Congratulations go to the 27 members of Trainee Gunner Course 1-24, El Alamein Flight the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated at RAF Honington on 10th October 2024.
The new graduates were accompanied with music from the RAF Cranwell College Band and the King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was also paraded. Chaplain Reverend (Squadron Leader) Young 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 Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Commodore Claire O’Grady was appointed as the Reviewing Officer and congratulated the new recruits on their future roles within the RAF Regiment.
On graduating from this course, the Gunners are posted to either No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment here at RAF Honington, No. II Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham), No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Leeming), No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) and No. 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Northolt). They have been 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. 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.
- TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Gordon-Smith
- The RAF Regiment Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment. 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.
- TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Edwards
- Warrant Officer Ramsey Physical Development Cup. This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
- TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Smith
- Leading Aircraftman Beard Recruits’ Trophy. 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.
- TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Bojang
- Senior Aircraftman Luders Champion Shot Trophy. 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.
- TG 1-24: Air Specialist (Class 2) Hill
- Corporal Bradfield Trophy. 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.
- TG 1-24: Corporal Worthington
