RAF News 29 July issuu

faFpvoToarhucpeeresirt' e WIN R'n'R Friday July 29 2022
No. 1541 70p
Bio of Big-star
Spitfire movies
Woman to win

l See page 19 l See R'n'R p5

––

Future-proofing lp1a6Sg-e1ees7
the Royal Air Force

MTB Gunners training
Good run Ukraine fighters
in Euros

l See page 27

BMX
Pocket
Rockets

l See page 29 Simon Mander tfrixaiTinnhgientghrptreaaarittnsnitenorganiarwtpiioolwnl serag.ni”vdefinUdkinraginane’ds COMBAT DRILL: II Sqn
latest frontline volunteers combat skills Gunners join Army units
Hockey RAF GUNNERS are instructing the including weapons handling, battlefield brought in to train Ukrainian
first of an estimated 10,000 Ukrainian first aid, fieldcraft, patrol tactics. frontline fighters. Inset
Sgn Ldr in soldiers to be trained in the UK. above, Army chief Sir Patrick
World Cup The Government has procured AK Sanders talks to Ukrainian
Brize-based II Sqn RAF Regt are among assault rifles for the training and will volunteers
l See page 31 1,050 British service personnel deployed at issue recruits with personal protective
military bases across the country. equipment, clothing, and field kit.
AirRACFdreFoJracme iePrTohteocmtiponsonCosmaidm: a“nTdheer
RAF Regiment has huge experience

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P2

“I’ve had an influx “I have played “If you’ve played the

of emails from hockey for 40 game, you’ll nod your
people reaching head and chuckle. If
years” rugby’s new to you,
out for support” you’ll shake your head
Sqn Ldr David
Flt Lt Khym Pascoe, Oatley, who in disbelief”
who has launched is about to
the RAF Eating represent Former England legend
Disorders Network England in Martin Bayfield is
See page 5 the Over-50s joined by old friends
World Cup in and foes on his Rugby
South Africa Greats UK tour
See page 31 See R’n’R page 3

UK weapons pledge

RAF News THE UK will supply scores of maritime Brimstone missiles, night vision devices. MrWallacesaid: TANK BUSTER: British Army
Room 68 artillery guns, hundreds of multiple launch rocket systems, “The scale and range of equipment launching Javelin anti-tank
Lancaster Building drones and hundreds more 120 armoured fighting vehicles and we are providing demonstrates the missiles during training on
HQ Air Command anti-tank weapons to Ukraine sets of body armour and over 5,000 strength of our resolve. Together Salisbury Plain. Inset left,
High Wycombe in the coming weeks, Defence
Buckinghamshire Secretary Ben Wallace has Defence Secretary Ben Wallace
HP14 4UE revTeahleedm. ove marks a step up
Editor: Simon Williams in British support as Ukraine with our international partners, we
Email: [email protected] fights to repel Russia’s brutal will ensure Ukraine has the tools to
Features Editor: Tracey Allen invasion. defend their country from Putin’s
Email: [email protected] illegal invasion.”
News Editor: Simon Mander More than 20 M109 155mm
Sports reporter Daniel Abrahams self-propelled guns and 36 L119
Email: [email protected] 105mm artillery guns will soon
Tel: 07966 429755 arrive from the UK.
All advertising:
Edwin Rodrigues Counter-battery radar systems
Tel: 07482 571535 and more than 50,000 rounds of
Email: edwin.rodrigues@ ammunition for Ukraine’s existing
rafnews.co.uk Soviet era artillery will also follow,
Subscriptions and said Mr Wallace.
distribution:
RAF News Subscriptions The UK will also send more
c/o Intermedia, than 1,600 extra anti-tank weapons
Unit 6 e Enterprise Centre, in the coming weeks, along with
Kelvin Lane, Crawley drones, including hundreds of
RH10 9PE loitering aerial munitions.
Tel: 01293 312191
Email: rafnewssubs@ So far 6,900 NLAW, Javelin,
subscriptionhelpline.co.uk Brimstone and other anti-tank
weapons – as well as 16,000 artillery
rounds, six Stormer vehicles fitted
with Starstreak anti-air missile
launchers and hundreds of missiles
– have been sent to Ukraine.

The UK has also supplied

This Week In History

1955

Supersonic ejector

FG OFF Holland becomes the first
RAF pilot to eject at supersonic
speed when he abandons his
Hunter F5 over the North Sea at
Mach 1.1.

1940 1981 Extracts from
The Royal Air
Stirling arrives Chinook arrives at Odiham Force Day By

THE RAF’S first four-engine 18 SQN is reformed at RAF Odiham as the Service’s first Day by Air
bomber, the Stirling, enters heavy transport helicopter unit operating the Chinook Cdre Graham
service with 7 Sqn at RAF HC1. Pitchfork (The
Leeming. History Press)

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P3

News

30 years of RAF tech training Eco oil rig for
Brize Norton
ARTWORK showcasing more than 30 years NEW ADDITION: One of the impressive Cosford paintings THE WAY WE WERE: Halton artwork from 1990
of RAF technical training has been unveiled at A GREEN scheme to recycle
Cosford. “I’m proud of the continuing association I Cosford Station Commander Gp Capt waste aviation fuel devised at
have with Cosford and its people.” Gareth Bryant said: “It’s always a great day Brize Norton is to be expanded.
The paintings follow a well-known piece when you get new art to hang on the station.
by Michael Turner at Halton of a No.1 School The paintings demonstrate the strong These two pieces by Phil brilliantly capture the The idea of breaking down oil
hangar at the Buckinghamshire station in 1990 relationship between the Guild of Aviation essence of some of the training that takes place and other liquids using microbes
with apprentices working on Gnats, Jet Provosts, Artists and the Midlands base, which hosts at Cosford and will hang here for many years to capture the by-products for
Jaguars, Wessex helicopters and Hunters. sketch days throughout the year with many of to come.” alternative use could be adopted
the resulting works ending up adorning its walls. across the Service.
The two new portraits by artist Phil Hadley
capture technicians repairing the Tornado and The concept is the brainchild
Hawk airframes of more recent times. of Cpl Hayley Woodhall and
Cpl Drew Coulton and won
And despite three decades of change one man the RAF100 Engineering
features in both sets of artworks. competition.

Former RAF instructor Colin Ashcroft Northern Engineering
can be seen in a white dust jacket leading four Solutions has been contracted
uniformed trainees near the Jaguars in the to further research and develop
Halton painting and in his current role as a civil the project by designing and
servant training manager at Cosford in the two building a rig at the Oxfordshire
new paintings. airbase to break down spent
fuel held in storage, eventually
Mr Hadley said: “To be asked to produce not rolling it out to deployable
one, but two paintings, for such an important locations and multinational air
RAF station is an incredible honour and bases.
privilege for me.

PADDY POWER

BATTLE OF BRITAIN
GREATS: Gp Capt

‘Paddy’ Hemingway
with BBMF’s Mark

Sugden and a
Hurricane; below, at

the Irish Air Corps
celebration. Inset left,
Paddy with Air Marshal

Sir Rich Knighton;
and, inset top, Paddy in

WWII days

THE LAST known surviving being shot down five times
Battle of Britain pilot Gp Capt himself. He also took part in
John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway was the Allied invasions of Italy
reunited with a Hurricane and Normandy later in the war.
fighter days after celebrating
his 103rd birthday. He was guest of honour at
the Irish Air Corps’ centenary
The Dublin-born veteran celebrations where he was
won the DFC in July 1941 for wheeled out in front of the
his bravery and during the legendary World War II fighter
the famous battle destroyed to hear the roar of its iconic
two German bombers despite Rolls Royce Merlin engines.



Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P5

News

InBrief Typhoon nets £2.35
billion radar upgrade

Simon Mander

TYPHOON FIGHTER jets will
be fitted with the world’s most
advanced radar as part of a £2.35
billion investment, defence chiefs
NhCaeovwAmessm,ctopohnrneefvisrRtiaomatuedes-adloyr.f-rStehypseto-earmrtetdEourirnoEpRCeARanFS
Mk 2 will allow the aircraft to
simultaneously detect, identify and
track multiple targets in the air and
on the ground.
It will also give pilots the ability
to suppress enemy air defences
TECH CHALLENGE: Students completed using high-powered jamming and
space-related projects at JET camp hit targets whilst beyond the
reach of threats.
Space Cadets Defence Procurement
heading for Minister Jeremy Quin
St Mawgan said: “These technological
enhancements will
STUDENTS FROM five schools maintain the cutting-edge
will be heading to a residential capabilities of Typhoon
space camp at RAF St Mawgan and help underpin the
after coming top in a national development path towards
competition. the Future Combat Air
System.”
The winners of the contest, run The work ensures the
by youth charity the Jon Egging Eurofighter can integrate additional
Trust, will get a VIP tour of the capabilities and weapons later in
Spaceport where the UK’s first the decade to counter emerging
satellite launch will take place this threats until 2040 and beyond, until
autumn. it is replaced by Tempest. NOSE FOR TROUBLE:
The investment will also see The ECRS2 radar system
Youngsters will take on a Typhoons get the latest mission allows pilots to track
robotics and rocket propulsion computer and cockpit interface, an multiple targets and jam
challenge at the launch site, and improved navigation system and enemy air defences
get the chance to complete a signal-jamming technology.
surfing adventure at Cornwall’s ECRS Mk2 is being developed delivered into service towards the said: “The ECRS Mk2 radar is a “It will ensure Typhoon is ready
marine conservation areas. by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh end of the decade transformational upgrade for our and able to protect our skies into the
and Luton and integrated by BAE Typhoon aircraft, and a step change future, in the face of fast-evolving
The competition is supported Systems in Warton and will be Chief of the Air Staff, Air in capability. threats to the UK and our allies.”
by Virgin Unite, Virgin Orbit, Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston,
Spaceport Cornwall and RAF St
Mawgan. ‘I struggled with anorexia - I
know there are many others’
All schools who entered will
be invited to take part in a virtual Tracey Allen help since launching the RAF Eating someone who has walked the
space seminar in September, Disorders Network earlier this year. path is a relief. I still struggle on
hosted by the brains behind the A FORMER PTI who was struck occasions when life is challenging.
satellite launch. down with anorexia as a teenager Khym, who now works as a I’ve witnessed people in my old
has launched a campaign to help Medical Support Officer, said: “It trade with disordered eating, it’s
Qatar Gunners other Service sufferers secretly was evident that a support network more common that we think.
struggling with life-threatening was required due to the influx of
SECURITY: RAF Regt Qatar team eatFinltg dListordKerhsy.m Pascoe was emails I received from military “Military personnel may
diagnosed at the age of 14 and be reluctant to talk about their
IN A recent story about crime admits she sometimes still struggles “personnel reaching out for support. experience of having an eating
fighters in Qatar (RAF News, 1539) with the illness. I’ve had an disorder because of the stigma.
we stated that a team of RAF Police influx of emails from
officers would be joining staff already An estimated 1.25 million people reaching out “It’s a mental health disorder with
deployed to the area. It was a four- people in the UK suffer from eating the mind telling us we don’t deserve
strong team from the RAF Regiment. disorders like anorexia and bulimia. for support” to eat, or a way that the individual
We are happy to correct this error. feels they can control something in
There are no official figures “They just wanted to be heard, their life. It can’t just be switched off
for the number of sufferers in the and sharing your struggles with by a medical professional telling us
Armed Forces, but Flt Lt Pascoe says we need to eat.”
she has been inundated with calls for l For details contact: Khym.
[email protected].

Are you thinking about your
next career move?

Do you have experience on
fast jet or naval operations?

We at BAE Systems could help shape your future career. Working in
partnership with Military Veterans organisations, we can make the
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You will work alongside our existing teams in Saudi Arabia to deliver
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For further details on your future career, come and see us at:

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[email protected]

baesystems.com

News Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P7

Doggy 40.3º
paddle

Pooches beat the heat
in British bake-off

ROYAL AIR Force military afternoon reading of 40.3ºC.
working dogs found time Honington search dogs
to chill out as the mercury
passed 40ºC on the hottest Dexter and Coco, pictured
day ever recorded in the UK. right, and Brize hounds
Reggie, Susie, Belfast and
Coningsby was officially Eva, pictured left, kept their
named as the nation’s cool as temperatures surged
hottest spot, with a sizzling across the UK.

WORLD FIRST: Gp Capt Hackett with Pswroetervcteand
Ikarus C42 powered by synthetic fuel
SHADOW
Fuel tests lift
NetZero bid UPGRADE: The RAF’s new
Boeing Wedgetail AWACS
MAJOR NEW research into the and Shadow surveillance
mass production of sustainable aircraft will receive
aviation fuel is to get underway enhanced defensive suites
as the RAF seeks to become the under latest programme
woArldn’sewfirssttuGdyreweinllAprirovFiodrecde.ata to
prove the scalability and efficiency Simon Mander heart of the UK’s operational independence. and Chemring Countermeasures.
of synthetic technology developed “Team Pellonia will provide the best The team also delivers protection for the
in partnership with Zero Petroleum DEFENCE CHIEFS have teamed up with
that could revolutionise the way indDuustbrbyetdo TperoamtectPefulltounriea,RaAftFeraitrhceraRfto. man possible protection for our people and RAF’s Shadow surveillance force and the new
fast jets are powered while ensuring goddess who drove off enemies, the capabilities, ensuring that UK Defence and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft,
their cutting-edge capability. collaboration involves the Air Force working industry investment is perfectly aligned as we with systems on other types expected to be
closely with experts from Leonardo, Thales, develop the next-generation of capabilities.” reviewed in the coming years.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief and Chemring Countermeasures to ensure
Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said:“This aircraft crews can respond to emerging threats The announcement builds on other Defence scientists will act as technical
ground-breaking collaboration with life-saving speed and agility. partnership deals signed by the three companies partner to the team throughout the entry into
points to how we will crack the with the MOD over the last 12 months. service process to ensure military advantage
NetZero challenge and the leading Chief of Staff Capability Air Vice-Marshal now and into the future.
role the RAF and UK science and Lincoln Taylor said: “Survivability is at the Leonardo already provides integrated
technology can play in that.” defensive suites for Typhoons and the majority All systems will comply with the Nato
of the UK’s helicopter fleet, with many of the Defensive Aids System standards to maximise
The move follows the world’s first systems incorporating electronics from Thales their export potential.
100 per cent synthetic flight in 2021
by an Ikarus C42 microlight aircraft
flown by Gp Capt Peter Hackett.

The next phase involves
producing more fuel for certification
and testing leading to squadron-
scale manufacturing capability.

Synthetic fuel is made by
extracting hydrogen from water and
carbon from atmospheric carbon
dioxide using energy generated
from renewable sources like wind
or solar and could reduce the RAF’s
reliance on global supply chains and
improve operational capability by
reducing the need for resupplying.



Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P9

News

PM Boris on a
high with
Typhoon

Simon Mander TOP FUN: Mr Johnson
described his flight in a two-
PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson seat Typhoon as ‘absolutely
revealed how he took over the stunning’.
controls of a Typhoon jet during a
traSinpienagkisnogrtaitethweitFhartnhbeoRroAuFg.h Air
Show, he also made a humorous dig
actauTsoepd Ga usnensstaatrioTnomwitChrauissue,rpwrihsoe
visit to the Royal International Air
Tattoo, by claiming a fight between
the RAF’s frontline fighter and a
USAF F15E Strike Eagle would be
a ‘walk-over’.

“I pushed the stick footless halls of air and generally put – one of two RAF Quick Reaction
up and right a bit it through its paces, I can tell you. Alert bases that protect UK air
and did a barrel space – home to two frontline
roll...we started to “The Wing Commander said to Eurofighter squadrons and a
me ‘do you want to have a go,’ and training station for fighter pilots.
pull a few Gs” I said are you sure, it seems very
expensive to me, we only have 148 Mr Johnson said: “I was
The Prime Minister was in of them and they cost about £75m absolutely stunned by the Typhoon
lyrical form after the experience a pop and he said, ‘don’t worry you because it is now more than 25
quoting lines from World War II can’t break it,’ and I thought oh well years since I first flew a fast jet.
pilot John McGee’s famous poem famous last words.
HigMh rFJlioghhnt.son said: “With the help “I flew a F15E Strike Eagle
of Wg Cdr Paul Hanson I took off “I pushed the joystick right over and I remember sitting in that
from Coningsby straight up like a to the right and we did an aileron cockpit and looking at wires
vertical firecracker. roll and then I hauled the joystick and I thought this really isn’t so
right back and we did a fantastic different from a Sopwith Camel
“We slipped the surly bonds of loop the loop and then I did a more
earth as Magee puts it, and danced complicated thing called a barrel “When I went up in a F15E the
the skies on laughter-silvered wings, roll in which I pushed the stick up Strike Eagle seemed to me to be the
we flung that eager craft through and right a bit and we started to last word in strength and power
pull a few Gs, as they say.” and aggression but compared to
the Typhoon, according to the
The PM was on a routine training RAF, it would be motionless and
flight from the Lincolnshire station defenceless.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P10

News

Just what
the doctor
ordered
PIONEER: Dr
Suki Sira will

serve with Brize-
based No. 4626
Aeromedical
Evacuation Sqn

Frontline first for

pharmacist Suki

Simon Mander you tend to learn a lot about yourself at
Cranwell. I made some friends for life,
MILITARY LIFE is the best medicine and it was a real privilege to graduate
for the RAF’s first ever pharmacist. from there. Being in the medical reserve
is slightly different to the civilian world,
In civilian life 36-year-old Flt Lt Suki but you are recognised for what you
Sira spends her days prescribing for a can do, and there is still that sense of
group of London GP practices. camaraderie.”

In uniform she is on standby “I’m still new to my job in 4626
to fly anywhere in the world to Squadron, but essentially there is
provide healthcare for British a need for a pharmacist to oversee
Service personnel after signing the set-up of a hospital staging unit,
up with Brize Norton-based No
4626 Aeromedical Evacuation which treats personnel before
Squadron. Aeromedical Evacuation,” she
said.
She said: “I’ve always had RAF Medical Services’
a fascination with aviation mission is to ensure
and felt quite attracted to the personnel are medically fit
military. It was always the to go wherever they are
RAF I was more drawn to, needed and offers lots of
and eventually I decided to roles for doctors, dentists,
take the plunge and have nurses, paramedics and
not looked back since.” medical support officers.
4626 Executive
Flt Lt Sira is no new Officer Sqn Ldr Craig
recruit to the Air Force. Staniforth said: “The
She served for two years recruitment of an RAF
with 4624 Movements military pharmacist is
Sqn while completing a great step forward in
her medical degree, then officer the development of the
training, before moving to her operational capability of
pioneering new post. RAF Medical Services.”

She said: “I thoroughly
enjoyed officer training and





Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P13

News

TempestInBrief
takes off
AGREEMENT: UK and Republic of Korea
will collaborate on Space projects 6TH GEN: A prototype
of the Tempest Future
Space pact
Combat Air System
BRITAIN AND Korea have could be airborne in
agreed to cooperate in space- five years according to
based defence measures.
UK Defence chiefs
Under the terms of the deal
both countries will integrate their Simon Mander am delighted that the UK, alongside Italy retains choice in how it meets its defence
capabilities as defence partners, and Japan, are working on similar combat needs and delivers the successor to Typhoon.
share operational knowledge and BRITAIN’S FIRST flying combat air air journeys together. Our work with Japan BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles
collaborate on exercises, training demonstrator in a generation is set to and Italy on cutting-edge technology Woodburn added: “We recognise our
and personnel exchanges. takTehoeff wBitAhiEn-ltehde nepxrtofjievcetyeairss. like this shows the benefit of our responsibility in providing trusted sovereign
designed to test the technology alliances across the world. combat air capability.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air and design of the RAF’s “Thedesignanddevelopment “We’re partnering with the UK’s highly
Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Tempest Future Combat Air
said: “The UK and the Republic System, due in service by
of Korea share the same 2035.
determination to ensure that
space is there for the benefit of all. Engineers leading the
design, test, evaluation and
“I look forward to the deep build process will use new
cooperation between UK Space digital technologies such as
Command and the ROKAF that synthetic modelling to demonstrate
this arrangement will enable.” how they will slash the time it takes
to deliver and upgrade the complex combat
The arrangement contributes aircraft.
to the bilateral framework for
closer cooperation agreed by the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “I
Prime Minister and the Korean
President at the recent Nato
summit in Madrid.

of the demonstrator aircraft motivated and skilled supply chain to
represents an important accelerate the innovation of the nation’s
milestone, showcasing future air power; integrating new
the success and talent technologies so the Royal Air Force
of our engineers, and its allies can stay ahead of our
programmers and adversaries.
software developers.” “The demonstrator is an exciting
Tempest was once-in-a-generation opportunity
launched in 2018, in providing experienced and
response to the Combat young engineers alike a chance
Air Strategy that set out the to contribute to an endeavour
importance of Britain’s air which really matters to our
sector in ensuring the UK BEN WALLACE national defence and security.”

Chinooks boost NATO Baltic Battlegroup

AWARD: FS Sheared was named most- Simon Mander the opportunity to work alongside
outstanding NCO by NATO chiefs Nato and take part in the essential
CHINOOKS HAVE deployed to training being conducted by the
NATO honour Estonia as Britain backs up Nato’s enhanced Forward Presence
for Gunner Ian enhanced forward presence in the battlegroup.”
BalTtihcereOgidoinh.am-based helicopter
NAPLES BASED GUNNER FS force arrived to support troops The mission will also give 27
Ian Sheared has been presented from the 2 Rifles and Royal Welsh Sqn crews experience of operating
with a top Nato award for his Battlegroups and showcase the most effectively in the region, Wg
role supporting Afghan refugees aircraft’s combat capabilities to Cdr Butler added.
airlifted to Kosovo as the Taliban allies.
swept to power last year. Chinooks are the workhorses
United States F-35s, French of the battlefield and can transport
He received the award for Most Mirage 2000s and Belgian F-16 up to 40 troops or 10 tonnes of
Outstanding NCO for helping jets are also operating from Amari equipment and travel at speeds of
move more than 800 evacuees air base as part of the Nato Air up to 300kph.
who worked with Coalition forces shielding mission.
during the conflict in Afghanistan In the coming months the
on to permanent homes in Officer Commanding Aviation aircraft – the largest in the RAF’s
Alliance countries. Task Force 3, Wg Cdr Paul Butler, helicopter fleet – will take part in
said: “The Chinook Force relishes joint exercises with Portuguese
Marines and French troops in
Lithuania, Estonia and Finland.



Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P15

You’re hired.. News

Simon Mander LSCCAipoynRembccGeoimrlransaluipscnsheatici,cMreaBeotoirournrisns,e,

RECRUITERS ARE celebrating Former Education Secretary of all ages and backgrounds the “ ”raaSniaonTngtsoprdhhdtegptemeawbootRierony.ntArIauaqktbFepnhuinlnpeigeatjgriolytcvieofyuwentictoselitetataimitahtcnrrirenoaegtnsvenhoiteecnshindhlpgeIganCpweasoibuvwolootvuegumylldytl e
the RAF’s latest fourth-place Nadhim Zahawi said: “It is a chance to gain the experience and
ranking in this year’s Top 100 fantastic achievement to be skills needed to hit the ground MTAeRecdhAwnmaicyyi,DaKneen(nMntiesc, hAairncircaafl)t,
ApTprheenttihcreesehiAprEmmepdloSyeerrvliicsets. led listed as one of the country’s running in their chosen career,
the way, with the Army topping most outstanding apprenticeship while delivering the skilled “ ”fhotoIosehIatrlcn’nhvovehlegeeviabofrienembnoopdtenleaheeeadndoenrtsoepif1nitalwnd7ehgmta..iaeslyTIltiirltnsheyiysitsceoscateeuuyfevvrlldeebewtireauruiyinvnrttileihdhhdnseaamgwnnIseddiatmsh-e.
the table, the Royal Navy coming employers. workforce businesses need to grow
second, telecoms giant BT third, and thrive.” SAAcpRhpoAroleelnxotfiNcPaehu, oDgtheoafgeltrnyac,pehy
followed by the Air Force. “Apprenticeships offer people
“ ”SrcrmRelethebIoopr’lAauevnavrnetetFtegiuticcsn-aoheretenlennesawnetvrssohtwmaemhiaoyrnpiylp,pschsglksaesohlattoye.oodahayvTpsbbleetpllhlbeohdeRoeywearrcpAeniteachnFs’hdrdsoteaaioambtennnlorusadc.eIgoienTlrItdattohahepemreh-y
The annual table was devised by
the Department for Education to
independently assess the nation’s
top employers based on the number
of apprentices they employ, their
diversity and the proportion of
them who successfully complete
their training.

Chief of Staff Training Air Cdre
Simon Harper said: “The RAF is
proud to be recognised as fourth in
the Top 100 Employers List.

“Apprenticeships are central to
our training philosophy to develop
highly skilled, committed and
motivated Aviators and having one
of the UK’s top schemes allows us to
continue to attract the high calibre
of people we need.”

The RAF’s fourth place is six
places higher than in 2020 and
puts the service well above leading
blue chip UK giants including BAE
Systems, Ernst & Young, Greene
King and Iceland Foods.

Air Force apprenticeships date
back to 1920 and today most new
entrants go on to gain professional
qualifications.

There are currently 4,500 RAF
apprentices across 24 programmes
and in 2014 Ofsted graded the
scheme ‘Outstanding.’

French Connection

CHARITY CRUSADER Cpl Hayley BRITISH AND French jets
Court braved scorching heat to complete a simulated dogfights over
leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the the Mediterranean to hone
Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. their fighter pilots’ flying
skiTllysp. hoons from Cyprus-
The 622 Sqn Reservist, pictured right, based 903 Expeditionary Air
who set up the Healing Military Minds Wing supported by a Voyager
charity, carried the ceremonial baton on the tanker engaged in what is
Yorkshire and Humber stage of the event known as ‘dissimilar air
which has clocked up 90,000 miles across combat training,’ with Rafales
routes in all 72 Commonwealth nations. stationed in the Middle East
as part of Exercise Brigand.

903 EAW’s Wg Cdr Mark
Frazer said: “This activity
remains fundamental to
furthering both nations’
interoperability goals.

“In addition to some very
valuable flying, the operation
sends a strong strategic
message that we remain in
the Eastern Mediterranean
as a member of both the
counter-Daesh mission and
other Nato operations, ready
and able to work seamlessly
with our partners.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P16

Feature The hyper-war era

Future-proofing th

Way in Warfare review
to build on space and
AI tech while aiming
for NetZero by 2040

THE RAF is launching the accident, and it cannot rely on systems bias that we apply. We must ensure GSiLrOMBikAeLWCiOgsNtoFnE;RanEdNGCeEn: (JloefhtntoWrig‘Jhaty)’GReanymChonardle, sCQhieBfroofwSnpJacr,eCOhpieefrao
biggest review of its combat integration alone: it is a result of the people have confidence in this and in AIR
capabilities for 30 years as hours of training we do together, the us. CHIEFS:
the UK and Allied nations investment decisions we make as a Global
prepare for a new era of hyper-war, collective, and the time we spend “Being guided by the moral power
driven by space-based platforms and learning from each other. We are imperative is essential. How we fight talks
miAlitnanroyuanrctiifnigciatlhientWellaiygeinnceW. arfare stronger together. reflects who we are, why we fight with
programme Chief of the Air Staff, Air reflects the values we hold dear. Allies
Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, said “To maintain our leading edge, we
deeper collaboration and integration must be ready to understand, decide “I wonder if Russian aircrew
across Nato and the rapid development and then act faster, with even greater returning from another mission of
of new technology are vital to maintain precision, lethality, and in more places wanton war crime-level destruction
the West’s advantage. around the world simultaneously than against Ukraine are happy with what
we do today; and we are going to have they see in the mirror.”
Speaking at the annual Air and to do it sustainably too, in terms of
Space Power Conference this month, both resource and the environment. Other projects include the
he said: “Our leading edge is reliant on development of swarming drones
both technology and concepts, so our “Our aircraft, spacecraft and squadrons designed to overwhelm
way in air and space warfare must be systems must integrate seamlessly enemy defences.
led by both. across all operational domains to
allow the transfer and exploitation of The RAF’s 216 Test and Evaluation
“We will examine the resilience information, rapid decision-making Sqn and the Rapid Capabilities Office
and redundancy across our force, have tested five drone types in 13 trials
learning from our history, and from “and timely delivery of effects.” with different payloads and control
the thinking, concepts and operational Agile Combat systems, demonstrating what Sir Mike
postures of our allies, and our potential Employment will described as an ‘operationally useful
adversaries too. enhance our resilience and relevant capability.’
and increase our
“Agile Combat Employment will flexibility through But CAS warned that the drive for
enhance our resilience and increase irregular employment the technological edge and operational
our flexibility through irregular and deployment to superiority should not be at the expense
employment and deployment to unconventional and of the environment and climate change.
unconventional and austere bases.
austere bases” The UK’s top airman has committed
“It embraces Direct Force the RAF to achieving NetZero, a decade
Employment, the flexible, A t the vanguard of the RAF’s drive ahead of the national target of 2050 set
unpredictable employment of our for technological supremacy is by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and
forces in air and space, designed to the Future Combat Air System, based joined more than 30 air chiefs from
generate uncertainty in the minds around the sixth-generation Tempest. across the alliance to sign a commitment
of adversaries, whilst demonstrating to climate change collaboration.
capability and resolve to our allies. However, the increasing use of
AI and machine learning could Sir Mike added: “We must
“All of that will depend on a new undermine trust in the military, Air understand how our people, aircraft,
approach to Air and Space Command Marshal Johnny Stringer warned. equipment, critical resources and
and Control, which in turn depends supply chains will need to adapt to
on battlespace connectivity, and that Speaking at the conference he said: operate in a climate-changed future
functioning, interoperable, digital “With AI we are still at the stage where environment.
network is one of the most important people ‘feel’ rather than ‘think’ about
technological challenges we all face.” “It is about operational resilience in
it. Most of that feeling in relation to a climate-changed world. It will take
The war in Ukraine and the military is negative. decades and we need to start now.
growing concerns
over hostile Chinese and “We are almost blind to the effect “The RAF is already thinking about
Russian activity in space are of AI in our daily life but we operating beyond fossil fuels. We have
fuelling the drive for closer must be transparent in how some genuinely exciting synthetic fuel
military and technological we see AI being used and how programmes, one of which earned us
collaboration. our algorithms are developed a Guinness World Record last year for
Sir Mike and the safeguards against the first 100 per cent synthetic fuelled
“(rIinght et)r o added: flight.
p erability
doesn’t happen by “The climate change collaboration
is the first such agreement on a
global scale from the Armed Forces
and signals our commitment to play
our part to tackling this daunting
transnational challenge.”

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P17

he Royal Air Force

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By Tracey Allen Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P19

GOWER Feature
POWER
PAULINE
GOWER:

Signed
photo
given
to First
Officer
Jackie
Moggridge
and kept
proudly in
her ATA
archive
for many
years
(courtesy
of her
daughter
Candida
Adkins)

Story of the leader of
WWII Spitfire Women

PAULINE GOWER was an of the RAF Museum, describes
inspiration for women in Pauline as a ‘true pioneer of flight’,
aviation. She gained her and a ‘standard bearer’ whose
pilot’s licence at the aged of just ‘indefatigable determination, laced
20 and set up the first female with charm and diplomacy’ ensured
joyriding business in 1931, with success for the women’s branch of
engineer Dorothy Spicer, taking a the ATA and achieved equal pay for
total of 33,000 passengers flying her women pilots.
and clocking up more than 2,000 But Pauline’s life was tragically
houPrasu.line went on to lead the cut short and she died in 1947 aged
just 36.
inaugural women’s section of the The book starts with a quote
Air Transport Auxiliary, the civilian from her: “For me, aviation is top-
organisation founded in World ranking among all the careers open
War II that took over the task from to women. More than that, I would
Service pilots of ferrying RAF say that every woman should learn
and Royal Navy aircraft between to fly. Psychologically, it is the best
factories, maintenance units and antidote to the manifold neuroses
frontline squadrons. which beset modern women.”
BMany of the organisation’s
orn in Tunbridge Wells in 1910,
members were female, known as she was the second daughter of
the ATA girls, and included such
pioneering aviators as Molly Rose, Sir Robert Gower, long-serving MP BRAB’S BEAUTIES: As the press called them, following a visit from Lt Col John Moore-Brabazon, Minister of Aircraft Production. Left to right,
Mary Ellis and Diana Barnato for Gillingham in Kent and his wife Rosemary Rees, Margaret Cunnison, Honor Pitman, Constance Leathart, Jackie Sorour, Lois Butler, Patricia Beverley, ‘Brab’, Barbara Wojtulanis, Pauline
Walker. Kate. Her father gave her a Spartan Gower, Ann Douglas, Anna Leska, Winifred Crossley, Lettice Curtis, Audrey MacMillan, Audrey Sale-Barker (Photo courtesy of Candida Adkins)

Pauline was the trailblazing two-seater aeroplane with a Cirrus
leader of the ‘Spitfire Women’ – a III engine as a 21st birthday present Second-Class Navigator’s Licence
sisterhood of brave young women and she set up in business with two year earlier – was appointed
who flew Spitfires, Hurricanes Dorothy, initially running an air- Commissioner of the Civil Air
and Lancasters in very dangerous taxi service in Kent. Guard, a scheme to train a reserve of
circumstances to the frontline. In 1932 she joined the Crimson British pilots.
Now poet and author Alison Fleet Air Circus summer tour – six On January 1, 1940, she was
Hill has written a biography of years later she published pWreo-mweanr authorised to form the women’s section
Pauline Gower, to be published in With Wings, her account of of the ATA and recruited the ‘First
September by The History Press flying and air circus summers with Eight’ pilots to much press attention.
(thehistorypresss.co.uk). Dorothy. In June 1945, three months
In her introduction to the book, In 1938 Pauline – the first woman before the ATA was wound down
Maggie Appleton, Chief Executive to be awarded the Air Ministry’s that September, Pauline married Wg
Cdr Bill Fahie. She became pregnant
the following year but suffered poor
Win!WE HAVE copies of Pauline Gower, health throughout her pregnancy SCRAMBLE: The First Eight, January 10, 1940 at Hatfield. Left to right: Pauline Gower, Winifred
and sadly died from heart failure Crossley, Margaret Cunnison, Margaret Fairweather, Mona Friedlander, Joan Hughes, Gabrielle
Pioneering Leader of The Spitfire after giving birth to twin sons Paul Patterson, Rosemary Rees and Marion Wilberforce (Photo courtesy of Tunbridge Wells Library)
Women by Alison Hill to win. For your and Michael, who survived.
chance to own one, tell us: Michael Fahie’s tribute to the
How many women pilots did Pauline Gower
recruit to the women’s section of the ATA? mother he never knew, A Harvest of as I read the rich correspondence Pauline recruited 164 female pilots.
Memories: The Life of Pauline Gower between long-lost family members The book includes a chapter
Email your answer, marked Pauline Gower MBE, was published in 1995. and friends, and from fellow ATA highlighting the successes of some
biography competition, to: competitions@ pilots… was the enthusiasm, respect contemporary women pilots,
rafnews.co.uk or post it to: RAF News, Room Alison Hill said: “Michael sent and warmth with which they all particularly members of the British
68, Lancaster Building, HQ Air Command, me bound copies of letters that remembered Pauline.” Women Pilots’ Associations.
High Wycombe, HP14 4UE, to arrive by formed his research from August
September 9. 1992 to May 1994. What struck me During her time as Commandant Alison said: “Pauline would have
of the women’s section of the ATA been proud of them all.”

By Appointment to
Her Majesty The Queen

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Tel: 01527 835375 email: [email protected]

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P21

Feature

Photographers’
amazing legacy
to RAF Museum

RARE IMAGERY recording the TANKER: Victor of 55 Sqn refuelling Lightnings of 29 Sqn, by Richard Wilson WINSLADE COLLECTION: Desmond Penrose in his Arrow Active headed for Old Warden
history of military aviation in the HVaAllWeyK, 1T9.813:,AbiyrcRraicfhtaorfd4WFillysionng Training School, RAF
20th century has been donated to HERCULES: XV215, Wakeford Collection
theTRhAreFe Msigunseifuicman. t collections by WINSLADE COLLECTION: BBMF’s SU 27: Farnborough, 1990, Wakeford Collection
renowned photographers, some Spitfire PR.XIX with Tornado F.2 C 29A: USAF, 1991, Wakeford collection
bequeathed before the Covid-19 en route from RAF Coningsby to MAIN
pandemic made receiving them Abingdon, 1985 IMAGE:
impossible, could finally soon go Lightning
on public display. 54 SQN: Jaguar T.2 cockpits, Wilson Collection F.1A of 56
Sqn, by
Among them are spectacular Richard
pictures of iconic jets now Wilson
consigned to history including
air-to-air shots of a 55 Squadron
Victor tanker refuelling two 29
Squadron Lightnings and a close-
up of the cockpit of a 54 Squadron
Jaguar.

Other forces also featuring are
the Soviet-origin Sukhoi SU-27
Flanker fighter and a USAF C-29A.

And for thrill seekers a Valley-
based Hawk T1 trainer of a type
once flown by the Red Arrows is
captured, as is its 1930s predecessor
the single-seat Arrow Active
biplane – one of the earliest British
aerobatics aircraft ever built.

Museum spokesman Ajay
Srivastava said: “The first collection
was acquired before lockdown.
Richard Winslade worked with
historic aviation organisations,
including the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight and the Royal
Navy Historic Flight.

“The second collection was
offered just before lockdown but
couldn’t be collected before travel
restrictions were imposed.

“Richard Wilson was one of the
foremost aviation photographers of
his generation, learning from the
masters, such as Charles E Brown,
and taking their place when they
retired.

“Richard, like Brown, was
awarded the CP Robertson
Memorial Trophy, presented
annually to the person considered
to have made the best contribution
in presenting the work of the RAF
to the public.

“While we were waiting for
an opportunity to collect the
Wilson collection, the Rentoul and
Wakeford collection was offered to
us by Tom Wakeford’s widow.

“The collection is far larger
than the other two combined and
is more varied in its content. Tom
was a semi-professional aviation
photographer, author and magazine
editor.

“The subject of his books
included the Panavia Tornado,
Operation Granby and the RAF
75th anniversary. He worked
closely with Ian Rentoul, whose
photographs are included in the
collection.

“The RAF Museum is grateful to
the families of the photographers.”



Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P23

Gp Capt Reg Jordan, DFC, AFC Obituary

Liberator bomber
pilot’s long-range
missions to Burma

GROUP CAPTAIN Reg Jordan, from his base. After crossing the Irrawaddy DFC: Jordan 1946 he left the RAF but rejoined in April
who has died aged 98, was 21 and River, the flight was over mountainous held top 1949, and began training at the Central
the holder of the DFC when he country before he let down over the Red honour at Flying School (CFS) as a flying instructor.
completed a tour of operations River when the target was identified and just 21
as the pilot of Liberator bombers flying attacked. Short of fuel on the return flight, he In May 1950 he left for Southern Rhodesia
long-range missions over Burma. He later was once again forced to land at Chittagong made specific mention of his two attacks (now Zimbabwe) to be an instructor at No 4
became one of the RAF’s leading flying before refuelling and returning to his base, 18 in October when he, “attained excellent Flying Training School.
insHtreucjtooinrse.d the RAF in January 1942, as hours after taking off. results in most difficult circumstances…
soon as he was 18, and trained as a pilot having displayed outstanding initiative and In December 1952 he returned to CFS,
in Canada. After returning to England, he In April it was announced that Jordan the greatest determination to complete his where he joined the staff training future jet
trained on bombers before being sent to had been awarded the DFC. The citation missions successfully.” flying instructors. Assessed as an exceptional
India to learn to fly the US-built, four-engine instructor, he was awarded the coveted ‘A1’
heavy bomber the Liberator. He arrived at When Jordan was rested from operations category.
the beginning of 1944 and, after completing at the beginning of May, he had flown 35
the conversion course, joined the recently- missions. In November 1954, Jordan joined 25
formed 356 Squadron, which was based at Squadron flying the Meteor night fighter. On
Salbani, 60 miles west of Calcutta, tasked After leaving the squadron, he became promotion, he transferred to 219 Squadron
with attacking targets over Burma, Siam an instructor on the Liberator. In November as a flight commander, this time flying the
(Thailand) and Malaya, some sorties more single-engine Venom night fighter. Jordan
than 14 hours long. missed the added security offered by the
twin-engine Meteor.
Jordan and his 10-man crew flew their
first operation together on September 24, After a spell in command of a ground radar
1944, when they attacked the railway repair unit, Jordan returned to CFS to command the
shops at Maymo, 30 miles east of Mandalay. advanced squadron in the Standards Flight. It
Short of fuel on the return flight, Jordan had was his responsibility to lead a team to RAF
to make an emergency landing at a forward flying units to assess the level of instruction
airstrip still under construction. and ensure that the high standards expected
were being maintained. In addition to visits
By mid-October 1944, Jordan had flown within the UK, the Standards team made
just a few missions when he found annual visits overseas to RAF units, and also
himself leading a formation of four aircraft to foreign air forces where they were invited
to attack the port at Moulmein in southern to perform the examining function.
Burma.
Jordan’s appointment gave him ample
Cloud covered the target, so he led his opportunity to fly a wide variety of the
formation to low-level to make visual contact training versions of modern fighters. He was
and the outcome was direct hits on the port involved in investigating the characteristics
facilities, despite facing heavy anti-aircraft of the Hunter aircraft during an inverted
fire. spin, and the actions necessary to recover to
normal flight.
On November 2, due to a faulty engine,
Jordan had to delay his take-off for a On leaving CFS on promotion to wing
night attack against the Makeson railway commander, Jordan was awarded the
workshops on the outskirts of Bangkok. AFC for his command of the Standards
Approaching the target after the main force Flight.
had bombed and departed, his Liberator
came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, but he He spent the next two years in the Air
pressed on. When the bomb-aimer released Ministry assessing the capabilities of Soviet
the bombs, the appropriate indications air defence systems before returning to a
appeared on his panel. However, nothing was flying appointment as the station commander
seen and the crew became suspicious that the of RAF Manby, near Louth, the home of the
bombs had failed to release. By the time this College of Air Warfare and the School of
was confirmed, the bomber was 100 miles Refresher Flying, the latter giving him ample
from the target on its return flight. Jordan opportunity to remain in flying practice.
immediately turned back to make an attack
knowing that his fuel state would be critical Jordan arrived at HQ RAF Germany in
for the return to base. November 1967 in charge of air plans. His
priority was to draw up the outline plans for
The second attack was successful, despite the introduction of the Harrier, Jaguar and
another barrage of anti-aircraft fire. Jordan Buccaneer aircraft. During the following
and his engineer calculated that they had three years, his team devoted a large amount
insufficient fuel and they nursed the bomber’s of time preparing for Harrier operations,
engines for maximum fuel economy before and plans had to be made to secure the
landing at Chittagong with the fuel tanks major airfields against air attack by building
almost empty after a 14-hour flight. hardened shelters, and siting air defence
missile sites.
On Christmas Eve, Jordan took off to
attack the railway sidings at Phulang Thuong, In February 1970, Jordan decided to take
35 miles east of Hanoi, a target 1,300 miles early retirement. He accepted a post as an
aircraft sales manager with the Manchester
division of Hawker Siddeley Aviation and
its successor organisations, duties which
involved extensive travel overseas.

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P24

Motoring Kia Sorento 4, 1.6 HEV T-GDi Auto AWD, £48,840 otr Kia Sorento 4, HEV

7th heaven Pros
l Plenty of space
w7Swo-aistrreherana7ttne-oytr’yrs l Real 7-seat versatility
l Massive boot
TIM MORRIS l Simple to operate
Motoring l Well-equipped
Correspondent Cons
l Pricey compared to rivals
l Not the most economical
hybrid in class
l Gearbox not particularly
quick-witted
l Acceleration lag from
standstill
Verdict
The Kia Sorento is an old-
school, seven-seat, SUV
redesigned to survive in
2022. The HEV offers a
hybrid powertrain that’s
as economical as a diesel,
without having to plug in.
It’ll haul lots of people and
kit but it’s not so big that
it becomes clumsy. The
cabin’s immensely practical
and beautifully crafted so
it feels expensive. And it is
expensive, priced at a level
that matches rivals such as
the Land Rover Discovery
Sport and the Mercedes GLB.
Then there’s Kia’s stonking
7-year warranty.

THESE DAYS, the powers-that-be HEV, version combines a 1.6-litre even more impressive. You won’t corresponding wing mirror camera lights and vents, and the seat-fold
don’t want us using dependable petrol engine with a 44.2kW drive spot the rear wiper for example pops up in the instruments. This is system is super-easy.
diesels and have declared war motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion because that’s neatly hidden within handy for blindspots on motorways,
on the good old SUV with high polymer battery pack, while the the rear spoiler. This is just one or spotting cyclists in jams but the It’s even got an intercom system
taxes. Cars like Kia’s Sorento have PHEV can be charged by plugging detail that helps to reduce the drag. angle somehow irritates the mind so that third-row passengers can
theHreofworeevehra, d tinosetevaodlve otof susrimvipvely. the car in. This will give you a range The body is stiffer than before and because your brain expects to see hear the driver. Clever.
rolling over and taking it up the of around 35 miles without having to Kia has been busy fine tuning the a forward-facing view that matches
tail-pipe, as the founding fathers fire up the combustion engine at all. aerodynamics underneath the car the direction of travel. You’ll either On The Road
of the SUV might say, Kia has Four-wheel drive and an automatic to reduce road and wind noise. love it, or hate it. The Sorento is pretty nippy for
found a way to keep a diesel gearbox come as standard, whichever a full-sized SUV. 0-60 mph takes 9
option on the market by using its version you choose. Inside The interior is generally a very seconds, which is respectable but
substantial expertise in the field of SUVs used to be simple bits of nice place to be. The hexagon- not as quick as an Audi Q5, or a
electrification. Outside kit inside too and Kia has hit the stitched seats are beautifully Land Rover Discovery Sport. The
The new Sorento certainly looks right balance between simplicity finished and the doors are softly delay between pressing the throttle
This is the first time that the part and there have been a and modern tech. All the regular trimmed. The ambient lighting is and the car actually moving is a bit
electrified powertrains have been number of subtle changes since the climate functions, including the also bang on, so it even looks good irritating but it’s not the worst in
available in the Sorento and you previous generation. heated and vented seats, are easy to in the dark. this class, by far.
can choose from a 2.2-litre CRDi The wheelbase has grown by find, as are the audio controls. As you’d expect from an SUV,
‘Smartstream’ diesel engine that 35mm and the car has got bigger in Everything else is run on a well- In true SUV style, originally it’s not a thrilling car to throw
produces 199bhp or 1.6-litre every respect. It’s wider, taller and placed touch screen that’s also easy designed to accommodate larger- around winding roads but it’s
turbocharged petrol engine, with longer than before, with sharp lines. to operate, by modern standards. framed Americans on hunting always composed. The self-levelling
self-charging hybrid technology The trademark tiger-nose grille and Top spec cars also have cameras trips, the front seats are big enough rear suspension helps to keep the
that produces 226hp. chunky front bumper give it a bold all around the car that make and comfortable enough for long car flat through the bends when
looking nose, while the rear lights parking a doddle. One interesting runs. The middle row of seats loaded too. The HEV can tow up to
CO2 emissions have been catch the eye. feature is that, when you indicate, give loads of legroom in their 1,650kg, so it retains a lot of that old
dropped to 158g/km for the self- The bits that you don’t see are a wide-angle rear view from the rear position, while the third row school practicality.
charging hybrid, with the diesel provide that extra versatility. The Putting its ability in context,
edition kicking out just 176g/ cabin is littered with power points, cars such as the Toyota Highlander
km. The self-charging hybrid is can tow 2,000kg, so it’s not a
capable of delivering 40.9mpg on heavyweight, but capable. Off-road,
a combined cycle, with the diesel it behaves well and chugs along like
managing 42.2mpg. a proper SUV.

The Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or





Follow us @rafnewssport Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P27

Email: [email protected] Sport

Euros success for SargeMOUNTAINBIKING
in Enduro World Series
Lochhead battles symptoms
experienced after Covid bout

Daniel Abrahams

SLOVENIA, AUSTRIA, and
Italy were the latest pit stops for
Enduro World Series mountain
bikHeravSigntgAnsedcruerwedLoachhreesapde.ctable
12th in the opening Masters 35+
EWS rounds, the RAF man was
hoping to push on in his first
professional European forays of the
year.
As it was, he maintained top
20 positions throughout, despite a
series of crashes and the impact of
long Covid.
He said: “When I contracted
Covid, I couldn’t breathe properly
for months, and my heart rate was
doing crazy things. I was basically LOCHHEAD: Getting back to
out of the game for six months. full fitness on Euro circuit, below
“During this time, I really
struggled with my mental health. He said: “Next round for me is in
It’s taken me over a year to get back Switzerland in September, plenty of
to full health, although I’m not time for me to work on upper body
100 per cent yet, and it has a huge strength and stamina.”
impact on my riding.”
It did once again in the Pro-
stages of Lochhead’s Slovenia ride,
as pins and needles, a side effect
he has experienced since suffering
RAF RIDERS: Thrills and spills at famous course in Innerleithen, Scotland from the virus, made holding the
handlebars extremely difficult.
Riders defy Gravity He also had a spill in practice
on stage three, which saw him go
over his bars, injuring his knee and
FOLLOWING A successful riding has come forward leaps cracking his front wheel.
opening round of the IS MTB and bounds, and these stages Despite his handling issues,
Racing series the Service’s have been another step in that.” Lochhead came 11th in the Pro-
mountain bike riders made Race day saw the riders stage race, and 19th in the full race
their way to Innerleithen, move to Innerleithen Forest the following day, meaning he was
Scotland for round two. where they would make two 14th overall.
runs of the challenging track in He tohladveRAbFeeNnewthse: “hTahredPesrto race
The world-famous course dry, dusty conditions, making might race
provided a host of thrills and braking difficult. I’ve ever ridden. Considering I was
spills for the Inter-Station After two tough rounds Sgt unable to hold the bars properly I
Gravity MTB Racing series. Andy Lochhead (Lossiemouth) know I could do better, but there
took top spot, with Fg Off Rory has been plenty of learning.”
Flt Lt Tom Chambers (MOD Graham (also Lossiemouth), a Round three at Canazei in Val di
Abbey Wood) said: “The race day seasoned racer, second. Fassa, Italy, saw Lochhead taking on
track was a step up in technicality Following a messy first an extremely fast and challenging
and pushing riders to their limit ride, Graham produced a solid course, but despite it being ‘insane’
whilst trying to thread the needle second run. in places, he came home 11th, half
through the tight and twisting Coming home third, RAF a second off 10th in the Pro-stage
Innerleithen downhill tracks. Downhill rider Cpl Gareth race. This was a finish he repeated
To top it all off, the weather Hernaman-Wood (Brize in the full race the following
was glorious throughout, a real Norton) ensured a great day for day, despite again experiencing
Scottish treat.” the team. handling issues. break from the sport due to the
l Follow them on Instagram @ Currently sitting in 11th place next rounds being in Canada and
Team rider SAC(T) Robert rafgravitymtb. in the series rankings overall, America, destinations outside his
Nijhuis (Odiham) added: “The Lochhead now has an enforced funding remit.
riding here was incredible, and
the standard of RAF Gravity

Would you like to see your sport featured in RAF News? Send a short report (max
300 words) & two or three photographs (attached jpegs) to: [email protected]

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P28 Follow us @rafnewssport

Sport Email: [email protected]

Going the extra mileULTRA-RUNNING
POLO Pathfinder March and
NOMAD Ultra provide
stern tests for personnel

Ham helps polo players
to bring home the bacon

THE FUTURE of RAF Polo was given a high- MILES & SMILES:
profile shop window at Ham Polo Club against the SAC Youmash
AuTguhsetmHaatmchPaonlod sdidaye,. designed to raise funds for
the Service set-up, saw the RAF side of Flt Lt Georgie Rai tackles the
Harwood, Sqn Ldr Ellie Hoogewerf, Wg Cdr Ed NOMAD with
Whitechurch (RAF Polo Association chair) and Matt
Thake narrowly win 7-6.5. Cpl Tom Ashford
(inset top)
The teams battled it out over four chukkas in a
nail-bitingly close contest throughout, full of end- SERVICE ULTRA RUNNERS of 11 hours and 20 mins.
to-end action that could easily have gone either way. blazed a one-two after taking He said: “My top tip for anyone
part in the Pathfinder March and
The crowd was mainly made up of newcomers to NOMAD Ultra events to kickstart considering an ultra race is to start
the sport and RAF team sponsors August and Masraf theCspulmmIearn. slow and eat lots.”
London. completed his loAngheesrtnceonst(abnetlow)
running ultra-race to date Rai blitzed the course in a
A RAF polo spokesman said: “Most RAF players when he took on the 46-mile formidable time of nine hours
do not come from a polo playing background. Pathfinder event.
Indeed, some have never sat on a horse before trying Starting at RAF Wyton, the and 48 minutes. He said: “I
the sport. race gave him a chance have found that surrounding
to experiment with his myself with the right people,
“Many would never have dreamed of trying pacing and practise his running without music and
polo or would not have been able to navigational skills.
afford to. It is events such as this that TOP SURREY VENUE: Ham Polo Club The pairing of Cpl getting outdoors, rather than
help us to continue the journey, Tom Ashford and treadmill running, has
making polo truly inclusive; from RAF Cranwell and Tedworth Park SAC Youmash Rai helped.
accessible to all ages, ranks and Polo Club, Hampshire, 10 minutes from participated in the “I have been taking
job titles.  Boscombe Down, both offer courses from NOMAD 50-mile ultra on more outdoors
Foundation, Novice up to Intermediate run around Derbyshire. trails, pushing myself
“After attending a three-day and Improvers Levels. The circular route on the days I didn’t
Foundation Course, the next “So, we would call on any personnel follows the Derby Nomad feel like running, and
step for a budding RAF polo interested to come and have a go if they want to trail and was the perfect it has all added up. It
novice is to have lessons at their try something different, exhilarating and addictive; run for the duo, who have has worked wonders
local club. A number of polo clubs no previous horse-riding experience required.” been training together since for me today and I am
around the country offer a reduced l For further details email: Eleanor. 2020. sure it could for anyone
military membership, so that we can [email protected], or follow the Ashford struggled mid- else wanting to try the
nurture talent and enthusiasm without association on Instagram and Twitter @ distance because he didn’t sport.”
cost to the individual becoming too much of a RAFPoloOffiicial. consume enough calories but l For more
limiting factor for them. rallied to finish strongly in a time information on RAF
ultra-running email:
“Several neighbouring clubs to RAF stations hold Thomas.Phillips113@
courses throughout the summer season [May to mod.gov.uk or caroline.
September]. maynard-burrows393@

"Leadenham Polo Club, in Lincoln, five minutes mod.gov.uk.

Follow us @rafnewssport Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P29

SportEmail: [email protected]

FitnessCYCLING firmly on the radar for 78 Squadron cyclists

78 SQUADRON, Swanwick Military (home BEMBRIDGE, IoW all ranks embracing the opportunity.” “As a team we all felt a sense of pride whilst
to RAF Area Radar), has become the location The blistering summer weather has we took time to reflect on the past; briefing
of the Service’s newest road cycling club. the RAF Central Fund, which allowed the each other on the RAF at Ventnor and the
most novice of riders among us to join in. It’s seen the club training on the hills around development of radar on the island.”
78CC (78 Cycling Club), is the brainchild fair to say there has been a positive uptake by Portsmouth and the South Downs before
of Sgt Steven Barrett who wanted to circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. Later this year the club will be doing the
encourage personnel back into social events challenging Mach Loop ride, which will see
and to develop fitness after ‘a challenging two Sgt Barker said: “The island provided us the team – in its black and yellow kit – taking
years.’ with challenging coastal roads and daunting on the impressive set of valleys in a 13km
hills, but there was also a fantastic platform ride east of Barmouth in west-central Wales.
Club member Sgt David Barker said: “After to develop our force on the historical site of l Follow RAF Swanwick on Twitter:
receiving a hugely positive response Steve RAF Ventnor, but only after a brutal climb to @78SqnSwanwick.
[Sgt Barrett[ acquired 10 road bikes through the top.

WeBMX have
lift-off

Daniel Abrahams Leary continues to greatly THE RACE IS ON:
improve in his debut season, (clockwise from left)
THE DYNAMIC BMX duo of Sgt taking the podium with a third in ICE factory rider Gary
Matt Haywood and Fg Off Chris the 30+ Masters class, finishing O’Brian just edging
Leary hit the blast-off button at ahead of Royal Navy and Army Sgt Matt Haywood
the Runnymede Rockets track in riders. into the first berm
round seven of the sport’s South in Rnd 8; Haywood
RegTihoenaplaSierriceasm. e home with a Round 7 of the South Regional down the back
first in the Veteran B Final – Series is also a qualifier for the straight in the lead, B
Haywood on his 20in cruiser British Championships and Final; Haywood gets
– before coming eighth in the provided plenty of thrills at the airborne performing a
24in cruiser Vets B final. It was popular Surrey track. 'cross-up'; and Fg Off
Haywood’s first race since being Leary down the back
injured at the Glasgow National The RAF team now move on straight
event. to round 8 in Bournemouth, MAIN PHOTO:
the venue which also hosts the WALLY YOUNG,
National BMX Championships in WALLY'S BMX
August. PHOTOGRAPHY
OTHER PHOTOS:
BILLY WRIGHT

Would you like to see your sport featured in RAF News? Send a short report (max
300 words) & two or three photographs (attached jpegs) to: [email protected]

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P30 Follow us @rafnewssport

Sport Email: [email protected]

RUGBY UNION

Challenger walks
away with trophy

WINNERS: Spitfires
celebrate and, left,
injured captain Cpl
Jedd Evans (2nd
from left) lines up
with teammates

Sergeant signs off
from Spits in style
despite team losing
captain to injury

THE RAF Spitfires ended their Hutchinson said: “Injuries made
season in tournament-winning team selection a challenge, but we
style, despite losing their captain rotated players where we could.
to a shoulder injury in the first
pooClpglaJmeded. Evans was put out of “Having beaten Bowling again,
action in a bruising encounter with this time 31-12, we were ready for
The Bowling Team early on in the our final bow.
prestigious Sevens event in Canada.
“Unfortunately, by this point we
Despite facing a field of the had sustained three tournament-
North American country’s top sides ending injuries and had one player
and visiting outfits, it was Sgt James fly home shortly after the semi-
Challenger who lifted the trophy final, so our incredibly strong squad
after his final game for the Spits. of 12 with two reserves was by this
point eight with two reserves.”
The Service side went on to
win the costly opener 17-5, despite He added: “Nevertheless, with the
losing their leader. Up next was knowledge that there was only 14
another physical encounter, this minutes of the season left and with
time against Fijian side Veiysana every individual wanting to put a shift
Warriors. They proved unsuccessful in for their mates, we were ready.”
in powering the RAF men out of
the game and were beaten 19-14. In the other semi Veiysana
Warriors lost to the Certified Lover
The final pool game saw the Boys, which set up a final that had
only two unbeaten teams come face the home fans in full voice.
to face, as the Spitfires faced the
Certified Lover Boys. A strong start from the Spitfires
put two quick tries on the board, but
Three tries within the first 90 the Lover Boys came back to make
seconds from the Spitfires put the the score 14-12 with only a quarter
Lover Boys on the backfoot. The of the game left. Digging deep the
Spits then dominated throughout Spitfires battled all the way to the
for a 32-7 win. end, securing a game-winning try
late on, for a 17-14 victory.
Spitfire spokesman Flt Lt Michael l Follow RAF Rugby Sevens
@rafrugby7s.

Would you like to see your sport featured in RAF News? Send a short report (max
300 words) & two or three photographs (attached jpegs) to: [email protected]

Follow us @rafnewssport Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 P31

The CapeHOCKEY SportEmail: [email protected]
crusader
Sqn Ldr Oatley's going
for gold in South Africa

Daniel Abrahams well as coaching the seniors
from 2006 to 2008. Having
THE WORLD will be enough for Service returned to the RAF in
hockey star Sqn Ldr David Oatley… if it comes 2015, he has continued
in the shape of the FIH Over-50s World Cup in to raise the profile
SouOtahtlAeyf,riwcha.o has an extensive career in Service of the sport in the
hockey, will form part of the England team taking Service.
part in the event in Cape Town from September He said: “In 2011
30 to October 10. I gained selection to
the England Over-
Hoping to improve on his last world cup 40s squad – winning
bronze medal won in Barcelona in 2018, the full International Masters
time regular has the small issue of a European tournament in Singapore
warm-up event tournament in Bilbao, Spain and the European Masters HONOURS: Oatley (right) ENGLAND
before that. tournament in Germany, I STAR:
just know this has a huge impact on the Service
Oatley said: “I have played hockey for 40 years, game.” Oatley on
captaining school and county teams and playing The successes continued in 2012 when he was a the attack
regional level too, along with Euro events and gold medallist at the inaugural FIH Hockey Masters
World Cups – and these two will be another huge World Cup in Canterbury, beating Australia 3-1 in at the World Cup in Barcelona. in this year’s tournaments, for which I am
personal highlight.” the final and getting on the score sheet. Oatley added: “I am being fantastically incredibly grateful.”
Next up he won Silver and Bronze European supported by the RAF Central Fund and l Follow RAF Hockey on Instagram @
The Aerosystems Engineer Officer has Championship medals, followed by that Bronze BAES Sports Grant to help me compete rafhockey.
played for the RAF’s men’s seniors since 1993,
captaining the team between 1996 and 2005, as

ANGLING

West is best for top pairing Verney and Beardsall

WE GOT EIGHT, MATE: WO Jason Verney and Sgt Glenn Beardsall WEST LONDON was wonderful for Service anglers EARLY LEADERS: FS Lee Wharlton and Cpl Liam Rawcliffe
WO Jason Verney and Sgt Glenn Beardsall, whose
5 pages of the eight-fish haul saw them take round three of the Wharlton also saw his chances of a bonus biggest
seaTsohno’rsnpeayirWs eevirenint. West Drayton offered a variable fish point ebb away as Mr Emrys Sampson landed an
setting as the pairs fished among sunken barges, and immaculate common weighing 27lb 5oz.
secluded bays in sunny conditions, and it was FS Lee
Wharlton and Cpl Liam Rawcliffe in peg 10, who were Jarvis and Cooke landed further fish as the final
the first on the scoreboard, landing three fish and hooter saw Verney and Beardsall finish first with eight
recording 58lb 10oz on the weigh sheet. fish weighing 156lb 12oz, Cooke and Jarvis second
with seven fish weighing 119lb 4oz and in third Hunt
FS Matt Hunt and Sgt Tony Jones in peg seven and Jones with six fish weighing 116lb 9oz.
hooked two carp, while Sgt Gary Harrison claimed a
new personal best, a stunning common at 25lb 9oz.

As the sun dipped Wharlton and Rawcliffe had built
up an early lead with a carp of 27lb 4oz added to their
tally in the afternoon.

An overcast morning greeted the anglers the next
day and Verney and Beardsall hit their straps, rocketing
up the scoreboard with 55lb 13oz in catches.

Only 10lb 5oz split third and fifth place and, just
after midday, Sgt Tony Jones slipped the net under a
21lb 7oz mirror, taking them into second.

Further catches peppered the day and during the
evening Mr Mark Jarvis and WO Richard Cook landed
five fish in just over three hours, taking their total to
119lb, to put them within touching distance of first.

best of RAF Sport action

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Win! Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 1
Win top titles
R'n'R
on Blu-ray
and DVD p5

Drama at Lord's – p4



JAMES LAWRENCE MATT Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 3
HASKELL DALLAGLIO DAWSON
R'n'R
Tall tales from
rugby legends MARTIN
BAYFIELD:
FORMER ENGLAND useless at every sport The former
international Martin he tried, describing his England lock
Bayfield starts his 12- attempts at football as forward is still
date Rugby Legends UK tour ‘woefully poor’ and a big-hitter
on September 24 at London’s cricket as ‘dangerously
Alexandra Palace Theatre, which poor’. It would all Pals help
goes on to visit venues from change when a coach Chris 'see'
EdAintbeuarcghhsthooEwxheteewr.ill to take the threw an odd-shaped the world
stage with former players to reveal ball accompanied by
never-heard-before stories and the wise words, ‘Hey, CHANNEL 4 have
fascinating insight into the sport. shorty, you’ll like this commissioned Open Mike
Joining Martin on stage at game’. Productions to produce a
different venues will be a variety new comedy travelogue series
of World Cup winners including Forty-seven years later starring comedian Chris
Lawrence Dallaglio, Matt Dawson, his passion for the sport McWCaituhsltahnedw(oarbkoivneg).title of The
Phil Vickery and Ben Kay, along has not diminished; now WSbelioenntdhdCeerfhsorouifsrt-ahpcearroWtsssoertrlhdieeIsgCtlaoakbnee’st
with the likes of Brian Moore, a top commentator for the to explore some of the world’s
James Haskell, Jason Leonard and sport with a successful TV most iconic, unforgettable
Sean Fitzpatrick. ENGLAND GREAT: Bayfield in playing days and film career alongside world landmarks, but in a new
Martin scaeilde:br“aTteh.isTihsethgeamgeamoef motivational speaking work, way that discovers things the
I want to work, but it does, and that’s why I he still relishes his playing ordinary traveller might miss.
my youth, the game that became love it so much. career during the early years of
my family, the game that took me the game, when internationals Chris lost his sight gradually
around the world and opened “Joining me on this journey ran out alongside the club due to a genetic condition
the door to so many unexpected down Amnesia Avenue will be stalwarts and legends rubbed called retinitis pigmentosa.
wonders. some great names from the game – shoulders with the well-meaning
“If you’ve played the game, players who have made their mark, incompetent. In each episode the reluctant
you’ll nod your head and chuckle. but perhaps, more importantly, l Go to: myticket.co.uk for tour traveller will be joined by a
If rugby is new to you, you’ll shake players who for me have added the details and to find out which different special celebrity guest
your head in disbelief. It shouldn’t colour and the chaos.” special guests are appearing at as his travelling companion. As
which venues. More guests are to well as providing a humorous
In Bedford in 1975 a 5’4” eight- be announced. ‘audio description’ of their
year-old Martin was finding himself surroundings for him, the
celebrity companions will do
Tubular Bells 50th cinema tribute their best to prove to Chris that
FOR ONE night only, on Thursday September there’s much more to visiting
22, cinema audiences across the UK can enjoy these places than just what
Mike Oldfield’s iconic TstuabguelasrhoBwell–s album, live they look like, by engaging
in concert, alongside a to celebrate their other senses. Will they
the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the ground- manage to convince him that it
breaking record’s release. was worth getting off his couch
The concert was filmed at London’s world- after all?
famous Royal Festival Hall over three nights and
incorporates the original music with modern dance, He said: “I hate flying,
performance and acrobatic feats. don’t function in the heat,
SwGMheiatamIThytdu,o1Sbaw9auul7nm,sl3aeoMm,rwaiiBsitwknetDeochlllraseuOkydv,wlbdeefyasrrfsyiomemflpoduierr’sshsriigtfciosbiaanrillGgmbadgululiaeyimrntseatccprretselsosailarenclaegRbosdlufoeemdboMhin,bniaytoS,nsoVmadnalilleirToitgghnhiih.nnget and can’t eat anything weird.
Records. Initially, it was a slow burner, but once its opening theme was featured on the soundtrack of If I’m honest, I just wanted to
rthepeuntaottioornio, usosaTrehde. Exorcist movie, its sales, and its dCohaGnongeglle4baonxd. BOupt ethnaMnkiks etofor
l Go to: tubularbellsfilm.co.uk to book tickets. having more faith in me than
I do.”

Phil Harris, head of
entertainment and live events
at Channel 4, said: “I’m excited
to build on Chris’s scene-
asLDtdaeovsaetelsinLnCteguogruaaepnn.”ptddeoa8wrOannucwteiostfho1nt0hTCishanetsew

Locations and comedians
taking part in the forthcoming
series will be announced in due
course.

Chris has been performing
stand-up since 2003 and is now
a regular face on TV. He has
also made multiple appearances
on flagship comedy shows
including Have I Got News for
aYnoud,BWlaonukledtyI LBileantok.You?, QI
l Chris is on a national tour
with his stand-up show Speaky
Blinder, that runs until May
2023. Go to: chrismccausland.
com/tour/ for details.

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 4

R'n'R

Theatre 'PINTER': Fashion
Played by
Stumped Andrew The Art of Menswear

Lord's and then online Lancel V&A

Good Style's alwa
Lord's, vogue at V&
actors
taking AMONG THE exhibits in the and not just t
over at Victoria & Albert Museum’s dapper ex-1D
home of current exhibition Fashioning
cricket iMs aascpuolrintriatiietso: fTRheoyAarltFolfyiMngenCsworepars AFRICA FASHION: Models holding hands, Lagos, N
pilot 2nd Lieut Gilbert SM Insall, Fashion Week
THE PROSPECT of portraying who was decorated for gallantry in
the Nobel-prize winning World War I. African voices and perspectives. The
playwright Harold Pinter, a exhibition presents African fashions as
legendary name in theatre, is, The painting, by Edward a self-defining art form that reveals the
admitted Andrew Lancel, ‘daunting’. Newling, shows Insall wearing a richness and diversity of African histories
The versatile actor, singer and leather flying coat with a fur-lined and cultures.”
director, whose roles range from collar. The exhibition explains THE V&A has announced it is to stage
evil businessman Frank Foster that the design protected aviators a major new exhibition dedicated to the
ivrneovneCaTolerradopntpahtaiintonpTlahSyetirnSegoetuPnintdoteorfCiManpuntaseiiwcn, from the cold and, like the trench work of pioneering fashion designer
pbulatyoSnteumthpaetdheisreallissohe‘as.challenge’ – coat worn by Army officers, soon Gabrille ‘Coco’ Chanel, from September
The play, by Shomit Dutta, is a became a civilian fashion. 16 to February 25, 2024.
two-hander co-starring Stephen
Tompkinson A(atDnHdroepafretl)lToahwse PinDteeard’s The show, which runs until The show will chart the evolution
Dgooondkeyf,rWienildd Nobel November 6, is ‘the first major of Chanel’s iconic design style and the
prize-winning author Samuel V&A exhibition to celebrate the establishment of the House of Chanel,
Beckett. The two titans of theatre power, artistry and diversity of from the opening of her first millinery
were both huge cricket lovers and masculine attire and appearance,’ boutique in Paris in 1910 to the showing
players. Described as ‘darkly comic’, said a museum spokesperson. of her final collection in 1971.
Sthtueimr ploevde celebrates the men and
of the sport. Beckett was a cricketer before he ways than one. The word legend “It traces how menswear has Featuring more than 180 looks, seen
Lancel, who’s also well known wrote the asfeinrmdsti-nEcalnaldssgwapomrlakeysearWndianitwtihnaegs can be overused but I think he was been fashioned and refashioned together for the first time, as well as
fBaorirell,phsleaaryiodien:sg“tBoDoImthNeB.eIielclMikkeeatntpsaloanyndiniPnginTretheaerl lfiosrteGd oadsota a legend, and unique.” over the centuries, and how jewellery, accessories, cosmetics and
Although he’s directed a Pinter designers, tailors and artists – perfumes, the exhibition will explore
cricketers’ almanack Wisden. pyelatya, cAtesdheisnToonAe sohfest,hLe agnrceealt hasn’t and their clients and sitters – Chanel’s pioneering approach to fashion
people but when it is somebody Pinter, whose work includes man’s have constructed and performed design.
so famous, so revered, it’s quite TH‘thhoeemgerceBoaimtretihsntdgta,hyrinefgePtrahreratdtyGtooadcnrcdircekaetTtehdaes.’ works. masculinity, and unpicked it at the
daunting. “It’s definitely an ambition to seams,” the spokesperson added.
appear in one,” he revealed. “I aroFuansdhi1o0n0inlgooMkassacnudlin1i0ti0esafretwatourrkess
“We love cricket in our house don’t know of anyone else who’s with contemporary styles by famous
and the play is directed by Guy Hailing from Lancashire, it’s no designers and rising stars displayed
Unsworth, who I have wanted to surprise that Lancel, (a massive played Pinter, it’s about inhabiting, alongside historical treasures from
work with for years, fsoorSmtuem. Ipte’sd Everton FC supporter) is a not impersonation. Stephen and the V&A’s collections and loans.
ticked all the boxes keen cricket fan himself. I were talking about that – when
a fascinating piece and very, He explained: “I was someone’s so loved and so known It includes looks by Harris Reed,
very funny. Playing Pinter quite good at local level but you don’t want to make them a Gucci and Raf Simons, paintings by
is a challenge, but it’s a good village cricket in Lancashire caricature.” Sonfonisba Anguissola and Joshua
problem to have.” is a very high standard, very Lancel said he still gets Reynolds and outfits worn by
scoSrtiunmg apewdorldmfaiyrst well be competitive. I got a ball recognised as his characters from former One Direction star Harry
– it will in my eye when I was tThhoeseBliollnagn-rduCnnorinrige,soaanpds,ahsiswwelildaes- Styles, Billy Porter, Sam Smith,
be streamed live from a kid, I still have David Bowie and Marlene Dietrich.
Lord’s, the venerated the scar, and that ranging career has encompassed
‘home of cricket’ in perhaps made me musicals, playing Beatles’ manager Claire Wilcox and Rosalind
north London on wobble a little bit Brian Epstein (seven times) and McKever, the show’s co-
September 10, then at the crease over numerous stage appearances. curators, said: “Masculine
available to view the years. I was There’s one ambition he’s yet to fashion is enjoying a period of
online for a year. always a bowler.” fulfil however. unprecedented creativity. It has
Lancel said: How would he He said: “From an acting point long been a powerful mechanism
“I’m not sure that describe Pinter, of view, I would love to do a play for encouraging conformity or
a play has ever who was also in New York,” then added, “From expressing individuality.”
been beamed live an actor and a personal point of view, it would FORTY-FIVE designers from more
from any sports screenwriter? be to see Everton win the Premier than 20 countries are featured in
stadium before, it Lancel said: League.” ethxehiVbi&tiAo’ns ,laonndumnatrilkAApfrriicla16F,a2sh0i2o3n.
just adds to the whole “He was a man By Tracey Allen More than 250 objects are on
atmosphere. Lord’s is of many layers, display and many of the garments
the third character in the 'BECKETT': Tompkinson eccentric and a l Go to: originaltheatreonline. on show are from the personal
show really.” maverick in more com for ticket details. archives of iconic mid-20th century
African designers Shade Thomas-
Fahm, Chris Seydou, Kofi Ansah
and Alphadi, marking the first
time their work is being shown in a
London museum.

Its senior curator, Dr Christine
Checinska, said: “Our guiding
pthreincfioprleegrfoourndAinfrgicaof Fiansdhiivoinduaisl

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 5

Edited by Tracey Allen

ORNATE: Silk Competitions Win!
British waistcoat,
1730-35, French Burn After Reading (15) On Blu-ray now (Fabulous Films Ltd/
design Fremantle Media Enterprises)
© Victoria and
Albert Museum, The Outfit (15) Out on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD from August 1 (Dazzler Media)
London
ays in Gym staff blackmailers get Burned
&A…
JOEL AND Ethan Coen, the
Academy-Award winning duo
TcbaehshetinwBdihgNicohLeCbinoocwulnusktdrie,ys dfoirrecOt ldanMeanll-astnadr
George Clooney,
Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda
cASowftmienretdoynReaaabndodiuntJgo,mhunarndMera,olkubotlavracicgkhemoiaunisl,Bsuseprxnyaddiction and
physical fitness.
Released in 2008 the movie was a huge box office hit,
the famously grossing more than $163 million from its $37 million
D star Harry budget and receiving nominations at both the Golden
Globes and British Academy Film Awards. DRESSED TO KILL: Nikki Amuka-Bird is a gangster in The Outfit
When a disc filled with some of the CIA’s most
irrelevant secrets gets in the hands of two determined, tailor Leonard Burling who must outwit a dangerous
but dim-witted gym employees, the duo are intent on group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.
STYLES OUTFIT: By Alessandro Michele exploiting their find. But since blackmail is a trade
for Gucci 2019. © Jamie Stoker 2020. better left for the experts, events soon spiral out of Set in 1950s Chicago, the cast also features
ZMaN(MnoiidknReakycrAsieytmFDyQAleNeiumasueehttwu)ec,nkhfsiaolhD-m(faBSySsielcrotacodnnotIspt)(Di.OeOUVsl’pdBDo))rf, iteatJhoonnihdsansd(nuSAdyismmptFeeoornlnyisycneaonRfnuuurl(sOAsepslsel-arBassteiianol)ne,
everyone’s and anyone’s control, resulting in a non-stop collection. To enter the competition, simply
series of hilarious encounters. tell us:
forWgreahbsa.vFeocroypoieusrocfhBaunrcne Atoftoewr Rneoandein, tgeollnuBs:lu-ray up
WEmhaoildiyroeucrtedanBswurenr,AmftaerrkRedeadBiunrgn? After Reading
Blu-ray competition, to: [email protected]
oHrQpoAstiritCtoo:mRmAFanNde, wHs,igRhooWmyc6o8m, Lbaen, cHasPte1r4B4uUildEi,ntgo, What is the name of the character Mark
RylEamncaeilpylaoyusrinanTswheerO, umtfairtk?ed The Outfit
arrive by August 12. DVD competition to our competitions

SApCieAs)DsEtaMrsYinAtWheAgRriDpp-winignntherriMllearrTkhReyOlauntcfiet,(aBsriedxgpeeortf address above or post it to the RAF News address
above, to arrive by August 12.

Theatre

Only Fools and Horses The Musical

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Les joins Only Fools mayhem

Nigeria, 2019 by Stephen Tayo, courtesy Lagos CHIC: Some of the Chanel styles on show COMEDIAN AND actor Les Dennis is to join the TROTTERS: Rodney (Ryan Hutton), Del (Tom Bennett) and Grandad
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Paul Whitehouse) – soon to be replaced by Les Dennis, inset
Key pieces on display will include HGroarcnsaedssatTdoh.fetMheussmicaaslhfrhomit WOecsttoEbenrd3s,hsotawrrOinnglyasFoloovlseaabnlde
outfits created for British model Anne enduring style and to display little- The critically-acclaimed show is extending its run at
Gunning (later Lady Nutting) and known historic Chanel garments
Hollywood stars Lauren Bacall and from the V&A collection.” London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a further three
Marlene Dietrich. l Go to: vam.ac.uk for further months, until January 7.
PMaalBaniaisfseeGsdtoaollnieextrhhae,ibGFitaaisobhnriioenollregMCanuhisaseneuedml Fbaoysfhttiohhnee details.
City of Paris, it will be re-imagined for the Based on John Sullivan’s classic television series –
V&A and feature rarely seen pieces from and featuring cherished material from it – the musical
the V&A’s collection, alongside looks is written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy
from Palais Galliera and the Patrimoine p&wohWwenheritthheoheuossuteasegP:eausGhl oWonwehfitiFershistohouipnsgee)n(,eTdhw.ehFoaspt lSahyoewd, MGorratnimdaedr
de Chanel, the heritage collections of the
fashion House in Paris. It reacquaints fans with loveable rogues Del Boy
and Rodney, and features many of the popular TV
Director of the V&A Tristram Hunt characters including Raquel, Cassandra,
said: “As one of the most successful fashion Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Mickey Pearce,
houses in existence, Chanel owes much to Denzil and Mike the Barman. It has
the templates first laid down by its founder been seen by more than 600,000
Gabrielle Chanel, over a century ago. We people since it opened in the West
are delighted to be partnering with Chanel End in February 2019.
and the Palais Galliera on this exhibition,
which provides us with the opportunity Dennis stars alongside Tom
to explore the origins and elements of this Bennett (Del Boy) and Ryan Hutton
(Rodney) as the Trotter family take a
trip back to 1989, where it’s all kicking
off in Peckham.

Dennis said: “I am so excited to be playing
Grandad. Like everyone else, I would tune in weekly to
watch the hilarious exploits of the Trotters and would
laugh and cry in equal measure. It was both funny and
touching.

“Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse have written a
wonderful show that beautifully recreates that feel-good
era of British comedy. I can’t wait to join the hugely
talented cast and be a part of it. Lovely jubbly!”
l Go to: onlyfoolsmusical.com for more information.

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 6

R'n'R

Your Announcements

You can email photos for announcements on this page
to: [email protected]

Deaths ready to banter in defence of to Binbrook between 1967 Cyprus Remembrance Tribute to 'Voice
the RAF. and 1971. I attended Bob’s of Golf' and ex-
TIBecBhEnTicSiaOnNEleJochtrnoniecxs-,Cahgieedf He is survived by his wife, wedding in Belfast. Please Our next Service of Gunner Alliss
79, passed away on July 7 in Heidi-Barbel (Barbara) and contact: christineacaley@ Remembrance for the 372
the Norfolk and Norwich three daughters, Dagmar, gmail.com. men who died in Cyprus,
University Hospital after a Renate and Natasha, six – 69 of them while serving
long battle with sepsis. John grandchildren and four oLfOOthKeIN4G7tfhor any members with the RAF, during
served at RAF Coningsby, great-grandchildren, who entry TG19 the 1955 to 1959 Cyprus
Binbrook and Coltishall will all miss him dearly. Hereford 62-64. Any still Emergency – will be held at
with tours in Cyprus and about? Please contact 1200 on Sunday, August 14,
Germany, finishing his nRuAmVbEeNr Michael, Service Jim Cummins on: Carol_ at The National Memorial
RAF career at the Ministry 4035304, Senior [email protected] or: 01302 Arboretum, Staffordshire.
of Defence. A devoted Aircraft Engineer, passed 532865,07517 416702. For more details please FORMER COMRADES
family man, John will be away peacefully in his sleep email Les Smith at: remembered ex-Gunner and
sadly missed by his wife aged 91. He served with 615 Reunions [email protected] ‘Voice of Golf ' Peter Alliss at
Carole, daughters Janette Squadron at RAF Biggin Hill a thanksgiving service at the
and Lindsay together with as an engineer between 1952 RAFAA Association University of St Andrews.
his grandchildren and and 1954. Sadly missed by iAn reRuanmiosngdatienneornwiSllabtuerhdealyd,
great-grandchildren. John’s partner and the rest of the September 10 for all military The event, the day before
funeral took place at Cromer family. and civilian personnel who the start of this year’s Open
Crematorium, Norfolk on served or trained at RAF/ AIFdmyoinuisttrraatiniveed as an RAF Championship at the nearby
July 28. Donations please to ASAdVmAinG; EformDearvley FS Pers DFTDC Manston. A short Apprentice Old Course, was the first
Alzheimer’s and Dementia 45th Entry memorial event will also take (or are related to one) we’d time many people had the
UK. Administrative Apprentice, place the following morning be delighted to welcome you chance to pay their respects
(David Johnston) of at the Spitfire Museum. For to the RAFAAA. Our aim is to the veteran broadcaster
Peter Lewis Musselburgh/Prestonpans. further information please to promote friendship and – who died on December 5,
Died peacefully at home on email Andy Callander: general wellbeing among 2020 – due to the pandemic.
July 11, beloved husband A n d r e w. c a l l a n d e r 1 2 2 @ our veterans, via social
of Isabel, loving father of gmail.com gatherings and assorted Alliss served his National
David and his partner Carol, activities, as devised by an Service with the RAF
doting grandfather of Rachel, elected committee, and a Regiment from 1949-51,
devoted Great-Grampa STeHrvEiceRsAFA&ssoDcieafteionnce Fire regular newsletter. Please mostly at the Gunnery
to Esme. The funeral was see website: rafadappassn. School at RAF Watchett. VETERAN BROADCASTER: Peter
service was held at Seafield formed in 1995 and would org or contact Membership Alliss served his National Service with
Crematorium on July 28. like to attract new members Secretary on: 07866 085834 A former golf professional, the RAF Regiment and maintained
No flowers were requested of all ranks, serving or Chairman on: 01933 he became widely regarded as links with the Corps
but online donations can be and retired. The annual 443673. the best-known British golf
made to the RAF Benevolent subscription fee is £16 and broadcaster, hosting 140 pro- event to represent the
Fund, if desired, in Dave’s for that you receive three Catering Association celebrity golf programmes. Commandant General and
name. Association magazines a But he never forgot his time Wg Cdr Martin Hooker
wyehairchcalmleedmthbeerFslaasrhepoininvti,tetdo with the Corps and retained on behalf of the Executive
2L3E3W, SIgSt, Peter James (Pete) Seeking to contribute their stories. SReAnFiorsC’ atAersisnogciatWioOn s’ and personal contact as Honorary Council that runs the garden.
aged 82. Died July 5 (RAF President of its Golf Society
We meet for a reunion and CWO & SA): all serving or and as a guest of the Officers’ Gp Capt Sutton said: “The
in hospital as the result of a PI awrkasfrsotamtio1n9e6d8 at Stanmore AGM once a year. For more retired TG19 WOs or FSs Dinner Club. service was quite spectacular
car accident and subsequent to October information and how to join and all former Catering and achieved all of its
Covid infection. Joining the 1969 and was known as visit the website: rafanddfsa. Branch Officers are invited His funeral was a private celebratory and tribute aims.
RAF in Swansea, he went on SAC Christine Warrington. co.uk. The RAF & DFS to join the RAF CWO & SA. family affair, held under
to serve in RAF Germany, I moved to RAF St Mawgan Association also has close We meet twice yearly. For Covid conditions, and in “The Alliss family plan
Prestwick, Singapore, Malta, in October 1969, where I was links with the Museum more information please 2021 a stone was installed to attend the Annual Corps
GRSS Henlow, CIO Swansea employed as a civilian at the of RAF Firefighting, visit: email: davescott10@hotmail. in his name in the Corps’ Memorial Commemoration
and 12SU Cyprus, finally camp. firemuseum.uk. co.uk Memorial Garden with a Service in 2023, the first
being discharged while at St I am seeking news of JT dedication service attended time that the wider family
by his widow Jackie. will have the opportunity of
viewing the Memorial Stone.”
She invited Gp Capt Jason
Sutton to the thanksgiving

Eval in Cornwall. Roger (Ginge ) Summerfield/ Assoc RAF Women Officers Squadron marks landmark anniversary
After retiring from the RAF Somerfield who was on
to Germany in June 1989, he detachment at Stanmore
worked as a storeman at RAF Park where we met. He was WALoLmenWORfAficFers and RAF 2620 SQUADRON (County of Norfolk) Centre is also planned. The event will
Gütersloh under the RAF training on the Nimrod are invited RAF Regiment marks 40 years since the be held at 2620 Sqn on March 31, 2023.
and then the Army before Simulator at Borehamwood. to the Association’s Annual formation of the squadron and 20 years If you wish to attend then please email
his final retirement from It would be good to hear Reunion Luncheon at The since its deployment on Op Telic. the ProjO: [email protected].
service in April 2005. He will from Roger, who was a very RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, This is unique for 2620 Sqn and for all
no doubt be remembered good friend. London on October 22. New The squadron intends to hold an other personnel who have served with or
as a gregarious character, I am also trying to locate members always welcome to event at RAF Marham in the form of a alongside the squadron in the UK and on
with a love of football and Bob Somerville, who was on join. Email: suearnold474@ family day and evening function and operations all over the world.
motorsport, and always detachment from Marham gmail.com for further details. a visit to the RAF Regiment Heritage

How to use our service Battle of Britain memorial service

There is no charge for conventionally-worded birth, engagement, marriage, anniversary, death, in memoriam THE ROYAL Air Force commemorates the Battle of Britain each year at a service
seeking and reunion notices. For commercial small ads contact Edwin Rodrigues on: 07482 571535. in Westminster Abbey. We would very much like to hear from the widows, family
We cannot, under any circumstances, take announcements over the telephone. They can be sent by email to: descendants and any other family members of those who participated in the Battle.
[email protected]. Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic we are currently unable to accept
notices submitted by post. We are seeking to improve our knowledge of this unique demographic and to
offer places at the formal Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service, this year on Sunday,
Important Notice September 18, and in subsequent years.

The publishers of RAF News cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or If you are a family member, or know someone who is, please write to: Mrs Michèle
mentioned in this publication. Small (RAF Ceremonial Office, Bentley Priory Building, RAF Northolt, Ruislip,
Reasonable precautions are taken before advertisements are accepted but such acceptance does not imply any form of approval Middlesex, HA4 6NG), providing details of your relationship to your relative who
or recommendation. Advertisements (or other inserted material) are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their served in the Royal Air Force between July and October 1940 and your email address
current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that and a contact phone number.
the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act.
All copy is subject to the approval of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with Additionally, for the purpose of allocating tickets, please send your full name,
advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. home address, date and place of birth and passport or driving licence number. This
All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in information is also required for any additional guests who wish to attend the service
advertisements their true surname or full company name, together with an address from which the business is managed. with you.

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 7

R'n'R

Your Announcements

You can email photos for announcements on this page

to: [email protected]

Call to join new
MERT Club

MILITARY personnel Force Protection and nurses.

who saved countless lives Sqn Ldr Pascoe said: “The

in Afghanistan rescuing club's aim is to provide a place

wounded comrades from where past members can

the frontline on Chinooks reconnect with colleagues

are being invited to join a and share their experiences

unique club. on a capability that had a

It’s hoped profound impact on

the group patients, medical

will reunite advances and the

former RAF morale of all on

Medical the ground.”

Emergency Planned

Response activities

Britannia gets fresh look Te am include a sailing

members regatta, a formal

with old dinner at The

friends, IN ACTION: Victory Services
celebrate MERT team Club in London,

achievements, and a family festival and a

preserve their clinical and march past the Cenotaph on

A HISTORIC aircraft has Preservation Society, raised flying, the Britannia joined Since 1997 XM498 has operational knowledge. Remembrance Sunday.
been given a fresh look £8,500 for the appeal to RAF service at Lyneham
after a successful appeal spruce up the exterior of the with 99 and 511 Squadrons. been kept as a static display Founded by Sqn Ldr
raised the funds for the last aircraft – by completing two
remaining ex-RAF Bristol sponsored walks of 99 miles RAF veteran Brian, a at the Cotswold Airport, Shaun Pascoe and Sgt Robert Q Go to: mertclub.co.uk,
Britannia to have a much- each. retired Wg Cdr and former
needed repaint. Britannia pilot, said: “I first formerly RAF Kemble, in Shenton, membership is email: [email protected].
Known as ‘the Whispering flew a Britannia in 1959 while
Brian Wetherley, from Giant’ because of its quiet serving on 99 Squadron – Gloucestershire, and looked open to all who served on or write to The MERT Club,
the Bristol Britannia XM498 exterior noise and smooth hence walking 99 miles.”
after by the Preservation MERT helicopters from c/o Take Point Training,

Society. 2006 to 2014 in Afghanistan B-FOB, North Parade,
Q Go to: xm496.com for
more information. including aircrew, pilots, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11

doctors, paramedics, medics, 2TF

Royal Air Force News Friday, July 29, 2022 R'n'R 8

R'n'R

Crossword Su Doku

No. 321 No. 331

Solve the crossword, then rearrange the seven Fill in all the
letters in yellow squares to find an RAF term squares in the grid
Across so that each row,
6. See 12 Across each column and
7. Mined round tough material (5) each 3x3 square
9. Company right to start funding island (5) contains all the
10. See 22 Across digits from 1 to 9.
12. And 6 Across. Egyptian leader upsets our warrior to storm plane
(11,7) Solution to Su Doku No: 330
14. RAF aircraft to command the world? (11)
18. Lure mob to assemble at station (7) Solution to Crossword No 320:
19. Commanding Officer encountered original jet (5) Across – 6. Archaic 7. Tudor 9. Folly 10. Wallace 12. Vice-Marshal
21. Accountant sent Ted back to RAF youngster (5) 14. Lossiemouth 18. Skipper 19. Chard 21. Tiara 22. Best Man
22. And 10 Across. Bob trolls guild about RAF fighter (7,7) Down – 1. Argon 2. Chilli 3. Air 4. Bugles 5. Conceal 8. Paragon
11. Get Even 13. Cockpit 15. Superb 16. Tahiti 17. Dream 20. Ben
Down
1. Poet next to Reagan (5) RAF word – Aviation
2. Originally tired, having enervating, frankly loathsome urinary
infection (3,3)
3. Intimidate milk-producer (3)
4. Break the law in pursuit of money (6)
5. Oppose Diana’s award at end of controversy (7)
8. The French left just Julie involved in unarmed combat (2-5)
11. After ‘Othello’ makes comeback, I join queen: it’s more spacious
(7)
13. No-hoper…but was involved (4-3)
15. Everyone involved in gamble on artistic performance (6)
16. Blowing your own trumpet, for example: nothing is malicious to
start with (6)
17. The bird, the girl’s at work (5)
20. Polar kayaking involves this boat (3)

Aerial acrobatics Theatre Review

Six
Fit for a queenfor Katie & Simon
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

NEW Six of the
ALBUM: abuesdtiefnocres
Simon and with this
sassy show
Katie

VIOLINIST, COMPOSER Katie has released eight top
and Grammy Award- 10 UK albums across a 20-year
winning sound engineer Simon career including the huge hits SIX THE musical is as bright
Goff and multi-platinum-selling Closest Thing To Crazy and and sparkly as the jewels
singer-songwriter Katie Melua Nine Million Bicycles. Her latest on a queen’s crown. It’s a
have unveiled their collaborative LP, Album No.8, came out in great idea for a show – the story TUDOR THEME: Previous touring cast members of Six in full flight
album, Aerial Objects. It’s 2020 to great acclaim and the of Henry VIII’s six wives, but
available digitally and on CD accompanying Acoustic Album presented like a pop concert, with musical featuring R&B numbers, seamlessly it might seem slightly
now and will be out on vinyl on No.8 was released in 2021 each of the queens telling her hip-hop rhymes and even a couple unfair to mention anyone in
September 2. featuring contributions from story in song and competing with of ballads. particular for special praise but,
The album features previously Simon on Remind Me to Forget each other over who has been the for me, Chlöe Hart as Catherine
released singles Hotel Stamba and Maybe I Dreamt It. most badly treated and should Each of the talented and of Aragon and Jennifer Caldwell
and Textures of Memories theIrt’esfobreeebne leaadhinuggeladsuy.ccess on diverse cast, backed by all-girl as Anne Boleyn lit up an already
alongside new tracks Tbilisi Katie said “On Aerial Objects, tour and in the West End and the band the Ladies In Waiting, has a electric stage with their sassiness.
Airport, It Happened, Aerial our two artists’ worlds have audience when I saw the show powerhouse voice and they blend And the soulful vocals of Alana M
Objects and Millions of Things. merged to create a new space: at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre beautifully when harmonising. Robinson as Catherine Parr were
Simon has worked with some Simon on the violin, analogue loved every minute. It was a sell- highly reminiscent of superstar
of the world’s most acclaimed processing and synths, coming out – on a Tuesday night – and the It’s sharp, funny and lively Lauren Hill.
musicians, including Academy together with my world of crowd couldn’t get enough. with fabulous costumes featuring
Award-winning composer traditional records rooted spangly takes on a Tudor theme, The tour continues until July 2023
Hildur Guðnadóttir on the scores around the pop song.” Created by the talented young spiky headdresses and glittery – well worth catching if you can.
for Joker and Chernobyl – both l Go to: simongoff.com and duo of Toby Marlow and Lucy footwear. The cast execute l Go to: sixthemusical.com for a
earned him Grammy Awards. katiemelua.com for more Moss, Six is a Hamilton-style Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s slick full list of tour dates and venues.
information. choreography perfectly throughout
the 80-minute, no-interval show. Review by Tracey Allen
4 out of 5 roundels
The queens perform together so