EXTRACT
FROM THE "RHODESIAN HERALD 28 NOVEMBER 1972"
Message
from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall A.O.G. Wilson, to mark the
25th Birthday of the Rhodesian Air Force.
The
Cavalcade of events that has led to the Rhodesian Air Force celebrating
its 25th anniversary is a tale of notable achievement by any
standard. That the Force remains posed as a potent and viable
shield against overt aggression, despite the vicissitudes of recent
years, is evidence enough of the calibre and efficiency of the men in
all branches of this dedicated fighting service.
Serving
members can, therefore, with justifiable pride bask in the aura of
accomplishment that today’s event signifies but, in doing so,
minds must surely retrace the track of progress to those whose
foresight, energy and perseverance paved the way. We are all
aware of the priceless contribution made by the recognized father
founder of the Regular Rhodesian Air Force, the late Ted Jacklin, whose
perspicacity and enthusiasm generated a spirit, which pervades the
Force to this very day.
However, we must with
humility and respect salute also those earlier stalwarts who,
recognizing the need conceived and launched the pre-war Territorial Air
Unit which was the forerunner of our present air arm; nor should we
overlook those thousands of young Rhodesians who, responding to the
call to arms in the 1939-45 war years, established for posterity a
fighting reputation and quality equal to the best and convincingly
demonstrated to our Government and people the over-riding requirement
of air power as a “key to survival”.
These
young airmen and air-minded officials of the past set the course for
our Air Force and gave it that hallmark by which standards have since
been maintained. Thus, those who serve today pay tribute to
all those airmen down the years whose endeavours and sacrifices are
rewarded by the regard in which the Force in universally held.
A
new generation of young officers and men is fast emerging to carry on
the splendid tradition of Rhodesian airmen, and I can assure my fellow
countrymen that the fibre and proficiency of the men who fly,
administer and maintain our operational squadrons is of a very high
order and a credit to the nation. Moreover, our Air Force
will continue to fulfil its role with quiet efficiency and is ready and
able to do its duty – come what may.
Tony Cowell - Sam Samson - Frank
Robinson on parade
Upper photo: Mike Mulligan accepts the Air
Force colours from Clifford Dupont
