RAF 201 Squadron to honour affiliation in visit

In 2021 the squadron's sixth P-8A Poseidon was named Guernsey's Reply to mark the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s 76th Liberation Day

A Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron will visit the Guernsey this week to mark the 30th anniversary of a unique affiliation.

RAF 201 Squadron was given the Privilege of Guernsey in 1994 to mark its 80th anniversary, having been known as Guernsey's Own since 1939.

The squadron will take part in engagements from Thursday to Monday, including the firing of the noon-day gun at Castle Cornet on Saturday, a visit to the Priaulx Library and the Allied Aircrew Memorial.

The highlight of the visit will be a Battle of Britain parade on the St Peter Port seafront on Sunday morning, an exercise the privilege entitles.

RAF 201 Squadron's affiliation with the Bailiwick of Guernsey was announced in May 1939

The affiliation between the squadron and Guernsey was made under the Municipal Liaison Scheme, announced on 5 May 1939 by the Air Minister Sir Kingsley Wood when he opened Guernsey Airport.

Wing Cdr Rob McCartney, officer commanding 201 Squadron, said the visit was a "once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Royal Air Force to re-affirm this affiliation".

He said: "Guernsey has played a fundamental part in our post-war [World War Two] identity, and I look forward to leading the annual Battle of Britain parade with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed, as we did 30 years ago.

"There are few things better than marching behind a pipe band full of swagger, and all of us from RAF Lossiemouth look forward to putting on a show for the islanders who have supported us so loyally over the years."

RAF 201 Squadron is the only entity to have been given the Privilege of Guernsey.

The privilege entitles it to march along the St Peter Port seafront with "colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed".

It was granted by the States of Deliberation in 1994 to mark the 80th anniversary of the squadron and is similar to the granting of the Freedom of the City elsewhere.

On Sunday morning, the squadron and others on parade will be inspected by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and the Bailiff before proceeding to the Town Church for the annual Battle of Britain Service.

Lieutenant Governor Lt Gen Richard Cripwell said: "I am delighted that we are able to welcome 201 Squadron back to Guernsey as they exercise the Privilege of Guernsey for the second time."