PRINCE HARRY PRESENTS RAF REGIMENT WITH
A NEW QUEEN’S COLOUR
The
20th July 17 proved to be a truly spectacular day for RAF Honington
when HRH Prince Henry of Wales KCVO attended to present the RAF Regiment with a
new Queen’s Colour to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
The
day began when Prince Harry awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace to the RAF
Police. The award is given to the unit that has been judged to have made the
most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and
friendly relations with the inhabitants of communities at home or overseas.
During 2015 the Royal Air Force Police made a significant contribution to
humanitarian activities. These included
aviation security on Op PENNYWEIGHT, the provision of humanitarian aid
following the cyclone in Vanuatu; Op VOGUL supporting the movement of UK aid
supplies to South Sudan; Op LEYLAND supporting relief efforts following the
earthquake in Nepal and Op TAILPIN, the repatriation of individuals from
Tunisia following terrorist attacks on UK citizens.
The Royal Air Force Police have also
maintained a detachment supporting security at Freetown Airport, Sierra Leone
during the Ebola crisis and went forward to assist in the provision of aviation
security as 16,000 British passport holders were repatriated through Sharm
el-Sheikh having been stranded following a terrorist attack.
Provost Marshal (RAF) -
Group Captain Steve Horne MA RAF said: “This highly coveted prize was unanimously
awarded to us in recognition of the extraordinary catalogue of humanitarian,
engagement and charitable activities that the organisation undertook in 2015.
It is a testament to the personnel within the RAF Police that in spite of
challenging regular duties, they have had an active involvement in charitable
activities, fundraising over £57,710 for worthy causes.”
Accompanied
by the Stn Cdr Gp Capt Dave Tait MBE, ADC, MA, RAF His Royal Highness arrived
at the parade square where the Queen’s Colour Squadron and graduating gunners
from Meiktila Flight 4-16 were waiting in anticipation. The impressive sound of
the Airbus A400M Atlas flying over RAF Honington signified the start of the presentation
of the new Queen’s Colour. The Standards for all of the RAF Regiment Squadrons stood
proudly behind the RAF Regiment Band.
HRH
Prince Harry read a personal message from Her Majesty The Queen; The presentation of
Colours is an opportunity to recognise historic achievements and to look
forward to the future with confidence; a confidence built upon the dedication
of those who have served under past colours and will serve under this colour
being presented today. I am pleased that Prince Harry is able to present a new
Colour to the Royal Air Force Regiment in this, your 75th Anniversary year, on
my behalf as your Air Commodore in Chief.
Next year the Royal Air
Force will celebrate 100 years of defending the skies over the United Kingdom
and protecting our Nation’s interests overseas
Here today, every
generation is represented from the graduating gunners on parade to the founder
members watching on. There are also a great many families present; their
service and dedication is at the heart of The Royal Air Force Regiment’s
success.”
Despite
the downpour at the end of the ceremony dignitaries, service personnel, veterans,
families, school children and the local community were in the audience enjoying this historic and momentous occasion.
Before
meeting the families and school children Prince Harry was introduced to Ron
Fairweather, William Walker and Raymond Hill who were founder members of No 1
and 2 Armoured Car Company RAF. Next in line were a few of the graduating gunners
from Meiktila Flt 4-16. LAC Richard Keating who was
born in Cork said: “I was thrilled to be on the parade but to meet Prince Harry
was absolutely amazing”
Sam Brown (9), presented Prince Harry with a commemorative RAF Regt 75 Bear and a
beautiful bouquet. Their father FS Jordan Brown, was recently diagnosed
with a terminal brain tumour, said: “This is such a memorable day
for Sam; one he will never forget.” He added: ‘Sam was nervous but very excited
to meet the Prince.”
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