PERSHORE Air Cadets celebrated their 75th anniversary with a mass parade.
The Air Training Corps recently marked the milestone at their squadron HQ on Station Road, where cadets took part in a parade and march-past in front of their honorary President, squadron leader John Peters.
Mr Peters was a former RAF Tornado pilot and on his first mission during ‘Operation Desert Storm’ – an ultra-low level daylight mission on Ar Rumaylah airfield – his Panavia Tornado ZD 791 was hit at fifty feet by a shoulder-launched SAM SA-14.
He was captured by the military of Iraq, along with his Navigator Flt Lt John Nichols and was soon shown bruised and beaten on television.
Both men have written the book ‘Tornado Down’, describing their experiences.
Mr Peters commented on how smart the cadets were and after the parade they were able to ask him about his experiences and his advice on joining the RAF as a pilot.
The Corps aim to promote and encourage an interest in aviation, provide training both useful in the services and civilian life and to foster a spirit of adventure.
Pershore Air Cadets was created in 1941, originally part of the South Worcestershire Squadron, before re-forming in 1986 as 233 (Pershore) Squadron.
The cadets regularly take part in activities including flying and gliding, target shooting, fieldcraft, sports and adventure training.
Youngsters aged 14 to 18-years-old can join the cadets.
Visit www.233aircadets.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
