A Battle of Britain class steam locomotive adopted the nameplate ‘Royal Auxiliary Air Force’ at an unveiling service held at the Nene Valley Railway on 27 May 2023.  The service, sponsored by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation and master-minded by one of its Trustees, Squadron Leader Alfie Hall,  was the first of a number of events to be held to mark the  centenary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 2024. Short presentations by the Foundation’s Chairman, Group Captain Richard Mighall, and the Force’s Commandant General, Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, preceded the unveiling of the nameplate by Honorary Air Commodores  Veronica Pickering and Dr Marcia  McLaughlin of 504 and 7644 Squadrons respectively. The cutting of a celebratory cake followed, and the Service concluded with a fly-past by a Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Music was provided throughout by members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band, and 7644 Squadron provided media coverage.

The Locomotive’s History

The locomotive was one of a number of so-called ‘Battle of Britain’ class locomotives which displayed on their sides the badges and nameplates of individuals and RAF Stations associated with the Battle. Also displayed were the badges and nameplates of many but not all of the 48 Royal Air Force and 14 Auxiliary Air Force fighter squadrons which took part in the Battle.

In the 1960s, with the advent of diesel and electric engines, the steam-driven Battle of Britain class locomotives were taken out of service, and most of them were scrapped. Fortunately, thanks to the diligence and far-sightedness of a few railway enthusiasts, 9 were rescued and have been saved for posterity. As for the badges and number plates, some were scrapped along with their parent locomotives, but a good number ended-up in museums or in private collections. Today, they are much sought after railway memorabilia and command a high price at auctions.

This particular  Southern Railways locomotive was one of the ones rescued from the scrapyard. Also rescued were its 92 Squadron badge and 92 Squadron nameplate. The locomotive was painstakingly restored by volunteers over a number of years and emblazoned with its original 92 Sqn regalia.

Last year, in recognition of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s impending Centenary celebrations in2024 – and of the invaluable contribution made by the Auxiliary Squadrons during combat operations – the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society kindly agreed that the 92 Squadron badge and nameplate could be replaced with a new cast brass nameplate entitled ‘Royal Auxiliary Air Force’ – a gesture which is greatly appreciated by all those associated with today’s Force. The 92 Squadron nameplate will be later reinstated –  at which time the Royal Auxiliary Air Force nameplate will be auctioned with the net proceeds going to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation.

During the last two weeks of  April 2023, 35 RAuxAF  personnel from 4624 (County of Oxford) Squadron provided specialist air movements reinforcements at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and RAF Akrotiri, and Larnaca in Cyprus in support of the evacuation of British nationals from war-torn Sudan.  They handled 15 flights involving 2146 evacuees.

The Cyprus contingent who, fortuitously, had deployed to Cyprus for annual training, met the Commander British Forces Cyprus who expressed his appreciation for their professionalism and hard work.

Almost all RAuxAF Sqns and Units  have an Honorary Air Commodore (HAC).  Most HACs are are prominent figures in civilian life, although some are retired RAF Air officers. HACs act as advocates for the RAF and RAuxAF in their sectors, provide advice to the RAF leadership team and support their RAuxAF Sqns, all on a voluntary unpaid basis.

The HACs attend a face to face Conference once a year, travelling from all 4 corners of the UK to be briefed on the latest RAF strategic issues, operational context and organisational changes, as well as to be briefed on and contribute to the RAuxAF plans, policies and capabilities. The  2023 HACs’ Conference was held on 10/11 April  at RAF Cranwell. Guest speakers included the Chief of the Air Staff desigbnate Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton.

Sir Rich addresses HACs

The attendees at the conference also had the opportunity to the visit the Fighter Control Museum at RAF Digby which proved to be very popular.

RAF Digby Museum

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation was delighted to have been invited to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III  at a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 9th May.  Group Captains Richard Mighall and Gary Bunkell, and Squadron Leader and Mrs Alfie Hall were the appointed representatives. Sadly, however, Squadron Leader and Mrs Hall were, to their great disappointment, unable to attend as Mrs Hall had tested positive  for coronavirus the day before.

Despite the ominous forecast, the weather was perfect, and the rain held off throughout.

The event was hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales who, with other members of the Royal Family, circulated amongst the guests. The Foundation’s two attendees were honoured to meet and talk with the Foundation’s Patron. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

The King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal Association held its Annual Dinner on 24th March at the RAF Club, Piccadilly, London. The KVRM (previously the QVRM) is a tri-service award presented to reservists for exemplary and meritorious service in the conduct of their duties.

This year, the Association welcomed several medal recipients who were dining for the first time including Corporal Jane Jones of 2620 Squadron based at RAF Marham. She was hosted by Group Captain Gary Bunkell (former OC 2620 Squadron) who is treasurer of the Association. They are pictured in front of a painting of the presentation of the Sovereign’s Colour for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force by the late Queen. The Royal Parade which took place in 2010 at RAF Marham also saw 2620 Squadron receiving its first Standard. Both Corporal Jones and Group Captain Bunkell were participants in the 2010 event.

During the evening Warrant Officer Shobha Earl, a QVRM recipient and former Command Warrant Officer for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was appointed to the Committee of the KVRM Association.

.The Royal Auxiliary Air Force awards for 2022 have recently been announced. Details are as follows:

On the 29^th October 2022, the Queens’s Volunteer Reserves Medal Association (QVRM) planted and dedicated a Copper Beech in Windsor Great Park to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and to support  the Queen’s Green Canopy project. Eight Royal Auxiliary Air Force recipients of the Medal were present.

Wg Cdr Mike Almond, WO Shobha Earl, Wg Cdr Alison Moodie, WO Mo Kendall, Sqn Ldr Frank Shannon, Wg Cdr Noz Orzell, Wg Cdr Steve Duddy

Also present was Gp Capt Gary Bunkell (photographer)

The QVRM Association is open to all recipients of the QVRM which is presented to members of the Volunteer Reserves of the British Armed Services for exemplary service in the conduct of their duties.

GWB

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force enjoyed a long and much-valued association with Her Majesty beginning in June 1951 when, as The Princess Elizabeth, she became the  the Honorary Air Commodore of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron. At the same time she presented the Squadron with the Esher Trophy. She visited the Squadron on a number of occasions over the years, often accompanied by her husband, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. Her Majesty remained the Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore until her death.

In 1952,  following the death of her father, King George VI,  Her Majesty took over his mantle as the Force’s Air Commodore-in-Chief – an appointment she held throughout her reign.

On June 1953 Force personnel participated in Her Majesty’s Coronation.

On 1 July 1953, Force personnel and aircraft participated in Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force Coronation Review held at Royal Air Force Benson.

On 30 June 1955, Her Majesty presented 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron with ‘The Standard’ at the Palace of Holyrood House.

When the Force’s Flying Squadrons were disbanded in 1957, Her Majesty invited all of the Commanding Officers to Buckingham Palace where she gave them this note: “I wish as Air Commodore-in-Chief to thank Officers, Airmen and Airwomen of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for all that they have given to the service of the country by their enthusiasm, their spirit and their devotion in peace and war.  It is a sad day when it is necessary to tell so many that it is no longer possible to use their services, on the duties they have assumed so willingly. I wish them to know that they can look back with pride and satisfaction to service well done.

In 1962, Her Majesty received Group Captain The Right Honorable Sir Peter Vanneck at a private audience at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of his appointment as the Inspector of the Force. He was again received by her Majesty for a private audience in 1973 when he relinquished the appointment. Succeeding Inspectors, Group Captains Robbie Robins, Peter Harris, Mike Tinley, Richard Mighall, Bob Kemp, and Gary Bunkell were afforded the same honour of private audiences with Her Majesty.

On 26 October 1974, Her Majesty and The Queen Mother attended a civic reception at The Guildhall to mark the 50^th anniversary of the Force.

On 12 June 1989, Her Majesty presented the Force with its first Sovereign’s Colour at Royal Air Force Benson.