Air Training Corps – Then and Now
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140 (Matlock) Sqn
1960-66 until I went to RAFC to commence Nav training. First flight in a Chipmunk at Newton. Gliding course at Spitalgate, Saturday nights in the NAAFI looking after the homesick WAAF recruits!!
Trip to Singapore in March '63, out in a Brit, back on the gorgeous Comet 4c.
4 weeks in the USA in '65 followed by my Chipmunk course for my PPL at Castle Donnington.
My final year was spent instructing at the Sqn detached flight in Buxton.
Happy, happy days which prepared me very well for 28 happy years in the RAF.
Trip to Singapore in March '63, out in a Brit, back on the gorgeous Comet 4c.
4 weeks in the USA in '65 followed by my Chipmunk course for my PPL at Castle Donnington.
My final year was spent instructing at the Sqn detached flight in Buxton.
Happy, happy days which prepared me very well for 28 happy years in the RAF.
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231 Norwich Sqn. 2003/4-2008 - a cracking 4 years on a fantastic squadron.
Sadly, the RAF wasn't to be, however still in Aviation as an Air Traffic Control Assistant.
I'd recommend the cadets to any youngster!!
Sadly, the RAF wasn't to be, however still in Aviation as an Air Traffic Control Assistant.
I'd recommend the cadets to any youngster!!
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Truly great days, I loved it. Twice-weekly ATC squadron "parade nights" were the usual drill & "bull", but then with lectures on map-reading, air navigation, theory of flight, basic mechanics and first aid, etc etc. Aircraft recognition and shooting (trusty Lee Enfield .303 of course!) contests against other ATC squadrons, led by dedicated officers and cadet-NCO's, all of whom motivated us cadets to function as a team. That in itself cannot have been easy, bearing in mind our very disparate backgrounds and some inevitable intra-cadet "needling".
The Annual Wing Inspections were always welcomed because it always included a sweetener of 45 minutes in a Hastings, Beverley or - modern times - an Argosy! The summer camps at RAF stations were even better, being treated as young adults in the barrack room, the mess, the NAAFI and the Astra cinema, whilst we (usually!) attempted to live up to expectations.
One particularly memorable camp at Oakington, a pal and I happened to be in the right place at the right time and an officer asked if we'd like(!!!) to spend the morning flying as "ballast" in a Varsity on a nav-training exercise! Thus we spent more than three hours stooging around over eastern England at around 5000ft - great. Followed by another similar stint after lunch!
My solos in the Kirby Cadet and Slingsby Sedburgh really whetted my appetite for powered flight - in a Chipmunk obviously, towards a PPL and "Wings".
I joined the ATC aged 13, then very soon discarded my Scouts' shorts and beret, and remained with the ATC until I neared 18. However, great comrades and lifetime memories to this day - and I was set for my airline career!
The Annual Wing Inspections were always welcomed because it always included a sweetener of 45 minutes in a Hastings, Beverley or - modern times - an Argosy! The summer camps at RAF stations were even better, being treated as young adults in the barrack room, the mess, the NAAFI and the Astra cinema, whilst we (usually!) attempted to live up to expectations.
One particularly memorable camp at Oakington, a pal and I happened to be in the right place at the right time and an officer asked if we'd like(!!!) to spend the morning flying as "ballast" in a Varsity on a nav-training exercise! Thus we spent more than three hours stooging around over eastern England at around 5000ft - great. Followed by another similar stint after lunch!
My solos in the Kirby Cadet and Slingsby Sedburgh really whetted my appetite for powered flight - in a Chipmunk obviously, towards a PPL and "Wings".
I joined the ATC aged 13, then very soon discarded my Scouts' shorts and beret, and remained with the ATC until I neared 18. However, great comrades and lifetime memories to this day - and I was set for my airline career!
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Wasn't a cadet, always seemed a bit nerdy to me as a hippy flower child. I have of course revised my opinion since then. There was one ex cadet on my IT course at Swinderby, seemed a nice enough lad but wouldn't say he was any more fitted than the rest of us.
Longeron: I too was amazed as a techie that other a/c engineering type guys weren't in the least bit interested in flying or aircraft. That's what I joined up for, to be part of the aviation world. Never figured that one out. Bit like joining the submarine fleet and not being interested in submarines. Or maybe some people enjoy doing jobs they aren't interested in. Makes it more of a challenge I suppose.
Longeron: I too was amazed as a techie that other a/c engineering type guys weren't in the least bit interested in flying or aircraft. That's what I joined up for, to be part of the aviation world. Never figured that one out. Bit like joining the submarine fleet and not being interested in submarines. Or maybe some people enjoy doing jobs they aren't interested in. Makes it more of a challenge I suppose.
Jeez- its amazing how many of you kept your Form 3822.... I'm looking at mine now. 131 Sqdn (Newcastle on Tyne). First flight in Varsity WL682(F) on a night navex from Gaydon. I vividly remember lying flat in the bomb aimers pannier watching as we skimmed over the clouds at dawn. Still in aviation 38 years later.
Hi Thing
I only joined the ATC for one reason - to fly 
Chippies at Newton (lovely airfield to fly from !) and also Cambridge (not quite as exciting) and Gliding at Spitalgate - later to do a gliding course at age 16 - all that lovely free flying.The next year (1970) I joined the RAF as a brat and was on the staff of 613 GS Halton - so more free flying and also the pleasure of taking cadets on AEF flights
Funnily enough most of my Chipmunk flying was during my 'last tour' at Abingdon on UEF - the 2 separate flight lines were run by a corporal and I used to prefer being on the one that did ULAS and 6 AEF,if there were no cadets to fly - bingo I used to go and then face the flak from the Flt Sgt later on LOL
Yes bit of a puzzler - but some of the best structure guys I have met have had absolutely zero interest in aviation 
.
Wasn't a cadet, always seemed a bit nerdy to me as a hippy flower child. I have of course revised my opinion since then. There was one ex cadet on my IT course at Swinderby, seemed a nice enough lad but wouldn't say he was any more fitted than the rest of us.
Chippies at Newton (lovely airfield to fly from !) and also Cambridge (not quite as exciting) and Gliding at Spitalgate - later to do a gliding course at age 16 - all that lovely free flying.The next year (1970) I joined the RAF as a brat and was on the staff of 613 GS Halton - so more free flying and also the pleasure of taking cadets on AEF flights
Funnily enough most of my Chipmunk flying was during my 'last tour' at Abingdon on UEF - the 2 separate flight lines were run by a corporal and I used to prefer being on the one that did ULAS and 6 AEF,if there were no cadets to fly - bingo
I used to go and then face the flak from the Flt Sgt later on LOL
Longeron: I too was amazed as a techie that other a/c engineering type guys weren't in the least bit interested in flying or aircraft. That's what I joined up for, to be part of the aviation world. Never figured that one out. Bit like joining the submarine fleet and not being interested in submarines. Or maybe some people enjoy doing jobs they aren't interested in. Makes it more of a challenge I suppose
.
I served with 2204 (Chesham) Sqdn from the age of 13/9 in 1962, became a CI after being CWO, commisioned in '79; all with 2204 until I was posted to 1811 (Marlow) Sqdn in 1983 as Officer Commanding.
One of the other cadets (a sergeant) when I joined was Brian Lecomber, the author and aerobatic pilot, whilst another was the less well known Chris Rollings, who became a BGA coach and gliding champion.
I got myself on a gliding course shortly after my 16th birthday and did well enough to be taken on as a staff cadet (613 VGS Halton). I didn't quite make it to 'C' Cat instructor before work commitments caused me to leave, however one of the other staff cadets who was also on 2204 Sqdn started a career in civil Air Traffic Control and without his influence I would probably not have considered this as a career for myself.
I retired from Air Traffic Control just over 5 years ago having served at RAE/DRA/TAG Farnborough for 34 years and flown in many types of aircraft. (eg Hunter, Hawk, Wessex, Lynx, Puma).
I am convinced that my experience as an ATC cadet inspired me in my later career and I devoted many years as adult staff (my last post being Wing Gliding Liaison Officer which I left in 1997) 'repaying' the Corps for all it did for me.
One of the other cadets (a sergeant) when I joined was Brian Lecomber, the author and aerobatic pilot, whilst another was the less well known Chris Rollings, who became a BGA coach and gliding champion.
I got myself on a gliding course shortly after my 16th birthday and did well enough to be taken on as a staff cadet (613 VGS Halton). I didn't quite make it to 'C' Cat instructor before work commitments caused me to leave, however one of the other staff cadets who was also on 2204 Sqdn started a career in civil Air Traffic Control and without his influence I would probably not have considered this as a career for myself.
I retired from Air Traffic Control just over 5 years ago having served at RAE/DRA/TAG Farnborough for 34 years and flown in many types of aircraft. (eg Hunter, Hawk, Wessex, Lynx, Puma).
I am convinced that my experience as an ATC cadet inspired me in my later career and I devoted many years as adult staff (my last post being Wing Gliding Liaison Officer which I left in 1997) 'repaying' the Corps for all it did for me.
Last edited by chevvron; 28th May 2014 at 23:00.
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Not just ATC but Air Cadets also. I was lucky enough to go to a school that had an RAF Section of the CCF.
Great fun. Camps and AEF. Culminating in a Gliding Camp at RAF Kirton in Lindsey which was memorable for two reasons. One - I fell in love with a WAAF and Two - I went solo illegally. We got to the end of the camp and a few of us were asked if there was any reason why we could not stay on to do our A & B. I said "No", so stayed on. The Instructors sent me solo in the Mk23(?). Nobody asked me my age; so I told nobody that I was 15. (Age limit then was 16).
Then the next year I managed too get through Biggin Hill and was selected to do my Flying Scholarship at Carlisle. On my check out ride the CFI (Davico) asked me what I was planning to do. I said: "Be a lawyer". He said "I don't think so". So I applied to Hamble and had a great 34 year career.
It is really quite amazing how many of my colleagues had gone through the Flying Scholarship route into an aviation career. Not just colleagues. My son went through the CCF and got a Flying Scholarship and is now a Fast Jet Pilot.
Air Cadets - a great institution.
BD
Great fun. Camps and AEF. Culminating in a Gliding Camp at RAF Kirton in Lindsey which was memorable for two reasons. One - I fell in love with a WAAF and Two - I went solo illegally. We got to the end of the camp and a few of us were asked if there was any reason why we could not stay on to do our A & B. I said "No", so stayed on. The Instructors sent me solo in the Mk23(?). Nobody asked me my age; so I told nobody that I was 15. (Age limit then was 16).
Then the next year I managed too get through Biggin Hill and was selected to do my Flying Scholarship at Carlisle. On my check out ride the CFI (Davico) asked me what I was planning to do. I said: "Be a lawyer". He said "I don't think so". So I applied to Hamble and had a great 34 year career.
It is really quite amazing how many of my colleagues had gone through the Flying Scholarship route into an aviation career. Not just colleagues. My son went through the CCF and got a Flying Scholarship and is now a Fast Jet Pilot.
Air Cadets - a great institution.
BD
Aahh Longer Ron,
Absolutely your memories are mine. Although I was posted to the strength of OUAS, I worked wherever Trevor Plumb (the Flt Sgt) sent me. So like you, as a Cpl, running the 6 AEF ground support, any shortage of cadets, would always find me as a willing volunteer. 77 to 79 was my short tour on UEF before promotion and posting to FRS (71 MU). Did we coincide ?
Smudge
Absolutely your memories are mine. Although I was posted to the strength of OUAS, I worked wherever Trevor Plumb (the Flt Sgt) sent me. So like you, as a Cpl, running the 6 AEF ground support, any shortage of cadets, would always find me as a willing volunteer. 77 to 79 was my short tour on UEF before promotion and posting to FRS (71 MU). Did we coincide ?
Smudge
Hi Smudge
No - I was 1980 - 83
I requested ULAS as my last tour and then of course found out that the reality was UEF (University Engineering Flight) ISTR that our manning to look after the 7 Chippies was 0.75 of a bloke
But the VR pilots were wonderful gentlemen and I personally used to try hard to help them as much as poss - all of us posted to UAS's came off jets and it certainly took some adjusting - esp for the Sumpies
The Flt Sgt was not TP by the time I arrived
No - I was 1980 - 83
I requested ULAS as my last tour and then of course found out that the reality was UEF (University Engineering Flight) ISTR that our manning to look after the 7 Chippies was 0.75 of a bloke
But the VR pilots were wonderful gentlemen and I personally used to try hard to help them as much as poss - all of us posted to UAS's came off jets and it certainly took some adjusting - esp for the Sumpies
The Flt Sgt was not TP by the time I arrived
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Air Cadets
Became a cadet in 1964, a Civilian Instructor in 1969 and a VR(T) officer in 1970. Joined the RAF as a pilot in 1971; secondary duty during my first tour was as Air Cadet Liaison Officer.
Retired after 34 years in 2005 and joined the RAF Reserve to work full-time with the Air Cadets for three years. Also 6 years as a volunteer Civilian Gliding Instructor.
The Air Cadets was, and still is in my opinion, the premier youth organisation in the UK manned for the most part by incredibly committed volunteers who sometimes go unappreciated by full-time members of their parent organisation.
Long may the Air Cadet Organisation thrive!
www.wingedwarriors.co.uk
Retired after 34 years in 2005 and joined the RAF Reserve to work full-time with the Air Cadets for three years. Also 6 years as a volunteer Civilian Gliding Instructor.
The Air Cadets was, and still is in my opinion, the premier youth organisation in the UK manned for the most part by incredibly committed volunteers who sometimes go unappreciated by full-time members of their parent organisation.
Long may the Air Cadet Organisation thrive!
www.wingedwarriors.co.uk
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2121(Abingdon) Sqn, part of OBB Wing 1975 to 1980. Hairy Mary uniforms! Annual Camps to Wattisham and Wyton. Visited 12 other RAF, AAC and RNAS stations. 20 types flown in - Hercules, VC-10, Chipmunk, Belfast, Britannia, Alouette, Islander, Sioux, Gazelle, Beaver, Scout, Pembroke, Puma, Wessex, HS125, Andover, Argosy, Sea Devon, Whirlwind, Nimrod . Quite a few more types since but they would give the game away.
What an introduction to the RAF and life in general. Long may it continue.
What an introduction to the RAF and life in general. Long may it continue.
When I joined the ATC in about 1954 1092 sqdn was attached to the Air Sea Rescue station in Porthcawl. This was before helicopters took over the SAR role and, because Porthcawl was tidal, launches had to put to sea every low water there was flying in the area. They couldn't get back in to harbour until the tide came back in. The launches weren't proper ASR launches but were sea plane tenders and not really suitable for the rough waters of the Bristol Channel so, although cadets were sometimes invited to go along, I never did.
We eventually moved to new premises in Bridgend and I went to camps in Hawarden (first flight in a Chipmunk), Driffield, Andover and Benson. The best flying we could get was unofficially at nearby RAF Llandow. Although it was an RAF station the security was provided by MOD police and they would let is in if we were wearing uniforms and we eventually learned who to see to get some flying. Some of my fellow cadets lived very close and were able to get regular flights in a wide variety of aircraft like Meteors, Shackletons, and Mosquitos. Personally I managed to get flights in a Lincoln bomber, a USAF C119, dropping paratroopers, and a Pembroke.
My next experience with the ATC was as a civilian instructor in a detached flight in Bedford. This flight was attached to the squadron at Cardington and met in a local school and had no equipment at all. The CO was a lovely old chap who did his best but, for the kids, it was just like going to school. One night we raided the unit at Cardington and "borrowed" as much kit as we could carry. I ended up having a Bren gun and a blind flying panel in my bedroom. I used to carry these to the school for the parade nights. Can you imagine carrying a Bren gun through the streets today?
We also discovered a lot of cash which was available for trips. We arranged trips to Oakington for night flying in Varsities and a day trip to Wittering which was then a base for Victors with Blue Steel missiles on permanent standby.
During my time in Bedford I had learned to glide (civilian) and when I moved down to the South coast I discovered that membership of the local ATC gliding school qualified me to join the Boscombe Down flying club (Bustards) where I could learn to fly a beautiful Tiger Moth. So I signed up to become a ATC gliding instructor and obtained my PPL and C category instructors rating in that order. Great days!
We eventually moved to new premises in Bridgend and I went to camps in Hawarden (first flight in a Chipmunk), Driffield, Andover and Benson. The best flying we could get was unofficially at nearby RAF Llandow. Although it was an RAF station the security was provided by MOD police and they would let is in if we were wearing uniforms and we eventually learned who to see to get some flying. Some of my fellow cadets lived very close and were able to get regular flights in a wide variety of aircraft like Meteors, Shackletons, and Mosquitos. Personally I managed to get flights in a Lincoln bomber, a USAF C119, dropping paratroopers, and a Pembroke.
My next experience with the ATC was as a civilian instructor in a detached flight in Bedford. This flight was attached to the squadron at Cardington and met in a local school and had no equipment at all. The CO was a lovely old chap who did his best but, for the kids, it was just like going to school. One night we raided the unit at Cardington and "borrowed" as much kit as we could carry. I ended up having a Bren gun and a blind flying panel in my bedroom. I used to carry these to the school for the parade nights. Can you imagine carrying a Bren gun through the streets today?
We also discovered a lot of cash which was available for trips. We arranged trips to Oakington for night flying in Varsities and a day trip to Wittering which was then a base for Victors with Blue Steel missiles on permanent standby.
During my time in Bedford I had learned to glide (civilian) and when I moved down to the South coast I discovered that membership of the local ATC gliding school qualified me to join the Boscombe Down flying club (Bustards) where I could learn to fly a beautiful Tiger Moth. So I signed up to become a ATC gliding instructor and obtained my PPL and C category instructors rating in that order. Great days!
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2365 ( Brechin ) squadron, first flight experience in the mighty Chipmunk during summer camp at Abingdon.
It was during that summer camp that we visited the Jaguar Major Servicing Unit and that set me off with an interest in aircraft engineering which I've spent 36 fantastic years both in the Royal Air Force and in civil aviation.
So thank you to the Air Training Corps and long may it continue
It was during that summer camp that we visited the Jaguar Major Servicing Unit and that set me off with an interest in aircraft engineering which I've spent 36 fantastic years both in the Royal Air Force and in civil aviation.
So thank you to the Air Training Corps and long may it continue
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Ray Kidd
Was the Wing Commander (from memory) of Central and East Yorkshire Wing, when I was a part of the ATC in the 70's. A great man.
I did 1972 to 1978 with 399 (Beverley) Sqn. Great days (and nights) taught me a great deal about life and responsibility, I'm sure without a doubt it shaped me.
I did 1972 to 1978 with 399 (Beverley) Sqn. Great days (and nights) taught me a great deal about life and responsibility, I'm sure without a doubt it shaped me.
I was a cadet - 2507 Bicester Sqn in the late 70s/ early 80s. Plenty of flying and gliding, plus a fantastic camp at Binbrook, and also Gibraltar. 26 years in the RAF, and then became a civilian instructor with the ATC last year to 'give something back', as the saying goes. The cadets seem better disciplined than we were - any instruction from a cadet NCO is greeted with a hearty 'YES Corporal', and they salute the uniformed staff so often that it makes me dizzy - they need to adopt the 'salute once' approach of the RAF! I'm very impressed with the cadet NCOs - mature teenagers with a strong sense of respect and leadership. I have to say that I'm less impressed with the uniformed staff; the adult NCOs hardly ever turn up, and the communication to the CIs is almost non-existent. Maybe I expect too much from the VRs?
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My old dad, was in the VR(T), I remember him as a Pilot Officer with 152 (City of Hull ) Sqn, then promotion to Flying Officer, then Flt. Lt, when he took over at 399 (Beverley) Sqn.
Ray Kidd was on the Staff at HQ Central and East Yorks Wing, and I see from the newspaper article promoting his book, he lives in Osbaldwick. How sad that he lived only a mile and a half from where my proud father lived and ultimately died, a sad and lonely man, I'm sure if he knew, they would have got on like the two old friends that they were.
Ray Kidd was on the Staff at HQ Central and East Yorks Wing, and I see from the newspaper article promoting his book, he lives in Osbaldwick. How sad that he lived only a mile and a half from where my proud father lived and ultimately died, a sad and lonely man, I'm sure if he knew, they would have got on like the two old friends that they were.
Longer Ron,
No probs with your later tour on UEF. ISTR the replacement for Trevor Plumb as Flt Sgt was a bloke endowed with a very fine moustache, though I forget his name. I wonder if such characters as Clem Clements, Geordie Easton and Pete Falcon were still there? It was a smashing couple of years, and helped me form a far better opinion of our Commissioned brethren than I had when I got there, from Cranwell. Whatever, it felt like a private Air Force to me, and the occasional trip in a Chippy or Dog absolutely made my day. Here's to the QFI's and VR pilots who gave us that experience. I certainly know the smile on the faces of the young ATC cadets getting out of the Chippies made up for the extra weekends we occasionally got walloped with, and as an ex ATC Cadet I could put myself in their positions.
Smudge
No probs with your later tour on UEF. ISTR the replacement for Trevor Plumb as Flt Sgt was a bloke endowed with a very fine moustache, though I forget his name. I wonder if such characters as Clem Clements, Geordie Easton and Pete Falcon were still there? It was a smashing couple of years, and helped me form a far better opinion of our Commissioned brethren than I had when I got there, from Cranwell. Whatever, it felt like a private Air Force to me, and the occasional trip in a Chippy or Dog absolutely made my day. Here's to the QFI's and VR pilots who gave us that experience. I certainly know the smile on the faces of the young ATC cadets getting out of the Chippies made up for the extra weekends we occasionally got walloped with, and as an ex ATC Cadet I could put myself in their positions.
Smudge
Was a CCF cadet for 5 years, flew in Anson, Varsity, Chipmunk, Dominie (two wings not 2 jets), Dragonfly, Whirlwind: then flying scholarship. had a 6 month gap between school and Towers so Ruislip ATC Sqn took me on, and I did a gliding course. Was ACLO during first (and only) flying tour. After leaving the RAF first time in 1969 became a VR(T) officer at 1094 City of Ely Sqn, until I moved and joined the TA. IMHO, the Air Cadet Organisation is one of the best youth organisations going. Did a tremendous amount for me, and continues to do so for modern youngsters. Long may it flourish.