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Service to Commemorate the Formation of the Royal Air Force - April 2023

The Service to Commemorate the Formation of the Royal Air Force was held on the 16 April at St Clement Danes. It had to be delayed slightly this year due to Easter but the 105th service was back to its former structure. With thirty-two Standards paraded including two representing ROCA, with the National Standard carried by Terry Giles and the No 1 Group Standard by Jacqui Giles. There were a few familiar faces but many absent friends. In particular Rosemary Ward a regular Standard Bearer from No 3 Group Oxford who is having treatment for cancer, our thoughts and prayers were with her and her family at this difficult time. We also were in the company of Jenny Morris, the ROCA National Secretary, and Philip Moore from No 3 Group.
 
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Mike Wigston spoke to Jacqui to say that it was good to see the “Observer Corps” still present at these events. Hopefully this message will be passed on when Sir Mike retires in June. His successor has been announced as Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton who will be appointed as Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said that “I am delighted to congratulate Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton on his promotion and appointment in June as Chief of the Air Staff. His previous roles have equipped him well to lead a modern, innovative and diverse Service. As the first ground branch officer to command his Service, his appointment marks a new milestone for the Royal Air Force. Under Air Marshal Sir Richard’s leadership, the Royal Air Force will be in excellent hands. He takes up his appointment at a crucial moment for the Royal Air Force as it evolves to meet future threats while continuing to conduct operations to protect our security and support our allies and partners. I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston’s loyal service to the nation over his military career. Sir Mike has delivered a lean, effective, modernised force that has offered phenomenal operational effect across the globe and I wish him all the best in the future”.
 
The reception that followed the Service was held in the Royal Courts of Justice, and was chance to meet old and make new friends. The RAF Officers and Senior NCO’s who ensured the successful Laying Up of ROC Sovereigns Banner were present. They commented that the RAF’s Kings Colour has still to be dedicated and we would have had the same problem if we were still active of trying to get a slot in King Charles’ diary.
 
The theme of the service was “Selfless Service” a reflection on the life of the Late Queen Elizabeth II (our Patron). Singing God Save the King still doesn’t roll off the tongue after a lifetime of service to the Queen. A very pleasant event in fine weather followed an excellent evening the day before with the RBL Central Band Concert “Echoes of an Era” that had been rehearsed for the Platinum Jubilee and cancelled due to the passing of the late Queen. Some rousing music to prepare for the day with the RAF, where the RAF Regiment personnel are already building up for the Coronation, an event that I hope all ROCA personnel will celebrate and enjoy, 
 
Terry Giles
​National Vice-President

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