Our Sqn was officially opened on November 23rd 1976 by Brigadier Sir Douglas Crawford, C.B., D.S.O, T.D. Sir Douglas Crawford was first commissioned in the T.A, in the 4th West Lancs Field Brigade Royal Artillery, based at Edge Lane. He served with the unit and moved to Europe on the outbreak of WW2; he suffered the retreat through Dunkirk and was mentioned in dispatches. He continued to serve with the T.A. and in 1948 was promoted to Brigadier, commanding the 89th (Field) Army Group, Royal Artillery.
Who we are: The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) is one of the largest youth organisations in the UK with nearly 60,000 cadets and staff which is second to none in providing a meaningful structured foundation for developing individual responsibility and integrity in young people. Cadets aged between 12 (Start of Year 8) and 20 years gain valuable life skills and nationally recognised awards that will be useful in any career they follow. We're sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you hands-on experience in activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in whatever you want to do. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is also our Honorary Air Commandant!
Our aims are to: Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people. Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life. Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship And there's one more important thing - it's a lot of fun!
Air Cadets can also add to their school academic achievements with Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, BTECs in Aviation, Public Services and Performing Arts (Music) through CVQO
The Air cadet organisation offers activities that will challenge, excite and give you a sense of adventure, along with structured learning that will help you gain knowledge and first-hand experience.
You join the squadron on a trial basis of 12 weeks where you will get to know the staff, cadets and start your basic training. Once you have gone through your basic training you will be introduced to more activities as you progress allowing you to get opportunities you would not normally have.
Camping – Getting you to work in teams so you can learn new survival skills and progress through you Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) seeing different views and meeting lots of new people of similar ages and interests
Easter/summer camps - As you advance in rank you can take part in these popular camps held at RAF stations around the UK.
Overseas camps - Spend 10 days in Cyprus with fantastic weather, swimming, sailing, and maybe even see the Red Arrows practise their displays (they train there). Head to Germany where you'll visit a city or cemetery from the First and Second World Wars. You may even get to fly in helicopters - another exciting possibility for cadets.
Adventurous training - A huge part of cadet training. We have two centres, at Windermere in the Lake District and Llanbedr in coastal Wales, both with stunning scenery. Rock climbing, abseiling, high-level hill walking, mountain-biking, canoeing, high rope work and sailing are all par for the course.
Flying and gliding - Joining the Air Cadets opens up lots of opportunities, including the chance to fly! It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as our Typhoon fast-jet or a Chinook helicopter.
Shooting – There are various shooting opportunities L144A1, L98A2, Air Rifle and Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Sporting activities – Sport plays a big role in cadet life, there are competitions run throughout the year including Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey, Athletics and much more. This is a chance for you to shine for your squadron then you can go on and represent your wing and even the top level and compete at Corps level.
First Aid – Learn all the first aid skills you need to put into practice in a real situation starting at Heart start through to becoming a first aid instructor and teaching first aid.
Joining as a Cadet
If you have a young adult(s) in the making who shows an interest in what we do then don't hesitate in contacting us on our parade evenings Monday and Thursday between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on 0151 426 6000 you can also email us with any questions you have: 1438@rafac.mod.gov.uk or fill in this brief form: https://forms.office.com/r/b75qc671qS and we will get back to you.
Joining as a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (CFAV)
We welcome all responsible adults - male and female - from all social backgrounds, cultures and religions. You do not need to have any prior military experience. Minimum age to volunteer is 20 years old. Any training you may require, or feel you need will be provided. Adult Volunteers play a vital role in all aspects of cadet life, whether organising activities, encouraging and educating cadets or helping the squadron run smoothly. You can take part in activities you couldn't do elsewhere else and gain nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.
Our volunteers gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential. Most adult staff join as Civilian Instructors. Some move on to uniformed service as an SNCO or Commissioned Officer.
Each squadron also has a Civilian Committee, which supports the squadron in many important ways, such as fundraising and recruitment and you choose your level of involvement! Civilian Instructors and Civilian Committee members give as much or as little time as they can manage. Uniformed staff are expected to give a minimum commitment of 12 hours per month.
Everyone has a skill they can put to good use! All you need is enthusiasm and the ability to communicate with young people. If you have professional skills even better! The Squadron holds a lot of Training information/resources to help support you.
We will encourage you to develop your existing talents, learn new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQ certificates, Mountain Leaders, First Aid and glider instructor qualifications.
Sound Interesting?
If this sounds like the thing for you or you would like more information then the next step is to come and visit us on one of our parade nights (Mondays & Thursdays) at our building next to St Edmund Arrowsmith School. Here you can have an informal chat with our Officer Commanding Flt Lt Tony Feeney and find out what opportunities are available.
