Double Standards
It was a case of double standards - in the best possible sense - when No.5 Squadron welcomed in a new Standard last month with a full parade, while at the same time providing an appropriate send-off for its retiring example.
CAF AVM Lintott salutes the parade from the dais as a P-3K Orion performs a flypast. AK-07-0543-04-tn.jpg.
The history of Squadron Standards dates back hundreds of years to when they were used as rallying points for warring armies, with these ‘moth eaten rags’ being held in the highest esteem and proudly protected by all those serving under them.
Modern times see these same feelings of pride and tradition holding strong, and in No.5 Squadron’s case this was shown by its (now retired) Standard being purchased through the fundraising efforts of the Squadron members themselves. Handmade from silk and gold thread, it was presented to the Squadron on 15 February 1978 by Sir Keith Holyoake. Over the succeeding 29 years it was proudly shown by the Squadron at every opportunity.
Ideally a new Standard is presented every 20 years, so it was more than time for the existing Standard to be laid up and replaced by a fresh example. To this end a (fully funded!) example was welcomed into the Squadron on 2 November at a parade involving over 200 personnel, flypasts and the attendance of the Chief of Air Force AVM Lintott.
The weeks leading up to the parade were typically full of preparations to ensure a seamless event. Practices involving most of the participants were held on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday preceding the main event on Friday. With threats of ‘the wet weather alternative is to get wet’ it was with relief that the day dawned reasonable clear, and by 1000hrs proceedings were well underway.
The retiring Standard was marched across the Parade Ground for the entire Squadron to see for the last time. The new Standard was in turn blessed by Principal RNZAF Chaplain WGCDR Ross Falconer and welcomed with a karanga before being flown from the carry for the first time.
As this was being conducted, the retiring Standard was discreetly ‘viewing’ the proceedings and, in fact, for this brief period before it was laid up, the Squadron held two examples – a double standard of sorts.
The retiring Standard is marched through the parade’s ranks. AK-07-0548-14-tn.jpg.
With the new Standard marched off, and the main Consecration Parade complete, the retiring Standard was surrounded by a guard of two flights, before being marched through the Base to be laid up at the chapel. Following a brief Showing of the Standard to those present for the final time, it was slow-marched into the chapel where CO No.5 Squadron WGCDR Cudby handed it to Principal Chaplain Falconer for safe keeping – thus ending 29 years of representing all that is No.5 Squadron.
A special mention must be made of W/O Naihi Norman, whose significant efforts brought the event together. For all involved the ceremony was something to be proud to have taken part in.