Memories of the Diss ATC; 1963-70

In fact David's association with the 1070 Squadron, Diss & Eye Air Training Corps, has now come full circle, as 36 years after leaving, David has returned to the 1070 as a member of the Civilian Management Committee.

David Clarke joined the 1070 Diss & Eye Air Training Cadet Squadron in 1963, staying with the Air Cadets for 7 years until 1970.

He recalls some wonderful summer camps at RAF stations including RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire, RAF Catterick in Yorkshire and RAF Locking near Weston-Super-Mare.

While staying one summer at RAF Locking, the cadets were taken on a trip to BAC Filton and got a sneak preview of the still-to-be-built Concorde. They were shown around the wooden mock-up of the Concorde cockpit, built before even the prototype aeroplane was built.

David recalls that camp activities included shooting and flying. Each morning there was an inspection by the officers, and all the cadets had to work as a team to ensure their bed pack was correct and the barracks were clean and shiny...and woe betide them if it wasn't all correct!

The cadets got to fly in a number of different types of aircraft including the Varsity, Chipmunk and Beaver.

There were a lot of sporting activities included athletics and football.

The football was usually held at RAF Swanton Morley and many of the 1070 Diss Air Cadets were selected to play football for the county ATC Norfolk Wing and played against other Air Cadet Wings at various RAF stations including RAF Wattisham and RAF Uxbridge.

Athletics were also held at RAF Uxbridge which had a stadium boasting a cinder track. Again, many Diss 1070 Air Cadets qualified and represented the Norfolk Wing in competitions against other Air Cadet Wings.

In 1963 Flt Lt RG (Bob) Patterson was promoted to county level, first as Squadron Leader, then as Wing commander. Flt Lt D (Don) Swanton took over at 1070 Diss Air Cadets with assistance of a number of other officers including:

• Billy Cobb of local Diss cycle shop fame
• John Blagdon, the science teacher at the local Grammar school
• John Payne

Flt Lt Swanton sometimes took the Diss Air Cadets to Marshalls airport at Cambridge for Air Experience flying in Chipmunk aircraft. David has never forgotten the first time he flew above the clouds, with the pilot allowing him to take the controls for a short while.

Flt Lt Swanton used to ferry the Air Cadets to Cambridge in his 1930s Bentley. This was fine in the summer, but in the cold of winter they were obliged to stop to the west of Bury St Edmunds so the cadets could indulge in some much needed arm flapping and foot stamping in an attempt to warm up. The Bentley, lovely machine as it was, was completely without heating, something unheard of in modern cars which now often include complete climate control.

If you have your own story and memories why not drop us a message so we can add to the Squadron's history.