Air Cadets Anniversary Parade in Christchurch

Over 300 cadets and staff from Dorset & Wiltshire will parade through Christchurch on Sunday, 5th February, to mark the 71st anniversary of the founding of the Air Training Corps.

Each year, the parade is hosted by one of the Squadrons in Dorset/Wiltshire Wing, and this year it is the turn of 171 (Christchurch) Squadron.  The Squadron was amongst the first Air Training Corps Squadrons formed in 1941, but can trace its origins even further back to 1939, when it was formed as an Air Defence Cadet Corps unit, along with the Bournemouth and Poole units.

Cadets will be travelling to Christchurch from over 30 squadrons in Dorset and Wiltshire for this very important occasion, and Squadron banners will be paraded.

The parade will be led by the Royal British Legion Band, and will start at 1.30pm with a march through the High Street to historic Christchurch Priory for a special service starting at 2pm.

The parade will then reform at 3pm and return along the High Street, where the salute will be taken by HM Vice Lord Lieutenant for Dorset, Mr James Gibson Fleming.  He will be escorted by the Deputy Mayor of Christchurch and Wing Commander Vanessa Toth, Officer Commanding Dorset Wiltshire Wing Air Training Corps.