In March 1975, a Detached Flight of No. 301 (Bury St. Edmunds) Squadron was established by the request of the Head of Thurston Upper School. Starting with just 15 cadets, the flight quickly grew and was awarded Squadron status in 1977.

With over thirty years of history, 863 (Thurston) Squadron has gone from strength to strength and despite residing in a rural village, is currently the largest Squadron in Norfolk and Suffolk wing.

Part of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO) which also includes RAF Sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Air Training Corps is a voluntary youth organization supported by the Royal Air Force.

With almost 41,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organizations and the world's largest youth air training organization. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.

The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:

• To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force
• To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
• To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

The ATC Motto is:

'Venture Adventure'