Now They’re Doing Ju-Jitsu - Rushden A.T.C. Boys Prepare New Headquarters

(From the Press Correspondent)
A week ago I braved the elements to visit the A.T.C. cadets taking physical training instruction in the Alfred-street School hall. As I passed through the door, I had the illusion of entering a Japanese courtyard where short, stocky figures in vests and slips were practising the Oriental art of ju-jitsu. I stayed long enough to see these cadets practising grips and throws, jumping the horse and doing team rolls and jumps on the mat. They were apt and eager pupils under the clever direction and watchful eye of Sergt. Hartley, an Army P.T. instructor.

The Squadron has now taken possession of the new headquarters building in Victoria-road, and the cadets have been very busy helping to get this ex-factory building into habitable condition. The cadets in the Electricians Class have wired up the building for light and power; the cadet mechanics are responsible under their instructors for the fitting-up of the engineering workshop; another party are doing the necessary woodwork under one of the committee, and the Wireless Class will be fitting up their section on pukka R.A.F. plans for practical training simulating as near as possible actual service operational conditions.

The walls and partitions give at present a very bare, cold appearance to the room, but much can be done with a few maps, illustrations, etc. I wonder if any of my readers have wall maps not in use, or better still, photographs, wall charts or illustrations of particular interest to boys training for the R.A.F.

Recently a Group Captain, the commanding officer of an R.A.F. station, visited the Squadron at work and was so pleased with the progress already made that he extended an invitation to the cadets to visit his station. The first party of 20 have already made the journey and returned full of enthusiasm for everything they saw. Co-operation and regular contact with the R.A.F. at work is the highest stage of A.T.C. training. And do the cadets like it? I ask you!

Loss To A.T.C. - Three Officers Resign from Rushden Squadron
Three officers who have served the Rushden A.T.C. Squadron from its inception have tendered their resignation, feeling that younger men should now be appointed. They are the Commanding Officer (Flt. Lt. A. H. Whitton), F/O S. A. Lawrence and F/O O. L. Ash.

Flt. Lt. Whitton and F/O Lawrence have promised to stand by the squadron until new appointments are made. F/O/ C. G. Faulkner, the remaining officer of the squadron, with continue to serve.