Rock apes

[Raptor9264]

Why are RAF Regiment gunners (The elite ground defence of the Royal Air Force formed 1942) called Rock apes?

[Hippy]

The RAF Regiment keep a low profile and their actual role is seldom understood by most Army rank & file. They are the ground force of the RAF and are deployed in diverse capacities, including securing forward landing strips, defending static air installations, combat serach and rescue, and as forward air controllers. They do not merely operate checkpoints and patrol airfield perimeter fences. They specialise in aggressive defence by attempting to dominate a wide area around the airfield. They have to be a fast-moving rapid reaction infantry units that can deal with a diverse range of threats.

"Rockapes" is a name given to them by other sections of the RAF, as they act like the Barbary apes on Gibraltar, as they dominate an area by scrambling all over it rather than by whizzing over in cigar tubes and throwing firecrackers around!

[Raptor9264]

Thanx Hippy, very helpful indeed.