TAVISTOCK?S air cadets are celebrating 50 years as 2312 (Tavistock) Squadron. The unit was officially granted full squadron status in 1957. It started life as a detached flight of 169 (1st Plymouth) Squadron in 1953. One former member is Richard Sleeman, from Whitchurch. Richard, now 71, joined in June 1953 and was rapidly promoted to Cadet Corporal and then Sgt before joining the RAF for National Service in March 1954. Richard still has his log-book (3822) which shows even in his short time in the corps he gained his gliding wings making three solo flights at Exeter. He also ran for the Wing athletics team. Richard remembers the unit meeting in a black hut in the grounds of Kelly College - the college was the home of 504 Squadron Air Cadets during the war. There was an Auster aircraft on site which was later towed to Crelake Barracks when the squadron was relocated. The staff and cadets would be delighted to see ex members at its presentation evening on Tuesday July 3 at 7.30pm in the Squadron HQ at Crelake Barracks. Anyone not able to make that date is welcome to arrange a visit by contacting Phil Newcombe tel 612927 or John Olver tel 612743.
