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History of 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron

 

Formed by Royal Warrant in September 1963, after a short, but illustrious period as a Detached Flight of 211 (Newbury) Squadron, 2403 has had it's Headquarters at “The Medway Hut”, Tadley, since it's inception. Apart from the odd redecoration, and the addition of modern security fencing, the hut has changed little in the last 60 years.

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The Squadron has a history of cadets going on to military careers; one former distinguished member is Squadron Leader Paul Rosental RAF, who gained the Queens Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Detached to the Hong Kong Defence Force Helicopter Wing, Sqn Ldr Rosental was instrumental in assisting a ship in distress in Hong Kong harbour.

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Other cadets who have gone on to careers in HM Armed Forces include Mark Dogget, Dean Paggett, Andrew 'Bomber' Harris, Ben Waggett and Paul 'Sid' Whitehorn (Army), Nathan Hawthorn (Royal Marines), Keith Small and Andy Glover (Royal Air Force). Coming up to date we have a cadet who is in the final stages of applying for a career in the Royal Air Force.

 

Other noteworthy ex-cadets include Wing Commander Mark Trevena RAFAC, currently Officer Commanding Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing (HIOW).

 

On the achievement front, 2403 Sqn has held a number of accolades over the years, including

 

Lord Lieutenants Cadet (CWO Ian Urquhart 2019, CWO Joanne Graham 2002)

Commonwealth Cup & Commandants Cup (Full bore shooting 1986)

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Cadets have, and continue to, represent the wing (and Region) across a range of sporting events including football, netball, hockey, swimming and cross country.

 

Our present Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Rich Williams, joined the ATC as a cadet in 1986. After a spell in the Royal Air Force, he rejoined the ATC, and the Squadron, in 2019.

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2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the Squadron, and this was commemorated by an event attended by past an present members of the Squadron, together with senior RAF and RAFAC Officers. Some of those attending were some of the first cadets to join the Squadron back in 1963.

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Roll Call of Commanding Officers

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1963-67      Flt Lt Charlie Gates

1967-73      Flt Lt Jim A Hedges

1973-78      Flt Lt A Taylor

1978-81      Flt Lt Brian W Toomer

1981-83      Flt Lt Peter L Trask

1983-94      Flt Lt Mike Shaw

1994-2021 Flt Lt Penny Palmer

2021-           Flt Lt Richard Williams

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