Mark Francois, the MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently visited 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron of the Air Training Corps at their Connaught Road base, to support an open evening they were holding to help find new recruits. Mark met with the unit’s commanding officer, Flight Lt. David Young, who introduced Mark to the cadets at work. Mark talked to some of the cadets in the squadron and then continued his visit by watching a demonstration of weapons training and RAF drill.
The RAF has been much in the news recently as the country commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain when the few pilots of the RAF helped save Britain from Nazi invasion.
Commenting on his visit to 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron Mark Francois said:
“As a former Officer in the TA during the Cold War I appreciate the important work done by the reserve forces and cadets. 1476 Squadron provides young people with high quality training, a sense of achievement, discipline and teamwork as well as an opportunity to learn more about life in the RAF. People sometimes say there is ‘little for young people to do’ but at 1476 (Rayleigh) squadron I saw a number of motivated young men and women enjoying their exciting training and a taste of life in the Armed Forces.”
If anyone is interested in joining 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron they should contact the Squadron on (01702) 521 476 or by email on [email protected].
More information can be found on their website http://www.1476squadron.org/