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Squadron Leader Joe West (MBE)
Former Cadet Warrant Officers of
CWO Keith Russell |
The Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC), forerunner of the Air Training
Corps (ATC) was formed in 1938, under the auspices of the Air League
of the British Empire. By the end of 1939 there were 177 squadrons
throughout the country, of which the Maidenhead Squadron was No. 155, having begun in July 1939,
operating from Gordon Road School.
The formation of the Squadron was due to the enthusiasm of
Mr. A. Holden and other well known Maidenhead residents, including
Mr. (later judge) Dunveen and Mr. (later Squadron Leader) J. A. West.
Formation of the Squadron as a unit of the Air Defence Cadet Corps
(ADCC), the Maidenhead Advertiser, 5th July 1939 (comment by "Looker On").
"A meeting is to be held today at the Town Hall at 8.1 5 p. m. at
which Sir Amesley Somerville, KBE, MP, will appeal for funds for the
Formation of a Squadron of Air Cadets in Maidenhead.
If the necessary funds or guarantees are forthcoming a Committee will
be elected to administer the officers of the Squadron."
Looker On goes on to say "Bearing in mind the present uncertain
international situation it should be the duty of all loyal citizens to
do what they can to ensure that the project shall be put into practical
effect.
Despite many calls on purses it is essential that the appeal now made for raising an ADCC should command a generous response from all sections of the community."
The Maidenhead Advertiser, 12th July 1939.
Reports on the meeting at the Town Hall, Wednesday, 5th July.
After the Battle of Britain, the Air Council was persuaded to take over the
training side of the ADCC and subsequently in 1941, to form the ATC with the
ADCC Squadrons retaining their original numbers. In 1941, when the Air Training Corps was formed, the Maidenhead Unit became no. 155 (Maidenhead) Squadron of the ATC, and was the first unit in Berkshire. During the War, cadets were employed as Pilot's asistants by the ATA at White Waltham.
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