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2015

The RAF Coningsby JouRnAl

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onetoone4 5CONTENTS ISSUE 4 2014

Stn Cdr’s Foreword Group Captain Jez Attridge

Editor’s Foreword • Sqn Ldr Matt D’AubynEditorial & Distribution Team

EditorSqn Ldr Matt D’Aubyn

DistributionLead: SAC Paul RaffertyDistribution Team: SAC Graham DexterSAC Matty Thomas

Printed ByLance Print LtdTel: 01480 492183

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Design Sherrie Bacarese

AdvertisingJo MarchantLance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering NN16 8NL Tel: (01536) 526674

issue 4 2014

I wAS PLoDDIng ALong ThE TrEADMILL onE wEEkEnD In JAnuAry (TryIng To LoSE A FEw ChrISTMAS PounDS) PonDErIng ThE ConIngSBy onE To onE MAgAzInE AnD rEFLECTIng on A ConvErSATIon I hAD wITh ThE STATIon CoMMAnDEr.

What did we want the magazine to be? We had broadly concluded that it

is about community engagement, advertising the multi-faceted activities at Coningsby and its fine record of delivering on its commitments. Furthermore, it’s a means of enthusing our personnel about the opportunities available here and to encourage them to make the most of life in general.

 As if from nowhere, the theme

tune “Everything is Awesome”

from the Lego Movie came into my head (in time with my feet on the treadmill). With a small tweak of the words and a bit of ‘photo wizardry’, the theme of this edition, “Coningsby is Awesome” was born. I realise this theme has a distinctly ‘cheesy’ whiff, but I hope that you will see that it has inspired another collection of inherently positive and upbeat articles that reflects life here on station. I also hope that readers will be encouraged to get involved and be a part of some of the many force development opportunities, sports, clubs and activities during the forthcoming year, whether it be orienteering, motorcycling, wakeboarding, football, skiing and more.

 I have now been at RAF

Coningsby continually since April 2006 – nearly 9 years - and I can genuinely say I have enjoyed my time hugely. I’d like to continue the “Coningsby is Awesome” theme into future editions and challenge any future contributors to send in their most ‘awesome’ articles throughout 2015.

Sqn Ldr Matt D’Aubyn

onetooneAnd so, to the front cover of

our magazine: Coningsby is Awesome (apologies to

the Lego Movie).

It’s good to be here at Coningsby: but I would say that, wouldn’t I? Once you get over the distance from the A1, or time to get to Lincoln, you begin to appreciate what we have. There are phenomenal opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, whether it’s our own wakeboard/waterski club, jet-skiing, golf, cycling or mountain-biking. We also have glorious countryside in the Wolds and beaches from Skeggy to Cleethorpes. And we have a castle!

On 23 May we will also be privileged to host the Antiques Road Show, a particular favourite of OC 29(R) Squadron. For one weekend, we will be the epicentre of frantically liberated paraphernalia. It’s an opportunity not to miss – so start your spring-cleaning early!

This summer will also provide us with a chance, perhaps in some cases the last chance on a significant anniversary, to thank the

veterans of the Battle of Britain for what they did for us. We celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle this year and there is no more privileged place than Coningsby, with our Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, to enjoy the proceedings. So, if you haven’t been to visit the Flight before, don’t miss it now.

Of course, in the background we will continue to provide air defence cover for the UK and her dependencies, just as Coningsby aircraft did at the end of January by intercepting a Russian bomber south of Bournemouth. The number 1 output of RAF Coningsby is Quick Reaction Alert – in old money, the fighter pilots and their groundcrew ready to Scramble. In this anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, we couldn’t be more proud of providing this umbrella of protection for the UK.

We’ve plenty here at Coningsby to shout about, so exploit it. Show us what you’re up to: take some selfies, send them in and, if they’re good enough we’ll include them in the next edition.

on MArCh 31 2015 ThE Sun wILL SET ArounD 3 ½ hourS LATEr ThAn on 21 DECEMBEr 2014, ThE ShorTEST DAy oF ThE yEAr. ThE DArknESS IS rECEDIng - ThE wArMTh oF SuMMEr IS APProAChIng – AnD whAT A SuMMEr IT’S goIng To BE.

SQUAdROn nEWS

3(F) Sqn 06XI Sqn 0829(r) Sqn 1041(r) TES 12

nEWS

wo Lowther Departure 16Mk Farewell 16Project galvanize update 17

BASE SUPPORT WInG

wing overview 18Padre’s Piece 22

COnInGSBY IS AWESOME

Coningsby Motorcycle Club 26Coningsby orienteering 28East Midlands units wakeboarding and waterskiing Club 29Affiliation Cup report 30harry Bontoft 32Typhoon Display Team Manager 32BBMF in winter 33

onetoone6 73(F) SQn uPDATE ISSUE 1 2015

3(F) SqnIS AWESOME

onCE AgAIn, ThE PAST FEw MonThS hAvE BEEn EXTrEMELy

EXCITIng on 3(FIghTEr) SQuADron. SInCE our rETurn FroM MALAySIA AT ThE EnD oF

oCToBEr 14 our MAIn FoCuS hAS BEEn ThE DELIvEry oF uk QuICk

rEACTIon ALErT (QrA) AS wELL AS ThE PrEPArATIon For, AnD

ThEn DEPLoyMEnT To, oMAn For EXErCISE MAgIC CArPET.

W ithin days of returning to the UK in October we were all reminded of the highest

priority task at RAF Coningsby, when two 3(F) Squadron pilots were launched to intercept an airliner which had lost communications with Air Traffic Control; the transcripts of the mission made the evening news bulletins as well as making headlines the following day. 3(F) Squadron remained the duty QRA Squadron over the Christmas period, handing over to our younger, but definitely not better looking sister squadron, XI, on new Years Eve; happy centenary XI – get some time in!

QRA eveRy minuTe oF eveRy dAyWhilst almost every member

of the Fighting Third was on duty at some point over the holiday period, either here at Coningsby (QRA every minute of every day) or down south in the Falklands, the Christmas break enabled everyone on the Squadron to get some well deserved rest before we came back in January to prepare for the eagerly awaited Exercise MAGIC CARPET.

The main effort in January was getting 8 Typhoons, plus spares, ready to deploy to, and then operate in, the desert for up to one month as well as ensuring all of the extra

‘bits’ of equipment were fitted to enable us to release live weapons against ground targets; utilising 1000lb laser/GPS guided High Explosive bombs as well as the 27mm Mauser cannon. For a Squadron whose routine focus is the delivery of QRA and associated Air-to-Air weapons, the change in focus to Air-to-Ground weaponeering is one which can be delivered seamlessly through thorough planning and preparation. As well as ensuring the aircraft are ready to deploy we also had to ensure our most important assets, our people, were ready; Medical and dental checks, Fitness tests, driving Licences, Core Military skills (in particular weapons handling and combat first aid) must be achieved by all deploying personnel. This is where the teamwork really comes in. For all pilots, engineers and support staff to get themselves and the aircraft ready to deploy in time, as well as continuing to perform training flying up until the day of departure, requires a great deal of teamwork, support and understanding from all elements on Station. This is where we are blessed at RAF Coningsby, in receiving great support from all areas on base. In particular, I am confident that we have the best Station Regiment Flight in the RAF who really get what the Station is here for, and often go well out of their way to help us ensure that both frontline squadrons are able to focus on the safe delivery of Air Power – the reason we are ALL here. But before we could get started on the Ex, we had to get there…

On 3 Feb, the day of the first Trail to Oman, the weather decided to add to the challenge of getting 4 Typhoons and a Voyager tanker to Malta, en route to the Middle East, with several inches of snow covering the airfield overnight. Eventually,

after a very interesting day (and night) which included anywhere between 1 and 5 serviceable Typhoons sat alongside the Voyager, as well as some of the most turbulent weather I’ve ever flown through (even the passengers reported spilt tea onboard the tanker!), we managed to get 4 serviceable jets successfully into Malta. The 20 knot crosswind, night landing onto a bumpy runway provided a fitting end to an eventful, but safe and successful first day! All bar the aircraft guards managed to make it to our accommodation just in time for a well deserved beer! Trails rarely pass as planned and this one was no different, but it is testament to the efforts of the whole team that we arrived in Oman on schedule, ready for the forthcoming Exercise.

Throughout the Exercise, the Squadron performed a great deal of training which is difficult to generate in the UK, making the most of the good weather whilst wintry storms continued to cause problems back home. Every single one of the Enhanced Paveway II bombs which was available to us was successfully dropped during the Exercise, every single one a direct Hit. Every single one of the almost 1000 bullets we fired from the 27mm Mauser gun went either straight through or right next to the ‘strafe panel’ which we were firing against. We also performed a great deal of day and night Close Air Support (CAS) training missions, working with Forward Air Controllers (FACs) from the RAF Regiment as well as UK Army units. This provided a great deal of mutually beneficial training with pilots and controllers getting exponentially better as the Exercise progressed. We also worked very closely with the recce specialists of Tactical Imagery Wing, together proving the high quality recce pictures which Typhoon can deliver. Once

again, the engineers of 3(Fighter) Squadron delivered aircraft for the flying programme despite a myriad of changes, often at short notice; bombs on, bombs off, Targeting Pods on, pods off, bullets loaded, bullets out; an exceptional performance.

If all of the aforementioned wasn’t enough, we also planned, briefed, executed and then debriefed training missions alongside our Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) colleagues, who once again proved their ability to work seamlessly alongside RAF assets. The hospitality which RAFO extended to us throughout the deployment was outstanding including some superb hosting in the Officers’ Mess. However, most of the socialising took place in the ironically named RAF Camp Green (there is no sign of grass or trees for miles!!).

Facilities in the Camp were basic, but sufficient. Hot showers, beds and rooms with a roof (portacabins) were considered more than adequate, especially for those recently arrived from the Support Helicopter Force! There was plenty of entertainment on offer during time away from work, the Bar and TV Room proving to be

almost as popular as the Gym / 5-aside pitch (where the pilots were regularly thrashed by the engineers!). One of the highlights of the deployment was the food provided by 3 Mobile Catering Support Unit (MCSU); how they manage to provide such good quality food in such vast amounts is a mystery to me and certainly kept morale high throughout the deployment. Also helping make the Exercise run smoothly for the Fighting Third was the support provided by 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), with personnel from across Coningsby deploying in a support role to enable the Squadron to focus on delivering tactical excellence.

delivering Combat Air Power can be a complex business; it is thorough planning, preparation and most importantly teamwork which deliver success. The bombs, bullets, recce pictures and missions with RAFO were all successful because every member of 3(Fighter) Squadron, both home and deployed, and everyone at Coningsby deployed with the EAW or back in the UK, all played their part, however small.

TErTIuS PrIMuS ErIT.

onetoone8 9XI SQn uPDATE ISSUE 1 2015

ALPInE CHAMPS XI SqnIn JAn 2015 XI SQn AnD honorAry MEMBErS unDErTook ThE ChALLEngE oF rACIng In onE oF ThE rAF’S MoST ESTABLIShED wInTEr SPorTS CoMPETITIonS – ThE rAF ALPInE ChAMPIonShIPS.

individuals had been preparing for weeks, with OC XI Squadron undertaking a rigorous regime of

squats to be in fine racing shape. The competition was always going to be fierce, especially with 2 honorary members, Flt Lt Taylor and Fg Off Eden, already in the RAF Ski Team development squad.

After an early Saturday morning start to Stansted airport, Squadron members safely made it to the Adler Hotel in Saalbach-Hinterglemm for the second week of the champs. After a few quick race changes (the ‘downhill’ is more of a pro race than the ‘Giant Slalom (GS) - who

knew?!), XI Squadron was prepared for the week ahead. A number of enthusiastic individuals headed immediately out onto the slopes in order to get ahead of the game with the rest of the Squadron retiring to the pub to work out their individual race strategies.

The first races were the Snowboard Slopestyle and the Fiacaill Giant. RAF Coningsby were the duty Station this day and subsequently got an in-depth insight into the exclusive club of the RAF Snowboarding team as well as the amount of preparation required to host these prestigious events. US Exchange Officer Capt

Switzer took the honour of being the first XI Squadron representative in his stride. Flt Lt Seymour’s GS swiftly followed, coming in 17th; both made snowboarding look far too easy.

The GS was the main event for XI Squadron, with the majority of skiers pitting their skills against the well trained Ski Team on the Zwolferkogel. A course with 39 gates and a 300m drop on firm snow was always going to be a challenge. All XI Squadron ladies swiftly completed their two runs, with a well deserved podium place for Fg Off Eden who finished both runs in 2 minutes 38 seconds after some breath-takingly

quick skiing. For the men, an enthusiastic Sqn Ldr ‘Chuck’ norris initially looked like a strong challenge to the RAF Ski Team but ended up cutting too close to the gates and crashed out on his first run. Flt Lt Thompson suffered a similar fate on his second run just metres away from the finish. This left the field open for Sqn Ldr Gardiner to take the XI Squadron men’s title, placing a respectable 21st from 58 finishers.

In the Improvers GS, SAC Tom Jugg stormed into 4th, narrowly missing out on a podium, and Wg Cdr Layden finished 42nd in the Fiacaill Giant Slalom. For those undertaking beginners’ lessons, races were not required but their support was much appreciated throughout.

At the end of a week of competitions, team bonding and alpine activities, XI Squadron were truly proud of themselves for their valiant alpine efforts. We would also like to congratulate Flt Lt Taylor in her achievement as RAF Women’s Ski champion 2015… though the rest of XI Squadron will now be expecting training tips and coaching to get us in shape for 2016! See you the on the slopes!

ThE JoBS ThAT FALL To ThE EngInEErS on A FronT LInE SQuADron ArE wIDE AnD vArIED. whILST ThE STATIon onLy SEES AIrCrAFT TAkIng-oFF AnD LAnDIng-on A DAy-To-DAy BASIS, ThE QuIET AnD STurDy work FroM ThE SQuADron EngInEErS ArE whAT kEEPS ThESE AIrCrAFT In ThE AIr.

h ere is a typical break down of what a normal day for a first line technician may

consist of:Each morning they will report to

their trade managers to be allocated jobs and split down into their teams. This could include rectifying aircraft for flying later that day, or providing support to the flight-line to finally prepare aircraft already available for the day’s flying.

For those personnel that are required to rectify unserviceable aircraft, each technical trade will be allocated tasks in priority order as dictated by the ‘Rectification Controller’. This is important since these priorities must be weighed up to maximise the number of aircraft serviceable for later flying. The personnel rectifying aircraft for the day will also consider any tasks required on the Typhoon Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft. QRA must be manned and serviceable 24 hours a day so any jobs that are required there will reach high on the priorities list.

As flight-line support, all aircraft have to undergo a ‘before-flight servicing’ prior to any sortie. This involves checking that aircraft systems, mechanical and avionic, are all working and ready to go. Once all aircraft are serviceable, the technician may then be involved in the see-off and see-in procedures, during which a small team of technicians are required to be on standby to resolve any issues that arise.

First-line RAF technicians on Typhoon generally fall into three categories. These are Mechanical, Weapons and Avionics technicians.

MEChAnICAL TEChnICIAnA Mechanical Technician has

a wide variety of tasks which involve anything from ensuring the high performance of engines, flying controls and hydraulics on the aircraft to more general maintenance such as tyres and brake-pack changes. More frequent jobs include aircraft husbandry

The role oF a Typhoon TechnIcIan on XI Sqn checks and routine maintenance

inspections on a variety of important components of the airframe and aircraft mechanical systems.

wEAPonS TEChnICIAn A Weapons Technician may be

required to fit a wide range of items onto the aircraft. Some of these items may be weapon carriage and release equipment, supersonic fuel tanks or crew-escape systems including the ejection seat and canopy jettison units. When required, live weapons are loaded to the QRA aircraft that police the UK’s airspace.

AvIonICS TEChnICIAn An Avionics Technician can

work on a range of the aircrafts electrical components such as the radar, navigation, communications or armament control systems. These aircraft avionic systems are monitored using complex test-sets to complete fault diagnosis. Other jobs might include finding reported faults or replacing fibre optic or electrical cables throughout the airframe.

QrAAll engineering personnel

are also required to support the RAF Coningsby’s standing QRA commitment. Several members of the ground crew will live in the QRA building for a whole week at a time. They carry out routine servicing of the aircraft to ensure that last minute pre-flight checks are kept to a minimum. Once the QRA aircraft are ready to go, both aircrew and ground crew must respond to any alert and have the aircraft airborne within minutes.

A front-line technician is busy throughout the year supporting the Squadron’s daily flying. Mixed with QRA duties, several Squadron exercises throughout the year and individual courses, this leads to a hectic yet varied schedule. However, much fun is had throughout the year and what more could one ask for than to be part of the greatest Squadron in the world!

oCIorES ACrIorESQuE AQuILIS

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

onetoone10 29(r) SQn uPDATE ISSUE 1 2015 11

From Rugby World Cup winning captains (did we mention we took Richie McCaw flying?!),

to foreign dignitaries and work experience students, regardless of who comes, the same question is always asked: “Why do you have XXX in roman numerals on your aircraft, doesn’t that mean 30?!”

Indeed, since long before the Battle of Britain, 29 Squadron aircraft have been adorned with three X’s, and this tradition has continued to the present day. The most common explanation given by current members of the Squadron is that during the years following the First World War, one of the slower members of the ground crew was told to paint “29” in roman numerals on either side of the roundel of an aircraft, but wasn’t too swept up on Latin, so had to ask how this would look. The reply, “Just paint XX and then One X” had been

misinterpreted by the poor liney, but the result was the start of “Triplex”. 

Unfortunately, there are some fairly large holes in this explanation. As can be seen in the photo below, the “XXX” markings were in fact repeated either side of the roundel. Additionally, the use of roman numerals for Squadron numbers has only become common since the Second World War. 

It seems more likely that the original adoption of “XXX” for the 1920s Squadron markings was nothing to do with roman numerals, but was a reference to the brewers’ mark for “extra strong”, frequently applied to kegs of beer, and that it is only a coincidence that this resembles the numeral for “29”. 

Whether it be an illiterate painter, an extra strong beer, a film by Vin diesel or a formation callsign, as 29(R) Squadron celebrates its centenary this year, it is clear that this is one tradition that is set to continue for a while to come!

29(r) Sqn

UPdATE29(r) SQuADron hAS ALwAyS

PLAyED hoST To A LoT oF vISITorS ThroughouT ThE yEAr.

onetoone12 1341 SQn uPDATE ISSUE 1 2015

When discussing World War Two fighter aces, pilots that spring to mind

are often names such as Bader or Stanford Tuck; however, the most prolific Allied fighter ace during the Battle of Britain was 41 Squadron’s Flt Lt Eric Stanley Lock dSO dFC and Bar. Known as ‘Sawn Off Lockie’ to his friends due to his extremely short stature, Lock flew combat sorties for just over 15 months before his untimely death in August 1941. during this time he was credited with 26 aerial victories, 21 of which came during the Battle of Britain.

Lock joined 41 Squadron at Catterick in May 1940 fresh out of training, but only entered the fray of the Battle of Britain in August when the Luftwaffe targeted sites in northern England. It was in this battle that Lock gained his first victory against a massed formation of Messerschmitt Bf 110s and Junkers Ju 88s. In the attack, Lock had an opportunity to fire at a Bf 110 heavy fighter. After

two short bursts the starboard engine caught fire. Following the enemy fighter down to 10,000 feet, Lock fired into the fuselage and set the port engine on fire. The machine-gunner ceased firing and Lock left it at 5,000 feet. He then attacked the Ju 88s, downing one of their number.

In light of Fighter Command’s need for units in the south of the country, 41 Squadron was redeployed to RAF Hornchurch in Essex in September 1940. On 5 September, Lock shot down two Heinkel He 111s over the Thames estuary. One of his victims crashed into a river, the other caught fire and its undercarriage fell down. Lock followed it down, but he quickly realised his mistake - reducing height to pursue a damaged enemy put a pilot at risk from enemy fighters - but it was too late. A Messerschmitt Bf 109 attacked him and he sustained damage to his Spitfire and a wound to his leg. Lock

immediately zoom-climbed. The Bf 109 attempted to follow but the pilot stalled and fell away. Lock reversed direction and dived. Waiting for the German fighter to come out of its dive he fired several short bursts and it exploded. Looking around he saw the second He 111 land in the English Channel, about 10 miles from the first. Lock circled above the He 111 and, noticing a boat, he alerted the boat to its presence by flying over it and led the vessel to the crash site. As he left the scene he saw the crew surrendering to the occupants of the boat. On the way home he saw his first victim in the river, with a dingy nearby. A further Bf 109 was claimed destroyed on that date.

The following day, despite pain from his leg and against medical advice, Lock claimed his seventh victory, a Ju 88 off the coast of dover. On 9 September he claimed two Bf 109s destroyed over Kent and he followed the

rECEnTLy, AS PArT oF ThE

AnnIvErSAry oF ThE BATTLE

oF BrITAIn, MEMBErS oF 41 SQn wErE

PrIvILEgED To ATTEnD

A MEMorIAL To PAy ThEIr

rESPECTS To A TruLy grEAT

FIghTEr PILoT…

41SqnUPdATEFLT LT ErIC LoCk - POSSIBLY THE GREATEST BATTLE OF BRITAIn PILOT YOU’VE nEVER HEARd OF.

success with two victories over a Ju 88 and Bf 110 on 11 September 1940. The victory brought his tally to 9 enemy aircraft destroyed, 8 of them in less than 7 days. He was subsequently awarded the distinguished Flying Cross (dFC). Lock continued to shoot enemy aircraft down regularly. Upon landing after a sortie during which he attacked 3 Heinkel He 113s, he was told by his commanding officer that he had been awarded a Bar to his dFC for 15 victories in 16 days.

41 Squadron’s pilots were placed on 4 weeks of rotation rest following the intense period of operational sorties, returning to RAF Hornchurch in early October 1940. By the time the Battle of Britain ended on 31 October 1940, Lock, with 21 enemy aircraft destroyed, was the most successful Allied ace of the campaign.

On 8 november 1940, Lock’s Spitfire was badly damaged during a skirmish with several Bf 109s over Beachy Head in East Sussex. The Spitfire was so badly damaged that Lock crash-landed in a ploughed field, but was able to walk away. On 17 november 1940, 41 Squadron attacked a formation of 70 Bf 109s that were top cover for a bomber raid on London. After shooting down one Bf 109 and setting another on fire, Lock’s Spitfire was hit by a volley of cannon shells, which severely injured Lock’s right arm and both legs. The rounds also knocked the throttle permanently open by severing the control lever. The open throttle enabled the Spitfire to accelerate swiftly to 400 mph, leaving the Bf 109s in his wake without Lock having to attempt to operate it with his injured right arm. At 20,000 feet, he began to descend. With little control and no means of slowing the fighter down, he could not execute a safe landing. Too badly injured to parachute to safety, Lock was in a perilous situation. After losing height to 2,000 feet, Lock switched the engine off and found a suitable crash site near RAF Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, into which he

glided the stricken fighter for a “wheels down” landing. Lying in the aircraft for some two hours, he was found by two patrolling British Army soldiers and carried two miles on an improvised stretcher made of their Enfield rifles and Army issue winter coats—made after instruction from Lock. By this point, Lock had lost so much blood that he was unconscious, and so unable to feel the additional pain of being dropped 3 times, once into a dyke of water. After being transferred to hospital, he was awarded the dSO on 17 december 1940. Lock underwent 15 separate operations over the following 3 months to remove shrapnel and other metal fragments from his wounds. For the following 3 months he remained in hospital recuperating from his injuries.

In June 1941 he received notification that he had been promoted to Flying Officer and was requested to report back for immediate flying duties with 41 Squadron. 4 weeks later he was promoted again to Flt Lt and posted to 611 Squadron as a Flight Commander. On 3 August 1941, Lock was returning from a mission when he spotted a column of German troops and vehicles on a road near the Pas-de-Calais. Signalling the attack to his wingman, Lock was seen to peel off from the formation and prepare for the ground strafing attack - the last time he was seen. He is believed to have been shot down by ground–fire. neither his body, nor his Spitfire, have ever been found, despite a thorough search.

Lock’s name is carved in Panel 29 on the Runnymede Memorial along with the 20,400 other British and Commonwealth airmen who were posted missing in action during the war. In his short time defending this country, Eric Lock achieved a tally of victories which only 6 British pilots surpassed; however, Lock achieved all of his victories in less than a year. A feat which deserves considerably more recognition than it received.

onetoone14 15 ISSUE 1 2015

onetoone16 17NEWS ISSUE 1 2015

Wo loWTherdEPARTUREOn 24 February, WO PhilliP lOWther (armOurer) had his last day in the raF aFter nearly 40 years OF service.

COnInGSBY BIdS FAREWELL TO PAdRE

Mark kennard

A s part of his leaving celebrations, the Armament fraternity at Coningsby

carried out the traditional towing-off Station and Bowler Hat ceremony at the Main Gate with the Stn Cdr. WO Lowther was joined by his son, Stephen, who is currently serving as a SnCO crewman on helicopters at RAF Odiham.

Mr Lowther’s long and distinguished service has taken him across the world including long periods at RAF Leeming as

well as duties at RAF Laarbruch, RAF Belize and during Gulf War 1. He has served as WO AEF at RAF Coningsby since Sep 2013. The station would like to wish him and his family all the very best for his retirement.

cOningsby bids FareWell tO Padre mark kennard, WhO has served here On statiOn FOr Over 2 years.

proJecT GalVanIZe UPdATE 2015PrOject galvinize is an initiative that has been running at raF cOningsby since may 2013 that cOnsists OF a number OF ‘WOrkstrands’ designed tO achieve “better Planning, resOurce in balance, emPOWerment and innOvatiOn”.

i t seeks to make us more effective and more efficient by seeking out best practice.

Project Galvinize is already delivering results in a number of areas across the station and may well bring about positive changes to working practices for a large number of Coningsby personnel. Therefore,

the purpose of this article is to make personnel aware of this important initiative and invite them to engage wherever opportunities exist. Particular focus areas encompass infrastructure, engineering, synthetics, enhanced station communications and planning.

Examples of changes already made include the establishment of Wing Scheduling Meetings to improve forward planning and a decision Support Cell which combines industry and service personnel to improve the diagnosis of aircraft faults.

Anyone wishing to have more information or contribute to Project Galvinise is encouraged to go to the RAF Coningsby Project GALVInISE website or any of the workstrand leaders.

ProJECT BoArD ChAIrMAn, STn CDr Ext 7201wS1, oC oPS wg Ext 7500wS2; wS6; Sro, oC ELw Ext 7302wS3; wS7, oC BSw Ext 7203wS4, oC TSC Ext 7891wS5, TFhQ – So1 AvAILABILITy & SAFETy Ext 5203

m ark retires from the Royal Air Force after 16 years of service

across many stations and as part of many overseas operations. Mark’s positive

contribution to the life of Coningsby has been valued by many individuals. Mark and denise are wished all the very best as they embark on a new chapter in their ministry.

onetoone18 19BASE SuPPorT wIng ISSUE 1 2015

BASE SUPPORT WInG OVERVIEWthis mOnth, base suPPOrt Wing OFFers a FlavOur OF just a FeW OF the things that We think make service in the raF aWesOme.

While most of us share a similar view that RAF Coningsby’s capabilities

are awesome, it is also worth reflecting on some of the other opportunities available through

Force development Squadron that add an extra dimension to our lives. Few other organisations provide similar opportunities to learn transferable skills that will help us in our everyday lives, inspire us towards sport, fitness and adventure opportunities or support the move towards a new career. Similarly, there are few organisations that routinely provide activities for all the family to enjoy; take a look this month at a couple of examples of what the Community Support Team can offer. Finally, now that the Clinton Park Community Centre internal refurbishment is complete, we look forward to seeing you and your families at one of the many activities on offer there very soon.

121 EXPEDITIonAry AIr wIng roAD TrAFFIC CoLLISIon ACTIonS on

As part of pre-deployment training for Exercise MAGIC CARPET to Oman from January to March 2015, members of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing were given the opportunity to take part in Road Traffic Collision training. The course, taught by Flight Sergeant Price from the Fire Section, covered a wide range of aspects including: basic understanding of hazardous vehicle materials and First Aid aspects specific to the scene. The students were then given a demonstration and an opportunity to practise their skills on a carefully crafted ‘crash scene’ outside the Force Protection Training Flight. The valuable training was well received and added another capability that will help to protect our personnel, both at home and on operations.

Are you interested in improving your fitness? Want to protect your body for the future? Bored of endless hours alone in the gym?

CrossFit Conz is here to bring broad general and inclusive fitness to the RAF Coningsby community. Forged on the belief that we can improve wellness through fitness, we strive to improve the fitness of whoever walks through the door.

Our sessions are scalable to any level, are coached by a qualified CrossFit instructor and will teach you to use some of the newest and most impressive fitness equipment at Coningsby.

Interested? We run sessions from 1700-1800 every Monday and Wednesday in the Stn Gym, no booking necessary. For more info call Flt Lt Steve Burr on Ext 7675.

rAF ConIngSBy DEMonSTrATES ITS CAPABILITIES

The theme of the recent Coningsby Training day was ‘Capability’ and the intent was to demonstrate some of the main

duties and outputs of the wings, squadrons and lodger units.

The event took place in the 41 Squadron Hangar and provided an awesome opportunity for people to their share some of their individual experiences, from being

an Air Sniper on Op OLYMPIC to the impact of being on 24-hour Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) shifts, whether groundcrew or aircrew. There were demonstrations on actions on hearing a QRA shout to field kitchen support for the recent F-15C United States Air Force crash near Spalding. There were also a number of hands-on activities such as packing brake parachutes, inspecting cable damage and replacing rivets. Overall, the day showed the breadth of experience across the Station and hopefully gave those that attended a better understanding of where their colleagues in other areas fit into the bigger picture.

Air Traffic Control, flying squadrons, Engineering and Logistics Wing, Survival Equipment section, Catering Flight, Force Protection Training Flight and the Typhoon Support Centre were amongst the many units contributing to a great day.

Mr Jim Robinson gave briefings on the Air Force Memorial at Runnymede, which is arguably one of the most significant RAF memorials in this country. Particularly in this year, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Jim created an understanding of why the Memorial is a worthwhile and rewarding visit for all personnel by bringing to life the stories of some of the people commemorated on it.

hE’S BEhInD you! Our first ever

Station Panto, ‘dick Whittington’, was a great success at the end of last year! Free to all personnel and children on Station it was no wonder the tickets disappeared fast and we were not disappointed by the performance from the Panto Bus company. We received great feedback and thank the WO and Sgts Mess for agreeing to host the colourful and wonderful performance.

ACTIvITIES For young PEoPLE DurIng ThE FEBruAry hALF TErM

Lots of young people enjoyed the 2 days of activities provided by the Airplay Youth Support Programme during the February half term, a day of drama hosted by our very own youth worker and a day with the Sandy Grey School of dance.

Airplay have some great opportunities for dependants aged 8+. Held at the RAF Coningsby Community Centre, we offer a new Youth Council on a Monday night. The Youth Council are keen to shape the development of Youth Provision in the area of Coningsby and Tattershall. We also offer a Junior and Senior Youth Club on a Wednesday evening.

For more information please contact the Station Youth Worker Pete Smith on 07887498690.

TrIAD AwESoMEnESS

TRIAd is an initiative to reduce electrical energy consumption at times of stress on

the UK national grid. The point of this article is to tell you how ‘awesome’ Coningsby is at putting energy saving into effect!

In simple terms, the Station now has the ability to turn off mains power yet continue to provide electricity through the use of the standby generators without any interruption of power to the Station. The first trial of this was undertaken on 2nd Feb 15 and the lack of phone calls to the help desk suggest to us that it worked! 

during a TRIAd period when the generators were used, a saving of approximately £45k was achieved! It is pretty awesome that Coningsby has the capability to undertake the running of generators, thus reducing mains power, but the fact that Coningsby is only the 2nd Station to have this ability makes the achievement even sweeter!

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

The championships are one of the highlights of the RAF’s sporting calendar; for two weeks, 29 military personnel and 4 civilians from Coningsby participated in lessons and competed in races against hundreds of other RAF personnel. The races consisted of inter-station team events, and individual events, across many disciplines.

A warm and slow start to the ski season left everyone worried about the thin layer of snow on the mountains. Just in time, however, several heavy snowfalls in late december and early January turned the Alps into a winter wonderland. despite the snow coverage being thin in places, the resort team and the RAF Winter Sports Committee did all they could to keep the race programme running to schedule, with only a few events missed from the programme due to safety concerns. However, when not racing, the skiers, boarders and telemarkers

spent the daylighwt exploring the 200km of pisted runs, and afterwards discovering the après-ski. A visit to Hinterglemm is not complete without sampling the local beer and cheesy Europop tunes that are blasted out from the Goaßstall, the most popular of the mountainside bars.

The skiers and snowboarders proved that their abilities could take on the toughest of slopes; from complete beginners getting their first taste of racing to experienced and seasoned competitors. Hinterglemm hosted the World Cup Men’s downhill race in February on the very same race piste that is used for the RAF Championships.

Several notable achievements were made by Coningsby’s skiers and snowboarders this year. Fg Off Jon Ormsby won the gold medal in the Fiacaill Giant Slalom Ski Race and was also awarded the prize for the Most Improved skier over the championships. Fg Off Rebecca Eden won the bronze medal in the Ladies Individual Slalom. Flt Lt naomi Taylor was the RAF Ladies overall Alpine Ski Champion, having the best performance over the four individual races. Rebecca and naomi were selected to represent the RAF Ski Team, where they went on to win the Inter Service Championships in Meribel, France. Although no snowboarders from RAF Coningsby were selected to represent the RAF at the Inter Service Championships, Cpl dom Gibbons was selected for the RAF Snowboard Squad to attend their future training camps. Chf Tech Scotty duncan was nominated as the RAF Snowboarding Asst Coach and the RAF Snowboarders Inter Service Team Manager.

2015 rAF SkI AnD SnowBoArD ChAMPIonShIPS

The 2015 RAF Ski and Snowboard Championships took place from the 10th to the 26th of January in the resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm , Austria.

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rAF ConIngSBy CoMMunITy CENTRE

After 6 months of an intensive refurbishment, the RAF Coningsby Community Centre is now ready for us to start moving back into. Groups will recommence in March and, whilst it will take a little longer to re-furnish the building, everyone is very excited by the new look and feel that we have managed to create.

Located between Coningsby and Tattershall, the RAF Coningsby Community Centre hosts a variety of groups including Tiny Typhoons parent and toddler group, Crafty Critters, Airplay Youth Club and fitness classes. We hope that the refurbishment will create an opportunity for even more groups to use the building and are pleased to announce that our first new group Hartbeeps will be held on Monday mornings. Hartbeeps is a fantastic opportunity to support your baby or toddler to discover a magical world through stories, music and rhyme.

The Coffee Shop will re-open shortly serving Costa Coffee and a range of tempting cakes in a lovely and relaxed area funded by the RAFBF.

The Community Support Team will now be working from the building throughout the

week to provide you with ‘drop in’ opportunities in addition to our usual clinics with the Royal British Legion, Solicitors, Citizens Advice Bureau, mortgage advice and Carillion Amey.

Feel free to drop by and have a look at your Community Centre and

pick up a programme of activities. If you have any ideas of groups you would like to be developed in the RAF Coningsby Community Centre then please contact the Community development Officer on lou.henderson100@mod.uk or 01526 347865.

A PErSonAL rEFLECTIon on CArEEr TrAnSITIon

I wanted to write this article for One to One because I wanted to share my positive experiences in career transition thanks to some of the many courses and support on offer to personnel. I want to encourage all personnel at RAF Coningsby is to seriously consider undertaking some form of continued education as early as possible in order to prepare for life after the service; it could be too late to wait until the resettlement stage.

I am due to leave the RAF after 27 years to undertake different challenges in civilian street. Like many of you, in that time, I have deployed on many occasions around the world. For any personnel who are entering the resettlement phase of their career, they should engage as early as possible with the Career Transition Partnership through the Resettlement Clerk.

rESETTLEMEnTAfter ‘hitting the button’,

my first taste of resettlement was a short briefing in The

Wratten Suite delivered by the Resettlement Officer which outlined the many benefits and courses available through the resettlement system. I attended the Career Transition Workshop at the Regional Resettlement Centre at Cottesmore which was one of the most useful courses that I have completed in a long time. These 3 days provided a real insight into recruiting outside of the service and assisted me with compiling my Curriculum Vitae (CV). I was also allocated a Career Consultant who will work with me up to the time I leave the RAF and for 2 years beyond.

My Career Consultant has already been very useful, providing me information on how to gain employment in the Welfare sector. He also assisted me with ensuring that my CVs were pertinent and understandable to prospective civilian employers. I have already applied for a number of posts within the welfare sector and have had 2 interviews for which I have received an offer of employment for both.

FurThEr EDuCATIon – Standard and Enhanced Learning Credits - Throughout my service career, I have worked towards a number of GCSEs at local colleges and used Standard Learning Credits towards the costs. I then wanted to do something longer term that would provide me with a higher level qualification. I visited my unit Education Centre and, following advice, started an undergraduate course with the Open University and worked towards a BSc (Hons) Psychology. This course took me 8 years to complete due to detachments and other commitments. I then took a couple of years out before undertaking an MSc in Psychology which I finally completed during my tour in the Falklands in 2013. due to the expense of both degrees I used my allocation of Enhanced Learning Credits which, in total, was worth £6000.

These qualifications, as well as the transferable skills that I have gained in my career have been key to securing a future career in the welfare sector.

For the last 4 years, I have held the posts of Flight Sergeant Training and development Flight

at RAF Boulmer, RAF Scampton and now RAF Coningsby. In that time, I have campaigned for personnel at any stage in their career to use their Standard or Enhanced Learning Credits and gain valuable qualifications. These qualifications can be used in support of current and future roles as well as something to fall back on when eventually leaving the RAF.

If you are unsure as to whether you have previously signed up to the Enhanced Learning Credit scheme then you can check by contacting Mrs Gail Craggs. Even if you haven’t, it may not be too late to sign up to this scheme; you will need to make an appointment with Mrs Craggs to discuss.

As I enter my last few weeks in the RAF, I would like to wish all a successful future and hope that RAF Coningsby continues to move forward from strength to strength.

Neil J Blackwell MSc (Psych), Flight Sergeant Training and

Development Flight

BASE SUPPORT WInG OVERVIEW

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‘you Don’T know whAT you’vE goT TILL IT’S gonE.’ I wonDEr how TruE ThIS SAyIng IS For you? ThE STATEMEnT IMPLIES ThAT wE TAkE SoME ThIngS In LIFE For grAnTED AnD Don’T rEALLy APPrECIATE whAT wE hAvE AT ThE TIME.

i am guessing that there have been times in our lives when this has been the case, or

else it has felt like it. This fact isn’t meant to burden us with guilt but just remind us of what we actually have. Many people return from deployment and comment that they value the simple things in their lives more than ever, especially in family life. For example, the Sunday football game with the children; an evening watching a film with friends; a walk or a drive out and about. These are not necessarily significant things in themselves, but no doubt represent something special and defining in our lives.

The Christian community during March have marked the season of Lent which leads up to the remembrance and celebration of Easter. Lent is often associated with giving up something like chocolate or another luxury and, as a consequence, shows us how much we value and enjoy these things. It is a salutary

reminder that it is the simple things in life that we find enjoyable, that make life easy for us and yet we so often take for granted. during April and May, Community Support, in conjunction with the Chaplaincy, are leading a series of free workshops which are aimed at showing couples how to get the most from their relationship. Close relationships are often taken for granted and suffer as a result. Keeping love alive, commitment, how to communicate effectively, resolving conflict and understanding shared values are just a few of the topics that will be explored during the Tuesday evening workshops. More information is available through the Chaplaincy on extension 7995.

The period of Lent culminates in Holy Week and Easter weekend, when Christians remember the death and rising again of Jesus Christ. The people around at the time of Jesus in first Century Palestine evidently did not realise what they had in the man who brought new and controversial teaching into their midst. As a result they killed him. did they live to regret it? We’ll probably never know. However, the early Christian believers did, and sought to share with others the message of how much they had in the life of Jesus. The celebration of Easter continues that tradition of being thankful for the way God has intervened in history and brought life and peace to the lives of many.

Whatever you are thankful for, don’t take it for granted but take time to really appreciate it and the people who make your life so enjoyable.

With best wishes for Easter.

‘you don’T knoW WhaT you’Ve GoT TIll IT’S Gone’

ThE ChAPLAInCy TEAM

NOW IN ITS 38Th yEAr oF ProDuCTIon AnD wITh MAny A STATELy PILE To ITS rICh rECorDIng LoCATIon hErITAgE, you MIghT IMAgInE ThE BBC’S AnTIQuES roADShow TEAM CouLD BE A BIT BLASé ABouT ThEIr SChEDuLED vEnuES For 2015.

n ot the least of it, “Every year we get excited about visiting new locations”,

says Executive Producer Simon Shaw. “And RAF Coningsby has prompted an extra interest. To say our experts are over-excited may be an under-statement!”  The team will be visiting for their first recording of the year on Thursday 28th May.

They tell us that working with the team at Coningsby to ensure the day is a success for everyone is of great importance. It will be filmed amidst the backdrop of Coningsby’s hangars and hopes to capture the atmosphere of a typically busy working day at the home of the Typhoon; guardian of our skies. The show hosted by Fiona Bruce regularly draws up to six million viewers and it’s been quite a few years since the experts visited mid Lincolnshire so they are hoping for a big turnout. So dust down your treasures and put the date in the diary. Every visitor in line between opening hours 9.30 to 4.30 will get time with the team. But what will prove the most talked about item on the day? “We can never predict what gems will arrive at any one show”, says Simon Shaw. “But we’d love to think that Coningsby being the home of the memorial flight might just turn up some Battle of Britain or Bomber Command stories. My dad, a former Lancaster tail gunner, is already planning his day out at the show.” And if you’d like to get in touch with the team prior to the day to tell them of any objects you may have, drop them an email at antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

CONINGSBY IS

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anTIqueS roadShoW

IS COMInG To raF

conInGSBy

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Flt Lt Will Cambridge, TTF Instructor

our members choose to ride machines of transportation that deliberately allow the

elements access to their persons rather than cocooning their modern bodies in cages of steel, glass and airbags. This doesn’t make us reckless or mad; it makes us feel alive in a world of safety. Some people believe motorbikes are bad and that they kill young men before their time, which tragically can occur, but it’s not for the reasons you think. I’ll get to that at the end…

Coningsby is in a unique area of the country with access to some fantastic roads. Many motorcycle magazines base themselves around Lincolnshire as they can easily

get to superb routes through the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Peak district and the Yorkshire dales, as well as the world class Cadwell Park race track. I do admit that some of our roads are fairly poor and very busy (I’m talking about the A153) but these lifeless commuter arteries are not what makes Coningsby shine.

Modern sport bikes are now so incredible at what they do, riders can feel tempted to do ludicrous speeds to get the same speed thrill they remember from doing 50mph on a scooter. Sweeping corners become exhilarating hairpins at 100+ mph, and hedge lines bear the brunt on a regular basis. But Lincolnshire roads are different. If

you pick the right route they are tight and twisted with the odd straight to overtake Mrs Miggins on her weekly shopping trip. I have had many enjoyable rides ducking between the hedgerows without ever going over the speed limit.

So what else makes Coningsby

Motorcylce Club awesome? The club has a garage that serves as a dry workshop as well as winter storage to keep one’s ‘pride and joy’ in top condition. It acts as a focal point for social activities and the odd BBQ, meaning interaction between members is free and easy. The website is populated with upcoming events and the Facebook and WhatsApp groups ensure no one misses out. Some of our members race on weekends which means that anyone can go along as a ‘mechanic’ and share in the excitement of being in the race paddock. All these combined with weekly ride-outs in the summer and the odd weekend jaunt means that the club can be rather a social place if you’re willing to get stuck in. Even if you have nothing in common with other members, or struggle in social situations, you can always fall

back to talking about bikes. And, personally, I can do that for hours.

Inexperience combined with overconfidence is the biggest contributor to the high mortality rate of young bikers. When learning to fly we are placed under the watchful eye of an experienced aviator who passes on wisdom instead of us having to learn the hard way by making all the mistakes ourselves. Biking, like aviation, is very unforgiving of mistakes. So, having a motorcycle club with a spread of experience means that new riders can learn from those who went before making it simultaneously more fun and more safe.

And that is the main reason that I think the Coningsby Motorcycling club is awesome. But if you disagree, I’ll be happy to chat about it over lunch during a day out riding.

COnInGSBY MoTorcycle cluByES ThAT’S rIghT; I ThInk wE’rE AwESoME! I know IT’S A BIg CALL, BuT I rECkon I CAn BACk IT uP.

rEuBEn ChoLMonDELEy-SMITh

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last summer, 12 personnel (11 RAF, 1 Civil Service) from across the RAF travelled to Venice to

compete in the international ‘5 days of Italy’ Orienteering Event 2014. This may sound relaxing but, with some extra races planned, we faced the small challenge of competing in 7 races within 8 days. Yikes!

vEnICE ProLoguE A blisteringly hot day with no

breeze - just what was needed for Orienteering in the streets and passage ways of Venice! For some on the Tour, not only was this going to be their first run in Venice, but their first exposure to serious orienteering. After the obligatory team photo in St Mark’s Square, the team made their way to race control and the subsequent start. Running on roads in Venice is not possible so the key to fast

times in this setting was tactical; how to find the best bridge to get to the next ‘control’, whilst avoiding the more densely packed tourist areas and pinch points?

Venice provided a myriad of small gunnels and alley ways, next to wide un-fenced canals with infrequent bridges. The planner made excellent use of the city, and kept most route options away from the packed areas although, occasionally, a narrow alley junction would be obscured by a confused tourist. If these tourists took up orienteering then they wouldn’t have such problems!  

LEvICo TErMEThe ‘Pronto Sprint – O’ was the

second event in the 5 days of Italy competition; a fast and furious race around Levico, a small town 60 km away from the event centre. The journey proved to be quite eventful as

a series of windy roads guided us up and over a significant mountain pass, encountering several vans along the way and testing the reversing skills of our drivers.

The first starters got underway from a school playground while the other competitors waited their turn and took the opportunity to grab some premium Italian coffee. As

the temperature slowly increased, the finish by the lake got increasingly busy and many of the finishers had a quick dip in the lake to cool down. The whole team had finished by early afternoon as the short race proved to be well within everyone’s capabilities and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Was this easy race to be the calm before the storm? The next event on the agenda was the long course back in the forest but, before then, a well deserved rest day was due!

LAvAronE SouThThe next event centred on the

lovely town of Lavarone, with the assembly and finish area adjacent to a small lake in the lee of the surrounding hills. A middle distance course, the terrain included alpine woods and meadows, open and dense forest with large boulders, cliffs, depressions and prominent hills. The gradient and features of the area provided all competitors with a hardy challenge. Fortunately, the storm clouds of the previous day held off and sunny weather was enjoyed by all.

The majority of individuals enjoyed a successful run, albeit with a few minor errors here and there. Two RAF runners were clearly enjoying their time out on the course and decided to get their money’s worth by spending over 2 hours respectively out on the terrain! The experience in the Lavarone location and exposure to the ground and terrain was a useful taster for what would come tomorrow on the Lavarone north long course.  

ASIAgo SPECIAL rACE Bright sunshine greeted the RAF

competitors on the morning of the penultimate event. We made the short drive into Asiago during which we had to dodge other orienteers already underway. Tensions were running high with the competition between individuals closer than ever. The event was staged around Asiago town

centre taking in a couple of local parks, fountains and monuments scattered around the town.

CAMPoMuLo If we had survived until now

without too many aches and pains from the previous 6 races, this race was about to change that; a gruelling route held at Gallio Campomulo, a mountainous ski resort region, 15 km from the Event Centre of Asiago.

The terrain was tough, filled with crags and boulder fields to demonstrate that close contact with the map was essential. The planner had designed an excellent course; just 200 metres away from the World Orienteering Championships Relay Finals. The course start and finish was located at the bottom of the mountain; however, the course required a climb to the summit before a snake back down to the finish. The course provided good training, reinforcing the skills learnt earlier in the week, particularly the ability to navigate using contour features alone.

This was a fantastic physical challenge but hugely enjoyable with a twist of competition thrown in. Special thanks to the Coningsby Station Gym and the Service Institute Fund (SIF) for financial assistance to make attendance to this overseas visit possible. Similar events will take place during 2015 and so, if anyone of any ability would like to get involved in Orienteering at Coningsby, or with the RAF Orienteering team, please contact: Sgt Byrne, Typhoon MSC, Ext 8154, Wayne.Byrne101@mod.uk

ConIngSBy orIEnTEErIng

5 DAyS oF ITALy 2014 wILL MAkE you ‘FEEL’ LIkE A worLD ChAMPIon! - ThAT’S how ThEy DESCrIBED IT. gET InvoLvED wITh rAF ConIngSBy orEInTEErIng! ThE EMuwwSC

IS BASED AT TATTErShALL LAkES CounTry PArk, ConvEnIEnTLy LoCATED nEXT To rAF ConIngSBy!

Acting as the main RAF wakeboard and waterskiing hub within the East, the club serves

RAF Coningsby, Cranwell, Waddington, Scampton, digby, Marham, Wittering and Honnington. The sport is increasing in popularity year-on-year and the club is keen to attract more members on these stations.

whAT ACTIvITIES DoES ThE CLuB ProvIDE?

The sports of waterskiing and wakeboarding are the main focus of the club. Whilst many understand the basic principles of waterskiing, wakeboarding may be unfamiliar. Wakeboarders are towed behind a boat at speeds of up to 30 Kph on a board similar to a surfboard. The rider then performs tricks using techniques similar to those used in surfing and snowboarding.

whAT FACILITIES ArE ThErE?The club operates out of an

eight-berth static caravan, located on the edge of the boating lake where our own Speedboat is moored! The caravan is fully equipped with changing and cooking facilities including a gas BBQ on the decking area overlooking the lake. All of this is available for use by club members throughout the season.

ThE CLuB2014 saw a large number of new

members joining and we are keen to keep that up in 2015. The supportive atmosphere created by both a wealth of experience and enthusiasm is key to the success of the club. The sport is

well represented by both males and females at all levels and endeavours to increase participation across the board.

2015 SEASon AnD how To gET InvoLvED

The 2015 season aims to be the club’s best yet and will kick off on the 7th Mar when the boat will be launched. The club is able to support the organisation and running of ‘Section days’ including equipment hire, instruction and time on the water. If anyone would like to pop along and give it a try, the club endeavours to be open most evenings and weekends throughout the summer, subject to driver availability. details of club nights are available on the East Midlands Units WWSC Facebook page.

If you want to know more, or get involved please contact your Stn representatives below.

RAF COnInGSBY Flt Lt Ryan Lawton 95721 7644RAF CRAnWELL Sqn Ldr Pete Severein 95751 6491RAF WAddInGTOn Flt Lt nick Lord 95771 7211

EMUWWSC Media Rep – Flt Lt Samantha Blackshaw 95721 7644

SgT wAynE ByrnE

EAST MIdLAndS UnITS wAkEBoArDIng AnD wATErSkIIng CLuB

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This tournament consisted of 12 teams made up of Army, Air Force and Civilian

personnel, split down into 3 groups of 4 teams.

The group stage alone was sure to be a tough physical test for a team with only 6 players and no substitutes available… and we were drawn against Waddington in the first game; a side which had been touted as favourites for the tournament!

After a frenetic start, with both teams really fired up and keen to get warm, Waddington took an early lead. Unfortunately, a number of chances for Chris Zenko and Mike Braniff were not converted and, with the game heading

towards its completion, a 1-0 defeat looked inevitable. However, the referee awarded Coningsby a last minute penalty. Zenko bravely took responsibility and blasted the ball to the keeper’s right… saved! That was the last kick of the game and we began the tournament with a defeat.

not too disheartened, we went into the next game against Lincoln FC Vets, a team made up of ex Lincoln City FC players. Pressurising the opposition from the first whistle, Rob Blackaller won the ball and played an accurate pass through to Braniff who used his pace and finished with great precision to make it 1-0. 2 minutes later, from a well worked corner

from Zenko, Braniff blasted home a second to make it 2-0. With stout defending from Rob Ryder and Jeff Kent, Coningsby held on for victory.

The final group game against 2 Royal Anglian finished 0-0 and, against the odds, the draw was enough to qualify from the so called ‘group of death’.

After lunch, the quarter-final against 7 Regiment’s B team was a tight game. Having kept the ball well for the opening few minutes, Coningsby went 1-0 up through the ‘prolific’ Braniff – his 3rd goal of the tournament. Another brilliant defending display from the solid Ryder and Kent partnership meant the game ended 1-0, thus eliminating 7 Regiment B.

The semi final was a re-match against the ‘old enemy’ RAF Waddington. With legs like jelly and the cold air burning our lungs, we went into the game with nothing to lose. We worked hard, running ourselves into the ground, and eventually we were awarded another penalty. Braniff made no mistake and hit the ball into the bottom corner making it 1-0 to Coningsby but, with a couple of minutes to go, a rare mistake gifted Waddington a goal. The game ended in a draw. The dreaded penalty shoot out went all the way to sudden death until RAF Coningsby finally came through!

The final was against the Army’s 7 Regiment A team, who

had confidently brought their Regimental Standard with them in anticipation of collecting the trophy! There was a pre-match handshake with the Lincoln City FC Manager and the Imps’ leading goal scorer, who had taken time out of their busy match day schedule to congratulate the finalists.

With the majority of the eliminated teams staying behind to watch the final, the atmosphere was electric and spurred us to dig deep for every last ounce of energy we had left. Another game of few chances and lots of battling resulted in the game ending 0-0… and another penalty shoot-out!

With Jamie Rose making 2 great saves and our first 3 penalties being scored, Kent had a chance to score the winning penalty but his spot kick was saved. Instead, it was left to the manager, Zenko, to take the winning penalty. Under the pressure of some friendly banter from the Waddington spectators, he stepped up and buried the penalty into the bottom corner!

We were invited to stay to watch the Lincoln FC v Aldershot match and Coningsby were awarded the winning trophy in front of the 3,000 spectators during half time. We are already looking forward to trying to defend our crown next season, hopefully with a couple of extra players this time!

6-A-SIDE AFFILIATIon CuP IT wAS An ICy CoLD SATurDAy MornIng In JAnuAry whEn wE, rAF ConIngSBy’S FInEST 6-A-SIDE TEAM, ArrIvED AT LInCoLn CITy FooTBALL grounD To PLAy In ThE InAugurAL AFFILIATIon CuP.

REPORTFLT LT roB BLACkALLEr

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To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.algarveestatemanagement.co.ukapt meia Prices:

Nov to Mar £190Apr & Oct £255May & Sept £290June £330July & Aug £410

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Mr hArry BONTOFT

- BOMBER COMMAnd CLASP

The ceremony was attended by Mr Bontoft’s family as well as other personnel from BBMF

and the station.The Bomber Command

Clasp recognises the contribution of Bomber Command crew who completed more than 60 days service or a tour on an operational unit, flying at least one operational sortie. Mr Bontoft served with both 550 Squadron and 582 Squadron

during which he was part of the Pathfinder Force that dropped markers onto targets for the main bomber forces.

Mr Bontoft, now 90 years old, described by the Station Commander as ‘unassuming and humble’, said that he would be proud of the award when wearing it on special occasions, remembering the 55,573 colleagues that were lost.

MorE ThAn 70 yEArS AFTEr hIS wArTIME SErvICE on LAnCASTEr BoMBErS AS A

wIrELESS oPErATor, Mr hArry BonToFT wAS FInALLy AwArDED hIS BoMBEr CoMMAnD

CLASP By ThE rAF ConIngSBy STn CDr, gP CAPT JEz ATTrIDgE, on 21 FEBruAry 2015 AT ThE

BATTLE oF BrITAIn MEMorIAL FLIghT (BBMF).

now, ConTrAry To PoPuLAr BELIEF, BEhInD ThE CLoSED hAngAr DoorS hErE AT BBMF, wE Don’T JuST LoungE In ThE T BAr wATChIng DvDS oF ThE gLorIouS DISPLAyS wE hAvE PErForMED In ThE SuMMEr. ThE wInTEr IS JuST AS BuSy, BuT In DIFFErEnT wAyS.

The aircraft undergo rigorous winter maintenance which includes the dismantling of

aircraft for detailed inspections, many of which include the use of x-rays to inspect for cracking and corrosion. We fix any faults that are found and give the aircraft the much needed ‘TLC’ that these priceless pieces of our national heritage

deserve. Before Christmas, the aircraft are dismantled to various states of undress and any new components are ordered, or indeed made, as we have various contractors which support us. After Christmas, the aircraft are meticulously rebuilt. By the time February and March arrives, the focus is very much on getting the aircraft ready for air-tests and the work up to our Public display Authorisation, which is awarded by the Air Officer Commanding.

not only is the majority of maintenance done during the winter, but the majority of training courses are also conducted during this period in order to maximise the number of personnel available during the busy display months. These courses are not only formal engineering training courses but include other activities such as dingy drills should we unexpectedly find ourselves in the sea during a display!

It would be pointless getting the aircraft ready and the personnel suitably trained without the venues scheduled to show these fine old aeroplanes to the general public, so the OPS (Operations) team and the

PRO (Public Relations Officer) are also hard at work planning the next season. It is not uncommon for BBMF to receive well over 1,800 requests for an appearance! Last year was a particularly busy season with 1,270 events planned. BBMF can sometimes cover several events during one flight and last year flew 749 sorties. Planning this is a very complex task. not even the largest airlines operate as BBMF often do in launching multiple aircraft from various different airfields, forming up for a time-on-target flypast before dispersing to other areas.

The aircrew continue currency flying through the winter, hence local personnel will often see our

Chipmunk in the sky. Late winter and early spring, BBMF will be air-testing the newly maintained aircraft and getting pilots’ competencies renewed to enable them to fly our various aircraft during another hectic season.

So, the next time anyone drives past our hangar in the winter months, please remember that we are not in hibernation, but preparing to put our beautiful old aircraft in the sky the following summer.

BBMF In THE WINTER MonThS...

ThE roLE oF ThE TyPhoon DISPLAy TEAM MAnAgEr IS BuSy, vArIED AnD rEwArDIng.

by the end of January, the season’s display calendar is ratified but there is a plethora

of other work to be done behind the scenes, rarely noticed by the thousands who see the display during the season itself.

My primary focus during the planning stages is the creation of the season’s display brochure. This is not only a PR publication for the pilot, team, charities and sponsors but also an information point for the history of 29(R) Sqn and the capabilities of the Typhoon FGR4. Collating forewords, pen pictures, sponsors’ adverts and current photographs is a detailed and laborious challenge. The final document depends upon getting photos of the season’s painted display aircraft both airborne and on the ground and ensuring approval from all parties concerned. These brochures are given out at every air show we attend and can become a ‘collector’s piece’ amongst some of the aviation enthusiasts, so it has to be spot-on.

The team also has to focus on the huge amount of administration involved in organising the correct personnel, kit, accommodation, guards and travel arrangements. Constant communication with the many agencies and personnel involved is a key to success. To ease the burden of this process, the

Engineering Team Manager has 3 ‘set’ teams of engineers which he can allocate across the season. The PR Manager also requests additional volunteers to help with organisational duties.

As the season approaches, the important details are tied down; the correct documentation is compiled, such as crash plans, location for aircraft parking and PR pitch position. My goal is to ensure that the team knows who needs to do what, where and when, and, most importantly, that it complies with the meticulous regulations stipulated by the RAF and air show organisers that ensure the safety and success of each display.

Over the forthcoming weeks, this year’s Typhoon display pilot, Flt Lt Jonnie dowen will be conducting his display work-up, so local residents may often hear him roaring around the Coningsby overhead! He is mandated to practice the routine a minimum of 18 times, decreasing in his lowest altitude, until he can finally be awarded his Public display Authority (PdA). This is to ensure he stays within safety limits and is well-practised in his routine. The people of Coningsby village and the local area have been very understanding in the past and we really appreciate their support.

Being the display Manager of such a high-profile team is hugely rewarding. dealing with so many enthusiastic team members and engaging with a plethora of civilian colleagues is a privileged position to be in, made all the better by the welcome reception we get by our aviation enthusiasts. We look forward to the 2015 season especially as it is the 100th Anniversary of 29(R) Sqn and the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

TyPhoon dISPLAY TEAM MAnAGER

By SgT kArLA vAILE

ChIEF TECh PAuL rouTLEDgE.

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

CONINGSBY IS

AWESOME!

onetoone 35ISSUE 1 201534

Thank You For Your suPPorT

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