Historical Tour: The Air Cadets

The Air Cadets. The school connection with air cadets goes as far back as 1941 when there is mention of "the newly formed Air Training Corps" (The Norwood Junior Technical School Magazine 1941). With several older boys intending to join "as soon as the opportunity offers". The 50's became the strongest years for post-war cadet activity; The Korean War and cold war tension provided a favorable climate while cadets also offered many boys a legitimate expression for their interest in fighting, guns and exclusively male companionship. The A.T.C. membership grew to 64 by 1954 (when the school had an enrolment of 353) and enjoyed continuing success in the rifle shooting and athletics sections of inter flight competitions. Membership averaged around 50 until 1959 when it is recorded in the year book that Flt./Lt. Stone was transferred to Nailsworth leaving the group struggling with only one officer, Flt./Lt. Turner. Membership had dropped by the end of the year. There is no mention of the A.T.C. in subsequent yearbooks and Army Cadets replaced the Air Cadets in 1961. NEXT: Years of Growth

"The A.T.C. was formed at this school in the middle of April, 1952, having 38 boys with which to start the Flight, and 4 N.C.O's, Corporals Kirkwood, Hickling, Weckert and Shaw. Parades, consisting of lectures on navigation, armaments, service knowledge, aircraft recognition and rifle drill were held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after school. During the May holidays 8 boys were selected to represent the school at a camp at Mallala. Shooting at Keswick Rifle Range was arranged for parade nights. 1952 Year Book.