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RAF Ensign raised at County Hall

Published: 04/07/2018

Flintshire County Council was delighted to welcome Air Commodore Adrian Williams to an RAF100 Ceremony at County Hall recently and marked the occasion by raising the Royal Air Force Ensign at County Hall. Councillors, Air Training Cadets and representatives of local businesses Airbus and ENI as well as veterans enjoyed a presentation on the history of the RAF in Wales by the Air Commodore. RAF100 is a national campaign to mark 100 years since the formation of the world’s first – and most famous – Air Force. Reflecting on its proud record of serving the nation, the RAF is this year commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before; thanking its service men and women for their dedication and inspiring the next generation so that together, we can continue to help shape our world for the next 100 years and beyond. The Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Paul Cunningham, said: “It’s a privilege and honour to be part of this historic occasion and I welcome Air Commodore Adrian Williams, the highest ranking RAF officer in Wales, here today. Flintshire has a strong connection with the RAF going back many years, including RAF Sealand and the many Flintshire residents who have served or are serving in the RAF. Many of us have been touched by the RAF in some way, so it’s important to remember those who lost their lives and also to look to the future. So, on behalf of the residents of Flintshire and Flintshire County Council, I would like to thank you, Air Commodore, for the RAF’s 100 years of service and I wish you success for many years to come.” Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andy Dunbobbin, read the poem “No Spotlight over Coastal” during the ceremony, while the Air Commodore said: “Our centenary is a good opportunity to reflect on the history of the RAF in Wales. We have strong connections between the RAF and Wales over the full 100 years. We have three themes – commemorate, celebrate and inspire. We are the oldest air force in the world and we commemorate 100 years of excellence, loyalty, courage and professionalism, with one million people serving in the RAF during World War 2 alone, showing many selfless and incredible acts of bravery. “We also celebrate the achievement of people currently serving in the RAF of today, with our servicemen and women serving in many locations across the world, including Romania, Estonia and the Middle East. “And we want to inspire the next generation through an initiative supported by the UK and Welsh Governments to get more young people studying and taking up careers in the science and technology sector. Using the RAF Centenary, and our day to day involvement in science and technology, we want to reach two million young people aged 9-15 across the UK to help promote the value of studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in school. If we can do this, it would be a great legacy from the RAF Centenary. “We are hosting many events between April and October and the RAF was present in force at the UK Armed Forces Day in Llandudno on 30 June.” After moving out to the front of County Hall, Air Commodore Williams continued: “Thank you for hosting us today. It’s a privilege to be able to once more raise the RAF Ensign in Flintshire, in this special year of the RAF’s centenary.” The Reverend David Yeo Poulton blessed the flag before it was raised by Flying Officer Jonathan Davies, supported by Flying Officer Martyn Davies. For more information on events throughout the UK, visit https://www.raf.mod.uk/raf100/.