Corporals Leading the way

Two Corporals in the Air Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have successfully gained the Leading Cadet badges which forms part of the Air Cadets Syllabus. The Corporals can now move forward to the more advanced levels and study for their Senior Cadet qualifications. The Corporals will use their skills & knowledge gained, as they embark on activities such as camping, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Flying & Gliding. Knowing that what they learnt can be applied in everyday situations as well as the ATC.
“With school exams and Air Training Corps (ATC) exams it was a challenge, it’s hard work but worth it...I ve done it” said Cpl Jordine Bostock 15.
“I enjoy the ATC, it has given me opportunities I would not have normally” added Cpl Sami Rahman 14, MCO 44F CI Yaseen Rahman said, “The cadets are rewarded for all the hard work and effort and this shows that the more you put in the more you can get back from the ATC”

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “The Leading Cadet exam is actually three exams all taken on one night. It’s a challenge, but through hard work and determination. The rewards are greater. Cpls Bostock and Rahman are positive examples to the junior cadets and hopefully will continue to develop during their time in the Corps“
 

Cyprus Camp 2009

On 15th of April 2009, fifty four air cadets from all over the country flew out to Lamaca airport in Cyprus heading for a ten day camp at Royal Air Force Akrotiri. When we arrived at the base, we were taken to the mess were we had our first meal. After dinner we were taken to monument of a BAC Lightning were we had our camp photo. Unfortunately, instead of the glorious sunshine that we were expecting, there was heavy rain which soaked us in a matter off minutes. After getting wet, we then had our arrival brief were we were told what we were doing to do throughout our ten day stay. 



Throughout our week during the day we had various section visits including the Royal Logistics Corps Bomb Disposal Unit, where we had a chance to control a robot which could rip off a car door with ease. They told us that it could fire a high pressure water blast which could go through a car or open a suitcase with a secure lock.

ater, we visited the engineering squadron, which had a Tornado GR4 and a Eurofighter Typhoon under repair. We also took part in leadership tasks at the fire section where we competed against another team; the losing team had to walk though a decontamination shower which had water shooting out at high pressure, we all ended up running through it anyway. We also went to visit the Red Arrows, which everyone was looking forward to, followed by a brief meet with the team as they were walking up from the aircraft after practicing their display.




During our stay in Cyprus we visited the capital city of Nicosia where the green line passes though separating the island in half. We learned that in the small strip called the “buffer zone”, UN patrols make sure that no-one is in there as they are likely to be shot by either the Turkish guards who guard their border, or the Cypriote Forces who guard their border. In some areas it’s no more than one hundred meters apart so in many cases the two apposite guards can see each other at all times of the day.


After we had been in the buffer zone, the UN gave us a crowd control demonstration which included three armoured personnel carriers, after which, we all got a chance to have a ride around the abandoned airport. We were then taken back to the coach in an eight vehicle convoy which included four small minibuses and four Mitsubishi Warriors all marked up with UN along the side and back. We got quite a few looks from the pedestrians!
 


Later, we visited a seaside town of Paphos and went on a three hour cruise  up the coast, where we jumped off the back of the ship and swam in the sea. Everyone really enjoyed the journey. 

Only one of the evenings out off the 10 days, we had nothing planned which suited us as we played football and basketball for hours. All the other evenings, we went out and had a good time. One night, we went out to a Greek restaurant were they taught us a little bit of Greek dancing and then showed us how it was done. Another, we went to a beach barbecue where some of us went in the sea. We also went bowling, go-karting and did some karaoke!
 
Finally, on the last night we had our presentation evening, where Sqn Ldr Duff (Red 8) presented everyone's certificates. On the final day, we travelled back to the cold and
wet climate of the UK. None of us wanted to leave.

Bradford Air Cadets - All for one and One for All

Air Cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron has three new Corporals. Cpl Sami Rahman, 13, Cpl Jordine Bostock, 15 and Cpl Kayliegh Wall, 16. All three had to undergo a rigorous three stage selection process.




Stage one, why they wanted the position and what qualities they would bring to the Squadron, stage two, in more depth, why they wanted to become a Corporal and what they would personally bring to the role and their understanding of the Junior Non Commissioned role stage three the most daunting process the interview. All three passed with flying colours and were promoted to the JNCO Corporal roles by the Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant John Seed RAFVR(T).
 
Flt Lt John Seed said, “Anything is achievable in the ATC through hard work and effort, and the three Corporals are an asset to the Squadron. It makes me proud to see the cadets flourish and move up the ranks”.



Sergeant (ATC) Mary Burns said, “It was not an easy process for the Corporals, but shine they did and I am immensely proud of them”.
 
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said, “Once again the hard work and effort has been rewarded and the three Corporals deserve their promotions”.
 
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. We are also looking for Adult Volunteers.  44F (City of Bradford) Squadron meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.

Bradford Air Cadets gain Quality Awards and Qualifications

Cadet Flight Sergeant Claudio Costin, 19, from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron has passed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. It took Claudio a year to achieve the award. The award consisted of four sections, section one, Service – CSLA, Community Sport Leaders Award, Section two, Skill – Gardening, Section Three, Sports – Physical Training, Section Four Expedition – Three days and two nights Camping.



Claudio said “ It was one of the best things I have done as it was very challenging and would recommend all cadets to do it”.  Flt Lt John Seed said “Flt Sgt Costin has worked very hard to achieve his Silver D of E, his next task is preparing for the Gold D of E Award.”
 
Training Officer Carl Symonds said “ F/s Costin is a fine example to the cadets at 44F in achieving his Silver D of E award and the experience gained will help the cadets prepare for their award, F/s Costin is now in the process of preparing for his Gold D of E”.


No Charge for BTEC
 
Meanwhile Cadet Sergeant  Anthony Charge 18 gained his BTEC in Aviation Studies Level II. It took Sgt Charge four years in achieving the ultimate goal but well worth it. As well as his GCSE’s an additional BTEC in Aviation was achieved via the Air Cadets.
 
Anthony, “It was one of the best things I have done as it was very challenging and would recommend all cadets to do it”. The subjects covered in the BTEC Aviation Studies included Basic Navigation, Airmanship II, Principles of Flight, Air Navigation, Aircraft Handling, Pilot Navigation, Operational Flying.



Flt Lt John Seed said “Sgt Charge achieved his BTEC in Aviation Studies through the Air Cadets and it just one of many things you can achieve in the (ATC) Air Training Corps”.
 
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said “ Once again the hard work and effort has been rewarded anything is possible in the Air Cadets”.
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. We are also looking for Adult Volunteers.  44F (City of Bradford) Squadron meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.
 

Bradford Air Cadets Celebrate their 70th Anniversary

Friday the 23rd of January marked the Official Launch for 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron - 70th Anniversary 1939 - 2009. Invited distinguished guest include serving RAFVR(T) Officers, past Officers, Staff & Cadets.

The evening was hosted by CI Carl Symmonds (Training Officer) and launched by Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth representing Group Captain John Middleton - Regional Commandant North, RAF Linton on Ouse. Also present were Sqn Ldr Andy Blaikie, Sqn Ldr Roger Kirby and the Officer Commanding 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron Flight Lieutenant John Seed, Officer Cadet Sarah Louise Knowles and Acting Pilot Officer Ron Pratley representing the Yorkshire University Air Squadron based at RAF Church Fenton 9AEF.



houwdrey Rangzeb an ex cadet from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron and ex Lord Mayor of Bradford brought along his F3822 Record of Service Book and spoke about his experiences in the ATC. He said, "It was a pleasure to be invited and to talk about the best Squadron ever".


Ex Squadron Leader Hutchinson now 85 and an ex cadet from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron was delighted to have been tracked down and invited to mark the 70th Anniversary as was Geoffery Wilde 82, who found his name included on the original 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron roll call dating back to 1939. Articles from the local paper the Telegraph & Argus were researched by Michael Longsdale the outgoing treasurer 44F and handed to Sqn Ldr Wadsworth to read out, again dating back to 1939.



The cake cutting ceremony was done with a Ceremonial Sword presented to South & West Yorkshire Wing by Wing Commander Roger Moss OBE RAFVR(T) upon his retirement as OC Wing.
It was important for 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron to include as many of the Distinguished guest for the actual cutting of the cake and consisted of Cpl Bostock 44F, Officer Cadet Sarah Louise Knowles - YUAS, OC 44F, Flt Lt John Seed, Sqn Ldr Andy Blaikie, Sqn Ldr Mike Wadsworth, Sqn Ldr Roger Kirby and Cpl Rahman 44F.



The SNCO's and JNCO's performed the Magic Circle Drill, a drill put together and rehearsed in a matter of weeks, and the first time the Squadron had performed a Drill in Public.

44F (City of Bradford) Squadron having launched the 70th Anniversary Celebrations will be having a 70th Anniversary Annual Dinner in June so watch this space for details. The Squadron has also planned many many events throughout the year, 2009 will be a year the World will know that 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is 70 years old and the only surviving "F" Founder Squadron in the South & West Yorkshire Wing and the North Region.

The event was supported by, South & West Yorkshire Wing ATC, North Region ATC, Royal Air Force, Yorkshire University Air Squadron, Seafresh Wholesale Distributers, Space Connection, KCB, Royds Community Association, Midnight Connection, Action for Business Limited, BD3 4ALL, WOW Academy and Yorkshire Foreword. 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron are very grateful for their support.

Oc 44F Flt Lt John Seed said " It was nice to see so many Past Officers, Staff and Cadets attend the 70th Anniversary Celebration, and for the Squadron to meet and share experiences in the ATC dating back to 1939". Events Officer CI Ahmed and ex cadet himself, was delighted that so many Past Officers, Staff and Cadets enjoyed the evening" MCO 44F Yaseen Rahman said " Taking the back seat and ensuring everything was in place and at the right time, the evening was about the 44F Squadron and our 70th Anniversary, the sleepless nights and all the running around with CI Ahmed was worth the effort, what a night".

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.”

Bradford Cadets get Star Struck - TWICE

Air Cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have done it again. This time the Squadron has been invited to do a guard of Honour to welcome the Russian Cosmonauts Colonel Alexander Volkov and Dr Alexander Martynov to the National Media Museum Bradford. The days events started with a film in the IMAX Cinema "Fly me to the Moon" and a Question and Answer Session.



The Squadron was over the "moon" as two cadets from from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron - Cadet Seetal Mistry 15 and Cadet Faheem Kahn 15 were lucky enough to have visited Russia earlier in the year for the International Space Olympics held in Moscow, Russia, Seetal said "its De ja vous - Been there, done that! I will be meeting the Cosmonauts again but its so nice that they have come to my hometown Bradford""....." In Russia, the best thing was meeting the Cosmonauts in "Energia" (Space Company) and I got to ask them questions about space and even get a chance to speak live to the Cosmonauts living in the International Space Station 23,000 miles above Earth "

The Squadron is excited to have the opportunity once again to be invited and to take part in the days events. 44F (City of Bradford) invited fellow cadets from 2458 Shipley Squadron to help with the Guard of Honour for the Russian Cosmonauts and were grateful to Shipley Squadrons Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Eileen Dibb

Officer Commanding 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant John Seed said, "The opportunities are endless in the Air Cadets, the days events and meeting the cosmonauts has to be the highlight to end the year with for the squadron"

Events Officer 44F - Nasir Ahmed said " The Air Cadets will learn about how the cosmonauts prepare prior to going into space and the opportunity to meet the cosmonauts and ask questions That is not something everyone can say they have done. But its what we do best at the Air Training Corps.”

Media & Communications Officer 44F - Yaseen Rahman said, " Its great that Cadets in the ATC find as they enjoy the adventure in the ATC, many many doors start to open for the cadets, and this just proves, being in the Air Training Corp and joining in the adventure, can lead to many new things and hopefully a career in aviation, its what we do best at the ATC" 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron would like to thank the following Organistaion Space Connections - Martin Chester and Alam Zeb for making the event possible and for the opportunity to meet with the Cosmonauts

Bradford Cadets Reach for the Stars

From Russia with Love

Dr Alexander Martynov and Colonel Alexander Volkov from the Russian Space Centre attended a presentation by the youngsters who went to Moscow to take part in the International Space Olympics earlier in the year.

Amongst the presentations, two cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron Cadet Seetal Mistry 15 and Cadet Faheem Kahn 15, made an additional presentation to the cosmonauts. They were presented with Air Training Corps lapel pins, which they wore with pride.

Colonel Alexander Volkov who has been into space for a duration thirteen months, living in the earlier Salyut Space Crafts and the MIR Space Station said " This is the best gift I have received so far, thank you" Seetal said " It was nice to give the Cosmonauts who had done so much for us whilst in Russia something back" Faheem added " The 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, T-Shirts will be travelling back to Russia and who knows one day we might see Cosmonauts wearing it on board the International Space Station".

Media & Communications Officer 44F - Yaseen Rahman said " To meet an Astronaut or a Cosmonaut is not something you get to do everyday, but to visit them in Russia first and then your hometown is something else, the adventure for the cadets continues, we may be looking at future Space Explorers".

Events Officer Nasir Ahmed said " Its been a day to remember for the cadets, the adventure in the Air Cadets just gets better, its what we do best at the ATC"