The magnificent surroundings of Dover Castle in Kent recently played host to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal & several RAF Reservists - all receiving the royal seal of approval for their commitment and dedication whilst deployed in the fight against COVID-19.
Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne along with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence met with emergency services, agencies, and the military to offer royal thanks for their help and support over the past 12 months during the Coronavirus crisis.
The Reservists from 7644 Media Squadron and 600 Squadron explained their roles and why they travelled from all over the UK to support Operation RESCRIPT and Operation ROSE in Kent, the military’s response to the United Kingdom’s fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
Many gave up their Christmas and New Year, even using holiday from their civilian jobs to support COVID-19 test centres, NHS staff and the tens of thousands of stranded continental lorry drivers that were awaiting the channel crossing.
For the mobilised troops, it meant long days and working through the night in freezing conditions on the M20 and the windswept Manston Airfield fist to clear the backlog of thousands of lorries.
Hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Field from 11 Infantry Brigade, Her Royal Highness was shown around and introduced to troops.
"It was a real honour to represent 600 Squadron and meet Her Royal Highness at Dover Castle. We had the opportunity to describe our role and discuss the challenges and achievements we had on Operation RESCRIPT last year. It was inspiring to see all three of the armed forces represented, alongside various integral civilian agencies who all made such vital contributions during a deeply unsettling time. It made me feel proud to have been even a small part of an incredible national effort."
Senior Aircraftwoman Barmby
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