The History of Easingwold Air Cadets - Central & East Yorkshire ...

Mark Elder took part in the Nijmegen
March in Holland. The Duke of
Edinburgh Award scheme became a
regular squadron feature and
expedition training a regular
occurrence.
On Sunday 3rd December 1972 the
new Squadron Headquarters was
officially opened by Air Vice Marshall
Bird -Wilson CBE DSO DFC AFC a
renowned Battle of Britain pilot and
then the Air Officer Commanding, 23
Group. Prayers of dedication were
led by Canon Jack Armstrong. In his
address to the cadets and their
parents Air Vice Marshall Bird-
Wilson said “Discipline gives you a
sound foundation on which to build
your lives. The ATC offers one of the
finest training grounds for young
Picture shows AVM Bird-Wilson talking to Flight
Lieutenant Kidd at the opening ceremony.
(Picture courtesy of York and County Press.)
people and you will appreciate it
more as you make your way in life.”
He went on to warn against
scruffiness – to be smart and walk
tall. He added that the Squadron
Headquarters represented a
tremendous amount of hard work
and community spirit and the Corps
was grateful to the people who had
made it possible.
Local Councillor Squadron Leader
Ernest Broad DFC, himself a
distinguished war time fighter pilot,
said Easingwold town and district,
already grateful for the benefits
offered to its young people through
ATC activities, could show its
appreciation by practical
participation and support. Councillor
Broad had been instrumental in
gaining the support of the local and
district councils to obtain the land
and the necessary permissions to
build the headquarters.
The Air Vice Marshall concluded his
visit by presenting awards and
badges of promotion. The recipients
were Cadet Flight Sergeant Taylor,
Cadet Sergeants Carr, Astley and
Hutchinson, Cadet Corporals
Buckby, Brown, Watts and Cadets
Penrose, Shaw, Wood and Phillip.
Behind the scenes of all the pomp
and ceremony of such a high profile
visit, there is always the inevitable
preparation. On his knees for the
benefit of the squadron, pictured
above right is Flight Lieutenant Ray
Kidd completing the final floor polish
the night before Air Vice Marshall
22