Famous ex-2425 Cadet and Mountaineer Ted Atkins

“ I joined the RAF in 1976 as a Vehicle Mechanic. I have served at: St Athan, St Mawgan, Leeming, Gutersloh, Antarctica, Kinloss, Troodos, Leuchars, Spadeadam, Cranwell and Marham. “

“ I am proud to be an ex cadet of 2425 Squadron and I am very proud of my continued association with the Squadron. The RAF was my career ambition after leaving 2425 as a Flight Sergeant. My major successes and my great joy has been as a result of the many opportunities offered to me within Service mountaineering. Having attained the rank of Sergeant I decided to take a commission in 1995 as an Aero Systems Engineering Officer. I am now on my 3rd commissioned tour. In my last job I was the Staff Officer for the RAF Mountain Rescue Service in command of the Scottish teams. This gave me my greatest opportunity; to organise the RAF team that first climbed Mt Everest on 22 May 01. “

“ I currently command 140 aircraft tradesmen making Tornado jet engines. “

“ Brief resume of my mountaineering exploits. In 1983-85 I explored in Antarctica for 18 months as: Mountain Leader, Skidoo Mechanic, Surveyor and Cartographer. There I lived in tents, snow holes and igloos throughout the Antarctic winter and made maps of places that no other person had ever seen. For this work I was invested with the Polar Medal by HM The Queen. I am also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. While serving at Kinloss I led the first RAF ascent of the Eiger’s North Face. I have climbed extensively all over the world and many times in the Himalayas. “

“ I have completed 4 tours with the Mountain Rescue Service and achieved the status of Party Leader. In my free time I enjoy riding, skiing and of course mountaineering. I have given a number of charity lectures supporting: Early Pregnancy Unit, Autistic Children and of course 2425 Squadron. “

Famous ex-2425 Cadet and Mountaineer Ted Atkins

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