Our old squadron’s ready for lift-off!

Since its formation 70 years ago, an air cadet squadron in Bradford has had a rich tradition of developing and training youngsters, helping them into a range of careers and vocations. The 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is not only the last remaining ‘founder’ squadron in the West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Wing, but in the entire northern region.To celebrate its 70th anniversary old boys and current cadets gathered last night at the squadron’s Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane. Formed on January 21, 1939, under the Air Defence Cadet Corps, it received founder status as one of the first 50 squadrons to form, although it received its Royal Warrant in 1941.

Geoffrey Wild, of Thornbridge Mews, Bolton, Bradford, believes he was the seventh person to sign up to the squadron 70 years ago.
Now, at 85, Mr Wild remembers joining the squadron in the hope it would lead to serving in the Royal Air Force – in which he was called up to serve in 1941.

Mr Wild remembers rushing home from working on the railway throughout the day and having a quick meal before leaving to go and meet the squadron at a new building in Drewton Street. He said: “The war started in 1939 and the squadron taught the discipline of the services, so when I did go into the services I was ready for it – it prepared you.

“I think it’s great that it’s still going and I’m surprised that there aren’t more boys in it, to be honest, because I think it is very worthwhile.”
Another old boy is the former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Choudhary Rangzeb, who joined the squadron in 1970 at the age of 16 and stayed for four years.
He said: “As far as I can remember it was one of the best squadrons in the region. “We did a lot of work, going out camping and shooting, we went to the RAF and we did a lot of community work. I think it generally helps young people to learn more about life in general and how to behave in society.”
Current cadets have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, often leading to good careers later in life. Most aim to leave with a BTEC in aviation study, or music, and some even leave with a pilot’s licence.

The squadron also has a tradition of developing the 13 to 17-year-olds to achieve Duke of Edinburgh awards. Yaseen Rahman, media and communications officer, said: “The whole ethos is for cadets to come along and to have fun. “And in the process of having fun we hope to develop and nurture their ambitions and skills.” Cadets nowadays are taken to the RAF in Church Fenton where they learn to fly a Grob Tutor, a two-seater aircraft the air force use to train pilots. While Bradford remains the only founder squadron in the north, the unit could lose its founder status if numbers dwindle too far below the current 30 members. Mr Rahman said: “We are hoping to build it up to between 60 and 100 by the summer, or at the very latest Christmas this year.”