138 1st Nottingham Squadron - RAF Air Cadets

05/09/2026

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02/09/2026

✈️ A Change of Command at 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn

Flt Lt Helen Payne has now handed over command of 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn to Fg Off Vishal Sohal.

After five years as the Squadron’s Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Payne reflected:

“The experience has been an honour and something I will never forget. My husband and sons have been a great support throughout my time as Squadron OC, and I am incredibly grateful to them.”

Helen wishes Fg Off Sohal, the team and all the cadets every success for the future.
South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets

02/09/2026

RAF Odiham Camp

Last week 3 cadets and 1 member of staff attended the Central and East Region camp at RAF Odiham.

They took part in a number of activities including, section visits to the fire station, station armoury and media team, competed in a drill competition and even got to fly in a chinook!

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some special moments included-

Sgt Richards being awarded Best SNCO for her flight

Cpl Reed being awarded Best JNCO for his flight

FS Kirby was one of four cadets to had a VIP visit with a local Mp and also was selected to attend the media event alongside Cpl Reed.

And A flight who won best flight- this was Cpl Reeds flight and Sgt Lock was A flight SNCO!

Welldone to everyone who attended.

South and East Midlands Wing Air CadetsCentral & East Region Air Cadets

29/08/2026

20/08/2026

FS Drury passed his interview with Wing Commander Wilson - Congratulations CWO Drury.

20/06/2026

Today 644 VGS ran their longest day operation Ex AEONIC PEGASUS, aiming to get 79 cadets airborne from sunrise to sunset.

From chasing rainbows to enjoying a beautiful sunrise, our cadets were on the airfield from 04:30 this morning. Despite the early start, everyone had a fantastic time and made the most of this incredible experience.

We are incredibly lucky to have had four cadets representing the squadron at such a special event, creating memories and gaining experiences that will stay with them for years to come.

14/06/2026

Cadets from 138 Sqn and 2418 Sqn RAFAC joined other cadet forces to provide a Guard of Honour at the Service to celebrate our community’s and the Official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. In attendance was the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering OBE MBS HAC.
The service was led by the Very Revd Dr Stephen Evan’s, Dean of Southwell.
Cadets.

The cadets demonstrated exemplary professionalism and politeness throughout the event.

08/05/2026

Cadets from 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn took part in an annual memorial parade at Nottingham Castle to honor Captain Albert Ball.

Albert Ball, VC, DSO & Two Bars,MC (14 August 1896 – 7 May 1917) was a British fighter pilot during the First World War. At the time of his death he was the United Kingdom's leading flying ace, with 44 victories,

Born and raised in Nottingham, Ball joined the Sherwood Foresters at the outbreak of the First World War and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October 1914.

He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps(RFC) the following year, and gained his pilot's wings on 26 January 1916.

Joining No. 13 Squadron RFCin France, he flew reconnaissance missions before being posted in May to No. 11 Squadron, a fighter unit. From then until his return to England on leave in October, he accrued many aerial victories, earning two Distinguished Service Orders and the Military Cross. He was the first ace to become a British national hero.
After a period on home establishment, Ball was posted to No. 56 Squadron, which deployed to the Western Front in April 1917.

He died when his plane crashed into a field in France on 7 May, sparking a wave of national mourning and posthumous recognition, which included the award of the Victoria Cross for his actions during his final tour of duty.

Albert Ball's brother founded an Air Defence Cadet Corps Squadron which became the 138 (1st Nottingham) Squadron ATC, a unit with direct historical links to the hero.

To this day, 138 Squadron keeps and guards Albert Ball's sword, presented by his father in 1940.

27/04/2026

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26/04/2026

A month in the life of 138 Sqn:- April

2 day Multi-activity camp at RAF Wittering. 19 cadets from 138 Sqn, took part in Cadet Discipline and team building activities, experiencing an insight into life on a military base. Day 2 , took part in Wing Field Day, in their teams competed against 30 other Sqns from Sth & East Midlands Wing. The challenges included First Aid, Drill and Banner Drill. Amazing opportunities for our cadets.

The Sqn said good luck & goodbye to Sgt L-S.

After a successful camp Field Promotion, Cdt was promoted to Cpl.

A new Training Flight (TF) have joined, known as Jnr Cadets, they have embraced their first training opportunities, including Cadet Codes of Conduct, rank structure and Flying Operations. Their Training continues as they work towards their graduation and Passing Out Parade in July.

STEM:- Build a Parachute
small groups worked together to build a parachute for an egg. Materials included, plastic bag, paper, string.

NCO team worked with Staff (CFAV) Sgts to develop their skills

Sports evening, TF joined Sqn Flights for a sports evening, taking part in, Team Badminton knock out, and an aerobic session.