Squadron takes Standard to Italy

The presentation underlines the close relationship between the two units

A group from XXIV Squadron based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire has travelled to Livorno in Italy for a ceremony to lay-up the retired Standard.

The presentation of the Standard to the 187th Folgore Regiment honours the close bond between the two units.

It began on 9 November 1971 when a Hercules crewed by XXIV Squadron with 46 Italian paratroopers crashed killing everyone on board.

The squadron's new Standard was presented to it on 8 May 2008.

The aircraft was number four in a formation of eight Hercules that was planning to drop paratroopers onto the island of Sardinia as part of a British and Italian combined exercise.

But shortly after departure from Pisa it flew into the sea.

Presentation ceremony

The cause of the accident was never conclusively determined.

Squadron Leader Edmondson, XXIV Squadron Executive Officer, said: "The squadron Standard represents the faith and trust our sovereign has in our squadron.

"In turn the laying-up of our retired Standard in the chapel of the 187th Folgore Regiment demonstrates the close relationship and trust that exists between our two units and our two countries.

"It is a fitting acknowledgment of the sincere and moving recognition that the Regiment has shown to the members of the XXIV Squadron crew who perished that day."

The RAF believes this is the first time a Standard has been laid-up outside the Commonwealth and the first time the service has been held in a Roman Catholic church.

The squadron's new Standard was presented by HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony held at RAF Lyneham on 9 May 2008.