Congratulations go to the 12 members of TG 5-20, El Alamein Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington today.
Today was also a celebration as we saw the return of sunshine, a live band and most importantly; family members.
Music filled the air as the RAF Honington Voluntary Band were delighted to share the stage today in one of their first performances post Covid-19, and how better to share than with loved ones of the new graduates. Two members per family were able to join their loved ones in person following over a year of Graduations being held without an audience due to the ongoing pandemic.
Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie CBE MA BSc (Hons) RAF attended as Reviewing Officer during his visit to the Station for the Annual Formal Inspection.
He said:
I am very proud to be here to welcome the Trainee Gunners of El Alamein Flight into the RAF Regiment and particularly pleased to welcome all the families and friends that have travelled to RAF Honington today. Those who stand on the parade square today have demonstrated determination, commitment, teamwork and diligence. By choosing to become a member of the RAF they are electing a life of service. They are choosing to put others before themselves, be it colleagues, those who they command or the vulnerable that need their help and protection. I urge them to seize all the opportunities this unique career offers and wish them the best of luck. I trust they will continue to grow and act as ambassadors for the RAF and the RAF Regiment in all they do.
On graduating from this course, the Leading Aircraftmen are posted to either 1 Sqn RAF Regt here at RAF Honington or 15 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Marham). They will be trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations.
Further congratulations go to the Prize Winners:
Frank Sylvester Trophy: LAC Morris
To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course.
The RAF Regt Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment: LAC Simpson
This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, most importantly during field exercises
WO Ramsey Physical Development Cup: LAC Milano
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
LAC Beard Recruits’ Trophy: LAC Flood
This trophy is awarded to the Gunner who has been voted by his peers on the Course as the most inspirational and supportive member of the Flight. The recipient of this trophy has provided loyalty, dependability and motivation to those around him during the toughest moments of the training
SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy: LAC Milano
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who has shot consistently well throughout the course. He would also be the student who has shown consistent military awareness, on battle and field-firing exercises, in the selection of his shooting positions and use of cover. He would also be one who has demonstrated consistently a high standard of weapon handling and safety awareness throughout the course
Cpl Bradfield Trophy: Cpl Garwood
The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the JNCOs of today. It is awarded to the Corporal Instructor who has displayed leadership, motivation and above all else has set an exemplary standard for the recruits to follow.
