Air cadets from across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire got together in Ely to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the organisation.
An unprecedented number of 750 cadets and 75 uniformed staff paraded through the city.
Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire wing padre Roger Cresswell took part in the cathedral service which included an excerpt from the memories of Peter Price, an air cadet who lived in the south of England during the Battle of Britain.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to dedicate the new Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire wing banner which was revealed for the first time at Ely Cathedral.
Lord-Lieutenants for Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, Helen Nellis and Sir Hugh Duberly took the salute and met with the cadets at a reception.
They were supported by the High Sheriffs for Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire as well over a dozen mayors or deputy mayors from across the wing area.
Also attending were two former commandant air cadets - air commodores Jon Ford and Jon Chitty, station commanders from local Royal Air Force bases, squadron padres and members of many civilian committees.
The ATC ethos is to create good citizens and has a varied syllabus teaching leadership, radio and communications, aircraft recognition, drill, first aid and sports. Many cadets also attend camps and expeditions and enjoy learning about aircraft and flying.
Cadets also have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Over the past 75 years the ATC has expanded to 1,200 units in the UK and overseas. In Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing there are 29 squadrons and over a thousand cadets. The ATC is currently recruiting volunteer adult staff for a variety of roles based in towns across the two counties.
More details can be found on their website. www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets or www.bedscambswing.co.uk
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