History

Following a government call  to form an Air Defence Cadet Corps  in 1938, prominent members of society  in Kings Lynn arranged a meeting which was held at the Town Hall on December 14th 1938 . The overwhelming response  meant that 53 young men attended   with the intention of joining this new organisation . On January 2nd 1939 , 42F (King's Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps  squadron was formed as one of the first 50 squadrons of the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC). This privilege was marked by the first 50 squadrons having an F - standing for founder after their number. The squadron began in January 1939 with the head quarters based in the centre of King's Lynn at Paradise Chambers. In 1941 the ADCC changed to become the Air Training Corps where the role of the squadron included assisting in recruiting for the RAF.

Now however, the squadrons’ aims are to

 

• Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people

• Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life

• Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

 

In 1945  the government announced that  the ATC would retained as part of the Reserve Command , which meant that the ATC became part of the RAF and had serving RAF officers at its head . King George the VI kindly agreed to become  Air Commodore in chief  and issued a Royal Warrant. The squadron is the basic unit that goes to make up the ATC, 42F is an open squadron which means it is formed in the community and its’ membership is open to any young person approved by the squadron commander . 42F King's Lynn Squadron currently has approximately 44 cadets and 3 Volunteer uniform staff, as well as 2 Civilian Instructors and service helpers from RAF Marham.

Visits are made to affiliated RAF Stations  on pre-arranged training programmes  and they in turn supply service instructors  whenever possible to assist . A close relationship with the Royal Air Force  is further maintained by  squadrons attending  Easter and Summer camps  at an RAF Station. These camps are considered to be the highlight of the year for many cadets, and provide an opportunity for cadets to see the daily life of  an RAF station and  to gain first hand experience  of the Royall Air Force. Over the years training has changed  considerably  but still includes the corps activities of flying, gliding, adventure training , and marksmanship . The formal lessons throughout the classifications have not changed greatly and still include the basic airmanship and principles of flight, although nowadays cadets can gain worthwhile qualifications from their studies . Sport is still a big part of the corps as well as taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme . As well as the formal cadet training, RAF Camps, adventure training  flying,  gliding, and trips overseas , the squadron also takes part in numerous events in the community. These range from parades and Civic Events , to assisting at charity events . For example -Cadets and staff from the squadron have helped with the car parking for over 10 years at the Sandringham Flower Show  and annually perform a Guard of Honour for the visiting Royals at the show. In 2009 the squadron gained a Heritage Lottery Grant to help research the history and promote the squadron . As part of this anniversary a book was written and a DVD produced . These are both available from the squadron, however the book can be seen below