Cadets and volunteers from 201 OS (Guernsey) Squadron had the great honour of being part of the greeting party on a royal visit to the island. This was made extra special as it was the visit of the reigning Monarch to Guernsey since 2005.
The cadets, along with other local youth groups, got to see the helicopter land and Their Majesties disembark. His Majesty The King, after being greeted by local dignitaries, came over to talk to all the youth groups who greeted him. His Majesty asked our cadets if they’d had the opportunity to go gliding, to which they replied that we are going gliding on Summer Camp.
“We were honoured to be invited to greet Their Majesties on their first tour of Guernsey in 12 years. An interesting discussion we had as a squadron was about the power of the helicopter’s downwash. Luckily as an ex Chinook pilot I had ensured the cadets were briefed to remove their berets prior to the arrival. The highlight for us was when His Majesty came to speak to the cadets and enquired as to whether we’d been gliding!” Fg Off David Bowsher, Deputy OC
“We were amazed at how large the security detail was and that they had sent over His Majesty’s limousine especially. It was particularly fun to watch the sniffer dog patrol the landing site! We rededicated our Cadet Promises in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor before the Coronation last year and it was great to actually meet His Majesty in person who was accompanied by His Excellency.” Cpl Tom Billows
