INSIGHT

InsightMAGAZINE 1
2 InsightMAGAZINE
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INSIGHT
Issue 1 2013
From the
Editor…
Life in the
RAF seems to
be more and
more about
running lately.
Running for the fitness test
(passed), running to the next
meeting (I was late and the Boss
wasn’t amused) and running to
catch the next flight to carry us
away to another operation (I was
on time for that one). With the
fast pace at Waddington, some
of us never get the chance to
take a pause and have a look
at who we are now and how
far RAF Waddington has come
in its nearly 100 years of flying
operations. The editorial staff of
Insight has decided, with our
newly increased compliment of
squadrons and aircraft types, that
this edition will be the start of
a series of six features that look
at our past, present and future.
The cover of this issue was one
of the oldest we could find in the
Station Photo Section’s archives
and shows Waddington as it was
in 1917 - a grassy airfield already
on its way to becoming a major
On the cover
The Early Years
4 InsightMAGAZINE
station with several types of
aircraft. Also inside this edition,
you’ll find our own ‘Top Trumps’
of a sort, illustrating the station,
it’s aircraft and our people as they
are today.
So, as I sit at my computer
alongside my 5 (AC) Squadron
mates avoiding winter snow in a
hot and dusty place, I hope you
enjoy the work of our contributors
and most especially, of our
Deputy Editor, Heather and her
conscripted assistants, Flight
Lieutenants Nick Downs and
Levi Birch. This year we’ll cover
a different era in Waddington’s
past in each issue and invite
your contributions and unique
photographs to share with our
readers.
That red phone that sits in the
corner of my desk just started to
ring….time to run.
EDITORIAL TEAM:
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk
External Email: Use personal email addresses listed
Tel: 01522 720271 (7801Ext No.)
Editor:
(Sqn Ldr) Mark Brammer
mark.brammer679@mod.uk
Deputy Editor: (Flt Lt) Heather Constantine
heather.constantine261@mod.uk
Assistant Deputy Editors:
Flt Lt Nick Downs and Flt Lt Levi Birch
Distribution:
Corporal Stephen Calvert
Ext 6495 steven.calvert415@mod.uk
Artwork: S Oliver
Photography:
Sgt Karl Whitelaw, Cpl Loz Platfoot, Cpl Sarah Draper,
SAC Chris Davidson, SAC Lauren Pope, SAC Andy Stevens, SAC Ben
Stevenson
Advertising by:
Jo Marchant
Tel: 01536 526674
Designed by:
Mukesh Randev
Tel: 01536 521126
Published by:
Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House,
Bath Road,Kettering.NN16 8NL
Tel: 01536 512624
Fax: 01536 515481
www.lancepublishing.co.uk
Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.uk
Printed by: Lance Print Ltd
 24 06

18 36

In this Issue…

06 Community Matters 18 Waddington in Pictures 40 news round up

Station
06 Commanders
Foreward
24 The early Years 45 Trinity Challenge

Waddington
09 Vulcan XM607
Tribute Motorbike 28 Raf waddington
who are we 46 Flying Club

MARK
12 WORLD-FIRST
ANTARCTIC MISSION 31 54(R) Sqn
QWI ISR Course 3 46 ‘SHIELSY’
SHIELS

Op MERCURY:
12 Happy New Year
From 5(AC)Squadron 36 The German
Invasion of Crete

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
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
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.

InsightMAGAZINE 5
Community Matters
Support To Deployed Families
Separation through duty
Throughout a Service persons is never easy and coming
more frequently than at any
career it is now almost common time in recent history, it can
often be a real challenge to
place that Service personnel will Service families.
spend time away from home. RAF Waddington continues
to place great importance on
Regardless if this is part of an providing support to families
affected by separation through
Operational Deployment or a duty. Through its dedicated
Community Support Squadron,
domestic exercise or training RAF Waddington continues to
provide a range of activities/
course, family members left initiatives providing practical
support leading up to, during
behind can still experience and after the Service person
returns home from separation.
additional stresses and strains. Regular events and activities take
place at RAF Waddington and
at venues within the County of
Lincolnshire and beyond.
Deployed Families Group
For further details about any of the support
available to Service families affected by operational Each fortnight, a small dedicated
deployments or separation through duty, please group of community members
contact the RAF Waddington HIVE. meets in the Integrated Welfare
Facility (IWF or HIVE as more
Tel: 01522 727675 commonly known), providing
support to families who
are affected by Operational
Deployment or separation
through duty. The group run by
members of the community,
6 InsightMAGAZINE
on behalf of the community is an
excellent way to pass a Saturday
morning, entertain the children and
provide or receive mutual support
from those who know exactly what
Service families are going through.
If you are left at home with the
kids, weekends and holidays can
be tough, this group aims to make
those times that little bit easier.
Deployed Families Trips
Deployed families’ trips are an
exciting part of RAF Waddington’s
programme, committed to its
families affected by deployment or
separation through duty. We had a
great year in 2012, running several
trips to attractions that included,
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Fantasy
Island, Skegness, Alton Towers
and the Lincoln Theatre Royal
Christmas Pantomime. All these
were organised by the Community
Support Squadron staff, who have
ensured that as last year went so
well with so many enthusiastically
participating, the team have added
even more visits to this years
programme. If you are affected by
operational deployments or will
be separated through duty for a
minimum of 60 continuous days
during 2013, just look at what you
will be able to look forward to…
 Station
Commander’s
Foreword...
Group Captain Al Gillespie
Station Commander

What a
difference a
few weeks
make...
In the last issue of Insight,
I thanked the Station and
our local community for the
tremendous effort everyone
put into the challenging
year that was 2012.

Little did I realise at the time

that we’d be starting 2013
by joining operations in Mali
alongside our French allies, as
well as continuing operations in opportunities and experiences of
Afghanistan. Every section called students from a select group of
upon to support Sentinel’s Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Royal
short-notice deployment to the Artillery, United States Air Force
January Twinlakes Family Theme Park, Melton Mowbray African theatre did so with the and industry partners during their
enthusiasm and energy that is gruelling seven months’ studies to
a testament to our continued become official ‘patch wearers’.
February The Deep, Hull flexibility and commitment.
Even 54 (Reserve) Squadron, Whilst supporting operations
March Rand Farm, Lincoln our ‘ISTAR schoolhouse’, has overseas, 14 Squadron plays host to
moved its Sentinel instructors, the Deputy National Security Advisor
Leicester Space Centre & The Yorkshire evaluators and students to and Commander, Joint Forces
April theatre and is flying the line in Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir
Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Operation HERRICK alongside 5 Stuart Peach whilst the Squadron’s
May Magna, Sheffied & Conkers, Derbyshire (Army Co-operation) Squadron. 6-a-side football team, under the
Not to be outdone, our other guidance of Flight Lieutenant
July Belton House, Grantham platforms continue to deliver Alex Ball, has now begun to show
impressive achievements in promise after an inauspicious start.
Fantasy Island, Skegness, Alton Towers, operational theatres and critical Not to be outdone by his sporting
August training exercises around the brethren on 14, Flight Sergeant
Staffs & Yorkshire Wildlife Park
world – all supported by our Al Clarkson of 13 Squadron sets a
September Butlins, Skegness service personnel, civilians and personal challenge to run 13 miles
contractors here at Waddington. each day for 13 consecutive days
In light of our running start in support of charity. Similarly, five
October Indoor Fun Farm or Playzone into 2013, it’s appropriate that members of 56 (Reserve) Squadron
this first issue of our Station decide to undertake the Paras’ 10,
November The Deep, Hull magazine for the New Year looks Chester Marathon, raising money
at who we are now and where for Cancer Research UK, Hounds
BFBS Christmas Messages Event we came from. for Heroes and Lincoln BABIES.
December & Pantomime, Lincoln Follow their adventure in near zero
In this issue, you’ll get 5 (Army visibility across 7 Munros as they
Co-operation) Squadron’s own raise over £1500. Taking on an even
Families other key Station welfare personnel viewpoint of the last year, as more daunting challenge, a team of
Deployment Briefings are therefore pleased to be able to it hits its 10,000th Sentinel injured servicemen, including our
offer regular families deployment flying hour milestone and own local Corporal Alan Robinson,
Service personnel deploying briefings for Service families affected heads to Mali. Join 8 Squadron RAF, from Scunthorpe, prepare to
overseas are well looked after and by deployment. Conducted in the as it visits Maleme Airfield, make the first-ever microlight flight
prepared well prior to departure. At Integrated Welfare Facility, every Crete – the focus of Nazi to the South Pole.
RAF Waddington, we believe that two months, briefings are provided Germany’s Operation MERCURY
the families of Service personnel to ensure that families are aware and key to the war in North I trust you’ll find this issue as
should also be well looked after of the support that is available Africa. Waddington’s own interesting and entertaining as we
and equally prepared. Regardless during periods of Operational Qualified Weapons Instructor intend it, but more importantly, I
of the relationship to a Service Deployment. Consisting of a short - Intelligence, Surveillance hope that it gives you a better look
person, whether it is a spouse, presentation with an opportunity and Reconnaissance Course, at who we are and what we do for
Mother, Father, brother, sister or to ask those important questions, hosted by 54 (Reserve) the Royal Air Force, our families and
even a child, being prepared or at briefings are friendly, informal Squadron, recounts the unique our community.
least being aware of the support and offer a great opportunity to
that is available, is really important. meet other families experiencing
Community Support Squadron and similar pressures and stresses.
InsightMAGAZINE 7
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8 InsightMAGAZINE
 Exactly 30 years
Vulcan XM607 since the first
Black Buck
Tribute Motorbike mission as part
of Op Corporate
to liberate the
Falkland Islands,
XM607 remains
in the hearts
and minds of
Lincolnshire
aviation
enthusiasts.
One such enthusiast is Mr
Steve Jollands and his team
from Lincoln Harley-Davidson,
decided to commemorate the
anniversary by immortalizing
the lead Vulcan from the
mission, XM607 in the form
of an Electra glide Harley
Davidson tribute bike.

As an ex-Fleet Air Arm and

Sentry Project Team member
working from RAF Waddington
for 2 years during the 90s. Steve
having aviation in his blood
thought that the only way to
celebrate the completion of
the tribute bike to unite the
two machines together, so he
asked for special permission to
photograph the pair together.
As it was only fitting that he was
hosted by 8 Sqn Engineering
who maintain the Sentry
aircraft, to photograph his
bike next to his inspiration, the
legendary aircraft XM607 itself.

Most people quickly connect

the term “Black Buck” to the
Falklands War, but fail to
appreciate the heroic efforts
of the RAF in the 1980s
that enabled these historic
missions. XM607 touched
down at Ascension Island at
the end of an astonishing 15
hours and 50 minutes in the
air, which included 18 air-to-air
refuelings. This aircraft dropped
21 bombs at low level, one
of which hit the Port Stanley
runway at its mid-point, cratering
the concrete and denying its
use to the Argentine forces.
RAF Waddington is extremely
privileged to have Vulcan XM607
as its Gate Guardian.

To find out more about RAF

Waddington’s history, visit
the Station Heritage Centre
website at: http://www.raf.mod.
uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/
heritagecentre.cfm

InsightMAGAZINE 9
 The Audi A4 Saloon.
An attractive proposition.

The Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TDIe Technik.

Solutions representative example from Audi Finance based on 10,000 miles per annum††
for the Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TDIe Technik*.

Duration 36 months Optional final payment £11,038.05

35 monthly payments of £299.00 Total amount payable £31,051.39
Customer deposit*** £5,301.43 Acceptance fee** £125.00
Dealer deposit contribution £4,186.91 Option to purchase fee† £60.00
Recommended on-the-road price £28,055.00 Rate of interest 7.9% fixed
Amount of credit £18,566.66 Representative APR 6.9% APR
Interest charges £2,811.39

Lincoln Audi
950 Doddington Road,
Lincoln LN6 3RS
0844 847 0367
www.lincoln.audi.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TDIe Technik in mpg (l/100km):
Urban 54.3 (5.2), Extra Urban 76.3 (3.7), Combined 65.7 (4.3). CO2 emissions: 112g/km.
*Retail sales only. ***Customer deposit of £5,301.43 payable at time of order followed by 35 monthly payments of £299.00 approx. 1 month in
arrears after taking delivery. **Payable within first payment. †Payable with optional final payment. ††7.2p per mile excess mileage charges apply.
Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s from participating Audi
Centres only (subject to availability) for vehicles ordered and delivered by 31 March 2013. The quoted ROTR prices and finance examples shown
reflect the current rate of 20% VAT. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. For more information visit audi.co.uk or speak to your Audi Centre.
Audi Finance, Freepost Audi Finance. Calls will be recorded for training purposes. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. Wheel trims and lights
may vary.

10 InsightMAGAZINE
 Modern ApArtMent: SleepS 4

Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own
residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the
bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the
marina and another 5 to the town centre).
It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has
a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is
a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two
• Divorce and Separation more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also
available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto
• Wills & Probate the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.
There is ample car parking space in front of the building.
• Power of Attorney
• Administration of Estates Prices are per week. Special rates for longer periods
priCes:
can be negotiated. Prices include cleaning and linen Nov to Mar £190
• Court of Protection change. Towels are changed mid-week and beds at the
end of the week. A 25% deposit is required at the time of
Apr, May, Oct £255
June & Sep £320

Call for more booking and balance is due six weeks prior to departure. July & Aug £395

information on
01522 516500
www.dianegenders.co.uk
Offices also in Nottingham

to book ContACt:
For more info or to book contact Judith: 01536 711884 or Email: judith.hall6@btinternet.com

w w w. l a g o s a l g a r v e . c o . u k

The Audi A1. The Audi A1 1.6 TDI SE 3 Door.

Solutions representative example from Audi Finance
An attractive proposition. based on 6,000 miles per annum†† for the Audi A1
1.6 TDI SE 3 Door Manual.

Duration 48 months
47 monthly payments of £199.00
Customer deposit* £499.00
Recommended on-the-road price £14,010.05
Amount of credit £13,511.05
Interest charges £2,438.20
Optional final payment £6,721.25
Total amount payable £16,633.25
Acceptance fee** £125.00
Option to purchase fee† £60.00
Rate of interest 6.6% fixed
Representative APR 4.91% APR

Lincoln Audi 950 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3RS

0844 847 0367 www.lincoln.audi.co.uk
Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi A1 1.6 TDI SE 3 Door Manual in mpg (l/100km): Urban 83.1 (3.4),
Extra Urban 64.2 (4.4), Combined 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 99g/km.
Retail sales only. *Customer deposit of £499.00 payable at time of order followed by 47 monthly payments of £199.00 approx. 1 month in arrears after
taking delivery. **Payable within first payment. †Payable with optional final payment. ††7.2p per mile excess mileage charges apply. Further charges may
be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s from participating Audi Centres only (subject to
availability) for vehicles ordered and delivered by 31 March 2013. The quoted ROTR prices and finance examples shown reflect the current rate of 20% VAT.
Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. For more information visit audi.co.uk or speak to your Audi Centre. Audi Finance, Freepost Audi Finance.
Calls will be recorded for training purposes. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. Wheel trims and lights may vary.

InsightMAGAZINE 11
Happy New Year
from all at V (AC) Squadron!
Yet another busy year has come
to an end! 2012 saw the Fighting
Fifth continue to give unfailing
support to the ground troops in
Afghanistan, provide assistance
to the US Air Force in Nevada and
still manage to beat the other
flying Squadrons on station in the
Station Commanders’ Cup!
In Afghanistan we achieved
the fleet’s 1000th operational
sortie and hit the 10,000th
Sentinel flying hour milestone,
whilst providing over 3000
hours of post mission analysis.
In the 12 month period,
over 90% of the Squadron’s
personnel were deployed
at some point to numerous
locations worldwide, clocking
up close to 5 million air
miles between them.
2013 has begun and is already
promising to be even busier
than last year, for all associated
with the Squadron. Having
proved its worth during the
Libya campaign, a single Sentinel
recently deployed at short
notice having been called to
provide assistance in support
of French Operations in Mali.
In addition to this deployment,
the Airborne STand-Off Radar or
the ASTOR system continues to
provide unrivalled intelligence
for counter-insurgency
operations in Afghanistan.
Plans are in place for a series
of exercises around the world
to assist the Squadron in
developing our already excellent
working relationships with our
12 InsightMAGAZINE
INJURED SERVICEMEN BID FOR
WORLD-FIRST
ANTARCTIC
MISSION
On Tuesday, 22nd January, 2013,
a team of injured servicemen
launched Flying for Freedom,
an expedition that will see
coalition counterparts. The
biggest of these is Ex Green Flag. injured servicemen and women
Related to the famous Red Flag
Exercise, the focus of Green Flag attempt a world-first microlight
is placed more on supporting
Ground Troops, integrating the flight to the South Pole.
Army with various air assets in
the world’s biggest Air exercise,
which takes place on the Test
and Training range in Nevada,
USA. In a 12-month period, more
than 500 aircraft fly over 20,000
sorties, giving training to more
than 5,000 aircrews and 14,000
support and maintenance
personnel. We are hoping to be
involved with at least 2 of these
Exercises in the next 6 months,
with the possibility of more
towards the end of the year.
During these busy times, it is
important to remember that
without the unrivalled love
and support of the families and
friends behind the soldiers,
sailors and airmen of V(AC)
Squadron, we would be unable
to carry out our duty with such
dedicated professionalism.
To all of those who have
supported our personnel in
2012 - and will continue to
do so during the year ahead
- we would like to offer our
heartfelt thanks. Here’s to 2013!
In partnership with Help For
Heroes, the seven-strong team
of pilots launched the Flying
For Freedom mission which,
seeks to enhance recovery
programmes for injured and
disabled servicemen and
women by experiencing the
freedom of flying microlights.
Lord Digby Jones, Patron of
Flying for Freedom, joined the
“squadron” at the Tower of
London expedition launch, to pay
tribute to their bravery in tackling
the task and giving fresh hope to
all injured and disabled military
personnel. The expedition, which
has never been attempted by
an able-bodied person, will take
place in 2014 after the team
have completed their pilot’s
training and undertaken cold
weather training.
Corporal Alan Robinson who is
part of the team, based at RAF
Waddington in Lincolnshire said
‘It’s been a lifelong ambition. The
best thing about it is that when
I’m in the aircraft and I’m flying
I’m no longer a disabled person,
the disability disappears. It’s a
once in a lifetime opportunity,
how many people get to do
that? It’s going to be brilliant, I
can’t wait.’
The polar aero trek will involve
a round trip flight of over
3,000 miles, flying at cruising
altitudes of up to 10,000 feet
in temperatures as low as
-30 degrees centigrade. The
expedition will also attempt to
achieve three world firsts, the first
flexible wing flight in Antarctica,
first over the South Pole and
first over Mount Vinson which at
16,050 feet is the highest peak
on the Antarctic continent.
The expedition is part of a wider
programme being undertaken by
Flying for Freedom to establish a
number of ‘flying’ recovery centres
around the UK for injured and
disabled servicemen and women.
Lord Digby Jones explains:
“The challenge and the thrill of
learning to fly has been shown
to boost the recoveries of those
who have suffered injuries or
disabilities. Flying for Freedom
aims to bring this benefit to
many servicemen and women,
aiding their recovery and also
teaching them a new skill
which could help them when
they leave the armed forces.”
Martin Colclough, Head of
Physical Development, Help
for Heroes said: “Overcoming
adversity by pitting yourself
against the elements of land, sea
and air is what many members of
our Armed Forces find incredibly
helpful when coming to terms
with their injuries.  For some this
will be something simple such as
learning to ski or ride a bike again
but many others look for a unique
challenge that’s never before
been attempted and this is such a
challenge.  Over the last few years
several injured personnel have
discovered the freedom of flight
but the Flying for Freedom South
Pole Expedition takes aviation
to a whole other level.  Help
for Heroes are delighted to
be working in partnership
with Flying for Freedom, the
men and women taking on
this challenge are true pioneers
and will truly deserve their
place in the pantheon of
Great British aviators.”
Flying for Freedom is seeking to
raise sponsorship funds of £1.2
million to launch the full Flying
for Freedom project and mount
the expedition. It is already
acquiring aircraft and training
pilots thanks to the generosity
of its two initial sponsors –
EADS and Lord Digby Jones.
The seven disabled pilots are,
all of whom have served in
the Army or Royal Air Force,
are from across the UK:
Capt (Retd) Martin Hewitt,
Parachute Regiment from
Wilmslow, Cheshire. SSgt Matt
Raasch-Sotinwa, Royal Engineers
from Barnstaple, Devon. Flt Lt
Kat Janes, RAF from Alnwick,
Northumberland. Capt Luke
Sinnott, Royal Engineers from
New Milton. Pte Nathan
Forster, Parachute Regiment
from South Shields, Tyne &
Wear. Former LCpl Jamie Hull,
Parachute Regt from Leighton
Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Cpl
Alan Robinson, RAF from
Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.
To find out more about Flying
For Freedom or to donate,
please visit www.fly2pole.com
InsightMAGAZINE 13
 KEEP
CALM
AND
CALL
US
14 InsightMAGAZINE
www.raf-ff.org.uk

O
n January 14th 2013,
Lincolnshire saw history
in the making as new
Preparatory school, Burton Hathow,
received its very first intake of
children aged 2-11.
The school is set in acres of beautiful
woodland and is located just outside
of Lincoln City Centre, close to
Burton Waters. A bus service is
provided for children travelling from
the south of the city, safely driven
by a member of the Burton Hathow
team.
A broad and rich curriculum is
on offer for all that attend Burton
Hathow, whether they be exploring
the woodland with our forest
ranger, learning new Spanish
words and phrases, performing in
the school orchestra or playing for
the sport’s team. The children are
engaged and motivated by inspiring
and committed staff, who expect
academic results to be amongst the
top in the county within two years
Burton Hathow Preparatory School,
Email: info@burtonhathow.co.uk
of the school opening.
Preparation for secondary school
is an important part of a child’s
education when they reach Year 5.
Burton Hathow provides specialist
in 11+ training, Common Entrance
preparation, scholarship and
interview techniques. Families are
regularly informed as to the child’s
progress and will be fully supported
in the transition from primary to
secondary.
The outstanding and rounded
education at Burton Hathow begins
with the school’s very youngest
pupils. During their time in nursery,
the children will begin learning
Spanish and will start to appreciate
the environment around them with
outdoor lessons and Forest School
sessions. They are nurtured and
developed at the child’s pace and
learning is child initiated.
The school also provides a holiday
club – Go Beyond at Burton Hathow.
This club offers fun and engaging
burtonhathow.co.uk
Odder Farm, Saxilby Road,
Burton Lincoln LN1 2BB
Telephone: 01522 274 616
activities for children aged 2-11
throughout the school holidays, with
Robin Hood days, Circus Skills, a
range of sports, construction based
activities, drama and arts and much,
much more.
It has been an incredible journey for
all involved in the creation of this
new school and a once in a lifetime
opportunity for educational experts
to ask themselves: How do we want
our children to learn? What do we
want our children to learn? How
are we going to inspire these young
minds to love learning and take
educational risks?
The project has been led by the
school’s Head Teacher, Penny Ford,
who has bought together a range
of experts to form Burton Hathow
Preparatory.
InsightMAGAZINE 15
 Branston
Community Academy
unity Academy, Station Road, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1LH
sto n Comm
Bran
01522 8804
40 enquiries@branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Converted December 2010 from ‘outstanding’

(OFSTED) high performing specialist school - offers an
all round education for students from 11-18. We are
proud of our record of success in both examination
results and the personal skills and attributes of the
young people in our care. The academy received
‘outstanding ‘ endorsement from parents and
students in a national survey. Visits are welcomed at
any time, please contact the Academy 01522 880400

for further information or see our website

www.branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Enterprise, Ambition & Success

16 InsightMAGAZINE
 RAF Waddington Airfield Riding Day
Charity Event - Sat 11th May 2013
In aid of: Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, RAFA & other Local Charities

• Novice, Intermediate
& Advanced Groups
• Suspension & Tyre
Services on site
• Professional Photographer
• Accredited Marshals
£55
• Medical Support Pre-booked

£75
• 4.3 Mile Fast Grippy Circuit
• BBQ and Refreshments
• Free Coaching for Novices On the day
• Huge amounts of track time!!!

For more inforamation and booking contact: 01522 728288 OR WWW.AIRFIELDRIDINGDAY.CO.UK

*PAYPAL OR CHEQUE* *PENDING AVAILABLE SPACES

RAF Waddington Golf Club & Course

2013 Season where ‘Affordable Golf’ is open to all.
MILITARY/ DEPENDANTS/ CIVILIANS ASSOCIATED WITH RAF WADDINGTON/ VETERANS AND INVITED GUEST

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP (MALE) £200 + £15 LUGC FEE + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP (FEMALE) £100 + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP (JUNIOR) £50 + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
7 MONTH (APR-OCT) FULL MEMBERSHIP £150 + £15 LUGC + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
5 MONTH (OCT-APR) WINTER MEMBERSHIP £80 + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
5 DAY MEMBERSHIP £150
COUNTY MEMBERSHIP £95 + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
CASUAL GREEN FEES £5 PER DAY OR £15 FOR A CALENDAR MONTH
SOCIETY DAYS £5 PER PERSON
FAMILY PACKAGE (MUM/ DAD/ KIDS) £250 + £15 LUGC + HANDICAP/ COMPETITIONS
FULLMEMBERSHIP

¾ REDUCTION OF FEES FOR THOSE DEPLOYED FOR MORE THAN 4 MONTHS
LUGC - LINCOLNSHIRE UNION of GOLF CLUBS– @ £15 AFFILIATION PER MALE MEMBER)
The Data Protection Act 1984 requires you be informed that the information you provide on the membership form will be held on a database for the exclusive
use of the members and officials of the RAF Waddington Golf Club. Payments in full by cheque or post-dated cheque instalments.

For more information contact Sgt Barry Emms 01522 726707 - Mr Mark Phizacklea 01522 727308 - Flt Sgt Colin Pacey 01522 727359
OR visit the website www.waddingtongolfclub.co.uk/contacts.html
InsightMAGAZINE 17
 Station Warrant Officer, Mr Massey hands over Station Warrant Flight Lieutenant Danny Mortimer receiv
Officer Duties for 4 months while he is away on deployment contribution to OP Ellamy presented by G

Air Vice-Marshal S D Catha signs

the visitor’s book during AFI

18 InsightMAGAZINE
ves Medal for his
Group Captain Al Gillespie

Air Vice-Marshal S D Catha meets 8 Sqn personnel on

9th January 13 during the Annual Formal Inspection

InsightMAGAZINE 19
 Sixth Form boarding at one of
England’s top State schools
The Robert de Cheney Boarding House
is situated in the grounds of The Priory
Academy LSST, an academy in Lincoln which
is consistently among the top five performing
non-selective State schools in the country.
It provides a wonderful opportunity for Sixth
Form students to develop and flourish, both
academically and socially.

• Academy and Sixth Form rated
outstanding by Ofsted
• 99% A-Level pass rate (three subjects)
and 99% GCSE pass rate
(5+ A*-C, including English and Maths)
• 83% first-choice university success rate, with
27% of Year 13 students obtaining Russell
Group places
• Modern, home-from-home boarding
comprising 60 single en-suite study
bedrooms with internet access
• Kitchen, dining area and laundry
plus a Common Room on each floor
• Designated Sixth Form support and pastoral
staff to ease the transition from school to
university, employment and independence
• State-of-the-art Sixth Form science facility,
with research laboratories, a planetarium
and a debating chamber
• Spectacular sports provision including a 60m
indoor sprint track and a 400m synthetic
outdoor running track, plus excellent field
athletics facilities
• Swimming pool, fitness suite,
climbing wall, spinning suite,
dance studio and badminton courts
• Stunning residential centre in Normandy
• Thriving CCF, DofE and pastoral programmes

To arrange a visit or to apply for a place in 2013 or 2014, contact Mr Chris Liston (Head of Boarding)
The Priory Academy LSST, Cross O’Cliff Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN5 8PW
Telephone: 01522 889977 l Email: boarding@prioryacademies.co.uk l Visit: www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boarding

20 InsightMAGAZINE
InsightMAGAZINE 21
 Flexible. Affordable. Transferable.
Work-Based Distance Learning Degrees
from the University of Lincoln

“The unequalled opportunities now offered through BSc (Hons) Logistics Management
the accreditation of Service experience and training
BSc (Hons) Engineering Management
against civilian qualifications are already gaining
positive recognition across Defence as graduates BA (Hons) Business Management
exploit their new found skills in the workplace.
I wholeheartedly commend these undergraduate
programmes to anyone wishing to enhance their 250 Military Students
professional capabilities.” currently enrolled
Squadron Leader DCLPA Next Military Enrolment Events
– July and October 2013
Find out more:
Contact Military Programmes Group MPG@lincoln.ac.uk ELC provider number 1283
www.llmc.org.uk/programmes/military Visit our website for more details

22 InsightMAGAZINE
InsightMAGAZINE 23
RAF Waddington through the Ages: The Early Years
RFC Waddington first opened in 1916 in response to the need for more pilots to fill
the ranks of the expanding Royal Flying Corps. The airfield was completed in autumn
of 1916 with the first aircraft arriving in November of that year.  Seven large aircraft
hangars were built on the Mere Road, which ran between Waddington and Branston
villages with a further 3 large aircraft sheds being built alongside Ermine Street.

RAF Waddington 1919 - the

main hangar complex on
Mere Road. The sheds on
Ermine Street (known locally
as High Dyke) can be seen in
the distance.
 
A succession of flying training
units were based at Waddington
– most associated with No’s 47,
48 and 51 Reserve Squadrons and
alongside trainees for the RFC,
Waddington trained pilots from
both the United States Air Service
and the White Russian air force
that was fighting the Bolsheviks
in the Russian revolution civil war.
 
Life was not comfortable for the
student pilots who lived in tents
at the junction of High Dyke and
Mere Road. Many were killed in
aircraft accidents which began
to be blamed on a German
saboteur suspected of working
in the area. Many victims of
these flying accidents are buried
in Waddington Churchyard,
although most of their graves
were destroyed in an air raid
in 1941.
  

The transport
section from 1918.

 The Royal Flying Corps and Royal

Naval Air Service joined forces
on the 1st of April 1918 to form
the Royal Air Force and RAF
Waddington was born. Training
continued until the end of WW1
in 1918 and was then used for
squadrons returning from the
Western Front until the airfield
closed in 1920.
 
RAF Waddington reopened in
1926 when No 503 (County
of Lincoln) Special Reserve
Squadron stood up in April
1928 with the Fairey Fawn and
from 1930, the Handley Page
Hyderabad. Little was done to
the airfield facilities although
a new officers’ mess, Newell
House was built in 1929; this
remains the oldest building at
RAF Waddington.
  
24 InsightMAGAZINE
A Handley Page Hyderabad
of 503 Sqn over Lincoln
Cathedral in 1930
 
 The Expansion Period
 
The threat to Britain posed by a
resurgent Germany was finally
recognised in 1935 and an
expansion of the RAF quickly
began. Land to the West of High
Dyke was purchased and aircraft
dispersals were constructed
east of the A15 (on the ground
where you are now standing)
although the runways remained
as grass strips to the West of
the road – aircraft having to taxi
across the road to operate from
the runways.
 
A reorganisation of RAF Bomber
Command at the end of 1938 saw
further changes to Waddington.
Under the control of 5 Group,
No 44 & 50 Sqn converted to the
Hampden Bomber by 1939 and
became the sole flying units at
RAF Waddington at the outbreak
of the Second World War.

InsightMAGAZINE 25
 HQ Intelligence Reserves, Royal Air Force,
Waddington, LINCOLN LN5 9NB

TEL: 01522 727026 www.rafreserves.com

26 InsightMAGAZINE

Superb draining provides great golf 365 days a year
Special discounted rates for 19 - 30 year olds
Junior membership from £100
Excellent value for money society packages available
Quality contemporary and traditional
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We deliver to anywhere in the UK, but we also offer our
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Registered Charity No. 1017501

InsightMAGAZINE 27
Royal Air Force
Waddington Who We Are
RAF Waddington is now the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance,
Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), supporting British and
NATO operations. By basing the RAF’s key ISTAR capabilities together,
they are able to work to develop tactics and procedures to achieve a
common understanding of our adversaries’ capabilities and intent.

39 Squadron – Reaper 51 Squadron –

5(AC) Squadron
Sentinel R1
Motto: Frangas non flectas –
Thou mayst break but shall not bend
No 5(AC) Sqn was reformed on 1 April
2004 to operate the ASTOR radar
surveillance system, and comprises
5 Sentinel R1 aircraft and 8 Ground
Stations, manned predominantly by
Army personnel. The concept of the
ASTOR system is to provide a highly
effective 24-hour surveillance and target
acquisition capability. It delivers wide
area, all weather, tactical, theatre and
national surveillance information and
imagery in near real time. By operating
at high altitude and considerable
stand-off distances, the radar platform
is able to remain over safe territory
while providing an excellent ‘look
down’ angle of the target area.
Motto: Die noctique –
By Day and Night
39 Squadron reformed on 1st January
2007 to operate Predator MQ-9 known
as Reaper. The Reaper’s primary
mission is to provide real-time data
to commanders and intelligence
specialists and an all-weather, ISTAR
capability in support of coalition
forces in Afghanistan. The Reaper also
provides armed support to forces on
the ground and can engage emerging
targets in accordance with UK Rules
of Engagement and the UK Targeting
Directive. The Reaper is operated by a
pilot, sensor operator and is supported
by a mission intelligence coordinator.
In support of current operations, it
is launched from an airfield within
Afghanistan. Once airborne, the
mission is flown by pilots from a remote
location before control is handed back
to the crew in theatre for landing.
The pilots of UK Reaper have all been
previously qualified as pilots on other
military aircraft.
USAF Boeing RC135
Rivet Joint (Air Seeker)
Motto: Swift and Sure
During the post-war period, 51 Squadron
was equipped with the de Havilland
Comet and English Electric Canberra,
but in 1974 both aircraft were replaced
with the Nimrod R1. The squadron
spent 32 years at RAF Wyton and
moved to Waddington in 1995. The
Nimrod R1 finally retired from service in
June 2011 after its participation in Op
ELLAMY over Libya. As part of Project
AIRSEEKER, personnel from Waddington
are currently undergoing conversion
training on to the RC 135 Rivet Joint, at
Offutt AFB Nebraska. Qualified personnel
fly alongside their US counterparts on
operational missions and this US-UK joint
approach will continue up to and beyond
the delivery of the first Rivet Joint.

14 Squadron Shadow R1
Motto: In Arabic – I Spread my
Wings and Keep my Promise

14 Squadron is a new unit in the ISTAR role.

14 Sqn, operates the Beechcraft Shadow R1.
The aircraft have been procured to provide
support to UK forces on operations.

28 InsightMAGAZINE
Air Battlespace
Training Centre
The Air Battlespace Training Centre (ABTC)
is set up to provide synthetic training
and mission rehearsal. This environment
includes ISTAR and air command and
control, and the addition of an integrated
Sentry mission crew simulator has vastly
increased training opportunities.

13 Squadron
13 Squadron reformed today at RAF
Waddington, Lincolnshire. The Squadron
will operate as the first Remotely Piloted
Air System (RPAS) Squadron to be based
in the UK; using Ground Control Stations
at Waddington, the Squadron will control
Reaper MQ-9 aircraft based in Kandahar in
Afghanistan via satellite. As part of plans to
improve and sustain UK Reaper operations
until 2015, 13 Squadron will be the second
RPAS squadron in the Royal Air Force with
the other, 39 Squadron, currently operating
from Creech Air Force Base in the USA.
54(Reserve) Squadron
Motto: Audax omnia perpeti –
Boldness to endure anything
54(R) Squadron reformed as the ISTAR
Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) in
September 2005 with a new role, 3 aircraft
types, and a great deal more people than it
has ever had in its long and distinguished
history. Students are trained to Limited
Combat Ready (LCR) status before being
posted to 5(AC) Sqn, 8 Sqn or 51 Sqn. The
instructional staff maintain their Combat
Ready categories and regularly undertake
deployments to operational theatres to
augment other front-line squadrons.

Air Warfare Centre

The AWC’s motto is: “Arma Judicare
Consilium Dare” (To test the
weaponry and give advice).
The primary mission of the AWC is the
provision of accurate, timely and contextual
Integrated Mission Support to front line
commanders and units. The AWC delivers Air
environmental advice, together with mission
dependent data, to enhance understanding
and decision-making, operational tempo and
decisive advantage while contributing to the
development and testing of future Air Power
capabilities and to the conceptual and doctrinal
thinking that underpin their employment
56 (R) Squadron
56 (R) Squadron is the Air Command and
Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance Test Evaluation Squadron, part
of the Air Warfare Centre, at RAF Waddington.
On 18 April 2008 No 56(R) Sqn disbanded as
the F3 OCU. At the disbandment parade the
number plate was passed to the Air C2 ISR
Test and Evaluation Squadron based at RAF
Waddington. This new role for the squadron
keeps it at the forefront of operations,
contributing to the operational development
and optimization of the UK’s joint Air C2 and ISR
capabilities through robust Test and Evaluation.

8 Squadron E-3D Sentry

Motto: Uspiam et passim –
Everywhere Unbounded

The E-3D is an Airborne Battle Management

and Control platform with a wide area air
surveillance capability. Its tasks can range from
air surveillance to the battle management of
full-scale aerial activity. The Sentry is based on
the commercial Boeing 707 aircraft, extensively
modified to accommodate high-tech
mission systems including a very distinctive
large circular radar antenna dish mounted
horizontally above the rear fuselage. It has an
endurance of 10 hours during which time it
can fly more than 5,750 miles. The E-3D has
been involved in conflicts ranging from the
Balkans and Iraq to exercises in the Falklands
and on to Afghanistan and Libya. The RAF
operates 6 Sentry aircraft which are flown as
the UK contribution to the NATO Airborne Early
Warning (AEW) Force. The other non-UK E3’s
that make up the remainder of the NATO AEW
Force are based at Geilenkirchen in Germany.

InsightMAGAZINE 29

4th - 7th March
18th - 21st March
15th - 19th April
22nd - 25th April
29th April - 3rd May
13th - 17th May
9th - 12th September
7th - 10th October
4th - 8th November
We are fully approved so you can
use SLC’s, ELC’s or Resettlement For further info contact your Learning Centre or Inspired2Be
grants to fund training
30 InsightMAGAZINE
Convert your skill, experience and training
into a internationally recognised
civilian qualification with an ILM
certified course at RAF Waddington
Leadership and Management Waddington
NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 1 Coningsby
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The Early Bird Menu - Weds - Thurs 5.30 - 7pm Fri 5.30 - 6.30pm
Starting your own online business Waddington
Paul Vidic’s Regular Menu - Weds - Sat 6 - 9.30pm
NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 2 Waddington
Leadership and Management Waddington Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm
NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 1 Waddington The Bell offers lunches on Fridays and Saturdays, 12 noon - 1.45pm
NLP Practitioner & ILM Coaching part 2 Waddington
“Winner of Best Pub of the Year”
£250 discount if 2 courses are booked together
3 Far Lane, Coleby, Lincoln LN5 0AH 01522 813778
on 01522 501886 or email info@inspired2Be.com e: enquiries@thebellatcoleby.com www.thebellatcoleby.com

54(R) Sqn
QWI ISR Course 3
Qualified Weapons Instructor
Intelligence Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (QWI ISR)
Course 3 began on 54(R) Sqn in
early May 2012 with students
looking forward to 7 months
of hard work. Students arrived
from the Intelligence, WSO,
ABM and WSOp branches
within the RAF alongside
specialists selected from the
Royal Artillery, Royal Marines,
DSTL and USAF Intelligence.
Settling were under no
illusions that the course
would be very challenging,
they were not disappointed
with the start of the intense
academic phase consisting
of sections specialising
in weapons, intelligence,
electronic warfare, signals
intelligence, radar and
geospatial intelligence.
With the completion of the
final academic exam at the
end of July, the students
were keen to embark on the
practical phase and learn
how to put the newly gained
knowledge into practice.
Moving to Air Battlespace
Training Centre (ABTC) in
the form of Ex PANOPTICAN
WARRIOR, the students were
able to work as teams to plan
complex ISR missions using
a wide range of air, land,
maritime and space based
ISR capabilities. To keep the
students on their toes, the
geographical focus of the
exercise changed each week,
with different campaign
objectives to consider each
day. On completion of this
demanding initial 3-week
period in the ABTC, the
students were awarded a
week of leave, to ensure
they were well rested for the
forthcoming challenges of
2 weeks at Combined QWI
at RAF Lossiemouth and a
return to the ABTC for the
last 3 weeks of the course for
the final formal assessment.
Distributed Ground System or
DGS-2 at Beale AFB in California
and a week in Las Vegas at the
USAF Weapons School at Nellis
AFB and a visit to 39 Squadron
at Creech AFB. The opportunity
to see the U2, MC-12 and Global
Hawk platforms and DGS-2
operations floor up close and
receive a series of lessons and
briefs on the various capabilities at
Beale AFB was greatly appreciated
by all. Not to disappoint the
students, there was a week
of academics at the USAF
Weapons School and a visit to 39
Squadron did much to broaden
ISR knowledge base. Whilst the
change of scene was welcome,
spare time for the students was
at a premium with deadlines for
an academic essay and group
presentations fast approaching.
On return to RAF Waddington,
preparation for the Combined
QWI began with the week-long
Ex HAWK WARRIOR in the ABTC
alongside students from the
Qualified Multi Engine Tactics
Instructor course and Hawk,
Typhoon and Tornado GR4 QWI
courses. The week provided
the valuable opportunity to
integrate with the other courses
and learn the collaborative
approach to mission planning
required for Combined QWI.
Whilst less challenging from
an ISR perspective than the
practical training experienced
thus far, the complexities of
integrating mission planning on
a broader scale brought a new
aspect to the course and laid the
foundations for the trip north.
InsightMAGAZINE 31
 HAINTON HOUSE, BRANSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE
“LIVING IN THE PAST, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE”

I
f you have ever dreamed of living in one of Britain’s Historic Houses
but longed for an uncomplicated, modern style of living then Hainton
House is for you.
Seven luxurious Apartments lie within this beautiful Georgian
building, dating back to 1765 and situated in the historic village of
Branston, two miles south of the City of Lincoln and all its amenities.
Hainton House was built by the Curtois Family, who were patrons and
rectors of the Church and Parish of Branston between 1680 and 1891,
and after extensive renovation by Lincoln based Developer, Castle Square
Developments Ltd, the building has entered a new chapter in its long and
colourful life.
Turned into Apartments in the 1930’s, two US Air Force Officers lived
in the top floor Apartments during WWII. When the property came to the
attention of Castle Square Developments Ltd in 2011 it had a short life
expectancy and required significant investment.
George Lockwood, A Director at Castle Square Developments Ltd said:
“Hainton House faced an uncertain future and required careful restoration
and imagination to bring it into the 21st Century, whilst preserving the With high ceilings and double aspect views, every property is unique and
Georgian charm that made it such an important building within the comes with two allocated car parking spaces. There are either Church or
community.” village views from the Apartments and all look down onto the landscaped
With affordable prices ranging from £150,000 to £235,000 the gardens to the North and South.
Apartments are an ideal opportunity to enjoy grand country living with Apartments have some or all of the following features: original Georgian
none of the maintenance worries associated with an historic building. cornicing, fireplaces, panelling, stained glass windows, double height
Virtual Freeholds (999 year Leases) are available for all the Apartments ceilings and front and rear aspects. The Cottage and Apartments 1 and 2
and a Management Company has been set up to take care of the running also have their own, private garden areas.
and ongoing maintenance of the building and landscaped gardens. Each New Homes Manager at Pygott and Crone, Mel Parker said: “We are very
purchaser will become a member of the Management Company. A separate, pleased with how well attended the Open Days have been and look forward
two bedroom Cottage and Georgian ‘Smoke House’ are also available. to putting on another in February 2013. Meanwhile, there is terrific local
Tim Downing, of property agents Pygott and Crone said: “This is one of support for the project, serious interest from a wide catchment and sales
the finest examples of Georgian property in the Lincoln area and its history are progressing well.”
is certainly something that has a wide appeal. It has been sympathetically To view the Apartments or find out more, please call Mel Parker at
restored and that has given it a new lease of life.” Pygott and Crone on 01522 518295 or visit www.haintonhouse.co.uk.

32 InsightMAGAZINE
make it special...
have it made
Bespoke goldsmithing company,
specialising in the design and creation
of one-off pieces of precious jewellery.
Sherry Jewellery has been designing and making
high quality jewellery for over 26 years. Their
designer-makers are Fellows of The Institute of
Professional Goldsmiths; meaning that their
expertise and experience enables them to create to
the highest standard and take care of every detail.
They produce jewellery that is bespoke, unique and
original; a pleasure to wear and a joy to give.

“We work directly with each client; helping them

to choose the gems, diamonds and metals that they
want in their commission. Most pieces take about
3 – 4 weeks to create .Our designers start by talking
with the client, discovering likes, dislikes, personal
tastes and lifestyle; helping us to design bespoke
pieces, perfect for that individual. We use the latest
technology to produce a computer-aided image, “We design and make
enabling us to show each customer exactly what
the finished piece will look like, before it’s made. everything ourselves and
This ensures that each client can be fully included
at each stage, if they wish. We go on to create a 3-D
our clients love the fact that
wax model, from which we cast the actual item the jewellery has been made
of jewellery. We produce every piece of jewellery
ourselves, to the highest quality. just for them. They rely
For an appointment please phone or e-mail
on our expertise to guide
them through the stages of
the commission, making
it a thoroughly enjoyable
process. We listen to what
each customer wants,
working closely with them, to
give them something that’s
exactly right and completely
unique; their perfect piece of
jewellery.”

S H E R R Y J E W E L L E R Y. C O . U K

SHERRY JEWELLERY
D E S I G N E R M A K E R S
SLEAFORD LINCOLNSHIRE ENGLAND
01526 834411
I N F O @ S H E R R Y J E W E L L E R Y. C O . U K

InsightMAGAZINE 33
 H oT e L · S Pa · R e S Tau R a N T & Ba R
Branston Hall Hotel and spa is a fine 52 bedroom country house Hotel in the heart of Lincolnshire situated three miles south of beautiful city of Lincoln in 88
acres of stunning parkland and Lakes. The hotel has been awarded a three star 80% status by the aa and a Quality in Tourism Silver award for Breakfast. The
elegant Lakeside Restaurant has been awarded 2 aa Rosettes for Food Quality and culinary excellence and our executive chef uses fresh and local produce.

our comfortable and attractive luxury accommodation is designed to suit everyone’s needs-from families, independent travellers and couples looking for a roman-
tic retreat. During your stay why not sample an afternoon tea on the terrace or a cocktail in the elegant oak panelled Melville Bar. Weddings are our speciality
and the idyllic location and setting is the perfect place for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Conferences, Banqueting and private parties can be
arranged by a dedicated, experienced Conference and Banqueting Team will tailor-make the perfect package to suit all your needs. This is the perfect place to explore
the historic city of Lincoln and the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.

A pure Oasis of Tranquility

Branston Hall Hotel

Branston · Lincoln
LN4 1PD
T: 01522 793305
F: 01522 790734
info@branstonhall.com
www.branstonhall.com

B R a N S To N H a L L H o T e L • W e D D I N G, C o N F e R e N C e & B a N Qu e T I N G S P e C I a L I S T S Follow us

Valentino’s
Pizzeria 31 E Redwood Drive,
Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9BN
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yOU a y a OpEn 7 Days a WEEk

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4pm till 11pm

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your local supermarket serving the local community. On orders of £6 and over

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34 InsightMAGAZINE
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InsightMAGAZINE 35
Op MERCURY:
The German Invasion of Crete
Three RAF men from 8 Sqn stood on a gentle hill
overlooking Maleme Airfield, Crete, in the same
position occupied by their predecessors 71 years ago.
However, there all similarities of Russia were already well recorded his experiences in key airfields at Maleme and
ceased. We happened (due to developed; concerned by this his autobiographical novel, Heraklion, secure the areas, and
an unserviceable aircraft and vulnerability on their southern “Going Solo”. allow heavy transports to land. The
bad weather) to be in Crete flank, Hitler sent reinforcements; first day proved disastrous for the
enjoying the sea view; during motorised elements of the SS Hitler was still worried by the Germans. Allied positions on Hill
WW2, the ground crews from soon forced the surrender of proximity of British bombers to the 107, overlooking Maleme Airfield,
30 and 33 Sqns were fighting the Greek Army. The four British vital Ploesti Oilfields in Romania; destroyed German gliders as soon
for their lives against German Commonwealth divisions, who additionally the location of Crete as they touched down, whilst
airborne forces. Over 6000 had not reached the front in made it strategically important most paratroopers were shot in
men would eventually perish time to fight, were hurriedly for resupplies to North Africa. Op the air. Standing on Hill 107 and
in the Battle for Crete; why did evacuated to Crete, alongside MERCURY was launched by the facing the airfield, the importance
this small picturesque corner Bristol Blenheims and Hawker Nazi High Command on 20 May. of the terrain is abundantly clear.
of the Mediterranean see Hurricanes from 30 and 33 This was the first predominately The airfield occupies a narrow strip
such bloodshed? Sqns. Both had suffered heavy airborne invasion in military of land, bounded by the sea to
losses defending against the history. The Germans had already the North. Yet a misunderstanding
Italian forces invaded Greece in Luftwaffe. Also involved in established control of the air over meant that the New Zealand 22nd
Oct 1940 but were met by fierce the fighting were the Gloster Crete, with the surviving RAF Infantry Battalion withdrew from
resistance. By Mar 1941, the Gladiators and Hurricanes of aircraft from mainland Greece Hill 107 overnight, leaving the
fighting had reached a bloody 112 Squadron, among whose having continued south to Egypt. Germans free to land their Junkers
stalemate in Southern Albania. pilots was the future children’s The Germans planned to drop JU52s on the runway on 21 May
German plans for the invasion author Roald Dahl, who later paratroopers and gliders onto relatively unmolested. Having

36 InsightMAGAZINE
 ‘Every airfield should be
a stronghold of fighting
air-groundmen, and not the
abode of uniformed civilians in the
prime of life protected by
detachments of soldiers.
It must be clearly understood by
all ranks that they are expected
to fight and die in the
defence of their airfields.’
Winston Churchill
secured an initial foothold in
Maleme, the German invasion was
complete 6 days later.
The withdrawal from the hill by
the 22nd Inf Bn would prove to be
a tactical error with major strategic
ramifications – had the German
casualty rate continued unabated,
it is likely that the invasion of Crete
would have failed. The German
casualties were so high that their
paratroopers were not used again
during the war. Yet the Allies
learned two vital lessons from
this loss – firstly that of organic,
embedded airfield defence. It was
not a coincidence that the RAF
Regiment was formed in January
1942. Secondly, the Allies were so
impressed by the airborne assault
concept that they began training
their own paratroopers.
The 4,544 German forces who
lost their lives in Crete now are
buried on Hill 107. The cemetery
is well maintained by the German
War Graves Commission, who
relocated most of the Germans
buried throughout the island
to this site during the 1960s.
Most of the Allied fatalities were
eventually moved to Souda
Bay Cemetery, although a small
memorial to 30 and 33 Sqns
stands overlooking the road west
to Tavronitis.
InsightMAGAZINE 37
38 InsightMAGAZINE
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T
here are a number of things that spring to mind
when you think of Harley-Davidson – the brand, the
heritage, customisation, chrome… But what if your
Harley-Davidson motorcycle was the only one in the
country, or in fact, the world? This is not longer a
dream for motorcyclists looking for the ultimate in customised
machinery with Lincoln Harley-Davidson’s range of ‘Lincoln
Limited’ motorcycles
As part of the initiative, the dealership is customising a new
motorcycle every month and these completely bespoke
bikes are, quite literally, flying out of the Tritton Road based
showroom.
Lincoln Harley-Davidson is open seven days a week from 8:30am
until 6pm so head down to Tritton Road to see the full Harley-
Davidson motorcycle range. Not only will you find motorcycles in the
Lincolnshire dealership, but you can take a look at the latest Harley-
Davidson® MotorClothes® range as well as the Genuine Parts and
Accessories that will enable you to customise your own machine.
Visit: Lincoln Harley-Davidson, 8 Tritton Road, Lincoln,
LN6 7QY, telephone: 01522 850 098 or visit them online at:
www.lincolnharleydavidson.co.uk
You can also find them on Facebook here:
www.facebook.com/LincolnHarleyDavidsonUK

One motorcycle that is special to Lincoln Harley-Davidson

General Manager, Steve Jollands, is the Vulcan bike that was
showcased earlier this year when the customised machine met
its muse and inspiration, the last remaining operational XH558
aircraft.

‘It was fantastic that we were able to take some pictures of the
motorcycle with the actual Vulcan aircraft – the aircraft hangar
gave us the perfect space to take some stunning imagery of
this one-off machine,” says Steve. “The Vulcan is very close
to my heart and to be honest, I was really looking forward to
seeing the plane myself!’

To get the first look at the customised machines, check out

Lincoln Harley-Davidson’s Facebook page which shows some
of the first images of the motorcycles created so far.

InsightMAGAZINE 39

NEWS ROUND UP
Lucky 13
We all start the year with the best of
intentions to move a little more and get a
little fitter but Flight Sergeant Al Clarkson
of 13 Squadron RAF Waddington took it
to the extreme when he set himself the
personal challenge to run 13 miles each
day for 13 consecutive days.
Inspired by the likes of John Bishop and Eddie
Izzard FS Clarkson set out on his mammoth
challenge on 21stJanuary; a day which
saw most of the county covered in snow.
Unfazed by the notoriously bitter Lincolnshire
weather, Flight Sergeant Clarkson said that
the first run was all about staying upright and
avoiding injury.
Just What the Doctor Ordered...
Personnel from RAF Waddington made
an early Christmas delivery to a local food
bank centre in Lincoln to help those in
our community who are in need of a little
extra support at this time of year.
Encouraged this year to “do something
different” Station personnel were asked if
they’d like to make a grocery donation instead
of sending their colleagues a Christmas
card. Several collection points were set up
around the Station for personnel to drop their
grocery donations into and led by the Station
Medical Centre personnel Senior Aircraftman
Jen Harvey and SAC Al Field, donations were
gathered together and have been delivered
to the Trussell Trust Food Bank in Lincoln.
Senior Aircraftwoman Jen Harvey said “We
strongly felt that the food bank was a worthy
cause and the support on Station has been
great. We have everything from tins of soup to
the all important Christmas Pud!”
40 InsightMAGAZINE
Flight Sergeant Clarkson said:
I woke up on day one to discover that it
had snowed quite heavily overnight. The
ice was a big issue making conditions
difficult underfoot but much worse was the
temperature. When the temperatures are
in the minus range it takes its toll on your
muscles and the recovery time is longer.”
Not to be put off, Flight Sergeant Clarkson
soon found his stride and as the snow
subsided, he managed to avoid injury and
stay on schedule.
The Food Bank will distribute the donations
amongst those in the community most in
need, ensuring that the food is distributed to
suit the needs of each family and individual
who most needs a helping hand.
We’re doomed...
Oh no we’re not!
So, the 21st December 12 Mayan doomsday
never hit. Good news! Unless, of course, it
did and I am living a ground-hog existence
with nothing to look forward to.
December was a busy month for 14 Squadron
on operations and back home with several
high profile visitors to the Squadron during
December, including the Deputy National
Security Advisor and Commander Joint Forces
Command, ACM Peach. They were given a
capabilities brief of the aircraft and met with
Squadron personnel.
On the social side, 14 Squadron has seen
a busy time with several Christmas parties
taking place. The Squadron Christmas party
was held at Petwood Hall, which was home to
617 Dambusters Squadron during the Second
World War. The Squadron Families Christmas
party was enjoyed by the many that attended,
including a visit by Santa for the children.
Thanks to Sergeant Mike Gormley for that one!
Now officially Mr Mike Gormley, we wish him
the very best for his future in civvy street. And
we say good luck, through gritted teeth, to
Flight Sergeant Danny Bedford as he heads
across the pond to Virginia Beach… lucky devil!
Onto Squadron sport and this from the newly
appointed “Crusaders FC” player/manager,
Flight Lieutenant Alex Ball, “Crusaders FC,
14 Sqn’s 6-a-side football team, started their
inaugural season in January 2013 at Sincil
Bank Stadium, Lincoln. Playing matches every
Wednesday, the season got off to a less than
auspicious start with the opening two weeks
fixtures cancelled due to inclement weather.
Perhaps suffering from first match nerves,
Crusaders lost their opening fixture 5-2, but
showed a marked improvement to draw their
second one all against the top rated side in
the league. At this early stage in the season,
Crusaders are targeting a top half of the table
finish, but as the season progresses hope to
push for the coveted top two spots that would
ensure promotion in
8 weeks time…”
Ground training for personnel and the constant
rotation of Conversion courses continue
with other Squadron personnel taking the
opportunity to complete various personal
development courses such as the Flight
Authorisers Course at the Centre of Aviation
Safety Training at Shrivenham and the Air
Electronic Warfare Course at RAF Cranwell.
Looking ahead, 14 Squadron is aiming to
maintain its usual flexibility and forward
thinking in order to continue to provide
effective in theatre operations whilst still
achieving a good level of training both in the
air and on the ground, in the UK.
RAF WADDINGTON BRING A
LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER TO
LINCOLN COUNTY HOSPITAL
Led by Wing Commander Tim Monk, RAF
Waddington personnel were loaded up
with books, colouring pens and pencils,
games and puzzles purchased from Asda
Living with £500 kindly donated by the RAF
Waddington Charities Committee.
Wing Commander Tim Monk said: “It’s a real
pleasure to be here today. These children
show immense courage in dealing with their
illnesses. Hopefully these gifts will make their
stay a little less stressful and bring a smile to
their faces.”
Quality of Life Pays for
New Ground Floor Tea-Bar
After being posted in as Officer
Commanding Accounts Flight in June
2012, I started to let my OCD get the
better of me and I began to organise the
Office. I came across a room that was
being used to archive files and wondered
whether it could be put to better use as a
Tea-Bar.
The lack of tea bar facility on the ground
floor, although not directly a problem,
was causing personnel to leave water to
stagnate in bottles or walk down a narrow
staircase with hot liquids, both of which
are not a good idea health and safety wise.
After a quick chat with the Site Estate Team,
it was agreed that the archive room could
become a small tea bar with a sink and a
boiler, which would solve the health and
safety concerns.
Having the ladies toilets back onto the
archive room made it possible for plumbers
to access pipes for drainage and drinking
water. Unfortunately that meant we would
have to move all our archives out, no easy
task! But it seemed like a small price to pay
when Flight Lieutenant Constantine told me
that the Statement of Need for the Tea – Bar
had been approved and funding would be
available.
When Asda Living were made aware they joined in the Christmas spirit by very
that the gifts were being purchased kindly donating a beautifully decorated
for the children’s ward at the hospital Christmas Tree.
All Together Now
A cold, dark evening on Thursday 7
February did nothing to dampen the
After a lot of blood, sweat and tears by my spirits of RAF and ISS staff alike at a beer
Accounts Team, to blow away the cobwebs call arranged by Steve Owen-Browne,
in order to access the bunker behind the Catering Squadron Warrant Officer and
Med Centre, shifting the mounds of boxes John Miller, interim ISS General Manager.
that had accumulated over the years. In
an attempt to assist, I carried a few boxes It was a chance for everyone to relax and
over to the bunker myself but on entering, catch up with each other away from the
I was unaware that you had to prop open workplace, and a celebration of the CRL
the heavy metal doors and I managed to partnership; now moving from strength to
lock myself and my Corporal in. With no strength, and onto new innovations such as
phone signal, and no one to shout for help the introduction of the ISS Loyalty Card.
we appeared to be stuck! Luckily, Corporal
‘Houdini’ Johnston managed to find a way CCM (Core Catering Manpower) joined forces
out to open the jammed (not locked, thank with their ISS counterparts for a lively evening
goodness) door. that saw a big turnout, with karaoke, bad
singing, and good fun.
After a lot of hard work, and a little magic
from my team, work on the new Tea-Bar
commenced on the 7 Jan 13. After a few
days I could see it taking shape; however,
I soon realised that they were not only
adding the sink, boiler etc… but had also
started building work surfaces, cupboards
and were decorating the room!  I was not
the most popular in SHQ at the time as there
was a fair amount of noise and the Ladies
had to use the Gentlemen’s toilets for a day
– smelly times! However, I was so pleased
that we had been given more than the bare
minimum.  With only some disruption to the
building, the work was completed 2 weeks
later – the results of my funding request
was more than I imagined and so, on behalf
of my team and I, a very big thank you to
the Site Estate Team for such a quick turn Tina Muncaster,
around and fantastic results! ISS Communications Manager
ISS Loyalty
Card
by Flt Lt Sal Roper
InsightMAGAZINE 41
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42 InsightMAGAZINE
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44 InsightMAGAZINE Web: www.passion2dance.co.uk
passion2dance @passion2_dance

Trinity
Challenge
What started out as my desire to run
my third marathon soon turned into
something more. The XO, Squadron
Leader Milburn turned round and
said “Wouldn’t it be good to do three
separate challenges rather than one?”
So naturally it was agreed and ‘56(R)
Sqn Trinity Challenge’ was born.
Five keen members of the Sqn
decided to undertake the Paras’
10, Chester Marathon and the
Glen Shiel Ridge, in the Scottish
Highlands. However, five soon
reduced to four when the
Squadron boss ‘tweaked’ his
Achilles and had to withdraw,
still giving us his full support
of course. We decided to raise
money for the following causes:
Cancer Research UK, Hounds
for Heroes & Lincoln BABIES
(a fund-raising group for the
Nocton Ward at Lincoln Hospital
that cares for premature babies).
The first challenge involved
a quick drive up to Catterick
to take part in the Paras’ 10, a
multi-terrain endurance event
run by the Parachute regiment
that involves a 10 Mile cross
country route, carrying a Bergen
weighing 35Ibs and wearing
boots. As a guide the
Paratroopers P
Company
selection cut off time is 1 hr
50 minutes. The event did not
start well, our four intrepid
competitors turning up fit and
raring to tackle any challenge,
unfortunately I had earned the
nick name ‘Glass back Jarvis’ as
I had ‘conveniently’ strained my
back (picking up my cat!) and
would have to undertake the
event carrying no weight. The
added fact of clear blue skies
and high temperatures and a
last minute delay to the start
due to late arrivals, all four of us
managed to finish with FS Paul
Jones even finishing under the
selection cut off time earning
him plenty of admiration.
The second event was the
Chester Marathon in early
October; running in the
North West we expected
wind and rain but instead
were greeted with cool
temperatures and
a gentle breeze.
We were joined in this event
by Sergeant Sue Wibberley
who fancied a gentle jog. After
arriving at the course with 10
minutes to spare we all went
about preparing for the following
26.2 miles, all that is except
for Flight Lieutenant Martin
Bindemann who decided to
have a sausage bap and mug
of coffee, something he would
‘OH SO’ regret a few miles into
the course when he had to pay
an emergency visit to the ‘little
boys room’!
Each team member fought
their own individual battles
to overcome the delight of
all 26 miles, with a notable
performance by Sue Wibberley
who was the first of the 56(R)
Sqn personnel to finish. The
event turned out to be a great
success with three of the team
coming home in under 4 hours
including myself who managed
to overcome my back problems
to ensure finishing under my
target time of four hours with 6
seconds to spare!
The final event was to walk
The Glen Shiel ridge in the
Scottish Highlands. The ridge is
comprised of 7 Munros (peaks
over 3000 feet) which we hoped
to complete within a 12 hour
period. Having agreed all along
that the team wanted the last
challenge to be a real physical
and mental challenge Warrant
Officer Tom Mew (Team guide)
ensured this was the case, not
only planning and leading us on
an exceptionally testing course
but he even managed to book
some exceptionally testing
weather as well.
Starting very early (i.e. in the dark)
the team, along with four more
volunteers, set off from
the ‘Cluanie Inn’ up the
initial gentle slopes,
heading for the first munro,
‘Creag A Mhaim’. Having reached
the first peak we were greeted
by an exceptionally typical ‘fresh’
Scottish frosty morning and some
absolutely glorious views. This
continued all along the ridge
until the approach to peak five,
where the team noted a ‘little
bit’ of cloud approaching. By
the time we had reached peak
six, we were in near white-out
conditions in a full blizzard.
This made the navigation from
Munro five to six ‘interesting’ and
ensured that in near zero visibility,
approaching the final summit,
of the final challenge, the team
had to dig deep yet again to
successfully conquer the final
event. The team had asked for a
real challenge to finish the Trinity
Challenge and Warrant Officer
Mew had certainly delivered it
by the bucket load, including
the snow.
The Trinity Challenge was without
a doubt a tremendous success
for all involved, not only raising
a credible £1500, but proving
to be a superb experience and
team building event for all
squadron personnel involved.
Congratulations must be passed
onto all participants for their
supreme efforts in not only
training but also the successful
completion of each event.
Thanks to OC 56(R) Sqn for
granting permission to undertake
the challenge, to squadron
personnel for all their support
without which we would not
have succeeded and finally to
all those who donated monies
to some very worthwhile
causes. Particular mention
to St George’s nursing home
in Oldham. The staff raised a
considerable amount of money
and also provided us with our
one supporter and banner for the
Chester Marathon.
InsightMAGAZINE 45
Waddington Flying Club
Hidden Gem
“I never knew such a great facility
existed here at Waddington.” The
phrase I hear all too often when I
first show guests around our club.
Well, we’ve been here at
Waddington for almost 10
years now, in fact this summer
will see us celebrating our
10th anniversary. Maybe we
seem little known because we
have our club house on the far
side of the airfield or maybe
it’s because our aircraft are
comparatively small, quiet and
inconspicuous when compared
to Waddington’s other types.
Whatever the reason, the club
has decided that the Stn’s best
kept secret should no longer be
a secret.
With its own functional and well
equipped facilities, the Waddington
Flying Club (WFC) is able to offer
all sorts of flying opportunities
for all ranks and trades. Currently
with a fleet of 5 aircraft and a
healthy bank of instructors there
has never been such a good
time to learn to fly with the WFC.
The aircraft are a combination
of Cessnas and Pipers all with 4
seats except the 2-seat Cessna
Obituary for
MARK ‘SHIELSY’ SHIELS
formerly of 51 Squadron
The funeral service for Mark
Shiels, a former WSO(p)L on 51
Sqn, took place at Colwyn Bay
Crematorium on 14 Jan 2013.
Mark was born and grew up
in Rhyl, North Wales, joining
the RAF as a trainee Radio
Operator (Voice) in 1980
at the age of 17. Having
‘passed out’ from Recruit
Training at RAF Swinderby
on 10 Dec 1980 he arrived
with other course members
at RAF North Luffenham in
order to undertake Russian
language training.
46 InsightMAGAZINE
152 which is cheapest aircraft to
fly. The Club’s mission statement is
rightfully focussed on offering the
very cheapest flying possible and this
it continues to do so even in the face
of rising fuel prices we able to charge
only £81 per hour for the Cessna
152. Furthermore, we are now an
accredited learning provider by the
Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC)
Scheme which means that entitled
personnel are able to use their ELCs
to pay for the majority of a Private
Pilots’ Licence PPL course. If you are
interested in embarking on the full
PPL course and you wish you use
your ELC to do so then you should
contact the club’s chairman (and one
of the founding forefathers) Flight
Lieutenant Chris Hives on 8 Sqn.
Once you have qualified for your
PPL you will be able to take the WFC
aircraft anywhere and everywhere.
By having such a large selection of
aircraft, taking an aircraft away for a
period of time is rarely a problem.
You will also be able to fly passengers
of your choosing, including civilians
On arrival at the Guard Room the
minibus was met by a member
of the Station Football Team who
was seeking Mark. His football
skills were already legendary
and, after all, it was Wednesday
afternoon when all good military
sportsmen turn out for their
events! In Feb 1982, following his
language course, he was posted
to Berlin for a 3-year tour at 26SU,
RAF Gatow. After that tour he
returned to North Luffenham
for further language training
to locations of your choosing,
including Europe. We also have
the capacity to offer advanced
training which includes disciplines
like formation flying, competition
flying and instrument flying.
In fact many former members
have used the WFC as a vehicle
to obtain their professional
licence and build hours cheaply
before embarking on a career
as a professional pilot. The club’s
Chief Flying Instructor (CFI)
Dave Cockburn has a seemingly
unending knowledge on all things
to do with flying training (and an
equal amount of enthusiasm to
boot), he can be contacted on
extention 7340 or through the
Officer in Command Squadron
Leader Seb Hall on ext 8501.
in Spanish. With no immediate
desire to return to Berlin he
embarked on a tour in Ops EW
at RAF Wyton prior to beginning
a long association with 51 Sqn
in the Air Signaller branch. He
joined the Sqn at Wyton in 1994
and moved to RAF Waddington
in 1995. Since the Sqn was heavily
involved in the Balkans conflicts
throughout the 1990s further
language training in Serbo-Croat
was inevitable. Shielsy had to
‘endure’ the deployments to Italy
and the many long days flying
on the Nimrod R1 in that theatre.
A ground tour at NRST, EWAD
followed this intensive period of
The WFC’s new website will be
live at the usual address of www.
waddingtonflyingclub.com in the
next few weeks. Take a look around
the site and use the links to email
any of us to ask more questions.
We offer 30 minute trial lessons at
only £40. This price includes the
temporary membership, insurance
and use of headsets. Throughout
the summer we regularly run BBQ
open evenings but we will happily
show anyone around at anytime,
just contact any of the committee
members for further details.
As the weather starts to pick up,
now really is the time to start
thinking about having a summer of
flying, fun and achievements.
flying, during which he perfected
the IT skills which would see him
begin a new career in this field.
Shielsy left the RAF in 2003 and
worked for various companies
in the IT field; unfortunately, he
also appears to have made a
conscious decision to cut all ties
with the RAF and, consequently,
many of his friends lost track
of his activities. He apparently
moved away from an IT career,
relocating back to his roots in the
Colwyn Bay area and working for
the Princes Trust.
Mark suffered an unexpected
and sudden heart attack, at the
tender age of 49, on 27 Dec 2012
from which he never recovered.
And so family, friends and
acquaintances gathered at
Colwyn Bay Crematorium to
bid farewell to Shielsy and to
reminisce about his life and
achievements during his flying
career and on the football pitch
as well as his mythical status
during any exploits involving the
fairer sex!
Rest in Peace, Shielsy, gone; but
never forgotten by family, friends
and fellow 51 Sqn mates.
InsightMAGAZINE 47