A spectacular Fly Past by a Typhoon from 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby took place to mark the Graduation Parade of 627 Douglas Intake after 10 weeks of Basic Training at Recruit Training Squadron, RAF Halton. The Queen’s Colour was paraded and borne by Flt Lt Johnston with escorts Sgt Brister and Sgt James and Colour Warrant Officer, WO Chapman. Family and friends, who were very vocal in their support, numbered over 250.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Marching out on to the Henderson Parade Square to musical accompaniment from The Band of the RAF Regiment with Bandmaster Paul Craggs, the Intake numbered 71, made up of 63 males and 8 females, led by Flight Commander, Flt Lt Matt Barclay. The weather was bright but cold.
The Reviewing Officer was Air Commodore Maddison, Head of Finance Military Capability, who presented Trophies to:
AC Favretto-Millard was awarded The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Shield. Awarded to the recruit who has displayed the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education and The Halton Apprentice Trophy for the best effort in Drill and Deportment.
AC Johnson – Awarded the Dusty Miller Memorial Trophy for their willingness to help others as voted for by the Recruits
AC Bradley- Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Trophy. Awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on Number 7 Flight
AC Middleton - The Rothschild Trophy. Awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination in Initial Force Protection Training.
AC Norris - The Lord Lieutenant of Bucks Trophy. Awarded for the best overall effort in all aspects of training on Number 8 Flight.
AC Kiddy - The Station Commander’s Cup. Awarded for the best effort and determination on Number 8 Flight.
AC Whelan - The Mayor Of Aylesbury Trophy. Awarded for the best overall in General Service Training and Service Knowledge on Number 7 Flight.
Finally The Lord Trenchard Trophy awarded to the Flight whose performance has been the best overall in General Service Training and General Service Knowledge. It was awarded to No. 8 Flight and collected on their behalf by AC Wildgoose .
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Douglas Intake did their local engagement project at the Lindengate Charity Garden which provides Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH), using the healing power of nature and the outdoors to improve mental wellbeing. Two of their staff, Ms Anne Mills and Ms Diane Kolonko had lunch with the Station Commander, Group Captain Katherine Wilson prior to watching Douglas Intake Graduate.
Douglas Intake will now move on to Phase 2 training at various Training Stations and some will ‘hold’ at RAF Halton until their Phase 2 is set to begin.
