241 Squadron Air Training Corps: Wikis

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241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Squadron ATC was formed on the 3rd February 1941 and is currently one of the largest squadron in the Air Training Corps with approximately 160 cadets and 20 adult staff. The Squadron's staff are all volunteers with civilian jobs.

Picture of 241 Squadron Headquarters

Brief history of 241 Squadron

In January 1941 Sir Archibald Sinclair, Secretary of State for Air announced the formation of the Air Training Corps.

Just four days later the Squadron's founder and first chairman, Sir James Hawkey, the Mayor of Wanstead and Woodford, applied for and was granted £400 from the council to form an ATC squadron within the Borough. As a result, the newly formed 241st (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron held its first parade night on the 3rd February 1941, in the memorial Church Hall, South Woodford.

By the end of February Sir Winston Churchill had agreed to become the Squadron's first President. Churchill took a keen interest in the Squadron, visiting it on several occasions; his signature appears in the visitors book, dated 1943. In its history the Squadron has had three presidents: following Churchill was Lord Jenkin of Roding and the current incumbent is James Arbuthnot.

By late 1941 the Squadron had split into two and Wanstead & Woodford Wing was formed. The two squadrons had over 1000 cadets, with two full time recruiting shops in Woodford and Wanstead High Roads. The 241st Squadron (as it was known) specialised in aircrew subjects while the new 1823 Squadron specialised in engineering. Soon after the war, 1823 Squadron was disbanded. A memorial to the all those who died in the war can be found with the Squadron.

For its headquarters the wing took over Napier College in Chelmsford Road, South Woodford, and many of the local schools were also used to provided extra room. Several former cadets from these early years still keep in contact with the squadron.

AWO Norman McGrath BEM

AWO Norman McGrath served as a soldier in WWII and had the job of clearing out German snipers in villages. As with so many infantry roles, this was extremely dangerous and the chance of survival was very low.

However, Norman returned and was persuaded to become an instructor for 241 Squadron. He was persuaded to stay on as a member of staff, serving the Squadron for 51 years until his death in 2002. He was known as "The grandfather of the Squadron". To commemorate him, the Squadron now awards a trophy in his name. It is an inter-section event between the nine main sections on the Squadron, and tests basic military skills which have been learnt throughout the competitors' cadet careers.

Celebrating the past

To celebrate its past and future, 241 Squadron holds an annual dinner and dance. All staff, NCOs, Cadets and ex-cadets come together for a "dining-in" night in the style of an RAF officers' mess for the night. The event includes a three-course meal, talks about how the Squadron has progressed and its plans for the next year, as well as allowing current cadets to meet cadets of the past. It proves to be one of the best nights of the year with our ex-cadets always returning the year after, some from over forty years ago!

The current squadron

The Squadron's size is slightly changeable but at any given time there are about 160 current cadets, 9 uniformed staff, and 8 civilian instructors. It is classed as an "C" class Squadron with over 10 cadets.

Also 241 are the now the rightfull owners of the Inness Sword