Numbers had dropped to such low levels that the 2438 Squadron Air Training Corps, based in the grounds of Bishop Ullathorne School, in Leasowes Avenue, Green Lane, was told it would have to close.

 

 

But a massive recruitment campaign has turned things around for the group and it now boasts 40 cadets and is the second biggest in the city.

Back in 2007 new commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams was brought in and given six months to save the squadron, which has been running since 1964.

 

He could see that the staff and cadets who were turning up to parades were losing morale and began a determined campaign to get more people involved.

Recruitment drives, radio interviews and increased charity work followed and gradually more young people began to find out about the cadets.

Flight Lieutenant Adams said: "When I first took command of 2438 Squadron the number of cadets on the squadron could be counted on one hand most nights.

"Those dedicated few cadets were completely demoralised, along with the small nucleus of the staff team. The task given to me was a daunting one, turn around a squadron that was in immediate danger of being closed down. But with the help of the staff, all of this hard work from both the cadets and staff has now paid off."

As numbers grew so did the amount of activities available for the cadets including flying, gliding, adventure training and drill as well as the chance to gain qualifications including Btec and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Cadets are also seen at a range of local events and this year they have got involved with the Coventry Fun Run, the Donkey Derby, the Coventry Half Marathon, the Caribbean Festival and the Two Castles Run as well as collecting money for Help for Heroes.

Flight Sergeant Alan Tillman, the training officer who has been at the squadron for eight years, said: "It was hard for the staff and cadets back in 2007 but we had the determination to improve the squadron's cadet numbers.

"It was particularly difficult as a training officer, when you only have a handful of cadets trying to organise and plan ac tivities that are for larger groups of people becomes a challenge."

The squadron is still on the look out for more recruits aged between 13-17 especially as those who joined and helped save it from closure are now getting to the age where they will have to leave.