Congratulations go to the 31 members of TG 6-19 Meiktila Flight, the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington today. The third trainee gunner graduation during COVID-19, once again took place behind closed doors due to the Coronavirus.
Officer Commanding Training Wing, Wing Commander Stephen Turner said:
It is with great pride that we, the RAF Regiment, formally welcome our newest cadre of Gunners into the proud and distinguished ranks of the Corps today. Occasions like this are usually marked with ceremony in keeping with the scale of achievement and endeavour; though today’s graduation is deliberately a more sombre event, owing to COVID-19 mitigation measures, I am delighted to welcome friends and family to share in the occasion, albeit virtually and from the relative safety of your own homes. The Gunners on parade should feel justifiably proud of their achievement and the contributions they will make in the coming weeks and months in support to the Nation’s priorities. Now, more than ever, their new motto rings true – Per Ardua (through adversity).
For the first time the graduation has been livestreamed via Panopto, a video streaming and lecture capture software designed as a knowledge sharing platform and newly introduced and used by Training Wing. Today this has proved invaluable to the families unable to attend the graduation in person.
Trainees have had it even harder than usual thanks to COVID-19. They were unable to go home between March and June and successful graduates have had to manage without being able to hug their loved ones and share their special day in person. Except for one...
AC Charlie Fitch (19) has a brother in training not too far away from him. AC Jesse Fitch (18) is currently training on El Alamein Flt, a little behind his big brother on course, but very close in person! Today, and coincidentally on his eighteenth birthday, Training Wing allowed Jesse to take a break from training in order that he can attend the graduation and support his brother. Jesse originally intended on joining the Royal Marines, however after speaking with his brother about his training and role with the RAF Regiment he soon changed his mind and signed up too.
Station Commander Group Captain Matt Radnall said:
It is a privilege to welcome such a large cohort of graduating RAF Regiment gunners into the Corps today. Given the current measures in force to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, this is necessarily a muted celebration, but still acknowledges the tremendous effort each individual has invested to earn the right to wear RAF Regiment mudguards on their shoulders. Whilst our graduates have not been able to celebrate with friends and family in person, I am very pleased that we have been able to livestream the ceremony so they can at least share in the occasion as far as possible. These graduates will now join their new units and are ready to deploy as required to meet the threats faced by the RAF, at home and abroad.
Over the last few months, RAF Honington has gone to great lengths to ensure that our directed training activity, deemed essential to the maintenance of RAF operational capability, can be delivered as safely as reasonably possible. This approach includes adherence to Government guidelines, including social distancing, wherever possible.
On graduating from this course, the Leading Aircraftmen are posted to either 2 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Brize Norton), 15 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Honington), 34 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Leeming), or 63 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Northolt), whereby 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 Walker
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 Thresh
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 Stephens
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
LAC Beard Recruits' Trophy: LAC Stephens
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
LAC Beard Recruits' Trophy: LAC Stephens
SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy: LAC Webster
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 Ralfe
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.
