Squadron RAF Regiment The King’s Colour Squadron

This period has highlighted the dual-role nature of the King’s Colour Squadron, with a large exercise honing our low-level skills and drills, a range package to re-qualify in both rifle and pistol, and pre-deployment training all happening concurrently to the delivery of Op GOLDEN ORB and preparation for a plethora of other ceremonial activity. A busy, but rewarding time for the Squadron.

The King’s Colour Squadron had a change of command in March with Squadron Leader Brendan Dunne departing to MOD Main Building. We welcomed Squadron Leader Andrew Bull who joins us from Joint Force Headquarters.

Squadron Leader Bull’s first interaction with the Gunners was during Exercise EAGLE ASSAULT. The exercise was an opportunity for the Squadron to sharpen its core skills during a 2-week period. Staged in three phases, initially Gunners focussed on individual skills at the Section level before then moving into the Close Quarter Battle environment. This then culminated in patrol action at the Flight level through a multitude of scenarios designed to test the individual and command elements in both defence of Temporary Landing Zones and offensive action against enemy objectives. This was particularly useful for personnel who are soon to complete promotion courses and those who are shortly to commence pre-deployment training.

Gunners also conducted Live Fire Marksmanship Training on the new L85A3 rifle, an update from the previous version. The range package provided an opportunity to develop individual marksmanship skills and conduct the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test, in addition to supporting the first stage of pre-deployment training for our personnel due to support Operation SHADER over the coming months.

The Sqn’s commitment to Operation SHADER in Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) continued. As part of No. 2 C-UAS Wing, the Squadron’s latest tranche of personnel is preparing for their deployment. This is the firsttime personnel have used a new C-UAS kinetic defeat capability in theatre. Gunners have been learning how to use the new kit and have conducted a series of exercises to best prepare them in the Detection, Tracking, Identification and Defeat of enemy force drones.

On the square they conducted spring drills, a training package to ensure that all personnel are prepared for the upcoming season of Public Duties at the London Palaces. This was also an opportunity to prepare for the King’s Colour Consecration ceremony which took place on Thursday 27 April 2023. This unique parade was the first ever of its kind with representation from all three Services in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. The old Colours bearing the Cypher of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were marched off for the last time as the new Colours took position. In a short religious ceremony, the Colours were then touched by His Majesty The King as he raised them to the Ensigns. Colours were historically used as rallying points on the battlefield, helping troops locate each other and avoid becoming disorientated during the fog of war. Today, Colours are a formalised continuation of the ancient battlefield practice, being the ceremonial evidence of the spirit of a Service or Regiment.

The main focus for May was Op GOLDEN ORB, the Coronation of Their Majesties. The Squadron was fortunate enough to support both the marching contingent and the Tri-Service Guard of Honour, ensuring as many personnel as possible were involved in this historical event. The sense of pride and excitement to be a part of this was palpable both across RAF Northolt and RAF Halton. In a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the key highlights included the Guard of Honour, saluting Their Majesties on the forecourt, His Majesty The King waving from the balcony, and the Red Arrows flypast. For the marching contingent, being a part of the largest military procession in living memory, through the centre of London with bayonets fitted and standards flying, in front of tens of thousands of people, is a feeling they will never forget. Concurrent to all this activity, the Squadron was running a four-week training flight for the newly recruited Gunners to bring them up to the standards to be on the King’s Colour Squadron.

Looking ahead, the Squadron is preparing for its upcoming stint on Public Duties at the London Palaces, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London during June and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, conducting a 48-person drill show alongside many nations in a month-long event. This is the first time the Squadron has participated in the Tattoo in 5 years, and will be the largest continuity drill display in 6 years. We are also preparing to increase our support to Op SHADER, deploying more people in more places than ever before. An exciting time to be a member of the King’s Colour Squadron.