42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

2015

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Freedom of the Borough !

The evening of 2nd October saw the cadets of42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Train- ing Corps march through the rows of assembled guests into the regal splendour of the King’s

Lynn Town Hall having been preceded by mace bearers with the civic regalia and the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Councillor Barry Ayres.

The occasion was the presentation to the squadron of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Following the Mayor’s welcome speech, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nick Daubney addressed the assembly explaining the significance of the honour being bestowed upon the squadron. He spoke of the Borough’s pride in the unbroken 75 year existence of 42F and of the commitment, dedication and wish to serve of its members throughout that long existence. He concluded by saying, “We demonstrate our pride with this ancient ceremony,

and to give some measure to this I remind colleagues and inform guests that this Borough

has only twice before bestowed this Freedom, the last time over 30 years ago to The Royal

Anglian Regiment and prior to that to RAF Marham. Prior to the Borough’s formation and since 1901 King’s Lynn granted the freedom just 17 times on some 12 occasions.”

The Borough Chief Executive, Ray Harding, then read out the citation after which the Mayor presented the framed scroll to 42F’s Commanding Officer Pauline Petch.

In response Flight Lieutenant Petch said “It is a real privilege to receive this prestigious honour and the cadets, the rest of the staff and myself will continue to do all we can in the future to prove that we deserve this.” She added “It is what the Squadron has consistently done over the past 75 years that has been recognised. I am truly humbled that it fell upon me (its 16th CO) to be the one to accept this accolade.”

After the formal ceremony the Squadron’s Honorary President, Sir Michael Oswald, presented the Squadron with framed prints of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Prince Phillip who is Air Commodore-In –Chief of the Air Training Corps.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Annual Awards & Dinner

The annual Presentation of Awards & Dining-In Night of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air

Training Corps was held in King’s Lynn Town Hall on Monday 17th November. A gathering of

112 people comprising cadets, staff, civilian committee, parents, past members and other

guests, initially mingled with complimentary drinks in the buildings historic Stone Hall.

At 7.15pm they made their way into the Assembly Room for an excellent dinner supplied

by the aptly named ‘West Norfolk Flying Chef’. Following the Loyal Toast to ‘The Queen’, and a short comfort break, the Squadron’s ‘Boss’, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch, gave an

address covering the numerous activities that the cadets had participated in over the

preceding year. This was followed by an after dinner speech by Harvey Smyth the Officer Commanding RAF Marham.

The presentation of the 2014 awards then followed,

Best Cadet, Cdt G. Kieselius- presented by Mr. Michael Forster.

(RAFA).

Best NCO, Cpl T. Richardson- presented by Cllr Mr. Barry Ayres. (Mayor).

Best New Recruit, Cdt E. Simpson- presented by Flt Lt Pauline Petch. (Comm Officer 42F).

George Cole Community Award. Joint winners, Cpl C. Whisker & Cdt D. Whisker- presented

by Mike Lister (Chairman 42F Civilian Committee).

Harry King Trophy for Flying, Joint Winners, Cpl T. Brown & Cpl T. Richardson - presented

by Group Captain Harvey Smyth. (OC RAF Marham).

Sports Award, Joint winners, Cdt C. Sinclair & Cdt B. Hardy, presented by Chris Barrett. (42F Sqn).Sgt Harden Award (for Endeavour), Cdt H. Williamson. presented by Sir Michael (Hon President of 42F).

Most Improved Cadet, Cdt B. Bunkle. presented by Flt Lt Gary Walker. (RAF Marham).

Then finally came a not so new award, last presented in 1941..!!!!

In that year a silver cup was given to the Squadron by O. R. Jermyn Esq to be presented to the winners of the Inter Flight Competition. It was won that year by ‘B’ Flight and having been presented, never seen again.

The cup was anonymously returned to the squadron some months ago and has now been presented again after 73 years. Fittingly it was the 2014 ‘B’ Flight that won it yet again and

it was presented to Cdt Sgt Bentley by the Squadrons civilian instructor Jenny Metcalfe.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

King’s Lynn Cadets Remember Gallipoli Campaign

th Saturday 20 September 2014 cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air

Training Corps attended the annual service at St. Nicholas Church Dersingham to commemorate the disastrous 1915 Gallipoli campaign of WWI. Organised by

John Crowe whose father fought at Gallipoli, the service is to remember the

Norfolk men involved in the campaign which saw over 200,000 allied troops

killed, mainly from Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand.

On arrival the cadets were requested to assist with the proceedings by handing the congregation hymn books and sprigs of the herb Rosemary. This herb grows wild on the slopes of Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsular and has become a symbol of remembrance. They also assisted with the collection during the service which saw 16 standards paraded into church.

Readings were given by the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Councillor Barry Ayres and

Mr. Robert Hunter the Great Grandson of Capt. Frank Beck of ‘C’ Company, Norfolk

Regiment who, along with many men from the Royal Estate at Sandringham, perished and

were never found. Twenty one poppy wreaths were laid in their memory.

RAF Marham commends King’s Lynn Cadets

On Monday 13th October RAF Marham’s Station Commander, Group Captain Harvey Smyth OBE DFC ADC MA RAF, paid a low key visit to the Headquarters of 42F (King’s Lynn)

Squadron Air Cadets.

Surprised by this impromptu visit everybody, cadets and staff alike, were then overwhelmed when the Group Captain presented the Squadron with a coveted Station Commanders

Commendation. The citation accompanying the certificate referred to RAF Marham’s recent Friends & Families Day and the invaluable support that 42F had given marshalling the off site car parking for the estimated 6,500 visitors attending the event.

It stated that they had been “vital to the success of the day” It continued that their task had been “a significant undertaking to successfully regulate the flow of traffic, minimising danger to the public. Requiring no external support the professionally effective team brought with them high visibility clothing, communication equipment and risk assessments. The cadets, some as young as 14, were unswerving in the execution of their duties, delivering a highly professional, courteous and effective service, a customer experience that could not have been bettered by a regular Service team.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Spitfire Arts Trail and Freedom Parade

Last year 42F King’s Lynn squadron ATC, was extremely fortunate to receive the Freedom

of The Borough for work in the community. This year -2015 they exercise that freedom

with a parade and with the launch of an arts trail. Many major cities have put on art trails,

where animal models are painted up and put on show. th With 2015 also being the 75 anniversary of the Battle of Britain and with King’s Lynn being in such close proximity to RAF Marham, a ‘Festival Flight Path of the Spitfire ‘ is

being designed .

Fibreglass spitfires with a wing span of 1 metre, will be fixed in strategic places around the old Town making up a walk - Flight Path-that visitors and locals can then visit. Each aircraft

will hopefully be painted up in the sponsors colours or in a design of choice either by the

sponsor or possibly by the local schools.

A booklet of the trail is being written up, giving a brief history of the building or area that the aircraft has been placed and the information about the aircraft and sponsor and this will be available from shops and the Tourist Information Centre. A competition will also be included in the Flight Path Book regarding the aircraft. After the event the aircraft will be taken down and will be auctioned off, possibly at 42F Kings Lynn ATC 75th Anniversary Dinner & Presentation night in November for charity. The Borough Council and local businesses including Palm Paper, Consents Solutions, Sandles Cars, Norfolk Green, KLFM, and Vancouver Quarter, are among the supporters of the event and currently 15 aircraft are ordered. Each of the sponsors will have advertising in the Flight Path booklet as well as having an aircraft with their own logo on in a prominent part of King’s Lynn ,it is hoped the Spitfire Flight Path will boost tourism and raise the profile of Kings Lynn and would also give the Festival visitors something different to do while encouraging them to look at the old parts of Lynn.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Alex reaches the top of his ladder

On a recent parade night at the headquarters of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps newly promoted Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Alex Stapleton was formally presented with his rank insignia and certificate of appointment.

18 year old Alex had progressed over his years with the Squadron up through all the ranks

consistently showing his team spirit and, importantly, his leadership skills. Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch said “As a Flight Sergeant Alex was noticeably

very proactive in organising activities and my staff and I had no hesitation in

recommending him to Wing Headquarters for this promotion

Following this recommendation Alex was interviewed by Norfolk & Suffolk Wing Staff Officer

Squadron Leader Gail Jupe. He was able to show an in depth knowledge of the ATC and was

questioned on his future aspirations within the Air Training Corps and the wider world.

These will include attending the University of East Anglia (UEA) to study International

Relations and Modern History.

The recommendation for promotion was endorsed by the and forwarded to Headquarters Air Cadets at Cranwell from where his Certificate of Appointment was issued. Commenting on his promotion CWO Stapleton said “I feel very proud to represent the Squadron at this high rank and will carry out my duties to the best of my ability. I hope that I can assist with the continued progress of 42F.”

One of his first tasks as the Squadron’s senior staff cadet was to showcase the numerous opportunities available to any young person who joins the ATC when he spoke to the parents and prospective new recruits at the King’s Lynn Squadron’s January intake evening

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Cadets hear RAF Marham Bluebirds Sing

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Air Cadets are one of the partner groups in the yearlong

project of the West Norfolk & King’s Lynn Archaeological Society’s research into the impact during the early stages of WWI of the Zeppelin attack on King’s Lynn and the establishment

of Royal Flying Corps home defence airfields in the area

th One hundred years ago on 19 January 1915 two airships, giant gas filled balloons, changed the nature of war for ever when they dropped bombs from the air. These airships, known as

Zeppelins after their German inventor Count Zeppelin became lost on a mission to bomb Hull and instead flew along the Norfolk coast unleashing their destruction as they went,

killing two civilians in Great Yarmouth and a further two in King’s Lynn.

To commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the historical bombing of King’s Lynn an Evening of Dedication was held in the King’s Lynn Town Hall on 22nd January. The main part

of the programme, which included readings of the poems of WWI solder poets and the testimony of a local WWI casualty, Austin Lewis, who has no known grave, was a concert by

the RAF Marham ‘Bluebirds’ Military Wives Choir. The evening was a great success with the

choir giving a very professional performance which was warmly received by the audience.

So far 42F’s cadets have been involved in various and divers activities that include

Cadets Parade at RAF Marham

archaeological surveys on local Royal Flying Corps WWI airfields, artefact finds cleaning and model making This evening was no exception as the cadets were again on hand, this time to assist the archaeological society with the smooth running of the evening.

On the afternoon of Sunday 8th February 2015, with a bright winter sunshine casting long shadows, members of42F (King’s Lynn), 864 (Watton) and 1084 (Swaffham) Squadrons of the Air Training Corps joined with 864 (Marham) Detached Flight on the base at RAF Marham for their annual ATC Sunday parade and church service to mark the February 5th 1941 formation of the Air Training Corps.

After forming up near to the station’s static Victor Tanker aircraft they marched past the station Headquarters building where, following the command ‘eyes left’, the salute was taken by the Station Commander Group Captain Harvey Smyth OBE DFC ADC MA RAF.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Lord Lieutenants Cadet appointed

th On Wednesday 11 March at the Norwich Army Reserve Centre, the Lord Lieutenant of

Norfolk Richard Jewson presided over an awards ceremony to recognise the dedication and real contribution of service shown by volunteers to the Sea Cadet, Army Cadet and Air Cadet

Corps over the years. The presentation also saw a cadet representative from each of the

three services appointed the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the coming year.

Addressing the certificate winners, Mr Jewson said “It’s a very important thing to recognise achievement and success and I congratulate every one of you. It is very clear that these

certificates and these cadet appointments are not easily won, so I thank you for the work

you all do and the achievements you have made. I thank your families too, as I’m sure you

couldn’t do what you do without the support of them in different ways.”

The Air Training Corps Wing Warrant Officer, 44 year old Trevor Bailey, said that he was “proud of the honour” having served more than 25 years with Norfolk and Suffolk Wing.

17 year old Cadet Warrant Officer, Alex Stapleton from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, had the honour of becoming the ATC’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. Of the appointment he said “I feel really proud. I do what I do to help the other cadets. It’s very nice to know this has been recognised.”

Alex, together with 17 year old Cadet Petty Officer Joe Coady from Norwich TS Lord Nelson Sea Cadets and Cadet Staff Sergeant Hannah Wheeler of Gorleston Detachment Army Cadets will be the public face of the three Cadet organisations throughout the coming twelve months representing their ethos and values

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Jack has slipped the bonds of earth

At the end of November 2014, 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air

Training Corps’ 18 year old Cadet Sergeant Jack Savage gained his

powered flying ‘Wings’ following a course run by Tayside Aviation at Dundee airport. Jack went solo in a Grob Tutor light aircraft after only

eight hours of intensive training.

Although already proudly wearing his wings insignia on his uniform, on Thursday 12th March,

he was formally presented with his Air Cadet Pilot Scheme certificate in front of his fellow

cadets. Norfolk & Suffolk Wing ATC’s Commanding Officer, Wing Commander David Miller,

visiting the King’s Lynn Squadron’s headquarters said he was very pleased to be able to

present the certificate. He then took the opportunity to instil in the assembled cadets that

Jack’s fantastic achievement was also within the reach of any Air Cadet who has a desire to

learn to fly April showers the squadron with medals

April was a good month for 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Air Cadets who through their individual various skills, coupled with hard work and determination, gained a raft of medals in a number of different activities.

Having previously participated in Norfolk & Suffolk Wing sporting events, Cadet Corporal Jacob Bullock was picked as a member of the Central & East Region football team which, on 11th April at RAF Cranwell, successfully beat off stiff competition from the other five regions of the Air Training Corps. Starting on the evening of Friday 24th and finishing on Sunday 26th April a team of eight cadets competed against Norfolk & Suffolk Wing’s other 28 squadrons in range of outdoor pursuits during the annual Wing Field competitions held on the MOD’s Stanta training area near Thetford. The team consisting of Cdt Sgt Savage, Cdt Corporals Bullock & Richardson and Cadets Hardy, Tice, Simpson, Bocking and Gardyne came first in the Fieldcraft section. Their performance in all the various activities also saw the team rise ten places in the rankings from last year, moving up from 26th to 16th position overall. The same weekend Cdt Corporal ‘Gab’ Kiselius travelled to RAF Cranwell as a member of the Central & East Region Rugby team which on 25th successfully beat the Corps other Regions.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Mayor’s Cadet for the next 12 months

At the Mayormaking Ceremony at the Town hall King’s

Lynn,

Colin Manning, who represents the Heacham ward,

assumed the office of Mayor held on Thursday 21st May..

Young people representing all three of the armed services

were appointed as Mayor’s Cadets for the forthcoming year during the annual West

Norfolk Council mayormaking ceremony on Thursday. The cadets all received badges from

the borough’s new mayor, Colin Manning, in the traditional presentation made during the ceremony at Lynn’s town hall.Cadets chosen to represent their unit for the year were Joshua Chapman, of the Lynn Army Cadets, Liam Connolly of the TS Vancouver Sea Cadets branch in Lynn and Elliot Simpson, representing 42F King’s Lynn Air cadets

Houghton Hall Memorial

The crew of a Second World War bomber, which crashed in

Norfolk killing six of its seven crew, have been honoured with a memorial more than 70 years after they flew their last mission.

Six Australian air force personnel and an RAF engineer took off on board the Lancaster code-named H for Harry on October 23, 1944. After dropping their bombs on Germany’s Ruhr Valley the aircraft, of the Royal Australian Air Force’s 460 Sqn, turned north for the long flight back to its base in Binbrook, Lincs.

But on its crew’s 10th mission, H-Harry was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Losing height, Pilot Denis Richins tried to divert for Bircham Newton, in Norfolk, but the Lancaster crashed near Houghton Hall. The memorial to the crew was unveiled after a service in the little church at Houghton, conducted by the Rev Dr Edward Bundock, and cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC stood as honour guard for the commemoration. The last post was played by Chris Brown and wreaths were laid . Wing Commander Anthony O’Leary, of the Royal Australian Air Force, said: “These men understood the risks but they had the courage and the moral fortitude to walk out to those aircraft and take the fight to the

enemy day and night.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Tom wins community award

Hunstanton town’s Smithdon High School leavers assembly in May saw its deputy head boy

18 year old Tom Richardson awarded the Hunstanton & District Rotary Club’s 11thannual

‘Centenary Award for Community Service & Enterprise’.

Tom, a Cadet Corporal with 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps, said that he

was sure that being a member of the Air Cadets had assisted in his winning the award as

the judging panel had been very interested in his activities at the squadron.

From the school’s sixth form a shortlisted group of candidates were required to give a ten

minute presentation on their individual activities to a panel of judges. The panel was

impressed with Tom’s variety of activities within his school and wider community. These

included giving talks at school assemblies, taking leadership in school fundraising and for

Help for Heroes. He has helped with sporting events at his school and at local primary schools and assisted the local British Legion Branch.

When congratulated on his achievement Corporal Richardson said “I was very surprised that I won but also pleased that my involvement within the community has been appreciated.”

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Spitfire Trail

Over the past year, oc42F in conjunction with the Borough Council have been working behind the scenes to organise an arts trail with a difference. Lowestoft has

decorated turtles , Norwich has painted dragons and Kings Lynn now has decorated

spitfires!

24 sculptures of spitfires with a wingspan of 1200 mm have been erected throughout the

town with a trail map showing their placements. Each has been sponsored by local

companies, painted and decorated in individual ways and each aircraft also has a sponsor board beside it that includes some letters that when put together make up a famous saying. Maps of the ‘Flightpath of the Spitfire’ are available from Tourist Information or local shops

The competition will be drawn after the end of September- after the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Up to date information about the trail can be found on the

Facebook /flightpathofthespitfire page and you can also follow us on twitter.

Thanks to the Borough Council, The Vancouver Centre, KLFM, KL Technologies, Skerritts, Consents Solutions, Sandles, Duff Morgan, Sculpture Studios, Adrian Flux, Bikesure, Norfolk Stagecoach, Palm Paper, BAE Systems, Your Local paper and Hanse House

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Exercising the Freedom of the th Borough The weekend of July 18 and 19th2015 was an important time in

the history of 42F king’s Lynn Air Training Corps .

Having been honoured with the Freedom of the Borough in October 2014, 42F (King’s Lynn)

Squadron Air Training Corps exercised that Freedom for the first time on Saturday 18th July with a parade. Preceded earlier by the civic regalia the Squadron marched from near King’s

Lynn Town Hall, along the South Quay to King’s Staithe Square where they were inspected

by the Borough Mayor, Councillor Colin Manning, before an assembly of numerous civic dignitaries and several hun-

dred members of public.

Following his formal inspection of the cadets, at

which time he was accompanied by Wing Commander David Miller the

Officer Commanding Norfolk & Suffolk Wing ATC, the Mayor addressed the parade. During

his speech he told the cadets that the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough had “put

them in the company of the late Queen Mother, RAF Marham and the Royal Anglian

Regiment”. He continued “Since becoming Mayor I have seen you tremendous efforts at

first hand, supporting many civic events and local charities. You have always worn your uniform with pride. You are a credit to the community you repre- sent”.

Following on, Wing Commander Miller told the cadets and the as- sembled crowd “This is a fantastic honour for the Squadron and the entire Norfolk & Suffolk Wing of the Air Cadet organisa- tion.

Mayor’s Cadet Elliot Simpson had the honour, of carrying the Squadrons Freedom Scroll throughout the lengthy proceedings, a task he said he was proud to have accomplished.

To coincide with the parade the public were presented with flypasts by a Spitfire and a Dakota, singing by RAF Marham’s ‘Bluebirds’ Military choir and music by Springwood High School Concert Band.

Following the formal events the Squadron was given a civic reception at which time the cadets met many of the military and civic dignitaries present.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Lynn at War

On Sunday 19th July the Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn was transported back to the era of the 1940s, with Military vehicles from wartime, 1940s music, tea dances, stalls, visits below ground to the air raid shelters and the ‘Cadet Café’.

Committee staff and cadets ran an extremely busy tea & cake café at the 1940s day and although hard work it was enjoyable working along to the music from the 40s. Cadets also had the opportunity to have their photographs taken in the static spitfire.

A great weekend

On 26th July RAF Bircham Heritage Centre held their open day – 10 years on from the day they began, and the squadron had their display boards out again to represent the squadron and the activities we offer

Squadron says goodbye to former member

st On Friday 31 July the funeral service for a true ‘Son of Lynn’ was held at King’s Lynn Minster.Michael Langwade, 78, had suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for many years and

died following admission to hospital with a severe strain of pneumonia.

Born and raised in the town he attended local schools and as a teenager was a member of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps. He had enjoyed his time with the cadets and maintained a keen interest in the Squadron throughout his life, attending many of its functions. He was elected a Borough Councilor in the 1990’s and again in 2003 and 2007. He was elected Mayor for the term 2003/4 which was an honour that he had loved. As Mayor he had been “proud to inspect ‘his’ squadron” prior to its annual church service at St John’s Church.

At the funeral service the town’s Mace Bearers led the coffin into the Minster, and at the special request of Mi- chael’s partner Christine Holding, a uniformed presence from 42F Squadron –CWO Alex Stapleton paid final respects at the west door of the church.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Two World Wars –Two Remembrances

On the morning of Saturday 15th August members of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air

Training Corps attended a special service in the town’s Memorial Gardens to mark the th 70 anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War,

Organised by King’s Lynn branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, with whom the squadron is affiliated, the commemoration saw over 300 members of the public join veterans, the Borough Mayor Colin Manning, the High Sheriff of Norfolk Nick Pratt, Deputy

Lieutenant Dr Paul Richards and Council leader Nick Daubney for a service of remembrance led by Canon Paul Wright, sub-dean of HM Chapels Royal.

Following the service the cadets assisted at a commemoration tea party for the veterans which had been arranged by the Borough Council.

In the afternoon 42F’s cadets attended a memorial service in the parish church of St Nicholas, Dersingham, to remember those who fought in the World War I Gallipoli campaign. A congregation of over 150 people saw twenty British Legion standards paraded. This year,

King’s Lynn says it with flowers

A raised circular flower bed in King’s Lynn’s St. James’s Park was recently planted with a design that depicts the Air Training Corps 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s emblem. The floral tribute to the Squadron has been produced by the Councils skilled gardeners to coincide with the imminent Freedom of the Borough Parade that the Squadron will be exercising on Saturday 18th July on the town’s South Quay. The flower bed, in a prominent position at the junction of St. James Road and Blackfriars Road, is in a colourful area of the park that is enjoyed by a large number of people.

Keen to see their Squadron’s badge displayed in this stunning way, 42F’s cadets, Georgie Kirby and Lucy Barton were the first members of the Squad- ron to visit the flower bed and admire the clever way in which the different plants had been chosen and positioned to produce the intricate design.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Stashed in the Attic

In the 1960’s teenager Dave Mace was a keen and dedicated cadet member of 42F (King’s

Lynn) Squadron of the Air Training Corps. By 1967 he had risen to the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant and, in addition to the available activities locally, in 1966 attended an overseas camp at RAF Wildenrath, Germany and in 1967 represented the Corps at an International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) in the USA. At the Squadron’s 1967 awards ceremony, Dave’s total commitment saw him presented with the annual ‘Best All Round Cadet’ cup. Shortly after

this he left the cadets to join the ranks of the nation’s wage earners.

Fast forward almost half a century and we find Dave in a family attic where he comes across

‘his’ trophy. Realising that it should have been returned 47 years ago he contacted his friend Mike Lister, who just happens to be

the current chairman of 42F’s civilian

committee, and returned it to him.

The cup is now safely back at the

Squadron Headquarters, but as yet

the final amount of the ‘late return

fine’ has not been fully calculated!!! This is the second ‘historic’ cup to return to the Squadron in the last two years, the first one being the Inter Flight Cup last presented in 1941. Commenting following this latest recovery Mike Lister said “Over the last few years we have been able to recover a number of important items from the Squadrons history, either being returned to us or from auctions and even eBay, including photographs and items belonging to one of the Squadron’s founding fathers, Claude ‘Pop’ Freestone.

If anybody out there has any historical items connected with 42F Squadron we would dearly love to acquire them for the Squadron’s archive”.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Cadets join up with the Civil Defence

England’s annual celebration of local history and

architecture on Sunday 13thSeptember saw thousands

of people enjoying the usually inaccessible buildings

and historic treasures of King’s Lynn. One such location

was the World War II air-raid shelters where members of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Air Cadets had swapped their uniforms for the day for those of the Civil Defence Corps. Volunteers from Bridge for Heroes, a local charity set up to support service personnel and veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and readjustment issues, together with

42F’s cadets ushered hundreds of people down into the shelter tunnels beneath the town’s

Tuesday Market Place.

With recordings of ‘air raid’ and ‘all clear’ sirens sounding it was an enlightening involvement for the cadets who were in some way reliving the experiences of the Squadron’s first cadets

Wings Appeal 2015

Saturday 19th September saw cadets from 42F (King’s

Lynn) Squadron ATC in the town assisting the local RAFA branch members with the annual Wings Appeal street collection. The shoppers gave generously to the cadets who undertook the task, as always, smartly, politely and with a smile on their faces. Many people were keen to tell anecdotes of their RAF service or of wartime service.

One lady, putting some change into the tin of a member of 42F Squadron’s civilian committee who was assisting with the collection, having apologised for donating what she described as ‘not much’ said “It’s in remembrance of my mother’s brother” and as she turned to walk away continued “They never did find him.” Yes people do still ‘Give a little for those who gave so much.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

42F—A number to be proud of ! . The Air Training Corps, one of our Country’s most prestigious youth organisations, has just published its bi-annual report. Entitled ‘Air Cadet Report 2015’ it is an excellent fifty page booklet that captures the wide ranging activities that the 44,000 cadets in its 948

Squadrons the length and breadth of the UK enjoy.

Produced to show the activities and opportunities available within Corps as a whole, the editorial naturally concentrates on the organisation and its activities and not on individual

Squadrons. However ten Squadrons get a personal mention in the booklet, with an accompanying photograph, either as a Squadron or by having a cadet named.

But who is the only Squadron to get a mention twice? Yes that’s right 42F (King’s Lynn). What’s more both entries are accompanied with full page pictures. “This is yet another fantastic accolade for the young cadets of King’s Lynn & the West Norfolk villages who belong to the Squadron”

1940s Weekend at North Norfolk Railway

Cadets and staff once again spent the weekend at Holt and Sheringham for the 1940s

Railway event. Cadets spent the daylight hours carparking for the popular event at the Holt base, where many stalls were set up with 1940s style clothing as well as many military vehicles on display . During the evening the cadets and staff travelled to Sheringham on the north Norfolk Railway to attend the 1940s event on the station . Everyone had a good time and the organisers were pleased with the help given.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

42F—A Anumber Great to Story be proud of !

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood was brought to the Corn Exchange as special guests gathered to watch the completed works of an animation - called The Great Story - a project organised by west Norfolk-based military charity The Bridge for Heroes, and one that 42F Cadets were involved in . It is a series of 12 short animations which focus on various events and themes from the First World War. When watched together, they provide a powerful insight into the conflict. General Lord Dannatt and television presenter Lorraine Kelly are among those who contributed voiceovers to the finished productions. Founder Mike Taylor said: “The Great Story is a brilliant project that has certainly brought together many national and local organisation to work together and create such a unique and important project. “The production process and the opportunity for our beneficiaries and their families to get involved, has enhanced their daily lives and provided them with some interesting skills in both creating animations and engaging in historical research.” Each group spent a day researching a particular theme, developed the storyline and themselves created the stop- motion animations. They covered specific events such as the Gallipoli Campaign and

Zeppelin Raids as well as delving into specific issues such as the role of animals in conflict and medical care. Director Martins Strals said: “The fact that the individual animations are made entirely by the participants, with the assistance from the production team, gives them a unique opportunity to not just passively learn but to actively engage and create a powerful educational tool for many others.” Funding for the project came from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s World War 1 programme, as well as additional private funding and corporate donations. The animations were produced in collaboration with local production company Riarmato Productions.

A number of screenings of The Great Story are taking place at The Majestic Cinema in King’s Lynn up to Christmas. Further details will soon be available on the Bridge for Heroes website

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Sandringham Flower Show

The Air Cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, ably assisted this year by their friends from 1894 (Swaffham) and 2534 (Fakenham) Squadrons, took on the annual task of parking the cars of the estimated 20,000 + visitors to the Sandringham Flower Show on the Royal

Family’s private estate in west Norfolk.

The smartness, politeness and sheer professionalism of the King’s Lynn cadets has meant that they have been asked to take on additional roles at the show. For the last two years 42F’s cadets have been tasked with ensuring that only invited guests on the register gain entry to the Sandringham Association of Royal Warrant Holders marquee.

This year, for the first time, the Squadron’s cadets took over the duties of some of the police officers drafted in for the event, in taking charge of the numerous flowers and gifts presented to the show’s patrons HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they toured the showground and conveying them to the waiting royal transport.

As is now tradition, just before the royal couple left the showground to return to

Sandringham House, some of the King’s Lynn cadets formed an Honour Guard for the royal couple who shook their hands and spoke briefly with them.

The Squadron’s Cadet Warrant Officer, Alex Stapleton, said “I was very proud of the cadets, they took a real pride in their appearance on parade and they all worked so hard at their given tasks”.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Yorkshire Adventure Training -Hardraw

14 Cadets and 5 staff left on an early Friday morning to visit the Yorkshire Dales. based in Hardraw staying within a short walk of the Home of England`s largest single drop waterfall, a reputed 100 foot drop. After arriving, unpacking and eating lunch the group set of on a medium sized walk to visit one of the local waterfalls. Whilst on the walk they enjoyed the company of a red squirrel and include some training on navigation.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

First hand experiences:

Group 1 Our first cave visit was to Bull pot of the Witches . As we arrived we were given a safety brief and we were soon undertaking our caving expedition. We began by descending into the cave via a narrow pathway and then being winched down an extremely narrow gap in the rock. At this point the group was split into two; one group was sent to begin exploring the cave and the other was sent to begin abseiling. I was in the caving group to begin with.

Firstly we clambered down a slippery rock face into the unknown; then we crawled for roughly 25 metres and meticulously manoeuvred our way over a less well eroded area; after this we reached a cavern where we found a small stream and then we began our route back to the other group. Here we began our abseiling. Following a tight protocol, we were briefed about all of the various safety equipment and hazards involved with abseiling into an abyss of black. With this in mind, we carefully lowered ourselves into the cave and then ascended back up with the help of a rope ladder" "It was a brand new experience and I was scared at points but I overcame my fears and concurred the black crevasse" - Report by Cdt Alex

Grimes 24/10/15

Group 2 Afer an early start we travelled to Inglesport climbing wall .To start the day off we took part in some small scale clambering while learning how to get to grips with the ropes and belaying. Once we mastered this we progressed into the larger walls and swiftly completed them with great fun had by all. After some much needed lunch we travelled to Longchurn cave where we were given a detailed safety brief about the possible dangers and hazards of a wet cave. We then made our way to the cave entrance to which we carefully manoeuvred ourselves into. Over the course of two hours, we inched our way through the pitch black caves beneath the Yorkshire dales. At points the course was so narrow that some members of the team couldn't get through because of the copious of beans they had consumed in the morning! (Cough Cough Sgt Savage) Although after some fantastic teamwork and grit determination, we exited the cave with a beaming grin on our faces! (Amid the wet feet). What a day!" "I had immense fun today, and I even overcame my sudden claustrophobia!" - Cdt Dylan Cooper 24/10/15 "The rock climbing was different to my previous experiences and it helped a considerable amount with the caving; which was a hugely enjoyable experience!" - Cdt Edward Dew 24/10/15

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Remembrance Service at Amberley

Cadets attended Amberley Residential Home in King’s Lynn to take part in their Evening Remembrance Service . The standards were brought in to the hymn of Abide with Me .

Two poems were then read out by cadets and many of the wartime songs were sung by all the residents. They enjoyed a singalong of The white cliffs of Dover, Pack up your

Troubles and We’ll meet Again , before the dedication and the closing prayers . The evening was enjoyed by all –young and old , and the residents thanked the cadets for

attending

On Sunday 8th November the cadets of 42F (King’s

Remembrance Service in King’s Lynn

Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps mustered on the Saturday Market Place to participate

as usual in the Remembrance Sunday parade. Together with veterans, service personnel from RAF Marham, the Sea, Army and Police cadets they marched to the town’s Memorial Gardens for the annual wreath laying ceremony.There, following the 11am two minutes silence, civic dignitaries, service and civilian organisations laid over 50 poppy wreaths.The parade then marched back to Lynn Minster for a moving remembrance service led by Canon Ivory.

In addition to attending King's Lynn Remembrance service , cadets from 42F also paraded at Hunstanton War Memorial and Sgt Thomas Richardson laid a wreath on behalf of the squadron . Another member of the squadron , 42F’s Cadet Corporal Troy Brown took time in his home village of Terrington-St-Clement to visit the parish church where he placed poppies and paid his respects at the graves of the churchyards two WWI casualties. He then entered the church to place a poppy on the WWII memorial in memory of one of his Squadrons wartime cadets

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary

of the Battle of Britain and to begin our

Freedom Parade year a Flightpath of Decorated

fibreglass spitfires were erected through-

out the old part of King’s Lynn.

Sponsored by many businesses and decorated by cadets, students and local artists , they

held the attention of local people and tourists throughout the summer with tens of thousands of trail maps being handed out. The spitfires have now been taken down and after a 1940s Dinner and Music event at the Town Hall on December 3rd , 16 of these will be auctioned for charities including the Association, Walking with the

Wounded and 42F (King’s Lynn) Air training Corps. This has been a great success and one which will hopefully benefit a lot of people. Next year is RAF Marhams Centenary and the plan is to create a

similar arts trail with fibreglass tornado GR4s as long as sponsors are

forthcoming.