Medieval royalty, peasants gather to celebrate British-American relations

  • Published
  • By Maj. Beth Kelley Horine
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CAMBRIDGE, England --  Anyone walking around the University of Cambridge April 14 saw hundreds of medieval lords, ladies, clergy and peasants, decked out in heraldic costumes, making their way towards the entrance of Kings College. The reason: to attend RAF Lakenheath British-American Committee's St. George and the Dragon Medieval Banquet. The first-ever BAC sponsored event was designed to bring together local British and U.S. Air Force leaders for a night of traditional English heraldry in honor of England's upcoming St. George's Day April 23.

"What an amazing experience," said David Hayward, a local British claims assessor and 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, who attended the evening as a medieval squire. "I've lived near and around Cambridge my whole life, and it took a bunch of Americans to get us Brits together to celebrate our history in true style." 

An English lord, decked in red velvet, added, "Its great to see so many British guests here tonight with our Lakenheath leadership - especially our honorary commanders and BAC members. I can honestly say, this event is one of the top experiences in my two years of command at the 48th Fighter Wing," said Lt. Col. Ben Davis, 48th EMS commander.

Upon arrival at Kings College's great hall, guests were greeted by minstrel singers playing traditional music. As the dinner commenced, medieval knights presented Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel, 48th FW commander dressed as King Arthur, a stuffed boar's head as part of a medieval dining tradition. Throughout the meal--which included rustic bread, parsnips, roasted meat, wine and mead--knights jousted, Monty Python parodies ensued, ladies danced, and those who misbehaved were forced to "kiss the pig."

The organizer behind the event, Colin Wills, BAC chairman and honorary commander to the 48th FW commander, commended the 200-plus crowd on their support of British-American relations, reflecting back on a century of partnership. "You don't have to travel far from this hall to see the Eagle Pub where Airmen signed their names on the ceiling...The link with the U.S. Air Force is still strong today with the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath.

"I'm pleased to preside over the British American committee, whose goal it is to ensure our local relationship remains intact and encourage integration of the American and British communities," added Mr. Wills.

The banquet concluded with a best-costume contest, traditional medieval dancing and a raffle drawing of various heraldic items, including a stuffed Welsh dragon, vats of mead and wine, a cake in honor of St. George and a hand-made dragon cape. The proceeds from the event will go to support future BAC functions and organizations around RAF Lakenheath, such as the Animal Welfare Society, Airmen organizations and the upcoming 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball, said Natalie Benge, 48th FW community relations advisor and key coordinator for the banquet. "The event's success was greater than anyone thought it would be...I am just so thrilled everyone had such a merry time," Ms. Benge said.

For more information about RAF Lakenheath's British American Committee, contact the 48th FW Community Relations Advisor at 226-3145, or visit http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/library/britishamericancommittee/index.asp.