates excellence and an important operation in our history. I’m very proud that my platoon won and we have earned bragging rights for the year!

“The competition is about testing all of our infantry skills in one go. It was a lot of hard work on a very hot day and we won because we’re a close-knit platoon that pulls together.”

Lance Corporal Matthew Benge found the final shooting test, carried out straight after a two-mile run, the event’s hardest challenge.

The 24-year-old from Harlow, Essex said: “You’re tired after a long, physical day working at best effort and then you have to compose yourself and concentrate on your shooting skills. The event is all about grit and not giving up when you’re tired – which is what we’re about as paratroopers.”

2 PARA’s core role is to alternate with 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment as the lead unit in the Air Assault Task Force (AATF), which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world to conduct the full range of military operations. 2 PARA is training to take on the AATF role from April 2015, with the unit’s airborne infantry bolstered by artillery, engineers, signallers, medics and logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade.


Heritag

e

D -Day veterans from 9th (Eastern and Home Counties) Parachute Battalion (9 PARA)

visited Colchester’s Merville Barracks to meet their modern counterparts from 16 Air Assault Brigade. The veterans climbed back aboard the camp’s Dakota - the aircraft used for Second World War parachute operations – and watched troops prepare for a jump to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Several hundred troops from the brigade travelled to Normandy for commemorative events in June, including memorial services at key locations such as Pegasus Bridge.

In the early hours of 6th June 1944, some 7,900 troops from the British 6th Airborne Division landed by parachute and glider to begin the liberation of Europe. 9 PARA’s objective was to put out of action the German gun battery at Merville, which had a commanding field of fire over the invasion beaches. Troops were widely scattered during the drop and only 150 of the battalion’s 600 men were available for the assault. Nevertheless

Veterans who parachuted into battle on D-Day have met paratroopers preparing for a commemorative jump on to the same fields 70 years later.

d-daY veteransmEET ToDay’s paras

the attack was launched and, after heavy fighting, the guns were silenced. Only 65 men were left uninjured to move on to the unit’s next objective. The Parachute Regiment was awarded a battle honour for the action, from which Merville Barracks takes its name.

Fred Milward, from Hastings in East Sussex, was one of the soldiers who participated in the attack at Merville. The 91-year-old said: “It brings back the memories to see the Dakota. On D-Day I was the first in line to jump out of the door and I was absolutely terrified – the sky was pitch black but lit up by the explosions of anti-aircraft fire.

“It was mayhem on the ground and we knew at the rally point that we only had about a quarter of the men allocated for the attack. Our commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Terence Otway, was a hard man and

he had been given a job to do and was determined to do it, so we did.

“I’ve been back to Normandy several times and it’s always an emotional experience, to think of your friends who didn’t make it back.”

Jeff Pattinson, 90 from Greenwich in south London, was in a glider heading to Merville that went off course after the tow rope snapped. He said: “To see how the current soldiers train for parachuting

is very interesting and it’s a lot more thorough than what we did in 1944.”

Lieutenant Colonel Will Lynch, Commanding Officer of 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said. “For 16 Air Assault Brigade, it is a privilege to join our veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day and honour those who gave their lives for our freedom. The achievements of 6th Airborne Division were vital to the success of the invasion and played a key part in building the formidable reputation of British Airborne Forces.

“The veterans and our current soldiers are the same calibre of men, only separated by age. The determination, controlled aggression and self-reliance needed by a paratrooper in 1944 are required now in our role as the British Army’s airborne rapid reaction force.”


Heritag

e

A reorganisation of 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, which flies the Apache attack helicopter, has seen 654 Squadron

disbanded. The disbandment was marked with a parade at Wattisham Flying Station in July which also saw ten members of the squadron who have recently deployed to Afghanistan, presented with Operational Service Medals.

The restructuring, carried out as part of the Army 2020 reforms, will see 4 Regt AAC reduce from three to two squadrons, but retain its manning levels and helicopters to deliver better-equipped squadrons to support 16 Air Assault Brigade.

During the parade, which featured music from The Band of The Parachute Regiment, flypasts were made by an Auster, Gazelle, Lynx and Apache, which have all been flown on operations by 654 Sqn since it was formed in 1942.

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Corps, presented the campaign medals before 654 Sqn marched off the parade square and into history.

The parade also marked the end of 4 Regt AAC’s involvement with operations in Afghanistan, with the recent return of 664 Squadron to the UK. 3 Regiment Army Air Corps will now operate the Apache until British combat troops leave Afghanistan at the end of 2014.

4 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Bisset said: “This parade has been a bittersweet occasion, mixing the sadness of 654 Squadron’s disbandment with a celebration of the Regiment’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan.

Since it first deployed in 2006 the Apache has repeatedly proved its value, which is to the credit to our people working both in the air and on the ground.

“All who have served with 654 Squadron, dating back to its origins in the Second World War, can be hugely proud of their contribution. The reorganisation means that the Regiment has retained its capabilities in a leaner structure and is fully ready to meet future operational challenges as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s rapid reaction force.”

Among soldiers to receive a campaign medal was Air Trooper Sean Toulson who returned in February from a four month tour with 654 Sqn. He said “It’s good to see more people getting their medals as 4 Regt AAC’s time in Afghanistan comes to an end. People will now start to move on to new squadrons with the experience that they have picked up over the last few years.”

654 Sqn was formed in 1942. Operating in North Africa and Italy in support of the 8th Army, the squadron flew artillery observation missions in flimsy Auster aircraft.

After the Second World War, the unit was mostly based in Germany providing attack helicopter support to the British Army of the Rhine. Flying Lynx helicopters it fought in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 before moving to Wattisham in 1995 and serving in Bosnia in 1996 and Iraq from 2003.

Since equipping with the Apache in 2007 the squadron has deployed to Afghanistan four times.

apache regiment

restructures for the future

An Army aviation squadron has celebrated the achievements of its soldiers in Afghanistan as it is placed into suspended animation.


Hon

ours &

Aw

ards

honours &awardsstate honours & awards

ROYAL NAVY

award rank, name & unit

MBE Lt Cdr Loughrey, 847 NAS - CHF

ARMY


CBE Brig Hill, Former 16X

OBE Lt Col Den-Mckay, Former 16X

OBELt Col Kingsbury, 16X - CO 2PARA - Recommended as SO1 Def Lessons, JFC

MBE Maj Hallas, HQ ARF AAC

MBE Maj Macleod, 16X - 1 R IRISH

MBEWO1 Thorp, 16X - 2 PARA - Recommended as RSM/Trials Offr, ITDU, LWC

CGS Maj Gracie, 16X - 2 R IRISH

CGS Maj Williams, 16X

CGS LCpl Waggot, 7 PARA RHA

CLF Capt Roberts, 16X HQ

CLF WO1 Elgie, 9 Regt AAC

CLF Cpl Harrower, 5 SCOTS

ROYAL AIR FORCE


OBE Wg Cdr Gosling, RAF Benson

MBE Sqn Ldr Butler, RAF Odiham

msm


MSM WO1 Langford, 16X

MSM WO1 Lindley, 16X (Deceased)

MSM WO2 Cooper, 16X

MSM WO2 Hunter, 16X - 7 PARA RHA

commander jhc commendation

recipient unit / section

16 AIR ASSLT BRIGADE

Maj Boreham 4 Regt AAC

WO1 Carraher 23 Engr Regt

Cpl Symonds 4 Regt AAC

continued…

recipient unit / section

CHF

Lt (RN) Murphy 845 NAS

CPO Sutton 847 NAS

ARF

SSgt James 1 Regt AAC

RAF Benson

Flt Lt Smith FHQ

MACr Weston 28(AC) Sqn

FS McLeish FHQ

FS Smith Arm Eng Section

RAF ODIHAM

Sqn Ldr Winter-Goodwin 18/27 Eng Sqn

FS Taylor Logs Tech Flt

Sgt PowellMovs (Logs Deployment Flt)

Mrs Aldridge Log Sqn

6 REGT AAC

Ms Revell 6 Regt AAC

cas commendation

Flt Lt Farmer RAF Odiham

Sqn Ldr Hyde Ex RIGC(NI)

dcom commendation

SAC ThorpeLogs (Cat) RAF Benson, Ex Brize Norton

aoc 2 gp commendation

Sqn Ldr Hyde Ex RIGC(NI)

FS Lyes RAF Benson

FS Cashmore Ex Odiham

Cpl VaughanRAF Odiham, Ex Brize Norton

SAC GantRAF Benson, Ex Brize Norton

JuNglIE assaulT fINalE to the rnas Yeovilton air daY‘Somewhere in the world NATO forces are patrolling a no-fly zone in order to prevent a hostile force from committing atrocities. A NATO jet is targeted by a surface to air missile forcing the pilot to eject.’

I t was with this scenario that the traditional pyrotechnic fuelled Commando Assault finale to the RNAS Yeovilton Air Day began.

Four Commando Helicopter Force Sea King Mk4 helicopters, from 845 Naval Air Squadron, demonstrated a Joint Personnel Recovery, working alongside two Hawks, a Wildcat and two Lynx helicopters, to rescue the downed

insert troops through the thick rainforest canopy. It was during this conflict that CHF earned the moniker the ‘Junglies.’

Lt Cdr Jeremy Gilmore, Commando Helicopter Force said “The Junglie Assault Finale is an excellent example of air and ground integration with helicopters inserting and providing close support to the troops and force elements on the ground whilst in ‘enemy territory’.”

The display continued with a medical evacuation team being called in, led by another 847 NAS Sea King accompanied by Wildcat and Lynx helicopters. With additional troops providing protection for the medical team, specialist kit and medical supplies were brought in by underslung load.

The Hawks ‘bombed’ the enemy compound in an attempt to neutralise the remaining forces whilst two more Sea Kings brought in fresh troops to continue the assault on the enemy forces and evacuate the casualties.

The display was brought to a close with a demonstration of the Sea Kings winching technique to evacuate the casualties and finished with a fly past of the victorious friendly forces led by the Commando Helicopter Force Sea Kings.

“As flying displays go it was continuous fast and furious action which included numerous specialist skills and disciplines such as abseiling and fast roping which when combined with the gunfire and pyrotechnics, provided a realistic and crowd pleasing show,” said Lt Gilmore.

Commander Gavin Simmonite, Commanding Officer of 845 NAS said “this will be the last year of the Sea King’s involvement in the finale before we transfer to Merlin next spring.”

This was fitting farewell to a popular and operationally successful helicopter, and paves the way for Merlin, which transitions from the RAF Support Helicopter Force next year.


People

pilot. With the enemy forces on the hunt for the pilot, the two Hawks from 736 NAS located the pilot and the enemy forces closing in and reported back to the Sea King crew. Marine Kirk, from CHFs Mobile Air Operations Team, abseiled from the Sea King to attend to the injured pilot.

The abseiling and fast roping techniques are one of the CHFs many skills and were first used during the Malaya conflict in 1952 to


L ocated at BATUK is 25 Flt AAC and within 25 Flt is the RAF Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) Detachment who is

established to provide support to the training of UK personnel in Kenya by manning a 24 hour refuelling capability in support of CASEVAC helo ops. The TSW detatchment consists of nine personnel on a three monthly rotating commitment.

In addition to its primary role, the TSW detatchment are involved with supporting the Community Outreach Project set up by TSW Sgt, Jimmy Ramage in June

Nanyuki in the province of Laikipia is currently home to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) HQ.

supporTINg THE loCal CommuNITy tsw detachment to kenYa

2013. This charitable project, championed by the local MP Mr Anthony Muthai aims to help improve the development of the local community of Nanyuki. During the past months TSW detachment personnel have worked tirelessly often during their stand down periods, to assist with a number of infrastructure projects. In particular the charity’s current focus is on the development of Ndururi Primary School; replacing an old, outdated and dilapidated classroom and kitchen with a newly built facilitiy to teach and feed 600 school children.

As with any charity project, funding has been one of the biggest challenges. However, with the generous support of a number of external agencies such as 25 Flt AAC personnel, Lily Pond Arts and Crafts Centre in Nanyuki and the Servicing Commando & TSW Association, it has been possible to successfully complete such a worthwhile and much needed project. Indeed specific praise should go to The Lily Pond Centre who graciously allowed TSW to host a multitude of events ranging from Cpl Dan Davidson’s very popular quiz nights to charity theme night functions. Praise should also go to the Servicing Commando & TSW Association and Wing Commander David Orr (Rtd) whose very generous donations enabled the TSW personnel to procure a new wood burning oven (jiko) for the school, as well providing vital funds to support the refurbishment of the school last year. Forging strong links with the local

Nanyuki community and in particular local businesses and tradesmen, such as David Karuku and John Wamau, TSW detachment personnel and their supporters have been able to make the project a success.

Aside from the school development project TSW detachment personnel have also been involved with distributing donations of school uniforms, clothes and toys to where it’s most needed, such as poverty area schools, orphanages and disaster areas.

As the project is coming to a close it is with a sense of pride that the departing TSW personnel can look back on the rewarding work it has been involved in and the legacy it is leaving behind. “Providing the community with a much improved school kitchen facility for the future generations of Nayuki has been a wonderfully gratifying experience for all of those TSW personnel involved.” SAC Kyle Green, TSW Detachment, BATUK.


People

T he Band of The Army Air Corps has moved to Colchester to reform as a rock and jazz group this year. Previously a

traditional military band based at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, the change of tempo and location is part of reforms to the Corps of Army Music to provide a wider range of music to that traditionally offered.

Within the Corps’ line-up of 22 bands the AAC Band is one of three newly configured specialist contemporary bands intended to play the music that soldiers listen to. It can perform as a six-piece pop/rock group, a jazz quartet or soloists.

Bandmaster WO1 Rob Smith said: “There have always been rock groups within Army bands, but it’s always been a sideline to the more traditional marching and classical music. We are now set up as a full-time pop group and, as the core purpose of military music is to entertain soldiers and maintain morale, what could be better than to play the music they love to listen to?

new sound of armY music takes offA band at the forefront of the new sound of Army music is settling into a different rhythm ahead of a busy summer schedule.

“It’s been an interesting process to reform the band with new members playing different instruments with a very different playlist. We’ve played a few gigs, mostly to military audiences, which have been well-received and we’re looking forward to getting out and playing for the public.”

At Merville Barracks the band shares state-of-the-art facilities with The Band of The Parachute Regiment and has been busy rehearsing its new sound. Upcoming profile performances include the Bournemouth

Air Festival and the Invictus Games, the international sports event for wounded, injured and sick military personnel taking place in London in September.

Vocalist Lance Corporal Chris Deeley, 27 from Stourbridge, said: “I was a percussionist with The Band of The Corps of Royal Engineers for ten years, which was lot of drumming and marching, so to be the lead singer in a rock band is a very different experience!

“I went to Afghanistan in my previous job and we formed a rock group for the tour, which was really well received and helped the guys relax and not think about operations for a bit. To be playing the music that soldiers want to hear – and I really enjoy singing and playing – is very rewarding.”


Major Jon Cheek MBE, OC 5AAC Workshop, has been awarded the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Operational Engineering Award by the Worshipful Company of Engineers.

The annual award is given to the Officer who has demonstrated achievement of significant success

through the application of professional engineering judgement or technical innovation in the maintenance or enhancement of operational capability in any theatre of operations.

Maj Cheek’s citation read: Since assuming command in January 2012, he has provided engineering leadership to 5 Regiment Army Air Corps Workshop REME, based in Northern Ireland. His continuous drive to improve standards and output, both in the Workshop and across the wider Regiment has garnered numerous successes. Impressive stuff but his achievements are in stark contrast to the environment in which he operates; resource constraints, manning difficulties and a backdrop of ever changing assurance from the Tri-Service regulator, the Military Aviation Authority. Major Cheek is the epitome of an operational engineer, revered by subordinates and delivering continued operational effect from barracks to support UK Counter Terrorism Operations.

oc 5aac workshop

winsprestigious engineering award

biographYEducated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, Richard Mason joined the Royal Air Force as a direct entrant. After accumulating nearly 1,000 hours flying the Phantom F4, he ‘discovered’ helicopters whilst instructing at the RAF School of Combat Survival. He then completed operational tours flying the Chinook in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Sierra Leone, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches. Promoted to Squadron Leader, he deployed in operational command appointments to Macedonia and Afghanistan and was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in recognition.

After a staff tour in the Directorate of Special Forces, which included a deployment in support of operations in Iraq in 2003, Mason was promoted to Wing Commander and served in the Joint Helicopter Command Headquarters and Army Resources and Plans in the MoD. While completing the Advanced Command and Staff Course, he

NEW appoINTmENT:

capabilitY director air commodore richard mason obeJHC welcomes former RAF Benson Station Commander, Air Commodore Richard Mason, who assumes responsibility from Commodore Pentreath for Capability Development and Equipment programmes within the JHC.

gained an MA in Defence Studies. He then took command of Number 18 Squadron, operating the Chinook, in the summer of 2006 and commanded the Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) the following year. He was subsequently appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Promoted to Group Captain in January 2009, Mason had a short spell as acting Station Commander, Royal Air Force Odiham and Chinook Force Commander. He was then posted back to the MoD as the Deputy Head of Air and Littoral Manoeuvre Capability. He assumed command of Royal Air Force Benson in November 2010 with responsibility, as Force Commander, for the UK’s Puma and Merlin Battlefield Helicopters. Having attended the Higher Command and Staff Course in 2013, he was selected for a CAS Fellowship at Oxford University and joined Cohort 7 of the Major Projects Leadership Academy. Promoted to Air Commodore, he took up his current appointment as Director Capability, Joint Helicopter Command, in July 2014.

Mason’s enthusiasm for sport isn’t always matched by his

ability, especially in his capacity as President of the Royal Air Force Water-Ski and Wakeboard Association. Both he and his wife Alex, also serving in the Royal Air

Force, share a passion for overseas travel, diving and enjoying the

‘great outdoors’.

Soldiers have waded in to help tidy up Colchester’s

former port, removing rubbish ranging from a car bonnet to the kitchen sink.

A group of ten Army chefs from the town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade worked alongside Colchester Borough

Council staff to remove rubbish from the River Colne at the Hythe in June.

colchester soldiers helping

the local communitY

S ome 250 troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade were joined by Mayor of Colchester Cllr John Elliott and Sir Bob

Russell MP for a commemorative service at Merville Barracks on Monday 4th Augusy. At exactly 11pm – the time the British ultimatum to Germany expired and war was formally declared – lanterns carried by soldiers were turned off.

The ceremony replicated similar events held across the country inspired by the famous comment by the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey. As diplomatic efforts failed and war appeared inevitable, he said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

The service was led by Reverend Father Nick Farrell, Chaplain to 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, and featured Bible readings, prayers and speeches and poetry from the First World War.

Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “The service was a simple, yet powerful, way for troops to join with Colchester’s civic dignitaries to mark the outbreak of the First World War. Many of our antecedent Regiments and Corps served with distinction throughout that terrible conflict, and this was a rare and moving moment for us to commemorate their sacrifice, and mark the start of that critical moment in history.”

16X mark outbreak of first world

warThe lights went out at Colchester Garrison as soldiers marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War on 4th August 1914. T he money raised is to

be donated to three charities that have supported fellow

CHF serviceman, Lt Cdr Sean Dufosee MBE (Duffers), who was medically evacuated from Afghanistan in April 2013 after he was found to be suffering from Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of cancer. The charities are Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), Myeloma UK and Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM), the military wing of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

The ride took place on 12th June 2014, departing RAF Benson at 0700hrs with a mixture of both RN and RAF personnel, including the Commanding Officer (designate) of 846 Naval Air Squadron Lt Col Del Stafford RM and CHF Deputy Commander Lt Col Lenny Brown RM taking part.

Sgt Matthew Smith RM of 28 Squadron at RAF Benson, single handily put the event together, having himself recently return from Afghanistan. The team has raised over £5,000 beating the initial target of £3,000 by some margin.

Matthew said “I am thrilled that this bike ride has been a success, it couldn’t have gone any better, and even the weather has been great! The solidarity of everyone taking part has been fantastic with the stronger members supporting and encouraging those that could have struggled. The Junglie spirit kicked in and everyone grouped together.”

The event was also supported by Commanding Officer of CHF, Captain

CHf aND THE mErlIN forCE

ride for duffers

Image: RNAS Yeovilton (finish line)

40 members of the Commando Helicopter Force and Merlin Force decided to undertake a charity bike ride from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, where the Merlin Force is based, to RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. A gruelling distance of 115 miles, in order to raise over £5,000 for charity.

Niall Griffin, who met the ‘Brave Benson Bikers’ en route. The event epitomises the Merlin transition and the fantastic bond that has been formed over the last two years between the Commando Helicopter Force and the RAF Merlin Force.

Capt Griffin said “I am immensely proud of the achievement by the guys and girls today cycling over 100 miles, the first time for a vast majority of them doing that distance and all for an outstanding cause shown in the camaraderie we have within CHF for their colleague and friend Sean Dufosee, raising money for the charities that have supported him and his family during a very difficult time. Huge congratulations to all of them and thank you to everyone that has donated and supported them.

This event was not only in the interests of our brother in arms and his three charities, but also to all those who serve in CHF, the Merlin Force and wider service. It demonstrates that we are a close community and we look after each other no matter what service or cap badge. This small gesture galvanises our core values, reinforces our beliefs and simply allows friends and colleagues to feel they are doing their bit to help.’’

Image: RAF Benson (start line)


People

WW

I Heritag

e

to improving the environment of the River Colne, making Colchester a nicer place for everyone to live. It’s been particularly good to get involved in helping to tidy up my home town.”

Cllr Annie Feltham, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure Services, said: “The Army volunteers have been absolutely fantastic and by working together we have really achieved a lot. As well as cleaning up part of the river, the activity has raised awareness of the surprising waste that people throw into the water. Until you actually watch someone doing this work you really have no idea how muddy and smelly the job is. Those of us who love the river really owe them a huge thank you.” She added “I hope this exercise also promotes awareness of the rubbish and encourages people to dispose of it properly in the future; helping keep our rivers clear of pollution and rubbish.”

Throughout the day the team pulled out several shopping trolleys, bicycles and tyres. They were supported by a work boat from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) and a recovery vehicle from 8 Field Company, 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

The event was organised by Warrant Officer Class 1 Jim Tallon to both develop soldiers’ skills and contribute to the community in Colchester.

He said: “This is a win-win for everyone involved. We have taken our chefs out of their comfort zone and challenged them to do very

different work alongside civilians, which will have developed their leadership and teamwork skills. At the same time we have contributed

1914-2014

armament: 1 x .303 in Lewis Gun

engines: 1 Gnome Monosoupape 9 cylinder rotary engine (approx 100hp)

armament: 2 × M134 Miniguns and a M60 machine gun

engines: 2 x Textron Lycoming T55-L714 turboshafts (approx 3750hp each)

role: Trooping, Heavy lift, Underslung loads and Internal freight, Causality evacuation, Air assault, Fast roping, Air despatch, Aid to Civil Authorities.

capacitY: 55 soldiers and equipment

roYal flYing corps 7, 18 and 27 sqn

wwiVickers f.b.5

roYal air force 7, 18 and 27 sqn

todayChinook HC 4

T he Vickers F.B.5 (Fighting Biplane 5), known as the “Gunbus,” was

a British two-seat pusher military biplane; it was the first aircraft purpose-built for air-to-air combat to see service, making it the world’s first operational fighter aircraft.

T he Chinook is an extremely capable and versatile support helicopter

which can be operated in many diverse environments ranging from cold weather ‘arctic’ conditions to desert warfare operations.

crew: 1 Pilot, 1

Observer/Gunner

crew: 2 Pilots,

2 Crewmen

speed: 160kntsspeed: 61knts

maX operational altitude: 9,000ft

maX operational altitude: 10,000ft

length: 30.18mlength: 8.28m

role: Fighter, Reconnaissance

maX take

off weight:

930kg

maX take

off weight:

22,700kg

J H C a I r C r a f T


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230 sqnfounded: 20th August 1918where: Felixstowea brief history: Number 230 Squadron was formed at Felixstowe on 20th August 1918 by combining three locally based seaplane Flights and took up maritime reconnaissance flights over the North Sea.wwi battle honours: Home Waters 1918today: RAF Benson, Puma

7 sqnfounded: 1st May 1914where: Farnborougha brief history: No sooner had No 7 Squadron formed at Farnborough on 1st May 1914, when it was disbanded to bring other Squadrons up to strength. After reforming in September, the Squadron moved to France in April 1915 immediately joining the Second Battle of Ypres with RE5s and Vickers FB5 fighters. In July 1915, Capt J A Liddle MC and his observer Lt RM Peck were hit by ground fire. Liddle suffered a broken thigh, but managed to return his aircraft home. Sadly, four weeks later Liddle died of septic poisoning, but was awarded the VC for his determination and gallantry in saving Pecks life. During 1916, the Squadron standardised on BE2s and then received RE8s in 1917 still in its observation role. The Squadron returned home in 1919.wwi battle honours: Western Front 1915-1918, Ypres 1915, Loos, Somme 1916, Ypres 1917.today: RAF Odiham, Chinook

18 sqnfounded: 11st May 1915where: Northolta brief history: No. 18 Squadron formed initially as a training unit at Northolt on 11th May 1915. During the Great War, it concentrated on bombing, and after the Armistice moved to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation before returning the UK in September 1919.wwi battle honours: Western Front 1915-1918, Somme 1916, Somme 1918,today: RAF Odiham, Chinook

27 sqnfounded: 5th November 1915where: Hounslowa brief history: Formed at Hounslow on 5th November 1915 from a nucleus provided by No. 24 Squadron, No.27 became the first squadron to be fully equipped with the Martinsyde G100 ‘Elephant’. Although intended as a fighter, the aircraft found itself more suited to reconnaissance and bombing missions after moving to France in March 1916. It wasn’t until the autumn of 1917 that DH4 light bombers replaced the G100s, and these remained with the Squadron for the remainder of the war. In March 1919, the Squadron returned to the UK.wwi battle honours: Western Front 1916-1918, Somme 1916, Arras, Ypres 1917, Cambrai 1917, Somme 1918,today: RAF Odiham, Chinook

28 (ac) sqnfounded: 7th November 1915where: Gosporta brief history: Number 28 Squadron formed at Gosport on 7th November 1915 from a nucleus provided by No 22 Squadron. For 18 months it was a training unit before moving to Yatesbury in July 1917 and re-equipped with Sopwith Camels before moving to France in October. The Squadron had barely settled on the continent when it was moved to Italy, along with the British Expeditionary Force, to bolster the forces in that country. No 28 Squadron remained in Italy until February 1919 flying offensive patrols before returning home.wwi battle honours: Italian Front and Adriatic 1917-1918today: RAF Benson, Merlin

33 sqnformed: 12th January 1916where: Filtona brief history: No. 33 Squadron was formed at Filton on 12th January 1916 from personnel left behind by No. 12 Squadron when it departed for France. After its work-up period, the Squadron moved to Yorkshire and took up Home Defence duties with its BE2Cs. The main task was countering enemy airship raids on towns and cities in the North Midlands. For the remainder of the War, the Squadron continued this task, employing FE2B and ‘Ds, Bristol F2Bs and Avro 504s, but, despite many interceptions, could not claim any successes.wwi battle honours: Home Defence 1916-1918today: RAF Benson, Puma

78 sqnfounded: 1st November 1916where: Newhavena brief history: Formed at Newhaven on 1st November 1916, Number 78 Squadron and its BE2s was designated as a Home Defence unit, responsible for intercepting marauding Zeppelins as they attacked targets on the south coast, moving some six months later to London to defend the capital when German bomber raids started.wwi battle honours: Home Defence 1916-1918today: RAF Benson, Merlin

r a f s u p p o r T H E l I C o p T E r s q u a D r o N s

wwi heritageAugust brings the centenary of the First World War, and with it many JHC Forces, Regiments and Squadrons have been joining the national commemorations of the start of WWI on the 4th August 1914.

During WWI the Royal Air Force, Commando Helicopter Force and Army Air Corps were yet to be formed, however their forebears in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service were aviation pioneers; many of those original squadrons live on today in the RAF, which was formed in 1918 as an amalgamation of the RFC and RNAS.


Sport

A mix of civilians and soldiers took part in the ten mile run, which could be completed as a cross-country race in

trainers or as the P Company Challenge, wearing boots, trousers and carrying a 35lb rucksack – known as tabbing. With a target to finish within 1hr 50mins, the challenge replicates one of the key fitness tests for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.

The tabbers and runners were set on their way from Abbey Field by the Red Devils, the freefall display team of The Parachute Regiment; and the firing of a 105mm Light Gun. The route took them through Merville Barracks and Friday Woods over the same hills and water obstacles crossed by soldiers on

public take on…

paratrooper’s fitness challengeThrough thick mud and machine gun fire and under a beating sun, some 800 runners took part in the PARA’s 10 charity challenge in Colchester on Sunday 18th May.

training runs. Around the course, troops firing machine guns and throwing smoke grenades added to the atmosphere.

The first runner across the line was Adam Lloyd, in 1 hour 4 minutes and Lance Corporal Tom Kaye, of Colchester-based 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was the first tabber to finish in 1 hour 19 minutes.


The event, sponsored by YDS Boots, attracts a mix of military and civilian participants, with people travelling from across Europe to take part.

Juraj Vanovcan came from Slovakia to complete the tab in Second World War uniform.

The 40-year-old, who finished in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes, said: “I’m a keen runner and interested in military history, so this seemed to be the perfect event. I’m taking part in honour of the thousands of Czechoslovakian soldiers who fought in the Second World War, many as paratroopers, and would have trained like this. It was a very tough course with lots of hills, mud and rivers to cross but a great experience.”

Simon Dunk was one of the first civilian tabbers to finish, in a time of 1 hour 35 minutes.

The 28-year-old, from Sittingbourne in Kent, said: “I won the run last year, so thought I should give it a try with boots and a backpack. It’s twice as hard doing it with all the kit but it makes it a really authentic event, particularly with the gun fire and smoke!”

Profits from entrance fees raised money for The Parachute Regiment Charity, which supports Paras and their families who are in need, but runners were free to collect sponsorship for any charity.

The Para’s 10 has been run at Catterick, where paratroopers train, since 2008 and runners have so far raised £1.3m for a wide range of charities.

Stephen Cooper, director of The Parachute Regiment Charity, said: “I hope that everyone has been able to enjoy the Colchester Para’s 10 and should be proud of themselves for taking part. This is an authentic military challenge that allows people to challenge themselves against the rigorous fitness standards expected by airborne forces.

This is now the third year that 5AAC, with help from 38 Irish Brigade, has competed against the Irish Air Corps

at cricket as a way of fostering ties with our Irish counterparts. In the first fixture, held in Ballykinler in 2012, the AAC team edged to victory. The 2013 rematch in Dublin was very one-sided with the Irish demolishing the tourists. So with the series tied at one match apiece and the reputation of our Armed Forces at stake, there was all to play for in this year’s tie.

The venue was the Newforge Country Club, kindly made available by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in exchange for the loan of a number of 9x9 tents. The facility was fantastic with changing rooms, bar and terrace overlooking the oval for our exclusive use. Being the Emerald Isle in May, the ground was still fairly soggy, with plenty of rain threatened in the forecast. However it would take more than a shower to stop play with both Brigadiers vowing to play on regardless of the weather. Being an international cricket match, we had managed to get hold of an international level umpire from 2 RIFLES, who also provided a number of ringers for the team!

Having had only one practice a few days before the fixture, the home side was unsure how good their form was going to be. A few decent players from 38 Brigade had been drafted in to ensure the team did not repeat the result from the previous year. Despite the lack of practice, we had managed to pull together a decent set of cricket players but were unsure what standard we would face.

The match was played using the 20twenty format, each team batting for 20 overs or until bowled out. This allowed just enough time to squeeze in a match between the curry lunch and BBQ dinner. 5AAC won the toss and elected to bat first. After a nervous start, the batters settled into their swing and started to accumulate the runs. Having practiced earlier in the week, our batsmen had obviously found the weight required to

You probably wouldn’t think of cricket when guessing the enduring activity that links 5 Regiment AAC and their Irish Air Corps neighbours south of the border.

5 rEgT aaC Vs IrIsH aIr Corps

cricket match

find the boundary. They completed the 20 overs having posted an impressive 184-4. With the rain staying away, the Irish went in to bat and started very strongly, finding the boundary on every ball from the first over. We were concerned that we had drastically underestimated our opposition. However, the British bowlers, led by Capt Hewison (651 Sqn), gradually zeroed in on the wicket and slowed the Irish run count. As the last over approached, and with no scoreboard available, the players on the field were not sure how close the score was. It was not till after the last ball had been bowled and the score was counted that the result became clear. 5AAC had won by about 50 runs. The exact score was debatable, as the Commanding Officer had been buying beers for the scorer throughout the afternoon!

After the match, both teams retired to the bar for a BBQ, drinks and a chance to improve international relations. The whole day proved to be a great success and both sides are looking forward to the return fixture in Dublin next year.

There are few opportunities to engage either socially or professionally with our counterparts south of the border, but this event showed how much we have in common, especially in the small world of aviation. Cricket may have been the start of the socialising but the activities have inadvertently continued; six week later we ran into a couple of the Irish pilots who we met at the cricket while attending the Royal International Air Tattoo, they later helped to coordinate a Gazelle heading south to Dundonald (The Irish Middle Wallop/RAF Cranwell) for the Brae Air Show. It is hoped that we can build on the success of these connections and branch out into other activities in the future.

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Documents

THE JHC delivering joint success on operationslancepublishing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/LZDZ...THE bEgINNINg of THE END afor n opaEraTIpoNa HEche rrICk… pilot’s perspective