RAF Honington News

RAF Honington back on parade for the Battle of Britain

Personnel parade in town square, with colour flag.

RAF personnel from RAF Honington paraded through their ‘Freedom’ town of Bury St. Edmunds for the Battle of Britain commemoration on Sunday 19th September 2021.

A wreath was laid by the Station Warrant Officer at the War Memorial on Angel Hill before the parade marched their way to St. Mary’s Church, led by the Voluntary Band of RAF Honington. 

Personnel parade in town square.

Over 50 personnel from the Station took part in the parade with Squadron Leader Graham appointed Parade Commander and leading the contingent.  The Squadron Standard of 27 Squadron RAF Regiment was paraded and other contingents taking part in the parade included Cadets and members of the RAF Association.

Personnel stands at Eagle oration stand.

RAF Honington normally supports Battle of Britain commemorations by parading at one of our local ‘Freedom’ towns.  However, COVID-19 restrictions meant that the parade was unable to take place last year and the Station is delighted to be back on parade in our local town of Bury St. Edmunds.

RAF Honington was also represented at the Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at Westminster Abbey by Flying Officer Trafford yesterday to mark Battle of Britain Sunday.

"It was a privilege to represent the RAF and RAF Honington at the 81st Battle of Britain Memorial at Westminster Abbey.  The service was very well represented by serving and current RAF personnel from across the UK.  Sitting inside the beautiful abbey whilst the ceremony was conducted was very surreal as many Heads of State attended from Chief of the Air Staff, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall."

Flying Officer Trafford

Personnel stand outside Westminster Abbey.
Flying Officer Trafford attended a service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at Westminster Abbey.

The Battle of Britain was one of Britain’s most important victories of the Second World War.  A major military campaign in which the RAF defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's Air Force; the Luftwaffe.  It has been described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.

Their Royal Highnesses and Dean of Westminster walk towards Westminster Abbey.
Their Royal Highnesses also attended the service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at Westminster Abbey.

"The whole service went very well, from the readings, to the stand bearers and the band who performed effortlessly and flawlessly.  Once the ceremony concluded we were allowed outside to listen to the Abbey bells ring as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight did a fly past over the iconic spires.  To be sat amongst my peers whilst paying our respects to those few who gave their all so that we could remain safe has been an immense highlight in my career and I was proud to wear my uniform on such an iconic day in our capital."

Flying Officer Trafford

Inside Westminster Abbey as the Dean waves a flag.
The service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at Westminster Abbey.

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