RAF Service
The Chief of the Defence Staff and Lady Peach attended a service held yesterday at St Clement Danes, Strand, WC2, to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the formation of the RAF.
The Rev David Osborn, Resident Chaplain, officiated. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, read the first lesson and Senior Aircraftman William Spencer, The Queen’s Colour Squadron (No 63 Squadron, RAF Regiment), read the second lesson. The Ven Jonathan Chaffey, Chaplain-in-Chief (RAF), gave the sermon and blessing. The Rev Paul Mellor, Principal Church of Scotland and Free Churches Chaplain, led prayers, assisted by the Rev Tim Wright, Deputy Chaplain-in-Chief Operations. The Rev John Ellis, Deputy Chaplainin-Chief Personnel, gave the Prayer of Commendation.
The National Standards of the RAFA, The Royal Observer Corps Association, National Service (RAF) Association, The RAF Regiment Association, RAF Halton Apprentices’ Association and the Air Cadets Banner were marched into the Church. The Queen’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was marched into the Church.
The Queen’s Colour for the RAF was paraded into Church.
The Band of the RAF Regiment, directed by Flt Lt Chris I’Anson, Director of Music, and the choir of St Clement Danes, directed by Mr Simon Over, Director of Music, and Mr Charles Newsome-Hubbard, Graduate Assistant, took part.
The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Steve Summers, accompanied by his Consort, attended. Among others present were:
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig of Radley, Marshal of the RAF Lord and Lady Stirrup, the Commandant General, RAuxAF, and Lady Beaverbrook, Baroness Garden of Frognal, Air Vice-Marshal the Hon Richard and Mrs Broadbridge, the Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Hon Mrs David Murray, Lady Hillier, Air Chief Marshal Sir David Evans, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael and Lady Alcock, Air Chief Marshal Sir John and Lady Allison, Air Marshal Sir Dick and Lady Garwood, Lady Kennedy, Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin, Air Marshal Sir Timothy and Lady Jenner, Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Air Marshal Sir Timothy and Lady Anderson, Air Marshal Sir Baz and Lady North, Air Marshal Sir Christopher and Lady Harper, Sir Neville Trotter.
Members of the Air Force Board and representatives of the Aircrew Association, Bomber Command Association, Battle of Britain Fighter Association, RAF Widows’ Association, The Royal British Legion, RAF Ex-Prisoners of War Association, National Service (RAF Association), Coastal Command and Maritime Air Association, Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, Veterans of War Association, the Company of Air Pilots, UK Reserve Forces Association, Shackleton Association, The Air League, The Royal Aero Club and the RAF Museum, together with representatives of other organisations associated with the RAF and members of the RAF, serving and retired.