After months of inspections, submissions and competition from across the United Kingdom, RAF Air Cadets has announced the winners of its top squadron awards for 2026.
The Lees, Morris and Marshall Trophies recognise excellence across the Air Training Corps (ATC), celebrating squadrons that deliver outstanding experiences for cadets, support their communities and demonstrate exceptional commitment from volunteers and staff.
This year's competition saw squadrons from every region showcase the opportunities they provide for young people, from aviation, fieldcraft and leadership training to STEM, community engagement and personal development. Inspection visits by Commandant RAF Air Cadets, Air Commodore Al Lewis, and Senior Volunteer, Group Captain Ben Wakefield, highlighted the breadth of activity taking place across the organisation and the dedication of those who make it possible.
Following inspection visits and submissions from across the RAF Air Cadets, the winners for 2026 have now been announced.
Lees Trophy winner: 93 (City of Bath) Squadron
The Lees Trophy is awarded annually to the best ATC squadron in the country and represents the highest squadron accolade within RAF Air Cadets.
Following inspection visits to regional-winning squadrons across the UK, 93 (City of Bath) Squadron was selected as the 2026 winner.
Commenting on the award, Air Commodore Al Lewis, Commandant RAF Air Cadets, said:
"93 (City of Bath) Squadron exemplifies the very best of the RAF Air Cadets. What stood out was not simply the breadth and quality of its delivery, but the impact it is having on the young people it serves and the wider community it supports.
Particularly impressive was the resilience demonstrated by volunteers and cadets alike, continuing to thrive despite a prolonged period of displacement from their normal facilities. Through the dedication of an exceptional volunteer team, the squadron has created an environment where young people can develop confidence, skills and aspirations.
Their success is richly deserved, and they are worthy winners of the Lees Trophy."
Air Commodore Al Lewis
Commandant RAF Air Cadets
Flt Lt Chelsea Ollason, Officer Commanding 93 (City of Bath) Squadron, said the award reflected the strength of the whole squadron community after an exceptionally challenging year.
"It is an immense honour for 93 (City of Bath) Squadron to be named the Lees Trophy winner for 2026. This recognition reflects the dedication, resilience and commitment of our cadets and volunteers, particularly during what has been an exceptionally challenging year."
Flt Lt Chelsea Ollason
Officer Commanding 93 (City of Bath) Squadron
Since the closure of its squadron building in February, 93 Squadron has continued to deliver training, support cadets and maintain a strong programme without a building to call home.
Flt Lt Ollason said cadets had continued to achieve across the organisation, including drill competitions, international opportunities through IACE and Nijmegen, STEM, leadership development, music performances and community service.
She also paid tribute to the squadron's staff team, who adapted throughout the closure, maintaining momentum for the cadets.
"Winning the Lees Trophy is a reflection of every cadet who has pushed themselves to achieve more, every volunteer who has given their time and energy, and the wider community that has supported us throughout the year.
We are incredibly proud to receive this honour. I would also like to thank our dedicated CFAV team, whose professionalism, commitment and support for our cadets never wavered, even during some challenging circumstances.
I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together."
Morris Trophy winner: 1777 (Dumbarton) Squadron
Awarded to the runner-up in the national competition, the Morris Trophy recognises another squadron delivering exceptional opportunities and experiences for cadets.
For 2026, the trophy has been awarded to 1777 (Dumbarton) Squadron.
Commenting on the award, Group Captain Ben Wakefield, Senior Volunteer, said:
"Cadets at Dumbarton demonstrated the impact they can have on their peers when they work together to deliver a varied engaging training programme that provides enriching opportunity for their peers. The evening showed us the very best they had to offer and the benefit it was having for their cadets and CFAV.
With great initiatives beyond the provided curriculum they demonstrated a range of efforts in sustainability, STEM and cyber. The cadets and CFAV should be incredibly proud of their success as Morris Trophy Winners for 2026.”
Group Captain Ben Wakefield
Senior Volunteer
During their respective inspections 93 (City of Bath) and 1777 (Dumbarton) Squadrons successfully demonstrated the role that cadets play in influencing the way training is delivered and the role that units play in their community. It was particularly evident as cadets and staff were completely at ease delivering the activities we saw, showing how this forms part of their normal working routine.
During every element of the inspections, cadets were able to demonstrate with overflowing enthusiasm what being an air cadet meant to them and how the squadrons supported their personal development.
Marshall Trophy winner: 354 (Dover) Squadron
The Marshall Trophy recognises the most improved ATC squadron and celebrates sustained progress, development and achievement.
Unlike the Lees and Morris Trophies, the Marshall Trophy is determined through submissions from squadrons, Officers Commanding Wings and Regional Commandants, recognising units that have made significant improvements over time.
Following consideration of submissions from across the organisation, 354 (Dover) Squadron was selected as the 2026 winner.
Commenting on the award, Group Captain Ben Wakefield, Senior Volunteer, said:
“The citation for 354 (Dover) demonstrated the breadth of development the squadron has achieved over the last couple of years, with a particular focus on getting the basics right before moving on to further experiential opportunities for their cadets demonstrating both the breadth of delivery and the impact it was having on their cadets.”
Group Captain Ben Wakefield
Senior Volunteer
Recognising excellence across the organisation
While only three squadrons received trophies, the competition highlighted the talent, commitment and community spirit found throughout RAF Air Cadets.
The organisation extends its congratulations to all participating squadrons. While 93 (City of Bath), 1777 (Dumbarton) and 354 (Dover) stood out during this year's competition, every day our squadrons provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships, supported by dedicated volunteers who give their time to make those experiences possible.
If the achievements of this year's winners have inspired you, find out more about becoming an RAF Air Cadet or explore how you can volunteer with RAF Air Cadets.