The Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was awarded the RAuxAF Inspector’s Cup at the annual RAuxAF Squadron Commanders’ and Warrant Officers’ Conference, held at RAF Cosford. This trophy is awarded annually to the RAuxAF Unit judged to have had a particularly notable achievement during the year.
The Inspectorate judging panel noted that during the period April 2023 to March 2024, there was extraordinary, high impact activity across the RAuxAF, with the Band of the RAuxAF providing an outstanding contribution. The Band celebrated the RAuxAF Centenary with its personnel composing the new RAuxAF March Comitamur, and RAuxAF Fanfare We Go With them. Moreover, the Band continuously highlighted the professionalism and value of the RAF Reserves when augmenting RAF Music's Regular bands for national events, such as the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Other highlights during this time included part time volunteer musician Air Specialist (Class 1) Griffiths winning joint first prize in the RAF Music soloist competition, the brass quartet performing at the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Class locomotive at Nene Valley Railway and the military band providing musical support to the first major RAuxAF100 event: a dinner at RAF Cranwell, with His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester in attendance. Additionally, instrumentalists from the Band of the RAuxAF supported their Regular counterparts at many other engagements such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Belfast International Tattoo and the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
The Cup was presented by RAuxAF Commandant General Air Vice Marshal Munro, to Director of Music Squadron Leader Sellers.
“I am delighted that the Band of the RAuxAF has been recognised for its musical output and support to both the RAuxAF and RAF Music. Equally, I am extremely proud of our committed, and very talented Reserve musicians who serve and continue to make wonderful music.”
Squadron Leader Sellers
Director of Music, Band of the RAuxAF
