News
August 5th 2019
Oldest living Air Cadet visits Squadron at 93
Flight Lieutenant Emelye Kenyon presenting Ken with the Squadron shield
93 year old Ken Muddimer has staked his claim to being the oldest surviving Air Cadet, he is certainly the oldest known ex cadet from Leicester’s No 1 Founder Squadron.
After joining at the age of 13 years Ken had already spent almost two years as a Cadet in the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) when it became the Air Training Corps in February 1941, Ken then became a Cadet in the country’s first squadron, No 1 (City of Leicester).
Ken touring the Squadron
After leaving Cadets, Ken became a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) training as a Flight Engineer. The RAFVR were unable to offer Ken the opportunity he wished for so Ken eventually joined the Army spending four years in the Service during which time he became a top runner and excelled in shooting.
Ken said: “I loved every minute of it.”
Eighty years after becoming a Cadet, Ken paid a visit to his old squadron. After recounting his Cadet stories with the present Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Emelye Kenyon RAFAC, Ken spent time being photographed by the local newspaper, the Leicester Mercury, accompanied by the squadron’s youngest Cadet Josh Carvel.
Ken discovering what Cadets learn now
Josh has been a Cadet for a year and already got first aid, shooting and leadership qualifications. He explained: “There are so many opportunities in the Air Cadets and I have learned a lot. Meeting with a cadet from so long ago was unbelievable.
After a tour of the squadron and chatting with cadets, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer presented Ken with a squadron shield to commemorate his visit.
As he thanked all those involved, Ken concluded: “It’s been a fantastic evening which has brought back many memories.”
“It's been a fantastic evening which has brought back many memories.”
