When Lydney Grammar School Headmaster Mr. J. C. Burch formed No. 614 (Lydney Grammar School) ATC Flight was formed on 16th February 1941, 60 cadets immediately enrolled. Mr Burch was commissioned and given the rank of Flying Officer; Mr C.Born and Mr R. Matthews were commissioned as Pilot Officers, and Mr E. Reissner and Mr W.G. McOwan became Civilian Instructors.

(Mr McOwan's son, Harold McOwan, was one of the first cadets on parade when 614 (L.G.S.) ATC Squadron was formed. Harold's brother, Alan McOwan, later became the Commanding Officer of the Squadron. Both are still very active in the squadron's activities. Harold was also active with Lydney youth club, joining in 1948. He remained a leader for 11 years. He also served on the youth centre management committee, taught cycling proficiency at Bream Road School and served on the parish council for a time. However, Harold is best known for his role as public relations officer for the ATC. He rejoined the ATC in 1970 as a civilian instructor and has received two high commendations for his services. Even a heart attack in the 1970's has not stopped his sterling work. He was also a member of the Royal British Legion services committee for 12 years. He was awarded the Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire's Certificate of Meritous Voluntary Service in 1991. ).

From the beginning Navigation, Signals, Theory of Flight, Weapons Training and Drill were all taught to the cadets. The first Cadet Flight Sergeant was Jim Nash and the first annual camp was at Staverton, where No. 2 EFTS flew Tiger Moths and the N0. 6 OANS bomb-aimer school flew Avro Ansons. In those very first air-experience flights, the cadets were given rides on Anson training missions along Frampton Sands and Minsterworth Marshes.

Ex-members of the Squadron served in all branches of the service, in many different theatres of war including around Europe and the Far-East. Three ex-cadets lost their lives in the service. Pilot Officer E. J. Nash was killed in a flying accident in Canada in February 1943 (1). Sgt. Air Gunner D.C.R. Smith died while on active service with 299 Squadron in 1945 and Flt Sgt. Pilot A. Barratt died while serving with 114 Squadron, Bomber Command, in Italy in 1945.

In 1946 Flt Lt E.F. Davies, DFC (an ex-Lydney Grammar School pupil) took command of the squadron. Two years later, in 1948, Flt Lt D. A. L (Dit) Thomas became the Commanding Officer having joined the squadron as a civilian instructor in 1942. Flt Lt Thomas served for a further 22 years and saw many changes, including a change of uniform to a shirt and tie, battle dress blouse and beret and RAF trousers. Camps were spent on RAF stations all over the British Isles, from Kinloss in Scotland to St Mawgan, in Cornwall.; from West Raynham in Norfolk to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. Individual cadets went to Germany, Eygpt, Malta and Norway.

Flying changes from multi-engine aircraft duty flights to air experience flying in the De-Havilland Chipmunk, a two-seat trainer, where cadets could experience aerobatics and actually handle the aircraft in flight. Gliding also became popular.

In May 1949, a Flying Scholarship was started, training up to 250 cadets each year up to the standard of the Private Pilot's licence. Flying scolarships have been awarded to T. Adcock (1955), P. Richards (1956), and A. Morgan (1968). In 1957, the current system of Air Experience Flights was set up, with a fleet of 50 Chipmunk aircraft. Later to be replaced by the Scottish Aviation Bulldog, a two-seat side-by-side aircraft.

In 1970, F/O A. J. H. McOwan became C.O. and was promoted to Flt/Lt. (Allan McOwan joined the ATC as a cadet in 1946, served his National Service in the RAF as a wireless operator, then rejoined the ATC as a civilian instructor in 1955. He was commissioned into the RAF Volunteer Reserve training branch in 1965. In 1977, he received the Cadet Force's Medal from the Duke of Beaufort. In September 1985 he was awarded a clasp to the Cadet Force's Medal for 20 years continual service in the ATC. In December 1985 he was presented with the Defence Council's Letter of Appreciation, which read – I am commanded by the Air Force Board of the Defence Council to inform you that their attention has been drawn to the valuable service you have rendered to the Air Training Corps since 1965. The Commandant of the Air Training Corps has paid tribute to the enthusiastic and efficient manner in which you have carried out your duties with 614 (Lydney) Squadron. He mentions particularly your achievement to maintain a Unit which participates to the full in all Corps activities despite travelling difficulties and the contribution to local life made by your unit which gained them the Freedom of the Town of Lydney in 1980. Your devotion to duty and the excellence of the results achieved have earned you the respect and admiration of all).

Flt/Lt A. J. H. McOwan decided that cadet project time should be directed towards helping the local community. For example in February 1972, during the bleak winter plagued by power cuts and fuel shortages, the Squadron made an all out effort to help Lydney's senior citizens against the cold. Twenty-five cadets took part in the distribution of wood from a Forest saw-mill. A local businessman supplied a lorry, local farmers supplied the sacks, the WRVS helped and the saw-mill supplied the wood for free. Over the period of the cold snap, about 120 sacks of wood were supplied to pensioners free of charge. As one newspaper put it "they demonstrated the efficiency and responsibility of organised youth."

Other community activities included cleaning the local war memorial, tending graves, and raising money for local charities. They also re-painted and repaired toys for unprivileged and mentally-handicapped children. As a result the squadron was awarded the county community relations trophy four times in five years. The squadron has also received numerous awards form its fund-raising for the Royal British Legion, Poppy Day, and the Wings Appeal.

In 1973, while researching the Squadron's history, an interesting discovery was made. A local Lydney businessman, Mr. Cyril Bailey, himself an ex-ATC cadet, had served in the RAF in World War Two as a ground crew Flight Mechanic, Engines, with No. 617 Dambuster Squadron. He had actually been on duty on the night of the raid on the Moehne and Eder dams when Wing/Cmdr. Guy Gibson won the V.C. Mr Bailey presented the 614 Squadron with a tankard, which was used by the Dambusters aircrew and is inscribed "No. 617 Squadron RAF Lancasters".

In 1977, 614 (Lydney) Squadron's new headquarters was opened at Whitecross School by Viscount Bledisloe. Previously, the squadron had used the classrooms of Lydney Grammar School. On 28th March 1981, history was made when 614 (Lydney) Squadron ATC was granted the freedom of the town of Lydney. "We believe we are the only squadron in the country to have be given the freedom of a town, borough or city," said Mr Harold McOwan. The event included the ATC marching through the town, headed by the band of the Army Apprentices School, Beachley. A scroll, signed by the town councillors, was presented to Flt. Lt McOwan by the mayor, Mr Ernest W. Goss. It read: " To the officer commanding, and all the ranks of 614 Squadron (Lydney) Air Training Corps. We the mayor, the town councillors and the burgesses of the town of Lydney in the county of Gloucester being desirous of showing the high esteem with which we hold the 614 Squadron, and to commemorate the anniversary of their 40 years faithful service to the community, do hereby confer upon the squadron the Freedom of the Town of Lydney and thereby the rights, privileges and distinction of marching through the said town on approved ceremonial occasions with colours flying and bands playing."

On 17th June 1981, the Squadron was visited by Mrs Born, Mrs Burch and Mrs Reissner. These were the widows the Squadron's first commanding officer, FO J.C. Burch, P.O. Born (navigating officer) and Mr E. Reissner (theory of flight and aircraft recognition instructor). Each was presented with a basket of flowers by the C.O., Flt Ltt A.J. H. Mcowan. Later that day, cadets were present at Bathurst Park, where an oak tree was planted to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the squadron and the Air Training Corps.

In September 1982, the local newspapers carried an article about "the mystery of a Forest Grave". The Lydney grave of RAF flight engineer Eddie Parrish was visited by his sister Mrs Phyllis Hopkinson and she was amazed to find it so well tended. She left a note on the grave, asking who was looking after it! It was being looked after by 614 (Lydney) Squadron, after its unkempt state had been noticed by the local Girls' Venture Corps. The squadron had contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and offered to look after the grave of Eddie Parish, who it is believed was killed in the crash of a Halifax bomber shortly after returning from a mission over Berlin in 1944. They accepted the offer and it has been tended ever since.

Harold McOwan received the Corps' certificate of good service award in 1983, for his service to the squadron as press officer. Harold's award was well deserved as he had successfully kept the squadron on the map for over a decade. He has been involved in youth work now for over half a century!

Also in 1983, Lydney was judged the Bristol/Gloucestershire Wing Efficiency Trophy.

In 1986, 614 (Lydney) Squadron was called upon to perform a guard of honour for one of their young colleagues. Brenton Laughton, age 17. Brenton was killed in a collision with a car near Alyburton and died shortly afterwards. Brenton had been a pupil at Whitecross School and had spent four years with the ATC, reaching the highest rank of staff cadet. He was buried with full ATC honours, with his young colleagues acting as bearers. They formed a guard of honour and the coffin was draped with the ATC flag.

This same year, Marlene Skelton became the squadron's first woman officer. She had spent three years as a civilian instructor before taking the rank of Pilot Officer. She was one of only four female officers in the Bristol/Gloucestershire Wing. Working as squadron adjutant, her duties included organising the squadron's annual dining-in night. Also in 1986, the Forest of Dean branch of the RAFA formerly adopted the squadron.

History was also made in 1987 when girls were able to join the squadron for the first time. They were soon taking part in all squadron events, including Chipmunk flying at Bristol Filton. By February that year, three girls had already represented their Wing in Regional hockey. The age limit was also lowered to 13 years, with enrolment at 13 years and 3 months. Cdt Sharon Tyrrel was the squadron's first female cadet.

Alan Rudge promoted to corporal December 1987. CWO 1990.

Commanding Officer, Flt/Lt A.J. H. McOwan R.A.F. V.R (T) retired in 1988 after 23 years as a uniform member of the squadron, CO for 18 years. He went on to become a Wing Staff Officer, with the rank of Squadron Leader. He was warded the MMBE in1995. His place as CO was taken by Flt/Lt John Badham, who had served in the ATC since 1965.

In September 1990 the squadron organised a Battle of Britain exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of that great battle. Memorabilia included pictures, medals, uniforms and weapons from the time. The exhibition raised £500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund's "Reach for the Sky" appeal. The exhibition was opened by Bill Townsend, one of the pilots from the daring "Dambusters" raid. Former cadet Flt Lt Julian D'Aubyn visited the exhibition in an RAF Gazelle helicopter, giving 17 of the boys a ride of their lifetime.

Flt Lt J.. W. Badham was award a clasp for his Cadet Forces Medal, in recognition of 20 years service, in October 1990. In 1991 the squadron celebrated its 50th anniversary with a march through the Lydney and a salute taken by the mayor, Mr John Matthews. Founders and serving personnel met at the town hall for a reunion dinner. Later in the year an oak tree was planted in Bathurst Park to celebrate the anniversary.

In 1992, the squadron won the Harrier Trophy as the most outstanding unit in the Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing of the ATC. They achieved the outstanding mark of 81.8%! (Cheltenham came second on 66%, Kings School third on 53% and Thornbury third on 36%). Lydney last won the trophy in 1984. Points are awarded for academic, practical and sporting achievements as well as public service. Events that year included a visit to RAF Fairford.

1993 saw Lydney (614) Squadron winning the Blenheim Trophy for the third successive year. The trophy is awarded for the best Diorama Model in the wing. Three cadets were awarded flying scholarships that year.

In 1994 the squadron took part in the Gloucester RAF Careers Information Office Pentathlon, held at RAF Innsworth, competing for the CIO Challenge Trophy. Ten squadrons from Hereford/Worcester wing and Bristol/Gloucestershire wing took part. The squadron came first. That same year Cadet CWO Michael Morgan was awarded the Mike Kendall Trophy for the best cadet in the Bristol and Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset Wings.

Success continued year on year. In 1996 the squadron saw its first female Cadet Warrant Officer, Tina Harris. That same year WO Alann Rudge and WO Dave Rudge both achieved Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. Four cadets achieved Bronze Awards. Also in 1996, the Royal British Legion presented a certificate to the squadron for 25 years unbroken service, collecting for Poppy Day.

Little funding actually comes from the RAF. Most of the costs have to be raised by the squadron itself, its civilian committee and the generous help of local individuals and companies.

Flying, gliding, shooting, dining-in nights, remembrance parades, sports, annual camps, charity fund-raising events, collections for the RAFA and Poppy Day, open days, drill, community activities, Duke of Edinburgh award schemes, aircraft modelling, various civic duties, adventure training and exercises. They are taught subjects such as pilot navigation, map-reading, aircraft recognition,

Although initially formed to meet the needs of a nation at war, the Corps continues to thrive as it enters the 21st Century. With almost 49,000 members, aged from 13 to 22 years, within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organisations and the world's largest youth air training organisation. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.

Roll of Honour
PILOT OFFICER JIM NASH, RAF (VR)
130942 Pilot Officer Jim Nash joined the ATC in February 1941. He was the squadron's first Flight Sergeant. He was educated at Lydney Grammar School, where he passed with high honours his Oxford and Higher School Certificates. Until he was old enough to join the RAF as a voluntary reserve, he worked as secretary to the headmaster, Mr J. G. Burch. He joined the RAF late in 1941 and, having completed pilot training in Canada, he was posted to No. 31 O.T.U. He was killed 27th January 1943, age 20, together with his crew, in a flying accident while stationed at Operational Training Unit No. 31, Debert, Nova Scotia, under the Empire Training Scheme. As part of Coastal Command, these young men would patrol the convoys in the North Atlantic, or seeking out submarines, flying Lockheed Hudson aircraft. The aircraft destroyed was a Lockheed Hudson V (AM890). Also lost was Pilot Officer D. Bennitt, RAF (Navigator), Sgt C Mark and Sgt Leadley (WOP/AG's) RCAF. The aircraft was on finals when at about 500 feet, it plunged into the ground. It was thought that a flap failed to operate. He Nash is buried at Truro, Nova Scotia (Division C, Grave 4). He was the son of Mr & Mrs F. Nash, of Lydney, and brother of Mrs M. Wiggell, Mrs Edith Howells and Mrs Sheila Remnant.

ALAN FREDERICK BARRATT, RAF (VR)
1586979 Flight Sergeant A. F. Barratt joined the Air Training Corps in February 1941, Squadron No. 2. He became the Squadron Flight Sergeant after E. J. Nash. He joined the RAF in 1942. After operational training at Gianaclis, Egypt, he was posted with his crew, [168329 Sgt. R. McCrae (Nav,/Bomb), age 27 years, 1810229 Sgt. J.A. Doherty (WOP/AG), age 26 years, 640485 Sgt T. F. Cready (A/G), age 24 years] to No. 114 Squadron, 326 Wing, Tactical Bomber Force, based at Falconara, 2 Miles north of Ancona, Italy. He was killed on 22nd February , 1945, age 21 years, with his crew flying Douglas Boston aircraft over Mestre, North Italy while on his first operation against transport and marshalling yards around Casara in the Po valley. He was buried in beginning of 1946. (Plot 2, Row E, Collective Grave 7—10). Padua War Cemetery.

DAVID CLEMENT RAXMOND SMITHL R. A. F. (VR)
3025447 Flight Sergeant D.C.R. Smith joined the Air Training Corps in February 1941, Squadron No. 23. He joined the RAF in October 1943 and qualified as a air-gunner. At the time of his death he was serving in Short Stirling No. Pk225, a 4 engine bomber of No. 299 Squadron, 38 Group. He was posted missing believed killed on the 31st March, 1945, age 20 years. With his crew 128941 Flt/Lt A.G, Anderson (Pilot). 1602378 Flt/Sgt R.A.W. Dawkins (Nav) NZ44781 W.I Davison (Bomb). 1140087 W/O Green (W.0.P. ) and 3041590 L Jeffery (F.E) No. 299 Squadron Stirlings were used to drop paratroops, arms and agents into Europe and also glider towing. He has no known grave and is therefore commemorated by name on the Air Force Memorial, at Runnymede, (Panel 272).

Annual Camps
Annual Camps over the years have included RAF Halton (1971); RAF Cottesmore (1972); RAF Cottesmore (1973), also Flt/Lt. A. McOwan and two cadets went to camp in Malta, while another cadet went to RAF Brugren, Germany; RAF Aberporth (1974); RAF St Mawgan (1975); RAF Luffenham (1976); RAF Wyton (1977), two cadets to Gibraltar; RAF Wwest Raynham (1978), 1 cadet to Malta; RAF Coltishall (1979), 1 cadet to Portugal; RAF Linton-on-Ouse (1980), 1 cadet to Cyprus; RAF St Athan (1981); RAF Odiham (1982), 2 cadets RAF Gutersloh, Germany; 2 cadets RAF Gibralter (1983); RAF Shawbury (1983); RAF Wyton (1984); RAF Church Fenton (1985); RAF Hereford (1986); RAF Coningsby (1987); RAF St Athan (1988); RAF Brawdy (1989); 1 cadet RAF Gatow, Germany (1989); 1 cadet RAF Gibralter (1989); 1 cadet RAF Widenrath, Germany (1990); RAF Benson (1990); RAF Henlow (1991); RAF St Mawgan (1992); RAF Sealand (1993). 1 cadet Hong Kong (1993); RAF Halton (1994); 1 cadet RAF Gibraltar (1995); I cadet to Australia (1995); 1 cadet RAF Rheindahlen, in Germany (1995); 2 cadets RAF Bruggen, in Germany (1995); RAF Coningsby (1995); 1 cadet RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus (1996); RAF Luffenham (1996); RAF Digby (1997); 1 cadet RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus (1997); RAF Brampton (1998); 1 cadet in Germany (1998); RAF Leuchars (1999); RAF Brize Norton (2000); RAF Cosford (2000); RAF Shawbury (2001).

Former Cadets at 614 (Lydney) ATC
Not all cadets join the Armed Forces. Indeed the majority remain civilians. However the discipline and sense of responsibility stand them in good stead in their civilian life in the adult world.
Pilot Officer P. Brown RAFVR(t), formerly of No. 493 (Kings Heath) Sqn. Joined 614 in 1973. 1972 Cadet WO Lawrence J. Clark received several awards. He became an adult Warrant Officer in 1974 and later joined the RAF. F/Lt .Julian D'Aubyn, a former CWO went to Lydney Grammar School (where his father taught for 43 years , became a Wessex helicopter pilot stationed in Hong Kong (3 years), later at RAF Brawdy (Search and Rescue). Andrew Taylor RAF apprentice (1976) obtained a degree in air transport engineering; Terry Martin Morris join RAF (1976); David Price joined the Royal Artillery, James Fennell joined the Royal Navy and Kevin England joined the RAF (1979). Steven Barton joined the RAF (1980); P.J Turley joined the RAF (1980). Wing Commander Terry Adcock, OC 5 Sqn Lightnings (Lydney Cadet 279) presented a Lightening photograph in 1981 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Dinner. Jermey Preedy joined the RAF (1981); Paul Charles, another Lydney ex-cadet was appointed CO at No. 1079 Tiverton Sqn. ATC. Rod Russell joined the RAF as a mechanical transport driver (1985), later becoming a paramedic; Stephen Chilton joined the Coldstream Guards (1987), serving in the Gulf and Northern Ireland where he was injured in a mortar attack. Jason Young became a RAF apprentice technician. James Fennell, a cadet from 1973-1979 reaching the rank of CWO was awarded the MBE in 1995 for his work in Rwanda. Alistair Green who joined the RAF in 1983 was awarded the MBE in 1997 for his service to charity. Tina Watts (a former CWO) joined the RAF 1997. Howard Taylor now flies Boeing 737's with Go, the low cost airline formerly owned by British Airways.
Other former cadets from the local business community have included Mr. Melville Watts OBE (Watts of Lydney) and Mr. D Thompson.