Flight Lieutenant David Middleton, 65, from 459 (Windsor) Squadron has just reached a unique milestone after receiving his fifth bar to his Cadet Forces Medal marking 52 years of cadet and adult service to the Air Training Corps.
When, in 1962, he started his time in light blue uniform as a cadet the venerable Mosquito was about to be retired from RAF service and The Beatles were about to recruit Ringo to their ranks. In the intervening years his life has been one of service not only to the Air Cadets but also in his career with the Royal Household.
During his many years of service he has been a constant support to 459 (Windsor) Squadron and in addition to serving as Commanding Officer twice he has also been a huge support to many other CO’s. He is still a high performer delivering high quality training to cadets. Along the way he has taken part in all the Air Cadets has to offer including attending many RAF Camps and a number of successful attempts at the world famous Nijmegan Marches.
Sector Commander, Squadron Leader Mark Trevena, presented the clasp “David has been a real constant in Thames Valley Wing for many years and, in addition to a successful career in light blue, he has also been instrumental in developing many other members of staff and cadets. He is an inspiration not only to all of us in the Air Training Corps but also to the wider community as a whole”.