John Constable Memorial Prize
@ Crown Copyright
The presentation of the Group Captain John Constable Memorial Prize took place in the Trenchard Room, College Hall, RAF Cranwell on the evening of the 16th September when Past Master Hallam presented the award to Flying Officer Caroline Sharpe. The award comprised a framed copy of the citation, a certificate and a cheque for £500. After the presentation of other prizes a reception for officers and VIPs was held followed by a dinner in the Officers’ Mess. Speakers included Air Commodore Suraya Marshall, Commandant of the College, who was being dined out prior to taking up the appointment of Air-Vice Marshall of the RAF’s No 2 operational group.
As long ago as 1954 John Constable entered RAF College as a cadet on No 68 Entry and graduated in 1956 as the winner of the Sword of Honour, an award which is still made today. He went on to achieve a distinguished career in the RAF. Following his retirement from the RAF in 1988 he was appointed Secondary of London and the Under Sheriff at the Old Bailey, responsible for the administration of the Central Criminal Court.
He was Master of the Company 1998/99. Very sadly he died only a few weeks after his year in office had ended. The award is presented annually to the RAF officer at Cranwell who has demonstrated the greatest potential for further development by producing the best overall performance in both leadership and professional studies during the year.
Christopher Hallam, WCCSA Court Assistant.