ISSUE 22 Spring 2018

YOUR RAFBF NEWSLETTER

Standing side by side with the RAF Family for 100 years

RAF100 challenge 100 marathons in

tribute to 100 years

Exclusive Interview With the Queen’s Colour Squadron

INSIDE: Thank you for

supporting 54,600 RAF Family members

COMMEMORATIVE RAF CENTENARY EDITION

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF COURAGESee what happened when our youngest supporter met one of our oldest veterans

said. “We’re just really proud of him.”When Stan heard about Henry’s donation, he was moved too, and he invited Henry and his family to his home. Henry was thrilled to be able to meet a real World War II veteran. You can imagine Henry, wide-eyed, as Stan told him all about his experiences as an RAF airframe fitter, and his adventures in the war.

Now 97, Stan recently found himself struggling to pay the maintenance charges on his flat. Family sticks together, especially in tough times like this, so we stepped in to help. We also helped Stan to access additional benefits, including a £3,000 increase in his annual income, and more than £4,900 in backdated payments.

Help from kind supporters like you and little Henry has given Stan the greatest gift he could wish for… the chance to spend his last years in his own home.

Stan said it was a pleasure to meet the charming and intelligent young Henry, our youngest supporter. “I was deeply moved to hear about Henry’s donation after seeing me on the TV, so to be able to thank him personally is simply wonderful!”

These pages are filled with members of the RAF Family who have dedicated themselves to the service of our country. In the RAF’s centenary year, it is my honour to introduce their stories in this special double-sized issue.

I am immensely proud and humbled to lead the RAF’s leading welfare

It all began when young Henry was watching TV with his parents. The latest RAF Benevolent Fund advert, featuring Stan, came on, and Henry was so moved, he asked if he could do

something to help. He decided to make a donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund as part of his sixth birthday present. “We really think it’s special that he wanted to do this,” his mum, Elizabeth,

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF RAF FAMILY

When Henry Conway turned 6, he got a birthday present he will always remember – the chance to meet Battle of Britain veteran and RAF Benevolent Fund friend, Stan Harthill.

“ I’d like to be a hero like Stan when I’m older.” Henry Conway, Age 6

Founded in 1919, a year after the RAF, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been looking after our own for almost a century. To help RAF family members like Stan, please complete and return

the enclosed donation form or call 020 7580 8343.

16–20 MayNational Aircraft Tour at Cardiff

City Hall Gardens

10 JuneRAF Cosford Air Show

6–9 JulyNational Aircraft Tour at Horse

Guards Parade, London

10 JulyRAF100 Parade and Flypast at

The Mall, London

13–15 JulyRoyal International Air Tattoo at

RAF Fairford

4–5 AugustNational Aircraft Tour at

Newcastle in Northern Ireland

25–27 AugustNational Aircraft Tour at Victoria

Square, Birmingham

1–2 SeptemberNational Aircraft Tour at Glasgow

Science Centre

15–16 SeptemberNational Aircraft Tour at

Cathedral Gardens, Manchester

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Come along and salute the RAF

centenary at events across the UK from April

to September 2018.

Find out what’s on in your local area at

raf.mod.uk/raf100/whats-on

In this issue, we celebrate our role in 100 years of the Royal Air Force – and your role in supporting the RAF Family.

charity, and I hope that as you read these stories, you will feel proud to be an important member of the team too. Quite simply, your generous gifts bring hope and help to so many servicemen and women. Thank you for caring, and thank you for being there.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE

100 YEARS OF THE RAF, 100 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN

When Alice Thompson joined the RAF in 1942, aged 20, she thought she would have to put her professional dancing career on hold. She soon realised, however, that her skills offered a unique opportunity.

Stationed in Abingdon, Oxford and Innsworth, Alice made flaps and rudders for Lancaster bombers. She loved the

Over her 20-year career, Michelle Partington made an impressive contribution to the RAF – culminating in three tours in Afghanistan as a paramedic and Flight Lieutenant. She became part of RAF history, but she insists her achievements were nothing special.

‘I was one of the lads and that gave me the realisation that I was capable of anything,” Michelle says. “I proved the doubters wrong. The lads on the ground did not treat me any differently.”

Last year, the RAF became the first

camaraderie of her job, but there was one aspect that was particularly distressing.

“When mum saw the airmen coming back from bombing runs,” her daughter Sheila explains, “she said they looked absolutely shattered, nervous and shaking.”

So Alice went to her Commanding Officer and asked if she could dance for the airmen to help raise their

Your kindness is providing essential care for Alice Thompson (95), whose incredible career spanned aircraft-building to entertaining our troops.

When Michelle Partington became the first female medic to serve on the frontline with the RAF Regiment, she joined a long line of RAF trailblazers.

Thank you so much for the vital role you play in supporting our RAF Family

spirits. This was a performance Alice was highly qualified for, having been part of the chorus line at the famous Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. At first, her Commanding Officer was reluctant because he thought it would interfere with her official duties, but Alice reassured him that she would perform her job during the day and dance in the evening.

“He was quite taken aback by that,” Sheila says, “because the days were already long and tiring.”

Alice’s Commanding Officer gave her a weekend pass to return home and collect her costumes, which her mother had made. One of Alice’s colleagues also offered to play the piano for musical accompaniment. The show was ready to begin!

“Mum absolutely loved performing, and it was even more special because she was helping the servicemen. They clapped and cheered and whistled!” Sheila, Alice’s daughter

Alice served with the RAF for three unforgettable years, and until recently her indomitable energy continued.

“At 94, she was still going to Keep Fit and Line Dancing. She did her garden by herself and it looked lovely all year round.”

Last year, however, Alice had a stroke, and suddenly life changed. Now, she can only move her head and her right arm. Alice needs round-the-clock care, but the care home fees are very expensive. Desperate for help, her family called the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Alice gave so much during the war, and your generous gifts mean that she is now in the comfortable and caring environment she deserves. One of Alice’s greatest pleasures at her new home is watching birds visit the feeder outside her window.

Sheila says: “We are eternally grateful. Without the help of the RAF Benevolent Fund, I don’t know where we would be right now. Thank you.”

By donating today, you could help provide essential care and support for an elderly member

of our RAF Family in their twilight years.

£

WELCOME TO YOUR SPECIAL RAF CENTENARY EDITION OF ONE HEART.

THEN AND NOWA MESSAGE FROM OUR CONTROLLER

military service to open up all roles to women – a move Michelle fully supports. “If you are capable of doing the job, it should not matter what gender you are.”

Sadly, life on the frontline took its toll and began to affect Michelle deeply. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) led to debilitating panic attacks and Michelle’s eventual medical discharge from the RAF.

The RAF Benevolent Fund helped Michelle with the cost of a two-year counselling course to set up her own

Foundation for veterans suffering with mental illness. It is wonderful that, through your support, Michelle is now able to help many more veterans.

FROM THE SKIES TO THE STAGE

A BIRTHDAY PRESENT HE’LL NEVER FORGET…

RAF CENTENARY CHAMPIONSEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Corporal Jon Ward decided to pay tribute to the RAF centenary by completing an extraordinary fundraising challenge.

For most people, running a marathon is an enormous test of determination and endurance. For Jon, a Logistics Mover at RAF Lossiemouth, it was just the starting line.

Jon completed his first ever marathon in London back in 2007. He had always wanted to do one, and thought that once it was over he could tick it off his bucket list and move on. But the running bug had caught him, and in 2015 he set his sights much higher. So far, Jon has completed marathons in

17 countries around the world, including Greece, America, and the Caribbean. He even did a marathon in the Falklands while on deployment.

Jon said: “I have been fortunate that I have never needed support from the RAF Benevolent Fund, but being a serving member of the RAF, I see first hand how the charity supports the entire RAF Family, so it seemed like a natural fit for me to raise funds for them.”

We spoke to Senior Aircraftman Bowd about his role in The Queen’s Colour Squadron – from mounting the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace to their “thunderous” drills and the Squadron’s involvement in this year’s RAF centenary celebrations.

Q: Why did you join the RAF?

A: I wanted a stable career and I wanted to challenge myself and have opportunities to travel around the world.

Q: What makes The Queen’s Colour Squadron unique?

A: The Queen’s Colour Squadron is unique because of our Continuity Drill Displays – a drill display which is performed without words of command. We currently hold the world record for the longest drill display of a total of 23 hours and 55 minutes.

Q: What are your duties as a member?

A: As a member of The Queen’s Colour Squadron I am expected to be professional in all my endeavours especially when representing The Queen’s Colour Squadron in ceremonial duties. In particular, I am required to keep my uniform and equipment to this highest of standards and regularly practise and improve my drill.

Q: What kind of special training have you had?

NAAFI break. For the rest of the day we are training in various types of drill and movements for upcoming jobs.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in the Squadron?

A: The Royal Albert Hall was the most prestigious day for me. Performing a 36-man Continuity Drill Display for Her Majesty the Queen.

Q: How does the Squadron honour its former members?

A: Members of the RAF who have served

A: To be a member of The Queen’s Colour Squadron, we are required to complete an intensive course over four weeks. This involves spending hours on the Parade Square and learning to do your uniform to the highest standard.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: Flight parade is the first thing that we do at work. This is where we are inspected on our uniform, from here we carry out warm up drill until

on The Queen’s Colour Squadron are always welcomed back with open arms. The old school members are invited throughout the year to big events.

Q: Do you have a motto that you live by?

A: I don’t have a motto, but I take every day in my stride and I give everything I have for the job.

Q: How is the Squadron marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF?

A: The Squadron has loads of jobs

representing RAF100 this year. We will be performing across the UK and abroad, representing the RAF in Washington, Berlin and also Paris. In the UK we have many different shows throughout the year; one of our biggest events will be the RAF100 Parade this summer.

Are you inspired to take on a fundraising challenge like Corporal Jon Ward? You don’t have to run 100 marathons!

Visit rafbf.org/get-involved/fundraise for ideas.

SEE THE QUEEN’S COLOUR SQUADRON

IN ACTION

RAF100 Centenary Gala at the Royal Albert Hall,

31 March 2018

RAF100 Parade in London, 10 July

Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and

Cenotaph, November

FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY

100 YEARS OF TAKING TO THE SKIES:

Sopwith Camel (1917)This single-seat biplane was the highest scoring fighter aircraft of World War I.

Supermarine Spitfire (1938)The Spitfire’s superior design and specifications gave the RAF a big advantage in the Battle of Britain.

Lancaster Bomber (1942)The pride of Bomber Command, Lancasters ran missions throughout WW2, including the famous Dambusters raid.

Gloster Meteor (1944)The Gloster Meteor became the first operational British jet-powered fighter and served throughout the Cold War.

Tornado (1979)A formidable twin-engine combat aircraft, renowned for its ability to operate at low level and in any weather.

Lightning II (2018) This single-engine supersonic jet has stealth capability and the most advanced computer systems in the air to date.

We take a whistle-stop tour of a century of breathtaking aircraft.

100-MARATHON CHALLENGE

“For me this was a personal challenge that I felt very motivated to complete… what better way to mark 100 years of the RAF than with 100 marathons?” Corporal Jon Ward

Dates shown are the years the aircraft was introduced into RAF service. Crown Copyright. Courtesy of Air Historical Branch (RAF).

Owen and Nan first met on the dance floor at their local town hall in Loughborough, Leicestershire. It was the height of World War II, and Owen having trained as a flying boat pilot in the USA, was completing his conversion training to heavy bombers at RAF Wymeswold. In that moment, they couldn’t have imagined the unique situation that the war would put them in.

Nan joined the RAF soon after, as a radar operator. She became responsible for plotting Owen’s bombing runs, which meant she knew exactly where he was going every time he took off, and the dangers he faced there.

For Steve, joining the RAF had been a long-held ambition – he’d been dreaming of a career as an Air Force engineer since the age of 14. Now, as he approaches his 23rd year in service, his dedication to his duty has been repaid by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

crew were offered two options by flight control – bale out over the sea or return to England and attempt to land! The crew unanimously and courageously voted the latter. Fortunately, it was a happy landing. On their final mission an engine packed up on take off, yet they still continued to the target.”

Nan and Owen married in 1946. They raised four children together and, now that they are in their nineties, they depend on the care of their family.

Recently, Nan and Owen went through a stressful time when the outgoings on the flat they had lived in for 25 years became a real struggle. They loved their home and had so many happy memories

“Mum never likes to talk about those times,” their daughter, Toni, says. “Unlike my Dad who was happy to recount his stories on film and national TV.”

In his RAF career, eventually becoming a Flight Lieutenant, Owen flew 32 missions as a Lancaster bomber pilot and was awarded the DFC. His missions included Dresden, Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg, and he was involved in Operation Manna in Holland and repatriated prisoners of war from Italy. To say he had a few close shaves would be an understatement.

“He got hit by flak and his engines caught fire,” Toni remembers. “One time a large ‘cookie’ bomb was stuck in the bomb bay and couldn’t be jettisoned. He and his

“Life is far from easy for Laura,” Steve explains, “as she suffers from primary progressive multiple sclerosis. This means that each time her condition deteriorates she has to adjust to a new ‘normal’. She now finds walking any long distances difficult and could eventually need a wheelchair permanently.

“We first received support from the RAF Benevolent Fund when Laura had to have three seperate brain surgeries. I was faced with the reality of a big financial bill while I stayed close by to support her. The Fund gave me a grant to cover the costs of my accommodation and travel.

“When Laura and I were forced to buy our next house without stairs, they were on hand to make it as accessible as they

stitched into it. The thought of being forced to move out was unbearable.

“They are very proud people,” Toni says, “and were very reticent to ask for help. The RAF Benevolent Fund is the only kind of help they felt comfortable with.”

Your kind donations helped Nan and Owen through this time of financial worry, and they were able to stay in their home. Thank you for being there for this amazing couple.

Since they met in 1944, Nancy (Nan) and Owen Scott have faced some incredible challenges together. For their latest challenge, however, they needed your help.

Sergeant Steve Lawrence’s wife lives with multiple sclerosis. When her condition worsened you were there to give them both the support they needed.

If you have served in the RAF and need help, please reach out to us at welfareservices@rafbf.org.uk or

on 0800 169 2942. We are here for you.

CARING FOR OUR OWN

SUPPORTING SERVING FAMILIES

could for both of us. The adaptations to the house have given Laura more freedom and independence allowing her to relax.

“Recently, they also allowed me to complete a course of counselling with relationship support charity, Relate. It’s helped me in my role as Laura’s carer so I can best support her and our relationship.

“It sounds like a cliché, but a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund. We would be absolutely lost without the help they have given us.”

WE WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT YOU

Like so many of his generation, George Palmer signed up to fight for his country during the First World War. He was 19 when he joined the Royal Flying Corps’ 27th Squadron, going on to become a 2nd Lieutenant.

George’s flying days came to an abrupt end though on 14 July 1917. During operations near Douai, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, he was captured by the enemy and spent the rest of the war in a series of prison camps: the Karslsruhe Officers’

Camp in Germany, then to Heidelberg, before being moved to the Clausthal Officers’ Camp in Goslar, Niedersachsen, where he was held until his repatriation.

The experience took a heavy toll on George, robbing him of his memory. When he returned home to England, George couldn’t remember where he lived or even who he was. What a frightening experience, but after everything George had gone through, luck was about to favour him.

By chance, someone recognised George from a missing persons article in a Bristol newspaper, and finally he was reunited with his loving family.

Nigel Palmer pays tribute to his remarkable grandfather, 2nd Lieutenant George Palmer (1897–1985).

George did marry Edna, in 1924, and they raised two children together. He was a proud father, then grandfather, then great grandfather. But despite this happy family life, he never fully escaped the war.

Sadly, in 1985, as George’s mind weakened during the last weeks of his

life, he became haunted by the belief that German soldiers were hunting him again.

Nigel says: “I wanted to pay tribute to his life by donating to the RAF Benevolent Fund. I find it really appealing that through my grandfather’s tribute, he is, in a way, helping the RAF Family.”

Nigel Palmer, (top right)

donated to the RAF Benevolent

Fund in memory of his grandfather George

Huguette’s connection with the military began at an early age. At 13, as a French girl who could speak English, she acted as an interpreter for the British Expeditionary Force. Her uncle was part of the French Resistance, and, later in the war, she helped him care for a downed airman, hiding him from the Germans.

In May 1944, Huguette witnessed the ill-fated 101 Squadron raid on the German Wehrmacht training centre at Mailly-le-Camp in France. Bomber Command suffered heavy losses that night, following a communications failure: forty-two Lancasters were shot down, killing 258 airmen.

Years later, Huguette helped to reconnect veterans of the raid,

and relatives of those who lost their lives. In the 1980s, she also helped the 101 Squadron to re-establish its association with the raid, and was a vital part of making it possible for surviving members to visit the memorial. In appreciation for her work, she was awarded an Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group Commendation.

Huguette dedicated so much of her life to supporting the RAF, and through the kind gift she left to the RAF Benevolent Fund in her Will, her passion will live on, helping members of the RAF Family long into the future.

Madame Huguette Rouillard’s lifelong passion and commitment for the RAF will live on, thanks to her kind legacy gift to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

GIFTS IN WILLS

A LEGACY OF KINDNESS54,600Members of the RAF Family you helped support in 2017

£4.1 millionTo support serving personnel and their families

£10 millionOn individual grants to support RAF veterans

£744,000Awarded for mobility aids to help give veterans independence

£476,000Awarded to help top-up veterans’ care home fees

For more information about mentioning the RAF Benevolent Fund in your Will, please call Matt Smith

on 020 7307 3444 or email legacy@rafbf.org.uk

YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT IN NUMBERS

Celebrate a loved one’s life with your own tributeRemember someone special with a tribute fund, where you can write about a loved one’s life, share stories and make

donations in their memory: rafbf.org/memories

MY UNSUNG HERO

REMEMBERING A BRAVE AIRMAN

HELPING MR AND MRS SCOTT STAY TOGETHER IN THE HOME THEY LOVE

“It was a huge relief. It was life-changing. Miraculous!” Toni – Owen and Nan’s daughter

“But that wasn’t the end. Once the RAF Benevolent Fund know that you need support, they are there to step in, whenever you need them.” Sergeant Steve Lawrence

This emotional homecoming must have been so strange for George, who did not recognise his parents or his sister, nor the young woman who told him, “I am Edna, remember you asked me to marry you?”

A team of 20 RAF personnel from 612 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Leuchars completed a 165ft abseil from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and raised over £5,000

RAF Wittering supported our Great British Sunday Lunch event last year by cooking a delicious lunch for personnel

Our charity mascot, Ben Elephant, took part in RAF Shawbury’s Centenary Races Day to commemorate 100 years since the first military flight from the site

Being scared of heights and flying didn’t get in the way of Ceri Lister’s skydive in memory of her father, who served for 12 years in the RAF, and raised a fantastic £600

Students James and Amul conquered the 10 mile Great South Run course and smashed their fundraising goal, raising £800 for the Fund

The RAF Cosford Cycle Challenge saw 17 RAF personnel compete against one another to cycle the 2017 Le Tour de France route – a whopping 3516km in just three weeks!

SUPPORTER GALLERY

1

3Up and down the country, your fellow supporters have been busy raising money to support the members of the RAF Family who need our help.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Sergeant Phil Tempest and his wife Jannine were able to take the holiday of their dreams, thanks to the RAF Disabled Holiday Trust.

Celebrating the RAF centenary, The RAF100 Cookbook spans 100 years, 100 countries and 100 recipes.

Researched, written, cooked and photographed by members of the RAF Family, this unique book tours 100 of the territories in which the RAF has held a presence since 1918. It tells the amazing stories of the RAF’s involvement in each region, alongside delicious local recipes for you to try.

The book includes contributions from some of the world’s top chefs, including James Martin, Tom Kerridge and Cyrus Todiwala.

George and their younger son Joe on the holiday they had always dreamed of.

“The villa in France was perfect,” Jannine says. “We went swimming and biking, using the wheelchair bike the Fund bought for us a few years ago. We also took the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris while we were there.”

For the first time, the Tempest family was able to come back from their holiday feeling truly relaxed.

Every gift you send, large or small, could make a wonderful difference to RAF families who are struggling. Please complete and return the enclosed donation form, call 020 7580 8343

or go online: rafbf.org.uk/oneheart£

A MASSIVE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WHAT YOUR KINDNESS MEANS OUR RAF CENTENARY BIG DRAW

For your chance to win one of five copies, visit rafbf.org/big-draw or write with your full name and address to: The RAF Benevolent Fund Big Draw, 67 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AR. Closes 31st May 2018.Full T&Cs at rafbf.org.uk/big-draw

Inspired to host your own fundraising event? For advice and to download our Fundraising Toolkit, visit rafbf.org/get-involved/fundraise£

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE RAF100 COOKBOOK

“A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE”

“ It means the world to us to go away as a family” Sergeant Phil Tempest, RAF Scampton

2

Holidays have always been difficult for the Tempest family. Their 16-year-old son, George, had a stroke before he was born, which left him with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and learning difficulties.

George gets tired quickly and likes to spend time at home relaxing with DVDs in between trips out and about. The family had been away before, but the accommodation had not been quite right for George’s needs, so time away together could sometimes be more stressful than relaxing.

With help from the RAF Disabled Holiday Trust, Phil and Jannine were able to take

£25RRP

56

4