Leonard Cheshire VC - Member of OUAS 1937-39

THE HISTORY OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRON

“I walk the skies and keep my thoughts on the sun”

INTRODUCTION

In 1919 Lord Trenchard had the idea of forming squadrons at the universities with the object of encouraging an interest in flying and promoting and maintaining liaison with the universities in technical and research problems affecting aviation. The squadron was a civilian organisation with a blazer and squadron tie as the only uniform. Since then the aim of the squadron has been broadened. It now includes teaching the undergraduates the art of flying with a view to qualifying them for civil aviation and to increasing the level of knowledge of general aviation within the country, encouraging graduates to join the Royal Air Force and supervising the training of university cadetship officers while they are at university. This history commemorates the long history of Oxford UAS and will cover some of the interesting episodes during the squadron's existence. It does not pretend to be a full record of the comings and goings of individuals in the squadron, for there are over 2000 even within the war years, and it would not be possible to mention more than a few by name. Nevertheless it is hoped that it will form some sort of record which past members and new readers will appreciate and which can be read more easily than the official history of archives.

THE EARLY YEARS

1925. On 11 October a squadron was formed at Oxford with the object of attracting the first candidates for commissions to the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force Reserve and the Auxiliary Air Force, to stimulate interest in air matters generally and to maintain liaison with the university. Wing Commander H R Raikes, Sub Rector of Exeter College, was appointed as Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor with Squadron Leader A G Weir to help him. Courses of practical instruction were provided during term time but actual flying was only practised in the long vacation. An entrance fee of only £1 was charged and the total cost of setting up the squadron was £4000. The Headquarters was built at Manor Road and the original buildings still stand today. These facilities were visited early in the new year of 1926 by the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Samuel Hoare.

1926. The success of the squadron was guaranteed by the enthusiasm with which the first 27 members embarked on their ground instruction on the various types of engines, instruments and accessories under', the guidance of Sergeant J B Acres and Sergeant T 1 Devison. In July the squadron set off for its first annual camp at Manston where the members were flown in Avro 504s loaned, with instructors, by the air force. These early Avros were the 504K model with rotary engine which was reported to cover the pilot with castor oil and smell so badly that many a novice pilot felt very sick. It is obvious from the early flying programme that squadron members were keen enough to be in the air by 6 am, fly until 1 pm and then take part in sporting activities until dinner. The squadron achieved a total of 205 hours in the camp period. Manston was then the home of No 2 (Army co-operation) Squadron equipped with Bristol Fighters and No 9 Squadron with Vickers Virginias. Undergraduates were given experience of night flying in the bombers where the rear cockpit was found to make an excellent bed. There were also opportunities to fly in the Bristol Fighters from which some excellent 'reconnaissance' photographs of the local resorts were taken. The camp was judged to be a great success not only with the pilots but with the station and locals as well; the annual camp was held at Manston for the following 5 years.

Bristol Fighter F2B

1927. There had been so much interest in flying shown by undergraduates that when an aircraft landed on the Ferry Flinksey Road and offered joy rides the undergraduates flocked out. Only a few were able to fly before the University authorities intervened and banned any further flying by undergraduates. Members of the University Air Squadron however were allowed to fly with the squadron provided their experiences were restricted to dual flying out of term time. It was not until several years later that solo flying was eventually permitted during term. The university was afraid that undergraduates were not taking aviation seriously and indeed one of the reasons for banning flights over the city of Oxford was that the embryo pilots might indulge in some 'dangerous aerial gymnastics. Towards the end of the year the authorities allowed dual flying in term time for members of the squadron and 4 Avro 504N aircraft were accordingly installed at Upper Heyford for their use. Membership had now risen to 75 members and some 400 hours had been flown in the year.

AVRO 504K

The annual camp was again held at Manston and on average each member was receiving about 1% hours flying per day interspersed with lectures on rigging, engines and airmanship. Some of the rigours of the intensive programmes are described in early reports. There are imaginative descriptions of undergraduate 'basking on the grass at the edge of the landing ground in the sun, shading their eyes to gaze at the manoeuvres of their companions in the sky and smelling the very distinctive smell of castor oil from alighting and departing aeroplanes near at hand, the slipstream of whose propeller fanned one's hair and alleviated the heat of the day.

Improvements over the camp of the previous year were reported, one of which was the Huck's starter. This device stood a movable base - a Model T Ford. It was driven out to an aircraft waiting to be started up. The device was made to catch onto the centre of the propeller to swing it and slip clear as the propeller began to revolve by its own

1929. The squadron was recognised by the university as a 'permanent institution' thus putting it on an equal footing with the OTC, by approving a statute to add the name of the Commanding Officer of the squadron as a member of the Delegacy for Military instruction. Even more hours were down at Manston during camp (1105) and the press were invited to visit. One paper was so taken with the scene of an Avro 504 over Canterbury cathedral that it described it as 'the instrument of modem war circling over the tomb of the great chivalric warrior of the Middle Ages. For camp the squadron had 8 Lynx Avros, 2 Bristol Fighters (service type) and one Bristol Fighter dual control with slotted wing. Back in Oxford a new lecture hall adjoining the hangar was opened at Manor Road by the Secretary of State for Air, Lord Thomson. This part of the building is now used as an ante-room and dining room. The visit prompted one paper to report that "Oxford is becoming more and more progressive and its University Air Squadron is gaining so many enthusiastic recruits that Lord Thomson was asked to go to open a new lecture hall to accommodate them. All this greatly agitates Mr Robert Bridges and other Oxford lovers who fear that if the town becomes a big air centre she will also become a target for her enemies in the next war and all her lovely walls and spires may be endangered.

The squadron had 10 Rhodes scholars on its strength, 2 Rugby Blues, a Rowing Blue and 2 Boxing Blues. Three members decided to make the RAF their permanent career and completed their initial training with distinction.

One of the first lectures to be given in the modified premises was that of Squadron Leader Orlebar, the commander of the British Schneider Trophy team. In the course of his lecture he spoke of the handling characteristics of the racers and of the phenomenon, unusual then, of 'blacking out'.

1930 and 1931. These 2 years saw an increase in the number and variety of outside lecturers who visited the squadron at Manor Road, Major Scott on handling of airships and Mr D R Pye on the development of aero engine. In 1931 the squadron went to Eastchurch for the first time on what was described as 'annual holiday training'. Wing Commander R M Hill had now taken over the squadron which was conferred the privilege of bearing the university arms on its aircraft. To add to their experience of flying in other aircraft members were taken to Felixstowe in flying boats. By this time Flight Lieutenant F J W Mellersh father of the present Air Officer Flying training at Training Command had joined the staff of the squadron and H J Kirkpatrick, later to return as CO and eventually rise to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, was a member.

1932. The squadron visited Eastchurch again for summer camp and flew over 1300 hours, some of which were on the newly introduced Armstrong Whitworth Atlas. This aircraft replaced the Bristol fighter as an advanced 2-seat trainer. However the year was really singled out by the move, in November, from Upper Heyford to Abingdon as the permanent flying base. The squadron aircraft were led in formation by the squadron commander Wing Commander K R Park in an Atlas carrying as passenger the Vice Chancellor, Rev F J Lys, who, at the age of 70, was reported to be reluctant to leave the machine. The squadron's 5 Avro Lynx followed behind. On arrival at Abingdon the Vice Chancellor was welcomed by the Marquis of Londonderry, Secretary of State for Air and Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Air Defence of Great Britain. After an absence of nearly 25 years the squadron has moved back to Abingdon in 1975 on the closure of the airfield at Bicester.

1933 - 35. To give a special incentive to squadron members to gain proficiency in flying Sir John Siddeley presented the squadron with a magnificent trophy to be won by the member who was judged to be the best all-round pilot. The 1933 squadron dinner, by then an annual event, was notable for its speeches against the pacifist element in the University which had already had some publicity in a debate in the Oxford Union. The guests at the dinner included Sir Philip Sassoon, Under Secretary of State for Air, Air Chief Marshal Sir Edward Ellington, Air Marshal Sir Robert Brooke Pophain and Air Vice-Marshal Sir Tom Webb-Bowen. In the spring of 1934 the Avro Tutor was introduced by which time the squadron had trained some 240 pilots and flown 15,000 hours. The first of the squadron 'At Home' days was held at Abingdon in June at which, among other participants, Senor Juan de La Cierva gave a demonstration of his autogyro. Earlier in the -Year he had given a lecture in the squadron headquarters about his machines.

Captain the Lord Lyell VC - Member of OUAS 1933-35

AVRO Tutor

At the end of 1934 with the expansion of the Air Force the established strength of the squadron was increased to allow those who were seeking permanent commission to join the squadron without restricting the number of ordinary members. These recruits would then go to a special course at the RAF College at Cranwell after completing 70 hours flying with the air squadron.

For summer camp in 1935 the squadron again went to Eastchurch under the command of Wing Commander C N Lowe.

1936 - 38. For the 1936 camp at Eastchurch the squadron had 3 Harts or 'service types' for flying the more advanced members. In the spring of 1937 Flight lieutenant H J Kirkpatrick joined the staff as the first returning ex-member as instructor and adjutant. The squadron went to Ford in Sussex for camp and was accommodated for the first time in tents. The same routine was followed of starting at 6 am and flying to 1 pm, much to the annoyance of a camp of Territorial gunners in Arundel Park who were woken by the squadron at crack of dawn. Their complaint was received on a day when an aircraft had landed heavily so the wreck was taken by night to Arundel and placed outside the Mess with a notice "This one won't worry you anymore." However the gunners were not to be put off so easily and took the aircraft back to the airfield at 2 am and set it alight, whereupon the whole camp including the UAS was roused by the fire alarm.

With a total of 80 members the squadron needed extra aircraft for the camp in 1938, again at Ford, and 3 Harts, 2 Hinds, 1 Audax and 14 Tutors were brought on strength. The extra flying had its penalties in incidents which seem curious today; one Tutor was damaged while taxying because the student's goggles were blurred by rain, one Hart burst a tyre on landing because of flints on the airfield and the aircraft were saved from wind damage on one blustery day by parking MT vehicles in front of them to form a wind break. During the camp members visited the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous at sea.

1939. In the year before the outbreak of war the squadron was more active than ever. Some of the senior members were sent to the RAFVR Flying School at Kidlington to gain flying experience on Harts during term time. The Annual Dinner was the largest so far with 300 people present and was a great success. There were the now familiar incidents of forced landings and a landing in the undershoot by a student 'trying to prolong his glide by pulling his nose up'. But the accident record had been good considering the number of hours flown and the 'state of the art'. Camp was held at Lympne just before the squadron closed down on 16 September on the outbreak of hostilities. Although non-military in character before World War II members were, for the most part, commissioned in the Reserve forces and at the outbreak of the war approximately 300 were immediately available for service with the Royal Air Force. Many served with distinction, in particular Group Captain Leonard Cheshire and Captain the Lord Lyell who were both awarded the Victoria Cross.

THE WAR YEARS

1940. In September 1940 the squadron was reopened to take in short courses for ground training to the standard of the RAF Initial Training School "Wings" syllabus. About 100 members were taken in, under the command of Squadron Leader H R A Edwards. Two particularly famous characters during the war years were Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, who joined in 1935 and was chairman of the Battle of Britain Association for many years, and Richard Hillary who was shot down and badly burned during the Battle becoming one of McIndoe’s ‘guinea pigs’. Amongst the many decorations gained by former members were 27 DSOs and 109 DFCs. Over 250 pre-war and wartime members of the Squadron lost their lives serving with the armed forces during the war. After being closed for the first year of the war, the Squadron was reopened in 1940 as an Initial Training Wing for the undergraduates, many of whom attended Short University Courses under Air Ministry auspices. Over 2,000 cadets passed through the Squadron during the war years, including the actors Richard Burton, Robert Hardy and Warren Mitchell.

1941 - 45. The pattern of training on the squadron was similar throughout the war. Large courses of short duration were organised for the undergraduates to give them grounding in many of the subjects they would need as RAF pilots. Up to 300 were eventually taken on each course of some 6 months duration. Attachments were arranged for flying in different types of aircraft such as Stirlings and Defiants and air experience flying was given on Tiger Moths with which the squadron was now equipped. These same aircraft were used in low level exercises to represent enemy aircraft attacking an Oxford University Senior Training Corps mobile column, using sawdust bombs as weapons. In spite of several direct bits the OTC reported that the co-operative exercise was very useful and effective.

Tiger Moth

It was thought a good idea to give potential fighter pilots some practice at shooting in preparation for air to air combat and so a clay pigeon shoot was organised under Colonel Ffennel's direction every Saturday. This grew to become a match against Cambridge UAS and eventually the squadron rented (for a nominal sum) Lord Harcourt's shoot at Nuneham. In spite of being at war there were moments when the squadron members could relax; guest nights and, on one occasion, "a highly successful and diverting smoking concert" were held in the squadron headquarters.

In May 1943 the squadron marched through Oxford as part of the parade for the "Wings for Victory" Week and was contributing to the war effort by training ever increasing numbers on the short courses, even giving the potential aircrew practice in dinghy drill in the Cherwell off the lawn of the squadron headquarters. The effort expended on training can well be imagined when it is realised that over 2000 members passed through the squadron during the war.

POST WAR YEARS

1946 - 1949. The squadron made an effort to maintain the momentum of the war years through the immediate post war period and flying resumed for nearly 100 members at Abingdon. The difficulties of fitting in with 10 OUT with their Wellingtons at Abingdon were eased by using Shellingford as an alternative airfield. Wing Commander J R A Embling now commanded the squadron, taking it to Shoreham in the summer of 1946 for a combined camp with Cambridge UAS. The 21st anniversary was celebrated with a dinner in the Randolph Hotel Oxford where Air Marshal Sir Roderic Hill, former CO of the squadron, was invited back and spoke of fighting the peace with teeth, suggesting that OUAS would be "embedded in the jaws of England".

In 1947 the annual camp was at Chivenor where the weather was so poor that little was achieved, although the squadron had the opportunity at last to fly Harvards.

1948 - 1950. In September 1948 Wing Commander C N Foxley-Norris took over command of the squadron, called for an urgent replacement of the ageing Tiger Moths and in April 1949 moved the squadron to Kidlington from Abingdon where the extra flying by transport aircraft was causing congestion. After a slump after the war, recruiting to the squadron was by then excellent, with applications out-numbering places by 3 to 1. In 1949 the first successful annual camps at Middle Wallop was held and the squadron subsequently returned there five times. In February 1950 De Havilland Chipmunk aircraft were finally delivered, to be heralded as an all-weather trainer, on a day when the blustery conditions sorely tested this description.

De Havilland Chipmunk

1951. A new squadron badge, combining both RAF and university motifs, was presented to the Vice-Chancellor by the Under-Secretary of State for Air Mr Aidan Crawley. The sword indicates the function for which the squadron personnel are trained and the bedel's stave to emphasise its close association with the University. The motto is from Aristophanes 'The Clouds' and is translated as 'I walk the skies and keep my thoughts on the sun'. It was this year that Flight Lieutenant J B Acres retired from the air force, having served with the squadron as a ground instructor since its formation. Wing Commander Willan took over command of the squadron which now supported a Fighter Control Flight, formed in November 1950 to help supply the demand for controllers in the air defence role. Women could now join the squadron at last, but only as controllers.

The 'new' Squadron Badge

At the annual dinner the announcement was made that University Air Squadrons were to have their own Harvard trainers so that advanced training could be given to members who wished to qualify for a shortened three months "Wings" course. It was hoped that this might encourage more members to join the regular air force; then, as now, there were plenty of recruits to the squadron but very few who went on to join the RAF.

1952 - 1957. The squadron settled down to a period of relative stability with about 100 pilots and 20 Fighter Control Flight members on strength. Camp was held in succession at Andover, Middle Wallop, Woodvale, Middle Wallop again and West Malling. In 1953 one OUAS aircraft took part in the coronation flypast of the Royal Air Force for the Queen at RAF Odiham. Wing Commander Nelson Edwards assumed command, and had to complain, in 1955, about the 'lack of sleeping accommodation for members at camp. Instead they had to sleep on low slung camp beds in a single marquee dormitory which was infested with a particularly vigorous and hostile species of beetle'.

On UAS summer camps navigation flights are always flown to other airfields and Oxford arrived back at its hutted accommodation at Kidlington to find that the painted letters 'OUAS' on the roof had been subtly modified with black paint on a visit by Cambridge UAS on their summer camp. However, the squadron took revenge later by painting the Cambridge headquarters in dark blue. Meanwhile the tradition of holding more serious sporting events against Cambridge UAS was carried on with a boat race at Henley, a fixture continued to this day but now no longer held at Henley.

The squadron's close links with the University were again put to a practical use when, in 1955, the squadron flew the University Registrar Sir Douglas Veale over Oxford so that he could study traffic congestion in the City.

Wing Commander Constable Maxwell took over the squadron in 1956. At the annual dinner he welcomed ladies for the first time, including the squadron secretary Miss Round. This was the year of the introduction of the Lightning to RAF service and it is interesting that Air Chief Marshal Sir Dermot Boyle then Chief of the Air Staff, speaking at the same dinner forecast that the gun as an aircraft weapon would "disappear in five or ten years time". The squadron went to West Malling for summer camp in 1957 where the squadron Chipmunks were led in formation by the CO in a Meteor.

1958. Wing Commander A J Douch took over command of the squadron and OUAS moved from Kidlington to Bicester. During its time at Kidlington the squadron aircraft had been serviced by Messrs Goodhew but on moving to its new home at Bicester the RAF again took over control of squadron servicing. The same pattern of training continued. Although the accommodation at Bicester was at first cramped, air experience flying and some instruction for members of public school combined cadet forces who came on camp to the squadron was now included in the regular syllabus. However, with the contraction of the Air Force, the squadron members were cut from 100 to 60, and the Fighter Control Flight was disbanded.

1959 - 1961. A new departure in venues for summer camp was made in 1959 when the squadron went to Jurby in the Isle of Man but the west coast weather somewhat curtailed the flying effort and the squadron confirmed its preference for a south eastern station by going back to West Malling in the summer of 1960. Wing Commander R P Harding assumed command of the squadron in September 1960 in time to see the squadron staff pilots take part in Battle of Britain aerobatic displays, to start the first of the annual Civil Defence Observers courses and to welcome HM The Queen on her inspection of OUAS and OUOTC on 4 November.

In 1960 a member of the squadron, Mr David Lomax, along with 2 other undergraduates embarked on a flight to Nepal in an Auster Alpine, breaking several records on their 60 hour flight. It was in this year also that a former member of OUAS, Mr Julian Amery MP was appointed Secretary of State for Air.

The following 2 years saw the squadron in camp first at Valley, in Wales and then at Kinloss in Scotland. These were energetic and successful camps, with full advantage being taken of the mountainous terrain to send squadron members out on 'survival exercises'.

1962 - 1968. Squadron strength remained steady at 60 until 1968 and flying training continued on the established pattern of term flying interspersed with summer and Easter camps. The Easter camps were planned to give continuous training to new members to bring them up to solo standard. Wing Commander R Whittain relieved Wing Commander Harding as CO and took the squadron to Leuchars for summer camp in 1963 and 1964.

The RAF University Cadetship Scheme started in 1963 and the squadron took on the first 2 cadetship officers at Oxford as full members of the squadron. Wing Commander H B Iles who took over as CO in 1965 handed over to Wing Commander M R Williams in 1967. During these 4 years the squadron went to summer camp at St Mawgan, Marham, Woodvale and Tangmere and continued training without incident. The members, all on 3 year courses with the squadron, could reach Preliminary Flying Badge standard, do instrument and formation flying and qualify to apply for a Private Pilots Licence.

1968. A drastic cut back in the strengths of all University Air Squadrons took place in 1968 and Oxford was reduced to 33 RAFVR flying members, thus making it almost the same size as when it was formed. Staff was cut to 4 and the aircraft to 5. Financial restrictions curtailed the amount of flying available and VR members were taken on for only 2 years with the squadron. However, a few members who showed particular aptitude or an interest in joining the service could be offered a 3rd year, given more hours and brought up to the Preliminary Flying Badge standard. Ground training in the theory of flight and related subjects continued as before. However, like other squadrons Oxford still had the task of training and supervising RAF University Cadetship Officers (UC0s) while at University and this role allowed savings to be made in later flying courses to which the UC0s would go on graduation. The squadrons traditional role of maintaining liaison between the service and the University and contributing towards making undergraduates 'air minded" remained as firm as ever.

1969 - 1975. With the reduction in strength the post of CO was taken by Squadron Leader D C E England who had acted as Chief Flying Instructor for 2 years on the squadron. During his command the squadron went to summer camp at Woodvale and Colerne and then to Church Fenton under the command of Squadron Leader A N S Parker Ashley. In November 1972 Mr Dingle, who has been the squadron's driver since 1947, received a commendation from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice-Marshal R D Austen-Smith.

In 1973 Oxford went to summer camp at Honington but had to fly from Watton because of confliction with Buccaneers operating in the circuit at Honington. A similar arrangement was made in 1974 when the squadron, under the command of Squadron Leader W A Bell went to the Phantom base at Coningsby and did its routine flying from Swinderby. In this way the 'old style' flying of the squadron was kept separate from the high performance aircraft of the RAF front line to ensure safety of operations.

Early in 1975 the long awaited replacement for the 25-year old Chipmunk arrived in the form of 4 Scottish Aviation Bulldogs. These were taken on summer camp to Manston where the squadron renewed its acquaintance with the station first visited in 1926. A significantly more modern and capable aircraft than the Chipmunk, the Bulldog proved to be a challenge to the air squadron members and a useful lead in for those who subsequently went on to fly the Jet Provost aircraft during pilot training.

Scottish Aviation Bulldog

On 11 October 1975, the Squadron celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

1980 - 1989. The 60th Anniversary in October 1985 saw the expansion of the Squadron to 38 VR flying members and for the first time formal flying instruction was given to University Cadets of the Ground Branches and the Squadron commenced the training of its first female full flying members. At this time the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham began taking RAF students in significant numbers and the Squadron had its first General Duties University Cadets and Bursars join as full flying members.

The Squadron expanded its catchment in 1986 to take its first VR members from the Oxford Polytechnic, which eventually became Oxford Brookes University on 1 January 1993. A plan to employ VR Qualified Flying Instructors on a part time basis was shelved after the Squadron ran a trial in 1987 and 1988. As a result of the trial the Squadron increased its flying rate by 20% and flew a record number of hours in 1987.

1990 - 1999. The Squadron’s travels around Oxfordshire were renewed in June 1992, when the move to Royal Air Force Benson took place. At the same time the Squadron expanded its catchment area to include Reading University. Success in the De Havilland Trophy continued, with wins in 1995 and 1996.

The early 1990s produced some uncertainty of the future for University Air Squadrons, however, in the outcome of the Defence Cost Studies Exercise the UAS role was formalised. Major changes to the process of flying training in the Royal Air Force saw flying training at the UASs enhanced, and officially recognised, as the first stage of formal flying training. The University Air Squadrons now occupied a vital role at the heart of the Elementary Flying Training System and were tasked to produce up to 115 pilots each year for the Royal Air Force, about 60-70% of the total intake. In 1995 OUAS begins the parenting of No 6 Air Experience Flight.

Having maintained a stabilising influence for the Squadron throughout all the changes of flying headquarters for over 70 years it was perhaps inevitable that in June 1997 it was time to move Town Headquarters. After the lease at Manor Road expired the Squadron moved, along with our fellow Service units, to a temporary Headquarters at Harcourt House.

INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

In February 2000 Oxford University Air Squadron converted from the faithful, but ageing, Bulldog to the New Grob 115E Tutor aircraft manufactured in Germany. The new aircraft is similar in performance to the Bulldog but, being made mostly of carbon fibre, the airframe is strong enough to withstand +6g or –3g, can maintain height during aerobatics and be flick-rolled at a high roll rate.

Grob 115E Tutor

A new site at Oxpens was acquired by Eastern Wessex TAVRA for a tri-service Town Headquarters, subsequently named Falklands House and the 3 military units assumed occupancy during June 2000. Oxford University Air Squadron celebrated its 75th Anniversary on 11 October 2000 and held a Champagne Reception 2 days later in the Officers’ Mess.

Falklands House was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 8 November 2000.

The Squadron settled well into Falklands House and the Tri-Service Mess is abundant in pictures from all 3 services. The Squadron’s traditional sports match with Cambridge UAS, as well as Adventurous Training in Wales had to be cancelled owing to the national outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in 2001. Four Grob Tutors carried out a formation flight over the centre of Oxford on the occasion of the Annual Rowing Regatta. For the first time the Squadron participated in the Securicor Aerobatics Scholarship, with an OUAS winning the coveted trophy. The CO attended the unveiling of a memorial to the late Flight Lieutenant Richard Hillary, a wartime member of the Squadron, at Charterhall in the Scottish Borders.

By the end of 2001 the Squadron had the highest number of sponsored bursary holders on record, almost half the strength of the Squadron. Eleven students were due to enter Initial Officer Training in 2002.

Indeed 13 students entered Initial Officer Training in 2002. This was due to 2 students gaining final year sponsorship. The Annual Dinner took place at Falklands House in February. Significantly, it was an occasion that brought together the Chief of the Air Staff and the Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the first time these 2 posts had met for nearly 50 years. Two well-known actors and former members of the Squadron, Robert Hardy and Warren Mitchell were also honoured guests. Many sports and pursuits continued to flourish and the 2002 Summer Camp was held at RAF Marham. This was a successful recruiting year and the Squadron strength became larger than in many years. There were 24 sponsored students of which 8 started officer training in 2003.

The Principal guests at the 2003 Annual Dinner were Air Chief Marshal Sir John Day, Commander-in-Chief, Strike Command, and the Hon. Michael J Beloff, the President of Trinity College, Oxford. The Dinner marked the 60th Anniversary of the death of Richard Hillary, a former Squadron member who lost his life during the 2nd World War. Mrs Denise Patterson, who was a friend of Richard Hillary and whose fiancé was killed just before him attended the Dinner as a member of the Richard Hillary Trust, which has its archives at Trinity College, Oxford. Paintings and photographs were on display at the Dinner.

On 17 March 2003, the Squadron received its first 2 Direct Entry student pilots. As a result of a major policy change, Direct Entry pilots were then trained to EFT standard by the 15 University Air Squadrons. This imposed a great workload on the flying instructors. With a Direct Entrant taking 5 months to complete a course that takes an undergraduate 3-4 years. Long block leave and Summer Camps were now things of the past, with flying taking place over 12 months of the year. The Squadron was established with the new post of Ground Training Instructor. The squadron said farewell to Mrs Ann Grigg, the Squadron Secretary for 11 years. Her loyal service to both the Squadron and the Civil Service earned her an AOC’s Commendation and the award of the Imperial Service medal.

In Jan 2004 members of the Squadron attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, a former member and Commanding Officer of the Squadron. Owing to the shortage of mess accommodation at RAF Benson the Squadron deployed to RAF Wittering for Summer Camp. Sadly, almost as soon as the Squadron deployed, the Grob Tutor aircraft were grounded following a propeller failure on an aircraft from Southampton UAS. Fourteen students graduated in July, of whom 6 proceeded to IOT. Full flying recommenced in September. The current student membership was limited to 52. In Jan 2005 the squadron said farewell to Mrs Chris Fretwell after 13 loyal years of service to the Squadron and 25 years in the MOD Civil Service. She had faithfully looked after the Squadron Admin and Accounts and was awarded the AOC’s Commendation.

In 2005 Squadron Leader Olly Barrett takes command of Oxford UAS and, shortly after, the Squadron celebrates its 80th Anniversary with a Champagne Reception at Falklands House. Distinguished guests include the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Dr John Hood; the Squadron Patron, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Day and Lady Day, and Air Vice-Marshal John Ponsonby, AOC Training Group HQPTC.

The retiring OC 1EFTS, Gp Capt Bob Marston was tasked to undertake a survey into the future of the UAS system. The ‘Marston Report’ heralded many changes. Squadron members were now considered ‘branch neutral’, and all given the opportunity to fly 10 hours a year. Formal flying training to EFT standard ceased and flying training was no longer assessed. For those members aspiring to become pilots and join the RAF, formal flying instruction now takes place after Initial Officer Training at one of the 3 Elementary Flying Training Schools.

2006. The squadron adopts the Cardiomyopathy Association as its principle charity in memory of Maddie Smith, the sister of Senior Student APO Callum Smith. Maddie passed away in 2004 at the age of 16. Summer Camp is held at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall and Officer Cadets attend the last ever Summer Ball at the unit.

2008. The squadron is established with 53 students and 6 staff and is housed in new accommodation at RAF Benson. Summer Camp is held at RAF Woodvale.

2009. The squadron holds it's 83rd Annual Dinner at Falklands House. In attendance are Air Commodore Paul Atherton - the principal guest of honour, Prof Andrew Neil - Chairman of the Delegacy for Military Instruction and Mr Warren Mitchell. OUAS does the 'double' in inter-UAS sport, winning both the Rugby 7's and Balti Cup Football Tournaments.

The records show that many distinguished careers in the services and civilian life have started at Oxford University Air Squadron and it is still a valuable meeting ground between the service and every level of the university. The squadron still brings together a cross section of students who have a common interest in the skills and pleasures of flying and many of them go on to successful careers in the Royal Air Force.