Oct 12
Foreward by OC HQ MRW Wg Cdr Ewart
ARRC PMRAFNS
I am pleased to welcome
you all to another edition of
the HQ Medical Reserves
Wing bulletin. As in
previous publications the
articles and submissions
within are again a
testament to the positive
contribution and sacrifice each and every one
of you make to the overall success of the
RAF Medical Services. What’s more this is
recognised and valued at the highest level.
Since the last bulletin we have had the
response on FR20 from the Secretary of
State (SoS) for Defence and I commend that
you all read it. In short the SoS confirmed
that the Reserves are essential and integral
to the UK’s Defence Capability and as a
result would have a greater role in the future.
The funding to achieve this (£1.8Bn) is in the
pipeline and the RAuxAF’s portion of this is
being managed by the newly stood up FR20
Implementation Team at RFMC. How this will
affect us within the Medical Reserves is very
much dependent on the parallel study of
DMS 20, which reports its recommendations
in the next 2 months. DACOS Med Ops &
Plans has kindly submitted a piece on this for
this bulletin to indicate the possible direction
of travel for the Medical Reserves.
In the last few months we have said goodbye
to 2 influential figures who retired from the
Service, WO Wrightson (612 Sqn) and WO
Kendall (4626 Sqn). On behalf of all of us I
wish to thank them for their unstinting service
and immense contribution over the many
years. Enjoy your well earned retirement, you
will be sorely missed. We all recognise that
the Sqn WO role is crucial to the functioning
of each HQ and essential that we fill the lines
promptly, therefore it is my pleasure to
welcome WO Styles (612 Sqn) and WO
Bridge (4626 Sqn). I am sure you will all
support them in their new roles.
Finally, I thank you for all your excellent
endeavours both on deployed Ops and in
supporting your Sqn and I ask you to
embrace and take advantage of the
opportunities that will undoubtedly come your
way in the coming months.
Capability Sponsor’s Update – Gp Capt Roger Matthews, DACOS Med Ops & Plans
In the short time that I have been in post, I
have been impressed by the contribution
made by Medical Reservists in supporting
Ops HERRICK and OLYMPICS; indeed, it is
safe to say that we would not be able to
maintain our operational outputs without the
Medical Reserves. With this in mind, it is
entirely appropriate that, as we look to the
future, we do not forget the Reserves as a
critical component of the Whole Force.
Much of my time since arriving in post has
been spent on providing single-Service input
to the Defence Medical Services (DMS) 20
Project – a project to align DMS manpower
liability with the 2020 Defence Vision. In
short, this project aims to define the future
size of the uniformed DMS (regular and
reserve) required to deliver sufficient trained
manpower to support concurrent operations
as outlined in Defence Strategic Direction,
and the essential Firm Base tasks that must
be undertaken by uniformed personnel.
Operational medical support is set against
the Committed Force (standing commitments
such as support to the Nuclear Accident
Response Organisation (NARO)), the
Responsive Force (high readiness units
required to deploy at short notice) and the
Adaptive Force (follow-on forces maintaining
capability in an enduring operation). The
lion’s share of reservist posts is in the
Adaptive Force where reservists will make up
c. 40-50% of the overall liability. DMS20 is
not primarily a cost saving exercise, but an
overall reduction in RAF medical liability will
be expected as the RAF downsizes to 33 500
posts by 2015 and to 31 500 by 2020. To
date the DMS Project Team has looked at the
medical capabilities required to support the
Defence Vison for 2020 and is now reviewing
the medical manpower requirement that
these capabilities need and the additional
posts required in the Firm Base (reach back
support, headquarters functions, training etc).
The single services have been engaged with
this process throughout and each stage has
been subject to specialist input through
Military Judgement Panels whose
recommendations have been endorsed by a
number of ‘star chambers’ chaired by ACDS
Health. The final star chamber will be in midOct when the overall liability will be tested,
adjusted and agreed before the DMS 20
Project moves to the Transition Phase at the
end of Oct. By the conclusion of the final star
chamber, we should know the overall future
size of the RAF Medical Services, both
regular and reserve; however, detailed
planning to determine which lines should be
filled by reserves will be subject to further
single-Service work to ensure that the
reserves remain an attractive proposition and
can recruit/retain the right people with the
right skill mix to support our declared
contingent capabilities at the appropriate
state of readiness. I hope to provide clearer
direction on the impact of DMS 20 following
the final DMS 20 star chamber; thereafter, I
will provide further regular updates as we
shape the RAF Medical Services to support
the Defence Vision for 2020 and beyond.
HQ MRW
Following the successful ACT at Strensall,
York in May this year we are now turning our
thoughts to next year’s Camp. Together with
the Sqn training teams we have begun the
planning phase and can announce that Ex
SERPENT RISE 13 will be held at RAF
Wittering over the period 8 – 22 Jun 13. The
feedback from those who attended this year’s
ACT will help inform what we deliver, with the
probable theme being a return to Contingent
Ops. The attendance of the RNR at ACT 12
proved very positive and successful and an
invitation has been extended to our Naval
colleagues to join us next year.
The HQ continues to contribute to the DMS
20 study and its many work-strands and as
this study concludes the expectation is we
will need to work closely in the ensuing
months with the Med Ops & Plans team to
ensure the right balance is struck between
the Regular and Reserve elements. As
DACOS Med Ops & Plans has identified in
his brief the main role for the Medical
Reserves will lie in the Adaptive Force. The
detail of the formations and capabilities that
will be required within this Force will evolve
over the coming weeks and I have no doubt
will require (as I alluded to in May’s bulletin) a
change to the current establishment.
Under our current construct the C2 of the HQ
Medical Reserves Wing and therefore the
Medical Reserve Sqns fall under the A4
Force Elements Cdr at RAF Wittering with
both medical and non-medical Stakeholders
(or Sponsors). For some time now it has been
mooted that this C2 would change to a pure
medical CoC. Following recent high level
appointments and changes within the RAF
Medical Services this change in our C2 is a
step closer. In the coming months this HQ will
be engaging with a number of key
Stakeholders to look at the impact and map
out how such a transition can be achieved
and plan to ensure any C2 change is as
seamless as possible. The affect on the Sqns
and you specifically should be negligible as
this HQ remains the single point of contact for
all.
Even as we continue to establish the
Aeromedical Flight at 600 Sqn RAF Northolt
(with the next Information day scheduled for
25 – 26 Oct) other horizons are appearing.
There has been significant interest with the
new Sqns being formed in the next few years
in the UK especially in Northern Ireland with
the reformation of 502 (Ulster) Sqn as a
General Service Support Sqn. This HQ is
keenly observing how this evolves as a
potential area to exploit as we are doing with
the AEF at RAF Northolt for London and the
SE regions.
In summary this HQ expects a very busy few
months ahead with the publication of the
DMS 20 study resulting in changes to our
formations and capabilities coupled with the
strategic work looking at the C2
arrangements. Notwithstanding this it is the
intention of both the OC and SO2 (now that
she has settled into post) to visit the Sqns on
a more regular basis to liaise with the HQ
staffs and more importantly listen to you
about how we can improve the RAF Medical
Reserves.
RAF MEDICAL RESERVES FORCE DEVELOPMENT (FD) STAFF RIDE – EXERCISE
SERPENT FLIGHT 20 JUN 12
June 2012 saw the A4 Force Elements
Commander along with members of the RAF
Medical Services both Regular and Reserve
embark on a Force Development trip to the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) at
RAF Coningsby. After the short trip through
the Lincolnshire countryside we arrived at
RAF Coningsby where we were met by
Squadron Leader Ian Smith, OC of BBMF.
The group were greeted and introduced to
some of the BBMF team; (some of whom are
ex serving) a dedicated group that help
operate and maintain the aircraft, but
continue to volunteer as hosts when required.
The tour started with a short film on the
BBMF, which gave an interesting insight into
the work required by the engineers to keep
the aircraft airworthy during the flying season,
with the aircraft going into deep servicing
during the winter months.
In addition, the film highlighted the meticulous
planning, organization and risk that is
involved when the BBMF perform a fly-past
over London. There is the realization
amongst the crews that if there was to be
engine failure on one of the single engine
aircraft during a flypast of Buckingham
Palace, then the only available area to ditch
the aircraft would be into the River Thames
and the responsibility that the pilot has in this
scenario. The film then ended with an
emotional remembrance to the heroism of the
pilots and crews that fought during the
Second World War and a memory to those
that have fallen.
We were then taken for a tour around the
Dakota and given an interesting history into
the aircraft as a successful tactical transport
aircraft, which included the role of
aeromedical evacuation during WWII. Still
visible on the inside walls of the aircraft are
inscriptions written by the troops who flew in
the Dakota.
In addition to the Dakota, we viewed other
BBMF aircraft including the Hurricane, Spitfire
and the Lancaster.
There was a moving account given at the
Lancaster bomber, where it was emphasized
that all Bomber Command aircrews were
volunteers. Around 10,000 airmen were made
prisoners of war, but perhaps these could be
seen as the ‘lucky ones’, for the chances of
getting out of a crashing bomber were slim as
the g-forces caused by aircraft spinning
earthwards out of control trapped many
airmen inside. Laden with bombs and fuel,
bombers were also prone to explode instantly
when hit by anti-aircraft fire.
In total, 55,000 members of Bomber
Command lost their lives. Most were very
young - the average age of aircrew was 22
years old. Many veterans are invited back
and given the opportunity to sit in the aircraft
that they once operated in. This is often the
first time they have been up close to the
aircraft that they flew during WW II and may
be the first time that close family hear what
their husband, father or grandfather
experienced during the war and can be a
very emotional experience for those involved.
At the rear door of the Lancaster named the
“Phantom of the Ruhr” is a plaque which is
dedicated to all those that have made the
ultimate sacrifice.
Whilst we enjoyed lunch, discussing what we
had seen and heard during the morning’s
tour, we were entertained by the Hurricane
aircraft conducting an aerobatic display,
demonstrating its extensive agility. The
display emphasized how the Hurricane was
such an asset to Britain’s air defence.
It was then time for the main event. The
group were privileged to have the opportunity
for a flight over the Lincolnshire countryside
in the Dakota. It was surprising how smooth
the takeoff and landing was for such an old
aircraft. We were able to view the pilots in the
cockpit during the flight and were also given
the opportunity to observe the views over
Lincoln from of the rear door of the Dakota.
Once we had landed, the final stage of the
tour was to be shown around the Typhoon
fighter jet. Here, the pilot informed us of the
Typhoon’s capabilities and its role in modern
warfare.
To end our tour, the BBMF were presented
with a 4626 RAuxAF Squadron plaque, to
symbolise the link between the role of the
Dakota aircraft in transporting injured troops
from the front line. The group agreed that to
have seen at first hand the passion with
which such aspects of our RAF heritage are
being maintained and preserved for future
generations was hugely impressive.
However, to hear the message of
commemoration and remembrance, at the
Bomber Command Memorial unveiling and to
understand better the Flight’s clear mission to
educate the Nation regarding the sacrifice of
those who served in Bomber Command, is
truly humbling. There is absolutely no doubt
that, as well as being a fantastic day out; our
visit to BBMF was an outstanding force
development event.
Lest we forget.
RAF Reserves Recruiting - Update
Directorate of Recruiting (DofR)
The challenges of recruitment and retention
continue to play a key role in order to meet
our operational commitments.
4 key objectives have been identified which
will assist in ensuring that recruitment
activities remain on target. These are:
To have an accurate representation of the
recruiting picture
To revise the Medical section of the Reserve
website
To standardise the recruiting process
To produce a Recruitment Strategy
document.
In order to target marketing and events more
efficiently given the constraints of budgets
and personnel, the recent priority has been to
gain an accurate picture, across all Sqn’s, the
numbers and specialities of those candidates
currently in the recruiting system and their
progression along the recruitment process.
This remains work in progress and there is a
need to establish a robust process with the
Sqns in order to keep Cranwell informed of
the recruiting picture.
The Medical section of the RAF Reserves
website has been revised in order to make it
a better and more useful resource to potential
candidates, accurately reflecting the nature of
the roles within the reserves and the
qualifications required, therefore deselecting
unsuitable candidates at the earliest
opportunity.
The standardisation of the recruiting process
has been embraced by the Sqns, especially
on the P2 side, which means the RMNLO can
forward candidates to OASC for Boarding
with minimal delay.
A strategy document on Medical Reserve
Recruiting is currently on hold until the
outcome of DMS 20. The aim of the
document is to formalise the recruitment
process for medical reserves, define the
medical recruitment activity for the coming
year and aid Sqns in ensuring that a
standardised strategy is used by all to ensure
the operational requirement is met. The
increase in the number of Reservists is a
huge opportunity, but will bring challenges
given that historically numbers recruited are
steady year on year. The RAF Reserves will
continue to be a nationally recognised brand;
recent national radio and television
campaigns have increased the awareness of
the RAuxAF. Squadrons will be able to echo
the national campaign whilst also undertaking
their bespoke local marketing. Future
advertising will be determined by decisions
on funding, bearing in mind the current
financial climate.
Up coming events include:
BMJ Careers Fair 19-20 Oct 12
RSM Careers Fair 9 Nov 12
612 Sqn News
Squadron Dining In Night
The Squadron held their Annual All Ranks
Dining In Night at RAF Leuchars in March 12.
The event was attended by current Squadron
members, members of the Squadron
Association and guests of honour were Lord
Glenarthur, Honorary Air Commodore, Air
Cdre Parker, Air Officer (Scotland) and
Commanding Officer RAF Leuchars, and Gp
Capt Hill, A4 Force Elements Commander,
RAF Wittering. The evening was hosted by
Wg Cdr Phil Goodall, OC 612 Squadron who
said, “The Squadron has always maintained
strong links with ex-members through the
Squadron Association and it is great to see
so many of the Association here today along
with the current Squadron members and
special guests. With the role and deployment
of the RAF Reservists increasing, it is
essential for them to know that their role and
service is recognised by the RAF and its
senior figures and I would like to express my
personal gratitude to them for their continued
support.”
Annual Continuation Training
The Squadron held its Annual Continuation
Training (ACT) at Queen Elizabeth Barracks,
Strensall near York. The training, in
conjunction with 4626 Aero-Medical
Evacuation Squadron from RAF Lyneham,
tested the resolve of Squadron personnel
during a series of injects over 15 days, aimed
at preparing those Squadron personnel who
are about to deploy on Op HERRICK. Wg
Cdr Phil Goodall, “Using the facilities at
Strensall and personnel from 4626 Squadron,
gives us the ideal opportunity to evaluate our
training needs and requirements for the
coming year and also gives those personnel
who are about to deploy a real sense of what
they are going to face in Afghanistan when
they are mobilised into theatre. This type of
training is paramount for the Squadron prior
to mobilising any of our personnel in theatre.”
Nurse Deploys on the Critical Care in the
Air Support Team (CCAST)
Cpl Stephen Robertson, an Edinburgh based
nurse serving with the Squadron, has
completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan on
the CCAST. Cpl Robertson initially deployed
to Camp Bastion Hospital before taking up a
role on the CCAST, a first for a nurse on the
Squadron. Cpl Robertson said, “The training
and deployment was fantastic and I have
learned so much. I deployed initially with 201
Field Hospital Unit based at Fenham
Barracks in Newcastle. There were many
highpoints but the most satisfying aspect was
to be able to be part of the recovery process
for those members of the Armed Forces who
I helped to evacuate from theatre for further
medical treatment in the UK. I am proud to
say that I was able to help and be part of their
lives for that short period. It was very
humbling but extremely satisfying to know
that everything that could be done would be
done for those injured servicemen going back
to the UK. Would I do it again? In a
heartbeat!”
Squadron Families Day
The Squadron has held its first ever Families
Day at RAF Leuchars and for once, it was
bright and warm. The event allowed families
to see first hand what it is that their
husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons and
daughters get up to when they don the
uniform of the RAF. After receiving an
overview of the Squadron role from Wg Cdr
Phil Goodall, OC 612 Squadron, the families
had the opportunity to look around the
Squadron, viewing some of the training and
some were introduced to the DCCT where
they were able to show off their own skills.
Several Squadron members were also
presented with the Queens Diamond Jubilee
Medal by Wg Cdr Goodall. The event
culminated in a Squadron Barbeque in what
was, for once this year, a bright and warm
summer’s day.
The day was completed with the news that
Cpl Stuart McAllan, Pharmacy Technician,
had become a father for the first time when
his wife Jacqueline gave birth to their son,
Rory, at Ninewells Hospital Dundee.
Queens Volunteer Reserve Service Medal
(QVRM)
Sgt Stevie Stewart, a SNCO on 612
Squadron received
the Queen’s
Volunteer
Reserves Medal at
Holyrood Palace
from HM Queen
Elizabeth II during
her Diamond
Jubilee Tour of
Scotland. Sgt
Stewart is one of
the longest serving
members of the
Squadron, having
joined in October 1997 following previous
service with the Royal Army Medical Corps
(V). He has served with the Squadron in Iraq
and Afghanistan and is highly respected and
admired by all in his role as a RAF Medic.
Wg Cdr Nott awarded The Order of the
British Empire (OBE)
Wing
Commander
David Nott, a
Cardiovascular
Surgeon on the
Squadron, has
been awarded
the Order of the
British Empire
(OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
for loyal service to the RAF Medical Services,
the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and humanity.
Wg Cdr Nott has been a member of the
Squadron since December 2005 and has
deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is
a Non-Government Organisation (NGO)
surgeon, which sees him voluntarily utilising
his skills in places such as Afghanistan,
Bosnia, Chad, Congo, Dafur, Haiti, Ivory
Coast, Liberia, Libya, North Yemen, Pakistan
and Sierra Leone. Whilst in Haiti, following
the earthquake which destroyed much of that
country’s infrastructure and claimed over
150,000 lives, he instigated and carried
through the transfer of a very badly injured
baby girl from the city for vital surgery in the
United Kingdom. Wg Cdr Phil Goodall, OC
612 Squadron said, “Wg Cdr Nott is an
outstanding surgeon and ambassador for the
science and art of medicine and the Royal
Auxiliary Air Force. We are extremely proud
and privileged to have him as part of the
team. He is not only an outstanding surgeon
but a remarkable individual and the award for
his service to the Royal Air Force and
humanity is truly and without doubt
deserved.” Wg Cdr Nott said, “I am extremely
pleased, humbled and thrilled to have my
work recognised with this award, but I only do
what is required in order to ensure that
people who have been badly injured,
regardless of the circumstances, have the
best quality of life available to them in their
recovery process. I am fortunate to be able to
carry out my duties on behalf of my country
and in a humanitarian role. The situations I
often find myself confronted with are
challenging, but the training I have received
from the military and other humanitarian
organisations allows me to meet and conquer
them before moving on to the next one.”
Armed Forces Day
The Squadron attended the annual Armed
Forces Day celebrations in Princes Street
Gardens, Edinburgh. Sgt Alan Mitchell,
SNCO responsible for Recruiting, said, “This
is the fourth annual Armed Forces Day event
and it is fantastic that members of the public,
veterans and their families are attending to
show their support for the Armed Forces. We
received a few enquiries from medical
professionals about joining the RAF Medical
Reserves which is good given the greater
emphasis that is going to be put upon the
RAF Reserves under the Future Reserve
2020 study, but the nature of the Armed
Forces Day is, above all, to thank the general
public for all the support they give to the
servicemen and women throughout the
country and the charities and other
organisations that support them. Without it,
the job would not just be a lot harder, it would
be a far greater challenge than what it is.”
New Recruits
SAC Dean Barrowman, a theatre nurse from
Glasgow, SAC Lauren Mykoliw, an
orthopaedic and trauma nurse from
Edinburgh and AC Ashley Pearson, a Medic
from St Andrews have joined the Squadron
and are due to attend the Basic Recruit
Training Course at RAF Halton in October.
Lauren said, “I have always been interested
in the Royal Air Force and I am looking
forward to the training, opportunities and new
challenges which my enrolment in the RAF
Reserves will bring.”
Wg Cdr Phil Goodall, OC 612 Sqn said,
“Dean, Lauren and Ashley are a great
addition to the Squadron and their skills meet
the needs of the Squadron under Future
Reserve 2020 and we look forward to having
them as members of the team at RAF
Leuchars.”
Adventure Training
Operational Deployments
Squadron personnel recently took part in
Adventure Training at XScape in Glasgow
and at Go Ape in Aberfoyle. At XScape they
were able to partake in skiing at various
standards at the indoor ski slope and at Go
Ape they were able to complete a tree walk
through the forest. Cpl Andrea Peart, a
registered adult nurse said, “The whole
weekend was really good, especially the tree
walking in Aberfoyle. It was a great way for us
all to learn that bit more about each others
strengths and weaknesses and we really
bonded as a team to get those who were a bit
more wary of heights through the course. The
facility has the biggest zip line in the UK at
over 400 metres long, 150 feet in height
situated over a 90 foot high waterfall.
Hopefully the adventure training next year will
be every bit as challenging and more
Squadron personnel will be able to attend.”
Cpl Lisa Page, a Biomedical Scientist and
Cpl Brian Howson, a Paramedic have
deployed on Op HERRICK at Camp Bastion.
Cpl Page said, “It has been a whirlwind since
I joined the Squadron last year. I applied for a
deployment and since the date was
confirmed I have completed my Initial PreDeployment Training, Medical Operational
Training, a trade specific Operational Training
Course all of which was put into perspective
during a Hospital Exercise at QEB Barracks
near York. I am both excited and
apprehensive about the challenges that lie
ahead. I am extremely honoured and
privileged to be given this opportunity to
represent my country.” Cpl Brian Howson has
deployed on the Medical Emergency
Response Team (MERT). Cpl Howson joined
the Squadron in February 2008 and is
employed as a Paramedic with the Scottish
Ambulance Service in Edinburgh. He said,
“This is my first deployment and after
completing the various medical and military
training courses in the UK following my
mobilisation in April this year, I am looking
forward to my deployment. The last few
months have been non-stop and I am sure
that my deployment is going to be very
similar with challenges to meet along the
way, but I know that I will be able to meet
those challenges head-on and then use the
knowledge and new skills I have gained from
the deployment in my civilian employment
when I return to the UK.
4626 Sqn News
4626 Sqn’s primary role is that of Tactical and
Strategic Aeromedical Evacuation and the
Sqn contribution makes up 1/3 of the RAF’s
capability in theatre with 4 lines on an
enduring basis, this quarter has been no
different and has also continued with the
enduring paramedic line on MERT. The
MERT line included an Emergency Nurse
(EN), Sgt Steve Pickles, who is the second
EN to deploy in to this role. Additionally, Cpl
Gemma Campbell deployed on an ITU line
within the Role 3 Hospital at Camp Bastion.
This ITU line will continue with Flt Lt Chris
Berry recently being mobilised to fulfil the role
later this year. Finally, and away from Op
HERRICK, Flt Lt Clare Fitchett was mobilised
to Op OLYMPICS along with FS Swift the HQ
Chief Instructor, who is to be posted shortly.
His replacement, FS Kris Sullivan, also on Op
OLYMPIC duties, will be in post on
completion of the Paralympics.
Training continued to be busy during this
period. April saw 4626 Sqn take part in Ex
CHILTERN KITE which was a joint RAF
Reserve Forces exercise on Salisbury Plain
and was used as preparation training for the
forth coming ACT. June and July continued
with role specific training as well as CCS and
other mandatory aspects with TF 50
undertaking military medical training. The
main Sqn took a well deserved break in
August with only Basic Recruit Training being
carried out.
During May the Sqn took part in ACT, Ex
SERPENT RISE 12, at QEB Strensall. A total
of 90 personnel from 4626 Sqn, 612 Sqn,
HQMR and members of the Royal Navy
Medical Reserve took part. Training
comprised of FP and medical elements which
accumulated in a 2 day exercise involving
realistic situations utilising the HOSPEX
complex and staff from Amputees in Action.
Also included were specialist forum and Ex
ARDUOURS SERPENT 12, both of which
took part during the middle weekend of ACT.
Additionally, a VIP visit day was incorporated
which was very well received. The ACT drew
to a close with Force Development activities
in York and a post ACT dinner.
Sgt Jon Davies, a 4626 Sqn Nurse, has taken
part in an exchange programme with the US
Reserve Forces. He was detached to March
Air Reserve Base, California in exchange
with Tech Sgt Kyle Platt, a heating,
ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
technician of the 452d Civil Engineer
Squadron, who attended ACT at Strensall.
the pre Halton training modules and will
attend residential training at RAF Halton
during the period 1 – 15 Sep 12. Recruiting
for BRTC 52 continues with attestation set for
Jan 13.
There has been a lot of positive press interest
in Sqn personnel recently. Sgt Dawn
McDonald was featured in the Mirror and Cpl
Cheryl Kelser in the Nursing Standard with
stories relating to service in Afghanistan and
employment within the NHS. A feature was
also printed in the Swindon local press
regarding the importance of RAF Medical
Reservists despite the closure of RAF
Lyneham.
Sgt McDonald featured in
The Mirror.
Cpl Cheryl Kelser featured in the Nursing
Standard.
Sgt. Kyle Platt,
Exchange Reservist
June saw the formation of BRTC 51
comprising 5 RN (A) and 2 Paramedics. Five
of those personnel successfully completed
On the social side the Sqn held a final dining
out night on the July Training Weekend with
guests including AVM Dougherty and Gp
Capt Trace. This marked the imminent
departure of 4626 Sqn from RAF Lyneham
with the move to RAF Brize Norton planned
to take place from 17 Sep 12.
From left, Sqn Ldr Lorrie Laughton, Cpl
Cheryl Kelser and Cpl Guy Olerich pictured in
an article in the Local Swindon Press.
Lastly and by no means least, 4626 Sqn say
a final farewell to Warrant Officer Mo Kendall
after a long and distinguished career. We are
sure that the entire Medical Reserves Wing
will join us in wishing her a prosperous and
happy retirement.