The Royal Air Force AssociationRAFA Beccles and Southwold Area Branch visit to RAF Honington
On Friday, 20th November, members of the Beccles Branch attended RAF Honington to witness and support a Graduation Parade of RAF Regiment Personnel who had recently completed their Initial training. The music was provided by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Salute taken by Air Commodore Steven Abbott MPhil BA RAF. The Squadrons that Paraded are to be deployed to Afghanistan in January 2010.
RAF Honington, 2009 Some RAFA Members:
L to R: Mr Brian Vousden, Beccles Chairman (holding wooden cross), Mrs Jean Vousden, Mrs Shela Frost, Mr Mick Royal, Mrs M Atkins, Hon. Treasurer, Mr M Atkins, Standard Bearer, Mr Steve Langstone.
The Air Commodore: Addresses the Parade: In the background some of the 200 relatives and friends of the Regiment Graduates.
Air Commodore Steven Abbott MPhil BA RAF Reviewing the Parade
RAF Honington, 2009 Some RAFA Members:L to R: Mr Brian Vousden, Beccles Chairman (holding wooden cross), Mrs Jean Vousden, Mrs Shela Frost, Mr Mick Royal, Mrs M Atkins, Hon. Treasurer, Mr M Atkins, Standard Bearer, Mr Steve Langstone.
The RAF Regiment are the Royal Air Force’s Soldiers whose primary duty is to defend Airfields and Personnel against enemy attack.
The Air Commodore: Addresses the Parade: In the background some of the 200 relatives and friends of the Regiment Graduates.
The RAFA Beccles Chairman Mr Brain Vousden commented “The standard and achievements of these young men is to be applauded. I feel a particular empathy towards these Service men as I was in a similar position in the Suez Canal Zone in 1955, having to undertake guard duties at RAF Fayid in Egypt in addition to my usual work. Mostly at night to defend the base against terrorists and Insurgents. Our thoughts and prayers go with them for a safe return.“
Air Commodore Steven Abbott MPhil BA RAF Reviewing the Parade
