The RAF Air Cadets is delighted to announce the recipients of its highest individual cadet honours for 2026, recognising exceptional achievement, leadership, service and commitment across both the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Combined Cadet Force (RAF). These awards represent the pinnacle of individual achievement within the organisation and recognise young people who exemplify the very best of RAFAC. The Dacre Sword is awarded to the top ATC cadet, the ATC 75 Sword to the ATC runner-up, and the Sir John Thomson Memorial Prize to the leading CCF (RAF) cadet.
Following a highly competitive national selection process, the recipients for 2026 are:
Dacre Sword – Best Air Training Corps Cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Holmes – 1015 (Horsham) Squadron, Sussex Wing, London & South East Region
ATC 75 Sword – Runner-Up Best Air Training Corps Cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer Holly Thomas - 415 (Merthyr Tydfil) Squadron, No. 1 Welsh Wing, Wales & West Region
Sir John Thomson Memorial Prize – Best CCF (RAF) Cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer Elizabeth Crew – Hereford Cathedral School CCF (RAF), West Mercian, Wales & West Region
This year's finalists gathered at RAF Wittering over the weekend of 27–28 June for the final stage of selection. Six Regional finalists from the Air Training Corps and three finalists from the CCF (RAF) participated in a programme designed not only to assess their achievements to date, but also to develop their potential as future ambassadors for the organisation.
Throughout the weekend, the cadets received training in influence, communication and stakeholder engagement, recognising the important role they will play in representing RAF Air Cadets at local, regional and national level. Working in small groups, they developed and delivered structured campaigns on issues affecting young people and the future of the organisation, demonstrating maturity, creativity and confidence well beyond their years.
The finalists then undertook individual interviews with a selection panel comprising the Warrant Officer RAF Air Cadets (WO Donna Hall), the Senior Volunteer (Gp Capt Ben Wakefield) and the Commandant RAF Air Cadets. The panel unanimously agreed that the standard across all finalists was exceptionally high.
Commenting on the selection process, Air Commodore Al Lewis, Commandant RAF Air Cadets, said:
"The quality of the finalists this year was truly outstanding. What struck us most was not simply the breadth of their achievements, but their authenticity, humility and desire to serve others.
Across the weekend we saw nine exceptional young people who are already making a significant difference within their units and communities. The standard was remarkably consistent and there was very little to choose between them, making the final decisions exceptionally challenging.
Every finalist represented their region or school with distinction and should be enormously proud of what they achieved."
Air Commodore Al Lewis
Commandant RAF Air Cadets
Whilst only three cadets could receive the top awards, the weekend demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the RAF Air Cadets today. In recognition of this, all nine finalists will continue to contribute to the development of the organisation through future cadet sounding panels with the Commandant and senior leadership team.
The finalists will also be considered for a range of prestigious ambassadorial opportunities, including hosting and engagement roles with Ministers, senior military leaders, dignitaries and key stakeholders across Defence and wider society. Their experiences, perspectives and ideas will help shape the future direction of the RAF Air Cadets whilst ensuring that the voice of young people continues to influence decision-making at the highest levels.
The RAF Air Cadets has a proud history of developing confident, capable and resilient young people. After spending a weekend with these exceptional finalists, one conclusion was shared by everyone involved in the selection process:
The future is indeed very bright.
Congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Holmes, Cadet Warrant Officer Holly Thomas and Cadet Warrant Officer Elizabeth Crew on receiving RAFAC's highest individual cadet honours for 2026.
The organisation also extends its congratulations to every finalist who represented their squadron, school, wing, region and contingent with such distinction. Their achievements are a credit to themselves, their families and the thousands of volunteers and staff who support the RAF Air Cadets across the United Kingdom every day.