A party of cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing joined Hants and IOW Wing on a trip to the WW1 sites around Ypres in Belgium this weekend. The trip included visits to several WW1 cemeteries where the cadets were able to lay crosses and pay their respects. With the approach of the 100th Anniversary of the end of WW1, it was a particularly poignant time. The highlight of the trip was the participation in the Menin Gate Last Post cemetery, during which the Wing laid a wreath. Continue reading →

In the months from September to October, a little more than 100 cadets took part in Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets’ fieldcraft courses.  Also known as the ‘Tactical Leadership Courses’, they culminated in a blank firing exercise with cadets, a first for the Wing.  Throughout, cadets were given progressive opportunities to learn and demonstrate skills from camouflage and concealment to section-level tactics with training ammunition, all whilst developing their communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Continue reading →

Thames Valley Wing participated in this year’s Airborne March, which is part of the commemorations of the Battle for Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1944. The Airborne March is in memory to the 1750 plus British and Polish soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 and who are buried in the War Cemetery at Oosterbeek. The March takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. The first march was held in 1947. Further information on the Airborne March is available from: http://www.airbornewandeltocht.nl/en/airborne/44-background_airborne_march

Thames Valley Wing had 79 cadets and volunteer staff participate in 10 and 15 KM route marches as part of this event.

Thames Valley Wing’s objectives for this event were:

• for cadets and adult volunteers to participate in the Arnhem March representing the Royal Air Force Air Cadets;
• to learn about the Battle of Arnhemby visiting significant locations of the battle, the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek and to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem paying their respects at the War Cemetery Oosterbeek;

Should you be interested in participating next year, there are places available with Thames Valley Wing’s contingent. Please contact Flt Lt Nigel Furlong, Contingent Commander and Officer Commanding 2210 Cowley Squadron via our contact form

Flight Sergeant Will Slater of 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron has recently completed a week long cyber course at  No.1 Radio School at RAF Cosford. The prestigious course, which qualifies for a Gold PTS badge, is delivered by  regular RAF Instructors over three weeks each summer. The course is the top level Cyber qualification in the RAFAC and has been running for only a couple years, meaning that FS Slater is one of less than 100 in the whole Corps to have this award.  Continue reading →

Flight Sergeant  Adam Tobin from 2210 (Cowley) Squadron has been awarded Best Cadet at the prestigious Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell.

There is very little free time during the course and the days are long and demanding.  At the end of the week cadets tackle a peer assessment exercise and are then reported on and interviewed by their flight commander. Continue reading →

On Thursday 26th April, Earley Squadron had it’s Annual Formal Inspection. This annual event was our opportunity for the Squadron’s cadets to showcase their skills, talents and achievements to both parents and wing staff. This year, the inspecting officer was Deputy Wing Commander Thames Valley Wing, Squadron Leader Trevena, who was accompanied by Warrant Officer Twigg as the inspecting Warrant Officer. Continue reading →

CWO Lauren Rynsburger  has completed the Junior Leaders Course which is arguably the most arduous and most challenging course offered across any of the cadet forces. Over a 7-month period, students are trained in conducting reconnaissance patrols, offensive fighting patrols, civilian handling, fighting in built up areas and other military skills. Continue reading →

Cadets and staff have recently undertaken two fieldcraft weekends with almost 90 cadets and staff being trained.

The first weekend focused on cadet fieldcraft skills with some of the cadets even sleeping under the stars in bivouacs with none of their normal luxuries. That alone is tough enough but to then add two days of intense and relentless training makes their achievement all the more significant. Continue reading →

Cadet Warrant Officer Lauren Rysnburger, of 150 (City of Oxford) has been judged the best female cadet in the Air Training Corps. Lauren was amonsgt a number of high flying RAF air cadets and volunteers were honoured today at the national awards ceremony held at the home of the RAF – RAF College Cranwell. Continue reading →