News
HRH celebrates 50 years of the Army Air Corps
14th September 2007
The Prince of Wales helped the Army Air Corps (AAC) celebrate its Golden Jubilee today and spoke of the vital work it does as part of the British Army.
His Royal Highness, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the AAC and Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force, was guest of honour during the official 50th birthday event.
Servicemen, veterans and their families attended the event at Middle Wallop, Stockbridge in Hampshire.
Wearing Army service dress with his AAC beret and medals, The Prince said he was "very proud" to celebrate the golden jubilee and that the AAC "sits firmly at the heart of the British Army and is a vital component of almost every operation".
In a speech, His Royal Highness said: "It is important therefore that today we keep in mind those absent friends and colleagues who are currently serving with such distinction elsewhere."
During the celebrations, a rededication service was held at the AAC memorial wall - a black granite wall which has been built as a backdrop to the existing memorial.
The wall is inscribed with a pictorial history of the AAC's fallen soldiers since the unit was founded in 1957.
The Prince said the memorial was a "fitting symbol of the sacrifices that have been made in the name of aviation over the years" and spoke of bridging the past and the future of the AAC.
In July, The Prince presented campaign medals to members of 9 Regiment who had returned from Afghanistan. Click here to read the story.
"It gave me the greatest pride to witness their enthusiasm and sense of duty, despite the difficult and challenging conditions in which they had been operating," said The Prince.
"Theirs was not a unique response of course. I am constantly amazed at how resilient and good humoured the British serviceman and servicewoman can be in the face of the most appalling operational circumstances that would defeat most people."
His Royal Highness attended a reception in the Sergeants Mess where he met a number of veterans.
In addition to unveiling a plaque, The Prince unveiled a portrait of himself by the artist Neale Worley. The portrait had been commissioned by officers to mark the Golden Jubilee.
A stunning fly-past of fixed wing and helicopters highlighted the aircraft that make up the regiment's history, including Spitfires and Lancaster bombers and a display by the Red Arrows.
The Prince also inspected a parade of the newly emblazoned AAC guidon, which is a heraldic banner carried by cavalry regiments.
The Queen granted the Army Air Corps the privilege of a guidon. Until around 150 years ago the guidon was taken into battle as a symbol and rallying point for troops.
Colonel David Turner, Chief of Staff at the Directorate of Army Aviation, said: "We are incredibly pleased to gather our forbearers from the Second World War. We have taken a lot from them. Their founding ethos, their pride, their battle honours."
He said the AAC has increased in size and capability over the years moving from light fixed wing aircraft directing gunfire to the Apache helicopters protecting soldiers fighting terrorists in Afghanistan.
Col Turner added: "Wherever the Army is the AAC is there in some form."
Click here to read The Prince's speech.
Click here to find out more about The Prince's regiments.
Click here to find out more about The Prince's relationship with the Armed Services.