THE Air Training Corps at Kidlington has been giving teenagers a sense of adventure for more than 70 years.

Hundreds of youngsters have passed through its ranks, learning a variety of skills to benefit them in their adult lives.

The Air Training Corps was formed as a national body in 1941, and 1315 (Kidlington) Squadron was among the first to come into existence.

Oxford Mail:

  • The Kidlington squadron in 1950

At first, it was part of 150 (City of Oxford) Squadron and met in buildings at Kidlington airfield.

In the early 1950s, it moved to huts in High Street, Kidlington, and remained there for 50 years until the land was sold to a developer.

Since 2004, it has shared with the Army Cadet Force part of the new building of shops and homes built on the site.

In the early days, the Air Training Corps was a feeder group for the RAF, encouraging talented and enthusiastic youngsters to join the service and help the war effort.

With the end of National Service and changes in the RAF, its recruitment role ended in 1967.

Oxford Mail:

  • Air apparent? Can anyone tell us where and when these two pictures, above and below, were taken, and name any of the people?

Oxford Mail:

 

There was another significant change in 1980 when girls were admitted for the first time – a move which caused excitement among the boys but dismay among traditionalists.

Like other squadrons, Kidlington has built a fine reputation of service to the community, helping teenagers between 13 and 18 get airborne, enjoy sporting activities, visit RAF stations, join expeditions, meet new people, learn new skills, develop their characters and have fun doing it.

Over the years, it has built up an excellent collection of photographs of past events, but the details of some, including two of those published here, are sketchy. Can anyone identify those in the pictures, and tell us where and when they were taken and anything about the events?

Despite its modern premises and a full complement of leaders, the Kidlington squadron is having difficulty recruiting new members.

At present, it has just 10 – seven boys and three girls, a third of its maximum – making it hard to carry out the full programme of activities.

Flight Lieutenant Paul Palmer, the squadron’s executive officer, said: “We have very good facilities and qualified instructors, and would like new members to join us.”

More details can be found at kidlington aircadets.org.uk

  • Memory Lane this week