History of the Squadron 1968-1970.
During 1968
Cadet Flt.Sgt. D.Herrington qualified for his Gliding
Proficiency Badge and was presented with his wings by the Chief Flying
Instructor, Flg.Off. A.R.Williams, after his solo flights at RAF Burtonwood.
Successessful completion of this course qualifies cadets for the A and B certificates
of the British Gliding Association.
Cadet J Mayor finished 3rd in the Wing Cross Country held
at Whitton Park, Blackburn.
The Annual Camp was held at RAF.
Leeminge, (N.Yorks). Jet Provosts AEF done at nearby RAF Topcliffe
in Chipmunks and Varsity aircraft.
Adult staff had a 2hr. night training
flight in a Varsity aircraft.
Cdt.Jaztrebski and Fg.Off B.F.Town had a flight from
RAF Topcliffe to RAF
Conningsby where they picked up a Sdn.Ldr. passenger who was going to RAF
Valley (Anglesey), before they returned to RAF Topcliffe.
During 1969
Flg.Off. W.Rae left the Squadron.
Cadets Martin, Poxon, Herrington and Todd braved bitterly
cold weather and snow to get airborne whilst at the No.635 Gliding School,
Burtonwood. Each cadet was airborne six times during the day, rising to
a height of 1,400 feet, around the massive Burtonwood
Airbase.
Cadet John Mayor represented East Lancs Wing ATC in the inter-wing
sports at RAF Cosford
in the mile event.
After 28 years service on the Civilian Committee Mr. B.
Roberts received a Commemorative shield to mark his retirement as vice-chairman.
Cpl. P. Heaton received his Cadet of the Year trophy from
Wing Commander J. Stock, Commanding Officer of East Lancashire Wing ATC.
The Annual Camp was held at RAF.Wyton, Huntingdonshire,
home of 543 Squadron, from which a Victor bomber was entered for the transatlantic
Air Race. The squadron was commanded by Wing Commander J.Worral, whose wife
formerly lived in Horwich.....RAF
Wyton
The camp was attended by Flt.Lt Philip Riley with 15 Cadets.
All the cadets flew for at least half an hour in a Chipmunk aircraft.
Other activities included shooting, physical training, initiative exercises
and visits to various working sections on the station. All the cadets flew
for at least half an hour in a Chipmunk. Other activities included shooting,
physical training, initiative exercises and visits to various working sections
on the station.
One cadet was constantly late for roll call at night, having met a young lady.
For this "crime" he was made to report to the station fire section
where he was given a complete fire engine, to clean!.
Flt.Sgt.M. Mitson went to RAF
Gütersloh in West Germany where, with other cadets from Lancashire
took part in the day to day activities of the squadron....RAF
Gütersloh
During 1970
Three long serving cadets have been promoted from Cadet
to Corporal. They are David Murray, James Mayor, Alan
Poxon and J.Todd.. Corporals Poxon and Mayor gained distinctions
in their examinations for Staff and senior cadet status. The first place in
the senior exam was taken by cadet Newman a member of Horwich's detached
flight at Wigan.
Cadet Warrant Officer D. Herrington re-qualified at
Holcombe range as an RAF marksman shooting .303 rifles and he obtained a certificate.
The Annual Camp was held at RAF.
Lindholme. 25 Cadets and 2 Officers attended. AEF was in Hastings transport
and flights to the Humber estuary.
