“We leave truly inspired by the islanders”

The squadron is the only group to have ever received this honour, akin to the “Freedom of the City”, which was granted to it in 1994 because of its long-standing ties to the island.

In total, a group of 60 people visited the island, including 12 volunteers from the RAF Lossiemouth Pipes and Drums Band, who had sung with the squadron throughout the weekend’s events.

It is the first time since the privilege was bestowed 30 years ago that the entire squadron has visited the island and Wing Commander Rob McCartney said the parade was the highlight of his stay.

“That was the real purpose of our visit,” he said.

“To exercise this privilege and parade through the streets of Guernsey, swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating and standards flying. We hope we have given the people of Guernsey something to rejoice over.”

The parade was inspected by the Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, and the Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, before attending the annual Battle of Britain service at the town church and the Wing Commander wished to thank them, and the whole island, for their warm welcome.

“The whole island has been very welcoming and very friendly,” he said.

“We are honoured by this affiliation and we are honoured by the way the people of Guernsey have treated us.”

During the four-day trip, the squadron also took part in the firing of the midday gun at Castle Cornet, visited the Priaulx Library and took part in a commemoration ceremony at the Allied Aircrew Memorial at Guernsey Airport on Saturday.

Wing Commander McCartney has spent the last 22 years operating some of the most advanced weaponry the British Isles have to offer, but admitted this was the first time he had fired a cannon.

“It was definitely stronger than I expected,” he said.

“They told me in the briefing that half the military makes a mistake the first time they shoot, which is surprising, so I was happy when it worked.”

There has been a special connection between the island and the squadron since 1918, and members wear a Guernsey flag on their uniforms.

After being disbanded in 2011, the squadron was reformed in 2021.

It is now based at RAF Lossiemouth in north-east Scotland, where it operates the P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

Wing Commander McCartney said the trip had once again strengthened that relationship.

“We’re all Guernsey fanatics now,” he said.

“We all really love this place. The connection we have with Guernsey is unique.

“No one else in the Royal Air Force has any affiliation with any other part of the British Isles. We love coming here.

“Everyone is so friendly and generous.

“We leave truly inspired by the islanders.”

Parts of the regiment will return in May for Liberation Day and in September for the Battle of Britain parade, but not in such numbers as on this visit, and Wing Commander McCartney said they would be happy to come for other reasons.

“I would love to see someone from Guernsey back in the squadron,” he said.

“It would help to consolidate the affiliation, but I know that in the past members of the squadron have married someone they met on visits, and coming for a big wedding in Guernsey would also be a good thing.”