National Association of Training Corps for Girls

The first Girls Training Corps units were formed in 1941. in preparation for potentially serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. The GTC was open to girls aged 14 to 20, and its motto was "To serve and Train for Service". Activities included learning to act as bicycle couriers, learning morse code, aircraft recognition, gymnastics, homemaking, craft-work, public affairs, land navigation, learning first aid, marksmanship, firefighting, and assisting with air warden duties. During the war and after GTC companies and members were active in volunteering in the community, such as volunteering as "sitter-ins" in hospitals. The GTC were organised into local units called companies led by an adult Commandant, these companies would sometimes join other cadet units for joint training. Companies were then grouped into areas led by an Area Commandant. Within a year of forming, over 120,000 girls had joined a GTC company. Unlike their male counterparts, members of the GTC had to provide their own uniforms using clothing coupons. The uniform consisted of black shoes, navy blue skirt, white blouse, navy blue tie, GTC badge, and a navy blue forage hat. It was planned that after the War the GTC would be wound down and disbanded, and whilst there was a significant drop in the number of members, there were enough to change the decision to disband the GTC. Over 3,000 members of the GTC took part in a parade at the Royal Tournament in 1951. In 1955 Princess Alexandra became patron of the National Association of Training Corps for Girls. == Girls' Nautical Training Corps ==

The Girls' Nautical Training Corps was formed in 1942, for girls aged 14 to 20, with the majority of units formed in Southern England. The GNTC became a colleague organisation with the Sea Cadet Corps in 1963, this led to a name change to Girls Nautical Training Contingent. This continued until 1992 == Women's Junior Air Corps ==

The WJAC did not, initially, receive official support from the Air Ministry, but the Air Ministry did give guidance on ranks, badges, and uniform. The uniform was modelled on that of the RAF and WAAF and consisted of: black shoes, Air Force blue skirt, grey shirt, black tie, WJAC badge, and a grey forage hat. The WJAC provided training and activities in similar areas as the GTC and GNTC, including drill, morse code, marksmanship, physical training, first aid, motor maintenance, and aircraft recognition. Optional training courses included anti-aircraft operational duties, radio location, signals, engineering and electrical work, and clerical and office duties. The core and optional training available were used to prepare girls for service in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). Both WJAC and the GTC were also active in supporting local governments in areas such as health initiatives, an example being providing vitamins to school children. They were also provided with a limited number of aircraft, such as the Fairchild Argus II, to provide pleasure flights and basic flight instruction. based WJAC members in the 1950s. After the War, WJAC continued with many of the same activities including supporting the community in health initiatives. In 1956 the WJAC expanded its activities to include riding, gliding, and driving lessons. Even into the 1960s the WJAC still had to purchase their own uniforms. In 1964 The GTC and WJAC amalgamated to become the Girls Venture Corps, with the addition of "Air Cadets" added to the title in 1987. Many famous female pilots were officers in the WJAC, including: • Diana Barnato Walker, ATA pilot and the first British woman to break the sound barrier • Freydis Sharland, ATA pilot and founding chairwoman of the British Women Pilots' Association • Gabrielle Patterson, ATA pilot and WJAC Commandant, 1946-1950 • Jean Bird, first woman to be awarded RAF wings, flying instructor in the WJAC. Ranks == Girls Venture Corps ==

In 1964 the GTC and WJAC amalgamated to become the Girls Venture Corps, It was decided that the GVC would focus on air activities and in 1987 at the request of its membership the organisation was renamed the Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets. == See also ==