About 14F Squadron!

Initially a Squadron of the Air Defence Cadet Corps, number 14 Squadron formed as part of the newly established Air Training Corps on February 15th, 1941.  As one of the first Fifty registered Squadron’s, number 14 Squadron would be known as a ‘Founder’ Squadron, and would be entitled to put the letter ‘F’ after their Squadron number.  Thereafter being known as 14F Squadron, Air Training Corps.

The Squadron was originally based in Uxbridge with the headquarters in Greenway school, but moved onto RAF Uxbridge on October 1st, 1949.

A further move to RAF Northolt took place in the 1960s but it wasn't until 1969 that the Squadron changed its title from 14F ‘Uxbridge’ Squadron to 14F ‘Northolt’ Squadron.  If you were wondering where 1083 ‘Uxbridge’ Squadron were at that time, they were 1083 ‘Hayes’ Squadron and based at the EMI factory

Since being based at RAF Northolt, we have occupied 5 different sets of premises:

 

1. Opposite the old southside access gate onto the Western Avenue (since gone) - a couple of buildings, which included a link trainer room (a small, primitive 'flying machine' for teaching the basics of instrument flying).

The buildings also included a cycle park to accommodate the 50+ bicycles that the vast majority of cadets used to travel to & from the squadron. We also had access to a cinema and small workshop located just down the road.

 

2. Further down the southside road (to the east) we had a series of huge rooms including a vast workshop where hovercraft, karts and canoes were built and repaired. These buildings were part of the original 'departure lounge' (from the days when Northolt was London's main Airport). This was the first location for the Tannery (the staff mess after parade, but frequently used as an indoor flying arena [RTP] during the evening!).

There was a gravel car park opposite this building, which was regularly used on Sunday mornings for karting.

 

3. Then back to the western end to a group of buildings forming 3 sides of a square. This provided excellent classrooms and a large workshop. We also had easy access onto the airfield for testing and running the karts and hovercraft (The foundations of these building can still be seen where the caravans are parked).

 

4. We then moved into the building 72, built in the 1920’s, they were an annex to the Officers Mess (which feature in very early pictures of the station).

 

5. With new CAA Regulations affecting the airfield, a further move was required.  Previously occupied by the Stations Photographic Section, Building 346 became 14F’s new Headquarters on November 2^nd, 2004.

 

From the early days, the cadets have been offered Air Experience Flying & Gliding. The gliding took place at either Langley aerodrome (Slough), Booker (Marlow), RAF Hendon, West Malling and RAF Halton. The flying took place at Fairoaks aerodrome, Heston, White Waltham, Abingdon and RAF Benson.

In addition, 14F cadets have always been keen on flying from RAF Northolt.  Aircraft that they've flown in include: Hunting Pembroke, BAe Andover, Beagle Bassett, DH Devon, HS / BAe 125, BAe 146 and C130 Hercules.  The helicopters include: Bristol Sycamore, Westland Whirlwind, Wessex, Sioux, Scout, Gazelle and Squirrel.

 

If you are interested in what we do, aged 13 to 18, and wish to take a look, then contact the squadron on 020 8833 8393, and arrange a visit.

Enjoy the website and we hope to see you soon.
Flight Lieutenant Stuart Gardner BEng (Hons), ARAeS, RAFVR(T)
Officer Commanding
14F ‘Northolt’ Squadron ATC