The Alpha and the Omega of 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron’s Standard
 
It was hoped to lay up the Squadron Standard during this year’s reunion but the repair work to St Michael’s Church at RAF Cranwell, its final resting place, had not been completed. Nonetheless, College  staff had kindly removed the Standard from its resting place in the Rotunda and brought it downstairs so we could inspect it at close quarters during our visit on the Saturday of May’s reunion.
 
As our Association members admired the precious but ageing Standard at the RAF College, there dawned the realisation that two of the people present neatly book-ended the period of its tenure with the Squadron. In the last newsletter the editor confessed to the honour of having received the Standard from Princess Marina during her visit to RAF Waddington on 15th June 1967.
 
Gp Capt ‘Monty’ Montgomery later let it be known that it was he who had the honour of commanding the Squadron’s disbandment parade back in 1982, presiding over the handover of the Squadron Standard at its conclusion. Monty recalled that during this momentous ceremony “there was not a dry eye in the house” and that his final command was, “Number 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron will turn to the right, march off and disband.” Even the hoariest Chief had a speck in his eye.