Kent Wing Air Cadets provide a Royal Guard of Honour at Capel le Ferne

Cadets from 99 (Folkestone) and 354 (Dover) Squadrons provided the Guard of honour for the opening of the new “Wing” at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne. […]

Cadets from 99 (Folkestone) and 354 (Dover) Squadrons provided the Guard of honour for the opening of the new “Wing” at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne.

The opening was performed in front of invited guests and VIP’s – including CAS, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford – by Her Majesty the Queen, who was accompanied by HRH Prince Philip.
After a tour of the interactive educational facilities, meeting some of the “Few” and other invited guests, Her Majesty formally declared the ‘Wing’ open by unveiling a plaque.
Despite some atrocious Capel weather, the cadets provided the formal backdrop for this unique event during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and were commended for their tenacity.
The Guard Commander Flt Lt Nigel Taylor who is a Kent Wing Staff Officer said, “For most, this was a once in a lifetime event and, in spite of the extremely poor weather and the cancellation of the fly past, the opportunity to play a central part and at such close quarters to Her Majesty and Prince Phillip is one that all those involved will remember.”
Sqn Ldr Mike Cremin, the Kent Wing Project Officer for Capel added, a huge amount of preparatory work was carried out for this event under the most stringent security restrictions and, once again, despite the atrocious weather the cadets on duty exemplified the very best the ACO has to offer
under the worst possible condiditons.

Corporal Oliver Kent from 99 (Folkestone) Squadron commented “An excellent day with the Queen and guests of honour. It’s good to be an Air Cadet!”Photos are courtesy of Barry Duffield and Sqn Ldr Cremin.