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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0569.PDF
"Flight" photographs THIRTY-NINE YEARS ON: Sir Charles Longcroft, the unit's CO. in 1914, inspecting No. 1 Squadron at Tangmere before making the presentation—shown on the right—of the first Squadron Standard. SERVICE AVIATION Royal Air Force and Naval Aviation News PRESENTATION OF THE FIRST SQUADRON STANDARD IN weather reminiscent of the days of the Battle of Britain—with con-trails high in the blue sky to heighten the effect—No. i Squadron paraded at Tangmere on Friday last to receive the first of the Sovereign's Standards to be presented to a squadron. The presentation was made by A.V-M. Sir Charles Longcroft, who was the com manding officer of No. I Squadron in May, 1914. On arrival Sir Charles was greeted by Air Marshal Sir Dermot Boyle (the newly-appointed A.O.C-in-C. Fighter Command) and A.V-M. the Earl of Bandon (A.O.C. No. 11 Group). Against a background of the squadron on parade and 10 Meteor 8s and one Meteor 7 glistening in the spring sunshine, and facing the squadron headquarters (in temporary buildings replacing those lost in the Battle of Britain), the new Standard was uncased and laid on the piled drums. Attended by S/L. R. B. Morison, who came from C.F.S. six months ago to command No. 1 Squad ron, Sir Charles Longcroft inspected the parade which, in both bearing and drill, was a credit to the Service. At the end of the inspection the Standard was consecrated by the Reverend A. S. Giles, the new Chaplain-in-Chief of the R.A.F. In this perfect setting the familiar words lost none of their sincerity: "May this Standard never be unfurled except in the cause of righteousness." As the Chaplain gave the last words of the Blessing the Standard-bearer and escort marched up to the piled drums, the bearer, F/O. M. R. T. Chandler, kneeling to receive the Standard from Sir Charles. The presentation having been made, the Standard bearer turned and faced the parade while Sir Charles addressed the assembly. He spoke of the early days when No. 1 Airship Squadron had become No. 1 Aeroplane Squadron R.F.C., and of how anyone should be proud of ever having belonged to a unit such as No. 1 Squadron, which had served with distinction through two world wars and won 24 battle honours. He concluded by telling the parade that the Standard would be an object of pride for the future and a constant reminder of gallantry in the past. The General Salute was then sounded as the Standard was marched to its appointed position in front of the parade. The ceremony ended with the march past in slow and quick time and the advance in review order. As the Standard was marched off the parade ground sufficient breeze blew up to extend the flag and display it in all its beauty. A fitting end to an impressive ceremony. The award of a ceremonial flag (to .be known as the Standard) to operational squadrons of the Royal Air Force which had been in existence for 25 years or had earned the Sovereign's appreciation be cause of specially outstanding operations, was announced by His Late Majesty King George VI in 1943, on the 25th anniversary of the formation of the R.A.F. Squadrons to which it was then an- SQUADRON CEREMONY: The scene on the apron at Tangmere last Friday. The newly presented Squadron Standard is facing the parade while Sir Charles Longcroft gives his address. On the right is the Rev. A. S. Giles, who conducted the consecration service. "Flight" photograph
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