About 316 SquadronDear Parent and Cadet,
Welcome to 316 (Leigh) Squadron Air Training Corps.
During the Second World War in February 1941, 316 (Warsaw) Squadron was formed as a Polish fighter unit of the Royal Air Force. This unit flew various fantastic aircraft such as the Hurricane, Spitfire and later on Mustang IIIs.
316 (Leigh) Squadron was reformed in 1976 after a 30-year absence (hence the Squadron motto “Secunda Vita – Second Life”) with the task of promoting leadership, good citizenship, aviation and the Royal Air Force to young individuals. Our task has not changed – however, the ways which we do this have changed quite considerably.
We aim to give each cadet the opportunity to learn new skills such as map reading, target shooting, camp craft and to draw out leadership and teamwork for those who join us.
As an ex-cadet myself, I have experienced life as a young cadet, gained skills as an experienced cadet and later as a member of the staff team managed to use these skills to help cadets that have just started. This is the case of most of the staff at 316 who came here as cadets. You will probably feel a little apprehensive when you first join us but as there will be several of you starting the recruits course together, you will find new friends as well as those more experienced cadets who will guide you through your time with us.
As a new cadet you will be taught discipline, how to look after your uniform, foot drill, histories of the Royal Air Force and Air Training Corps – but most of all “self-discipline”.
What is self-discipline? It’s the way that you present yourself to others; clean, neat and tidy, with good manners and respect for others. A pride in who you are and what you do.
Your uniform, which will be provided once you have completed the course, is free. The only items you need to buy will be black socks (for the gents) or barely black tights (for the females) and a pair of parade shoes. The shoes can be purchased from our stores at a cost of £25 - £35. (depending on whether you need male or female shoes) This may seem a lot of money but bear in mind that you will never need to buy another pair of cadet shoes as any that get worn out can be exchanged when you go on camp. You will also need a Squadron T-shirt which is used at sporting events, fund raising and on adventure training activities – these are well worth it and cost £6.
The Squadron also takes part in most of the activities the Corps has to offer; Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Flying and Gliding Scholarships, Navigation Scholarships, Adventure Training, Summer Camps, Overseas Camps and International Exchanges to places such as Canada, Israel and Ghana and all types of sport. The list is endless; but you will learn more about what is available later. Most of these activities are free or heavily subsidized – but you will need to pay weekly subscriptions to the Squadron. This pays for the building upkeep, pilots to fly you, bullets for you to fire, staff to train you and training aids to use.
I hope this has given you a little insight about the Squadron - but remember; my door is always open for you or your parents to ask any questions and I look forward to seeing you on parade.
Flying Officer David Stevenson
Commanding Officer 316 (Leigh) Squadron Air Training Corps