1254 Squadron History

Here we present a brief history of the ATC and 1254 Squadron. The few documents we have in our collection give an insight into our 65 year history. We are always interested in discovering more, so if you have any information you think may be of interest please contact us.

• Background to the formation of the ATC

The Air Cadet Movement owes much of its existence to Air Commodore J A Chamier, known as the father of the air cadet movement.

It was in 1938 that the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was formed, with the idea to recruit and train young men from throughout the country in aviation skills. There was a big need for highly skilled aviators and support personnel if air combat /power was going to be used as a military resource. The ADCC was organised and run by local people in many towns and cities.

With much of the nation preparing for war, the idea of the ADCC captured the imagination of the British people. Each Squadron's aim was to prepare cadets for joining the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm. They provided training in flying, military skills and instructed them in drill, dress and discipline. Physical fitness was also very actively promoted. Cadets undertook PT, team sports and athletics. Long Route Marches, Shooting Practice and Camping Skills all soon became standard squadron activities.

At this time ADCC activities were severely restricted because of the approach of World War II. Many ADCC instructors and Squadron Officers were called up into regular Service. Buildings were commandeered by either the Service or local government for war work and many joined up. Cadets were used to carry messages, they helped with clerical duties, in providing extra muscle in handling aircraft and in the movement of stores and equipment. They filled thousands of sandbags and loaded miles of belts of ammunition. Cadets in Cambridge also assisted with guarding the Cities airfield - then used as an RAF Station. This was repeated over the entire country.

During the early stages of war, the government realised the quality of the ADCC Cadets entering the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. It was so impressed that the ADCC was asked to begin training the young men who were waiting to be called into Service. The ADCC willingly took on this very responsible job and in a very short space of time produced thousands of well qualified individuals who went to pass quickly through basic training.

In 1940 the British Government took over control of the ADCC. This resulted in a number of changes to the Corps, and brought about the birth of a completely new organisation, called the Air Training Corps.

On 5th February 1941 the Air Training Corps (ATC) was officially established, with King George VI agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims. The number of young men responding to this new ATC was spectacular. Within the first month the size of the old ADCC had virtually doubled to more than 400 squadrons and after 12 months it was about 8 times as big.

• 1254 Squadron

According extracts from the diaries of Gilbert Streeter, 1254 Squadron came into existence in late March 1941, which, if the case, would make it one of the first after the official establishment of the ATC.

Initially the Squadron was based at the County Grammar School, with the use of the Y.M.C.A's Bridge Street offices, and was formed to serve Godalming & surrounding villages away from Guildford. A short while later it moved to Meadrow Central School where the Headmaster did everything possible to help and make welcome the Squadron. It was not until June 17th 1941 that uniforms arrived. The initial Squadron had two flights 'A', the country or villages and 'B' the town (Godalming).

Apart from the photograph above from 1951, there is nothing in writing in the 1254 archive to record any other events until the 30th of October 1960. A programme of events to mark the official opening of the new HQ in the grounds of the TA Centre in Hallam Road, Farncombe confirms the beginning of the current chapter in the Squadron's history.

The Annual Report of 1971 gives an insight into the Squadron at that time. The enrolled Cadet numbers varied between 33 and 41 - a number similar to today! Cadets enjoyed a wide range of success in activities including a camp in Germany in the summer. The Ockford Ridge fete led to 3 new recruits. As well as improving what were described as 'gratifying results' in Cadet qualifications, the emphasis for the future was improving recruitment through the showing of a new film in schools.

If you have any interesting information or photographs regarding he history of 1254 Squadron, we would very much like to hear from you. Please do contact us through our 'Recollections' section.

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