The P-8A Poseidon Aircraft ‘Guernsey’s Reply’ performed a flypast today to commemorate the installation of Guernsey’s new Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE.
The flight was operated by RAF Lossiemouth’s 201 Squadron who hold the moniker ‘Guernsey’s Own’ and took place over the Channel Island.
The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey is the representative of the Crown in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a separate Crown Dependent jurisdiction within the British Isles. Their role is to undertake, on behalf of the Sovereign, numerous functions normally associated with the Head of State in a larger jurisdiction.
"The installation of a new Lieutenant Governor in Guernsey is a wonderful occasion for the whole island. It’s a privilege to be included in the ceremony and reflects the strength of the relationship between Guernsey and 201 Squadron. A 201 Squadron crew will conduct a fly past of the parade and I just hope the weather is kind enough to allow the islanders to see the Poseidon in all her glory."
Wing Commander Smolak
Office Commanding 201 Squadron
201 Squadron’s involvement in today’s ceremony was another milestone in the historic relationship between the Squadron and Guernsey, a link forged in the dark days before the Second World War. Announced under the Municipal Liaison Scheme by Sir Kingsley Wood at the opening of Guernsey’s Airport on 5th May 1939, it is considered to be the only RAF Squadron with such a historic link.
The arrival of ZP806 ‘Guernsey’s Reply’ in September 2021 reaffirmed this link and honours that close bond between 201 Squadron, the island of Guernsey and Jurat Herbert Machon OBE who named his Mk XVI Spitfire 'Guernsey’s Reply' during World War II. Operated by 201 Squadron, the aircraft plays a crucial role in the Squadron’s mission to train the next generation of Poseidon Aircrew and Instructors.
RAF Lossiemouth now boasts a complete Poseidon fleet having taken charge of all nine Poseidon MRA Mk. One aircraft ordered for the RAF the UK Government has invested £470 million overall in the Moray base which will future-proof Quick Reaction Alert and Maritime Patrol operations for many years to come.
The Boeing made aircraft is already providing cutting-edge maritime patrol capabilities and working side-by-side with the Royal Navy to secure the seas around the UK and abroad. It is equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. It features cutting edge radar for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, an electro-optical / IR turret and electronic support measures (ESM). The aircraft can also be armed with a weapons system that includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets.
