Royal Air Force Shawbury has received The Firmin Sword of Peace award of 2022.
The award is given to units or establishments of the British Armed Forces judged to have made “the most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitants of any community at home or overseas”.
Two achievements by the Shropshire station stood out to the Awarding Committee, the first was the Station’s youth engagement through Cadet Forces and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) outreach. Secondly the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal operated from RAF Shawbury since 2006 who via “aid through football” collect donated items of football kit then redistribute them to children and adults across the globe.
Almost 37,000 items, including 8,800 football shirts, training kit and school uniform, were distributed to disadvantaged communities in 2022 alone. Since its inception the charity has delivered over 298,000 items of kit to 59 countries worldwide.
“The award of The Firmin Sword of Peace for the year 2022 to RAF Shawbury recognises the tremendous efforts of the Whole Force in its humanitarian activities and exceptional engagement with its local community and far beyond.
Shawbury continues to consistently deliver superb community, youth, and veteran engagement, despite being one of our smaller RAF Stations. It is a superb Unit with a big heart and enduring drive to maintain its excellent community relations.”
Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Rich Knighton KCB FREng
Chief of the Air Staff
During 2022, RAF Shawbury raised a total of £18,712 for charities, and station personnel played a key role in the Shrewsbury Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in November 22, helping to raise £15,149. The Station outreach programme saw STEM Ambassadors and Community Support Teams work closely with Shropshire Council and local businesses to support the Armed Forces Covenant and the thriving Shropshire Veterans’ Outreach Programme.
“It is an incredible privilege to accept The Firmin Sword of Peace on behalf of the Whole Force at RAF Shawbury. We are fortunate to be exceptionally well supported by our local community and those farther afield, and so we work hard at giving back in any way we can.
“This award recognises the Station’s Whole Force approach to improving youth and veteran engagement, and our charity work, notably overseas in Africa, all of which is not only the right thing to do, but it also highlights the benefits and opportunities that Service Life has to offer.”
Group Captain Andy Baron
Station Commander, RAF Shawbury
On his visit to the station ACM Knighton, who delivered the award, also awarded flying badges (“wings”) to UK tri-service and German Army students graduating from No1 Flying Training School.
