Flt Lt R W Foster RAFVR(T)
Deputy Wing Training & BTEC Officer / Health & Safety Officer
Flight Lieutenant Foster joined the ATC in December 1969 aged 13 at 194 (BSA) Squadron. He progressed through the ranks to CWO during this time he received a Commandants Commendation. He attended many annual camps and overseas camps, which include Germany, Malta Germany. He participated in the Dof E award scheme gaining Bronze and Silver and finally the Gold award in 1979.
He had a brief secondment to assist Flt Lt K Richards in setting up 2504 (Arch Bishop Grimshaw School) Squadron. At the age of 22 he continued his uniformed service and was promoted to Adult Warrant Officer and became the Squadron Supply Officer and Bandmaster.
He qualified as an RCO for Long and 25 mt ranges on .22 and SLR. He attended various courses at RAF Halton, Finningley, and St Athan etc. for qualification subjects on the training syllabus.
During this SNCO service he attended overseas camps including Gibraltar and Cyprus. In 1981 he joined, for a brief period the 5 th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers TAVR in Sheldon however he chose to commit his time fully to the ATC.
He was commissioned in August 1984 and continued with 194 Squadron as Training Officer and Adjutant. He again took the opportunity to attend camps, which include many UK camps and Germany. Adventure training weeks at Llanbedre, Windermere plus weekend camps at Nesscliff, HMS Bristol and being OIC of the camps run at Saighton Barracks. He was promoted to Flying Officer in 1986.
After completing what was then the Senior Officers Course at RAF Newton he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant based on time served. He was one of the original Training team members set up by Sqn Ldr Ladwa. As an RCO he converted to the L98 and attended numerous weapons courses at Wing and Region al level.
At the end of 1994 having attended the renamed Squadron Commanders Course he took over command of 194 Squadron. During this time the Squadron was nominated to represent the Wing for the Lees Trophy for the second time.
In January 2001 he took command of 493 (Kings Heath Squadron) he continued to be a member of the Wing Training team however on a much reduced level due to his own Squadron commitments. He says that he is very proud of his association with 493 Squadron and was privileged to be part of a team committed to give their best for the Squadron and Wing.
Flight Lieutenant Foster is employed as a Transport Shift Manager for Wincanton Ltd and currently works in Rugby. His other interests include playing Badminton, swimming (badly) and he is enjoying bringing up two active teenage daughters.
Flight Lieutenant Foster is responsible to the OC Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing for all matters relating to Health & Safety and BTEC
Contact: Flt Lt R W Foster
Useful Information
© Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing ATC