The Cold War Jets Collection at Bruntingthorpe Airfield, near Leicester, will be holding its open day on 26th May this year (see the poster graphic below). If any Association members decide to attend, they should make themselves known at the Commentary Box, where our very own Museums Member - Dave Lowry - will be one of the commentators. Other names people might recognise are John Ward and Dennis Brooks (Lightnings) and Bob Tuxford (Victor K2).

If you are like me, until recently the name RAF Ripperston will have been unfamiliar. It was a GCI Station during WW2, located on the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, and has become a place of heritage and art. This heritage site brings to light the history of radar and the part played by Ripperston during WWII. Aircraft under control of the station patrolled the SW Approaches with its busy convoy activities. It responded to the raids on Cardiff, Swansea & Pembroke Dock and live interceptions of hostiles were achieved. According to the records of No 125 (Newfoundland) TNA Air 27/922 and 78 Wing, the number of hostiles intercepted over the period from 1942/43 that appear to have been controlled from Ripperston amounts to approx. 20, which were a combination of Do. 217s, Ju 88s and He 111s. All were on raids on Swansea, Milford Haven or Pembrokedock. Of those twenty interceptions it would be imprudent to suggest that all were destroyed, however, the Personal Combat Report for 16/03/43

Enemy Casualties, in one air mission, list 2 Do. 217s destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 1 damaged all from one Beaufighter. Moreover, three other Beaufighters from the same Squadron accounted for 1 destroyed and 2 probables during the same night. The raid was targeting Swansea Docks and resulted in 30 civilian deaths and 60 casualties, plus a WAAF block at Fairwood Common took a direct hit killing 3 young WAAFs. Finally, records list many other attempted interceptions that never achieved actual air combat due to last minute equipment malfunction either from Ripperston or the intercepting a/c. Moreover, a number of further attempted interceptions failed due to miscommunications.

It can only be assumed that without the work of the Beaufighters and Ripperston, the damage and casualties on the ground would have been higher.

Ripperston was equipped with a T7 radar. Not unexpectedly, none of the radar remains. Some buildings, however, are in excellent repair. The station was part of the developments which initiated Neatishead and they were similarly equipped. However, they were in different Groups.

The whole renovation project has been undertaken privately by John and Jane Dixon. The buildings of the former RAF site formed part of their new home when they moved to Pembrokeshire in 1998. It was some years after their purchase that John found out that these dilapidated buildings, including the Happidrome, were what remained of the old GCI Station. They were in a sorry state, having been used by the previous owner as a pig farm and for agricultural storage. Having a strong connection to the RAF - John served as a young man at RAF Neatishead as a technician in the R12 - he started to repair the buildings. To cut a long story short, this work has been a labour of love by the Dixons, over many years, funded entirely out of their own pockets. The buildings are now sympathetically restored to their former glory and, along with all the WWII memorabilia, are home to a wonderful display of aviation art by GAvA members.  John gives presentations in the former operations room, followed by a guided tour with beverages and biscuits in the Officers Mess. Jane, an artist, enjoys the opportunity to show off her own work alongside that of her peers, all West Wales Artists.

Following his time in the RAF John went on to become a North Sea Saturation Diver working on oil-rigs and Dive Support Vessels. He later became a Sub-Sea Engineer and finally a Senior Offshore Construction Manager working on major international offshore projects utilising divers and ROVs.

Within the former Admin Wing, John and Jane have created some splendid 1940’s style bedrooms; shown on their website. They welcome heritage visitors, through introduction, individually or as small groups to stay with them on a B&B basis to soak in the extraordinary atmosphere of GCI Station Ripperston.  I have taken advantage of their hospitality and found my stay to be most comfortable and pleasant.

John and Jane have done a magnificent job. They are also a very friendly and interesting pair. In my opinion, until now unbeknown to us, they are both doing much to achieve part of the ADRM’s and Fighter Control Association’s (FCA) objective of increasing awareness of Air Defence Radars and Command and Control Systems. John has been put forward for Honorary Membership of the FCA in recognition of both his and Jane’s achievements. I will also encourage him to become a Friend of the ADRM especially in view of him having served at Neatishead. I think there should be informal links between ourselves and Ripperston.

John is looking for a T64 Console and has had no luck. If anyone knows of one, or has accurate drawings, please let me know.

Dave Lowry (Museums Member)

While the changes to the colour scheme will be evident on arriving at the website afresh, some things will not be so evident, such as the need to hover your mouse pointer over the left side of your browser's window in order to display the side menu (and move it away again to hide the menu). Also, the structure has changed slightly and the Links page - once part of the 'Links and Documents' duo in the Member-only menu - has been moved to the public arena and appears now on the bottom (fixed) menu bar, along with links to Social Media and other information about the Association, such as the Constitution, Rules and Website Terms and Conditions. I have also moved the Media and Projects sections from the front page to their own pages, accessible from the bottom bar menu. Many of the links will open in a 'modal' display, rather than in a new page, but external links will open in a new tab/window.

In due course, the pages of articles from the old CMS website will be coerced into the new site, with many being made available, as before, to the public, although I believe there are differences of opinion on how much should be made public; in the first instance I shall make things available to the membership only and ask the Heritage Member to lead/decide on accessibility issues.

Please let me have any comments (positive or negative) about the changes that have been made; I am open to criticism (although I would prefer it to be constructive, please!).

Jan Cobb (Web Manager)

We have been informed of an Open Day taking place at Bruntingthorpe Airfield (off A5199 (old A50) South of Leicester) on 26 August 2018, with the gates opening at 9.00 a.m.

The attached 'scan' of a poster gives a little more information:

Dear FCA Member,

The Chairman (Gp Capt O'Connor) has permitted the publication of 2 Internal Briefing Notices regarding the Air Ops Branch and the stand-up of TG7 (Non-commissioned Control Cadre) on the FCA website, both of which can be found in the 'Documents' section.

Alternatively, you can open them from the following links:

• IBN 10 18 Air Ops Branch
• IBN 1118 Trade Group 7

If you are having problems accessing the links, please don't hesitate to contact me at webmanager@raffca.org.uk

Dear Member,

The date of the 2018 AGM is set for Saturday 16th Jun 2018. Our Entertainments member has secured us the Royal Greenwich Museums as a venue (you can see the address inthe events section of the website simply click the AGM bar and it will pop-up a google map screen. You can also use this on your smartphone and it will populate your google maps to give you directions should you need them).

A general outline of the whole weekend is:

Fri evening - Happy Hour in Greenwich Pub; Sat am - AGM followed by lunch; Sat afternoon - at leisure around the Royal Greenwich Museums; Sat evening - AGM dinner.

We should be grateful if members would let us know, no later than 20th Apr, if they are likely to attend and if they will be accompanied. This information is purely for planning purposes and is not an indication of a commitment. Please reply to: entertainments@raffca.org.uk

The Warning Notice, Agenda and amplifying information for the AGM will be published in due course.

Kind regards

Grant

Grant Grafton | Secretary | +44(0)1626 351809 | +44(0)7887 765643 | secretary@raffca.org.uk

Dear FCA Member,

The AGM is not far away and I thought it would be worthwhile to point out that you can access the 2017 AGM minutes (*and previous years!) in the 'Links' section of the website.

Alternatively, just click this link below which will take you straight there.

http://www.raffca.org.uk/library_files.php

Regards

Costi

Web Manager

Hello All

You can now add a personalised photo to your profile. In order to do this simply follow these steps:

• click on the circular photo next to the user-bar that dispalys your name.

• This will bring up the following screen:

• From here, press the 'browse' button and select your photo (Note the image must either be .jpg, .jpeg, .png or .gif).

• When the photo has been loaded on the left-hand window, you can zoom it in and out and move the photo to centre it to the position you require.

• Then select the 'Upload Photo' button and you will see the green alert bar at the top of the page stating your photo has been changed. In addition you will see the examples of how your image will be seen on the site on the right hand side

• That is it! your profile photo has been uploaded and you can continue to enjoy using the site.

• If you are having problems, please let me know at webmanager@raffca.org.uk and I will assist where I can.

• Oh and please leave feedback from the site on the Message Board - under General Discussions -> New Website (Topic)

Regards

Costi

Web Manager

Hello All,

I have increased the maximum number of characters that you can post in the message board from 2000 to 10,000. This should allow you to put your points across.

Just for your awareness, the message board acts in near real-time, therfore if someone posts a message and you are active on the same board you will see it appear within 1-2 seconds (it acts like a messenger app).

Finally, if you have any points for improvement, please let me know.

Regards

Costi

Web Manager

Hello All,

It's been a while since the website was first rolled-out and I would like to thank those of you who provided me with areas which had bugs on it. In addition, thank you for your patience with the new layout.

I have made some more improvements on the site, noticeable on your dashboard, message board, events notifications and I have enhanced functionality for the committee members.

With respect to the events area, I have included a google maps embedded image for you to load up on your smart phones or tablet / PC to show where the event is being held. Future updates will allow us to upload images from each event for you to view and rememer (if you want to remember being 4 pints + downrange!!).

If you would like to leave feedback for the webiste including any areas for improvements please feel free to place them on the Message Board under New Website.

Finally, whe you log in your dashboard will tell you how many new message board posts and news areticles from the Committee have been posted since you last logged in, plus you can click on the banners and they will display them instantly insted of you trying to find the infromation clicking in the menus.

Thats enough from me, 

I hope to see you all at the next event (see the Events Infromation on the dashboard for when and where),

Regards

Costi

Air Commodore W J (Jayne) Millington MA MA(Oxon) FRAeS FCMI RAF

Educated at Hawarden High School and Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating with honours in Physics, Air Commodore Jayne Millington gained some policing experience in the North Wales Special Constabulary before joining Marconi Space & Defence Systems as a Guided Weapons engineer (1984).  A change of career in 1986 saw her commissioned into the RAF General Duties (GD) (Fighter Control) Specialisation, qualifying as an Intercept Controller and serving in the UK Air Defence System at RAF Buchan, Grampian, towards the end of the Cold War; operational detachments included Cyprus, Belize and the Falkland Islands.  The first woman to graduate from the GD Aerosystems Course, Jayne won the Specialist Navigation Aries Trophy, subsequently working to enhance the operational software of the Tornado F3 aircraft.  Promotion to Squadron Leader in 1994 took Jayne to MOD Operational Requirements (Air) where she gained endorsement for the Tactical Air Control Centre now employed by No 1 Air Control Centre (1ACC).  Over this period, she was a member of the World Land Speed Record THRUST Supersonic Car (SSC) Team[1] and commanded No 7 Signals Unit, Byron Heights in the Falkland Islands.

As a Wing Commander on ACSC4 she won a Cormorant Fellowship to King’s College and attained an MA (Distinction) in Defence Studies.  A tour as OC Operations Wing, RAF Wittering, followed during which she acted as Station Commander for 5 months during Op TELIC in 2003.  As Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) Force Commander, she was also Station Commander, RAF Boulmer (November 2006-2009), responsible for the output of a geographically diverse Force within the UK (against renewed Russian activity) whilst supporting air surveillance and coordination operations in Afghanistan.  Selected to attend the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2009, Jayne’s work on the prospects for space security in the Obama Presidency was selected as a ‘Seaford House’ paper.  Becoming Assistant Head International Policy and Planning, Middle &Near East in December 2009, Jayne developed MOD’s regional Defence Diplomacy policy, working across Whitehall in support of the HMG ‘Gulf Initiative’ to thicken bilateral relationships in a region made even more complex and turbulent by the events of the Arab Spring.

Jayne was promoted Air Commodore in November 2011 and was appointed Air Officer Battlespace Management (AO BM) at HQ 1 Group with corresponding responsibilities as Defence Head for strategic airspace policy.  As the nominated Deputy UK Air Defence Commander, Jayne delivered air security for the 2012 Olympics; 2013 G8 Summit; 2014 Commonwealth Games & NATO Summit in Wales.  As AO BM, Jayne’s diverse area of responsibilities included the National Air Defence Operations Centre; Military Air Traffic Management; UK ASACS; Space Control (Space Operations Centre and RAF Fylingdales); Joint Ground Based Air Defence HQ; and the Joint Datalink Management Organisation.

In June 2015, after 3 and half years as AO BM, Jayne commenced language training prior to taking up an appointment in January 2016 as Deputy Chief of Staff at HQ Allied Air Command. Later that year Jayne was appointed as the UK’s National Military Representative SHAPE in Brussels – a post that she was forced to stand down from due to ill health.

Jayne was President of the Aries Association (graduate of the Aerosystems and Specialist Navigation courses).  She had a lapsed PPL(A) and enjoyed jogging for fitness.  Jayne’s other interests included historical/cultural travel, art history and music in which she had a catholic taste.

Jayne died in Belgium at 0840 (European time) on Saturday 20 May 2017 following a battle with cancer.

“Her duty done – she sleeps”

Per Ardua ad Astra

[1] 15 Oct 1997 – 763mph (Mach 1.02).

Dear Member,

The following note has been received from Norry Bell, seeking your support for a petition aimed at preventing significant changes to the Chapel of Remembrance at RAF Biggin Hill.

You can read more and sign the petition here:

http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance

He also asks that those who are able to do so to take a moment to share the petition with others.  It's really easy – all you need to do is forward this email or share this link on Facebook or Twitter:

http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance

Kind regards

Grant

Grant Grafton | Secretary | +44(0)1626 351809 | +44(0)7887 765643 | sec@raffca.org.uk

Dear FCA Member,

Welcome to the new & hopefully improved FCA Website, the main aims set out for improving the web site are:

1. Ease the administration on the committee.
2. Improve the look and allow it to be responsive for tablets and smartphones.
3. Enhance the publicity of the projects that the committee and its members undertake.

I hope you enjoy the new site and its functionality, please note it is not completely finished yet!. Some of the improvements are listed below:

• The site is tablet and smartphone friendly - it is responsive to different screen sizes - although you may find some pages overflow - please let me know if this is the case and I will fix it (use the Committee page to contact me!).
• This site now accepts online applications with the added benefit of paying your subscription by Paypal. In addition, you are now in control of your profile and can add the details as and when you require.
• The message board facility is still operational, although I was not able to transfer all of the legacy boards over, if you would like a specific board sent over I will make this work for you. The message boards are now near real-time, what does that mean? If you and others are logged in, they will see your post update within 5 seconds of you posting it, bringing the boards to life and allowing you to have real-time conversations,
• The Heritage section will display all of the fantastic history, facts, articles, papers that the Association has amassed over the time it has been formed. This area will display the information in a more web-friendly format! - This will be updated in the near future.
• The Events area allows you to see what events are upcoming, it also details the address & further details for you to log in using your smartphone and select the address - this will bring up a google maps application and direct you to the event location - perfect for those who struggle to read maps!!
• The links page stores all of the Associations affiliates, minutes, photos and videos. If you would like something added to this area, please let me know.

If you have any questions, areas of improvements or snags, please let me know!

Regards

Costi

Paul Costigan

Web Manager

A funeral service for Air Cdre Jayne Millington MA, MA(Oxon), FRAeS, FCMI, RAF, will be held at St Clement Danes, Strand, London WC2R 1DH at 1400 on Mon 19 Jun 17.

FCA Members who knew Air Cdre Millington are very welcome to attend the service and are requested to be seated by 1350. Dress for the funeral service for military personnel is No 1 SD (or single Service equivalent) with medals. At the request of the family, black armbands are not to be worn. Transport from RAF High Wycombe for service personnel is available and personnel are requested to contact the RAF High Wycombe Stn Adjutant or SWO (Fg Off Palfrey or Warrant Officer Marshall) on MOD telephone: 95991 4454, Civil: 01494 494454 if they require transport. The funeral service will be followed by a wake for family and friends; details will be confirmed at a later date.

Jayne’s family have requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity, either on the day or in the name of Air Cdre W J Millington via the website https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate

FCA members who wish to attend the service are requested to email Fg Off James Palfrey (james.palfrey968@mod.gov.uk ), copy to the FCA Secretary, so that St Clement Danes can be kept informed of numbers attending.

Lastly, in the finest traditions of the FC/ABM Branch the Association would like to ensure that Jayne gets a fitting send off. The FCA therefore plans to make a contribution towards the costs of the Wake; however, as this would fall outside of our agreed spend, donations from FCA Members to help with these costs would be most welcome. Should members wish to make a personal contribution, we will ensure that contributions are passed on with any underspend donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund/Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

Personal donations should be made to the following FCA account:
Account Name: Association of FC Officers
Sort Code:40-47-17
Acc No: 82356260
Payment Ref:JMWake

Kind regards

Grant Grafton

Secretary