New Name on the Door at 1324

Ex-cadet, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith has returned from full time service, taking command of 1324 Squadron from Flying Officer Helle McCollin, who now focusses on her appointment as Wing Sports Officer.

Over the past 9 years, Helle has served with both 872 (Hull West) and 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadrons, both as a civilian instructor (carrying out roles such as squadron adjutant), and for the last 4 years as a commissioned officer, guiding 1324 Squadron through the difficulties of the pandemic and remote parade nights.

“I’m sad to be stepping back from my command responsibilities with 1324 and the wonderful cadets I’ve had the privilege of developing, but being able to lead the wing’s cadets to victory at the recent athletics competition is exactly why I enjoy supporting cadets across the whole of Central and East Yorkshire Wing.  Unfortunately, it’s just not possible to do both roles justice with all the work that entails, so there comes a point when you have to choose, and what better time than now?”

Flt Lt Clifford-Roper-Smith has always wanted to return home and command his former squadron, though he hadn’t anticipated the accelerated timeline: “It feels like this succession plan got underway almost as soon as I walked through the door, so there have been a lot of changes and new processes to wrap my head around in a very short period of time.

“What has impressed me most is the calibre of young adult we have on the squadron despite the negative impact the pandemic has had on the organisation’s ability to develop the cadets to the extent it normally does.  I can’t wait to hit the ground running and to play my part in ensuring these cadets get the same experiences and opportunities I did when I was in their shoes.

“I’m also incredibly thankful to Helle for her tireless dedication to my childhood squadron.  Many units have been lost through and in the aftermath of the pandemic.  Without her, there’s a very real chance 1324 Squadron wouldn’t have been here for me to return to, and so she’ll always have my gratitude.”

He wasted no time in laying down the gauntlet: “The cadets did a fantastic job at the last Wing Competition Day, coming second overall despite not winning a single standalone event.  The other squadrons had better bring their A Game next year, because we’re coming for Northallerton’s crown.”

Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith takes command of 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron

Flying Officer Helle McCollin takes up her new post as the Wing Sports Officer.