About Us

1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron provides the young people of Ilkley and Wharfedale with opportunities in a military based environment which include flying, gliding, target shooting, drill, first aid training, leadership training and much more.
Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure. Cadets have many opportunities including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training. The focus is always on enjoying yourself while improving your skills.

The Squadron parades twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays from 1845-2115.

Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Air Cadets’ ethic. The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background or ability, whether you're male or female, if you're between 13, or at age 12 when beginning school year 8 and 17 years old you can join us.

Uniform is provided for you and almost all activities such as Flying, Gliding and Shooting are free, however there is a reasonable monthly charge to cover other costs.

For more information on what we get up to inside the Corps check out the 'Activities' page. The Air Cadets is an excellent way of meeting new people and getting involved in activities you would not get the chance to experience anywhere else. If you are interested please get in touch!

Meet The Team

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Officer Commanding
Sqn Ldr Kjersti Moore

SMITH CROPPED RS

Acting OC
Fg Off Tom Smith

COOK CROPPED RS

Adjutant
Fg Off Sam Cook

DOWLING CROPPED RS

Squadron Shooting Officer
WO Luke Dowling

WATSON CROPPED RS

Squadron Warrant Officer
WO Scott Watson

WHITE CROPPED RS

Training Officer
FS Sam White

ROSEN CROPPED RS

Drill & Discipline
Sgt Jake Rosen

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Civilian Instructor
CI Simon Hills

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Civilian Instructor
CI Nicole Lockwood

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Civilian Instructor
CI Phil King

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Civilian Instructor
CI Mark Sugrue

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Civilian Instructor
CI Tam Moore

Squadron History

Our Squadron first paraded on 14th March 1941 as 1224 (Ilkley) Squadron and has remained a strong unit ever since.

Originally based at Ilkley Grammar School on Cowpasture Road, The Squadron was later housed in premises at the rear of Kings Hall.

Ilkley Squadron was eventually merged with 279 (Otley) Squadron in the 1970's to form 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron and now has premises on Ashlands Road.

Squadron Commanders

1941 - 1943 - Flt Lt Frank Dixon Marshall

1943 - 1946 - Flt Lt J.C. Findlay

1947 - 1963 - Flt Lt Wally Holmes

1963 -1968 - Flt Lt John T. Waterhouse

1968 - 1972 - Flt Lt Brian A. Andrews

1972 - 1976 - Flt Lt Richard E. Griffiths

1976 - 1980 Flt Lt R. Henley

1980 - 1988 - Flt Lt Trevor Jones

1988 - 1991 - Flt Lt Malcolm Bates

1991 - 2010 - Flt Lt John Hitchen

2010 - 2013 - Flt Lt Sue Leighton

2013 - 2015 - WO (ATC) David Wood

2015 - 2020 - Sqn Ldr Wayne Yeadon

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2020-2022 Flt Lt Tom Smith

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2022 - 2025 - Sqn Ldr Cheryl Kirby

2025 - Present - Sqn Ldr Kjersti Moore