New Standard for 5(AC) Squadron

On 6th June 2007 The Prime Warden Olivia Elton Barratt and Past Prime Warden Richard Bundock, together with their respective spouses, attended the Ceremony for the Presentation of a New Standard to the Squadron at Waddington.

On the Airfield it was a rather cool but mercifully dry afternoon for the Parade at the Squadron HQ. An Airforce Band set the scene with suitable RAF Marches and we were seated with the Officers and guests of the Squadron very near to the saluting Dais. The Band played the Squadron onto the Parade Square and the cased Standard was placed on a pile of Drums in front of the Dais. The Presenting Officer, The Chief of the Air Staff-Air Chief Marshal Sir Glen Torpy KCB CBE DSO RAF arrived by car to take his place on the Dais at 1400 hrs. precisely and took the General Salute. This was immediately followed by a Flypast of the Squadron’s Sentinel R Mk1 Aircraft and it was very impressive to see in the distance, twin landing lights that quickly became the Sentinel, fast approaching on the centre line and roaring over the Parade at a height of only 200 or so feet.

The Presenting Officer then inspected the Parade. Afterwards the Standard was uncased and the Parade Chaplain conducted the Service of Consecration including a moving address remembering that the Standard represents a duty to Queen and Country, to serve her and fellow citizens, to protect all and good government after the example of comrades who counted not their lives dear to themselves so that others might live in peace. A very poignant note for an Armed Service currently at War.

Following the religious Service the Standard Bearer received the Standard and the Presenting Officer gave an address recounting the distinguished history of No 5 Squadron that dates back to 1915 with sixteen battle honours ranging from Mons,Ypres, Loos, Arras and the Somme. The North West Frontier, Amiens, Arakan and Burma. The patrols during the Cold War years and recently, Iraq. After the address the Standard was marched on and then returned to the Parade while the National Anthem was played. The Squadron marched past in slow then quick time and afterwards in Review Order at which time we were again treated to a Flypast of the Sentinel accompanied by a Tornado F3 and Hawker Hurricane. A fitting end to a superb Parade as the Squadron marched off.

The Basketmakers contingent then joined the Reception where the formal hand over of the ASTOR System by the Chairman of Raytheon took place and a painting of the Sentinel Aircraft was presented to the Squadron. The Squadron now has its first of five aircraft and ground stations that we were told have a total cost of $1.4 billion. They will be undertaking training during the coming months with possible operational deployment later this year. After the Reception we were able to inspect the aircraft by then parked up with a display of the ground stations. The Prime Warden seated in the left seat of the Sentinel had a briefing on glass cockpit displays and flight management systems as well as the Radar work stations in the rear of the aircraft.

We were provided accommodation in the Officers Mess and at 1830 hrs. enjoyed pre Dinner drinks and had the opportunity to meet members of the Squadron and other guests. The Dinner was superb with the usual Mess formalities and after an interlude the CO spoke and made it clear how much hard work and co-operation had been invested with our American partners that had now brought the project to fruition. Group Capt. Bill Hughes also thanked his many colleagues and said how much the Squadron valued the Affiliation with the Basketmakers'. He was in fact handing over command the following weekend to Wing Commander Harry Kemsley who had attended our Livery Dinner in April and it is pleasing to note that the Affiliation seems set fair for the future. After Dinner and a convivial time in the Mess Bar, the Basketmakers' contingent retreated to bed having had a very interesting afternoon and a most enjoyable evening.