ABOUT 388 SQN
In January 1941 a meeting was called my Stoke on Trent's Lord Mayor Arthur Hewitt. The agenda? Answering the call of duty, and forming Air Training Corps Squadron's across Stoke on Trent.
They didn't know it yet, but the people in that room were about to embark on a journey that would take the Air Cadets through 77 years of History to present day.
On that night in Stoke on Trent, 5 Air Training Corps Squadron's were formed; 235 (Tunstall), 236 (Burslem), 237 (Hanley), 238 (Hartshill), and 239 (Longton). These units of the Air Training Corps were crucial during World War 2 in support in the Royal Air Force in the selection and training of recruits.
After World War 2 had ended, the demand for the Air Training Corps dropped, and 235, 236, and 237 were merged to become one unit, and moved to the Territorial Army Base in Cobridge - they would become known as 235 (1st Stoke on Trent) Squadron. With 238 Squadron becoming 238 (2nd Stoke on Trent) Squadron, and 239 Squadron becoming 239 (3rd Stoke on Trent) Squadron. These units later adopted the names - 235 (Stoke on Trent), 238 (Hartshill) and 239 (Longton).
Fast forward to September 2018. All 3 Squadrons are still operating at the top of their games. An opportunity arose to create Staffordshire's first Super Squadron - a large scale unit, with state of the art facilities, and a highly trained staff team to support.
On the 3rd of September 388 (City of Stoke on Trent) Squadron was stood up. The number chosen was a acknowledgement of Reginald Mitchel and his role in the success of the RAF during World War 2 - the Spitfire gifted to the City of Stoke on Trent in recognition of Reginald Mitchel bears the tail number RW388. Our logo proudly bears the Crest and Motto of Stoke on Trent - reflecting our proud History, and our commitment to be the best through Unity.
Vis Unita Fortior
"United Strength is Stronger"
