RAF Cadet Annual Memorial
November 8, 2026
10:30 – 12:00
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 at Falcon Field. 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. This resulted in an agreement to train Cadets at six United States bases, to include Falcon Field. In agreement with the Lend Lease Act, this allowed the USA to help with the war effort without entering the war at that time – an ambitious collaboration. The flight schools were owned by American operators, staffed with American civilian instructors, supervised by RAF Officers and aircraft from the US Army Air Corps.
The RAF Cadets trained on aircraft such as the Boeing PT-17 “Stearman” biplane, Vultee VT-13 and North American AT-6 Texan. Falcon Field Park on the airport grounds was the original site of the barracks and a recreation hall used by the RAF Cadets during their training.
Sadly, 23 British Cadets, one American Cadet, and four Instructors lost their lives during training at Falcon Field. They 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. Signs lead to the grave sites which see visitors from all over the world.
The presence of RAF Cadets at Falcon Field during WWII created a strong historical connection between Falcon Field and the local community. Many stories are still told about local families welcoming Cadets so far from home, providing hospitality, friendship and support. 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 Flying Museum located at Falcon Field honors the Cadets and Instructors with a display dedicated to the No. 4 British Flying Training School. Museum archives are made available to research the flight school, Cadets and instructors.
The fallen RAF Cadets and Instructors are honored through an annual commemorative ceremony, organized by the RAF Cadet Memorial Committee. This is 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 and dignitaries. In 2025, a group of Cadet descendants travelled from the UK and other parts of the world to participate in the Memorial. Hosted by local organizations, they were able to trace their Cadet’s journey while training at Falcon Field. Aircraft were made available for viewing and rides allowing family members to see the type of aircraft used for flight training.
The RAF Cadet Memorial Committee, chaired by the Commemorative Air Force Flying Museum 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 Church is the custodian of the original British flag that flew at Falcon Field during this historic time during WWII.
The memorial 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-missing man, rifle salute, Bugles with Taps, a Scottish Pipe Band and Military band and, vocalist God Save the King and The US National Anthem, and a colour guard – all made possible with a commitment by the organizers and participants to ensure the RAF Cadet legacy continues. Lest We Forget.
Participating organizations: British Consular General-Los Angeles CA, Mayor of Mesa and City of Mesa Officials, Royal Air Force Representative-Yuma AZ, Relatives of the Fallen Cadets, Relatives of Cadets and Instructors, RAF Veterans, US Civil Air Patrol, Daughters of the British Empire, Scottish American Military Society, American Legion Post #27 Rifle Team, Bugles Across America, Post 81 Scottish-American Society, Scouting American Troops #301 and #3301, Arizona Band of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Wings of Flight Foundation, British Car Clubs and the Commemorative Air Force Flying Museum Airbase Arizona.
For more information contact Sharon Grey – RAF Cadet Memorial Committee rafmemorial@azcaf.org