The 266 A.T.C Squadron taken at Norton Drill Hall in July 1945. Photograph courtesy of Mr Robert Harbron 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
The 266 A.T.C Squadron taken at Norton Drill Hall in July 1945. Photograph courtesy of Mr Robert Harbron
I was a member of 266 squadron in 1954, I was a member of the band, I was promoted to corporal
Was flight lieutenant Davies the Typhoon pilot whose plane konked out on August 17 1944 near Vimoutiers in normandy?I was among his rescuers ands would like to contact him if possible
Hi everyone. My brother was in the RAF so when i seen some ww2 memorabilia for sale on air war, the magazine is called the war illustrated, dated december 1940, i purchased it. I got a shock when i opened it as at the top of the magazine it had written by hand my great grandfathers name Layzell, he must have had this delivered. There was also a framed photo of The Orchestra, Royal Artillery Mounted Band, June 1945 taken at Richmond. My greatgrandfather Henry Layzell also lived in Richmond, spooky.
I was a memeber of 266 squadron from the age of 13 for 5 years in 1988. I only managed to reach the rank of corporal, but loved every minute I was there. The squadron was run by flight lieutenant Davies. I have amazing memories of flying, gliding and shooting armed weapons. These things I would never have done if Ihad never joined. I still have photographs from various camps including RAF Lewcas and Raf Cranwell which my mates all signed on the last day of camp. Also, still have the group photo of the drill squad who won the north east championship, for which i was apart of. I would love to see more photos of my time there.
I was a founder member of this squadron I joined in 1941 at the old stockton corn market which was part of the cattle market then we used to meet down at Richard Hind school and do our square bashing.The only officers name I can remember was John Smith, he was also my teacher at Richard Hind.I was one of the first cadets to fly from Thornaby aerodrome, we flew in an Avro Anson and I wound the wheels up.The squadron moved to spring street and then Yarm lane [I think].
James Fleming: I remember George Fleming from my days in St. Peter”s choir, although I cannot confirm that he was an officer in the ATC, but he was the the schools longest serving head master when he retired in the schools centenary year of 1977 after 27 years. Did he have a son who became a pilot in the RAF?
Hi everyone – I believe that my uncle, George Fleming, was an ATC officer during the Second World War – can anyone confirm this? He was a school teacher and in 1950 became the Head Master of Wolviston, retiring from the job in 1970. Thanks.
I am currently a cadet at Squadron 266 and am very pleased that you have a picture of our squadron from years ago. Me and my friend (who also attends) were shocked to see that there is a website dedicated to squadron 266. Thank You.
266 Squadron A.T.C – 60th Anniversary 24th Feb 2001 From Diary:- Snow earlier in the day had frozen, making walking to the Norton Drill-Hall difficult. Arrived 6-50. Over 80 of the 1940-80s cadets present. Inspection by G/Capt of R.A F Leeming and very smart drill-parade. Presentation and certificates. A number of cadets in camouflage and face paint. Some of the 1940s-50s cadets still had their flying-log sheets showing such diverse A/c as Halifax .Stirling Hudson Harvard and Tiger-Moth Pleasant talks to past and present cadets One of the changes is there are now girls in the A.T.C In the 1940-50s ,air-minded girls were in the W J A C., using A.T.C equipment and having their own aircraft Womens Junior Air Corp , which had a number of squadrons on Teesside. (Any out there ) ?? Drinks in the mess and buffet Home 10-15
I am currently a corporal at 266 Stockton-on-Tees Squadron and I would just like to say that it is very nice to see pictures of my squadron way back when. Very interesting. Thank you.
What a wonderful site this is! I was recently introduced to it by a Stocktonian email buddy living in Canada. So the word is spreading! My thanks to Robert Harbron for reviving memories of 266 Squadron A.T.C. I joined the Squadron at Lorne Terrace in the March of 1944. It was then under the command of Sqdn.Ldr.Ken Atkinson, a former R.A.F.Pilot. I believe that the Navigation Classes were taken by Flying Officer Jones, but of the other Officers my memory is a little dim. The Band referred to was led by a very large “Spud Murphy”. I remained with the Sqdn. until December “47 after which I received my “Call Up” papers and, oddly enough elected to do my Service in the Army. The pleasure of seeing that photograph, which was of the Billingham Flight can scarcely be imagined. After sixty years I still recognise some of them. Back row, third from the left is Ian Stewart whilst first on the left in the front row is Frank Mitchinson. The three of us were all Apprentices at the Furness Shipyard, and all finished up going to sea in the Merchant Navy. Many thanks to you Robert Harbron, I feel sure that I should know you, but, I guess that age can play a few tricks on us. Cheerio from Oz. Harry Rhodes.
So many boys wished to join the Air Training Corp that in 1942: A-B and HQ Flight were based in Lorne Terrace, Yarm Road. C Flight was in Billingham South School Belasis Avenue. D Flight was in ex-Barrage Balloon Huts, South Road Norton (now the site of Stockton Fire-Brigade.) Sunday was drill-day for all flights at HQ, with Richard Hind School yard used for “square-bashing “,arms-drill and route-marches, behind the national prize winning drum and bugle band. A good attendance ensured a week camp at operational R.A.F stations and flying in both A.T.C aircraft and heavy bombers of the R.A.F. Cadets also attended R.A.F Thornaby for both rifle-range and working on operational A/c (under supervision) mainly cleaning and polishing or moving ground equipment in hangars or at dispersal, giving the air-minded a close-up of both operational and new aircraft including “stray” American visitors while dining and working with the ROYAL AIR FORCE ! Most of the earlier cadets enlisted in the war-time R.A.F, while cadets have and are still enlisting into the R.A.F from a thriving 266 Squadron, 60 years after its inception, 24th Feb 1941