1403 Retford Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

1403 Retford Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets RAF Air Cadets

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets offers opportunities in Flying, Shooting, Camps, DofE , Sports & lots more for anyone in school year 8 (12-13 years old) up to 17 years old

25/04/2026

It’s that time of year again—Retford Charter Day! Monday 4 May 2026

1403 (Retford) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets are delighted to be attending and will have a stand where you can come along and meet the team. There will be plenty to see and do, including learning more about the RAF Air Cadets, taking part in hands-on activities, trying out some basic first aid skills, designing paper aeroplanes, and having a go on our flight simulator.

If you’ve ever considered joining as a cadet, this is a great opportunity to come and have a chat with us. Our next intake will be in September and places will be limited, so it’s well worth coming along to find out more.

We are also looking to recruit enthusiastic adult volunteers, whether you have a background in the Armed Forces or not, and we are always happy to talk through how you can get involved.

In addition, we are seeking new members for our Civilian Committee, who play a vital role in supporting the squadron through finance and welfare—without them, the squadron simply couldn’t operate.

Please do come along, say hello, and we look forward to seeing you there!

On Saturday 7 February, cadets from 1403 Retford Squadron RAF Air Cadets proudly represented the squadron at the Trent W...
09/02/2026

On Saturday 7 February, cadets from 1403 Retford Squadron RAF Air Cadets proudly represented the squadron at the Trent Wing Swimming Championships at RAF Cranwell. A small team of four cadets delivered an outstanding performance, competing against squadrons four to five times our size. Their efforts were rewarded with an impressive haul of five medals, showcasing both determination and skill throughout the competition.

Overall, 1403 Retford Squadron finished in 3rd in the championships. This is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the cadets involved. A massive well done to the entire swimming team—you have truly done the squadron proud 👏

Recently we said goodbye to the longest serving member of 1403 (Retford) Squadron. Sgt Crane has been with us for over 8...
16/12/2025

Recently we said goodbye to the longest serving member of 1403 (Retford) Squadron. Sgt Crane has been with us for over 8 years and achieved a huge amount in this time. He has progressed up the ranks to Flight Sergeant as a Cadet, before becoming a valued member of the CFAV team at the rank of Sergeant.

Sgt Crane has been an asset to the Squadron over the years, particularly in supporting the recent changeover in Commanding Officers, and through his dedication to getting the best opportunities for our Cadets. He has truly shown how this organisation can change lives through the opportunities it provides.

It was a truly memorable and emotional send-off, but we hope you aren't a stranger! Best of luck in your future endeavours and thank you for everything you've done for the Squadron and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

P.S. Apologies for some of the photos, we could've done worse!


🧮📐STEM Skills📐🧮This month's STEM project courtesy of CI Brown, was to design and build, using MTA kits, a piece of equip...
30/11/2025

🧮📐STEM Skills📐🧮

This month's STEM project courtesy of CI Brown, was to design and build, using MTA kits, a piece of equipment to carry cups filled with water, without spilling any, across 'no-man’s land' and then return to be loaded with another cup!

Two good constructions were built with innovative ways to hold the cups in place. A total of six cups were successfully transported by both teams within the given time span. The exercise was thoroughly enjoyed by all with some interesting designs being thought of before coming to the final solution.

Well done to you all.


🥉Duke of Edinburgh Award🥉A huge congratulations to Cpl Cammack for achieving his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. This aw...
20/11/2025

🥉Duke of Edinburgh Award🥉

A huge congratulations to Cpl Cammack for achieving his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. This award is no easy task with the required completion of volunteering, skills and physical elements, with it all culminating into an expedition which Cpl Cammack completed earlier in the year.

This qualification is hugely valuable and looked on favourably by employers. Congratulations on your hard work Corporal and we look forward to your further progression up to silver.


🗣️Presentation Skills Success🗣️Over the past few months, a number of our cadets have been developing their presentation ...
20/11/2025

🗣️Presentation Skills Success🗣️

Over the past few months, a number of our cadets have been developing their presentation skills with the help of our Staff team. This has involved understanding effective presentation methods and putting them into practice by delivering a 10 minute presentation on a subject of their choice to the entire Squadron.

This is a daunting task to speak in front of a large group of people, but the cadets have shown their learning to be effective and excelled. The presentation skills course is the first step to becoming a qualified instructor, which this group of cadets are now striving for.

Congratulations to you all!


📖BTEC Level 1 Qualifications📖This week a number of our cadets have been awarded a Level 1 qualification in teamwork and ...
20/11/2025

📖BTEC Level 1 Qualifications📖

This week a number of our cadets have been awarded a Level 1 qualification in teamwork and personal skills for uniformed youth organisations. This is a qualification that will be incredibly valuable on their CVs and shows how the work they put in on Squadron will positively influence their future career aspirations.

A massive thank you to the Cadet Vocational College for their support in achieving these qualifications and a huge congratulations to all the cadets for your achievements.


Lest we forget
09/11/2025

Lest we forget

Good Luck FS Ayres and FS Brooks!Last night we said goodbye to our two most senior members of the NCO team. FS Ayres has...
04/10/2025

Good Luck FS Ayres and FS Brooks!

Last night we said goodbye to our two most senior members of the NCO team. FS Ayres has been successful in securing a place at the University of Oxford to study geography, whilst FS Brooks is progressing rapidly through the processes to join the Royal Air Force on the pilot pathway.

Thank you for everything you've both done for the Squadron, you've impacted so many cadet's lives and they wouldn't have had the experiences they've had without your guidance at the pinnacle of our NCO team. You have both achieved so much with us here at 1403 that I'm sure you'll look back on fondly as you enter the next chapters of your lives. Don't be strangers!

Best of luck in the future and always remember...

✨Blue Fieldcraft Success!✨Last weekend six of our cadets undertook the Blue Fieldcraft Course over at 204 (Lincoln) Squa...
04/10/2025

✨Blue Fieldcraft Success!✨

Last weekend six of our cadets undertook the Blue Fieldcraft Course over at 204 (Lincoln) Squadron.

Fieldcraft is all about surviving outside and carrying out tactical military style exercises. Cadets have the opportunity to learn everything from building a shelter, right through to performing co-ordinated attacks on make believe enemy positions. As part of this initial course, the cadets also had the opportunity to cook and eat ration packs for their lunch!

Well done to you all on this fantastic achievement.


Good Luck Sergeant ThompsonOne of our two longest serving cadets experienced their last parade night this week. Sgt Thom...
23/09/2025

Good Luck Sergeant Thompson

One of our two longest serving cadets experienced their last parade night this week. Sgt Thompson has been with the Squadron since 2019 and in his time has experienced all the organisation has to offer. Sgt Thompson has risen up the ranks displaying great skill and maturity that will stand him in great stead for his studies at Durham University.

Thank you for everything you've done for the Squadron Sergeant, you're a credit to yourself and all who have worked with you. Best of luck in the future and always remember...

If you are interested in experiencing a career like Sergeant Thompson's, we have an open evening on Monday 29th September at 19:30. Come down and experience .

Address

Cadet Training Centre, Hallcroft Road
East Retford
DN227LB

Opening Hours

Monday 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Friday 6:45pm - 9:15pm

Telephone

+441777711760

Website

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