Charles’ ‘pride and concern’ over helicopter work
THE PRINCE of Wales has talked about the “pride and concern” he felt when Prince Harry trained and flew operations with the Army Air Corps (AAC) as he celebrated the unit’s Diamond Jubilee.
Speaking at a parade, where he presented a new Guidon or military colour to the AAC, Charles described how the “unfaltering support” of families back home allowed the UK’s soldiers to perform so well when the “going gets tough”. The heir to the throne has been the Corps’ Colonel-in-Chief for 25 years and he praised the Army’s “soldiers in the air” for their “decisive contribution” in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Addressing officers and men of the ACC, their families and veterans in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, he said: “As the father of a former Army Air Corps pilot myself, I am very much aware of the mixed emotions of pride and concern involved in your children embarking on helicopter training and operations. I have no doubt that it is the unfaltering support, provided by those at home, that allows our soldiers to manage so well when the going gets tough.”
In February 2012, Harry became a fully operational Apache helicopter pilot with the ACC after completing 18 months of intensive training and by the end of that year was deployed to Afghanistan where he flew the deadly aircraft.
Charles, who wore his tropical service dress and AAC blue beret, highlighted the work of the Corps that not only flies the Apache but the Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopter.
He said: “Army aviation has evolved continuously and has played a vital role in many of the key operations worldwide.
“The campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the decisive contribution that soldiers in the air can make to the outcome of the land-air battle.
“These recent exploits have furthered the reputation of the Corps, built up over 60 years of operating around the globe.” During the parade Charles inspected the AAC troops lined up in front of him, stopping to talk to a number of the soldiers.
He then took part in the presentation of the new Guidon, helping to place the large military banner, which has great significance for the Corps, into a soldier’s holster after it had been blessed.
A fly-past of AAC aircraft, including three Apache helicopters, was staged for the spectators.