1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 11 July 2008

Presentation of the Queen’s Colours for the in the United Kingdom and for the Royal Air Force Regiment

th Anniversary of the Designed by Command Media Services, HQ Air No. 0209-08CW royal air force . royal air force. ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’ ‘Per ArduaProgramme Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008

A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole, It does not look likely to stir a man’s soul; ‘Tis the deeds that were done ‘neath the moth-eaten rag, When the pole was a staff and the rag was a flag. Sir Edward Hamley th Anniversary of the Front Cover Picture: Presentation of the First Queen’s Colour for the RAF in the UK, 26th May 1951 in Hyde Park. royalroyal air air force force ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 

Foreword

By Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy GCB CBE DSO ADC BSc(Eng) FRAeS FCGI RAF Chief of the Air Staff

personnel for the parade who, along with drill instructors and support staff, have come together to provide today’s display. They include not only the Colour Parties for the RAF and RAF Regiment, but also the Standard Parties from sixty-one RAF and RAF Regiment squadrons. All of the individuals that you see on parade have invested considerable It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to RAF Fairford effort to ensure that they achieve the highest standard of today to take part in this memorable day in the history turn out and drill. Personnel from other parts of our Service of the Royal Air Force, when both the RAF and the RAF are also involved today, and to help celebrate this significant Regiment have the honour of being presented with new milestone in our history you will see later this afternoon Queen’s Colours. This privilege is only bestowed every 15 a mass flypast of aircraft and a number of short displays years, so today will be a unique opportunity for many people. that are representative of RAF aviation through the ages. Outlined elsewhere in this programme are details of why It is also fitting that this ceremony takes place here at RAF Colours and Standards are so important to the Armed Forces. Fairford and is set against the backdrop of the world’s biggest Of course, for our Sovereign to present new Colours is always military air show, the Royal International Air Tattoo. The a significant event and one in which we take great pride. This Tattoo raises considerable sums of money which goes to is especially so today because this is the first time that Her support the RAF Charitable Trust and we are delighted that Majesty The Queen has presented two Colours at the same ‘RAF 90’ has been selected as one of the major themes for time. Furthermore, falling as it does in our 90th Anniversary this year’s Show. I would like to express my personal thanks year, a year that sees the Royal Air Force committed at to the Tattoo organisers and our United States Air Force unprecedented levels on enduring and dangerous operations colleagues, who operate this base, for the tremendous support overseas, today’s ceremony has a special resonance for all of us they have provided to today’s event. in the Service. Whether you are a visiting Chief of an overseas Air Force, Inevitably, mounting a parade such as this requires a representative from Industry, a distinguished guest from tremendous effort and hard work by large numbers of people. elsewhere in the community, a serving member of the Royal RAF stations from across the Service have contributed Air Force, a veteran, a family member or friend, thank you for attending this unique event - and I hope you enjoy the day. royalth Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 The Origins of the Colours and Standards of the RAF

In December 1947 the King approved the granting of Royal practice continued until 1881. Men continued to die fighting Colours to the RAF in the United Kingdom. The Colours are to save their Colours and thereby the honour of the regiment. the senior ceremonial flag in the RAF and “fly not only for The last time Colours were carried into battle was in January the living, but for all who have died ….for the King”. The 1881 during the 1st Boer War. Colours, Standards and Battle Honours awarded to the RAF are an outward sign of this close link. Standards and Colours In 1943 His Majesty King George VI marked the 25th of the RAF Anniversary of the formation of the RAF by granting to RAF Standards were first awarded in 1943. To qualify a operational flying squadrons who met specific qualifications had either to be of 25 years standing, or to have the right to a ceremonial flag to be known as “The Standard”. earned the Monarch’s appreciation through exceptionally The Standard is the embodiment of the squadron and the outstanding operations. Both RAF Regiment and Royal symbol under which it fights. Its presence on parade or at a Auxiliary Air Force units are eligible but not reserve units. ceremony represents that of the Squadron to which it belongs. The general design of The Standard was chosen in 1947 and The practice of having Colours and Standards within the was approved by the King in June 1950. The first Standard RAF has been inherited from the Army through the Royal to be presented, in April 1953, was that of 1 Squadron by Flying Corps connection with the RAF Colours based on the AVM Sir Charles Longcroft who had been the Squadron’s first RAF Ensign. The RAF Regiment follows a similar practice Commanding . to that of the Royal Marines in that it has its own Colour for When a Standard is presented part of the ceremony the RAF Regiment as a whole and also individual Squadron includes a drumhead service of dedication, a practice which Standards. In so doing both the Royal Marines and RAF reflects the blessing of flags first mentioned in a manuscript Regiment show their link to the Army infantry role. of the 14th Century. When a squadron disbands or a Colour The concept of colours and standards is extremely is replaced the flag is not destroyed as was a Roman Eagle old; to the Roman Legions the loss of their Eagle was an unmitigated disgrace. Banners, flags and pennants decorated medieval battlefields. They were used to identify friend from foe and to act as rallying points. The English Civil War saw the first real military flags such as we would recognise today; a period which also say the beginnings of the modern Army. The close personal association of Monarch with the granting of Colours and Standards began to develop during the reign of Charles II. The practice of colonels choosing their own devices did not stop until 1743 when a Royal Warrant brought to a halt freedom of design, Colours and Standards became royal rather than personal emblems. This warrant emphasised that the regiment’s loyalty was to the Crown not the colonel. Despite an order given in 1811 that Colours and Standards should no longer be carried into battle the

‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 

9 Colours have been presented to the RAF. Those of the defunct overseas Commands are laid up in the RAF Church of St Clement Danes in London. Each Colour is a 3 foot 9 inch square made of light blue silk with appropriate device or badge and the Royal Cypher and carried on an 8 foot 6 inch pike. The original design for Colours did not include the Royal Cypher but King George VI requested its use to reflect his personal associations with the RAF. Colours are paraded for royal visits or other royal occasions or at events selected by the . A Colour is normally presented by the Sovereign or their representative. The Queen when Princess Elizabeth presented the Colour to the RAF in the United Kingdom on behalf of her father King George VI who was prevented from doing so himself through illness. The presentation ceremony for a Colour also includes a religious aspect. As with Standard presentations there is a drumhead service but whilst a Standard is dedicated a Colour is consecrated. (With thanks to Mary Hudson -RAF Air Historical Branch) but laid up in a cathedral, church, or chapel where they hang until they crumble away. The first King’s Colour was first presented on 6 July 1948 by King George VI to the RAFC Cranwell. At the presentation ceremony he defined the symbolism of the Colour. “Firstly it is a King’s Colour, and therefore the symbol of the loyalty which you owe to your Country. Secondly, as the Colour of your Service, it enshrines the history, embodies the traditions and represents the ideals of the Royal Air Force. Finally it belongs to this College, and commemorates the leaders who have gone out from Cranwell and especially those who have laid down their lives.” Colours are usually designated King’s/Queen’s Colours. In all royalth Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008

Colours and Standards in the Making: From design to completion

Ceremonial Office memory of the first aircraft flown by the squadron in France. The RAF Ceremonial Office is responsible for the renewal The motto ‘Quam celerrime ad astra’ means ‘As quickly as and repair of all Colours and Standards in the Royal Air possible to the stars’. Force. Normally at the 15-year point for Colours and the The Squadron has had one replacement Standard since it 25-year point for Standards, the office boards the Colour was awarded the right to a Standard. The first was presented or Standard. The condition of the Colour or Standard is in 1955 and laid up in Lincoln Cathedral in May 1980; The examined and a decision is made on its remaining life. Six Standard was reviewed in 2006 at its 25-year point and the colours or Standards are then selected for renewal in that decision was made that the Standard would not last another financial year at a cost today of £20,000 each. In 2007 one of year and the contract was awarded to replace it. The process the Standards chosen to be replaced was No 27 Sqn, based at for the production of Standards and Colours is the same. RAF Odiham. Once the contract is awarded, the ‘office copy painting’ of the badge is sent from the College of Arms to Hobson’s The Story of 27 Squadron and Sons in Essex to ensure that the design of the Standard No 27 Squadron formed in 1915 at Hounslow in is correct and the right coloured threads are used. As for Middlesex. The elephant was included in the design of the Battle Honours, 27 Sqn has the right to emblazon 9 honours badge during the 1914-1918 war in order to perpetuate the including Gulf 1991.

‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ UADR O SQ N  DR QUA ON 27 27 S

R O E Y C A R QU L O A AIR F RA M S T 27 27 CE D A Colours and Standards in the Making: From design to completion LERRIME A R O E Y C A R QU L O A AIR F RA M S T Once the ‘office copy’ has been received by Hobsons, work Once all the parties have accepted the Standard,CE it is sentD A LERRIME A can commence. Every standard is embroidered on a 4ft x 3ft to RAF Uxbridge ready for collection by the Squadron. Once single layer of high quality silk, at a cost of £180 a metre. the Standard has been presented, the old Standard will be laid Off-cuts of the silk are used for repairs and practice pieces. up in consecrated building until it finally falls to dust. Silk thread is used for the main design and the border and the wording is embroidered in Gold Wire (2% of gold in each piece of wire). The design is then hand-drawn onto the silk and stretched taught over a frame, which is then rolled to expose the area the embroiderer wishes to work on. The border is embroidered using a single piece of silk and the embroiderers work on one side of the silk cloth only and do not see the other side whilst they are stitching. The reverse of the Standard’s border is essentially ‘embroidered blind’, but needs to be of the same quality as the working side. Once the border is complete, the silk is re-rolled to expose the centrepiece. The centre is worked on a separate piece of silk and the design is repeated on a separate piece. The same applies to the Battle Honours and the scroll wording around the centre. This ensures that the Standard is correct on both sides: if the embroiderers worked directly onto the silk the writing would be in reverse on the opposite side. Once the centrepiece design, the Battle Honours and centre scroll writing have been completed, they are turned over at the edges and sewn around the edge on both sides of the Standard. Once the Standard is complete it is ‘boarded’ by the office and by representatives from the Defence Logistics Organisation to ensure that the design is correct and the quality of work is of the highest standard. All ancillary items are also checked.

royalth Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ UADRO SQUADR UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO SQ N . O Q N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N .C N S A

1 1 II II IV IV V V 6 6 7 7 IX IX 3 3

R R R R R R R E E R E E E E E O O E O O O O O Y C Y C O Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A R A R YA RC A R A R A R A R A R I L O L FO L O L FO F L FO L O L O P L O N AIR F S AIR AIR F T I AIR R AIR S AIR F AIR F E AIR F S P T I N E A A O U R U O E E R F R N T C S S M N MN C H RT S E UT DE G EC U TU PI SI O AM IBUS PRIN EREWARD IUS PRIMU URUM VI AS NON FL LI EXERCI AM ET PAS CTEM VOL Order of Ceremony

UADRO UADRO SQ N SQ N Throughout the parade, when a Colour or Standard is marched on, or passes directly in front of 42 42 spectators, or whenever the National Anthem is played, all civilian guests are requested 55 55 R R O E O E Y C Y C A R A R L A FO to stand and remove any headdress, and military personnel in uniform are to stand and salute. L AIR FO IR N IT F IL C OR RE N FA TITER IN Please follow the actions of RAF staff and ushers amongst the Grandstands OS TREME as a guide to when you should carry out these actions.

UADR O UADRO SQ N Q N Parade begins at 1100 S

43 43 56 56

Mass Band and Support Squadrons march onto Parade Ground R

O E R C O E Y R Y C AL O (Music: Blue Devils by Williams) A OR A F Q L F IR U AIR T I A GL IS D S RU ORIA FIN I COELUM Standard Parties march on (Music: Point of War (Anon) and RAF March by Davies/Dyson)

UADRO UADRO SQ N Escort Squadrons with cased new Colours march onto Parade Ground SQ N

45 45 (Music: The Liberators by Sousa) 60 60

R R O E O E C Y C Y R A R A O PE L O O L A F R A F ND IR A IR E P O HM The Queen arrives by car to Royal Fanfare R T E D R RG U RA ARDUA SU A AD AETHE Royal Salute and a Flypast of Typhoons (Music: National Anthem)

DR DR QUA ON QUA ON S Formal Review carried out by HM The Queen S 47 47 63 63 R (Music: Rondo by Purcell and Scipio by Handel) O T Y N R A E O E L M C I Y R A G A O IR RE ILI L F N FORCE N AIR E O M VI O M S O GI E EN ROBORI Old Colours marched off LO ET ARC (Music: Point of War by Anon and Auld Lang Syne by Trad) New Colours blessed and presented including speech by UADRO UADRO SQ N HM The Queen with replies by Chief of the Air Staff and the SQ N

51 51 Commandant General of the Royal Air Force Regiment LXX LXX

R R O E O E Y C (Music: National Anthem) Y C A R A R L AIR FO L AIR FO S W RE IFT AND SU USQUAM

ADR ADR DR ADR SQ ADR ADR ADR QU ON QU ON UA ON QU ON ER UA QU ON QU ON QU ON S S SQ S T DR S S S H O G I N F

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O T Y N R R R R R A E R R O E O E O E O E O E L M O E O E Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A I Y C Y C A R A R A R A R A R IR EG A R A R L FO P L FO L FO L FO L FO FO E R QU L FO A L FO AIR R AIR X S AIR AIR AIR A RC A AIR R Q AIR F E E S I C N M S T U E AC BA U EU M SU N I F T O C A I G T R X I P S O AT E O I I E D C S A A NON VE ET AUDAC ER AGGRE MNIA PAR RIENS TEG ON REACT LERRIME A QUID AGA

DR ADR ADRO ADQU ADRO ADRO UA ON QU ON QU N HE A QU N QU N SQ S S P R S S T . U E

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CCIII CCIII 216 216 230 230 617 617 101 101 208 208

R R R R R R E E E O E O O E O O O Y C Y E Y C Y C Y C Y C R A RC A R A R A R A R AL O L O L AIR FO L FO L FO A L FO M AIR F O AIR F C AIR AIR P AIR E C C S K R G EN EM C UE X N I H E U S L IDE SQ VI T VI RE TA AU S M EL AGI T MO NS ORIEN. GILAN DONA FE CHARI J OI LE D ‘Per ArduaTA Ad Astra’ 

D D D D D D D DR UA RO UA RON UA RO UA RO UA RO UA RO UA RO UUAADROON SQ N SQ SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SSQ N

XI XI 12 12 XIII XIII 14 I4 XV XV XVII XVII 18 18 19 1919

R R R R R R R R O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A R A R A R A R A R A R A R A R OCIO L O LIS L O L FO L FO L FO E L FO L FO POS L FO UR R AIR F UI AIR F A AIR AIR AIR X AIR E AIR SU AIR T E Q L D O C D N N S A E D JU D E N A T DE AC E A EL V EN L TE N DE Q VI RIORESOU DS THE FI AMUS TU AIM SURE LERE CON IMO ET FI UIA POSSE Blessing of the New Colours (Spectators are requested to stand throughout) UADRO SQ N

72 72 Parade Commander: “Reverend” Sir, on behalf of Royal Air Force and Royal Air Force

R O E Y C Regiment … we ask you to bid God’s blessing on these Colours.” A R L AIR FO

SWIFT The Chaplain-in-Chief: “We are ready to do so.”

ADRO The Chaplain-in-Chief: “We are gathered here to consecrate these Colours, the solemn DR QU N QUA ON S S

symbol of our loyalty, and with it ourselves, our service and our life. May these Colours never

78 78 CXI CXI

be unfurled save in the cause of justice, righteousness and truth. “Let us pray. Our help is in

R E R O O E Y C Y C AL OR the name of the Lord.” A R AIR F L FO N S AIR E TU MO RA A S NON PA DSTANTE All: “Who hath made heaven and earth.”

UADRO Chaplain-in-Chief: “The Lord be with you.” UADRO SQ N SQ N

84 84 All: “And with thy spirit.” 120 120 R R O E O E Y C Y C A OR A R S L A F T L A FO C IR N IR O U RP G E E IONES PUN (Parade is called to attention) NDURANC

The Chaplain-in-Chief: “To the glory of God and as a symbol of our duty to Him and of our

UADRO service to our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, we consecrate this Colour in the name (laying SQ N his hand on the Colour) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” 201 201

R O E Y C A R L AIR FO All: “Amen.” HI UE C ET UBIQ The Chaplain-in-Chief: “To the glory of God and as a symbol of our duty to Him and of our service to our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, we consecrate this Colour in the name (laying DR QUA ON UADRO S his hand on the Colour) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” SQ N

100 100 202 202

R O E All: “Amen.” R C O E YA R Y C ARA L O OK A R S N AIR F L L O G JO AIR F T I E N D SE E BUA GE M T N JAN PER VIGILA

UADRO UADRO UADRO AL SQU UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO SQ N Q N SQ N Y A SQ N Q N SQ N SQ N S O D S

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R R O T O T Y N R R R R N R R Y E E O E O E O E O E A E A O E O L L M Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C IM A I Y C A R A R R R A R AI G I G R L O L O A O S A O L O R RE R F RE A O AIR F AIR F IN C L AIR F U L AIR F AIR F FORCE ORCE L AIR F A IM A SE IM R V E R D S E OY P CE EN RE LU P E TE V S K R IGER ET A TRE A TER MINDICUM STE COMI LOYALTY FEU DE FER ERSATILI AND DEST

royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ UADRO SQUADR UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO SQ N . O Q N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N .C N S A

1 1 II II IV IV V V 6 6 7 7 IX IX 3 3

R R R R R R R E E R E E E E E O O E O O O O O Y C Y C O Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A R A R YA RC A R A R A R A R A R I L O L FO L O L FO F L FO L O L O P L O N AIR F S AIR AIR F T I AIR R AIR S AIR F AIR F E AIR F S P T I N E A A O U R U O E E R F R N T C S S M N MN C H RT S E UT DE G EC U TU PI SI O AM IBUS PRIN EREWARD IUS PRIMU URUM VI AS NON FL LI EXERCI AM ET PAS CTEM VOL

Chaplain-in-Chief: “Remember always that this Colour which we have here dedicated to God represents unto us our bounden duty to our Queen and country which is to serve her, her UADRO UADRO SQ N realm and our fellow citizens to the utmost of our power, to maintain as much as in us lies the SQ N

42 42 gift of honour and the sanctity of man’s plighted word, to protect all those who pass to and fro 55 55

R R O E O E Y C upon their lawful occasions, to preserve order and good government after the example of our Y C A R A R L A FO L AIR FO IR N IT F IL C OR RE N FA TITER IN comrades who counted not their lives dear to themselves so that others might live in peace.” OS TREME

(Parade is stood at ease) “Let us pray.” UADR O UADRO SQ N Q N S

43 43 56 56

All: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be

R

O E R C O E Y R done, on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, Y C A O A R L A F Q L FO IR U AIR T I A GL IS D S RU ORIA FIN as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from I COELUM evil; For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever: Amen.”

UADRO Chaplain-in-Chief: “O God, the protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is UADRO SQ N SQ N strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us Thy Mercy, that, Thou being our ruler 45 45 and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: 60 60 R R O E O E C Y C YA R A R L O Grant this, O Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our Lord: Amen.” PE L O DO AIR F R AIR F N P A E E O RD T R RG U RA ARDUA SU “God save The Queen.” A AD AETHE

All: “Amen.”

UADRO UADRO SQ N SQ N Chaplain-in-Chief: “God be with you.” 47 47 63 63 R

O T Y N R A E O E L M C I Y R A G A O IR RE ILI L F N FORCE N AIR E All: “Amen.” O M VI O M S O GI E EN ROBORI LO ET ARC Chaplain-in-Chief: “Go forth into the world in peace: Be of good courage: Hold fast that which is good: Render to no man evil for evil: Strengthen the faint hearted: Honour all men: UADRO UADRO SQ N Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.” “And the blessing of God SQ N

51 51 Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you and remain with you always.” LXX LXX

R R O E O E Y C Y C A R A R L AIR FO L AIR FO S W RE All: “Amen.” IFT AND SU USQUAM

ADR ADR DR ADR SQ ADR ADR ADR QU ON QU ON UA ON QU ON ER UA QU ON QU ON QU ON S S SQ S T DR S S S H O G I N F

20 20 XXII XXII 23 23 XXIV XXIV XXV XXV 26 26 27 27 XXVIII XXVIII R

O T Y N R R R R R A E R R O E O E O E O E O E L M O E O E Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A I Y C Y C A R A R A R A R A R IR EG A R A R L FO P L FO L FO L FO L FO FO E R QU L FO A L FO AIR R AIR X S AIR AIR AIR A RC A AIR R Q AIR F E E S I C N M S T U E AC BA U EU M SU N I F T O C A I G T R X I P S O AT E O I I E D C S A A NON VE ET AUDAC ER AGGRE MNIA PAR RIENS TEG ON REACT LERRIME A QUID AGA

ADRO ADR ADRO ADQU ADRO ADRO QU N QU ON QU N HE A QU N QU N S S S P R S S T . U E

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101 101 CCIII CCIII 216 216 230 230 617 617 208 208

R R R R R E R E E E O O O E O O O Y C Y E Y C Y C Y C Y C A R A RC A R A R A R A R L FO L O L AIR FO L FO L FO A L FO M AIR O AIR F C AIR AIR P AIR E E M C C S K R G N E C UE X N I H E U S L ID Q V V RE TA U S L ‘Per ArduaAGITAT MO ENS O RIEN.S AdIGIL ANTAstra’I DONA FE CHARI JA MOI LE DE 

D D D D D D D DR UA RO UA RON UA RO UA RO UA RO UA RO UA RO UUAADROON SQ N SQ SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SQ N SSQ N

XI XI 12 12 XIII XIII 14 I4 XV XV XVII XVII 18 18 19 1919

R R R R R R R R O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C A R A R A R A R A R A R A R A R OCIO L O LIS L O L FO L FO L FO E L FO L FO POS L FO UR R AIR F UI AIR F A AIR AIR AIR X AIR E AIR SU AIR T E Q L D O C D N N S A E D JU D E N A T DE AC E A EL V EN L TE N DE Q VI RIORESOU DS THE FI AMUS TU AIM SURE LERE CON IMO ET FI UIA POSSE

Escort Squadrons march past in Review Slow Time (Music: Eagle Squadron by Alford and Duke of York by Balfour) UADRO SQ N

72 72 Escort Squadrons march past in Review Quick Time

R O E (Music: RAF March by Davies/Dyson) Y C A R L AIR FO

SWIFT Parade advance in Review Order (Music: Advance in Review Order (Anon))

DR UA ON UADRO SQ SQ N

Royal Salute

78 78 CXI CXI (Music: National Anthem)

R E R O O E Y C Y C AL OR A R AIR F L FO N S AIR E TU MO RA A S NON PA 3 cheers for HM The Queen DSTANTE

HM The Queen departs Parade Ground

DR D QUA ON UA RON S VIP Guests depart SQ 84 84 (Only guests invited to the Patron’s Pavilion are requested to depart expeditiously between 120 120

R R O E O E Y C Y C A OR Grandstands A and B to the transport provided. All other guests are to remain seated A R S L A F T L A FO C IR N IR O U RP G E E IONES PUN until the parade has finished) NDURANC

Escort Squadrons march off with new Colours

(Music: Point of War (Anon) and Holyrood by Alford) UADRO SQ N

Standard Parties march off 201 201 R O E Y C A R (Music: Point of War (Anon) and RAF March by Davies/Dyson) L AIR FO HI UE C ET UBIQ Support Squadrons march off (Music: Cavalry of the Clouds by Alford) DR QUA ON UADRO S SQ N The Parade has now ended. All guests are requested to leave the Grandstands and are welcome 100 100 202 202

R to view the static displays and stalls. The main Flypast will begin at 14.30 hrs. O E R C O E YA R Y C ARA L O OK A R S N AIR F L L O G JO AIR F T I E N D SE E BUA GE M T N JAN PER VIGILA

UADRO UADRO UADRO AL SQU UADRO UADRO UADRO UADRO SQ N Q N SQ N Y A SQ N Q N SQ N SQ N S O D S

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29 29 30 30 31 31 XXXII XXXII 33 33 37 37 41 41 34 34

R R O T O T Y N R R R R N R R Y E E O E O E O E O E A E A O E O L L M Y C Y C Y C Y C Y C IM A I Y C A R A R R R A R AI G I G R L O L O A O S A O L O R RE R F RE A O AIR F AIR F IN C L AIR F U L AIR F AIR F FORCE ORCE L AIR F A IM A SE IM R V E R D S E OY P CE EN RE LU P E TE V S K R IGER ET A TRE A TER MINDICUM STE COMI LOYALTY FEU DE FER ERSATILI AND DEST

royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 The Colours Flypast

Tucanos C130 Kingairs and Memorial Dominies Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane

Red Arrows GR4s F3s Harriers Typhoons Colours Flypast Ends

‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 11

Colours Flypast Begins

Tutors and Defence Helicopter Seaking Merlins and Pumas Chinook Fireflys Flying School Griffins and squirrels

C17 Tristar and Nimrod and Sentinel VC10 Trailing Hose 4 Flying 100 Squadron 100 Squadron and with E3 in Trail Training Hawks Hawks HS 1255 School Hawks royalth Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 Celebrating 90 Years of the Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force was formed on 1 April 1918 from the attacks on Germany and the Independent Force established in amalgamation of the (RFC) and Royal May 1918 was a truly strategic bombing force. Overseas, the Naval Air Service (RNAS). The first military flight had taken RAF fought in Palestine, the Aegean and Northern place only 9 years before, on 16 October 1908; Cody made Italy and proved to be a valuable asset in the rugged terrain the first officially recognized aeroplane flight in Britain at of Mesopotamia where the first attempt at re-supply from the Farnborough. He flew a distance of 1,390 feet in a bamboo air took place. and canvas biplane known as Aeroplane No1. By the formation of the RAF, aviation had become The Inter War Years established. Development was initially slow but the catalyst The end of the War saw a drastic reduction in the RAF of World War I drove technology forward to the considerable strength and its very existence was questioned. Under the far- benefit of military aviation. The need to counter the sighted guidance of Lord Trenchard, the RAF became a small devastation of Zeppelin and bomber raids on Britain brought but highly trained Service which could be rapidly expanded aviation to the forefront. The Air Defence of the UK, and the if the need arose. The focus moved from defence of Britain to uses for air power being evolved at the fronts, ensured the policing the Empire in such places as modern day Iraq and continuation of military aviation. Iran, and the North West Frontier (the border land between modern day Pakistan and ). In the 1930s the growing threat from European fascism in Germany prompted the RAF to expand in manpower and equipment. World War Two The RAF played an invaluable and essential part in all the theatres of this war. It was involved from the start, supporting the Army in the Battle of France, defeated the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain and carried the fight to the enemy with the Bomber Command offensive. After Dunkirk, and prior to the North Africa campaign, Bomber Command’s was the only major offensive campaign. Overseas, the RAF

First World War Taking on roles previously performed by the RFC and RNAS, the newly formed RAF fought effectively over the Western Front in support of ground forces. The RAF’s role was crucial; blunting the German spring offensive and supporting the Allied counter attacks which led to victory in November 1918. The RAF also made long range bombing

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valiantly defended the strategic island of Malta, developed service in 1944. It became the RAF’s primary jet fighter of a close co-operation with the Army in North Africa which the immediate post war era and was the forerunner of today’s paved the way for campaigns in Italy and Normandy. In modern jet aircraft. the Far East the RAF provided air re-supply in the jungles of Burma and to partisans in occupied countries. RAF Coastal Command helped defeat the German U-Boats in the Atlantic, keeping open the vital sea lanes used to bring men and material to the European war effort from America and transport of reinforcements and supplies to the Far East Theatre. Transport Command provided support for the emergent Airborne Forces and the RAF was also involved in the evacuation of casualties and the repatriation of prisoners of war and internees.

Post War Since the end of World War II, the RAF has continued to play a major role. In 1948-1949, the RAF provided a life line for 2 million Berliners, keeping them supplied when the Soviets cut off the city. The “Berlin Airlift” provides the prime example of air power producing a decisive but peaceful The Cold War strategic effect. The emergence of anti-colonial nationalism From 1957- 1968 the RAF provided Britain’s nuclear and commitments to former colonies involved the RAF in a deterrent. It was carried by new generation of strategic number of small scale, limited conflicts in Malaya, Kenya, bombers, the Valiant, Victor and Vulcan, collectively known Cyprus, and Aden amongst others. The RAF was back in its as the V-Force. During the Cold War the RAF operated old role of helping to the former Empire. The Malayan several bases in Germany to provide support to the ground Emergency saw the emergence of the helicopter as a major forces responsible for the defence of the Inner German Border. method of transportation in difficult terrain. The first RAF RAF Brüggen, the RAF’s last base on mainland Europe, helicopter Squadron was formed there in 1953. The age of the closed in 2001 after the end of the Warsaw Pact saw the RAF jet had also arrived; the Meteor, powered by the jet engine withdraw from Germany as part of the “peace dividend”. invented by Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, entered royalth Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 Celebrating 90 Years of the Royal Air Force

The Falklands and Beyond In the Falklands Conflict the RAF provided Harrier aircraft to supplement those of the Fleet Air Arm with the Task Force. Transport aircraft were essential for resupply and casualty evacuation back to the UK. The great distances involved pushed forward the development of Air to Air refuelling capabilities enabling RAF Hercules transports to undertake long-range supply drops to the Task Force travelling south and on arrival at the Falklands, thus establishing a record 8,000 mile 25 hour non-stop flight. Air- to-air refuelling was also essential for the strategic bombing of Port Stanley airfield by the Vulcan bomber during Operation Black Buck; the longest bombing raid in history at that time. The planned support helicopter capability was lost (apart from one Chinook) with the destruction of the Alantic Conveyor cargo ship. Since the Falklands War, the RAF has played an essential role in the First Gulf War, the campaigns in Bosnia and Today, these same tasks are being undertaken in both Kosovo, twelve years of No-Fly Zone operations over Iraq, Iraq and Afghanistan, at a level of sustained activity that the Second Gulf War and numerous humanitarian relief and has not been seen for decades. There is not a part of the evacuation operations. Tasks spanned the complete range of RAF’s frontline that is not contributing to these extremely air activity, from gaining and maintaining air superiority, demanding and dangerous operations, but we are also seeing precision strike, close air support, strategic and tactical the use of new capabilities - such as the Reaper Unmanned mobility, intelligence and reconnaissance, command and Air Vehicle- which enhances still further the contribution control, and force protection of vital air bases. being made by the RAF.

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Parade Order

Chief of the Air Staff - Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy Gcb Cbe Dso Adc BSc(Eng) FRAeS FCGI RAF Commandant General - Air Commodore S Abbott CBE MPhil BA RAF Parade Commander - Group Captain R W La Forte MBE ADC MA BA RAF Parade Adjutant - Commander R D Mason MBE MA RAF Colour Party for the old Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom Personnel from Queen’s Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) Colour Party for the new Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom Personnel from Queen’s Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) Colour Party for the old Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force Regiment Personnel from RAF Regiment Training Wing, RAF Honington Colour Party for the new Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force Regiment Personnel from RAF Regiment Training Wing, RAF Honington Escort Squadron to the Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom Queen’s Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) Escort Squadron to the Queen’s Colour for the Royal Air Force Regiment 34 Squadron RAF Regiment Support Squadrons 1 and 2 comprising personnel from: RAF Aldergrove RAF Boulmer RAF Brampton/Wyton/Henlow RAF Brize Norton RAF Cosford RAF Halton RAF Honnington RAF Kinloss RAF Leuchars RAF Lossiemouth RAF Lyneham RAF Wittering Squadron Standards on display 1 (F) Sqn 14 Sqn 30 Sqn 56 (R) Sqn 208 (R) Sqn 5 Sqn RAF Regt 2 (AC) Sqn 15 (R) Sqn 31 Sqn 70 Sqn 216 Sqn 63 Sqn RAF Regt 3 (F) Sqn 17 (R) Sqn 33 Sqn 99 Sqn 617 Sqn 51 Sqn RAF Regt 4 (AC) Sqn 9 (R) Sqn 32 The Royal Sqn 00 Sqn 54 (R) Sqn 27 Sqn RAF Regt 5 (AC) Sqn 20 (R) Sqn 39 Sqn 101 Sqn 230 Sqn 34 Sqn RAF Regt 7 Sqn 22 Sqn 41 (R) Sqn (F) Sqn  Sqn RAF Regt 3 Sqn RAF Regt 8 Sqn 23 Sqn 43 (F) Sqn 120 Sqn 18 (B) Sqn IX (B) Sqn 24 Sqn 45 (R) Sqn 201 Sqn 72 (R) Sqn XI Sqn 27 Sqn 47 Sqn 202 HQ 84 Sqn 12 (B) Sqn 28 (AC) Sqn 55 (R) Sqn 203 (R) Sqn 42 (R) Sqn 13 Sqn 29 (R) Sqn 60 (R) Sqn 207 (R) Sqn 51 Sqn Chaplains Reverend (Air Vice-Marshal) P Mills QHC BD CPS . Venerable (Group Captain) R Pentland QHC BA DPS MTh Reverend Monsignor () J Walsh CTh VG Principal Director of Music - Wing Commander S Stirling MA BMus FTCL LRAM ARCM RAF Mass Band on Parade Central Band of the Royal Air Force supported by Musicians from the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment royal th Anniversary air of the force royal air‘Per Ardua force . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 Support Order

Queen’s Colours Project Team Air Commodore A S Barmby . Squadron Leader I Moore . Flight Lieutenant G D Bridger . Warrant Officer P Akers

RAF Stations providing personnel: RAF Benson RAF Cranwell RAF Cottesmore RAF Digby RAF High Wycombe RAF Leeming RAF Marham RAF Odiham RAF Scampton RAF St Athan RAF Uxbridge

Deployed Operating Base (DOB), Innsworth DOB Commander - Squadron Leader M Cornell 135 Expeditionary Air Wing

Mobile Catering Squadron (MCS) OC MCS - Flight Lieutenant D Morris

Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) RAFP Commander - Wing Commander Bailey

Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering - RAF Cosford

Air Cadet Organisation

‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008

A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole, It does not look likely to stir a man’s soul; ‘Tis the deeds that were done ‘neath the moth-eaten rag, When the pole was a staff and the rag was a flag. Sir Edward Hamley th Anniversary of the Front Cover Picture: Presentation of the First Queen’s Colour for the RAF in the UK, 26th May 1951 in Hyde Park. royalroyal air air force force ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ 1918-20081918-2008 1918-2008 11 July 2008

Presentation of the Queen’s Colours for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom and for the Royal Air Force Regiment

th Anniversary of the Designed by Command Media Services, HQ Air No. 0209-08CW royal air force . royal air force. ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’ ‘Per ArduaProgramme Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’ ‘Per Ardua . Ad Astra’