On 31 January 2025, 32 members of the A Flight 63 Squadron King’s Colour Squadron will be taking part in a loaded march to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the formation of the RAF Regiment in 1942, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.
The event has been put together in celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the formation of the RAF Regiment on 1 Feb 1942. The team, based at RAF Northolt in London, will take on the loaded march or ‘tab’ as it’s more commonly known, marching 19.42 miles at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
The squadron, aged 18 to 35, will be carrying a Bergen (backpack) weighing 35lb and their individual rifle weighing 5KG. The aim is to successfully finish the event within four and a half hours with an aim to raise £1942 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Sergeant Lee Broster, 35, said:
“The RAF Regiment as a whole and 63 Squadron King’s Colour Squadron (KCS) have always worked closely with the RAF Benevolent Fund. The personnel on KCS are always keen to support the great work the Fund does to support serving and ex-serving members and their families.
“My family were supported by the Fund when by older Brother, Shaun, sadly passed away in 2006 whilst serving in the RAF Regiment.”
Lee continued:
“Lance Corporal Jared Coombs was keen to organise an event in support of Fund. After brainstorming a few ideas, he suggested this 19.42-mile tab. The combination of a physical endurance event, the fact it was in celebration of the RAF Regiment’s anniversary and in aid of the Fund, all ticked the boxes for an event I’d want to take part in.
“I’m a strong believer in “esprit de corps” and core pride. The chance to complete this event, working alongside and putting the hard graft in with my men will be the most rewarding part of the event. That, combined with some light refreshments on completion!
“Having seen firsthand the great work the RAF Benevolent Fund has done for family and friends throughout my career, I’m looking forward to taking part in an event which could help make a difference to those who need support.”
You can donate to the team’s fundraiser on JustGiving.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.
