Recruit Training Squadron at Royal Air Force Halton have Graduated their latest Intake this week on a chilly but bright early Spring day.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
They marched out on to the Henderson Parade Square behind Parade Commander, Flying Officer Craig Nicholls, to the sound of The Central Band Of The Royal Air Force under direction from Bandmaster Flt Lt Christopher I’Anson. The Fly Past was from a Hawk T1 from 100 Squadron based at RAF Leeming.
The Reviewing Officer was Air Marshal Richard Knighton, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, (Military Capability) who praised the Graduating Trainees for the standard of their Parade and Dress. He also spoke about the support the families had given through training and should continue throughout their RAF Careers. He finished by welcoming them to the RAF Family and wishing them well. He was escorted throughout the occasion by Escorting Officer, Cpl Lee Colfer.
He presented Trophies and Awards to:
AC Bunkle - The Rothschild Trophy. Awarded to the Recruit who shows the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training
AC Toby Stratford - The Halton Apprentice Trophy. Awarded to the Recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in drill and deportment.
AC Solanke -The Halton Apprentice Shield. Awarded to the Recruit who has displayed the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in Physical Education.
AC Jake Gosling – The RAF Benevolent Fund Trophy. Awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No. 11 Flight.
AC Harry Riley – The Station Commander’s Cup. Awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No. 12 Flight.
SAC David Thomas – 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.
AC Christopher Dixon – The Mayor Of Aylesbury Trophy. Awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No. 11 Flight.
SAC Jake Prested – The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Trophy. Awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No. 12 Flight.
Finally, The Lord Trenchard Trophy is awarded to the Flight that has been the best overall in training. It was awarded to No. 12 Flight and collected on their behalf by SAC Thomas.
The Parade was made up of 75 Males and 6 Females with 360 family and friends in the Stands who provided a very noisy reception as their loved ones marched on.
Flying Officer Gregory marched on The Queen’s Colour with Colour Warrant Officer David Iliffe and Escorts, Sgt Stuart Jepson and Sgt Mark Consterdine.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Each Intake carries out a Community Engagement Contribution project.
Pearson Intake volunteered to help along the newly built Waddesdon Greenway. The work entailed planting hedgerows and trees on several plots along the four mile cycle path. This was a public event open to any other volunteers and Pearson Intake worked hard all day to complete the task.
Pearson Intake’s namesake is Corporal Joan Daphne Mary Pearson, GC WAAF.
She was awarded The Medal of the military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for Gallantry. (Later communte for the George Cross)
Corporal Pearson was on the scene when an aircraft crashed near the Women’s Auxiliary Force quarters at 0100 hours on 31 May 1940. She gave assistance even though she knew there were explosives aboard. She stood on the wreckage and roused the stunned pilot then assisted him in getting clear, releasing his parachute harness in doing so. When he was on the ground about 30 yards away, a 120lb bomb exploded. Corporal Pearson at once threw herself on top of the pilot to protect him from blast and splinters. Her prompt and courageous action undoubtedly helped to save the pilot’s life.
Corporal Pearson was Born: 26 May 1911 – Died 25 July 2000 – Aged 29 when award. Trade – Medical Assistant.
