Sunday 5th February 2017 is the official anniversary of the formation of the Air Training Corps, some 76 years ago in 1941. Cadets and Staff from 84 (Coventry Airport) Squadron and 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Squadron came together to celebrate with a church service at St Oswalds in Tile Hill, Coventry.
The morning Service was lead by Deputy Wing Chaplain, Father Nick Leggett who incorporated an Air Cadet element into the normal Sunday worship. The Cadets and Staff from both squadrons were warmly welcomed throughout and some even had an active part in the service delivering the Readings, leading the congregational prayers or assisting at the altar. At the end of the service all ATC personnel were requested to be upstanding to reaffirm their promise to the organisation. It was a very special and moving moment to see so many cadets together in one place reciting their promise.
After the service there was opportunity for photographs of both units joined together before retiring to the church hall for refreshments.
Flight Lieutenant Rosie Robinson, Officer Commanding of 84 Squadron said afterwards “the cadets really did me, the unit and the Corps proud and joining forces with 163 Squadron has been really good to strengthen the links with our neighbours. Both Squadrons received some lovely comments on how smart the cadets looked from members of the congregation which just proves to me how valued and respected these young individuals are.”
Written by Flight Lieutenant Rosie Robinson RAFVR(T), OC 84 Squadron