Air Training Corps

Young volunteers for the Air Training Corps show that they are up for the challenges ahead, and are able to enjoy themselves whatever these might be. They are put through their paces in a lighthearted exercise routine of jumping jacks, push-ups and gymnastics; and also, rather less taxing, diving, playing cricket, a sack race and out boating on the river at Stamford Bridge. Showing more discipline, they also march through the streets of Morley for Wings for Victory Week.

The young lads in this film certainly live up to the Air Training Corp's motto of ‘Venture, Adventure’. The ATC was officially established in February 1941, taking over from the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) set up by Air Commodore J A Chamier in 1938. Each squadron aimed to prepare cadets for joining the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm. As part of this they had to pass a test to run 100 yards in 13 seconds, high jump 4 feet, long jump 15 feet, clear 4 ft 3 inches with any style of vault, run 1 mile in 6 minutes and walk 5 miles in 1 hr 10 mins. Within the first year of its establishment the ATC had grown eightfold, with 400 squadrons. The subtitles in the film give details of the activities and officers of the Morley squadron.