1341 (Thundersley) Squadron

11/04/2026

✈️ DID YOU KNOW? | Benfleet’s Military Jet Crash, 1952

Did you know that South Benfleet was once the site of a dramatic RAF jet crash?

On 12 April 1952, an RAF Gloster Meteor F.8 jet came down over Philmead Road, South Benfleet after developing a fault in flight.

Thankfully, the pilot was able to eject safely before impact, landing near Rawreth. The unmanned aircraft then crashed into the back gardens of nearby houses, leaving a large crater and causing damage to several homes.

Remarkably, no residents were seriously injured, making it one of Benfleet’s most extraordinary local wartime-era stories.

The Gloster Meteor was Britain’s first operational jet fighter and played an important role in early RAF aviation history.

A fascinating piece of local history right on our doorstep.

Did anyone in our community have family who remembers this event? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

15/03/2026

🚨 LAST REMINDER – RECRUITMENT EVENING 🚨

This is your final reminder that this Thursday 19th at 7:00pm we are holding our Recruitment Evening down at the squadron.

If you’re aged 12 (Year 8) - 18 and looking for something different to do, come along and see what the Air Cadets is all about. From flying and adventure training to leadership, camps, and making great friends — there’s plenty to get involved in.

Bring a friend along and check it out together! Meet the team, look around the squadron, and see what we do on a typical parade night.

No commitment — just come down, have a look, and ask questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/03/2026

🚨 Thinking about joining Air Cadets? Come and see what we do!

Next Thursday 19 March 2026, we’re opening our doors at Thundersley Squadron, Waverley Road for anyone interested in joining.
If you’re YEAR 8 and above and looking for something different, this is your chance to get involved and meet the team.
* Ever wanted to try gliding?
* Interested in adventure training and camps?
* Enjoy teamwork and making new friends
* Want to build confidence and new skills?
At Air Cadets you can take part in flying, fieldcraft, leadership training, sports, shooting, first aid, and loads more — all while being part of an amazing team.

Come along, see what we do, and have a chat with our cadets and staff.
No commitment — just turn up and find out more!

📍 Thundersley Squadron – Waverley Road
📅 Thursday 19 March 2026
🕖 7pm

Bring a friend and discover what Air Cadets is all about!

27/02/2026

A proud moment for 1341 (Thundersley) Squadron as Cadet Rowland was formally enrolled into the Corps by our Wing Padre, Reverend Child.
This marks the beginning of an exciting journey filled with new challenges, skills, and opportunities. From learning new disciplines to building confidence and friendships, we’re thrilled to have Cadet Rowland join our squadron family.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cadet Rowland, we look forward to seeing all that you achieve.

27/02/2026

🚨 3 WEEKS TO GO! 🚨

Thinking about joining something new, making friends, and learning skills for life?

Come along to our Recruiting Evening and see what we’re all about! From adventure training and flying to teamwork and leadership, this is your chance to get involved.

📍 Open to Year 8 and above
📅 19th March 2026
⏰ 19:00

Don’t miss out — your next adventure starts here!

12/02/2026

🇬🇧 ATC Sunday – Basildon 🇬🇧

On Sunday 8th February, Basildon proudly marked ATC Sunday, celebrating 85 years of the Air Training Corps.

With over 160 cadets and staff on parade, it was a great display of pride, discipline, and commitment, honouring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of the ATC.

A huge well done to everyone who took part and helped make the day so memorable.

04/02/2026

🚀 Recruitment Evening – 19th March 2026

Are you Year 8 or above and looking for something new?
Join us to find out more about the Air Cadets – flying, adventure, leadership, and loads of opportunities you won’t get anywhere else.

📅 19th March 2026
👥 Year 8+

Come along, bring a friend, and see what we’re all about!

25/01/2026

What an amazing achievement!

22/01/2026

Congratulations Corporal Judge!

We’re incredibly proud to congratulate Corporal Judge on gaining his civilian pilot’s licence and earning his civilian wings in the Air Cadets. A fantastic achievement and a real testament to his hard work and dedication.

Pictured here with the Essex Wing Aviation Officer, Squadron Leader Simon Taylor, who kindly visited the squadron to inspire our Cadets. During the evening, Cadets enjoyed a short flight video and learned how radio communications work during a real flight, giving them a great insight into aviation in practice.

Well done, Corporal Judge, a brilliant example of what can be achieved through the Air Cadets.

01/01/2026

21/12/2025

🎄Squadron Christmas Party Highlights! 🎄

What a fantastic way to round off the year at our Squadron Christmas Party! From festive Christmas jumpers to pizza, games, and plenty of laughs, the evening was full of great memories.

One of our favourite traditions also returned, the Annual Paper Plate Awards. A fun way to celebrate the personalities, efforts, and achievements that make our squadron such a brilliant team.

As the year comes to a close, we’d like to wish the Benfleet/Thundersley community a very Merry Christmas and say a huge thank you for your continued support at local events throughout the year, it really does mean a lot to us.

Finally, a massive thank you to all our parents and staff for your ongoing support, dedication, and hard work. We couldn’t do it without you.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and festive Christmas! 🎅🏻

09/11/2025

Southend Remembrance Parade 2025

Today, cadets from 1341 (Thundersley) Squadron joined fellow Air Cadets from 1312 (City of Southend) alongside Army Cadets, Sea and Royal Marine Cadets, veterans, serving personnel, honoured guests and the incredible 1312 Squadron Band for the Southend Remembrance Day Parade.

It was also great to see our OC Essex Wing Wg Cdr Jones , former OC Essex Wing Wg Cdr Weston & Wing Warrant Officer WO Kemp

With the sun shining over the Estuary behind the Cenotaph, it was a truly fitting tribute to those who gave their all. Every participant represented their units with pride, respect, and professionalism.

A huge well done to all who took part — you did yourselves proud!

And a special thanks to our banner party:
Sergeant Ransom, Flight Sergeant Cook, and Cadet Ellis.

“We will remember them” 🌺