"Whereas we deem it expedient to provide for our youth the means of preparing themselves for Air Service in our Air Force or its reserves or Auxilliaries or in the Fleet Air Arm of our Navy there shall be established a Corps to be called The Air Training Corps!
King George VI
On the issue of a Royal Warrant for the Air Training Corps
5th February 1941
The Air Cadet movement began as the Air Defence Cadet Corps and after the procalmation above, the Air Cadets as we know them was born. At it's peak during the 2nd World War the ATC had over 1,700 Squadrons and over 200,000 cadets. The Corps was split regionally and within those regions into individual Wings and finally Squadrons.
1263 (Rochdale) Sqn is a unit within Greater Manchester Wing which in turn is part of the North Region. The cadets have the opportunity to undertake a number of academic, non-academic and sporting activities including shooting, flying, gliding, various sports and much more. All of the current activities offered by the ATC are available at Rochdale Sqn. In addition to all of the above cadets can also attend RAF Summer Camp, visits to RAF Stations, and a range of different day trips and outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
1263 (Rochdale) Sqn
Remembrance Sunday 2011