On 5th April 2018, RAF Brize Norton began its RAF100 celebrations with the arrival of the RAF100 Baton. It started at No. 99 Squadron, on a C-17 Globemaster, where the Baton Relay Team passed it to Corporal Rob Bugden, an injured Parachute Jumping Instructor, and the Horus 7’s Rugby team.
The Baton then continued its journey around Station with the help of the Go-Kart Team, the Triathlon Team, the Netball Team and the Motorcycle Club. The Baton was then passed to RAF Brize Norton’s Station Commander, Group Captain Tim Jones, where he explained the significance of the Baton and the relay, before passing it onto Anna Lewis, who is part of the RAF family. Anna started the families' relay by running a lap before passing it onto the next child.
Station personnel and visitors to the event were able to have photos with the Baton and be part of this momentous occasion.
“I am really proud to be part of today and it's really exciting to receive the baton from the Station Commander.”
Anna Lewis
RAF Brize Norton Family Member
On 1 April, the Royal Air Force launched RAF100, a national campaign to mark its 100th year. The centenary itself will feature events, activities and other initiatives running nationwide from April to the end of September 2018. The RAF100 Baton Relay will take the campaign to communities in every region of the UK, carried by 20 RAF sports associations, serving RAF personnel, reservists, RAF Air Cadets and veterans.
“2018 marks a unique moment in the RAF’s long and proud history of service to our nation. This important moment allows us to re-affirm that the inspirational spirit of our men and women remains as strong today as it was a century ago, and has been throughout our rich history. We now look forward with confidence and pride to a future of aspiration, opportunity and success for the entire RAF family.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
Chief of the Air Staff, RAF