The Squadron is located in the town of Ystrad Mynach, 6 miles north of Caerphilly in the
Rhymney Valley.
Formation
Research has revealed the existence of an Air Training Corps unit in Ystrad Mynach in the early
1940’s. It is understood that at that time, parades were held in the School Hall, on Caerphilly
Road in Ystrad Mynach. The hall was situated behind what is now still called ‘School House’.
Enquiries with three ex-cadets of that time suggest the Squadron did not have its own
identification number but was a detachment of Caerphilly Squadron. It has been impossible to
determine whether Caerphilly Squadron was then identified as 1223.
The Commanding Officer of Caerphilly Squadron at that time was Flight Lieutenant Bell, Headmaster
of Caerphilly Boys Grammar & Technical School. The Commanding Officer of Ystrad Mynach detachment
was Pilot Officer Whiting.
The existing Squadron was formed in 1960 and although the certificate authorising the formation
of the Squadron is undated, records held indicate the Squadron’s initial parade was on the 4th
September 1960. The Squadron paraded at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Nelson Road, Ystrad Mynach.
Flight Lieutenant I P Thomas was appointed the first Commanding Officer.
In urgent need of a dedicated headquarters, a plot of land was obtained at the rear of Central
Street adjacent to the telephone exchange. The purchase of the land was initiated by a Civilian
Committee under the Chairmanship of the late Mr Vincent Williams (Headmaster of Pengam Boys
Grammar School). The cost of the land was £3000 (including freehold) paid for with a grant from
the Air Ministry (now MOD Air). A local Estate Agent, the late Captain V Cole, enthusiastically
assisted this. The present Spooner hut was erected in early 1962.
Girls first joined the 2353 Squadron in October 1988.
Squadron Commanding Officers
2006 - Present
Flight Lieutenant D Williams RAFVR (T)
2004 - 2006
Flight Lieutenant L Nicholas RAFVR (T)
2003 - 2004
Flight Lieutenant J Connolly RAFVR (T)
1995 - 2003
Flight Lieutenant V E Powell RAFVR (T)
1980 - 1995
Flight Lieutenant B C Rouche RAFVR (T)
1975 - 1980
Flight Lieutenant G A Ponsford RAFVR (T)
1970 - 1975
Flight Lieutenant T J Davies RAFVR (T)
1967 - 1970
Flight Lieutenant H G Lewis, AE, RAFVR (T)
1966 - 1967
Flight Lieutenant J Pryce-Jones RAFVR (T)
1964 - 1966
Flight Lieutenant R Rudge RAFVR (T)
1963 - 1964
Flight Lieutenant R Burgin RAFVR (T)
1960 - 1963
Flight Lieutenant I P Thomas RAFVR (T)
Squadron Chairman
Aug 2006 - Present
Mr B Bird
Apr 2002 - Aug 2006
Mr C Thomas
Jan 2002 - Apr 2002
Mr W Lame
Oct 1989 - Jan 2002
Mr D Powell
1970 - 1989
Mr W Norman
1960 - 1970
Mr V Williams
Events of Note
2006
Cadet Warrant Officer Stuart Jones went with the Air Training Corps to help in africa.
1998
Flight Lieutenant V Powell took a total of 8 cadets from 2353, 1184, 1223 and 1367 on a visit to Air Cadet units in Australia.
1969
2353 Squadron won the Gillan trophy. This was the first time that the trophy had been won by any Welsh squadron. This was awarded to the best Squadron in the ATC at sport.
1969
CWO John Bosley represented No 1 Welsh Wing ATC at the investiture of HRH the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon Castle.
1965
Retained Wing Drill Cup having won it 3 times.
1964
Squadron represented Wales Region in Lees Trophy (6th). Link Trainer provided and installed by Wing Commander (Engineering), RAF St Athan. It was maintained by Teesdale Tools of Bristol whose Managing Director was Frank Rainbow also Chief Designer of the Standard Motor Company.
1963
Squadron judo team displayed at the Royal Albert Hall during the Festival of Remembrance.
Flying Scholarships
2000
Cadet Sergeant D Prichard
1998
Cadet Sergeant J Ball
1981
Cadet Flight Sergeant R Suchorzewski
1965
Cadet Flight Sergeant M Mylan
1964
Cadet Flight Sergeant J Rodway
International Air Cadet Exchange
1993
Cadet Warrant Officer (G) T Powell (CANADA)
1989
Cadet Warrant Officer (G) S A Miles (HONG KONG)
1982
Cadet Flight Sergeant R Suchorzewski (SWEDEN)
1973
Cadet Flight Sergeant D Brown (CANADA)
D of E Gold Award
1999
Civilian Instructor Mr C Thomas
1999
Cadet Flight Sergeant G Evans
1999
Cadet Flight Sergeant D Brake
1994
Cadet Warrant Officer (G) T Powell (Expedition carried out in Patagonia, Argentina)
1989
Cadet Warrant Officer (G) S A Miles
1966
Cadet Warrant Officer J Matthews (First to be awarded in No. 1 Welsh Wing)
Corps Blues
1999
Cadet Corporal M Davies (RUGBY)
1999
Cadet Sergeant D Brake (RUGBY)
1999
Cadet D Acreman (RUGBY)
1998
Cadet Sergeant D Brake (ATHLETICS)
1990
Cadet Corporal A Waythe (RUGBY)
1960
CWO John Bosey (RUGBY)
Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet
2008
Cadet Warrant Officer A Bird
2005
Cadet Warrant Officer S Jones
2002
Cadet Warrant Officer D Prichard
1999
Cadet Warrant Officer (G) M Price
Successful Ex-Cadets
1984 - 1988
Cadet Corporal Shaw obtained a Private Pilot Licence from private funding. He was awarded his pilot's wings in 1992. At present he is with 8 Squadron flying Sentry E3D AWACS as a Flight Lieutenant having been the youngest pilot to be made E3D Captain.
1969 - 1973
Cadet Flight Sergeant D Brown joined the RAF in 1973 as a Technical Apprentice. He was commissioned as a Flying Officer in 1978 from the rank of Junior Technician. He graduated as a pilot in 1979. He flew Nimrods with 42 Squadron during the Falklands Campaign.
1963 - 1968
Cadet Warrant Officer M Mylan – Chief Flying Instructor at Cambrian Flying School.
