On Thursday, 9th May members of the Services Committee joined me in a visit to RAF Honington, the home of two of our Military Affiliates, the RAF Regiment and RAF Police. We were joined by members of the April Fools Club. We were welcomed by the Station Commander, Wing Commander Max Hayward and experienced: demonstrations of military working dogs; synthetic driver training; weapon simulation ranges; mass catering and nutrition; a briefing on the Rapid Reaction Force by our Honorary Freeman, Group Captain Jules Weekes. We also viewed an impressive Foxhound vehicle.

Prior to our Black Tie dinner, we witnessed the splendid Sunset Ceremony with musicians from the RAF Honington Voluntary Band and US Airforce fly-past.

Dinner in the Officer’s Mess included three vignettes regarding the role of the RAF Regiment Squadrons engaged in the decisive Battle of Monte Cassino in May 1944, following which they were awarded their Battle Honours. 55,000 allied troops and 20,000 German troops were estimated to have been killed or wounded during the battle. No. 2721 Squadron, became the most decorated unit in the RAF Regiment with awards including one Military Cross and five Military Medals.

The RAF Regiment was our first Military Affiliate. I was delighted to present our Honorary Freeman, Commandant General of the RAF Regiment, Air Vice-Marshall Mick Smeath CBE with a certificate to mark the twentieth anniversary of our association.

Our Freeman, Provost Marshall (RAF), Group Captain, Russ Foster-Jones was dined out, prior to retiring from the RAF. We wish him every success for the future.

Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshall Tom Burke CBE gave an excellent speech after dinner.

A brilliant day and evening, thank you to all involved at RAF Honington.

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The previous day, our Liveryman, Squadron Leader Malcolm Davidge, was awarded the Provost Marshall’s Commendation for his significant contribution to the RAF Police through his role as point of contact with the WCoSP.

Many congratulations, Malcolm and thank you.

Russell Penny – Master WCoSP