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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0959.PDF
FLIGHT, 24 July 1953 „3 THE QUEEN'S REVIEW Royal Air Force Excellence in the Great Parade at Odiham WEDNESDAY, July 15th, was a Royal day for the R.A.F.; and it was with fittingly royal excellence that the Service presented itself for review by its Sovereign on that day. On the ground and in the air, the men and machines that together form the modern R.A.F. were arrayed—inspiring in appearance and precise in formation. Their contribution to the tradition of this country's youngest Service was impressive, perfectly disciplined, and indeed unforgettable. The day of the review came as the climax to months of preparation by all strata of the Air Force, and that the occasion was an unqualified success was due entirely to this detailed advance planning. We ourselves had followed developments with interest since the initial announcement last December. More recently, we were able to hear Air Marshal Sir Dermot Boyle, K.B.E., C.B., A.F.C. giving almost-final details of the review and A.V-M. The Earl of Bandon, C.B., D.S.O. describing his fly-past plans; to see the dress rehearsal on the previous Friday; and, but 24 hours before the beginning of the review itself, to fly over • Odiham to obtain pictures such as the one on page 115. As the Queen's Colour was escorted on to the central parade shortly before Her Majesty's arrival, the mute, long-spreading rows of quietly shining aircraft on either side stood immaculately aligned. Behind, the rows of yellow-banded trainers curved round to form a broad, delicate, background study. On parade behind the escort squadron were the twelve contingents representing the home-based commands, the R.A.F. Regiment, the W.R.A.F,., Apprentices and Boy Entrants, and the massed bands of the R.A.F. and W.R.A.F. The forecast "showers with bright intervals" were in fact experienced, and it was as a hesitant shower began that the clear trumpet fanfare rang out, announcing the At the head of this page Her Majesty is seen arriving at Odiham with the Duke of Edin burgh. In civilian dress is the Secretary of State for Air, Lord De L'lsle and Dudley, V.C., and on the right of the picture is Air Chief Marshal Sir William F. Dickson, Chief of the Air Staff. Below is an especially happy glimpse of the Queen and the Duke on the dais. Left, Canberras of Bomber Command are seen against the cloud-dappled sky. On the ground are 2nd A.T.A.F. Venoms, Bomber Command Washington?, and a Mk 9 balloon.
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