Earlier this week, a Chinook from RAF Odiham, supported the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) with restoration of the chalk Kiwi carved into a hillside in Bulford, Wiltshire.
A Chinook belonging to 18(B) Sqn from RAF Odiham used a training sortie to enable the restoration of the chalk Kiwi through a series of underslung loads. The historic site was created by New Zealand (NZ) soldiers, who were based in the UK in 1919. It was created to commemorate the NZ soldiers’ achievements during the First World War.
This part of the longer training sortie offered a different perspective for all involved. The Chinook was operated by two pilots and one of them was a NZ exchange Pilot, Flt Lt James Patrick, “JP” as he is known to his friends, who was delighted to be part of this sortie. JP has been in the UK for over two years and has already represented NZ as he was part of the formation flypast for HMTQ Platinum Jubilee flying the Chinook.
“JP has been with the Squadron for 18 months now. A superb individual, he brings a wealth of instructional experience to the Chinook Force and has already deployed alongside NATO partners on operations.”
Wing Commander T Carter
Officer Commanding 18(B) Sqn
This task is an excellent opportunity for the Chinook Force to increase its expertise with novel underslung loads. A core skill, it is used regularly on worldwide operations as well as National Support tasks.
The Chinook lift capability with its two Honeywell turbo shaft engines can deliver 55 Troops or 10 tons of freight, flying up to 160 Knots. So the chalk that was underslung for this task was given to the right aircraft. JP said:
It was a great honour to be at the controls, delivering to such a historic site and being part of something that is part of my history.
The NZ High Commissioner and NZ Defence Force were also in attendance at the “Kiwi” alongside several DIO and Army units, including Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS), who prepared the chalk to be underslung and monitored the release at the site.
