Congratulations go to the 12 members of Trainee Gunner Course 1-23, Meiktila Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington today.
The new graduates were accompanied with music from the Band of the RAF College as the King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was also paraded. Chaplain Rev (Sqn Ldr) Critchley & Rachel Cook delivered the blessings and loved ones watched with pride from the side-lines of the Parade Square.
Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from receiving RAF Regiment Units also met the new arrivals and their families after the event.
Deputy Commandant General RAF Regiment, Gp Capt J Sutton was appointed as the Reviewing Officer and congratulated the new recruits on their future roles within the RAF Regiment.
"It is a tremendous privilege to review the graduation of Trainee Gunner Course 1-23, and share with these fantastic new Royal Air Force Regiment Gunners and their families a momentous day in their lives. The course will have challenged them all and they will have needed strength, determination, fighting spirit and teamwork to succeed – qualities they now take forward to their service on the front line. They join a Corps with an illustrious history and an exciting future, and I wish them the very best of fortune in their coming endeavours’’
Gp Captain Sutton – Deputy Commandant General RAF Regiment
On graduating from this course, the Gunners are posted to either No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment here at RAF Honington, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham), No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) or No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Northolt). 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: Air Specialist (Class 2) Osborn
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: Air Specialist (Class 2) Osborn
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: Air Specialist (Class 2) Toussaint
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
"I am thrilled to be graduating with my fellow recruits. I would like to say thank you to the training team for their support and guidance throughout this challenging time’’
AS2 Toussaint – Winner of the Warrant Officer Ramsey Physical Development Cup
LAC Beard Recruits’ Trophy: Air Specialist (Class 2) Charman
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: Air Specialist (Class 2) Charman
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: Corporal Stretch
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.
"20 weeks of rigorous training have culminated to this day. A highlight during the course was Ex Alpha, this was a true test of steel in the Welsh mountains. I’ve seen many individuals become confident and competent gunners. Those that have passed today and earned their mudguards should be incredibly proud of themselves’’
Corporal James Stretch – Winner of the Corporal Bradfield Award
