Remarks by His Majesty The King at the 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron Stand Up Parade at RAF Lossiemouth

It gives me the greatest possible pleasure to be here with you all today to mark the standing up of 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron, and to present you with your new Standard. I am especially pleased to be doing so here at R.A.F. Lossiemouth, the beating heart of the United Kingdom’s long range maritime patrol aircraft capability, and an air station at the end of whose runway my old school, Gordonstoun, is situated! In the 1960s, it was the Royal Navy’s Buccaneer aircraft that took off and landed over us and, as part of the Cadet Corps, we regularly used to train or be trained by personnel on the station.

Your Squadron’s history is one of distinction, of which you should be rightly proud. From formation in 1916 during the First World War, through many theatres of operation in the Second World War, and subsequent evolution into the training squadron you are today, you and your forbears have embodied the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. Your Torpedo Bombing pedigree was forged with the wood and dope biplane Vickers Vilderbeest and Bristol Beaufort here, over Home waters. And with just a week until V.J. Day, it is a fitting moment to recall that your aviators flew throughout the Burma Campaign in their Blenheim Bombers and Republic Thunderbolts. The Squadron Standard, which we honour today and was last presented to you by my Father, is a symbol of your illustrious heritage and a testament to the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served under its banner.

Today, we also recognize the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today. Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this Squadron’s success is built. It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. On behalf of the Nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide. 

Looking to the future, the Squadron stands at the forefront of training excellence, preparing aircrew for the Poseidon and Wedgetail platforms – capabilities that are critical to the defence of our Nation and our allies. The Squadron’s work not only ensures the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force, but also strengthens our bonds with our N.A.T.O. partners whom you train, including Canada and Norway. By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and cooperation across the globe.

As we stand here today, I am filled with confidence in the future of 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron. Your dedication, skill and professionalism are an immense credit to the Royal Air Force and to the United Kingdom. You carry forward a proud legacy, and I have no doubt that you will continue to uphold the highest standards in the years to come.