FREDERICK. On 7 January 1971, the newly graduated instructors of 254 course revealed their well-kept secret, Patrick's replacement. At the graduation dinner a pink breasted pelican, named Fredrick sporting a CFS bow tie waddled up to meet his new boss, Air Commodore Freddy Hazlewood . Flight Lieutenant Sierwald, a graduate of 254 course said "We wanted to present a living memory of course 254 and not something which, like a piece of silver could be put in a drawer and forgotten. Fred seemed the ideal answer since a pelican forms part of the school's crest". Frederick, a South African Pink Breasted Pelican, was born near Lake Barigo, Kenya in 1968. Educated at the Birdland Institute of Zoology, Bourton-on-the-Water, he was recruited into the Royal Air Force by members of No 254 Course in January 1971. He commenced his service in the General Duties Branch in the rank of Senior Under Pelican on 11 January 1971 at Royal Air Force Little Rissington. After a 4-month probationary period, which included attendance at the Freedom of Cheltenham Parade, he was promoted to Pilot Officer on 1 May 1971. On 12 July 1971 Pilot Officer Frederick was presented to HRH The Prince of Wales at the 59th Annual Reunion Dinner of the Central Flying School Association. Frederick completed his first tour at Central Flying School on 6 May 1972, however, in view of his exemplary conduct and performance in duties he was promoted to Flying Officer and re posted to the Central Flying School. He continued to give good service, establishing healthy relations with the local community, attending parades, providing publicity for the Royal Air Force and so on until 1 May 1974 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Much discussion was held in 1986 as to whether he should receive the further honour of being promoted to Sqn Ldr Spec Aircrew, but it was decided that Frederick had not demonstrated sufficient qualities to merit either promotion or transfer to Spec Aircrew List and it was therefore recommended that he remained in his current rank. Frederick enjoyed a long and active service as the CFS mascot and died in December 1986 of "natural causes". A self-confessed career officer Frederick was once heard to say that his ambition was to become Commandant of the Central Flying School.