Air Training Corps

Air Training Corps   

Mr Tom Hainsworth was appointed in 1966 to teach engineering workshop, theory and practice. Since one of his interests was the Air Training Corps, he set about the task of establishing a squadron at the school. In fact, at the school’s Speech Day in July 1968 part of the proceedings featured the presentation of a Charter to No. 2468 (St Gregory’s School) Squadron Air Training Corps. The school became one of only a few school-based squadrons in the country and was open only to boys of the school, usually from the second year to the sixth form. This extra-curricular activity soon became very popular, with many boys joining up.

Meetings were held regularly, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 pm. The boys, about 40 in total, were known as ‘cadets’ and wore uniforms and responded to orders. They were engaged in a number of interesting activities, such as parade and drill which was practised at every session in the playground under the supervision of officers. Other activities included leadership exercises, first-aid course, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, shooting practice with rifles, and swimming.

The squadron had two commissioned officers, Mr Hainsworth, who was the Squadron Leader, and Martin Jung, who was a Pilot Officer. Other ‘civilian instructors’ included Mr Tom Sheridan (science teacher), Mr Greg Butler (metalwork teacher) and Miss Judy Tennant (mathematics teacher), together with others who helped and supervised activities. Mr Joe O’Connor had also been commissioned and Miss Janet Sykes was also involved.

In addition to the above, weekend activities were also organised. These included manoeuvres with other squadrons, county squadron drill championships, glider pilot training, flying experience with RAF Chipmunk two-seater trainer aircraft, and assisting at air shows.

Once or twice a year the cadets would visit a RAF station and stay for one or two weeks. Since the trips were subsidised, the boys were only required to pay for transport. One such visit in the 1970s was to RAF Binbrook (Lincolnshire), which served as a base for the English Electric Lightnings that were employed there. The visit lasted two weeks.

Another visit, for ten days, was to RAF Lossiemouth (Moray, Scotland), where Jaguar fighter aircraft, Shackletons and Nimrod airborne early-warning aircraft were based.

On these visits cadets were billeted in RAF accommodation and activities were organised each day. They toured the RAF stations and experienced all aspects of life at an active base.

Throughout their time in the ATC, boys were able to work towards and obtain a range of qualifications. These included the Gold Medallion and full life-saving awards at swimming; a Glider Pilot’s Licence; Duke of Edinburgh awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold; numerous first-aid awards; ATC marksman awards; as well as rising through the ranks of the squadron to become, say, a corporal.

At school, the ATC’s headquarters were based in the small brick building situated near the corner of the upper playground not far from the metalwork room (see plan). It comprised several rooms, including a table-tennis room, storage room, small office, and a tuck-shop which was easily accessible from the playground and enabled boys to purchase sweets and other items at breaks and lunchtimes. The profits from this helped to subsidise trips and other activities.

The ATC gave the boys a sense of discipline, common purpose and achievement. It taught them skills, enabled them to mix with adults at work, and gave them the experience of travel and living away from home. 

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