RAF Prepare For Queens Diamond Jubilee Parade
500 Royal Air Force personnel from RAF Stations throughout the UK have gathered at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire to rehearse their marching routines ahead of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Parade in Windsor on Saturday 19th May.

Drill instructor Sergeant Jono Atherton, charged with putting the troops through their paces ahead of the big day said: “Bringing together staff from across the RAF it is our task to turn them into a smartly turned out team, ready to join their sister Services on parade. We are striving for excellence, arm swings and steps all together.”
Her Majesty’s 60 year reign is an historic milestone and it is a long established tradition for the Armed Forces to pay tribute to the Monarch during a Jubilee year. RAF personnel rehearsing drill today will form part of a tri-service Parade and Muster in Windsor before Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh. The parade route will go through the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, down through the town of Windsor along Castle Hill, Thames Street and Datchet Road and into Home Park (Private) via Town Gate.

RAF Personnel taking part in Queen's Diamond Jubilee events are representing their colleagues across the World including those currently serving in Afghanistan.
Last year pilot Flight Lieutenant Andy Armstrong flew the E-3D Sentry on Operations over Libya. "We provided command and control airborne service to coalition fast jets and humanitarian flights, passing information and assisting in targeting enemy forces."
Looking forward to the big day on Saturday Andy added; “I'm very proud and pleased to be there on the day, I'll be a bit nervous because there will be a lot of eyes on us; I've got my wife and parents coming to watch.”
New to the RAF, Aircraftman Stefan Connor starts training as an aerospace systems operator at RAF Boulmer next week straight after the parade on Saturday. “I feel really privileged to be able to take part, it's a once in a life time opportunity. I am particularly excited about being in front of the Queen and am looking forward to the "eyes right" as I march past.
Editor: Rebecca Jepps
Photographs: Sgt Ian lang
RAF Diamond Jubilee Parade Rehearseal at RAF Halton.
AC's Brody Jewison (left) and James Hollis Prepare thier uniform.
Aircraftsman Stefan Connor.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2012



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The boys, though very emotional and still in shock: “thanked him for risking his own life to save theirs”.
