In the beginning. . .
The idea of another Air Cadet Squadron in the city of London was sparked by two formed Air Cadet Officers; W.A.Mallet, and E.H.Muzylowsky, as well as a Master Corporal in the First Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, J.Bentley.
Immediately, the Provincial Chairman of the Air Cadet League was informed of the interest in starting a new Squadron. He was receptive to the idea, but he noted that the requirements of a potential new Squadron had to be met before a charter could be granted. These requirements were; designation of a Sponsoring Committee, allocation of training facilities, officers, and instructors had to be found, and most importantly, a supply of young people had to be assured.
After considerable time and effort, being spent without a Sponsoring Committee being found, the idea seemed doomed. However, at the end of May 1976, the retired Commanding Officer of 27 RC(AIR)CS, Mr. D.M.R. Hammond was contacted for assistance. Through Major Hammond, it was hoped that a Sponsoring Committee of ex-Air Force personnel could be found.
On 15 June 1976 , a meeting was arranged with the Base Commander of CFB London, Colonel R.A.Allan. Colonel Allan stated at this meeting that part of his responsibilities as Base Commander was support to the Cadet movement, and he assured that training facilities would be made available.
Throughout the summer of 1976, the details were finalized and on 2 September 1976 , 614 RC(AIR)CS was officially designated as The Forest City Squadron. On the 23 September the first training night was held and the squadron effective strength stood at 49 Cadets under the command of Captain J. (Jim) K. Austin, our first Commanding Officer.
Originally, the Sponsoring Committee had wanted 617 as the number for the new squadron. This was due to the fact that several members were part of the original 617 Dambusters Squadron, famous for its bomber aircraft which destroyed dams during the Second World War. The number, however, was already in use, and so 614 was settled on as the next best thing.
The resulting squadron has done nothing but grow and improve since its early days and has won numerous awards – including Top Squadron in Ontario – for the cadets and many more for the Sponsoring Committee.
All one has to do is look around at this site to realize that 614 squadron creates members for life.
DEVORATE OMNES / Devour Them All.
More information on the 617 Dambusters Squadron.
Immediately, the Provincial Chairman of the Air Cadet League was informed of the interest in starting a new Squadron. He was receptive to the idea, but he noted that the requirements of a potential new Squadron had to be met before a charter could be granted. These requirements were; designation of a Sponsoring Committee, allocation of training facilities, officers, and instructors had to be found, and most importantly, a supply of young people had to be assured.
After considerable time and effort, being spent without a Sponsoring Committee being found, the idea seemed doomed. However, at the end of May 1976, the retired Commanding Officer of 27 RC(AIR)CS, Mr. D.M.R. Hammond was contacted for assistance. Through Major Hammond, it was hoped that a Sponsoring Committee of ex-Air Force personnel could be found.
On 15 June 1976 , a meeting was arranged with the Base Commander of CFB London, Colonel R.A.Allan. Colonel Allan stated at this meeting that part of his responsibilities as Base Commander was support to the Cadet movement, and he assured that training facilities would be made available.
Throughout the summer of 1976, the details were finalized and on 2 September 1976 , 614 RC(AIR)CS was officially designated as The Forest City Squadron. On the 23 September the first training night was held and the squadron effective strength stood at 49 Cadets under the command of Captain J. (Jim) K. Austin, our first Commanding Officer.
Originally, the Sponsoring Committee had wanted 617 as the number for the new squadron. This was due to the fact that several members were part of the original 617 Dambusters Squadron, famous for its bomber aircraft which destroyed dams during the Second World War. The number, however, was already in use, and so 614 was settled on as the next best thing.
The resulting squadron has done nothing but grow and improve since its early days and has won numerous awards – including Top Squadron in Ontario – for the cadets and many more for the Sponsoring Committee.
All one has to do is look around at this site to realize that 614 squadron creates members for life.
DEVORATE OMNES / Devour Them All.
More information on the 617 Dambusters Squadron.
Tags: 1976, allan, austin, bill, ernie, hammond, jim, mallet, muzylowsky
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Peter Scheidler on -
As I recall, the first two cadet NCOs were Jim Hill and Dean Avola (they had been involved with other cadet units).
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Phillips (nee Saunders) on -
I think Dave Robinson was an NCO at that time too. I know he was friends with Dean Avola. I'll see if I can find out.
Kelly.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Scheidler on
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Dave definitely was. Dean and Jim attended Saunders, but I can't recall if Dave Robinson did. I believe Dave eventually joined the Hussars as a reservist.
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Permalink Reply by Jacquie Pepper on -
Peter,
Don't remember Jim but I know Dean was in the sqn. 614 was the first Cadet Squadron they were involved with. There was an original group and I know Yvonne Clarke (nee McRobb) would know the names. Jacquie
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Permalink Reply by Chris Saunders on -
Hey, J, do you know how to get in touch with Yvonne? Could you send her an invitation to the site?
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Phillips (nee Saunders) on
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Chris, you might want to include the fact that Jim Austin was the first CO. If you want I can send you a sequencial list of past CO's but I think Jim should be included in this area as well. Kel.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Saunders on
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I agree completely. I've been after Jacquie to provide an update and will update it as soon as I have the new content.
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Permalink Reply by Jacquie Pepper on
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Okay, Chris
Other than Adding Jim Austin, I don't see anything having to go any further. I would put the fact that Jim was the first CO right after ...the strength stood at 49 Cadets under the command of "Captain J. (Jim) K. Austin our first Commanding Officer."
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Permalink Reply by Chris Saunders on
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Thanks for the info. The post has been updated accordingly.
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Permalink Reply by Jacquie Pepper on
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Your best to call her. I'll email her number on your other email
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