The Cassel Challenge Cup was awarded annually to the best RAF Band and presented to its Conductor of that year. Commencing in 1952, presentation of the silver cup was suspended in 1995, but presented on a final occasion in 1998.
Past Winners:
1952 - RAF Wyton; conductor - George Newman
1953 - RAF Henlow; conductor - J E Wagner
1954 - RAF Cranwell; conductor - W J Bangay
1955 - RAF Gosford; conductor - H E Wheeler
1956 - RAF Cranwell; conductor - W J Bangay
1957 - RAF Cranwell; conductor - W J Bangay
1958 - RAF Gosford; conductor - A E Challinor
1959 - RAF Locking; conductor - R A Ponsford
1960 - RAF Butzweilerhof; conductor - D G Robinson
1961 - RAF Changi Sinyaprn; conductor - A E Challinor
1962 - RAF Locking; conductor - J W Martindale
1963 - RAF Regiment Band; conductor - Eric Banks
1964 - RAF Far East Air Force; conductor - Norman Warnes
1965 - RAF Gosford; conductor - D Stephens
1966 - RAF Swinderby; conductor - D Stephens
1967 - RAF Changi; conductor - E Banks
1968 - RAF Locking; conductor - J W Martindale
1969 - RAF Germany Wildemath; conductor - H N Hingley
1970 - RAF Henlow; conductor - B J Sturnham
1971 - RAF Germany; conductor - J W Martindale
1972 - RAF Henlow; conductor - B J Sturnham
1973 - RAF Henlow; conductor - B J Sturnham
1974 - RAF BFPO 40; conductor - J W Martindale
1975 - RAF The Southern Band; conductor - B J Sturnham
1976 - RAF The Southern Band; conductor - B J Sturnham
1977 - RAF Henlow; conductor - Ian Hendrick
1978 - RAF Germany; conductor - Alan Mossford
1979 - RAF Germany; conductor - Alan Mossford
1980 - RAF Germany; conductor - H Donal Wogd
1981 - RAF Germany; conductor - R E Wilkinson
1982 - RAF Western; conductor - I Kendrick
1983 - RAF Western; conductor - R K Wiffin
1984 - RAF Regiment; conductor - R K Wiffin
1985 - RAF Germany; conductor - R E Wilkinson
1986 - RAF Germany; conductor - R E Wilkinson
1987 - RAF Western Band; conductor - R K Wiffin
1988 - RAF Western Band; conductor - R K Wiffin
1989 - RAF Regiment; conductor - L Stirling
1990 - RAF Western Band; conductor - Flight Lieutenant R K Wiffin
1991 - RAF Western Band; conductor - Flying Officer D Stubbs
1992 - RAF Western Band; conductor - Flying Officer D Stubbs
1993 - RAF Germany; conductor unknown
1994 - RAF Western Band; conductor - Flying Officer D Stubbs
1995 - Award Suspended:
Flight Lieutenant Gordon Bain received the Cup on behalf of RAF Established Bands in recognition of the outstanding contribution made by RAF Music Services to the 50th anniversary celebrations of VE Day and VJ Day and to State ceremonials during the year.
1996 - No Award
1997 - No Award
1998 - Conductor - Flight Lieutenant David Compton ARCM