though I do not remember having a black arm band.
I think it was worn as a mark of respect to those on the course who'd died.
Another picture from my album (not terribly good I'm afraid as it's a copy of a copy), shows the passing-out parade of number 8 Course at RAF Thornhill, probably around early 1953 with the whole course wearing black armbands.
The reviewing officer was A. Cdre 'Smokey' Bearne, AOC Rhodesian Air Training Group.
