On Friday the 18th of July 2008, The Earl of Wessex, Commodore in Chief of the RFA, presented The Queen’s Colour to The Royal Fleet Auxiliary onboard RFA Largs Bay while alongside in Portsmouth.
“I have been pleased to approve the use of Colours by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary which are presented for the first time in your 103-year history.
The RFA service may not be well-known to the wider public, yet you have made a very great contribution to the nation since your formation in 1905. Many of your number have given their lives working alongside the Royal Navy and our other Armed Forces and it is entirely fitting that this consecration and presentation should be held here in Portsmouth, the traditional home of the Royal Navy. We have cause to think of those who cannot be present on this occasion, not least those serving on board almost two-thirds of the flotilla which is deployed abroad and actively engaged on operations or exercises.
There can be no better symbol of your many achievements and proud history than these Colours: as well as giving focus to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s identity, loyalty and pride, they also manifest the deep respect in which you and your vital work are held by the nation.” Elizabeth R
Sequence of Events at the Queen’s Colour presentation.
Platoons Fall-in.
Parade Reported.
Bugle ‘Alert’ sounded.
Arrival of Admiral Sir Jock and Lady Slater.
Bugle ‘Carry-On’ sounded.
Royal Marine Band Troops.
Parade Steady awaiting His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex.
Bugle ‘Alert’ sounded.
Arrival of His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex.
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex on the Dais (Six bars of the National Anthem, Uniformed Officers Salute from first note until completion of the last bar).
Bugle ‘Carry-On’ sounded.
Parade Reported to His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex by Parade Commander.
Inspection and Review
Drum Party form Drum Pile
March-in The Queen’s Colour
Consecration of the Colour
Presentation of the Colour
Drum Party Recover Drum Pile
National Anthem
Colour Party Parade the Colour past Divisions
Address by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex
Reply by Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Three Cheers.
Aerial Role Demonstration (by Royal Navy Lynx)
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex departs the reviewing area.
March-Off the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Queen’s Colour.
VIP’s depart reviewing area.
Parade Dismiss.
Buffet Lunch for guests.
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex - Walkabout to meet guests.
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex departs.
Video of Queen’s Colour presentation
This site does not represent the views or opinions of the Commodore RFA or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, unless otherwise stated.
