C.I. Announcer:



Cue: LS crowd seated under Austn. flag on pole



Cue: MS crowd watching. (follows longer shot ditto)



Cue: Cu plane insignia. (follows LS Lineup of Sabre jets.)




Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Three Royal AUSTRALIAN Air Force Squadrons have just become the first in the history of the service to receive special standards awarded by the Queen. The main ceremony, for Number Three and Number Seventy-seven squadrons, took place yesterday at WILLIAMTOWN Air Base near NEWCASTLE.

Air Force officials and guests looked on, as the Principal Chaplains of both Squadrons were escorted to the standards. Such standards may be awarded only to squadrons with twenty-five years' service, and an outstanding operational record. Preceeding the two Air Force padres, was the Parade Commander, Group Captain COOPER. In a service of consecration, the assembly prayed that the standards might never be unfurled save in the cause of justice, righteousness, and truth.

After the dedication of the colours, the standards were handed over to the selected bearer from each Squadron, to be carried proudly as a symbol of loyalty. The emblems are jealously guarded at all times, and raised only on ceremonial occasions. Centuries ago, battle colours were protected by sword and spear -- crude counterparts of today's deadly weapon.

A similar presentation was made yesterday, to the R-double-A-F's number One bomber Squadron at TENGAH, in SINGAPORE.