Armed Forces - page 4

Thirty-seven years of loyal service to the Royal Air Force came to an end recently, when Warrant Officer (WO) Phillip ‘Phil’ Armitage left the service.

Mr Armitage joined the RAF in 1983 where he completed his Phase 1 training at RAF Swinderby. Phil then went on to serve at a number of RAF bases in the UK and overseas, including Northolt, Aldergrove, Akrotirti and Brize Norton.

Phil has been the Officer in Charge of RAF Movements in Gibraltar since 2013 and has been pivotal in ensuring all Air Transport aircraft operating from the airfield are handled safely and efficiently.

RAF Station Commander, Wing Commander Nel Doherty said: “It is true to say that Mr Armitage is loved and respected and will be truly missed by his RAF family, both here in Gibraltar and back in the UK.” Gibraltar Insight wishes him all the very best.

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment has launched its new athletics team. Led by Officer in Charge Colour Sergeant Joshua Whitaker and team captain Lance Corporal Arnold Rogers, the team ran its debut race at the Gibraltar Amateur Athletic Association (GAAA)’s 5 km road race on Sunday 8 November.

Royal Navy vessels

November witnessed visits from two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Kent and HMS Dragon. Both pulled into harbour for routine logistics support.

Remembrance Sunday

Battle of Trafalgar

Despite the challenges presented by COVID, the 215th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar was acknowledged in a slightly different way. This meant that although no crowd gathered, dignitaries were still able to mark their respects for one of British naval history’s most important battles.

His Excellency the Governor Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL led the ceremony by placing a wreath at the foot of Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue. Concurrently Commander Nick Baker Royal Navy, Commanding Officer Royal Navy and Lieutenant Commander Lloyd Cardy Royal Navy, Commanding Officer Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron laid wreaths on the graves of those who died here in Gibraltar as a result of wounds sustained during the Battle. His Excellency read the dispatch from Admiral Collingwood to the Lieutenant Governor of Gibraltar:

“Yesterday a Battle was fought by His Majesty’s Fleet, and a Victory gained, which will stand recorded as one of the most brilliant and decisive, that ever distinguished the British Navy… Our loss has been great in Men; but what is irreparable, and the cause of Universal Lamentation, is the death of the Noble Commander-in-Chief who died in the arms of Victory; I have not yet any reports from the ships …”

This was followed by the preamble which was read by the Honourable Fabian Picardo QC MP MA, Chief Minister and reminded everyone that “for over two centuries the Fleets of the Royal Navy have gathered at Gibraltar for exercise and training in time of Peace. Here in time of War, the ships have assembled before sailing to face the dangers of the seas and the violence of the enemy.”

This year’s Trafalgar address was delivered by Commodore Steve Dainton CBE Royal Navy, Commander British Forces who remarked on the proximity of Gibraltar to the cape of Trafalgar (70 miles). He said, “Notwithstanding the impact of COVID, at this time each year in Royal Navy warships and establishments around the world, people will be recalling the Battle of Trafalgar, remembering the sailors that fell and especially Admiral Horatio Nelson who delivered the most brilliant and decisive victory that ever distinguished the British Navy.

The battle was strategically important as it denied Napoleon the opportunity to launch his invasion of Britain and prepared the ground for his final defeat at Waterloo some 10 years later. It also laid the foundations for a century of dominance of British sea power and heralded the start of the age of the British Empire.

We look to our history to inspire us – our forebears remind us of our duty and the highest standards that must be achieved. That is why, every year, we come together to remember the Battle of Trafalgar – to remember the bravery and sacrifice of men from both sides of the battle – to remember the 58 nations that fought in the Fleets including nine Gibraltarians in the British Fleet – to remember Admiral Lord Nelson who died knowing he had won a remarkable and historic victory and thanking God that he had done his duty.”

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment has recognised the end of service for nine individuals, both military and civilian, whose careers with the RG have come to an end. Thank you for your loyalty and service.

• Major Valverde
• Warrant Officer 2 Thorne
• Sergeant Rodriguez
• Corporal Lippingwell
• Captain Castrey
• Warrant Officer 2 Wood
• Corporal Caballero
• Corporal Nicholls

VIP Visitors

It has been a busy few weeks at British Forces Gibraltar with numerous high-level officials visiting the Rock.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Mr James Heappey MP, was the first visitor to arrive. A very brief visit which mainly involved meetings with Commodore Steve Dainton, Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL, His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar and the Honourable Fabian Picardo QC MP, Chief Minister Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar.

This was followed by General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC, Commander UK Strategic Command, and Mrs Alison Stevenson, Director Overseas Bases.

Further to this, Lieutenant General Robert Magowan CB CBE, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command was also in Gibraltar. Both visits included tours of a number of MOD sites, meetings with civilian and Service personnel as well as calls on key figures in the wider Gibraltar community.

Loyal and stalwart vessels, HMS Sabre and HMS Scimitar have departed Gibraltar for the final time.

The pair were hoisted aboard MV Anvil Point for their trip back to the UK. They formed the core of protecting British Gibraltar Territorial Waters from their arrival in 2003.

After 17 years’ service in the Royal Navy, they’ve now been temporarily replaced with HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer. These two Archer Class vessels bring with them a significant increase in capability to both tackle greater sea states and provide much improved crew habitability.

Squadron Commanding Officer LLoyd Cardy said, “Sabre and Scimitar have provided an exceptional service in contributing to the demonstration of UK sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters over the last 17 years. Their departure marks the end of an era.

Dasher and Pursuer will continue to maintain that capability as we prepare for their long-term replacements arriving over the next 18 months.”

This magazine notes and thanks them for their long service.

Two GDP Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO), recently recruited from UK Police Forces, underwent a weapon conversion course for the effective and competent use of local weapon system. Both officers passed their qualification shoots and are now a step closer to becoming part of the AFO compliment.

These officers joined the GDP as a result of the latest recruitment drive. As they were already police officers with UK Police Forces, they will follow a different training programme to the other new recruits. Training for these two officers will focus on local legislation, firearms requalification and personal safety training.

Safety Award

Commander British Forces (CBF), Commodore Steven Dainton recently presented Royal Air Force Sergeant Dan Bell with a Royal Air Force Safety Centre ‘Well Done’ award.

Sgt Bell, a member of the General Engineering Section at RAF Gibraltar, received the award following an incident earlier in the year. 

Sgt Bell had managed to avert a potentially extremely hazardous Foreign Object Debris (FOD) issue during a routine morning airfield sweep. Consequently, he swung into action with a full airfield check and repair of the vehicle concerned, which was missing a metal part. Luckily, the offending object was recovered.

Commodore Dainton said, “The actions of Sgt Bell were highly commendable, given the potentially catastrophic impact that the bolt would have had if it had come into contact with an aircraft. He is full deserving of this ‘Well Done’ award.”

The presentation was made in a socially distanced ceremony at RAF Gibraltar, attended by Sgt Bell’s family and colleagues. RAF Gibraltar’s Air Safety Manager, Flight Lieutenant Martin Hughes added, “This event was a perfect example of our mission to prevent a ‘walk on by’ attitude here at the airfield and the example set by Sgt Bell is one for us all to follow.”.

Cross-Organisational MOA

A changing of the guard at the Gibraltar Defence Police Federation has led to a new Memorandum of Agreement with the Chief of Police for the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) and HQBF’s Command Secretary.

This new agreement sets the framework for the relationship between the GDPF and the GDP – and the wider MOD.

The Chief of Police Rob Allen said, “Following an open and transparent election process which saw the current committee elected with a clear mandate from its members, I am delighted to sign this new MOA which marks a new chapter in relations between the GDP and its police officers’ representative body. I am confident that the relationship that we have already begun to forge with the Chairman and his Committee will be invaluable as we work together to address the various challenges facing our force. With a recently published 3-year Policing Plan there will inevitably be some change within the Force as we continue to adapt to deliver the MOD’s policing needs in Gibraltar.”

The Chairman of the GDPF, Police Sergeant Christian Hermida added, “The agreement that we have signed today on behalf of our members is an important step for the Federation, the Chief of Police and MOD Gibraltar. I am very happy with the way that the Federation Committee and the Senior Leadership Team have managed to make rapid progress in negotiating this MOA. Both sides have demonstrated a willingness to work together in order to achieve a positive outcome and I am sure we can use the same approach as we work together in the challenges ahead.

Richard Johnson, HQBF’s Command Secretary commented, “As the GDP continues to adapt to meet the needs of British Forces Gibraltar, it is important that our relationship with the GDP Federation also evolves. I hope this MOA will provide the bedrock for constructive relations in the months and years ahead.”

Stalwarts of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre, entered the last phase of their replacement with the addition of HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer to operational duty.

The new vessels are P2000s and add a considerable increase in capability to patrol and defend the sovereignty of BGTW. During the 5-week training package, Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron prepared both craft to deliver its standing tasking in Gibraltar, and is now ready to deliver its mission to Commander British Forces Gibraltar.

Lt Cdr Lloyd Cardy RN, the Commanding Officer of the Squadron said, “The arrival of the two P2000s to the Squadron is of great benefit to our personnel and the mission. We are suitably equipped to counter the challenges of the local environmental conditions and the added size of the craft offers an increase to our physical presence on the water. We are very proud to welcome the two units to the Squadron as an interim replacement until the newly designed craft arrive.”

The designation of the craft is only temporary until two new boats, constructed on Merseyside reach the Rock. They form part of a £9.9m deal with an envisaged delivery date of late 2021 through to 2023.

Royal Battery Return

The Union Flag too pride-of-place once again at Royal Battery following essential remedial work to the flag pole.

Each year, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation inspects and checks the masts and towers around the MoD estate in Gibraltar.

In this instance, the refurbishment took a little longer than
anticipated, but the dedication of those involved in the remedial works means that the Union Flag will fly proudly for a considerable time to come.

Airfield exercise

The airfield at RAF Gibraltar was put through its paces for an exercise involving personnel from the Airfield Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS), Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP).

The western end of the runway played host to the event that all airfields in close proximity to the sea are mandated to do.

The routine event is designed to make sure that each unit that takes part is able to communicate, collaborate and act in the most efficient manner possible.

Among the scenarios rehearsed was a runway accident at sea to test RAF Gibraltar’s offshore rescue capability.

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment rolled out the red carpet to host His Excellency for the first occasion as Governor and Commander in Chief.

The visit by Vice Admiral Sir David Steel allowed him to meet members of the RG in a socially-distanced parade which showcased the Regiment’s various capabilities.

On parade were the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, Recruiting Team, Motor Transport, soldiers and associated weaponry, the ceremonial Light Guns, and a selection of supporting staff.

His Excellency later addressed the troops to express his delight in meeting them and becoming Commander in Chief and looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.

Following this part of his visit he signed the visitor’s book, before discussions with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson who updated him on the Regiment’s current activities and plans. Others present for the visit were Major Tim Cumming (Second in Command), Major Dominic Collado (Aide De Camp) and Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Patrick Canepa.

Wreath laying service

British Forces Gibraltar personnel recently provided support to the Royal Engineers Association (REA) to mark the 100th anniversary of Sapper Walter Watts.

Father Danny Hernandez, the Command Chaplain led a short wreath laying service at North Front Cemetery to support the Gibraltar Branch of the REA. Major Simon Andrews and Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Chris Hatchard, members of the REA, laid a wreath at the grave of Sapper Watts, on behalf of his great niece Amanda Strutton. Walter was tragically killed on 29 November 1943 following an explosion in Gibraltar.

Amanda had planned to travel to Gibraltar to visit Walter’s final resting place for the first time on what would have been his 100th birthday to lay the wreath in person. COVID restrictions, however, meant that this was no longer possible. Instead, video calling was used so that Amanda was able to be present virtually.

Commander retires

British Forces Gibraltar personnel said farewell to a stalwart of the Royal Navy. Commander Mike Maher has left the service after an innings lasting 40 years.

During this time, he served on numerous warships, most notably HMS Cardiff during the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict. He joined the Navy as a boy sailor in 1980 and rose through the ranks to Chief Petty Officer. In 1992 he commissioned as an officer, and various sea and shore assignments at home and abroad followed.

Commodore Tim Henry, Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lindsay, Chief of Staff and members of the Command gathered in the Tower to say farewell to Mike and his wife Julie, during a short (socially distanced) ceremony. Personnel then lined the main road from the Tower to the Naval Base gates to bid their own personal farewells to an extremely influential and charismatic member of the Gibraltar team.

Whilst he may have retired from military service, he will be taking up a Civil Servant role at HMNB Portsmouth. We wish you well!

RG remote peacekeeping

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment have been supporting peace operations training with Centro Conjunto para Operaciones de Paz de Chile (CECOPAC) since October 2018. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic where travel has been restricted, the Regiment has continued to provide the assistance requested by CECOPAC via remote means.

New arrivals on the Rock

Two Royal Navy P2000 vessels have been deployed in Gibraltar, awaiting active service. The vessels will form the transitional protection and deterrent from unauthorised craft entering British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

HMS Pursuer and HMS Dasher will be taking over duties from HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre.

The story of the Black Watch in Gibraltar

As a result of the Cardwell Reforms of 1872, regiments in the British Army were paired off by means of a “Localization” programme that entailed units changing a Brigade Depot. This innovation would better pool human and material resources.

The 42nd Black watch and the 79th Cameron Highlanders were already closely associated, being Royal Regiments, and so were eminent candidates for amalgamation, but the sticking point, which prevented this particular pairing turned out to be the tartans. The Adjutant General inquired whether the Camerons would be willing to change theirs for the Black Watch’s. The 79th were on a tour of duty in Gibraltar when they received the request and immediately telegraphed a resounding “NO” for an answer. So the 79th retained their independence as did the Black Watch. The then Secretary of State for war declared in Parliament that the Scottish regiments required an exception made regarding amalgamation.

The 79th next departed the rock playing the march they composed “The 79th    Farewell to Gibraltar” on their pipes, not before having got “gloriously drunk” days back, the result of a long stay in a backwater like Gibraltar.

Some officers made an effort to alleviate the boredom of garrison duty. In the 1830’s for instance, Colonel Wheatley, of the Black Watch, began a library for the “other ranks” as the Garrison Library was the preserve of the officers. The men subscribed 6d a month to use the library which totalled some three thousand books. By the time the regiment went to the Crimea the books had to be disposed of. That put an end to the 42nd’s attempt to relieve the boredom which was more the pity.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Black Watch sailed from the Rock for Lisbon to form part of Sir John Moore’s expedition, which was to attempt the relief of Madrid, recently captured by Napoleon. The defeat of several Spanish armies sent to augment Moore’s forces meant that the British had to beat a quick retreat to La Coruña where they held out against the French under General Soult’s superior numbers. It was here that the black Watch distinguished itself. Pushed back by the French onslaught, the line was giving way through lack of ammunition until Moore cried out “Hold on the 42nd, your ammunition is on its way.” The Scots held that flank, their stubborn stand helped turn the battle. 

Twa Recruitin’ Sergeants

From Henry’s Songbook

Chorus:

It’s over the mountains and over the main

Through Gibraltar tae France and tae Spain

Wi’ a feather in your bonnet and a kilt aboon your knee

book So ‘list my bonnie laddie and come awa wi’ me

The 4th Battalion fought yet another rearguard action early in WWII. The formed part of the Highland Division which held out at Dunkirk and was one of the last units to leave for Southampton before being cut to pieces by Kliest’s Panzers near Cherbourg.

After a short spell in the UK, the regiment again sailed for Gibraltar arriving in July 1940 on the Athlone Castle right in the middle of an air raid by the Italian Air Force which was targeting HMS Hood berthed at the South Mole. D Company was billeted in one of the disused water reservoir inside the Water Works deep inside the Rock. 

One of the regiment’s tasks in Gibraltar was to help the Royal Engineers and Royal Canadian Engineers, who were digging additional tunnels all through the Rock, by removing the spoil. This spoil was transported from all over the Rock in lorries and used as fill for the runway which was being extended. The Scottish infantrymen were inexperienced in this kind of work and some headstones in the cemetery attest this fact.

The Regiment’s other assignment was to guard the installations being needed for “Operation Torch.” This plan entailed landing Allied forces on three different locations along the North African coast. This thrust would become the second front the Russians were crying out for, to relieve the pressure on them by forcing the Axis to bring troops away from the Eastern front. One company of the 4th battalion however did not work in the tunnels, they formed part of the Fortress Independent Company nicknamed the Mason- MacMillan‘s Killers, Mason MacMillan being the Governor at the time. They were trained in counter insurgency tactics. On one occasion, the Sentry of the Watch took their responsibility much too seriously and arrested none other than General “Ike” Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander  who was on the Rock finalizing the plans for the invasion of North Africa. The general was dressed in civilian clothes to preserve anonymity when outside his quarters. He aroused the suspicion of a Black Watch guard who challenged him. The General did not have a military pass on him so he was instantly marched to the guard room protesting vehemently. There followed an almighty row which only ended when the Regimental Adjutant was called to vouch for the “distinguished” detainee. 

The most lasting left on the Rock is a Cairn on Devil’s Tower Road honouring the Black Watch. Hopefully, when the mountain of rubble currently accumulated behind the site is removed, the monument will be preserved and may be moved to a more prominent position.  

The 1st Battalion was deployed to Gibraltar between 1967 and 1968 to reinforce the garrison as the result of Spain’s aggressive attitude to Gibraltar.  

The history of the Cairn

Extract from the “Red Hackle” October 1955

When the 4th  Battalion, the Black Watch left Gibraltar in 1943, after two and a half years Garrison Duty, their commanding officer, Lt. Colonel B A Innes, arranged for a small plaque to be cut in the various pillboxes and tunnels, stating that they had been constructed by the Battalion. These all remain in position today. Some larger and more prominent form of memorial commemorating the Battalion’s labour was first suggested last year by the late Lt. Colonel Purvis-Russell-Montgomery, OBE, who was visiting Gibraltar at the time, to the then Governor General Sir Gordon Macmillan, KCB, KCVO, CBE, DSO,MC. The Governor, and later the City Council, agreed and the Colonel of the Regiment was approached on the subject. Since both Brigadier R.C. MacPherson , who as Lt Colonel,\was Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion for the greater part of their tour on the Rock, Lt. Colonel B A Innes, and as many ex-officers of the Battalion who were able to be traced, have also been approached, and in the majority of cases have been strongly in favour of the idea. The memorial is in the form of a traditional Scottish Cairn. It stands between seven and eight feet high. It is situated on the north-east corner of the Rock, opposite MacFarlain Gallery, one of the many tunnels constructed by the Battalion, and is the heart of the Battalion’s old defensive area. The overall design was produced in conjunction with Messers Thoms and Wilkie, and the Cairn itself was constructed by the Royal Engineers in Gibraltar. The two plaques, made out of White Carrara Marble and inscribed in gold lettering, have been made by Spanish craftsmen of the firm of E. Latin, in Gibraltar. They were designed by Lt. G.S. Robb, at present serving with the 4/5th Battalion, and who is Art Master at Carnoustie and Monifieth Schools. The figure of the Jock on the upper plaque is that of Sgt. Manzie of the 4/5th Battalion, now employed by the Territorial Army Association, as a civilian with the 4/5th in Dundee, and who was a drummer with the Pipes and Drums with the 4th Battalion in Gibraltar

Note. The Cairn is looked after in Gibraltar by David Eveson with help from Roy. A wreath is placed on this memorial by them each Remembrance Day.

For many years, it has been the custom to have an aircraft on a stand at the entrance to an RAF airbase. Originally they were aircraft that were no longer in service but recently, this practice was stopped and fiber glass replicas were used because of the cost of maintenance. 

Gibraltar had a Vulcan Bomber on the south side of the runway, but it is said that the Spanish complained due to its Falklands connection and it was removed.   

It is now proposed to mount a Jaguar on the base. 

The Jaguar GR1 or Jaguar S, first entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1974 with 54 Squadron. 

It was designed to meet the Anglo – French requirements for a cheap, subsonic dual role trainer and light attack aircraft. However, this requirement changed to a ground attack, tactical strike and close air support role. 

France, Nigeria, Ecuador, India and Oman also operated this aircraft in its various configurations. It first saw action in the 1991 Gulf war with the French and British forces and later in the former Yugoslavia in French and UK colours and in India in the Kargil conflict.

At its peak, there were eight front line squadrons equipped with Jaguars although ten squadrons actually operated them from time to time.

No2sqd. RAF Laarbruch
1976 – 1978 – Strike/reconnaissance

No6sqd  RAF Coltishall
Finished 2007 – Attack

No14sqd  RAF Bruggen
1974 – 1985 – Strike

No16sqdRAF Lossiemouth
Training/Conversion

No17sqd RAF Bruggen
1975 – 1985 – Strike 

No20sqd RAF Bruggen
1977 – 1984 – Strike

No31sqd FAF Bruggen 
1976 – 1984 – Strike

No41sqd RAF Coltishall
Finished 2006 – Rec – Attack

No45sqd RAF Coltishall
Finished 2006 – Attack

No226sqd RAF Lossiemouth
became No16sqd

In 1983 the GR1 Jaguars were upgraded to GR1A with improved navigation and attack systems. Also the engines were upgraded to the more powerful 104. Other marks such as then GR3A were refitted with 106 engines. The aircraft was withdrawn from active operations in April 2007

The Jaguar to be installed in Gibraltar is a GR1 with a tail No 956. Its first flight was on the 26th of September 1975 and was allocated to 17 Squadron Bruggen. In October 1978 it was in 14 Squadron, returning to 17th Squadron in March 1979. In August 1984 it was reassigned to 31 Squadron where it stayed until returning to 17 Squadron in October 1984. In February 1985 it was sent to RAF Shawbury where it was laid up in storage until allocated as a Ground Instructional Aircraft at No1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton in early 1988. When Halton closed it was transferred to Cosford and then to RAF Gibraltar ownership in September 2008. It arrived in Gibraltar on the 19th of January 2009. During its career it made 2,284 landings, flew 2,130 hours and thirty five minutes before ending up in Gibraltar.

We look forward to seeing this proud aircraft standing guard over our airfield and hope that cross border politics do not spoil this project.

RAF JAGUAR XX956

The initial RAF requirement was for 200 aircraft, which included 165 single seat attack aircraft and 35 duel seat trainers

The general specifications of the Jaguar are:
Crew one
Length 16.83m
Wingspan 8.69m
Height 4.92m
Wt. Empty 7000kg
Wt. Loaded 11,000
Engines
R.R/Turbomeca Ardour

Performance
Max speed 1593km/h mach 1.6
Range 535km
Service Ceiling 14,000m

It has been 10 years since the preceding article was published in the then newly formed History Society Gibraltar. It seems typical that the History Club should now report that our Gate Guardian is now to be dismantled and returned to UK, more likely totally scrapped. Even on its restoration a decade ago much of its fuselage was fibreglass. (Not a property to dismantle easily).

It is a shame that a maintenance programme was not activated when the original placement took place, the RAF General Engineering Section has long since been scaled down or disbanded so no military interest or help can be secured.

We have a superb civilian airport building with acres of space inside and out that could protect the Jaguar aircraft and give a glimpse of British greatness of bygone times, We as children have always looked on in awe at flying machines even today when a rare visit by an RAF transport plane happens cameras are activated and the social media photos are shared. Will was lacking to protect and save this machine for our posterity.

So the RAF Gibraltar Gate Guardian is to be no more, another loss of our link to the military and to the United Kingdom.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.
Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com