Horizons: The History of the Air Cadets

By H. R. Kidd

Although the first air cadet unit was raised in Bournmouth in 1928, the first squadrons to be formed in a privately funded national organisation were part of the Air Defence Cadet Corps in 1938. Thousands of youngsters joined and were able to learn about aircraft, aerodynamics, navigation, mechanics and other subjects not taught in schools. The organization was to become known as The Air Training Corps (ATC) and as war loomed it was considered a useful RAF recruitment tool to attract potential airmen and ground crew. Throughout the war ATC cadets supported the home defences by fire watching, as messengers and as observers, working alongside the Home Guard, the fire services and other vital organisations. During the second half of the 1900s the corps continued to thrive. Girls were now included and retired RAF officers and other ranks continued to take an active part in each squadron. There are now over 900 squadrons within the UK, providing the same skills to modern youth and teaching them the importance of personal responsibility and teamwork via annual camps at RAF stations, adventure training and flight experience. This book looks at all aspects of the Air Cadet's history and tradition, including the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force attached to public and grammar schools. It concludes with an analysis of what subjects and courses are currently available with many past and present illustrations.As seen in The York Press and The Scarborough News.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781473826533

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Contents

Foreword

Preface

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1        In the Beginning

Chapter 2        Onset of War

Chapter 3        Undergraduates and Public Schoolboys

Chapter 4        Flying Start

Chapter 5        Cadets in Action

Chapter 6        Structure

Chapter 7        Serving One Another

Chapter 8        Girls and Women Join the Cadets

Chapter 9        Gliding – Silent Flight

Chapter 10      Motor-gliders and Sailplanes

Chapter 11      Full Power – Flying High

Chapter 12      Anniversaries

Chapter 13      Syllabus

Chapter 14      Shooting

Chapter 15      Aircraft Recognition

Chapter 16      Airframe ‘air force’

Chapter 17      Communications

Chapter 18      Project Work

Chapter 19      The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Chapter 20      Red Arrows and Outer Space

Chapter 21      Adventure Training

Chapter 22      On Foreign Shores

Chapter 23      Field, Track and Pool

Chapter 24      Camps and Exchanges

Chapter 25      Striking a Cord

Chapter 26      Media and Communications

Chapter 27      Recruitment

Chapter 28      Chaplains

Chapter 29      Developing Cadets and Staff

Chapter 30      Roll of Honour

Chapter 31      Remembrance

Chapter 32      Deeds of Bravery

Chapter 33      Deeds of Valour

Appendices

1    Air Cadet Organisation Strength

2    Air Officers Commanding and Commandants Air Cadets

3    Air Cadet Gliding Schools – Commanding Officers

4    Uniforms and Badges

5    Medals and Commendations

6    Dacre Brooch and Sword

7    Foster and Currall Trophies

8    Gillan Trophy

9    Kriegie Trophy

10  Lees Trophy and Morris Cup

11  Air Squadron Trophy

12  Shackleton Trophy

13  Sports Cadets of the Year

14  Marshall Trophy

15  Other Trophies

16  Famous Former Cadets

17  CCF RAF Sections

18  Overseas Squadrons

19  Squadrons and Detached Flights

Foreword

The Air Cadet Organisation has a long and proud history, yet relatively few attempts have been made to capture its story in printed form. Wing Commander Kidd’s tireless effort, over many years, has created a wonderful record of this world class uniformed youth organisation which I am sure cadets, excadets and anyone interested in the Corps will find fascinating. The many images illustrating the Organisation’s development evoke memories of a different world, when the Nation was preparing for war and cadets became an integral part of the Royal Air Force recruitment strategy. The personal anecdotes from cadets past and present bring this history to life and I am grateful to Wing Commander Kidd for ensuring this vital piece of Royal Air Force history is not lost to the sands of time. The Royal Air Force remains entirely committed to the Air Cadet Organisation as it approaches its 75th anniversary and I am delighted to support the delivery of the air cadet experience to new generations of young people as they pursue their own Venture Adventure.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford

KCB CBE ADC RAF

Chief of the Air Staff

Preface

Horizons records cadet life spanning the pre-war era through to the present time. During the long history of the Air Training Corps new initiatives have been constantly introduced, which will keep the present-day Air Cadet Organisation at the forefront of youth organisations.

The organisation’s value to the individual and to the nation, in war and peace, can be clearly seen. The transition from the early days, when cadets were frequently exposed to the dangers of war, through to the present time when they operate in carefully controlled, safety conscious, yet exciting and challenging environments, is evident. As the emphasis has shifted from training for imminent military service to developing personal qualities valuable in the community and the workplace, the book covers the wide range of opportunities available at home and abroad.

Many cadet achievements are now recognised in the civilian sector. As a result, whatever their career intentions, be they the Armed Services, aerospace industry or completely unrelated, they have the benefit of leadership experiences, character and confidence building, and challenging activities as well as a wide range of creative opportunities and academic qualifications. Although aviation-related subjects remain core activities, increasingly awards gained are fully recognised in the civilian sector, thereby enhancing the prospects of an individual’s employment.

The benefits are available to all, ranging from senior members of our Royal Family, who have become proficient glider pilots at Volunteer Gliding Squadrons, to young people from all walks of life, regardless of background, who have enjoyed the full cadet experience The history of the ACO is rich and fascinating; a record of which we as a nation, and the large volunteer supervisory staff, can be very proud.

Ray Kidd

York

2013

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all staff, professional and volunteers, and civilian committee members, whose unfailing efforts form the cornerstones of this vibrant Air Cadet Organisation. Equally remembered are the spouses, families and friends of the volunteer force, without whose staunch support and forbearance, the foregoing would be difficult to achieve. The unstinting support received from the Royal Air Force at all levels, from all quarters, forms its bedrock.

Acknowledgements

Many people have contributed to this record, too numerous to mention individually, therefore I have confined the list to major contributors. If your name is not mentioned, please be understanding. Equally, because of the vast range of activities cadets undertake, it has not been possible to use all the material gathered but I have tried to paint as broad and accurate a picture as possible.

I am most grateful to Denise Parker Housby, Head of Media & Communications at Headquarters Air Cadets who has provided additional chapters and managed the history book project filling a gap of 50 years. She and Ken Ellis (aviation author and contributing editor for Flypast) have acted as editors and for that I am indebted. I would also like to thank Ashley Nettleton, Deputy Head of Media & Communications whose input has been invaluable on the latter stages of the project. Former Chief of Staff, Group Capt Mike Cross, has drawn upon his vast knowledge and experience of the ACO, making a significant contribution to this record and former Regional Commandant, Air Cdre Bill Gambold, has also made a valuable contribution at the proof-reading stage.

I have drawn extensively upon Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Henry Lamond’s History of Air Cadets 1938 to 1983; used later works recorded by Wg Cdr Derek Hemming and my previous book Wings of Youth, as well as made reference to Challenge in the Air by Bryan Philpott. Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Godfrey Smith, who assisted Wg Cdr Lamond in his research, has given further assistance in compiling this record. Air Cadet magazine and past editions from the ADCC days through to the present time have been an invaluable source of information.

Special thanks to: Steve Davies, Air Publications; Catherine Hartley, HQAC; Carol McCombe, Air Cadet Magazine, Flt Lt Roger Starling, Mrs Brenda Layne, Director Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets, Wg Cdrs Bob Abbott, Chris Bacon, Paul Bower, Mike Eveleigh and staff, and Andrew Simpson; Squadron Leaders John England (our proofreader) Mike Blakey, Ray Fisher, Tom Grant, Ed Hooper, Brian Mennell, John Nicholson, Jeff Quinn, Alan Wiggins and Mark Trevena; John Bullock, Flt Lts Peter Bennett, Malcolm Jones, John Mawson and Gordon Roach, Richard Hodgetts, W/O ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, Sergeant Sam Badger; Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton, Roy Bonser, Neville Cullingford of the Royal Observer Corps Association, Edward Doylerush, Don Poole, Alan Stephens, John Sutherland of the RAFA Brussels Branch, Jon Wallace, Steven Welford; members of Air-Britain, the RAF Museum Hendon and the Imperial War Museum London.

Please note that every care has been taken in the research and preparation of this history book but the views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author alone and should not be taken to represent those of HMG, MOD, the RAF, HQAC or any Government agency. Every effort has been made by the author to gain permission, written or verbal for the use of all images. Every effort has been made to produce an accurate record of the ACO’s history and HQAC staff are not responsible for any inaccuracies.

All royalties from this book are being donated to the ACO’s General Purpose Fund to help run the International Air Cadet Exchange programme.

Introduction

by

Denise Parker Housby

Firmly established as one of the world’s most successful national youth organisations, the Air Cadet Organisation, comprising both the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF), sets the standard when it comes to delivering training to youngsters aged 13-19. Not only are the standards consistently high but the organisation – now in its 72nd year - is often acknowledged as the crème de la crème by its counterparts globally.

Ask anyone from former 007 actor Timothy Dalton to NASA astronaut Dr Mike Foale which is the best youth organisation and they will tell you – the Air Cadets – why? Well because as former cadets themselves they are products of arguably the finest youth organisation in existence.

The ACO consistently strives to provide opportunities for its 60,000 plus members - 44,000 cadets, 12,000 volunteer reserve officers, senior non commissioned officers, civilian instructors and padres and 5,000 civilian committee members. Further, at a time when the British Military is downsizing, the ACO is expanding and each year grows closer to its aspiration of 50,000 cadets. Support of the ACO is vital as the ACO endeavours to maintain its position at the top of its game and increase its cadet numbers and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford – firmly supports the expansion programme.

The ACO may be sharing the pain of current defence cuts and in particular a reduction in its staff from the Ministry of Defence redundancy programme. However, key is the fervent belief of all to retain what is known as the cadet experience – ensuring that young cadets aged 13-19 still have every opportunity to thrive and take advantage of the structured programme of activities and the highly acclaimed academic syllabus which has put the ACO second to none. In addition, the ACO has to keep its adult volunteer numbers buoyant and thus retention of those committing their time to running cadet units is imperative.

As the sands of time shift the ACO finds itself in an ever changing economic and political environment but in every corner of the UK and at squadrons abroad we see brilliance, enthusiasm and commitment in the young people who we are so proud to call our cadets and our volunteers who are such a valuable resource.

Some of the stories in this book are tearjerking, others are funny and inspiring. The joy on the face of 13-year-old Cadet Leah Lewis, of 2478 (Abergavenny) Squadron taking her first flight on our 70th anniversary and landing a foot taller than when she took off is proof enough of the value of the ACO.

Leah was selected for the ACO’s 1 millionth glider flight due to her hard work and constant commitment in helping the team build the Air Cadet camp on the lead-up to the 2011 Royal International Air Show at RAF Fairford.

The flight became more symbolic as it was the first time that Leah had ever flown in any aircraft. Her smile lit up the airfield that day as she jumped onto the tarmac and ran back to her friends. Air Cadet instructors see this regularly as thousands of cadets across the decades have taken their first fledging flights but it’s a magical moment and totally priceless.

In a society when young people are often criticized for causing trouble we can be proud that ATC and CCF (RAF) cadets are world class – the Best of British, and it is them that make good citizens with the right values and principles to take the country forward long after we have retired.

Gathering information for this book has taken seven years – it is the first history book on the ACO as a national organisation for 50 years – there are inevitably some gaps but the author Ray Kidd has endeavoured to capture as much detail as possible so we owe him a great deal for his efforts.

Ray Kidd, who has spent a lifetime devoted to the ACO man and boy and goes back to the start and picks up the story, so for now we must turn the page and turn back the clock to see how it all began.

Chapter 1

In the Beginning

World War One had shown that any future wars would be won or lost in the skies and in its aftermath there was a need to create a spirit of airmindedness across the UK and in particular among its young men.

Two people who had not only the foresight but also the motivation to do something about it were former Royal Flying Corps flying cadet Charles ‘Charlie’ Longman and former air mechanic Robert ‘Bob’ Weller. In 1928, through their efforts and initiative, six boys formed what was to become the forerunner of the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) and the Air Training Corps (ATC) – this early formation was the very first air cadet group and was known as the Bournemouth Young Airmen’s League (BYAL). Backed by many but particularly Sir Sefton Brancker, Director of Civil Aviation, its numbers grew to 40 by the following year as it paved the way for future air cadet organisations.

Gold-winged badge

Meetings were held in Charlie’s house each Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon until he personally bought a former Army hut which was erected in a nearby field at Throop. Boys paid a joining fee of 2/6d (two shillings and six pence, 12½ pence in present decimal currency) and weekly subscriptions of 3d. The uniform consisted of a dark blue double-breasted blazer sporting the League’s gold-winged badge, with the lettering ‘B.Y.A.L.’ underneath, worn on the pocket; light grey flannel trousers; a dark blue peaked cap and a silver cap badge. A ‘made to order’ striped tie completed the ensemble. The original cap badges were made by Bob Weller from a split-axle duralumin tube taken from a Sopwith Camel. At a later date special enamel badges were produced.

BYAL co-founders Charlie Longman (left) & Bob Weller.

The main object of the organisation was to promote air-mindedness and to instruct members in the principles of flight, aircraft construction, map reading, direction finding and other essentials.

As a practical project they constructed a non-flying aircraft complete with a 10hp engine. They also obtained a sectioned car engine, a Hawker Woodcock biplane, two aero engines and other equipment including wireless, photographic and workshop, books, charts and an epidiascope projector. Cadets were instructed in how to act in emergencies: in the event of witnessing a crash or forced landing they were to put themselves at the service of the pilot or other persons in authority and render all possible assistance. Although the focus of attention was on matters of aviation interest, the youngsters enjoyed a varied programme including drill, boxing, other sports and practical exercises on aircraft.

BYAL Members chat to the pilot and passenger of a de Haviland Gypsy Moth on a visit to Hamble – 1930.

BYAL’s aircraft – 1929.

Aviatrix

Amy Johnson, the renowned aviatrix who was born in Hull, became the President. Far ahead of its time a girls’ wing was also formed. Amy was a driving force behind the notion of recruiting females, telling a reporter from the Bournemouth Echo: I see no reason why girls should not play their part in aviation in the future. Girls have proved their worth as guides and many have already taken an interest not only in flying itself but in its technicalities, which is still more important. Girls should find out for themselves why an aeroplane flies, how and why the engine runs. Believe me there is more in flying than just getting into a machine and getting someone to start it up for you. Many years on, Amy’s sister donated a trophy to 152 (City of Hull) Squadron in recognition of the success of its detached flight in West Hull. When the flight attained squadron status, the trophy was presented to the new 872 (Hull West) Squadron.

Air experience flights were given whenever possible at nearby Hamble in de Havilland Moths. One of the pilots was Miss Gladys Grace, daughter of the famous cricketer W G Grace.

With the successful growth and development of BYAL, its two founders believed that it could form the basis of a much needed national body. It is interesting to compare the aims of the proposed organization, laid down in 1930, with those of the ATC:

To create a national interest in aviation and to spread the gospel of ‘air-mindedness’ among the younger generation. The object of each squadron would be to imitate and practise (to the best possible degree) the general routine of a civil aerodrome and the work carried out by squadrons of the Royal Air Force. The latest developments being discussed or put into practice wherever possible. The members of each squadron to be classified so as to undertake various duties such as a rigger, ground engineer, wireless operator etc. By so doing, each member would develop a feeling of importance and responsibility and each squadron would become a useful unit. Where possible, gliding should be included. Members could be granted a distinguishing badge after passing certain tests.

Hell’s Angels

Charlie and Bob were greatly encouraged by the success of their venture when Gaumont Films made a film entitled Hell’s Angels of the League’s activities in Bournemouth and during a guided tour of de Havilland’s works at Stag Lane in Middlesex. At the time help was received from the Air League of the British Empire and so the idea of creating a national League was put to it for consideration. The Executive Chairman of the Air League, Dr Gerald Merton, reported that it was certain that a national body on the lines proposed would be invaluable, but saw that the two greatest obstacles were the ability to select suitable officers to command squadrons and the key issue of funding. A fund was launched to finance the new organisation, to be known as the British Young Airmen’s League - conveniently keeping the same initials as the founding body. But the Air League was in financial difficulties itself at that time and the fund never materialised. Tragically, Sir Sefton Brancker, who had been approached about sponsorship matters, perished when the R-101 airship crashed on 5th October 1930. With him sadly went any further prospects of raising funds. Shortly afterwards, these financial problems, coupled with the ill-health of Charlie Longman, forced BYAL’s closure.

Ami Johnson on the brink of her epic flight to Australia.

Air Defence Cadet Corps

Air Commodore Adrian Chamier CB CMG DSO OBE RAF (Retired) was appointed Secretary General of the Air League in 1933, aged 50, bringing to it a great love of flying, unbounded enthusiasm, brilliant ideas and a persuasive style of speech and writing. The son of a Major General, he joined the Army, learned to fly and was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in World War One. He transferred to the RAF in 1919 where he served until his retirement in 1929. In 1935 he promoted and established a fund to help pay for selected young men who wanted to learn to fly.

The Air Commodore began to kindle the idea of an aviation cadet corps. He believed that it would be feasible to establish approximately 200 squadrons nationally with the potential for around 20,000 cadets. The cost of such a force would be around £50,000 annually (approximately £2,750,000 in present-day values) and he knew that the Air League could not raise that kind of money. Chamier believed that townspeople would support their local squadrons in terms of fund-raising to supplement subscriptions, and also in providing whatever expertise or service experience was available in the community. Money would be also needed to run a small headquarters and regional staffs, which he believed the Air League could fund. In December 1937 Chamier proposed the following:

(1) To form an air cadet corps to be named the Air Defence Cadet Corps.

(2) To raise £25,000 to cover the expenses for three years of a central headquarters, plus eight paid organisers in eight regions covering the whole country. [Only seven regions in practice.]

(3) To invite leading citizens to form committees in their communities, to raise squadrons and at least £200 per 100 cadets per year to support them.

(4) The committees to nominate air-minded men who were willing to volunteer to be squadron officers. They would be commissioned by the Air League but unpaid and required to buy their own uniform.

(5) The committees to canvas for cadets and be taught aviation subjects, to be trained in discipline and patriotism designed to help them to take their place in military or civil aviation when they reached the enrollment age.

Air Commodore Chamier CB CMG DSO OBE RAF Ret.

In January 1938, at an Air League luncheon given by The Duke of Sutherland, President of the Air League, the plan was agreed. The Air Ministry was approached and at once proved enthusiastic, agreeing to make a per capita grant of 3/6d (17½p) towards expenses of squadrons annually. This would help to provide publications, loan training films and to affiliate squadrons to RAF Stations wherever possible so that they could provide flights and assist in training. Shortly afterwards, at a large gathering of prominent City men brought together by the Lord Mayor of London, they heard Sir Kingsley Wood, Secretary of State for Air, speak on the need for the ADCC.

Chairman of the Air League committee, Marshal of the RAF, Sir John Salmond, directing affairs of the ADCC.

That April, with plans accepted, the Air League formed a committee and council to direct the affairs of the ADCC. This comprised: Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Salmond - chairman, Simon Marks (later Sir Simon of Marks and Spencer and son of the company founder) - Treasurer, Air Cdre Chamier (also Secretary General of the Air League and Commandant designate of the ADCC), Rt Hon Viscount Elibank, Sir Basil Clark, Captain R L Preston, Nigel Tangye, J R Ashwell-Cooke, Rt Hon The Earl of Jersey, Col The Rt Hon Lord Sempill, Brig Gen J F Trotter, Lt Col SS Mallison.

Concern grew

The ADCC committee set up a small headquarters of paid staff under Chamier at the Air League HQ in London. They had to work swiftly to produce uniforms, rules and regulations etc and it made appeals for £25,000. Soon £10,841 was raised whereupon Lord Nuffield’s support was sought. He offered £10,000 provided the remaining £15,000 was donated. The treasurer, Simon Marks, guaranteed to cover any shortfall but squadrons already formed did not wait for the funding as the committee immediately appointed paid organisers to begin recruiting. Although the pay was poor, the calibre of those recruited was of the highest order and they quickly threw themselves into the task. For this purpose the country was divided into seven areas: Scotland, North West, Western, Eastern, South West, South East and London. In 1939 concern grew that a war could destroy the ADCC headquarters in London, which was responsible for command and control of the seven areas. To overcome this, the number of areas was reduced to four and headed by an Area Controller. The areas were:

While greater responsibility was vested in the new areas, direct links were retained between London and the squadrons for administrative purposes.

ADCC Squadrons

Before a squadron could be registered with ADCC HQ, its own committee had to certify that it had raised, or held guarantees for, a sum of not less than £200 to cover the first year of operations and was reasonably sure of raising a similar sum in each of the following two years. A squadron would have a complement of seven or more officers with between 100 to 150 cadets, ranging in age from 15 to 20 years. There were two types of squadrons: School Squadrons, based on pupils and ‘old boys’ and Open Squadrons, which drew from the local community. Some of those early squadrons carried their unit numbers through to the ATC. Many had their own banners and some of these have survived the passage of time and are still proudly paraded.

Derelict warehouses

Finding suitable accommodation was a major problem and such diverse properties as derelict warehouses, Sunday schools, stables and cowsheds were taken into service. Cadets armed with cleaning materials, mops and buckets of whitewash set about converting newly-acquired properties into pristine headquarters. Others were more fortunate in having the use of educational buildings, or local councils and benefactors purchasing and donating large empty houses. Perhaps luckiest of all were the cadets in Nottingham where Wg Cdr A C Ball, brother of World War One famous ‘ace’ Captain Albert Ball, was instrumental in raising £1,400 to purchase a new drill hall and to acquire about eight acres of open land for playing fields and a parade ground. Later a further £3,000 was raised initially for a new hangar and workshop, with a further £2,000 added to complete the job.

Air Defence Cadets

There is a murmur in the skies,

And where an English blackbird sings

Ten thousand lads with shining eyes

Are dreaming – and their dreams are wings

However fine the cage we make,

However strong the iron bars,

These English lads, these sons of Drake,

Will rise triumphant to the stars

The fire of youth shall light their way,

And only as we help them rise

Can we whose youth was yesterday

Be partners in their enterprise

The thing our mariners began

These shall pursue, their enterprise

The last adventure left to man –

To build an Empire in the skies

149 (Poole) Squadron in 1939.

A First for Leicester

Leicester achieved the distinction of being the first to register – 1F (Leicester) Squadron coming into being in 1938. Watford was the first to register a ‘wing’ of two units - 2F and 3F (Watford) Squadrons. On 26th January 1939 the number had reached 50 with the establishment of 50F (Lambeth) Squadron. The suffix ‘F’ for ‘Founder’ was bestowed upon the first 50 and was carried through to the ATC. When a founder squadron disbanded and the number was re-issued to another unit, the ‘F’ was deleted. Because of the large number of cadets per squadron, they were split up into ‘Flights’.

The successful launch of the ADCC was greatly aided by the support given to it by men at the highest level. As early as 16th October 1938 the Watford cadets were strong enough at drill to receive Marshal of the RAF Sir John Salmond as their Reviewing Officer who read out a telegram of good wishes from King George VI. The King and Queen maintained a close interest in the Corps, and on one very special occasion visited 30F (Cardiff) Squadron, where the King inspected a guard of honour.

Sizeable wings

From the beginning, committees were encouraged to band squadrons together into ‘groups’ or ‘wings’ and to form appropriate staff by recommending individuals for Air League commissions up to the rank of Cadet Wing Commander. In addition to the initial Watford Wing, Glasgow and Bradford quickly formed sizeable wings, as did Croydon, Worthing, Renfrewshire, Nottingham and Leicester. In London, several groups were formed, of which the Essex Group, London (Northern) Group, London (Southern) Group and Middlesex Group were examples. In the same way the ADCC encouraged the formation of county-based committees. Perhaps the best known of these was the Yorkshire County Committee, presided over by The Earl of Harwood and chaired by the Mayor of Keighley, Councillor W J Taylor. The latter was responsible for the Taylor Report on the ATC, produced in 1955.

The committee approved the Corps badge, the symbolic albatross, and also the design of colours upon which squadrons put their own number. In the case of 106 (Orsett Hundred) Squadron, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Colonel F Whitmore, gave his consent for it to use his family crest. It was not long before benefactors presented ‘colours’, which were dedicated by the local Bishop and proudly paraded.

Ingenious forms

Fund-raising took many and ingenious forms. People armed with collecting boxes accompanied cadets on public parades and other similar events. In Blackpool a major football match was arranged. Many squadrons formed bands which played at dances, balls and annual dinners. One unit made scale model aircraft, for recognition training, and sold them to the other Services.

At the inaugural meeting of 99 (Folkestone) Squadron ADCC, on 21st April 1939 among the important people present was Major General Sir Thomas Marden who said: …they [the cadets] would find something not to be found on land or sea unless specifically sought out – adventure. Air Cdre Chamier also made a speech and ended it by saying: "General Marden used the word ‘adventure’. This has given me an idea. The motto of the ADCC will hereinafter be ‘VENTURE ADVENTURE’. Proudly that remains so today for the ATC.

ADCC Banner 11 (Brooklands) Squadron.

Chapter 2

Onset of War

During 1939-1940 the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) played a key role in training young men for service in the RAF, a role that was further developed by the Air Training Corps (ATC). To achieve this not only meant giving them the best possible service and aviation background, it also needed in some cases bringing cadets up to the required educational standards. Dress, discipline, drill, the wearing of uniform correctly and how to behave on RAF stations all came into the equation. Striving to achieve the necessary physical fitness standards meant that games, athletics, especially cross-country running and long route marches, became standard. Cadets wishing to become aircrew needed School Certificates; while those wishing to become RAF Apprentices also needed higher qualifications, providing additional challenges to the organisation as a whole.

ADCC cadet badges.

All cadets were given instruction in the common subjects of drill, physical training, First Aid, Morse code, aircraft identification and RAF knowledge. Specialist subjects included: principles of flight, meteorology, navigation, armament and bomb-aiming for aircrew, engines and engineering, airframes and rigging classes for ground crew, and radio and Morse code for wireless telegraphy operators.

Dire shortage

Practical experience was provided wherever possible, with many squadrons acquiring old engines, radio sets and redundant airframes to dismantle, rebuild and become familiar with. Service personnel, retired or serving, and suitably qualified civilians would supplement squadron staff. Apart from a dire shortage of aircrew, in 1940 there was a dearth of wireless operators and pressure was applied to train as many cadets as possible in Morse code. Such was the enthusiasm and effort applied, entering training following call-up former cadets were reported as sending and receiving Morse at higher speeds than their instructors.

Former Cadet Flight Sergeant David Houseman was a member of 116 (Archbishop Holgate’s School) Squadron and before that 110 (City of York) Squadron. He recalled some of his memories:

"War was of course, almost upon us. For me there was no formal schooling during autumn of 1939, while we waited for air raid shelters to be built – we worked from home. I was surprised to be called into school [Archbishop Holgate’s] in mid-September and informed of the proposal to establish a squadron separate from the City of York Squadron.

"A problem was that none of the masters who had volunteered to be officers had military experience and I was the only boy from the school in the York Squadron. Would I help in setting up what became 116 (Archbishop Holgate’s School), preferably by a mutually agreed transfer from 110 Squadron? Thus on 26th September 1939 I became air cadet 116001 on condition that I was allowed to retain informal connections with my former squadron. Right from those early days, I sought to maintain close ties between the two squadrons.

2F (Watford) Squadron - airframe inspection

ADCC machine gun.

July 1940 116 (Archbishop Holgate’s School) Squadron constructing model aircraft.

Outstanding performance

First came official inspections. The squadron was ably led by Cadet Sqn Ldr A C L Phillips, our Latin master and later by Cadet Sqn Ldr W H C Burn. They made it clear that the reputation of the squadron within the whole organisation was best enhanced by outstanding performance in front of ‘top brass’ so I took enormous care to ensure (as senior NCO) that the turn-out was always immaculate. Three inspections I particularly remember were: Air Cdre Sydney Smith on the school playing field, the second was by J Wolfenden (later Sir John) who was the Director of Pre-Entry Training, and the third was by Sir Adrian Chamier, who was the Inspector of the ATC.

David reported to the Air Crew Reception Centre as 1593198 AC2 Houseman D H, ending up as a Radar Navigator in a de Havilland Mosquito night-fighter unit stationed at West Malling, Kent.

ADCC buglers.

Flying was the most sought-after activity by all cadets, whether or not they were keen be become aircrew. The RAF and Auxiliary Air Force provided the opportunity whenever a spare seat was available, as did airlines. Flying clubs and private owners all came forward with many joining the ADCC staffs. In Aberdeen, the Head of Staff of Allied Airways gave cadets of 102 (Aberdeen) Squadron spare places on all flights between Aberdeen and Orkney or the Shetlands whenever possible. In Cambridge, In Romford 12F (Walthamstow) Squadron was given flights through the generosity of the President of Romford Flying Club. A few cadets were fortunate enough to be selected for flying courses at local clubs, paid for by benefactors.

Camps were set up in the summer of 1939 at all leading civilian gliding centres by ADCC HQ in co-operation with the Air Ministry, which contributed towards the cost. More than 200 of the 570 officers and cadets qualified for Royal Aero Club gliding certificates. At the outbreak of war, all civilian flying and gliding was prohibited although the ban on gliding was lifted at a later date.

Outbreak of Hostilities

The declaration of war on 3rd September 1939 understandably severely disrupted the smooth running of the ADCC. Both Marshal of the RAF, Sir John Salmond, and Air Cdre Chamier were recalled for war duties. The Air Ministry sent Sqn Ldr C F Gordon over as the Secretary to the ADCC Committee and its Head.

Many officers