A huge congratulations to the winners of this year's prestigious best unit trophies! Commandant RAF Air Cadets recently visited some of the finest squadrons across the country to determine the "best of the best" and share examples of good practice. The competition was fierce, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.
Lees Trophy Winner: 204 (City of Lincoln) Squadron
The Lees Trophy, which recognises the most outstanding Air Training Corps squadron, has been awarded to 204 (City of Lincoln) Squadron. The Commandant praised their "super strong delivery" and "innovative training programme," particularly highlighting how they incorporate classifications to focus on achievements. Their wide range of opportunities on offer for cadets also helped them secure the win.
On hearing about their success in the competition Flt Lt Crampton, Officer Commanding 204 Squadron, said:
“This is an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion that each and every one of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV), squadron civilian committee members and the cadets put in to make this squadron so successful. The journey has not been easy, but everyone has pulled together through every challenge and celebrated all the successes along the way, and it’s this teamwork that has driven us to win this accolade.”
The Lees Trophy was presented to the organisation by Air Marshal Sir Alan Lees KCB CBE DSO AFC in 1949 on his retirement as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Reserve Command.
Morris Trophy Winner: 34F (Balham and Tooting) Squadron
The Morris Trophy winner for 2025 is 34F (Balham and Tooting) Squadron. This trophy is presented to the runners-up in the Lees Trophy Competition for Best ATC Squadron. The Morris trophy was presented to the organisation in 1967 by Air Commodore E J Morris CB CBE DSO DFC, Air Officer Commanding Air Cadets from 1966 to 1968.
A special commendation goes to 2286 (Coventry Arden) Squadron for their series of remarkable achievements. They were noted for giving so much to their diverse community and for the dedication of their uniquely challenged CFAVs. The Commandant also gave a special thanks to Porthleven, Trowbridge, and Warrington squadrons for winning their regional competitions and hosting such brilliant and inspiring evenings.
Marshall Trophy Winner: 1379 (Leiston) Squadron
The Marshall Trophy, which recognizes the most improved Air Training Corps squadron, was won by 1379 (Leiston) Squadron from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing.
Runners-up for this award were 1147 (Barking) Squadron.
Well done also to 2416 (Newtown) and 2174 (North Plymouth) Squadrons for their excellent efforts.
The Marshall Trophy was presented to the ATC in memory of Sir Arthur Marshall OBE DL in 2008. A driving force behind the development of Marshall Aerospace he founded 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron in 1939, remaining as Chairman of 104 squadron until 1976.
John Cunningham Trophy Winner: Kingsford Community School CCF (RAF)
The John Cunningham Trophy for the most improved Combined Cadet Force (RAF) section in a state school has been awarded to Kingsford Community School from London and South East Region.
The trophy was presented to HQ RAF Air Cadets in 2023 by the Royal Air Squadron. It is named in honour of Group Captain John 'Cat's Eyes' Cunningham CBE, DSO** DFC* AE, a Royal Air Force night fighter ace of the Second World War and later a test pilot flying the world's first jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet.
We hope the success of these squadrons will inspire others. More details on the best practices identified during these visits will be shared in a separate announcement.