495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron

OPERATION: WHY ARE WE AWAKE? - BEAUDESERT EDITION

28 cadets from 3 squadrons recently visited Beaudesert for a weekend of adventure training, team-building and personal development.

Over the course of the weekend, cadets took part in a range of activities including archery, the challenge course, monkey trees and shelter building. Each activity tested key skills including leadership, resilience, communication and teamwork, with cadets encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and take on new challenges.

Cadets spent the night in the tented village, and took part in a campfire which included camp songs, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

It was fantastic to see cadets demonstrating determination, encouraging their teammates and building new friendships across the weekend. Experiences like these continue to build confidence, develop skills and strengthen team spirit.

Special mention also goes to those highly motivated individuals who somehow considered 0430 an excellent time to wake up and start playing football… some cadets clearly interpreted “weekend exercise” as “pre-dawn Premier League trials.” We hope you enjoyed watching the sunrise over Beaudesert 😭⚽🌅

A sincere thank you to the staff at Beaudesert for their support, hospitality and excellent provision throughout the weekend, their enthusiasm and engagement with the cadets was second to none. Thanks also go to Sgt H Jones for organising and also to Flt Lt Jeffries and Sgt M Jones for supporting the camp.

485 Harborne & Quinton ATC
165 - Castle Bromwich Sqn News
Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Air Training Corps
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre

VIKING VENTURE – GLIDING AT RAF LITTLE RISSINGTON

On Sunday 3rd May, two cadets from 495 Squadron alongside six cadets from across Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing travelled to RAF Little Rissington to participate in a Gliding Induction Flying day.

After completing the mandatory safety briefings and egress training, the group headed out onto the airfield from where each cadet took to the air in one of the three Viking Gliders, receiving instruction on flight controls from the VGS staff.

During the day, the cadets were also instructed in the various ground activities; attaching the winch cable, holding the wings level and passing instructions to the caravan. It was a productive and enjoyable day which allowed the cadets to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real-world airfield environment.

Can you spot Sgt Gow parading our Squadron Banner?
Or cadet Cliff Marching within the parade?

ATC Sunday Parade

Well done to all the 495 sqn cadets and staff that attended the ATC Sunday celebrations at Coventry Cathedral this afternoon. Today’s celebration was held to mark the 85th birthday of the Air Training Corps. As you can see, we had a great representation in attendance. 👌

Well done to Sgt Moriani for carrying our squadron standard, and also to Cdts Cliff, Lee and Bartlett who were all involved with the cadet Media team; taking photos, videos and interviewing staff and VIP’s. What a fantastic opportunity for you all to showcase your talents. 👏

Our squadron looked very smart and did us very proud indeed! One very happy OC. 😁

More photos to follow

Today our unit is proud to mark ATC Sunday, as we join squadrons across the country in celebrating 85 years of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).

Since 1941, RAFAC has given young people opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, and teamwork through aviation, training, and community service. At unit level, these values are brought to life every week — through parade nights, camps, courses, volunteering, and the shared experiences that help shape our cadets into confident and capable young people.

ATC Sunday gives us the chance to reflect on the support of our local community and to thank our volunteers, staff, parents, and supporters who make everything we do possible. Most importantly, we recognise the commitment and effort of our cadets, who continue to represent our unit and the wider RAFAC with pride.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we look forward to continuing our journey together — building skills, friendships, and opportunities for the future.

Per Ardua ad astra

BUCKLE UP, WE’RE GOING UP!!

Today, 12 cadets from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Air Training Corps, 3 from 495 Sqn, went to RAF Cosford for Air Experience Flights.

Despite the snow last night… cloudy, foggy weather this morning, the weather cleared up just in time for all cadets to get airborne!!

This was the first flight for all and they all enjoyed it. Some having the amazing opportunity to complete aerobatics in a Grob Tutor!!

A massive thanks goes to 8aef_cosford for persisting with the weather and getting all of the cadets airborne.

MINI MOUNTAINEERS 🧗‍♀️🏔️

Last night (Tuesday 27th January), cadets from 495 Squadron and 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Air Training Corps took on a new challenge at Redpoint Climbing Centre — and they absolutely smashed it!

Throughout the evening, cadets developed a range of new skills including climbing techniques, belaying, and bouldering, while also building confidence, teamwork, and trust as they supported one another on and off the wall. For many, it was a chance to push past personal limits, try something completely new, and complete some brilliant first climbs!

The atmosphere was fantastic, with plenty of encouragement, determination, and a lot of well-earned smiles by the end of the session. Everyone threw themselves into the activity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience — so much so that it’s safe to say the minibus was a lot quieter on the journey home than it was on the way there! 😄

Huge well done to all the cadets who took part and represented their squadrons so well. More exciting events like this are already in the pipeline, so keep watching this space… 👀

MOVING ON
FLT LT BRENDAN O’NEILL STEPS DOWN AS OC 495 SQN

On Tuesday we said farewell to our Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill. Brendan has a long association with the Organisation, having spent over 50 years as a member. He has been a part of 495 since 2017. Over the last 8 years he has taken on the roles of Training Officer, Adjutant and a couple of years agreed to “temporarily” be the squadron Commanding Officer. Somehow that “temporary” role stretched out quite a bit longer than planned but with his leadership, support, and good humour, he kept the Squadron going strong through all the usual cadet chaos.

On his final parade he was presented with numerous gifts from the Staff & Cadets of 495 Squadron and Stephen Harper from The Shuttleworth Collection. We had special guests who also wanted to say thank you and goodbye. Former OCs Sqn Ldr Sheila Wilson, Flt Lt Emma Hart and Flt Lt Heather Hart all attended for a catch up and farewell. Reflecting on his time in the organisation he spoke to the cadets for the final time as the OC. He mentioned a few of his highlights which included taking cadets to the Swiss Alps and Ascension Island. He advised cadets to take as many of life’s opportunities as possible when they arise. Don’t put things off (there’s always “reasons”) until another day, because sometimes it never comes again.

Although he is leaving the Sqn, he will take a well-earned break before joining another squadron early next year. We wish him all the best in the future and invite him to visit at any time.

Goodbye Sir.

Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Air Training Corps
West Midland RFCA
Wales & West Air Cadets
Y O U West Midlands
Commandant Air Cadets

LOCAL REMEMBRANCE CONCERT

The Sutton Coldfield branch of the RBL and the Central England Concert Band recently arranged a concert in commemoration of the Armistice Day anniversary.

Along with other local groups, representatives of the cadet forces were invited to attend. The Squadron had two staff and nine cadets taking part. Cpls Gow, Jukes and Warwick had special roles; banner bearer, dignitary es**rt and a poem recitation; High Flight written by John Gillespie Magee.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL 2025

495 CADETS ON DUTY

Today and last Saturday saw staff and cadets from 495 Squadron assisting the Royal British Legion with their annual Poppy Appeal. Well done to all the cadets, especially those who turned out on both days. All monies raised will be used in support of serving and ex-service personnel in need.