Honorary Sister Squadrons

Honorary Sister Squadrons...

...2016 has seen the RAF Air Cadets celebrate in style marking the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the organisation in 1941. 2433 (Ramsgate and Manston) Squadron were pleased and proud to have escorted the 75th Anniversary Torch from Dover Castle to the RAF Manston Museum, courtesy of a Defence Saxon Fire Appliance from DFTDC Manston as well as other events.

The 75th Anniversary of Air Cadet organisations around the world has also offered cadets and staff of No. 2433 Sqn an opportunity to reach out and spread their wings. Having researched Air Cadets around the world, the Sqn came across a unit that seemed to have a connection too good to pass by. Their catchment area includes the suburbs of Ramsgate and Ramsgate Beach. These suburbs are located on the shores of Botany Bay, which also has a namesake on the Isle of Thanet, the location of 2433 Sqns annual midsummer beach BBQ.

That unit is No. 302 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, based in the City of Rockdale, New South Wales. The City of Rockdale is a southern suburb of the city of Sydney. Recently, OC 2433 Sqn approached OC 302 Sqn AAFC to see if the unit would be interesting in forging a link to the UK. We are extremely pleased to say that they were and that, as a consequence, No. 2433 (Ramsgate and Manston) Squadron and No. 302 (City of Rockdale) Sqn are now officially affiliated Honorary Sister Squadrons.

It is believed that this is the first such arrangement between the UK and Australian Air Force Cadets. Commanding Officers, Flt Lt Geoff Hobbs-East RAFVR(T) and Flt Lt AAFC Matthew McCarthy are both pleased to begin this affiliation and look forward to developing a connection between the two units, their cadets and staff. Working groups have been set up both sides of the world(!) with photos and information already being exchanged.

Both Sqns have taken part in their respective Wings 75th Anniversary parades this year; No. 2433 Sqn with Kent Wing through Canterbury to the Cathedral and No. 302 Sqn with 3 Wing to the steps of Sydney Opera House. Both stunning locations in their own right.

Both 2433 and 302 Sqns look forward to advancing their connection, strengthening their affiliation and developing a greater understanding of what the cadet experience is like on different sides of the planet for both cadets and adult volunteers...