Below are two versions of The History of The Air Training Corps.
The first is short and sweet, the second, extensive and detailed. Take your pick . . .
So, before World War II, there was an organisation called the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) who's main purpose was recruitment. WWII stopped the ADCC in its tracks and in 1940, the government took over and formed a new and improved organisation, The Air Training Corps (ATC) on the 5th Feb 1941. King George VI agreed to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issued a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims which still stand today as -
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To promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
- To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
These Days
Today, with almost 53,000 members, aged from 13 to 18 years, within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organizations and the world's largest youth air training organization. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.
Click here to go the the official ATC website (opens in new window)
The Air Cadet Movement owes much of its existence to Air Commodore J A Chamier, known as the father of the air cadet movement.
It was in 1938 that the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was formed, with the idea to recruit and train young men from throughout the country in aviation skills. There was a big need for highly skilled aviators and support personnel if air combat/power was going to be used as a military resource. The ADCC was organised and run by local people in many towns and cities.
With much of the nation preparing for war, the idea of the ADCC captured the imagination of the British people. Each Squadron's aim was to prepare cadets for joining the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm. They provided training in flying, military skills and instructed them in drill, dress and discipline. Physical fitness was also very actively promoted. Cadets undertook PT, team sports and athletics. Long Route Marches, Shooting Practice and Camping Skills all soon became standard squadron activities.
At this time ADCC activities were severely restricted because of the approach of World War II. Many ADCC instructors and Squadron Officers were called up into regular Service. Buildings were commandeered by either the Service or local government for war work and many joined up. Cadets were used to carry messages, they helped with clerical duties, in providing extra muscle in handling aircraft and in the movement of stores and equipment. They filled thousands of sandbags and loaded miles of belts of ammunition. Cadets in Cambridge also assisted with guarding the Cities airfield - then used as an RAF Station. This was repeated over the entire country.
During the early stages of war, the government realised the quality of the ADCC Cadets entering the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. It was so impressed that the ADCC was asked to begin training the young men who were waiting to be called into Service. The ADCC willingly took on this very responsible job and in a very short space of time produced thousands of well qualified individuals who went to pass quickly through basic training.
In 1940 the British Government took over control of the ADCC. This resulted in a number of changes to the Corps, and brought about the birth of a completely new organisation, called the Air Training Corps.
On 5th February 1941 the Air Training Corps (ATC) was officially established, with King George VI agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims. The number of young men responding to this new ATC was spectacular. Within the first month the size of the old ADCC had virtually doubled to more than 400 squadrons and after 12 months it was about 8 times as big.
At the time of formation, three main aims were set down which relate to almost every activity we undertake. These aims were, and still are:
- To promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
- To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
Current Info
These days, with almost 53,000 members, aged from 13 to 18 years, within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organizations and the world's largest youth air training organization. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.