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Granting of the Freedom of the Borough of Stafford
The closure of RAF Stafford in 2006 meant that the unique and historic Freedom privileges awarded by the Borough of Stafford to the Station were relinquished. This caused a great gap in the long standing and close relationship which the RAF and Borough had enjoyed for nearly 70 years.
However, the high regard in which the RAF was held was again apparent as Tactical Supply Wing continued to “fly the Flag” (actually the Ensign) by involving itself with the local community. Accordingly, on the 2nd October 2007 the Borough Council passed a resolution to confer the Freedom of the Borough on the Wing which has been based at Stafford for nearly 40 years.
The formal granting of the Freedom with the associated ceremonies was carried out on Saturday 19th April 2008. TSW is the first RAF Unit (as opposed to Station) to be granted such Freedom privileges - another first! The Wing paraded an enhanced Flight and was supported by the fine music of the band of the RAF Regiment. The drill was outstanding. Did the Wing Warrant Officer, Bob McBey, (an Association member) have something to do with it?!
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OC TSW, Wg Cdr Nick Atkinson, passes the Freedom Scroll and Casket to Fg Of Alex Chikhani and escort party during the service in the Collegiate Church of St Mary at Stafford |
The TSW contingent march into the Market Square in Stafford Town Centre, let by Sqn Ldr Greg Waterworth |
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Councillor Brian Price, Mayor of Stafford Borough, inspects the TSW contingent accompanied by Sqn Ldr Greg Waterworth |
Bayonets fixed! |
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On Parade. Wg Cdr Nick Atkinson takes command of the TSW contingent |
Wg Cdr Nick Atkinson prepares to exercise the right of Freedom by marching through the town with bayonets fixed and drums beating |
Our President ACM Sir Joe French, ably supported by the committee, represented the Association on what was an historic and moving occasion.
Presentation of the First President's Award
Members will recall that one of the key aims of the Association is to foster esprit de corps, comradeship and welfare of those serving with Tactical Supply Wing. One important mechanism for achieving this aim is the newly introduced President’s Award. SAC “Dutch” Holland is the first recipient of this annual award.
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The President's Award - sponsored by JCB |
Dutch Holland receives The President's Award for 2007 from Dr Tim Leverton, Head of Engineering at JCB, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French |
JCB, a world renowned company, and a major employer in North Staffordshire kindly agreed to sponsor the award. The presentation ceremony was held at their World Headquarters in March. Our President, ACM Sir Joe French, and JCB’s Head of Engineering, Dr Tim Leverton, jointly made the award. It was most appropriate that Dr Leverton presented on behalf of JCB as he headed up the world record breaking JCB Diesel Max team with the car, of course, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green.
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Dutch Holland receiving his commemorative certificate from Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French |
Dutch Holland receiving a JCB model from Dr Tim Leverton Head of Engineering at JCB |
The Citation
Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) Neil “Dutch” Holland joined the Royal Air Force in January 2003 aged 16. After initial airman training and a 3 year tour at RAF Kinloss, he arrived at Tactical Supply Wing (TSW), in January 2006.
On completion of initial TSW training followed by some minor exercises, SAC Holland deployed as part of the ongoing TSW detachment in Afghanistan in January 2007. Whilst operating forward in the desert on an aviation support task, he was involved in an incident where his team leader was injured during the rapid offload from a Hercules transport aircraft. His team leader had to be evacuated, but SAC Holland was able to remain and assumed command of the team, setting up the refuel site and ensured the task continued with maximum output and full efficiency. In doing so SAC Holland exhibited tremendous leadership and acceptance of responsibility when confronted with an extremely challenging situation.
Following this tour, SAC Holland deployed on a number of exercises supporting forces in the UK and Oman. Whilst in Oman, SAC Holland was selected to take charge of a shift as a result of his previous solid performances, despite being a relatively junior SAC. He did so with the now familiar confidence, determination and sound leadership. In all his ventures on TSW, he has received many praiseworthy comments from his Detachment Commanders, confirming his proactive attitude, extensive trade knowledge and understanding of TSW procedures. This coupled with his ability to promote good morale, his acceptance of, and enthusiasm for, extra responsibilities, and his exceptional organisational capabilities stand him apart from his peers.
Throughout all his activities there have been a number of recurring themes which focus on justified confidence, strong leadership, dedication and a proactive willingness to assist. He has become an instrumental and popular team player, and respected throughout TSW. At MOD Stafford, SAC Holland represents TSW at rugby and behind the scenes assists the team captain by organising the kit and the transport. He is also the Deputy Secretary of the TSW Amenities Fund, which provides welfare support to TSW personnel deployed on overseas operations.
Thus, whether on operations, exercises, or at MOD Stafford, SAC Holland has consistently displayed an exemplary, proactive, determined and wholly professional performance in all his duties, and as a result has gained an enormous amount of respect on TSW. Indeed, he meets all parts of the RAF acronym RISE; Respect for others, Integrity, Service before self and Excellence. As a result of his exemplary performance, SAC Holland has been selected to be the first recipient of the RAF Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association President’s Award.
THE ARMED FORCES MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM
The need for greater recognition of members of the Armed Forces killed since the end of the Second World War has been with us for many years.
The culmination of the project to provide such recognition took place at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 12th October 2007 in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Association Chairman, Duncan Grant, was fortunate to be able to represent the Association at the opening ceremony for what is a most appropriate memorial. As can be seen from the accompanying photograph, below, it provides an ideal backdrop to the Servicing Commando Plaque at the Arboretum.
Do Visit.
The Association held a very successful and enjoyable AGM and Reunion at Stafford on 8th and 9th June 2007; some 37 ex Servicing Commando and family members, in addition to 50 TSW members, attended. The occasion started with a ‘meet and greet’ at the Tillington Hall Hotel on the Friday evening. The AGM was held on the Saturday morning, which preceded the TSW Families Day at Beacon Barracks, MoD Stafford. On Saturday evening, the Association Annual Dinner was held, again at the Tillington Hall Hotel.
The main points arising from the AGM were as follows:
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Duncan Grant, Tim Newstead and Gabriel Sexton with David Orr in the background |
Des Peters, Bob McBey and Steve "Tigger" McTigue |
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The Association Tent at the Families day |
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Griffin HT1 (Bell 412 EP) helicopter from the Defence Helicopter Flying School |
Children view the cab of an Oshkosh vehicle |
The TSW Families Day was a great success, judging by the many happy smiling faces that were seen. The Association tent depicted a brief history of the Servicing Commandos and TSW and included a section on Operation Corporate; June 2007 being the 25th Anniversary of victory in the Falkland Islands conflict. The Families Day was a great opportunity for Association members – old and new – to catch up with old friends and to see the equipment and methods by which the modern-day Tactical Supply wing operates. The sunny weather ensured a good attendance and our thanks go to all the folk at TSW who worked so hard to make the occasion such a success.
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The annual Reunion Dinner was a fitting end to the day’s activities and was attended by our guest of honour – the Association President – Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French. Sir Joe brought with him a letter of congratulations and best wishes signed by His Royal Highness Prince Philip - click here to see the letter. During the dinner the “dynamic duo” of Steve ‘Tigger’ McTigue and Des Peters organised a raffle of gifts to swell the Association’s bank balance. Tales were swapped well into the night and, for those of us more recent members, it was a delight and a privilege to meet the Servicing Commandos and their families who contributed so much in the service of our country during the Second World War.
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Sir Joe French, Barbara Craven-Griffiths and Alan Robinson |
Don Thorogood and Roy Goodyear |
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Peter Berry, Johnny Andrews, Alicia and Nick Atkinson |
Ex TSW Wing WOs Adam Byers and Joe Ronan |
We look forward with relish to expanding the Association’s membership and to meeting up again with so many friends at the 2008 AGM and Reunion.
After 13 years, TSW has recently handed over the helicopter refuelling activity in Bosnia to 661 Sqn, 1 Regt Army Air Corps.
TSW was the longest continuous serving unit in Bosnia, having been in theatre since April 1993, and was involved in all phases of the mission over the years, ranging from UNPROFOR to IFOR (1995), and SFOR (1997) then latterly EUFOR. The initial deployment in 1993 involved 9 personnel as part of Operation GRAPPLE - the UN mission to provide humanitarian support to the refugees in Bosnia. Their task was to provide rotors turning refuelling for the RN 845 Sqn Sea King and the French Army Puma helicopters that were deployed as part of the Operation. Force protection for the TSW fuel resupply convoys was provided by the Danish Army, and site accommodation was run by the Croatian Army.
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Rotors-turning refuel of a Blackhawk at Split |
Initial TSW locations included Split in Croatia and a forward refuelling base in Bosnia at the UN HQ in Kiseljak, which was run by the Danish Army. TSW was the only formed unit in the early days of the Operation when it was a truly multinational effort. TSW was tasked to refuel all UN, NATO and EU helicopters.
As the Operation transitioned and expanded from a UN mission to IFOR, SFOR and EUFOR, so did the TSW task. At the height of operations, the TSW detachment expanded to 25 personnel spread across 6 sites. Living conditions were basic in the early days, working out of tents, then moving to pre-fabricated buildings when the sites became better equipped. Throughout the Operation, the biggest challenge was the weather. The heavy snowfall and ice in winter hampered the supply of aviation fuel to the 4 sites in Bosnia; the long resupply journeys, with a 30-ton truck full of aviation fuel, having to navigate through heavily iced mountain passes, which at times were little more than dirt tracks.
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Long resupply journeys, with a 30-ton truck full of aviation fuel, having to navigate through heavily iced mountain passes... |
Throughout the mission, TSW supported all helicopter operations and was often tasked to provide fuel for forward operations and, latterly, during exercises. At times the Operation was demanding and dangerous due to the high threat levels and the arduous nature of the task. This latter aspect was typified by the award of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery to SAC Chris Hopkin in September 1997 when he prevented an aircraft fire when a refuelling hose failed during a Rotors Turning Refuel.
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Rotors-turning refuel of Canadian Huey at Banja Luka |
Rotors-turning refuel of Swiss Super Puma/Cougar |
The Army Air Corps have taken over helicopter refuelling activity in Bosnia as the increasing stability in the country has resulted in a reduction in the number and variety of aircraft requesting rotors-turning refuel support in theatre. There was also a need to free up TSW manpower for Op TELIC in Iraq and Op HERRICK in Afghanistan.
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The final TSW Detachment at Banja Luka |
WO Bob McBey TSW hands over to Capt Bob Backhouse and Sgt Alex Faulds |
After 2 weeks of training with the fuels equipment in situ, the final TSW detachment at Banja Luka handed over their responsibilities to Capt Backhouse of 661 Sqn, 1 Regt AAC on 1st November 2006.
A similar article first appeared in the newspaper 'RAF NEWS' dated 2 February 2007.
Although RAF Stafford and 16MU have closed and the MoD Estate is now developing as a “Garrison” commanded by a Royal Signals Colonel, TSW remains at its spiritual home. Clive Watson, the present OC TSW has been directed by MoD to continue flying the flag! As can be seen from the photo below this is being proudly undertaken. The flagpole itself was procured and installed-needless to say- by Wing personnel.
Working mainly out of the established bases at Basrah, As Sammawah and Al Amarah, the TSW refuelling crews are at a moment's notice to provide its specialist skill of 'rotors turning refuelling' to a variety of coalition helicopters. However, being on TSW, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2006, is not just about refuelling helicopters. Wg Cdr Clive Watson, the Wing's Commanding Officer, said: "Out in any theatre, personnel from TSW provide a range of aviation fuel support capabilities to support battlefield helicopter operations; from aircraft marshalling to quality checks of fuel and the movement of aviation fuel throughout the area of operation. In the current environment of southern Iraq, all TSW operators, not withstanding their trade, have a part to play in the whole mission."
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In addition to its core task of providing fuel, TSW prides itself on the other fuels-related skills that all ranks on the wing are capable of. Whether it is basic fuels equipment maintenance or rigging fuels-related underslung loads all nine trades which are represented are trained to offer the same level of service.
A recent arrival in Iraq was the new Oshkosh off-road refuelling tanker. The new vehicle offers a huge step up in off-road fuels capability. The 445-horsepower tankers bristle with new technology including the ability to decrease tyre pressures while on the move when more grip is needed, locking differentials, air conditioning and automatic drive systems for different surfaces such as mud and sand. It was a procurement project where drivers and suppliers on the Wing had their say in ensuring that their suggestions were included in the final production vehicles. When all tankers have been delivered, the Wing will be the biggest single user of this vehicle.
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This article first appeared in the newspaper 'RAF NEWS' issue no. 1,143
© 2008 RAF Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association