In early October RAF Wittering hosted four squadrons of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) to rehearse for a parade where they received their Standards at a ceremony at the Tower of London on 5 October as part of the RAuxAF’s centenary year celebrations.

Image by: AS1 Barfield
This parade preparation phase was overseen by Parade Commander Group Captain Calame, Inspector RAuxAF. Throughout the week 80 Reserve personnel honed their marching, weapons, and sword drill at various locations around RAF Wittering, allowing the marching contingent to rehearse the challenging turns and changing surfaces they would experience during the parade at the iconic venue. Musicians from the Central Band of the RAF and the RAF Cranwell based Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force also joined the final parade rehearsal, giving a sense of anticipation to the event.

Image by AS1 Barfield
Based at RAF Wittering for the week were 501 (County of Gloucester) Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, 504 (City of Nottingham) Sqn, RAF Wittering, 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn, from the city of Edinburgh and 607 (County of Durham) Sqn, RAF Leeming. They were impeccably directed by Warrant Officer Mark Day, 504 Sqn Warrant Officer, and the 504 Sqn Training Team who in addition to supporting the parade preparation oversaw the organisation and welfare of all RAF Reserve personnel. This included providing a range of opportunities for the four squadrons to socialise together during the intense preparation phase - pizza night at the newly refurbished Golden Lion was a welcome chance to relax!

Image by AS1 Barfield

Image By: AS1 Barfield
“It is a privilege to command 504 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron in the Force’s centenary year. 504 Squadron’s Reservists and myself are extremely proud to have paraded at the Tower of London to receive our new Squadron Standard. We are delighted to have shared this historical day with our families, friends and Squadron Association members who all joined together to honour the squadron’s proud history. Thanks go to Station Commander Wittering for the exemplary support of the Air Base team during the parade preparation phase."
Squadron Leader Kaye Slater
Officer Commanding 504 Sqn RAuxAF