The RAF Air Cadets Organisation has always had firm connections with the Royal Air Forces Association, one local connection has been further bonded for 2326 Clay Cross Squadron.
4 Cadets from 2326 (Clay Cross) Squadron and the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Wayne Oldham, were invited as guests of the Erewash branch of the Royal Air Force’s Association known as RAFA at their annual awards ceremony. Over the past year the squadron, like many others across the UK have been busy raising funds for the charity, which provides support to serving and former members of the Royal Air Force family.
In front of members of the Erewash Branch, guests and local dignitaries, the Cadets of 2326 and Flight Lieutenant Oldham were presented with awards for their support and fundraising efforts. Cadet Chloe Edson was presented with a framed certificate for collecting over £79 and Flt Lt Wayne Oldham was presented with the Arthur Thorp Memorial Cup.
The Arthur Thorp memorial cup is named after Pilot Officer Arthur Thorp, a pilot of Halifax Bombers within Bomber Command during World War 2. After completing a number of successful operational missions, his aircraft sustained serious damage after being attacked by a German Night Fighter and crashed near Detmold, Germany. He remained with his aircraft after 6 of the crew bailed out to safety, in an effort to land the stricken aircraft and save his trapped tail gunner, sadly this was not to be the case.
The memorial cup is awarded to the RAF Air Cadet Squadron who raises the most money for the charity in all the squadrons in Derbyshire, so this is a great achievement and recognition for the Squadron. Flt Lt Oldham said ‘ I am really proud of the cadets and the efforts they have made this year and my thanks to the Erewash Branch of RAFA for recognising this in such a great way. We look forward to continuing to support them in 2016’.