Draft:485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron

485 (Harborne & Quinton) Sqn
Active	1941 (1941)
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Type	Air Training Corps
Role	Youth development, military aviation, education and training
Patron	The 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
Air Training Corps Crest

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. 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.

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.

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

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:

• 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

Commanding Officers

The squadron has been led by the following Commanding Officers:

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

References

1. 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron Official Website

2. Air Cadets Squadron Finder

3. Official RAF Air Cadets Website