Day 4 and after an overnight near Goole the hills beckon!   Dutch Holland reports:

"Day 4 has been a killer day travelling from Goole to Barnard Castle.  92 miles that started flat and ended going up and down some very steep hills.  The hill out of Richmond was particularly nasty but all managed to get to the top!

Weather good. Headwind slight.  Forecast for tomorrow much the same.

The team all fit and well but legs are definitely tired and heavy.

Had a jet fly over today which definitely boosted the team's spirits.

The tour continues the hill stages tomorrow with the hardest gradients of the trip.  However, the total miles planned for tomorrow are only (!) about 65.

              

              

Day 2 and the team left RAF Halton to make their way up to RAF Wittering where they stayed overnight.  This morning they continued their Northward passage and Dutch Holland reports:

"Just finished for the day.  A nightmare day with a very strong head wind for the last 30 miles!!  Total distance covered was 82 miles and travelled just shy of Grantham to Goole.  Weather was generally dry.   Team in good spirits.  Beer and Sunday dinner beckons!

We are now 30 miles ahead of the line so tomorrow's original 123 miles reduced to a more manageable 93!!!

Next the tour de Montrose enters the hills...bugger!

              

Day 1 saw the team leave Farnborough and with the weather being most unhelpful a soggy 50 miles was completed which saw them to RAF Halton.  Following an overnight stay which included being fed and watered (well, not water exactly. We are led to believe a well-earned Beer or two might have been involved) they set off this morning with the prospect of a bit of sunshine to accompany them.  Latest report is that although en-route repairs and adjustments were required they have reached their planned destination after having pedalled 93.5 miles.

              

Farnborough to Montrose - 21 Jun 13 (Day 1)

              

The Boss arrives at RAE Farnborough                        FAST bakes a cake for the occasion

The Boss flew down from RAF MArham to be in attendance for the seeing-off of the cyclists and on arrival it was to find that FAST (Farnborough Air Sciences Trust) had laid on a number of events to commemorate the association that Farnborough has with "Shiny Two" notwithstanding that it was there that No. 2 Sqn RFC was born in 1912.  Local dignitaries were in attendance including the MP for Aldershot, Sir Gerald Howarth, and the mayor, Councillor Terry Bridgeman.

              

Cutting the cake                       Handing over the inscribed plaque for the Cody Memorial

Coincident with the cyclist event FAST are in the process of commemorating the connection Farnborough has with the early aviation pioneer, Samuel Franklin Cody.  Cody made the first flight in an aeroplane in the UK at Farnborough on 16th October, 1908.  He met an untimely death in an aircraft accident on 7th August 1913 at Farnborough and to mark his contribution to the development of aviation in the UK FAST has commissioned a statue to the great man to be unveiled on the centenary of his death.  A feature of the memorial is the incorporation of commemorative plaques and II(AC) Sqn has contributed to this display with a plaque of their own.  The Boss was pleased to be able to endorse the plaque with the FAST project manager.

              

Getting to grips with the old technology - the Cody Flyer 1A replica and the "Flight Simulator"

The FAST Cody Pavilion is well worth a visit given the number of artifacts and exhibits on display detailing the equipments and experiences relating to the early pioneers of aviation in the UK.  Not sure if the Boss qualified after his "sortie" on the Cody Flyer simulator!

              

The team lines up for the official pictures - whilst one of the number takes time to "psych up"

Following the accolades and fine words in the Cody Pavilion the time came to get down to the business of the day and to go outside to get ready for the Main Event.  A short session when the "Official" pictures were taken and then down to the airfield and the starting point of the epic journey with the backdrop of "The Painted Lady" and the famous Farnborough "Black Sheds".

              

A final picture in front of "The Painted Lady" and then they're off!

A final reminder of what it's all about and then at the crack of 12:32 they were on their way.   Good Luck Lads and we'll try to keep the world posted as to your progress.

Shiny Two returns to Montrose

On the 13th February 1913 No II Squadron, of the recently formed Royal Flying Corps, took off from Farnborough in Hampshire to fly 450 miles north to Montrose in north east Scotland.  The move to Montrose was significant as it marked the first deployment of a squadron to occupy a specifically designed airfield.  Captain �Ferdy� Waldron, flying a Maurice Farman biplane, was the first pilot to reach Montrose at 10:30am on the 26th February 1913.  The remainder of the Squadron, commanded by Major Charles Burke, arrived shortly after flying a mixture of Farmans and BE2s.

Captain Longmore shortly after arriving at Montrose on 26 February 1913

To commemorate the centenary of Montrose Air Station, an exhibition at the Montrose Museum was opened on the 23 February 2013 by the Provost of Angus, Helen Oswald.  The displays include a detailed history from 1913 to the present day and a model of the Air Station as it was in 1913, along with numerous artefacts donated by the men and women who have served at Montrose.  The exhibition will offer visitors a unique insight into the Air Station�s important historical role, it will honour those who served there and is open until 14th April 2013.

Due to the shared history and close ties between Montrose and II (AC) Squadron, Wing Commander Jez Holmes, Officer Commanding II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, Squadron Leader Dutch Holland and SAC (T) Luke Gove were invited to attend the official opening as guests of honour.  Wg Cdr Holmes said; �It is an absolute privilege to be part of the event.  It is incredibly impressive to see what is going on to keep the history of Montrose Air Station alive, and we are pleased to be part of that.�

                                    

SAC (T) Gove, Wg Cdr Holmes and Sqn Ldr Holland        Wg Cdr Holmes being presented with a copy of Burke�s Maxims by Miss Acacia Law

During the opening ceremony, Wg Cdr Holmes was presented with a framed copy of Burke�s Maxims, these are pieces of advice to new pilots and clearly demonstrate Burke�s awareness of the importance of air power and appropriate training (Click here to read Burke's Maxims).  It is testament to Burke�s understanding of air power that significant advances in all weather flying and reconnaissance techniques were made under his command.

From left: Sqn Ldr 'Dutch' Holland, Alan Doe (Chairman of Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre), Angus Provost Helen Oswald, Dan Paton (Curator of Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre), Carol Sanders (Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre) and Wg Cdr Jez Holmes.

After the formalities, II (AC) Squadron personnel chatted with members of the public before taking the opportunity to visit the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.  The Heritage Centre houses a large number of aircraft, uniforms and personal accounts from those who served at Montrose.  In addition, the original aircraft hangars can still be seen.  These hangars, known as Burke�s Sheds, are amongst the oldest surviving aircraft hangars in the world and are a fitting memorial to a forgotten pioneer of British military aviation.

The Squadron were very well hosted by the committee of the Heritage Centre and the links will grow stronger as II (AC) Squadron plans to recreate the journey on bicycles in late June.  The journey is planned to take 8 days and will follow the initial route as far as possible.

Further details of the exhibition at the Montrose Museum and the Heritage Centre can be found on their website at http://www.rafmontrose.org.uk/. (Click here)

The Boss reviews the exciting year that was 2012

II (ARMY COOPERATION) SQUADRON UPDATE

To say 2012 has been a busy year is an understatement of significant proportion.  I am glad therefore that we finish it as we started it; with a moment of well deserved stability and relaxation for all with families and friends over the festive season.  That said, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on what I think we would all agree has been a uniquely busy, exciting and ultimately tremendously rewarding year for Shiny Two.

As you would expect, the recent months have revolved almost exclusively around our preparation and subsequent deployment to Afghanistan.  For many on the Squadron, this was the third summer away from home in successive years; for others it was their first operational deployment.  I am delighted to say that our Operation HERRICK deployment was immensely successful.  Daily we received plaudits from our UK land forces, our Coalition partners and Afghan forces alike.  It is clear that everyone on Shiny Two made a tremendously positive difference.  This was mirrored by the superb support provided by our families, friends and neighbours, and in the wonderfully warm welcome home we received when we returned on 20 November.  It is good to be back!

Let me take you right back to the beginning of 2012.  As the winter fog cleared from RAF Marham's runway, all II(AC) Squadron personnel began their Pre-Deployment Training (or PDT as it is termed) in earnest.  The first challenge was the Tornado Standardisation Visit, which took place in early February.   From a self-assessment perspective alone, it was important to ensure that we had recuperated to the correct performance standards after Operation ELLAMY and that we had a firm foundation to prepare those new to the Squadron for the summer's deployment.  The report left us in no doubt about where we stood and how much we had already achieved.  While the results were both pleasing and complimentary, Shiny Two did not rest upon its laurels, as the summer months would still be a challenge.

  

A trip to the winter sun of Las Vegas then followed.  Have no fear though, photographs in national newspapers are not likely to surface as they did for a later more exclusive exercise participant prior to his deployment.  The Squadron's sights were fixed firmly on the activities arranged around the range area which encompassed a remarkably wide range of training from realistic Close Air Support (CAS) to multinational composite air operations in highly demanding tactical scenarios.

A period of well earned leave over Easter prepared us well for the most intense period of PDT and gave families the opportunity for an early summer holiday.  It also marked the start of the second challenge of the year: to celebrate the Squadron Centenary in style while also accelerating our PDT.  The unique events in May to mark the first 100 years' of our history was a glorious success and I was delighted to be able to share the experience with so many of you.  For me the highlights were numerous, but the following we're particularly memorable.

The parade to receive our new Squadron Standard on its own would have been a glorious event.  To be so fortunate with the weather, with the quality of drill to rival any London parade, to be graced with a such a prestigious guest list and then to finish the day with a Mess dinner for over 120 invited personnel of every rank, new and old friends and family, firmly set the tone and tempo for the rest of the Centenary weekend.

                                

The families and Association theme for the Saturday was a delightful contrast.  The weather remained warm and clear for us and the static line of aircraft old, new and from far and wide set the scene perfectly and poignantly.  The demonstration by our friends �The Blades� was magnificent and the lone spitfire that followed evocatively captured everyone�s attention until it took its position in pride of place next to our recently �painted lady� and the BE2.

                

A late start to the Sunday was definitely welcome after the HAS Bash the previous evening and the subsequent dancing long into the night.  For me, the Service of Thanksgiving at Ely Cathedral could not have been bettered.  As we prepared to lay up the decommissioned Squadron Standard in perpetuity and the lone Spitfire again graced us with its low venture over the city, the poignancy was absolute.  I was humbled by the excellent turnout of so many friends and acquaintances and equally honoured to be joined by Sir Hereward Wake.  The Centenary was a weekend for all to remember and one that will remain with me vividly as a highlight of my career, a comment I heard repeated by many during and after the events; I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did and have equally fond memories.

                                

Literally as soon as the Centenary weekend FOD-Plod was complete, the Squadron's personnel started intensifying both flying activity and ground liaison with fervour, supporting the incoming UK Brigade as they too undertook their PDT.  The culmination of all these activities was our War Week.  The improvements made over time to ensure that War Week was fully representative of the Afghan tempo ensured that we were all as well prepared as possible.  Before we knew it, we had deployed and were in the thick of the action.

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Amid the clamour of continuous operations in Afghanistan, the dedication of the Squadron Association Memorial in September gave all of us that were deployed a brief but wonderful opportunity to stop and reflect for a moment.  Furthermore the sense of brotherhood from the simultaneous services in Alrewas and Kandahar was truly remarkable; although we were over 3500 miles away, we felt very close to home.   To all of you who assisted in the planning and organisation of the dedication and all of those who attended, you have my sincerest thanks.  To dedicate the memorial when the Squadron was deployed added considerable complexity and placed a burden on many in the Association, but looking back, I could not have wished for a more appropriate time for the dedication of any Squadron Memorial than when the Squadron is fighting for Queen and Country.

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It seems only a short time since I was writing both introductory notes and then the notes to encapsulate 2011 and here I am, one year on from the latter, with my time in command of Shiny Two drawing rapidly to an end.  In late January I am due to relinquish command to Wing Commander Jez Holmes who many of you may already have had the privilege of meeting.  For those that have not, rest assured Shiny Two will be in good hands!  So as we see out the end of the old year and welcome in the beginning of a new one I wish to finish with a series of thank you messages and farewells.

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The support from my outgoing Executive Officers (Sqn Ldrs Jim Beck, Charlie Donald, Dave Smith and Phil Leighton) has been superb.  They all have departed for pastures new and all take forward the good name of the Squadron and our thoughts and thanks with them.  This brings me onto the next thank you to Gary Walker.  His passion and drive in supporting the II(AC) Squadron calendar has ensured the continued success of events in the wider community.  The Association committee too has been called upon to support the personnel it represents throughout the whole of this year.  Events such as the Arboretum Memorial Service and the Anniversary weekend can only truly be considered a success if supported by the hard work and dedication of individuals behind the scenes.  They have delivered in spades and can be very proud of what has been achieved.  They however are always on the lookout for continued support so please feel free to be an active part in the Squadrons future by volunteering now.

When I arrived on the Squadron it was clear that it was already in very good shape.  I envisaged what I would wish for the Squadron:

A happy, vibrant Squadron that works together to strive for excellence, grasps every opportunity and gets the job done.  A Squadron that deploys Combat Air Power that is Second to None.

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Through tremendously successful operations over Libya and Afghanistan that have given ordinary people the chance for freedom that they otherwise would not have had; through Centenary celebrations that drew people from across the globe and which attracted the attention of prime time television programmes such as the Antiques Roadshow; through the consistent determination of everyone who serves or supports the Squadron, Shiny Two has achieved that vision.

Shiny Two is, quite simply, Second to None.

The Boss

The Boss reports:

As the UK�s contribution to Op HERRICK, II (AC) Sqn have an important job to do.  During our time on operations the campaign has transitioned from ISAF led Afghan supported missions to Afghan led ISAF supported missions, a subtle but significant change.  Our role has been varied.  We�ve provided, amongst other things, reconnaissance for future missions, over-watch for on-going missions and rapid response to ground forces under attack or at significant threat from insurgency.  In providing this support, II (AC) Sqn have flown well over 2,000 hours; a fabulous engineering achievement!

Much of the off duty time spent in the gym has produced a Sqn of even fitter and slimmer folk.  It has also been the focus of our charity challenge; 100 years ago the Sqn was formed in Farnborough and moved to Montrose, a distance of 1,074km.  II (AC) Sqn challenged themselves to complete 11,074km everyday for 100 days.  With just hours to spare the distance was completed.  This was helped by some very impressive individual efforts, an exercise bike in the Engineering Ops room in almost permanent use for 100 days.  As a result, a significant sum of money has been raised for Scotty�s Little Soldiers; this small local charity is dedicated to helping the children of men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving in the UK�s Armed Forces. (To donate please visit www.bmycharity.com/2Sqn.)

A second charity effort saw a vast number of calendars and Christmas cards being sold in aid of Hounds for Heroes.  A huge thank you to everyone who has supported both our charity pursuits.

A Happy Christmas to you all from the squadron and wishes for a prosperous New Year.

II(AC) Sqn - Afghanistan Report

As I write this in the searing heat of Afghanistan, I am conscious that some of you in the UK are yet to have an Indian summer before the autumn leaves begin to fall.  For many on the Squadron, this will be the third summer without rain and more significantly the third away from families and loved ones.  You will not be surprised to hear however their spirits are not dampened and that their professionalism remains as positive now as ever.

The stories from Afghanistan will no doubt follow after the tour has finished and it would be remiss of me now to spoil the opportunities for others to recount many of them on their return to the UK.  I will however just mention one activity that is close to many in theatre, with a positive impact on home life.  The Engineers have set up a charity challenge to honour the distance travelled back in 1913 when II(AC) Squadron deployed their aircraft from Farnborough to Montrose.  The instigator (Cpl Zenko) has calculated a �round robin� distance of 1,074km and has thrown the gauntlet down to compete 107,400km by any self propulsion means in the Gymnasium.  This requires at least 100 individuals within the Squadron to complete 1,074km each and already there are a number who have amazingly surpassed the total with many more close to doing so.  As everything within II(AC) Squadron, the spirit to support �Scotty�s little soldiers� a worthwhile charity within the local area around RAF Marham, is second to none.

Others within the confines of Kandahar are completing the time-honoured Operations known to many as �Bronze� whilst the sun still remains firmly in the sky and �Massive� just in time to celebrate Christmas with room to spare in current clothing!  Both are worthwhile to maintain the morale of those taking part and the only thing that concerns me is the few who have chosen to undertake Operation Turkey, but that is a story for the bar.

The picture accompanying this article is particularly poignant in this our hundredth year.  It depicts the Kandahar II(AC) Squadron memorial and myself with the Padre after our Squadron and Expeditionary Wing service on 5 September 12.  We planned the time of day to match that of the unveiling of the Memorial at the National Arboretum.  An unplanned impromptu fly past from numerous aircraft marked the minute�s silence with almost perfect timing.  Although the latter was not planned it was a fitting moment to reflect on the past, the present and the future.

I intend to update the association once more during our time in Kandahar with a view to summing up the tour and the events of the year.

Until then, remember that the best wishes of the Squadron go with you wherever you are and whatever you do.  If you feel like sharing experiences past and present with the wider Squadron family, then please pass them to Clive Brooks or Gary Walker for inclusion on the website or Association magazine.

Best wishes, The Boss





n.b. Other pictures from the Afghanistan Memorial event can be found by going to the "100th" Menu item

Price is �17.50 which includes P&P; and handling.

Orders to the Secretary and allow a few days for this most covetable item to drop through your post box.

II(AC) Sqn - June Report

This will be the last update prior to the Squadron deploying on operations for the third summer in succession.  I; think therefore it is pertinent that the update revolves around a number of thank you messages from me to the Squadron, our close family and to the Association - our wider Shiny Two family, just to capture the period covered and the events that unfolded.

It goes without saying that the most talked about event over the last few months was the Centenary over the weekend of 11 � 13 May.  We were blessed with the first rays of summer at the times most needed and the whole period was full of wonderfully memorable moments.  I must say that the turnout from the Association was Second to None and we, as serving personnel, were proud to have spent the period in celebration with you all, your families and your friends.

The standard presentation held on the Friday was without doubt the finest parade that many of us had ever taken part in.  I must commend the personnel who took part in the parade, not an easy task when also preparing for operations.  All parading personnel were immaculately turned out and conducted themselves impeccably throughout the parade � even the most adventurous drill movements were faultlessly executed.

Our Association AGM on the Saturday was well attended, although some seats were still free.  While I understand that it may have been a relatively early start after a preceding late night, I do encourage as many of you as possible to attend the next Annual meeting, so you can have your say on the running of your Association.  The meeting was followed by the spectacular family and friends� afternoon conducted around the Squadron HAS Site.  The event was ably supported by aircraft old and new, interspersed with a variety of stalls to make the day even more enjoyable.  Again, these events do not happen overnight and I must thank those from the Squadron and the Association that helped set up, prepare and deliver the event.  A warm thank you must also go the Blades Display Team, who impressed us all, along with evocative the BBMF Spitfire.  We are privileged to have the support of the Blades as we look forward to our charity cycle ride from Farnborough to Montrose in early 2013.

The evening HAS bash allowed those with the stamina to strut their stuff until the early hours without fear of disturbing those who wished to celebrate in less dynamic surroundings.  The HAS was transformed admirably, a unique but apt setting to welcome in the Centenary anniversary moment for the oldest fixed wing squadron in the world.

So, on to Ely Cathedral, the Service of Thanksgiving and the laying up of the old standard, which followed on the Sunday.  Blessed with the best weather of the weekend, the service poignantly captured the spirit of Shiny Two and allowed all that attended a moment to reflect on absent friends and those currently serving their Country in foreign fields.  The lone Spitfire graced the service for one final moment before allowing us to round off the event with our own thoughts.

But this is the beginning and not the end.  The Association membership will hold the flame long after we have all deployed and will ensure that the Association Memorial Dedication organised for 2pm on 5 Sep 12 goes ahead as planned at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. (See item below)  The committee has done so much to turn this memorial into a reality this year and I do hope that as many of you as possible can make time in your diary to attend this most important event in our Centenary year.

Further snippets on the Squadron�s exploits will follow once in theatre, but as we depart, it remains for me a real honour and a privilege to sign off these words in our second hundred years, by wishing you all the very best over the summer and into the autumn months.

The Boss