On a bitterly cold December day and with the threat of heavy rain, the decision was made to cancel the fly past and have the Graduation Parade of Thompson Intake in the Burton Drill Facility at Recruit Training Squadron, RAF Halton. Slightly disappointing for the Intake but they excelled.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore Lester, Head of Doctrine Air Space and Cyber praised their fortitude for making the Parade the success it was.
Thompson Intake, numbering 105, marched out on to the Burton Facility behind Flight Commander, Flight Lieutenant Thomas Clarke and supported by Intake permanent staff. The Queen’s Colour was paraded and borne by Flight Lieutenant Matt Barclay with Colour Warrant Officer, Barry Johnson and Escorts, Sgts’ Constadine and Perkins. Over 350 parents, family and friends were in the stands to support and cheer them on. Musical accompaniment was from the Band of the RAF Regiment under instruction from Warrant Officer Paul Craggs.
Trophies and prizes are awarded to the top Recruits, who were:
AC Mercer – The Rothschild Trophy, awarded to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in Initial Force Protection Training.
AC Hussey – The Halton Aircraft Apprentice Trophy, awarded to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in drill and deportment.
AC Coulson was awarded three trophies, which doesn’t happen very often. He was awarded the Halton Apprentice Shield, awarded to the recruit who has displayed the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical education. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Trophy, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No.9 Flight and 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 Daniels – The Station Commander’s Cup, awarded for displaying the greatest effort and determination on No. 10 Flight.
AC Taylor – The Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy, awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No. 9 Flight.
AC Mercer – The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire’s Trophy, awarded for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No.10 Flight.
AC Cook – 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. 10 Flight and was collected on their behalf by AC Cook.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Over the last few weeks the recruits have worked tirelessly to prove to their directing staff that they deserve to be on the Graduation Parade on the final day of the course. The directing staffs have worked tirelessly to ensure that every recruit is given the best training and support so 62 days after the Attestation into the Royal Air Force, families, friends, staff and recruits can all be proud to say they took part.
