Number 47 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton, recently renewed its historic tricolour flag during a short ceremony outside its headquarters.
The Squadron has been the only RAF Squadron to fly its own special flag since 1919, when it took part in operations in Southern Russia. During 1919 the Squadron was temporarily reformed as “A” Squadron and provided air support to the White Russian Army as it battled the Bolsheviks. “A” Squadron was a volunteer unit and operated under its flag, in place of the Royal Air Force ensign. This arrangement was agreed in Parliament as the best way to avoid entanglement in the ongoing Russian civil war, and resulted in many brave feats of aviation from No. 47 Squadron. The flag has proudly flown outside No. 47 Squadron ever since and its members wear a tricolour patch on their working uniforms.
Officer Commanding No. 47 Squadron, Wing Commander James Sjoberg said:
“The famous 47 Squadron flag is a proud part of our history and a symbol that links our members from across the decades. When the flag outside our headquarters became worn, we were pleased to commission a bright new one from a UK company, to remind ourselves of the remarkable story of “A” Squadron in 1919.”
Wing Commander James Sjoberg
Officer Commanding No. 47 Squadron
The ceremony was attended by the Station Commander, Group Captain Emily Flynn, Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Simon Blackwell and the Station Warrant Officer, Master Aircrew Brian Kayll.
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