201 Association Drinks Reception
The 201 Squadron Association Reunion was held in Guernsey this year and the Lieutenant-Governor hosted a reception for them at Government House on the eve of Liberation Day.
201 Squadron 'Guernsey's Own' was also back in the Island for Liberation Day again this year and keen to strengthen their ties with the island.
The Association members reunion occurs every year and this year was held in Guernsey. His Excellency hosted a reception for the Association Committee and members and the current 201 squadron with recently appointed Wing Commander Rob McCartney MBE, alongside members of the Guernsey 201 Association, RAFA Guernsey and invited guests.
His Excellency was presented with a line drawing done by a former member of 201 squadron and framed by another. It showed 'A trio of No 201 Squadron Southampton Mk11 aircraft on a navigation exercise south-west of the Needles'.. It was presented by AVM Andrew Roberts CB CBE AFC (Former OC RAF Kinloss) and President of the Association. Seen below with Air Chief Marshall Mike Wigston.
The members were warmly welcomed with a toast to the long established association with Guernsey and a reminder that the current squadron will be exercising their 'Privilege of the Bailiwick'.
The squadron became affiliated with Guernsey in 1939 as part of a programme to link squadrons with different towns and cities around the UK to encourage support and recruitment for the RAF. The affiliation between Guernsey and 201 Squadron is thought to be the only one remaining from the programme.
The link means the squadron members wear a Guernsey flag on their flight suits and regularly attend events in the island, as well as supporting local charities and organisations.
In 1994 201 was granted the Privilege of the Bailiwick allowing them to parade "with Colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed through the street and highways of the island" Look our for further announcements for the privilege to be exercised in September 2024, 30 years after the privilege was granted.
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Government House