492 (Solihull) Squadron's History

Information published with the kind permission of Mr Ray Baugh, founding cadet and former OC of 492.

492 ATC Camp at RAF Syerston 1942 - Photo reproduced by Stan Trueman (seated 5th from left). CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE.
Presented to the Sqn by Fred Carpenter (2nd row standing, 2nd from left).
Founding sqn member and former Sqn Commanding Officer Ray Baugh also shown (tall gentleman in the middle, 2nd row standing, 10th from left).

Summer Camp Abingdon 1961 - Photo reproduced by Chris Perkins (third from left)
stood next to Bill Davis, (in brand new battledress: no "dog collar"). Ray Baugh is 2nd from right. CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE.

The Squadron was originally formed as Hall Green and Sparkhill Squadron on 24th February 1941 although recruiting took place earlier in the month. Drill was already in progress under the watchful eye of FS Manning from Central Headquarters. Within a matter of weeks the Squadron was inundated with recruits and by the beginning of 1942 was one of the largest squadrons in the area with parades averaging three hundred cadets.

The local school provided classrooms which were in use most nights of the week for mathematics, morse, navigation, engine theory, aircraft recognition and all the other subjects which were to become part of the syllabus.

The Unit started a drum, bugle and fife band very early on under Bandmaster E James and this quickly gained popularity in the district.

The local Church Fellowship became the meeting place of the Squadron personnel and the Vicar and Padre the Rev Chatterton played an enthusiastic role.

At the first Birmingham Wing parade held in Handsworth Park the Squadron came second in the Leek Trophy. It was won by their friendly rivals No 496(Solihull) Squadron but they exacted revenge in the following year by winning it themselves. In addition they won two Zone Trophies :- the Embly Cup for the most efficient squadron and the Lancaster Cup for sport.

Nineteen forty three was a hectic year. On the 14th March the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Walter S Lewis, who was an ATC officer, visited the Squadron. He was provided with a Guard of Honour comprising some sixty cadets and a full drum, bugle and fife band and remarked how very impressed he was with the turnout. On May 1201 another VIP, Sir Ernest Canning, visited and reviewed a similar parade.

The 15th May the Squadron band lead a Coventry "Wings for Victory" parade at which Air Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham GCVO KCB CMG DSO AFC took the salute.

Shortly afterwards the Unit received a letter from him congratulating the band on its efficiency and smartness. Sadly in August 1943 Cdt K Wiggins was killed in an air crash while attending camp at RAF Wittering.

In October of that year the Squadron were told officially that they held the record in the Midlands for the largest number of cadets joining the Forces.

The Unit was inspected by Sqn Ldr Humphries in the middle of 1944 and he was so impressed that he arranged a visit by the Commandant. The parade and inspection was carried out on June 18th by Air Marshal Sir Leslie Gossage KCB CVO DSO MC accompanied by Grp Capt J A C Wright Officer Commanding Midland Command. Both praised the Unit on its efficiency.

During this time the Unit decided to give a squadron badge to all cadets who left to join the Services. The badge was and still is an eagle carrying a torch (which symbolises the learning given to cadets). Reports have been received from former cadets meeting in various theatres of war, who, although they served in the squadron at different times, did not know one another, but became friends owing to their having this 492 badge.

Three huts were erected on Jack Moulds Athletic ground at this time and these gave the Squadron more accommodation and sports facilities.

Due to circumstances beyond their control the Unit was forced to leave its Headquarters at the Beacon Insurance Company offices and moved to a house belonging to the TA in Green Road, Hall Green in preparation for a permanent move into the barracks itself The move took place early in 1947 and the Squadron settled down in three huts provided for them in Cateswell House Barracks. Many former cadets returned at this time to take up positions as officers and instructors.

During 1960 No 496 (Solihull) Squadron closed down and Fg Off W Jones RAFVR(T) together with a number of their cadets joined the Squadron.

At this time a thriving radio team was at work (Call sign Mike Romeo Bravo 72) but it was disbanded a few years later as no instructor was available.

Cadet Hoyle while on a gliding course was involved in an accident but escaped without injury although the pilot was killed.

There was no ATC presence in Solihull itself for some seven years after 496’s closure, although boys continued to join the local units such as 489 (Acocks Green & Olton), 2030 (Elmdon & Yardley) and of course 492 (Hall Green & Sparkhill). Due to the reorganization of the Territorial Army in 1966 and the closing down of Cateswell House Barracks 492 was once more uprooted and in 1967 was moved to the TA Centre in Haslucks Green Road, Shirley and re-designated as 492 (Solihull) Squadron under the command of Flight Lieutenant W V Davis RAFVR(T). They were equipped with one Canadian cedar wood "Spooner" hut but obtained for themselves a further wooden building from Solihull Council. This building had been a clinic and was given to the Unit on the understanding that it would be dismantled within six weeks and re-erected at the Barracks at their own expense.

On 20th June 1972 the Unit obtained its first aircraft, a Bristol Sycamore 3 Helicopter G ALST/WA577 and this was used for instructional purposes. In 1978 it was transferred to No 493 (Kings Heath & Moseley) Squadron having outlasted its usefulness in the training programme.

On April 1, 1978, the unit was presented with a Banner by the Solihull Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. On a parade attended by the many dignitaries and parents, it was handed over by Group Captain A Reece DSO OBE DFC AFC MBIM RAFRO, Commandant North and West Region Air Training Corps in the presence of the Mayor of Solihull Councillor N Green and Mrs Green and Mr W J Chignell, Chairman of the Solihull Branch, Royal Air Forces Association and the Officer Commanding, the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing, Wing Commander R K W Glover OBE DFC TD RAFVR(T). The Blessing of the Standard was conducted by the Reverend Peter Heaps RD, Chaplain to the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing.

During the late 1970's and early 1980's, under the command of Flight Lieutenant L B Latham RAFVR(T) and his very efficient staff, the unit went from strength to strength becoming one of the top Squadrons in the Corps. Many of the cadets joined the Royal Air Force and are still flying and performing ground duties in the Service. At one stage six cadets, ground staff and flying personnel, were stationed at RAF Marham all at the same time.

Nineteen eighty one was the 40th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps and the Squadron organised a dinner at the TA Centre in Solihull to commemorate the occasion.

In 1984 the Unit was allowed to recruit females for the first time. Shortly afterwards a Detached Flight was inaugurated at Balsall Common and given the designation No 492 (Balsall Common) D/F. For administrative reasons this was transferred to No 1368 (Warwick & Royal Leamington Spa) Squadron in 1988

Girls have done remarkably well with the Squadron. CWO Karen Nolan was the first female ever to be granted the honour of being a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet and was also a nominee for the Dacre Brooch. In addition she was the first female cadet of the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing to be commissioned in the WRAFVR(T). CWO P J Whittaker was another female bringing distinction to the Unit. She was Regional representative for the Dacre Brooch and obtained a Navigation Scholarship. Another female CWO K Smiley and two males:- Cdt FS Sawyer and Cdt FS Pearson were also honoured by becoming Lord Lieutenant's Cadets.

Between 1977 and 1984 the Squadron produced a number of cadets who were successful in the International Air Cadet Exchange Scheme and in 1979 were the hosts for participants from abroad.

On 1st April 1978 the Unit was presented with a Banner by the Solihull Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. On a parade attended by many dignitaries and parents the Banner was handed over by Grp Capt A Reece DSO OBE DFC MBIM RAFRO. After the presentation and parade there was an exhibition of squadron activities in the hall of the TA Barracks. A further exhibition of the work of the Unit took place at Solihull Library during March 1980 especially for the benefit of the local population. It received high praise.

During January 1985 the nose-section of English Electric Canberra WT534 was delivered to the Squadron from No 489(Acocks Green and Olton) Squadron.

In 1990 Fit Lt L B Latham RAFVR(T) a former Commanding Officer of No 492(Solihull) Squadron was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

During the year of the 50th Anniversary of the Corps the Squadron held an Anniversary Dinner in the Clubroom of the Rover Works at Solihull. It was a highly successful evening and over one hundred and fifty people attended including many "old boys" from the 1940's.

Over the years the Unit has taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, in shooting competitions and in many marches principally at Nijmegan. The Squadron provided the Services with many personnel during the War. The total is unknown, but some received decorations and many served as aircrew and groundstaff. Former cadets, Flt Lt A Jones and Fit Lt C Mason flew Tornadoes in the Gulf War while Fit Lt G Sawyer was stationed at a Tornado Operational Conversion Unit. Fit Lt M Driver became Officer Commanding a unit of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Flt Lt D Biddle was at RAF Lynham. Squadron Leader M Barter on promotion to Wing Commander returned to RAF Odiham as Officer Commanding No 7 Squadron flying Chinooks. He later went on to become Air Commodore Barter and Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell. Thus the Squadron motto, "Enter to learn, go forth to Serve" has obviously inspired many of the Unit's cadets both during and after membership.

An 'Old Boy's' Association met four times each year during the nineties and many of the association continue to show an active interest in the squadron into the next two decades with their roles in the Solihull RAFA, in particular Ray Baugh, Wg Cdr Vic Sayfritz (Ret'd), Bryan Latham MBE and Norman Page.

In 1995, Fight Lieutenant S D Iles RAFVR(T) was appointed Commanding Officer of the Squadron. This was followed by a number of ex-cadets taking up positions in uniformed and civilian roles. With this new start for 1995 the numbers of cadets increased, resulting in an upgrade to D2 Status. The Squadron has maintained a cadet strength of over fifty cadets since 1995 and this has resulted in a lot of success. In 1996, several of the Wing Junior Rugby Team was made up of 492 cadets and cdt FS Hemes went on to represent the Region and score a try in 1997.

Under Flt Lt Iles command the Squadron did very well at Wing Field day in 1997. Notable results were 2nd place for the Drill team with CWO Emma Macdonald winning first place as the best Drill NCO and the Netball team who came second. CWO MacDonald later too commission and married to become Fg Off Emma Thomas and was an excellent adjutant for several years.

In 1998 cadet Nicola Jackson represented the Squadron, the Wing, Central and East Region and the Corp at Netball and the squadron went on to win the ‘Per Ardua’ Cup for the first time since 1995 and 1991 prior to that (‘Per Ardua’ Cup is the trophy for the best sqn in WARKS & Birmingham Wing from Bryan Latham MBE former OC of 492).

492 won best Drill team at Wing Field Day in 2000-2003 (inclusive) and at Regional Field Day in both 2001 and 2002 under the instruction of WO Tim Lloyd, a former CWO on the squadron. There was also some success with the Lees Trophy competition with a third place result in 2000.

On 6th September 2001 the squadron was forced to move to new, purpose built premises on a shared site with the ACF and Sea Cadets. The TA Centre proved too lucrative for the government and budget constraints in the MoD forced its sale and the relocation of the residing TA unit. The official opening of the new building on Cadet Drive was on 18th November 2001 by the Lord Lieutenant Sir Robert Richard Taylor OBE KStJ KCVO. Whilst the building lacked the character, charm and size of the old premises, it is none-the-less the envy of most squadrons in the Wing and an excellent facility.

23rd November 2006 was 492 Squadron's annual presentation night and 65th Anniversary celebration at the Royal British Legion in Shirley. 489 and 492 were approached by the Police to help out on Dorsington Road and Mickleton Road of Olton, which were of growing concern due to an increase in anti-social behaviour of the local youths and a build up of litter in the two streets. Consequently residents had formed a negative view of young people. With support from the Police, around twenty staff and cadets from 489 and 492 cleared as much litter as possible. DCI Kenny Bell of West Midlands Police awarded 492 and 489 a Blue Lamp Certificate for their efforts and he stressed the importance of groups such as the ATC maintaining a high profile image of the majority of youths and the good work they undertake in the community.

The building interior was refurbished over the Christmas period of 2006. This was an ideal opportunity for the recently appointed Commanding Officer Flt Lt Elliot Hemes (succeeding Flt Lt Lee Elvins, ex-cadet, long serving Fg Off with Flt Lt Iles and OC for 2 years) to bring the trophies and plaques on the walls up to date and ensure they continued to be relevant to the current occupants. The Air Training Corps has evolved much over many decades and 492 has had to move with the times to continue to appeal to modern young people and society’s expectations.

In 2007 civilian instructor Keith Groen installed a business standard, secure network and IT system throughout the squadron, providing unequalled multimedia presentation capabilities in the Wing at the time. It complemented the squadron's excellent website (www.492aircadets.org) which would later see massive redesign and improvements in 2009.

Cadet FS Ben Homer was awarded the Kriegie Trophy at a ceremony in early 2007. Every year, selected Air Cadets attend Cadet Leadership Courses at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC), Frimley Park. The Kriegie Trophy is awarded to the Cadet who, in the opinion of the Commandant and the staff officers of CTC Frimley Park, was the best of the Air Cadets who attended the course in that particular year. This was the first time that a cadet from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing had won this prestigious award. Ben also received a personal letter from Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds officially congratulating him for his 'tremendous achievement'. In attendance at the ceremony to present the trophy was Air Commodore (Retd) Charles H Clarke, President/Chairman of the RAF ex-POW Association, accompanied by Wg Cdr (Retd) Bernard MBC CEng MIEE MCIM and Mr John K Banfield, both members of the RAF ex-POW A. Kriegie is short for Kriegsgefangener which is German for ‘prisoner of war’.

At Wing Field Day in 2007, we were awarded with the smallest but the most recognised trophy known as the ‘Per Ardua’ cup as we were the best overall squadron. We are always one of the squadrons to watch especially when it comes to sports events. We came 1st in overall sports (combining the sports events from the whole year) and 1st in both the junior and senior boys’ 5-a-side football. Many other sports events throughout the year help contribute to this award such as receiving 1st place in Senior and Combined boys swimming and 2nd place in junior boys and girls swimming, as well as 1st place in Overall senior, intermediate and junior boys cross country. We were also awarded with 1st place for best drill squad and 1st place in junior modelling which multiple personal helped achieve.

Going into 2008 we were all ready and enthusiastic to match if not improve on our trophies from 2007 throughout the year. For the 2nd year running we occupied the Per Ardua Cup, 1st in overall sports, 1st drill squad,1st place in combined boys swimming,1st place in intermediate boys cross country and 1st place in intermediate boys cross country. As well as bringing back the trophies from last year we gained several more; such as 1st place for the Best Sports Cadet, 1st place for the Best Drill IC, 1st in Senior Modelling, 1st Academic Trophy, unfortunately we dropped down to 2nd place for the senior boys 5-a-side football and cross country but were still achieving more as we also received 1st in intermediate boys swimming and 2nd in senior girls cross country.

Officer Commanding Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing ATC, Wing Commander Ladwa presented a Regional Commandant’s Certificate of Merit in recognition and appreciation of meritorious service to Wing Commander Vic Sayfritz (Ret'd) on the 17th May 2009.

For the third year running we got the Per Ardua cup and 1st in overall sport. We were happy to accept many more trophies such as getting back the junior boys 5-a-side football (1st place) trophy, keeping hold of the best drill IC cane, and to get a 1st place in aircraft recognition. Unfortunately we dropped down to 2nd place for the best drill squad but we were determined to get it back. We lost a few swimming trophies but practically swapped them for the younger ones as we were awarded 1st in junior and overall boys in swimming. We also received multiple awards for our athleticism, with 1st place in junior, intermediate and overall boys as well as 1st place for senior girls and 2nd place for overall girls.

To try and push our squadrons boundaries even further than wing events, the staff got into contact with 126 squadron (Derby) organising a small style wing field day between the two squadrons. This helped us to see how they do things at their squadron and gave us ideas on how we could improve our weaknesses.

The 126 competition seemed to boost our spirits and ability as we came back from wing field day with an even bigger list of trophies/awards that wed won!! In 2010, we once again received the best sports squadron trophy for the fourth year running and the best Drill NCO IC for the third year running but unfortunately lost the Per Ardua Cup trophy; after coming 5th! Regrettably we seemed to be slipping slightly as we dropped from some of the top spots in the best awards to 3rd places in Drill, banner drill, cadet photo in public relations and down to 2nd place in aircraft recognition and junior boys swimming. However, we acquired 1st in overall boys (again) and combined boys swimming, 3rd in senior boys and combined girls swimming, 1st in intermediate boys cross country and 3rd in senior boys cross country.

During the successful year of 2010, the boss and other staff members organised a Chichester challenge which was a first in over seventeen years successfully raising over £700. A Civilian Committee member Police Inspector Rob Williams and RAF 99sqn organised a VC10 Plane pull which was raising money for the charity BLESMA that succeeded in a total of £1550 being raised. During this day we beat the other ATC unit and won the Marshall-Gamble trophy, named after two soldiers in rifles and para resp, both KIA in Afghanistan. Due to our success with raising money and charitable events we had raised enough money to purchase a squadron minibus that is currently used to travel to camps and multiple ATC events.
Throughout 2011, we participated in the usual Wing events and Wing Field Day Coming 1st in overall sports again for the fifth year running with 1st in the junior 5-a-side football, 2nd in junior modelling, 3rd in the Per Ardua Cup (slowing crawling back to 1st place) and 3rd place in shooting. Also we came 1st in junior girls and senior boys swimming with 2nd place in overall boys and girls swimming. Finally our athletics results consisted of 1st in senior, intermediate and overall boys.

Due to lots of patience and consistent determination to get a container through planning permission of the council, we finally got granted the permission to have a shipping container put on squadron grounds to use as storage for lots of our equipment.

492 squadron held 2 Gold DofE expeditions in Yorkshire. Some 126 cadets joined us as Gold DofE camps are very rare and we have a good relationship with other squadrons to provide these services to others.

In preparation for our C130 Hercules plane pull for BLESMA, the squadron practiced by pulling a DAF Truck supplied by TNT Pulled a DAF truck supplied by TNT. From our practice with the DAF truck, we were able to give the Hercules plane pull a good go. Here we lost against the sea cadets but our strong willed staff members managed to beat the sea cadet staff.

In 2012, we once again collected our best sports squadron award (6th year running). Also from winning field daily we accumulated 2nd senior modelling, 3rd PR media design, 3rd single photograph, 5th in First aid and 6th in junior aircraft recognition. We got 3rd overall girls and intermediate boys in Athletics. Furthermore our cross country results were 1st in junior girls, 2nd intermediate boys and 3rd in senior boys. Finally, we received 1st in Junior and overall girls as well as senior boys and 2nd in combined boys.

Through dedicated organisational effort from the staff at 492 squadron, two DAF trucks, supplied by TNT, were pulled head to head against other squadrons (485, 489) and Shirley sea cadets. Throughout a day of enthusiasm and fun, everyone got the chance to pull the trucks but sadly 489 squadron beat 492 squadron however our strong willed staff beat the sea cadet staff fair and square – putting all us cadets to shame!!

Thanks to Sgt Lee Cassidy, who gained his full shooting instructor status on all weapons, the squadron has jumped straight back into regular shooting practices and multiple events within the squadron and the wing. To complete these shooting opportunities we have made extensive use of the squadron’s indoor 0.177 air rifle range. Hopefully, these practices will enable us to part take in Wing events, and successfully win some trophies and awards for individual and squadron benefits.

Several former cadets, their parents, serving staff and former OC (Wg Cdr Stuart Iles, presently OC W&B Wing) attended the funeral of former a 492 cadet. Royal Marine Ashley Hicks was very sadly lost to us in a tragic training accident in Wales in November 2012.

In the year 2013, we claimed to be the best sports squadron in the wing for the 7th year running. At wing field day we achieved 1st in junior modelling, 2nd in senior modelling, 1st in junior 5-a-side football, 1st in Drill, Joint drill cane winner and 2nd in the Per Ardua Cup. Also our swimming results looked like these: 1st in junior boys and girls, and 1st in overall boys and girls and 2nd in senior girls accumulating over 16 medals!!

Throughout the year 2013, a handful of staff and cadets visited Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho which is the world’s largest indoor climbing centre. Whilst they were away climbing 30m walls, they managed to visit Edinburgh Castle as well as other landmarks in Edinburgh. Overall, it was a fantastic weekend away and many of those who went would recommend it to others but would also be up to going again themselves.

The Staff at 492 Squadron are qualified to run as many DofE camps they want!! The OC, Flt Lt Hemes ran the Wing Gold DofE summer camp at NACATC Llanbedr along with 492’s 2IC Fg Off Chris Gilbert and 492’s Adj CI Fiona Pook. This camp was very successful, as many of the cadets who attended passed either their practice or actual gold whilst making the most of the activities available to them on the base. During their stay, Cadets and Staff got to complete the Jacob’s ladder and Trapeze jump as well as water sports with the locals.

In 2014, we won the best drill team, for the second year running, the best overall sports squadron (8th consecutive year). As well as being the best sports squadron we got the ‘Per Ardua Cup’ back; WWWOOO! We also achieved 1st in the junior boys 5-a-side football and junior aircraft recognition, with multiple second place success in the banner drill and the netball. Our Athletics results also reflected our love of sport with 1st in junior girls and overall boys. Throughout this year the squadron has participated in multiple sports events as well as fundraising events supporting the RAFA.

To be continued....