badge, formation, British, Air Training Corps, Squadron badge

A blank Squadron shoulder title to the Air Training Corps, being an oval of blue-grey fabric onto which is embroidered, all in pale blue, an inner border within which 'AIR TRAINING CORPS' above and 'SQUADRON' below, with a vacant centre.

Pattern as worn 1941 to 1963. . The ATC is organised into squadrons and numbered consecutively according to the date of formation. The original squadron badge left space in the centre (below: 'Air Training Corps' and above: 'Squadron') for the squadron name and / or number to be added. This was followed after 1963 by a badge in which the squadron number was worn as a separate piece below a curved shoulder title. . The Air Training Corps was formed in February 1941, absorbing most of the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) in the process. The success of the ADCC had demonstrated the advantages to early training of cadets who entered quickly into active service once they had entered the RAF or Fleet Air Arm. The ATC was integrated into the RAF as part of Training Command. After the Second World War, the ATC became part of Reserve Command and bore the objective of promoting the Air Force and providing training.