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The Official Magazine of The UKMAMS Association June 2004 Issue No. 50

Inside this Edition Life on UKMAMS E-Mails Letters & Notices Membership News People on the Move From the 540

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Views expressed in this newsletter, unless otherwise stated, are not necessarily those of the editor, the association committee or UKMAMS and are the personal views of the authors. All contributions and correspondence for inclusion in “Team Brief ” should be sent to: The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS Association, PO Box 1126, Swindon, Wilts,

SN5 7WB. E-mail: ukmamseditor@hotmail.com

With the new job I now believe I can finally get this 'Team Brief' out on time. Most of you are aware that this year was the 30th anniversary of UKMAMS moving to Lyneham. This was marked by the Squadron with a families day and the association held a meet and greet in the Winch Inn on the Friday night ( I only have vague recollections of that!!) and a dinner dance on the Saturday night. All events were well attended and you can see a few photo's from the families day later in the magazine. In this day of electronic communication we also have a response to the meet and greet and open day from one of the members. Something that would have had to wait for the next magazine a few years ago - not be long before we will find out what's happening tomorrow, yesterday!! Colin and Ian's contribution's to the mag can be seen amongst these pages, one letting you know what happened years ago and one keeping you up to date with the present. The "Life on UKMAMS" article has been resurrected, thanks to the MopsO and her staff, who, without their badgering of Squadron members this article could not happen. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, read on and enjoy. I think there's some good stuff in here, and my thanks go to the contributors. Mick

Here's a little something I found while rummaging around in my attic the other day. It was taken at Lyneham in 1985 or 86. It was one of those years I spent most of my time doing Tac Demo's. From left to right. Flt Lt Paul Mansfield, SAC Mal Paton, SAC Mick Cocker, FS Ken Morris, SAC Frank Brooks. The chap far right I believe was a doctor or dentist along for the ride. I couldn't believe he was getting on the aircraft voluntarily

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Membership News and People on the Move

By Colin Allen

I would like to thank everyone who helped me track down the majority of those members who had gone missing. Unfortunately I am still looking for Wg Cdr Andy State who I know has been posted to the Pentagon in Washington but I do not have his address. Likewise I know that ex Sgt Ian (Wigan) Johnson has gone back to Lancashire and Bev Beverage is in Calgary but again I don’t have addresses. In addition, I am still looking for Tim Leaning, Bryan Greenwood, Kev Traynor, Flt Lt Andy Wilson, Mr Ron Corrie, Eric Bristow, Sqn Ldr Ian Drake, Richard Williams and Charles Clark who was living in Bassingbourn Herts. We welcome as new members Gary Farndale who lives in Lyneham and is working for Homebase Distribution in Swindon. Steve Lowe who I recently met at the Movements Trade ‘Dave Wall Memorial’ Golf Tournament held at the China Fleet Club in Saltash, Cornwall. Steve is living in Crickmerry, Market Drayton and is working for Allied Carpets in Shrewsbury. Flt Lt Sarah Moore who is the current UKMAMS M Ops O, Cpl Ian ‘Stretch’ Mansfield and Flt Lt Conrad Steele-Benny who is currently a Team Leader on Mobile. My apologies to Ray Scott who it was reported in the last Team Brief, had allowed his membership to lapse. In actual fact since Sept 1997 Ray has been an active and fully paid up member of the Association. This month we welcome back Bill Young who along with George Graves attended the Meet and Greet and Open day over the weekend of the 12th June. Sqn Ldr Mark Vincenti who has returned from a tour of duty at EACC Eindhoven in Holland to the European Air Group RAF High Wycombe as SO Log 1. FS Neil Cutler ex Aldergrove took Mark’s place at Eindhoven. Simon Cruse has moved from Lyneham where he was the M Ops O to become the RAFLO at Dulles International Airport in Washington. Congratulations to Andy Gell on his promotion to Gp Capt; not sure what post he is now filling but he is currently living in Tidworth Wilts. Our congratulations also to Mark Brierley on his promotion to Gp Capt. Since losing contact with Mark at RAF Wyton and eventually tracking him down he spent 6 months in Pakistan during 2002 as the Detachment Commander of the Forward Mounting Base at Karachi. UKMAMS were present albeit only in small numbers but it was one of the very few occasions when a Mover ran an Air Transport Detachment that included our own Hercs as well as those from the Belgian, Greek, Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces. Mark is currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the MODSAP Team. This month I must give a mention to Kit Ayers who recently renewed his Membership. Kit recalls that the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) at Bicester has recently undergone some reorganisation. Responsibility for such esoteric items as DPM (green and desert) knickers, plus ceremonial (pantomime) wear (hairy bear hats and friendly pink day wear for the cavalry) went into the Defence Clothing, Integrated Project Team (IPT) along with Tim Newstead and Barrie Hay. The ‘Heavies’ looking after tentage, camouflage and other good “next to the earthworm Hilton” equipment were transferred out of the well dressed mob into the Royal Engineers Equipment Support IPT in a lonely, but well appointed, chateau in the DLO Caversfield MOD Trading Park, Bicester. Kit is now a ‘Heavy’ in the Royal Engineers orbit and is currently the Equipment Support Manager for Field Accommodation (tentage) on a joint service basis. He states that his ultimate aim is to issue tents to the RAF together with a copy of the ABC World Guide to Hotels just to remind them of what life used to be like. He also feels that after 41 years he has turned full circle as when he joined the RAF in 1963 the Army ‘Movers’ were all members of the Royal Engineers until they became corrupted by the formation of the RCT only to become diluted into the RLC. Dick Bullimore who lives in Portland took semi retirement from the prison service at the end of June. He is now only working two days a week and hopes to devote more time to helping his wife Ann with her business supplying specialist Olives, Olive Oils, Cheese etc to various shops and organisations..

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Don Hazlewood who was I believe working with Keith Parker, Brian Harper and Mick Mayberry at Airworks Vinnel in Oman is now working in Kuwait with the CSA. John Gardiner left the RAF in Feb 2001 and initially joined Healthcall as the Development and IT Manager. He currently works as Head of Operations for Atos Origin, the company that runs amongst other things the Medical assessment element of the UK Coal Miners Compensation Claims. John lives in Carterton, his wife Sandie is a receptionist in the local GP practise whilst his daughter Naomi is coming to the end of her two years training with the Thames Carterton Police. His son Stephen is finishing off an engineering B Tec at the college in Oxford. Gerry Keyworth managed to engineer early retirement from Saudi Arabia (good move!), and for the last year has been a full time student at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft. Any members wanting Gerry to build them a wooden boat can contact him via the Membership Secretary. Tony Moore has moved and is now living in Ilminster, Somerset. Arthur Taylor still lives in Clayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. He is still doing a bit of part time work but still manages to clock up 40 hours a week mostly processing goods in transit claims with the insurers along with the occasional bit of HGV and PSV driving. Arthur sends his regards to all old and new colleagues This month the Association says farewell to our out going Vice Chairman Sqn Ldr Dave Potts who is off to MOD. I am sure everyone will join me in wishing Dave all the very best in the future and thanking him for his support and hard work over the past 30 months. In addition, I would like to welcome our new Vice Chairman, OC BAMF, Sqn Ldr Roly Barth. On a sadder note I have to report that Howie Bumford had a minor stroke on the 12th June. He spent 2 weeks in hospital; however he is now at home and making an excellent recovery. His balance has been affected but he is managing to get around by using a stick and he expects to make a full recovery although it could take between 2 to 18 months. It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of Bill Fitt. I had a letter from his daughter telling me that Bill had died in December (no other details). I personally didn’t know Bill but I have often heard his name mentioned. I am sure you will all join me in sending our sincere condolences to his family. Finally I would like to remind all our members of the importance of letting the Association know when you move house, get posted, leave the RAF or do anything that changes your contact address. Mind you in April 2004 when I printed off the distribution labels for Team Brief I noticed one label addressed to Mr Colin Allen, 26 Angus Close, Swindon. Problem being I moved house in Dec 2003!!!!!

LLiiffee OOnn UUKKMMAAMMSS

An up to date view of what's happening with the Squadron around the world As you can see over the page, much of the tasking for MAMS is still revolving round the Gulf area. But there is other stuff happening, so read on..................

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''DDooiinn'' tthhee DDEEIIDD'' ……tthhaatt''ss AALL UUDDEEIIDD

By Flt Lt Chris Houghton, UKMAMS Team Leader Over one year on since the declaration of war on Saddam's regime sees another roulement of the Army division based at Basra. This event, in turn, has produced yet another en masse deployment of UKMAMS personnel to activate a APOD in theatre. With the security issues surrounding wide bodied aircraft landing at Basra, and with the hub and spoke firmly established in Cyprus, a re-force of Akrotiri would have normally sufficed. However, this sudden surge in troop movements would have unduly burdened the C130K fleet based there. Therefore, under the direction of General J Reith, Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), it was decreed that Al Udeid (EID), a Qatari Air Base leased by the Americans, take over the mantel.

The plan for the roulement detailed the change of over 8000 soldiers who have lived and worked in and around the hostile environment of Basra for over 6 months. With this in mind, speed and comfort of transition were the main priorities set down for the APOD. Using Boeing 747 charter aircraft to augment the RAF Tristar fleet, the surge was expected

to last just over a month. Each strategic aircraft would deliver its passengers and they would be held at EID until 3 to 5 C130s delivered the troops bound for the UK and returned the new influx of soldiers to Basra. All this was to occur within 4 hours in order to meet the criteria set by CJO.The initial recce headed by PJHQ included Sqn Ldr Neil Jones (OC MAMF), and the recce

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report detailed both the advantages and disadvantages of activating an APOD at the fast jet focused air base. Despite some reservations the go-ahead was given, seeing the activation party enter theatre on 14 Mar 04 just 2 weeks prior to the start of the roulement. What was found was far from impressive and all that was provided on arrival were promises. American forces still inhabited the tented city which was to become the transit accommodation, the Base Exchange and Mess Hall promised as the inbound and outbound passenger handling facilities were still in use. In fact accommodation was so sparse that the activation team were housed in the welfare tent for some time. The next week saw the migration of American forces and welfare to the hardened accommodation called 'Coalition City' and the renaming of the British tented area as the 'ghetto'. What was asked seemed like a mountain to climb, replicating the hard work produced by the well founded, AT focused, RAF base at Akrotiri; the APOD EID detachment only had 2 weeks to start from scratch and establish an airhead capable of handling 2 x strategic aircraft and up to 10 tactical aircraft per day. With the permanent staff inundated with requests and information regarding the imminent visit of HRH The Duke of York, and the numerous command and control issues raised by the Air Component HQ (ACHQ), the creation of a workable plan fell solely onto the shoulders of the APOD EID staff. In fact, it was not uncommon to see both OC UKMAMS and OC MAMF roll up their sleeves and help with the dismantling of the shop fittings in the old Base Exchange. With the arrival of additional UKMAMS personnel, what were originally welfare buildings and barren building sites slowly developed into a workable APOD structure. However, with the deadline beckoning there was little ACHE, no MT, and nowhere to control operations from; space was still severely

limited on the parking ramp and despite the best efforts of all involved no support staff were to be seen. The initial plan of turning around 12 aircraft, including a full 747, in a 5 hour period still seemed a long way off. Finally, with just 72 hours remaining until the required declaration of full operational capability (FOC), the detachment saw the influx of support personnel from numerous units back in the UK and from

around theatre. The creation of the APOD EID saw the amalgamation of 26 x UKMAMS, 20 x MT Sqn, 7 x 29 Regt RLC, 3 x DAG, 7 x VASS staff, 13 x DWR personnel from Akrotiri reforce, and a specialist AT Subject Matter Expert, Sqn Ldr Keven Vaughan from LXX Sqn. The arrival of APOD staff saw people stumbling, blurry eyed, off a myriad of coalition aircraft with monumental stories of cancelled flights and nights spent in airports. With ever emerging real estate, working space, and now personnel, the APOD was finally beginning to take shape. Now, 24 hrs before FOC, the last of the ACHE arrived, shipped in with the aid of the Australian C130 fleet based at Al Udeid. The newly created APOD EID MT detachment received, looked over, and returned it's locally hired coaches along with a request for alternatives with strict instructions that each coach should be equipped with at least an accelerator pedal and functional brakes. With a last minute scramble MT were able to produce a rag-tag collection of 'vehicles', completing the set up.

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With something resembling a scene from 'The Shawshank Redemption' the APOD staff, totalling over 70, were assembled to be looked over and briefed on the monumental task at hand and what was expected of them by the detachment. It was then that what is now known lovingly as the 'Baskin Robbins' speech was delivered. During this speech OC MAMF stated that if you were able to find the time to indulge yourself with the numerous facilities on base, especially a 'Baskin Robbins' ice-cream, then you were not required and would be returned to the UK immediately for alternative tasking!! April Fools Day saw numerous jokes inflicted on detachment personnel but none as big as the arrival of the first strategic aircraft. With the weeks of planning and preparation of swift turn rounds and ever flowing Hercules, what could possibly go wrong? Well, despite the best laid plans of mice and men the first C130 failed to take-off from Basra and the Tristar returned to the pan soon after taxi. With only one strategic parking slot and the second Tristar looming on the horizon things couldn't get any worse. However, it's said that 'it is always darkest before the dawn' and with some magical hammering from the 216 Sqn Ground Engineer he was able to patch up the aircraft so it could limp on to it's next destination. With the teething problems swiftly corrected the arrival of the second Tristar saw the maximum length of time that any soldier spent on the ground at Al Udeid was limited to only 2 hrs 40 mins. A success! Sprinkled into this already colourful mosaic was the changeover of 31 and 9 Sqns, together with the relocation of 39 Sqn to Muscat. Despite this shaky and highly frantic start, it is now a regular occurrence to see up to 12 aircraft movements in the required 5 hour period. Issues regarding the APOD EID rage, but the job continues with over 1000 pax emplaned and deplaned daily. Al Udeid's role continues to evolve and long after April finishes and UKMAMS depart it will remain the focal point for Op TELIC troop movements. With the roulement almost concluded the current APOD EID staff are already beginning to withdraw and this 'excellent opportunity' will be passed on to the rest of the Trade. In conclusion a culmination of hard work and team work; if anyone wants the Movers we can be found in Baskin Robbins.

UKMAMS is once again providing the manpower for the Ascension Island detachment. February saw the deployment of a 10 man team, lead by Flt Lt Simon Oliver and Sgt Nige Malyon. This had been a regular commitment for the Squadron up until the commencement of hostilities in the gulf, at which point it was taken over by movements staff from RAF Northolt. They had manned the detachment for the duration of OP TELIC, with the AMF permanent staffs of a WO and JNCO. The UKMAMS detachment has continued, with a team of 8 deploying in March. This team was lead by Flt Lt Kylie Wright RAAF and Sgt Paul Crake. From mid January this year, the South Atlantic schedule has been operated under civilian charter, initially by BMI, operating Airbus A300 aircraft. It is believed the second contract, from March to July, has been awarded to Air Luxor, which operates the Tristar, so no doubt many ex 216 Sqn crew members who left the RAF because they were sick of the South Atlantic run, will be back with us for a while!!!

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30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Photographs by Flt Lt Conrad Steele-Benny The rugby match during the open day –

Sat 12 June

Once again the C130K fleet was taking families for a flight round Wiltshire – Although it may not look like it, this picture was definitely taken while the aircraft was airborne.

As with all families days, there was something for everyone, even the Team Leaders!!!

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TYPHOON TASK Flt Lt Simon Oliver UKMAMS Team Leader Imagine the scene - you're sitting underneath a table in Baghdad with your Kevlar underpants, helmet and CBA on, and trying to find some redeeming features about the MRE you are trying to eat, when the telephone rings from MAMS Ops, "Sir, I know that you are probably busy at the moment, but how would you and Sgt Nixon like a trip to the Far East when you get back? The route would take you through France, Greece, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Thailand and Singapore - but we understand that after so long away that you probably wouldn't want it … Well, the table went flying and the Chicken Teriyaki

covered Sgt Nixon as I shouted "You're on". A month later, 9 MAMS stood poised to deploy to the Far East. Unfortunately, standing around was all that some of us were to do that day; out of 2 x Mk 4s and 1 x Mk 5, only the Mk 5 would make it to Warton on time. Out of the 2 Mk 4s one needed an engine change and the other managed to limp to Warton 5 hrs late. For some reason this aircraft had to be flared up! With 2 teams on the ground in Blackpool, 3 serviceable Typhoon (honest, they really were) and a load to be put on, we quickly set to work. The Advance (1 x Mk 4) and Sweeper 2 (1 x Mk 5) were loaded, and the team retired to Blackpool city

centre to do some advanced load planning in one of the many pubs. Being a Geordie myself, I thought Newcastle was good for a Friday night out, however nothing prepared us for the onslaught of beautiful women that Blackpool had to offer. Feeling decidedly sorry for ourselves the next morning, the team made it's way back to Warton. With the advance aircraft on it's way to Cyprus, the remaining sweeper made it's way finally to Warton. Pausing only for a quick cigarette, we started to load the final aircraft. Two pallets, 5 ASRAAM boxes and who knows how many Lacons later, we finished the load. We must offer our thanks to the engineering genius who invented the Typhoon towing arm - 20 ft long and 350 kg of solid steel, springs, wheels, etc that cannot be broken down because the nuts that hold it together can only be used once - cheers guys. After a quick taxi ride downtown, the team were once again ready for another social visit to

Blackpool's many attractions. Managing to fight off some of the uglier looking hen parties (they're not made of wood you know), the team survived the night out and once again found themselves at Warton the next morning. However, the Typhoon curse was to strike once again, as the Mk 4 refused to start. With time getting on, the decision was made to send the Typhoons, VC10 and Mk 5 in the hope that the u/s 'J' model would catch us up in Cyprus. After 7 hrs the Mk 5 made a majestic landing at Akrotiri - Phil Mobbs (the captain) liked it so much in fact that he landed a few more times as the Mk 5 proved that it likes to bounce! Bad news was to follow however as one of the Typhoons went fantastically u/s on the way in. With the

engineers scratching their heads and their computer shrugging their shoulders in electronic confusion, it looked as if we weren't going anywhere for a while. The Ajax Hotel was beckoning, as was the Step Inn, and we quickly found ourselves in Limassol's moist and sticky embrace. Sgt Tim "call me Elvis" Reid, ALM to the advance aircraft, proved that he could wiggle his hips with the best of the Cypriot crooners as he belted out the hits, whilst Flt Lt Dan Thomas showed his penchant for women's clothes by walking around in a pair of red stilettos!

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The next day, as the remaining sweeper arrived, the MAMS team quickly swarmed over the aircraft to find the parts that the Typhoon engineers needed. As is always the case, the box was at the bottom of the stack, and even when we found it the part still didn't work. It was only on Wednesday that the trail was able to proceed to Abu Dhabi. On arrival, however, we were to find that transport to the hotel was a problem - namely that we couldn't get any for the first 5 hrs. A further bombshell was dropped on us, namely that we also weren't booked to the hotel. After a quick chat with the RAFLO, an alternative was found and with about 4 hrs to wheels, we managed to get our heads down. Wheels back to the aircraft proved fun, with the team persuading an Al Dhafran security guard to let us borrow his police wagon as we didn't want to walk the remaining 2 miles to the pan. With a bit of technical persuasion, ie the techies hit the Typhoon with a bigger hammer, all aircraft took off and made their way to Colombo. The trail landed at Colombo on time, with a smiling Tony Randerson and Costa to meet us. A one hour journey into town on a road reminiscent of the dodgy end of Swindon, left us slightly the worse for wear, but luckily the MAMS team managed to find an English pub to ease the jet lag. After a quick beer, it was decided that a spot of Toc-Toc racing/jousting would prove to be the quickest way back to the hotel. After several near death experiences, and comments like "Is this guy using The Force, or has he really got his eyes

closed" about the chap's driving skills, we got back to the hotel. The following morning proved to be fun. The Typhoon hydraulic leak problem had got worse, and it was estimated that it could lose 1.5 litres of fluid on the final leg to Singapore. In nonchalant fashion, the engineers explained that if the system failed, the crew would have 2 seconds to eject before the nose canards went vertical and pushed the aircraft up to 20k. It was with a sense of relief that I bedded in for the final leg in the trusty Herc. After 6 hrs we landed at Payar Lebar, only to find that

the 33 hrs off we were meant to have, had been reduced to minimum ground time due to the airfield closure time. After 2.5 hrs offloading, 1 hr to get through Customs, and 30 mins in a taxi we were faced with a dilemma - should we go out for a quiet beer and then to bed, or should we join the crews and have several loud, noisy ones instead? After 2 seconds to decide, 15 mins to get showered and changed, we were all headed downtown. Forgetting all the sweat, hard work and challenges that this, the first major deployment of the Typhoon had brought, this was the trip of a lifetime. The Typhoon showed that even with all the lies promulgated by the newspapers, it is going to be just as much fun to trail as the rest of the aircraft in the RAF's inventory. The MAMS Team and the crew both worked long and 'interesting' hours, even in Sri Lanka where we got to ride elephants (and that's not another name for the local taxis). What can I say except - sign me up for the recovery! None of the photographs with the above article were taken on this task - Mick

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FROM THE 540 By Ian Berry 1969 – 35 YEARS AGO… MAY Exeter – Special. Cpl Bob Turner plus 2. Offload of Territorial Army Anti-Aircraft Unit and freight

from Argosy 4491 from Akrotiri. Fassberg – Exercise Quicksand 8. Sgt Ben Johnson plus 2. Deployment of 23 Sqn (Lightnings)

from Leuchars to Germany. JUNE Patuxtent River – Exercise Spark Plug. FS Roy Millington plus 5. Recovery of Coastal Command

personnel and equipment from USA to Northern Ireland. Bruggen/Treviso – Special. F Off Nigel Sanders plus 5. Deployment of 80 Sqn (Canberra) from

Germany to Italy. JULY Odiham – Exercise Ounce – Sgt Ivan Gervais plus 2. Offload of 2 Wessex helicopters on return

from Civil Aid tasks in Bermuda. Ballykelly – Operation Marginal. Fg Off Brian Shorter plus 3. Airlift of personnel and freight of 72

Sqn (Wessex) to Northern Ireland as aid to the Civil Power. (This was the very beginning of troubles in Northern Ireland).

AUGUST Wittmundhafen – Exercise Heartsease. Flt Lt Roger Wood plus 4. Return of personnel and

equipment from 711 Sqn GAF (Starfighters) and recovery of 111 Sqn (Lightnings) from Germany to Binbrook.

1974 – 30 YEARS AGO… MAY On May 3rd the AOC Air Marshal N Cameron carried out his inspection of RAF Lyneham. UKMAMS provided a parade of 35 men, commanded by Sqn Ldr John Meyrick, which the AOC inspected and took the salute as the parade marched past. Afterwards, Wg Cdr John Lambert, OC UKMAMS escorted the AOC on an inspection of UKMAMS. Blantyre – Exercise Occulsion. Flt Lt ‘Jock’ McKay, Sgt Syd Avery, Cpl George Lynes, SAC Jack

Gordon plus 2. Deployment of Royal Engineer Field Sqn to Malawi. Zurich – Special. Fg Off Brian Hunt, Sgt Ian Berry plus 4. Recovery of Bae Rapier Sales

equipment from Switzerland to Filton.

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JUNE Lima – Special. Fg Off Don Hunter, Cpl George Lynes plus 4. Deployment of TCW and 51 Sqn

(Nimrod R1) personnel and equipment to Peru to monitor the French Atomic weapon trials in the South Pacific.

St Athan – Special. Fg Off Don Fell, FS Terry Alfonso, Sgt Syd Avery, SAC Ian Bell plus 1.

Repositioning of Sopwith Camel at Wittering for a Royal visit. JULY The new UKMAMS squadron really proved it’s worth during the Cyprus airlift (Operation Ablaut). In all 7 MAMS teams were sent to Akrotiri under the watchful eye of Flt Lt Gerry Keyworth (no pun intended – he only had one eye! Ed) , whilst at Lyneham the shift system was changed to provide two shifts on duty during each 12 hour period to cope with the extra workload. Each of the Hercules arriving at Lyneham carried up to 82 evacuees consisting mainly of women and children. Our youngest passenger was only 5 days old. By the end of that week 5,255 evacuees had passed through the Arrival lounge at Lyneham. The two NEAF MAMS teams in Akrotiri were positioned at Kingsfield to handle the 70 Sqn Hercules. Several types of aircraft were handled at Akrotiri by the MAMS teams including 4 Swiss DC6, a Canadian 707 and several USAF C130. The workload in Cyprus was further aggravated by the fact that much of the freight out of Kingsfield had to be double handled. AUGUST Honiara – Exercise Duchy. Fg Off Pete Arnold plus 2. Positioning of passengers and freight of

UKLF in the Solomon Islands from Townsville in Australia. West Raynham – Special. FS Merv Corke and Bert Wilford. Transfer of Bloodhound missiles from

UK to Germany. 1979 – 25 YEARS AGO… MAY Namao – Exercise Pond Jump West. FG Off Eric Howlett plus 2. Positioning of 1Bn Light Infantry

in Canada. Eggeback – Exercise Bright Horizon. Flt Lt Ron Turley, Sgt Bob Turner, Cpl Hugh Curran plus 3.

Recovery of 12 Sqn (Bucaneers) from Germany to Honington. JUNE Ankara – Special. FS Chas Cormack plus 2. Re-supply of British Embassy in Ankara. Miramar – Special. Flt Lt Dick Leonard plus 2. Delivery of RN Support Helicopter trials equipment

to Miramar NAS and carry out an airframe change at Gander.

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JULY Honington – Exercise Highwood. Fg Off Alan Brown plus 2. Deployment of 12 Sqn (Bucaneers)

to Lossiemouth. Lusaka – Special. FS Charlie Grant. To support Royal visit to Lusaka and uplift a Harvard aircraft

at Alverca (Portugal) for onmove to RNAS Yeovilton as a museum exhibit in the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

AUGUST Barbados – Special. Sgt Brian Connellan plus 2. Airlift of hurricane relief supplies between

Bermuda and Dominica. Oerland – Exercise Ocean Safari. Flt Lt Alan Ovens, FS Stu Everitt, Sgt John McClymont, SAC Kit

Kitson plus 2. Deployment of 360 Sqn (Canberra) from UK to Norway.

Harvard being loaded to a Herc (See Lusaka July 1979) Although this is not the actual Harvard as this photo was taken in Decimomannu.

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Letters, E-Mails and Notices The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS Association, PO Box 1126, Swindon, Wilts,

SN5 7WB. E-mail: ukmamseditor@hotmail.com

Another impressive postbag………..Most of it delivered electronically.

Dear Mick It was with sadness that I learnt about the death of Les recently. I served with Les in 1974/5 as the picture on page 16 of the last Team Brief shows working in the Passenger Section at Brize Norton. Les was always very helpful ever willing to give advise and guidance to the youngsters (and the odd bollocking when required) and as can be seen by the photo he did have a very young team (excepting Mo who was always old!). For our members info the missing names are. Back row Ian -Jobber- Johnston- Al Trousedale Front row -Yours Truly (obviously not recognisable being slim and with hair and Babs Oldham whose husband, Derek, was at the time a Britannia pilot and later on Hercs. I, like quite a few of us met up with Les again at last years Top Table at Lyneham and it was wonderful to see him again, especially looking so well. He commented to me at the time that he looked forward to the next gathering. The next "do" will be tinged with sadness that he is not there. Best wishes to all Steve Perry

Dear Ed, Thanks for the latest, it was sitting in my hallway when I returned from my latest foray. This one was short, only 4 days with the An225 to SAW and then PMI where I abandoned it to another of our Flight Managers. The aeroplane went on to Las Vegas but my holidays and family life are now much more important to me. Referring to the "From the 540", The January Ballykelly trip with John Evans was the very first task I undertook with UKMAMS. If memory serves, (sometimes Senior Moments happen) we arrived there on an Argosy, and we parked with the left dangly bit with the wheels on it standing in a drain grating, so that the ramp strut could not be fitted. We had to rock the aeroplane backwards and forwards until it rolled out of the dip before the strut could be fitted. The other memory of that task was the Drop In Well, a local hostelry which later had structural modifications carried out by the IRA. 10pm, and if you were not out, you were locked in! A very pleasant tradition. I think Ian Berry letter "From the Heart......" is a very good, and true piece of writing. Ian, you achieved good things for the Squadron, and the Association. Let's hope that after reading it those who have followed you take it to heart. BRgds to all, Syd Avery

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The next instalment from Rip Kirby - Where does he get the energy?

Alpine Adventures - Newsletter 2

Greetings one and all, and welcome to the 2nd periodic update from the mountains. Apols for the delay but we only have internet access in the local cyber cafe, so newsletters have to be drafted online in our limited freetime. Well well well (3 holes in the ground), here we are: over half way thru the season already. We just can't believe how fast time is flying. We are really into the routine now - in fact: taking everything in our strides. Whereas, in the early days everything seemed to take forever and we were often doing 12-14 hour days full on: now we normally have time to pause for breath now and again. It's strange how we still doing the same meals and housework, and same amount of driving and guiding: but now it all seems so much easier. Getting lots of skiing time in though - potentially we can strap on the planks 5 days out of seven if we wish. Only non ski days are transfer day - everyone too busy obviously, and Chris' duty driver day. He even managed to ski & from work the other day (how cool is that ?) as he was only needed for guiding duties and went straight to the meeting point. We are having a mid season 'killer' game amongst the staff just now - bit like cluedo. Everyone draws a victim, plus location and implement, out of a hat and tries to zap them. There's some outlandish things happening - eg. skulduggery in a cable car using a kettle (also some sad people carrying their murder weapons around everywhere in anticipation). That's not to say we don't have the occasional rough day(s) still. For example it's school half term week and the resort is full of the little darlings. The usual challenges here are little Tarquin who want's his chips amphibious landing craft shape and Penelope who got her skiis & boots mixed up with the girl's from the chalet next door. Then we have Leo in the chalet this week who only eats chocolate mousse and fromage frais for dessert and 'can we feed the "children" (14 & 11) at 7.00pm so that the adults can have their dinner in peace at 8.00pm' - they were even going to get a babysitter in for them on our night off so they did not have to take them out to dinner with them - I ask you!!!! However they have relented and will take them for a pizza to the restaurant across the road. As you can imagine we have encountered a wealth of funny or interesting situations during the season so far (we could write a book). So we thought that you might like to share in the mirth, here are some:

Meribel Mountain Mishaps.

1. How about the guests who requested some extra duvets or blankets. Their chalet wasn't known as a particularly cold one so (being a little puzzled) we suggested they turn up the radiators. They then said: 'Oh, we don't use them as we are not keen on central heating so we have turned them all off and have also opened the windows'. Go figure !

2. Then there was one of our chalet hosts who had his snowboard stolen from outside a slopeside bar. Not two days later he was stood in a lift queue next to a local....who was carrying his snowboard. After a few firm words - the item was returned to it's rightful owner.

3. Another guest was in a bit of a rush to catch her transport to the slopes one morning, after indulging in a bit too much apres ski. But, once there, when she was about to click into her ski bindings it was pointed out the she was still wearing training shoes. A true story - honestly.

4. One of our more scatty driver/guides emptied the ashes from his chalet fireplace one morning, putting them in a cardboard box, on a pile of logs, in a wooden garage. Of course, there were still some glowing embers in the ashes: result was lots of smoke, a

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(very) singed garage wall and a discharged fire extinguisher. He has now been fitted with a smoke alarm and answers to the name of BBQ Bob.

5. Another chalet host was cutting pastry for scones using a wine glass. Being roughty toughty ex RAF (not Chris) he managed to break the glass, badly cutting his finger. On the way to the first aid box for a plaster he then promptly fainted and fell down a flight of stairs, sustaining a bruised coccyx and hurt pride.

6. On exiting a crowded cable car Chris found his skiis missing but a pair of very short ones left. Spotting his planks being carried off in the distance he gave chase. The (lady) culprit was apprehended wondering why she couldn't get into her bindings - admittedly the skiis were both the same type/colour but Chris is 6'6" and she was about 5'3".

Quotes of the week(s) from Chalet Jacques

Week 1 - (guests never travelled with Snowline).

Day 1 - Michelle - Mum - I can't believe the service you are offering - tea in bed, warm boots in the morning - this holiday is amazing.

Day 3 - Michelle - "Myrah, I noticed that my boots were not as warm this morning - do you think you could get Chris to have a look at the boot warmer" - did not take long to get used to life's little luxuries!!

Week 2 - Danish guests travelling with two infants.

8.00am - "Myrah - do you think you could turn the radio off - it is disturbing little Victor" - Myrah - The weather forecast will be on in three minutes if you would like to hear it"

"I can see what the weather is like, I only have to look out of the window"

8.10am - second guest appears for breakfast - brother of first "Myrah I don't suppose you caught the weather forecast did you!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Two quotes from this week

"Myrah I have run out of socks for little Victor - 15 weeks old - do you think I could put on a small load of washing"

TWO FULL LOADS OF WASHING APPEAR!!!! Little Victor has now grown into a 6ft male wearing adult size ski clothes - Oh and by the way we are off to M'gevre for the day - see you at 7.00pm for dinner!!!

Week 3 - Our (1st) Russian Week - Almost too many quotes to mention but "just put 4 eggs in a pan and boil them" springs to mind, as does "oh we are not going to use your cooker" - as I spotted them dicing up great lumps of meat on our day off - "we have bought a hot rock!!!! (electric hotplate affair for cooking your own meat at the table)"

Week 4 - we had no guests so although was kept busy in other chalets no quotes this week

Week 5 - Brits again - the parents and family of the overseas property director so great fun - no real quotes from this week but as everyone had to assume a character from only fools

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and horses for the duration of the evening meal on Tuesday there was much merriment "Marleeeeene"

Week 6 - First mixed party - two couples travelling together and another joining them. day 2 - "oh, I might have forgotten to mention it but I don't eat onions - or any other vegetable really, I have studied the menu, in depth on the website and these are the dishes I will eat.........."

Week 7 - 8 Dutch ladies - great fun - despite the fact that they kept us awake with their Karaoke!!!

"Myrah, I notice that you cook with a lot of onions and some of us are feeling a bit unwell, could you perhaps cut down on the amount of onions you are using in dishes" - oh that will have nothing to do with the 10 empty wine bottles I put out this morning then!!!!"

Week 8 - Two British families who have travelled with Snowline VIP for the past 5 years but always stayed in Val D'Isere.

" Well we should get in trades description people as I am sure the brochure indicates the TV room is enclosed (it's actually on an open mezzanine) - we only booked this chalet so we could shut the children away and not have to listen to them while we are having our dinner"

"Leo only eats fromage frais and mousse for dessert" appears on dietary requirements manifest so I buy Fromagre Frais only to be told half way through the week. "when I said Fromage Frais, I did not really mean Fromage Frais, but the stuff that comes with a compote of fruit - usually meant for 2 yr olds but Darling Leo has never grown out of it" he is now 11"

Well, hope that little lot made you smile.

With the end of the season, if not actually looming large, at least getting closer - our thoughts are turning to our return to UK. It's pretty certain now that we will be based in Inverness for the summer. Myrah has been doing some networking with old friends from the hotel trade there and has landed a cheap n cheerful summer job. Chris is undecided yet whether to apply to stack baggage at the local airport or do some milk float driving. Instead of going thru the rigmarole of house renting for 6 months we are negotiating hire of a six berth residential caravan for the summer - we could have our own website: www.summerbumsforwardslashtrailertrash.com ! or what ?! Will keep ya informed of developments.

Guess that's it for now. Best regards to you and yours. Speak to yers again soon.

Ciao from Chris n Myrah.

PS. The Russians are coming (again !) but that's another story for the next newsletter.

PPS. Irn Bru stocks holding up well, as have discovered a local source.

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Rip is now back home and has sent this in…………… Hi Mick, Hope I got the address right. Just a wee note to say hi and thanks for the Team Brief - keep 'em coming. Glad you liked our Alpine Articles and felt they were ok to use in the Brief. They were not massively trade topical perhaps, but hope people enjoy them (makes a change from always hearing about loading Dakotas in El Adem I suppose). Are you settling into your new job ok - RAF Movers at Marchwood eh ? whatever next !. Hope our Army colleagues are not giving you too much grief. Am finding it very interesting finding out all the new trade developments. Where we are based now I see the occasional Nimrod going into Kinloss and have a little nostalgic sigh, but don't miss it all enough to want to come back to it. Doubtful I can make it down for the big bash on 12 June, work commitments may well preclude this so hope it all goes well. But will try and get down for other meet n greets, and should be ok for the Top Table in Nov. I have treated myself to a months break between the ski bum job and now. Am actively looking for work (something cheap n cheerful for the summer as will probably be going skiing again next year). Servisair are recruiting ramp agents and check in staff at Inverness airport - might just be able to waffle my way into that job ha ha. Guess thats it for now. Regards to all. Rip.

Another letter from Dave Cromb……With a couple of pictures. G'day Mick,

Good mag mate well done. Good to read Dinger Bell has surfaced again, I've had numerous mails returned from his address. So you're off to play with your tugs in the tub are you. Good luck, whole new world when dealing with ships/boats, be warned though ships do need to be trimmed, to some extent. Dave Barton is far better qualified than me to offer guidance/advise, if you wanted any that is. Ro-ro vessels are quick & easy to load/unload but can be effected by adverse weather conditions. In my line of business, freight forwarding I load containers on vessels on what we call coastal trade, it's less expensive than other modes of

transport, road & rail, but it takes longer, nearly twice as long if you are discussing the Brisbane to Perth corridor. Anyway mate meet the challenge, hopefully attached are a couple of pics of my ops at Appleton dock, which is in Melbourne. I notice the position of deputy editor is vacant, anyone going to put their hand up?. Cheers for now Mick, DC.

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Some interesting stuff here from Kev Skinner…………who, by his own admission, is technologically challenged, and still managed to get a letter to us electronically from deepest Iraq!! Dear Mick, I have recently received my Spring 2004 Edition of Team Brief whilst employed on a four month out of area detachment working in the Force Movement Control Centre of the HQ (UK) National Support Element (NSE), in Iraq. The HQ (UK) NSE is located at Shaibah Logistics Base (SLB), which some readers may remember as RAF Shaibah. The FMCC is currently staffed by 1 x Supply Officer, with Movements Annotation!, 2 RAF Movs Sergeants and 3 RAF Movs Corporals, 1 of whom is detached to our booking office in Baghdad. The FMCC Surface Movements specialists and ATLO elements at the airheads are currently being provided by 59 MC Sqn from 29 Regiment at South Cerney. I am only a month into my tour and will endeavour to write a complete article on my time here nearer the end of my tour. The real reason why I am writing to you is to express the disappointment I felt after reading an article in Issue 49 of Team Brief. The article in question was scripted by Ian Berry and titled ‘From the Heart’. I believe Mr Berry is wholly entitled to vent his frustrations and feelings of the current breed of movers in the magazine but I feel that on this occasion he is a little off the mark with regards to people’s attitudes and his solutions to the problems. At this stage, I would like to point out that I have the utmost respect for Mr Berry and all that he has done, and will hopefully continue to do, for the Association. I would like to ask why the Team Brief magazine is produced. I believe it is to keep members informed of what is happening in UKMAMS, including current issues, future events, and a nostalgic review of past events in the form of the ‘Where are they now’ and the F540 details, as well as being a medium for all generations of Movers to recount their stories and experiences from days gone by in the form of letters and articles to the editor. Mr Berry mentions that less than half of the current officers and not many other ranks are members of the Association. In my opinion this is down to the methods used to recruit new members rather than people not being interested. I have recently arrived back on the Squadron after 3 years away and at no point during my Squadron arrival procedures or the first week of the mobile course was the UKMAMS Association mentioned. When personnel arrive on the Squadron they are given numerous forms to complete and sections within the squadron to visit; for those going onto Mobile duties they also attend a four week mobile course. May I suggest that at some point during these procedures personnel are made aware of the Association’s functions and given an application form. As for Articles for the magazine, I believe that this has indeed fallen by the wayside, but firstly let us not forget that post-September 2001, the Squadron has probably been as busy as at any other time in its history. Mr Berry states that the request for articles from the Squadron is falling on deaf ears. What happened to the ‘Life on UKMAMS’ summary that appeared in each edition? Who was responsible for that and why has this input dried up? Instead of berating current squadron personnel and those holding ex-officio posts in print, Mr Berry and the production team could enquire and establish why these articles have fallen by the wayside then attempt to rectify the problem. I do not agree that there are ‘apathetic masses’ on the squadron who are not prepared to organise things anymore. You just have to look at the success of the last Annual Hangar bash to see that there are still other people than the three mentioned who are willing to organise events. By the time the next edition goes to print a lot of people will probably have attended a very successful 30th Anniversary celebration weekend, unless of course you are detached to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or Ascension Island, or indeed away on the other tasking because of the normal busy schedule to which UKMAMS works to,. So Mr Berry should really not tar the masses with the same brush as I’m sure that these celebrations are being organised by some volunteers. I believe that the overriding issue is that people’s interests have changed. The RAF is not the big happy family it once was, and the camaraderie of the likes we read about in the articles from the

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past is not there anymore. To discipline people for not writing articles or failing to organise a successful event is archaic and not how the modern RAF operates. This kind of attitude will only serve to drive volunteers away and discourage others from volunteering in the future. For the record I come from an RAF family and grew up in a service environment so I understand what the ‘Good old days’ were like. I have my father telling me about Aden, Gan, Changi, Nairobi, Cyprus on many an occasion over a beer. The fact of the matter is, people’s perception of the magazine is that it is for the ‘Old boys’. I don’t have a problem with this as I personally enjoy reading the stories from the past and am fortunate enough [or old enough!] to know a few of the personalities often mentioned. Lets be honest, how many of the older generation really believe that the current breed of Movers below the age of 35 would find standing around in the Swindon RAFA Club with the rear guard an appealing night out? The answer is not many. I think people just have to except that times have changed, and in time the current Sgt’s, Flt Sgts will be the one’s who are becoming frustrated with the ‘masses’. But please lets not get to personal and lets encourage rather not discourage. After all if this enjoyable magazine and the Association as a whole is going to survive it is the current breed that will be needed to carry the mantle forward in the future. Lets not put them off becoming interested before their time arrives. Keep up the good work and keep plugging away, who knows one day you may get loads of volunteers and lot of articles!

Kev Skinner Kilo Team 96 – 00 Alpha Team 03 -

Although I have replied to Kev personally I will just clarify a few points. 1. I was responsible for the "Life on UKMAMS" article, and the majority of any other articles pertaining to current events on UKMAMS. No longer an editor but a writer and compiler. When I was posted to Marchwood, the article could no longer reflect my personal tasking and experiences. I was no longer involved with UKMAMS other than through the association.(And the odd C17 task!!) I will add at this point that I am at present receiving excellent support from MAMS Ops and, as you will have seen, "Life on UKMAMS" has re-appeared, along with other current happenings. 2. The UKMAMS association is now a trade wide association. Open to all movers whether they have serve on UKMAMS or not. 3. On more than one occasion I have tried to drop hints to other units, through this magazine, as we all know non members read it, in an attempt to get other movers (and supply officers!) involved and let us know what is happening where they are. Perhaps its time to stop being subtle…..if you are on an MSF, in an HQ or serving oversea's somewhere, let me know what you are up to…..you must be able to find time to e-mail me some photo's with a caption. 4. Times have changed…..along with peoples interests, as Kev clearly points out. But I also believe we are busier now than we have been for many years, and although global commitments have increased over the last couple of years, it certainly does not feel like manpower levels have increased in line with the workload. This is leaving people less and less time to carry out secondary duties……even if they are in the UK long enough to take them on. 5. Finally…..Look forward to your article at the end of your tour, and, are you volunteering for the deputy editors position? Mick

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A quick word below from Steve Maunder Hi Mick, Thanks for all your hard work putting the "brief" together. It is much appreciated and makes good reading. Thought I would give you an update on me.... I'm now living in sunny Torquay, Devon with my partner Helen and her daughter Katie, two cats and two rabbits. I'm working as Operations Manager for Initial Citylink Couriers in Exeter. I'm also the OC of 13 (City of Exeter) Sqn A.T.C. and this year our annual camp is .......Brize!!! Huzzaa So I'll be slumming it in the Officer's Mess during the first week of August If any one is around of an evening they'll find us more than likely in the Bowling Alley bar, so call in for a beer. Keep up the good work and best wishes to all movers, where ever you might be. Steve Maunder Kilo Team 81 - 84

Hi Editor I am Babs Sugg, Widow of Gwyn Sugg (Taff Sugg) to all that remember him…………. Reference " Issue Number 48" and the early controllers photo you published, I agree with David Howley " Issue 49" and think it was 1972 Gwyn (Taff) was posted to the "Movements School" Abingdon in 72, could it be there the photo was taken ?? We were at Abingdon only a short then posted to Brize Norton in 73 then Lyneham August 74..UKMAMS. It was good to see the "old " photos of the Movers I also have a few copies but I think you have published most of what I have. If you have any more with Gwyn (Taff) on I wouldn't mind a copy. Howie Bumford kindly gave me a few copies of "Team Brief" it was good to read them and see where and what a few familier names are up to. I am still living in Bampton and have no plans to move just yet. It is 6 years in August since I lost Gwyn it has been a lonely time but hey life goes on and I still have my memories of the good life in the Royal Air Force.. 34years to be precise and 41 years married to Gywn.. Well I enjoyed trying to send you a few lines, Regards to all who remember Taff Sugg.. Sincerely Babs Sugg Anyone wishing to contact Babs can do so at the address or phone number below. 10 Ampney Orchard Bampton Oxon OX18.2AD. Tel. 01993 851190 Both you and David are correct about the photo in issue 48. It was in fact No. 1 Movements Controller course, run from 20 March to 21 April 1972. In amongst them was a Cpl Howley and Sgt Sugg…………Mick

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Hi I enjoyed the recent families day at Lyneham and the AGM of the association even though I was unable to attend the dinner/dance in the evening. Before I left in the late afternoon I was talking to the OC regarding the start of MAMS and I suppose I must be about the only person in contact who was there when it all started and I don't mean the squadron! The CO was very interested in the start so perhaps you could pass these details on to him. It was formed as part of TCAMDU which itself was formed at Abingdon in June 1958 by S/Ldr Taylor AFC. MAMS was formed within this lodger Unit in Oct 1958 with F/Lt Clarke & F/O W.Tanner.The rest of us including myself were posted in in Jan 1959. There were 4 Sgts,3 Cpls, 4 airmen and 1 Officer. A further 2 Sgts were posted in in April 1959. All the details are in AIR 29/3059 at the National Archives (the TCAMDU F540) It is fairly comprehensive but quite a few postings etc are omitted plus other details that I can remember. This reference covers the period June 1958 to Dec 1960. AIR 29/3447 covers the period May 1961 to May 1965. I have not looked at this yet but theres 18 months missing. Physically the unit occupied 2 rooms at the rear of the Station Cinema which was very overcrowded as all the above plus a F/Sgt and his desk,Typist and desk, draughtsman and draughting board etc were all jammed in one of the rooms!!! About April time in 1959 we moved to the offices down the airfield side of E Hangar opposite the Paras ground training Hangar. It was fairly convenient for the Sally Ann which did much better rolls and tea than did the NAAFI !! If this is any good for team brief then feel free to pad it out or otherwise mess it about!! Best wishes Dave Austin Leicestershire

The final word from Rip Kirby Well well well (3 holes in the ground !). Greetings again one & all, and welcome to the latest periodic ramblings from Macpherson/Kirby Enterprises Plc. So what’s been happening in this part of the sunny (not !) Highlands recently ?

We are well used to the static caravan lifestyle now….just the job for a summer residence. It’s on a lovely picturesque site, just a couple of miles out of town & only 300 yards to Myrah’s work. We got it for a reasonable rent with no extras such as council tax, electric, gas or TV licence. It’s a bit snug headroom wise for Rip (he has the scars to prove it) but no major problems. He’s got a wee greenhouse out back & is growing some produce, and Myrah has brightened the outside up with various planters of flowers. Mind you, we wouldn’t want to be here all year round (except perhaps in a proper park home) so are planning to go touring and visit relatives & friends come late autumn.

Big news for both of us is that, after much consideration, we have decided to migrate south to the French Alps again for the winter. Same employer (Snowline/VIP), & same resort (Meribel) as last season but a different chalet (with hot tub this time) for Myrah (as returning staff she got to pick which one to work in next). Slight change of role for Rip too, some ski guiding again but more customer relations (yuk – being nice to guests) & less driving. Some other folks from last year are also going back so we should see some familiar friendly faces. More news on this subject in due course.

Rip finally joined the ranks of the employed again and is working as a ramp agent (posh name for traffic monkey & baggage handler) at Inverness airport. Guess he’s just a closet plane spotter really. It’s a part time position so he has also been DIYing and gardening for local friends and family, as well as more important stuff like regional real ale & malt whisky quality control. Myrah continues to play a leading role in the (very) nearby country house hotel, doing everything from receptionist, bar person, office paperwork, waitressing and housekeeping etc. Not unlike running a ski chalet perhaps. A very varied job which has the advantage of an occasional night in the penthouse suite if on ‘sleep in’ duties.

Summer weather here has been pretty abysmal, so far. More rain than shine – hope things improve soon. We are pretty brown but it’s rust not tans. But have managed the odd BBQ from time to time. Have

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been doing some sightseeing around too: drove up to the Orkney Islands for a long weekend, and also did support party for Myrah’s sister who ran (yes, ran !) the West Highland Way (all 95 miles of it over 2 days) from north Glasgow to Fort William. Trying to put together a bit of a Highland Gathering for later in the year: will let y’all know the details if we ever manage to get it sorted.

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No. 8 Movements Operators Course

20 June to 14 November 1973 Back Row Standing: AC's Anthony, Donald, Palfrey, Carter, Newman, Suleman, Spearer, Mohindra. Middle Row Standing: AC's Wetherall, Leport, Sylvester, McVeigh, Brown, Hadley, Forster, Challis. Front Row Seated: Sgt Hartill (DS), Sgt Husband (DS), Sgt Harris (DS), Sqn Ldr Harries (OC) Flt Lt Cox (DS), Sgt Potts (DS), Sgt Cormack (DS).