Category Archives: military

Goodbye Hercules!


Three RAF Hercules took part in a national tour that included a flypast over Dalton Barracks today .

The flypast allowed people to see the aircraft on its retirement day. The RAF Hercules, a transport aircraft, and the workhorse of the RAF, began service in 1967.

The Hercules was based at RAF Brize Norton, but often landed at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon. The aircraft was also seen at the Abingdon Air and Country Show in May 2023 at Dalton Barracks.

Thankyou to Malvin for letting me know this was happening.

RAF exercises over Abingdon


Bob has been interested in the helicopter and aircraft activity passing over Drayton and Abingdon during the day.

He says ‘a Chinook had been flying around all day at a reasonable height (controlling?) and smaller helicopter circling at lower height with both side doors open (patrolling?).

The training is impressive, and I seem to remember a similar exercise about a year or so ago. We should all be very proud of our Armed Forces and the very varied work they do.

The exercise culminated in simulated cargo “drops” this evening. i.e. flying in at low speed with rear door open but not landing. Possibly five or six passes.’

Visit to a Museum in Salisbury

Over the years regiments have been amalgamated. The Royal Berkshire Regiment, in which a lot of Abingdon men served, eventually became The Rifles – along with several other county named regiments.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
The museum that holds the collections for two of those regiments: the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Wiltshire Regiment, is in Salisbury in Wiltshire, and is called The Wardrobe.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
There are probably more Wiltshire, than Berkshire, exhibits on display but given the location within view of Salisbury Cathedral that is understandable.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Just inside the entrance there are some army banners. Next to one Royal Berkshire Regiment banner a label says “Following the Opium War of 1841, the 49th Regiment (later the Royal Berkshire) was authorised to wear the Dragon and the word ‘China’ emblazoned with its colours.”
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Not on display, but viewable on their web site, the museum have some pictures of Abingdon soldiers, and people, that can be ordered. There are some of of an early “Abingdon contingent assembling on Abingdon Railway station on route to their war time station after the start of the 1st World War.”

Armed Forces Open Day

At the Armed Forces Open Day, there were a lot of stalls and information displays – some from the local community like Waitrose giving away lots of freebies, and some from the army giving the local community an insight into army life.
Army Day
(Thanks to Iain for sending the picture of the smoke above and the one of rifle practise below). He says… ” There was a fantastic demonstration from the 12th Logistic Support Regiment, who have recently returned from active service in Helmund Province, of the sort of tactical maneuvers they are required to deploy in the field. The crowd were clearly impressed, with the close proximity of the smoke canisters adding to the experience, and expressed their appreciation by joining in with a chorus of ‘happy birthday’ for Private … who has just participated in the exercise.
Army Day
My children were particularly excited by the opportunities to practice some of the martial arts, past and present. They loved the archery and the chance to become a sniper and fire a gun with ‘real bullets’.

Army Day
There were also cuddly animals,
Army Day
amusements like these human hamster balls
Army Day
and the archery Iain mentioned.
Army Day
Thanks to the regiments at Dalton Barracks for another well organised event. Every accident was well planned. Money raised went to army charities.