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From a 100th birthday to new graduates - RAF Honington have a lot to celebrate this week




Whilst 40 new graduates begin their careers in the RAF, one of the squadrons original members reflects on his time serving his country whilst celebrating his upcoming 100th birthday.

Jon Mace, Salford, visited RAF Honington, in Suffolk, where he celebrated his birthday with Mr Griffin, corps warrant officer, alongside station executives and friends and families of the latest graduates of the Trainee Gunner Course 6-20.

Despite not turning 100 until August 27, it was poignant celebrating Mr Mace's birthday on Thursday as it coincided with 40 trainee gunners graduating to become the latest members of the RAF Regiment.

Jon Mace celebrates his 100th birthday at RAF Honington.
Jon Mace celebrates his 100th birthday at RAF Honington.

In 1941 Mr Mace was called up as a Leading Aircraftman, joining the RAF Regiment when they formed in 1942.

He became part of the 2800 Squadron spending time deployed in the Romney Marshes, helping to defend London from V-1 flying bombs and was later deployed across Europe until the war came to an end.

Mr Mace joined members of his family at the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre where he was able to step back in time, looking at a variety of displays including a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun of the type that he would have used in 1942.

Mr Mace said: "The graduates looked very smart today, except for their rifle's. It’s not as smart as when we had the Lee Enfield rifle!"

The latest graduates marched on parade in front of family and friends accompanied by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Following the parade, graduates were able to meet with representatives from their new squadrons and find out more about the job that lies ahead.

They are trained to such a level that they can immediately commence mission-specific training for contingency operations.

They are taught basic combat tactics in the air and on the ground, the fundamentals of air force protection and advanced field craft skills.

This training is both mentally and physically demanding and therefore graduating installs a sense of pride in the squadron members.

Captain Peterson said: “To those graduating today, you have chosen to become a member of the RAF and have therefore elected to serve this country.

"I urge you to seize the vast array of opportunities this unique career will offer you and wish you the best of luck.

"In this endeavour, I think Emerson said it best ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’."

Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk