LYDNEY's Squadron Air Training Corps celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday marking the event with a parade through the town.

The squadron made history in 1981 when it was granted the freedom of the town. It was the first time a squadron had been granted this honour by any town, borough or city, anywhere in the country. The honour included "the rights, privileges and distinction of marching through the said town on approved ceremonial occasions with colours flying and bands playing."

The mayor, Coun David Clarke, took the salute.

After a short service at St Mary's parish church the parade reformed and marched to Whitecross School where the Squadron HQ was open to visitors. A reunion dinner took place at Lydney Town Hall in the evening where the cadets and staff were joined by special guests and ex-cadets from the services and civilian life.

The squadron was formed by the headmaster of Lydney Grammar School, Mr J.C. Burch, in 1941, and 42 cadets immediately enrolled.

Ex-members of the squadron served in all branches of the service, in many different theatres of war including around Europe and the Far East. Three ex-cadets lost their lives in the service – Pilot Officer E.J. Nash was killed in a flying accident in Canada in February 1943, Sgt Air Gunner D.C.R. Smith died while on active service with 299 Squadron in 1945 and Flt Sgt Pilot A. Barratt died while serving with 114 Squadron, Bomber Command, in Italy in 1945.

One of Lydney ATC's first cadets was Harold McOwen, now 75.

"My father was one of the original civilian instructors with the squadron," Harold recalls.

"My brother Alan was also in the squadron and later became its commanding officer between 1970 and 1988."

Harold and Alan are still both actively involved with the squadron.

In 1987, still more history was made when girls were able to join the squadron for the first time and, in 1996, saw its first female cadet warrant officer.

Squadron activities include flying, gliding, shooting, dining-in nights, Remembrance parades, sports, annual camps, charity fund-raising events, collections for the RAFA and Poppy Day, open days, drill, community activities, Duke of Edinburgh award schemes, aircraft modelling, various civic duties, adventure training and exercises. Uniforms are supplied free. The cadets are taught many subjects including pilot navigation, map-reading and aircraft recognition.

"Over the past five years, five ex-cadets have won the MBE and one the OBE," said Harold.

"The young men and women who come here learn many things and not just about aviation. They also learn discipline, respects and a sense of civic duty."

The squadron continues to thrive under Commanding Officer Ft/Lt Mike McCarthy. He is supported by a number of adult staff, civilian instructors and a civilian committee.

"The squadron continues to experience success and provides great opportunities for young people between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Sundays at 10am at Whitecross School, just by the car park," said Harold.