Photo Caption:
Photo taken on Operations in Iraq. Flight Lieutenant Peter Durke celebrating the news of his MBE

Top Honours for Marham Personnel
January 2007

While serving at Headquarters No 1 Group, Wing Commander Mike Barley was responsible for all matters relating to the GR4 Tornado. During his tour he was pivotal to the success of numerous change programmes and the operational capability within the largest fast-jet fleet in the RAF. He also oversaw some of the most innovative and successful changes ever introduced to the Tornado Force. His tireless support to the operational squadrons has delivered amongst other things, better co-ordinated use of aircraft; more effective working days for aircrew; better focused training syllabi and improved utilization of training flying hours.

Wg Cdr Barley after receiving news of his OBE

Not content with focusing solely on Tornado GR4 activities, Wing Commander Barley also co-authored a thought-provoking paper on the Non-Kinetic Effect of Airpower, in his own time, which received considerable praise within the Defence Community. Coupled with this, his embryonic Air Wing paper was the catalyst for establishment of Expeditionary Air Wings on all Main Operating Bases in April 2006.

In recognition of his outstanding commitment Wing Commander Barley was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Flight Lieutenant Peter Durke MBE
Flight Lieutenant Peter Durke was key to the successful introduction of the innovative Reconnaissance Airborne Pod Tornado (RAPTOR) system. He invested a huge amount of his time to bring the system into service. Most recently, he has been involved with the team tasked with the introduction of the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod onto the Tornado for use in the low-level arena. The capability at low-level is now a declared role for the Tornado GR4 Force.

Flight Lieutenant Durke's role during the war fighting phase of Op TELIC, along with 3 other navigators, was to use Tornado Reconnaissance to support the Western Desert area and associated land forces. His exceptional reconnaissance skill contributed greatly to lack of Scud firings during the Operation. Moreover, his wider commitment to the local community was demonstrated by his drive to raise £10,000 for the Quidenham Hospice by co-ordinating the flying programme for the air day at No XIII Squadron's 90th Anniversary celebrations.

For his zeal, drive and attention to detail, Flight Lieutenant Peter Durke was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.