Page 25 - Cadet review Summer 2022

WING COMMANDER
RAY KIDD OBE RAFVR(T)
By Flight Lieutenant Paul Smith RAFVR(T) Rtd
After more than 75 years of “light blue” service, Wing Commander Ray Kidd has folded his wings for the last time, to take graceful retirement in York.
Ray joined the ATC as a cadet in Scarborough in 1947, going on to complete his National Service in the RAF as a radio specialist. Following demob, Ray joined the GPO (later British Telecom) as a telephone engineer, and also enrolled as a Civilian Instructor with his local ATC squadron.
He was soon commissioned, and, rising through the ranks and with service at other ATC squadrons, Ray eventually became Officer Commanding at the newly-formed 2487 (Easingwold) Squadron, in 1969.
From there, following a spell as Central and East Yorks (C&EY) Wing’s Adventure Training Officer, Ray moved to command West Yorkshire Wing, returning three years later to C&EY as Wing Commander.
On retirement from that role, Ray became Chair, and subsequently President, of C&EY’s Wing Civilian Committee. He also retained his involvement with 2487 Squadron for many years as President of the Squadron’s Civilian Committee.
More widely, along with his involvement with
many other Air Cadet-based activities, including the International Air Cadet Exchange Scheme, Ray is known for his literary endeavours. He wrote a history of C&EY Wing (“Wings of Youth”), and following
his appointment as Corps historian, drew on his experience to research and write “Horizons – a history of the Air Cadets” which was published in 2014.
Ray is also known for his significant involvement with the Royal Air Force Association in York, and was awarded the OBE in recognition of his charitable and voluntary work.
As with all dedicated volunteers, Ray would not
Ray is also known for his significant involvement with the Royal Air Force Association
in York, and was awarded the OBE in recognition of his charitable and voluntary work.
252 (Bridlington)
Squadron Civic
visit
The Squadron was visited by Bridlington’s Town Mayor recently. During his visit he presented OC Squadron WO Rob Hill with a donation from a Burns Night function he had attended recently.
He also presented a Certificate of Commen- dation from Central and East Yorkshire Wing to Cadet Warrant Officer Rosie Gregson. This was awarded on behalf of Wing Commander Aaron Waters for Rosie’s dedication to the cadets,
not just in Bridlington but through the whole Corps.
While the Mayor was at the Squadron the OC thought he would get him to work a bit more so the Mayor also awarded the St John’s Essential First Aid certificates to Cpl Brodi Philo, Cdts Lucy Evans, Jessica Crampin, Clayton Hellewell, Taylor Jackson-Shaw, Dylan Raybould, Tyler Baker and Matthew Ragsdell. The cadets sat through a series of theory and practical sessions before being tested.
have been able to achieve all that he has for cadets and others
without the support of his wife and family – we salute them too!
We wish him well in retirement!
Paul Smith and Ray Kidd
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2022 25