RAF Cosford marks 85th anniversary in style with a special parade

RAF Cosford has marked its 85th anniversary with a trio of celebrations, which saw the presentation of a new standard and the reformation of one of the Royal Air Force's schools of technical training.

The base opened its doors in 1938 and played a crucial role in the Second World War.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, who last month officially took over command of the Royal Air Force, was the parade's reviewing officer.

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The College Band from RAF College Cranwell provided an "outstanding" musical accompaniment with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight providing a Spitfire MK356 as a flypast.

During the parade, a trio of aircraft provided stunning backdrops – a Cosford-based Tornado GR1 and Tornado F3 were joined by a privately owned Hurricane R4118, which saw service in the Battle of Britain with 605 Squadron.

The several hundred people on parade from across the RAF Cosford station also delivered a loud three cheers for the Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla.