RAF helicopter force scoops award for saving Whaley Bridge during Todbrook dam wall collapse

RAF Odiham Chinook Force spreads sandbags over dam wall in Whaley Bridge. Photo by Cpl Rob Travis. Copyright MOD Crown.

The Chinook crews from RAF Odiham have won the Vertical Flight Society Kossler Award for their work at Todbrook Reservoir last year.

Eight crew members flew three Chinooks for 58 flying hours to deliver more than 600 tons of aggregate over six days, while emergency services worked around the clock to drain millions of gallons of water.

Master Aircrew Lee Renard said: “Receiving this award is a huge privilege for the squadron, station and the Chinook Force. It was truly inspiring to be part of the collective effort that saved Whaley Bridge. We often think of the Chinook as a battlefield helicopter used overseas, but I hope tasks such as this will show the Great British public that we are here for them 24/7 365 days a year.”

RAF Odiham’s chief of staff, Wing Commander Sarah Moorehead said: “It is fantastic that the effort of the Chinook Force, in support of Whaley Bridge, has been internationally recognised by the Vertical Flight Society and I am grateful to Boeing for nominating us. This award represents a truly whole force effort, led by the dedicated and professional aircrews of 18(B) and 27 Squadrons, of which we are all incredibly proud.”

Station commander Group Captain Nicholas Knight said: “The Chinook is an iconic aircraft that offers defence a huge capability. Whaley Bridge is just one example of how the Chinook can help support communities throughout the UK. We must thank those at Joint Helicopter Support Squadron at RAF Benson which acted as a critical force enabler at Whaley Bridge. It is a privilege to have won this prestigious award.”

Anna Keeling, managing director, Boeing Defence UK said: “On behalf of everyone at Boeing, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the UK Chinook Force for what it did in Derbyshire. The prestigious Kossler Award is well-deserved recognition, and Boeing is proud to partner with the Chinook Force, working closely with the RAF to ensure mission readiness to provide disaster relief during times of national crisis.”

The Chinook helicopter has been involved in multiple military aid to civilian authority tasks as far reaching as Hurricane Irma in 2017.