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RAFAC NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Honouring Cadets Past, Present & Future

The RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC) are creating a national memorial to

ensure that the lives, service, and sacrifices of our cadets are never

forgotten. This initiative will provide a permanent place of

remembrance and a central archive of stories that honour those who

passed away while serving as active members of the Air Training Corps.

Why a Cadet Memorial Is Needed

During the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Air Training Corps in 2016, the charity torch relay revealed that—despite visiting RAF, Army, Navy, RAFA, and numerous national landmarks—there was no dedicated memorial for Air Cadets.

This highlighted a significant gap:
Our organisation had no place to honour cadets who have died during service—past, present, or future.

The National Cadet Memorial seeks to change that.

The Purpose of the Memorial

The Cadet Memorial will provide:

A Place of Remembrance

A central, physical memorial where cadets can parade and reflect on the legacy of those who came before them.

A Digital Remembrance Book

An electronic archive containing the names, photographs, histories, and stories of all Air Cadets who have passed away during service.

Families and squadron staff have expressed how important it is for these stories to be preserved.

A Legacy for Future Generations

The memorial will ensure that the contribution of every cadet is recognised and remembered, helping future cadets understand the history of their organisation.

Working in Partnership with the CWGC

In the 85th Anniversary year of the Air Training Corps, RAFAC has partnered with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

Their expertise is helping identify cadets who died during WWII and beyond.

Traditionally, only 55 Air Cadets have been recognised—those who died in flying accidents.
Research now shows at least 92 cadets have lost their lives while serving, and many more may still be unrecorded.

The Planned Sculpture

The memorial will feature a statue representing:

A male Air Cadet
A female CCF Cadet

They are shown reading a map and compass—symbolising how RAFAC guides young people and helps them “find their way” in life.

The sculpture is inspired by the “Land Girls” statue currently on display at the National Arboretum.

Location: National Arboretum, Derby

The memorial will be built at the National Arboretum Museum in Derby, chosen because it is the most central point for Air Cadets across the UK.

Funding the Memorial

The total cost of the project is £200,000.
Funding will come from:

HQ Air Cadets
Regions, Wings, and Squadrons
Cadets, staff, parents, and ex-cadets
RAF and partner organisations
Business and corporate sponsors

Every donation helps bring this memorial closer to reality.

Collecting Cadet Stories

We are gathering the names, stories, and details of cadets who have passed away while serving in the ATC.
This includes:

Cadets from WWII
Cadets who died in flying or non-flying accidents
Cadets lost to illness or tragedy while still serving
Any cadet whose history risks being forgotten

Squadrons are encouraged to explore their history, consult long-serving staff and committee members, and help identify “missing” cadets so their stories may be preserved.

All information will be added to the electronic remembrance archive stored at the National Arboretum in Derby and at HQAC.

Examples of Cadet Legacies

Some of the young people whose stories will be preserved include:

Cadet Gary Wood (16) – killed after being struck by a car while cycling to squadron.
Cadet Christopher Rowe (14) – died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage.
Cadet Connor Wood (15) – passed away unexpectedly after falling ill.
Sgt Helen Border (17) – killed in a road accident travelling to a shooting event.
Cpl Edward Wilson (16) – killed by a booby-trap bomb during the Northern Ireland troubles.
Flt Sgt Wayne Maynard, Cpl Jason Adnitt & Cadet Christopher Colmer – killed in a road traffic accident returning from an orienteering exercise.