Air Training Corps – Then and Now
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2070 Glenfield, Leicestershire.
First post on this site so I'll keep it short....
2070 squadron Glenfield, Leicestershire. I was in from 1978 to 1981, flying in Chipmunks. My eldest son was in the same squadron from 1998 to 2001 and flew in Bulldogs.
And my late father was in the founding squadron 1F in Leicester before the second world war. His memories of flying in the tigermoth were a joy to hear!!
Great days!!!
2070 squadron Glenfield, Leicestershire. I was in from 1978 to 1981, flying in Chipmunks. My eldest son was in the same squadron from 1998 to 2001 and flew in Bulldogs.
And my late father was in the founding squadron 1F in Leicester before the second world war. His memories of flying in the tigermoth were a joy to hear!!
Great days!!!
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aaaaaah fun times.
mostly.
joined in 88, gilded illegally that weekend as was a couple of weeks shy of the date.
summer camp at portreath, Chippy out of St Mawgan, flew over mums house.
much flying and gliding. shooting and climbing and ten tors.
wing colours for Rugby. 4 yrs running.
2 back to back trips on the flying pie wagon - first experience of honkers.
Trips to Gib,
Herc's out of Lyneham
set me right up for auntie's flying circus.
If i didn't work crappy shifts I'd go back and teach as a CI.
I can still recite a fair bit of Gas Turbines
to all those instructing and teaching and leading - BZ, keep up the good work
mostly.
joined in 88, gilded illegally that weekend as was a couple of weeks shy of the date.
summer camp at portreath, Chippy out of St Mawgan, flew over mums house.
much flying and gliding. shooting and climbing and ten tors.
wing colours for Rugby. 4 yrs running.
2 back to back trips on the flying pie wagon - first experience of honkers.
Trips to Gib,
Herc's out of Lyneham
set me right up for auntie's flying circus.
If i didn't work crappy shifts I'd go back and teach as a CI.
I can still recite a fair bit of Gas Turbines
to all those instructing and teaching and leading - BZ, keep up the good work
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,
I wonder if such characters as Clem , Geordie and Pete were still there?
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.
We worked alternate weekends during my time there !
The BBMF diverted in on one saturday,and on sunday morning one of the Chippie pilots was looking round the Hurri inside the hangar (in best blue- rare sight for us ! he had a fair chestful of medals
) - I said to him ''spose you flew these during the war''...he replied ''nah I was on spits'' 
Also whilst I am thinking of those times - I really admired the Chippie pilots - esp during the winter months prior to the heater mod.
At 6 AEF we had a really dedicated bunch (same as other AEF's I am sure)
I saw O B H literally blue from cold as he parked waiting for the next cadet.
AEF flying was (and still is) a great place to find dedicated pilots.
It was (and is) quite the norm to see the boss retire as a regular Sqn Ldr and be back the next day as a VR Fg Off - in my time at 6 AEF this happened with DG !
I reckon he must have really enjoyed the chance to fly up front for a change
We also had an Air Traffic Master Pilot join us for his resettlement course on the Chippies - once requalled - he was back the next day as a VR Fg Off
At 6 AEF we had a really dedicated bunch (same as other AEF's I am sure)
I saw O B H literally blue from cold as he parked waiting for the next cadet.
AEF flying was (and still is) a great place to find dedicated pilots.
It was (and is) quite the norm to see the boss retire as a regular Sqn Ldr and be back the next day as a VR Fg Off - in my time at 6 AEF this happened with DG !
I reckon he must have really enjoyed the chance to fly up front for a change
We also had an Air Traffic Master Pilot join us for his resettlement course on the Chippies - once requalled - he was back the next day as a VR Fg Off
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398 Staines & Egham Sqn; I thank you! You nurtured my interest in aviation, gave me great experiences, taught me well, but most of all, I thank you for putting me off joining the RAF! I joined the FAA instead; the best decision I ever made.
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Originally Posted by longer ron:8492061
It was (and is) quite the norm to see the boss retire as a regular Sqn Ldr and be back the next day as a VR Fg Off - in my time at 6 AEF this happened with DG !
I reckon he must have really enjoyed the chance to fly up front for a change
We also had an Air Traffic Master Pilot join us for his resettlement course on the Chippies - once requalled - he was back the next day as a VR Fg Off
I reckon he must have really enjoyed the chance to fly up front for a change
We also had an Air Traffic Master Pilot join us for his resettlement course on the Chippies - once requalled - he was back the next day as a VR Fg Off
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In the summer of 1976, between finishing university and the start of IOT, I was privileged to be posted to HQ Air Cadets, first at RAF Newton then out to Luqa as adjutant air cadet camps based at Hal Far.
A great summer during which I met, and enjoyed the company of, many good people.
A great summer during which I met, and enjoyed the company of, many good people.
Join Date: Dec 2009
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ATC
1860 (East Bristol) Sqdn
I thoroughly endorse all that has been said regarding the Uk's premier youth organisation.
The IACE (does it still exist?) was without doubt the "best of the best", a wonderful experience for a callow youth in 1965 to spend a month in Canada.
Possibly topped by the interview with school geography master who wanted to know why I would not be attending the 6th form Easter geography field trip.
"Sorry Sir, but I have a Flying Scholarship and will mostly be airborne at that time !!"
Thanks to all the great people who provided life-changing experiences.
I thoroughly endorse all that has been said regarding the Uk's premier youth organisation.
The IACE (does it still exist?) was without doubt the "best of the best", a wonderful experience for a callow youth in 1965 to spend a month in Canada.
Possibly topped by the interview with school geography master who wanted to know why I would not be attending the 6th form Easter geography field trip.
"Sorry Sir, but I have a Flying Scholarship and will mostly be airborne at that time !!"
Thanks to all the great people who provided life-changing experiences.
1961 - the BEST summer ever - left school a fortnight before the end of term for a month on Flying Scholarship - a few days at home then train to Scotland and the Moray Firth for Outward Bound Sea School. Returned to school a fortnight after term had started - all seemed a bit tame by comparison to the previous couple of months.
152 (City of Hull) Sqn - as were both of my brothers - from 73 to 78, when rather than have another crack at OASC I joined the Army Air Corps, where among other things I reacquainted myself with Chippies.
More recently I volunteered my services to a local Sqn, and helped the youngsters win a Wing recognition competition at their first attempt. Sadly, work prevents further involvement.
More recently I volunteered my services to a local Sqn, and helped the youngsters win a Wing recognition competition at their first attempt. Sadly, work prevents further involvement.
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Originally Posted by Wander00
Fg Off Sir C......C...... as well I believe
ATC Value To The Wider Community
Speaking from the perspective of one who meandered up the ladder from dog collared skinny 14yr old to grizzled wing staff officer I was often struck by the wider values than just the recruiting aspects. From a personal perspective I always said that I my education was achieved despite my school not because of it and had the Corps not been there to catch me on the way down I'd never have achieved anything.
I lost count of the number of lads (when it was all lads) who blew in a little wild and marched out as useful citizens. In one purple patch the squadron (1300 Sutton in Ashfield) produced pilots, doctors, snipers, met man, navigators X 2, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society plus several who went on to highly successful civilian careers. I suspect that this is not at all unusual for some parts of the country but we were dealing with the 16th most deprived town a shattered mining economy and and at best bog standard local comprehensive schools.
The Corps continues to deliver for the whole community and my nearly 8 yr old grandson is already hanging his nose over the wall!
I lost count of the number of lads (when it was all lads) who blew in a little wild and marched out as useful citizens. In one purple patch the squadron (1300 Sutton in Ashfield) produced pilots, doctors, snipers, met man, navigators X 2, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society plus several who went on to highly successful civilian careers. I suspect that this is not at all unusual for some parts of the country but we were dealing with the 16th most deprived town a shattered mining economy and and at best bog standard local comprehensive schools.
The Corps continues to deliver for the whole community and my nearly 8 yr old grandson is already hanging his nose over the wall!
Last edited by Prangster; 28th May 2014 at 19:00.
Mine was 7F (Aigburth) now 1st City of Liverpool Squadron. First annual camp in 1973 at Macrihanish, first time away from home at 14, well somebody had to go there, using an open ditch for pine pole exercises, and map reading exercises over the mountains, leaving someone in the night in their bed in the middle of the parade ground without them waking up. First experience of an airman's mess and RAF tea. Flying in the early evening and seeing Ireland in the distance was my first flight, and the 'lassie' supporters club at the weapons site and seeing the signs for SEAL team 6 on the station.
Later camps at Linton on Ouse and St Athan, missed Marham as a cadet and Valley and the best of all Waddington as a CI in 1981 and Tony B as the ACLO alias known as superfly. Only man to walk into the ATC office straight from flying in the Vulcan coal hole and still look suave.
Linton, having drill instruction under the watchful eye of that redoubtable SWO Mr Jack Holt.
Gliding in the 'barge' at Sealand and chippies at Woodvale under 10 AEF CO Squadron Leader Norman Rose.
Made many friends, now all gone their separate ways, some into the RAF many elsewhere, but still all have been members of the ATC squadron with the most continuous service since being formed from the ADCC. Many of our guys had come from diverse backgrounds, some from the better off areas of the city such as Aigburth and some from the hard lands of Toxteth, but the squadron brought them all together as one. Our cadet warrant officer from Toxteth, at one time surprised a teacher from his school by his presence and many of the schools pupils performing SLR drill on a parade, she saw a side of them she had no idea existed. As a squadron, we straightened many out and gave them direction in life and may have even kept them out of jail by giving them a surrogate family. Many tried to divide us but like the musketeers it was all for one, had many a disagreement on that basis.
Later camps at Linton on Ouse and St Athan, missed Marham as a cadet and Valley and the best of all Waddington as a CI in 1981 and Tony B as the ACLO alias known as superfly. Only man to walk into the ATC office straight from flying in the Vulcan coal hole and still look suave.
Linton, having drill instruction under the watchful eye of that redoubtable SWO Mr Jack Holt.
Gliding in the 'barge' at Sealand and chippies at Woodvale under 10 AEF CO Squadron Leader Norman Rose.
Made many friends, now all gone their separate ways, some into the RAF many elsewhere, but still all have been members of the ATC squadron with the most continuous service since being formed from the ADCC. Many of our guys had come from diverse backgrounds, some from the better off areas of the city such as Aigburth and some from the hard lands of Toxteth, but the squadron brought them all together as one. Our cadet warrant officer from Toxteth, at one time surprised a teacher from his school by his presence and many of the schools pupils performing SLR drill on a parade, she saw a side of them she had no idea existed. As a squadron, we straightened many out and gave them direction in life and may have even kept them out of jail by giving them a surrogate family. Many tried to divide us but like the musketeers it was all for one, had many a disagreement on that basis.
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2427 (Biggin Hill) Sqn 1979 - 1985. One of the few Squadrons with over 75 enrolled Cadets on the books.
Active station (sort of), our own personal airshow every year. Time spent with the Reds every year (they used our HQ as a canteen and briefing facility), flights on the Herc, VC10 at Brize, the Chippies at Manston, Flight on the Hawk at TWU, 6 Annual Camps (at stations long gone - Manston, Lyneham, Hullavington, Binbrook, St Athan, Newton), Overseas camp at Gib, time in the Wokka (15 hours in a week at ODI - 1981), shooting for the Corps at Bisley 4 years in a row (.303), SLR training and LMG training with the Regiment, first solo in the Venture at Syerston, conversion to the Mk3, Sedburgh and later the Vanguard. Winning the Lees Trophy (remember that ??), Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (meeting the Duke at St James' Palace and making my parents proud), Adventure training, canoeing and abseil. The list is endless. Ultimately I went to the TA, later came back to the Corps at a CI Gliding Instructor on several VGS. I am sure that, that is what the Corps is about. In those days it was much more of a recruiting and training aid for the services (not just the RAF), many of my compatriots went to the AAC, FAA or TA. With a reduced requirement the services don't need so many people, but the skills that the ATC teaches are not just service related - they are life skills and that is now what it's all about.
When I am recruiting people for my project teams I always look to see if they have been in the ATC on their CV......................
Just wish I'd taken more pictures
Arc
Active station (sort of), our own personal airshow every year. Time spent with the Reds every year (they used our HQ as a canteen and briefing facility), flights on the Herc, VC10 at Brize, the Chippies at Manston, Flight on the Hawk at TWU, 6 Annual Camps (at stations long gone - Manston, Lyneham, Hullavington, Binbrook, St Athan, Newton), Overseas camp at Gib, time in the Wokka (15 hours in a week at ODI - 1981), shooting for the Corps at Bisley 4 years in a row (.303), SLR training and LMG training with the Regiment, first solo in the Venture at Syerston, conversion to the Mk3, Sedburgh and later the Vanguard. Winning the Lees Trophy (remember that ??), Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (meeting the Duke at St James' Palace and making my parents proud), Adventure training, canoeing and abseil. The list is endless. Ultimately I went to the TA, later came back to the Corps at a CI Gliding Instructor on several VGS. I am sure that, that is what the Corps is about. In those days it was much more of a recruiting and training aid for the services (not just the RAF), many of my compatriots went to the AAC, FAA or TA. With a reduced requirement the services don't need so many people, but the skills that the ATC teaches are not just service related - they are life skills and that is now what it's all about.
When I am recruiting people for my project teams I always look to see if they have been in the ATC on their CV......................
Just wish I'd taken more pictures
Arc
Ha, 7F had its own Air Rank officer in ACM Sir J... N........
It seems to me commendable that so many ex-cadets (myself included) found time to 'put something back' into the Corps when they became too old to be a cadet either becoming squadron staff or serving on a VGS. I spent a total of 36 years in the Corps and don't regret one minute of it, only to be cruelly 'retired' when I was well below the 55 year old age limit due to a Wing Commander who refused to accept that I was doing the minimum 8 hr/mth* even though my shiftwork stopped me attending the squadron - I had already handed over command to another person and as WGLO (Wing Gliding Liaison Officer) was visiting 2 VGS at weekends to ensure cadets from the 22 Squadrons I was responsible for were attending regularly and progressing in their training. For a short 6 week period, I even took on responsibility for another 9 squadrons at a third VGS.
* I suspect another reason was a microlight operation which both he and I were involved in but that's another story!!
* I suspect another reason was a microlight operation which both he and I were involved in but that's another story!!
Gentleman Aviator
Winning the Lees Trophy (remember that ??)
Comdt starts inspecting the Regional Candidate Squadrons next week!