1740 Clydebank Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

19/06/2026

Sad news to share.

Wing Commander George Campbell OBE OStJ DL FinstLM

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wing Commander George Campbell OBE on 9 June 2026.

George joined the Air Training Corps in 1964 as a cadet with 2319 (Vale of Leven) Squadron and was commissioned into 1777 (Dumbarton Blackburn) Squadron in 1972.

In 1974, he was appointed Officer Commanding 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron. Over the following twelve years, the squadron enjoyed considerable success, including representing Scotland & Northern Ireland Region in the Sir Allan Lees Trophy on six occasions.

The next fourteen years saw George serve in a variety of Wing and Regional staff appointments before he was appointed Officer Commanding Glasgow and West Scotland Wing in 2000.

In 2004, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Air Training Corps. The citation recognised, amongst other achievements, his work as a shooting coach, Corps Shooting Captain, and Chairman of the Inter-Service Cadet Rifle Meetings at Bisley.

In 2006, George transferred to Headquarters Air Cadets, where he established the Shooting Development Team—later known as the Marksmanship and Competitions Team—to lead and develop target rifle shooting and competitive marksmanship across the RAF Air Cadets. The RAFAC enjoyed significant competitive success during this period, including winning the Punch Trophy (for inter-service small-bore shooting) for a record setting 37th year in a row.

In 2019, he moved into his final appointment as Special Projects Officer (Shooting), before retiring in 2025 after an extraordinary 61 years of service in uniform.

Beyond his RAF Air Cadets appointments, George was selected as Adjutant of The Athelings British Cadet Rifle Team during its tour to Canada in 1987 and served as Commandant of the Great Britain Under-19 Shooting Team in South Africa in 2000. He also gave distinguished service as a Trustee of the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting and as a Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

George will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, sense of duty, and commitment to developing generations of young people. His passion for target shooting, his leadership, and his friendship left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, and in particular his wife Alison, at this very sad time.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/wgcdrgcampbell

05/05/2026

The first Tuesday of every month means Commanding Officer’s Inspection for the cadets at 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron!

With the lighter evenings returning, it’s great to be back outside for parade. Our cadets have been putting in a lot of effort to get their uniforms up to a high standard—and it’s really starting to show.

They’ve also been sharpening their drill skills as they build towards competition later in the year. Keep up the hard work!

05/04/2026

It’s been a busy and rewarding few months for the squadron, with many of our cadets achieving an impressive range of qualifications across first aid, radio communications, classifications, flying, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

A huge congratulations to all our cadets for their dedication, commitment, and effort — keep up the great work!

02/04/2026

Last week, the squadron bid farewell to CI Connelly after an incredible 20 years of dedicated service with 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron.

As a former Wing Radio Officer, he led the squadron’s radio training and played a pivotal role in developing countless cadets’ skills and confidence over the years. His commitment and passion have left a lasting impact on everyone who has had the privilege to work with him.

On his final parade night, the Commanding Officer was delighted to present CI Connelly with an engraved quaich as a token of the squadron’s appreciation for his outstanding contribution. The IT and radio suite has also been renamed the “Connelly Suite” in recognition of his service—something we hope he’ll continue to take pride in for many years to come.

We’re delighted that CI Connelly plans to remain involved with the RAF Air Cadets as he moves to a squadron closer to his new home, and we know he will continue to inspire future generations.

All staff and cadets are extremely grateful for his outstanding service and wish him every success in his next chapter.