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The Association was formed in 1984. In the years since then we have formed links with the following Air Training Corps Squadrons:
207 (Cranfield) Squadron
2266 (Spilsby) Squadron
1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron
The link with 207 came about because of the shared 'number plate', in part arising from 207 being stationed at RAF Cranfield Aug-Dec 1939 and for a few days in 1940. The late AVM David Dick, then President of the Association, opened their HQ.
2266 was the local Squadron for the events associated with the former RAF Spilsby and East Kirkby and for some years the late Ron Emeny, who lived locally, was closely connected with the unit. Sadly 2266 closed in November 2006. Kevin Mapley reports : At Thorpe Camp there is a super display of 2266 related trophies, photographs, uniforms and general memorabilia including the 207 Squadron plaque presented after their participation in the Spilsby memorial ceremony. The display is a fitting tribute to the Spilsby cadets especially after their sad recent disbandment.
1279 is a squadron local to the former 207 Squadron bases at Bottesford and Langar. It took part in the original dedication of the Langar Airfield Memorial and the 10th Anniversary event.
It is the custom for the ATC Squadrons associated with us to have news of their progress published in our twice-yearly newsletters.
The Thomas Skelton ATC Trophy
The Association Committee decided that recognition of the generosity to the Association of Mrs Dorothy Ware, widow of Sgt Thomas Skelton, might fittingly be in the form of a Trophy to be competed for by the ATC squadrons associated with us. Mrs Ware liked the idea.
However, it proved unexpectedly difficult to come to an arrangement with their respective Wings for the award of the Thomas Skelton ATC Trophy to be competed for by 207 and 2266 Squadrons ATC. Kevin Mapley, our Secretary, recalled that 1279 Squadron ATC had participated in events at Langar, which was the 207 base from which Thomas Skelton not return from ops in May 1943. It was suggested to Mrs Ware that instead the Trophy be competed for by the Senior NCOs on 1279. She agreed.
Kevin Mapley writes: Just to report that the presentation of the Thomas Skelton ATC Trophy on Thursday 6 April 2006 went very well. Both Dorothy and I were warmly greeted by Flt Lt Lana Willson OC 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron ATC. The presentation evening, as a whole, was a great success and was particularly enjoyed by Dorothy who ended the evening signing autographs. Prior to reading our President Ken Marwood's well received message sent from Spain, I outlined the origins of the Trophy and the sentiments relating to Tom and Dorothy.
Wg Cdr Ken Marwood AFM's message from his home in Spain was:
"I am delighted to hear that at long last the presentation of the Thomas Skelton ATC Trophy is to take place on Thursday 6 April. Please give my best wishes to Dorothy and hope that she will feel that her faith and her generosity have at last been recognised and rewarded in the most appropriate fashion. It's sad that Tom won't be there in person to watch the events, but I'm sure that he'll be watching from on high and feeling very proud of Dorothy and 207 Squadron Association. I'll be thinking of you all and send my best wishes to those who can be there on Thursday."
| Although slightly emotional Dorothy made a fine speech
before presenting the Trophy to Flt Lt Willson. As you are
aware the Trophy will be competed for by the Senior NCOs on
the squadron, the first recipient was Sgt Brice. He is a very
enthusiastic and dedicated lad who picked up a number of
awards on the night.
Dorothy was presented with an impressive basket of flowers, which probably weighed as much as her. We were both given a glass goblet engraved with the 1279 ATC Squadron crest. The one presented to me is really for the Association. All in all a very successful and enjoyable night and another chapter closed. Mrs Dorothy Ware at the 2002 Reunion with the Thomas Skelton ATC Trophy, in memory of her first husband killed on 13 May 1943 aged 19, and in recognition of her generosity to our Memorial Appeals. |
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| The Trophy, presented by the Association, was to be competed
for by our associated ATC Squadrons, 2266 (Spilsby) and 207
(Cranfield). They and their respective Wings were responsible
for agreeing what the Trophy rules were to be.
The engraved salver, shown in detail here at the 2002 Reunion, is mounted on wood with two panels below ready for engraving the annual winners. In the end the respective Wings of the two Squadrons failed to come up with a solution and instead the Trophy is now competed for by the senior NCOs of 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron ATC! |
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page last updated: 23 Apr 2006, 16 Aug 2010