This weekend at RAF Benson Cadets from across Thames Valley Wing met for the first session of a year-long programme of initial weapons training and live fire. 15 cadets left with a trained shot badge and a further 2 gained the marksman badge. Our next session is planned for March with details already available through Cadet Portal.

During the recent lock down period, Thames Valley Wing of the RAF Air Cadets moved to using online platforms to continue activities for our cadets. 217 of our air cadets have completed radio communications and cyber security training courses during this time and we even trained 10 adult volunteers as instructors.

The radio communications and cyber security training is highly beneficial to the cadets, as it improves their knowledge of cyber security, social media safety and how to protect themselves and their devices from malware and viruses. Continue reading →

Well done to all cadets and adult volunteers who took part in the South West Region sports day covering rugby, netball, football and hockey and congratulations to all who were selected for the South West region teams.

The Air Training Corps was founded on 5 February 1941, and the nearest Sunday to the anniversary is known as ‘ATC Sunday’. Many Squadrons mark this day by organising events with an aviation historical theme, and 1315 (Kidlington) Sqn is no exception. Last year, we visited the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, and this year it was the turn of the RAF Museum, Cosford.

Thames valley Wing undertook a multi activity training weekend staying onboard HMS Bristol, a Royal Navy destroyer docked in Portsmouth and used as a training facility. Our cadets participated in training for first aid, leadership, instructional techniques, NCO command training for Junior and Senior NCOs and weapons handling and safety training.

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