Shoreham’s Spitfire

Mk 22 Spitfire, PK481 in Eastern Avenue just prior to being shipped to Australia. The aircraft is on the spot where 1440’s buildings stand today!

A recent chance discovery has led to some exciting prospects for Shoreham Air Cadets.

While researching the aircraft that the Royal Air Force used at Shoreham Airport (Brighton City Airport) during World War 2 the cadets of 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron, Air Training Corps made an exciting discovery about a Supermarine Spitfire on the other side of the world that used to live in Shoreham. This one wasn’t to be found at the Airport, but was instead kept in Eastern Avenue where the Squadron has been based since the 1950s!

Supermarine Spitfire PK481, a Mark 22 version of the iconic aircraft, entered service with the RAF in September 1945, flying with 611 Squadron until it was retired in 1953 which is where the story gets interesting…

The aircraft was purchased by the Brighton and Hove Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) who used it as part of their fundraising work, towing it around the local area as part of their Wings Appeal collection each year. Most of the time, however, it was kept at the Territorial Army Centre in Eastern Avenue (where Eastern Close and the Cadet Centre is today), being looked after by members of 1440 Squadron for the next few years.

The story doesn’t end there, as PK481 didn’t end up on the scrap heap but instead found itself a new home.  It left Shoreham in 1959 for a long sea voyage to Perth, Western Australia! The aircraft was sold by RAFA to the Royal Australian Air Force Association who shipped it across the world to put on display outside their headquarters in Perth.  It remained there until the 1980s where it was fully restored. Today PK481 is the only Mk22 Spitfire in Australia and is proudly on display at the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek, Western Australia.

Neil Worth, Civilian Instructor at 1440 Squadron said: “A quick internet search led to some fantastic opportunities for our cadets. We’ve been in touch with the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek and we are planning all sorts of exciting things together with them and the local Australia Air Force Cadets squadron.”

Neil added: “Although we’ve been sent some information by the museum, we’d really like to learn more about the history of “our” Spitfire and its time in Shoreham. If anyone has any photographs or information, we’d love for them to get in touch!”

If you have any information on the Shoreham’s Spitfire or the history of 1440 Squadron you can contact them through their Facebook page @1440ShorehamSquadron or by e-mailing training.1440@aircadets.org.

1440’s Tribute To “The Few”

On Sunday 7 July 2019 cadets and staff from 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron, Air Training Corps were privileged to attend the annual parade and memorial service at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel Le Ferne near Folkstone. The Squadron had been invited to represent Sussex at this year’s event, joining over two hundred cadets from across Kent.

In the presence of veterans, invited guests and senior representatives of Commonwealth and allied air forces, including Poland, the cadets joined the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, and members of 600 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force parading the Queen’s Colour of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, in being inspected by the current deputy head of the Royal Air Force Air Marshall Andrew Turner CB CBE RAF.

Speaking to the cadets after the parade Air Marshall Turner told them how extremely proud he was to be associated with such inspiring young people and thanked them for their efforts during the parade. He went on to extol the virtues of service with the Air Cadets and urged the cadets to take full advantage of everything that the organisation has to offer, including flying, gilding and academic qualifications.

Following the parade the cadets and assembled guests were treated to a flying display by two Spitfires from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – paying tribute to “The Few” who fought for freedom all those years ago. Cadet Corporal Thomas Worth, 14, from 1440 Squadron said: “It was a real pleasure for us to attend the parade and although it was hard work, it was definitely worth it to be here with the Central Band and the veterans. We’ll definitely be back next year!”

It May Have Been the Holidays But…

It may have been the Easter Holidays but the cadets from 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron, Air Training Corps, didn’t let it stop them. From attending a camp at RAF Brize Norton to flying, to a private helicopter flying display, the cadets have been doing it all!

Starting at the beginning of the holiday Cadet Corporal Morgan Buchanan-Wilson (aged 16 from Lancing) and Adult Sergeant Naomi Easterbrook joined cadets and staff from across Sussex for the first of the year’s annual camps at the Royal Air Force’s largest station, RAF Brize Norton. During the week-long camp they took in visits to various parts of the station including the Fire Section and the Survival Equipment Section where they learned about how the RAF’s aircrews are equipped and trained to deal with emergency situations. They visited the RAF Police Flight to learn how they work together with the RAF Regiment to protect bases and aircraft and spent time with each of the flying squadrons at the base, visiting their respective aircraft, including the Airbus A400M Atlas. To top off a great week the cadets were incredibly fortunate to be able to “fly” the RAF’s multi million-pound Atlas simulator! Morgan, who has been an Air Cadet since 2015, said: “The camp at Brize Norton was great. We spent the week learning lots about the different parts that make up an RAF base; we got to visit the different aircraft based there but the best thing of all was being able to use the Atlas simulator.”

Airbus A400M Atlas C1

Not to be outdone, Cadet Corporal Rosie Dyett (13) and Cadets Josef Ramet (15), Ethan Remorino (15), Zachary Herring (14) and Josef Tryantoro (13) spent a day with No 2 Air Experience Flight at the home of the Empire Test Pilots’ School, MoD Boscombe Down. The cadets were there to fly and after a full safety briefing, they got to take to the skies in the RAF basic trainer the Grob Tutor. Each cadet was given a flight that latest approximately 30 minutes where they had the chance to take the controls of the aircraft and to experience aerobatics (but only if they wanted to!). Rosie said: “I absolutely loved flying in the Tutor. I was really nervous to start but my pilot was really great and showed me that there was nothing to worry about – I even did a loop!” Ethan added: “I really want to fly when I’m older so the opportunity to fly with the cadets is great. I can’t wait until the next time!” Adult Sergeant Charlotte Paynter said: “The cadets really enjoyed their flights and it was really good to see how they were able to put the things they’ve learned at the Squadron into practice.”

Cpl Rosie Dyett takes control

As if all that wasn’t enough the Squadron spent an evening at Shoreham Airport as the guests of Shoreham Helicopters Ltd where they were treated to a tour of one of their aircraft by the company’s Captain Andrew Wood. Andrew spent time with the cadets explaining how helicopters fly, what the different controls do and how they operate; building on things they learn as part of their ongoing syllabus of training. Having gone through the theory Andrew treated the cadets and staff to their very own private flying display where he demonstrated exactly what his helicopter could do. Back on the ground there was just time to grab a team photo and Andrew pulled another surprise by rewarding Cadet Katie Atkinson (14) with the promise of a trial flight! Katie said: “I’m so happy to have won the flight in the helicopter – It’s a real dream come true and I can’t wait to go up!”

Learning how helicopters fly

Cdt Katie Atkinson (14)

Gliding Dreams Comes Closer for Shoreham Air Cadets

Despite last weekend’s chilly weather three cadets from 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron came a step closer to realising their dreams of gliding when they spent the day at the former Battle of Britain airfield at RAF Kenley in Surrey. Corporal Michael Gray (14), Corporal Rosie Dyett (13) and Cadet Joseph Ramet (15) travelled to Kenley, the home of 615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, to become the latest in a long line of Air Cadets to pass through their doors to begin their gliding experience.

Gliding is one of the RAF Air Cadets core activities and the team were at Kenley to beginning their training to earn their “wings.” The three spent time in the hanger with qualified gliding instructors, looking over the two-seat Grob Viking T1 glider that has been used to fly cadets for many years. They learnt about how the aircraft gets into the sky and more importantly what keeps them there without engines! They also learnt how an operational gliding airfield works and how they fit in to the bigger picture.

The cadets were all itching to get into the air but, as with all things, they needed to start at the beginning which for them this meant time firmly on the ground! The cadets were able to take control of the Viking simulator together with one of the instructor team where they were able to put into practice some of the theory they had learnt earlier in the day. Rosie, from Shoreham, said: “When it was my turn to go into the simulator, I was a bit nervous to start with but my instructor was really good and it was great fun!” Joseph added: “We learn about the principles of flight at the Squadron, but it has been great to be able to actually see how it all works and experience it for myself. I can’t wait to get into the air for real!”

Sergeant Leslie Ackerman, an adult volunteer at 1440 Squadron said: “By starting the cadets off using a simulator on the ground, they are able to understand the basics of how aircraft fly and what the controls do to affect that. This makes for a much better experience when they do take to the skies.”

Passing the Ground School element of their gliding training means that the team can now progress, take to the air and put into practice some of the things they learnt in the coming months.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be an Air Cadet, Adult Volunteer or member of our Support Committee? 1440 Squadron are keen to recruit young people aged between 12 (and in Year 8 at school) to 18 as well as adults who are keen to help us deliver the best opportunities to our cadets. Interested? Drop us an e-mail at 1440@aircadets.org

2018: A Year of Achievement for Shoreham Air Cadets

As 2018 draws to a close, it gives us the opportunity to reflect back on all of our achievements over the past 12 months.

2018 was a busy year for us; seeing lots of new cadets join, adult personnel changes, camps and qualifications earned.

The year started with a new communications mast being erected at the squadron HQ in Eastern Avenue, Adult Sergeants Naomi Easterbrook and Charlotte Paynter transferred to the squadron, and two cadets attended a Junior Aerospace Instructors Course.

May was a busy month where we celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Air Force with the rest of Sussex Wing parading through Chichester. We enrolled five new recruits and took part in the Wing Athletics competition. Eight cadets performed with the Wing Band at the Wing Parade, with Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Lenny Weaver, from Lancing, leading the whole parade as Drum Major.

Over the Summer, we took part in six-a-side football, model flying, rock climbing, annual camp at RAF Wyton, and Cadet Sergeant Chloe Harber attended the National Aerospace Camp. We also saw four cadets spend time overseas: Cadet Corporal Morgan Buchanan-Wilson and Cadet Faithful Shelley went to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, CWO Weaver went to Canada on the International Air Cadet Exchange and finally Cadet Sergeant Charlie Harrison headed to Peru where he was part of the Sussex team who built a new accommodation and toilet block at an orphanage. Sgt Harrison was awarded the Commandant’s Commendation by the Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, for his fundraising efforts, raising money to buy musical instruments, footballs, skipping ropes and a cricket set, leaving a lasting legacy.

Also, during the summer CWO Weaver was awarded a Pilot Navigation Scholarship, spending a week flying with the RAF from Boscombe Down.

September is always busy as our cadets headed back to school, college and university. We took part in the Wing drill competition, placing a respectable 12th place. We placed well at the Wing Training Day, coming 8th out of 22 squadrons, notably placing third in the band and aircraft recognition sections of the competition. Cadets also joined colleagues from across Sussex at the former RAF Tangmere to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

October saw a big change when Flight Lieutenant Richard Sage moved on to a new post as a Wing Staff Officer and Flying Officer William Bruce took on the role of commanding officer at 1440.

In November we took part in Remembrance Day parades in Shoreham and Lancing both led by the squadron band. We rounded off the year by joining with our colleagues from 176 (Hove) Squadron at a Christmas Carol Service at St Mary de Haura Church in Shoreham.

Over the year, we enrolled 11 new cadets, promoted eight cadets, achieved 14 radio qualifications, 12 Duke of Edinburgh awards (including one Bronze and one Gold), five music badges, every cadet at the squadron is now Heart Start qualified with four going on to achieve higher first aid qualifications, four Blue Continue reading →

Cadets Say Farewell to an Old Friend

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Shoreham Air Cadet Wins National Recognition

Cdt Sgt Charlie Harrison receiving his commendation from Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE

On Friday 9 November Cadet Sergeant Charlie Harrison of 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron, Air Training Corps joined colleagues from across Sussex Wing at the Royal Geographical Society in London after they had been nominated for the prestigious Shackleton Trophy for their summer expedition to Peru.

Two teams from Sussex took part in a three-week expedition that saw them volunteering at the Azul Wasi Orphanage in Cusco an area of Peru where 30% of the population live below the poverty line. At the orphanage the cadets were involved in building new accommodation and a toilet block to allow the orphanage to take more homeless young people off the streets.

It didn’t stop there though! As a member of 1440 Squadron’s band he knew that music was a great way to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives. Before leaving the UK Charlie contacted the orphanage and asked the staff what else he could do, what he could take with him, that would help to make the lives of the residents better. Setting himself a target of £600 to buy guitars and percussion instruments so that he and his colleagues could teach the orphans to play, he raised an amazing £820! This meant that, as well as the instruments, the teams were able to buy tuning and repair equipment plus for footballs, skipping ropes and even a cricket set for the orphans to enjoy.

At the Royal Geographical Society event Charlie was presented with the top award the Air Cadets has to offer – a Commandant’s Commendation – for his dedication and pro-active fundraising for the orphans of Cusco. Receiving his certificate from the Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, Charlie said: “The trip to Peru was fantastic and the experiences we all shared were amazing. I’d just like to say thank you to everyone that donated so we could buy the instruments for the orphans who will hopefully enjoy them for years to come.”

1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron Air Training Corps is part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and first opened its doors in 1941. The Squadron take part in a range of exciting activities including flying and gliding and is open to young people aged 12 (and in Year 8 at school) to 18. The Squadron meets twice a week in Eastern Avenue, Shoreham and we are keen to recruit new cadets and adult volunteers with a background in aviation to help us deliver the best opportunities to our cadets. Anybody interested in joining should contact Flying Officer William Bruce RAFAC via e-mail: oc.1440@aircadets.org or visit the website www.1440sqn.org for more information

Community Service Awards

TWO air cadets’ dedication to community service has earned them an award from Adur East Lions Club.

Cadet Sergeant Daniel Porter, 18, and Cadet Stacey Harrington, 16, helped various causes in the area, volunteering for school revision classes, organising fundraising events and supporting young people with behavioural and learning difficulties.

The 1440 (Shoreham) Squadron members were presented with Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards, having completed more than 200 hours of community service during 2015.

President Jim Pummell and Lion Susan Saunders handed over certificates and congratulatory letters at the Cadet Centre, in Eastern Avenue, Shoreham, on behalf of Lions International president Dr Jitsuhiro Yamada.

Mr Pummell said: “It’s a brilliant achievement by both the cadets.”

Stacey received a gold award and Daniel received silver, the first of their kind to be given out by Adur East Lions.

Flight Lieutenant Rich Sage, the squadron’s commanding officer, said: “The cadets at the squadron do so many fantastic things towards helping others in their local community, so it’s great to see this recognised formally.”

The ceremony was attended by East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, who spoke highly of young people today, volunteering to help others.

The squadron plans to enrol more cadets in the Young Leaders in Service programme and is looking to expand its community involvement during 2016.

Wing Training Weekend

Every September, squadrons from across Sussex Wing all take part in a Wing Training Weekend (WTW). At WTW each squadron competes with other squadrons in many cadet activities including Foot and Banner Drill, Band, First Aid, Aero modelling, Adventure Training which consisted of raft building and archery, other activities included Aircraft Recognition, photography and Shooting!
The cadets from 1440 achieved highly within the activities that they entered in! The squadron came 1st in First Aid and Corps of Drums, 2nd in Aero modelling, 3rd in the solo drummer competition and the award for junior sportsman of the year! A great result for all!
There were also activities that were held throughout the weekend that were not assessed. They were purely set-up for the enjoyment of cadets that took part in the weekend. these activities included archery, clay pigeon shooting and orienteering.
The winning teams will now compete in the regional competition held at RAF Northolt to represent Sussex; they will go up against other wings such as London, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire! Good luck to them all but mainly, well done!