Air Force Perform Finale In Stateside RAF 100 Celebrations

The Queen’s Colour Squadron of 63 Squadron RAF Regiment has performed a special display at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC as the finale for their RAF 100 USA celebrations.

The 16-man continuity drill was specially designed to incorporate the key themes of RAF 100 and celebrate the world's first independent air force.

Squadron Leader Ben Alcock:

“It’s to celebrate our centenary year, it’s very much about inspiring the next generation and it’s great to do it here in front of such a young audience.”

The personnel involved are usually tasked with guarding the Queen’s Colour for the RAF and even hold a world record for their precision displays.

In the US capital, they have been an integral part of the Stateside celebrations for the Royal Air Force.

Stateside, The US Air Force Honour Guard perform drill for public and historic occasions.

They use the 11-pound M1 Rifle, and choreographed spins and weapon throws are a key part of their displays, which are slightly different to the British display, according to Lance Corporal Tyrone Thompson:

“How they deliver their shows is slightly different to ours - there’s a lot of rifle spinning which obviously we can’t do."

The British have passed on some of their techniques and skills, and there are qualities that personnel in both units must have, as SAC Benjamin Harrison of the Queen’s Colour Squadron told us:

“You need a lot of patience, but you also have to have a good drive - you have to want to do well and put a lot of effort in."

In the last week, the QCS have performed every day, at both Air and Space Museums in the American capital, with further events planned upon their return to the UK.

The FA Cup final soon awaits, in addition to the main RAF 100 events in July when they will parade the Queens Colour on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.