Douglas Intake, Course Number 639, have graduated from Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton after successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive Basic Training. Numbering 65 males and 23 females, they were watched and cheered on by full stands of family members and friends.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
The Reviewing Officer was Air Vice-Marshal Tamara Nancy Jennings OBE, who was escorted by Cpl Helen Rimmer. Music for the occasion was provided by The Central Band of The Royal Air Force with Bandmaster Warrant Officer T Gardner.
A Hawk T2 from 4 Squadron based at RAF Valley flew over to the delight of all assembled.
From the 88 graduating recruits, eight received trophies and awards, see pictured with Air Vice-Marshal Tamara Nancy Jennings who praised Douglas Intake for their impressive Parade and wished them well in their Phase 2 Training and beyond. She also mentioned the positive support from the families that spurred them on to succeed.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
The successful recipients are:
AC Bayfield was presented with three awards, The Rothschild Trophy for achieving the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training, The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Shield for showing the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education and The Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy for displaying the best overall performance in all aspects of training on Number 7 Flight.
AC McDonald - The RAF Benevolent Fund Trophy for displaying the greatest effort and determination on Number 7 Flight
AC Griffith – The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Trophy for showing the highest overall standard in drill and deportment.
AC Wilson – The Station Commander’s Cup for displaying the most effort and determination on Number 8 Flight.
AC Shakespeare – The Dusty Millar Memorial Trophy for showing the most willingness to help others, as voted for by their fellow recruits.
AC Faseyiku – The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Trophy for displaying the best overall determination and effort on Number 8 Flight.
Finally, The Lord Trenchard Trophy is awarded to the best overall Flight. It was awarded to Number 7 Flight and collected on their behalf by AC Parr.
For this Graduation Parade the Queen’s Colour was Paraded by 4 station personnel. The Colour Bearer was Flt Lt Andrew Furlong with Colour Warrant Officer D Iliffe and Colour Escorts, Sgt C Bartlett-Jones and Sgt K Russell.
Flt Lt Furlong said: “I felt privileged to be asked to bear the Queen’s Colour for Royal Air Force Halton for the Graduation Parade of Douglas Intake.”
