ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE I 100 th ANNIVERSARY
The first RAuxAF Memorial at Alrewas
Air Force Volunteer Squadrons which became part of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1998 .
[ The Memorial was originally flanked by 2 flag-poles flying the ensigns of the Royal Air Force and of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force , but these were removed to comply with Arboretum regulations .]
On 25 th September 2004 , following a Service in the Arboretum Chapel , the Memorial was formally dedicated in the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester . Music was provided by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force , and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight provided a fly-past including a Lancaster , a Spitfire and a Hurricane , the latter both bearing Auxiliary Air Force Squadron identities .
As a result of the wear and tear from the weather that the Memorial was subject to , by 2011 the Memorial needed extensive refurbishment . A design incorporating polished granite slabs , similar to that of the Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial , was approved by the NMA ( as well as the re-design of the RAuxAF plot ).
The NMA approved plans to encase the existing structure in black polished slabs granite on which were engraved in gold lettering the same details as had been displayed on the former Memorial . It was also agreed that an outer ring of paving stones should be added on which 4 benches could be positioned and that the area within the ring should be made available for Memorial Stones remembering deceased personnel who had served in the Force . Funding for the project was provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund .
The refurbished Memorial was dedicated at a moving Service on 15 th May 2014 in the presence of the RAuxAF Foundation ’ s Patron , HRH The Duke of Gloucester . In attendance were serving and former members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force .
The dedication of Memorial Stones to two Auxiliaries who had been killed whilst on active service in Iraq and Afghanistan added further poignancy to the occasion .
Since that date , Remembrance and Memorial Stone Dedication Services have been held , usually annually , in the summer months and to date , nearly 100 stones have been laid .
Additionally , there is a Royal Auxiliary Air Force Roll of Honour located , maintained and available to view at the Royal Air Force Church at St Clement Danes in London . The Roll of Honour lists all RAuxAF who have died on duty . An online copy is also available via the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation ’ s Website .
The refurbished RAuxAF Memorial
RAuxAF Trophies
There are a number of RAuxAF force wide trophies which are awarded .
Robins Trophy - Awarded annually to the RAuxAF unit judged to have done most to improve the good name and efficiency of the RAuxAF during the year . Presented in 1982 by the then Inspector Gp Capt Robbie Robins AE . The Robins Air Efficiency Trophy
Inspector ’ s Cup - Awarded annually to the RAuxAF unit judged to have had a particularly notable achievement during the year . Presented in 1994 by then Inspector , Gp Capt Mike Tinley .
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Clyde PR Trophy - Awarded annually to the RAuxAF unit judged to have had the highest performance in Public Relations during the year . Presented in 1998 by the then OC 7644 Flt RAFVR , Wg Cdr Alex Dickson AE OBE , who later became HAC 7644 Sqn .
Kemp Dirk - Awarded annually to the RAuxAF unit which has achieved the best recruiting or retention results during the year . Presented in 2007 by the then Inspector , Gp Capt Bob Kemp CBE QVRM AE DL .
Inspectors ’ Shield - Awarded annually to a RAuxAF PTVR SNCO of any trade who has done the most to ensure the success of their unit during the year . Presented in 2015 by