On 7 August 2014 with summer leave in sight, 47 Air Despatch Squadron received a call activating two Air Despatch crews, preparing loads from UK Aid for air despatch in Northern Iraq.
Hard graft and good planning enabled them to quickly prepare twelve 1 tonne loads for the first despatch, working with RAF Loadmasters and ground engineers frantically preparing the aircraft for imminent departure (complete with media team).
The crew over the next few days flew numerous sorties despatching tonnes of aid, including water purification units, solar lanterns and shelter kits to the thousands of displaced refugees in Iraq.
There was substantial media attention for interviews and the Defence Minister visited to see the Joint UK military effort. Reflecting on what they had achieved, 47 Air Despatch Squadron were all exceptionally proud to be able to directly influence the welfare and conditions of those most vulnerable and in desperate need on the ground.
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The Royal Logistic Corps
The Royal Logistic Corps
The Royal Logistic Corps