On Friday 9 April 2021, Royal Air Force Brize Norton received the Firmin Sword of Peace, for the Station’s characteristically high tempo of operations, training and activity throughout 2019.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC presented the sword to Flight Lieutenant Ben Burton, the Station’s Flight Safety Officer at a special ceremony held at RAF Brize Norton.
The award is made annually to the unit or establishment judged to have made the most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitant of any community at home or overseas. Its award to RAF Brize Norton recognises the daily efforts of the Station’s whole-force who enable, support and globally project Air Mobility effects in support of Defence and national disaster relief, as well as the impressive support to the local community around the base and voluntary activities in support of numerous charities.
Most notable was the deployment to Africa in the wake of Cyclone Idai, the conduct of search and rescue operations in the South Atlantic and the recovery of British nationals from Sierra Leone with suspected Lassa Fever. Closer to home, the technical support provided by the Joint Air Delivery Test Evaluation Unit proved critical in the efforts to reinforce the Toddbrook Reservoir and Dam.
Group Captain Emily Flynn, Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton said:
“The award of the 2019 Firmin Sword of Peace to RAF Brize Norton is a phenomenal achievement which captures and recognises the broad spectrum of output delivered on a daily basis by personnel based here both in support of our global taskings and outside the wire in support of local communities and many charities. I am humbled by the amount our personnel continue to give to the Royal Air Force and beyond. It is wonderful to see the Station recognised in this way.”
Group Captain Emily Flynn
Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton
In 2019, the Station continued to strengthen its relationship with local communities, through programmes and activities such as, the STEM Partnership Plan, Careers and Outreach Team and the Jon Egging Trust Blue Skies Programme. In addition to carrying out their day-to-day role, many personnel forfeited their free time to volunteer for local organisations and took part in numerous fundraising challenges, raising in excess of £166,000 for over 18 separate charities.
Established in 1966 and originally known as the Wilkinson Sword of Peace, when Wilkinson stopped the production of swords in 2005 Firmin and Sons began sponsoring the award, presenting a ceremonial sword to one unit each of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force every year.
Group Captain Simon Blackwell, Commander Air Wing, RAF Brize Norton said:
“The award of the Firmin Sword of Peace is fantastic reward for the outstanding work, commitment and attitude of the whole-force personnel here at RAF Brize Norton. It is well-deserved recognition of both the fantastic engagement we have with the community through charity events, STEM and community work and also the valuable contribution that the Air Mobility Force output makes towards humanitarian and life-saving work around the globe.”
Group Captain Simon Blackwell
Commander Air Wing, RAF Brize Norton
