A local lad has followed in his grandfather's footsteps by joining the air training corps.
Air Cadet Cory Badminton (13) from Killingworth has joined 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron following in his grandfather footsteps, flight lieutenant Willie Kaczan. Willie, a polish pilot during the second world war, is one of the most decorated Polish pilots in the world. After surviving the German blitzkrieg in 1939, Willie escaped to fight with his countrymen and joined the Royal Air Force. He survived being shot down twice and escaped captivity to fly again.
He received the highest award for a Polish pilot, the Polish Air Force Cross, not once, but on three occasions during his fight to defend the UK. In addition to this, he was also awarded the Polish Air Force Medal for sinking a German U-boat.
We asked Willie about what he thought his grandson joining the ATC. "I am delighted that he has joined the air cadets. I know that he'll be in good hands and it will help develop him. I am pleased his maintaining the family tradition." Cory, along with 20 new recruits had their joining parade recently where his family and friends watched him become a fully fledged member of 346 squadron. "I'm really excited about joining the squadron; I can't wait to go flying and I'd like very much to be as good a pilot as my grandfather, but I know that will take a lot of practice!"
The joining ceremony was conducted by the squadron padre, Captain Steve Dixon. He told us "It is fantastic to see so many new cadets joining the squadron and in particular to see Cory wearing the same uniform that his grandfather wore so many years ago."