What the raf is still doing in afghanistan as a helicopter. Photos raf regiment battle dress ww2 militaryimages. During his time on 26 sqn raf regt he completed operational tours in the falkland islands and kandahar. The corps carries out soldiering tasks relating to the delivery of air power. Raf snipers protect afghan family from insurgent attack gov. The regiment grew to a strength of 80,000 men with 280 squadrons of 185 men. Over for some britons, beginning for others bbc news. Aug 29, 2008 yeah ok, the raf regiment training isnt as long or anywhere near as hard as paras or rm but you have got to give it to them, they are still doing their part. See more ideas about military humor, military quotes and military. See more ideas about royal air force, british armed forces and armed forces. An injury sustained while on duty ended his raf career and darren has since forged a successful career as a photographer. For over a hundred years the royal air force has defended the skies of britain and projected britains power and influence around the world. Raf regiment soldiers line up jackal vehicles on a heavy weapons range in afghanistan mod 45153501. Raf regiment soldiers on a jackal vehicle in afghanistan.
Members of b flight, 27 squadron, raf regiment pictured in afghanistan, january 2010, posing for a photo with their wmik land rovers and panther armoured vehicles. An image from the 2012 raf photographic competition. Security forces airmen help prep raf regiment for afghanistan. Two raf personnel are among five people killed in a helicopter crash in afghanistan the puma mk2 helicopter had been landing at a nato hq in the capital kabul the ministry of defence says it. The regiment flight was conducting its last training scenarios before deploying to afghanistan. Gallery raf regiment association official website home. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in. Ryan completed his first tour in afghanistan in 2010 as a specialist driver on a rifle flight the raf regiment equivalent of a platoon, defending kandahar air. Raf honington and eastern region for exregulars and exreservists.
Specialists in ground combat operations, the raf regiment contributes to the defence of raf airfields in the uk and overseas, forward air controlling, ceremonial duties and support to special forces operations. The loss of a british aircraft in afghanistan on saturday 2 september 2006. Centurion dinner on saturday 28 march 2020 at 1900hr for 1930hr. Aug 12, 2017 during ww2 the raf regiment distinguished themselves on several occasions defending vital forwards airstrips and radar sites against attacks by the japanese. Just down the a1 on the outskirts of grantham, alma house and belton house are noted for their proud connections to the raf regt. The main role of the 2,000member raf regiment, which sustained casualties in afghanistan, is to patrol and protect raf bases and airfields. Feb 21, 2009 a video i made with a selection of photos of the raf regiment in afghanistan.
A video i made with a selection of photos of the raf regiment in afghanistan. An enthusiastic, loyal and dedicated member of the royal air force regiment, he was a willing volunteer for his tour of duty in afghanistan and epitomised the very best the service represents loyalty, respect, selflessness, service and excellence. An updated short history of the raf regiment from 1942 to 1982 with a brief account of the approach to the problems of airfield defence in the royal air force from 1918 until the formation of its own defence corps in 1942. Raf regiment gunners with merlin helicopter landing in. The aircraft involved in the accident was a royal air force nimrod mr2 based at raf kinloss in scotland. Personnel from the squadron, based at raf lossiemouth, moray, were on a routine security patrol when one of its vehicles was caught in an explosion. The raf regiment takes the lead on force protection fp for the raf and is responsible for. The royal air force regiment raf regiment is part of the royal air force and functions as a specialist corps founded by royal warrant in 1942. At the end of the war the decision was made to retain the raf regt.
Frunze military academy compiled this book for their command and general staff. The squadron completed a six month deployment and were welcomed home by the mayor of hillingdon and the assistant chief of the air staff air. Two raf regiment members have been withdrawn from frontline. Rocknet, the headquarters of the raf regiment network view. During ww2 the raf regiment distinguished themselves on several occasions defending vital forwards airstrips and radar sites against attacks by the japanese. Jun 10, 2012 i am ex raf regiment reserve of the modern era, and over the past 3 years or so have taken up a fantastic hobby called reenacting. The news coincides with todays 1 february 2012 70th anniversary of the formation of the raf regiment in 1942. Operation toral is the codename for british presence within afghanistan post 2014 as part of. Cancellation of church service and raf regt association reception. Women currently make up 10% of the raf col richard.
So this book is written in the words of british military veterans from iraq and. The number of uk troops killed in afghanistan now stands at 93 two servicemen from the raf regiment were killed in a roadside blast in southern afghanistan, according to the ministry of defence. The raf regiment is the ground fighting force of the raf. Raf regiment books raf regiment association official. International security assistance forces combat operations in afghanistan, which took place during the period 200214. Servicemen from 63 squadron raf regiment during a homecoming parade in uxbridge, west of london, on august 5, 2009. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options.
May 04, 2009 yes the raf regt has toured afghanistan and many various other countries but the sad truth is that they do spend all their time defending and patrolling air bases. The royal air force regiment is the airfield defence corps of the united kingdoms raf. Oct 25, 2014 these pictures are of the raf regimant, currently and affectionately nick named rock apes. Dec 12, 2012 uk forces in theatre from june 2014 this final phase of the uks combat operations in afghanistan, known as operation herrick, will come to an end on 31 december 2014. The raf regiment was created in the early years of world war ii for the active dedicated defense of raf airfields and installations. They are probably on patrol in and around kandahar.
Meanwhile, the ministry of defence said a gunner from 51 squadron, raf regiment, and a civilian interpreter had been killed in kandahar province. Raf regiment books khaki and blue the early ground defence of the raf in ww2 by colonel ronald sherbrookewalker td dl. I want to remember and portray the raf regiment as they were during 193945, so it is important that i dress correctly. Two british servicemen from the raf regiment have been withdrawn from the frontline in afghanistan and returned to britain. All pictures are on highquality art board and are supplied in a cardboard tube. The raf regiment, along with the raf police, provide essential force protection for the strategicallyimportant camp bastion and the local area. My father in law was in the raf in ww2 and started out like many as an ordinary raf general duties aircraftsman, wearing the same blue uniform as everyone else. A snatch 2 land rover center and 2 wmik land rovers operated by aflight, 3 squadron, the raf regiment, pictured during an early morning security operation outside kandahar air field, afghanistan. Prince harry presents the raf regiment with a new colour.
Prince william undertook a 30hour trip to raf detachments in theatre at kandahar air base, afghanistan and al udeid, qatar as the culmination of his attachment to the raf. Ali ahmadjalali, former afghan army and mujahideen commander and. Serving members raf regiment association official website. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Leaving aside those injured, seriously or otherwise, five raf regiment gunners were killed in iraq one in a firefight, three, including a member of the raauxaf, in a single mortar strike, and one in a road traffic incident and five were killed in afghanistan one due to hostile fire, four due to ieds, including one 51 year old member of the. Most have failed to get into the raf in any other guise the raf, you must understand, is an organisation built around failure. The visit started with prince harry presenting the firmin sword of peace to the raf police, before meeting personnel from the raf police. After successful completion of his trainee gunner course, undertaken at raf honington, he was posted to 51 squadron raf regiment at raf lossiemouth on 18 november 2005. No 15 squadron raf regiment conducted the last british combat patrol in helmand province on 25th october 2014. It is obvious to me that he was an outstanding gunner in every respect.
The crash led to fourteen fatalities, twelve from the royal air force, one royal marine and one from the british army. Raf gunner killed in afghanistan the 51 squadron training before their deployment to afghanistan. The raf regiment association has a range of merchandise which it sells. Tisha bate carry a patient into an raf chinook as part of a mass casualty training scenario sept. Hope u all like it and remember keep supporting our lads who are doing a great job out there music is ozzy osbourne.
The pair died during the explosion in kandahar province on sunday april at 1848 local time, the mod said. Rocknet, the headquarters of the raf regiment network. This books concerns the regiments operational history in southeast asia command and draws on the diaries and recollections of the men who served in that theater. The royal army medical corps, the raf regiment and the territorial army.
Raf regiment conducts first joint patrols in afghanistan. See more ideas about regiment, raf, royal air force. The raf regiment carries out frequent patrols around allied air bases to guard against rocket attacks by the taliban. Damning photographs apparently showing airmen posing in a glorified manner next to the bloodstained body of a taliban fighter are now being investigated after images were brought to the attention of the military police. Prince william finishes raf attachment with visit to. All funding comes from generous donations by members of the public and the on site shop. Taliban leader and raf gunner killed in afghanistan world. I had the proud honour to serve with these guys for a period of time. Aug 30, 2007 meanwhile, the ministry of defence said a gunner from 51 squadron, raf regiment, and a civilian interpreter had been killed in kandahar province. On completion of his basic training at royal air force honington, he was posted to 26 squadron royal air force regiment, where he served as a rapier operator.
Operation toral is the codename for british presence within afghanistan post2014 as part of. General regiment affairs things that are not attributable to any particular unit are found here. Oct 12, 2010 there has been a total of 15 deaths in the raf, afghanistan. Jun 06, 2009 also, i wanted to know if the raf reg get alot of contacts in afghan or iraq, i read that they go upto 30km out, but i also was told by one serving raf reg guy that he did a 6 month tour and never sawshot at anyone. Its mission is protection of raf bases from ground attack.
Raf benevolent fund ambassador, jacqui thompson, whose husband gary, was killed while serving with the raf regiment in afghanistan was there and tells us about the day in this blog. Taliban leader and raf gunner killed in afghanistan. This is an important function, but frankly not one that requires a dedicated type of unit, much less one funded to the extent of the rocks. The pair died during the explosion in kandahar province on. Air force times reported that on 11 october 2015, an raf puma mk2 helicopter. Raf regiment soldiers on a jackal vehicle in afghanistan personnel of 51 squadron raf regiment patrol on a jackal armoured vehicle around the perimeter of camp bastion. Regiment history this forum is for the discussion of the history of the raf regiment.
It is a unit with a long history having its origin on 22 december 1921, when number 1 armoured car company raf was formed at heliopolis in egypt. The royal air force regiment raf regiment is part of the royal air force and functions as a. Nov 23, 2011 the role of the raf regiment, as i understand it, is the guarding of raf fixed installations. Aug 30, 2007 a gunner from 51 squadron raf regiment was killed in kandahar province, southern afghanistan, shortly after midnight local time 2030 bst. After undergoing many expansions and contractions no. A member of 27 squadron, raf regiment adjusts his chin strap while manning a gpmg mounted on a wmik land rover while on a patrol, kandahar, afghanistan. The squadron marched through the high street to celebrate their return from afghanistan. A unit from ii squadron, which is normally based at raf honington in suffolk, was. Raf opens combat roles to women amid concern from senior. Part of our remit is the representation of local aviation history and one facet of this diverse topic is featured in a display area behind the gnat and dominie in the western end of hangar 2, which features the royal air force regiment raf regt.
Raf no 1 force protection fp wing commander mick smeath said the squadrons primary role when it gets to camp bastion is the protection of royal air force aircraft and other aircraft. The prince flew as part of the air crew of a raf c17, departing on. A brief history of the raf regiment 19421960 by air vice marshall j. Between 2001 and 12th december 2014, a total of 453 british military personnel died on operations in the afghanistan theatre of operations, eight of whom were members of the raf regiment. An raf serviceman has been killed in an explosion in afghanistan, the ministry of defence has said. Raf snipers protect afghan family from insurgent attack. During his time on the squadron he served in southern iraq between january and june 2006 providing force protection for basra. The raf regiment, who are the soldiers of the raf and are known as gunners, conduct foot and vehicle patrols with the afghan national army ana to ensure that camp bastion and the local community is. Published in 1952 by the saint catherine press ltd. Members of ii squadron, raf regiment with an raf merlin helicopter landing during operations in afghanistan, 2012 in january 1992 the squadron moved to the airport camp in belize providing the capability of holding it until the arrival of reinforcements. Prince harry has visited raf honington to present the raf regiment with a new colour on behalf of the queen, who is the regiments air commodoreinchief. The heritage centre receives no government funding and is run entirely by volunteers. This books concerns the regiments operational history in southeast asia command and draws on the diaries and.
Former lance corporal darren kamara served in the raf regiment for seven years between 2006 and 20, completing two tours of afghanistan and one tour of iraq. Sac christopher bridge, aged 20, from sheffield joined the royal air force on 12 june 2005. Royal air force 3 squadron regiment gunners are performing at the counterimprovised explosive device ciedtraining for their deployment to afghanistan. Dead taliban fighter photographs spark raf probe bbc news. A royal air force regiment airman has been killed by gunfire in afghanistan, the mod confirms. Raf honington 15 squadron parades through the streets of bury st. The raf regiment is a highlyspecialised force with responsibility for providing force protection to enable and support air operations. Collected here are images of the country and conflict over the past. Also, i wanted to know if the raf reg get alot of contacts in afghan or iraq, i read that they go upto 30km out, but i also was told by one serving raf reg guy that he did a 6 month tour and never sawshot at anyone. Welcome to the official shop for the raf regiment heritage centre. Raf regiment airman killed in afghanistan bbc news.
Raf regiment troops often out ran army units to take control of german and italian airbas. Marcin wotjaj joined the royal air force regiment in 2005 as a gunner and served in the falkland islands and kandahar. Sep 01, 2017 the main role of the 2,000member raf regiment, which sustained casualties in afghanistan, is to patrol and protect raf bases and airfields. He deployed to kabul in august 2008 for six weeks to perform force protection duties. In 2012 the fighting was much closer to home for the raf regiment. Apr 14, 2008 the number of uk troops killed in afghanistan now stands at 93 two servicemen from the raf regiment were killed in a roadside blast in southern afghanistan, according to the ministry of defence. A gunner from 51 squadron raf regiment was killed in kandahar province, southern afghanistan, shortly after midnight local time 2030 bst. The visit, which aimed to put into context his training over the last four months, took place on sunday 27th april and monday 28th april. Raf regiment, force protection for camp bastion, afghanistan are pictured as. Raf recruitment raf regiment gunner royal air force. Examples of such tasks are non combatant evacuation operations neo, recovery of downed aircrew joint personnel recovery jpr, and indepth defence of airfields by way of.
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