First RAF standard of the King's reign presented to 600 Squadron
The first RAF Standard of HM The King's reign was presented to 600 (City of London) Squadron at RAF Northolt.
During an impressive ceremony and parade, they received the Standard from the Representative Lord Mayor of London, Sir Charles Bowman, accompanied by the Chief of the Air Staff.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, who officially took over command of the Royal Air Force earlier this month, acted as Reviewing Officer for the parade.
In December 2017, Queen Elizabeth II approved nine new Standards to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, with 600 Squadron receiving it in recognition of its contribution to the UK in both peace and war.
Alderman Sir Charles Bowman said: "The 600 (City of London) Squadron Standard contains a living history that embodies the Squadron, connects every member of the Squadron, and reminds us of their strong bonds with the City of London.
"From its very beginning in 1925, 600 Squadron has recruited from the city, and it was proud to be part of London with its aircraft displaying the City Crest.
"Always at the core of the Squadron are its people – they are what makes 600 Squadron great, and they are the current custodians of this rich history."
The Squadron was last presented with a Standard in 1953 by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, who was also the Squadron's Honorary Air Commodore.
600 Squadron is a Royal Auxiliary Air Force General Service Squadron, formed at RAF Northolt and served predominantly as a fighter squadron including the Battle of Britain, North Africa and Italy.
Now the Squadron provides trained administrative, logistics, flight operations, intelligence, communications and information systems and medical personnel.
Recently, personnel have served on operations in Afghanistan, the Baltic countries, the Balkans, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and the Middle East.
'Once in a generation event'
Wing Commander Steve Duddy, Officer Commanding 600 (City of London) Squadron said: "The presentation of our new Standard is a highly significant, once in a generation event, as it recognises the valour and sacrifice of all those who have served.
"Those on parade today can be extremely proud of their part in the history of this Battle of Britain Squadron."
The Standard they were presented with an embroidered work of art.
In the centre is the original Squadron badge and on either side are eight Battle Honours, selected from the ten won by the Squadron; these eight are: Home Defence 1940-1942, France and The Low Countries 1940, Battle of Britain 1940, North Africa 1942-1943, Sicily 1943, Italy 1943-1945, Salerno 1943 and Anzio and Nettuno 1944
The original Standard was laid up in the Lady Chapel of St Bartholomew The Great Church, in the City of London in 1960, where it has remained.
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