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RAF 47 Squadron Centenary parade

March 1, 2016 (by RAF Brize Norton) - On 1st March 2016, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended the Centenary parade of RAF 47 Squadron, held at RAF Brize Norton.

Members of 47 Sqn parade for HRH The Princess Royal on March 1st at RAF Brize Norton during there centenary parade. [RAF photo]

The Princess Royal, who is Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, reviewed members of the Squadron on parade in front of an audience, marking 100 years of significant service and history. The parade marched to the music of The Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Past and present members of the Squadron were invited to the event, which was followed by a reception, held at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, to give crews and guests the opportunity to reflect upon the merits of the Squadron’s previously flown aircraft types, and the current C-130J Hercules.

On 1st March 1916, Number 47 Squadron came into being in Beverley, North Yorkshire. It was born out of a need to defend the city of Hull and the wider East Yorkshire, from raiding enemy airships and was equipped with BE2 and 12s, and Armstrong Whitworth FK3s.

The Squadron undertook a number of roles throughout the First and Second World Wars and their operated aircraft have included Vickers Wellesley Bombers, Handley Page Hastings multi-engined aircraft, the Blackburn Beverley Heavy-Lift transport aircraft and the Hercules C-130K/J. The final operation flight for the Hercules C130K took place on 25th Oct 2013.

Number 47 Squadron moved from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton in 2011 where it has continued to provide highly trained crews and support staff to support the MOD and, by extension, the United Kingdom’s requirements in the global theatre.

Number 47 Squadron have undertaken training exercises throughout the world, operations in the Falklands, Herrick and Telic theatres (to name but a few) and humanitarian aid to Sarajevo, Philippines and more recently Nepal.

Group Captain Simon Edwards, RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, said:

“Today marks the 100th Anniversary of 47 Squadron’s formation and it is an honour that HRH The Princess Royal is here today to review the Centenary Parade. The Squadron is still as busy today as it ever has been and the hard work, dedication and excellence of its personnel is clear to see by all. The Squadron has a proud history and it is wonderful to celebrate its centenary today with personnel, past and present.”


Courtesy of © UK Crown copyright 2016

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