171 Christchurch Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

171 Christchurch Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets 171 Squadron is a Royal Air Force Air Cadets unit based in the heart of Christchurch, Dorset.

Cadets from the squadron over the weekend attended the Sector Drill Day, demonstrating their own personal drill and impr...
14/04/2026

Cadets from the squadron over the weekend attended the Sector Drill Day, demonstrating their own personal drill and improving on it.

They were also fortunate to learn some advanced drill too, this included Banner, sword and Pace Stick Drill.

They all did amazing and looked smart in the process.

171 (Christchurch) Sqn was awarded recently with £1000 from Tesco Blue tokens scheme as part of their Tesco Stronger Sta...
14/04/2026

171 (Christchurch) Sqn was awarded recently with £1000 from Tesco Blue tokens scheme as part of their Tesco Stronger Starts fundraising programme. With this money the squadron was fortunate enough to purchase additional Leadership equipment from MTa Learning which will support our cadets in their development of communication and leadership amongstmany other skills.

We would like to personally thank Sally and Donna from Tesco Castle Lane and Kinson in the community for coming along and joining the cadets.

We are delighted to formally announce that Flt Lt Bob Lockard has been appointed as the new Officer Commanding of 171 (C...
21/03/2026

We are delighted to formally announce that Flt Lt Bob Lockard has been appointed as the new Officer Commanding of 171 (Christchurch) Squadron, effective from 2nd March.

​Flt Lt Lockard brings a wealth of experience to the unit. Having started his journey as a Civilian Instructor at 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron in 2017, he commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 2020, serving as a dedicated Squadron Adjutant.

​After his promotion to Flying Officer in 2024, Bob focused his efforts on leadership development, preparing for the challenge of command. We are thrilled that his journey has led him here to Christchurch.

​Please join us in welcoming Flt Lt Lockard as he leads the squadron into this next exciting chapter!

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85 Years of Excellence: A Milestone Celebration ​A massive Well Done to all the Cadets and Staff who participated in tod...
08/02/2026

85 Years of Excellence: A Milestone Celebration

​A massive Well Done to all the Cadets and Staff who participated in today’s 85th Anniversary Parade through Ferndown.

​Seeing the Sector come together in such high numbers was a powerful reminder of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets' enduring legacy. For over eight decades, this organisation has been a cornerstone of youth development, and today’s display proved that our standards of drill, discipline, and uniform are as sharp as ever.

​Why this milestone matters:
​A Proud History: Marking 85 years of the RAFAC means celebrating generations of young people who have gained the confidence to lead and the skills to be better.

​Exceptional Standards: The precision on display today reflected the hard work and dedication our cadets put in week after week.

​Sector Unity: It was an honour to march alongside so many units to commemorate this historic journey.

​To the Cadets: You represented the very best of the RAFAC today. You have done yourselves and the organisation incredibly proud.

​Here’s to 85 years of tradition, and to the many years of opportunity yet to come.

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Congratulations to all the Cadets awarded well earned certificates and badges on Monday Night's COs parade. The awards w...
21/01/2026

Congratulations to all the Cadets awarded well earned certificates and badges on Monday Night's COs parade.

The awards were for the Essential First Aid course, Silver Cyber, Drill training course (Instruction) and Training classification badges for first class, leading and senior. Well done

On Saturday some of 171 (Christchurch) Cadets along with cadets from across the Wing went out for the 1st Roadmarch of t...
12/01/2026

On Saturday some of 171 (Christchurch) Cadets along with cadets from across the Wing went out for the 1st Roadmarch of the season. Well done all those who came along, 100% success rate and some new Blue badges gained.

24/12/2025

To all our Cadets, Staff, and Families,

​As we reach the end of another busy and successful year, I wanted to take a moment to send my warmest wishes to you all.

​Christmas is a time for celebration, but it is also a vital opportunity to recharge and take time for ourselves. I hope that over the coming days, you find the space to rest and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

​While we celebrate, we also hold a space in our hearts for absent friends as their memories remains a part of our thoughts.

​Looking ahead, the New Year brings the promise of new challenges and fresh experiences. I am incredibly proud of everything this unit has achieved, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in 2026.

​Wishing you a merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Sqn Ldr Marshall
East Dorset Sector Commander

Cadets from the squadron recently attended the Annual Dining in Night. It's a great taste into the experience of a forma...
17/12/2025

Cadets from the squadron recently attended the Annual Dining in Night.

It's a great taste into the experience of a formal dinner. Cadets, Staff, and Guests all enjoyed themselves and relaxed to celebrate the end to a year.

Thank you to all that attended!

A massive thank you to all our outstanding cadets and dedicated staff who represented 171 (Christchurch) Squadron at the...
09/11/2025

A massive thank you to all our outstanding cadets and dedicated staff who represented 171 (Christchurch) Squadron at the Christchurch Remembrance Service today.

​We are incredibly proud of every single one of you and you should be very proud of yourselves. Your turnout was immaculate, your conduct was professional, and you were a true credit to the unit and the wider community.

​Well done, all.

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Congratulations Cadets! We're incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our cadets, who have recently hit some f...
08/10/2025

Congratulations Cadets!

We're incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our cadets, who have recently hit some fantastic milestones as part of their progressive training syllabus!

Some have earned their Blue Leadership Badge – showing great teamwork, communication, and leadership potential.

Others have successfully completed Essential First Aid, gaining vital life-saving skills.

Several cadets received their First Flight Certificates after taking to the skies for the very first time.

And many have now achieved their First Class Classification, marking a key step in their cadet journey.

Each of these accomplishments reflects dedication, effort, and a commitment to growing both personally and as part of our squadron.

Well done to everyone involved – your hard work is paying off, and this is just the beginning!

Taking to the Skies! A huge congratulations to three of our cadets who had the amazing opportunity to experience flying ...
08/10/2025

Taking to the Skies!

A huge congratulations to three of our cadets who had the amazing opportunity to experience flying in the Grob Tutor – a key part of the Air Cadet experience!

Although the weather was stubborn to begin with, the clouds finally shifted, so for two of them, it was their first ever flight in this aircraft, and what an incredible way to be introduced to aviation! From learning the basics of flight to seeing the world from above, it's a day they won’t soon forget.

These experiences are what being an Air Cadet is all about – adventure, learning, and pushing new boundaries.

Well done to all three cadets – the sky is just the beginning!

Address

3 Wickfield Avenue
Christchurch, Dorset
BH23 1JB

Opening Hours

Monday 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Telephone

+441202471671

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