As the year draws to a close, we look back on an incredible 2024 for 2497 (Cosford) Squadron. From achievements by individual cadets to squadron-wide successes, this has been a year to remember! Key highlights This year, the squadron has seen remarkable growth, opportunities, and achievements: From our Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Giles Vince RAFAC It hardly seems that 12 …
Former Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Williams shares her incredible experience during the International Air Cadet Exchange to Canada Arrival and First Impressions This summer, I was fortunate enough to be selected to go on International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) to Canada for two amazing weeks. We were joined by a contingent of US Civil Air Patrol cadets and two Canadian …
A night of recognition, reflection, and celebration, as we honoured the outstanding achievements of our cadets and volunteers. After a pause from 2020 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2497 (Cosford) Squadron proudly hosted its annual Presentation Evening this year. The event celebrated the exceptional achievements of our cadets and volunteers while reflecting on the squadron’s progress over the …
Recognising the Remarkable Contributions of Our Volunteers Volunteers’ Week, now in its 40th year, takes place in the first week of June every year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contributions volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you. As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the …
Community Engagement and Awareness Highlighted at Annual General Meeting On Friday 31 May 2024, we hosted our Annual General Meeting (AGM), welcoming parents, carers, and friends of the squadron. The evening was a great success, with the re-election of key committee members and an insightful workshop on gaming and gambling harms. The AGM was an opportunity for attendees to hear …
RAF Cosford, Friday 9 February 2024 In a testament to her exemplary commitment and outstanding achievements, Cadet Flight Sergeant Smith of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron has been appointed as the RAF Cosford Station Commander’s Cadet for 2024/25. This coveted role offers Cadet Flight Sergeant Smith a unique opportunity to gain insights into the Royal Air Force and experience life at RAF …
As the festive season embraces us, we gather to reflect on the accomplishments and joys that have marked the year for 2497 (Cosford) Squadron. Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Giles Vince (he/him) As this cadet year draws to its festive close, we can reflect with pride and positivity upon all that we have achieved as a squadron over the past 12 …
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of Jonnah Jones, a valued former cadet and Civilian Instructor at 2497 (Cosford) Squadron. Jonnah’s journey started with us as a cadet, reaching the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant where he also served as a dedicated Drum Major. His dedication led him to the Royal Air Force, where …
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Don Rhodes, the President of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron ATC, following a short illness. After joining the Royal Air Force as part of his National Service in 1951, Don joined the Air Training Corps as a Civilian Instructor and then as a Warrant Officer with 1165 (Oswestry) Squadron. He later …
Monday 9 January 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Civilian Instructor Mary Middleton, who played an instrumental role in the smooth running of our squadron. Mary joined 2497 (Cosford) Squadron as a Civilian Instructor in 1984 when her sons, Peter and Paul were cadets. Mary volunteered with the squadron for an outstanding 36 …
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Squadron Leader Stephen Hucker. Stephen devoted much of his life to volunteering with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. He worked tirelessly to support multiple squadrons and wings in a variety of roles across the organisation, including Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing, West Mercian Wing and Staffordshire Wing. More recently, Stephen …
After 60 years of service in the RAF Air Cadets and 5 years in the RAF, our squadron adult volunteers decided to refurbish an old, dull classroom to remind future generations of Don Rhodes’ unique contribution to the squadron and other squadrons within West Mercian Wing. Military career Don Rhodes started his military career serving in the Royal Air Force …
Reviewing 2021: Let’s revisit some of our milestones This year has been difficult and challenging for the country. However, we’ve been able to deliver a variety of activities and qualifications – even welcomed some new members. Find out more about what we do here. If you’re interested in joining the RAF Air Cadets, find out more here, or find a …
We’ve had quite a year, here’s a look back at our 2019.
This month, we say goodbye to Cadet Warrant Officer Linden Parsonage who leaves the RAF Air Cadets to join the Royal Navy.
Wed 15th May 2019 7pm-9pm Albrighton Sports & Social Club, WV7 3QT You are cordially invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Civilian Welfare Committee of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron Air Training Corps. Civilian Welfare Committees determine the running of the Air Training Corps from squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council. Each squadron has one, …
Squadron commitment and representation are two of the qualities that gave Cadets Jamie Richardson and Matthew Austin an edge when we recently decided to promote them to the rank of Cadet Corporal. Sadly we can’t promote every cadet as if we did there simply wouldn’t be a rank structure. As such competition for Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer vacancies is fierce, with most …
On Sunday 7th May 2017, cadets from 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, along with the other squadrons in West Mercian Wing, took part in the annual Inter-Squadron Athletics at RAF Cosford. The day involved both track events (100m to 1500m) and field events (such as javelin, shot put and discus). As well as each cadet being scored individually, each squadron also accumulated …
Congratulations to Cadet R. Kettle for being one of the cadets nominated by the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers and for being chosen as the Cadet of the Month by Cadet Flight Sergeant A. Killeen, Cadet Flight Sergeant L. Pritchard and Cadet Flight Sergeant C. Weetman. The reasons for being nominated as the Cadet of the month Cadet Kettle has been chosen …
During March, I was given the opportunity to attend an interview for the position of RAF Cosford Station Commander’s Cadet. I felt very fortunate to think that I would have this chance to have an interview in front of Group Captain Mark Hunt, Royal Air Force Cosford Station Commander, and Warrant Officer Mike Stokes, Royal Air Force Cosford Station Warrant …
Congratulations to Cadet B. Haley for being one of the cadets nominated by the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers and for being chosen as the Cadet of the Month by Cadet Warrant Officer R. Phillips, Cadet Flight Sergeant A. Killeen, Cadet Flight Sergeant L. Pritchard and Cadet Flight Sergeant C. Weetman. Cadet Haley has been chosen due to his consistent high …
The Morris Trophy is awarded to the Best Largest Squadron in the RAF Air Cadets. Earlier in the year, Wing Commander A. Griffin, Officer Commanding West Mercian Wing nominated us to represent the Wing for the award. The next stage was for Group Captain Simon, Regional Commandant Wales and West to inspect us – as well as five other squadrons …
On the weekend of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th April, the squadron attended a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze and Silver Practice Expedition. The squadron was joined by cadets and staff from 156 (Kidderminster) Squadron and staff from 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron. I, Cadet Warrant Officer R. Phillips, Cadet Flight Sergeant C. Weetman and Cadet Corporal C. Walthorne did our Silver …
From Friday 7th to Friday 14th of April, we (Cadet Corporal A. Lowe and Cadet T. Evans) and five others from the squadron attended the Air Cadet Austria ski trip to either improve our skiing or to learn how to ski. On the 7th, the coach came from Aberystwyth and met us and other squadrons from around the area …
Through the Wing, I, Cadet Flight Sergeant A. Killeen, Cadet Flight Sergeant L. Pritchard, Cadet Corporal E. Alexander-McGowan, Cadet Corporal A. Cooper, Cadet T. Evans, Cadet M. Jones and cadets from 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron and 124 (Hereford) Squadron have been working towards The Sports Leaders UK Level 2 Award in Assisting in Basic Expedition Leadership. The course has allowed us …
On Friday 31st March 2497 (Cosford) Squadron had their Annual Formal Inspection. This is a formal inspection held once per year in which our squadron can display to Wing Commander A. Griffin, Officer Commanding West Mercian Wing, the dedication and high standards that make up 2497 (Cosford) Squadron. The night consisted of an inspection, a presentation given by myself, …
The squadron is run by a team of adult volunteers, but how much do you know about each of them? How would you describe your role? What are your usual duties? I am mainly looking after the Adventure Training side of the squadron, particularly The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and navigation work. I’m heavily involved with the practical part of …
Congratulations to Cadet A. Leeper for being one of the cadets nominated by the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers and for being chosen as the Cadet of the Month by Cadet Warrant Officer R. Phillips, Cadet Flight Sergeant L. Pritchard and Cadet Flight Sergeant C. Weetman. Cadet Leeper has been chosen due to her positive attitude and her increased involvement, confidence and …
Congratulations to WO Lofthouse on presentation of his cadet forces medal for 12 years service #whatwedo #wmwconference pic.twitter.com/7OFCOyGMcJ — West Mercian Wing (@wmwaco) March 19, 2017
During the last two months, I and a number of other cadets have participated and achieved our Blue Badge Radio Communications badge. The course covered basic radio procedures, protocols and an insight into cyber communications. The award is great and comes in very useful as it is designed to give cadets a basic level of confidence “on the net” and give …
I, Cadet Corporal T. Gent, Cadet Corporal A. Bryan and Cadet Warrant Officer R. Phillips completed our first practise walk for our Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We also completed the walk with two cadets from 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron. Only I have ever done DofE in the past, so it was mainly a chance to learn how to read …
With a steady rise in cadet numbers over the past few months, it became apparent that we needed to enhance and develop the current Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) structure in order to recognise and develop leadership skills and to ensure the efficient running of parade and weekend activities. Without Cadet NCOs, RAF Air Cadet Squadrons simply couldn’t function, for …
The squadron is run by a team of adult volunteers, but how much do you know about each of them? How would you describe your role? What are your usual duties? I am a Training Officer and am head of drill and discipline in the squadron. Recently I’ve been modifying the remote controlled models which will hopefully be used in …
Congratulations to Cadet D. Whalley for being one of the cadets nominated by the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers and for being chosen as the Cadet of the Month by Cadet Warrant Officer R. Phillips and Cadet Flight Sergeant L. Pritchard. Cadet Whalley has been chosen due to his dedication to improving his uniform as well as his increasing support for others.
On Sunday 12th February, I and 27 other cadets took part in the Inter-Squadron Cross Country competition at RAF Cosford. After being briefed and doing a quick warm up with Cadet Sergeant Weetman, we all managed to try our best to participate in the race with, especially if you were running, a particularly challenging route. The first 400m was on …
On Sunday 5th February, we started off by getting all of the band equipment ready and making sure everyone was there and ready to go. Then, we formed up into our places and set off through Albrighton towards the church. In the band we played: ‘Dambusters’, then a drum solo, ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’, and another drum solo, …
The squadron is run by a team of adult volunteers, but how much do you know about each of them? How would you describe your role? What are your usual duties? At the moment I’m working on improving the band equipment, particularly the drums – taking them to pieces, fixing, adjusting and spraying them to ensure they’re kept in the …
Congratulations to Cadet S. Bentley for being one of the cadets nominated by the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers and for being chosen as the Cadet of the Month by Cadet Warrant Officer Phillips and Cadet Flight Sergeant Pritchard. Cadet Bentley has been chosen due to his growth in confidence which has been demonstrated through his commitment to the squadron in participating …
On Friday 13th January myself, Cadet J. Tucker and Cadet Corporal A. Bowden organised an Inter-Flight Competition where teams of cadets compete against each other using their teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. The cadets were sorted into three groups and switched between the three activities throughout the night. My activity was called Replicator Challenge. Within the group, the cadets had …
The squadron is run by a team of adult volunteers, but how much do you know about each of them? How would you describe your role as Officer Commanding? What are your usual duties and priorities? Just being a member of a team. The main aim is to benefit the cadets as much as possible. This includes ensuring the wellbeing …
Wing Field Day is an annual event where all 29 squadrons in West Mercian Wing come together to compete against each other in a variety of competitions, such as drill, aircraft recognition and first aid. The squadron came away winning ‘Smartest Squadron’ (we last won this in 1992) and myself winning ‘Smartest Cadet’ (we have never won this before). Below: …