Win £110 The Battle ' s e c r Fo ite Proms favourer tickets pap ● See R'n'R pages 4-5
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Inside Win! story of the RAF Hercules ● See page 17
Friday, May 30, 2025 Edition No.1609
Only 99p
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THE
THE
GREATEST FORCE
ST FORCE
become the Command rose to WW2 How RAF Bomber ction of Germany in No.1 factor in the destru
MARCUS GIBSON
MARCUS GIBSON www.rafbook.co.uk
See pages 14-15
Busting the Bomber Command myth – how raids secured victory
Duathlon
IS double
● See page 23
Armed Forces pay bonanza Simon Mander
Cricket Women get in the swing
● See page p25
Football
Boulmer lift the RAF Cup
● See page p28
THE RED Arrows pose for a selfie in the scorching Greek sunshine after being granted official approval to perform across the UK and Europe.
The RAF team received their licence to thrill from AVM Mark Jackson after months of training, culminating with pre-season
work up at Tanagra airbase in Greece. The aerobatic aces will be performing at more than 60 events this summer.
MILITARY PERSONNEL are to get an inflation-busting pay rise. The increase of 4.5 per cent (3.75 per cent for senior officers), is part of the government’s efforts to fix recruitment and retention. It follows last year’s award, which was the largest percentage headline increase in 22 years. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our people are what make the UK Armed Forces’ reputation one of the best around the world. “Today’s above-inflation pay award recognises their dedication.” The pay rise follows last year’s headline award of 6 per cent (5 per cent for senior officers). It means Armed Forces members have received a total pay settlement of 10.5 per cent (8.75 per cent for senior officers) since July 2024. Starting salaries for Other Ranks completing initial training will increase to around £26,334, benefiting around 7,800 junior personnel. Starting pay for junior officers will rise to around £34,676, while medical specialists will benefit from an increased ‘Golden Hello’ to attract consultants and registrars. Around 5,000 aircraft engineers are eligible to receive £30,000 when they sign up for an additional three years of service.