Ross-on-Wye
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Ross-on-Wye |
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The ATC was formed by Royal Warrant in 1941 and was developed from what was the Air Defence Cadet Corps. Initially the Corps was formed to meet the needs of a nation at war but it still thrives today and helps a new generation of young people to find a positive purpose in life. With almost 49,000 members between the ages of 13 and 22, belonging to one of more than 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is the world's largest youth air training organisation. In addition to the Cadets, almost 15,000 volunteer Staff and Civilian Committee members give their time to the Corps. This is the story of 1002 Squadron
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January 9th 1941 - less than four months after the Battle of Britain had been fought and won, and when the Blitz was at its height, Winston Churchill’s government gave approval to the inauguration of the Air Training Corps. It was for boys of 16 years and over to receive Preliminary Training before joining the Royal Air Force or Fleet Air Arm and it had instant appeal to adventurous youngsters who eagerly awaiting their 18th birthday when they would be old enough to be with their fathers and elder brothers in the fight for survival.....
February 1945 - the squadron strength was down to 54 and in May the European war was over..... on February 17th 1946 the committee decided to suspend all activities. Boys knew that they could not enter the R A F for flying unless they volunteered for as least seven years service. Mr Webb, who had been chairman throughout the five years since the inauguration, closed the meeting with the words, “The squadron has been the admiration of the whole town and we are deeply sorry to abandon it”.
1953 - Ross became proud owners of a new Secondary School and one of the teachers, namely Mr E.C.W. Harwood, set out to reform 1002 squadron.... Over the years the ATC has seen many changes from the early days as a wartime recruitment agency for the Royal Air Force’s aircrews through to when the Armed Forces became free of National Servicemen to the present day military style youth club. Being a member of the corps does not guarantee a place in the RAF but it still gives a very good insight into service life. Many other changes took place resulting in a more forward-looking corps keeping up to-date with modern times.
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