Ex ATC Royton Cadet “Drops In”

Ex Air Cadet, now Aircrew Sergeant Steve Jones flew in to Royton Squadron ATC on Monday evening, 08 August 11.

Steve, with the crew of 27 Squadron RAF Chinook HC2, Zulu Alpha 708, was on duty in the Manchester area and plans were made to visit Steve’s old Squadron at Royton near Oldham.


After circling Royton to check the landing area, the helicopter touched down at 1915 hrs. Steve had previously said “I always wanted to land on the back field”..............’Job Done’ there!

Steve presented a signed scroll from the Chinook crew to Cadet Warrant Officer Kate Hamilton who received it on behalf of the 1855 Squadron cadets and staff.


Also at the squadron reception were Steve’s sister Clare and his stepdad Les.

Sgt Jones, who was a Cadet Warrant Officer at Royton Squadron, joined the RAF in 2003 and is now based at RAF Odiham near Basingstoke. He still manages to get back to Royton for special occasions such as presentation evenings, to keep his links with the cadets.

The landing probably took the residents the Royton area by surprise but the squadron ‘back field’, used for cadet sport and adventure training preparation, is one of few clear areas where an aircraft the size of a Chinook could land.

Keeping engines running, the Chinook took off about 15 minutes after touchdown and was a memorable event for the squadron’s cadets and the many parents who had turned out.

1855 (Royton) Squadron Air cadets are the ‘High Achievers’ of East Lancashire Wing ATC. They have won the national marching band Championship and have recently won the Morris Trophy awarded – also in 2008 - to the ATC's premier squadrons following review by the Commandant Air Cadets.

Many in Oldham and Royton nickname the squadron “RAF Royton”............it was on Monday!!