Up in the air!
New centre all set to open for cadets
A new Air Cadet activity centre will be formally opened in Cambuslang this weekend.
At 12.30pm on Sunday, May 3, the new centre will open next to the existing cadet centre on Gilbertfield Road.
The centre will be used by Air Cadets across the West of Scotland, offering accommodation for 18 cadets plus four instructors. The centre has flight simulators, classrooms, an IT suite, radio room and offices.
The classrooms can be used for a variety of activities including first aid, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, leadership, aviation training and band practice. In addition, cadets can undergo fieldcraft training, navigation, rifle target shooting and clay pigeon shooting within nearby Dechmont Ranges.
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ross Paterson who is the RAF’s lead representative in Scotland,will open the centre. AVM Paterson will be accompanied by Group Captain Jim Leggat, responsible for Air Cadets within Scotland and Northern Ireland Region, and Wing Commander Jim Haley, commanding Air Cadets across the West of Scotland.
A total of 150 staff and cadets will also be in attendance to line the route and provide a ceremonial parade and guard of honour. AVM Paterson will then inspect the cadets and the centre and the Wing’s Assistant Chaplin, Rev Aftab Gofar will then perform a blessing of the new Wing Activity Centre, before the plaque is unveiled.
The centre will be named after Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Archie McKellar, one of Glasgow’s own flying aces of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
He was born in Paisley and was later a pupil at Shawlands Academy. He then worked as a plasterer but joined the Scottish Flying Club and obtained his Pilot’s license. In 1936, aged 24, he joined the Royal Auxilliary Air Force (Raux.AF) and began pilot training. He completed his training in 1938 and was assigned to No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron Raux.AF.
Also at this time, he was a volunteer member of the local 32F (1st Glasgow) Squadron of Air Cadets, located next to the Army Reserve Centre on Carmunnock Road, King’s Park. In 1939 he converted to Spitfires and experienced his first combat, credited with two victories soon after the outbreak of war against German bombers attacking Royal Navy ships and installations over northern Britain.
Sqn Ldr McKellar’s first victory earned him the distinction of being the first pilot to shoot down a German aircraft over the British Isles during the war. Sqn Ldr McKellar was responsible for shooting down 21 German aircraft but was sadly killed in aerial combat in November 1940, just two hours after the Battle of Britain officially ended.
He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his valour. Two family members of Sqn Ldr McKellar, his niece and nephew will proudly attend the ceremony on his behalf.
Local Air Cadets from 32F (1st Glasgow) Squadron, based in Carmunnock Road, were jointly responsible for naming the centre along with 49F Greenock (MacRoberts Reply) Squadron.
Both squadrons suggested the name of Archie McKellar as part of a competition to name the centre and both squadrons will be the first to experience an activity camp that weekend as their prize.
Flight Lieutenant Colin Miller, Commanding Officer of 32F, said: “I first heard of Sqn Ldr McKellar’s feats through his association with our squadron. It’s only fitting that his determination and fighting spirit live on through this activity centre to inspire a new generation.”
The 32F (1st Glasgow), is currently looking for new members to join. They offer flying, gliding, target shooting, sports, camps, adventure training and much more.
Those who are at least 12-years-old and in S2 or 13 years and over and are interested in joining the Air Cadets, they are based at the Army Reserve Centre, 155 Carmunnock Rd, King’s Park.
They parade on Mondays and Fridays at 7.30pm. Telephone 0141 633 3533, email 32@aircadets.org or visit them on Facebook, www. facebook.com/32Fsquadron, for further information.