Rallying call to save Royal British Legion clubs
- Today's leader
Protest as RAF leader axed
Tuesday 10th March 2009, 12:20PM GMT.
Air cadets from Telford have protested in the street after their commanding officer was removed from his job.
Cadets, former cadets, parents and instructors are calling for Flight Lieutenant Jeremy “Jez” Gardner to be reinstated. They say he is a community hero, the inspiration for generations of young people, and claim he has been treated unfairly by his air force bosses.
Flight Lieutenant Gardner, 37, a recent winner of the Shropshire Star’s Telford Champion Awards, has been a driving force of Wellington-based 1130 (Telford & Wrekin) Air Cadet Squadron for the past 10 years.
He led it to the title of best squadron in the UK in 2003 and helped it grow in membership from 25 to 95.
But on Thursday he was called over to RAF Cosford and removed from his post.
Councillor Denis Allen, chairman of the squadron’s civilian committee, said: “All involved with the squadron are devastated.”
Cadet Warrant Officer Craig Manley, 18, led last night’s banner-waving protest outside squadron headquarters in King Street, and has started a group called Bring Back Jez Gardner on the social networking website, Facebook.
He said: “Jez has been a fantastic role model and we are mystified as to why they should get rid of him.”
Flight Lieutenant Gardner was not available for comment. But his brother Scott, a civilian instructor with the squadron, speaking on his behalf, said he wanted to thank everyone for their support.
“He has vowed to take his fight to the Air Force Board if required. He has asked that cadets all work together and don’t let the squadron fold.”
An MOD spokesman said today: “The Air Cadet Organisation has been in discussion with Flight Lieutenant Gardner regarding his ATC career.
“Flight Lieutenant Gardner is currently considering a number of options regarding his ATC career, but has yet to make his decision.
“It would be inappropriate for us to discuss the details as it is an internal management issue.”
Sponsored Links
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
if the RAF need him, theres not much anyone can do about it at the end of the day its a job and your told where to work, you dont choose where you work, or who you work with.
Report abuse
The Wing Commander spoke to cadets and civilian committee members after the demonstration telling us the reason why Jez was replaced. We still don’t know what the reason was as the Wing Commander kept contradicting himself and when questioned even further closed the meeting.
Report abuse
He hasnt been told he is needed elsewhere, he has been dismissed by the Wing Commander as he thinks there is a clash betwen his ATC work and his police duties. Which there isnt, as it hasnt been a problem for the last 10 years.
Report abuse
I drove past these protesting idiots last night and the manner of their protest was extremely intimidating to innocent passers-by with a couple nearly getting run over as the spilt onto the road. I don’t know what they are protesting about and frankly don’t care but whatever it is they do it no credit.
Report abuse
Jez doesnt actually work for the RAF…
Report abuse
Jez was a great CO when i was there and i want him back for the futher. We will all at the wellington base will not back down until be is back. WE WANT JEZ BACK
Report abuse
What is Dave on about? Im sure if it was something like this on his account he would do the same. I was there and we are all devastated about this
Report abuse
I was in that squadron for 2 and a half years and to me Jez was one of the best people for the job. They are not idiots at all! All they want is there C.O back and trust me if i was still on that squadron i would be there too so i guess i will be an idiot too.
Report abuse
The story is mistitled, he’s not actually in the RAF, he’s a Volunteer Flt Lt in the Air Training Corps, has nothing to do with a job.
Dave, I was there keeping the cadets under control and none of them entered onto the road as we strictly kept them on the pavement. There were other youth’s there that had nothing todo with the protest that were running in the road, but that cannot be blamed on us.
Report abuse
Dave in response to your comment a group of kids all smartly dressed in there uniforms cant be to intimidating…
A good turnout for a great man taken away from his post for taking the squadron to success it seems.. as the reasons we have seem like excuses to rid us of our commanding officer who has helped so many of us
Report abuse
I can’t believe this. He was a brilliant CO and led a very good Squadron, he was well liked!
bring him back!
Ex-Cadet
Report abuse
If they are sacking him for being a Police officer and it interupting his ATC duties, why after so long have they not sacked him before?! Surely being a police officer and helping a great organisation like the ATC to keep young people occupied and off the streets shows that this guy is right for the job and that he has determination and the skills needed to help the community and young people! I can only assume there’s reasons which no one knows about as to why he was dismissed. I just hope they reconsider and let him back in.
Report abuse
I knew “Jez” years ago and it has to be said, he is very good at his job, He was a brilliant CWO and has always been dedicated to the Corps!! Dave may think the cadets are all idiots, but that goes to prove that he has nevefr had the joy of experiencing the Corps and all it has to offer!
Jez you are needed back at Wrekin (this gives away how long ago I was a cadet there!!) I hope this all gets sorted and you are put back where you belong!!
Report abuse
I saw these idiots the other day too, shouting at by-standers. Very intimidating. That Cadet Warrant Officer should be ashamed of the way this has been organised, there are better means of protesting than yelling at people. I thought the ATC was supposed to teach discipline, and this group of children were the most undisciplined bunch I’ve ever seen. Telford should be ashamed of you.
Report abuse
Oh Alex – do be quiet!
If you can’t say anything positive, then don’t say anything at all!
As a parent of 2 of the Cadets at the protest (whom I admire greatly for standing up for what they believe in), I can vouch that they were not behaving inappropriately and certainly weren’t intimidating.
The number of passers-by who showed their support by way of beeping their horns far outnumbers the few who have taken the time to search for this article purely to criticise their efforts.
What the Cadets want now are answers.
We are all completely puzzled about the dismissal of Jez.
Until we have a full and frank explanation the Cadets will continue to ‘shout’ about it!
This isn’t over yet!
Keep it up 1130 squadron. Lets hope Jez is back where he belongs soon.
Report abuse
As a retired RAFVR(T) officer Iam appalled at the behaviour of the cadets of this Telford squadron. The lack of discipline and insubordination of the staff and cadets reflects badly on the whole of the air training corp. Their loyalties should be with the corp and not with a particular member of uniformed staff.
Report abuse
im not
Report abuse
As an ex staff member albeit from another area of the country I am appalled at the behaviour of these cadets.
What the public do not realise and perhaps even the parents do not realise is that the Air Training Corps is a DISCIPLINED youth organisation run along military procedures and guidelines. There SHOULD be clear codes of conduct that appear to have never been taught to these young people, and the mere fact that they refer to their commanding officer as “Jez” speaks volumes. I had the greatest respect for my commanding officers and credit them for where I am today, but would have NEVER have addressed him by his christian name either in public or private. If that sounds old fashioned or not “down with the kids” then I suggest they join the local youth club, as the uniform comes with a code of conduct and discipline that appears sadly lacking in this case.
Report abuse
Back in the mid ’90s I was a cadet at Wrekin, when Jez had just joined as a civilian instructor. He was a sound bloke, and has obviously led the squadron from strength to strength in the past 10+ years.
As a current serviceman (RN), with 11 years service, the ATC was a great help in inspiring me in my chosen career; despite the fact that I chose the RN over the RAF! Volunteers like Flt Lt Gardner, who are obviously well respected, are rare these days.
Good luck Jez.
Report abuse
Thanks Alex – I am glad I was not the only one who witnessed this baying mob.
Report abuse
We would just like to say that our son attends 1130 and he is not as stated part of an ‘unruly mob’ but a very well mannered and polite young man. He wears his uniform correctly & with pride, he respects the commanding officers and his elders. Do you people who are critcising these ‘youths’ realise that with out Jez and the likes of all the adult volunteers at the squadron our young people would have no where to go! Do you want them hanging around the streets being ‘unruly’ & ‘intimidating’ I think not! Before you criticise these young people for doing something that they believe in – find out the facts, and maybe you will understand why they feel so strongly about Jez being dismissed.
Report abuse
Dave, you were actually not there and we know that you are related to one of the staff that is partically responsible for this ridiculous dismissal. Keep your comments to yourself please. Ex staff, I can only hazard a guess that you never actually met Jez or are as Dave above and just on here to cause trouble and distress to people actually affected by this. We have enough problems without other’s getting involved and if you want to also be known as a bully to youngster’s go ahead albeit on your consience there are many many people that are affected by this
Report abuse
I was in the Air Training Corps during the 80′s and am shocked at the response by the cadets to this situation. Yes, I understand the loyalty that you have for your CO, however I cannot understand the lack of respect you seem to have for your uniform and the values of the corps itself. I would never have addressed my CO by their 1st name either!
This is an organsation that is linked closely to the RAF. Would you see a group of Airman protesting outside the station gates if their CO was removed and they weren’t happy about it – no they would show respect to their new one and get on with it!
Report abuse
‘Baying mob’ I’ve had one or two lessons on hyperbole….
And i can also say that nobody does call Flt Lt Gardener by his first name at cadets. The cadets at the squadron are very respectfull and do follow the teachings of the air cadet organisation. You must also understand that these people are very upset, Flt Lt Gardener is a volunteer who has put much time and effort into the cadets at his squadron and had a far reaching impact over the wing. Many of my friends now former cadets all have the greatest respect for this man and are also baffled by this decision and these are cadets not just from 1130 telford and wreking squadron but al St Georges Squadron and those located within Hereford.
A decision is wrong and something must be done about it, not everyone will just stand by and accept things, some people stand up for what they believe is right and know when injustice has been done.
Report abuse
I have placed an earlier comment about the behaviour of the 1130 staff and cadets. There has been no comment about the incoming commanding officer who has probably been transferred from another squadron ( and those cadets will be equally disappinted from loosing someone they know). This officer should have the loyalty of his new squadron. What a welcome that officer is receiving. I wish him or her every success
Report abuse
In response to comments above, as a retired ATC squadron warrant officer I am very disappointed in the actions of staff and cadets. I understand that staff were involved in the action. I question where their loyalty lies. Officers are commissioned into the RAFVR(T)and as such their first loyalty is to the queen and then their commanding officer. Commanding officers are not removed from their post without very good reason and as this has not been made public as yet these actions are totally out of order. As a S.W.O. I would not have allowed or expected cadets to take this action. I would therefore question all the staffs actions whether commissioned officers, adult warrant officers, adult senior NCOs and civilian instructors in this matter.
Report abuse
As a CWO of 1130 Sqn can I just thank all the people who have made a positive comment on the article. You obviously know the situation.
The petition on Monday was a well organised event that put our point across. The protest was a safe one as cadets were kept on the pavement. The Air Cadet Uniform was worn as we were representing the Air Cadets and standing up for what we beleive.
Being in the Air Cadets for over 5 years one of the things that I have been taught is to stand up for what is right. (Both family and Air Cadets have taught me that.)
People of Telford should be applauding what the local Squadron is doing by standing up for what they believe and making themselves heard.
Flt Lt Gardner is not only 1130 Sqn’s Commanding Officer but is also a great friend to all staff and cadets. This squadron is the best Squadron in West Mercian Wing (Fact.) and this is because of the great respect the cadets have for Flt Gardner and the equal amount of respect he has for us cadets.
I assure you 1130 Sqn Cadets have all the respect for Flt Lt Gardner and do address him with the utmost respect (Sir). The protest was not only to get our OC back but to get our great friend back too and that is why you have seen both ‘Jez’ and ‘CO’ on posters.
I do not have to justify this point further.
Bring Back Flt Lt Jez Gardner!
CWO Craig Manley
Report abuse
This has all the classic signs of something very wrong? but the truth is being held back probabley to protect the Organisation.
Report abuse
Well it seems we have some ex cadets/ serviceman writing here. And as an ex cadet warrant officer on the sqn id like to have my cents properely.
Cadets dont refer to Jez by that name on cadet actvities, the only people that do are senior nco’s behind closed doors, who Jez has given effective permission too.
Furthermore you go on about the use of the name Jez in the protests, well as you all know he is temporarily no longer in the ATC and so they are perfectly justified to use that name.
One final point the cadets do have loyalty to the sqn and the corps hence why they still go, and i think the biggest show of loyalty to the corps is trying to get one of its best assets back. If you people who moan think you can do a better job and lead the sqn more succesfully why dont you go there and prove it.
P.S. if the cadets were causing such a problem why didnt you inform the police? perhaps Jez could have come down in a police capacity to control it!!!
Reinstate him now.
Nuff said
Report abuse
I know what I say as I drove by and that was a pack of uncontrolled kids shouting and screaaming at the passing traffic. It was disgraceful. I only wish I had called the police there and then so they could have taken action against what a breach of the peace. Next time I will if it continues. There are ways and means of protesting but this was way out of order as when i parked over a mile away i could still hear the disorder.
Report abuse
Dave, if you would like to see a breach of the peace i would like to refer you to the angry mob protesting against our soldiers, not a group of kids fighting to get an ATC asset back, what you say is completly over exagerated and im sure the passers by who beeped their horns waved and stopped to sign the petition would also agree….
Report abuse
if this was a breach of the peace how come the neighbours did not complain? Dave you were obviously only driving past at the time so i do not see how you are directly affected by this?
I am an ex-cadet and i went to join the cadets solely to prove to the community that their are young people out their who care for the community. I never in my entire ATC career called flt lt Gardener ‘Jez’ whilst wearing the uniform.
A squadron needs discipline and i think these young people are excellent at what they do. They are only protesting outside their squadron and not ‘spilling out’ into the town.
If all you people dont like it just keep driving or walking by. They aren’t going to hold you down and make you listen to them. They are fighting for a cause and if all this mess hadn’t happened they would be enjoying other activities that they signed up to do.
Report abuse
In response to Dave I know many people that were there on Monday night (Adults as well as cadets) and I am reliably informed that they were not behaing in the way you describe. Also I was there myself on Wednesday & no one was behaving uncontollably nor were they causing a breach of the peace. These cadets & supporters are passionate about their cause, and I for one commened them for standing up for what is right & what they believe in. Bring Back ‘Jez’!
Report abuse
What the people who write in to criticise someone and a situation that they have no knowledge of fail to realise, is that they are commenting on hearsay. You do not know the full facts and shame on you to cast aspersions as to the conduct and strength of feeling of these loyal youths. This is, after all, a cadet squadron, intended for young people. They should be praised for taking the initiative to organise a peaceful protest and stand up for what they believe is an injustice; not blindly following ill advised bureaucratic decisions.
The staff at the squadron are volunteers; they give up their free time to instruct the youths in a society where there are always those who are quick to complain that there is nowhere for our youths to go. This is a constructive, challenging and disciplined squadron; they are not on the streets and gain valuable lessons in many activities, sporting and vocational. There are even those who have gone on to join the armed services because of this squadron.
Jeremy Gardner has led this squadron, the most successful in the country in recent years, for a very long time. He makes sacrifices of his personal time and his family time as well as having a demanding job. This is what a person dedicated to the community they serve, does and he does this willingly and with passion. I challenge anyone who has written in to criticise, to name a more selfless and community orientated individual.
Report abuse
i have been a cadet of 1130 under the comend of flt lt Gardner (jez) and this is a hudge loss to the sqn as well as staff and cadets, i would just like to say if you have nothing suportive to say please keep throughts and comments to your self.
Cpl Smith C
Report abuse
Dear Dave,
As a Cadet on this truly great and hard working Squadron, we are all well aware that your Wife attends / runs another ATC Sqn and your Father is one of those that ensured his dismissal. Leave the lies to those that unjustly dismissed him.
Flt Lt Gardner has worked harder than anyone I know at the Development of Youth within Telford and just because he is a Policeman is why the Air Cadets wont tell anyone why they got rid of him, basically its a poor excuse and when the truth comes out he will be rightly returned.
The Cadets right now are voting with their feet in droves at the intimidation and threats that the bosses and the new OC is subjecting them to.
I pray he is back soon!
Report abuse
Best of luck to Andy Griffin, can’t imagine what it’s like being thrown in the deep end mate.
Manley, good luck in keeping your rank, if not staying in the Corps, you’ll need it.
Report abuse
P.S. Captain Chaos has said the most intelligent thing on this article. Well done for opening your eyes.
Report abuse
Alex Warrington pipe down, dont think you kno the full story do you?
Good luck to Andy Griffin indeed because you will need it, not on a sqn level but at a Wing Level because when the sqn carries on winning everything you will be hated, prepared to become disliked by half the Wing just for being successful
Report abuse
Alex W. Without getting into an argument with you and ‘Captain Chaos’ neither of you know the facts of this matter & are obvoiusly on here to cause trouble for those who care who their children are with & where they are. The 1130 cadets are well organised and their uniforms are always worn correctly. I suppose both of you give up your free time to do something for others!! If Jez had done something ‘very wrong’ as stated I’m sure the ‘organisation’ as you put it would have gone to the papers themselves. The problem I think here, is that Jez is too successful & too popular, and certain people don’t like it!!
Report abuse
Oh My God!! Everyone gets that you are upset by losing your CO but you must show your support to your new CO!! As cadets you joined the Squadron and not “Jez World”. Unless you know the exact reasons why he has been removed I suggest you take a step back. Has “Jez” been down and told you the reasons behind this, no its all down to hearsay and rumour, the only people who know the truth about what was said will be the Wing Boss and “Jez” until it comes out in the open you should stop attacking people for making comments on here! You got the papers involved, if you didnt want comments to be made you should have not made it all public!!
Report abuse
Firstly if you dont know flt lt Gardner you cannot have an opinion as to why we protested. The Wing Commander actually praised us for the protest because it showed our loyalties to the ATC, and that we should be proud of our efforts. CWO Manley will not get kicked out of the corps because as i have just said, they congratualted him for expressing his emotians.
The ATC is a voluntry organistion so the protesting cadets weren’t doing anything against rules and they werent out of order as many of u think. We were standing up for something we believe in, in a safe way!!
We do have respect for the new CO and have showed this by turning up the ATC even after this.
Im sure you can imagine we will obviously feel stongly about jez leaving as he has been amazing to all of us.
Telford be proud of us!!
Report abuse