I was ex army and then Raf Regt on mainly 2 SQN. From my experience the later were the most professional i was on, Often excelling on things like Cambrian with Golds and breaking speed march records and always competing to be better. I understand a lot of the banter but its often from those that are average or poor soldiers themselves.
Thank you so much for your kind review of the RAF regiment. Many years ago I tried to go through officer selection at Cranwell. The only guys I could relate to were the Rockys . Apparently I would not have looked the part with a moustache and black labrador . , after an exam , I was hauled in front of the raf reg officer and sncos and accused of cheating ,having got 96% . I went ballistic , defcon 3, And then they all fell about laughing . The officer grinned and said that his men had predicted my reaction and incidentally y did I want a transfer to raf reg. .Gotta love the rock apes
Hello Tab 59, as an ex Rock may i say thank you for your efforts in this video. I have been impressed with your delivery by just walking out your front door & having a natter on subjects many of us can relate to. I come from a militery family that has conections to many branchres of HMF, i never felt the need to attack or belittle any Regt, Corps or branch of service. We all served & we all gave our best in whatver form that took, however the amount of abuse (not banter) the Regt has taken is shameful & reflects badly on the individuals who played the keyboard warrior. At 64 i still have interaction with many UK militery units from across all Regts & Corps & not once has anyone insulated me or my Regt to my face, that speaks volumes. I hope our paths cross one fine day & we can have a beer together, they will be on me of course. Take care mate & keep up your fine work Per Ardua
The RAF Reg was originally an armoured car Sqn that patrolled the deserts of the Middle East using converted Rolls Royce cars in the 1920s and 1930s. If you’re into armour, the amazing UA-camr the Chieftain has done a video on one of these Rolls Royce. During WW2 the RAF Reg were also anti aircraft gunners. Not just in fixed static locations at home but the RAF Reg provided AA on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day landings. The RAF Reg still provided AA for decades later and had Squadrons just for the Rapier missile system. During the Cold War the RAF Reg were equipped with CVR(T) for airfield defence and one of its roles was post attack recovery. In Afghanistan the RAF Reg would patrol “outside the wire” to keep the approaches to the runway safe for landings and takeoff, you don’t want the baddies with a stinger sat under the aircraft that are landing. Another role the RAF Reg performed in Afghanistan was the performing the medivacs in the back of Chinook helicopters. Another interesting role that most people don’t realise the RAF Reg do is, they’re the force protection and CBRN instructors for the whole RAF. Their gunners teach all the other trades of the RAF and are range wardens and weapon handling instructors etc. I remember a big part of RAF basic training was (and probably still is) taught by RAF Reg instructors.
Appreciate that info, people don't realise just what the RAF Regt did in the early years and the Cold War and of course more recently in Iraq & Afghanistan . Thank you for sharing that. All the best Keith & Tracer Round.
@@paulelberfeld5788 I remember reversing my Spartan into containers which were loaded onto trailers at Hullavington. About 2 inches left either side. Bound for Germany. Seem to remember they were 2 Squadron MT. Bit of a coincidence that I was on 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment.
Nice comments about the Rocks, I spent 5 years attached to them as an engineer when they had Rapier missile system. Really good blokes and very underestimated
As an ex-Rock Ape, I know the perception of what our role was (when I was in) and although I still know a lot of ex-Army, the banter is as strong as it was when serving :-). We were always underestimated and looked at by other armed forces as the underdog and that (as I remember) was one of our main driving forces to be the best we could. However, it is nice to see true appreciation and recognition. I have just come across your UA-cam channel and what you are doing is amazing. I will be donating on Friday and as I live in Lincoln, I will try to get down to give you support 🙂
Thats the exact reason why I wanted to make a video about the RAF Regt, very underestimated and it seems that people who ribbed the RAF Regt have probably never really worked with them. Thanks for the donation and if you are able to get over to Skeg on Saturday 7th Sept 2024 to catch up with us that would be great! I will announce the exact start point in Skegness as well as the time. If you miss that we will be wandering the sea front for at least a couple of hours. Our plan is to do the first days 10 miler around our village then come over to Skeg just to launch the appeal and make a video and collect cash donations as we move around. All the best!
RAF Chaplain ( retired ) with find memories of being beasted by the Rocks in but appreciating their absolute professionalism in the field training they gave us. Was delighted to give pastoral care to a number on almost every station I served. Always a good fight between 3Sqn and the paras when they came to Aldergrove.
@johnhudghton3535 Hi John. are you the chaplain that used to come boxing training at Aldergrove? I trained with Les Hotson and had a few bouts for the RAF at Superheavyweight. Im sure we trained together a few times if youa re the same Chaplain I remember. All the best padre!
@@NickKendall-i8z no, but I worked with him. He was an RC Padre with tattoed legs. Broke the med centre door when the quack refused his boxing licence. Nice chap 🙂
@@johnhudghton3535 Haha that sounds like him, he was proper pissed when they told him he was too old for a boxing card. Came and smashed the shit out of the heavy bag for an hour, I remember it well. The punching padre we used to affectionately call him.
@@NickKendall-i8z The name has come back to me now. Fr.John White. Yeah he slammed out of the doctors room, threw his cap to the floor, and slammed the brand new heavy medical centre doors so hard that he broke them. Mad as a bag of frogs but a top man.
Wasn’t just the Paras 3 sqn looked forward to sparring with, it was all comers! Won some, lost some and a few draws that ended up with us sharing a few beers 💪👍
Spent 4 years 76-80 on the harrier force both here and RAFG. The regiment guys were generally brilliant with us. We taught them about aircraft, they tried to teach us about guns and other military things.
Always good to have a bit of banter between units but also nice to hear some genuine praise. I’m proud to be a part of the wider UK British Forces but also proud to be ex 1 Sqn RAF Regt. Thank you, Per Ardua.
Having served in the RAF Regiment from 1984 - 1996 it's so nice to her some nice compliments from an ex sqaddy, there has been so much negativity towards the Regiment. I am very proud to have served. So i just want to say thanks, i salute you.
@@BertPreast Banter rounds out, but way off target. The RAFP were the barrier techs, the gunners never had the pleasure of pressing the green button, I should know, I was one of them(RAFP, that is, should have rebadged as recommended by DI staff in training) The Gunners did a wide variety of specialised roles, but the mind numbing gate duty was not one of them, unless they were armed gate cover, still no button pressing involved.
When I did my 76mm Scorpion gunnery course at Lulworth in 87, my gunnery instructor was RAF Regt (they used to have scorpion). He was by far the best of the instructors and a thoroughly good bloke.
My father served in the Regiment through out the war He trained in Scotland with the commando’s before D day He landed with the French Canadians and their job was to capture Carpiet airfield (sorry about the spelling) so that RAF Typhoons could land and not have to fly back to The UK to refuel They were up against stiff opposition in the SS and saw heavy fighting in and around hill 112 After the war ended he was sent to Palestine where he was GOC Middle East Escort and was nearly killed when the Stern gang blew up the King David hotel They were then and are now very good at what they do and it is a shame that people don’t know much about the unit Very similar to my own old Regiment The Blues and Royals Good luck
RAF REGIMENT are very specialised indeed having both served in the Royal Marines at 20 yrs old Before the RAF Regiment at 28 yrs. Great bunch of guys. Rock Apes can also be commandos. The para sqn is no 2 and they do Beat up pre para then wings. Bootneck to Rock Ape. No wonder I'm a short ass.
I,m an ex RAF Cook and my first two years was as a cook on a Regiment Squadron us tradesmen MT Mechs Armourers admin clerks and the like were known as Penguins to the Rocks by the way the story I heard they got named as the Rock Apes was a competition from all services back in the day to get a large gun to the top of the Rock and they won whether its really true who knows cheers for sticking up for them I get a bit angry sometimes when they get slagged off there is at least one who payed the ultimate price in Basra
Nice compliment to the RAF Regiment...as you say they are so much more than a name and a ceremonial unit. Thank you for sharing, stay well, stay safe - Hope Tracer Round recovers quickly. Helen and Katarin Juska Law, Stella and Terri with Robyn.
Thanks for your info and kind words. When I was on 2 Squadron we had a 2 week exercise at Sennybridge ranges with 2 para. We supported them with our Scorpions, they supported us with their Wombats. Great live fire experience using gimpys, mortars, (smoke) posting grenades in bunkers, using rivers as cover..finishing with a full squadron attack, culminating in an attack on a disused farmhouse. My flight were attacking from the front whilst a section attacked from the right, enfilade. The para reg range guy only told is to stop firing when the guys were only 20 metres away. Pretty risky but the adrenaline was flowing. We were congratulated by their Comp. Cmdr. Saying we had done exceptionally well and our fire control, movement, comms and field craft were outstanding. His guys didn't like it, but we'll take that. 😂
@righteousindignation I'm the same, but I have no excuse as I'm I retired old git lol. By the way I enjoyed your compilation video mate, nice one. Take care
Nice little episode Keith, my father served 23yrs in RAF REG, from the late 60's. Started off on 2 SQN, then onto various training roles, mainly GDT and finished his days at St Athens on CBRN, called something different back then, which I can't remember now.
2 Squadron was my first Squadron after basics, then straight out to NIRT and then Aldergrove as a command post signaller.. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare was what your father was on. What is his name?
I've got broad shoulders and I believe in what I say and stand by my words. Respect to all our service personnel no matter what branch, Corps, Regiment. Thank you for commenting 👍
RAF Support Helicopter groundcrew here. Standard RAF basic training used to be learning how to march, use the rifle, and NBC. End of military training. In my day, when you got posted to helicopters, the RAF Reg section taught you basic infantry skills to defend our deployed operational field sites. What kit you needed and where/how to pack it. where and how to dig gun pits, set trip flares, make range cards, carry out patrols, basic infantry section manoeuvring drills, map reading, mine field drills, how to use a 66 and a GPMG, basic comms procedures and discipline, convoy and ambush procedures. Just enough so the groundcrew were not completely useless if we ever got attacked or got deployed somewhere nastier than the Brecon Beacons. The rest of the RAF thought we were weird. My last years in the RAF they had stopped doing any field deployments and the Helicopter Squadrons no longer had a RAF Reg section attached and did none of the extra training. Sad days.
Having worked alongside ‘Rock Apes’ I found them very professional be that a Rapier unit or para, also the only unit that in the middle of a wood in rural Germany can after an exercise can open up a bar with disco lights built into an old RAF bus, but buried 2 metres underground ! People forget that during the Dhofar campaign the RAF Regiment protected RAF Salalah, where the BATT operated out into the Jebel.
Like you, I respect the RAF Regt. Although I am a Sapper and really proud of it, back in my questionable past, I was in the RAF. I joined in 1962 as a Boy Entrant in the radio trade. Nothing wrong with the RAF, but it wasn't for me. After I passed out of training it turned out to be an old man's job, a bone idle experience and eventually the RAF got pissed off with me and kicked me out, much to my delight! I was just in the wrong job, endof. But at the start, when we were doing basic, I loved it, we got our arses kicked around from arsehole to breakfast time which I loved. And the main contenders for beasting us? Yup, the RAF Regt! A harder bunch of men I rarely met, so not only thanks to you for giving them some respect, but mine given too! Great series RSM!
As an aside, during telic the first UK unit (apart from SBS, SAS) to enter behind enemy lines was airmen of TSW (tactical supply wing) who parachuted in along with APFCs (air portable fuel containers) to support the herbicide helicopter force. They were also "just airman".
My Dad served in raf reg during ww2 and i have found news paper clippings of photos of the parachute drops into Arnham. He survived the war but was killed in 1968 when i was just 6.
I don’t understand people who give the RAF Regiment a hard time. They served in every major theatre from 1942 including Normandy, Burma, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Wherever the RAF went the Regiment went with them. I used to be an air dispatcher with 177AD squadron RACT, Australian Army and we had to jump in, operate and be prepared to defend a DZ alongside 3RAR the former Airborne battalion of the ADF. I saw how big DZ and air strips are being up to 2 km long and 1-3 km wide and knowing the enemy would throw everything they had to take back such an important tactical and strategic asset.
Ex crab here 72-88. The Rocks used to provide perimeter defence when we deployed the Harrier Sqns in the field, back in the 80s. Tough lads, and good fun. I think they used Scorpions, but might be wrong there. The Rocks also used to run the annual Ground Defence Training for all personell at all the RAF stations, NBC, weapons training and all that guff. Happy memories
My dad volunteered in 1942 when he turned 18. He had one brother in the army and one in the RAF. Tried for navy (his father served in WW1) but there was a “waiting list” so he joined the RAF Regiment. Stopped wearing his VR tabs as many thought him stupid to volunteer! Went to France D+11 and his Flight escorted scientists rushing to examine V1 sites. Fought thru France into Belgium but then sent to India after leave at home. 4 day train ride to Burma where RAF Regiment fought until VJ Day. No Japanese cars for him! Burma wanted independence so he was deployed “peace keeping” until demob in 1946. A couple of Brits and Japanese prisoners armed with bamboo canes to control riot situations. Came home with malaria which recurred annually until I was 7 or 8 (I’m a 56 model). Enjoy your vids - keep it up and good luck to you both on your tab.
He must have been in the same squadron as my dad after D day and as the allies fought through France and into Germany he had to go to Sledwhich Holstein (Sorry about the spelling)to capture experimental German aircraft
I left the Light Dragoons in 2017 and i was jealous of the Raf Reg everytime i saw them on the ranges they had all the best gear and we had the scraps was annoying to see they get looked after alot more than army regiments
Thanks for that Keith, as an ex Rockape and infantryman it’s nice to know that someone has bothered doing a bit of reading up on the Regiment. I just want to make a point clear to some people. At no point in my time (22 years) did we think we were elite, damn good at our job yes but not elite. The Regiment got tagged with that when SFSG were formed and quite right as you said it was lads of 2 Sqn that filled that slot. Rapier as someone has said went to the Royal Artillery and CBRN has passed to the Royal Engineers. I might add that two major exercises I did against our Army bros, we caused them a lot of problems, so yes we were offensive as well as defensive, it was easier when we had the CVRT and the Army lads never knew we had it. Cheers again mate 😁
I just wanted to express my love for my Brothers in arms - Thankyou all for taking me under your wing and caring for me. You all taught me to be good and be kind. Could not care less about your cap badge/ Regt pull up a sand bag mucker - talk to to me. Our sons and daughters are the current regular armed forces in present day. We have a tonne of love for each other.
When I was a serving soldier we used to rip it out of the RAF Regt " blue uniforms with green buttons " etc etc but I have now been out for decades and believe that every serving soldier, Regiment, Corp or unit desrves respect from everyone, doubly so at the moment with the state of the world as it is.
Thats exactly right. Ive been out for almost ten years now, while I was in, especially as a younger soldier, we were always ripping into to any other cap badge. But as time goes on and you realise the bigger picture and discover just how important all the other units are, the banter becomes less and less and then turns to mutual respect.
My only experience with the Rockapes was on Salisbury Plain in the 90s. Three week exercise and day one a load of TISWAS RAFs chaps turned up (aviation refuellers) supported by a load of Rockapes securing the FARP. A lot of banter that first day along with RAF cabs delivering fuel pods (called bullocks or ballocks, can't remember). At sunset flying ceased except for a Chinook that flew in, picked up TISWAS and the Rockapes, and off back to barracks for them for the night. And they did that every evening returning in the morning.
When you are in the RAF Regiment, regular,or reservist when you are on tri service courses, remember to pack your sense of humour. You find bunches of bananas on your bunk, and work desk. It is part of the British Armed Forces banter, and by the way I love bananas !
Nice one "Lets Tab 59" I might be an ex Crab Engineer but the interservice bants is always good and I just love it when the army/navy moc the RAF for 5 star accomadation 🤣 Sorry I'll stick with "checking in rather than digging in" I joined the RAF to escape the wilds of Lincolnshire still have to visit as parents still live there lol
Fantastic tab 59 wishing you good luck on the 7th I did snowdon other week for men's mental health an we do ben nevis next we salute you sir respect an love from north wales
To clarify the Origins and roles of the RAF Regiment heres some information. Formed at Belton House at the instructions of Winston Churchill to provide a Ground and Air defence for Airfields. The Airfields were at that time defended by a combination of AA Ground gunners RAF and the Army. To be expected this role at many Airfields worldwide put a strain on Army resources. So it was decided to raise a Corp the RAF Regt to take on the role and being under RAF command it wouldnt have to send troops where the Army prioritised as with the Army defending Airfields the Army personal could be easily drafted away . Recruits were a combination of Raf AA ground gunners and RAF Armoured car Sqds who had existed since 1920s and troops from the Army .. The training for men was carryed out by the Guards im not sure but probably the Grenadier Guards the training for Officers by the Royal Marines (so its all your fault lads😅) . During WW2 the Regt numbered over 80,000 deployed all over the World ,air defence and ground, today i guess around 2,000 . The History during that time is of flexabilty and involved varied roles outside the defence of Airfields as well as the core role . After WW2 training was at RAF Catterick by Regt instructors. The NCOs and Officers and some Airmen would attend specialist courses with the Army such as AA with the Royal Artillery and comunications and sniper courses until eventually the RAF Regt did there own instructor training. Logically certainly in the 70s all training was taken from Army manuals. Training now has evolved to in house by Regt instructors including the specialist courses The AA role and CRBN has been taken back by the Army but the Regt remain Infantry. The 2 sqd used to attend P Company but the Regt started its own course based on that. The Regt has a defined role but if you read the History they have been used in many other ways .When remarks are made including from the RAF why dont you leave it to the Army to do the job you know they understand nothing about the Regt . As you see from the History RAF finance and command frees up Army manpower and budget , todays Army personal numbers magnify that advantage. The Army have however nicked Regt personal on occasions despite all the above in WW2 a large number were taken by the Army for the desert campaign some Regt Sqds have operated under Army command over the years. The Regt numbers now are small but form a nucleus for expansion if needed.
@@chrisbamborough222 It make's me chuckle when I think back to an exercise with 2 para when one lad asked me why we nicked their slogan..'Always Ready'. Ours is 'Never Unprepared'. I had to educate him that 2 Squadron RAF Regiment was formed from No. 2 Armoured Car Company in 1922, a little while before the Parachute Regiment was even an idea. 😆
I agree with all you say about our camaraderie, we all fly 'our flag' and partake in the banter (even within service) but will stand together when it comes to it
When i was doing my Rapier training at Arborfield there were a few RAF lads there as well. Helped each other out with repairs down on the Falklands in the mid 80s. Gave each other loads of abuse with plenty of beers flowing back and forth across the East Island. Even did an unofficial visit to each other. Good lads. A few years later after I got out I worked abroad on Rapier and met up with some of the same lads.
The RAF guys at Arborfield were not Rocks, they were TG3 Electronics Technicians, either from the L Tech AD (Air Defence systems) trade or the Eng Tech EL Trade from 1995 onwards (The RAF had Four Ground Electronics Trades in the early 1980's, that went down to three in 1985 and were all merged in 95). AD's did Air Defence Systems, Radars, Computers and the integrated command and control systems, plus the SAM's (Bloodhound and Rapier), plus some weird and wonderful Yank kit that simulated Soviet GBAD equipment. Also there were Tactical AD Radars that could be deployed by C-130. AF (Airfields) did all of the Radar, Radio and Navigation aids found on an Airfield (plus the Radio's on the Air Defence side) plus had a deployable element that could set up an airfield with full navigation, radio and radar support in a very short time. While the TC (Telecommunications), did fixed telephone, Telegraph, fixed HF comms and Satcom, plus all of the deployable stuff with the Tactical Communications Wing. The last one was the Synthetic Trainers (ST) trade that di the ground based flight simulators, but that trade was disbanded in 1985. RAF had Rapier taken off them in 2006 and it was given to the Army.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Great Guy he couldn't hold down a job as a civvy so joined the signals and was I think a Lance Corporal going places,thanks for you're Kind Words, Sgt Major.
My Uncle Bob transferred to the Regiment after WW2 when they no longer needed Wireless Operator/Air Gunners. My Dad also served in the Regiment Band during his RAF service. In the RAAF they are the Airfield Defence Guard, or ADG, Adgies. Always punching well above their weight with a lot of firepower on hand. Nice for you to do this vlogg.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thanks for asking; just busy. Been watching most of them but not commenting. The thing with your vids is the presentation is so 'two mates having a chat' (which is the appeal and a good thing) ex-diggers (and squaddies) like me could find something to respond with on every vid and one thing they were eagle eyed about when I did my MP Basic course was soldiers who were 'overbearing'. Basically if you told too many jokes at smoko you were 'overbearing' and given the tap on the shoulder and RTU. I am a rather large, outgoing lad so I really have to work at not being 'overbearing', hahahah. Old habits, as they say.
Rock Apes fulfilled a specialist role and were very good at what they did. They generally had a much better quality of life than their infantry counterparts in the army, which was the root cause of a lot of the needle and rivalry.
Thank you, nice to hear a positive call-out for the RAF regt. I’m ex RAF regular and reserve both as an airman and an officer electronics engineer. You are so right about the banter both between units and inter-service, civvies just don’t understand it but it works, it builds up the working trust between us. It’s actually essential in my opinion as it releases tension and all know how much we respect each others abilities. Anyhow, I’m off for another Pimms in my tent……er hotel, luckily as I’m a former junior rank I’m able to navigate to the bar myself without having to call a steward to serve me lol
Check this out Keith. Afghanistan our main air bace was attacked by the taliban who breached the perimeter. Defended by U.S. marines who couldn't repel them. The R.A.F. regiment came to the rescue forced the Taliban back and made the base safe. Not publicise much on the news at the time. But I believe this to be true as my son was there when it happened
Spent some time with the RAF Reg in Germany and found them to be very professional and that's coming from an Ex Infantryman.( Don't give me to much stick)
I'm ex 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment. Our pre para selection is 3 weeks, 1 week at Depot, 1 week in Scottish Highlands or Snowdonia then back to depot for another week of testing. Normal stuff, stretcher races, CFT,s, swimming tests, gym tests, all of which you have to improve on. 2nd day was Three Peaks of Yorks. 50lb plus water and rifle 26 miles, (actually 32 in section), must be completed in under 6 hours individually.
Keith, for info the RAF Regiment depot that you mention at Grantham was Known as RAF Belton Park. That’s where my Dad did his Rock Training, later moved to RAF Folkingham and later to RAF Catterick, Now at RAF Honington. RAF Regiment used to include the Firefighters of the RAF as well but no longer.
The Rock Apes( aka Pebble Maggots circa 1955 Singapore) were among the first into the Falklands with their Ground to Air defense unit, notably they were taking their fair share of rotations to relive the over stretched Army in Afghanistan not only in Air Asset Defense but also regular deep penetration Patrols keeping the Taliban on the run. All the best Matey in your 80 Miler and thanks for your recognition. Despite being a Pongo your OK.
Not Regiment, but ex RAF. Lot of time for the Rock Apes. Have to say though, favourite infantry regiment is the Parachute Regiment. A number of friends are ex 3 Para and Mt Longdon vets.
It's the same here in Australia the RAAF cop a bagging. Bit of banter between the forces. The old saying is when the Army needs to go somewhere it's the RAAF that gives them a lift. Air field protection is done the Air Field Defence Gaurd or nicked named ADGIES. They cop a bit of flake often being referred to as Grunt Wannabe's. They do a great job they were part of the first troops on the ground when Australia went to East Timor securing Dili airport. There's a RAAF base about 30 min from place we have F-18 Hornets and F-35's flying over the city all the time as they are based there. We currently have some American F-22 Raptors base there for training. I was watching the Raptors fly over while I was at work last night. Any ways Keith yet again another awesome video very informative as always. Keep them coming Cheers from Down Under.
There is a wonderful story of SAS Trooper Bob Shepherd, who was RAF Regiment, they did everything they could to ensure he passed, he did and honoured the Rockapes. Also you will find the RAF Regiment taking an airfield, they would literally drive their Scorpions off the back of a Herky bird flying a couple of feet above a runway, always went down well at air shows!
In my experience the RAF regiment are known to be decent soldiers. It's just that every unit (particularly Paras or Marines) think they're the best there is therefore anything else is rubbish! The RAF Regiment do a very important job and I wouldn't underestimate them.
Vehicle recovery is indeed a specialist job. In WW2 German troops were expressly forbidden from rescuing broken down Tiger tanks using other Tiger tanks, since the complicated gearbox of the towing Tiger would not survive this. If they did anyway, there being a war on, you know, it generally meant that now there were two Tigers needing rescuing.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdAs a Rockape I was disgusted too. A great mate of mine who was originally in the Staffords, was too. Look at the Gloucester Regiment. Mercian and Rifles. Two great regiments pushed into oblivion.
My father was initially in the RAF regiment and he got fully trained to be in the regiment, but transferred to aircrew, later and become a gunner in a Lancaster bomber in 1944. He must have been one of the fittest gunners in aircrew.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Well it was common for prospective airman to be put in the newly formed elite RAF regiment and he went along with it, learning the ruff housing and everything including long distance running and boxing. When he eventually passed the training, he did not like the attitude of his superiors, they seemed to have a contempt for them, even though they passed the hard training. So he and his Scottish mate decided to jump ship into the aircrew. Apparently the RAF Reg wanted him as a cook. It turned out the RAF Regiment was sent to North Africa, where they got a hammering off the Africa Corps. Maybe it was out of the fire into the frying pan, for it was touch and go for him in the aircrew, he got shot down and 3 of his close friends got killed. He baled out over Normandy, and helped the Maque resistance for 2 weeks, before being liberated.
My range officers course was run by an RAF Regiment corporal, great comedian. A Rupert on the course said something unkind and the corporal said "I know you think we go around in pairs, one to read and one to write, but I can tell the time" I did visit a 'funny team' of a mix of RAF Regiment and RAF armourers, they had Scimitar 'tanks' and their job was dealing with 'airfield denial weapons', the Gunners operated the tank and provided 'force protection' while the armourers would be scurrying about making safe all the assorted ordnance that might be found on an airstrip during and after an attack.
Thank the lord ! Someone of knows what there talking about bigs up the RAF Regiment for there capabilities instead of Walter Mitty keyboard warriors slagging them off ! ( not military vets who are bantering) from an ex 12 year vet RAF Armourer who served on CVRT and Scimitar 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Mate, nobody takes the piss out of our Adgies (RAAF variant) like us pongos but if a civy dared to speak ill (same if they trash talked the pussers) we would be all over them.
I used to drive a retired RAF Pilot/Navigator/Tail Gunner and eventually in command of storing and destroying munitions and chemical shells after WWII. Anyway, he told me one day that he'd got a signal from Command. They were going to form the RAF Regiment, and if he had any 'undesirables' he wanted off his camp. So, it was open cleanout season, get rid of your old rubbish! LOL. (I'm a ex RAF Driver.)
I know the Rock Apes well. 20 years as a techy in Her Majesty's Finest saw me booking in, not digging in. The Rocks were a pain in the arse. Thick as mince. Always scrapping in the NAAFI. I did take the time to go to Wootton Basset and Carterton to see them home when needed. They wore the same beret.
These are great videos, as ex RMP the hatred is still there who left regular service in 2022. A video on RMP would be great. (Lowers head from the parapet)
My Dad still kicking at 96 did his National Service in the RAF Regiment. He was given the choice in 1946 to go to Palestine or Japan, so he stepped forward for Japan and had some of the best days of his life, he remembers it all like it was yesterday, guarding the Imperial Palace in Tokyo etc.
Steve, that's great mate. 96 year old Ex RAF Regt Veteran, wow, please pass on my regards to your Father and tell him 'Thank you for his service'. A true hero in my eyes. all the best.
During the cold war, it was believed that the Russians might invade western Europe any day, and it was obviously very important to defend the airfields. As mentioned in the video, it was anticipated that any airfield attack would be conducted by elite troops like Spetsnaz and VDV. I read somewhere that RAF Reg would regularly be advised by special forces to make sure they'd be prepared. I don't know if it was specialist training or having the SAS probe security and whatnot. Haven't been able to find much else about it.
My grandfather was RAF Regiment, from it's formation. He'd joined as aircrew,. As we all know, you end up doing a job you'd not signed up for not volunteered for. On the parade ground, half were told, march off you're going to be airgunners, and the rest were told, you're gonna be ground gunners. So. Ted ended up RAF Regiment.
I was ex army and then Raf Regt on mainly 2 SQN. From my experience the later were the most professional i was on, Often excelling on things like Cambrian with Golds and breaking speed march records and always competing to be better. I understand a lot of the banter but its often from those that are average or poor soldiers themselves.
Thank you so much for your kind review of the RAF regiment. Many years ago I tried to go through officer selection at Cranwell. The only guys I could relate to were the Rockys . Apparently I would not have looked the part with a moustache and black labrador . , after an exam , I was hauled in front of the raf reg officer and sncos and accused of cheating ,having got 96% . I went ballistic , defcon 3, And then they all fell about laughing . The officer grinned and said that his men had predicted my reaction and incidentally y did I want a transfer to raf reg. .Gotta love the rock apes
Brilliant story Michael thank you for sharing 👍
Hello Tab 59, as an ex Rock may i say thank you for your efforts in this video. I have been impressed with your delivery by just walking out your front door & having a natter on subjects many of us can relate to. I come from a militery family that has conections to many branchres of HMF, i never felt the need to attack or belittle any Regt, Corps or branch of service. We all served & we all gave our best in whatver form that took, however the amount of abuse (not banter) the Regt has taken is shameful & reflects badly on the individuals who played the keyboard warrior.
At 64 i still have interaction with many UK militery units from across all Regts & Corps & not once has anyone insulated me or my Regt to my face, that speaks volumes. I hope our paths cross one fine day & we can have a beer together, they will be on me of course. Take care mate & keep up your fine work Per Ardua
Sean cheers mate would be great to catch up one day and swing the lantern and pull up a sandbag over a beer 🍺 👍
I met some cracking lads from the RAF Regiment. Good lads who were always very professional in my opinion.
The RAF Reg was originally an armoured car Sqn that patrolled the deserts of the Middle East using converted Rolls Royce cars in the 1920s and 1930s. If you’re into armour, the amazing UA-camr the Chieftain has done a video on one of these Rolls Royce.
During WW2 the RAF Reg were also anti aircraft gunners. Not just in fixed static locations at home but the RAF Reg provided AA on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day landings. The RAF Reg still provided AA for decades later and had Squadrons just for the Rapier missile system.
During the Cold War the RAF Reg were equipped with CVR(T) for airfield defence and one of its roles was post attack recovery.
In Afghanistan the RAF Reg would patrol “outside the wire” to keep the approaches to the runway safe for landings and takeoff, you don’t want the baddies with a stinger sat under the aircraft that are landing.
Another role the RAF Reg performed in Afghanistan was the performing the medivacs in the back of Chinook helicopters.
Another interesting role that most people don’t realise the RAF Reg do is, they’re the force protection and CBRN instructors for the whole RAF. Their gunners teach all the other trades of the RAF and are range wardens and weapon handling instructors etc. I remember a big part of RAF basic training was (and probably still is) taught by RAF Reg instructors.
Appreciate that info, people don't realise just what the RAF Regt did in the early years and the Cold War and of course more recently in Iraq & Afghanistan . Thank you for sharing that. All the best Keith & Tracer Round.
Great blog matey, I’m ex RAF (MT) driver, good to hear an army vet praising the rock apes.👍
@@paulelberfeld5788 I remember reversing my Spartan into containers which were loaded onto trailers at Hullavington. About 2 inches left either side. Bound for Germany. Seem to remember they were 2 Squadron MT. Bit of a coincidence that I was on 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment.
Ex Mt Also 👍🏼St Mawgan, Kinloss, Wainfleet range, Lyneham.
@@yan24toSpent a bit of time at Lyneham, mostly enplaning C130's. A mate of mine, ex 2, was on GDT at Lyneham.
Nice comments about the Rocks, I spent 5 years attached to them as an engineer when they had Rapier missile system. Really good blokes and very underestimated
As an ex-Rock Ape, I know the perception of what our role was (when I was in) and although I still know a lot of ex-Army, the banter is as strong as it was when serving :-). We were always underestimated and looked at by other armed forces as the underdog and that (as I remember) was one of our main driving forces to be the best we could. However, it is nice to see true appreciation and recognition. I have just come across your UA-cam channel and what you are doing is amazing. I will be donating on Friday and as I live in Lincoln, I will try to get down to give you support 🙂
Thats the exact reason why I wanted to make a video about the RAF Regt, very underestimated and it seems that people who ribbed the RAF Regt have probably never really worked with them.
Thanks for the donation and if you are able to get over to Skeg on Saturday 7th Sept 2024 to catch up with us that would be great! I will announce the exact start point in Skegness as well as the time. If you miss that we will be wandering the sea front for at least a couple of hours. Our plan is to do the first days 10 miler around our village then come over to Skeg just to launch the appeal and make a video and collect cash donations as we move around. All the best!
RAF Chaplain ( retired ) with find memories of being beasted by the Rocks in but appreciating their absolute professionalism in the field training they gave us. Was delighted to give pastoral care to a number on almost every station I served.
Always a good fight between 3Sqn and the paras when they came to Aldergrove.
@johnhudghton3535 Hi John. are you the chaplain that used to come boxing training at Aldergrove? I trained with Les Hotson and had a few bouts for the RAF at Superheavyweight. Im sure we trained together a few times if youa re the same Chaplain I remember. All the best padre!
@@NickKendall-i8z no, but I worked with him. He was an RC Padre with tattoed legs. Broke the med centre door when the quack refused his boxing licence. Nice chap 🙂
@@johnhudghton3535 Haha that sounds like him, he was proper pissed when they told him he was too old for a boxing card. Came and smashed the shit out of the heavy bag for an hour, I remember it well. The punching padre we used to affectionately call him.
@@NickKendall-i8z The name has come back to me now. Fr.John White. Yeah he slammed out of the doctors room, threw his cap to the floor, and slammed the brand new heavy medical centre doors so hard that he broke them. Mad as a bag of frogs but a top man.
Wasn’t just the Paras 3 sqn looked forward to sparring with, it was all comers! Won some, lost some and a few draws that ended up with us sharing a few beers 💪👍
Cracking Regiment RAF REG, from a former Bootneck
I agree 👍 💯
Spent 4 years 76-80 on the harrier force both here and RAFG. The regiment guys were generally brilliant with us. We taught them about aircraft, they tried to teach us about guns and other military things.
Always good to have a bit of banter between units but also nice to hear some genuine praise. I’m proud to be a part of the wider UK British Forces but also proud to be ex 1 Sqn RAF Regt. Thank you, Per Ardua.
Having served in the RAF Regiment from 1984 - 1996 it's so nice to her some nice compliments from an ex sqaddy, there has been so much negativity towards the Regiment. I am very proud to have served. So i just want to say thanks, i salute you.
The infantry salutes you too. No finer barrier technicians to be found the world over.
@@BertPreastyou probably spent more time lifting barriers than they did 🎹
@@BertPreast Banter rounds out, but way off target. The RAFP were the barrier techs, the gunners never had the pleasure of pressing the green button, I should know, I was one of them(RAFP, that is, should have rebadged as recommended by DI staff in training) The Gunners did a wide variety of specialised roles, but the mind numbing gate duty was not one of them, unless they were armed gate cover, still no button pressing involved.
Who’s been to the phoenix bar in Aldergrove.? Full of Rockapes.
@@danlomas6886 shut up yer div 🎹🎹🎹
When I did my 76mm Scorpion gunnery course at Lulworth in 87, my gunnery instructor was RAF Regt (they used to have scorpion). He was by far the best of the instructors and a thoroughly good bloke.
My father served in the Regiment through out the war
He trained in Scotland with the commando’s before D day
He landed with the French Canadians and their job was to capture Carpiet airfield (sorry about the spelling) so that RAF Typhoons could land and not have to fly back to The UK to refuel
They were up against stiff opposition in the SS and saw heavy fighting in and around hill 112
After the war ended he was sent to Palestine where he was GOC Middle East Escort and was nearly killed when the Stern gang blew up the King David hotel
They were then and are now very good at what they do and it is a shame that people don’t know much about the unit
Very similar to my own old Regiment The Blues and Royals
Good luck
Great comment and insight Nick, thank you.
RAF REGIMENT are very specialised indeed having both served in the Royal Marines at 20 yrs old Before the RAF Regiment at 28 yrs. Great bunch of guys. Rock Apes can also be commandos. The para sqn is no 2 and they do Beat up pre para then wings. Bootneck to Rock Ape. No wonder I'm a short ass.
And Rocks have had a more recent combat jump than the Paras as a formed unit.
Kool 2 Sqn Lads. Can they still parachute from the moon. Ha Ha.
🫡👍
I,m an ex RAF Cook and my first two years was as a cook on a Regiment Squadron us tradesmen MT Mechs Armourers admin clerks and the like were known as Penguins to the Rocks by the way the story I heard they got named as the Rock Apes was a competition from all services back in the day to get a large gun to the top of the Rock and they won whether its really true who knows cheers for sticking up for them I get a bit angry sometimes when they get slagged off there is at least one who payed the ultimate price in Basra
Cheers Bob, we all had/have our part to play in a big machine, we all need each other for it work especially on operations. All the best 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thank You
Three military crosses MC awarded to RAF Regt personnel between Iraq & Afghanistan 🫡
Just shows us the standard of soldiers within the RAF Regiment. A fine war record. 🫡🇬🇧🪖
Nice compliment to the RAF Regiment...as you say they are so much more than a name and a ceremonial unit. Thank you for sharing, stay well, stay safe - Hope Tracer Round recovers quickly. Helen and Katarin Juska Law, Stella and Terri with Robyn.
Did 3years from 58 set me up for life.ex raf reg and proud great times
Great stuff David, great unit.
Thanks for your info and kind words. When I was on 2 Squadron we had a 2 week exercise at Sennybridge ranges with 2 para. We supported them with our Scorpions, they supported us with their Wombats. Great live fire experience using gimpys, mortars, (smoke) posting grenades in bunkers, using rivers as cover..finishing with a full squadron attack, culminating in an attack on a disused farmhouse. My flight were attacking from the front whilst a section attacked from the right, enfilade. The para reg range guy only told is to stop firing when the guys were only 20 metres away. Pretty risky but the adrenaline was flowing. We were congratulated by their Comp. Cmdr. Saying we had done exceptionally well and our fire control, movement, comms and field craft were outstanding. His guys didn't like it, but we'll take that. 😂
I have love for you my brother in arms.
I would add I was a Desert Womble in Gulf war one Op Granby. Don't fear the reaper Pioneers.
@@M.C.Escher2018 Top man!
Tony Hancock, Brian Clough and Brian Blessed were in the RAF Regiment, and one of that lot served alongside Flash Gordon.
Ha Ha yeah you forgot Mrs Brown to.
Another Excellent video Keith sir about the RAF Regiment. All the very best too on the gruelling 80 mile walk.
Thank you Dean.
All the best Dean, 👍 thank you 🫡
Thank you for speaking up for the RAF ✊
No problem. Glad to see your Channel is growing mate, your videos always give me a giggle, keep it up.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd oh wow. Thank you. Means a lot. Just wish I was more consistent
@righteousindignation I'm the same, but I have no excuse as I'm I retired old git lol. By the way I enjoyed your compilation video mate, nice one. Take care
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 🤗
Nice little episode Keith, my father served 23yrs in RAF REG, from the late 60's. Started off on 2 SQN, then onto various training roles, mainly GDT and finished his days at St Athens on CBRN, called something different back then, which I can't remember now.
Thank you. Yes originally was referred to as NBC later being renamed to CBRN.
2 Squadron was my first Squadron after basics, then straight out to NIRT and then Aldergrove as a command post signaller.. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare was what your father was on. What is his name?
Hello Keith, Thanks for this video. I hope you don't get too much stick for making it. Many thanks from an ex Raf Regt Sgt.
I've got broad shoulders and I believe in what I say and stand by my words. Respect to all our service personnel no matter what branch, Corps, Regiment. Thank you for commenting 👍
I served in the 1st battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and I really like your videos , thank you sir 👍
Cheers Geoff, Woofers a great old Regiment 🫡🇬🇧👍
🇬🇧👍@@LetsTab59-bd4fd
RAF Support Helicopter groundcrew here. Standard RAF basic training used to be learning how to march, use the rifle, and NBC. End of military training.
In my day, when you got posted to helicopters, the RAF Reg section taught you basic infantry skills to defend our deployed operational field sites. What kit you needed and where/how to pack it. where and how to dig gun pits, set trip flares, make range cards, carry out patrols, basic infantry section manoeuvring drills, map reading, mine field drills, how to use a 66 and a GPMG, basic comms procedures and discipline, convoy and ambush procedures.
Just enough so the groundcrew were not completely useless if we ever got attacked or got deployed somewhere nastier than the Brecon Beacons. The rest of the RAF thought we were weird.
My last years in the RAF they had stopped doing any field deployments and the Helicopter Squadrons no longer had a RAF Reg section attached and did none of the extra training. Sad days.
I remember the RAF SHF down at DJ Bks, Croatia on an SFOR Tour I did in 97. Cracking lads and a great Bar too. Cheers all the best.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I was on the Chinook Det there :)
Having worked alongside ‘Rock Apes’ I found them very professional be that a Rapier unit or para, also the only unit that in the middle of a wood in rural Germany can after an exercise can open up a bar with disco lights built into an old RAF bus, but buried 2 metres underground !
People forget that during the Dhofar campaign the RAF Regiment protected RAF Salalah, where the BATT operated out into the Jebel.
Great comment, many thanks, put a smile on my old face, cheers mucker.
Like you, I respect the RAF Regt. Although I am a Sapper and really proud of it, back in my questionable past, I was in the RAF. I joined in 1962 as a Boy Entrant in the radio trade. Nothing wrong with the RAF, but it wasn't for me. After I passed out of training it turned out to be an old man's job, a bone idle experience and eventually the RAF got pissed off with me and kicked me out, much to my delight! I was just in the wrong job, endof. But at the start, when we were doing basic, I loved it, we got our arses kicked around from arsehole to breakfast time which I loved. And the main contenders for beasting us? Yup, the RAF Regt! A harder bunch of men I rarely met, so not only thanks to you for giving them some respect, but mine given too! Great series RSM!
REspect
I joined as a Boy Entrant in 1961. RAF Cosford 43 entry Tel course.
Thats a great account and shows the RAF Regt have many strings to their bow. All the best to mate and stay safe.
As an aside, during telic the first UK unit (apart from SBS, SAS) to enter behind enemy lines was airmen of TSW (tactical supply wing) who parachuted in along with APFCs (air portable fuel containers) to support the herbicide helicopter force. They were also "just airman".
My Dad served in raf reg during ww2 and i have found news paper clippings of photos of the parachute drops into Arnham. He survived the war but was killed in 1968 when i was just 6.
Did he go over his two pints of shandy limit?
No you did.
P@@BertPreast
I don’t understand people who give the RAF Regiment a hard time. They served in every major theatre from 1942 including Normandy, Burma, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Wherever the RAF went the Regiment went with them. I used to be an air dispatcher with 177AD squadron RACT, Australian Army and we had to jump in, operate and be prepared to defend a DZ alongside 3RAR the former Airborne battalion of the ADF. I saw how big DZ and air strips are being up to 2 km long and 1-3 km wide and knowing the enemy would throw everything they had to take back such an important tactical and strategic asset.
I worked with 1 Sqn RAF Regt which was light armour during 1990 to 1993, it was a cracking tour tbh😊
Good video as always Keith. Good luck on your 80 miler, you and the Tracer Round. You will smash it I’m sure! 👍
Ex crab here 72-88. The Rocks used to provide perimeter defence when we deployed the Harrier Sqns in the field, back in the 80s. Tough lads, and good fun. I think they used Scorpions, but might be wrong there. The Rocks also used to run the annual Ground Defence Training for all personell at all the RAF stations, NBC, weapons training and all that guff. Happy memories
Cheers for the mention proud to have served in the Regiment on 58sqn
Your very welcome Gary, all the best mate.
Great channel sir, your firing out the videos fantastic 👍
My dad volunteered in 1942 when he turned 18. He had one brother in the army and one in the RAF. Tried for navy (his father served in WW1) but there was a “waiting list” so he joined the RAF Regiment. Stopped wearing his VR tabs as many thought him stupid to volunteer! Went to France D+11 and his Flight escorted scientists rushing to examine V1 sites. Fought thru France into Belgium but then sent to India after leave at home. 4 day train ride to Burma where RAF Regiment fought until VJ Day. No Japanese cars for him! Burma wanted independence so he was deployed “peace keeping” until demob in 1946. A couple of Brits and Japanese prisoners armed with bamboo canes to control riot situations. Came home with malaria which recurred annually until I was 7 or 8 (I’m a 56 model). Enjoy your vids - keep it up and good luck to you both on your tab.
He must have been in the same squadron as my dad after D day and as the allies fought through France and into Germany he had to go to Sledwhich Holstein (Sorry
about the spelling)to capture experimental German aircraft
Great story, what a great man your father was during his service, thank you for sharing 👍 🙏
I left the Light Dragoons in 2017 and i was jealous of the Raf Reg everytime i saw them on the ranges they had all the best gear and we had the scraps was annoying to see they get looked after alot more than army regiments
I’ll sent this to my old mucker Rockape and if he’s learned to read yet, hopefully he’ll answer some of your questions.
That's brilliant, love the banter
Give them their proper title pebble monkeys
Pisser😂😂😂😂
Thanks for that Keith, as an ex Rockape and infantryman it’s nice to know that someone has bothered doing a bit of reading up on the Regiment. I just want to make a point clear to some people. At no point in my time (22 years) did we think we were elite, damn good at our job yes but not elite. The Regiment got tagged with that when SFSG were formed and quite right as you said it was lads of 2 Sqn that filled that slot. Rapier as someone has said went to the Royal Artillery and CBRN has passed to the Royal Engineers. I might add that two major exercises I did against our Army bros, we caused them a lot of problems, so yes we were offensive as well as defensive, it was easier when we had the CVRT and the Army lads never knew we had it. Cheers again mate 😁
Thank you, great comment and much appreciated .Cheers Mucker.
My claim to fame is doing the last Rapier Operators course as a rock before it went to the RA 🫠
I just wanted to express my love for my Brothers in arms - Thankyou all for taking me under your wing and caring for me. You all taught me to be good and be kind.
Could not care less about your cap badge/ Regt pull up a sand bag mucker - talk to to me. Our sons and daughters are the current regular armed forces in present day.
We have a tonne of love for each other.
Great message there and never a truer word spoken my friend.
Exactly so Keith
When I was a serving soldier we used to rip it out of the RAF Regt " blue uniforms with green buttons " etc etc but I have now been out for decades and believe that every serving soldier, Regiment, Corp or unit desrves respect from everyone, doubly so at the moment with the state of the world as it is.
Thats exactly right. Ive been out for almost ten years now, while I was in, especially as a younger soldier, we were always ripping into to any other cap badge. But as time goes on and you realise the bigger picture and discover just how important all the other units are, the banter becomes less and less and then turns to mutual respect.
My only experience with the Rockapes was on Salisbury Plain in the 90s. Three week exercise and day one a load of TISWAS RAFs chaps turned up (aviation refuellers) supported by a load of Rockapes securing the FARP. A lot of banter that first day along with RAF cabs delivering fuel pods (called bullocks or ballocks, can't remember). At sunset flying ceased except for a Chinook that flew in, picked up TISWAS and the Rockapes, and off back to barracks for them for the night. And they did that every evening returning in the morning.
I knew I joined the wrong Unit. Well jealous , mind you I would have definitely jumped on that chopper if I had half the chance. Cheers, all the best.
When you are in the RAF Regiment, regular,or reservist when you are on tri service courses, remember to pack your sense of humour.
You find bunches of bananas on your bunk, and work desk.
It is part of the British Armed Forces banter, and by the way I love bananas !
Your right, we all need broad shoulders as sometime, cheers mucker.
I would have been honoured that another service was departing with their meagre, hard-earned cash to keep me going with love and potassium. Love it! 😂
Nice one "Lets Tab 59"
I might be an ex Crab Engineer but the interservice bants is always good and I just love it when the army/navy moc the RAF for 5 star accomadation 🤣
Sorry I'll stick with "checking in rather than digging in"
I joined the RAF to escape the wilds of Lincolnshire still have to visit as parents still live there lol
And the sgts serving your scran at aldergrove waiting for the herc to get home 3 para😂
Great film keith thanks
Fantastic tab 59 wishing you good luck on the 7th I did snowdon other week for men's mental health an we do ben nevis next we salute you sir respect an love from north wales
Nice one mate, look up Tactical Communications wing RAF when you have a moment. Big Russ.
Just had a quick look at it Russ, very informative, I knew those guys were specialist.
🎉 5:12 5:12 5:12
To clarify the Origins and roles of the RAF Regiment heres some information. Formed at Belton House at the instructions of Winston Churchill to provide a Ground and Air defence for Airfields. The Airfields were at that time defended by a combination of AA Ground gunners RAF and the Army. To be expected this role at many Airfields worldwide put a strain on Army resources. So it was decided to raise a Corp the RAF Regt to take on the role and being under RAF command it wouldnt have to send troops where the Army prioritised as with the Army defending Airfields the Army personal could be easily drafted away . Recruits were a combination of Raf AA ground gunners and RAF Armoured car Sqds who had existed since 1920s and troops from the Army .. The training for men was carryed out by the Guards im not sure but probably the Grenadier Guards the training for Officers by the Royal Marines (so its all your fault lads😅) . During WW2 the Regt numbered over 80,000 deployed all over the World ,air defence and ground, today i guess around 2,000 . The History during that time is of flexabilty and involved varied roles outside the defence of Airfields as well as the core role . After WW2 training was at RAF Catterick by Regt instructors. The NCOs and Officers and some Airmen would attend specialist courses with the Army such as AA with the Royal Artillery and comunications and sniper courses until eventually the RAF Regt did there own instructor training. Logically certainly in the 70s all training was taken from Army manuals. Training now has evolved to in house by Regt instructors including the specialist courses The AA role and CRBN has been taken back by the Army but the Regt remain Infantry. The 2 sqd used to attend P Company but the Regt started its own course based on that. The Regt has a defined role but if you read the History they have been used in many other ways .When remarks are made including from the RAF why dont you leave it to the Army to do the job you know they understand nothing about the Regt . As you see from the History RAF finance and command frees up Army manpower and budget , todays Army personal numbers magnify that advantage. The Army have however nicked Regt personal on occasions despite all the above in WW2 a large number were taken by the Army for the desert campaign some Regt Sqds have operated under Army command over the years. The Regt numbers now are small but form a nucleus for expansion if needed.
@@chrisbamborough222 It make's me chuckle when I think back to an exercise with 2 para when one lad asked me why we nicked their slogan..'Always Ready'. Ours is 'Never Unprepared'. I had to educate him that 2 Squadron RAF Regiment was formed from No. 2 Armoured Car Company in 1922, a little while before the Parachute Regiment was even an idea. 😆
🫡👍
Per Ardua. Thank you from an Ex Rock.
No problem and thank you for your support.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Your welcome mucca. Press on!
I agree with all you say about our camaraderie, we all fly 'our flag' and partake in the banter (even within service) but will stand together when it comes to it
Exactly right mucker, nice one cheers
Met a few in my career, to me, listening to them, they were infantry, same as i was. We talked the same lingo.
The Para Training at Abingdon was the best part of being in the Parachute Brigade in 1962.
When i was doing my Rapier training at Arborfield there were a few RAF lads there as well. Helped each other out with repairs down on the Falklands in the mid 80s. Gave each other loads of abuse with plenty of beers flowing back and forth across the East Island. Even did an unofficial visit to each other. Good lads. A few years later after I got out I worked abroad on Rapier and met up with some of the same lads.
Thanks for commenting, love hearing about people's experiences, much appreciated
The RAF guys at Arborfield were not Rocks, they were TG3 Electronics Technicians, either from the L Tech AD (Air Defence systems) trade or the Eng Tech EL Trade from 1995 onwards (The RAF had Four Ground Electronics Trades in the early 1980's, that went down to three in 1985 and were all merged in 95).
AD's did Air Defence Systems, Radars, Computers and the integrated command and control systems, plus the SAM's (Bloodhound and Rapier), plus some weird and wonderful Yank kit that simulated Soviet GBAD equipment. Also there were Tactical AD Radars that could be deployed by C-130.
AF (Airfields) did all of the Radar, Radio and Navigation aids found on an Airfield (plus the Radio's on the Air Defence side) plus had a deployable element that could set up an airfield with full navigation, radio and radar support in a very short time.
While the TC (Telecommunications), did fixed telephone, Telegraph, fixed HF comms and Satcom, plus all of the deployable stuff with the Tactical Communications Wing.
The last one was the Synthetic Trainers (ST) trade that di the ground based flight simulators, but that trade was disbanded in 1985.
RAF had Rapier taken off them in 2006 and it was given to the Army.
My Uncle was in the Royal Signals and took Part in the Royal tattoo in their biking team, but sadly killed on Exercise in Germany.
The famous White Helmets of the Royal Signals. He must have been a very good rider to make it into that team. Thank you for sharing 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Great Guy he couldn't hold down a job as a civvy so joined the signals and was I think a Lance Corporal going places,thanks for you're Kind Words, Sgt Major.
Another awesome Vlog Keith all the best
My Uncle Bob transferred to the Regiment after WW2 when they no longer needed Wireless Operator/Air Gunners. My Dad also served in the Regiment Band during his RAF service. In the RAAF they are the Airfield Defence Guard, or ADG, Adgies. Always punching well above their weight with a lot of firepower on hand. Nice for you to do this vlogg.
Thank you. Always good to hear from you mate, been a while, hope all is well.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thanks for asking; just busy. Been watching most of them but not commenting. The thing with your vids is the presentation is so 'two mates having a chat' (which is the appeal and a good thing) ex-diggers (and squaddies) like me could find something to respond with on every vid and one thing they were eagle eyed about when I did my MP Basic course was soldiers who were 'overbearing'. Basically if you told too many jokes at smoko you were 'overbearing' and given the tap on the shoulder and RTU. I am a rather large, outgoing lad so I really have to work at not being 'overbearing', hahahah. Old habits, as they say.
Rock Apes fulfilled a specialist role and were very good at what they did. They generally had a much better quality of life than their infantry counterparts in the army, which was the root cause of a lot of the needle and rivalry.
Yes that's a very good point. From what little I have seen of the RAF in general they seem better looked after, yes I too was jealous .
Great Keith...tab.bishops Stortford Herts
Thank you, nice to hear a positive call-out for the RAF regt. I’m ex RAF regular and reserve both as an airman and an officer electronics engineer.
You are so right about the banter both between units and inter-service, civvies just don’t understand it but it works, it builds up the working trust between us. It’s actually essential in my opinion as it releases tension and all know how much we respect each others abilities.
Anyhow, I’m off for another Pimms in my tent……er hotel, luckily as I’m a former junior rank I’m able to navigate to the bar myself without having to call a steward to serve me lol
Brilliant ,thank you for your comment
Cheers for video 🎉🎉
Check this out Keith. Afghanistan our main air bace was attacked by the taliban who breached the perimeter. Defended by U.S. marines who couldn't repel them. The R.A.F. regiment came to the rescue forced the Taliban back and made the base safe. Not publicise much on the news at the time. But I believe this to be true as my son was there when it happened
Great info, it is a shame that deeds such as this do not get publicity , thanks for sharing.
Dearie me. this is so good.
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Spent some time with the RAF Reg in Germany and found them to be very professional and that's coming from an Ex Infantryman.( Don't give me to much stick)
No stick given from me, I agree with you. Cheers
My dad was a Rock ape and proud of it
And rightly so Alan, cheers mate
I'm ex 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment. Our pre para selection is 3 weeks, 1 week at Depot, 1 week in Scottish Highlands or Snowdonia then back to depot for another week of testing. Normal stuff, stretcher races, CFT,s, swimming tests, gym tests, all of which you have to improve on. 2nd day was Three Peaks of Yorks. 50lb plus water and rifle 26 miles, (actually 32 in section), must be completed in under 6 hours individually.
Keep up the good work guys. Thought shots were being fired when I clicked on the video 😂
Keith, for info the RAF Regiment depot that you mention at Grantham was Known as RAF Belton Park. That’s where my Dad did his Rock Training, later moved to RAF Folkingham and later to RAF Catterick, Now at RAF Honington. RAF Regiment used to include the Firefighters of the RAF as well but no longer.
Believe now Prince William of Gloucester Barracks CVHQ
Thank you Steve for the info. All the best mate.
We are all brothers together we protect our family’s and country that’s why we served
Really well said Charlie, bang on mucker.
Cracking Video. Thanks Tab 59
Cheers Nick, all the best mate.
The Rock Apes( aka Pebble Maggots circa 1955 Singapore) were among the first into the Falklands with their Ground to Air defense unit, notably they were taking their fair share of rotations to relive the over stretched Army in Afghanistan not only in Air Asset Defense but also regular deep penetration Patrols keeping the Taliban on the run.
All the best Matey in your 80 Miler and thanks for your recognition. Despite being a Pongo your OK.
Great comment thank you. Everywhere the Army goes.....the pongos lol
Not Regiment, but ex RAF. Lot of time for the Rock Apes. Have to say though, favourite infantry regiment is the Parachute Regiment. A number of friends are ex 3 Para and Mt Longdon vets.
Utrinque Paratus
Very professional bunch the rock apes
Agreed, thank you for commenting
It's the same here in Australia the RAAF cop a bagging. Bit of banter between the forces. The old saying is when the Army needs to go somewhere it's the RAAF that gives them a lift. Air field protection is done the Air Field Defence Gaurd or nicked named ADGIES. They cop a bit of flake often being referred to as Grunt Wannabe's. They do a great job they were part of the first troops on the ground when Australia went to East Timor securing Dili airport. There's a RAAF base about 30 min from place we have F-18 Hornets and F-35's flying over the city all the time as they are based there. We currently have some American F-22 Raptors base there for training. I was watching the Raptors fly over while I was at work last night. Any ways Keith yet again another awesome video very informative as always. Keep them coming Cheers from Down Under.
Thank you very much. Im slowly learning more and more from you guys in Australia and also from lads in New Zealand. Great ANZAC spirit. All the best.
There is a wonderful story of SAS Trooper Bob Shepherd, who was RAF Regiment, they did everything they could to ensure he passed, he did and honoured the Rockapes.
Also you will find the RAF Regiment taking an airfield, they would literally drive their Scorpions off the back of a Herky bird flying a couple of feet above a runway, always went down well at air shows!
More Rocks have passed Selection than just Bob Shepherd.
@@davidhumphreys7035 That's even better news!
... Also.
Was a Flight Sergeant on the first colour flight serving ceremonial at Bucking Palace
I did a tour with 2 squadron RAF Regiment, '68-'70.
In my experience the RAF regiment are known to be decent soldiers. It's just that every unit (particularly Paras or Marines) think they're the best there is therefore anything else is rubbish! The RAF Regiment do a very important job and I wouldn't underestimate them.
Cracking video mate, get well soon to the Mrs..
Thanks 👍
Vehicle recovery is indeed a specialist job. In WW2 German troops were expressly forbidden from rescuing broken down Tiger tanks using other Tiger tanks, since the complicated gearbox of the towing Tiger would not survive this. If they did anyway, there being a war on, you know, it generally meant that now there were two Tigers needing rescuing.
Love the channel very interesting keep up the good work Dave c ex gloster
Cheers Dave, the Glorious Gloucesters, another tragedy when the MOD amalgamated your fine Regiment. I thought it was disgusting. All the best 🫡
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdAs a Rockape I was disgusted too. A great mate of mine who was originally in the Staffords, was too. Look at the Gloucester Regiment. Mercian and Rifles. Two great regiments pushed into oblivion.
I really enjoyed that, and learned so much. Thank you.
My father was initially in the RAF regiment and he got fully trained to be in the regiment, but transferred to aircrew, later and become a gunner in a Lancaster bomber in 1944. He must have been one of the fittest gunners in aircrew.
Thats a real change of role, I wonder which one was the more dangerous? I would think it was the air gunner job?
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Well it was common for prospective airman to be put in the newly formed elite RAF regiment and he went along with it, learning the ruff housing and everything including long distance running and boxing. When he eventually passed the training, he did not like the attitude of his superiors, they seemed to have a contempt for them, even though they passed the hard training. So he and his Scottish mate decided to jump ship into the aircrew. Apparently the RAF Reg wanted him as a cook. It turned out the RAF Regiment was sent to North Africa, where they got a hammering off the Africa Corps. Maybe it was out of the fire into the frying pan, for it was touch and go for him in the aircrew, he got shot down and 3 of his close friends got killed. He baled out over Normandy, and helped the Maque resistance for 2 weeks, before being liberated.
My range officers course was run by an RAF Regiment corporal, great comedian. A Rupert on the course said something unkind and the corporal said "I know you think we go around in pairs, one to read and one to write, but I can tell the time"
I did visit a 'funny team' of a mix of RAF Regiment and RAF armourers, they had Scimitar 'tanks' and their job was dealing with 'airfield denial weapons', the Gunners operated the tank and provided 'force protection' while the armourers would be scurrying about making safe all the assorted ordnance that might be found on an airstrip during and after an attack.
Thank the lord ! Someone of knows what there talking about bigs up the RAF Regiment for there capabilities instead of Walter Mitty keyboard warriors slagging them off ! ( not military vets who are bantering) from an ex 12 year vet RAF Armourer who served on CVRT and Scimitar 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Mate, nobody takes the piss out of our Adgies (RAAF variant) like us pongos but if a civy dared to speak ill (same if they trash talked the pussers) we would be all over them.
Thanks Rob, much respect mate.
Back at you buddy keep up the good work 👍
RAF Hullavington perchance?
Good post Keith...Per Ardua
I used to drive a retired RAF Pilot/Navigator/Tail Gunner and eventually in command of storing and destroying munitions and chemical shells after WWII. Anyway, he told me one day that he'd got a signal from Command. They were going to form the RAF Regiment, and if he had any 'undesirables' he wanted off his camp. So, it was open cleanout season, get rid of your old rubbish! LOL. (I'm a ex RAF Driver.)
You can always recycle old rubbish and send it back broken. even if marked 'No Returns'.
I know the Rock Apes well. 20 years as a techy in Her Majesty's Finest saw me booking in, not digging in. The Rocks were a pain in the arse. Thick as mince. Always scrapping in the NAAFI.
I did take the time to go to Wootton Basset and Carterton to see them home when needed. They wore the same beret.
Another good tab blether their Keith, with a good few historical facts..Still need to get you sorted with your intro/outro though...👍
i spent 4 months attached to the RAF regiment in the falklands. Mostly a decent set of lads. The officers were total nobbers tho!
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These are great videos, as ex RMP the hatred is still there who left regular service in 2022. A video on RMP would be great. (Lowers head from the parapet)
Good idea, I know that the RMP have a wide variety of taskings, so could be of interest, cheers.
The Weather Last Sat Was XXXX a Bank Holiday Weekend ! My Work Mate Was in The R.A.F Regiment !😊
My Dad still kicking at 96 did his National Service in the RAF Regiment. He was given the choice in 1946 to go to Palestine or Japan, so he stepped forward for Japan and had some of the best days of his life, he remembers it all like it was yesterday, guarding the Imperial Palace in Tokyo etc.
Steve, that's great mate. 96 year old Ex RAF Regt Veteran, wow, please pass on my regards to your Father and tell him 'Thank you for his service'. A true hero in my eyes.
all the best.
During the cold war, it was believed that the Russians might invade western Europe any day, and it was obviously very important to defend the airfields. As mentioned in the video, it was anticipated that any airfield attack would be conducted by elite troops like Spetsnaz and VDV. I read somewhere that RAF Reg would regularly be advised by special forces to make sure they'd be prepared. I don't know if it was specialist training or having the SAS probe security and whatnot. Haven't been able to find much else about it.
Very interesting, I'm going to try and delve deeper, cheers and all the best.
RAF boot troop, bloody bonkers them men, they were the real job.
Good vid thanks
The REME, RAF Regiments and ACC was both starting on the same day 1/1%42. As a former stab Rifleman to all brothers and sisters of battle.
My grandfather was RAF Regiment, from it's formation. He'd joined as aircrew,. As we all know, you end up doing a job you'd not signed up for not volunteered for. On the parade ground, half were told, march off you're going to be airgunners, and the rest were told, you're gonna be ground gunners. So. Ted ended up RAF Regiment.
Thats wonderful that your Grandfather was a founding member of the RAF Regt, Im sure you are very proud and rightly so, cheers and all the best.