Select a region
The RAFs’ 201 Squadron, nicknamed Guernseys Own back in 1939, are visiting the island this week, and one of the ways they are marking the occasion is by firing today’s Noon-day gun.
The squadron was formed 110 years ago, in 1914, when it was originally named 1 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service.
In 1918 it underwent a rebrand to the 201 name, now forever linked with Guernsey.
201 Squadron has been tied to the island since 1939, as part of a programme which saw various Squadrons linked up with different towns and cities across the UK, to encourage support and recruitment for the RAF.
They were stood down operationally in 2010, then disbanded in 2011, before being reformed again in 2021.
The relationship is still a close one, with members visiting Guernsey for special occasions and vice versa.
Earlier this year, the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell visited the 201 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth for its most recent Change of Command ceremony. He has been among those meeting the Squadron this week too.
During their visit to the island, which includes today's Noon-day gun firing from Castle Cornet, they've also visited the Priaulx Library and the Allied Aircrew Memorial outside Guernsey Airport.
Tomorrow morning 'Guernsey’s Own' will march along the St Peter Port Seafront with 'colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed', as they exercise the ‘Privilege of Guernsey’, which was originally granted to the 201 Squadron thirty years ago.
The seafront parade is due to start at 10:00 tomorrow, Sunday 15 September.
Ceremony heralds the re-launch of 'Guernsey's Own' RAF Squadron
RAF aircraft named 'Guernsey's Reply'
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.