177 (1st Blackpool) Squadron was formed at Blackpool Cricket Club on 12th January 1940 as an Air Defence Cadet Corps unit.
In February 1941 it became an Air Training Corps Squadron with a cadet strength of around 200, along with 178,190,191,1543 and 2007 Squadrons it formed the Blackpool Wing., which rose to a total of about 1600 cadets.
The Squadron Headquarters, by now in the Drill Hall on Buchanon Street, was bombed in 1942 but most fortunately this occurred slightly after final parade and thankfully all personnel had just vacated the building. The Squadron was relocated in the Royal Air Force Radio School where it remained for the duration of the war.
At least seven ex cadets were decorated and an unknown number gave their lives during World War Two.
The Squadron next moved to Revoe School and by 1948 its strength had fallen to around 15 and great efforts were made to keep it operational.
In 1952 the Squadron moved onto a site at Blackpool Airport, then under the control of the Ministry for Aviation. When Blackpool Corporation took over the management of the Airport a move was arranged to allow for the expansion of the Airport to a site beside what was then the British Island Airways hanger, this is where the Squadron remained until more expansion dictated a further move to our now present location where we have been since 1981.
In 1985 the first female cadets joined 177 along with our first female officer Flying Officer J.Gigg, who later went on to Command 2354 (Layton) Squadron
The next major milestone in the Squadron’s history was in 1998 when to further cement links with our “Landlord” the Squadrons name was changed to “Blackpool Airport” and a new Banner was also commissioned.
2001 saw the closure of 2354 (Layton) Squadron Headquarters, the whole establishment of 2354 transferred and amalgamated with 177. A New Banner was again Commissioned by the Polish Air force Association . of Great Britain to commemorate the amalgamation and to cement our links with our Free Polish Air Force Veterans
177 Squadron is constantly adapting and changing to the modern environment that it finds itself in, taking full opportunity of the availability of Lottery funds, New Opportunity Fund and grants from the Children’s Fund to enhance the facilities and welfare of it’s cadets.
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Cannons & Cobra Emblem
Adopted by 177 Sqn Royal Air Force during the Burma campaign of World War Two. Cannon barrels represent the Bristol Beaufighter, the Cobra represents South East Asia Command. 177 Sqn ATC have permission to recreate and use the Emblem as our own from the members of 177 Sqn RAF Association .
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Free Polish Air Force
Chequer board as displayed on Polish Squadron’s aircraft during World War 2. 177 Sqn continues the affiliation with the Polish Air Force association from 2354 Sqn. DZ flash on DPM uniform and reverse of Sqn Banner.
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