Sergeant Gaz Bradbury of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron is celebrating after hearing the announcement that he has been awarded the coveted Quinton Memorial Trophy.

The Quinton Memorial Trophy is a prestigious award presented annually to the adult Non-Commissioned Officer who has gained the top academic results on the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Initial Courses held at the Air Cadet Adult Training Facility, Royal Air Force College Cranwell, throughout the year.

The Quinton Memorial Trophy is named in honour of
Flt Lt John Quinton, an RAF navigator on a Wellington aircraft, which was flying an air cadet on an Air Experience Flight in 1951.

During the flight, the aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision and Flt Lt Quinton gave the only parachute to the cadet, pushing him out of the aircraft. His quick and heroic actions saved the life of the cadet but cost him his own.

On hearing the news of his award, Sgt Gaz Bradbury said, “When I started my course my main concern was not making a complete hash of it and failing, but to my astonishment on the last day it was announced that I was the top student on the course. I was aware that the marks of all the top students go through to find the winner of the Quinton Memorial Trophy but never for one moment thought it would be me.”

On announcing Sgt Bradbury's success Gp Capt. Brett Morrell, Central & East Regional Commandant wrote, “I am delighted to be associated with this superb result for Sgt Gareth Bradbury, who by definition is the most outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer student to pass through the Adult Training Facility, Cranwell over the past year. I have come to expect good things from 121 Squadron e.g. music and media communications expertise. However, this result has really put the icing on 121's cake. Coming 1st out of 241 students is an exceptional performance by any standard and I am delighted to be able to pass on my very best wishes to Sgt Gareth Bradbury and congratulate him for a task very well done!"

Sgt Gareth Bradbury will be presented with the Quinton Memorial Trophy during a presentation event, the date of which is yet to be announced.

Article Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAFVR(T) 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron
02 Mar 11