RAF HALTON

New Thank You Initiative from Station Commander

Station Commander, Group Captain Dan Startup, has introduced an informal ‘thank you’ and presentation of a Station coin to personnel who are singled out for praise by colleagues.

The first recipient of the Coin was Georgina Pretty who works in Halton House.

Group Captain Startup said: “Georgina is one of many unsung heroes across the RAF Halton family that I was happy to acknowledge today with the presentation of the RAF Halton Station Commander’s Coin. Georgina is known to many within the Officers’ Mess and wider community and I praise her for her long-standing support and loyalty.

“I will informally award deserving Halton personnel when the opportunities arise over the coming months alongside more formal honours and awards ceremonies. Please let me know of anyone who fits the bill.”

RAF Halton commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

RAF Halton’s Station Commander, Group Captain Dan Startup, led the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of Britain with a Sunset Ceremony at Halton House Officers’ Mess. The flypast was by a Spitfire from the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight.

Group Captain Startup said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to recognise, mourn and celebrate the Battle of Britain pilots and all those who supported those pilots. I am heartened that the admiration and inspiration of The Few lives on amongst all at RAF Halton and in the Royal Air Force.”

The Hunter Gate Guardian was lit up in red, white and blue in a salute to all who were involved in the battle.

Station Warrant Officer, Andrea Culley, said: “As the Station Warrant Officer it was important for me to ensure that RAF Halton was able to mark and commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

“This year the event had to be scaled back quite substantially to ensure that we were COVID-19 secure therefore a small contingent of Whole Force personnel were invited to Halton House Officers’ Mess to honour ‘The Few’ via a socially distanced Sunset Ceremony, which included a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire for the flypast. It is a privilege to have been a part of the organising team and occasion.”