Issue No. 42 Winter 2025 The Flash© The Official Magazine of the RAF Regiment Association, Founded 2006
2 Issue No. 42 When I took on the role back in September 2022, the RAF and the Corps was in a state of great change. In November 2022, the ‘old’ FP Force was reorganised, and the Combat Readiness Force (CRF) was formed. A new Headquarters, new roles and technologies and an ever changing threat forced the RAF to adapt its thinking about how we operate. Change is never an easy thing but one that is necessary. Some of you may have been at the AGM held in 2022 in Northallerton where I stood before the Association and spoke about how we must evolve or die. And evolve we did. Three years later and the Corps is engaged in operations across the world. Still providing world class protection for RAF assets and people. We are the Defence lead for Counter Uncrewed Ariel System (C-UAS) operations, we are also the Defence lead for new technologies such as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) but we have not forgotten our roots. Our Gunners and Officers remain trained in high end Close Combat skills, mortars, sniping, anti-tank and heavy weapons. Our standards still remain high and our ethos unbreakable. I look back at my time and think of all the wonderful memories I now have because of the opportunity I was given. One particular highlight is attending the Association events and the AGM. Chatting to all of you and hearing the stories spanning almost the entire history of the Regiment was not only a pleasure but a great honour. Current serving members of the Corps truly do stand on the shoulders of giants. But the role has not been without its challenges. Increasing operational tempo, a dwindling workforce and an ever changing global landscape means that we have had the weather the storm and indeed, we are still sailing through some others. But let us not forget our Motto ‘Through Adversity’. When things get tough, so do we. We persevere and push on through. It’s more than a motto, it is a mantra to which we apply to our everyday lives. I have known Cashy for many years and I know he will drive the Corps forward to be the best it can be. I also move on safe in the knowledge that the Association and its members will give him all the support you have so kindly given me over the last few years. I want to say a particular thank you to the Association Committee past and present who tirelessly work hard, often in the background, with little recognition of what it takes to keep a group like this running. By the time this is published, I will have moved on to my new role as the Command Warrant Officer of No 11 Group who are the Global Air Component Command and responsible for all Air operations and exercises across the UK and rest of the world. It’s a new and exciting challenge that I am looking very much forward to. But I would be lying if I said that I won’t miss being in the thick of it with the Corps. I wish you and your families all the very best for the future. Thank you and Per Ardua, Gaz Where shall I start? Three years has absolutely flown by. I can say with all honesty that being the Corps Warrant Officer has been the highlight and greatest privilege of my career. A Fond Farewell – WO Gaz Elliott BEM
© The Official Magazine of the RAF Regiment Association Founded 2006 Issue 42 - Winter 2025 Honorary President Air Vice-Marshal M (Mick) Smeath CBE RAF Honorary Vice-Presidents Group Captain J (Jason) Sutton OBE RAF Group Captain S (Steven) Brereton Martin CBE RAF (Ret’d) National Management Committee (NMC) & Trustees National Chairman Paul Grimley - confirmed (no challenge received) National Vice Chairman Gary Collins National Secretary Merv Ashe MBE GCGI Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) National Treasurer Sean Linard National Membership Secretary Stephen Pearson Compliance Officer WO AD Cashmore CG’s Representative Gp Capt J Sutton OBE RAF Non-Exec (NMC) Members Field of Remembrance Coordinator Mr Steven Horton Cenotaph Parade Coordinator Mr Keith O’Sullivan Tower of London Coordinator Mr Simon Sharpe Corps memorial Garden Coordinator Mr Gary Collins Ceremonial / Parade Marshal Mr Alan Parkes National Standard Bearer Mr Neil Dare Accounts Manager Mrs Gabi O’Sullivan Merchandise Coordinator Mr Mick Schultz Association Chaplain Rev Sandy Gall Contact us Nation Secretary: [email protected] National Treasurer: [email protected] Membership Secretary: [email protected] Flash Magazine Editor: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/ RAFRegimentAssociation Website: www.rafregt.org.uk Welcome 2 A Fond Farewell by WO Gaz Elliott BEM Stories 4 Suez Memories by David Welch 6 Corp News UK Deploys RAF Regiment Specialist Counter-Drone Unit 7 Graduation of Trainee Gunner course 1-24 The newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated 8 The Last of the Forgotten Army by David Clark 10 Tower of London Weekend 9th – 16th June 2025 (France and Belgium) 12 We Will Remember Them A look at recent gatherings 14 Memories of Salalah in Muscat and Oman The story of RAF Regiment, Number 51 Squadron in Salalah 16 Aux Wg in the Falklands Ex Southern Sunrise 18 The RAF Regiment Association-Riders Branch Bike Tour 9th – 16th June 2025 (France and Belgium) 20 Brooke House: Where Veterans and Families Find Space to Heal by Graham “Spike” Thompson Member Updates 22 New Arrivals Welcome 23 Roll of Honour In memoriam 24 Events Calendar 2026 A look at upcoming events in 2026 Contents 6 10 16 18
4 Issue No. 42 19 Wing comprising 36 and 21 Sqn moved from Raf Kabrit Egypt in early 55 to RAF Amman Jordan where 36 Sqn disbanded, and 29 Sqn was formed. And we thought we had arrived. No more tents and the luxury of showers and flushing toilets. But the happy times were interrupted with a detachment to Raf Akrotiri to undertake anti-terrorist patrols in the Troodos mountains. Shortly after our return we were surprised by the arrival of a couple of Hastings and the fact that the crew were wearing side arms. And when the contents of a secure building were crated and loaded onto the aircraft in double quick time, we knew something was brewing it was not likely to be pleasant Before the aircraft had departed a stand to was ordered and we drew arms and ammo and were issued shovels and told to dig slit trenches around wing HQ. Now we knew for sure this was serious and everyone dug with a will but before the trenches were half dug orders were changed and now the instructions were to load the QL’s with all the Bofors kit and hitch up the guns and then if the situation allowed to load our personal kit five minutes allowed for this. David Welch Suez Memories Our Palestinian bearers were dismayed and not able to understand why we were leaving not that we understood the situation at that time but all they understood was that their livelihood was ended and so soon after they had been refugees and living in camps. We moved out in the early evening and the trip apart from some stone throwing in the villages we passed was uneventful. When we first arrived at Mafraq our letters home were censored though lord knows why I should think everyone in the middle east knew we had moved and where I have the letters i sent home so I know we were still at Amman on the 14th of October 56 and my first censored letter home from Mafraq was dated 5th November 56 and I should think we had been there a good few days by then. However, there is a site under the heading RAF Regiment wings which states 19 wing only moved to Mafraq in Feb 57 Airbrushed from history? On arrival at Mafraq we were dispersed around the main camp and instructed to dig the guns in and that is one large hole to dig so we dug all night and by morning next day the guns were down and ready for action if necessary though it took several more days to sandbag the emplacement and dig the supporting slit trenches. By then we knew of the Suez operation and were aware of the possible effects on our situation and morale was pretty good as we felt at last, we were doing something useful. We had tents by now which was a good thing as the weather was turning cold and often wet and slowing getting organised and becoming expert at scrounging timber corrugated sheets to make a cook house and a Soya boiler just like the ones the British army were using at Roarke’s Drift, but these were heated with a fiendish pressure petrol burner, and it became a bit of a competition to see who could produce the loudest bang when lighting it in the early morning for the first brew. Then the water was cut off and a large detachment of the Syrian army arrived complete with armour and encamped close to the perimeter wire. Now we knew we were in an active service situation and Dhobi duties Gnrs Welch and Chapman 29 Sqn RAF Regiment LAA
Winter 2025 5 happy to receive the shilling a day extra pay for that as seven bob a week extra was very welcome. About that time the New York times Produced an article of the RAF station at Mafraq was under siege though not much appeared in the British press until later when a journalist from a now defunct paper produced an article titled “LOWES lost legion Groupe Captain Lowe being the station commander at the time, but by then it was all over bar the shouting. The water situation was to an extent overcome by Transport command who flew in water and rations at night overflying Syria as it was thought that at that time Syrian air force was not flying at night, and later flew in a troop of RA with 25 pounders and armour piercing ammo and a sigh of relief all round’. For a time, water was limited to two pints per person per day and as you can imagine for a while a lot of unwashed Rocks but still able to enjoy a brew. The Syrians kept their distance but daily drove up and down the barbed wire perimeter in jeeps stopping now and then to scan us with binoculars which was hardly necessary as the wire was only 50 yards away. we responded with a stand to and much noise and loading of weapons. The Syrians went back we stood down and had a brew and so it went on on a daily basis. On two occasions an Israeli DH Mosquito flew a recce patrol low and slow over them and gave us a wave as it passed and shortly after the Station commander and the CO of 32 Sqn did a joint aerobatic display and a low level beat up of the airfield in the Venoms which was a great Moral booster to us and a deterrent to the opposition as they could not rely on any air support. By now Christmas was fast approaching and life was improving a bit. The Syrians went as quickly as they had come and apparently encamped some eight miles north still in Jordan but on the border and became part of Middle east politics for some time while we tried to normalise life as much as possible. We managed to buy some scruffy chickens to supplement our limited rations, mainly corned beef hard tack biscuits and powdered potato. Scrounging again we got hold of some cable and switch gear and tapped into the perimeter security lights and had some lighting in the tents which was a great improvement on the tilly lights we were using as they all had broken mantles and no replacements to be had. We made the best we could for the festive season but only two bottles of beer each so fairly low key though in the new year things improved a little. A cinema was set up in a large tent and a couple of films a week were shown. Early in the new year I became Tour ex a little early as Mafraq was Dave Welch stagging on considered a Hardship camp and a tour there was only 2 years instead of the usual Middle east term of 30 months, so my time there entitled to me to a fortnight off. Early in February 1957 I flew up to Habbaniya and onto UK via Ankara and Brindisi But that’s another story. 40-60 Bofor gun pits Mafraq Christmas at Marfraq A map shows the location of Al Mafraq City and extends of the Hejaz railway line 1956 Suez war - conquest of Sinai
6 Issue No. 42 A specialist Royal Air Force Regiment counter-drone unit has been sent to Belgium to boost security after a request for support to counter rogue drone activity; signs of the hybrid threats facing several NATO countries around airports and military bases. Drone incidents over the past week are regarded as a major challenge for NATO, bringing travel chaos and regular breaches of security at Belgian and other NATO military bases. The Defence Secretary confirmed the decision, stating it was a necessary step “When our NATO allies call, we step up. Belgium requested urgent UK Deploys RAF Regiment Specialist Counter-Drone Unit support to counter rogue drone activity at their military bases, so I’ve directed a small team of RAF specialists to deploy immediately. As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace.” France and Germany have also provided specialist units to help defend sites and counter drones’ threats. Over the weekend Belgium agreed an emergency counter-drone plan with the purchase of detection equipment and systems to take down drones. Theo Francken, the Belgian Defence Minister, said: “The safety of our airports and military areas is an absolute priority.” “The threat from UAS we have faced here in the UK, that our allies now experience in Europe, is very real and tangibly dangerous - and as demonstrated in Belgium, unauthorised and uncoordinated movements by UAS can be extremely disruptive. We must not underestimate the threat that Russia and other hostile actors pose to our everyday lives. Hostile technology that we could only begin to imagine a few years ago is now reality, with weapons that were once deemed unconventional now mainstream and being used against us daily. That’s why we have invested in developing our counter-drone technology alongside first-class training for the outstanding personnel who operate the very latest equipment. Our reputation in this field is high, and Belgium knew exactly who they needed to call. I’m immensely proud of the RAF Regiment unit from Leeming, who are on the ground helping our NATO ally to deter further incursions and protect their assets and economy.” Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth This support request once again highlights the critical importance of specialist counterdrone capabilities, especially when highly trained personnel from the RAF Regiment’s No2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) Wing, with advanced technology, can rapidly and safely neutralise the threats posed by unauthorised drones.
Winter 2025 7 Congratulations go to the 27 members of Trainee Gunner Course 1-24, El Alamein Flight the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated at RAF Honington on 10th October 2024. The new graduates were accompanied with music from the RAF Cranwell College Band and the King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was also paraded. Chaplain Reverend (Squadron Leader) Young delivered the blessings and loved ones watched with pride from the side-lines of the Parade Square. Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from receiving RAF Regiment Units also met the new arrivals and their families after the event. Deputy Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Commodore Claire O’Grady was appointed as the Reviewing Officer and congratulated the new recruits on their future roles within the RAF Regiment. On graduating from this course, the Gunners are posted to either No. 1 Squadron RAF Regimen there at RAF Honington, No. II Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham), No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Leeming), No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) and No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Northolt). They have been trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations. Graduation of Trainee Gunner course 1-24 Further congratulations go to the Prize Winners: • Frank Sylvester Trophy. To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course. • TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Gordon-Smith • The RAF Regiment Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment. This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, most importantly during field exercises. • TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Edwards • Warrant Officer Ramsey Physical Development Cup. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course. • TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Smith • Leading Aircraftman Beard Recruits’ Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the Gunner who has been voted by his peers on the Course as the most inspirational and supportive member of the Flight. The recipient of this trophy has provided loyalty, dependability, and motivation to those around him during the toughest moments of the training. • TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Bojang • Senior Aircraftman Luders Champion Shot Trophy. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who has shot consistently well throughout the course. He would also be the student who has shown consistent military awareness, on battle and field-firing exercises, in the selection of his shooting positions and use of cover. He would also be one who has demonstrated consistently a high standard of weapon handling and safety awareness throughout the course. • TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hill • Corporal Bradfield Trophy. The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the JNCOs of today. It is awarded to the Corporal Instructor who has displayed leadership, motivation and above all else has set an exemplary standard for the recruits to follow. • TG 1-24: Corporal Worthington
8 Issue No. 42 David (Dave) Charles Clark, fourth son and eighth child (of eleven) of Godfrey Charles Clark, dairyman and later refuse collector, of 35 Murray Road, South Ealing and his wife Ethel, only daughter of William James Lester, engine driver at the gas works, was born in Brentford on 19 December 1922. On 21 February 1917 at Hounslow, Middlesex, his father enlisted in the Labour Company of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. One of Dave’s elder brothers, 6348704 Private John Herbert Clark, 2nd Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, was killed in action in Burma on 1 January 1944 and is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Taukkyan, Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Myanmar. His gravestone reads: Loved in life; Treasured in death; A beautiful memory all we have left. The Last of the Forgotten Army Dave explained: “There were too many of us for my parents to look after – eleven altogether – and we only had a flat, so I spent four years in a home run by nuns. I was the only one who was sent away and it was a hard time because I was often beaten. When I came back home, I went to Little Ealing Boys’ School. I just had to learn what I could and have no memories from those days. After leaving school at fourteen, I went to work in a shop. There were three shops, all in a row in South Ealing and all owned by Charlie Herapath: a wood shop, a wallpaper shop and a tool shop [Charles J. Herapath of 23 Ealing Park Mansions was described in the 1939 Register as a builders’ merchant]. I worked in the wood shop and learned carpentry: it was an apprenticeship, I suppose. I learned to make windows, doors and cupboards and I was paid five shillings a week. It was a lot of money then. Although I had to pay my parents for food and lodging, I still bought lots of sweets, I remember. “I worked in the wood shop until I was eighteen. Although I tried to join the Royal Navy at one stage, they said that I was still too young. The war had just started, and I had to do something and I fancied the Navy. Eventually, though, I enlisted in the Royal Air Force at Acton, and they gave me a medical. After basic training at the recruitment training camp at Padgate [near Warrington in Lancashire], I was posted to the former Butlin’s Holiday Camp at Filey in North Yorkshire [which had been requisitioned on the outbreak of war and renamed RAF Hunmanby Moor], where I was trained as an Air Gunner group V. I also did some training with the Army as an infantryman. It was a period of my life which I wanted to forget because it wasn’t very nice: I was always being shouted at and told what to do. The RAF Regiment was formed on 1 February 1942, and I was assigned as airstrip defence at RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire. In 2802 (Field) Squadron, there were two infantry flights and one air defence flights.’ Mosquito fighter-bombers and Halifax heavy bombers were based at RAF Gravely in Cambridgeshire, just 15 miles from Cardington, where Dave explained that his carpentry skills were put to good use: “I used to make sections for the wings and fuselages for Mosquitos, and I also made plywood drop-tanks.” The Mosquito, nicknamed the ‘Wooden Wonder’, was largely of wooden construction and plywood drop-tanks were fitted under their wings for long-range reconnaissance missions. His youngest daughter, Vicky, said: “Ironically, Dad also had a motorbike and sidecar as his first vehicle, and we were all transported around in it for many years. His first sidecar was from a converted fuel tank [which was some seven feet long] but he part-exchanged it for a ‘safer’ one for Nan, Mum and us children to be transported in!” Dave continued: “I came home on leave from Cardington with a one day’s pass but there was no-one at home – so I went to see my sister, Frances. She worked at a munitions factory in Park Royal and I knew where I could find her. Her friend at work was called Sophia and she introduced the Dave Clark and Roy Crouch, Penang, 1945 Dave Clark
Winter 2025 9 two of us. I thought: ‘She’s got nice legs.’ We used to go to the pictures together at The Lido in West Ealing and we went dancing at the Hammersmith Palais: most of the cinemas in those days had dance floors. She was a good dancer, you know. While in England I also did a motorcycle despatch rider’s course [which was to come in very useful later after his discharge]. Very soon after we were married, I sailed from Southampton in the Johan Van Oldenbarnveldt [a 20,238 gross tonnage Netherlands Line Royal Dutch Mail ship, which could carry up to 4,000 troops] to Bombay. After a period at Woril [just outside Bombay (now Mumbai)], we were crammed into aircraft and flew across India to Secunderabad, the Overseas Depot for the RAF Regiment.” From there, the new arrivals were posted to the airfield at Feni, close to Chittagong (now Chattagram), in what is now Bangladesh. Feni was less than thirty miles south of Comilla, Headquarters of the Fourteenth Army. 2802 Squadron was also based at Agartala, a similar distance north of Comilla. As the Fourteenth Army advanced south, the Squadron moved initially to Meiktila and then to Toungoo, before establishing themselves briefly at Pyu and then Pegu, and then moving west to Hmawbi and finally to Mingaladon, just north of Rangoon. On 15 September 1945 – exactly a month after the Japanese surrender – there was an article in the Straits Echo & Pinang [sic] Gazette, a section of which was headed ‘The Great Burma Drive’. Dave sent it to Sophia, writing, ‘Read This Darling’: ‘At Meiktila, against overwhelming odds, they were flown in to keep the Allied aircraft flying, though Japanese had to be cleared from the airfield daily. Later, there came the lonely, arduous and gruelling work in defending RAF installations outside Army lines. It was only fitting that, on the triumphal entry into Rangoon, the RAF Regiment should have been amongst the first troops to occupy that city.’ Dave explained: “We were equipped with the Bofors 40 mm L/60. There was a crew of three: No. 1 used to fire it; No. 2 did the elevation, and No. 3 did the traversing. I was a No. 2. It’s a period of life I try to forget all about.” The newspaper was a rare survival, as Vicky explained: “Unfortunately, he insisted on putting all their wartime correspondence into Mum’s coffin, otherwise we’d know a lot more.” Dave continued: “After the war ended, I went to Singapore and then to Penang [an island off the north-west coast of Malaya]. We weren’t really doing much but there was still a lot of bull, though. That When I was at Penang, they asked for volunteers to go to Hiroshima. There weren’t any volunteers – so men were selected. Roy Crouch and I agreed that, if either of us drew the short straw, then we’d both go together. Luckily, we never went. 2802 Squadron was disbanded, and I joined 2962 Squadron, in the Light Anti-Aircraft role: we now had two air defence flights and one infantry flight and were sent to Batavia (now Jakarta) to support the Dutch authorities in their fight against the insurgents. There was an incident when someone else took over my duty and was standing on the wing of an aircraft when he was accidentally shot and killed. It could have been me. In April 1946, I took part in a parade to celebrate the birthday of Princess Juliana of The Netherlands [who succeeded her mother Author, Jeremy Archer, Burma Star Association as Queen of The Netherlands in September 1948]. While stationed in the Far East, I had two tattoos, one on each forearm: one for ‘Mother’ and the other for ‘Sophia’. They’re both rather faded now, I’m afraid.” On 18 November 1944 at St. Stephen’s, West Ealing, Dave Clark married Sophia, second daughter of Frederick Charles Witchalls, coal porter and member of the Metropolitan Police Reserve, of 63 Elsa Street, Limehouse and his wife Mary, daughter of John Maher, coal porter, of 56 Elsa Street, Limehouse. Her aunt, Sophia Olive Witchalls, after whom she was named, was killed during the London Blitz on 10 October 1940, when on nursing duty at St. Leonard’s Hospital, Shoreditch. The fourth son and the one closest to her in age, 6351554 Lance Corporal Herbert (Bert) Witchalls, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, was killed in action in Italy on 14 November 1943 and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery. After the war, Dave and Sophia had five children: what might perhaps be described as the ‘Dave Clark Five’ comprised Brenda, Terry, Philip, Stephen and Vicky. According to his Royal Air Force Service and Release Book (R.A.F. Form 2520A), 1619494 Leading Aircraftman Clark D. C. enlisted on 15 June 1942 and served overseas from 14 December 1944 till 5 August 1946. On 18 July 1946, Squadron Leader L. W. Crew wrote: ‘His ability and experience as a joiner have enabled him to do many important jobs for his unit. Keen on the work, gives excellent results. Should do well in this trade.’ Discharged from active duty with the RAF on 15 September 1946, Dave was granted 77 days’ leave, during which period he collected his pay fortnightly from the Post Office, The Avenue, West Ealing. Unlike many Servicemen and -women, he didn’t return to his pre-war job; instead, he found work with an industrial washing machine business or, perhaps more accurately, a laundry. Later he had a van, from which he sold Sun Blest bread and Harris’s meats. He also did some carpentry and worked as a painter and decorator.
10 Issue No. 42 July this year saw the annual visit to the Tower of London organised by the members of the Central London & Surrey branch especially Simon Sharpe. The visit followed a new format of the ceremony of the keys on Saturday night and the church parade at Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula Sunday morning. During the service readings were given by Rev Sandy Gall the Association Pardre and Paul Grimley the Association Chairman, which was received warmly by the congregation. The Association members marched through the Tower ground in good order behind Dan Dare our National Standard bearer. The social event in the Keys Bar the private club of the Yeoman Warders was enjoyed by all and the raffles on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon raised a healthy amount for the respective charities. On Saturday evening Paul Grimley presented honorary life membership to retired Chief Yeoman Warder Pete McGowran and Yeoman Tower of London Weekend Goaler Bob Loughlin. He also presented honorary membership to serving Chief Yeoman Warder Paul “Fraggle” Langley and Yeoman Warders Garry McCormick and Tam Reilly, the recipients were presented a certificate, pin badge and membership card. These awards are an important recognition of the fantastic representation our Yeoman Warders give to the Corps. The weekend was enjoyed by all those attending, aside of the ceremonial elements the social events in the Tower and in the Union Jack Club gave everyone a chance to catch up with friends they haven’t seen for years. The weekend is well worth the trip to London, and I would encourage anyone from the Association to attend next year.
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14 Issue No. 42 I joined up some years ago after Colonel Mike Mitchell, (‘Mad Mitch’) and the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders had moved into the Crater District of Aden in 1967. It was the first time that television had broadcast live, or very nearly live pictures of an operational area and this had a profound effect on me. I was brought up on Errol Flynn and Saturday morning film heroes and to see live heroes actually going into action with bagpipes and an officer strolling along with a walking stick-to protect him, was to me the epitome of bravery and the true picture of the British Bulldog spirit. I had joined up in November 1967 and by the summer of 1968 was LAC in the RAF Regiment, up to that date it was my greatest achievement. Having taken on everything that could be thrown at me and passed, being presented with my RAF Regiment shoulder flashes was a moment to savour. I was posted to the best Squadron in the RAF Regiment, Number 51 Squadron, at RAF Catterick and was assigned to the Support Wing Flight for Mortar training. My Flight Sergeant was S Flynn (who I am glad to say is a member of Catterick and District Branch), who after some ‘homely chats and sidelong glances’, got me trained up in the duties of Mortarman. The Squadron had roulemont duties at Bahrein in the Persian Gulf and it was there that the Squadron moved with LAC Magee in tow. Our main duty was to patrol the airfield at RAF Muharrag, which at that time was both the civil and military airport for the area. We made patrols in Landrovers on the perimeter track and of the radar Memories of Salalah in Muscat and Oman installations and domestic areas’ of the camp, 24 hours a day, keeping a steely eye out for anyone taking a short cut out across the runway, or generally breathing in a suspicious manner. We had the only vehicle in the RAF Regiment that could turn left all on its own, as all our patrols were made in an anticlockwise direction. This was not what I thought our roles were going to be. Where were the bagpipes and the officers with swagger sticks? After 10 weeks of boring patrols, I was recalled from patrol one day, with my driver Keith Rawlonsion, (from Coventry) and told that the RAF Police would be taking over our patrol duties and that we were to change into combat kit and along with the rest of the Flight, report to the dispersal area in thirty minutes. There, we were briefed about the mission by the Squadron CO. We were going to an airfield called RAF Salalah, in Oman, to relieve the Station personnel who had come under attack from rebel forces opposed to the Sultan of Oman. We were issued with ammunition and ration packs and then marched over to an Argosy aircraft, in which we were flown some 500 miles around the coastline of Oman, to RAF Salalah, which is in the southernmost part of the country. As we made our approach, we were told to make ready to disembark as quickly as possible. The aircraft taxied along the runway until it approached the nearest dispersal area to the control room tower. We were still some 500 yards from it when the tailgate was lowered and we marched off the plane in two single files, one either side of the aircraft at the high port and with eyes scanning the area for the enemy. The age range of their weapons must have covered at least 200 years, ranging from old 303’s to muskets of the 18th Century. All of which had been heavily inlayed with Ivory and Brass studding. I hoped that I would not be anywhere near to any of them when the time came to fire.
Winter 2025 15 We took over the defence of the Station immediately, laying out our defensive positions in the best traditions of the RAF Regiment. (NAAFI, WRAF BLOCK, MESS HALL, in that order, only joking) and we soon had patrols out in the desert looking for signs of enemy presence. By the end of the second day, we had the defence of the airfield covered and the Station relaxed to some sort of normality- (whatever that was) although we were a lot more aware of being in a hostile situation and the old routine of patrols had resumed. On one such patrol, together with Wilcox who was also from Birmingham, we came across an Arab walking across the desert towards the town of Salalah. We of course challenged him in the prescribed way and got the usual reply - NOTHING! It was only when I cocked my rifle that we got the response we wanted. After a quick search we could see he was just a traveler, as all he had was a small bag containing food and a water skin but the three-foot broadsword he carried did worry us a bit, so we let him go and carried on with our patrol. As we approached the domestic area around the control tower, we could hear cheering coming from the buildings ‘Hooray the Rocks are here!!’ It was the moment I could hear the bagpipes wailing and see the officer with his swagger stick. After all the training was now to be put to the test One evening, it was decided that due to our presence on the station, there was no longer any need for the Station personnel to always carry weapons with them. There had been some incidents of small arms being fired off, accidentally of course, so we were detailed to go to the billets and collect in all the weapons from RAF personnel. The temperature was over 100 degrees’ when we left Bahrein but here in Salalah, it was the monsoon season and the temperature was only about 60 degree’s and very misty but I was still sweating. We were greeted at the compound around the control tower, by a a sight I shall never forget. Besides the RAF personnel, mostly clerks, cooks or fitters, the Station was defended by local tribesmen, (Dhofan’s) and was made up of all age groups, young boys of 12 or 13 and old men up to about 80 years of age. They were all dressed in traditional costumes, with curved knives in their belts and Shamacks on their heads, just like in the movies. To this day, I am not sure which scared me most. The enemy, or Penguins sleeping with Stirling Machine Guns under the blankets. Our presence at RAF Salalah obviously had the desired effect on the rebels, with our patrols out, they could not get close enough to attack the airfield again during our time there. We had arrived at RAF Salalah after 10 weeks in Bahrein and we were very tanned, some of us could actually have passed for Arabs as long as we didn’t speak but after 10 days at Salalah, we were as white as the day we had arrived from the UK. We were eventually relieved by (I think it was) 15 Squadron, who were diverted to Salalah instead of Bahrein. We flew out of Salalah to return to the UK via Bahrein, where we held the traditional Mahsalam party at the Moon Rocket Club (the NAAFI at Muharraq at which copious amounts of ‘falling down water’ was consumed). (I never liked that part!). Those of us who had been ‘blooded’ could reflect that real soldering was not like you see on the TV or on film but 1 hour of action and 23 hours of routine boredom. AND THE TV SHOTS OF CRATER IN ADEN AS MY CORPORAL SAID TO ME, ‘WHY DO THINK THEY CALL HIM MAD MITCH’? (I can’t understand Tom not liking ‘falling down water’ then, as he has developed a healthy interest in it since, he MUST be joking). Editor: Just a note to say that Tom Magee has been doing an excellent job as National Association Treasurer for many years. Our sincere thanks Tom for all your hard work - it is much appreciated by all members.
16 Issue No. 42 “Today RAF Typhoons have deployed to RAF Saxon, a cold war era base off the NE coast of Scotland, to deter probing Russian aircraft and navy assets that are active on our Northern border. A Defence spokesperson said that an Expeditionary Air Wing, with its Force Protection assets would be operating there for the foreseeable future”. Well, that was the setting for Ex SOUTHERN SUNRISE, the deployment of the RAuxAF Regt Sqns on their combined, overseas, Annual Continuation Trg to the Falkland Islands. With personnel attending from most of the RAuxAF Regt Sqns the challenge was to develop and test Gnrs in a realistic air-based scenario. The biggest challenge for the individual would be mastering the environment allowing them to deliver effect, the Falklands Spring weather ranges from the most severe winter conditions to sunshine that would challenge the warmest of the UK summers. Aux Wg in the Falklands Ex Southern Sunrise “It was a great opportunity to test Gnrs in a challenging and austere environment where the weather and terrain posed just as many obstacles as the exercise enemy” – Flt Cdr Planned by 20 FP Wg and 2623 Sqn, a permanent trg and support team, based on the 2623 Sqn HQ, deployed forward and would remain on the islands and operate from Mount Pleasant Camp (MPC) for the month. This support team was further supplemented by a variety of personnel from both the Regular and Reserve Force. This provided specialist drivers, chefs, medics and a media team to increase the effectiveness of the ex. The planning had started over 6 months before the deployment and vehicles, along with an Iso full of equipment, arrived by ship (the FIRS) before the arrival of the exercise personnel. Those training would arrive in 2 waves, separated by a week. To increase the realism and test the functioning of the A1 cell, a Mounting Control Centre was established at 2623 Sqn RAuxAF Regt at RAF Honington to process personnel as they mounted and dismounted from theatre. On arrival in the Falklands time was set aside for briefings, orders and battle procedure. Each wave would consist of the following: • QRF. A live firing package that would take Reserve Gnrs from individual skills through to fire team operations by day and night, including the use of grenades in tactical situations utilising Onion Ranges. • Patrols. In an austere patrol base, each wave (flight by this stage!) would conduct patrols to dominate a key terrain feature overlooking MPC. • On Base Activity. Operating on an active air base, sections would conduct internal FP operations that keep deployed RAF assets safe. • Force Development. A guide led exercise to learn some of the lessons of Falklands Conflict and small unit actions in such austere conditions. To increase the realism, helicopter moves were the normal method of movement. “I’d never thrown a grenade tactically before and to do this was awesome!” – AS1
Winter 2025 17 The first surprise for the Gnrs was the journey to the Falklands, departing RAF Brize Norton and a break at Ascension Island, 18 hours on a long haul flight was a test, with the major challenge of a new delicacy…. a Breakfast Burritto! The QRF phase took the Gnrs into advanced tactical live firing. For some it was the first time they practised their tactics live with grenades. The proximity of flanking fire machine guns was a novel experience, as was taking cover in a river! The scenario saw enemy special forces caught in a valley and elements of the Sqn deployed to clear the ground to allow vital convoys to pass. The ranges pushed everybody, including the directing staff, and in some cases, lessons were learnt the hard way. Living on Pleasant Peak (a true oxymoron!) was a huge part of the challenge as the bare unprotected area tested basic soldiering skills. Even moving on the uneven terrain, sometimes at night, carrying a full battle load of ammunition and patrol equipment was a challenge and the maxim ‘slow is smooth. Smooth is fast’ quickly hit home. With the backdrop of MPC, ultra-low flying Typhoons delivering shows of force, enemy patrols were engaged in small unit actions and destroyed during clearance patrols. “I got to command a Fire Team live and blank and made decisions that we had to act on, I was allowed to use my initiative, what I joined the Reserve for.” – LCpl On Base Activity was realistically delivered on an operating base, with population activity going on around the deployed patrols. VCPs, patrols and reaction teams were tested against role players, often they were just civilians, local police or contractors going about the normal business. But on occasion these role players became the enemy, shots and explosions rang out and fast vicious actions took place, testing low level leadership and initiative. The Force Development package visited Goose Green, Mt Harriet, Fitzroy Settlement and Black Eagle Camp. Being on the ground, physically affected by the weather and fully appreciating the terrain and challenge of a prolonged operation in those conditions focussed thoughts and hardened the lessons that had been learned in the training phases. The Falkland Islands are an excellent training facility, well supported by enthusiastic teams on island. Just operating there tests the skills of Gnrs before you add the activities of an enemy. “The best ACT I’ve ever been on” – Cpl The ex was a considered a success, but that quote made the whole thing worth it. Per Ardua Watch on Facebook
18 Issue No. 42 Day one started in earnest with all the bikes and the admin vehicle arriving at the Channel Tunnel after an overnight stay in Ashford. The tour had been in the planning for about eight months and so we were well prepared for the forthcoming week and the full itinerary of events. This was the first tour that the branch had organised since its inception back in 2023 and everyone was eager to play a part. I must thank everyone that was involved in the tours planning and especially all those that attended, the week was made that much better just by those that rode and attended the tour. As you can imagine there was plenty of RAF Regiment banter, bravado and joviality in the offing and it was wonderful to see everyone getting involved and sharing the experience. And what an experience this tour was, it all started like I say on day one with various stops at different memorials on route to Ypres where our hotels for the week were located. We had the extreme honour and privilege to be invited to that nights Menin Gate Ceremony and the opportunity to lay two wreaths. One laid on behalf of the Corps by our very own Association Chairman Paul Grimley, who just happened to be our tour guide for the week and the other on behalf of the Riders Branch. The weather didn’t disappoint throughout the week, and the sun shone on every memorial and cemetery that we visited, as though to highlight the magnificent and well-kept settings that those heroes and warriors of yester year now lay. The work and effort that the staff of the Common War Graves Commission and the local French and Flemish people put into maintaining these sites is staggering. We were all humbled and astounded by The RAF Regiment AssociationRiders Branch Bike Tour 9th – 16th June 2025 (France and Belgium) how well kept these sites are, and how extremely proud they are to ensure that we never forget the sacrifice made by so many brave souls. On one of the days, we chanced upon the opportunity to attend the burial of three unknown soldiers with full military honours. These three warriors were found by archaeologists several years ago and sadly even with DNA testing and other methods at their disposal, their identities could not be ratified. So, all three were laid to rest in a very moving and sombre ceremony in the Bedford House Cemetery just outside the town walls at Ypres. The young funeral party made up from the 1st Battalion The Rifles who had flown over from Cyprus (Dhekelia) to carry out the duty were exemplary and as sharp as knives in their No 6 Dress. The riding element of the tour was fantastic but for most this journey was about having the opportunity to pay our respects, to better understand the enormity of what went on in the trenches of the 1st World War. For some it was also the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their grandfathers, great grandfathers and ancestors. Paul had done his homework prior to our tour and brought with him the historic evidence of where some of them had fought and some had died, so he was able to give those on the tour that very humbling and emotional experience. For any of the other Branches of the Association that are looking to lay on a tour for their membership I would thoroughly recommend this trip, it was without question a week that all of us will not forget. Once again thank you to everyone involved and ride safe troops - Per Ardua. If anyone is looking to join the Riders Branch then please feel free to get in touch, you do not have to ride to join as we do have several members who do not ride.
Winter 2025 19 Day One - Monday 10th Travel and a Taster Depart Ashford to Ride to Folkestone Arrive Folkestone for Channel Tunnel Crossing Arrive & drive through to Messines – Village & NZ Memorial (lunch) Ploegsteert Memorial & 1914 Christmas Football Match Voormezeele Cemetery – A tale from your youth! Hotel to book in – Parking/ Unpack & Change Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony (Wreaths) Day Two - Tuesday 11th Bike Tour - Route TBC Organised Evening Meal in Captain Cooks Restaurant Day Three - Wednesday 12th The Somme Breakfast and depart for visits at Vimy Ridge – Easter 1917 - Trenches and Memorials Arras Memorial – 2 Air VC’s Bouquoy Road Cemetery – Something a bit “off piste” Ocean Villas (Lunch) Newfoundland Park – A Preserved Battlefield Thiepval Memorial to The Missing – Respect and Remembrance Pozieres – An Australian Battle Lochnagar Crater – The Mining War Dartmoor Cemetery – Several graves with interesting stories Devonshire Trench – Poetry & The First Day of The Somme Return to Ypres Day Four - Thursday 13th Bike Tour - Route TBC Day Five - Friday 14th The Ypres Salient Breakfast depart for visits to Essex Farm – Medevac, Under Age Soldiers and more Langemark German Cemetery – How the other side see Remembrance Brooding Soldier at St Julien – Gas Warfare Tyne Cot Cemetery – The Largest CWGC Cemetery in the world Brothers in Arms Memorial & Museum – (Lunch) Sanctuary Wood - Preserved Trenches and Museum Hill 60 – Fighting for the Heights Ypres for shops & evening (Menin Gate optional) Day Six - Saturday 16th Bike Tour - Route TBC Day Seven - Sunday 17th The Rest and Rear Area Breakfast & depart hotel Brandhoek – Noel Chavasse VC & Bar Poperinghe – Shot at Dawn Visit to TocH Lunch (in Poperinghe) Lijjsenthoek Cemetery – Nurses and Nationalities Depart for Calais for Channel Tunnel Crossing Arrival at Folkestone (Local time) & Homeward bound/Hotel
20 Issue No. 42 After 35 years’ service in the RAF Regiment, I retired in 2015 as a Warrant Officer. Earlier this year, during a conversation with the National Treasurer at the Tower, he asked me to share something about the organisation I am now proud to serve. That organisation is the Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre—a place unlike any other I have worked in before. Set within the peaceful and historic Colebrooke Estate in County Fermanagh, Brooke House is a registered charity dedicated to supporting former members of the uniformed services and their families. Its mission is clear and compassionate: to provide safe, specialist services for those physically injured, psychologically affected, or bereaved because of their service. Just as importantly, the centre recognises that trauma seldom affects only one person. Families, partners, and carers often carry their own hidden wounds, and Brooke House is designed to support them too. Brooke House: Where Veterans and Families Find Space to Heal By Graham “Spike” Thompson A Holistic Approach to Recovery Every journey at Brooke House begins with an individual assessment. Whether clients are referred or self-refer, no two care plans are the same. Instead, the centre creates bespoke, wraparound packages of interventions tailored to each person’s needs. For many, traditional therapy is complemented by confidence-building activities. Fishing, model making, and similar pursuits help hypervigilant or isolated individuals relax, trust their surroundings, and begin forming therapeutic relationships. Complementary therapies—such as massage, reflexology, physiotherapy, and acupuncture—offer relief to those grappling with anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. The estate itself becomes part of the healing process. Modern, home-like treatment rooms sit among gardens, courtyards, and woodland, allowing nature to act as a quiet partner in recovery. Nature, Horses, and the Power of Creativity One of the most distinctive aspects of Brooke House is its nature-based therapy programme. Trained horticultural and equine therapists deliver sessions that blend gardening, mindfulness, and horsemanship. Working with the horses— particularly their calm presence and heightened sensitivity—helps many clients access emotions and insights that can be difficult to reach through talk therapy alone. Music therapy adds another creative outlet, combining music, poetry, and storytelling to help participants release stress and reconnect with a sense of inner calm. Residential Support for Families Brooke House also provides a Structured Residential Programme for families. After an initial assessment, a full week of activities and care is designed around the needs of each family unit. Many choose to stay on through the weekend to consolidate their progress and enjoy restorative respite time together.
Winter 2025 21 Measuring Progress, Building the Future All clients are assessed before, during, and after their programme of care. Psychometric evaluations help the team track improvements in health and wellbeing, reductions in anxiety, depression and pain, and increases in resilience and connection. These outcomes are reported to the Board and funders, ensuring transparency and continued investment in what works. Importantly, Brooke House does not “discharge” beneficiaries. Veterans and carers may return for support at any point in the future. Many eventually choose to volunteer, using their own experiences to strengthen and encourage others. Across every intervention, the overarching goal remains the same: helping individuals and families rebuild relationships and reclaim a fulfilling, sustainable quality of life. The Impact in Their Own Words The transformation experienced by clients is best expressed in their own reflections: • “It has helped me to value myself and rebuild my confidence and self-belief.” • “It has given me renewed energy for 2025, believing all things are possible.” • “It has given me tools to accept changes in my life and learn how to move forward.” Thrive Together - Support Across the UK & Ireland Though based in Northern Ireland, Brooke House’s reach extends much further. Through the Thrive Together programme, veterans and families across the UK and Ireland can access a range of services and partner organisations. Anyone who feels they need help—whether through Brooke House or another provider—can get in touch, and we will signpost you to the support available. Brooke House is more than a clinic or a retreat. It is a place where those who have served—and those who have supported them—can rediscover safety, community, and hope.
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