Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard
Dedicated, focussed and meticulous, the Royal Air Force Armourers or Weapons Technicians are responsible for all things weaponry. This includes the maintenance, fitting and overseeing of everything from bombs, missiles and gun systems and affixing them to all types of RAF aircraft.
And they have been doing this for over one-hundred years.
Hawker Typhoon IB of 124 Wing at B156/Luneberg, Germany, on 2 May 1945.
Image courtesy of Air Historical Branch
It has long been believed that the founder of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the weapons trade in high regard. Although his exact words are not recorded, he is famously quoted as saying, “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force”.
HRH Prince Philip in front of a 20 (R) Squadron Harrier GR.7, 1998.
Image courtesy of Air Historical Branch
On Tuesday 30 September this year a lasting and fitting memorial to all those past and present Armourers was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Image courtesy of Air Historical Branch
A driving force behind the memorial is Michael Haygarth, a former Armourer who retired in 2015 after thirty-eight years of service. One of the RAF’s most senior and experienced bomb disposal experts who served in over thirty countries, he wrote about his experiences in ‘From the Cold War to the War on Terror.’
When the RAF’s Bomb Disposal capability was disbanded in 2020 Michael, together with his RAF colleagues came together to install a memorial at the Arboretum. After three years of research, meetings and fundraising the memorial was finally unveiled in early 2024.
Did you know….?
Royal Air Force Armourers are colloquially known as "plumbers?" The nickname is believed to have originated during the Second World War. The turret guns on the RAF's heavy bombers were operated by a system of hydraulics and electronics that involved a significant amount of pipework, which armourers were responsible for maintaining. The job’s emphasis on maintaining these complex systems led to the comparison with civilian plumbers.
Word spread about Michael’s achievements and the suggestion was made about honouring the Armourers Branch of the RAF in the same way.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, so I set up a Just Giving page in August 2024. The Armament community, friends and family were generous and dug deep raising £29,000 in nine months,” said Michael.
The final memorial design is a culmination of eighteen months work and is very much Michael’s vision: “I wanted to create something unique, different and eye catching...the community were very supportive.”
The service at the National Memorial Arboretum was led by Air Commodore Thompson CBE who gave an address followed by the Dedication from Reverend (Squadron Leader) Mbayo.
Image courtesy of Michael Haygarth
I am honoured to be conducting the dedication of the RAF Armourers memorial, as the significance of their role in ensuring missions have successfully achieved cannot be underestimated.
It is only right that the forces families have a tangible space at the Arboretum to reflect and remember the sacrifice and dedication of the RAF Armourers and give thanks for their on -going expertise today.
Reverend (Squadron Leader) Mbayo
Image courtesy of Michael Haygarth
Wreath laying was conducted by Warrant Officer Thompson, representing Senior Grades, AS1 Cheshire, representing the Future and Mr R Martin representing the Veterans. The RAFA Armourers Branch 1366 was represented by its Chairman, Mr M Turner.
The Memorial will provide a central focal point for the RAF Armourers and their friends and family to remember their loved ones.
Michael Haygarth
Those in the Armoury profession are highly mobile and can be deployed on a variety of exercises and operations overseas, with recent ones including Afghanistan and Iraq. Training is rigorous. Basic engineering skills are learned followed by more specialised courses to help maintain and service modern aircraft systems. As weaponry becomes ever more sophisticated, the need for training on cutting-edge electronics is ever present.
It must not be forgotten that there have been numerous accidents and incidents over its history where Armourers have been killed or injured in the line of duty. Notable examples include incidents at RAF Snaith, RAF Spilsby, RAF East Kirkby, RAF Fauld and West Freugh. The memorial will be a permanent symbol for young and old alike to visit, reflect and salute the brave men and women who work so tirelessly in this demanding and pivotal profession.
The Royal Air Force Armourers have their own virtual branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) - RAFA Branch 1366. It regularly marches at the Cenotaph and have several social events and reunions each year. All of these events are used to raise funds. To find out more visit Royal Air Force Association Armourers Branch 1366
Per Ardua ad Astra.