Warrant Officer (RAFAC) Chris Brand – Officer CommandingAfter reaching the rank of Sergeant as a cadet with our squadron, Chris joined the Royal Air Force as a Regiment Gunner. After completing his service he joined 1249 (Dereham) Sqn before eventually returning as a CI to 222 Sqn with valued knowledge in 2005. Chris became an Adult NCO in December 2007, Chris took over as Officer Commanding 222 in 2015. In 2018 Chris was awarded Lord Lieutenant award for Meritorious service to the air cadets.
Sergeant (RAFAC) Michael Gardiner – Drill and Discipline. After 7 years as a Cadet and reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer at both 2110 (North Walsham) Sqn & 1895 (Cromer) Sqn, Michael became an Adult SNCO and transferred to 222 (Broadlands) Sqn on the 10th July 2016. Since being at the Squadron he has completed both the Drill Instructors and Arms Drill Instructors courses at the Adult Training Facility, RAFC Cranwell, and uses his skills on the Squadron and around the Wing to support the Wing Warrant Officer as one of the Wing Drill Instructors.
CI Adam Grzeskowiak – D of E OfficerAdam originally joined the Army as a Medic. He later successfully applied for aircrew selection and was awarded his wings in 1996. Posted to 654 Sqn AAC at Wattisham flying Gazelle helicopters in the reconnaissance/anti tank role, during this period he undertook numerous worldwide detachments. Selected for instructor training, Adam was posted to Middle Wallop to teach all aspects of Army Flying. Adam Retired after 22 Years service and now flies in support of the offshore gas industry. “I recognise what a great help the Air cadets was in helping me achieve my career in aviation, and would like to pass on some of the knowledge gained.”
CI Nick Nicholls – Communications OfficerNick joined the RAF initially as an aircraft technician and worked on the Lightning, Hunter, Argosy, VC10 and Belfast aircraft. He was selected for Aircrew training as an Air Engineer and, after graduation, worked on the Hercules C130’s. He served 2 tours on No. 30 Sqn and then became an instructor. At the end of his 22 year engagement he moved to civil aviation and operated Boeing 747-200’s, -300’s and the Lockheed L1011 Tri-Star for a Hong Kong based airline. He also held the post of Fleet Technical Officer for the introduction of the Boeing 777 to the airline. Having retired, Nick would like to share his aviation knowledge and experience with the next generation of aviators
CI Julie Simpson – Adjutant who has the responsibility of the administration the squadron. She originally got involved with 222 (Broadlands) squadron when her daughter was a cadet in 2009 as the Secretary of the Civilian Committee. After serving 5 years on the Civilian Committee and being involved in several fund-raising events including the bag packing, car parking and running a Summer Fete at Broadland High School. When her children left the squadron, she felt it was time to pass the baton of Secretary to another parent and a short break from the Air Cadets, Julie returned to the squadron in January 2017 as Adjutant. Julie felt that the Air Cadets had given so many brilliant experiences to her daughters that she wanted to support them further to enable other young people to achieve and gain as many experiences that they can.CI Bill Newby Grant
Bill, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, joined us in May 2007 after noticing a recruitment advert in the EDP. His specialisation was languages and he was awarded an MBE for his work in the Balkans. His experiences throughout the world are an asset to the Squadron. Bill teaches the leading and senior cadet syllabus and assists with Fieldcraft activities.
Bill, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, joined us in May 2007 after noticing a recruitment advert in the EDP. His specialisation was languages and he was awarded an MBE for his work in the Balkans. His experiences throughout the world are an asset to the Squadron. Bill teaches the leading and senior cadet syllabus and assists with Fieldcraft activities.
CI Paul Middleditch. Training officer Paul joined the Royal Air Force in January 1987 and served ten and a half years as a Mechanical Transportation Driver serving tours all over the UK, Falkland Islands, Canada and Europe. On completion of service he joined a local mailing company as a production controller utilising the skills he had learnt from his time in the RAF. Today Paul is the Managing Director of the company employing twenty three people. Paul is also the Vice Chair of Governors at Broadland High School Ormiston Academy providing a useful link between the academy and the squadron. Paul joined 222 (Broadlands) Squadron as Chairman of the Civilian Committee in March 2016 and transferred to become a Civilian Instructor In October 2018 as the Squadrons Training Officer
