2348 (Maghull) Squadron

Air Training Corps 

FACT FILE

HQ 2348 Squadron
Air Training Corps
Moorhey Road
Maghull

L31 5LF

phone/fax: 0151 520 2348

email: hq@maghull.org

Parade Nights: Mondays and Fridays 1900hrs - 2200hrs

Commanding Officer: Flt Lt I Taylor RAFVR(T)

Welcome to 2348 Squadron ATC and the new Recruit Training Course. You are joining Merseyside’s premier unit.  This leaflet gives you a brief history of the unit and some tips to get you ATC Career off to a flying start

 The ATC Crest - within a scarlet circlet bearing the words Air Training Corps in gold and ensigned with the AstralCrown, a falcon displayed, head to the sinister. While underneath, on a gold scroll, the Corp’s motto Venture Adventure. The Founder of the ATC Air Commodore Adrian Chamier coined this in April 1939, during the days of the Air Defence Cadet Corps. The ATC officially came into being on 5^th February 1941.

 In Maghull, the wartime 1837 Squadron, formed by the Headmaster of Maghull Senior Boys’ School, Mr H J Recton, was eventually succeeded by 2348 Squadron on the 19^th October 1959 under the command of Flt Lt H D Dormer. Colonel Sir Douglas Glover TD MP was the first Honorary President. Parading at Deyes Lane Secondary Modern School until its own Headquarters were built, the unit continued the school association. And so 19^th October this year will be 2348 Squadron’s 49^th birthday!

 The Blazon for the Squadron Crest,

Argent, a Swepe Proper, charged with a stone, Or”

is derived from the Armorial Bearings granted to Richard Maghull on 23^rd September 1664 at Ormskirke. He was a descendant of the 13^th century William de Maghull of Maghull Manor. The Squadron's motto: Pete Vere et Certe translates Aim Sure and True. But to some it remains just Pete ‘n’ Vera!

 The hand-over of the new Moorhey Road Headquarters took place on 13 May 1964 following leasing of land by the Air Ministry from Maghull Parish Council, under the guidance of Councillor (and Squadron Commander!) Squadron Leader Bill Dunsmore DFC RAF (Rtd). Col. Sir Douglas Glover officially opened the building.

 Sqn Ldr Dunsmore who served as Town Mayor also carried the dubious distinction of claiming to be the world’s first hijacker! As a second world war POW, he and his crew overpowered their Italian Cant Seaplane captors and diverted their flight, bound for the Italian Naval Base at Taranto, to Malta - only to be intercepted on arrival by the RAF Spitfires with near - fatal consequences!

 Following a period of continued and sustained growth, 2348 Squadron became entitled to a second building. This was handed over on the 1 May 1980 and was opened on 2 Oct by the Regional Commandant, Group Captain Basil Hamilton CBE DFC AFC.

Mondays and Fridays:

1.    Until you have completed your probationary period, please attend parades in your school uniform. We will issue you with a black tie and ATC lapel badge. You are asked to purchase our standard blue name badge at £4.00

 2.    Ensure that your trousers or skirt are neatly pressed and your shoes are polished.

 3.    Please return your RAF uniform self-measure forms quickly, so that the Supply Officer can order your kit promptly. The uniformis issued free against your signature on an RAF Form 668 Loan Card.

 4.    RAF-pattern DMS leather shoes can be ordered from the Admin Office on receipt of £25.00

 5.    4 passport photos will be required.

 6.     Subscriptions are paid quarterly on the first parade night in Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct. Currently they are £24 per quarter (£8 per month) but the unit passes a proportion of this to HQ Air Cadets, to cover national sporting trophies and medals etc. Your first Subs payment will be Jul 2008 and we can arrange for standing order payments

 7.    When any payments are to be made to us, please make your cheques payable to:

2348 Sqn ATC GP Acc

8.    If, for any reason, you cannot attend a parade, please telephone before 2000hrs.

 9.    On Parade Nights your Basic Service Training will include:

 Part 1:

History and Organisation of the Royal Air Force

Air Training Corps

Mk 8 Service Rifle

Initial Expedition Training

Foot Drill

 Part 2:

First Aid

Map Reading

History of Flight

Airmanship

Basic Radio Communications

109 RTC is completed with a qualifying weekend at:a local Army Training Camp.

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