126 City of Derby Squadron Air Cadets

05/06/2026

On the 20th of May, Flt Lt Mills, FS Brown & FS Gillham recieved the honour of being invited to attend Derby City Council’s Mayor Making Ceremony at the Derby Council House.

The ceremony celebrated the appointment of Derby’s new Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Smale, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Richard Hudson, while providing an insight into the traditions and responsibilities of civic leadership. Representatives from a range of organisations attended, highlighting the strong partnerships and community spirit across the city.

As FS Brown steps down from his post as Mayor’s Cadet, he makes way for FS Gillham and Sgt Kudhail to continue representing 126 (City of Derby) Squadron and supporting the strong relationship between the RAF Air Cadets and Derby City Council through the Mayor’s next year in office.

It was a privilege to attend such a prestigious occasion and to witness the close relationship between local authorities, community organisations, and the Armed Forces. The event reinforced the importance of civic service and the shared commitment to supporting the people of Derby.

10/05/2026

Congratulation to Cadet Ethan Upton who was promoted to the rank of Corporal whilst at our weekend camp.

Great work Ethan and we are very proud of you 👍 The hard work begins now 💪

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

This weekend a group of our Cadets and staff joined our friends at 2195 Long Eaton Squadron Air Cadets for a multi activity camp at Robin Hood Scout Camp in Blidworth, Notts.

The jam packed weekend involved a wide range of activities, including archery, fieldcraft, laser clay pigeon shooting, various sports, tug of war and much more.

Cadets and Staff were accommodated in superb accommodation, with food lovingly prepared and provided by the 2195 Sqn Civilian Committee.

The Cadets from both Sqn forged new friendships, caught up with old friends and enjoyed a thoroughly packed weekend.

Flt Lt Mills RAFAC, Officer Commanding 126 Sqn said “Thanks to Long Eaton Squadron for the invite to join them at Blidworth, what a fantastic weekend we have had!!! It was great to see two of the best units in South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets come together, further strengthening the ties between the two units to make a brilliant camp for all involved” Royal Air Force Air Cadets

29/04/2026

RECRUIT NIGHT UPDATE

We are pleased to advise that our recruit intake evening will take place on Thursday 30th April at 1930hrs. Please email [email protected] and you will be sent the venue details.

If you are unable to join us tomorrow, please can you email [email protected].

Also, if you know of anyone who has contacted us, but has not received an email, please do pass this information on to them and encourage them to join us - car sharing if possible!

We look forward to meeting you tomorrow!

27/04/2026

Wing Field Day 2026 🏆

On Sunday, a group of our fantastic cadets and adult volunteers travelled to RAF Wittering to compete in this year's Wing Field Day Competition, which sees 31 Squadrons from across South and East Midlands Wing competing against each other in events such as Drill, Leadership, First Aid, Aviation and many more!

Alongside the competitions, there were also great opportunities for our cadets to speak to the Armed Forces engagement team, representatives from the London University Air Squadron (UAS), The Air Cadet Charity and to other cadets from 30 other squadrons.

A particular highlight for everyone involved is an opportunity for reunions with friends made on camps and courses and a great opportunity to meet new people.

There was also a laser clay pigeon shooting range and archery running throughout the day, so lots for the cadets to take part in as well as an ice cream van provided by the British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS)!

As expected, our brilliant cadets put in a fantastic effort representing 126 Sqn, had a fun day and managed to walk away with numerous achievements like 2nd place overall in Drill!

Our Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Craig Mills RAFAC and Fg Off Amanda Sandland RAFAC were also presented with commendations for their meritorious service with the RAF Air Cadets over a number of years.

If you are interested in joining the Squadron as a Cadet or as an Adult Volunteer please get in touch.

Our next recruitment evening is on April 30th 2026.

13/03/2026

UPDATE - NEW DATE FOR RECRUITMENT EVENING

We are recruiting ! If you are interested in joing 126 (City of Derby) Squadron as a Cadet or as an Adult Volunteer please get in touch.

Our next recruitment evening is 30th April 2026 - look out for updates in the next days as we get nearer 👍

02/03/2026

NEW COMMANDING OFFICER FOR 126

126 (City of Derby) Squadron are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Craig Mills RAFAC.

This appointment is especially meaningful for the Squadron, as Flt Lt Mills began his Royal Air Force Air Cadets journey right here at 126 (City of Derby) Squadron.

After progressing through the Squadron as a Cadet, Flt Lt Mills went on to serve in the Royal Air Force before returning to RAFAC as an adult volunteer. He later became Officer Commanding 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, where he strengthened the unit’s community presence and expanded opportunities for local young people. His experience across Derbyshire and within South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets brings a deep understanding of how Squadrons can positively impact the communities they serve.

Flt Lt Mills is committed to honouring 126’s long-standing reputation for excellence while ensuring the Squadron remains a welcoming, ambitious, and supportive place for young people from every part of Derby and the surrounding areas.

Flt Lt Mills said “It is an incredible honour to return to the Squadron where my journey began. 126 Squadron played such a huge part in shaping who I am today, and I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead the unit forward. I’m committed to giving today’s Cadets the same life‑changing opportunities that I was fortunate enough to experience, and I look forward to working with our fantastic and dedicated staff team to build an exciting future for the Squadron.”

If you would like to explore the opportunities the RAF Air Cadets can offer both Cadets and Adult Volunteers please do get in touch.

09/11/2025

"WE REMEMBER"

111 members of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron proudly took part in the Derby City Remembrance Parade and Service this Sunday. Three flights of enrolled Cadets and Recruits were involved in the marching element of the Parade, alongside our Mayors Cadet, Banner bearer, Wreath Layer and wreath orderly, who all played key roles in the overall event. There was also a proud and poignant moment when Flight Sergeant Ben Lamplough, member of 126 Squadron and Veteran of the British Army, was given the honour of reading the Exhortation, ahead of the Last Post.

Squadron Leader Rob Moore, Officer Commanding said “What a privilege to lead such an amazing group of Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers at what is such an important event in our annual calendar. Today we Remembered those that have fallen in past conflict, those that have to live with the memories of war and loss, and those members of our Air Cadet family that are no longer with us. 126 Squadron is proud to be a part of the Community of the City of Derby and the County of Derbyshire and we came out in force today to pay our respects, alongside our colleagues in the Royal British Legion, Regular and Reserve forces, the Cadet Forces, Civilian Services and other uniformed youth groups. Thank you and well done to everyone involved”.

South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Royal British Legion - Derbyshire
Derby City Council

01/11/2025

AIR CADETS SUPPORT THE POPPY APPEAL

Cadets and Uniformed Staff from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron are proud to have supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal this year.

Thank you to Sainsbury's at Peak Park, Osmaston, Derby and for all customers who generously donated.

Well done to all those involved.

South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
Royal British Legion - Derbyshire