No. 2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets commemorated its 40th anniversary with a special service at King’s Chapel, attended by His Excellency, Lieutenant General Sir Benjamin Bathurst, along with invited guests, including former staff members. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

The service was led by the Squadron’s Honorary Padre, Chris Rushden, and Father Danny  Hernandez. A key moment of the event was the unveiling and dedication of the Squadron’s  new banner. Group Captain John Kane, Chief of Staff, addressed the congregation,  highlighting the benefits of being a cadet, including the valuable experiences, skills, and  lifelong friendships that the program fosters. He also acknowledged the Squadron’s ongoing  support for the Ministry of Defence and the local community. 

Cadet Corporal Hannah Caward Madeira shared her personal experiences in the Squadron,  recalling the thrill of her first glider launch and the excitement of overcoming leadership  challenges—such as crossing rivers of “shark-infested custard.” As the banner bearer for the  service, she reflected on the significance of the role: 

“It was a great honour to be the first cadet to parade the new banner,” she said. “I was  incredibly nervous this morning, but everything went according to plan.” 

Flight Lieutenant Ivan Caward, Officer Commanding, emphasized the Squadron’s evolution  over the years:

“A lot has changed since we first started parading, and we continue to adapt with the times.  We now have state-of-the-art flight simulators and an IT hub—something we could only have  dreamed of a few years ago! Our syllabus has also expanded, with staff now trained to teach  new subjects, from basic radio communication to cyber-related topics, including space and  rocketry. Cadets can even earn progressive badges and certificates in these fields. The Air  Cadets’ motto once said, ‘The sky’s the limit,’ but we are going beyond that now!” 

The event served as a celebration of the Squadron’s legacy, growth, and commitment to  shaping the next generation of cadets.