14/02/2026
Wing Commander R B Rogers RAFVR(T) (Retired) is entering his 77th year of being part of the Air Training Corps.
Brian Rogers joined 148 (Barnsley) Squadron in October 1949 as a cadet and he progressed through the cadet ranks, applying to become staff when he aged out from being a cadet, to be appointed as an Adult Warrant Officer in 1956. He was later commissioned as an Officer in 1960, then becoming the Squadron Commanding Officer in 1961, a post he held for 18 years. He was then appointed in 1979 to Wing Staff as Deputy OC Wing before his promotion to Wing Commander, commanding South Yorkshire Wing in 1982, a position he held for 9 years. Finally retiring from uniform service in 1991.
On retiring from uniformed service, he went back to 148 (Barnsley) Squadron as a Civilian Instructor to instruct on syllabus subjects mainly propulsion and airframes, aero-modelling and aircraft recognition. He also ran for 35 years both the Wing and Regional Aircraft Recognition Competitions, whilst enjoying officiating the annual Wing athletics and swimming competitions for over 30 years.
Highlights of his career include being chosen to represent the Air Training Corps as the Presentation Officer at Her Majesty The Queen's Review of the Royal Air Force at RAF Finningley on the 29th July 1977 and taking 20 cadets for a 3-week tour of Canada in 1975. In his early career years, he was a keen mountaineer, becoming the first qualified Mountain Leader in the Wing, climbing many major peaks in the UK and the Alps which stood him in good stead to act as a DofE Gold Assessor, a role he carried out for 20 years between 1971 and 1991. Being a pioneer in the early days of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for the Air Training Corps, he ensured 148 (Barnsley) Squadron was the first Squadron to participate in the award in South Yorkshire Wing.
On the 12th March 2015 Brian was awarded the Lord Lieutenant Certificate for South Yorkshire.
On the 14th September 2016 Brian was awarded the RAF Chief of Air Staff Commendation.
In his civilian capacity, he was employed as a Design Engineer with British Steel working at the Stocksbridge and Tinsley Park works. His major hobby of bird watching has taken him all over the world, through Europe, Mediterranean, Africa and China which fuels his other hobby of wildlife and aviation photography.
It is humbling and astonishing to see how much Brian has given of himself, and continues to support this organisation, the Wing and the Squadron over this colossal time of pure dedication, a great example of service before self. He has trained and mentored countless thousands of cadets and staff over the years. In the 85th year of the Air Training Corps, it is more than impressive to be able to volunteer alongside someone who has 77 years' experience in the organisation. He is a true legend in every sense and we thank you for your continued service and counsel to the Squadron and Wing, but most importantly in being our great friend.
Commandant Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
South & West Yorkshire Wing
DofE North of England
