To celebrate 70 years of the Air Cadet Organisation, 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron is holding a reunion for former cadets and staff of the squadron.
2011 marks 70 years since the air cadet movement first began in order to train young men to fly and maintain aircraft during the Second World War.
Today's air cadet organisation is quite different, having evolved into a unique voluntary youth organisation, offering young people opportunities to develop themselves, try new adventures and activities, and learn key lessons in citizenship and the importance of society.
The former members and their families are welcome to attend the event at the Squadron Headquarters on Marquis Close, Benton, from 6:00pm on Saturday 25 June 2011. In addition, ex-service personnel who served at R.A.F. Longbenton - the squadron being situated on the site of the old base - are also welcome to attend. Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said, "We are celebrating serving our community over decades and I think it appropriate that we invite everyone from across the years to join our celebrations." "It would be superb if we can have people there spanning across each decade," Gary added.
Your Comments
I remember as a cadet, being on the parade that opened the new HQ Building. I left the Sqn in 1966 to enjoy a full career in the Royal Air Force, retiring in 1996. I have been in touch with old colleagues and will hopefully visit on the 25th.
Posted by: Stuart McLeod | June 15, 2011 6:48 PM
Just been told about this, What a great idea,I most certainly would like to attend. I have just dusted off my 3822, and I joined in 1961. Did 25 years service in the RAF retiring in 1990. Hopefully there will be others from my era!
Posted by: Bob Taylor | June 15, 2011 9:28 PM
I was a founder member of the squadron, attending the very first parade of Longbenton Detached Flight of 404 Morpeth Squadron. The flight membership grew and eventually became 2344 Longbenton Squadron. I left the squadron in 1964 and served in the Royal Air Force until 1994. I will certainly try and be there on Saturday evening.
Posted by: Robert (Bob) Faulder | June 24, 2011 7:05 PM
What an interesting find. RAF Longbenton was my first RAF posting after technical training. I arrived in June 1954 and was posted again in November! Without question the most pleasurable station and city I have ever experienced. I was also there (on duty as a fire picket) when the headquarters building was destroyed by fire during the first week of November that year. Hope the open day went well, and good luck to you all.
Posted by: Ed Bones | August 24, 2011 12:37 PM
Sorry I missed the event.
Like Bob I was a founder member having joined 404 squadron @ Seaton Burn Sec Mod. school detached flight.
Made it to W/O and would happily travel to any future events?
Had a great life and ATC set me up for life very well.
Posted by: Robert Henry Leigh | October 6, 2011 5:22 PM
Thank you for your comments Robert. We will happily keep you informed of any further events. Best wishes, Alison.
Posted by: A Curry
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October 8, 2011 7:10 PM
did the bob faulder mentioned also work at vickers and was in the aircadets from approx 1958 to 64 bryan boulton
Posted by: bryan boulton | November 18, 2011 10:22 AM