Laying Up Ceremony 03
Alas, it was time for the 208 Squadron Standard to be Laid Up. Escorted by Sergeant Loughran and Sergeant Witham, the Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Brown paraded the Standard for the very last time in a dignified slow march down the nave. On arrival in the Chancel, it was presented to the Officer Commanding No 208(Reserve) Squadron, Wing Commander Chris Kidd who, after a moment’s sombre reflection, presented it to the Chaplain. The Reverend Osborn recounted that:
‘It is an ancient and laudable custom to lay-
the consecrated emblems of man’s duty and service,
there to remain for all time as a reminder of duty well done
and of the strength that God supplies.’
Wing Commander Kidd replied:
‘Reverend Sir, I ask you receive this Standard
of No 208 Squadron
for safe lodging in the House of God
until such a time as it shall pass to dust
like those whose courage and devotion
are enshrined in its history.’
The Reverend Osborn received the Standard from Wing Commander Kidd and laid it upon the Altar, saying:
‘We receive this Standard into the safe keeping of God’s House,
here to hang for all time as a reminder to those who pass by
of man’s duty to God, to his Sovereign, and to this Country.’
