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
1460 (Banbury) Squadron
1460 (Banbury) Squadron thrives to deliver a varied and an exciting range of activities throughout the year which include the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, vocational qualifications, First Aid training as well as Flying.
Our motto is "pride and honour prevails"
We are proud to offer air cadets the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills by learning an instrument within the squadrons marching band.
Please contact the squadron if you require any further information.
Latest News for: 1460
Arnhem Airborne March 2018
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
Fieldcraft Trailblazers
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
Inter Squadron Athletics
Woodley Air cadets have been crowned Athletics champs after an action packed day of competitions Abingdon’s Tilsley Park stadium. In taking the win they narrowly beat Slough and Britwell units from a field of almost 200 cadets from 14 Squadrons from right across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The winners in each of the competitions will now go forward to represent Thames Valley Wing at the South West Region championships. Continue reading
Thames Valley Wing Mark the Centenary of the Royal Air Force in Windsor
Thames Valley Wing played a lead role when over 700 RAF Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers from across the South West Region proudly celebrated RAF100 with an unprecedented parade through the streets of Windsor. With the iconic Windsor Castle in the background, the parade drew hundreds of people onto the streets to watch as a sea of light blue took over the Royal Berkshire town for the day. Continue reading
Bowling to victory
Sunday, 4th December saw the annual Thames Valley Wing bowling competition take place at RAF Brize Norton with over 140 cadets representing 22 Squadrons from across the Wing.
After an early start the competition started and with a competitive spirit the 12 lanes at the Astro Bowl were soon full of cadets aiming for the strikes to add vital points to their Squadron scores. Each team was made up of only four cadets so the pressure was on each cadet to get down those pins. Everyone managed to compete in at least three games and after a tense bowl off at the end the winners were announced. Continue reading
Celebrating the success of cadet and volunteers
Air Cadets and volunteer staff from across Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps gathered at RAF Benson for an evening of celebrations during the annual THRIVE awards.
The THRIVE awards were established three years ago to recognise the achievements and successes of the individuals who support the Air Cadets in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Hosted by RAF Benson and sponsored by five organisations 33 individuals received recognition on the evening for their efforts across several categories. Continue reading
Thrive Nominations 2016
Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2016 Thrive award:
AWARD | NAME | SQUADRON |
Inspirational Civilian Instructor – For the Civilian Instructor who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Air Training Corps. | CI J FITT
CI P SOAR CI M MRZGLOD |
211 NEWBURY
2507 BICESTER 594 THAME |
Valiant NCO – For excellence, through the virtue of hard work, character and quality in service as a Senior NCO. | FS (ATC) R FENION
WO (ATC) M ROBERTS FS (ATC) S PEDGE |
1460 BANBURY
1861 WANTAGE 2121 ABINGDON |
Outstanding Junior Officer – To recognise the Junior Officer who has excelled including in their own personal development. | FG OFF L BAKER RAFVR(T)
FG OFF J PRESTON RAFVR(T) FLT LT A PYE RAFVR(T) |
153 SLOUGH
1315 KIDLINGTON 211 NEWBURY |
Unsung Hero – Awarded to the individual whose contribution often goes unrecognised, but without it the ATC would fail to deliver. | SGT (ATC) M WIGLEY
CDT FS BIDDLE FLT LT T CHURNSIDE RAFVR(T) |
1861 WANTAGE
594 THAME 381 READING |
Endeavour Award – For consistent and extraordinary efforts in helping others, above and beyond the call of duty and often against the odds. | CI M ROSE
FLT LT D AZIZIAN RAFVR(T) FLT LT P BENNETT RAFVR(T) |
966 WALLINGFORD
2121 ABINGDON 155 MAIDENHEAD |
Air Cadets parade in Windsor to mark their 75th Anniversary
360 Air Cadets and over 80 adult volunteers from across the Thames Valley Air Cadets came together on Sunday, 22nd May to celebrate the Air Training corps (ATC) 75th Anniversary.
Parading through Windsor and past the Guildhall it was an incredible sight to see the Thames Valley Air Cadets march through the streets and onto the Parish Church in all their splendour. Continue reading
Thames Valley Wing Awards
Commandant’s Air Cadets Commendations of Meritorious Service were given out at this years Thrive Awards, below are the recipients and their citations.
Flying Officer Alex Pye from 211 (Newbury) Squadron has been a member of the Corps serving as a both a Cadet and as a member of staff at 211 (Newbury) Squadron.
A long term supporter and key member of the Squadron he has undertaken all of the duties asked of him with style and is seen as a corner stone of excellence. He is also leading light in bringing archery activities – first to Newbury Squadron through careful negotiation of grant packages – before being an evangelist for the activity Wing-side. Continue reading