RIAT Colours Parade - echos of the Great Escape
Stupid Boy wrote:
What?? Not even an LS&GCM on a FS?? Mind you, a det down to MPA hasn't been qualification for a medal since the conflict finished and there are plenty of folks around who have done more than one tour down there.
I take your point that with all the goings-on in the world that there should be very few people around now who have nothing to show, but it doesn't mean that they have done nothing. Qualification for some medals requires a set period of time in theatre before being awarded (the GSM NI comes to mind - 27-day dets didn't count!!)
For example, saw a Flight Sergeant with only one medal - the chocolate Golden Jubilee Medal! Where have all these people been hiding?
I take your point that with all the goings-on in the world that there should be very few people around now who have nothing to show, but it doesn't mean that they have done nothing. Qualification for some medals requires a set period of time in theatre before being awarded (the GSM NI comes to mind - 27-day dets didn't count!!)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Well, Lincolnshire
Age: 69
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spit the Dog
No doubt there will be a signal sent to all stations from CAS, thanking you for your efforts. Well done, by the way. It looked good.
I hear what you say though, an Airship saying "Thanks boys", in person, wouldn't have come amiss.
Regards
No doubt there will be a signal sent to all stations from CAS, thanking you for your efforts. Well done, by the way. It looked good.
I hear what you say though, an Airship saying "Thanks boys", in person, wouldn't have come amiss.
Regards
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Midlands
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have to agree with BluntM8. The staff of the EAW worked hard to make ths stay at Innsworth as comfortable as possible. The catering was good and the R&R in Cheltenham was top notch.
As to the parade itself it seemed to go well and thanks to the the DIs who needed a sense of humour when dealing with us non QCS types. It was not the ordeal that many have posted about from afar.
As to the parade itself it seemed to go well and thanks to the the DIs who needed a sense of humour when dealing with us non QCS types. It was not the ordeal that many have posted about from afar.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: ice station kilo
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SB,
In some trades, very few Middle East EAW Detachment places at FS or WO, so as 4mastacker says the guys or girls in question may have many tours ‘down south’ with no ribbons to show for it.
I was also on Parade; lots of thanks to the DIs, EAW staff and especially the MCSU (are they still called that? It’s difficult to keep up with all the abbreviation changes even if you read all the Air Power glossies).
The most heartening thing for me about the whole time was the performance and the very evident team spirit of the young lads and lasses of the 2 Support Sqns; they were brought together from stations all over the Service only 3 days before when we as the Standard Parties arrived. The standard of the drill from them was very impressive and was a credit to the hard work of the DI staff.
The only down side for me was the number of people in the stands on the sides of the Dais both in civilian clothing and quite a few in uniform at a rank level that should have known better, who decided to leave the parade after HM and CAS but before both Colours had been marched off, perhaps they could see the coming rain, but poor form.
In some trades, very few Middle East EAW Detachment places at FS or WO, so as 4mastacker says the guys or girls in question may have many tours ‘down south’ with no ribbons to show for it.
I was also on Parade; lots of thanks to the DIs, EAW staff and especially the MCSU (are they still called that? It’s difficult to keep up with all the abbreviation changes even if you read all the Air Power glossies).
The most heartening thing for me about the whole time was the performance and the very evident team spirit of the young lads and lasses of the 2 Support Sqns; they were brought together from stations all over the Service only 3 days before when we as the Standard Parties arrived. The standard of the drill from them was very impressive and was a credit to the hard work of the DI staff.
The only down side for me was the number of people in the stands on the sides of the Dais both in civilian clothing and quite a few in uniform at a rank level that should have known better, who decided to leave the parade after HM and CAS but before both Colours had been marched off, perhaps they could see the coming rain, but poor form.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: ice station kilo
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BUS
Were they briefed to leave the parade before the Colours had been marched off? If so it appeared to come as quite a surprise to the Parade Commander, the 2 Escort Sqns and half the Band that planned (and practiced) to march the Colours off the parade square the runway side of the stands; but found the route now had a stream of the great and the good on the way to Din-Dins.
Were they briefed to leave the parade before the Colours had been marched off? If so it appeared to come as quite a surprise to the Parade Commander, the 2 Escort Sqns and half the Band that planned (and practiced) to march the Colours off the parade square the runway side of the stands; but found the route now had a stream of the great and the good on the way to Din-Dins.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just wanted to add congratulations from the grandstand to those involved in the paddling pool parade ground and in the air. The carping here on PP should not be allowed to deflect from an outstanding performance. 
My No1 shoes are Fe**ed and the uniform is in intensive care but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Having seen Friday's performance I do agree with one point made earlier on this thread, that we should have done this somewhere more public than a closed day at RIAT. Failing that, just somewhere with a concrete car park.
My No1 shoes are Fe**ed and the uniform is in intensive care but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Having seen Friday's performance I do agree with one point made earlier on this thread, that we should have done this somewhere more public than a closed day at RIAT. Failing that, just somewhere with a concrete car park.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Sunny Lincs
Age: 55
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With ref to my earlier post about the FS with only one medal, I have taken on board the various comments about the fact that some people may go on dets to places where medals are not awarded. Did not mean to cause any offence 
Does anybody know if coverage of the whole parade will become available, as the short offering from the afternoon BBC programme was rather disappointing?
Does anybody know if coverage of the whole parade will become available, as the short offering from the afternoon BBC programme was rather disappointing?
Alba
Join Date: May 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
circle kay
Yes, they were briefed to leave after HMTQ had left to get on their buses as her time was tight, and this was done before the march on, by a RAF spokesperson. However, that instruction was only for those dining with her for lunch. The attempted exodus of some people who were not dining with her, and obviously were too high and mighty to listen to the original instructions by said RAF spokesperson, was the only downside of what was a superb parade.
Yes, they were briefed to leave after HMTQ had left to get on their buses as her time was tight, and this was done before the march on, by a RAF spokesperson. However, that instruction was only for those dining with her for lunch. The attempted exodus of some people who were not dining with her, and obviously were too high and mighty to listen to the original instructions by said RAF spokesperson, was the only downside of what was a superb parade.
Belated thanks for kind comments about the red button BBC commentary. I was delighted to have the opportunity to do it.
On the question of the show cancellation, I emailed Tim Prince to suggest that, since this was the first time in 29 years I hadn’t been doing one of his shows, it was obviously all my fault. I got a gracious reply. In the words of his late lamented RIAT partner, Paul Bowen, I think Tim’s rather ‘low’ today.
airsound
On the question of the show cancellation, I emailed Tim Prince to suggest that, since this was the first time in 29 years I hadn’t been doing one of his shows, it was obviously all my fault. I got a gracious reply. In the words of his late lamented RIAT partner, Paul Bowen, I think Tim’s rather ‘low’ today.
airsound
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lincolnshire
Age: 67
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RIAT Pride
My son and I were among the lucky ones to have a ticket for the general viewing stand. May I pass on our thanks to all those who took part or supported the parade and flypast. It filled both of us with pride that we were part of such a historic event and, even though both of our No1s etc are in a sad state, we would do it all again tomorrow.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Mornington Crescent
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My number 1s are also ruined. They look absolutely awful despite my best efforts to restore them. I intend to press-to-test on getting them replaced - it's hardly my fault they were trashed, is it!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Mornington Crescent
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On spec, or have you been told you're entitled to a new set?
Whilst mine are ruined - pretty much exactly as VP describes - I'm not going to go to the tailors on the expectation that I'll get a new set bought for me just yet. What would be nice is a signal or suchlike from Air Command authorising the replacement of our kit. Until then, I'm holding my breath on it!
Whilst mine are ruined - pretty much exactly as VP describes - I'm not going to go to the tailors on the expectation that I'll get a new set bought for me just yet. What would be nice is a signal or suchlike from Air Command authorising the replacement of our kit. Until then, I'm holding my breath on it!
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Marlow
Age: 72
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well Done All Those On Parade
Just ignore the cynics and complainers. I was very proud to see my Sovereign present my Service with a new colour last Friday. Yes, the BBC coverage was minimal but it does not take away the importance of celebrating 90 years of the world's first independent Air Force. Oh yes before the whingers complain, I have also been detached many times to hot and sandy places but I joined to serve my nation. And yes we are working hard, all of us. That's what most of us do - but a tiny very vocal minority complain at everything. We are all volunteers so if you do not like it go and work for Tescos or British Airways.
My colleagues in the Army and Royal Navy are pretty proud of their traditions. We have got much to be proud of in the RAF as well; including the Battle of Britain, the sacrifice of Bomber Command, the vital role of air power in the Falklands and both Gulf Wars etc etc etc.
My colleagues in the Army and Royal Navy are pretty proud of their traditions. We have got much to be proud of in the RAF as well; including the Battle of Britain, the sacrifice of Bomber Command, the vital role of air power in the Falklands and both Gulf Wars etc etc etc.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Mornington Crescent
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's exactly my point. I've always taken care of my uniform - I marched off the parade square at Cranwell in those ones - and the fact that they're now wrecked is hardly my fault. I put my hand in my pocket for a new hat last week when instructed to do so without complaint. Could the RAF not do the same for me? I'm very proud to wear my uniform and I don't want to be seen in a bag of nails! It's hardly like they've been wrecked by my neglect.
Many people on that parade square gave up a lot of time and effort, and several weekends, without complaint for their service. Our pride in our service means we want to wear the uniform in the best possible fashion. We can't all afford to shell out to replace the damaged kit. Perhaps it's appropriate for the top brass to show their recognition of us by buying us a new blue suit?
Blunty
Many people on that parade square gave up a lot of time and effort, and several weekends, without complaint for their service. Our pride in our service means we want to wear the uniform in the best possible fashion. We can't all afford to shell out to replace the damaged kit. Perhaps it's appropriate for the top brass to show their recognition of us by buying us a new blue suit?
Blunty
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Somewhere in England
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dunkirk
During WWII, the troops lucky enough to be evacuated reported for duty back in UK in whatever they stood up in and many were billed for equipment lost. I don't think that things will have changed much in the last 60-odd years, so don't expect too much and you wont be disappointed! 
Aerials
Aerials