Latest news with #RAFRegiment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Family calls for medal for WW2 RAF Regiment 'bright star' hero
The family of a man who died in a crucial World War Two battle in Burma 80 years ago say he is long overdue a medal for his leadership. Wing Commander Cuthbert "Cubby" Lander led the 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment at the Battle of Meiktila in March 1945 and was killed aged 30 during a night-time patrol. His pivotal role in the battle was remembered with an annual dinner at the regiment's headquarters, RAF Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Wing Cdr Lander's niece Penny Fell, 81, said: "It's absolutely times like this VJ Day milestone that we should be remembering the sacrifices that war calls for. "And - both for the regiment and our uncle - where the sacrifice has been great and the contribution significant, there isn't a shelf life on honour or gratitude." VJ Day stands for Victory over Japan Day and commemorates 15 August 1945 when Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to a complete end. The Battle of Meiktila was both a significant milestone in the reconquest of Burma by Allied forces from Japan and one of "the greatest and proudest battle honours" for the newly-formed regiment, said the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. "The unusual thing about Lander is he was a wing commander, but he was leading a clearance patrol of the airfield when he died, partly because they'd lost so many officers and also because he was a man of action who the troops looked up to terrifically," said Warrant Officer Mac MacDonald, 60, manager of the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre. "Not many other wing commanders would have done so or been able to - and in other circumstances, he would have been awarded some kind of medallic recognition," WO MacDonald added. The capture of the important command and supply centre at Meiktila was crucial to the plan of General Bill Slim - who led the 14th Army in the Burma campaign - to prevent the Japanese army from organising effective action. The 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment had been set up in 1942 to provide a ground defence force for the air force and its men had the specialist skills needed to defend Meiktila's airstrips. Mrs Fell said: "Slim - commander of the 14th Army - saw that morale and supplies were the two things they needed to beat the legendarily fierce Japanese fighters and the airfields were crucial to his strategy of getting men and supplies to the places they needed to be." The Japanese army rushed in reinforcements to besiege the town, desperate to recapture Meiktila. Two runways could not be held at night, so Japanese patrols would move in under darkness and establish themselves on the airstrips. The 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment gunners had to clear the airstrips every day, before essential supply, casualty evacuation and fighter aircraft could land. Wing Cdr Lander was responsible for coordinating the actions of the 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment squadrons and flights [platoons] and often led night patrols. In his diary, he wrote: "Mortars and snipers gave us hell and it took an hour to get our casualties clear. "Bullets were flying in all directions which didn't make our task pleasant... not a man relaxed his efforts." Lander and his runner, Leading Aircraftman Dakers, were shot dead on 24 March. WO MacDonald said: "The capture of Meiktila was an essential part of Gen Slim's plan to beat the Japanese and [if the had not retained it] the rest of the campaign would have been very difficult and very different. "People talk about the battles of Kohima and Imphal as the turning points in the Burma campaign, but the thing that cemented those achievements was the battle for Meiktila." Wing Cdr Lander was the youngest of seven and born in Northumberland, where his father was a coachman on an estate at Simonburn near Hexham. His childhood was one of "considerable poverty" after his father died when he was four, said Mrs Fell, who lives near Cardiff. She is too young to remember "Uncle Cubby", but was brought up on stories of his charisma and sense of fun and the loss of has been remembered down the generations. The family remained close to his widow Eileen who never remarried, and Mrs Fell chose Cuthbert as the middle name for one of her sons. "By 1942, he joined the RAF Regiment as a pilot officer and it's quite something to go from joining a regiment and becoming a wing commander that fast, even with dead man's shoes," she said. In 1990, Leading Aircraftman Dennis Leftley remembered "there was a feeling of great loss that day [when Wing Cdr Lander died] - he was a great bloke to the lads". Mrs Fell said: "Afterwards, another of Cubby's men described him as 'the bright star that shone in the darkness of Meiktila'. "He paid the ultimate sacrifice for a very important cause and there's just me and one nephew left alive now, so this is our last shout to say how wonderful it would be if he could be remembered for what he has contributed." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Historic aircraft to take part in VJ Day flypast PoW-signed flag is 'a piece of history' 'At 103, my grandad is still proud on VJ Day' Related internet links RAF Regiment Heritage Centre RAF Regiment
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Family calls for medal for WW2 Suffolk RAF wing commander
The family of a man who died in a crucial World War Two battle in Burma 80 years ago say he is long overdue a medal for his Commander Cuthbert "Cubby" Lander led the 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment at the Battle of Meiktila in March 1945 and was killed aged 30 during a night-time patrol. His pivotal role in the battle was remembered with an annual dinner at the regiment's headquarters, RAF Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, Cdr Lander's niece Penny Fell, 81, said: "It's absolutely times like this VJ Day milestone that we should be remembering the sacrifices that war calls for. "And - both for the regiment and our uncle - where the sacrifice has been great and the contribution significant, there isn't a shelf life on honour or gratitude."VJ Day stands for Victory over Japan Day and commemorates 15 August 1945 when Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to a complete end. The Battle of Meiktila was both a significant milestone in the reconquest of Burma by Allied forces from Japan and one of "the greatest and proudest battle honours" for the newly-formed regiment, said the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. "The unusual thing about Lander is he was a wing commander, but he was leading a clearance patrol of the airfield when he died, partly because they'd lost so many officers and also because he was a man of action who the troops looked up to terrifically," said Warrant Officer Mac MacDonald, 60, manager of the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre."Not many other wing commanders would have done so or been able to - and in other circumstances, he would have been awarded some kind of medallic recognition," WO MacDonald added. The capture of the important command and supply centre at Meiktila was crucial to the plan of General Bill Slim - who led the 14th Army in the Burma campaign - to prevent the Japanese army from organising effective 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment had been set up in 1942 to provide a ground defence force for the air force and its men had the specialist skills needed to defend Meiktila's airstrips. Mrs Fell said: "Slim - commander of the 14th Army - saw that morale and supplies were the two things they needed to beat the legendarily fierce Japanese fighters and the airfields were crucial to his strategy of getting men and supplies to the places they needed to be."The Japanese army rushed in reinforcements to besiege the town, desperate to recapture runways could not be held at night, so Japanese patrols would move in under darkness and establish themselves on the 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment gunners had to clear the airstrips every day, before essential supply, casualty evacuation and fighter aircraft could land. Wing Cdr Lander was responsible for coordinating the actions of the 1307 Wing HQ RAF Regiment squadrons and flights [platoons] and often led night his diary, he wrote: "Mortars and snipers gave us hell and it took an hour to get our casualties clear."Bullets were flying in all directions which didn't make our task pleasant... not a man relaxed his efforts."Lander and his runner, Leading Aircraftman Dakers, were shot dead on 24 MacDonald said: "The capture of Meiktila was an essential part of Gen Slim's plan to beat the Japanese and [if the had not retained it] the rest of the campaign would have been very difficult and very different."People talk about the battles of Kohima and Imphal as the turning points in the Burma campaign, but the thing that cemented those achievements was the battle for Meiktila." Wing Cdr Lander was the youngest of seven and born in Northumberland, where his father was a coachman on an estate at Simonburn near childhood was one of "considerable poverty" after his father died when he was four, said Mrs Fell, who lives near Cardiff. She is too young to remember "Uncle Cubby", but was brought up on stories of his charisma and sense of fun and the loss of has been remembered down the family remained close to his widow Eileen who never remarried, and Mrs Fell chose Cuthbert as the middle name for one of her sons. "By 1942, he joined the RAF Regiment as a pilot officer and it's quite something to go from joining a regiment and becoming a wing commander that fast, even with dead man's shoes," she said. In 1990, Leading Aircraftman Dennis Leftley remembered "there was a feeling of great loss that day [when Wing Cdr Lander died] - he was a great bloke to the lads".Mrs Fell said: "Afterwards, another of Cubby's men described him as 'the bright star that shone in the darkness of Meiktila'."He paid the ultimate sacrifice for a very important cause and there's just me and one nephew left alive now, so this is our last shout to say how wonderful it would be if he could be remembered for what he has contributed." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
RAF deafened me with noisy aircraft and gunfire, claims elite trooper
An elite RAF trooper left deafened by 'incredibly noisy' aircraft and gunfire is suing for up to £100,000. Alastair Bidwell, 55, served for 12 years in the RAF Regiment – a crack unit tasked with defending air bases, supporting special forces and providing forward air control and ground combat support. The regiment, nicknamed the 'Rock Apes', was formed during the Second World War to prevent attacks by German paratroopers. Celebrated former RAF troopers include football legend Brian Clough and actor Brian Blessed. Mr Bidwell, now a plastering and project manager, left the RAF in 2000 after years spent training with 'incredibly noisy' aircraft and firing thousands of rounds from guns ranging from infantry rifles to heavy machine guns and missiles while serving in zones such as the jungles of South America, Bosnia and Kuwait. He is now suing the MoD for tinnitus and hearing loss so bad 'it appears as though he is ignoring his family and friends when he cannot hear them properly.' He is claiming up to £100,000 compensation on the basis that military bosses should have been aware of the need to limit noise exposure, including by providing adequate ear protection, and should also have given warnings about the potential hazards. In court documents, Rachit Buch, his barrister, said Mr Bidwell was 'persistently exposed to dangerously high levels of noise' while on duty at the firing ranges or on exercises, leaving him with long-term 'permanent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus'. Mr Bidwell's exposure to extreme noise started soon after he began basic training at RAF Swinderby, in Lincolnshire, when he carried out range training with an infantry SLR assault rifle, firing around 80 rounds per day. While on the range, he was issued with 'standard issue green ear defenders', but the weapon noise was still audible, his barrister claimed. Later, he progressed to training with the GPMG machine gun, live grenades and mortars, firing off thousands of rounds of ammunition. 'On range, he used push-in grommets which appeared to do very little, if anything, to reduce, noise levels,' stated Mr Buch, adding: 'He wore no hearing protection most of the time on exercise.' When subsequently serving with a ground defence unit, Mr Bidwell had to train for long periods with a Harrier jet fighter squadron, 'using small arms and at times creating a 50-metre perimeter to the aircraft'. Other combat training included firing rocket launchers, as well as carrying out jungle warfare deployment in Belize, 'with a large amount of small arms fire and pyrotechnics without hearing protection for the majority of the time'. 'He undertook fighting in built-up area training, primarily with small arms, but also with pyrotechnics – grenades, thunderflashes and schmoolies, hand-launched flares – often in confined spaces such as hallways, stairwells and rooms,' his barrister explained. During another posting, he carried out training with small arms and also Rapier surface-to-air-missile, but often had to 'lift up one ear of his ear defenders'. And on subsequent tours of duty in the Gulf, he was exposed to a 'huge amount of aircraft noise', said his barrister. 'Throughout his service, he flew in a variety of aircraft, some of which were incredibly noisy,' claimed Mr Buch, highlighting his exposure to the din created by Hercules transport planes and the Gazelle helicopter. Mr Bidwell, of Trearddur Bay, Holyhead, Wales, claimed compensation for tinnitus and hearing loss from the MoD on the basis he was not sufficiently protected from suffering injury to his hearing. Explaining his condition, Mr Buch said he suffered with temporary ringing in his ears or muffled hearing while serving, but that it has become 'more severe'. He added: 'His phone is turned to maximum volume and need for hearing aids has been advanced by around 10 years. 'He struggles to hear colleagues at work. His tinnitus affects his sleep, leaving him tired during the day times and at work.' In its defence to the action, MoD lawyers are asking for the case to be stayed, pending the outcome of a cluster of similar 'test cases' relating to deafness caused during service, which are due to be heard in the High Court later this year. The MoD said it will be asking Mr Bidwell to prove any hearing loss he has suffered and loss that has resulted from it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Telegraph
RAF deafened me with noisy aircraft and gunfire, claims elite trooper
An elite RAF trooper left deafened by 'incredibly noisy' aircraft and gunfire is suing for up to £100,000. Alastair Bidwell, 55, served for 12 years in the RAF Regiment, a crack unit tasked with defending air bases, supporting special forces and providing forward air control and ground combat support. The regiment, nicknamed the 'Rock Apes', was formed during the Second World War to prevent attacks by German paratroopers. Celebrated former RAF troopers include Brian Clough, the football manager, and Brian Blessed, the actor. Mr Bidwell, who is now a plastering and project manager, left the RAF in 2000 after years spent training with 'incredibly noisy' aircraft and firing thousands of rounds from guns ranging from infantry rifles to heavy machine guns and missiles while serving in zones such as Bosnia, Kuwait and the jungles of South America. He is now suing the MoD for tinnitus and hearing loss so bad 'it appears as though he is ignoring his family and friends when he cannot hear them properly'. He is claiming up to £100,000 compensation on the basis that military bosses should have been aware of the need to limit noise exposure, including by providing adequate ear protection, and should also have given warnings about the potential hazards. In court documents, Rachit Buch, his barrister, said Mr Bidwell was 'persistently exposed to dangerously high levels of noise' while on duty at the firing ranges or on exercises, leaving him with long-term 'permanent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus'. Minimal protection measures Mr Bidwell's exposure to extreme noise started soon after he began basic training at RAF Swinderby, in Lincolnshire, when he carried out range training with an infantry SLR assault rifle, firing around 80 rounds per day. While on the range, he was issued with 'standard issue green ear defenders', but the weapon noise was still audible, his barrister claimed. Later, he progressed to training with the GPMG machine gun, live grenades and mortars, firing off thousands of rounds of ammunition. 'On range, he used push-in grommets which appeared to do very little, if anything, to reduce, noise levels,' stated Mr Buch, adding: 'He wore no hearing protection most of the time on exercise.' When subsequently serving with a ground defence unit, Mr Bidwell had to train for long periods with a Harrier jet fighter squadron, 'using small arms and at times creating a 50-metre perimeter to the aircraft'. Other combat training included firing rocket launchers, as well as carrying out jungle warfare deployment in Belize, 'with a large amount of small arms fire and pyrotechnics without hearing protection for the majority of the time'. 'He undertook fighting in built-up area training, primarily with small arms, but also with pyrotechnics – grenades, thunderflashes and schmoolies, hand-launched flares – often in confined spaces such as hallways, stairwells and rooms,' his barrister said. During another posting, he carried out training with small arms and also Rapier surface-to-air-missile, but often had to 'lift up one ear of his ear defenders'. And on subsequent tours of duty in the Gulf, he was exposed to a 'huge amount of aircraft noise', said his barrister. 'Throughout his service, he flew in a variety of aircraft, some of which were incredibly noisy,' claimed Mr Buch, highlighting his exposure to the din created by Hercules transport planes and the Gazelle helicopter. Poorer quality of life Mr Bidwell, of Trearddur Bay in Holyhead, Wales, claimed compensation for tinnitus and hearing loss from the MoD on the basis he was not sufficiently protected from suffering injury to his hearing. Explaining his condition, Mr Buch said he suffered with temporary ringing in his ears or muffled hearing while serving, but that it has become 'more severe'. He added: 'His phone is turned to maximum volume and need for hearing aids has been advanced by around 10 years. 'He struggles to hear colleagues at work. His tinnitus affects his sleep, leaving him tired during the day times and at work.' In its defence to the action, MoD lawyers are asking for the case to be temporarily halted, pending the outcome of a cluster of similar 'test cases' relating to deafness caused during service, which are due to be heard in the High Court later this year. The MoD said it would be asking Mr Bidwell to prove any hearing loss he has suffered and loss that has resulted from it.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- The Independent
RAF trooper sues for £100k claiming ‘incredibly noisy' guns and aircraft left him deaf
An elite RAF trooper left so deafened by "incredibly noisy" aircraft and gun fire that his friends and family accuse him of ignoring them is suing for up to £100,000. Alastair Bidwell, 55, served for 12 years in the RAF Regiment – a unit tasked with defending air bases, supporting special forces and providing forward air control and ground combat support. The regiment, nicknamed the 'Rock Apes', was formed during World War Two to prevent attacks by German paratroopers and celebrated former RAF troopers include football legend Brian Clough and actor Brian Blessed. Mr Bidwell, now a plastering and project manager, left the services in 2000 after years spent training with "incredibly noisy" aircraft and firing thousands of rounds from guns ranging from infantry rifles to heavy machine guns and missiles whilst serving in zones such as the jungles of South America, Bosnia and Kuwait. He is now suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for tinnitus and hearing loss so bad "it appears as though he is ignoring his family and friends when he cannot hear them properly". He is claiming up to £100,000 compensation on the basis that military bosses should have been aware of the need to limit noise exposure, including by providing adequate ear protection, and should also have given warnings about the potential hazards. In court documents, his barrister, Rachit Buch, said the former RAF man was 'persistently exposed to dangerously high levels of noise' while on duty at the firing ranges or on exercises, leaving him with long-term 'permanent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus'. Mr Bidwell's exposure to extreme noise started soon after he began basic training at RAF Swinderby, in Lincolnshire, when he carried out range training with an infantry SLR assault rifle, firing around 80 rounds per day. While on the range, he was issued with 'standard issue green ear defenders,' but the weapon noise was still audible, claimed his barrister. Later, he progressed to training with the GPMG machine gun, live grenades and mortars, firing off thousands of rounds of ammo. 'On range, he used push-in grommets which appeared to do very little, if anything, to reduce, noise levels,' stated Mr Buch. 'He wore no hearing protection most of the time on exercise'. When subsequently serving with a ground defence unit, Mr Bidwell had to train for long periods with a Harrier jet fighter squadron, 'using small arms and at times creating a 50-metre perimeter to the aircraft'. Other combat training included firing rocket launchers, as well as carrying out jungle warfare deployment in Belize, 'with a large amount of small arms fire and pyrotechnics without hearing protection for the majority of the time'. 'He undertook fighting in built-up area training, primarily with small arms, but also with pyrotechnics - grenades, thunderflashes and schmoolies, hand-launched flares - often in confined spaces such as hallways, stairwells and rooms,' explained his barrister. During another posting, he carried out training with small arms and also Rapier surface-to-air-missile, but often had to 'lift up one ear of his ear defenders'. And on subsequent tours of duty in the Gulf, he was exposed to a 'huge amount of aircraft noise,' said his barrister. 'Throughout his service, he flew in a variety of aircraft, some of which were incredibly noisy," claimed Mr Buch, highlighting his exposure to the din created by massive Hercules transport planes and the Gazelle helicopter. Mr Bidwell, of Trearddur Bay, Holyhead, Wales, claims compensation for tinnitus and hearing loss from the MoD on the basis that he was not sufficiently protected from suffering injury to his hearing. Explaining his condition, Mr Buch stated: 'He suffered what he thought was temporary ringing in ears or muffled hearing while serving. 'Hearing loss has become more severe as it appears as though he is ignoring his family and friends when he cannot hear them properly. "This is worse where there is background noise such as in shops or restaurants, hampering his ability to take part in social activities. "His phone is turned to maximum volume and need for hearing aids has been advanced by around 10 years. "He struggles to hear colleagues at work. His tinnitus affects his sleep, leaving him tired during the day times and at work.' In its defence to the action, MoD lawyers are asking for the case to be stayed, pending the outcome of a cluster of similar "test cases" relating to deafness caused during service, which are due to be heard in the High Court later this year. The MoD also says it will be asking Mr Bidwell to prove any hearing loss that he has suffered and loss that has resulted from it.
