1003 Leighton Buzzard Squadron ATC

08/03/2026

Today staff and cadets of the squadron attended the Leighton Linslade Mayors Civic service. This is an annual service held in the magnificent All Saints church celebrating community volunteers championed by our town mayor Cllr D Bligh supported by other nearby town Mayors and various local voluntary and youth organisations.
After the service the cadets had an opportunity of a photo with the Mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mr M Hardy

05/02/2026

Established on 5th February 1941 by Flt Lt Fairbrother RAFVR at Cedars school (now Leighton Middle school), our squadron quickly forged a legacy of excellence, and preparing cadets for service. Originally benefiting from superb school facilities and a number of teachers as staff, we proudly saw CDT SGT G. Hankins become our first cadet to join the RAF on 11th August 1941, with many others since into all sectors of the armed forces.
With squadron numbers peaking around 250 in the 1940s, we also lead an additional detached flight of cadets at Pitstone; Our journey continued with a move to RAF Stanbridge in 1969 and then into our current purpose-built facility in 1996.
In 2001 the squadron was honoured by Leighton Buzzard town council and given the freedom of the town.
85 years later, our squadron continues to thrive, powered by a vibrant cadet body and dedicated group of adult volunteers.
Happy 85th Birthday 1003

01/02/2026

Congratulations to our new Cadet Warrant Officer Keen. This is the highest rank a cadet can achieve an accomplishment of many years of hard work and determination.

01/01/2026

31/12/2025

Earlier this month, we held our Annual Squadron Awards Night at Leighton Buzzard Rugby Football Club.

The evening included presentations given by cadets highlighting some of their favourite activities from the past year, the
presentation of progressive training syllabus badges and the enrolment of our most recent intake of cadets.

Congratulations to the following cadets on their enrolment and welcome to the RAFAC family:
Cadet Bright, Cadet Brooks N, Cadet Brooks Z, Cadet Carter, Cadet Davies, Cadet D'Souza, Cadet Flick, Cadet Griffiths, Cadet Howard M, Cadet Howard O, Cadet Roberts and Cadet Virag-Torii.

This year, Wing Commander Tanner - our previous Sector Commander - presented the Awards.

Congratulations to our award winners:
Civilian Committee Shield - Flight Sergeant Perkins
Sporting Achievement - Cadet Jackson P
Academic Achievement -Cadet NCO Team
Best Uniform - Flight Sergeant Perkins
Best Attendance - Corporal Johnston
Best Flight - Hurricane
Best Staff Member - Civilian Instructor Grimwood
The Commanding Officers Trophy - Pilot Officer Johnston
Best New Cadet - Cadet Szyja
Cadets Cadet - Corporal Chown and Cadet Stafford
Best Cadet - Cadet Thompson
Best Cadet NCO -Flight Sergeant Keen

Well done to everyone and we wish you a happy and successful new year!

15/12/2025

Tonight we did something different and a festive task was set! Cadets were given 10 sheets of scrap paper, glue and some pens and tasked to create a Christmas tree with 20 minutes construction time. With points awarded for height, stability, design and creativity.

11/11/2025

Today, 1003 (Leighton Buzzard) Squadron attended the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to commemorate the 5000 men and women who worked at RAF Leighton Buzzard (Q Central) during World War II, alongside the annual Service of Remembrance at the towns war memorial.

"In the lead up to WWII, the quiet market town of Leighton Buzzard was chosen to be the secret communications centre for Britian. During WWII, Q Central had the largest telephone exchange in the world, with more than 1,000 teleprinters communicating with all the armed services in every theatre of war and directing operations of the secret service. Q Central also worked closely with its satellite stations of Bletchley Park and the meteorological office in Dunstable which gave the all clear for the D-Day landings." (taken from the book "The Secrets of Q Central by Paul Brown and Edwin Herbert)

09/05/2025

2 of our cadets were able to participate in this overseas trip, who had an incredible experience. Also thanks to 3 of our staff who gave up their time to help run this trip.

24/04/2025

Tonight our cadets made use of our new Xbox flight sim. Many thanks to our civilian committee for funding the new Xbox series x and flight controllers!

03/02/2025