423 Squadron History
On 5 February 1941 the Air Training Corps (ATC) was officially
established, with King George VI agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims.
The Aims of the Air Training Corps, as set out in the Royal Warrant and approved by HM the Queen, the British sovereign, are:
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To promote and encourage among young men and women a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force (RAF).
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To provide training which will be useful in both the services and civilian life.
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To foster a spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
The Air Training Corp's motto is "Venture, Adventure".In 2013, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief and has served in this role since 1953. However in 2016 The Duchess of Cambridge took over the mantle and is now a firm favourite with Cadets.
1941Date unknown 423sqn was born.
First CO was Dr McLaren housed in the old Elgin townhall where
the present Police station
until 1945end of the war and
423sqn disbanded for
no recorded reason.
September 1947 Sqn Ldr George Garvock
re-formed the squadron in a old
Nissen hut in Bishopmill on the Lossiemouth
Road and was CO till 1953
Flt Lt Ken Green took over till 1968 assisted for a short while by
FO Bernard Woolfson
and another move this time to
Bishopmill Primary school.
Flt Lt John Bailey was now the CO and although we wanted girls in
the squadron it was against the rules of the day.
Oh how times have changed.
Sadly John died whilst in charge and so......
Flt Lt Mrray Webster took the reigns, ably assisted by FO Innes
Thomson, FO Ronny loughton and FO Eric Pert
Flt Lt Innes Thomson was the next CO and during his time GIRLS
were allowed unto the ATC!!! Innes also started the
affiliation with 423sqn Royal Canadian Air Force
who fly Sea King anti submarine aircraft. They kindly
allowed 423sqn Elgin to use their eagle in our badge.
Our Motto is Semper Procedens "Always Try"
About 1990
Flt Lt Gerry Marley was the CO and a move to the TA centre was
made.Gerrys leadership provided the squadron with it organisation
and ethos which are still valuable today.
Flt Lt Dave Parry took command and had a successful time in
wing and regional competitions.
Flt Sgt Kim Reid ran the squadron for a short time.
Flt Lt Max Woolfson took the reigns in 2007 when he retired from the
Royal Air Force after 37 years, 27 of them flying as crew on the
Nimrod aircraft. He is still in charge now.
