AirTrainingCorps

A brief history of 20 Squadron

20 (Bideford) Squadron Air Training Corps is based at Victoria Park, Bideford, North Devon and is part of Devon & Somerset Wing, South West Region, Air Training Corps.

Until June 2004, 20 Squadron was part of 1146 Squadron (Bideford Detached Flight). Due to its increasing size, it was decided that the Detached Flight should 'break away' from its parent Headquarters in Barnstaple and form a Squadron in its own right.

The Squadron (in its original format) enjoys a long and proud heritage dating back to the Second World War. The Squadron was actually formed in February 1941 which means that it was certainly one of the first Squadrons to be formed in the Corps!

We presently have around 20 Cadets enjoying the many and varied facilities and activities available to them, many of which you will read about as you find your way around our website. Many of the activities are, as you would expect, centred around flying and visits to RAF Stations, but that's not all we do!

ATC Squadrons are run along broadly similar line to the Royal Air Force, our primary sponsor. There is a distinct and disciplined rank structure, starting with Cadet, followed by advancement to the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant and eventually Cadet Warrant Officer.

The are plenty of educational qualifications you can take, many of them completely free, including a BTEC in Aviation Studies, which can count as GCSE's to a future employer.

Staff and Cadets

20 (Bideford) Squadron is commanded by Flight Lieutenant Allan Benson RAFVR(T), with Civilian Instructors Mike Powe, Leon Sussex and Kieren Hewins.

Cadets at Bideford enjoy a wide diversity of activities, with a strong link to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Other activities include powered glider flying from the nearby airfield at the Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor, a former RAF station and the home of 'A' Flight, 22 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who fly the 'Sea King' air-sea rescue helicopters.

Shooting, expeditions, exercises on nearby Dartmoor and Exmoor are also enjoyed by the Cadets, especially in the summer months when major weekend exercises are planned which can also involve Cadets and staff from other Squadrons located in Barnstaple, Hartland, Chivenor and Tiverton.

The North Devon Sector

Devon & Somerset Wing is sub-divided into 'Sectors', which comprises a number of Squadrons in a geographical area. Here in the North Devon Sector, the 5 Squadrons are based at Bideford (20), Barnstaple (1146), Chivenor (722), Hartland (326) and Tiverton (1079).

The North Devon Sector has two officers who oversee and assist with the running of the Squadrons, they are Squadron Leader Dave Rolfe RAFVR(T), and Squadron Leader Chris Haywood RAFVR(T).

Wing Headquarters is located in Wyvern Barracks, Exeter. The Officer Commanding Devon & Somerset Wing is Wing Commander B Wills-Pope MBE RAFVR(T).

Call in and see us!

If you would like to know more about us, or how you can join the Air Training Corps, why not pay us a visit? Parade nights are Mondays, between 7.00pm and 9.30pm and Fridays between 7.30pm and 10.00pm. Or you can contact the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Allan Benson, on (01237) 470871.

Not in North Devon?

If you don't live in the North Devon area, but would like to know more about joining the ATC, either as a Cadet or a member of Staff, please contact:

HQ Devon & Somerset Wing Air Training Corps Wyvern Barracks Barrack Road Exeter EX2 6AR Tel. (01392) 275173 Website: www.atcdevsom.org.uk