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Is there an official toast to the RAF?

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Witty_Banter

Flight Sergeant
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It's been a while since my last post, as I've just had the pleasure of relocation. Now that I'm settled and have managed to claw some free time to myself, I have a question for the wisened elders of the forum -

Is there an official toast to the RAF, for use in tri-service functions? A few of us will be attending one such dinner very shortly, and have been given the task of toasting the RAF. Unfortunately, none of the attendees have ever heard of an official RAF toast (most of us aren't in the mess). Anyone got any suggestions? (please don't try and deviate us down a crooked path, I'm going to have to check the answers before I pass them on!

Cheers in advance all!
 
Yeah I tried Google and found the Padre's pieces, but these are more sermons than 'toasts'. We're off with a bunch of high rankers from across the unit, who'll each be toasting their various bits and bobs, and one of us has been asked to toast the RAF. To be honest all I can find is one which is simply 'The Royal Air Force' or 'Her Majesty's Royal Air Force'. I was wondering if any of you Mess-attending types were aware of an official one - or is it just something that you guys and gals make up as you go along?!?
 
An old and informal one I've heard a few times is 'Bigger women, longer runways!'.
 
Vim_Fuego said:
An old and informal one I've heard a few times is 'Bigger women, longer runways!'.
Click to expand...

Ha Ha Ha I like it! Though I'm not sure the RSM would approve...

Masher - If I could I'd ask our WO but he's on Det, his replacement is on leave, and the the SWO is actually the RSM, who's obviously not RAF.
 
Witty_Banter said:
Ha Ha Ha I like it! Though I'm not sure the RSM would approve...

Masher - If I could I'd ask our WO but he's on Det, his replacement is on leave, and the the SWO is actually the RSM, who's obviously not RAF.
Click to expand...

Try phoning the SWO or a Mess Manager at another unit.
 
If you can't find an "Official" one - how about "Never in the field of human endeavour has so much been owed to so few, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Royal Air Force..." The greatest tribute...
 
If you're going to head down that route perhaps try and seek something out about Bomber Command instead? A group of men who still don't receive the recognition they deserve in my opinion and perhaps a talking point later to remind the other 2 Services that the RAF had far more to do with WW2 than just one summer. Bomber Command personnel had less chance of surviving than the men on the Western Front.
 
Ok so we've phoned various other units that we have connections with, and it seems that the official, formal toast that embodies our pride and honour of serving is simply - "ladies and gentlemen, the Royal Air Force".

Dunno why, but I was expecting something more poignant.

Cheers anyway, to all those who took time to comment.
 
It used to be simply..................... "Zulu Warrior" ! :PDT_Xtremez_42: :PDT_Xtremez_31:
 
Why not stick to the truth...with a slight twist.

Never in the field of human endeavour has such a huge bar bill been owed by so few, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Royal Air Force.
 
Let's get the protocol right at least.

"PMC, Station Commander, Officers of the Mess, (Guest of Honour) honoured guests, I ask you to be upstanding for our distiguished History of Selfless bravery in Combat. The Royal Air Force. We are toast".
 
The 'toast' is usually delivered by the most junior officer in the Mess. He is 'Mr Vice'.

Back at Wattisham when it was a lighning base in the 70's Mr Vice was a new chap, a sparkly new Pilot Officer, just three weeks on the base and it was his first 'dining in'. He had practiced the 'Royal Toast' all day, ready for his big moment. His first big moment..

He was told by 'others' that it was a Tradition in the Mess that Mr Vice had to attempt the sherry drinking record before dinner, which stood at 24. He went one better. What a lad!

During dinner, Mr Vice was down at the end of a table- wing near the door to the kitchen. Every time a steward came through the swinging door it would squeak something awful.

Eventually the PMC banged his gavel and called out, 'Mr Vice. The door'!

Mr Vice stood shakily, raised his glass and announced, '"PMShe, Schtation Commander, Offishers and Gentlemen, ... The Door". Throwing the liquid down his throat he fell backwards over his chair.

Totally arsed. What a Star !
 
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