Congratulations go to the 31 members of Trainee Gunner Course 4-21, Salalah Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington today.
Each graduate is welcomed into a family which is constituted a Corps, styled a Regiment, and truly dedicated to the delivery of Force Protection to Royal Air Force assets on a global scale.
The snow flurries forced the parade into the Jimmy James Hangar today whereby new graduates were joined by friends and family. Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from RAF Regiment Units receiving the new Gunners met and welcomed new arrivals and their families after the event. They are on hand to answer any questions that the graduates or families might have before they arrive at their new Squadrons.
Reviewing Officer Air Commodore Simon Andrew Harper OBE MA RAF joined the Royal Air Force in November 1988, having served over 2 years in the Royal Navy as a General List Seaman Officer. Having completed initial training at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth and fleet training in HMS Brereton and HMS Illustrious, before transferring to the ‘light blue’. In January 2020 Air Commodore Harper’s role as Director Ground Training transitioned to become Assistant Chief of Staff Training.
On graduating from this course, the Aviator ‘Gunners’ are posted to either 1 Squadron RAF Regiment here at RAF Honington, 2 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Brize Norton), 15 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Marham), 34 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Leeming) 51 Squadron RAF Regiment (RAF Lossiemouth) or Queens Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment, RAF Northolt). They will be trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations.
Further congratulations go to the Prize Winners:
Frank Sylvester Trophy: LAC Lennon
To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course.
The RAF Regiment Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment: LAC Mclaren
This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, most importantly during field exercises
Warrant Officer Ramsey Physical Development Cup: LAC Gunter
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
LAC Beard Recruits’ Trophy: LAC Smith
This trophy is awarded to the Gunner who has been voted by his peers on the Course as the most inspirational and supportive member of the Flight. The recipient of this trophy has provided loyalty, dependability and motivation to those around him during the toughest moments of the training
SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy: LAC Curtis
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who has shot consistently well throughout the course. He would also be the student who has shown consistent military awareness, on battle and field-firing exercises, in the selection of his shooting positions and use of cover. He would also be one who has demonstrated consistently a high standard of weapon handling and safety awareness throughout the course
Corporal Bradfield Trophy: Corporal Walker
The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer's of today. It is awarded to the Corporal Instructor who has displayed leadership, motivation and above all else has set an exemplary standard for the recruits to follow.
