RAF Honington's Exciting New Gate Guard!
- Andrew Tucker
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
By Wing Commander (Retired) Andy Tucker, a Civilian Instructor with 863 (Thurston) Squadron.
Invited and hosted by the Station Commander, on 1st July 2025 I had the honour of attending the blessing ceremony for RAF Honington’s new gate guard - Tornado GR4 ('twin stick') registration ZG752.
I was based at RAF Honington with No.13 Squadron from late 1989 to mid-1992 and flew with 13 Squadron in the 1991 First Gulf War (Operation GRANBY / DESERT STORM). Also, on checking my flying logbook, I flew the actual gate guard aircraft ZG752 in 1997 when I was based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.
The service was a special and very poignant occasion, and I was asked to close the ceremony by saying a few words and, with the Station Commander, unveil the memorial plaque.
ZG752 is special in so many ways including:
- A memorial to those Tornado aircrew who lost their lives both in training and on operations.
We Will Remember Them.
- A tribute to all who served at RAF Honington (all trades, all roles, all ranks, both military & civilian) and all playing their part in keeping the Tornado aircraft and crews flying on training & operational missions.
- A tribute to RAF Honington's fascinating and rich history covering nearly 90 years; the Station opened in 1937.
- Finally, a tribute to the aircraft itself which was the backbone of the RAF for 40 years (1979 to 2019), from nuclear deterrent Cold War days, through two Gulf Wars, conflicts in Bosnia & Kosovo, and much more!
863 (Thurston) Squadron Air Cadets will always notice ZG752 standing proud as the gate guard on each and every visit to RAF Honington.
Chocks Away!
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