BATTLE of BRITAIN COMMEMORATIVE DINNER Marking the 70th Anniversary of D-Day Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 The Willard Hotel, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
26 30 Our guests of honor A look at the lives and careers of our two guests of honor, both of whom made vital contributions on D-Day – Leading Aircraftwoman Rose Davies WAAF and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Robert “Bob” Hansen USAF Sword of Honor 2014 citations This year’s recipients of the RAF and USAF awards: Flight Lieutenant Drew Buxton, RAF and Major Timothy A Kipp, USAF A Veteran’s Prayer Richard Morris The “Great Crusade”: the Air War and D-Day Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian, RAF Museum 14 The Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation Swords of Honor The background to tonight’s presentations recognizing the most outstanding RAF and USAF officers on exchange over the past year Special relationship General Mark A Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force 10 The RAF Museum 2014 Behind the scenes of the RAF Museum’s ‘First World War in the Air’ Exhibition Welcome and introduction Major General (Ret) Frederick F Roggero USAF; President, RAFMAF 8 Apprentices With RAFMAF’s support, this year’s apprentice exchange has been a huge success, writes Mick Shepherd, Training Manager at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, RAF Museum Cosford 24 Foreword Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford KCB CBE ADC RAF, Chief of the Air Staff 6 16 22 4 Cover image: Reproduced with the kind permission of RADAR Magazine, a quarterly publication of the RAF Museum RAF Museum American Foundation 3
4 6 W elcome and introduction Major General (Ret) Frederick F Roggero USAF; President, RAFMAF 8 Special relationship G eneral Mark A Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force 10 16 Apprentices With RAFMAF’s support, this year’s apprentice exchange has been a huge success, writes Mick Shepherd, Training Manager at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, RAF Museum Cosford Foreword Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford KCB CBE ADC RAF, Chief of the Air Staff T he “Great Crusade”: the Air War and D-Day R oss Mahoney, Aviation Historian, RAF Museum 22 T he RAF Museum 2014 Behind the scenes of the RAF Museum’s ‘First World War in the Air’ Exhibition 24 T he Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation Swords of Honor The background to tonight’s presentations recognizing the most outstanding RAF and USAF officers on exchange over the past year 26 of Honor 2014 citations Sword This year’s recipients of the RAF and USAF awards: Flight Lieutenant Drew Buxton, RAF and Major Timothy A Kipp, USAF 14 O ur guests of honor look at the lives and careers of our A two guests of honor, both of whom made vital contributions on D-Day – Leading Aircraftwoman Rose Davies WAAF and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Robert “Bob” Hansen USAF 30 A Veteran’s Prayer Richard Morris Cover image: Reproduced with the kind permission of RADAR Magazine, a quarterly publication of the RAF Museum RAF Museum American Foundation 3
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford KCB CBE ADC RAF, Chief of the Air Staff I am delighted to attend the 2014 dinner of the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation. A vital component of the enduring friendship between Great Britain and the United States is the partnership between our two air forces, and tonight’s event celebrates both the mutual respect and close personal ties that have developed by training, flying and fighting together. The Royal Air Force was the world’s first independent Air Force, formed in 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service as the First World War drove forward the development of aviation and established the importance of air power in securing national defence. The partnership between the Royal Air Force and the United States dates back to this period, and the stories of those who worked together during this important time in the development of air power illustrate vividly that the history of the RAF is a truly global one, built on collaboration and shared values. The success of the RAF relies on partnership with our allied nations, industry and the individuals who serve in its ranks. I am therefore deeply grateful to the RAF Museum American Foundation for their efforts in helping to celebrate this collaboration and in demonstrating that our achievements are only possible thanks to the dedication and professionalism of individuals. This dedication is exemplified in the work of the exchange officers recognized in the award presentations tonight. These awards celebrate the continuing success of the exchange programme. It is one that the Royal Air Force values greatly and is determined to maintain. As we approach the centenary of the RAF in 2018, the wider work of the RAF Museum American Foundation will continue to be essential in ensuring that these stories of transatlantic cooperation are preserved and shared. Through the hard work of its Directors, the Foundation supports a wide range of activities within the RAF Museum – apprentice exchange programmes with partners within the United States, professional exchanges between the RAF Museum and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum here in Washington, and helping to secure important artefacts that illustrate the story of the RAF and its people. This work will become more important as the RAF Museum undergoes a major programme of transformation as we celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force’s formation. Tonight’s event also allows us to commemorate and celebrate one of the key stories of our partnership: the joint support provided by the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force as part of the D-Day landings in June 1944. The scale of the joint air forces operations remains difficult to grasp. Every conceivable type of Allied aircraft was involved in a huge operation that met successfully the challenge posed by the massed forces of the Nazi Luftwaffe based in northern France, in the air and on the ground. In marking this important event in our shared history, we honour the stories of all those who took part, either flying above the skies of Europe, supporting the operation on the ground or working in the industries that provided the tools for success. In commemorating the spirit and values of those people, we honour their sacrifice and courage. The work of the RAF Museum helps to ensure that their stories can be told for future generations. Thank you for your support. RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 4 5
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford KCB CBE ADC RAF, Chief of the Air Staff I am delighted to attend the 2014 dinner of the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation. A vital component of the enduring friendship between Great Britain and the United States is the partnership between our two air forces, and tonight’s event celebrates both the mutual respect and close personal ties that have developed by training, flying and fighting together. The Royal Air Force was the world’s first independent Air Force, formed in 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service as the First World War drove forward the development of aviation and established the importance of air power in securing national defence. The partnership between the Royal Air Force and the United States dates back to this period, and the stories of those who worked together during this important time in the development of air power illustrate vividly that the history of the RAF is a truly global one, built on collaboration and shared values. The success of the RAF relies on partnership with our allied nations, industry and the individuals who serve in its ranks. I am therefore deeply grateful to the RAF Museum American Foundation for their efforts in helping to celebrate this collaboration and in demonstrating that our achievements are only possible thanks to the dedication and professionalism of individuals. This dedication is exemplified in the work of the exchange officers recognized in the award presentations tonight. These awards celebrate the continuing success of the exchange programme. It is one that the Royal Air Force values greatly and is determined to maintain. As we approach the centenary of the RAF in 2018, the wider work of the RAF Museum American Foundation will continue to be essential in ensuring that these stories of transatlantic cooperation are preserved and shared. Through the hard work of its Directors, the Foundation supports a wide range of activities within the RAF Museum – apprentice exchange programmes with partners within the United States, professional exchanges between the RAF Museum and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum here in Washington, and helping to secure important artefacts that illustrate the story of the RAF and its people. This work will become more important as the RAF Museum undergoes a major programme of transformation as we celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force’s formation. Tonight’s event also allows us to commemorate and celebrate one of the key stories of our partnership: the joint support provided by the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force as part of the D-Day landings in June 1944. The scale of the joint air forces operations remains difficult to grasp. Every conceivable type of Allied aircraft was involved in a huge operation that met successfully the challenge posed by the massed forces of the Nazi Luftwaffe based in northern France, in the air and on the ground. In marking this important event in our shared history, we honour the stories of all those who took part, either flying above the skies of Europe, supporting the operation on the ground or working in the industries that provided the tools for success. In commemorating the spirit and values of those people, we honour their sacrifice and courage. The work of the RAF Museum helps to ensure that their stories can be told for future generations. Thank you for your support. RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 4 5
Major General (Ret) Frederick F Roggero, USAF; President, RAFMAF T he Royal Air Force Museum American friendship and common values between two great Foundation (RAFMAF) is again honored nations and their air forces. and proud to host the Battle of Britain Each year at this annual Battle of Britain banquet, Commemorative Dinner, and would like to RAFMAF presents its ceremonial Swords of Honor thank the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir to the RAF and USAF Exchange Officers whose Andrew Pulford, KCB, CBE, ADC – who has traveled contributions have most reflected the values that the over especially for this event – for his and the RAF’s RAF, the USAF and the Foundation share – duty, continued support. We are also delighted to welcome sacrifice, discipline and courage. It is these values that General Larry O Spencer of the United States Air Force we wish to honor in our young men and women of today, to help us honor the top RAF and USAF exchange officers and to encourage in the young people of tomorrow. who both will be awarded the prestigious Swords of This year, it is our great privilege to, once again, Honor in recognition of their outstanding service. present two Swords of Honor to exchange officers from It is also a great privilege this year to recognize the both countries, in recognition of the roles they play 70th anniversary of D-Day in promoting relations and, in particular, the 171 between the RAF and the squadrons of British and RAFMAF promotes the ties of friendship USAF, in keeping with the Allied Air Force fighters principles and values we and common values between two who undertook a variety endorse. The first Sword of tasks in support of will be presented to Flight great nations and their air forces the invasion. From the Lieutenant Drew Buxton, beginning of planning an aircraft commander and for Operation OVERLORD, it was recognized that the Assistant Director Operations with 343 Reconnaissance air component to the invasion was going to be critical Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The and that the support to the land battle was of prime second Sword will be presented to Major Timothy Kipp, importance. Fifteen squadrons provided shipping a test pilot for the RAF’s No 206(R) Squadron at MoD cover, 54 provided beach cover, 33 undertook bomber Boscombe Down. The directors of the Foundation escort and offensive fighter sweeps, 33 struck at targets convey their heartiest congratulations to this current inland from the landing area, and 36 provided direct generation of “brothers and sisters in arms”, and wish air support to invading forces. them every success in their future careers. In pursuing its mission, RAFMAF is also focused on education, as shown by its creation and support of an RAF MUSEUM AMERICAN FOUNDATION exchange program for young technicians on both sides RAFMAF supports and enhances the work of the UK’s of the Atlantic. The RAF Museum supports an internal premier aviation museum, and promotes the ties of apprentice program at its Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, and a professional exchange between the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the RAF Museum, with the aim of sharing best practice and ideas to enhance their respective collections and missions. ABOVE: Short Stirlings lined up at Tarrant Rushton, ready to transport troops during Operation OVERLORD Lindbergh and eventually requisitioned by the RAF in the UK while he was on tour, is a prize exhibit in the Milestones of Flight gallery at Hendon. The aircraft was acquired in the US, and was painstakingly restored by the craftsmen conservators at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. Moreover, the Hendon site has benefited from the addition of the Boeing Chinook exhibit – a custom-made recreation of the RAF Chinook Bravo November, the sterling service of which has included Distinguished Flying Cross awards to its pilots in both the Falklands campaign and Operation DESERT STORM. SUPPORT AND DONATIONS The Foundation has supported a number of key exhibits at the RAF Museum, from the magnificent P-51 Mustang Donald Duck – generously donated by Bob Tullius, a RAFMAF director emeritus – through to a recent acquisition for the National Cold War Exhibition – the Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low. The iconic Miles Mohawk, owned by RAFMAF, and once owned by Charles RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 6 7
Major General (Ret) Frederick F Roggero, USAF; President, RAFMAF T he Royal Air Force Museum American friendship and common values between two great Foundation (RAFMAF) is again honored nations and their air forces. and proud to host the Battle of Britain Each year at this annual Battle of Britain banquet, Commemorative Dinner, and would like to RAFMAF presents its ceremonial Swords of Honor thank the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir to the RAF and USAF Exchange Officers whose Andrew Pulford, KCB, CBE, ADC – who has traveled contributions have most reflected the values that the over especially for this event – for his and the RAF’s RAF, the USAF and the Foundation share – duty, continued support. We are also delighted to welcome sacrifice, discipline and courage. It is these values that General Larry O Spencer of the United States Air Force we wish to honor in our young men and women of today, to help us honor the top RAF and USAF exchange officers and to encourage in the young people of tomorrow. who both will be awarded the prestigious Swords of This year, it is our great privilege to, once again, Honor in recognition of their outstanding service. present two Swords of Honor to exchange officers from It is also a great privilege this year to recognize the both countries, in recognition of the roles they play 70th anniversary of D-Day in promoting relations and, in particular, the 171 between the RAF and the squadrons of British and RAFMAF promotes the ties of friendship USAF, in keeping with the Allied Air Force fighters principles and values we and common values between two who undertook a variety endorse. The first Sword of tasks in support of will be presented to Flight great nations and their air forces the invasion. From the Lieutenant Drew Buxton, beginning of planning an aircraft commander and for Operation OVERLORD, it was recognized that the Assistant Director Operations with 343 Reconnaissance air component to the invasion was going to be critical Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The and that the support to the land battle was of prime second Sword will be presented to Major Timothy Kipp, importance. Fifteen squadrons provided shipping a test pilot for the RAF’s No 206(R) Squadron at MoD cover, 54 provided beach cover, 33 undertook bomber Boscombe Down. The directors of the Foundation escort and offensive fighter sweeps, 33 struck at targets convey their heartiest congratulations to this current inland from the landing area, and 36 provided direct generation of “brothers and sisters in arms”, and wish air support to invading forces. them every success in their future careers. In pursuing its mission, RAFMAF is also focused on education, as shown by its creation and support of an RAF MUSEUM AMERICAN FOUNDATION exchange program for young technicians on both sides RAFMAF supports and enhances the work of the UK’s of the Atlantic. The RAF Museum supports an internal premier aviation museum, and promotes the ties of apprentice program at its Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, and a professional exchange between the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the RAF Museum, with the aim of sharing best practice and ideas to enhance their respective collections and missions. ABOVE: Short Stirlings lined up at Tarrant Rushton, ready to transport troops during Operation OVERLORD Lindbergh and eventually requisitioned by the RAF in the UK while he was on tour, is a prize exhibit in the Milestones of Flight gallery at Hendon. The aircraft was acquired in the US, and was painstakingly restored by the craftsmen conservators at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. Moreover, the Hendon site has benefited from the addition of the Boeing Chinook exhibit – a custom-made recreation of the RAF Chinook Bravo November, the sterling service of which has included Distinguished Flying Cross awards to its pilots in both the Falklands campaign and Operation DESERT STORM. SUPPORT AND DONATIONS The Foundation has supported a number of key exhibits at the RAF Museum, from the magnificent P-51 Mustang Donald Duck – generously donated by Bob Tullius, a RAFMAF director emeritus – through to a recent acquisition for the National Cold War Exhibition – the Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low. The iconic Miles Mohawk, owned by RAFMAF, and once owned by Charles RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 6 7
General Mark A Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force I am humbled to join the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation in preserving the “special relationship” between the Royal and United States Air Forces and celebrating the legacy of D-Day participants such as Mrs Rose Davies, who tracked ships and aircraft as a master radar operator, and now retired USAF Lt Col Bob Hansen, who flew double B-24 combat sorties to pave the way for Allied forces wading ashore. three Eagle Squadrons that later formed the cadre of experience for American Army Air Force airmen who shared the skies with the RAF in the long ramp-up to D-Day. Looking back, we owe deep gratitude to the villagers and farmers who risked jettisoned bombs and aerial combat debris, but never wavered in their support of the RAF. We also owe a debt of thanks to countless radar operators and controllers such as Mrs Davies, who continued to serve despite being the targets of deliberate attack, and private citizens such DOING THEIR DUTY as newspaper publisher William Maxwell Aitken, who The combination of the RAF controller and the dedicated himself to overseeing desperately needed courageous aviator is itself a “special relationship” Spitfire and Hurricane production. that began long before D-Day. In fact, we can trace it Seventy years ago, Mrs Davies and Lt Col Hansen back to radar operators such as Mrs Davies guiding stood shoulder to shoulder to control the skies of courageous pilots during the Battle of Britain. Europe. They are living proof that, no matter the era Among those pilots was a young man named Vernon or generation, our shared “Shorty” Keogh, an aerial values of integrity, service, performer from Brooklyn, No matter the era or generation, excellence, and love of New York, who enlisted freedom will never change. in the RAF after the our shared values of integrity, It is recognition of that fall of France. service, excellence, and love of same spirit that leads us Shorty Keogh was a to celebrate this year’s spirited stunt pilot and freedom will never change recipients of the Sword of parachutist with more than Honor. To the top exchange 500 jumps under his belt. officers from our respective nations, thank you for going That’s a big reputation for the RAF’s shortest pilot, who above and beyond to preserve a “special relationship” that stood a full 4ft 10in tall and needed two seat cushions provides leadership and hope to the world. Our aircraft to see over the Spitfire instrument panel. In September are cool, but organizations like the Foundation and 1940, Shorty and other Americans transferred from airmen like you continue to make the biggest difference. No 609 Squadron to No 71 Squadron – the first of RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 8 9
General Mark A Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force I am humbled to join the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation in preserving the “special relationship” between the Royal and United States Air Forces and celebrating the legacy of D-Day participants such as Mrs Rose Davies, who tracked ships and aircraft as a master radar operator, and now retired USAF Lt Col Bob Hansen, who flew double B-24 combat sorties to pave the way for Allied forces wading ashore. three Eagle Squadrons that later formed the cadre of experience for American Army Air Force airmen who shared the skies with the RAF in the long ramp-up to D-Day. Looking back, we owe deep gratitude to the villagers and farmers who risked jettisoned bombs and aerial combat debris, but never wavered in their support of the RAF. We also owe a debt of thanks to countless radar operators and controllers such as Mrs Davies, who continued to serve despite being the targets of deliberate attack, and private citizens such DOING THEIR DUTY as newspaper publisher William Maxwell Aitken, who The combination of the RAF controller and the dedicated himself to overseeing desperately needed courageous aviator is itself a “special relationship” Spitfire and Hurricane production. that began long before D-Day. In fact, we can trace it Seventy years ago, Mrs Davies and Lt Col Hansen back to radar operators such as Mrs Davies guiding stood shoulder to shoulder to control the skies of courageous pilots during the Battle of Britain. Europe. They are living proof that, no matter the era Among those pilots was a young man named Vernon or generation, our shared “Shorty” Keogh, an aerial values of integrity, service, performer from Brooklyn, No matter the era or generation, excellence, and love of New York, who enlisted freedom will never change. in the RAF after the our shared values of integrity, It is recognition of that fall of France. service, excellence, and love of same spirit that leads us Shorty Keogh was a to celebrate this year’s spirited stunt pilot and freedom will never change recipients of the Sword of parachutist with more than Honor. To the top exchange 500 jumps under his belt. officers from our respective nations, thank you for going That’s a big reputation for the RAF’s shortest pilot, who above and beyond to preserve a “special relationship” that stood a full 4ft 10in tall and needed two seat cushions provides leadership and hope to the world. Our aircraft to see over the Spitfire instrument panel. In September are cool, but organizations like the Foundation and 1940, Shorty and other Americans transferred from airmen like you continue to make the biggest difference. No 609 Squadron to No 71 Squadron – the first of RAF Museum American Foundation RAF Museum American Foundation 8 9
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