“It was amazing, I am truly proud to be here today to watch this milestone.”
“Just such a fabulous day seeing my daughter all grown up and embarking on such an amazing journey.”
“Everyone has been so positive and friendly, my son has grown, he has become a man.”
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
These were just some of the quotes from family and friends after Beckett Intake were dismissed on completion of their Graduation Parade. This was the culmination of 10 weeks Basic Training that gave the Recruits a roller coaster of highs and lows and turned them from a civilian into a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force. Most of the graduating recruits will now go on to another training Station to complete Phase 2, their professional trade training, some will stay at RAF Halton to take up an Apprenticeship and train as a Logistician chef, driver or supplier, and the remainder will join the Servicemen Awaiting Trade Training where they will ‘hold’ while they await the start of their Phase 2 training, all fulfilling their dreams of a career and travel.
The Parade of 613 MP Beckett Intake, was reviewed by Air Commodore Andy Read MA MBA BSc(Hons) CEng FRAeS MAPM RAF, who described them as ‘exemplary’ as he welcomed them to the Royal Air Force family in this the Centenary Year. #RAF100
Music was provided by The Band of the Royal Air Force College and the fly past was by a Tucano from 72 Squadron, RAF Linton-On-Ouse made possible by the warm weather with light rain at times.
As is now routine the Queen’s Colour was paraded and borne by Flight Lieutenant Andrew Furlong, OC Campion Intake, with Colour Warrant Officer, Emma Kerslake and escorts Sgt Clarke and Sgt Howard. The Intake Padre, Reverend (Sqn Ldr) Skillen, led the prayers.
Air Commodore Read presented Trophies and Awards to the recipients, who were:
AC Cole was awarded The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Shield. Awarded to the recruit who has displayed the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
AC Fowell - Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Trophy, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on Number 3 Flight.
AC Howard - The Station Commander’s Cup, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on Number 4 Flight.
AC Lloyd - The Mayor Of Aylesbury Trophy, awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on Number 1 Flight.
AC Wadelin - The Rothschild Trophy, Awarded to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training.
AC Burrows - The Lord Lieutenant Of Buckinghamshire’s Trophy for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on Number 4 Flight, as voted for by my instructors.
AC Service – The Halton Aircraft Trophy awarded for the recruit who has displayed the highest standard of Drill and Deportment.
AC William Astill - The Dusty Miller Trophy, for showing the most willingness to help others as voted for by their fellow recruits.
Finally The Lord Trenchard Trophy 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 Handforth.
The Station Commander’s Engagement Guests for the day were Joanne Mason, Manager of Wendover Woods and her colleague, Ms Jo Haywood.
