From 1939 until 1962 RAF Bridgnorth, located on the site of what is now Stanmore Industrial estate and a memorial park, was the home to basic training for the RAF. In the early days Bridgnorth was the first posting for RAF recruits and for many their first experience of "square bashing" and basic military training. Many of these recruits remember their time at Bridgnorth fondly.

Peter Williams contacted bdcr to say ... "On the weekend 8/9 August veterans of RAF Bridgnorth will gather for their third re-union at a social evening on Saturday, and a parade and Church Service the following day. A reception will follow hosted by His Worship the Mayor of Bridgnorth. The event draws together many former recruits to what primarily was given over to basic training. To all of us we were "squarebashing" there for eight weeks.

I have spent 2 1/2 years searching for a trophy known as the Drill Cup, a coveted award contested by all of us as we neared the end of our time there and I feel quite proud that I helped my squad win it for the Squadron before we left. The cup had been lost in the mist of time until very recently.  I located it and negotiated for it to be displayed at the National Serviceman's day at Cosford in June. By way of a bonus we expect to put it on display on this occasion. Searching for it has proved to be a roller coaster ride, but I am 90% sure we now have it. It's future hasn't been decided yet, but I have a secret wish about where it should go next."