1344 (Cardiff) Squadron ATC

05/05/2026

We are sorry to report the death of CI Graham Tatnell, the longest serving member of 1344.

Graham was a stalwart member of the squadron serving in uniform and as CI for over 50 years, his dedication allowed many cadets to gain more experiences from the squadron.

His funeral will be on the 13th of May, any former cadets or staff wishing to pay their respects should contact OC 1344 for details.

08/04/2026

03/03/2026

Cadet Warrant Officer Naina Luchman was selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet role and recognised during the Lord-Lieutenant’s award ceremony at HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay on Thursday, 19 February 2026. Chosen following nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales, CWO Luchman will attend official engagements with His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades, continuing a proud tradition of cadet service in Wales.

RFCA for Wales

18/02/2026

National Air Rifle Competition

This weekend, eight cadets from South Wales (including three cadets from our squadron) attended the first-ever National Air Rifle Inter-Service Meeting. There, they competed against Army, Navy, and CCF cadets for the National Air Rifle Trophy.

In the end, the squadron earned two Cadet 50 Badges. Sgt Richardson and Cdt Makwarimba (1344) achieved this award, with Sgt Richardson’s scores placing her in the top eight RAFAC cadets in the competition. As a result, she was granted the opportunity to represent the Corps Team in the Inter-Services Final on Sunday, with Cdt Makwarimba acting as reserve.

Cadets are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use.

17/02/2026

Cross Country

On Sunday we ran at the Inter-Squadron Cross Country, with a team of 6 we are delighted to say we came 2nd place overall. We had one cadet come in 1st place for the Junior Women's race and a corporal who came in 2nd place for the Junior Men's race. The hall was buzzing with energy and excitement, a lovely atmosphere to be apart of. Despite the weather, everyone supported one another no matter what place they came; in the end everyone coming out with smiling faces.

Well done all!

06/02/2026

You get a badge, you get a badge, and you get a badge!
That’s what 1344 has been saying lately.

25 badges awarded in just one week — that’s just how we roll.

The badges earned were:
• Blue, Bronze and Silver Shooting Badges
• Blue First Aid
• Bronze DofE
• And the brand-new Blue Space Badge

Huge congratulations to everyone — couldn’t be prouder!

25/01/2026

Congratulations to Corporal Morgan for achieving his Silver Duke of Edinburgh award and Sergeant Richardson for achieving her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

“I had a great time doing DofE and it taught me many new skills and experiences. I am excited to continue with Gold DofE in the future.”

We are so proud of you both!

15/01/2026

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
Well… kind of! ✈️

Our cadets kicked off the year in style, with three of our the taking to the skies! Corporal Reason, Corporal Taylor, and Cadet Erlenbach had the incredible opportunity to go flying in a Grob Tutor.

“What an amazing day it was ! We got hands-on in a Grob Tutor, learned how to take control of the aircraft, and even experienced some aerobatics with the pilots. Such a thrill”.
-Corporal Reason

We are just so excited to give many more cadets this unforgettable experience!

03/01/2026

Happy New Year from Team 1344!

What a year it’s been, with plenty of great achievements, qualifications earned and fun memories made!

A few of our 2025 highlights:

🎉 We celebrated the 80 year anniversary of the founding of 1344 with an extra special Dining In night
🏆 We won Wing Activity Day
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Another successful trip to Scotland and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
🏆 ISCRM success
✈️ Plenty of cadets getting airborne flying and gliding
🎯 We saw the introduction and expansion of our on site air rifle range
✅ Lots of badges and awards handed out for hard work and achievements
…and many more!

We’ve had a great year of fun and success, and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!

21/12/2025

80 Years since the founding of 1344 (Cardiff) Squadron ATC.

Last month we celebrated the 80th anniversary of 1344 by hosting our annual Dining In!

It was an incredible evening shared with our former and present staff and cadets. They joined us together to create an incredible evening filled with shared experiences and memories.

While we celebrated the next generation of 1344 cadets, we also said farewell to our senior cadets as they move on to their next chapters. We couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve achieved.

Congratulations to all our award winners for their dedication and achievements throughout the year — the future of 1344 is brighter than ever!

18/12/2025

STRIKE! 🎳

That’s the sound of Cadets against the staff at our annual bowling night.

Every year, Staff vs Cadets bowling marks the final parade night — and with one last roll down the lane, this one officially brings 1344 Squadron’s 2025 to a close. What a way to end it.

From perfect form to wildly questionable technique, thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a great night!

Cant wait to see who won.