The threat of heavy snow falls didn’t deter Beckett Intake from marching out on to the Henderson Parade Square for their Graduation Parade this week and were graced with a fly past from a Hawk T1 from 100 Squadron based at RAF Leeming. Luckily the snow didn’t fall as early as expected and the Graduation Parade went well despite the freezing temperatures.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
The Parade was a joint one involving Beckett Intake and Reservists.
The Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore Miller, Deputy Commandant of the Defence Academy of the UK, praised Beckett Intake for the standard of the Parade and wished them well in their Phase 2 Training.
Beckett Intake, numbering 100, (83 males and 17 females) marched out on to the Henderson Parade Square behind Flight Commander, Flt Lt Barclay and supported by Intake permanent staff. The Queen’s Colour was paraded and borne by Fg Off J Gregory with Colour Warrant Officer, Barry Johnson and escorts, Sgts’ Clarke and Perks. Over 340 noisy parents, family and friends were in the stands to support and cheer Beckett Intake on. Musical accompaniment was from the Band of the Royal Air Force College under instruction from Warrant Officer Allott.
Air Commodore Miller presented trophies and prizes to the top Recruits, who were:
AC Rushbrook – The Rothschild Trophy, awarded to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training and she was also awarded The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire’s Trophy, awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No.4 Flight.
AC MacKay – The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Trophy, awarded to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in drill and deportment and she was also awarded The Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy, awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No. 3 Flight.
AC Combe - The Halton Apprentice Shield, awarded to the recruit who has displayed the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education.
AC Girling - The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Trophy, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No.3 Flight.
SAC Jacques -The Dusty Millar Memorial Trophy, awarded to the recruit who has shown the greatest willingness to help others as voted for by their fellow recruits on the Intake.
AC Cole – The Station Commander’s Cup, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No.4 Flight.
The Lord Trenchard Trophy is awarded to the Flight whose performance has been the best overall in General Service Training and General Service Knowledge.
It was awarded to No. 4 Flight and collected on their behalf by AC Fryfer-Robinson.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
For each Parade the Station Commander, Group Captain Katherine Wilson, invites Engagement Guests to have lunch and view the Parade. Today the guests were Mr and Mrs John Warner, Master Fruiterers, from the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, who recently made a donation to RAF Halton’s Welfare Fund.
Following graduation, recruits will clear their bed space, pack all their kit and move onto their next location. Depending on their trade and when their individual training Phase 2 courses are scheduled to begin, those locations will vary; some recruits will commence their Phase 2 training immediately, while others will “hold” on Airman’s Development Flight at RAF Halton until their Phase 2 training course start date matures.
