Welcome to 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, otherwise known as Abingdon Air Cadets. Located on the outskirts of Dalton Barracks (the old RAF Abingdon airbase) the Squadron attracts cadets and adult volunteers from the surrounding villages of Shippon, Wootton, Cumnor, Marcham and the town of Abingdon itself to name a few.
The Air Cadets offers its members a wide range of exciting and unique activities which are designed to challenge and develop the cadets. From Flying and Gliding to Adventure Training there is an activity to meet a wide range of interests. The Air Cadets also offers a range of qualifications such as BTEC’s in Aviation Studies and Music which can be achieved by participating in our Squadron.
As a cadet you will also experience what life is like in the Royal Air Force by attending residential visits and courses on RAF Stations throughout the UK. There is no obligation to join the RAF if you are a cadet, however many ex-cadets do go on to join the Armed Services.
The Air Cadets is supported by a framework of volunteers who assist in a variety of jobs, from training on a parade night to running activity weekends such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or range days. Adults involved in working with cadets are DBS cleared and given training before undertaking any activities.
In the months from September to October, a little more than 100 cadets took part in Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets’ fieldcraft courses. Also known as the ‘Tactical Leadership Courses’, they culminated in a blank firing exercise with cadets, a first for the Wing. Throughout, cadets were given progressive opportunities to learn and demonstrate skills from camouflage and concealment to section-level tactics with training ammunition, all whilst developing their communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Continue reading →
Thames Valley Wing participated in this year’s Airborne March, which is part of the commemorations of the Battle for Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1944. The Airborne March is in memory to the 1750 plus British and Polish soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 and who are buried in the War Cemetery at Oosterbeek. The March takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. The first march was held in 1947. Further information on the Airborne March is available from: http://www.airbornewandeltocht.nl/en/airborne/44-background_airborne_march
Thames Valley Wing had 79 cadets and volunteer staff participate in 10 and 15 KM route marches as part of this event.
Thames Valley Wing’s objectives for this event were:
for cadets and adult volunteers to participate in the Arnhem March representing the Royal Air Force Air Cadets;
to learn about the Battle of Arnhemby visiting significant locations of the battle, the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek and to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem paying their respects at the War Cemetery Oosterbeek;
Should you be interested in participating next year, there are places available with Thames Valley Wing’s contingent. Please contact Flt Lt Nigel Furlong, Contingent Commander and Officer Commanding 2210 Cowley Squadron via our contact form
Cadets and staff have recently undertaken two fieldcraft weekends with almost 90 cadets and staff being trained.
The first weekend focused on cadet fieldcraft skills with some of the cadets even sleeping under the stars in bivouacs with none of their normal luxuries. That alone is tough enough but to then add two days of intense and relentless training makes their achievement all the more significant. Continue reading →
Thames Valley Wing played a lead role when over 700 RAF Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers from across the South West Region proudly celebrated RAF100 with an unprecedented parade through the streets of Windsor. With the iconic Windsor Castle in the background, the parade drew hundreds of people onto the streets to watch as a sea of light blue took over the Royal Berkshire town for the day. Continue reading →
The 2017 Wing Awards evening held at RAF Benson has recognised the service and dedication of cadets, instructors, Senior NCO’s, Officers and Civilian Committee members from right across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. This year the awards were presented by Group Captain Eddie Cole, Regional Commandant (South West). Continue reading →
Thames Valley Wing has been judged the runner up at the prestigious south-west Regional Activities Day held at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. The strong team was drawn from across Oxfordshire and Berkshire competed against hundreds of other cadets from five other Wings. Continue reading →
On Sunday 5th February 45 Cadets and Staff attended the RAF Museum London, at RAF Hendon for ATC Sunday, recognising the 76th Anniversary of the Corps formation. Continue reading →
Sunday, 4th December saw the annual Thames Valley Wing bowling competition take place at RAF Brize Norton with over 140 cadets representing 22 Squadrons from across the Wing.
After an early start the competition started and with a competitive spirit the 12 lanes at the Astro Bowl were soon full of cadets aiming for the strikes to add vital points to their Squadron scores. Each team was made up of only four cadets so the pressure was on each cadet to get down those pins. Everyone managed to compete in at least three games and after a tense bowl off at the end the winners were announced. Continue reading →
Air Cadets and volunteer staff from across Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps gathered at RAF Benson for an evening of celebrations during the annual THRIVE awards.
The THRIVE awards were established three years ago to recognise the achievements and successes of the individuals who support the Air Cadets in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Hosted by RAF Benson and sponsored by five organisations 33 individuals received recognition on the evening for their efforts across several categories. Continue reading →
Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2017 Thrive award: 
