Silver sixpence for Cranwell graduates

Successful pilots and mission aircrew on 45 Squadron received their Wings at a ceremony at RAF on Wednesday, October 9.

In time-honoured traditions each set of Wings has first been flown on an operational sortie and each student was also presented with a silver sixpence – the latter is said to originate from the cost of being able to make a call at a telephone box in case of an unscheduled landing.

The Multi Engine Pilot Training graduates (above) and Mission Air Crew (below) were reviewed by Air Vice-Marshal Ian Townsend CBE, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group (front centre in both images).