David Hawkins rose from a National Service gunner in the RAF Regiment to become the Commandant General of the Regiment.  He later became Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod and Gentleman Usher to the Queen.  After he was commissioned he served with RAF Regiment Light Anti-Aircraft squadrons in Cyprus and in Singapore.  After a period as ADC to the Chief of Air Staff he served at Cranwell and then commanded a squadron at Catterick when he also deployed to Northern Ireland for security duties.  He commanded the Queen’s Colour Squadron and, in addition to his ceremonial duties, he and some members appeared on Bruce Forsyth’s Generation Game when they gave a display of immaculate silent arms drill movements.  He commanded the RAF Regiment Depot at Catterick, served in NATO and then in the MOD when he was the Commandant General.  He was appointed CB and MBE.

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