From: David Powell, Princes Risborough, Bucks
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
I think most of my embarrassing (real or potential) experiences have been exposed in past issues of the newsletter. However, one story which may just qualify.
After a gap of 2 years in Yorkshire and 9 months on Gulf MAMS, I found myself in a freezing cold hut (the first morning I woke with a thin covering of snow which had blown in through cracks in the walls) at the back of the mess at RAF Odiham, then the home of HQ 38 Group.
With the weekend ahead, ever the optimist, it was time to get out the well-thumbed address book to see if there were still any opportunities for entertainment, preferably warm or hot, in the area from my time on UKMAMS.
The first phone call went something on the lines of:
(DP = David Powell PD = Potential Date):
DP: "Hi, I am back in the area, would you like to go out for an evening's catch up tomorrow?"
PD: "That would be nice but I am already doing something."
DP: "Oh, anything interesting?"
PD: "Getting married!"
DP:
Stay safe, best wishes
David Powell
F Team UKMAMS Abingdon 1967-69
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
I think most of my embarrassing (real or potential) experiences have been exposed in past issues of the newsletter. However, one story which may just qualify.
After a gap of 2 years in Yorkshire and 9 months on Gulf MAMS, I found myself in a freezing cold hut (the first morning I woke with a thin covering of snow which had blown in through cracks in the walls) at the back of the mess at RAF Odiham, then the home of HQ 38 Group.
With the weekend ahead, ever the optimist, it was time to get out the well-thumbed address book to see if there were still any opportunities for entertainment, preferably warm or hot, in the area from my time on UKMAMS.
The first phone call went something on the lines of:
(DP = David Powell PD = Potential Date):
DP: "Hi, I am back in the area, would you like to go out for an evening's catch up tomorrow?"
PD: "That would be nice but I am already doing something."
DP: "Oh, anything interesting?"
PD: "Getting married!"
DP:
Stay safe, best wishes
David Powell
F Team UKMAMS Abingdon 1967-69
First Leopard 2 tank from Canada on its way to Ukraine
4th February 2023. An aircraft with the first Leopard 2 tank on board that Canada is sending to Ukraine has departed from Halifax.
Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence of Canada, on Twitter, "Today, a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft departed Halifax carrying the first Leopard 2 main battle tank that Canada is sending to Ukraine. Canada stands with the people of Ukraine – and we’ll continue to provide Ukraine’s Armed Forces with the equipment that they need to win."
Anand announced that Canada will send eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine in the coming few weeks.
yahoo.ca
Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence of Canada, on Twitter, "Today, a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft departed Halifax carrying the first Leopard 2 main battle tank that Canada is sending to Ukraine. Canada stands with the people of Ukraine – and we’ll continue to provide Ukraine’s Armed Forces with the equipment that they need to win."
Anand announced that Canada will send eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine in the coming few weeks.
yahoo.ca
From: Chris Goss, Marlow, Bucks
Subject: RE: UKMAMS OBA OBB #013123
Tony,
The January newsletter brought back memories. Only this week, wife asked me if I had been to Rapid City, South Dakota and a quick look at my logbook confirmed that which brought back a memory when another Team Leader (Mark Stephenson?) left his imprest in the hotel safe. Mark might want to deny this?
Yes Mark Attrill, you did come top of the Movements Course beating me by something daft like 1 or 2%. Fond memories of our instructors - John Kenny and Brian Greenwood. Mark and myself had been to Cyprus before so when we were there for our end of course check, volunteered to be drivers and watched the others going down with Kokkinelli poisoning.
Never had my end of course debrief from Paul Steiner as when he called me into his office and he turned away, I filled his coffee with silly string and he booted me out!
Finally, John "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" Billingsley. We shared a room in Addis during Op Bushell. One night he dozed off so I wound forward all the clocks in the room, got my uniform on, woke him up and said he was late for transport and to get a move on. After rushing to the bathroom, 3 minutes later there was a bellowing from the bathroom "YOU BASTARD! - SIR!" The Det Com then rushed in a told us off for making so much noise.
Long time ago now and brought back to the present day by the funeral last week of Tony Last.
Regards,
Chris
Subject: RE: UKMAMS OBA OBB #013123
Tony,
The January newsletter brought back memories. Only this week, wife asked me if I had been to Rapid City, South Dakota and a quick look at my logbook confirmed that which brought back a memory when another Team Leader (Mark Stephenson?) left his imprest in the hotel safe. Mark might want to deny this?
Yes Mark Attrill, you did come top of the Movements Course beating me by something daft like 1 or 2%. Fond memories of our instructors - John Kenny and Brian Greenwood. Mark and myself had been to Cyprus before so when we were there for our end of course check, volunteered to be drivers and watched the others going down with Kokkinelli poisoning.
Never had my end of course debrief from Paul Steiner as when he called me into his office and he turned away, I filled his coffee with silly string and he booted me out!
Finally, John "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" Billingsley. We shared a room in Addis during Op Bushell. One night he dozed off so I wound forward all the clocks in the room, got my uniform on, woke him up and said he was late for transport and to get a move on. After rushing to the bathroom, 3 minutes later there was a bellowing from the bathroom "YOU BASTARD! - SIR!" The Det Com then rushed in a told us off for making so much noise.
Long time ago now and brought back to the present day by the funeral last week of Tony Last.
Regards,
Chris
From: Peter Clayton, Wroughton, Wilts
Subject: Re: UKMAMS OBA OBB #013123
Hi Tony,
I was on Junior Movements Course No. 28 at RAF Abingdon in 1966, along with some other ex 301st entry Apprentices from Hereford such as Jock Braid and Ian Newlands. After I returned to Thorney Island I received my first overseas posting to RAF Changi Air Movements, Ian Newlands also got the same posting.
On arrival at Changi, the Supply Squadron tried to hijack me onto their squadron but I was relieved to be rescued by Air Movements who told me not to go back to Supply as I was to be on Movements. It turned out to be my best ever posting, I loved Singapore and really enjoyed the work. It also gave me several trips to other destinations travelling as supernumerary crew on the VC-10 to Hong Kong, a Belfast trip to Saigon and a RNZAF Bristol Freighter to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vientiane (Laos), Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Saigon.
My first few months in Singapore were spent working at RAF Tengah while the runway at Changi was being resurfaced and I learnt to drive a forklift in the Cargo Hangar at Tengah under the watchful eye of Bob Husband. Once back working at Changi I learnt how to operate the Condec loader and often took a team of local labourers and cargo to load the RNZAF Bristol Freighters on the far side of Changi runway that is now part of the new Changi Airport.
Of course, many of the movers from my time at Changi have sadly passed away, but I am pleased to say that some are still alive and kicking. Two names that come to mind that I have never heard of though since those days are Carl Tasker (JMC Cse No. 26) and Charlie Hargreaves, as far as I can recall both were Corporals on Changi Movements, it would be great to hear news of them if possible.
Peter Clayton
UKMAMS 1975-78
Subject: Re: UKMAMS OBA OBB #013123
Hi Tony,
I was on Junior Movements Course No. 28 at RAF Abingdon in 1966, along with some other ex 301st entry Apprentices from Hereford such as Jock Braid and Ian Newlands. After I returned to Thorney Island I received my first overseas posting to RAF Changi Air Movements, Ian Newlands also got the same posting.
On arrival at Changi, the Supply Squadron tried to hijack me onto their squadron but I was relieved to be rescued by Air Movements who told me not to go back to Supply as I was to be on Movements. It turned out to be my best ever posting, I loved Singapore and really enjoyed the work. It also gave me several trips to other destinations travelling as supernumerary crew on the VC-10 to Hong Kong, a Belfast trip to Saigon and a RNZAF Bristol Freighter to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vientiane (Laos), Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Saigon.
My first few months in Singapore were spent working at RAF Tengah while the runway at Changi was being resurfaced and I learnt to drive a forklift in the Cargo Hangar at Tengah under the watchful eye of Bob Husband. Once back working at Changi I learnt how to operate the Condec loader and often took a team of local labourers and cargo to load the RNZAF Bristol Freighters on the far side of Changi runway that is now part of the new Changi Airport.
Of course, many of the movers from my time at Changi have sadly passed away, but I am pleased to say that some are still alive and kicking. Two names that come to mind that I have never heard of though since those days are Carl Tasker (JMC Cse No. 26) and Charlie Hargreaves, as far as I can recall both were Corporals on Changi Movements, it would be great to hear news of them if possible.
Peter Clayton
UKMAMS 1975-78
RAF defends decision behind 2-year tactical airlift capability gap, plans additional A400M buy
The RAF’s A400M fleet is set to replace C-130J tactical airlifters but it will not be able to offer a full range of capabilities until 2025 at the earliest.
Top UK defense officials from the Royal Air Force (RAF) have strongly defended accelerating the retirement of Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules tactical airlifters by 12 years, despite acknowledging the decision will lead to a two-year airlift capability gap. “There are a small number of niche capabilities that the C-130J has that will not be transferred across to the A400M program at the point in which the C-130 is retired in the summer [of 2023],” RAF Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal Richard Knighton told a UK defense committee hearing.
At the hearing Mike Wigston, RAF Chief of the Air Staff, also revealed that as part of the replacement program, the service also intends on acquiring an additional six Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft before 2030, in conflict with National Audit Office’s (NAO), a financial watchdog, assessment deeming such a procurement “unaffordable.”
At the time, the early retirement of the C-130J fleet from 2035 to 2023 was one of the most surprising decisions to emerge from the UK’s Integrated 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, with the A400M set to replace it.
“When ministers made the decision in 2021 [to retire the C-130J fleet] we were very plain with what the niche capabilities were and what the potential operational impact is,” Knighton said. “In concert with our operations staff, ministers concluded that, the level of operational risk [outlined] was small enough to be tolerable.”
Wigston told the committee that the C-130J retirement decision had been taken in the face of being “lobbied hard” by members of the service who opposed it.
Lawmakers questioned why the C-130J fleet could not have been spared until the niche capabilities with the A400M had been proven, but that idea was ignored based on “having to pay for it and something else [another aircraft or acquisition] having to be removed,” according to Knighton.
breakingdefense.com
Top UK defense officials from the Royal Air Force (RAF) have strongly defended accelerating the retirement of Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules tactical airlifters by 12 years, despite acknowledging the decision will lead to a two-year airlift capability gap. “There are a small number of niche capabilities that the C-130J has that will not be transferred across to the A400M program at the point in which the C-130 is retired in the summer [of 2023],” RAF Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal Richard Knighton told a UK defense committee hearing.
At the hearing Mike Wigston, RAF Chief of the Air Staff, also revealed that as part of the replacement program, the service also intends on acquiring an additional six Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft before 2030, in conflict with National Audit Office’s (NAO), a financial watchdog, assessment deeming such a procurement “unaffordable.”
At the time, the early retirement of the C-130J fleet from 2035 to 2023 was one of the most surprising decisions to emerge from the UK’s Integrated 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, with the A400M set to replace it.
“When ministers made the decision in 2021 [to retire the C-130J fleet] we were very plain with what the niche capabilities were and what the potential operational impact is,” Knighton said. “In concert with our operations staff, ministers concluded that, the level of operational risk [outlined] was small enough to be tolerable.”
Wigston told the committee that the C-130J retirement decision had been taken in the face of being “lobbied hard” by members of the service who opposed it.
Lawmakers questioned why the C-130J fleet could not have been spared until the niche capabilities with the A400M had been proven, but that idea was ignored based on “having to pay for it and something else [another aircraft or acquisition] having to be removed,” according to Knighton.
breakingdefense.com
From: Liam Devlin, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
My most embarrassing moment was when I was on detachment in Dulles Airport. We had just seen off a VC10 laden with VIPs. The usual procedure was to remain on the pan until the VC10 was wheels up then return the steps to their parking slot. I was talking to, what I thought was, a civilian driver from the embassy. He asked me if I was the new Flight Sergeant, I then asked him if he was a driver from the British Embassy, his reply, "No, I am the Air Attaché."
**Gulp!** I apologised profusely, much to his amusement. He replied not to worry about it and he would dine out on my comment.
When I told the Flt Lt in charge he almost had a fit. Happily, I never heard any more about my embarrassing moment
Cheers,
Liam
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
My most embarrassing moment was when I was on detachment in Dulles Airport. We had just seen off a VC10 laden with VIPs. The usual procedure was to remain on the pan until the VC10 was wheels up then return the steps to their parking slot. I was talking to, what I thought was, a civilian driver from the embassy. He asked me if I was the new Flight Sergeant, I then asked him if he was a driver from the British Embassy, his reply, "No, I am the Air Attaché."
**Gulp!** I apologised profusely, much to his amusement. He replied not to worry about it and he would dine out on my comment.
When I told the Flt Lt in charge he almost had a fit. Happily, I never heard any more about my embarrassing moment
Cheers,
Liam
From: Terry Jackson, St Albans, Herts
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
My embarrassing moment occurred in Changi in 1971 when the UK government was withdrawing troops from Singapore. At that time I was in charge of Air Cargo. Working with a team of movements professionals, we were responsible for ensuring that all aircraft returning to UK were loaded to maximum effect. As you can imagine, space was at a premium.
A VC-10 rigged in VIP role transited through Changi on the way to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. The quartermaster offered belly freight for smaller items. My team went down the hangar and found some suitably sized boxes recently received from an army unit. Each box was a declared weight of 5lbs. My team loaded the freight and the VC-10 left for Clark. The next day my Squadron Leader sent for me - for some reason the ALM had check-weighed the boxes at Clark to find that they were 5kgs each and not 5lbs. Fortunately no further action was taken but it was an embarrassing moment and a lesson well learnt.
Very best,
Terry
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
My embarrassing moment occurred in Changi in 1971 when the UK government was withdrawing troops from Singapore. At that time I was in charge of Air Cargo. Working with a team of movements professionals, we were responsible for ensuring that all aircraft returning to UK were loaded to maximum effect. As you can imagine, space was at a premium.
A VC-10 rigged in VIP role transited through Changi on the way to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. The quartermaster offered belly freight for smaller items. My team went down the hangar and found some suitably sized boxes recently received from an army unit. Each box was a declared weight of 5lbs. My team loaded the freight and the VC-10 left for Clark. The next day my Squadron Leader sent for me - for some reason the ALM had check-weighed the boxes at Clark to find that they were 5kgs each and not 5lbs. Fortunately no further action was taken but it was an embarrassing moment and a lesson well learnt.
Very best,
Terry
First RNZAF C-130H Retired
On 10 February 2023, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) officially retired the first of five C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.
The Hercules, serial NZ7003 (c/n 382-4054) and operated by 40 Squadron Ki Nga Hau e Wha (To the four winds) was accompanied by NZ7001 for a two-ship farewell flight from RNZAF Base Whenuapai around Auckland. After this flight, NZ7003 flew to RNZAF Base Woodbourne for retirement.
The RNZAF ordered five C-130J-30 Super Hercules as replacement for the venerable H-model, of which the first aircraft was delivered in March 1965.
In June 2022, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the purchase of the Super Hercules. According to then Secretary of Defence Ron Mark, the C-130J-30 was chosen as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. The new transporters are expected to start delivery in 2024, with the full fleet of five aircraft operating from 2025.
rnzaf
The Hercules, serial NZ7003 (c/n 382-4054) and operated by 40 Squadron Ki Nga Hau e Wha (To the four winds) was accompanied by NZ7001 for a two-ship farewell flight from RNZAF Base Whenuapai around Auckland. After this flight, NZ7003 flew to RNZAF Base Woodbourne for retirement.
The RNZAF ordered five C-130J-30 Super Hercules as replacement for the venerable H-model, of which the first aircraft was delivered in March 1965.
In June 2022, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the purchase of the Super Hercules. According to then Secretary of Defence Ron Mark, the C-130J-30 was chosen as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. The new transporters are expected to start delivery in 2024, with the full fleet of five aircraft operating from 2025.
rnzaf
From: Barry Tappenden, Shortstown, Beds
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
MAMS teams were helping Air Movs Seletar to load fully laden Land Rover trailers onto a Handley Page Hastings aircraft. The team had successfully loaded one trailer and were attempting to load a second. With the aid of the winch and two MAMS team members chocking the wheels (carefully standing to the side of the trailer), a very young officer, straight out of Supply training, leapt on board and began pushing the trailer, ignoring the senior airman present to be careful and push only from the side.
The winch failed and the trailer jumped over the chocks taking the young officer into the aircraft's toilet. No real damage done to the aircraft but a few lacerations, severe bruising and suspected broken pelvis befell the young officer. As they stretchered him off to the waiting ambulance, there were a few mutterings from the lads which are not printable here!
The young officer had no lasting injuries except to his pride.
Barry
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
MAMS teams were helping Air Movs Seletar to load fully laden Land Rover trailers onto a Handley Page Hastings aircraft. The team had successfully loaded one trailer and were attempting to load a second. With the aid of the winch and two MAMS team members chocking the wheels (carefully standing to the side of the trailer), a very young officer, straight out of Supply training, leapt on board and began pushing the trailer, ignoring the senior airman present to be careful and push only from the side.
The winch failed and the trailer jumped over the chocks taking the young officer into the aircraft's toilet. No real damage done to the aircraft but a few lacerations, severe bruising and suspected broken pelvis befell the young officer. As they stretchered him off to the waiting ambulance, there were a few mutterings from the lads which are not printable here!
The young officer had no lasting injuries except to his pride.
Barry
From: Steve Davey, Tadcaster, North Yorks
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Tony,
I struggled to uncover my most embarrassing moment but I guess, if my memory serves me well it was when I was working in the Electronic Supply Group (ESG) at Leuchars in the late 60's.
Friday afternoons were a winding-down time and sometimes that included high jinx. One particiular Friday afternoon I was assembling a large tri-wall box to pack some gear in when I was attacked from behind by the rest of the team who bundled me into the box and were in the process of taping it down with black masking tape (the 4" type).
I made a desperate effort to extricate myself by shoving my hand out and grabbing the first thing that came to hand and pulled. It turned out to be one of the WRAF's blouses and as she backed off all the buttons on her blouse popped open revealing her bra! Her name will remain a secret but we all had a good laugh and more importantly the WO never found out. I guess that these days that sort of behaviour would be definitely frowned upon.
Regards
Steve
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Tony,
I struggled to uncover my most embarrassing moment but I guess, if my memory serves me well it was when I was working in the Electronic Supply Group (ESG) at Leuchars in the late 60's.
Friday afternoons were a winding-down time and sometimes that included high jinx. One particiular Friday afternoon I was assembling a large tri-wall box to pack some gear in when I was attacked from behind by the rest of the team who bundled me into the box and were in the process of taping it down with black masking tape (the 4" type).
I made a desperate effort to extricate myself by shoving my hand out and grabbing the first thing that came to hand and pulled. It turned out to be one of the WRAF's blouses and as she backed off all the buttons on her blouse popped open revealing her bra! Her name will remain a secret but we all had a good laugh and more importantly the WO never found out. I guess that these days that sort of behaviour would be definitely frowned upon.
Regards
Steve
RAAF delivers search-and-rescue specialists to Türkiye
Urban search-and-rescue teams have flown to Turkiye on board an Air Force C-17 Globemaster. As the death toll continued to rise following the devastating earthquakes, there was an urgent need for specialist rescue workers to find those still trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.
In the cargo hold of the aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond on February 10, 72 urban search-and-rescue specialists from the AUS 2 Disaster Assistance Response Team gathered with their team leader, Chief Superintendent Darry Dunbar. “The scale of the disaster is unheralded. Our team is trained to deal with what we’ll face in Turkiye. We’re unsure what we will find at first but will do our best to support the people of Turkiye in their hour of need,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said.
The AUS 2 team are based in NSW and include medical, engineering and search and rescue specialists. They travelled with 24 tonnes of supplies to sustain themselves and therefore not draw on limited resources currently in Turkiye. The deployment of the AUS 2 team came after the Turkish Government requested the provision of search-and rescue and emergency medical teams to join their response to the disaster. The AUS 2 team faced some significant challenges.
“It’s all about the casualties on the scene and that will be our focus. The environment will present problems. It’s cold and buildings are in a dangerous state,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said. “We will find solutions to any challenges we face. That’s what we train for and our team are prepared.”
The 37SQN C-17 Globemaster took off on February 10 to ferry the cargo to Turkiye, a journey that would take a few days.
defence.gov.au
In the cargo hold of the aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond on February 10, 72 urban search-and-rescue specialists from the AUS 2 Disaster Assistance Response Team gathered with their team leader, Chief Superintendent Darry Dunbar. “The scale of the disaster is unheralded. Our team is trained to deal with what we’ll face in Turkiye. We’re unsure what we will find at first but will do our best to support the people of Turkiye in their hour of need,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said.
The AUS 2 team are based in NSW and include medical, engineering and search and rescue specialists. They travelled with 24 tonnes of supplies to sustain themselves and therefore not draw on limited resources currently in Turkiye. The deployment of the AUS 2 team came after the Turkish Government requested the provision of search-and rescue and emergency medical teams to join their response to the disaster. The AUS 2 team faced some significant challenges.
“It’s all about the casualties on the scene and that will be our focus. The environment will present problems. It’s cold and buildings are in a dangerous state,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said. “We will find solutions to any challenges we face. That’s what we train for and our team are prepared.”
The 37SQN C-17 Globemaster took off on February 10 to ferry the cargo to Turkiye, a journey that would take a few days.
defence.gov.au
From: Mike Lefebvre, Burton, NB
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
On the 30 March 1971, while I was employed as Loadmaster on 436 Sqn flying C130 Hercules out of Ottawa, we were transporting troops and equipment to Kingston, Jamaica for jungle warfare training.
We were shceduled to fly back home with an empty aircraft and the Ops Officer approached our aircraft commander with a proposition to help the Jamaicans who had a helicopter needing a refit at the manufacturer in Florida and requested we make an ops-stop at Opa-Locka airport on our way home to drop it off.
Once over Florida we flew at low altitude following the beach with everyone on the lookout for small planes used by many flying schools with inexperienced pilots everywhere. At the same time, flying over many runways looking for the right runway number.
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Hi Tony,
On the 30 March 1971, while I was employed as Loadmaster on 436 Sqn flying C130 Hercules out of Ottawa, we were transporting troops and equipment to Kingston, Jamaica for jungle warfare training.
We were shceduled to fly back home with an empty aircraft and the Ops Officer approached our aircraft commander with a proposition to help the Jamaicans who had a helicopter needing a refit at the manufacturer in Florida and requested we make an ops-stop at Opa-Locka airport on our way home to drop it off.
Once over Florida we flew at low altitude following the beach with everyone on the lookout for small planes used by many flying schools with inexperienced pilots everywhere. At the same time, flying over many runways looking for the right runway number.
Eventually we found it. We landed and followed instructions as to where to go. We informed them of our load and intentions to dispose of it. They informed us that we weren’t at the right airport. They asked for our weight, we told them, they said “You're too heavy for that airport, so park next to that trailer in front of you."
We were met by a customs officer and we asked him questions about who to contact at the helicopter company. Without even looking at our load, he asked the million dollar question. “Are you a bonded carrier?" we answered, "No", to which the customs officer replied. "I am confiscating your aircraft!"
Some large amounts of money were mentioned and the aircraft commander started pacing back and forth. He then went to the pay phone (remember this was1971), called ATOC and said, “I just lost an aircraft!”
Eventually the helicopter company showed up with a trailer, covered the bond, and we were free to go with a good lesson learnt!
Mike
We were met by a customs officer and we asked him questions about who to contact at the helicopter company. Without even looking at our load, he asked the million dollar question. “Are you a bonded carrier?" we answered, "No", to which the customs officer replied. "I am confiscating your aircraft!"
Some large amounts of money were mentioned and the aircraft commander started pacing back and forth. He then went to the pay phone (remember this was1971), called ATOC and said, “I just lost an aircraft!”
Eventually the helicopter company showed up with a trailer, covered the bond, and we were free to go with a good lesson learnt!
Mike
From: Ian Berry, West Swindon, Wilts
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Tony,
Over the years there have been a few embarrassing moments, but one from El Adem I will never forget. We were handling the weekly Argosy schedule from Akrotiri to Luqa which was on a normal 90 minutes turnround. We (the Movers), had finished reloading the aircraft and were waiting for the pax to be called forward. However, there was a delay with the in-flight rations and this was jeapordising the departure slot.
I was the trim clerk at the time, but having completed my task and being physically close to in-flight catering, I was instructed to go there with the Air Quartermaster (now Loadmaster) and help him take the rations to the waiting aircraft. I was also told that one of our 4 coach drivers would meet us outside the terminal to take us to the aircraft.
Along with the AQM and the caterer we dashed to and fro from the kitchens to the waiting coach outside and piled on the flasks, sandwiches and other kit. Once loaded both the AQM and I grabbed the seats behind the driver. At this stage I sensed something was wrong as the coach driver who had turned around to stare at us was NOT one of our drivers. I then looked behind me to see row after row of uniformed servicemen giving us an amusing stare. We had loaded the wrong coach and this was the shift workers' coach heading for Tobruk! To save us further embarrassment the driver agreed to drive onto the pans to the waiting Argosy.
Best regards,
Ian
Subject: Embarrassing Moments
Tony,
Over the years there have been a few embarrassing moments, but one from El Adem I will never forget. We were handling the weekly Argosy schedule from Akrotiri to Luqa which was on a normal 90 minutes turnround. We (the Movers), had finished reloading the aircraft and were waiting for the pax to be called forward. However, there was a delay with the in-flight rations and this was jeapordising the departure slot.
I was the trim clerk at the time, but having completed my task and being physically close to in-flight catering, I was instructed to go there with the Air Quartermaster (now Loadmaster) and help him take the rations to the waiting aircraft. I was also told that one of our 4 coach drivers would meet us outside the terminal to take us to the aircraft.
Along with the AQM and the caterer we dashed to and fro from the kitchens to the waiting coach outside and piled on the flasks, sandwiches and other kit. Once loaded both the AQM and I grabbed the seats behind the driver. At this stage I sensed something was wrong as the coach driver who had turned around to stare at us was NOT one of our drivers. I then looked behind me to see row after row of uniformed servicemen giving us an amusing stare. We had loaded the wrong coach and this was the shift workers' coach heading for Tobruk! To save us further embarrassment the driver agreed to drive onto the pans to the waiting Argosy.
Best regards,
Ian
Video - On board RAF Aid Mission to Turkey
From: Clive Price, Brecon
Subject: My Oops Moment.
Hi Tony,
The Argosy, four engines, twin boom tail, rear loading. F team from Abingdon often had to bat wave to marshall and do engine startups; Jack Murray often did this, with me on the fire extinguisher. One day I had to do it all by myself, doing the one-burning, one-turning signals and stuff.
Climbing in through the bombardier's nose window/hatch, I was met by the navigator shouting "CHOCKS!"
I was laying on my back with four props whirling away, kicking away at the four chocks. Job done, a very sweaty me climbed aboard. A grinning F team greeted me and all I could say was "Foxtrot Oscar you bastards!"
Taff Price,
F team (1966/70)
Subject: My Oops Moment.
Hi Tony,
The Argosy, four engines, twin boom tail, rear loading. F team from Abingdon often had to bat wave to marshall and do engine startups; Jack Murray often did this, with me on the fire extinguisher. One day I had to do it all by myself, doing the one-burning, one-turning signals and stuff.
Climbing in through the bombardier's nose window/hatch, I was met by the navigator shouting "CHOCKS!"
I was laying on my back with four props whirling away, kicking away at the four chocks. Job done, a very sweaty me climbed aboard. A grinning F team greeted me and all I could say was "Foxtrot Oscar you bastards!"
Taff Price,
F team (1966/70)
From: Len Bowen, Canberra, ACT
Subject: Most Embarrassing Moment
Tony,
October 1965, RAF Labuan, Sabah. Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm No 848 Squadron had joined us at Labuan to provide additional rotary wing capability in support of the Commonwealth forces ‘up country’ in Borneo. 848 brought with them a detachment of Royal Marines, to provide security for their Wessex helicopters.
Normal daily evening guard mounting parade; Pilot Officer Bowen, as Station Duty Officer (SDO), present, with Duty SNCO in attendance. Guard party comprising nine RAF ‘erks’ and one Royal Marine are formed up and issued with their No 4 Lee Enfield rifles together with two clips (10 rounds) of .303 ammunition. SDO then as required formally briefs guards on the rules of engagement (ROE) detailing exactly when the live ammunition is permitted to:
Subject: Most Embarrassing Moment
Tony,
October 1965, RAF Labuan, Sabah. Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm No 848 Squadron had joined us at Labuan to provide additional rotary wing capability in support of the Commonwealth forces ‘up country’ in Borneo. 848 brought with them a detachment of Royal Marines, to provide security for their Wessex helicopters.
Normal daily evening guard mounting parade; Pilot Officer Bowen, as Station Duty Officer (SDO), present, with Duty SNCO in attendance. Guard party comprising nine RAF ‘erks’ and one Royal Marine are formed up and issued with their No 4 Lee Enfield rifles together with two clips (10 rounds) of .303 ammunition. SDO then as required formally briefs guards on the rules of engagement (ROE) detailing exactly when the live ammunition is permitted to:
(a) Be actually loaded into the magazine.
(b) When the magazine may be placed onto the rifle.
(c) When a live round may physically be chambered.
(d) Circumstances when a round may actually be fired.
Yes, believe it or not, that was the actual ROE on Labuan in 1965, during ‘Confrontation’.
SDO (Plt Off Bowen): “Right, any questions?”
RM (Royal Marine, taking one smart pace forward): “Sir, yes Sir. How do you load this
rifle?”
SDO: “Good God man! Call yourself a Royal Marine and you don’t know how to handle a rifle? How the hell do you expect to guard yourself, your mates and your squadron aircraft if you are not competent with your weapon? Not what I would expect from a Royal Marine!”
RM: “Sir, due respect Sir. Royal Marines have had the 7.62 Self-Loading Rifle for thirteen years - Sir. Never handled a .303 – Sir. Seen one in the Marine Museum at Pompy, Sir."
<Pause>
SDO (turning to Duty Sergeant): “Um… err… right… yes…. well… Sergeant, you deal with this!” Exit stage right at speed, very red-faced SDO!
Len Bowen
(b) When the magazine may be placed onto the rifle.
(c) When a live round may physically be chambered.
(d) Circumstances when a round may actually be fired.
Yes, believe it or not, that was the actual ROE on Labuan in 1965, during ‘Confrontation’.
SDO (Plt Off Bowen): “Right, any questions?”
RM (Royal Marine, taking one smart pace forward): “Sir, yes Sir. How do you load this
rifle?”
SDO: “Good God man! Call yourself a Royal Marine and you don’t know how to handle a rifle? How the hell do you expect to guard yourself, your mates and your squadron aircraft if you are not competent with your weapon? Not what I would expect from a Royal Marine!”
RM: “Sir, due respect Sir. Royal Marines have had the 7.62 Self-Loading Rifle for thirteen years - Sir. Never handled a .303 – Sir. Seen one in the Marine Museum at Pompy, Sir."
<Pause>
SDO (turning to Duty Sergeant): “Um… err… right… yes…. well… Sergeant, you deal with this!” Exit stage right at speed, very red-faced SDO!
Len Bowen
Pilot Officer Len Bowen 21 May 1966.
Keningau, Sabah with RMAF Allouette III
Keningau, Sabah with RMAF Allouette III
A new member who has joined us recently:
Welcome to the OBA!
Paul "Taff" Kelly, Lyneham, Wilts
To understand a Military Veteran you must know:
* We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.
* We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
* We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.
* We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
* We found new friends and new family.
* We became brothers and sisters regardless of colour, race or creed.
* We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
* We didn’t get enough sleep.
* We smoked and drank too much.
* We picked up both good and bad habits.
* We worked hard and played harder.
* We didn’t earn a great wage.
* We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
* We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.
* We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.
* We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.
* Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.
* Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
* Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
* We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
* We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
* We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.
* We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
* We have celebrated and mourned.
* We lost a few along the way.
* When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.
* We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.
* We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.
* We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.
* We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.
* Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.
* It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.
Bobby Robson
* We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
* We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.
* We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
* We found new friends and new family.
* We became brothers and sisters regardless of colour, race or creed.
* We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
* We didn’t get enough sleep.
* We smoked and drank too much.
* We picked up both good and bad habits.
* We worked hard and played harder.
* We didn’t earn a great wage.
* We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
* We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.
* We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.
* We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.
* Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.
* Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
* Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
* We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
* We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
* We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.
* We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
* We have celebrated and mourned.
* We lost a few along the way.
* When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.
* We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.
* We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.
* We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.
* We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.
* Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.
* It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.
Bobby Robson
From: David Powell, Princes Risborough, Bucks
Subject: Staying away from Dementia
Hi Tony,
Subject: Staying away from Dementia
Hi Tony,
Staying away from Dementia
For a change, I wonder if I can take a bit of space in our newsletter for something a bit different and a tad more serious than my usual musings.
For some time, I have been on a crusade to promote hobbies and pastimes which combine handicrafts and concentration as a lifestyle approach to preventing dementia. Although, without much success!
The detail is based on promoting railway modelling, because that was where the original research was centered. However, the ideas apply to many other activities such as aircraft modelling and historical aircraft restoration and operation.
This all came about because of personal concern about the future of railway modelling, model railway clubs and sustaining its commercial support, with ever increasing average ages of the participants. This was not unique to railway modelling. I am sure we all know examples of clubs and societies struggling to attract new members and, in particular, volunteers to help run the committees and activities.
The early conversations led to an interesting issue, we were not losing membership to dementia, although there were stories of departures of friends and modelling colleagues to cancers, heart issues etc. I fed this observation into what I thought would be the relevant interested parties hoping to initiate some formal research and appropriate action. I got nowhere. I needed data to support my assertions.
This led to interviews with representatives of 20 UK Model Railway Clubs at the 2015 National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.
This produced a sample of some 1,100 active modellers, average age 64. For the UK general population, such a sample should have led to reports between 40 – 80 cases of dementia in past and present club members. The NEC result was just 3 cases. Although simplistic, this research did suggest that railway modellers are at least significantly (10 times?) less like to get dementia than the general public.
Why? The only key significant characteristics shared by modellers were:
• railway modelling involves concentration,
• using a variety of hand tools,
• and then only intermittently.
How could this menu help prevent dementia? Over the millennia, we have evolved so that today dexterity represents about 40% of the brain. When the task is non-repetitive, the dexterity involved continues to use and exercise a part of the brain called the neocortex, preventing or delaying its atrophy. Atrophy of the neocortex is better known as Alzheimer’s.
Musicians and many others demonstrate dexterity. How many of you can touch type? But they still get dementia, why? A railway modeller’s dexterity, or cognitive dexterity, differs from that acquired to tie a shoe lace, play a piano concerto, touch typing or texting. Here the hand skills needed are the result of muscle (or motor) memory developed through extensive repetition and practice, leaving the neocortex brain cells largely undisturbed and unused. If you don't use it - you may lose it. This is why railway modellers avoid dementia but orchestral musicians don’t.
So, you may be asking, why aren’t THEY doing something about all this? Well, despite significant effort lobbying the many academic, medical and government interests involved in dementia research, my approach, suggesting identifying social groups avoiding dementia to find out why, has yet to gain traction with the dementia research community. This is possibly (probably?) because, dementia research is dominated by the pharmaceutical and care sectors. There is little involvement in prevention other than exploring the possibility of immunization. Moreover, there is no overlap between business and research interest in making money developing new drugs and more efficient care protocols so people will stay linger in care homes, compared with the potential return to shareholders in selling more craft knives and little pots of paint.
Another barrier is data. The current UK medical records do not record pastimes, only illness and treatment. They cannot be used to cross check which life styles do or do not correlate with avoiding dementia which is the way most medical research is carried out.
Attempts to persuade academia and journals such as New Scientist to incorporate this new direction for dementia research have also failed because it does not fit in with existing dementia research pathways. However, the idea was slipped in through the academic back-door by rebranding. Reworked as Systems Theory in Practice, as a member, I presented a paper at the 2019 UK Systems Society Annual Conference at Bournemouth University, with the proceedings published in the Society’s free access on-line journal The Systemist 40(1) p157-176!
Could other pastimes help prevent dementia? Knowing how and why modellers are avoiding dementia suggests other pastimes with the same characteristics combining variety, concentration and handicrafts. Candidates could include other areas of model making, sewing, gardening, cooking from recipes or part time volunteering involved in heritage technologies, e.g. running steam railways, and the restoration and operation of classic cars and vintage aircraft.
So now I am trying a new strategy. Spread the message and encourage preventing dementia from the ground floor up. Generate interest and acceptance especially with lapsed and potential modellers. Spread the word with friends, colleagues and relations. Promote the idea at appropriate events.
This approach was launched last weekend on 18th February with a large banner, a table and promotion fliers at our local model railway exhibition at Princes Risborough. Some attendees are starting to spread the word and photos of the banner on social media. Copies of the 8 ft. Banner Art Work and the specially produced flier are attached. Help yourselves!
Please dig out that unopened Airfix aircraft kit and get concentrating, get model making or in some way use those brain cells most at risk. Use them or lose them! Spread the word! It won't cure it but it may help prevent dementia.
For more information (although there is not much else to add) or your experiences of avoiding dementia etc., contact:
David Powell, Tel: 01844 343377 Email: david.powell@waitrose.com
For some time, I have been on a crusade to promote hobbies and pastimes which combine handicrafts and concentration as a lifestyle approach to preventing dementia. Although, without much success!
The detail is based on promoting railway modelling, because that was where the original research was centered. However, the ideas apply to many other activities such as aircraft modelling and historical aircraft restoration and operation.
This all came about because of personal concern about the future of railway modelling, model railway clubs and sustaining its commercial support, with ever increasing average ages of the participants. This was not unique to railway modelling. I am sure we all know examples of clubs and societies struggling to attract new members and, in particular, volunteers to help run the committees and activities.
The early conversations led to an interesting issue, we were not losing membership to dementia, although there were stories of departures of friends and modelling colleagues to cancers, heart issues etc. I fed this observation into what I thought would be the relevant interested parties hoping to initiate some formal research and appropriate action. I got nowhere. I needed data to support my assertions.
This led to interviews with representatives of 20 UK Model Railway Clubs at the 2015 National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.
This produced a sample of some 1,100 active modellers, average age 64. For the UK general population, such a sample should have led to reports between 40 – 80 cases of dementia in past and present club members. The NEC result was just 3 cases. Although simplistic, this research did suggest that railway modellers are at least significantly (10 times?) less like to get dementia than the general public.
Why? The only key significant characteristics shared by modellers were:
• railway modelling involves concentration,
• using a variety of hand tools,
• and then only intermittently.
How could this menu help prevent dementia? Over the millennia, we have evolved so that today dexterity represents about 40% of the brain. When the task is non-repetitive, the dexterity involved continues to use and exercise a part of the brain called the neocortex, preventing or delaying its atrophy. Atrophy of the neocortex is better known as Alzheimer’s.
Musicians and many others demonstrate dexterity. How many of you can touch type? But they still get dementia, why? A railway modeller’s dexterity, or cognitive dexterity, differs from that acquired to tie a shoe lace, play a piano concerto, touch typing or texting. Here the hand skills needed are the result of muscle (or motor) memory developed through extensive repetition and practice, leaving the neocortex brain cells largely undisturbed and unused. If you don't use it - you may lose it. This is why railway modellers avoid dementia but orchestral musicians don’t.
So, you may be asking, why aren’t THEY doing something about all this? Well, despite significant effort lobbying the many academic, medical and government interests involved in dementia research, my approach, suggesting identifying social groups avoiding dementia to find out why, has yet to gain traction with the dementia research community. This is possibly (probably?) because, dementia research is dominated by the pharmaceutical and care sectors. There is little involvement in prevention other than exploring the possibility of immunization. Moreover, there is no overlap between business and research interest in making money developing new drugs and more efficient care protocols so people will stay linger in care homes, compared with the potential return to shareholders in selling more craft knives and little pots of paint.
Another barrier is data. The current UK medical records do not record pastimes, only illness and treatment. They cannot be used to cross check which life styles do or do not correlate with avoiding dementia which is the way most medical research is carried out.
Attempts to persuade academia and journals such as New Scientist to incorporate this new direction for dementia research have also failed because it does not fit in with existing dementia research pathways. However, the idea was slipped in through the academic back-door by rebranding. Reworked as Systems Theory in Practice, as a member, I presented a paper at the 2019 UK Systems Society Annual Conference at Bournemouth University, with the proceedings published in the Society’s free access on-line journal The Systemist 40(1) p157-176!
Could other pastimes help prevent dementia? Knowing how and why modellers are avoiding dementia suggests other pastimes with the same characteristics combining variety, concentration and handicrafts. Candidates could include other areas of model making, sewing, gardening, cooking from recipes or part time volunteering involved in heritage technologies, e.g. running steam railways, and the restoration and operation of classic cars and vintage aircraft.
So now I am trying a new strategy. Spread the message and encourage preventing dementia from the ground floor up. Generate interest and acceptance especially with lapsed and potential modellers. Spread the word with friends, colleagues and relations. Promote the idea at appropriate events.
This approach was launched last weekend on 18th February with a large banner, a table and promotion fliers at our local model railway exhibition at Princes Risborough. Some attendees are starting to spread the word and photos of the banner on social media. Copies of the 8 ft. Banner Art Work and the specially produced flier are attached. Help yourselves!
Please dig out that unopened Airfix aircraft kit and get concentrating, get model making or in some way use those brain cells most at risk. Use them or lose them! Spread the word! It won't cure it but it may help prevent dementia.
For more information (although there is not much else to add) or your experiences of avoiding dementia etc., contact:
David Powell, Tel: 01844 343377 Email: david.powell@waitrose.com
Download A5 Page - click above image
Download Banner - click above image
This Newsletter is Dedicated
to the Memory of
Jack Alexander Anderson (RNZAF)
to the Memory of
Jack Alexander Anderson (RNZAF)
Tony Gale
ukmamsoba@gmail.com
ukmamsoba@gmail.com
