A Night of Milestones for 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron RAF Air Cadets

Chairman each presenting an Air Rifle to Squadron Officer Commanding Flying Officer (now Flight Lieutenant) L Khan

Ceremony and Cadet Achievement

The formal programme began with the ceremonial marching-on of the Squadron Banner, then by a performance from the Squadron’s 30-strong Band, setting a confident and professional tone for the evening.

What followed was an extensive series of awards, commendations and promotions, reflecting both individual achievement and the breadth of opportunity within the Squadron. These presentations were interspersed with short addresses from selected Cadets at different stages of seniority. Each spoke clearly and confidently about their journey since joining the Squadron, what they had achieved over the past year, and what motivates them as Cadets. Collectively, these contributions gave a compelling picture of personal development, discipline and ambition.

The Renter Warden presented several awards during the evening, alongside presentations from the Fishmongers’ Company Cadet Liaison Representative, who awarded their academic achievement trophy and accompanying certificates. The evening made clear that standards within the Squadron are rising and that this progress is recognised beyond the unit itself.



Recognition at Command Level

This was underlined by a notable and entirely unexpected moment. The Group Captain responsible for the London area announced the promotion of the Officer Commanding, Flying Officer Labib Khan, to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. This marked his second promotion within a year and came without prior warning, making it a particularly meaningful recognition of both leadership and results.



31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron RAF Air Cadets marked a significant milestone this week with a well-attended and highly successful awards and presentations evening. The event demonstrated not only the strength and direction of the Squadron itself, but also the value of sustained support from its partners, including the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and the Gunmakers’ Charitable Trust.

Around 200 guests were present, including Cadets, parents, carers, invited guests and supporters. More Court members would have chosen to be in attendance were there the space. The evening opened in a welcoming and relaxed manner, with a generous buffet provided in the bar area. Guests were received by the Squadron Chairman and support staff while the Cadets prepared for the formal proceedings.

Gunmakers’ Support and Rifle Presentations

A key feature of the evening was the presentation of Scorpion Cadet Mk.4 air rifles to the Squadron. These were presented jointly on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers by the Renter Warden, and on behalf of the Gunmakers’ Charitable Trust by its Vice Chairman.

Flight Lieutenant Khan expressed his deep gratitude for these donations and for the wider support the Gunmakers provide. Several Cadets spoke during the evening about their progression through different rifles over the course of their Cadet careers, noting how learning to adapt to different characteristics had been central to developing their shooting proficiency. The presentations reinforced the importance of access to high-quality, appropriate equipment as part of that learning journey.