281Sqn (Southport) ATC Souvenir Magazine

INSIDE

Where it all began A journey down Memory Lane Where are they now?

The challenges and rewards Did you know?

281 (Southport) Squadron Air Cadets 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine ÂŁ1 SPO1422 281_souvenir.indd 1

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Welcome In the United Kingdom of the late 1930’s with war looming, the Air Defence Cadet Force was formed to prepare air minded youths for service in the Royal Air Force. In a short time these cadets so impressed their RAF sponsors with their activities, they were welcomed into the RAF family. On 5th February 1941 they were awarded the title of the Air Training Corps and King George VI became their Air Commodore-in-Chief.

At the time of its foundation, the role of the ATC was solely to train young men for service in the RAF. Seventy years later young men and women together form the ATC and the corps objectives have become: “to foster the spirit of adventure and develop the qualities that go towards the making of good citizens.”

Although cadets wear RAF style uniforms and are governed by the RAF, only a small percentage of cadets join the services.

Nevertheless any young person with ambitions to join the services would benefit greatly from time with the corps.

281 (Southport) Squadron Air Training Corps St Peters School, Upper Aughton Road Southport, PR8 5NH

This brochure celebrates the 70th Anniversary of No 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC. From its inception it has been a very popular part of the youth organisation of this area. This seems to have been the standard from the early days of the squadron during WWII. When the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) cadets were transferred into the unit, for within weeks the squadron would boast a membership of over 300 members. Most of these young men went on to see wartime service, some as members of aircrew and no doubt some paid the supreme sacrifice.

Telephone: 01704 550393 www.281atc.org Parade nights: Monday and Friday, 19:15–21:30hrs

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Inside this document you will discover tales of personal experiences in the corps that stretch across the generations.

Stories from 70 years ago link with tales from the late 1900s to the present generation of RAF Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers, who are shaping the future of their service better to fit the challenges of the 21st century.

No 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC has the aura of a happy family. Those who volunteer to join this family carry out a number of different roles all of which are vital to the successful running of the squadron. The uniformed officers and cadets are the manifestation of why the corps exists.

On the other hand, the teaching of aviation and allied subjects is carried out by Civilian Instructors whilst members of the Civilian Committee provide welfare support and financial succour. The squadron relies totally on the considerable efforts of these volunteers to harness the enthusiasm of the cadets, to secure the morale of the squadron and ensure all their charges achieve their potential. Thus the nation will benefit from the endeavours of cadets from 281 well into the future.

Finally I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this most worthwhile project – their efforts have been rewarded by the production of a first class magazine.

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70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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Air Commodore Jack Broughton President, 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC 3

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Early memories

Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch Reg Charity No 232258 Animal Shelter, New Cut Lane, Birkdale, PR8 3DW

Everyone at our Animal Shelter sends congratulations to the Officers and Members of No 281 (Southport) Squadron, Air Training Corps on their 70th Anniversary

Air Commodore Jack Broughton

Thank you for your help and assistance over many years - especially for the brilliant job you do for us at our FUN DOG SHOWS in May and September.

President 281 (Southport) Sqn

we could not manage without you!

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Your organisation of the car parking is done with professionalism and courtesy...

Stanley High Sports College In Southport, young men had volunteered for the ADCC and transferred to the ATC soon after the foundation day ‌

Flying high!

E Best-ever GCS results 2010 83 per cent 5+ A*-C grades

Best wishes ets to the Air Cadport) of 281 (South Squadron

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About this time Air Commodore J A Chamier had the idea of forming an air cadet force to encourage air minded youth to train for service in the RAF. Consequently the ADCC was formed and squadrons established in towns throughout the land. After the war started members of the ADCC and their instructors gained experience of the RAF by carrying out the tasks of orderlies on local RAF stations.

This valuable service came to the attention of the Air Ministry who recognised the contribution made by the cadets.

The ADCC was reformed and on 5th February 1941 the Air Training Corps was officially established with King George VI as its Air Commodore in Chief.

Congratulations to 281 uadron (Southport)youSq r on

70th Anniversary

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In the late 1930’s, just 20 years after the end of WWI, the nations of Europe were preparing for further conflict. Military leaders realised that for the first time air power would play a decisive part in any conflict and therefore in the UK the Royal Air Force would need to expand quickly if was to be ready in time for war.

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www.centrevineonline.com 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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In Southport young men had volunteered for the ADCC and transferred to the ATC soon after the foundation day to become No 281 (Southport) Squadron. Initially the squadron met at Linacre Street School and the scheme was so popular that by the end of the first year 300 cadets had been accepted and a second squadron No 1182 formed and the unit moved to nearby Sefton Street School.

Amongst the 15 year olds who joined the squadron at the start were Frank Blackburn and his brother Fred, Denis Pulman and his twin Tony and Bill Newman. Fred, Denis and Bill are still resident in the Merseyside area and they remember with great affection those early days. Further Bill Newman continues to have a link with the squadron through his great nephew, Flying Officer David Foster RAF VR(T). Remarkably the Blackburn’s father who had been an infantryman in WWI became the Squadron Warrant Officer. It is worth noting that all the cadets mentioned became SNCO cadets before moving on to become RAF SNCOs in time.

Training was carried out in town and under canvas at RAF Woodvale where field exercises took place. After a few months uniforms were issued and the cadets became proficient at drill and marching behind the squadron drum and bugle band. The squadron spent a lot of time marching around Southport and soon after they were issued with Lee Enfield .303 rifles they marched down Lord Street carrying fixed bayonets!

The academic subjects covered by the cadets will have a familiar ring to modern day cadets. Map reading, aircraft recce, aerodynamics, PT, navigation, and drill: emphasis was placed on becoming proficient in the morse code and sport. During their time at RAF Woodvale cadets were given air familiarisation flights in light aircraft and in the Avro Anson. It was a busy time at the local airfield with hundreds of movements including the first Flying Fortress to land in the UK, Wellingtons, Austers and Spitfires.

Bill Newman (above) as he was in October 1945.

(Right) Bill can be found on the back row, third from left, in his ADCC uniform at an NCO Camp at RAF Woodvale in 1942.

As well as educating the cadets in service practices, efforts were also concentrated on raising their knowledge of aviation subjects better to prepare those cadets awaiting call up for voluntary service as aircrew. Many cadets were accepted into full time RAF training courses as aircrew following successful training in the ATC. During the war Frank Blackburn trained as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and was posted to Coastal Command, Denis Pulman trained as a Pilot at Pensicola in the USA and stayed in Training Command flying Oxfords on his return to UK whilst his twin Tony trained as a Pilot in Canada and flew Liberators and Lancasters in Coastal Command towards the end of the war.

Bill Newman talking to the current OfďŹ cer Commanding of 281 (Southport) Sqn. ATC, Flt. Lt. Dave Wright, RAF VR(T), at Dining In Night 2010.

Bill Newman successfully trained as a Navigator/Bomb Aimer in South Africa where he celebrated VE Day; he returned home to undertake various flying duties including ferrying Mosquitoes before joining No 50 Squadron RAF Waddington flying the Lincoln that replaced the Lancaster.

70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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No 281 (Southport) Squadron - Air Cadets

Officer Commanding - Role of Honour 2001 to Date 1997 to 2001 1996 to 1997 1995 to 1996 1994 to 1995 1991 to 1994 1998 to 1991 1983 to 1985 1982 to 1983 1962 to 1982 1952 to 1962 1941 to 1952

Flight Lieutenant D M Wright Flight Lieutenant M Duffey Flight Lieutenant B Downham Flight Lieutenant F Peakin Flying Officer S Albertino (O.I.C.) Flight Lieutenant H Crow Flight Lieutenant M Mawdsley Flight Lieutenant P Houghton Flight Lieutenant J C Hill (O.I.C.) Flight Lieutenant C Abrams Flight Lieutenant W Lund Flight Lieutenant Slater

1941

2000

Flight Lieutenant Dave Wright RAF VR(T) Officer Commanding 281 (Southport) Sqn ATC

2011

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So how and where did it all begin? Well, surprisingly enough I was never involved with the Air Cadets during my teenage life. I was however a proud member of the Cubs and Scouts, but soon out grew that organisation and left around the age of fourteen.

Had I found the Air Cadets at that stage I certainly would have joined the local Squadron and I know I would have loved it. Unfortunately, I had to wait for a good few years before I eventually joined and whilst I was too old to be a cadet by then, thankfully I wasn’t too old to become an adult member of the Air Cadets.

I was always interested in aircraft and anything to do with aeroplanes. “Airfix” models were a great favourite of mine (Yes – just like James May!!) and I progressed from these to building and flying control line aircraft models before taking the plunge and moving on to Radio Controlled aeroplanes, flying fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. I tried to join the Royal Air Force at seventeen but unfortunately wanting to be a pilot and having a dodgy left eye didn’t really go hand in hand. But never mind, “suffer the disappointment” and piloting flying models would have to do!! Air Shows were also a great favourite of mine and it was at the Southport Air Show that I first met 281 Squadron.

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The standards and teamwork that were set in 1941 still hold as true today as they did then …

I have the honour to be an Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, retaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant and I currently retain the designation as the Officer Commanding, (O.C.) 281 (Southport) Squadron – Air Cadets. I have been with the Squadron for sixteen years and the “Boss” for just over ten. As they often say “doesn’t time fly” and this is especially true when you are involved with the Royal Air Force and the Air Cadets!

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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After a chat with the then Squadron Officer, Flying Officer Matt Duffey, later to become Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Matt Duffey, I was hooked and my first night at our Squadron Headquarters in Birkdale, Southport was Monday 2nd October 1995. A date I can’t seem to forget! I wonder why? Within two months of joining the Squadron I was a Civilian Instructor and within a further eighteen months I was in uniform and was being referred to as Pilot Officer Wright!! Goodness me!!

During my time at squadron I have held many positions and designations, including Training Officer, Adjutant, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Officer, Range Control Officer and Lecturer. All good experience for the role I am now carrying out on the Squadron.

Best bits, too many to mention but particularly, my first flight in a “Bulldog” and then a “Grob Tutor” light aircraft. My first flight in a towed and then a motorised Glider. Scoring a 100% marksmanship on the ranges at Altcar Training Camp, running Duke of Edinburgh practice and actual award weekends, night exercises and so much more. The motto of the Air Cadets is VENTURE – ADVENTURE, or to put it another way “to have a go at something you have never done before – and have fun whilst you are doing it”. This motto equally applies to the Civilian Staff and Officer’s of the Squadron as well as the Cadets.

Regrets, none that spring to mind but it is difficult sometimes “flying the desk” rather than being out there and joining in the activities with my staff and cadets. Which brings me nicely to the final point I’d like to mention and that is, in this our seventieth year how have we managed to keep going?

Well, it’s all about standards and teamwork. The standards and teamwork that were set in 1941 still hold as true today as they did then. In a world where the youth of today is often pilloried for their behaviour it’s a pity more people can’t see the successes of the Cadets and the standards they apply to themselves within our organisation. I have to say that it is humbling to be a current player in a proud history of our squadron and the Air Cadets generally.

No one person is bigger than the Squadron.

We work together …

Of course no one person is bigger than the Squadron. We work together, that is to say, the Officers, Civilian Instructors, Civilian Committee and of course the Cadets as a Squadron.

Without all these personnel, there would be no Squadron. I would therefore like to take this moment to thank everyone for their help, support, commitment and dedication to the Squadron and I am sure that I will not be the last in a continuing long line of very proud O.C.’s.

So here’s to the next seventy plus years!!

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“Committed to making athletics fun!�

Warwick Crew from Royal Air Force 281 Squadron in September 1944 Standing in front of their Warwick aircraft at the Tiree aerodrome are Flight Sergeant Bobby (or Billy) Balcombe, Flight Sergeant Harry Merrison, Flight Sergeant 'Kim' Nicholls, Pilot Officer E. G. Rendall, Warrant Officer Joseph 'Ray' Stephens and 'Poppy Brandeth, all from No. 281 Squadron.

Training and competitions for all ages, male and female in track & field, cross country, road relays, sports hall athletics and road running.

The squadron, whose motto was 'Volamus servaturi' (We fly to serve), was formed in March 1942 for air-sea rescue duties, initially flying Defiant aircraft which were replaced the following year with Anson aircraft. In November 1943 it was absorbed by No. 282 Squadron and reformed with Warwick aircraft carrying airborne lifeboats.

With thanks to 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC for all your help during our Waterloo 15k run.

Best wishes on your 70th Anniversary.

The squadron's base was moved to Tiree in February 1944 and detachments were sent around the British Isles. In February 1945 it moved to Northern Ireland but a detachment remained at Tiree until September. The squadron was disbanded in October 1945.

Interested in Athletics? Why not join us?

Contact 0151 286 0181 or 07940 333 040 for information www.southportwaterlooac.co.uk

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The Air Training Corps is structured in such a way that, as well as the military infl uence, there is an allied civilian structure.

Each Squadron has a Civilian Committee made up of parents of cadets and others who have an interest in developing the local youth.

Tony Duffey Chairman Civilian Committee 281 (Southport) Sqn ATC

The main role of the Committee is to raise funds and control the Squadron finances, whilst also being responsible for the welfare of the Squadron and those involved with it.

Each year several fund-raising events are organized such as, the sale of programmes on a commission basis for the Southport Air Show, bag-packs at a local supermarket andoccasionally, sponsored walks, quiz nights etc.

The Committee meets about once every six to eight weeks to discuss finances, authorize purchases from funds for equipment, arrange fund-raising activities but is not involved in the day to day running of the Squadron. This is the province of the officers and civilian instructors.

I have been Chairman for more than twenty years now and have been involved since my son was a cadet, twenty five years ago. He went on to become a Civilian Instructor, then went into uniform and eventually became Squadron Commander for four years, leaving only because his work took him to Norfolk.

We are always ready to welcome new members to the Committee, “many hands make light work” and we would be pleased to see more parents involved. It is not an onerous task and can be very rewarding when we see the success achieved by some of our young charges.

We work very closely with the officers and have an excellent working relationship with them.

If you are interested in joining the Committee, please contact us through our website at www.281atc.org

We are always ready to welcome new members to the Committee – “Many hands make light work” 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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A trip down memory lane I couldn’t wait for my 14th birthday (you had to be 14 to join back in 1954). The first parade night after my birthday saw my school friend John Wroe and I, with some trepidation, cycling down to Upper Aughton Road and presenting ourselves at 281 Sqn. I couldn’t possibly have imagined then, that I would be a member of the Squadron for the next 40 and a bit years, holding every rank from cadet, through to Cadet Warrant Officer, Adult Warrant Officer to Flight Lieutenant.

Flight Lieutenant Clifford Hill RAF VR(T) Retired

However, back to the beginning. As a cadet, my burning ambition was to fly fast jets in the RAF. After the first few years, I realised that there was a problem. I think I probably hold the record for being air sick in the greatest variety of aircraft – Chipmunk, Harvard, Provost (not the Jet Provost), Anson, Dakota, Hastings etc.

My predisposition to air sickness didn’t affect me when gliding, probably because the gliders then had open cockpits (Kirby Cadet Mk 3 and the Sedbergh gliders), and were free from the pervading smell of rubber in powered aircraft of the time.

There wasn’t much call in the RAF for fast jet glider pilots, hence my career plan disintegrated and I finished up doing engineering in ‘Civvy Street.’

In 1959 or thereabouts, the Squadron decided to set up a detached flight at RAF Woodvale. One of our officers, Flg. Off. Sid Brownley, headed up this new flight.

I, a Flt Sgt by now, and other senior NCO’s, were from time to time loaned out as instructors. I recall one evening going to teach at Woodvale on my new Royal Enfield Crusader Sports motor bike. It was at that time, the fastest 250cc motor bike on the market, and someone (may even have been Sid Brownley) suggested I try it out around the peri track.

That was OK, but because I couldn’t see the bends early enough, I couldn’t really give it some welly. The main runway seemed ideal, so I yanked the throttle open wide and off I shot. They didn’t like it in the control tower and started flashing red lights at me.

I was given a right dressing down for my foolishness. “If you’d crashed, you might have damaged the runway lights,” I was told. (That would have been the least of my worries, I thought). The detached flight later became a Squadron in its own right, No 1430 (Formby) Squadron, under Flt Lt Alan McLellan (who still lives in Formby).

Around 1960, the West Lancs Wing (pre ‘Merseyside’) wanted to pilot the fairly new Duke of Edinburgh’s (D of E) Award Scheme, and 281 was one of about three squadrons in the Wing asked to launch it within the ATC. I think by this time I was a Cdt W.O, and I eagerly volunteered to help the O.C. (Flt Lt Colin Abrams, of whom more later), in running the Scheme.

Although my sports interests were snooker and pub crawls, I had been introduced to fell walking, aged 12 or 13, by a teacher at KGV and was keen to pass on my love of the mountains to cadets. The D of E Scheme became my passion at 281 for the rest of my time in uniform and I, assisted by my friend and ex-cadet Stan Wakefield, organized many expeditions (including canoe expeditions) and week long trips to the ATC Outdoor Activities Centre at Windermere.

I have been privileged to see many young people grow up into fi ne citizens.

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The DofE scheme is, as most of you will know, much wider than just expeditions and is justifiably very highly regarded by employers and others, as a measure of a young person’s maturity, perseverance, teamwork and commitment to serving others. It’s hard to describe the feeling of pride when, on two occasions, I had the privilege of attending Buckingham Palace to witness 281 Sqn. cadets receiving their well deserved Gold Award from the Duke himself.

281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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When I joined 281, the O.C. was Flt Lt. Bill Lund. He was an excellent O.C. who had many characteristics (including physical resemblance) of ‘Dad’s Army’ Captain Mainwaring. He was succeeded by another good O.C., Flt Lt Colin Abrams, a very charismatic man who was the C.O for the rest of my uniformed service. His ability to scrounge things for the Squadron from RAF sources was legendary. We had at the Squadron, courtesy of Colin, an ejector seat, a Firestreak and other air to air missiles, a 30mm Aden cannon, several Browning machine guns and a plethora of other training aids.

From left, Ronnie Whittaker, Denis Eastwood, Colin Abrams, Mike Stanyon and Cliff Hill.

A 281 Sqn. recruitment day with Flt. Lt. Colin Abrams (2nd left) and Flt. Lt. Bill Lund (3rd left).

As I moved into my forties, Colin became terminally ill, and I became the de-facto O.C. for the last 10 to 12 months of his life. My interest in the DofE scheme was undiminished – in fact I was now increasingly involved in the Scheme outside of the ATC. I was a DofE approved Assessor for the Lake District and Snowdonia and was, for a while, the Chairman of the Sefton North DofE Committee. I didn’t feel that I could do justice to the job of O.C., so Mike Mawdsley, a fellow 281 Officer became O.C. I continued as a Civilian Instructor for several more years, but the crunch came for me one evening, when I overheard a young cadet in an adjoining classroom saying to his friend, “Who’s that old bloke next door?” I realised, in one of those awful moments of truth we all get from time to time, that perhaps now was the time to withdraw gracefully.

My wife will tell you what a lousy memory I have, but such recollections that I do have of my time at 281, are overwhelmingly good ones (apart from the horrible “Hairy Mary” uniforms I as a cadet had to wear, and oh yes, my air sickness, oh, and getting lost in Snowdonia on a Mountain Leadership course at Llanwrst, oh, and as a very mediocre canoeist on a Canoeing Course at Llanwrst, having to canoe across the Menai Straits).

Flt. Lt. Colin Abrams was a very charismatic man. His ability to ‘scrounge’ things for the Squadron from RAF sources was legendary.

I have been privileged to see many young people grow up into fine citizens, whether or not they entered the RAF. In the present times of savage and, to my mind, deplorable and counter-productive cuts in youth work, I hope that at least the RAF will continue to value and support the ATC in general, and 281 in particular.

Seated row, CO Lund and F/O Abram 8th and 9th from left; third row, Cliff Hill, Lionel Pindes and Stan Wakefi eld 8th, 9th and 11th from left.

70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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MEOLS COP High School SPECIALIST SPORTS COLLEGE Congratulations on your 70th Anniversary 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC This is also our 70th birthday year! Our school first opened during the war years in 1941 as separate girls and boys secondary schools. It was a ‘state of the art’ school with cookery rooms, showers and playing fields! The girls knitted their own jumpers to use up red wool and evacuees joined the school from inner city areas. The pupils from then wouldn’t recognise our fabulous ICT, performing arts and interactive learning and teaching facilities but they would recognise the spirit and enthusiasm that you can feel in every classroom and in every student and teacher.

If you want to visit us to understand why parents in 2011, have once again made us oversubscribed with a long waiting list or simply because you are one of our old pupils and want to see your old school in action-contact us! Our students love to ‘show off’ their school and you will be made very welcome.

Flight Lieutenant Paul Flusk

For over 4 years, I was a member of the Air Cadets and attended regular cadet meetings at 281, my very fi rst Squadron.

99 Squadron RAF Today, as a member of 99 Squadron, I continue the adventure that accompanies service in the Armed Forces, in command of a 160 million pound transport aircraft, the C-17A Globemaster.

‘Preparing for Life’ Meols Cop Road • Southport • Merseyside PR8 6JS

Tel: 01704 531180 • Fax: 01704 532072

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Headteacher: Alison Heaton B.A. (Hons), M.A.

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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As part of my role, I regularly fly my aircraft with my crew to some of the most inhospitable and challenging locations you can find. My current Squadron are responsible for flying the majority of the varied essential freight required to support our mission in Afghanistan, from helicopters, including the Chinook and Apache, to tanks and protective vehicles, into Camp Bastion, a 90 foot wide stretch of concrete with limited facilities.

During the relatively short time I have had with the RAF, I have seen service primarily on the C-130 Hercules with 30 Squadron and, as mentioned, the C-17A. I trained on the RAF’s basic fast jet trainer, the Tucano, and our multi-engine trainer, the King Air. Whilst serving, the numerous varied and challenging missions I have been tasked with, initially as a co-pilot and now as a captain, have included earthquake relief to Pakistan, landings on small dirt strips across Afghanistan, over 600 flying hours on mission inside of Iraq and aero medical evacuation flights for individuals critically injured on the front line.

At all times, the thrill and excitement of flying make my “job” both rewarding and at times, a significant challenge.

Early last year, I completed my first global circumnavigation over 7 days, flying to Dubai, Brunei, Australia, Hawaii, Seattle and finally home.

Clipping from Southport Visiter Friday 12th March 2003

The rewards of service, in particular working alongside similarly motivated individuals, provides satisfaction and pride you won’t fi nd in other careers.

Since I have joined, service has been extremely challenging, sometimes scary and very rarely boring. However, as I look back on my time at 281 Sqn, I can think of numerous skills that were imparted to me which I use in my current role, most notably the importance of teamwork and friendship. Without the skills I gained, it would have become nigh on impossible to conquer the numerous hurdles in the way of an individual becoming a service pilot.

For those of you looking to join the Armed Forces in the future I will not lie; at times, the demands of front line service have been exceptionally hard, not only on myself, but also my family. I will however say this; the rewards of service, in particular, working alongside similarly motivated individuals, in difficult circumstances with at times, limited resource, can provide a sense of satisfaction and pride that I very much doubt you will find in other careers. Do not think for one moment that a long term dream of flying or serving in the armed forces is an impossible achievement; it may be difficult, but with the right preparation and attitude to selection, it can be done.

Best wishes to my old Squadron,

Paul Flusk 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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It was in the Spring of 1980, whilst I was a 15 year old pupil at Stanley Secondary School in Churchtown, that I decided to join the ATC. My reason for joining was mainly the positive influence of my Grandfather, who was a 2nd Lieutenant pilot serving with 27 Sqn ‘Flying Elephants’ in the Royal Flying Corps in 1918 and subsequently a proud member of the Royal Air Force on 1 April. He flew the De-Havilland Mk 9, a biplane with a rear facing ‘Lewis Gunner’.

Wing Commander James Tomlinson Officer Commanding Aerosystems Training Wing RAF Cosford

My Grandfather had many stories, including when he was shot down over enemy occupied Ypres and managed to escape with his Gunner and a broken ankle, only to fly again in the afternoon of the same day! It was this sense of chivalry, pride and strength and the tremendous respect I had for my Grandfather that inspired me to join the ATC; that and several of my school friends who were similarly interested in joining at the time.

So it was that on 17 April 1980 I enrolled. I remember on the night of my first attendance, whilst standing in the side-lines of the parade hall as a newcomer still in ‘civvy mufti’ awaiting kitting from WO A G Blair, that a smart and well-heeled Flt Lt Mike Mawdsley strode into the parade hall and demanded to know of the parade that was stiffly at attention, who would like to go to the indoor rifle shooting range that night. Believing this to be an open invitation, I raised my hand and was told I could go with the selected ‘proper cadets’ for my cheek!

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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The indoor range was a few miles away and transport was provided by Flt Lt Mawdsley in his Rolls Royce. I was mightily impressed, as a newcomer, with the standards of transport and activities that I was to expect and promptly decided that night that the ATC was most definitely for me.

The ATC really inspired me to achieve what I could with my life …

There are too many stories to recount in this short article, but strong memories included the famous NCO’s crewroom in the loft above the Sqn’s kitchen, where the senior NCOs could relax, plan events and swap stories. Weekend flying and night exercises at RAF Woodvale were very important developments that gave me a real taste of action and adventure with good cadet friends; names such as Dave Hibbert, Terry Jones, ‘Knobby’ Henderson, ‘Bob’ Roberts and Mark Davies to name but a few. Summer camps I attended included RAF Stations Kinloss, Locking, Coltishall and Swanton Morely. At these camps and other Station visits, I took every opportunity to practise ‘.303’ rifle shooting and gained my Marksman’s badge and a few shoulder bruises to prove it.

Life in the Air Training Corps gave me a dimension to teenage life that I felt no other activity could provide. At the time of joining I was already a keen trombonist, playing in the School and St John’s Brass bands most evenings, and an enthusiastic Airfix aircraft and train modeller. Whilst these provided hobbies and interests it was the ATC that really inspired me to achieve what I could with my life. I must admit to not being ‘entirely focussed’ on my school work, but the ATC gave me impetus and a belief in my own potential, which I might otherwise not have discovered. My RAF Form 3822 indicates that Flt Lt Peter Houghton, Officer Commanding 281 Sqn, signed my ATC discharge certificate on 7 November 1983 when I was a Cadet Sergeant, to allow me to join the RAF as a Direct Entrant Airframe Technician. On graduating from No 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton I served for 8 years at RAF Cottesmore, maintaining Tornado aircraft.

During this time I focussed on academic development and my career, subsequently gaining acceptance to attend the Royal Military College of Science in 1993 to read for an Honours Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Following Initial Officer Training and Engineer Officer Training in 1997, I was posted to my first commissioned tour as Junior Engineering Officer for No 2 (Army Co-operation) Sqn at Marham in Norfolk, operating the Tornado aircraft. It was poignant for me that RAF Marham had also been the home of 27 Sqn ‘my Grandfather’s old Sqn’ for ten years since 1983.

Operational tours in the Middle East followed and my RAF career ‘took off‘. I have enjoyed working with fast jet, transport and helicopters in operational environments since, as well as more esoteric appointments, including life as a Military Assistant developing Concepts and Doctrine in the MOD Headquarters. I have been shot at in helicopters in Iraq, subjected to mortars, rockets and ‘Scud’ missile attacks, assisted evacuees in Sierra Leone, attended a traditional Scottish Burns’ Night dinner in Riyadh and caught up with old ATC mates passing through the ‘Horny Vine’ watering hole in Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. Most recently I have returned to the technical training environment, but this time as Officer Commanding Aerosystems Training, responsible for over 550 permanent staff and some 3000 trainees.

‘RISE’ Respect Integrity Service and Excellence

I count myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and develop through joining the Air Training Corps and have many fond memories of the staff who devoted their time and effort to inspiring, guiding and developing young people. For my part, I have joined that crusade and devote some of my spare time to mentoring young engineers to acquire Engineering Council registration and I sit as Vice Chair to one of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Membership Grading committees. Sadly, owing to working commitments I will not be able to join the 70th anniversary of 281 (Southport) ATC Sqn, but would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, to all members of staff past and present, and wish the Sqn continued success and excellence as an institution and inspiration for young men and women who can recognise the importance of the core values upheld by the RAF, as defined in Air Publication 1 by the appropriate acronym: ‘RISE’ - Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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The lessons I learned about leadership, teamwork and integrity are still things I fall back on now as Station Commander.

I have very happy memories of 281 Sqn ATC and can still remember my first evening in the HQ as though it were yesterday. The cadet senior NCOs seemed like gods to me then – their insistence on discipline and enthusiasm for aviation were key formative influences.

Group Captain Terry Jones Officer Commanding RAF Linton-on-Ouse

I was lucky enough to become Cadet Warrant Officer and benefit from the full range of ATC activities. The lessons I learned about leadership, teamwork and integrity are still things I fall back on now as a station commander but I was no saint.

I remember the O.C. calling me in to his office one evening to explain how angry he was that after the Remembrance Day Parade in Southport an Army Cadet’s beret had been stolen by someone from 281.

As the corporal in charge, he explained, it was my duty to track down the culprit, inflict a suitable punishment and restore the beret to its rightful owner. This was slightly awkward because I was the culprit. I owned up and then received what was quite possibly the loudest and most thorough telling off I’ve ever had. But I deserved it and it was never spoken of again.

On another occasion, as a flight staff cadet for 10 AEF at R.A.F. Woodvale, I was responsible for organising high jinks when it was too windy to fly. Our favourite game was to use an old parachute to drag us across the grass on the pretext of carrying out para drills. Rather unwisely, I strapped in a very small cadet during a particularly powerful gust.

Once the canopy inflated, he disappeared from my grasp instantly and was only brought to rest when his head connected with a sapling just outside the officers mess, about a quarter of a mile away. The day ended in the casualty department of Southport Infirmary and, needless to say, I became re-acquainted with the O.C.’s office.

They were fantastic days, and the friends I made back then are still good friends to this day. I would commend the ATC to any young person with an interest in aviation and wish 281 all the very best for its 70th Anniversary.

Group Captain T W Jones has been a Royal Air Force pilot since graduating from RAF Valley in June 1986. Since then he’s enjoyed several tours of duty flying the Tornado ground

Back in 1983, the then high-fl yer, Flt Sgt Terry Jones, became the one millionth air cadet to fl y with the RAF Air Experience Flights 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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attack aircraft and one as an instructor on the Hawk. At the time of writing, his log book records just over 3000 hours of fast jet experience, much of it on operations over Iraq. Terry’s ground tours were in the Personnel Management Agency at RAF Innsworth, the Defence Procurement Agency (now DE&S) at Abbey Wood and Equipment Capability within MOD Main Building. His last post was commanding No 904 Expeditionary Air Wing at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan from where he returned in April 2010. Terry has now taken up post as the Station Commander of RAF Linton-on-Ouse, the RAF’s main flying training base.

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www.champnews.com 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

29/06/2011 1:56PM

I have very happy memories of 281 Sqn ATC and can still remember my fi rst evening in the HQ as though it were yesterday.

Alan Rayner Civilian Instructor BTEC Officer 281 (Southport) Sqn ATC

I returned to the same Squadron as a Civilian Instructor (CI) for 3 years in the late 1970’s and in early 1990, I took my daughter along to an open night at 281 Squadron, which she wanted to join because her friend, Rosie, was a cadet. She also mentioned that I had been a CI and Gary, the husband of the O.C., Hilary, asked what I had taught.

When I mentioned ‘Principles of Flight’, he asked if I’d like to teach it at 281. The rest, so they say, is history. I started teaching in April 1991 with my first warrant as a civilian instructor commencing from April 1992. My 5th warrant currently runs until April 2012, so to date I have served 20 years with the squadron. I am now the Business and Technology Education Councils (B.T.E.C.) officer for the squadron and run the B.T.E.C. course in Public Services, a qualification equivalent to 4 GCSE’s. Rosie now teaches Principles of Flight as a RAFVR(T) officer at a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) unit in Crosby.

About 6 years after I began teaching Principles of Flight, I was sent on an instructor’s course, to RAF Valley, on Anglesey, to tell me about the subject. One new subject area was Helicopters and the group was sent over to 22 (SAR), which is now Prince William’s Squadron. We were shown in to a room with lots of equipment where a Flight Lieutenant began talking about the stuff they used on a Search & Rescue helicopter.

When he asked for questions, he was rather taken aback when we all asked him how a helicopter flew. Even so, he expertly rattled off all of the relevant facts and we all left the meeting well versed in the principles of helicopter flight.

When we returned to our main classroom building, the instructors were in a panic. The Training Section of 22 (SAR) had reported that a group of Air Cadet Instructors had gone missing. It turned out, by mistake, that we had been hijacked by the Operations Group, who had been expecting to show rescue equipment to a group of Police Cadets.

It was reassuring that a pilot on a Search & Rescue helicopter was not only such a practiced expert on the machine but was also able to give, without any preparation, a detailed theoretical explanation of how they fly.

Throughout my time with 281, I’ve seen quite a few O.C.’s come & go and remember one chap, called Dave, on the beach at an Air Show asking about becoming CI. Flt Lt Dave Wright has been our O.C. for a few years now.

Quite a few of my early students have gone on to be pilots in the RAF

However, there has been one constant – Tony Duffey as Chair of the Civilian Committee.

In September 2000, I was on the gate at Weld Road for the Air Show and Tony was there. It was some time since he’d seen me, with my longish hair and full beard. In the meantime, I had shaved my head and trimmed my beard to a goatee. Tony didn’t speak to me until, eventually, he asked me, quite seriously, if I had a brother called Alan!

Quite a few of my early students have gone on to be pilots in the RAF and some have returned to the Squadron as CI’s, Adult NCOs or Officers. I hope, like me, all the cadets who have been with the Squadron through the years enjoyed their time with 281.

70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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That’s because Welbeck, based at Woodhouse, near Loughborough in Leicestershire, is the UK’s only ‘defence’ sixth form college. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for a science or technology degree, leading to a career as an Engineer, Technical Officer or Scientific Officer in the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and MOD. In your first year, you’ll do four AS level courses: Physics and Maths are compulsory, but you can choose your other two from Chemistry, Biology, Electronics, Design & Technology, Computing, Geography, History, Government & Politics and Business Studies. In your second year, you can carry on with all four subjects to A level, or replace one with an ‘enrichment’ subject, such as Sport & PE, Critical Thinking, Arabic, Mandarin or Music Development. You might also take up one of the many e-learning courses available. Welbeck’s teaching staff includes military trained, as well as civilian, tutors and instructors. That means you can be sure the teaching you receive is up-to-date and relevant to your subsequent career. And because the Armed Forces want only the best, we make sure you’re taught by the best, too. This is reflected in our results: a 100% pass rate at A Level, making us one of the UK’s top performing sixth form colleges, and a consistent leader on the State Boarding Schools league table.

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70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

29/06/2011 1:57PM

Formal Military dinners are a tradition in the Royal Air Force …

Following the formation of the Air Training Corps in 1941, this same tradition was adopted by 281 Squadron. As with most ancient traditions, the origin of the “DiningIn” is not clear but it is known that formal dinners in Military life are rooted in antiquity and can be traced as far back as the Roman Empire.

The Dining-In Night

The “Dining-In” event has served the Royal Air Force well as an occasion for members to meet socially at a formal Military function and this holds true for 281 Squadron.

It enhances the esprit de corps of our squadron, lightens the load of the demanding day-to-day work and gives the Officer Commanding an opportunity to meet socially with his Staff and Cadets. It also enables all squadron ranks and disciplines to create bonds of friendship and better working relations through an atmosphere of good fellowship. It is an excellent forum to recognize the individual and the squadron’s achievements throughout the year. Therefore Dining-In night is very effective in building high morale.

Dining-in night also brings together the serving and ex-serving Officers, Civilian Instructors, Civilian Committee members and Cadets, together with guests and friends of the squadron in an atmosphere of camaraderie, good spirit and social rapport. The basic idea is to enjoy yourself and the company.

The evening can provide an excellent means of a “hail and farewell” to a member of a squadron who is retiring, leaving or indeed has left the squadron within the preceding year. This is often referred to as a “Dining Out” of the personnel concerned.

The President of the Mess Committee (PMC), usually a nominated officer from the squadron, is the central figure of the dining-in night and he/she is charged with the overall responsibility of the dining-in night with specific duties. He/she will organise a guest speaker for the evening which by custom will be a distinguished military officer or official of the government.

There are many “Rules of the Mess” that apply to a Dining-In night and too many to mention here but they are designed to conform to tradition, promote levity and any violators of these rules are subject to the wrath of the PMC. So beware and if you are invited to a Dining-In night make sure you find out what they are!!

An excellent forum to recognise the individual and Squadron achievement throughout the year …

70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine | 281 (Southport) Squadron ATC

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Do you remember?

Here’s a party night to remember that was held at 281 back in 1957 … can you see anyone you know? Here are two faces we’ve picked from the gathering:

Did you know?

‘The Beatles’ once performed live at 281’s ATC Club in March 1961. They apparently played in return for bacon/jam on toast!

Maureen Wakefield

A fu he fa

Harry Proudlove

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Around 1960 these happy looking lads were taking advantage of a photo opportunity when the Squadron had its own bar. (Left to right) Ronnie Whittaker, Paddy Maloney, Reg Dixon, Ricky Halsall, Cliff Hill and Ray Houghton; (foreground) Lionel Pinches.

In 1962 you could have seen ‘Gene and His Fabulous Outlaws’ play at 281’s HQ in Birkdale … and it would have cost you less than 18p including refreshments!

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Dedication Went the day well?

We died and never knew, But well or ill, Freedom, we died for you.

To all ex-members of 281 Squadron, the Air Cadets, the Royal Air Force and other Military Services who have passed away over the last 70 years and with particular thoughts of Cadet Baker (1999) and Cadet Sergeant Stanmore (2010) – R.I.P. We will remember them.

© 2011 Officer Commanding, 281 (Southport) Sqn. ATC. All rights reserved Design & Production : Champion Media Group · 01704 392320

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281 (Southport) Squadron ATC | 70th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine

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The RAF Benevolent Fund congratulates the Air Training Corps on its 70th Anniversary

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A special thanks to Air Cadets everywhere for your incredible fundraising on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund. Your efforts help us to continue our vital work supporting the RAF family, past, present and future.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

To find out how you can support us visit www.rafbf.org

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