About 1461 (Wigston & District) Squadron RAFAC
A Welcome from our Officer Commanding 1461 (Wigston & District) Squadron RAFAC
Flight Lieutenant Geoff Elliott (RAFAC)
With 25 years experience in the Royal Air Force as a RAF Regiment Gunner and over 15 years experience as an adult volunteer with RAFAC. He has commanded 1461 squadron for over 5 years now, first arriving as a Warrant Officer taking over command from our former OC Flt Lt Henson before later gaining a commission.
An avid Leicester Tigers fan, Flight Lieutenant Elliott is keen on sports and fitness and is a qualified Personal trainer, a RFU level 1 Rugby coach and a level 2 Bowls coach highlighting his passion for training.
He has an AET level 3 teaching qualification and is a qualified First Aid trainer, First Aid being his second passion behind sports. In his role as Officer Commanding 1461sqn, Flt Lt Elliott is keen to develop the cadets to achieve successful careers moving forward whether it be in the armed forces or life in general and equally for his staff team to progress themselves and deliver the best experience for the cadets.
The Squadron
The squadron has entered a new era, as post lockdown the squadron had been struggling for both cadet and staff numbers. That is no longer the case, with the squadron consistently having around 50 cadets on squadron strength and a staff team of 8 adult volunteers, supported by a Civilian Committee of 6. That said we are always looking to boost numbers across all departments.
The unit is a bustling, thriving squadron with a multitude of opportunities and activities to suit everyone. Some of the topics taught include:
- Flying
- Gliding, Sports
- Map reading
- First Aid
The unit is aviation minded with the recent purchase of a Flight Simulator used to teach cadets the basics of flying in preparation for an air experience flight in a Grob Tutor aircraft at RAF Cranwell. During these air experience flights cadets actually get to have hands on control of the aircraft under the guidance of the trainers who are quite often military or ex military pilots.
Other opportunities include the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme (DofE) with participation in cadet activities counting as part toward the Bronze award and studying for a BTEC with the Cadet Vocational College which equates to up to 4 GCSE’s. 2024 saw the squadron have successes with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for DofE and several cadets gaining their BTEC qualification.
The squadron is also very active in supporting the local community helping out at Knighton Park show, Blaston show, Fleckney Festival, Leicester Tigers remembrance service and many others in recent years.
History of the Squadron
The Air Training Corps a whole was formed on 5 February 1941, with most squadrons being established around this time. 1461 squadron was registered on 24th May 1941 with it’s headquarters at 32, Long Street Wigston and training carried out at what is now South Wigston High school. The first commanding officer being Acting Flying officer H Hunt.
Following the end of the second world war, all ATC squadrons were disbanded and 1461 Was reformed under the command of Flt Lt M Hassell in 1960 before moving to the current site on the 12th August 1964. Other Commanding Officers include:-
Flt Lt Brian Wilkins
Flt lt P Reed
Flt Lt Andrew Flynn
Flt Lt Neil Liquorish
Flt Lt Julie Rayson
Flt Lt Emilee Towson
Flt Lt Tim Hargraves
Fg Off Molly Henson
Flt Lt Geoff Elliott – November 2017 – Present.