126 (City of Derby) Squadron is one of over 1,000 Squadrons in the UK, with 126 Squadron widely regarded as one of the biggest and best in the organisation.

The Squadron was founded on 1st February 1941, during the dark days of the Second World War. Our original Royal Warrant is proudly displayed in the entrance hall of our main building, Gibson Block, named after Squadron Leader Guy Gibson VC, the renowned bomber pilot who led the famous Dambusters Raid in 1943.

 The site we proudly occupy was originally home to Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAAF) Alvaston, which operated 24 barrage balloons as part of Derby’s wartime air defences. These balloons played a crucial role in protecting Rolls-Royce and the Derby’s extensive railway infrastructure. We are immensely proud of our heritage and mindful of the part this Squadron can play in both the local and wider communities of Derby.

 Our state‑of‑the‑art Headquarters Building stands proudly on the historic site of the original Gibson Block and was officially opened in May 2018 following significant investment and modernisation by the UK Ministry of Defence and the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (EMRFCA). We take great pride in the exceptional facilities now available to your young person, and we hope that you will feel a valued part of the 126 Squadron family for many years to come.

 Today, the Squadron boasts a strength of over 130 Air Cadets, supported by a team of Uniformed Staff. Civilian Instructors, and a dedicated Civilian Support Team - all of whom are volunteers giving up their spare time to ensure that 126 Squadron continues to provide the best possible Air Cadet experience for our fantastic young people.