Royal Air Force Cadets – No. 4 British Flying Training School – Falcon Field Mesa Arizona
RAF Cadet Annual Memorial – Mesa City Cemetery

Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, holds historical significance related to Royal Air Force (RAF) Cadets during World War II.
From 1941 to 1945 Falcon Field served as the No. 4 British Flying Training School to train British and American pilots for the war effort. More than 2,300 British Cadets completed their training there. During the war, it was deemed too dangerous to train RAF cadets in England due to the constant threat of German Luftwaffe bombers and fighters as well as poor weather conditions. An agreement was reached to train Cadets at six United States bases, including Falcon Field. The Lend Lease Act was created to allow the US to help with the war effort without the war at that time. It was the most ambitious collaboration between nations ever. These unique flight training schools were owned and operated by Americans and staffed with US civilian Instructors who were supervised by RAF officers. Aircraft were supplied by the US Army Air Corps. Falcon Field is proud of this history with continued support by the City of Mesa and remembrance efforts from private organizations.

The RAF Cadets trained on aircraft such as the Boeing PT-17 “Stearman” biplane, Vultee VT-13 and North American AT-6 Texas. Sadly, 23 British Cadets, one American Cadet, and four Instructors lost their lives during training at Falcon Field and are buried in the Mesa City Cemetery. The British government maintains the burial plot in conjunction with the Mesa City Cemetery. An inscribed cenotaph overlooks the grave sites. Cemetery signs direct visitors to the site.

The presence of RAF Cadets at Falcon Field during WWII has created a strong connection between the airport and the local community with aviation history, and their legacy is honored through events and memorials. Falcon Field Park on the airport grounds was originally the site of barracks and a recreation hall used by the RAF Cadets during their training.

A historical replica plaque honoring the more than 2,300 RAF cadets who trained at Falcon Field during this time period is displayed in the airport terminal lobby. The plaque was crafted from wood salvaged from one of the airport’s original WWII hangars. The original plaque is housed at the National Memorial Arboretum in England.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum located at Falcon Field honors the Cadets and Instructors with a display dedicated to the No. 4 British Flying Training School.
The fallen RAF Cadets and Instructors are honored through an annual commemorative ceremony, the “RAF Cadet Memorial,” held the second Sunday each November, at the Mesa City Cemetery. During the ceremony, the fallen are remembered and honored by descendants of the Cadets and Instructors, members of the community, many organizations and visiting dignitaries.

The RAF Cadet Memorial Committee, chaired by the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona, is a collaborative effort with the Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Falcon Field Association – The Next Generation, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. St. Mark’s is the custodian of the British flag that flew at Falcon Field during this historic time during WWII.

The ceremony is open to the public and is an incredible display of historical significance that includes military participation, a wreath laying ceremony, an aircraft formation flyover, 21 rifle salute, Bugles with Taps, a Scottish Pipe Band and Military band, all made possible with a commitment by the organizers and participants to ensure this memorial continues. Participating organizations include: The British Consular General-Los Angeles CA, Mayor of Mesa and City of Mesa Officials, Royal Air Force Representative-Yuma AZ, Relatives of the Fallen, RAF Veterans, Caledonian Society of Arizona, Daughters of the British Empire, Scottish American Military Society, American Legion Post #27 Rifle Team, Bugles Across America, Post 81 Scottish-American Society, Boy Scout Troop #301, Arizona Band of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Wings of Flight Foundation and Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona.

For more information contact the RAF Cadet Memorial Committee rafmemorial@azcaf.org