INSIGHT

ISSUE 21

InsightMAGAZINE 1
2 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 3
INSIGHT
27 14

ISSUE 2 2016

From the
Editor…
Sqn Ldr Simon Nevin
12 18

Hello and a very warm welcome to the latest edition

of Insight. I say a very warm welcome because it
would appear that we are slowly moving out of the
unseasonal frosty weather we have been having
throughout April and into more Mediterranean
like weather over the coming weeks; I hope this
gives you all plenty of opportunity to get out and
enjoy the sun doing various activities and then
writing in and telling us about your exploits.
In this issue…
EDITORIAL TEAM:
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk
We have had another varying As I have already said, there are a
and highly interesting selection number of interesting articles and External Email: Use personal email addresses listed
of articles this past month and I topics this edition but of particular Tel: +44 (0)1522 728377
STATION COMMANDER’S the raf waddington
am pleased to say it is not only
an increase on the number we
note are the ones on Anzac Day
and the Freedom of Lincoln Parade.
Editor: 08 FOREWORD 18 heritage centre 27 anzac day
had this time last year but we Anzac Day is held on 25 April each Sqn Ldr Simon Nevin
are up on the average number year and is an occasion of national simon.nevin974@mod.uk
of articles in total over the last commemoration for both Australia Deputy Editors:
two years, so a big thank you and New Zealand and is comparable
and please keep them coming. to our Remembrance Sunday. Due Flt Lt Al Hall 54 (r) squadron top bravery awards for
The quality of the magazine is to our strong connections, past alan.hall376@mod.uk 09 granted the freedom
of southend-on-sea 20 our people looking
after our customers 28 thames rescue hero
entirely down to the quality and and present, with both nations, Sgt Sheree Chick
diversity of the articles that you and our continuing relations and
submit and not only that, rather exchange programmes, Royal Air 14SQN-HRSNCO@mod.uk
selfishly, I really enjoy getting to Force personnel across the country Artwork:
read the articles as they come in. represent our nation at these S Oliver
You will notice that despite the
commemorations. RAF Waddington
were honoured to lay a wreath and Photography:
12 freedom of
lincoln parade 22 rafalo veterans
visit essex 29 maximum effort

fact our (new) Station Commander
has now been in post for ~ three
months that this is the first edition
of Insight with Group Captain
Marshall in command, so a belated
welcome on behalf of the readership
and we wish him all the very
best for his time in command.
unveil a memorial this year of which Sgt Pugley
you can read all about later in this Cpl Bibby
edition. The Freedom of Lincoln is an
annual parade of service personnel SAC Pope
through Lincoln, exercising our
right to the Freedom of the City, an
SAC Carruthers
SAC Clarke
14 lsafl football
tournament 23 creative writing
workshop 30 mountain rescue
honour which dates back to Roman
times. Many of our personnel joined Advertising by:
their colleagues from RAF Scampton Jo Marchant
in April and the general feedback Tel: 01536 526674
was that it was one of the best yet. WAR TIME SWEETHEARTS
Designed by: 17 crmc round 1
26 bowler hat for
oc 7630 sqn 32 RE-VISIT RAF WADDINGTON
Thanks for reading, I hope you Laura Lang
enjoy this edition and please laura@lanceprint.co.uk
keep up the contact; I am always
pleased to hear from folk with Published by:
good ideas and general feedback. Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House,
Bath Road, Kettering, NN16 8NL
Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481
www.lancepublishing.co.uk
mike@lancepublishing.co.uk The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine
On the cover: Sentry E3D do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted
Printed by:
on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.
Lance Print Ltd

4 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 5
6 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 7
 Station
Commander’s
Foreword...
Group Captain Al Marshall
A very warm welcome to this, my first edition of Insight 54(R) Squadron from RAF Wad
were delighted to receive the dington to be presented with the Freedom
magazine as your new Station Commander and may I Free
of Southend-on-Sea after a spedom of Southend-on-Sea, an honour
cial which cements the links betwee
start by saying what an honour and a privilege it is to take ceremony at Southend-on-Sea
54(R) Squadron and the peo n
Civic Centre on Thursday 21st
command of the Station. I am no stranger to Waddington, Southend-on-Sea had granted April. Southend in this our centenary ple of
year.”
having previously served as Officer Commanding Squadron the Freedom through 54(R)
historical links with the tow the ir 54(R) Squadron then joined the
they were based at RAF Rochfo n when George’s Day Parade at Southend-on- St
No V(AC) Squadron, but certainly have much more rd (no w
Southend Airport) during the Sea on Sunday 24th April, mar
to learn in my new role and look forward to visiting as Bat ching
Britain. The early days of the Sectle of with veteran associations, cadet forces
ond
many Squadrons and Sections as I can over the coming World War were spent patrolling and other uniformed associations
.
Kent coast. Between 27th May the
months. There have been many changes since I was June 1940, the unit provided air - 4th The Worshipful Mayor of Southe
cover nd,
last at the Station, but the operational tempo has not for the evacuation of Dunkirk. Councillor Andrew Moring said
“We are especially honoured to:
changed; ISTAR and the other capabilities that Waddington Officer Commanding wel come so many RAF personnel
offers continue to be in great demand and I very much 54(Reserve) Squadron, Wing taking part, further reinforcing
Commander Andy Ross said the links between Southend-on-
expect that demand to remain for the years to come. “This is a very special day for 54(R Sea and the Royal Air Force. “
Squadron. We are here to hon )
British and Allied forces that fou our the 54(R) Squadron looks forward
My previous tour was in the following their dispersal during opportunity for us to celebrate, ght to
Ministry of Defence where the runway resurfacing works. but is also an opportunity for died during the Battle of Britain and long and happy relationship witha
to recognise all the men and wom and the people of Southend-on-Sea
I served for two years, and There are a number of plans in us to show those closest to us
I have watched with keen place, worked around a phased how valuable their support is who continue to serve in the Arm en into the future no matter wha well
ed t guise
interest as the ISTAR Force return of aircraft to the unit and to us and to say thank you - I Forces today. We’re immensely or role the squadron takes on.
proud
and RAF Waddington have these plans will be tested and look forward to seeing as many
continued to move to the adjusted over the course of the of you as possible on the day.
forefront of government next few months as we further
and military thinking. The understand the progress on the Following last year’s Strategic
capabilities that we generate runway. As we increase our air Security and Defence Review,
are highly respected and activity here at Waddington, the future for the Station and
valued, which is testament to we must be very alert to the the ISTAR Force is very bright
the dedication, determination associated safety aspects having and we have much to be
and professionalism of Station been subject to Op Bolthole optimistic about. However,
personnel. When I consider for such a long period. We achieving the levels of growth
that this exceptional level need to remind each other of that the Review has directed
of effort has been delivered our responsibilities working is a significant task and will
despite many constraints, not at a busy airfield, and I will be require commitment from
least the ongoing pressures of looking to you all to refresh across the Station. Programme
Op Bolthole, the achievement your processes and awareness ATHENA is the name for
is all the more impressive. to enable us to return to normal the overall activity to grow
operations in a safe manner. the Force to where it needs
The sustained delivery of to be in 2025 and I will be
operations, results in many This year also marks the 100th relying on all of you, serving,
associated issues and I am anniversary of the Station, which contractor, civil servant, regular
acutely aware of the pressures was formed as a Royal Flying or reserve, to offer your ideas,
that our current commitments Corps unit in November 1916, initiatives and issues to the
place on our personnel and to provide additional flying ATHENA Team so that we can
their families. Thankfully, we training capacity during the First make the best decisions for
have an outstanding support World War. We should be proud the future of the Station.
structure in place here at of what our predecessors have
Waddington, with the HIVE, achieved over the last century So to conclude, I am very
Community Support, as well and remember those from the pleased indeed to be back
as representation from many Station that lost their lives, not at RAF Waddington and to
forces charity organisations just overseas, but also here at find a Station that continues
such as SSAFA and I would Waddington itself. A variety of to deliver far more than its
very much encourage you all events are planned throughout fair share of capability to
to use them if appropriate, the year and I hope that you are Operations. Thank you for
wherever possible. all, along with your families and reading, I hope you enjoy this
our community, able to join in edition and I look forward to
One of the main challenges for some of the celebrations of this meeting as many of you as
the Station over the coming milestone. The Families day on possible over the course of the
months is going to be the 11 June, which is followed by an coming weeks and months.
progressive return of our aircraft evening Hangar Party is just one

8 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 9
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for general medical, surgical and paediatric nurses as well as ANGELA RIGGALL BSc(Hons)
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10 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 11
 On 25th April 1959 the City
of Lincoln conferred The
Freedom of The City to RAF
Waddington and on 14th May
1993 to RAF Scampton also.
The action of a city, town or
borough conferring upon a
unit, ‘Freedom of Entry with
swords drawn, bayonets fixed,
drums beating, bands playing
and Colours or Standards flying’,
dates from the time when
fortress walls were necessary to
protect the inhabitants of the
city from incursions.  Bodies of
armed men were refused entry
no harm.  Thus the granting
of permission for a formed
body of armed men to
enter a city became a mark
of the trust and confidence
in which the body was
held by the citizens.  Today,
it is the highest honour
that a city, borough or
town can bestow on
the Royal Air Force. 
Today, the granting of the
Freedom of a City is entirely
a ceremonial honour, but
is the oldest and highest

FREEDOM OF
to the city unless the citizens civic honour that can be
were confident that they meant bestowed on a military unit.

LINCOLN P ARADE 2016

Service personnel from both RAF our Centenary. It’s testament

Waddington and RAF Scampton
marched proudly through Lincoln
High Street today exercising
their right to the Freedom
of the City; an honour which
dates back to Roman times.
Both Stations celebrate their
Centenary during 2016. To mark
the occasion more than 60
personnel accompanied by both
the RAF Waddington Voluntary
Band and the Pipes and Drums
of RAF Waddington, formed two
armed flights with bayonets fixed,
carrying the Standards of 5(AC), 8,
14, 51, 54(R) and 2503 Squadron.
RAF Waddington was originally
granted the honour 57 years ago on
25th April 1959 and RAF Scampton
23 years ago on 14th May 1993.
Being awarded the Freedom of
the City is an ancient honour
granted to military organisations
giving them the right to enter the
city “with drums beating, colours
flying and bayonets fixed”.
Station Commander at
RAF Waddington, Group
Captain Al Marshall said:
“It’s an honour to be here today
particularly in the year we celebrate
to, and further cements the
enduring relationship between
the City, the Service Community
and the people of Lincoln.”
A parade participant from
RAF Scampton said:
“Today is a really proud moment for
RAF Scampton personnel as this is the
very first time that RAF Scampton has
exercised its right to the Freedom of
the City since we were awarded it in
1993. How fitting that it’s during the
year of our Centenary celebrations.”
The parade participants have
spent the last week practicing their
drills before parading for real in
front of RAF Waddington’s Station
Commander, Group Captain Al
Marshall, RAF Scampton’s Station
Commander, Wing Commander
Joanne Campbell and the Right
Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln,
Councillor Mr. Andrew Kerry.
The parade featured a flypast of
an E-3D Sentry aircraft flown by 8
Squadron RAF Waddington and on
display were the Freedom Scrolls
originally presented to each Station
by the Mayor of Lincoln City.

12 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 13
 LSAFL Football
Tournament football and looked very
On a dull Saturday morning teams
from the Lincolnshire Services
Association Football League
(LSAFL) and the Lincolnshire
military community came together
for the annual LSAFL Football
Tournament held at the home
of Lincoln City FC, Sincil Bank.
The teams comprised of RAF
Waddington, RAF Digby, 2 Royal
Anglian, 158 Regiment RLC Army
Reserves (Sabroan Barracks),
AAR MOD contractors from RAF
Waddington plus a Barbarian’s team
made up of players from Waddington
and 158 Regt RLC, completing a
14 InsightMAGAZINE
Whole
Force line-up.
Teams were competing for the
winner’s trophy and exclusive
use of the executive box kindly
donated to the tournament from
Lincoln City FC for that afternoons
match between Lincoln City
and Kidderminster Harriers.
The first two games to be
played kicked off, AAR v 2RA and
Waddington v Digby. Both games
were played with an enthusiastic
purpose with wins for Waddington
and 2RA. 2RA played some fantastic
confident; they were already
being touted as the team to beat.
The games flowed freely with
plenty of goals and the odd
upset. The Barbarian team
were looking to make the best
of what they had and put in
some sterling performances,
managing some impressive
wins along the way.
The last round of matches saw
all 6 teams play simultaneously,
with any team out of 4 (2RA,
Digby, AAR and Waddington)
able to finish top. The table
leaders took a few changes
throughout the final matches,
however, 2RA went through the
gears and took their final game
3-0, thus topping the table with
RAF Digby just behind in 2nd.
The top 2 would now play off for
the trophy in the Grand Final.
Before the final took place
the teams were gathered for
a few words from the LSAFL
Chairman, Flight Lieutenant
Anthony Clayton, who was keen
to recognise the mix of military
communities participating
and the opportunity to
demonstrate Services ethos
and sporting prowess within
the local community.
The Final was competitively fought,
just like the fixture between the
two earlier, and it quickly became
evident that both teams would
commit everything in seeking
the victory. The game was played
with an excellent footballing
attitude and both teams attacked
with purpose. The goal came
courtesy of a piece of individual
brilliance with 2 Royal Anglian
winning 1-0 and taking the
trophy and the executive box.
The winners, who also provided
the Guard of Honour for the
afternoon fixture between Lincoln
City and Kidderminster Harriers,
were formally presented with their
© Shutterstock user: Seamartini Graphics
trophy at pitch side during the
half-time break by Kevin Cook, the
Managing Director of Lincoln City.
The tournament was another
huge success for LSAFL football,
bringing together a blend of
teams from many areas of the
military and further enhancing
the bond between the LSAFL and
Lincoln City FC communities.
InsightMAGAZINE 15
 Dickinson on bike 151
CRMC
The first round of the Classic Racing
Motorcycle Club was held at a wet
and windy Pembrey circuit in South
Wales. A total of 6 RAF racers were
able to make the meeting with a
total of 9 machines. The weather for
practice day was glorious sunshine.
Unfortunately, the first day of
racing was to be an extremely
wet one. Heavy rain and wind was
the order of the day, with some
races being postponed and many
shortened due to the weather.
Saturday 26 March
Sqn Ldr Woodward and Sgt Andy
Green made appearances on their
Honda MT125s in both races, with
Green finishing a respectable 7th
and 8th. In race 1, Woodward was
the fastest MT125 on the track
in the pouring rain but just after
catching up with the leading 2
bikes he slid off into the mud at
the start of the last lap. He retired
from the second race due to
mechanical issues which were
the result of the first race crash.
Out on their Post Classic Air-
cooled 250s were Sqn Ldr Symon
Woodward (Yam RD250), Flt Jim
Dickinson (Yam RD250), Flt Sgt
Dave Bond (Suzuki X7), Sgt Andy
Green (Yam RD250) and Sgt
Tom Flynn (Yam RD250). During
the first race, it was still pouring
down with rain, so the field was
understandably down on pace.
Race 2 saw slight improvements
to track conditions but still plenty
of standing water to contend with.
As relative newcomers, Dickinson
and Flynn were still getting to
grips with their machines and
finished 9th and 10th respectively
16 InsightMAGAZINE
for both races. Dickinson fancied
his chances at sneaking past Bond,
but showed his inexperience with
a general lack of corner speed and
had little opportunity of being
close enough. Bond managed
two 8th places, with a well-tuned
machine after a winter in the
garage. Green put in a strong
performance with two 6th places,
despite not being a fan of the
soaking wet conditions. Gearbox
issues resulted in Woodward
retiring his 250 from the meeting
and sticking throttles on his
Yamaha TZ/RD400 in the 500cc Air-
cooled class, meant that he failed
to start a race on the Saturday.
Sunday 27 March
Despite a forecast that contained
lightning and heavy rain showers,
a last minute slowing of a frontal
system approaching the UK
resulted in a much drier days racing
on the Sunday. After tying the team
gazebos to vans and battening
down the hatches overnight, the
team were pleased to see the
RAF setup still standing in the
morning. By this time, however,
the majority of the ground under
the two gazebos was now a mini
marshland! Spurred on by the
drier conditions, however, the
team set about prepping their
machines for the coming races.
Out on the MT125s, Green, much
happier in the drier conditions
managed to improve his results
with two 6th places, despite
cooking his machine in race 2
and blowing its head gasket on
the last lap. After patching up his
Honda following Saturday’s spill,
Woodward started race 3 strongly,
however his MT was still not
happy and he was forced to retire.
Challenging conditions inside the Gazebo
Race 4 was more successful with
Woodward finishing just 3 seconds
ahead of Green to take 5th place.
Out again on the 250s, the team’s
lap times were around 10+
seconds quicker than in the wet.
Green was top of the RAF field
with a 6th and 4th respectively.
Bond, on his X7 was hot on Green’s
heals, finishing around 20 seconds
behind in both races. With a few
tweaks to his technique, Bond
could begin to worry Green in the
next few rounds. Dickinson, on
his debut weekend was keen to
stay in touch with Bond, but was
outclassed during races 3 and 4.
Flynn, was outgunned down the
straights due to his standard motor.
Not managing any improvements
in the standings, Dickinson took
two more 9th places with Flynn
10th. Woodward’s bad luck
Despite the weather, the team enjoy an Ice-cream
continued with the 400 on the
Sunday. His first race ended on the
first lap with a red flag incident.
The grid was sent back to the
paddock for an early lunch whilst
a clear up was carried out. Due
to the location of the team in the
paddock Woodward missed his
call for the restart and missed the
race. The second race was more
successful, finishing 3rd from a
very back of the grid start, but
still lapping a couple of seconds
slower than the previous year.
Overall, despite the weather, a
lengthy clean-up operation and
one crash, the team had a fantastic
weekend of racing in Pembrey.
Thanks go to Chf Tech Mick Rudd
for the mechanical support during
the event. Thanks also go to all who
sponsor and support the team.
The next round is at Croft
on the 06/07 May.
InsightMAGAZINE 17
 The RAF
Waddington
Heritage Cen

The RAF Waddington Heritage Centre is thrilled to accept the very generous donation of
Flight Lieutenant James Reddings Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The Flight Lieutenants
DFC was kindly offered to the Heritage Centre by the surviving members of his family. The
DFC is awarded to military personnel in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active
operations against the enemy in the air.

James Redding volunteered daylight raid on Hamburg.

for the RAF in 1942. Mobilised
at the end of 1942, he trained
as a Bomb Aimer in Canada.
Presented with his brevet in
March 1944, he returned to
the UK and was commissioned
into the RAFVR before joining
the crew of Australian Flying
Officer J Jackson flying the
Wellington on 29 OTU at
Bruntingthorpe. His crew
completed their training on
1661 HCU at RAF Winthorpe
(now the site of the Newark
Showground) before joining
No 467 Sqn at Waddington
in early March 1945.
Flying Officer Redding flew
12 missions with the Jackson
crew before the end of the
war, his aircraft suffering
battle damage on 3 occasions
– one while under attack by
Me-262 jet fighters during a
In addition to his raids from
Waddington, he also flew on
two diversionary raids while
under training at the HCU. in Lincoln, Nocton,
Redding’s records do not
state when, or the reasons Claypole, Girton,
for, the award of his DFC Gainsborough, Boston,
and MiD, although the
crew reports in the 467 Sqn Grimsby.
Operational Records Book Classes held weekdays
state that the results of their
bombing were invariably and weekends.
accurate and effective. The
DFC is therefore likely to be
an accumulative award rather
than for an individual event.
In July 1945, Redding was
posted to 106 Squadron at
RAF Metheringham as part of Lieutenant in early 1946 and articles will form part
Tiger Force. He was involved was demobbed later that year. of an exhibit which will
in Operation Dodge, the Flight Lieutenant Redding’s take pride of place in
repatriation of British troops DFC was gifted along with the Heritage Centre.
from Italy in September ’45. his log book which makes Pay us a visit and
He was promoted to Flight for a fascinating read. Both celebrate your heritage.

18 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 19
 e
Our Peopl

Looking after our Safety first

Customers With our gas engineers
Paul’s one of our helpdesk advisors dealing Meet Kenny….. he’s one of our many gas
with customer calls on repairs, providing engineers, and we have recently employed
advice and guidance to customers on the more, ensuring that your boiler works
simple steps they can take to solve issues efficiently and safely. Kenny and his gas
instantly or if they need repairs, making engineer colleagues have to be ‘Gas Safe
sure they get the right first time help from Registered’ and qualified to work safely
us. Paul, working on the CarillionAmey on boilers, cookers, fires and all other gas
helpdesk is an important part of the appliances. We know how important it is for
team delivering the improvement plan us to keep our customers safe in their homes
for the Housing contract. Paul says: but we also need customers to play their

“
part and it’s essential that you understand
By moving the gas scheduling the importance of making sure, when asked
team to the helpdesk, communication to confirm annual gas safety inspection
is instant now, ensuring appointments appointments, you do so and you allow
can be made efficiently, issues access to our engineers.
resolved swiftly and our

“
customers get a good service.

g.’

Meet Danielle, one of our helpdesk

advisors….having been a professional
goalie for the England Woman’s football
team, Danielle understands how training
is key to producing a really effective team.
She benefitted from six weeks intensive
training for her role in our occupancy
services team and knows that this has
helped our customers. She welcomes the
new intensive training programme recently
introduced for all new Helpdesk advisors. “

“ Our people will make better advisors

and be able to provide a better customer
service, now that we have a longer,

“
more intensive training schedule.

20 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 21
 RAFALO Veterans
visit Essex
O
n the 25th February
following a request from the East
and South Eastern Area Office
of RAFA (the Royal Air Forces
Association), RAF Waddington
RAFALOs visited three WW2
RAF veterans in Essex. Mr Eric
Lewiston (102) and Mr Victor
Glasswell (93) are residents of
Anisha Grange Care Home in
Billericay. Mr “Paddy” French (95)
lives at home in Leigh on Sea.
Messrs Lewiston and Glasswell
had stated in the Home’s
Christmas Wish programme that
they would “love a visit from the
RAF”. Eric and Victor had both
served in Bomber Command
and again had a wealth of stories
to tell through their families.
Both incredibly modest, they
had been involved in some hair-
raising operations. In particular,
Eric Lewiston played a leading
role in the reconnaissance for
one of the war’s most significant
raids – Operation Biting, aka
the Bruneval raid. In Feb
1942, Armstrong Whitworth
Whitley bombers from RAF
Waddington’s 51 squadron
22 InsightMAGAZINE
dropped paratroopers and
an RAF radar technician to
capture the German Würzburg
radar located on a cliff top near
Bruneval in northern France.
The mission was a complete
success.
Paddy French had been a
Spitfire pilot. He regularly
enjoys watching the Spitfires
of the BBMF pass his house
when displaying at the
nearby Southend Airshow. His
daughter had requested a visit
by serving personnel through
RAFA. During the visit to Mr
French we were well hosted by
him and his daughter, Jane and
were fortunate enough to hear
a whole raft of amazing and
largely humorous tales of his
time in the RAF. One of very few
Irish citizens to fly Spitfires he
completed his aircrew training
in Canada and accumulated a
considerable amount of hours
on type. There were a number
of highlights in his logbook,
including 3 sorties over the
Normandy Beachheads on 6
June 1944. This was an excellent
U P E R H E R O
S
R F I C T I O N ?
FA CT O
© Shutterstock user: Macrovector
day for the RAFALOs and
visitors; a real privilege
to meet such exceptional
gentlemen. It was pleasing
to receive feedback from the
veterans’ families saying how
Inside the RAF Waddington Heritage Centre
much they had been buoyed
by and enjoyed the visit –
ample proof of the value
provided by the Association
and RAFALOs.
What or who is about what a superhero from a young age and fiction and the risks
really is. They don’t just has enjoyed success with taken by the
a Superhero? exist in comic books a series of books – The men, women, children
Batman, or on TV nor do they Thirteenth Series - about and even animals -
Superman, all have superhuman a teenage superhero makes them believe
Spiderman? powers; instead they can called Val Saunders. anyone can be a hero.”
come in a much more On the subject of the
That was the question modest human form. workshops Georgia said: It was clear from the
that was put to a group children’s reactions
of pupils from William Current serving “It is vital for children that the workshop was
Stukeley Church of personnel from RAF to understand that the great success.
England Primary School Waddington took the superheroes they worship
when they visited the RAF children for a tour of today were inspired Who knows – maybe
Waddingtons Heritage the Heritage Centre and by real heroes, whose we’ve inspired a few
Centre recently as part with Georgias help, told incredible acts of heroism uniformed super
of a schools project run them the stories of some allow writers, such as heroes of the
by Aviation Heritage real Superheroes from myself, to future.
Lincolnshire. WWII. The children were make the truth seem
then asked to use their out of reach. However,
The project aims to make imagination and invent hearing about the
children aware of their their own story about a facts not
The photo of Sqn Ldr McRitchie with Paddy French is by Sqn Ldr McRitchie. The other 2 images are courtesy of Hallmark Care Homes.
heritage and of the heroic WWII Superhero. the
acts of bravery which
Creative
young men and women Author Georgia has
performed during times of been an avid
writer
writing workshop
warfare. A Creative Writing
Workshop run by Science
Fiction writer Georgia
Twynham challenged
the children to
think
© Shutterstock user: Diego Schtutman
Georgia with pupils from William Stukeley Church of England Primary School
InsightMAGAZINE 23
24 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 25
 Bowler ANZAC DAY
Hat for OC 25th April, ANZAC Day, is
recognised as an occasion
and both squadrons served
with distinction until the end of
propeller was recovered from
the crash site in 2008 and was
“
I am very pleased to be able
to unveil this magnificent

7630 Sqn
of national commemoration
with ceremonies held at
war memorials all around
Australia and New Zealand. It’s
comparable to Remembrance
Sunday in the United Kingdom;
In a small ceremony, staff at the it is a day when Australians and
hostilities in Europe. Between
them they lost 162 aircraft and
986 aircrew; many with no
known grave.
Wing Comander Matt Nicholas
said,
fully refurbished before being
displayed within Waddington’s
memorial garden.
To conclude their visit the
Veterans and their family
members were invited to tour a
fuselage, a labour of love for Mr
Willoughby. The Lancaster is
an iconic symbol of the Second
World War and this project will
increase the public’s exposure
to this wonderful aircraft.  The
airframe upon which it is based,

New Zealanders reflect on the
Headquarters Intelligence Reserves, RAF many meanings of war.
Waddington, said farewell to Sqn Ldr Dickie Representatives from RAF
“
I am honoured to be able to
represent RAF Waddington at
this commemoration of ANZAC
full-sized replica Lancaster, that Lancaster R5868 PO-S Sugar,
has been built by enthusiast completed an incredible 136
Martin Willoughby. The replica, operational missions and is now
modelled on S-Sugar, which on display at the RAF Museum

Waddington along with
Jeavons after 42 years of uniformed service. veterans from 467/463 Royal
Australian Air Force Lancaster
Squadrons (who were based at
RAF Waddington during WWII)
gathered on Monday 25th April
to lay a wreath with a Service
Day and pay tribute to the many
Australian and New Zealand
service persons who have lost
their lives in all wars, conflicts and
peacekeeping operations and for
the contribution and suffering of
all those who have served and
flew from RAF Waddington was
operated by 463 Sqn during the
Second World War.
Mr Willoughby’s father had
serviced S-Sugar throughout
the war and was instrumental
“
at Hendon.
The intention now is that the
fuselage will be used to educate
children about the heroic
accomplishments of Bomber
Command.

of Dedication to commemorate
ANZAC Day.
467 Sqn Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) moved to RAF
Waddington in May 1943
equipped with Lancasters.
Shortly afterwards the unit’s ‘C’
Flight formed No 463 Sqn RAAF
“
supported those serving.
The memorial at RAF
Waddington is made from the
propeller blade of a downed
Lancaster PD 259 JO-G, flown by
463 Sqn. “JO-G” crashed on 31st
August 1944 with the loss of all 7
personnel. The familiar 3-bladed
in restoring the aircraft and
lobbying the MOD to have it
placed in the RAF Museum.
RAF Waddington’s Station
Commander, Group Captain Al
Marshall unveiled the 10 metre
fuselage at RAF Waddington on
25 April.
By the end of the war, 7377
Lancasters had carried out more
than 150,000 missions and
dropped more than 600,000
tons of bombs on the enemy,
a feat unequalled by any other
plane. 3249 aircraft and their
crews were lost in action.

(Crown Copyright. Credit to Sgt Mike Jones) Caption: SAC Shane Mitchley.

Sqn Leader Jeavons’ illustrious up some extremely attractive

military career started in the
early 1970’s with him taking the
Queen’s shilling and joining the
Army! Working in Intelligence, he
witnessed first hand the peculiar
world that was ‘The Cold War’.
Postings to all the traditional
hot-spots ensued – Northern
Ireland, Bosnia, Oman, Berlin;
interspersed with ‘sweeteners’
to Antwerp and 12 years in
the BAOR, West Germany.
On leaving the Army after 27
years, he took up a civil service
position, but was also persuaded
to join ‘The Boys in Blue’ on 7630
Sqn RAuxAF. This was not as
difficult as it sounds, and merely
entailed a move of 10 yards
down a corridor at Chicksands!
His linguistic experience was
immediately exploited by the, at
this time all Officer Sqn, and he
found himself on many a NATO
exercise in Bavaria, Holland,
Belgium, the USA and Canada.
Op TELIC followed in 2003,
and Iraq in 2006. It was then
that Dickie sustained a rather
serious back injury, resulting
in him being CASEVACed back
to the UK. According to some
of his peers, however, this was
just an elaborate ploy to chat
Danish nurses! On his recovery,
he returned to Iraq, spending
the rest of his tour in Basra.
On returning to the UK, he
concentrated on his day job
and family life. He continued to
support the Sqn however, seeing
its transition to a HUMINT role
and the acceptance of other
ranks. In late Autumn 2011 the
then OC, Sqn Ldr Gail Mitchell
announced her retirement in
the following December. Dickie
applied for the post and, after
due process, was promoted and
appointed OC wef Christmas Day
– what better Christmas present
could someone wish for?!!
Under his leadership the Sqn
moved forward again, gathering
strength and seeing a refocus
and use of their skills. Four years
down the line and he decided
it was finally time to go. He has
witnessed a justified increase
in the Squadron’s profile and
the recognition of the valuable
contribution they make to the
Intelligence world. In his own
words “Its time for someone else to
come forward with new ideas and
a fresh approach”. He will be sorely
missed by all on the Squadron, and
those in HQ Int Reserves, whom
he always supported so well.

26 InsightMAGAZINE 27 InsightMAGAZINE

InsightMAGAZINE 27
 TOP BRAVERY AWARDS
FOR ROYAL AIR FORCE’S
THAMES RESCUE HERO
ROYAL AIR FORCE hero Senior
Aircraftman Shane Mitchley is
to be awarded a top honour
from the Queen for saving a
woman’s life in the Thames
in June 2015. SAC Mitchley –
based at RAF Waddington in
Lincolnshire – will receive the
Queen’s Commendation for
Bravery for his act of courage,
as well as a prestigious award
from the Royal Humane
Society.
SAC Mitchley is among a
number of RAF personnel
honoured for hard work
and courage on operations
worldwide in today’s
Operational Honours and
Awards list. SAC Mitchley
28 InsightMAGAZINE
was part of a team from the
RAF’s 54(R) Squadron visiting
London to learn about the
RAF’s history when the team
heard cries for help from a
woman stricken in the Thames
near Westminster Bridge.
At great risk to himself SAC
Mitchley dived in to the
treacherously choppy waters,
struggling against a strong
current to reach the woman
while she struggled to keep
her head above the water.
At one point he had to dive
beneath the water to secure
the woman to a life buoy so
that other RAF team-mates
could haul her to safety.
SAC Mitchley, who serves with
the RAF’s 54(R) Squadron, said:
“I’m very honoured and
very proud. I’m no hero; it
was a spur of the moment
decision, but not one I
regret in the slightest. If
I came across a similar
situation I’d do the same
again without hesitation.”
In addition to the Queen’s
Commendation for Bravery,
SAC Mitchley is to receive
the Royal Humane Society’s
prestigious Testimonial on
Vellum, signed by HRH Princess
Alexandria, for his actions.
RAF Waddington’s Station
Commander, Group Captain Al
MAXIMUM
EFFORT
At a recent pre Basic Recruit Training Course (Pre-BRTC) instruction weekend held in
the Training Development Flight at RAF Waddington, it was a maximum effort from the
Intelligence Reserve teaching staff, as one course finished the 4 weekend syllabus and
another new course started on week 1.
Led by Sqn Ldr Jan Burton, BRTC held at RAF Halton. They Of the 12 new recruits, their reservist. This was the first
OC Headquarters Intelligence also had a final General Service ages ranged from 21 to 45 time some had taken the test,
Reserves, her 3 man team, Knowledge exam. and their jobs included three and came as bit of a shock to
comprising 1 full time and 2 students, two teachers (one the system!
part time reservist instructors The new course – 4/15, for children with learning
delivered a comprehensive commenced with a uniform disabilities), a policeman, an Lessons continued late into
programme of uniform issue, issue and instruction on what IT operative, an Immigration Sunday afternoon with
drill instruction, lectures and it all was and how it is worn. Officer, a lab tech, and a subjects including Drill,
fitness training. The lessons Other lectures covered Health sandwich maker for a well Discipline, Branches and
– mainly in PowerPoint form, and Safety, Rank Structure, known Supermarket chain! Trades, Ethos and Core
are produced by the Recruit Paying of Compliments, and Values, and a Security brief
Training Squadron at RAF Time Management. During On the Sunday morning, delivered by a member of the
Halton, but delivered by local the introduction phase the both courses mustered at Station Police Flight. Finally
instructors throughout the students were invited to the Station Gym, where the it was time to bid farewell to
country. paint a short word picture junior recruits were introduced the senior course and wish
The senior course of themselves and, as usual, to the RAF Fitness Test by a them well for their imminent
- 3/15, were taught the finer the diversity of their ages, Physical Training Instructor on 2 weeks at Halton on BRTC,
Marshall, said: points of map reading and occupations and experiences loan from RAF Waddington’s and to debrief and hand out
orienteering, Human Factors, illustrated the tremendous resident RAuxAF Regiment homework to a tired but still
“SAC Mitchley is an outstanding Air Power – Air Attack, and the range of skills and knowledge Squadron (2503 – County of enthusiastic new course. A
airman and a credit to the expectations of the 2 week Reservists bring to the RAF. Lincoln) – herself a part time job well done!
Service. His response in entering
the Thames to save a member
of the public was an act of
outstanding courage in the
face of very dangerous river
conditions. His actions were
exemplary and selfless. He is truly
deserving of his commendation
from Her Majesty the Queen.”
Also listed among today’s
Operational Honours and
Awards recipients is Sergeant
Michael Beamish, a former
RAF Search and Rescue
winch operator. Sgt Beamish
is to receive the Queen’s
Commendation for Bravery in
the Air for his selfless attempt
to save the life of a critically
ill sailor near the Falkland
Islands in June 2015. Despite
mountainous seas Sgt Beamish
winched down to the ice-
coated Royal Fleet Auxiliary
supply ship Gold Rover to
provide first aid to the sailor,
winched him to safety and later
donated his own blood to him
in hospital.
29
InsightMAGAZINE
InsightMAGAZINE
29

I
had never been up to a Apart from walking for hours
summit of a mountain
and didn’t know what a
crampon was. So when I
turned up for day one of a
Mountain Rescue Team trial
I didn’t expect to set the
mountaineering world alight.
Instead I arrived with an open
mind and willing to learn new
skills.
Weekend one of my trial
another Trialist and I deployed
with the team to Oggi cottage
in Ogwen Valley. Being a
Gunner I’m used to lower than
basic accommodation so when
we arrived I was pleasantly
surprised, it wasn’t five star but
it was better then the muddy
puddle that I’m used to. My
first day was 25km and 1900m
of ascent which I can now say
is a big hill day. My first ever
summit was Glyder Fawr which
stands at 1000m high. People
who know the area will know
Devils Kitchen, this is the route
we climbed to the summit.
30 InsightMAGAZINE
our party leader gave us a
overview of mountaineering
and let us do some map work
on route. When I got back to
base I was hanging out to say
the least but the challenge
of the day was epic. On the
second day the DTL (Deputy
Team Leader) took us on a
scramble route up Tryfan which
is a popular rock climbing
mountain. I had never heard of
scrambling but by the time we
summated I was hooked. We
sat on the summited to have
lunch among other climbers
and it was at this point I
thought to myself I would love
to be part of the team.
During the week I assisted the
team with their daily duties.
We also got a hill day in on the
Wednesday which started and
finished at Aber Falls. The route
took in three 3000ft peaks and
sadly broke the other Trialist. I
was a bit gutted to lose him as I
got to know him.
Friday came and we deployed
again this time to a place called
woodlands in Betws Y Coed.
On the Saturday I did another
hill day not as far as the
weekend before but just as fun.
On the Sunday I got introduced
to rock climbing at London
Crag in Ogwen Valley. I’m not
built like a rock climber and I
don’t look like one but this day
climbing with two very good
climbers from the team opened
my eyes that even I could do
some kind of climbing.
There’s no other way to
describe my last weekend with
the team but absolutely class
on the Saturday I got taken to
the top of Snowdon via Crib
Goch. I had never been to the
summit of Snowdon and I had
never heard of Crib Goch but
the way people were telling
me the day before I knew it
would be turbo ninja. That
night I googled Crib Goch and
the first thing I read was ‘lots
of people have died walking
Crib Goch up to Snowdon’. I
was a bit nervous but being
a rock I bottled it inside. For
those who don’t know Crib
Goch it is a very exposed
ridge walk and the day I
did it was very windy
and very wet (just
saying!). When I
was walking it my
heart did start to
beat a bit faster
and having
googled it the
Even though I was in rag
order the next day I wanted
to complete the trial and I’m
glad I did because they took
me rock climbing again but
this time it was multi pitch
and it was hoofing. When we
got to the top of the climb we
abseiled off and that was the
end of one of the best couple
of weeks I have had in the
military.
I’m pretty sure I’m not the best
Trialist to have turned up at an
MRT section but someone had
seen something in me and I’m
now on the team. Since I’ve
been at RAF Valley MRT I’ve
been to a number of recues
like searching for missing
people, the F-18 that crashed
in Norfolk and tech rescues.
All the people that I’ve helped
rescue have thanked me and
night before was not helping. I the team for our efforts; this
kept on thinking of what I had
read and could see how that
makes the job a great job to
was true but I was again with
two very good mountaineers
do. If you are thinking about
and I had 100% trust in them. doing a trial just do it you
I made it to the summit and
I couldn’t believe what was might love it like me.
there a café that sold pasties,
being from Plymouth I had to
get one. After ramming the
pasty down we descended of
Snowdon only to climb back
up Elidir Fawr which is another
3000ft peak. I was starting to
feel fatigued on the descent
so climbing back up was going
to be very hard. On the start of
the climb I started cramping up
and by the top I had pulled a
muscle I was now broken.
I carried on and tried to hide it
but I was moving slow and we
would have been getting to
the finish very late at night so
the decision was to cut the day
short which I was gutted about.
This meant I could rest up for
the night and take on some
pain killers and hope to recover
enough for the last day.
SAC Mike Rimmer (Gnr) InsightMAGAZINE 31
31 InsightMAGAZINE

June is on the right
War time sweethearts
Ronald and June Finch have
lots of happy memories from
the time they both spent in
service at RAF Waddington
during WWII. They were thrilled
to be able to take a trip down
memory lane and re-visit
some of their old haunts
when they visited the Station
recently. Both served at RAF
Waddington during WWII;
June in the Officers Mess and
Ron as an engineer on Lincoln
and Lancaster aircraft. Happily
married for over 60 years it
was a chance meeting 70 years
ago at a bus stop outside RAF
Waddington that brought
them together. As June and
her friend waited for a bus in to
Lincoln two cheeky Corporals
asked the girls what their
32 InsightMAGAZINE
RE-VISIT RAF WADDINGTON
plans for the evening were.
Arrangements were made to
meet up in Lincoln and the
rest as they say is history! Ron
and June married on 14th
September 1950.
Now celebrating its 100th
year as a military base many
of the war time buildings
that Ron and June were so
familiar with still remain at
RAF Waddington. Although
modernised inside, the
external appearance of
Station Headquarters, the
NAAFI and some of the
aircraft maintenance hangars
have barely changed. Ron
and June’s hosts took the
opportunity to show them
around the station. They
spent time in Heritage Centre
having the opportunity to
peruse some of the exhibits
carefully preserved and
displayed and took tea in the
Officers’ Mess; a place close
to June’s heart. Working in
the dining room of the mess
during her time in service
June would have served many
of the brave young men who
flew and fought during the
War.
Smiling to herself June said:
” I remember the high
jinx that used to go on in
the Officers’ Mess after a
successful bombing raid. It’s
wonderful to be able to come
back and to see the Officers’
Mess again. It’s changed in
places but a lot is still very
familiar. I have such fond
memories of my time here.
Today has been a real treat
for both Ron and I and we are
both absolutely thrilled to be
here.”
One of their hosts for the day
was Chief Technician Craig
Smith who said:
“Hearing first hand from
people like Ron and June is
the best way to try to gain
an understanding of what
it must have been like to
serve during WWII and the
immediate post war period.
We can refer to records and
archives for information but
hearing about, and talking
about peoples personal
experiences is fascinating to
me and incredibly moving,
and they have increased
our knowledge of activities
that were carried out at
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• Use of our welcoming café 4 WAVELL ROAD, ALLENBY IND. EST,
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Mobile towbar fitting service
Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted
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Service discount available Lance Print is an established printers based
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Waddington during that time. Online Shop
It’s been a pleasure to host them www.lincolnbookshop.co.uk Call Today:
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Specialist , New & Pre-loved Books,
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Time may have moved on but for Books
Ron and June it’s clear that there
memories of RAF Waddington
are fond ones.
& Supplies,
Candles
& More!
We also offer:
Mail Order
Book Searches
390564
Ordering Service
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Central Market Loyalty Scheme
Ron Finch (L) with Heritage Centre guide
Sincil Street,
Lincoln LN5 7ET
01522 525557
unicorntreebooks@aol.com
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www.lincolnchristianbookshop.co.uk www.lanceprint.co.uk
Mr. Chris Dean
www.jigsawsandmore.co.uk
Seconda
Ron and June taking tea in the Officers Mess
Quality
ladies wear
Dress Agency To advertise in the next issue of
& ‘Mother
of the Bride’
this publication, please contact
Jo
Ballgowns,
Designer
day, evening
wear,
Tel: 01536 526674
handbags,
June with her daughter in law in the
shoes &
Heritage Centre at RAF WAD
hats
Email: jo@lancepublishing.co.uk
21 High Street, Navenby
Lincoln LN5 0EN
Tel: 01522 811169
InsightMAGAZINE 33
 Copyright: alphaspirit

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34 InsightMAGAZINE InsightMAGAZINE 35