The Air Cadet organisation became established in Nuneaton on 9th May 1939 with the founding of No. 121 (King Edward VI School) Squadron, Air Defence Cadet Corps. Within the borough, enthusiasm for the Corps grew and in February 1941, 121 (King Edward VI School) Squadron became part of the newly formed Air Training Corps and a second unit No. 411 (Borough of Nuneaton) Squadron was formed.

Members of 121 (King Edward VI School) Squadron ATC on camp at RAF Wellesborn in 1942

Members of 411 (Borough of Nuneaton) Squadron ATC on camp in 1942

121 (King Edward VI School) Squadron was commanded by Flt. Lt Branston RAFVR(T) and had its headquarters at the grammar school and 411 (Borough of Nuneaton) Squadron was commanded by Flt. Lt Panter RAFVR(T) with it’s headquarters situated in Princes Street.

Members of 121 (King Edward VI School) Squadron ATC on camp at RAF Madley in 1943. Front row 5^th from left Flt. Lt. W.H.M Branston, OC 121 Sqn. 2^nd from left Cpl Doug Watson who later became a Civilian Instructor with the squadron and is to this day serving with the squadron.

After the war the number of cadets reduced as the need to recruit for the RAF diminished. On the 8^th November 1946 the two Nuneaton Squadrons amalgamated under the command of Flt. Lt Branston RAFVR(T) and became No. 121 (Borough of Nuneaton) Squadron. The Squadrons title was later revised to No. 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron, a title that remains to this day. On the 28^th January 1949 the squadron moved to a new location in the Pingles Fields off Attlborough Road (now known as, Ribbonfields).

The 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn. ATC Crest depicts the head of a red-indian and the motto ‘United For Liberty’ as adopted from the badge of 121 Sqn RAF which was one of three squadrons manned by American volunteers before the USA joined the war. These three squadrons were known as ‘Eagle’ squadrons. To this day 121 Sqn. ATC remains in contact with the ‘Eagle Squadron Association’ in the US.

Over the last 65 years the Squadron has contributed to the education of many young people between the age of 13 and 22. At this time the squadron has a youth membership of approximately 40 and a staff of 8.