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History Project

 

In the process of researching the history of the squadron , cadets have met many ex members and heard lots of stories. While looking at the photographs with some of the ex cadets , one - Jim Sainty -  pointed out himself on an old photograph showing a group of cadets who had a gliding scholarship course cancelled . This was in 1939,  and the outbreak of war had caused the cancellation . The cadets then had to travel back from RAF Caxton , in the back of the Commanding officers old Riley . Back in Kings Lynn, Jim Sainty became a Police Messenger to assist the war effort and then went into the RAF, then later worked at Cooper Roller Bearings in Kings Lynn. When the story of the missed flight came to light , the Gliding Squadron at Watton was contacted, and the Commanding officer Squadron Leader Ken Stedman , agreed that  Jim should finally get his flight and acquired the necessary permissions . On Saturday 18th April accompanied by his wife and daughter he travelled to the Gliding squadron along with Flt Lt Petch from 42F. After meeting the staff and sitting through the safety briefs , everyone went out the airfield  and watched cadets practising . CGI Aimee Petch - a CI at Kings Lynn and also an ex-cadet ! - then took Jim to the glider to begin his much awaited flight . After a final brief  he finally took off into a blue sky, and although it was 70 years late  Jim said '' It was a fantastic experience and well worth the wait!  Jim took to the sky's at 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) based at Stanta Airfield Watton , and both Jim and 42F Kings Lynn squadron would like to thank Squadron Leader Ken Stedman and his staff for making this wonderful day possible .

                        

 

70th Anniversary Meal - Town Hall King's Lynn

On March 20th at 19:30, 42F(King's Lynn) Squadron held its 70th Anniversary Dinner. This was held at the historic town hall in King's Lynn with a wonderful Four course meal catered by the 'West Norfolk Flying Chef'.

Present cadets attended in their Finery - Boys in white shirts and Bow ties and Girls in a beautiful array of ball gowns. These were joined by ex-cadets, 42F staff, Wing Staff and Present Committee members. In total 92 people sat down to a scrumptious meal with special guests of Wing Commander Reg Jay and Air Commodore Jon Ford. Professional Photographer, Gary Evans was in attendance for those who wanted photographs taken. Old photographs and display boards were available for the guests to view before the meal. After the meal coffee was served in the stone hall while an improvised disco was held for cadets in the assembly room.

A special Anniversary cake was made by the CO with a photograph montage of the last 70years on the top. This was cut by No 1 cadet Geoff Bullen and the current youngest cadet High.                             

Time Capsule 2009

The squadron has been in existence since January 2nd 1939. It began life as an Air Defence Cadet Corps Squadron and then in 1941 became a squadron in the Air Training Corps. Because of the long history in King's Lynn , current cadets decided to research the squadron's history .
With a fantastic grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund  and help from both King's Lynn Library and Lynn Museum  the History of the squadron is taking shape .
Cadet have found out just what life was like 70 years ago and have begun collating the information

ATC Sunday Parade

Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Ian Stewart inspected cadets from 5 squadrons from across the wing at an ATC Sunday Parade February 2009. The Commandant also had chance to talk to the ex-cadets of 42F King's Lynn squadron including No.1 cadet Geoff Bullen

70th Anniversary information 
The History Project was  funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will ensure that all the information from the research  will be remembered. A DVD was  produced and a book  written . Cadets have been busy interviewing ex-cadets and staff , and have filmed and photographed people and events for the anniversary year
There have been Open Days ,visits and exhibitions . In all a successful research project.
Book and DVD available from the squadron