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4 p
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THE JHC delivering joint success on oper ations
APACHE DELIVERS AN
EXPLOSIVE
DISPLAY
LYNX TAKES
TOP SPOT
AT FAIRFORD
RAF Support
Helicopter
Squadrons
WWI Heritage
Snipers from Army’s Rapid Reaction Force
take aim
ARMY AIR CORPS LYNX
DISPLAY WINS PRESTIGIOUS
AWARD IN ITS FINAL YEAR
Snipers from 16 Air Assault Brigade’s infantry
units came together on the Stanford
Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk
Controlling Joint Fires
847
NAS leads the way
Since returning from operations in Afghanistan last
year, 847 NAS has been going through a regeneration process
j o u r n a l
o f
t h e
j o i n t
h e l i co p t e r
co m m a n d
Issue 3, 2014
Editorial
Editor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbourne
E: [email protected]
T: 01264 381 122
26
sales
Sales Manager: Jo Marchant
E: [email protected]
T: 01536 526 674
Designer
Designer: Chris Keller
E: [email protected]
T: 01536 521 126
8
Publisher
LZDZ is published by Lance Publishing Ltd,
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Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL
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20
Further Information
W: w
ww.mod.uk/defenceinternet/
aboutdefence/whatwedo/
airsafetyandaviation/jhc
Editorial Submission date:
Friday 10th October 2014
Please submit all entries for the next issue
by no later than the date stated above.
Cover credit
© MoD Crown Copyright
14
Operations
The Beginning of the End for
Operation HERRICK… An Apache
Pilot’s Perspective ........................................ 6
Training
Helicopter Crews Prepare
for Future Operations ....................................... 8
Exercise FORLORN HOPE ........................... 9
Exercise GALLIC MARAUDER ........................ 10
Snipers from Army’s Rapid
Reaction Force Take Aim ........................... 12
British & French Rapid Reaction
Forces Train for Joint Operations ............... 14
Controlling Joint Fires:
847 NAS Leads the Way .................................16
Paratroopers Battle to be the Best............... 24
4 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
Feature
Military Descend from the
Skies to Mark D-Day 70 ..................................... 18
JHC Supports Armed Forces Day 2014 ......... 19
JHC Impress at RIAT ...................................... 20
Apache Delivers an Explosive Display .......... 20
RAF Puma Mk2 & Merlin Display
for the First & Last Time ................................ 22
Lynx Takes Top Spot at Fairford .................... 22
Chinook Display Team ................................... 23
Heritage
D-Day Veterans Meet Today’s PARAs ............ 25
Apache Regiment Restructures for the Future .... 26
Honours & Awards
Honours & Awards ........................................... 27
People
Junglie Assault Finale to the
RNAS Yeovilton Air Day .................................. 28
Supporting the Local Community
TSW Detachment to Kenya ............................ 29
New Sound of Army Music Takes Off ............ 30
New Appointment: Capability Director
Air Commodore Richard Mason OBE .............31
OC 5AAC Workshop Wins
Prestigious Engineering Award .......................31
Colchester Soldiers Helping
the Local Community ...................................... 32
WWI Heritage
16X Mark Outbreak of First World War ......... 33
JHC Aircraft 1914 - 2014 .........................................34
RAF Support Helicopter Squadrons .............. 35
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Sport & Charity
CHF and Merlin Force Ride for Duffers .... 33
Public Take on… Paratroopers
Fitness Challenge ....................................... 36
5 Regt AAC vs Irish Air Corps
Cricket Match ............................................. 37
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Message from
the Commander
A
s we worked through the
summer months and many
of you took well earned
leave, the JHC continued to
support UK Defence on all fronts. Our
people are delivering success overseas
on enduring operations and at home for
the Commonwealth Games and NATO
Conference. In addition, the recent
events around the world remind us why
we must always be prepared for any
eventuality. The ongoing crisis in Iraq
demonstrated the relevance and utility
of JHC to wider Defence. I was extremely
impressed with the rapid deployment of
our Chinooks, 47 Air Dispatch Squadron
and the support elements. I also want
to acknowledge and thank those forces
that didn’t deploy but proved their
ability to respond when called upon.
In training our forces have been
busy exercising around the world.
Interoperability, especially with our
French and American allies, is a key part
of the future. You have all demonstrated
total professionalism and shown
how Joint and Combined exercises
should be delivered. I have been
encouraged with all that I have seen.
We also saw the Centenary of the
First World War in August, and with
this we must pause to remember
the fallen that went before us.
I offer my congratulations and thanks
to all our crews involved in the summer
display programme, the good work you do
in promoting the JHC and our capabilities
to the public is extremely important. You
have all delivered a first class performance
this season and the JHC can be rightly
proud of your awards and achievements.
I wish you and your families
a successful run up to Christmas
during what will be an exciting
and challenging few months.
Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE,
Commander JHC
Disclaimer This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in
any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been
taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of
the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily
those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 5
Operations
The beginning of the end
for Operation HERRICK…
An Apache
Pilot’s
perspective
Written By: Capt James Cambrook, 664 Sqn AAC
6 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Eight years of conflict in Helmand has seen soldiers and
aircrew from Wattisham labour heroically in the extremes
of the Afghan climate, delivering Attack Aviation in support
of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The
conflict remains hard fought in places for the Afghan National
Security Force (ANSF), but significant progress has been made
in bringing security to this troubled corner of the world.
S
ince first deploying to this conflict
in the autumn of 2010, and now
coming to the end of my third tour
of duty, what has struck me on
each occasion has been the subtle yet distinct
changes which have taken place that have
made each deployment quite unique from
those previous. Arriving three weeks ahead of
the Provincial Elections in September 2010, I
found myself launched quite unceremoniously
into an intensive fight to secure the Green
Zone, an area of fertile farmland adjacent
to the Helmand River, regarded as the
‘breadbasket of Afghanistan’ for the contrast
it presents in a country which for the most
part is arid and mountainous. Across this
terrain of fields of 10 foot high crops, each
one defined by deep, water filled drainage
ditches and flanked by dense tree lines, British
soldiers found the Insurgents and frequently
called on us to protect them as they navigated
this disorientating landscape. With close to
90% of the Helmand populous committed to
subsistence agriculture in this region, these
were the communities which most urgently
needed our protection to enable economic
progress to be achieved. Our role was to
provide over-watch to UK, Danish and US
soldiers whose task it was to dominate the
‘Green Zone’ and make that security a reality.
Ironically, their success in doing so became
manifestly clear over the course of my second
deployment in 2012, as the fight against the
insurgency shifted away from the Green Zone
towards a newly urbanising desert area north
of the Nahre Bughrd (NEB) Canal, known as
the Dashte. Areas which, during my first tour
were synonymous with human tragedy were
now areas of apparent calm, as the security
established by ISAF paved the way for Afghan
Uniformed Police to mount checkpoints at
road junctions and canal crossing points and
deter the movement of insurgents across
the battlefield. To suggest these areas were
now safe would be wildly optimistic and
hopelessly inaccurate but the ability of ISAF
to so dramatically influence the geopolitical
terrain at such a local level cannot be argued.
An insurgency derives its strength from the
population within which it exists; when they
are unseated in the way they were in the
Green Zone, they found themselves on the
back foot. The increase in mentored patrols,
with ISAF soldiers embedding themselves
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
with ANSF to allow them to gain confidence in
their training whilst having the muscle behind
them to deal with anything they encountered,
was another significant change and mark
of progress being made. I have seen with
my own eyes Afghan soldiers racing across
open ground, with nothing but an AK-47 and
ill-fitting helmet as protection to chase down
a lone insurgent who has been harassing
his patrol with rifle fire. These are brave
men who are committed in what they do.
Arriving in Helmand for my third tour
in mid January 2014, the overriding theme
throughout has been transition; the handover
of patrol bases to the Afghans and the
return home of British forces. Since the
partnering of ISAF with ANSF which had
become routine in 2012, almost exclusively
the ANSF were now found to be operating
entirely independently of ISAF. Another
clear indication of progress being made
towards autonomous security, this heralded
a significant challenge as we came to terms
with what this meant for us as attack aviators.
The emphasis was no longer on reaching
out and striking the enemy but allowing the
Afghans the opportunity to achieve this for
themselves by their own skill and means.
This has led to some frustrating duties, as we
respond to the aftermath of an engagement
by escorting the medical evacuation
helicopter to collect casualties, rather than
being on hand to prevent those casualties
from being sustained in the first place.
The withdrawal from the Green Zone is
now complete and the transition now in its
closing months. Still there is a battle to be
fought and won but the focus now is the
defence of the UK forces now residing in
Camp Bastion to ensure the final stage of
transition is successful. Since the Apache first
deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, soldiers
and aircrew from the Attack Helicopter Force
have continuously maintained a state of
high readiness to support the ISAF mission
24 hours a day. Progress has been slow,
such that at the micro level it may appear
absent. At the macro level, however, gains
have been incremental and steady. Not all
objectives have been achieved, but, for
the average Afghan who wants nothing
more than to live in peace, raise his family
and sell his wares at market each week, he
can do so with increasing confidence.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 7
Training
T
he course takes
experienced personnel
from various military
helicopter fleets
including Lynx, Puma, Chinook and
Merlin and teaches them advanced
tactics in fighting and evading
against fast jets, electronic warfare
systems and other potential challenges.
Personnel from the United States Air Force,
Royal Australian Air Force and Czech Air
Force are also involved with the exercise.
Major Kevin Geoffroy of the United
States Air Force, who is currently on a
two year exchange with 28(AC) Sqaudron
based at RAF Benson said: “An exercise
like this is one of the premier helicopter
exercises that exists in the UK. Getting
the chance to be part of it and operate
to see how it works together in the
UK is fascinating and a great learning
experience for me. The course has
been a great challenge to expand the
mind and see how the British forces
operate and to take a little bit of that
away with me when I leave. It’s an
absolutely beautiful country to fly in.”
RAF Leeming makes it a perfect
location for hosting an exercise of this
E X ERCISE
FORLORN HOPE
In the days of muzzle-loading
muskets a ‘forlorn hope’ was a
band of soldiers chosen to take
the leading part in a military
operation, such as an assault
on a defended position, where
the risk of casualties is high.
type, with easy access to military training
areas such as Spadeadam and Otterburn
as well airspace over the North Sea.
The Czech Air Force provided fast
jet support to the exercise, flying L-159
ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft),
which are similar to the Hawk jets of 100
Squadron based at Leeming, they play
the ‘bad guy’ aggressor role, simulating
attacks against the helicopters.
Major Denis Dubravcik of the Czech Air
Force said: “The exercise is great for us and
unique to be here in Great Britain for the
first time to participate in such an exercise. It is good to share these experiences
with different nations and different
platforms with helicopters against jets.”
Squadron Leader Mike Gallagher of RAF
Benson who led the Exercise, said: “The
exercise is important because we never
really know what threats we may come up
against. We have obviously been in Iraq
and Afghanistan for a long time and we just
need to be trained for any eventuality.”
HELICOPTER CREWS
PREPARE FOR
FUTURE OPERATIONS
The skies over North Yorkshire have been buzzing with the sound of Helicopters
as an international cohort landed at RAF Leeming to take part in the flying
phase of a Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course, Ex HAWKOWL.
8 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
J
uly 2014 saw elements from
the Fleet Air Arm and 3
Commando Brigade deploy
on Ex FORLORN HOPE to
practise Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR)
in preparation for contingent operations
as part of the Maritime Task Group (MTG)
and Lead Commando Group (LCG).
The exercise was designed to explore
how existing and emerging capabilities,
such as Sea King Airborne Surveillance and
Control (SKASaC) and Wildcat can integrate
with 3 Cdo Bde RM and Joint Helicopter
Command assets to exercise Combat
Recovery serials in both the Maritime and
Littoral environments. With the move away
from operations in Afghanistan, the MTG
(a high readiness contingent force) will find
itself deploying around the globe in support
of UK Defence interests, and should be ready
to assure those who operate as part of it that
British Forces are fully trained and capable
of rescuing them should things go awry.
The exercise was orchestrated by the
Commando Helicopter Force Headquarters
using a number of assets including: a
SKASaC; two Wildcat HMAs; two Junglie Sea
King; a Ground Extraction Force from 40 Cdo
RM and 45 Cdo RM; Forward Air Controllers
from 847 Naval Air Squadron; CHF medics;
Isolated Personnel (ISOPERS) from 845 NAS
and willing enemy forces from 42 Cdo RM.
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Participants convened at 845 NAS to
conduct briefings on Tactics Techniques and
Procedures for Combat Recovery Operations
as well as aircraft drills and table-top Tactical
Development. This culminated in flying and
ground serials, using the mission concept
and orders, simulating the participants being
embarked in the MTG in a littoral scenario.
The SKASaC and Wildcat conducted
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
sweeps of the pick-up area on Okehampton
Range, and quickly identified the Enemy Forces
closing in on the ISOPERS location. Once the
Air Controllers had called in simulated close
air strikes on the enemy vehicles the Recovery
Package of Junglies, escorted by Wildcat
closed in to pick-up the downed crew.
With 45 Cdo having made their way from
Arbroath to Devon for the exercise, the
opportunity could not be passed to give them
a bit of fun, so they were contacted on the HLS
as they tried to authenticate the ISOPERS. The
ensuing firefight was coordinated from above by
the Ground Extraction Force Commander, who
was airborne in the back of a WC and the FAC(A)s,
using the pre-briefed Battlefield Management
plan and through a combination of ‘bootie’
fighting spirit and airborne fires the enemy
was soon dispatched. This let the medics
from CHF Medical Section carry out their
work on the casualties, stabilising them for
the flight home. With the enemy beaten and
the aircrew secured, it was time to head back
to the ‘floating’ callsign of ‘HMS Yeovilton.’
Ex FORLORN HOPE was not as
pessimistic as its name may seem and
proved that with determination (and of
course practice), personnel and capabilities
that often function in relative isolation can
be brought together to achieve a whole
greater than the sum of its parts. Joint
Personnel Recovery involves a healthydegree of risk management. It’s a big
call to place more people in harms way
to rescue others but the reason behind
exercises such as Forlorn Hope is that
the Commanders will have a capability
at their disposal to do so if required, and
that our fighting men and women can do
their jobs with one fewer concern; that
if it all goes wrong, there’s somebody
there to get them back to safety.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 9
Training
Exercise
Gallic
Marauder
7 PARA RHA exercise with French Forces
Airborne forces from Britain and France have
conducted a joint artillery and air support
exercise at Castlemartin in Wales.
T
roops from the Colchesterbased 7th Parachute Regiment
Royal Horse Artillery (7 PARA
RHA) have fired artillery guns
and called in fast jets alongside their
counterparts from the 8th Parachute
Marine Infantry Regiment (8 Regiment
Parachutiste d’Infantry Marine, 8 RPIMa)
and 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment
(35th Regiment Artillerie Parachutist,
35 RAP), both based near Toulouse.
The soldiers, who are only recently
back from an interoperability exercise
in the south of France, are taking part in
the two week live firing exercise, which
started last week, to strengthen ties
between French and British units.
The 260 exercising troops fired a
combination of artillery guns and mortars as
well as receiving air support from jets flying off
the French aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle.
Commanding Officer of 7 PARA RHA,
Lt Col Will Lynch, said. “This opportunity
is perfect for us to continue to improve
the way in which our two Armies operate.
Exercise Gallic Marauder has been a fast
moving artillery and air support exercise
that has allowed us to operate in an
all arms environment and asses each
others strengths and weaknesses. We
have learnt a lot from this exercise and
we look forward to the continued cooperation between our sister regiments.”
Lt Col Laurent Cuny, the French
exchange officer working in the
headquarters of 16 Air Assault Brigade,
said, “Ex Gallic Marauder has been a
great chance for British and French
artillery and air assets to work alongside
each other. We already plan together
at the brigade headquarters level
but this training gives the soldiers a
chance to work with each other on the
ground. The exercise ticks three boxes,
interoperability development, relationship
building and solid live fire training.”
16 Air Assault Brigade
16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Army’s
largest brigade with some 6,200 soldiers,
combining the speed and agility of airborne
and air assault troops with the potency of
Apache attack helicopters. The brigade’s core
role is to provide the Air Assault Task Force
(AATF), the British Army’s rapid reaction force,
which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world
at short notice to conduct the full spectrum
of military operations, from non-combatant
evacuation operations to warfighting
Ex Gallic Marauder has been a great chance
for British and French artillery and air
assets to work alongside each other.
Lt Col Laurent Cuny
10 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 11
Training
take
aim
Snipers from Army’s Rapid Reaction Force
The sniper concentration has been about
bringing snipers from all our units together
to work on their skills and learn from each
other. It has been intensive training that
everyone has enjoyed and benefited from.
Capt Spencer James
Snipers from 16 Air Assault Brigade’s infantry units came
together on the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk
during May to test their skills against each other. As well
as hitting targets at ranges of up to 1,200 metres by day and
night, the snipers were tested on close quarter shooting,
stalking and their observation and concealment skills.
A
mong the soldiers taking
part were snipers from 1 R
IRISH, based at Tern Hill in
Shropshire, and Colchesterbased 2 and 3 PARA and The Pathfinders.
Snipers fulfil a vital and enduring role
on the battlefield, in terms of intelligencegathering, target identification and
eliminating high-value targets. They work
in pairs, with the more experienced acting
as the spotter, using high quality optics to
sight targets and judge wind and elevation
to guide the shooter, who is equipped with
the powerful and accurate L115A3 rifle.
A 2 PARA sniper said: “Being a
good sniper is about applying to a very
high standard the basic skills learnt by
every infantry soldier – marksmanship,
navigation, observation and field craft.”
“On a six month tour I only fired one
round,” he said. “We were observing
insurgent positions and movements and
feeding back what we were seeing to
commanders to shape their planning.
That requires patience, the ability
to interpret what you’re seeing and
responsibility, because the information
we’re providing as relatively junior soldiers
is being acted on by senior officers.”
The art of sniping is learnt on a rigorous
nine week long course. Commenting on
the course, a 1 R IRISH sniper said: “The
sniper course is one of the hardest you
can do as a soldier. I spent the best part
of a year preparing for it and was one
of very few people to pass my course. I
was determined to complete the training
so I could use a weapon system that will
maximise the effectiveness of my unit.”
12 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
Brigade training officer Captain Spencer
James said: “The sniper concentration has
been about bringing snipers from all our units
together to work on their skills and learn from
each other. It has been intensive training that
everyone has enjoyed and benefited from.
We’ve also tested our sniper pairs to pick out
the best two to compete for the brigade in
this year’s Tri-Service Sniper Competition.”
Afghanistan has proved the value of
snipers and, as the Army adapts to the
challenges of future conflict, snipers will
have a central role in the structure of units.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Shervington,
Commanding Officer of 3 PARA, said:
“Snipers are highly trained and capable
personnel that have a key part to play in
the modern infantry. As well as offering a
precision strike capability, snipers are trained
in observation and can provide significant
information to improve a commander’s
understanding of the battlefield. As
airborne troops we are by design a light
and fast unit and to have snipers within our
ranks is a significant force multiplier.”
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 13
Training
British & French
Rapid Reaction
Forces Train for
Joint Operations
Airborne forces from
the UK and France have
practised how they would
plan and operate together.
E
xercise Tears of the Sun 2,
which took place during June
in Toulouse, France, is the key
interoperability exercise between
Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade
and 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP), two
units at the forefront of closer military cooperation between Britain and France.
Both brigades provide rapid reaction
forces, held at high readiness to deploy on
14 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
operations anywhere in the world. Together
they form the Interim Combined Joint
Expeditionary Force (I-CJEF) which is capable
of tackling operations ranging from disaster
relief to war fighting. Ex Tears of the Sun 2
has provided an opportunity for troops to
plan and fight, side by side, to further prove
their readiness and develop understanding of
similarities and differences between them.
The 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
(3 PARA) and 8th Regiment de Parachutistes
d’Infanterie de Marine (8e RPIMa) came
together to form a potent fighting force.
Supported by British Chinook and Merlin
support helicopters and Apache attack
two brigades was validated last year a
lot of hard work has been carried out to
strengthen links and understanding at
the unit level. Our respective artillery,
engineers, aviation, logisticians, medics
and infantry have trained side-by-side to
learn more about each other’s equipment
and tactics. This exercise has been hugely
successful in bringing all of these maturing
relationships together to demonstrate
how we would plan and operate as a
joint force able to carry out complex
operations anywhere in the world.”
Brigadier General Olivier Salaün,
commander of 11e BP, said, “The main
benefit of these exercises is to reinforce
the level of interoperability between both
brigades. Field exercises are the best way
to learn the challenges of working with
each other, they also help us to develop our
working relationships and ensure we are
able to operate together when required.”
Further interoperability exercises are
planned with the French and US military
over the coming year, to build on the
success of previous exercises of this type.
helicopters from the Joint Helicopter
Command and French Puma and Gazelle
helicopters, the force was challenged to plan
and execute missions together. These included
joint parachute and helicopter assaults to seize
objectives on training areas around Toulouse.
Major General Richard Felton CBE, the
Commander of Joint Helicopter Command,
said: “Exercise TEARS OF THE SUN 2
has provided first rate training for all JHC
elements involved and has carried forward the
excellent work from 16 Air Assault Brigade
and 11e Brigade Parachutiste in delivering
our interoperability in-line with the I-CJEF.
It has been exceptional value for money
and offered JHC forces the opportunity
to operate in an unfamiliar environment.
I hope to maintain the interoperability
momentum in-line with CJEF requirements.”
Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE,
Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade,
said: “Exercise Tears of the Sun has been
a great opportunity to train alongside our
French partners in 11e Brigade Parachutiste,
both on the ground and in the air. Since
the operational partnership between our
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 15
Training
The capability the Wildcat AH1 brings
heralds a new era of operational capability
for 847 NAS, providing valuable options
to the Operational Commander across the
whole spectrum of military operations.
Controlling
Joint
Fires
847 NAS leads the way
Since returning from operations in Afghanistan last year, 847 Naval Air Squadron has been going
through a regeneration process. The Sqn is building towards achieving its very high readiness
(VHR) contingency role, but this time as the first front line Sqn to operate the Wildcat AH Mk1.
W
hilst the 847 Naval
engineers have been
extremely busy supporting
652 Sqn Army Air Corps
field the new helicopter, the remaining
847 aircrew have been busy refreshing
their joint fires disciplines – notably the
direction of artillery and naval gunfire
support (NGS) and the forward air control
(FAC) of fixed wing and helicopters.
The capability the Wildcat AH1 brings,
heralds a new era of operational capability
for 847 NAS, providing valuable options
to the Operational Commander across the
whole spectrum of military operations. The
Wildcat will operate in extremes of climate,
day and night. It is equipped with sensors
and lasers that have been integrated into
a modern tactical processor which will
allow it to find, identify and designate
multiple targets for a variety of assets.
847 NAS has worked closely with
7 PARA RHA on Exercise CYPHER
RESOLVE. This gave eight pilots from
847 NAS the opportunity to practice
16 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
‘call for fire’ procedures on Salisbury
Plain enabling them to regain their
competency in artillery spotting.
These crews then turned their attention
to the art of controlling NGS, provided in this
instance by HMS DAUNTLESS and DRAGON.
This was, for some, a new skill that had to be
mastered and for some old hands a refresh
in techniques. Ground training instruction
was provided by 148 Battery Royal Artillery
in RM Poole. This taught the basic principles
of directing naval fire, which bears some
similarity to artillery fire. Once the theoretical
and synthetic training on the artillery
simulators were completed the crews ventured
out to St Albans Head for a live shoot.
Under the watchful eyes of instructors
the aircrew supported the Principal
Warfare Officer (PWO) course students by
acting as spotters for their live fire range
serials at Lulworth Cove on the South
coast exercise areas. The training was a
complete success for all involved and by
the end of the day the PWO students,
aircrew and ships’ companies had been
put through a thorough workout and the
range buoys had been comprehensively
bombarded by the 4.5in guns.
In conjunction with this activity, some
847 aircrew were selected to complete the
FAC course at RAF Leeming. This seven
week long course trains individuals in the
art of coordinating and controlling close
air support (CAS) missions in support to
ground forces. 847 NAS now has two fully
qualified Supervisory Forward Air Controllers
(SupFACs) on their strength, in addition to
three FACs. This number is set to grow as the
unit moves towards Wildcat transition. Two
of the three FACs have now achieved fully
qualified status, with the third soon to follow.
The capability this offers to control all
fire disciplines from the air is a significant
step forward for the squadron. The next
stage will be to achieve FAC airborne
(FAC (A)) status for those not already
qualified, with both SupFACs already
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
qualified. Currently 847 NAS is the only
rotary wing unit in UK Defence with
an organic FAC training capability.
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
As the squadron nears Wildcat
conversion, it can take pride in knowing that
it has prepared as best it can to deliver a
range of capability by refreshing key war
fighting skills that have become dormant
over the last 11 years of campaigning
in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 847 NAS the
majority of its aircraft commanders are
now fully capable of controlling artillery
and NGS and nearly half can direct and
control fixed and rotary wing aircraft to
deliver kinetic effect on the battlefield.
As operations in Afghanistan come
to a close there is greater emphasis
on the ability to conduct contingency
operations. This will require an
adaptable and flexible force. What
shape or form these operations will take
is unknown but one thing is assured;
847 NAS will continue to provide
a significant capability to any Task
Force, whether afloat or ashore.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 17
Feature
W
More than 300 airborne troops from the UK, France, Canada
and the United States, and one 89 year old D-Day veteran,
parachuted on to the fields of Normandy in June to mark
D-Day 70, the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.
18 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
atched by HRH The
Prince of Wales and the
Chief of the General
Staff General Sir Peter
Wall, the spectacular display began with
a jump by the Red Devils, the Parachute
Regiment’s freefall display team. Among
them making a tandem jump was 89-year
old Jock Hutton, a veteran of D-Day who
parachuted into France himself 70 years ago.
Then, after a flypast by two Spitfires
from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight, 12 British paratroopers jumped
from a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Dakota, one of the original aircraft used for
D-Day by airborne troops. Further jumps
were made by troops from the UK, France,
Canada and the United States from C-130
Hercules and other modern military aircraft.
The parachute jump commemorated
the involvement of more than 20,000
Allied troops – including 7,900 British
troops from 6th Airborne Division – who
landed by parachute or glider in Normandy
on the night of 5/6 June, ahead of the
invasion force arriving on the beaches.
Speaking after making the tandem jump,
Jock Hutton, 89, said: “I couldn’t see very
much of anything on the ground, but I had a
leg bag on me which landed before me and
gave me full warning I was about to crash
down.
We dropped very low, we didn’t stay
in the air as long as we did today. The type of
aircraft was very different to the C130.
We
had a task to do, and that was foremost in
our minds. Our main target was to liberate
Ranville and we did that before first light.”
Piloting the Dakota over the Drop Zone was
Flight Lieutenant Sebastien Davey. He said:
“As a transport pilot my role includes dropping
parachutists on the front line but doing it in a
Dakota over Ranville 70 years after D-Day was
second to none and the pinnacle of my career.”
Flight Lieutenant Davey, who also co-pilots
the Lancaster and is a tactical flight instructor
for the C-130J Hercules, added: “I can’t begin
to imagine what the brave men of 1944 went
through, flying low and at night, but it was
an incredible honour to do this for them.”
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Private Nick Rabson, of 16 Medical
Regiment, jumped from the Dakota
carrying the parachute wings worn by
his grandfather Donald Rabson when he
parachuted in to Normandy 70 years earlier.
Private Rabson, 23 from Crawley, said:
“It was a very emotional experience to
think I was jumping in to the same area that
my grandfather did in 1944, although his
jump was into hostile territory at night.
“He died last year and didn’t talk much
about the war, but what he did say inspired
me to become a paratrooper and I know he
was proud that I followed in his footsteps.”
The parachute descent was part of a
series of events to mark the contribution
of Airborne Forces to the invasion
of Normandy. The day began with
commemorations at Pegasus Bridge, which
was captured in a daring glider operation
by 2nd Battalion The Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. There
followed a veterans’ lunch, attended by
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of
Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Other events included services
at Breville Les Monts and Merville,
a Normandy Veterans’ Association
event at Coleville Montgomery and
a parade and service at the Royal
Artillery Memorial at Le Breche.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD),
The Royal British Legion (RBL) and the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
(CWGC) have been working with the
Normandy Veterans Association to
ensure that veterans, now all in their
late eighties and early nineties, receive
a fitting commemoration during D-Day
70. For more information, please visit
www.gov.uk/mod/dday70.
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
JHC SUPPORTS
ARMED FORCES
DAY 2014
On Saturday, June 28th two Sea Kings from 845 Naval Air
Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, took part in a joint
operational capability demonstration for Armed Forces Day 2014.
Together with an 3 Regiment Army Air Corps Apache and a Royal
Navy Lynx the display wowed the crowds in Stirling, Scotland.
T
he display was a simulation
representing a peacekeeping operation in a
post conflict environment
where a high profile criminal is to be
arrested obtained. The Royal Navy Task
Force identified the criminal using its
Intelligence and Surveillance capability
provided by the Lynx helicopter and
Royal Marine Commandos were deployed
onboard the two 845 NAS Sea Kings.
The demonstration continued with
the Royal Marines fast roping from the
hovering Sea Kings and then coming under
attack from a well armed militia. As the
situation deteriorated, Close Air Support
was called in from the AAC Apache Attack
helicopter, which neutralised the enemy
forces and the Royal Marines were then
extracted by the Sea Kings back to the
simulated Queen Elizabeth carrier.
A second operational capability
demonstration later in the afternoon
showed the skills of the Medical
Emergency Response Team (MERT)
with the 845 NAS Sea King evacuating
a ‘casualty’ after a vehicle hits a mine.
Detachment Commander, Lieutenant
Jon Evered said; “It was a huge
pleasure to represent Commando
Helicopter Force and showcase our
capabilities in a role demonstration
in front of the people of Stirling.”
Both demonstrations were a resounding
success and the Stirling crowds were
thrilled with the displays showing the
aviation skills of the Royal Navy and Army
working together and demonstrated
just some of the many roles undertaken
by the Armed Forces on operations and
deployments around the world.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 19
Feature
To view what it looks
like behind the scenes
at RIAT scan the QR
code above with your
smart phone/tablet.
JHC
Impress
at RIAT
The JHC wowed the crowds at
The Royal International Air Tattoo
(RIAT) held at RAF Fairford in July.
C
hinook, Apache and Lynx
all put on outstanding flying
displays to a public and industry
audience of 140,000 people
while further static displays were on hand
to engage with the public including Puma
Mk2, Merlin, Defender and Gazelle.
Both the RAF and AAC were represented
and received a huge amount of public and
media interest. The subsequent digital
and social media campaign following the
event reached over two million people
with impressive images, video footage
and stories from all the crews.
It was a fitting farewell year for the
Lynx Mk7 Display Crew, WO Mick Kildea
and Capt Neill Posthumus of 671 Sqn
AAC, who took the top award
over the weekend, beating the
Red Arrows and Typhoon
display among many
others.
APACHE DELIVERS AN EXPLOSIVE DISPLAY
Gazelle from 665 Sqn,
5 Regiment AAC
20 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
The Army Air Corps Attack
Helicopter Display Team put
on an excellent display to
thousands of onlookers at the
Royal International Air Tattoo
in July (11th to 13th July),
with the Apache becoming
one of the most talked about
displays of the weekend.
T
he Apache display from 3
Regiment AAC based at
Wattisham in Suffolk included
pyrotechnic explosions to
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
simulate the gunfire and rockets used by
the Apache when on operations adding
impact and awe to the flying display.
The scenario followed a typical sortie in
support of ground troops in Afghanistan,
with real time radio transmission between the
pilot and simulated ground forces bringing
the display to life. Flown by display pilot
Warrant Officer Bruce Allen, the Apache show
cased aerobatic manoeuvres, highlighting
the agility and speed of the aircraft in
its ability to support ground troops.
The awe inspiring finale to the display
was the wall of fire; a huge explosion
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
followed by a low level pass by the Apache
leaving the crowds with one of the best
photo opportunities of the weekend.
Capt Jim Trayhurn (Army Air Corps),
Attack Helicopter Display Team Manager
and Pilot Instructor said: We are bigger
and better this year and hope to wow
the crowd with a pyrotechnic display,
we take the aircraft to its limits to show
the public the capability of the aircraft,
this allows them to get a flavour for what
we are doing when on operations.
The team now move forward to their
remaining displays for the season.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 21
Feature
RAF PUMA MK2 & MERLIN DISPLAY FOR THE
FIRST&LAST TIME
Puma Mk2 and Merlin
Helicopters of Royal Air
Force Benson in Oxfordshire
have attended the Royal
International Air Tattoo
(RIAT) for the first and last
time as RAF aircraft.
M
aking its debut, the new
and improved Puma Mk2
has been proudly displayed
to the public by a mixed
crew from 33 and 230 Sqns. The Puma Mk2
is the product of a £260 million upgrade
including new engines, avionics systems
ARMY AIR CORPS LYNX DISPLAY WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN ITS FINAL YEAR
LYNX TAKES TOP
SPOT AT FAIRFORD
The Army Air Corps Lynx Display Team attended the Royal
International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in July as part of their final display
season and won the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword.
T
he award is presented in memory
of the late HM King Hussein of
Jordan, Patron of the International
Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the
Best Overall Flying Demonstration.
The display, flown by Warrant Officer
Mick Kildea (Aircraft Captain) and Captain
Neill Posthumus (Co-Pilot) of 671 Sqn Army
Air Corps beat all military and civilian teams
22 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
to the top spot and become the first Army
display and second helicopter display after
the Chinook to win the prestigious award.
Tim Prince, CEO RAFCTE said: The
judges look at all displays and make a
judgement on the skills demonstrated,
this year the Lynx proved to be the best.
Winning Pilot, WO Mick Kildea, of
the Lynx Display Team said: This is both
and a glass cockpit. This gives the
Puma Mk2 increased capability and
performance allowing double the
payload and distance, making the
aircraft extremely versatile both on
the battlefield and when assisting the
public, as it did during the 2014 floods.
mine and Posti’s (Capt Posthumus) first year
of displaying. We both feel privileged to be
selected to display this fantastic aircraft for
its final year. I can say I will be very sad when I
display it for the last time. We tried our best in
an on wind crowd (the worst type), however it
went well. It’s a massive shock to be honest.
The Lynx is unique in terms of helicopter
design with a highly responsive semi-rigid rotor
head, coupled with the British Experimental
Rotor Programme main rotor blades which
makes it ideal for aerobatic manoeuvres,
its signature move is the back flip from the
hover which can not be done by any other
helicopter in the world. This showcases the
professionalism and ability of both the aircraft
and pilots, tenants which have made the
AAC a hugely agile force on operations in
support of ground troops for many years.
When asked what is like to fly the display,
WO Mick Kildea said: Most people think
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Flt Lt Dave Masterton of 230 Sqn,
who has flown the Puma for four years
said: The Mk2 has bags of power and
great performance whilst retaining
the handling of the Mk1, still making
it a real pilot’s aircraft but with
double the payload and range.
Flt Lt Paul Spiers of 33 Sqn, who
has flown the Puma for six years, said:
This is the first air show season for
the Mk2 with a lot of media interest,
so it’s great we are able to come
here and show it off to the public.
This year the display aircraft is
painted black as a tribute to the 90th
anniversary of 230 Sqn. The black paint
scheme and ‘P’ insignia are taken from
the Second World War Shackleton flown
by 230 Sqn and known as Black Peter.
Also attending RIAT for the last
time as an RAF aircraft is the Merlin of
28 and 78 Sqns. The Merlin transitions
to the Royal Navy, Commando
Helicopter Force next year.
Flt Lt Joe Hannaby of 28 Sqn, who
has flown the Merlin for five years
completing four tours in Afghanistan,
said: I am proud to have flown the
Merlin both in the UK and on operations
overseas, however this is tinged with
a little sadness as we prepare to
transition the Merlin to the Royal Navy.
It’s been a privilege to fly Merlin
into RIAT as an RAF aircraft for the
last time; it’s an end of an era.
The Merlin Force has recently returned
from ten years on constant operation
inc Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
78 Sqn will disband in Sept this
year when the first Naval Air Squadron
to fly the Merlin will stand up.
that we are pulling a lot of ‘G’ during the
display but this is not the case, therefore it
is not very physically demanding. However
it is very challenging mentally. Another
very important point is that we must, as a
crew, communicate to the highest standard
in order to ensure we are heading in the
correct direction. Due to the gyroscopes
being ineffective after the first manoeuvre
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
To watch the Pilot
interview and cockpit
footage scan the
QR code above
with your smart phone.
Chinook
Display Team
The RAF Chinook Display team have been busy juggling their
day jobs with the busy display season over the summer.
T
o hear what Display Pilots Flt Lt Charlie Brown and Flt
Lt Andrew Waldron had to say about it, please use the
following link: www.facebook.com/photo.
php?v=10152564452264885 or to
find out more about the team go to www.
The team n
ow take
raf.mod.uk/chinookdisplayteam/.
this succes
s forward
to other d
ispl ays for
the season
. You can se
e
them at th
e followin
g:
we must also disengage the AFCS (Automatic
August
Flight Control System) prior to displaying.
• 28th, 29th,
30th & 31st:
With the AFCS disengaged, the accuracy
Bournemouth
Airshow
• 30th: JHC Fa
required from the pilot must be exceptional.
milies Day @
Middle Wallo
p
WO Mick Kildea has been flying with the
Army since 1998, following previous service
with the Royal Corps of Transport. During
flying training, he won best Fixed Wing at
RAF Barkston Heath, best Advanced Rotory
at RAF Shawbury and Best Pilot at Middle
Wallop on the Operational Training Phase.
During his career he has qualified on the Firefly
260, Squirrel HT1 & 2, Lynx Mk7 and 9, King
Air Beechcraft 200, Britt Norman Islander
and Defender and the Grob 115E Tutor.
WO Kildea is multi-engine and rotary
qualified; a QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor
fixed wing) and a QHI (Qualified Helicopter
Instructor). He has seen ops in first Gulf War
(Op Granby 1990-1991), the first Bosnia (Op
Grapple 1992-1993), again Bosnia (Op Palitine
September
• 6th: Weston
Super Mare
Armed Forces
Day
• 12th: Jersey
Airshow
1998 all of which was on the ground
with RCT) and in Northern Ireland (Op
Banner 2003), Iraq (Basra 2004 & 2005),
Bosnia (2006) all flying the Lynx and Iraq
(Bagdad 2008) flying the Defender.
WO Kildea currently teaches Conversion
to Type and Role to Lynx Students at 7 (Trg)
Regt AAC at Middle Wallop and is the Lynx
Display Pilot with Capt Posthumus.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 23
Heritage
Training
Paratroopers
battle to
be the best
Paratroopers have competed
against each other to be
the best, while celebrating
their proud history.
T
he Bruneval Cup saw the 15
platoons of 2nd Battalion
The Parachute Regiment (2
PARA) put through paces
around Colchester’s Merville Barracks
and Middlewick Ranges. The competition
saw troops in full battle rig take part in
an eight-mile march, a stretcher race,
24 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
assault course and a two-mile run, finishing
with a session on the firing ranges.
The competition honours the Bruneval
Raid, the first airborne operation carried
out by British troops. In February 1942
troops from the recently-formed 2nd
Parachute Battalion jumped into Bruneval,
on the northern French coast, and captured
equipment and technicians to gain an
understanding of German radar technology.
The competition was won by 2
PARA’s Mortar Platoon who were
presented with the trophy by
Lieutenant Colonel Ollie Kingsbury,
2 PARA’s Commanding Officer.
Team captain Corporal Paul Ruttledge,
31 from Newport, Isle of Wight, said: “The
Bruneval Cup is very important to 2 PARA
because it celebrates excellence and an
important operation in our history. I’m
very proud that my platoon won and we
have earned bragging rights for the year!
“The competition is about testing
all of our infantry skills in one go. It was
a lot of hard work on a very hot day
and we won because we’re a closeknit platoon that pulls together.”
Lance Corporal Matthew Benge found the
final shooting test, carried out straight after a
two-mile run, the event’s hardest challenge.
The 24-year-old from Harlow, Essex
said: “You’re tired after a long, physical day
working at best effort and then you have to
compose yourself and concentrate on your
shooting skills. The event is all about grit
and not giving up when you’re tired – which
is what we’re about as paratroopers.”
2 PARA’s core role is to alternate with
3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment as
the lead unit in the Air Assault Task Force
(AATF), which is ready to deploy anywhere
in the world to conduct the full range of
military operations. 2 PARA is training to
take on the AATF role from April 2015, with
the unit’s airborne infantry bolstered by
artillery, engineers, signallers, medics and
logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade.
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
D-Day
veterans
meet today’s Paras
Veterans who parachuted
into battle on D-Day have
met paratroopers preparing
for a commemorative
jump on to the same
fields 70 years later.
D
-Day veterans from 9th
(Eastern and Home
Counties) Parachute
Battalion (9 PARA)
visited Colchester’s Merville Barracks
to meet their modern counterparts
from 16 Air Assault Brigade. The
veterans climbed back aboard the
camp’s Dakota - the aircraft used for
Second World War parachute operations
– and watched troops prepare for a jump
to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Several hundred troops from the brigade
travelled to Normandy for commemorative
events in June, including memorial services
at key locations such as Pegasus Bridge.
In the early hours of 6th June 1944,
some 7,900 troops from the British 6th
Airborne Division landed by parachute
and glider to begin the liberation of
Europe. 9 PARA’s objective was to put
out of action the German gun battery at
Merville, which had a commanding field
of fire over the invasion beaches. Troops
were widely scattered during the drop and
only 150 of the battalion’s 600 men were
available for the assault. Nevertheless
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
the attack was launched and, after heavy
fighting, the guns were silenced. Only 65 men
were left uninjured to move on to the unit’s
next objective. The Parachute Regiment was
awarded a battle honour for the action, from
which Merville Barracks takes its name.
Fred Milward, from Hastings in East Sussex,
was one of the soldiers who participated in
the attack at Merville. The 91-year-old said:
“It brings back the memories to see the
Dakota. On D-Day I was the first in line to
jump out of the door and I was absolutely
terrified – the sky was pitch black but lit
up by the explosions of anti-aircraft fire.
“It was mayhem on the ground and we
knew at the rally point that we only had
about a quarter of the men allocated for the
attack. Our commanding officer, Lieutenant
Colonel Terence Otway, was a hard man and
he had been given a job to do and
was determined to do it, so we did.
“I’ve been back to Normandy
several times and it’s always
an emotional experience,
to think of your friends who
didn’t make it back.”
Jeff Pattinson, 90 from
Greenwich in south London,
was in a glider heading to
Merville that went off course
after the tow rope snapped. He
said: “To see how the current
soldiers train for parachuting
is very interesting and it’s a lot more
thorough than what we did in 1944.”
Lieutenant Colonel Will Lynch,
Commanding Officer of 7th Parachute
Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said. “For
16 Air Assault Brigade, it is a privilege
to join our veterans to mark the 70th
anniversary of D-Day and honour those
who gave their lives for our freedom. The
achievements of 6th Airborne Division were
vital to the success of the invasion and
played a key part in building the formidable
reputation of British Airborne Forces.
“The veterans and our current
soldiers are the same calibre of men, only
separated by age. The determination,
controlled aggression and self-reliance
needed by a paratrooper in 1944 are
required now in our role as the British
Army’s airborne rapid reaction force.”
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 25
An Army aviation squadron
has celebrated the
achievements of its soldiers
in Afghanistan as it is placed
into suspended animation.
A
reorganisation of 4 Regiment
Army Air Corps, which flies
the Apache attack helicopter,
has seen 654 Squadron
disbanded. The disbandment was marked
with a parade at Wattisham Flying Station
in July which also saw ten members
of the squadron who have recently
deployed to Afghanistan, presented
with Operational Service Medals.
The restructuring, carried out as
part of the Army 2020 reforms, will
see 4 Regt AAC reduce from three
to two squadrons, but retain its
manning levels and helicopters to
deliver better-equipped squadrons
to support 16 Air Assault Brigade.
During the parade, which featured
music from The Band of The Parachute
Regiment, flypasts were made by an
Auster, Gazelle, Lynx and Apache, which
have all been flown on operations by
654 Sqn since it was formed in 1942.
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB
OBE, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied
Commander Europe and Colonel
Commandant of the Army Air Corps,
presented the campaign medals
before 654 Sqn marched off the
parade square and into history.
The parade also marked the end of 4
Regt AAC’s involvement with operations
in Afghanistan, with the recent return
of 664 Squadron to the UK. 3 Regiment
Army Air Corps will now operate the
Apache until British combat troops
leave Afghanistan at the end of 2014.
4 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Bisset said:
“This parade has been a bittersweet
occasion, mixing the sadness of
654 Squadron’s disbandment with
a celebration of the Regiment’s
contribution to operations in Afghanistan.
26 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
Since it first deployed in 2006 the Apache
has repeatedly proved its value, which
is to the credit to our people working
both in the air and on the ground.
“All who have served with 654 Squadron,
dating back to its origins in the Second
World War, can be hugely proud of their
contribution. The reorganisation means that
the Regiment has retained its capabilities
in a leaner structure and is fully ready
to meet future operational challenges
as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the
British Army’s rapid reaction force.”
Among soldiers to receive a campaign
medal was Air Trooper Sean Toulson
who returned in February from a four
month tour with 654 Sqn. He said “It’s
good to see more people getting
their medals as 4 Regt AAC’s time in
Afghanistan comes to an end. People will
now start to move on to new squadrons
with the experience that they have
picked up over the last few years.”
Honours & Awards
Heritage
Apache
regiment
restructures
for the future
Honours
&Awards
654 Sqn was formed in 1942. Operating
in North Africa and Italy in support of
the 8th Army, the squadron flew artillery
observation missions in flimsy Auster aircraft.
After the Second World War, the unit was
mostly based in Germany providing attack
helicopter support to the British Army of
the Rhine. Flying Lynx helicopters it fought
in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 before
moving to Wattisham in 1995 and serving
in Bosnia in 1996 and Iraq from 2003.
Since equipping with the Apache
in 2007 the squadron has deployed
to Afghanistan four times.
State Honours & Awards
Continued…
Royal Navy
Recipient
Award Rank, Name & Unit
CHF
MBE
Lt (RN) Murphy
845 NAS
Army
CPO Sutton
847 NAS
Award Rank, Name & Unit
ARF
CBE
Brig Hill, Former 16X
SSgt James
OBE
Lt Col Den-Mckay, Former 16X
RAF Benson
OBE
Lt Col Kingsbury, 16X - CO
2PARA - Recommended as
SO1 Def Lessons, JFC
Flt Lt Smith
FHQ
MACr Weston
28(AC) Sqn
MBE
Maj Hallas, HQ ARF AAC
FS McLeish
FHQ
MBE
Maj Macleod, 16X - 1 R IRISH
FS Smith
Arm Eng Section
MBE
WO1 Thorp, 16X - 2 PARA
- Recommended as RSM/
Trials Offr, ITDU, LWC
RAF Odiham
CGS
Maj Gracie, 16X - 2 R IRISH
FS Taylor
Logs Tech Flt
CGS
Maj Williams, 16X
CGS
LCpl Waggot, 7 PARA RHA
Sgt Powell
Movs (Logs
Deployment
Flt)
CLF
Capt Roberts, 16X HQ
Mrs Aldridge
Log Sqn
CLF
WO1 Elgie, 9 Regt AAC
6 REGT AAC
CLF
Cpl Harrower, 5 SCOTS
Ms Revell
Lt Cdr Loughrey, 847 NAS - CHF
Unit / Section
1 Regt AAC
Sqn Ldr Winter-Goodwin 18/27 Eng Sqn
6 Regt AAC
Royal Air Force
CAs commendation
Award Rank, Name & Unit
Flt Lt Farmer
RAF Odiham
OBE
Wg Cdr Gosling, RAF Benson
Sqn Ldr Hyde
Ex RIGC(NI)
MBE
Sqn Ldr Butler, RAF Odiham
DCOM Commendation
MSM
Logs (Cat) RAF
Benson, Ex
Brize Norton
SAC Thorpe
Award Rank, Name & Unit
MSM
WO1 Langford, 16X
AOC 2 GP COMMENDATION
MSM
WO1 Lindley, 16X (Deceased)
Sqn Ldr Hyde
Ex RIGC(NI)
MSM
WO2 Cooper, 16X
FS Lyes
RAF Benson
MSM
WO2 Hunter, 16X - 7 PARA RHA
FS Cashmore
Ex Odiham
Commander JHC Commendation
Cpl Vaughan
RAF Odiham,
Ex Brize Norton
Recipient
SAC Gant
RAF Benson,
Ex Brize Norton
Unit / Section
16 Air Asslt brigade
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Maj Boreham
4 Regt AAC
WO1 Carraher
23 Engr Regt
Cpl Symonds
4 Regt AAC
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 27
People
Junglie Assault
Finale to the RNAS
Yeovilton Air Day
‘Somewhere in the world NATO forces are patrolling a no-fly zone in
order to prevent a hostile force from committing atrocities. A NATO
jet is targeted by a surface to air missile forcing the pilot to eject.’
I
t was with this scenario that the
traditional pyrotechnic fuelled
Commando Assault finale to the
RNAS Yeovilton Air Day began.
Four Commando Helicopter Force
Sea King Mk4 helicopters, from 845
Naval Air Squadron, demonstrated
a Joint Personnel Recovery, working
alongside two Hawks, a Wildcat and two
Lynx helicopters, to rescue the downed
28 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
pilot. With the enemy forces on the hunt
for the pilot, the two Hawks from 736 NAS
located the pilot and the enemy forces
closing in and reported back to the Sea
King crew. Marine Kirk, from CHFs Mobile
Air Operations Team, abseiled from the
Sea King to attend to the injured pilot.
The abseiling and fast roping techniques
are one of the CHFs many skills and were first
used during the Malaya conflict in 1952 to
insert troops through the thick rainforest
canopy. It was during this conflict that
CHF earned the moniker the ‘Junglies.’
Lt Cdr Jeremy Gilmore, Commando
Helicopter Force said “The Junglie Assault
Finale is an excellent example of air and
ground integration with helicopters
inserting and providing close support
to the troops and force elements on the
ground whilst in ‘enemy territory’.”
The display continued with a
medical evacuation team being called
in, led by another 847 NAS Sea King
accompanied by Wildcat and Lynx
helicopters. With additional troops
providing protection for the medical
team, specialist kit and medical supplies
were brought in by underslung load.
The Hawks ‘bombed’ the enemy
compound in an attempt to neutralise
the remaining forces whilst two more
Sea Kings brought in fresh troops to
continue the assault on the enemy
forces and evacuate the casualties.
The display was brought to a close
with a demonstration of the Sea Kings
winching technique to evacuate the
casualties and finished with a fly past of
the victorious friendly forces led by the
Commando Helicopter Force Sea Kings.
“As flying displays go it was
continuous fast and furious action
which included numerous specialist
skills and disciplines such as abseiling
and fast roping which when combined
with the gunfire and pyrotechnics,
provided a realistic and crowd
pleasing show,” said Lt Gilmore.
Commander Gavin Simmonite,
Commanding Officer of 845 NAS said
“this will be the last year of the Sea
King’s involvement in the finale before
we transfer to Merlin next spring.”
This was fitting farewell to a popular
and operationally successful helicopter,
and paves the way for Merlin, which
transitions from the RAF Support
Helicopter Force next year.
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Supporting the Local Community
TSW Detachment to Kenya
Nanyuki in the province of
Laikipia is currently home to
the British Army Training
Unit Kenya (BATUK) HQ.
L
ocated at BATUK is 25 Flt
AAC and within 25 Flt is the
RAF Tactical Supply Wing
(TSW) Detachment who is
established to provide support to the
training of UK personnel in Kenya by
manning a 24 hour refuelling capability in
support of CASEVAC helo ops. The TSW
detatchment consists of nine personnel
on a three monthly rotating commitment.
In addition to its primary role, the TSW
detatchment are involved with supporting
the Community Outreach Project set
up by TSW Sgt, Jimmy Ramage in June
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
2013. This charitable project, championed
by the local MP Mr Anthony Muthai aims to
help improve the development of the local
community of Nanyuki. During the past
months TSW detachment personnel have
worked tirelessly often during their stand
down periods, to assist with a number of
infrastructure projects. In particular the
charity’s current focus is on the development
of Ndururi Primary School; replacing an
old, outdated and dilapidated classroom
and kitchen with a newly built facilitiy to
teach and feed 600 school children.
As with any charity project, funding
has been one of the biggest challenges.
However, with the generous support of
a number of external agencies such as
25 Flt AAC personnel, Lily Pond Arts and
Crafts Centre in Nanyuki and the Servicing
Commando & TSW Association, it has been
possible to successfully complete such
a worthwhile and much needed project.
Indeed specific praise should go to The Lily
Pond Centre who graciously allowed TSW
to host a multitude of events ranging from
Cpl Dan Davidson’s very popular quiz nights
to charity theme night functions. Praise
should also go to the Servicing Commando
& TSW Association and Wing Commander
David Orr (Rtd) whose very generous
donations enabled the TSW personnel to
procure a new wood burning oven (jiko) for
the school, as well providing vital funds to
support the refurbishment of the school
last year. Forging strong links with the local
Nanyuki community and in particular local
businesses and tradesmen, such as David
Karuku and John Wamau, TSW detachment
personnel and their supporters have been
able to make the project a success.
Aside from the school development
project TSW detachment personnel
have also been involved with distributing
donations of school uniforms,
clothes and toys to where it’s most
needed, such as poverty area schools,
orphanages and disaster areas.
As the project is coming to a close it is
with a sense of pride that the departing
TSW personnel can look back on the
rewarding work it has been involved
in and the legacy it is leaving behind.
“Providing the community with a much
improved school kitchen facility for the
future generations of Nayuki has been a
wonderfully gratifying experience for all
of those TSW personnel involved.” SAC
Kyle Green, TSW Detachment, BATUK.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 29
People
New Appointment:
Capability Director
Air Commodore
Richard Mason obe
JHC welcomes former RAF
Benson Station Commander,
Air Commodore Richard
Mason, who assumes
responsibility from Commodore
Pentreath for Capability
Development and Equipment
programmes within the JHC.
New
sound
of Army
music
takes off
A band at the forefront of
the new sound of Army
music is settling into a
different rhythm ahead of
a busy summer schedule.
T
he Band of The Army Air Corps
has moved to Colchester
to reform as a rock and jazz
group this year. Previously a
traditional military band based at Middle
Wallop in Hampshire, the change of tempo
and location is part of reforms to the Corps
of Army Music to provide a wider range
of music to that traditionally offered.
Within the Corps’ line-up of 22 bands
the AAC Band is one of three newly
configured specialist contemporary bands
intended to play the music that soldiers
listen to. It can perform as a six-piece pop/
rock group, a jazz quartet or soloists.
Bandmaster WO1 Rob Smith said:
“There have always been rock groups
within Army bands, but it’s always
been a sideline to the more traditional
marching and classical music. We are
now set up as a full-time pop group and,
as the core purpose of military music
is to entertain soldiers and maintain
morale, what could be better than to
play the music they love to listen to?
30 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
“It’s been an interesting process to
reform the band with new members playing
different instruments with a very different
playlist. We’ve played a few gigs, mostly
to military audiences, which have been
well-received and we’re looking forward to
getting out and playing for the public.”
At Merville Barracks the band shares
state-of-the-art facilities with The Band of
The Parachute Regiment and has been busy
rehearsing its new sound. Upcoming profile
performances include the Bournemouth
Air Festival and the Invictus Games, the
international sports event for wounded,
injured and sick military personnel
taking place in London in September.
Vocalist Lance Corporal Chris
Deeley, 27 from Stourbridge, said: “I
was a percussionist with The Band of
The Corps of Royal Engineers for ten
years, which was lot of drumming and
marching, so to be the lead singer in a
rock band is a very different experience!
“I went to Afghanistan in my previous
job and we formed a rock group for
the tour, which was really well received
and helped the guys relax and not
think about operations for a bit. To be
playing the music that soldiers want
to hear – and I really enjoy singing
and playing – is very rewarding.”
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Biography
Educated at King Edward’s School,
Birmingham, Richard Mason joined the
Royal Air Force as a direct entrant. After
accumulating nearly 1,000 hours flying the
Phantom F4, he ‘discovered’ helicopters
whilst instructing at the RAF School of
Combat Survival. He then completed
operational tours flying the Chinook in
Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Sierra Leone,
for which he was Mentioned in Despatches.
Promoted to Squadron Leader, he deployed
in operational command appointments
to Macedonia and Afghanistan and was
appointed as a Member of the Order
of the British Empire in recognition.
After a staff tour in the
Directorate of Special Forces,
which included a deployment
in support of operations
in Iraq in 2003, Mason
was promoted to Wing
Commander and served
in the Joint Helicopter
Command Headquarters
and Army Resources and
Plans in the MoD. While
completing the Advanced
Command and Staff Course, he
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
gained an MA in Defence Studies. He then
took command of Number 18 Squadron,
operating the Chinook, in the summer of
2006 and commanded the Joint Helicopter
Force (Afghanistan) the following year.
He was subsequently appointed as an
Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Promoted to Group Captain in January
2009, Mason had a short spell as acting
Station Commander, Royal Air Force
Odiham and Chinook Force Commander.
He was then posted back to the MoD as the
Deputy Head of Air and Littoral Manoeuvre
Capability. He assumed command of
Royal Air Force Benson in November 2010
with responsibility, as Force Commander,
for the UK’s Puma and Merlin Battlefield
Helicopters. Having attended the Higher
Command and Staff Course in 2013, he was
selected for a CAS Fellowship at Oxford
University and joined Cohort 7 of the Major
Projects Leadership Academy. Promoted
to Air Commodore, he took up his current
appointment as Director Capability, Joint
Helicopter Command, in July 2014.
Mason’s enthusiasm for sport
isn’t always matched by his
ability, especially in his
capacity as President
of the Royal Air Force
Water-Ski and Wakeboard
Association. Both he
and his wife Alex, also
serving in the Royal Air
Force, share a passion
for overseas travel,
diving and enjoying the
‘great outdoors’.
OC 5AAC
Workshop
wins
prestigious
Engineering
award
Major Jon Cheek MBE, OC
5AAC Workshop, has been
awarded the Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers
Operational Engineering
Award by the Worshipful
Company of Engineers.
T
he annual award is given
to the Officer who has
demonstrated achievement
of significant success
through the application of professional
engineering judgement or technical
innovation in the maintenance or
enhancement of operational capability
in any theatre of operations.
Maj Cheek’s citation read: Since
assuming command in January 2012, he
has provided engineering leadership to
5 Regiment Army Air Corps Workshop
REME, based in Northern Ireland. His
continuous drive to improve standards
and output, both in the Workshop
and across the wider Regiment
has garnered numerous successes.
Impressive stuff but his achievements
are in stark contrast to the environment
in which he operates; resource
constraints, manning difficulties and a
backdrop of ever changing assurance
from the Tri-Service regulator, the
Military Aviation Authority. Major
Cheek is the epitome of an operational
engineer, revered by subordinates
and delivering continued operational
effect from barracks to support UK
Counter Terrorism Operations.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 31
Soldiers have waded in to
help tidy up Colchester’s
former port, removing
rubbish ranging from a car
bonnet to the kitchen sink.
A
group of ten Army chefs
from the town’s 16 Air
Assault Brigade worked
alongside Colchester Borough
Council staff to remove rubbish from
the River Colne at the Hythe in June.
Throughout the day the team pulled
out several shopping trolleys, bicycles
and tyres. They were supported by a work
boat from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air
Assault) and a recovery vehicle from 8 Field
Company, 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
The event was organised by Warrant
Officer Class 1 Jim Tallon to both
develop soldiers’ skills and contribute
to the community in Colchester.
He said: “This is a win-win for everyone
involved. We have taken our chefs out of their
comfort zone and challenged them to do very
different work alongside
civilians, which will
have developed
their leadership and
teamwork skills. At
the same time we
have contributed
to improving the environment of the
River Colne, making Colchester a nicer
place for everyone to live. It’s been
particularly good to get involved in
helping to tidy up my home town.”
Cllr Annie Feltham, Portfolio Holder for
Communities and Leisure Services, said:
“The Army volunteers have been absolutely
fantastic and by working together we have
really achieved a lot. As well as cleaning
up part of the river, the activity has raised
awareness of the surprising waste that people
throw into the water. Until you actually watch
someone doing this work you really have
no idea how muddy and smelly the job is.
Those of us who love the river really owe
them a huge thank you.” She added “I hope
this exercise also promotes awareness of the
rubbish and encourages people to dispose
of it properly in the future; helping keep our
rivers clear of pollution and rubbish.”
16X mark
outbreak of
First World
War
The lights went out at
Colchester Garrison as
soldiers marked the centenary
of the outbreak of the First
World War on 4th August 1914.
S
ome 250 troops from 16 Air
Assault Brigade were joined
by Mayor of Colchester Cllr
John Elliott and Sir Bob
Russell MP for a commemorative service
at Merville Barracks on Monday 4th
Augusy. At exactly 11pm – the time the
British ultimatum to Germany expired
and war was formally declared – lanterns
carried by soldiers were turned off.
The ceremony replicated similar
events held across the country
inspired by the famous comment
by the then Foreign Secretary Sir
Edward Grey. As diplomatic efforts
failed and war appeared inevitable,
he said: “The lamps are going out
all over Europe, we shall not see
them lit again in our lifetime.”
The service was led by Reverend
Father Nick Farrell, Chaplain to 13
Air Assault Support Regiment Royal
Logistic Corps, and featured Bible
readings, prayers and speeches and
poetry from the First World War.
Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE,
Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade,
said: “The service was a simple, yet
powerful, way for troops to join with
Colchester’s civic dignitaries to mark the
outbreak of the First World War. Many
of our antecedent Regiments and Corps
served with distinction throughout that
terrible conflict, and this was a rare and
moving moment for us to commemorate
their sacrifice, and mark the start of
that critical moment in history.”
CHF and the Merlin Force
ride for Duffers
WWI Heritage
People
Colchester
Soldiers
helping
the local
community
40 members of the Commando Helicopter Force and
Merlin Force decided to undertake a charity bike ride
from RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, where the Merlin Force is
based, to RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. A gruelling distance
of 115 miles, in order to raise over £5,000 for charity.
T
he money raised is to
be donated to three
charities that have
supported fellow
CHF serviceman, Lt Cdr Sean
Dufosee MBE (Duffers), who
was medically evacuated from
Afghanistan in April 2013 after
he was found to be suffering
from Multiple Myeloma, a rare
form of cancer. The charities
are Soldiers’, Sailors’ and
Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA),
Myeloma UK and Royal Centre for Defence
Medicine (RCDM), the military wing of
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
The ride took place on 12th June
2014, departing RAF Benson at 0700hrs
with a mixture of both RN and RAF
personnel, including the Commanding
Officer (designate) of 846 Naval Air
Squadron Lt Col Del Stafford RM
and CHF Deputy Commander Lt Col
Lenny Brown RM taking part.
Sgt Matthew Smith RM of 28 Squadron
at RAF Benson, single handily put the
event together, having himself recently
return from Afghanistan. The team has
raised over £5,000 beating the initial
target of £3,000 by some margin.
Matthew said “I am thrilled that this
bike ride has been a success, it couldn’t
have gone any better, and even the
weather has been great! The solidarity of
everyone taking part has been fantastic
with the stronger members supporting
and encouraging those that could have
struggled. The Junglie spirit kicked in
and everyone grouped together.”
The event was also supported by
Commanding Officer of CHF, Captain
Image: RAF Benson (start line)
Niall Griffin, who met the ‘Brave Benson
Bikers’ en route. The event epitomises the
Merlin transition and the fantastic bond
that has been formed over the last two
years between the Commando Helicopter
Force and the RAF Merlin Force.
Capt Griffin said “I am immensely proud
of the achievement by the guys and girls
today cycling over 100 miles, the first time
for a vast majority of them doing that
distance and all for an outstanding cause
shown in the camaraderie we have within
CHF for their colleague and friend Sean
Dufosee, raising money for the charities that
have supported him and his family during
a very difficult time. Huge congratulations
to all of them and thank you to everyone
that has donated and supported them.
This event was not only in the interests
of our brother in arms and his three
charities, but also to all those who serve
in CHF, the Merlin Force and wider
service. It demonstrates that we are a
close community and we look after each
other no matter what service or cap
badge. This small gesture galvanises our
core values, reinforces our beliefs and
simply allows friends and colleagues to
feel they are doing their bit to help.’’
Image: RNAS Yeovilton (finish line)
32 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 33
WWI Heritage
1914-2014
J H C
Ai r c r a f t
WWI
Today
T
T
Royal Flying Corps 7, 18 and 27 Sqn
Vickers F.B.5
he Vickers F.B.5
(Fighting Biplane
5), known as the
“Gunbus,” was
a British two-seat pusher
military biplane; it was the first
aircraft purpose-built for airto-air combat to see service,
making it the world’s first
operational fighter aircraft.
Royal Air Force 7, 18 and 27 Sqn
Chinook HC 4
he Chinook is an
extremely capable
and versatile
support helicopter
which can be operated in
many diverse environments
ranging from cold weather
‘arctic’ conditions to desert
warfare operations.
Crew:
1 Pilot, 1
Observer/
Gunner
Crew:
2 Pilots,
2 Crewmen
length: 8.28m
length: 30.18m
Speed: 61knts
Speed: 160knts
Armament: 1 x .303 in Lewis Gun
Armament: 2 × M134 Miniguns and
a M60 machine gun
Engines: 1 Gnome Monosoupape
9 cylinder rotary engine
(approx 100hp)
Max Operational
Altitude: 9,000ft
Role: Fighter, Reconnaissance
Max take
off Weight:
930kg
34 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
Engines:
2 x Textron Lycoming
T55-L714 turboshafts
(approx 3750hp each)
Role:
Trooping, Heavy lift, Underslung
loads and Internal freight,
Causality evacuation, Air assault,
Fast roping, Air despatch,
Aid to Civil Authorities.
Capacity:
55 soldiers and equipment
Max Operational
Altitude: 10,000ft
Max take
off Weight:
22,700kg
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
RAF
Support
H e l ic o p te r
Squa drons
WWI Heritage
August brings the centenary of the First World War, and with it
many JHC Forces, Regiments and Squadrons have been joining the
national commemorations of the start of WWI on the 4th August 1914.
D
uring WWI the Royal Air Force, Commando Helicopter Force and Army Air Corps were
yet to be formed, however their forebears in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval
Air Service were aviation pioneers; many of those original squadrons live on today
in the RAF, which was formed in 1918 as an amalgamation of the RFC and RNAS.
7 Sqn
Founded: 1st May 1914
Where: Farnborough
A Brief History: No sooner
had No 7 Squadron formed
at Farnborough on 1st May
1914, when it was disbanded
to bring other Squadrons up to strength.
After reforming in September, the
Squadron moved to France in April 1915
immediately joining the Second Battle of
Ypres with RE5s and Vickers FB5 fighters.
In July 1915, Capt J A Liddle MC and his
observer Lt RM Peck were hit by ground
fire. Liddle suffered a broken thigh, but
managed to return his aircraft home. Sadly,
four weeks later Liddle died of septic
poisoning, but was awarded the VC for
his determination and gallantry in saving
Pecks life. During 1916, the Squadron
standardised on BE2s and then received
RE8s in 1917 still in its observation role.
The Squadron returned home in 1919.
WWI Battle Honours: Western
Front 1915-1918, Ypres 1915, Loos,
Somme 1916, Ypres 1917.
Today: RAF Odiham, Chinook
18 Sqn
Founded: 11st May 1915
Where: Northolt
A Brief History: No. 18
Squadron formed initially as
a training unit at Northolt
on 11th May 1915. During
the Great War, it concentrated on bombing,
and after the Armistice moved to Germany
as part of the Army of Occupation before
returning the UK in September 1919.
WWI Battle Honours: Western Front
1915-1918, Somme 1916, Somme 1918,
Today: RAF Odiham, Chinook
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
27 Sqn
Founded: 5th November 1915
Where: Hounslow
A brief history: Formed at
Hounslow on 5th November
1915 from a nucleus provided
by No. 24 Squadron, No.27
became the first squadron to be fully equipped
with the Martinsyde G100 ‘Elephant’. Although
intended as a fighter, the aircraft found itself
more suited to reconnaissance and bombing
missions after moving to France in March
1916. It wasn’t until the autumn of 1917 that
DH4 light bombers replaced the G100s,
and these remained with the Squadron
for the remainder of the war. In March
1919, the Squadron returned to the UK.
WWI Battle Honours: Western Front
1916-1918, Somme 1916, Arras, Ypres
1917, Cambrai 1917, Somme 1918,
Today: RAF Odiham, Chinook
28 (AC) Sqn
Founded: 7th November 1915
Where: Gosport
A Brief History: Number 28
Squadron formed at Gosport
on 7th November 1915 from
a nucleus provided by No 22
Squadron. For 18 months it was a training
unit before moving to Yatesbury in July
1917 and re-equipped with Sopwith Camels
before moving to France in October. The
Squadron had barely settled on the continent
when it was moved to Italy, along with the
British Expeditionary Force, to bolster the
forces in that country. No 28 Squadron
remained in Italy until February 1919 flying
offensive patrols before returning home.
WWI Battle Honours: Italian
Front and Adriatic 1917-1918
Today: RAF Benson, Merlin
33 Sqn
Formed: 12th January 1916
Where: Filton
A Brief History: No. 33
Squadron was formed at
Filton on 12th January 1916
from personnel left behind
by No. 12 Squadron when it departed
for France. After its work-up period, the
Squadron moved to Yorkshire and took up
Home Defence duties with its BE2Cs. The
main task was countering enemy airship raids
on towns and cities in the North Midlands.
For the remainder of the War, the Squadron
continued this task, employing FE2B and ‘Ds,
Bristol F2Bs and Avro 504s, but, despite many
interceptions, could not claim any successes.
WWI Battle Honours: Home
Defence 1916-1918
Today: RAF Benson, Puma
78 Sqn
Founded: 1st November 1916
Where: Newhaven
A Brief History: Formed
at Newhaven on 1st
November 1916, Number
78 Squadron and its BE2s
was designated as a Home Defence unit,
responsible for intercepting marauding
Zeppelins as they attacked targets on
the south coast, moving some six months
later to London to defend the capital
when German bomber raids started.
WWI Battle Honours: Home
Defence 1916-1918
Today: RAF Benson, Merlin
230 Sqn
Founded: 20th August 1918
Where: Felixstowe
A Brief History: Number
230 Squadron was
formed at Felixstowe
on 20th August 1918
by combining three locally based
seaplane Flights and took up maritime
reconnaissance flights over the North Sea.
WWI Battle Honours: Home Waters 1918
Today: RAF Benson, Puma
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 35
Sport
5 Regt AAC vs Irish Air Corps
Cricket Match
You probably wouldn’t think
of cricket when guessing the
enduring activity that links
5 Regiment AAC and their
Irish Air Corps neighbours
south of the border.
Public take on…
Paratrooper’s
fitness challenge
Through thick mud and
machine gun fire and under a
beating sun, some 800 runners
took part in the PARA’s 10
charity challenge in Colchester
on Sunday 18th May.
A
mix of civilians and soldiers
took part in the ten mile run,
which could be completed
as a cross-country race in
trainers or as the P Company Challenge,
wearing boots, trousers and carrying
a 35lb rucksack – known as tabbing.
With a target to finish within 1hr 50mins,
the challenge replicates one of the
key fitness tests for the Parachute
Regiment and Airborne Forces.
The tabbers and runners were set
on their way from Abbey Field by the
Red Devils, the freefall display team of
The Parachute Regiment; and the firing
of a 105mm Light Gun. The route took
them through Merville Barracks and
Friday Woods over the same hills and
water obstacles crossed by soldiers on
36 LZDZmagazine | Issue 3, 2014
training runs. Around the course, troops
firing machine guns and throwing smoke
grenades added to the atmosphere.
The first runner across the line was Adam
Lloyd, in 1 hour 4 minutes and Lance Corporal
Tom Kaye, of Colchester-based 7th Parachute
Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was the
first tabber to finish in 1 hour 19 minutes.
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
The event, sponsored by YDS Boots,
attracts a mix of military and civilian
participants, with people travelling
from across Europe to take part.
Juraj Vanovcan came from
Slovakia to complete the tab in
Second World War uniform.
The 40-year-old, who finished in a
time of 2 hours 3 minutes, said: “I’m a
keen runner and interested in military
history, so this seemed to be the perfect
event. I’m taking part in honour of the
thousands of Czechoslovakian soldiers
who fought in the Second World War,
many as paratroopers, and would have
trained like this. It was a very tough
course with lots of hills, mud and rivers
to cross but a great experience.”
Simon Dunk was one of the
first civilian tabbers to finish, in
a time of 1 hour 35 minutes.
The 28-year-old, from Sittingbourne
in Kent, said: “I won the run last year,
so thought I should give it a try with
boots and a backpack. It’s twice as hard
doing it with all the kit but it makes it
a really authentic event, particularly
with the gun fire and smoke!”
Profits from entrance fees raised money
for The Parachute Regiment Charity,
which supports Paras and their families
who are in need, but runners were free
to collect sponsorship for any charity.
The Para’s 10 has been run at
Catterick, where paratroopers train,
since 2008 and runners have so far raised
£1.3m for a wide range of charities.
Stephen Cooper, director of The
Parachute Regiment Charity, said: “I hope
that everyone has been able to enjoy
the Colchester Para’s 10 and should be
proud of themselves for taking part. This
is an authentic military challenge that
allows people to challenge themselves
against the rigorous fitness standards
expected by airborne forces.
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
T
his is now the third year that
5AAC, with help from 38
Irish Brigade, has competed
against the Irish Air Corps
at cricket as a way of fostering ties with
our Irish counterparts. In the first fixture,
held in Ballykinler in 2012, the AAC team
edged to victory. The 2013 rematch in
Dublin was very one-sided with the Irish
demolishing the tourists. So with the
series tied at one match apiece and the
reputation of our Armed Forces at stake,
there was all to play for in this year’s tie.
The venue was the Newforge Country
Club, kindly made available by the Police
Service of Northern Ireland in exchange
for the loan of a number of 9x9 tents. The
facility was fantastic with changing rooms,
bar and terrace overlooking the oval for
our exclusive use. Being the Emerald Isle in
May, the ground was still fairly soggy, with
plenty of rain threatened in the forecast.
However it would take more than a shower
to stop play with both Brigadiers vowing
to play on regardless of the weather. Being
an international cricket match, we had
managed to get hold of an international
level umpire from 2 RIFLES, who also
provided a number of ringers for the team!
Having had only one practice a few days
before the fixture, the home side was unsure
how good their form was going to be. A few
decent players from 38 Brigade had been
drafted in to ensure the team did not repeat
the result from the previous year. Despite
the lack of practice, we had managed to pull
together a decent set of cricket players but
were unsure what standard we would face.
The match was played using the 20twenty
format, each team batting for 20 overs or
until bowled out. This allowed just enough
time to squeeze in a match between the
curry lunch and BBQ dinner. 5AAC won the
toss and elected to bat first. After a nervous
start, the batters settled into their swing
and started to accumulate the runs. Having
practiced earlier in the week, our batsmen
had obviously found the weight required to
find the boundary. They completed the 20
overs having posted an impressive 184-4.
With the rain staying away, the Irish went in
to bat and started very strongly, finding the
boundary on every ball from the first over.
We were concerned that we had drastically
underestimated our opposition. However,
the British bowlers, led by Capt Hewison
(651 Sqn), gradually zeroed in on the wicket
and slowed the Irish run count. As the last
over approached, and with no scoreboard
available, the players on the field were
not sure how close the score was. It was
not till after the last ball had been bowled
and the score was counted that the result
became clear. 5AAC had won by about 50
runs. The exact score was debatable, as the
Commanding Officer had been buying beers
for the scorer throughout the afternoon!
After the match, both teams retired
to the bar for a BBQ, drinks and a chance
to improve international relations. The
whole day proved to be a great success
and both sides are looking forward to
the return fixture in Dublin next year.
There are few opportunities to engage
either socially or professionally with our
counterparts south of the border, but
this event showed how much we have in
common, especially in the small world of
aviation. Cricket may have been the start
of the socialising but the activities have
inadvertently continued; six week later we
ran into a couple of the Irish pilots who
we met at the cricket while attending the
Royal International Air Tattoo, they later
helped to coordinate a Gazelle heading
south to Dundonald (The Irish Middle
Wallop/RAF Cranwell) for the Brae Air
Show. It is hoped that we can build on the
success of these connections and branch
out into other activities in the future.
Issue 3, 2014 | LZDZmagazine 37
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.uk
apt meia
PRICES:
Nov to Mar £190
Apr & Oct £255
May & Sept £290
June £330
July & Aug £410
To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884
Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected]

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