Page 63 - The Cormorant 2018
P. 63

  and pride; there was no better way to commemorate the first 100 years than with two Gentlemen who encapsulate everything that is best about the Service.
The speeches were concluded with an address by the Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Lord ‘Jock’ Stirrup, who gave a reflection of his 50 years with the RAF and highlighted his pride and admiration for all those who have, and continue to serve. The
celebrations went on late into the night as Spitfire Ale and the commemorative RAF Chocolate display were consumed in relatively large quantities. The committee led by Wing Commander Sam Wiseman should be exceptionally proud of the superb event that they put on...there will only ever be one
RAF 100, and the team made the very best of it!
PAGE 61
    What RAF100 means to me Wing Commander Rich Luck
ON THE CENTENARY OF the RAF’s formation in 1918 I can look back on a challenging yet rewarding career within its ranks. As a flyer, I was able to combine my passion for flying and my enthusiasm for the art of air
warfare derived from a childhood besotted by the study of past RAF greats, both real and imaginary – step forward Biggles! – and a deep admiration
for my father’s and uncle’s Second World War service as, respectively,
a torpedo development engineer and bomber pilot. Inspired by this rich heritage and close familial association, I was fortunate to lead an active and exciting career as a Support Helicopter pilot, including the privilege of squadron command. I learned in this time that the original vision, courage, energy and tenacity that saw the emergence a century ago of air power and a new Service was not only alive and well, but thriving. As we rightly celebrate our Centenary, we can take great pride in the certainty that the Service will continue to develop and deliver on that early promise for many more decades – and centuries – to come. Per Ardua ad Astra!
     
























































































   61   62   63   64   65