At the conclusion of Mr Fortune's speech, the whole Squadron rose in a spontaneous, heartfelt and lengthy standing ovation.

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The Squadron now forms part of No 4 Flying Training School, based at RAF Valley and flying the Hawk T Mk 1 trainer. It is charged with training all future RAF and Navy fast jet pilots, qualified flying instructors, and other pilots converting to the Hawk, including members of the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team.

While the weather on Anglesey can be variable to say the least, the operating area in Wales provides the pilots under training with a varied and demanding environment in which to learn their profession.

The Squadron's role of training new pilots is in marked contrast to its original role at its formation, which was to reinforce the RFC at Dunkirk, operating near Amiens, flying Sopwith Pups, Nieuport Scouts and Sopwith 1½ Strutters. It was during this period the Squadron gained its first battle honour, now emblazoned on the Squadron Standard: Western Front 1916-1918.

Another former Squadron member is Flight Lieutenant Henry Botterell who downed a German observation balloon over France in 1918. Henry, now aged 104 and living in Canada, is believed to be the oldest surviving World War One fighter pilot. Three Squadron members met Henry recently (as reported in a previous issue of RAF News) when they travelled to Canada to ask him to sign the original painting of the action which hangs in the Squadron Headquarters.

From the oldest fighter pilot on the Squadron to the youngest, the celebrations were also used to mark the graduation of the latest intake of trainee pilots. Under the command of Captain Claude Robert for the last five months, the trainees have learned to fly a demanding fast jet to a high standard.

Following the after-dinner speeches, the pilots graduating from No 60 Course were also 'role disposed' to their next assignment. One was posted to be a qualified flying instructor at the RAF's basic fast jet training unit flying the Tucano trainer and passing on what he has just learned to others. The rest were posted to the Tactical Weapons Unit, again flying the Hawk at Valley, to learn how to use the aircraft as a weapons system, before progressing to their front-line type.

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