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<!-- Important, do not remove this line before article has been created. -->'''485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron ATC''' is a unit of the [[Air Training Corps]] (ATC) within the [[Royal Air Force Air Cadets]] based in [[Harborne]], Birmingham, United Kingdom.<ref>http://485atc.co.uk/history.html</ref> Established in early 1941, the squadron provides training and activities for young people aged 12 to 20 who are interested in aviation and the [[Royal Air Force]].
<!-- Important, do not remove this line before article has been created. -->


The Squadron’s motto is “Non Sine Pulvere Palma” which translates to “No success without effort.
'''485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron ATC''' is a unit of the [[Air Training Corps]] (ATC) within the [[Royal Air Force Air Cadets]] based in [[Harborne]], Birmingham, United Kingdom.<ref>http://485atc.co.uk/history.html</ref> Established in early 1941, the squadron provides training and activities for young people aged 12 to 20 who are interested in aviation and the [[Royal Air Force]].


== '''Aims''' ==
The Squadron’s motto is “Non Sine Pulvere Palma” which translates to “No success without effort.
The aims of the Air Training Corps, as set out in the [[Letters patent (United Kingdom)|Royal Warrant]]:

* To promote and encourage among young men and women a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force (RAF);
* To provide training which will be useful in both the Armed Forces and civilian life;
* To foster a spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.<ref name="horizons">{{Citation |title=Expand Your Horizons: Adult Volunteers |date=2007 |location=Lincolnshire |publisher=[[Air Cadet Organisation]]}}</ref>

The corps' motto is 'Venture, Adventure'.<ref name="AirCadetOrganisation">{{Cite journal |date=2000 |title=General Service Training |journal=Air Cadet Publication |location=[[Lincolnshire]], England |publisher=[[Air Cadet Organisation]] |volume=31 |issue=Section 1 – the Air Training Corps |page=1}}</ref>

== '''Facilities''' ==
The squadron’s current facilities include a ‘Spooner’ hut used for administration and classroom work. In May 2001, the facilities were extended to include a radio room and a modern (at the time) flight simulator, replacing an older [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra]] simulator.


== '''Activities''' ==
== '''Activities''' ==
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• First Aid Training and Certification
• First Aid Training and Certification

== '''Facilities''' ==
The squadron’s current facilities include a ‘Spooner’ hut used for administration and classroom work. In May 2001, the facilities were extended to include a radio room and a modern (at the time) flight simulator, replacing an older [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra]] simulator.


== '''History''' ==
== '''History''' ==

Revision as of 03:12, 31 December 2024

485 (Harborne & Quinton) Sqn
ActiveFormed in 1941; 84 years ago (1941) [1]
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Type Air Training Corps
RoleYouth development, military aviation, education and training
PatronThe Princess of Wales (All ATC Units)
Motto(s)Non Sine Pulvere Palma ("No success without effort")
Commanders
Current Officer Commanding Sqn Ldr K Aldridge RAFAC
Insignia
Ensign
Royal Air Force Air Cadets Logo
RAFAC TRF
Aircraft flown
TrainerTutor T1
Viking T1

485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron ATC is a unit of the Air Training Corps (ATC) within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets based in Harborne, Birmingham, United Kingdom.[2] Established in early 1941, the squadron provides training and activities for young people aged 12 to 20 who are interested in aviation and the Royal Air Force.

The Squadron’s motto is “Non Sine Pulvere Palma” which translates to “No success without effort.

Aims

The aims of the Air Training Corps, as set out in the Royal Warrant:

  • To promote and encourage among young men and women a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force (RAF);
  • To provide training which will be useful in both the Armed Forces and civilian life;
  • To foster a spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.[3]

The corps' motto is 'Venture, Adventure'.[4]

Facilities

The squadron’s current facilities include a ‘Spooner’ hut used for administration and classroom work. In May 2001, the facilities were extended to include a radio room and a modern (at the time) flight simulator, replacing an older Canberra simulator.

Activities

485 Squadron provides a range of activities, including:

Grob 115 Tutor - Air Experience Flight

• Flying, Gliding, and Air Experience Flights (AEF)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Expeditions, Hillwalking, and Trekking

• Camps, Fieldcraft, and Survival Training

• Team and Individual Sports (e.g., football, netball, rugby, athletics, swimming)

• Shooting Activities, including Marksmanship Training, Competitions, and Weapons Handling

STEM Activities, including Aerospace Projects, Cyber Training, and Engineering Opportunities

• Drill, Ceremonial Parades, and Competitions

• Community Engagement and Charity Work

• Leadership and Team Development

• Radio Communications and Competitions

• First Aid Training and Certification

History

The squadron was originally formed in 1941, headquartered at the High Street School in Harborne. It was led by its first Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant A. H. Dutton RAFVR(T), and Adjutant Flying Officer K. Jackson RAFVR(T). The unit later amalgamated with No. 486 (Quinton) Squadron to become 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron. In 1962, the squadron relocated to the TA Centre (Now the West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadet Association HQ) at Tennal Grange, Tennal Road, Harborne, where it remains to this day.[5]

485 Sqn Lay up their old Sqn banner (30th June 2013)
Photo of laying up old banner and blessing the new banner
Sunday 30th June was a very special day in the life of 485 Sqn has they laid up their old Sqn banner and had the new banner blessed.

The service was conducted by the Sqn's new padre, Priscilla White, at the Church of St Faith and St Lawrence in Harborne. The Sqn had was attended by Flt Lt Brendan O'Neill, Flt Lt Paula Smith, Flt Lt Colin Bell and Fg Off Keith Roper, all ex members of 485 Sqn. We were also joined by our Wing Staff Officer, Sqn Ldr Pat Maccorroll.

The old banner was carried by Cpl Reece Meek and the new banner was carried by Sgt Hayden Hitchman.

The old banner now hangs in the church gallery which overlooks the congregation.
75th Anniversary of the ATC (5th Feb 2016)
485 group photo of the 75th Anniversary of the ATC service in Coventry

On the 5th Feb 2016 marked the 75th Anniversary of the creation of the Air Training Corps (ATC)

A small group of staff and cadets from 485 Squadron joined squadrons from across Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing in celebrating this historic milestone on ATC Sunday (7th Feb 2016) at Coventry Cathedral. As part of the commemorations, the squadron participated in events honoring the legacy and achievements of the ATC, including parades, community engagements, and special activities to highlight the opportunities provided to young people since its formation in 1941. The 75th Anniversary also served as a reminder of the important role the ATC has played in inspiring generations of cadets to develop skills, discipline, and a passion for aviation and service.
Commandant Air Cadets Visit (4th Feb 2020)
485 cadets hosted Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, during a visit to observe the range of activities offered by the squadron on a typical parade night. During her visit, she engaged with cadets, discussing their experiences in the Air Training Corps and their future aspirations.

The visit highlighted the opportunities available to cadets, including skill development, leadership training, and their active participation in community and aviation-related events. This interaction allowed the cadets to share their perspectives and gain inspiration from a senior figure in the RAF Air Cadets organization.

Commandant Air Cadets visits 485 Squadron
New Squadron Badge (1st Apr 2021)
On the 1st April 2021 OC 485 Commissioned the new Badge/Crest for the squadron, the history behind the new badge originates from the amalgamation of 485 (Harborne) Sqn and 486 (Quinton) Sqn, named after the Royal Air Forces 485 and 486 Squadrons.

485 and 486 Squadrons RAF, were 2 of the 6 Royal New Zealand Air Force Article XV squadrons from WWII (both Fighter and Fighter Bomber units). Elements from each of the squadrons crests were combined to form the new crest for 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron.




Commanding Officers

The squadron has been led by the following Commanding Officers[6]:

Ser Dates Rank Name
1st 1941–1965 (24 Yrs)
Flt Lt
A. H. Dutton RAFVR(T)
2nd 1965–1968 (3 Yrs)
Flt Lt
W. Ogborne RAFVR(T)
3rd 1968–1969 (1Yr)
Flt Lt
J. Muldoon RAFVR(T)
4th 1969–1976 (7 Yrs)
Flt Lt
K. Blunn RAFVR(T)
5th 1976–1979 (3 Yrs)
Flt Lt
B. Barnes RAFVR(T)
6th 1979–1983 (4 Yrs)
Flt Lt
P. G. Clarke RAFVR(T)
7th 1983–1996 (13 Yrs)
Flt Lt
A. Healey RAFVR(T)
8th 1996–2001 (5 Yrs)
Flt Lt
C. G. Bell RAFVR(T)
9th 2001–2004 (3 Yrs)
Flt Lt
P. Smith RAFVR(T)
10th 2004–2011 (7 Yrs)
Flt Lt
P. Coates RAFVR(T)
11th 2011–2013 (2 Yrs)
Flt Lt
S. Jennings RAFVR(T)
12th 2013–2015 (3 Yrs) WO R. Coates ATC
13th 2016–Present (9 Yrs) Sqn Ldr K. Aldridge RAFAC (Prev:RAFVR(T))

References

  1. ^ "RAF timeline 1941". RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force. 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015.
  2. ^ http://485atc.co.uk/history.html
  3. ^ Expand Your Horizons: Adult Volunteers, Lincolnshire: Air Cadet Organisation, 2007
  4. ^ "General Service Training". Air Cadet Publication. 31 (Section 1 – the Air Training Corps). Lincolnshire, England: Air Cadet Organisation: 1. 2000.
  5. ^ http://485atc.co.uk/history.html
  6. ^ http://485atc.co.uk/

1. 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron Official Website

2. Air Cadets Squadron Finder

3. Official RAF Air Cadets Website

4. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch)

5. Royal Air Force Website

6. 485 NZ Squadron Crest Photo