502 (ULSTER) SQUADRON IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR RAF100 CELEBRATIONS

Members of 502 (Ulster) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force have been very much public facing in the last few months as they play their part in marking the Centenary of the Royal Air force – RAF 100.  This has seen them interacting not only with Senior Service Officers but with members of the public, veterans and the media at events across Northern Ireland.

The two major events of the year so far have been at St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast and at the former site of RAF Killadeas on the shores of Lough Erne, and amazingly for Northern Ireland, both took place in brilliant sunshine.

On the last Sunday in April, members of the Squadron joined with RAF veterans and their families in a Service of Commemoration and Celebration at St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast.  This was a magnificent occasion attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Hillier and his counterpart from the Irish Air Corps, Brigadier Sean Clancy. 502 Squadron members swelled the numbers present in light blue uniform and the Squadron Warrant Officer read one of the scripture passages.  It was a terrific occasion assisted by the efforts of the Ulster Aviation Society who had placed their replica Spitfire P7823 “County Down” in Writers’ Square opposite the Cathedral Entrance.  The original P7823 was one of 17 Spitfires purchased through the Belfast Telegraph Fund that was enabled by voluntary donations from the general public; P7823 operated from Ballyhalbert in 1941 in defence of Belfast.    

The Lough Erne event – Seawings – was celebrated by over 1,000 people on 2 June at one of the most important locations for RAF Coastal Command during the Battle of the Atlantic.  It was from this location at 0345 on 26 May 1941 that two Catalina flying boats from 209 and 240 Squadrons took off in search of the Bismarck, which had sunk the HMS Hood the day before.  Catalina “Z” from 209 Squadron piloted by Flying Officer Biggs reported its sighting of the Bismarck at 1026 and this enabled the Royal Navy to intercept and destroy the battleship.   502 Squadron personnel were particularly delighted to be involved as the unit was itself a highly effective and decorated Coastal Command flying squadron during WW2.

While the public enjoyed an air display, which included a veteran Catalina and a Tornado GR4 of IX (Bomber) Squadron, 502 members provided security for the site, VIP hosting, public relations and recruiting facilities.  And in what may be a first for members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, two members of 502 Squadron assisted Royal Artillery reservists in manning field guns for a Royal Gun Salute to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty The Queen.  They had undertaken training with 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery at Newtownards over several weeks and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to fire something larger than an SA80. 

Two Squadron members took part in carrying the RAF 100 baton on its Northern Ireland leg of a tour of the United Kingdom, cycling with the lit flame from Larne to the Giants Causeway and getting local children playing sport involved as they went along.

The next major RAF 100 event will be at the Newcastle Festival of Flight where the RAF’s Centenary Road Show will set up camp in the days running up to the flying display on 11 August.  It will include several replica aircraft, including the Hawk jet trainer and Typhoon fighter, with actors and aircrew telling the public about each of them and a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics marquee for students to learn about science and engineering within the RAF world.

On the Sporting field, one of the Squadron’s officers has been representing the RAF as part of the Service hockey team touring Japan.  The team carried out several Defence Engagement opportunities as well as playing talented Japanese hockey teams across the country.  

The Squadron continues to provide support for RAF operational outputs both in Great Britain and abroad, with personnel from disciplines such as policing and personnel support filling real time roles on operations and deployments.  At present six reservists are mobilised carrying out roles within the regular force.  As many more Squadron members complete their Phase 2 training, these opportunities are giving reservists real insight to working at the sharp end while allowing the RAF to see the high quality of personnel volunteering to join the Reserve. 

0n 9 April 2018 a new Officer Commanding took up the reins at Squadron HQ.  He is a local man who spent his regular career as a Provost Officer in the RAF Police, attaining the rank of Group Captain in the position of Principal Security Advisor at Headquarters Air Command.  He is looking forward to working with and developing the people at 502 Squadron, as well as to furthering the unit’s contribution to the RAF’s Operational output. 

At the beginning of June the Squadron was delighted to receive confirmation that four personnel had been recognised for their outstanding service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List: Flight Sergeant C. Taylor and Corporal M. Ferguson, were individually awarded an Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group Commendation, while Squadron Leader M. Cairns was awarded a Deputy Commander Operations Commendation and Squadron Leader M. O’Neill received a commendation from Air Officer Medical Operations.  A superb result for 502 Squadron and one that speaks to the quality, enthusiasm and commitment of the Squadron’s Volunteer Reserve personnel.