Princess enjoys RAF Brize Norton visit (From Witney Gazette)

Princess enjoys RAF Brize Norton visit

12:43pm Saturday 3rd February 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

The Princess Royal delighted staff at RAF Brize Norton after flying in for a tour of the base.

The princess met dozens of service and civilian staff during a two-and-a-half hour visit on Friday afternoon.

Personnel, some of whom had cancelled leave to meet the princess, said they felt honoured the Royal visitor had taken the effort to talk to so many of them.

Flying in from Bicester on a helicopter of the Queen's Flight, the princess was first introduced to the Station Commander, Gp Capt Malcolm Brecht.

She then inspected a fly-past of a VC10 refuelling plane.

The princess, dressed in a camel-coloured cashmere coat and leather boots, laughed and pointed at her own helicopter pilot, Capt Nick Kidd, who visibly jumped as the enormous plane roared overhead, taking him by surprise.

While on the base, the princess met flight crews involved in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq - including the crew of a C17 transporter plane, used to bring back injured troops and repatriate those killed in the conflicts.

Among those who met the princess on board the plane was Dee Dickinson, a civilian office manager, from Carterton, who met the Princess from a horizontal position - lying on a trolley, pretending to be an injured servicewoman, connected to a drip.

She said: "It was great to meet her - even though I was lying down. She asked how it felt, and asked if I'd volunteered to do this! I spent one-and-a-half hours on the trolley - but I have enjoyed it."

Also meeting the Princess was Padre, The Rev (Flt Lt) Alex Hobson, who has been involved in the repatriation ceremonies.

He said: "The princess was very interested in what people are doing, and is clearly aware of the concerns people have. She seemed very 'clued up'."

While on the runway, the princess was introduced to some of the base's support staff, including those involved in transport, catering, firefighting, logistics, and dog handling.

Among those answering the princess's questions was Sqn Ldr Graham Smith, from Carterton. He said: "We are undermanned, as we are having to stretch ourselves to meet demands, so it's nice to meet someone giving us due recognition for our efforts."

After meeting some of the aircrews, the princess was shown around the Parachute Training School, and was introduced to members of the Tactical Communications Wing. Before flying back to her home at Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire, she joined about 90 personnel for a buffet on board a C17.

Gp Capt Malcolm Brecht said of the visit: "We are delighted. It means an awful lot to us. We are a busy operational station, and to have her visit us is recognition of what we do."