Central & East Yorkshire Wing RAFAC

22/10/2026

Behind the Scenes of Remembrance

In the coming weeks, you may see our cadets out and about across Central & East Yorkshire Wing, supporting their local communities in the run-up to Remembrance.

But behind the scenes, some have already been hard at work!

Cadets from 1869 Middlesbrough Squadron have been lending a helping hand to their local Royal British Legion (RBL), assembling and filling poppy boxes and labelling collection tins ahead of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

It’s a fantastic example of our cadets supporting their local community and the important work that goes into making the annual Poppy Appeal a success.

A huge well done to everyone involved! 👏

We Will Remember Them.

21/10/2026

Remembrance 2026 | Wearing Your Poppy with Pride

In preparation for tomorrow (22 October), when the wearing of poppies in uniform officially begins, we’re sharing some guidance for cadets and adult volunteers across Central & East Yorkshire Wing.

Wearing a poppy is a simple but meaningful way to honour those who have served and sacrificed, and it’s important that we wear it correctly when in uniform.

Our handy guide explains when poppies may be worn, which type is appropriate for different modes of dress, and where they should be positioned.

As we approach the Remembrance period, we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the guidance ahead of upcoming parades and commemorative events.

We Will Remember Them.

08/10/2026

07/10/2026

National Cadets Week | Cadets at the Civic Centre 🇬🇧

Cadets and staff from 2394 (East Cleveland) Squadron joined fellow members of the cadet forces at Redcar & Cleveland Civic Centre for a special event marking National Cadets Week.

Hosted by the Mayor and Redcar & Cleveland’s Armed Forces Champion, the evening brought together cadets from the Air, Army and Sea Cadets to celebrate the opportunities, experiences and values that the cadet movement provides to young people across the borough.

Cadets heard from four officers who, between them, bring more than 150 years of military and cadet service, sharing their experience and speaking with the young people about their own cadet journeys and futures.

Events like this are a great reminder that while our uniforms and activities may differ, the cadet forces share a common purpose: giving young people opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, discipline and a sense of belonging.

We’re incredibly proud to see cadets from 2394 East Cleveland Squadron RAFAC representing the RAF Air Cadets and engaging with their local community during National Cadets Week.

A huge thank you also goes to the CFAVs, instructors and volunteers whose time and commitment make these opportunities possible.

The evening also brought some exciting news, with confirmation that the Redcar & Cleveland Cadet Awards will return in June as part of Armed Forces Day, giving another opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people across the local cadet forces.


Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

07/10/2026

National Cadets Week | Celebrating Our Volunteers 💙

National Cadets Week is a chance to celebrate the young people who make up the Cadet Forces, but also the volunteers whose time, experience and commitment make those opportunities possible.

Pictured are Flt Lt Tindall of 1869 (Middlesbrough) Sqn and WO Oldfield of 119 (Scunthorpe) Sqn, both receiving awards recognising their service.

Between them are decades of service to the Air Training Corps and RAF Air Cadets, supporting, mentoring and developing generations of young people.

WO Oldfield’s connection with the ATC stretches back to January 1971, when he joined 96 (Dewsbury) Squadron as a cadet. He later went on to serve for 38 years in the Royal Air Force, while continuing to support the cadet organisation as an Air Cadet Liaison Officer and Service Instructor. Following his RAF career, he returned to 119 (Scunthorpe) Squadron and continues to serve today as Squadron Warrant Officer.

Flt Lt Tindall has similarly given many years of service to the organisation, serving on squadrons and wings across the country before bringing that experience to Central & East Yorkshire Wing, where he now serves with 1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron.

They are pictured alongside Sqn Ldr Cooper, who in addition to being the Officer Commanding of 152 (City of Hull) Squadron, serves as a Sector Commander supporting a wider group of squadrons, staff and cadets across the Wing.

These three are just a small example of the people who make the RAF Air Cadets what it is.

Across Central & East Yorkshire Wing, our Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers give up evenings, weekends and countless hours behind the scenes to create opportunities, teach new skills, build confidence and support young people to achieve more than they thought possible.

We value every one of our CFAVs and the difference they make.

This National Cadets Week, we simply want to say thank you. ❤️💙



Pictured Left to Right: Flt Lt Tindall, Sqn Ldr Cooper, WO Oldfield

1869 Middlesbrough Squadron RAFAC, 152 City Of Hull Squadron - ATC, 119 Scunthorpe Sqn ATC

07/10/2026

It is the inaugural cadet week! And today we focus on our volunteers! WO Oldfield receives his CFM after a lifetime of service through the Air Cadets as a cadet then onto distinguished service in the RAF and, after retirement, back in blue with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets!

A Lifetime of Service: WO Paul Oldfield Continues Distinguished Commitment to the RAF Air Cadets.

119 (Scunthorpe) Sqn is proud to recognise the exceptional and enduring service of Warrant Officer Paul Oldfield, whose association with the RAF Air Cadets spans more than five decades. Pictured above, OC 119 (Scunthorpe) Sqn, Flt Lt Nige Price presents WO Oldfield with this Cadet Forces Medal.

WO Oldfield began his Air Training Corps journey on 25 January 1971 at 96 (Dewsbury) Squadron, then part of the West Riding of Yorkshire Wing. He progressed through the cadet ranks, completing his cadet service as a Cadet Sergeant on 2 September 1974.

On 3 September 1974, he commenced what would become a 38 year career in the Royal Air Force, serving until 5 May 2012. Throughout his RAF service, WO Oldfield remained closely connected to the ATC, supporting squadrons as an Air Cadet Liaison Officer (ACLO) and Service Instructor, strengthening the vital link between the RAF and the cadet organisation.

Following his retirement from the RAF as a Warrant Officer, he returned to the ATC at 119 (Scunthorpe) Squadron, initially serving as a Civilian Instructor. On 25 March 2014, he once again donned the uniform, resuming service as an Adult Warrant Officer. After a period at 203 (Gainsborough) Squadron, he returned to 119 Squadron, where he continues to serve with distinction as the Squadron Warrant Officer.

Flt Lt Price, said: “WO Oldfield’s experience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable member of our team. His decades of service — both in the RAF and the RAFAC — have shaped generations of young people, and I am immensely proud to have someone of his calibre supporting the squadron. His commitment sets the standard for all of us.”

WO Oldfield’s long-standing dedication represents an extraordinary contribution to both the Royal Air Force and the RAF Air Cadets. His leadership, experience, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire cadets and staff alike, upholding the highest standards of service.

06/10/2026

A message from His Majesty The King for National Cadets Week. 🇬🇧

Across Central & East Yorkshire Wing, we see every week the difference the cadet experience can make. Young people developing confidence, learning new skills, taking on responsibility and discovering what they are capable of.

None of that happens without the commitment behind them.

To our cadets, our volunteers who give their time, the families and employers who support them, and everyone who helps make these opportunities possible, thank you.

We’re incredibly proud to play our part in the wider UK Cadet Forces community and in helping the next generation to thrive.

25/08/2026

📸 Have you got a winning shot?

A reminder that the 2026 Yorkshire Cadet Trust Photography Competition is looking for entries from cadets and adult volunteers across Yorkshire and the Humber.

This year’s theme is “Cadets is great fun”, so dig through your camera roll or get out and capture the moments that show what cadet life is really about.

Flying, fieldcraft, sport, camps, adventure training, shooting, STEM, friendships or those moments that just make you smile. 📷

And there’s a great incentive for your unit, with prizes of £250, £150 and £100 up for grabs!

📅 Closing date: 25 September 2026

Scan the QR code on the poster for full details and to submit your entry.

You’ve still got time to get that perfect shot! 👀

23/08/2026

September is just around the corner, and squadrons across Central & East Yorkshire Wing are getting ready to welcome their next intake of cadets.

If you’re aged 12 and in Year 8 or above, the Royal Air Force Air Cadets could be your chance to try something completely different. From flying and gliding to fieldcraft, shooting, first aid, sport, leadership, cyber, STEM and adventurous training, there’s far more to get involved with than you might expect.

Most of our squadrons recruit new cadets around September, so now is a great time to find your nearest unit and make contact.

Recruiting now across Central & East Yorkshire.

Find your local squadron and see where Air Cadets could take you.

Find your local Squadron at: https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/

16/08/2026

🥾 GOLD DofE SUCCESS IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES! 🏕️

A huge congratulations to the 17 RAF Air Cadets from across North Region who have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award qualifying expedition in the Yorkshire Dales.

Among them were three cadets from Central & East Yorkshire Wing:

👏 Cpl Harvey Waring – 110 (City of York) Squadron
👏 FS Meg Hall – 2040 (Richmond) Squadron
👏 Cdt Reuben Turner – 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron

The four-day expedition covered more than 50 miles (80km), taking the teams from Redmire near Leyburn through Wensley, Horsehouse, Buckden, Arncliffe and Malham, before finishing in the hills above Kettlewell.

Along the way, cadets tackled everything the Yorkshire weather could throw at them, from sunshine and warm conditions to heavy rain and strong winds, while carrying all of their own equipment and food.

The expedition was entirely planned and navigated by the cadets, putting months of preparation, teamwork, resilience and navigation skills into practice.

Sqn Ldr Charlotte Bridges, North Region Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Officer, praised the cadets for the hard work they had put into preparing for both their practice and qualifying expeditions and for working together to make sure the whole team completed the challenge.

Once all four sections of their Gold Award are complete, the cadets will become eligible to attend a Gold Award celebration at Buckingham Palace to receive recognition for their achievement.

An outstanding effort from everyone involved and a fantastic milestone for our three CEY cadets. Well done! 👏🥇

110 (City of York) Sqn ATC 2040 Richmond Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets 886 (City of Ripon) Sqn, Ripon Air Cadets