February 19, 2025
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More than 180 cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across 25 different Squadrons of West Scotland Wing of the Air Training Corps (ATC) attended a church service in Hamilton Old Parish Church to commemorate the ATC’s 84th anniversary.
Today the ATC is known as the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). It has 43,000 cadets and 12,000 Adult Volunteers across the UK.
The 2 February celebration began at 10am as the cadets assembled, and having passed inspection, they marched from Hamilton’s Lamb Street and filed into the church for a commemorative service celebrating the achievements of the past 84 years. The banner parties proudly marched the Wing Banner and the King’s Colour down the aisle to be displayed on the altar.
Members of West Scotland Wing were involved in the service with 2166 (Hamilton) Squadron’s Cadet Warrant Officer Eva McLachlan (19), from the University of the West of Scotland, and Cadet Xephyra Moos (16), from Lesmahagow High School, conducting readings. Corporal Maya Cochrane (14), from Caldervale High School, was the banner bearer, and said, “I’m so proud to be picked for this role to represent Hamilton Squadron at the parade.
“Joining cadets was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, I’ve experienced so many things I never even thought I would be able to. I’ve been able to improve my confidence and leadership skills, as well as skills I can use in everyday life.”
Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers on parade.
31 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers were also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal with presentations made by His Majesty The King’s representative, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Mr Louis Munn, alongside the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Provost Margaret Cooper. These medals, awarded to mark the Coronation of King Charles III, celebrate the commitment and dedication of these volunteers as they spend years, and in many cases, decades, helping the young people of West Scotland to develop valuable skills and attributes.
Adjutant of 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron West Scotland Wing RAFAC, Flight Sergeant Tom White, receives his medal from the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant.
Volunteers come from all walks of life, with various backgrounds, both civilian and military, and their involvement is invaluable in the running of the organisation. Full training is provided with volunteers choosing to specialise in teaching aviation, first aid, leadership, target shooting, radio or Adventure Training amongst other things. Volunteers provide this training at squadrons on weekday evenings and at weekend camps throughout the year, delivering opportunities and training which allow cadets to gain qualifications from the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and many other organisations.
Cadets travelled from all over the West of Scotland, as far as Girvan, Lanark and Ardrossan to join the cadets from Hamilton, at the church service. There are five West Scotland Wing Squadrons within the Highland RFCA area.
A group of Royal Air Force Air Cadet instructors.
For the Officer Commanding of West Scotland Wing RAFAC – Wing Commander Jim Haley – it was a special moment.
He said: “It’s amazing to think that this fine organisation has existed for 84 years, and I feel immensely proud to command these remarkable young people, and their volunteer leaders, today. They are a credit to themselves and their families.”
