Gala presentation for cadets at Wallingford

Staff and cadets from 966 (Wallingford) Squadron gathered to witness the final act of their current Commanding officer during a recent awards ceremony.

On the academic side the Squadron has been fortunate enough to have achieved three passes in the BTEC First Certificates in Aviation Studies qualification and eight examination passes during the recent round of classification exams which are held for all cadets in the Air Training Corps. Additionally once cadet was fortunate enough to be presented with his Heartstart First Aid certificate which represents the first rung on the potential ladder of First Aid training offered by the Corps.

The opportunity was also taken to promote three cadets to the rank of cadet Corporal (Natasha Harrington, Charlotte Taylor and Sally Evans) and two (Siena Whiteside and Chris Ewers) to cadet Flight Sergeant. This was in recognition of their achievements in support of the Squadron as well as their impeccable bearing and deportment.

The presentations were performed by outgoing Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Danny Norcross as his last official act before formally handing over the keys and command of the Squadron to his successor, Flight Lieutenant Tom Churnside.

Flight Lieutenant Norcross leaves not just the Corps but also the country as he is emigrating to New Zealand where he fully intends to put his RAF skills to good use as a member of the New Zealand Air Training Corps. “He will be an extremely hard act to follow but I will do me best to build upon the foundations he has left me and will take 966 Squadron from strength to strength” said Flight Lieutenant Churnside shortly after assuming command.