RAF HALTON

Halton Apprentices’ Association Centenary Event

On Saturday 6 August, RAF Halton were proud to host the Halton Apprentices’ Association Centenary event. (The event was delayed due to COVID-19). The Royal Air Force Apprentice scheme began in 1920, having been devised by Chief of the Air Staff Hugh Trenchard and approved by Winston Churchill. Boys from the age of 15 took a series of highly competitive exams and tests, and the select few were invited to join the most exclusive boarding school of its time. RAF apprentices were an elite band who went on to hold some of the highest ranks in the Royal Air Force and made huge contributions to their country and the wider world.

With over 700 in attendance on Saturday, veterans and their guests were able to attend a service at The Church of St George before gathering at the Henderson Parade Square where they could visit the Trenchard Museum and enjoy being back among the buildings they knew so well.

Visitors, including VIPs Viscount Trenchard, Rob Butler MP and Air Marshal (Ret’d) Sir ‘Dusty’ Miller KBE were treated to a display by the world premier parachute team, the RAF Falcons, and also a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who swooped over the parade square in a Lancaster.

The most significant part of the day was the parade where entries lined up in order and marched once more around the parade square where the Station Commander took the salute accompanied by Viscount Trenchard who addressed the parade and expressed how proud his grandfather Lord Trenchard would have been. He said: “I am honoured to be your guest today. RAF Halton is the spiritual home of the Apprentices, and I am delighted my grandfather’s legacy is still so strong”. attend the HAA centenary event on Saturday. Meeting some of the former apprentices who began their Air Force careers at Halton was an absolute privilege. It was wonderful to see what a special place it holds in their hearts, even many decades later. Hearing tales of past exploits and witnessing such incredible camaraderie served as a timely reminder of the debt we owe our veterans.”

Rob Butler MP said: “I was delighted to attend the HAA centenary event on Saturday. Meeting some of the former apprentices who began their Air Force careers at Halton was an absolute privilege. It was wonderful to see what a special place it holds in their hearts, even many decades later. Hearing tales of past exploits and witnessing such incredible camaraderie served as a timely reminder of the debt we owe our veterans.”

Wing Commander (Ret’d) Denton-Powell, HAA Chairman said: “RAF Halton is more than the alma mater for thousands of exapprentices, it is where we formed lasting friendships, developed character and above all began careers that so often spread into fields wider than aeronautical engineering. This was never more apparent than in talking to the Reunion attendees, some who had made long journeys to attend.”

In the last 100 years, the apprenticeships on offer from the RAF have changed dramatically but the award-winning scheme still offers many opportunities and numerous roles. Discussing the changes, Sir Dusty Miller KBE said: “The only constant in life is change – but what remains unchanged is the high value characteristics and personal attributes of those that join the Royal Air Force, and I am very proud to be here today and to continue to support the next generation RAF”.

Station Commander, Group Captain Startup said: “How fantastic it is to have past generations of the Royal Air Force here today to recognise and celebrate both themselves and the next generation RAF. I am grateful to Viscount Trenchard, Rob Butler MP, Sir Dusty Millar KBE, the apprentices themselves and also to the RAF Falcons for their impressive parachute display and to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for wonderful Lancaster flypast. Per ardua ad astra.”