NORTH REGION
OUR HISTORY
This brief history will outline how the Air Cadets has grown and changed from its beginnings as an essential part of the Royal Air Force, supplying better-trained and experienced personnel during times of war, into the largest Air Cadet Organisation in the world.
In 1938, with the clouds of war forming over Europe, Air Commodore Sir John Chamier recognised the need to provide young men with aviation-related skills to prepare them for the Air Combat which would inevitably come with World War II. Hence, the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was set up and proved popular with thousands of young men joining up. On 5th February 1941, the ADCC was formally established by Royal Warrant becoming the Air Training Corps (ATC) with a new badge and motto, 'Venture Adventure', still used to this day.
Air Commodore Sir John Chamier at his Desk.
Air Cadets learn the basics of flight at RNAS St Merryn in Cornwall.
An Air Training Corps Cadet secures his parachute, before an air experience flight in a De Havilland Tiger Moth at Biggin Hill, Kent, 4th January 1942.
The Air Training Corps doubled in size with squadrons up and down the country standing up to prepare young men for entry into the Royal Air Force. At the close of the war, the Air Training Corps began to change into the organisation it is today. Gliding lessons became available to get cadets up in the air and in 1980 females were allowed to join, helping to bring more people together to enjoy everything that Air Cadet life has to offer!