Nickname(s) Father of the ATC Years of service 1902-29 Commands held Air Training Corps Died May 3, 1974 Books Safety and Seamanship | Rank Air Commodore Name John Chamier | |
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Born 26 December 1883 ( 1883-12-26 ) Battles/wars World War IWorld War II Education Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Awards | ||
Air Commodore Sir John Adrian Chamier CB, CMG, DSO, OBE (26 December 1883 – 3 May 1974) is known as "The Founding Father of the ATC" for his role in the foundation of the Air Training Corps.
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Royal Air Force
Chamier was educated at RMA Sandhurst. After graduating on 27 August 1902 he was appointed to the Unattached List, Indian Army. He was appointed to the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant on 11 January 1904 but with senority from 27 August 1902. He was appointed to the 33rd Punjabis on 5 February 1904 of the British Indian Army. Promoted Captain on 27 August 1911. Chamier was appointed a Flying Officer in Royal Flying Corps on 26 August 1915 in which he served as a pilot in the First World War.
After the war, he transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force, in which he served the rest of his career, eventually retiring in 1929. From November 1921 – February 1922 as Deputy Director, Directorate of Operations and Intelligence, Air Ministry, he was a delegate to the Washington Conference on the Limitation of Armament.
Air Training Corps
After retirement from the RAF, Chamier became secretary of the Air League of the British Empire. During his tenure as secretary Chamier became involved with the founding, in 1938 of the Air Defence Cadet Corps, which on 5 February 1941 evolved into the Air Training Corps because the ADCC was seen as too forceful and decided to change it to a more subtle name of ATC. He set up the ATC to promote recruitment in the RAF and to get young people who are interested in aviation to be able to go to their local squadron at their own free will, making it more enjoyable.
After it was founded, Chamier became the Air Training Corps' first Commandant, until his retirement in 1944. He was succeeded by Air Marshal Sir Leslie Gossage.
Civilian career
Between 1928 and 1931 Chamier was a director on the board of Vickers (Aviation) Limited.
Chamier was, at one time, the aviation correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Aircraft
Chamier had a Mignet HM.14 Flying Flea light aircraft registered G-ADME in his name between 1935 and 1938.
Published works
Decorations
Chamier has received several decorations for his service to the British Empire. He has been awarded the Order of the Bath, the Order of St. Michael and St. George, the Companion of Distinguished Service Order. In 1944 he was knighted as a Knight Bachelor.