207 SQUADRON ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORY

THE LAYING UP OF THE STANDARD OF
No.207 (RESERVE) SQUADRON ROYAL AIR FORCE
Lincoln Cathedral, 3rd October 2013


LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Holy Communion
with the Laying-Up of the Standard of
207 Reserve Squadron

Thursday, 3rd October, 2013
10.30 am
St Hugh's Choir

Preparing the Standard: SWO Dawson
Preparing the Standard: our old friend Flt Lt Pete Surtees

Ready - the Bomber Command Ledger Stone is set in the floor outside the RAF Chapel in the North Transept (back right), in which are many Squadron Standards including 617 Squadron
Another view of the Standard Party.
All images unless specified are courtesy of the
Photographic Section, RAF Linton-on-Ouse,
via Gary Wart


Royal Air Force Bomber Command 1939-45 Ledger Stone (Haslam)

Dedication of this Ledger Stone

The Laying-Up of the Standard


many from 1FTS, including the former Station Commander of RAF Linton on Ouse, Air Cdre Terry Jones
and the present Station Commander Grp Capt Cooper


including the Armstrongs (Gordon Spence behind Ruth), Dick Haven. Pam Gurnell, the Harveys


including John Mitchell, Roy Hill, Mike Butler: behind Roy, Rev Brian & Janet Keyworth (Haslam)


taken at the end of the service - including the Millwards and Peter Wingate (Haslam)


including 207R's last CO, Andy Scott, the Laings, John Scullard and the Mawbys (Haslam)

The Standard will be marched up the Nave and into St Hugh's Choir while the Band of RAF Cranwell plays RAF March Past.

When it arrives at the sanctuary rail the Precentor says

It is an ancient and laudable custom to lay up in the House of God the consecrated emblems of man's duty and service, there to remain for all time as a reminder of duty well done and of the strength that God supplies.

 

Squadron-Leader Scott takes the Standard, turns to face the altar, and says

Reverend Sir, I ask you to receive the Queen's Standard for Number 207 Reserve Squadron for safe lodging in the House of God until such a time as it shall pass to dust like those whose courage and devotion are enshrined in its history.
The Precentor [Rev Canon Gavin Kirk] replies

We receive this Standard into the safe keeping of God's House, here to hang for all time as a reminder to those who pass by of man's duty to God, to his Sovereign and to his country.
He escorts the Standard to the High Altar, where it is laid for the duration of the Service. The Standard Bearer and Party return to their seats and the Precentor says

Almighty and everlasting God, giver of all strength and grace, and Captain of our salvation, we offer in this thy House the symbol of man's faithfulness. May thy blessing rest on those who have borne it unsullied through the years, and may it ever remain a sign of that unity which springs from the acceptance of'thy grace, who are with the Son and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

All Amen.

All sing the National Anthem

God save our gracious Queen,
long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us,
God save the Queen!

Anonymous
Music: National Anthem


The Standard Party's task is done


Editor: And so another chapter in the life of No.207 Squadron Royal Air Force closes, with the memories of all that has gone before recalled.

Unlikely as it may seem, who can say how long is the book?

The Office of Holy Communion follows, led by Padre Stewart Shaw. The Collect and readings are those set for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity in the small, black Books of Common Prayer.

All those who usually receive Holy Communion in their own church are welcome to do so today in the Cathedral.

At the end of the service, all stand to sing the following, during which the clergy leave St Hugh's Choir.

He who would valiant be
'gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy
follow the Master.
There's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.

Who so beset him round
with dismal stories,
do but themselves confound -
his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might,
though he with giants fight:
he will make good his right
to be a pilgrim.

Since, Lord, thou dost defend
us with thy Spirit,
we know we at the end
shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
I'll fear not what men say,
I'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim.

J Bunyan (1628-1688) & P Dearmer (1867-1936)
Music: Monks Gate


L-R: Pete Surtees - John Scullard - Dick Haven (who was Standard Bearer for
the 1956 Presentation of the original Standard) - Mike Butler


Above: RAF Leeming's Padre Sqn Ldr Stewart Shaw with Pete Surtees

Right: Familiarisation with the RAF Chapel in the North Transept of the Cathedral, where the 207(R) Sqn Standard is to be housed after the ceremony


The Harveys and the Mudges (Haslam)

After the service, members of the congregation are invited to refreshments hosted by 207 Squadron Association in the Lincoln Cathedral Centre, opposite the south-west turret of the Cathedral.


Roy Hill - John Mitchell - Gordon Spence (Langar Airfield Memorial)


Terry Jones - Mike Butler


Desmond Harvey - 2


Peter Wingate - John Laing - Walter Adams, guest of Peter Wingate


Lincoln Cathedral (Haslam)

page created 3 Jan 14: updated 10 Jan 14 - if you can add to or improve this page please contact the editor