Colourful display

By Squadron Leader Lenn Bayliss

No. 23 Squadron Chaplain Bob Heathwood blesses the colours, held by FLTLT Jason Mulcahy.

Photo by LAC David Gibbs

* No. 23 Squadron’s Standard was rededicated at a parade to recognise the colour’s move from the RAAF Base Amberley Officers’ Mess to the squadron.

ANOTHER milestone in the rich history of No. 23 Squadron was celebrated early last month – the parading, rededication and relocation of its Standard.

The Squadron paraded its Standard, also known as its Colour, before special guests including Governor of Queensland and the Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore, Quentin Bryce, the Director General of Reserves (Air Force), Air Commodore Peter McDermott, who represented the Chief of Air Force, and Sir Conrad Swan.

During the parade, the Governor presented the Commanding Officer of No. 23 Squadron, Squadron Leader Brady Cummins, with a plaque commemorating the service of Military Working Dog “Ruger”. Ruger served with No. 23 Squadron from July 22, 1995, until he passed away on April 18 this year.

The Colour was formally rededicated by No. 23 Squadron Chaplain Squadron Leader Bob Heathwood.

Squadron Leader Cummins said the relocation of the Colours from the RAAF Base Amberley Officers’ Mess to the squadron “means that Squadron members could see the Colour day-to-day and be reminded of those who have passed from this land in fighting to preserve the freedoms and heritage we enjoy today”.

He said he was particularly proud to be CO of the squadron for such a significant event in its history.
“It was a great turnout of 190 members under trying weather conditions.

“The standard of drill was exceptional given the limited practice we had and the high temperatures we experienced.”

The parade was supported by the Air Cadet Band from No. 2 Wing AAFC.

An all ranks Dining In was held at the Officers’ Mess Amberley that evening, to further commemorate the event.

The first RAAF Squadron Standards were awarded in 1957 to Nos. 1, 3 and 77 Squadrons. No. 23 Squadron was awarded its Standard in 1971, making it ninth in precedence.

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