As part of the RAF Regt’s activities to mark the 75th anniversary of its formation, the Corps Historian – Dr Nigel Warwick – will write a book on the Regiment’s history. Unlike his previous highly detailed books on the Regiment, Constant Vigilance and In Every Place, the next book will cover the whole period of the Regiment’s existence. It will be heavy on images and relatively light in narrative text. Inevitably, this means that the text will have to be concise and concentrated with historical detail, probably with vignettes. While Dr Warwick is superb at research using the RAF and National Archives, as evidenced in his previous works, these do not always provide the level of detail, or the human dimension, to bring the history to life. He would, therefore, be grateful for (unclassified) recollections of significant events or developments involving the RAF Regiment in the campaigns, theatres or themes set out below. These should be sent, in the first instance, to: scott.miller336@mod.uk
Although full accounts of significant events would still be gratefully received, initial responses should ideally give a brief outline of the significant situation or event. This will allow Dr Warwick to determine quickly whether he wishes to explore it further (in which case direct contact would follow), or whether he already has enough information on the subject. In any case, all information gathered will be added to the RAF Regt Archives for future historical reference.
Theatres or major campaigns:
Aden 1947-1957, 1963-1967; Malaya (RAF Regt(Malaya)) 1948-1960; Suez Op MUSKETEER 1956 48 Sqn; Cyprus 1958, 1963-1964, 1974; Northern Ireland 1971-2007; Oman 1967-1973; Singapore/Malaysia – Brunei 1964 -; Indonesian Confrontation 1963-1967; Falklands 1982; Gulf War I; Iraq – Op TELIC Basra, 2003-2011; Afghanistan – OP VERITAS 2001; Op HERRICK –Kandahar, Bastion and Task Force Helmand 2004-2013
UN/Peacekeeping Operations:
Georgia; Sierra Leone; UNTAC Cambodia; Kuwait; Yugoslavia/Former Yugoslavia; UNPROFOR 1992-1995; IFOR 1955-1996; SFOR 1996-2005; KFOR (Kosovo)
Cold War:
RAF Germany 1945-1957, 1971-1989; Norway (eg Allied Mobile Force)
Other Operations:
Egypt 1945-1954; Jordan 1948-1956, 1956; Iraq 1945-1954; Zambia 1965; Kenya 1953-1955; RAF Kai Tak 1960s; Falklands 1982-2007; Cyprus – RAF Akrotiri (34 Sqn and Op CHEVALIER deployments)
Other Aspects and Roles:
Ceremonial and QCS; GDT / STO / FP Training; NBC / CBRN; Special Weapons Security; Armour – armoured cars; CVR(T), Mastiff, Jackal, Panther etc; LAA / LLAD / GBAD / SHORAD (Bofors, Tigercat, Rapier); Tactical Air Control Parties (Forward Air Control) / Air-Land Interface; Desert Rescue / Para Rescue / Combat Search and Rescue / Joint Personnel Recovery.
The lists are not exhaustive and any other relevant subjects may be considered. Initial responses would be appreciated as soon as possible to enable suitable planning and interaction to take place. [CPeN382]