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| Tactical Supply Wing | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1970 (1970) – present |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Type | Non-flying unit |
| Role | Helicopter support |
| Part of | Joint Aviation Command |
| Station | MOD Stafford (Beacon Barracks) |
| Nickname | Tiswas |
| Motto | Support to strike |
| Commanders | |
| Inaugural commander | Group Captain Craven-Griffiths |
TheTactical Supply Wing (TSW) is a helicopter support unit of theRoyal Air Force, based atMOD Stafford (also known as Beacon Barracks) inStaffordshire. The wing specialises in the refuelling of helicopters in the field.
The Tactical Supply Wing concept was devised byGroup Captain Craven-Griffiths, who developed the idea during his time at theMinistry of Defence in London during the late 1960s. Griffiths and colleagues spent many hours discussing the concept inThe Old Shades public house, located onWhitehall. Ever since, the Old Shades has been considered as the birthplace of the TSW.[1]
The TSW, nicknamed "Tiswas"[2] (a word meaning "a state of nervous agitation or confusion ... physical disorder or chaos", attested from 1960 by the OED[3]), was formed atRAF Stafford in late 1970 and became operational in January 1971.[4]TSW was sent on its first operational deployment toNorthern Ireland in 1971. Elements of TSW have deployed around the world to support British andNATO helicopter units in most major exercises and conflicts since it was formed.
TSW's primary role is supporting thedeployment ofhelicopter operations, specialising in providing rotors-turningrefuelling to helicopters and field refuelling of fixed-wing aircraft; this can done from the back of atransport aircraft, or deploy-able storage facilities, such as bowsers or pillow tanks, often in the field or at austere temporary sites.[5][6]
The unit is still at Stafford, but the base is now called Beacon Barracks.[7] It also houses 22 Signal Regiment and 16 Signal Regiment.[8][9]
The wing'sbadge, awarded in March 1992, features aPeregrine falcon in a flying position, against a background of a three-arched bridge and a body of water. The aggressive falcon with its wings fully extended resonates with a “Supply Wing” whereas the bridge represents communication and is portrayed with three arches, which is a reference to three RAF commands and all three services of theBritish Armed Forces.[4]
The wing'smotto isSupport to Strike, acknowledging its support role which supports combat operations.[4]
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