By John Lowe
By John Lowe
(Last updated: 05.08.09)
2009
Annual Reunion Weekend
25th April at York
The reunion this year was held on the weekend of the 25th April in York at the Park Inn. It was my first one but definitely not my last. The following words and photographs are taken from the June 2009 Newsletter provided by Derek Straw.
Some 50 Association members and wives enjoyed the mixture of sights and organised visits. It was also an opportunity to meet the new OC 206 Squadron - Wg Cdr Rob Humphries. The first of the organised trips was to the memorial room at RAF Linton on Ouse which was organised very kindly by one of our members - Air Cdre Chris Igoe. We were introduced to the Memorial Room and its fascinating collection of memorabilia by Wg Cdr Alan Mawby. as ever, time was too short to do justice to this collection and it would merit a further visit.
RAF Linton on Ouse
The second visit was to the better known Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington. This museum deserves the accolades it gets. It is well run and compact with enough to find of interest on even a limited visit.
The AGM was duly completed on the Saturday afternoon between Elvington and Dinner. Dinner was a most convivial affair where we enjoyed a splendid meal. The keynote speech was delivered by Rob Humphries at which we learned more about our new Squadron and it's role. The President and Chairman respectively presented Rob with a copy of 'Naught Escape Us' and a 206 Squadron tie.
Annual Dinner
Stand Up Parade
16th June at Boscombe Down
The following words and photographs are also taken from the June 2009 Newsletter provided by Derek Straw.
On 1st April this year 206 (Reserve) Squadron was formed: on Tuesday 16th June the Squadron Standard was returned. It was a truly memorable day; not just because of the fine weather; not just the chance to meet the new Squadron; not just the wonderful hospitality of Boscombe Down Officers' Mess; but because the 206 Squadron Standard was returned from the safe keeping of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell to 206R Squadron.
Some 60 Association members joined around 100 official guests and squadron members to a splendid day in the continuing history of 206. The day started with lunch and drinks in the Officers' Mess. This was the first opportunity to meet the Squadron membership. After lunch we were entertained to a series of presentations from the Squadron outlining their current roles and raison d'etre, future challenges, an outline of the squadron history (for non-Association guests, of course),and a short history of the Standard and Squadron battle honours. The presentations were concluded by 'What it Means to be on 206' by our own Ted Nelson. He gave a witty and emotional presentation to the entertainment of the audience. All agree it was a bravura performance.
We positioned at the 'Parade Square' - otherwise known as the aircraft movement area - suitably decorated with a Hercules, a Harvard and a Tucano. The guests were kept on their toes by strictures from the RAF Cranwell regiment staff who ensured that we were in no doubt about the protocol surrounding the parading of a standard! The Reviewing Officer was Air Marshall Iain McNicoll, the deputy C in C Air Command at High Wycombe. As he took general salute a C130J Hercules from RAF Lyneham provided a spot-on flypast. In keeping with the Joint tradition in today's military, the band of the Prince of Wales Division from nearby Tidworth provided the music. All were agreed that the parade drill was immaculate - "even for aircrew"! Well done indeed to Rob and his Squadron for achieving such well deserved accolades. Certainly, to see the 206 Standard on parade again after a 4 year absence was an emotional experience.
Wg Cdr Rob Humphries - OC 206(R) Squadron
