Squadron History

The Squadron known as 1206 Mercian squadron, as it is today, was formed on 14th January 1963 by ex RAF Pilot Terry Jones, known to his friends, and pretty much everyone else in the unit, as 'Jonah'. He was a teacher at Kingshill Secondary School that had such strong links with the RAF that the school was opened by Douglas Bader.

From there it moved to Wittington Barracks and weekly parade nights were held in Paget Block until 1967 when the unit moved to the TA Centre in Lichfield on Frog Lane.

Cherry Orchard became the current home of 1206 during the 1970's and has been here ever since.

From conversations with people who were around at the time we think the squadron pre-dates 1963 as there were 2 squadrons at King Edwards VI grammar school during the 1950's: 1206 and a CCF (combined cadet force) Squadron. However details are sketchy but people think it certainly existed in 1951.

Unless you know different.... Please get in touch if you know anything about the squadron. We are keen to put together a complete history with names of any of the officers or the cadets. If you have any photographs we would love to copy them if you are are able to give us permission.

MORE HISTORY recently received from Paul Mason MBE, BSc 

I used to be a member of the Squadron in the late 70’s before I joined the RAF in May 80.

The CO used to be Flt Lt Terry Jones who got promoted to Sqn Ldr and went on to a wing staff job. He was then succeeded by Flt Lt Adams. The CWO was WO Dave Hickie who was succeeded by Mark Brayford. We won the drill competition at Cosford at the same time

One of the reasons was that  I saw a photo of WO Dennis Middleton who was also the sqn WO during my time. I am trying to get hold of a copy and will forward it onto you for your archive.

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From conversations with people who were around at the time we think the squadron pre-dates 1963 as there were 2 squadrons at King Edwards VI grammar school during the 1950's: 1206 and a CCF (combined cadet force) Squadron. However details are sketchy but people think it certainly existed in 1951.

from ex cadet Raymond Ball confirms the first Squadron meeting in 1963....

"I was searching at home amongst some aircraft Photo Albums, I came across a page from the Lichfield Mercury, which my Mother sent to me 25 years ago about the  Squadron's 25th Anniversary. I was a Squadron member from early 1964. I have identified myself on the photo."