A brief history of 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Squadron  

Kindly compiled by Mr Martin Morris (Ross Gazette)

and Squadron staff

1002 Squadron from reformation in 1953 to date

In 1953 Ross became proud owners of a new Secondary School and one of the teachers namely Mr E.C.W..Harwood , who had been involved with the A.T.C before coming to Ross set out to reform 1002 squadron. This was found quite a difficult task as enlisting support of people to serve on the civilian committee to oversee the squadron’s activities as these people needed to be of the right calibre. 

Mr V Plascott the manager of Lydbrook Cable Works, Mr Roy Bulgin, Mr M Tommy, Mr BC Hackett, Mr G Nicolls and the Head teachers from the both senior schools were the new committee. 

Mr Harwood was appointed as Officer Commanding and Mr John Crick another teacher at the school was appointed Training Officer, very soon after they were joined by Mr Gwyn Evans, and Mr BHR Hanks.

Once the squadron was reformed the problems were not over as there was only temporary accommodation available which caused many problems, lack of training area, storage space and of course the squadron was unable to hold rifles.

The squadron started in the school then moved to various sites in town namely Copse House and the Old Kingdom Hall in Corpus Christie Lane. Eventually a permanent home was found in an old hut at the Drill Hall in Alton Road.

When the squadron settled in their new headquarters the numbers very soon increased as the training could now be much improved with more classroom space and also the squadron could now hold their rifles. As the squadron grew the Squadron Commander Fl/Lt Gordon Lamputt and his staff of 124 The City of Hereford Squadron gave a great deal of support which eventually led to many joint camps and exercises. 

Squadron Staff 

The staff consists of Commanding Officer plus Officers, Warrant Officers and Civilian Instructors. Many ex-cadets return to the squadron as adult staff, joined by a interested parents. Over the years the squadron has been blessed with continuity of staff members, many holding Long Service Awards. One person we must not forget was the late Mr Arthur Wethersbrey who coached the cadets on the rifle range from 1954 until shortly before his death in 1992.

1002 Squadron – as reported in the Air Cadet News

46 cadets rewarded for good service, among the list of prize winners of a flight to Canada was F/Sgt Ralph Probert of 1002 sqn reported in June 1958 issue.

Members of 1002 sqn were congratulated on their enthusiasm  and smart turn out when Sqn/Ldr J Griffiths, Chief Instructor at the Administrative Apprentices Training School Credenhill, inspected them. Sqn/Ldr Griffiths said he hoped many cadets would think seriously of the RAF as a career. He did he it could to help the ATC, and he found that ATC boys made the best apprentices, reported in April 1958 issue.

F/Sgt Ralph Probert formerly of 1002 sqn has been granted a direct entry commission in the Gd branch of the RAF reported in February 1960 issue.

Presenting Duke of Edinburgh Awards to four members of the corps at Ross ,Mr JF Maclean, HM Lord Lieutenant for Herefordshire said”You boys who are taking part in this award scheme can, by your example exert tremendous influence on those of your contemporaries who may not have the same ideas of what is right or wrong.” The cadets who received the awards were as follows- Sgt F Spratley and Cpl N Fowler (Silver), Cadet K Johnson and R Sinclair (Bronze). 

The Lord Lieutenant told the cadets, “It was a great day for the youth of the country when the Duke of Edinburgh inaugurated the award scheme. I would urge parents and teachers to encourage all young people to make the best use of their leisure by taking part in the scheme.” Also present were – George Powell JP Mayor of Hereford, Martin Morris Chairman of Civilian Committee, SG Little Chairman Ross Urban District Council, BC Hackett Chairman Ross and Whitchurch Rural District Council, Wing Commander FHJ Wilkins (West Midlands Wing ATC) ,Wing Commander G Raynor who is in charge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for the Corps, and G Nicholls and EJ Rowberry both long standing friends of the squadron, reported April 1961 issue.

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. 

The major changes were setting up of the regions, introduction of the Cadet Warrant Officer rank encouraging older boys to stay in the corps, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and in the 1980’s allowing girls to join the corps.