There was a surprising Lossiemouth connection at Guernsey FC's match on Saturday.
Picture this: It's the 13th of September 2025 and there's a roar of victory throughout Victoria Park as Guernsey FC secure a 4-1 win over Midhurst & Eastbourne.
In attendance is 201 Squadron, who are spending the week away from RAF Lossiemouth to attend Battle of Britain Day Celebrations in Guernsey. The personnel are attending the game to immerse themselves with the locals and get a feel for the modern Guernsey.
But unknown to the cheering fans in the stands... it was nearly a mascot-less start to the match.
The usual Guernsey FC mascot had taken ill and would be unavailable.
But 201’s own Sgt Gelsthorpe wasn’t about to let the crowds be disappointed!
Donning the costume and character of 'Roary the Lion', Sgt Gelsthorpe engaged with the crowds, hi-fiving young fans, and got to walk onto the pitch alongside the Guernsey FC team for the start of the match.
Prior to attending the match, the Squadron had already made their mark on the island with visits to the local RAF Association club, RAF Air Cadets centre, and delivering a capability brief to students at Elizabeth College.
The next day (14th of September) was the planned “main event” for the Battle of Britain Day Celebrations, with a parade scheduled to take place on the island. However, poor weather saw the cancellation of the parade and the Squadron instead attended a church ceremony to commemorate the day and attended a lunch with the RAF Association.
The affiliation between the Squadron and Guernsey dates back to the 5th of May 1939, where "Guernsey’s Own” was announced by the Air Minister Sir Kingsley Wood as he opened Guernsey Airport. Marking the 80th anniversary of the affiliation, the Squadron was awarded the Privilege of Guernsey in 1994.
Continuing the longstanding history between the two, the current personnel make sure to visit the island whenever they can. Their last visit saw 201 Squadron participate in the VE80 parade on the 9th of May, where HRH Princess Anne was also in attendance.
“You join 201 Squadron hearing about Guernsey from personnel who have been previously, and it is only when you go yourself you can really understand what a special place it is, both to the locals and to us."
- Sgt Foster, 201 Squadron
Having been twice this year for VE80 and Battle of Britain duties, on behalf of the Squadron I would like to extend our thanks to the people of Guernsey for their warm reception and generosity.
During a social event at the RAFA Club, Officer Commanding of 201 Sqn, Wing Commander McCartney, and Master Aircrew Hagen, presented Alan Brunger, President of the RAFA Guernsey Branch, with a commemorative award for his services.
Mr Brunger has sadly been admitted to hospital shortly after the visit and the Squadron are keeping him, along with his friends and family, in their thoughts at this time.
