| John Adrian Chamier | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Father of the ATC |
| Born | 26 December 1883 |
| Died | 3 May 1974 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1902-29 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Commands held | Air Training Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight Bachelor Companion of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Mention in Despatches (2) |
| Other work | Secretary of the Air League of the British Empire Director of Vickers (Aviation) Ltd. BBC Correspondent |
Air Commodore Sir John Adrian Chamier CB, CMG, DSO, OBE (26 December 1883 - 3 May 1974) also known as "The Founding Father of the ATC" for his role in the foundation of the Air Training Corps, was born in 1883.
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Chamier was educated at RMA Sandhurst. After graduating in 1902 he was commissioned in the Punjabi Regiment of the British Indian Army, where he served until 1915. After leaving India, Chamier joined the Royal Flying Corps, in which he served as a pilot in the First World War.
After the war, he transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force, in which he served the rest of his career, eventually retiring in 1929.[1]
After retirement from the RAF, Chamier became secretary of the Air League of the British Empire.[1] During his tenure as secretary Chamier became involved with the founding, in 1938 of the Air Defence Cadet Corps, which on February 5, 1941 evolved in to the Air Training Corps because the ADCC was seen as too forceful and decided to change it to a more subtle name of ATC.[1] He set up the ATC to promote recruitment in the RAF and to get young people who are interested in aviation to be able to go to their local squadron at their own free will, making it more enjoyable.
After it was founded, Chamier became the Air Training Corps' first Commandant, until his retirement in 1944. He was succeeded by Air Marshal Sir Leslie Gossage.
Between 1928 and 1931 Chamier was a director on the board of Vickers (Aviation) Limited.
Chamier was, at one time, the aviation correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Chamier had a Mignet HM.14 Flying Flea light aircraft registered G-ADME in his name between 1935 and 1938.[2]
Chamier has received several decorations for his service to the British Empire. He has been awarded the Order of the Bath, the Order of St. Michael and St. George, the Companion of Distinguished Service Order. In 1944 he was knighted as a Knight Bachelor.
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