The National event on this year's Armed Forces Day was held on the Hoe, in Plymouth. It was a blustery, but thankfully dry day for the many thousands who turned out to watch the flying displays and (far more importantly), the march past.
George Poad paraded the SWAB Standard among the 100 or so standards on parade.
Sidney Inch, Ken Jeavons, John Walton and Alan Weeks, marched in a great column of veterans. Although the Central Band of the RAF led our 1000 strong happy group, the band was so far ahead, we could not hear it and spent (it seemed) much of our time, changing step!!!
Anyway, after over 1 mile marching (?) through the streets of the city and being applauded all the way, we approached the saluting base on the Hoe overlooking the Sound where several war ships were at anchor. The salute was taken by HRH Prince Edward, who was accompanied by the Prime Minister, Lord Mayor, Lord Leiutenant and First Sea Lord.
We all gathered at the east end of the Hoe for a Drum Head Service, including a couple of hymns and a few casualties (not us). Then in true RAF Police tradition we returned to the Duke of Cornwall Hotel to pick up our cars and found the bar still open. Enough said!
John Walton
 
The folowing photos were taken by Clare during the National Event of the Armed Forces Day, this year in Plymouth.
 
1. Ken Jeavons, John Walton and Alan Weeks, on Hoe after event
 
2. Alan Weeks, John Walton and Sidney Inch on the march (Ken Jeavons in hiding)
 
3. John Walton, Alan Weeks and Sidney Inch with Citadel Arch behing (Ken Jeavons still in hiding)
 
4. George Poad with SWAB Standard (15JPG)
 
Two members of the Midland Branch attended the RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday 30th June. We were welcomed at 11am and were invited to see where the Lancaster Bomber was being restored. One can only wonder how in such a small area they managed to fly so far.The day ended with a fly past of a Dakota 3.
 
On Sunday the same 2 members attended a Celebration at Himley Park (Dudley ) where the Mayor presented the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal to serving soldiers from The Royal Mercian Lancastrian Yeomanry and the Veterans Badge to the older ex service personnel.The days events were completed with the Beating of the Retreat by the band of West Midlands Fire Service and the National Youth Marching Band.
John Brookes.