Reg news issue 3 2014

Page No 1

In this Edition:

● Gala Cadet saves the Day

● Lees Trophy Representatives

● Marching Band Camp

● A Veterans Tale

● Andrews Sash Winner

● Brize Norton Camp Report

● Arbroath celebrate Anzac Day

● 107 support Erskine Hospital

● Regions Latest “Radio” HeadsREGIONAL NEWSLETTER

No 2 (2014)

The Qualified Aerospace Instructors course graduated at RAF Linton on Ouse last week. The QAIC attendees fromSNI were CWO Parker 2449 (Carnoustie) Sqn, FS Hall 2466 (Loanhead) Sqn and Sgt Gray 1333 (Grangemouth

Spitfire) Sqn.

The team did very well with CWO Parker winning the Overall Top Cadet, Top Cadet in the Linton-on-Ouse Group andthe NATS Air Traffic Control Prize. Also, FS Hall was a member of the Best Syndicate operating from Linton-on-Ouse.

The images show:

1. CWO Parker receiving the NATS Air Traffic Control Prize from a NATS representative. (Top Left)

2. FS Hall (second from left) as member of Best Syndicate being congratulated by AVM Martin Clarke, DirectorTechnical, Military Aviation Authority. (Top Right)

3. CWO Parker receiving the Top Cadet Linton-on-Ouse prize from Air Cdre Rick Peacock-Edwards, Masterof the Honorable Company of Air Pilots. (Bottom Left)

4. CWO Parker receiving the Overall Top Cadet Prizes from Air Cdre Rick Peacock-Edwards, Master of theHonorable Company of Air Pilots. (Bottom Middle)

5. Group photo showingfrom L to R, CWO Parker,RC SNI, FS Hall and SgtGray. (Bottom Right)

QAIC CANDIDATES GRADUATE

Page 2

On 24th April one of our ex cadets was the victim of a hit and run incident.Sgt Michael Birtwistle was present when this happened and intervened givingappropriate first aid to the injured party until the emergency services arrived .

He treated the injured leg , treated for shock and immobilised the victimshead/neck . Michael was also interviewed by the Police and gave a fullwitness statement about what the saw happening.

I'm sure you will all join me in saying a BIG WELL DONE to Michael

In recognition of their outstanding achievements, 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron were selected as the West Scotland Wingrepresentatives for 2014 Lees Trophy.

The Lees Trophy is one of the most distinguished national awards available in the Air Training Corps. It is awarded to thesquadron judged to be the best in overall achievement and efficiency. It is awarded following rigorous assessment andinspection.

The squadron had the pleasure of hosting their formal inspection, conducted by the Senior Inspecting Officer, RegionalCommandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Group Captain Leggat and supported by Inspecting Officer, Assistant RegionalCommandant, Squadron Leader Carr.

The evening programme got underway with cadets meeting the staff car and Cdt Fell and Cdt Whetham greeted the guestswith a fanfare, written especially for the occasion.

After a health and safety briefing from Cdt Noer, the inspecting officersmoved to the adjoining Army Reserve Centre to carry out a formalinspection of the squadron, consisting of two flights and a banner party,

led by Cdt FS Smith. The Group Captain remarked on how well the cadets had turned out and the efforts that hadbeen made in preparing their uniform. The cadets, under the direction of Cdt Cpl Wood then presented a seamlessdrill display including continuity drill and command exercise.

Back into the squadron building, eleven cadets from the squadron band provided a performance where Cdt Cpl Hamiltonconducted The Dambusters. Sgt (ATC) Dean Welsh invited the regional staff to join in the next piece of music. Theyenthusiastically accepted and participated in the performance of the James Bond theme!

An opportunity for cadets to share their learning experiences and recent achievements - cadets demonstrated theirproficiency in using the squadron's VHF/UHF radio system in conjunction with the radar box under guidance of CdtSgt McKay who had recently achieved his communicator badge; a combined multi-player sortie navigated the skieswith flight simulator (including Air Traffic Control) in the squadron's IT suite guided by Cdt McNaught; Cdt Waldron

showcased the mechanics project including the Haynes models they hadconstructed and the Briggs & Stratton single cylinder engine that they have been servicing and reconstructing over recent months;and finally Cdt Cpl McCabe steered the robots around an obstacle course in preparation for our third year entry to Rampaging Chariots.

Over some home baked treats prepared by Cdt FS Smith, Cdt Brown and Cdt Clarkson the Group Captain took the opportunity tospeak with the squadron's staff and civilian committee members learning of their experiences.

An insightful presentation was delivered by Cdts Meek, McMath, McGarrell and Whetham who touched upon their many highlights asa cadet so far at 1271 (Bathgate).

Finally, the evening was drawn to a close with a question and answer session with the Group Captain, who shared his experiencesof being a cadet at 1271 (a few years ago ..) and the improvement in the squadron since his time. The squadron presented him witha mug bearing the new squadron crest, a framed manuscript of the fanfare and a collage of memorabilia from his time at the squadron(including camp photographs and his gifts to the squadron following a successful IACE visit to USA). In return, the Group Captainpresented Flt Lt Greer with the Wing Representative Certificate.

Squadron Commander remarked that the evening had been a fantastic success and showed the true spirit of 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron,providing an insight into a typical activity packed evening at the squadron.

GALA CADET SAVES THE DAY

LEES TROPHY REPRESENTATIVES

Page No 3

Air Cadets from Galashiels have been awarded a £250.00 cash grant to run aproject under the Borders Railway Project. The award was made by the

Scottish Community Safety Network, on behalf of Network Rail

As part of the community engagement process the Border Railway project hasprovided a local grant fund and the Cadets of 2180 (Galashiels) Squadron havebeen successful in their bid for funding. Cadets will be offered the Entry LevelAward in Workplace Hazard Awareness which is awarded by the British SafetyCouncil. Staff have been trained and are ready to deliver the course. Cadets willcomplete the course over a period of time and produce posters and “Do and Don’t”Guides relating safety issues relating to the new railway as the theme of the project.

British Transport Police visited the Squadron at its HQ in Old St Peter’s ChurchHall AbbotsfordRoad Galashiels on23 April toundertake ap r e s e n t a t i o nbriefing the Cadetson safety andsecurity issuesrelating to theconstruction of thenew railway andgive the project akick start

n recognition of their outstanding achievements, 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron were selected as the West Scotland Wing

The Lees Trophy is one of the most distinguished national awards available in the Air Training Corps. It is awarded to thesquadron judged to be the best in overall achievement and efficiency. It is awarded following rigorous assessment and

The squadron had the pleasure of hosting their formal inspection, conducted by the Senior Inspecting Officer, RegionalCommandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Group Captain Leggat and supported by Inspecting Officer, Assistant Regional

The evening programme got underway with cadets meeting the staff car and Cdt Fell and Cdt Whetham greeted the guests

constructed and the Briggs & Stratton single cylinder engine that they have been servicing and reconstructing over recent months;and finally Cdt Cpl McCabe steered the robots around an obstacle course in preparation for our third year entry to Rampaging Chariots.

Over some home baked treats prepared by Cdt FS Smith, Cdt Brown and Cdt Clarkson the Group Captain took the opportunity tospeak with the squadron's staff and civilian committee members learning of their experiences.

An insightful presentation was delivered by Cdts Meek, McMath, McGarrell and Whetham who touched upon their many highlights as

Finally, the evening was drawn to a close with a question and answer session with the Group Captain, who shared his experiencesof being a cadet at 1271 (a few years ago ..) and the improvement in the squadron since his time. The squadron presented him witha mug bearing the new squadron crest, a framed manuscript of the fanfare and a collage of memorabilia from his time at the squadron(including camp photographs and his gifts to the squadron following a successful IACE visit to USA). In return, the Group Captain

Squadron Commander remarked that the evening had been a fantastic success and showed the true spirit of 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron,

LEES TROPHY REPRESENTATIVES

GALA “TRAIN” FOR HAZARD AWARENESS

Erskine Hospital collectionsTo commemorate the centenary of the First World War, Aberdeen Opera

Company performed "Oh What a Lovely War" at the Aberdeen ArtsCentre from 4th to 8th March.

Throughout the week cadets from 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron and102(Aberdeen Airport) Squadron attended the performances to collect onbehalf of Erskine Hospital.

Erskine cares for over 1,400 ex-Service and Serving men and women eachyear, providing unrivalled rehabilitation, nursing and dementia care in theirhomes throughout Scotland.

Sqn Ldr Roberts, the Wing ExecutiveOfficer for South East Scotland Wing,

popped by 2180 (Galashiels ) Squadronthis evening in order to present Sgt MichaelBirtwistle with a Certificate of Merit onbehalf of Group Captain J Leggat, RegionalCommandant, Scotland and NorthernIreland Region.

Sqn Ldr Robertsspoke about howimpressed all thestaff at both Wingand Region werewith SgtB i r t w i s t l e ' sactions regardingthe hit and runincident lastweek, and passedon his personalcongratulationsfor outstanding conduct.

PROMPT ACTION RECOGNISED

A new BSc (Hons) in ProfessionalAviation Pilot Practice Degree

course launched at Professional FlightTraining Exhibition at Heathrow.

Tayside Aviation is one of 3 schools inUK to deliver. Contact us for more infoor come along to one of our open days!

Page 4

Ex Air Cadet, SAC Lauren Hogarth secures a Frencharmoured vehicle ahead of it's C-17 journey to Bangui,

Central African Republic.

She is from the Joint Air Delivery Transport Evaluation Unit(JADTEU) based at RAF Brize Norton. “I work in theAirportability Team, where our job is to look at new kit thathasn't been flown by the RAF before.

We check the weight, measure dimensions and monitor theloading before carefully securing the vehicle – it can't movein flight and it has to be safe to carry alongside other freightand passengers.

I really feel like I'm playing part in providing support to thisOperation– if the JADTEU staff weren't here these vehiclescouldn't be moved, it's a satisfying feeling to know I havehelped.”

EASTER CAMP REPORT

During April Sgt Ross Ewing from 1743 (Crieff) Sqnattended the ACO National Marching Band Camp at

RAF Halton. The week concluded with two performancesat HMS Portsmouth and Twickenham rugby stadium. Thisweek the band will be playing at Downing Street for thePrime Minister.

Sgt Ewing - keep up the good work!!

Fancy attending the next camp ? Then if you play aninstrument suitable to the concert band, marching band orPipes and Drums - ask your staff to keep you informed ofthe local/Regional and National events.

Marching Band Camp

Well done to the Cadet’s that have just completed their HF course 14/04 & 14/05 last week and passed the ProvisionalHF Certificate and now just need the work on the their Hours to gain the Full HF Certificate.

Regions Latest “Radio” Heads

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Course 14/06. 09 -11 May 2014 Data Comms Course

Course 14/07. 20 - 22 June 2014 Two Courses this weekend:

1: HF operating Hours weekend “Exercise Longest Day”(Make up your hours for your Full HF Certificate).

2: HF certificate Course to run at the same time.(Continued on page 7)

RAC RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING COURSE 2014

Welcome to the websiteof 142 (2nd Edinburgh)Squadron, Air TrainingCorps, based in theNorth of Edinburgh. Thissite is designed to letyou see some of theactivities that ourCadets get involved...

www.142sqn.org.uk

NEW WEBSITE

Page No 5

West Scotland Wing bandmembers joining in the

Beating Retreat at EdinburghCastle.

Sgt (ATC) Welsh, Cdt CallumNoer from 1271 and Cdt CplKristofer Shaw from 396.

Well done!

Fred White isnow 103 yearsof age andresides at theTorry CareHome. In 1938Fred and hiswife ran a shipc h a n d l e r sbusiness inAberdeen. Fredhad a slightimpairment in

that his left arm was shorter than the other. In spite of thishe took flying lessons at Dyce Airport and after solo gainedhours to acquire a pilot’s licence. He then joined the CivilAir Guard as a pilot and when war broke out he applied tojoin the RAF as a pilot. He was turned down due to his leftarm problem but was offered the opportunity of becominga Link Trainer instructor teaching pilots the rudiments ofinstrument flying. On qualifying he was posted to India andthere was responsible for the training of pilots in instrumentflying on simulators.

At the end of hostilities Fred returned to Aberdeen and hisbusiness but was instrumental in training air cadets in flyinggliders at Dyce. Among cadets trained who subsequentlybecame pilots in the RAF was George Black, later Air ViceMarshall, RAF Rtd and Sandy Reid, later Squadron LeaderRtd, both of 107 Squadron ATC. Sandy trained as aTransport Command pilot and on demob returned to joinFred in 1956 as a glider instructor at Dyce. In 1962 Fredand Sandy were selected to attend an advanced course atRAF Swinderby where they flew several flights on longdistance cross country flights in which they landed insuitable fields in which the aircraft were dismantled andrecovered to base in trailers.

Fred and Sandy returned to Aberdeen and Fred decidedthat this experience could be put to good use by traininginstructors to carry out extended cross country flights. Theonly drawback was lack of a suitable trailer. Nothingventured Fred applied to the MacRobert Trust for fundingto build a suitable trailer which could transport the Sedbergh

gliders which theschool used. MrW i l l i a mHeughan, theAdministrator ofthe MacRobertTrust decidedthat rather thanauthorise a grantfor a trailer, theTrust wouldpurchase asuitable highp e r f o r m a n c eglider and trailerto match andgive it to 662V o l u n t e e rGliding Schoolcommanded byFred. This wonderful gift was handed over to Fred andhis team in March 1963 and immediately put to use intraining the instructors in greater skills and was extremelyvaluable in raising the standard of staff of the school.

The project was so successful that the Trust decided todonate a further two similar gliders with trailers. The MODwere so impressed that they also purchased two more.The three MacRobert Trust aircraft bore the names ofLady MacRobert and two of her sons, Sir Iain and SirRoderic, who had been killed flying as RAF pilots in WW2.The acquisition of these aircraft were instrumental inraising the standard of flying instructor throughout the AirCadet movement.

In 1991 the entire Air Cadet fleet was disposed of andreplaced by modern fibre glass machines both poweredand conventional. At that time Squadron Leader SandyReid who was Officer Commanding of 663 Motor Gliderschool at RAF Kinloss had the names of Lady MacRobertand her two sons embossed on the wheel spats of thethree Vigilant motor gliders of the unit.

In 2012 it was decided to mark the debt owed to the Trustby having the names transferred to three dedicatedgliders based at Central Gliding School, RAF Swinderbyand have the history inscribed (Continued on page 6)

WEST SCOTLAND BANDSMENBEAT RETREAT AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

A VETERANS TALE

On 27 Apr, 161 Squadron cadets cadets had thegreat privilege of performing a guard of honour

and paid our last respects to one of our ex-cadets.Once an Air Cadet, always an Air Cadet!

91 year old Alec Sutherland was a founder member ofour Squadron back in 1941 and was our first everFlight Sergeant. So it was an honour for our currentFlight Sergeant to carry the Squadron banner in thechurch. Following his time as a cadet Alec joined theRAF and served in Bomber Command from 1942-46as a navigator and wireless operator on Lancasters.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at thisdifficult time.

161 PAY TRIBUTE TO EX CADET VETERAN

Page 6

Cadet Flight Sergeant Jennifer Adam (17) of 2175(Rolls-Royce) Squadron, Air Training Corps has been

awarded the “Andrew’s Sash” which is given annually tothe female cadet deemed best in Scotland and Northern Ireland.Jennifer is the fourth cadet from Rolls-Royce to win this prestigiousaward in 13 years.

Jennifer has excelled in her time as an air cadet, representing thesquadron well at various camps, sports events and ceremonialparades. Jennifer won our recruit of the year trophy in her firstyear at the squadron, followed the next year by our drill efficiencytrophy before graduating to our cadet of the year in 2012. She hasachieved a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a Sports Leadersaward, a Regional Marksman Badge and she completed thedemanding Air Cadet Leadership course last year. She recentlyrepresented the UK on an International Air Cadet Exchange toHong Kong where she relished in the once in a lifetime experienceof sharing our culture with those from other countries.

Jennifer has accepted her unconditional offer to study pharmacyat the University of Strathclyde later this year and currently works

as a Healthcare Assistant in Lightburn Hospital in Glasgow.

Flt Lt Suzanne Callan, Commanding Officer of Rolls-Royce Squadron, said “I’m extremely proud of Jenni’s achievements,she is an inspiration to everyone at 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron.”

Jennifer herself was delighted with her award, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years as an air cadet with 2175 (Rolls-Royce)squadron and this award simply reminds me of all the good times and achievements as well as all the friends I’ve madealong the way.”

ANDREWS SASH WINNER

on a suitabledisplay board.

On Wednesday 9th April, 2014, at aceremony in the Torry Care Home,Aberdeen, Air Commodore Robert Joseph,RAF Rtd and now the Administrator of theMacRobert Trust was presented with thethe ‘MacRobert Legacy’ history by Fred.Presented were Mrs Jan Joseph, wife ofA/C Joseph, Eric and Betty White, son anddaughter in law of Fred and SquadronLeader Sandy Reid RAFVR Rtd.

(Continued from page 5)

Two members of the Aberdeen Modellers Society spent theevening talking to the cadets of 107 Squadron about model

making and the detail they go into to end up with excellentexamples of aircraft that they brought along to show.

They discussed the variety of precision tools and techniquesused, for example in cementing the parts together or pre-painting parts as part of the assembly process for a professionalfinish. Between them they had many years of experience andinstead of just gluing and painting a model they took it to thenext level by installing lights and other examples ofcustomisation.

The importance of research for photographs from books or the internet was emphasised as key part of the planning togive ideas of finishes for added realism.

The Squadron will be buying enough Spitfire model kits for each cadet to practice with a view to them developing theirinterest and skills.

Aberdeen Modellers Society visit

Brize Camp Report (See Page 8)

Page No 7

Picture of the Scotland & Northern IrelandJunior Netball at RAF Cranwell . Photo

Courtesy Sgt ATC Hannah Wielbo

Not a good day for S&NI Netball despite theenthusiasm of the team played 4 lost 4 so far

North 9 - 0

WW 11-0

SW 5-1

Laser 7-6

327 (Kilmarnock) Squadron have been involved in fundraising for various cancer charities on behalf of Nicole Millar.

Nicole Millar from Peterhead ,in North East Scotland was diagnosed 1 year ago with Cancer. The Neuroblastoma whichwhich was in her spine, paralysing her below her waist. This was partially removed at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital,

where she also underwent multiple courses ofChemotherapy.

Nicole is cancer free now, but her mobility is still affected.Her Dad, David Millar, was a member of 327 KilmarnockSquadron Air Cadets before joining the Royal Air Force,and her grandmother is Warrant Officer in KilmarnockSquadron.

On hearing about Nicole, staffmembers, Flight LieutenantJames Downie, Officer

Commanding the Squadron, Pilot OfficerCraig Johnstone and Sergeant MichaelDocherty along with Cadets did theSanta Dash in Glasgow to raise fundsfor The ARCHIE Foundation at RoyalAberdeen Children's Hospital. ARCHIEprovided on site accommodation for thefamily while Nicole was in hospital, thiswas a blessing for the family. ARCHIEalso provide play equipment in thehospital for children to keep themoccupied during their stay.

Nicole is seen here with the cadetsreceiving a £500 cheque to present to ARCHIE, and Presenting the cheque to ARCHIE.The Cadets also raised £500 for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) and £300 for CLICSergeant, both of which also provided support and assistance to the family.

Cadet Sergeant Sheilds is also seen here being presented with a gift by Nicole and her Dad David for raising the most

327 (Kilmarnock) Raise Money for Nicole

REGIONAL NETBALL FINALISTSAT RAF CRANWELL

Brize Camp Report (See Page 8)

Course 14/08. 12 - 14 September 2014 HF Course - Exercise Last Call on HF

Course 14/09. 11 - 17 October 2014 Crossed Flags with Barry Buddon 13 - 16 October

Course 14/10. 21 - 23 November 2014 Foundation Course

(Continued from page 4)

Page 8

2422 Cadets participating in the 2014 Anzac Remembranceat the Western Cemetery Arbroath - taken by CI Walton

ARBROATH CADETS HELP CELEBRATE ANZAC DAY

RAF Brize NortonRAF Brize Norton, like all other camps, was an

unforgettable experience for its own unique reasons.The coach journey was long, but we grasped the chanceto ploy on it as our first session to get to know one another.

The coach was filled with humour and music, a lot of music. The first day was relatively relaxed and ambient, but as thenext day dawned on us the camp truly began, at a rapid pace that did not slow down ranging from a great deal of eventson par to the size of the RAFs biggest base.

The timetable was completely filled with activity after activity, section visit after section visit. Beginning with my firstexperience on shooting a no8 and L98 A2 rifle which I did so impressively if I do say so myself (OCs note he was awardeda Regional Marksman on L98). The camp progressed to visiting such sections as the fire and rescue services, RAFpolice and police dog units, the air traffic control unit, medical units, airport security and an impressive amount of othersections. One of these sections allowed us each to explore, work and rev the engines (always fun) of important vehiclesand developed our leadership skills by building a pallet, this resulted in the unit's generosity of giving each cadet a 100lBergin and a basher to be used for DofE .

Visiting the parachute training school allowed us a chance to use their fan descent, which although completely scaredus, allowed us a starting point to appreciate their squadron motto, "Knowledge Dispels Fear", a philosophy I hope willstay with me for a long time.

Free time off base allowed us to visit the village adjacent to the RAF base, leading to a game of football with the locals,of Scotland against England resulting in Scotland winning due to an obscure away goal rule or something. A highlightof the week was flying in a Hercules which was an experience that left our minds overwhelmed and butterflies in ourstomachs, for some people these butterflies decided to fly out (not a pretty sight). It was an amazing opportunity withfantastic views and a priceless experience.

The camp concluded with a couple of games of bowling, tying up the experience nicely and allowing a social conclusionto a wonderful camp.

Being a senior NCO, I was delivered a completely different view point to the camp experience. This meant more leadershipand management was required of me. I hope and believe I lived up to the staffs expectations and was a positive rolemodel for the other cadets.

The staff were, as always, phenomenal. Flt Sgt Donnelly especially who cunningly got the majority of Cadets MTP PCGkit free of charge and the Hercules flight.

The best experience of the camp was, as with all camps for me, meeting all the new cadets and staff, building newfriendships and evolving older ones. Brize Norton was extraordinary and remarkable made by both staff and opportunities,I would without hesitation recommend any cadet or staff to grasp the opportunity, as soon as it hits their CO's desk.

FS I Khan 2452 (Shawlands) Squadron ( See Photos on Page 6 )