Review

The
ade
CReviewt
Spring
2014
Magazine for Cadets in Yorkshire and the Humber
New building brings warm
glow of approval from cadets
New home for Batley CCF Cadets | Polar Traveller | CVQO Success
|
House of Lords Debate
Contents
Spring
The
Cadet
Review
Editor Contact Details
Colonel David Fuller OBE
E-mail: [email protected]
Dates for contributions to be received by the
Editor are as follows
Spring Edition
Copy by 15 Jan
Summer Edition
Copy by 15 May
Autumn/Winter
Copy by 15 Sept
If you are interested in joining one of the Cadet
Forces as an Adult Instructor or as a cadet
full information can be found on the national
websites with links to local contacts:
2014
04 Joint Service News
14 Sea Cadet Corps
20Air Training Corps
23 Air Training Corps
30 Combined Cadet Force
36 Army Cadets
South & West Yorkshire Wing
Sea Cadets
www.ms-sc.org
Army Cadets
www.armycadets.com
Air Cadets
www.aircadets.org
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The views expressed by the contributors
to The Cadet Review are not necessarily
those of the Editor, MOD, Royal Navy,
Army, Royal Air Force or the publishers
and do not reflect SCC, ACF or ATC policy.
All precautions are taken to ensure
accuracy. Advertisements are accepted
on the understanding that they conform
to the British Code of Advertising
Practice. This magazine is published
by kind permission of the Chairman,
RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber.
The CadetReview
Yorkshire (North and West) ACF
All contributions to be supplied in Word Format and photographs
preferably in jpeg format at the highest possible quality. Contributions
to be sent on CD through each unit Public Relations Officer as below:
Army Cadet Force,
Yorkshire (North & West)
Captain John Craig
Sea Cadet Corps
Commander Stuart Watt
Army Cadet Force,
Humberside & South Yorkshire
Sergeant Jenna Salmon
Air Training Corps
Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth
44 Army Cadets
Humberside & South Yorkshire ACF
Foreword
So much has been happening since the summer
and all those exciting camps; however, the cadet forces
in the region have been busy with many challenging and
fun activities, some for the first time including cadets
debating in the House of Lords, definitely an outing to
remember. Their stories make interesting reading.
With luck by the time this edition is published the
worst of the winter may be behind us and thoughts can
turn to the many adventures and training planned for
the spring and summer. There will be so much going
on throughout Yorkshire and one such opportunity if
an Open Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition,
which will take place at Easter and is expected to give
a large number of cadets from the region the chance to
gain another valuable qualification.
In addition a feature is included on CVQO graduation,
another golden opportunity for adults and cadets to
gain real and useful qualifications which can stand
them in good stead, not only in their respective cadet
forces, but also in the real world out there. If you are
interested in gaining an additional certificate do follow
the link in the article and find out more.
Please continue to send, high quality stories
and pictures in for the magazine, which makes for
excellent reading material, not just around Yorkshire
and the Humber, but nationally. Keep sending your
contributions.
Colonel David Fuller OBE, Editor
03
04 JOINT SERVICE NEWS
CVQO
n
o
i
t
a
u
d
a
r
G
Ceremony
Over 50 adult volunteers graduated
with a CVQO qualification at a ceremony
at the Kia Oval in London in October.
Presented by CVQO chairman of trustees,
Lord Lingfield, the awards were from both
the Institute of Leadership and Management
(ILM) and City & Guilds with the highest
level awarded being the City & Guilds
Membership - the equivalent of a Masters
degree. Many congratulations to those
who graduated especially to those from
Yorkshire and the Humber, three of whom
are pictured above with their stories.
Despite being pregnant and then being
diagnosed with breast cancer, courageous
ACF adult volunteer Samantha Robinson, from
East Yorkshire, proudly received her City and
Guilds Licentiateship in Youth Leadership and
Training at the CVQO Graduation ceremony.
Samantha, from Humberside and South
Yorkshire ACF, attended the prestigious
award ceremony with supportive husband
Liam. An emotional Samantha said: “It’s a
good qualification to get and we always find
time to do cadet work. It means I’ve got a
lot more to give cadets and support them as
much as I can in their youth activities.”
Husband and wife team David and Karen
Barr made up the trio from HSY ACF who
graduated. David, the County RSM and
Karen, the County VQ Officer were delighted
to attend together and is a measure of the
commitment they both give to the ACF. Karen,
whose day job is working for CVQO, is no
stranger to the event, attending wearing
either hat and all three were delighted to
receive their awards from Lord Lingfield,
the former Honorary Colonel of the county.
If any adult of all services is interested
in gaining adult qualifications contact
Karen Barr on [email protected].
RSM David Barr, Staff Sergeant Sam Robinson,
Captain Karen Barr and the Barrs with Lord Lingfield
Honours, Medals & music at
Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Ceremonies
At similar ceremonies across Yorkshire our other three Lords Lieutenant
presented their cadets with their certificates and badges of appointment which
they will wear proudly over the next year of their service to the Lord Lieutenant.
The cadets are pictured with their respective Lord Lieutenant.
Air Commodore Stewart conducting the band
Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant
of North Yorkshire was the principal Guest
at a ceremony held at the Officer’s Mess,
RAF Linton on Ouse on Thursday 19th
September. The main focus of the ceremony
was for the Lord Lieutenant to appoint his
new cadets for the coming 12 months, one
from each of the three cadet services.
After the cadet presentations the Lord
Lieutenant presented the Cadet Forces Medal
for 12 years of uniformed service to Flight
Lieutenants Simon Coates and Jon Mennell
together with Adult Warrant Officer Andrew
Lister, pictured. During the ceremony a quintet
of the central and East Yorkshire Wing musicians
played incidental music. One of the highlights of
the evening was after the official presentations
when a previous Commandant Air Cadets, Air
Commodore Ian Stewart, who is shortly to retire
from the Royal Air Force, took up the baton
and conducted the wing musicians through a
faultless rendition of the Royal Air Force March. The CadetReview
West Yorkshire
The Lord Lieutenant, Dr Ingrid Roscoe with,
from left Warrant Officer Jonathan Snowden
of 2431 (Keighley) Squadron, Colour Serjeant
Chelsey Gray of Dewsbury Detachment and
Petty Officer Lorna Zurek of TS Aurora
East Yorkshire
The Lord Lieutenant, The Hon Susan CunliffeLister with, from left, Leading Cadet Medlam
Harrison of TS Iron Duke, CSM Thomas Blackburn
of Goole Detachment and Flight Sergeant
Thomas Cooper of 152 (City of Hull) Squadron
North Yorkshire
The Lord Lieutenant, Lord Crathorne with,
left to right, Sergeant Jordan Madeley of
58 (Harrogate) Squadron, Leading Cadet
Ben Robinson of TS Scarborough and Staff
Sergeant Alex James of Thirsk Detachment
South Yorkshire
The Lord Lieutenant, Mr David Moody with, from
left, Petty Officer Leah Halkett of Doncaster SCC,
Flight Sergeant Shaun Allen of 2008 (Bawtry)
Squadron and Company Sergeant Major
Victoria Whitfield of Doncaster Detachment
5
Cadets debate in
the House of Lords
Training our Cadets to argue
back: from University to Parliament
By Lieutenant Stuart Macnab
upon arrival, the cadets from the ACF and CCF
(Army section) were put into mixed teams from
different counties/schools. The training day was
hosted by the ESU and competition consisted of
two knockout rounds, followed by a final along
with talks again from veterans and members of
the Royal British Legion. The featured debates
were topical and militarily themed; should
National Service should be brought back for
18 year olds, should the media have a more
open ability to report on conflict and finally,
should the United Kingdom keep its nuclear
capacity? Although the cadets did not make it
On the 28th September 8
cadets from Charlie Company,
Yorkshire North and West
(YACF) travelled to the
University of Leeds to take part
in preliminary training with the
English Speaking Union (ESU).
This training package put together by
the ESU gave cadets from the ACF, ATC and SCC
the scarce opportunity to work together and
intermingle. The training consisted of various skills
based workshops, talks from veterans and debate
practice. A particular highlight of the days training
was a “balloon debate” where the cadets took on
the persona of historical and fictional personalities
and tried to justify why the likes of everyone
from One Direction to Ghandi through to Batman
should be the sole survivor of a balloon which
was required to lose weight in order to say aloft.
Following the University training day, two
cadets; L/CPL Jack Taylor (Seacroft detachment)
and L/CPL William Isles (Shipley detachment)
were selected to represent YNW ACF at the
Frimley debating competition and selection day.
On the 26th October they travelled down to
Frimley Park Cadet Training Centre. This was the
first time that the cadets themselves had visited
the training facility in Surrey – to which they
were suitably impressed. The following morning,
to the final, they commented how much they
had learned and enjoyed getting to participate
in debating. This was an activity neither cadet
had had the opportunity to be involved with
previously. All cadets participated in the event
with highly eloquent and thoughtful arguments
for and against the aforementioned topics.
On the 29th November, the debate team
travelled down to the Houses of Parliament (via
a spot of sight-seeing of Tower Bridge). They
were then given the opportunity to take part
in a tour of the Palace of Westminster prior to
participating in the debate event hosted by the
House of Lords, consisting of 144 other cadets
and veterans from all services and chaired by
Baroness D’Souza. The televised event focused
on 3 topics in context of the Great War; The UK
is a more globally responsible nation, society is
more aware of the impact of war and the final
motion was that the UK has not learned from its
experience. The final motion won the participants
vote and consequently gave the Lords who were
present some food for thought! Throughout
the debate all cadets from all units conducted
themselves in an exemplary manner and again
provided thoughtful and substantive arguments
for and against the various motions. Our cadets
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were
particularly humbled by the fact this was only
the 7th time in the history of the parliament
that non-Lords were allowed to sit and debate
in the upper house. Since participating in the
event the cadets have asked that debate forms a
component of detachment training activities!
For more information or to view the debate in
full visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/cadetsand-veterans-debate-at-the-house-of-lords
The cadet’s view follows:
The journey to the
House of Lords
By Jack Taylor
The journey for me all started at Frimley Park,
this is where I met my new team mates and we
had some really interesting debates. We travelled
down to Frimley Park on the Friday and stayed the
night in the main house, which was an amazing
experience. The morning came and we woke up at
around 06:30 after a late night revising different
subjects for the upcoming debates. It got to around
10:00 when the Colonel who was in charge decided
to sort us into our debating groups and then the
English Speaking Union (ESU) gave the participants
a briefing on what the day was going to be about.
Furthermore we all participated in 2 controlled
debates which were judged by a member of the ESU.
The first debate was based on whether or not
18 year olds who are not in education should be
made to go and train with the army for at least
1 year. Our team had to argue that it shouldn’t
be mandatory. My fellow team members and I
put across some crucial points and crucial facts,
however the opposition unfortunately won. The
second debate was about a more familiar subject,
the topic was whether or not media should cover
the effects of conflict and war. The team were
straight away throwing ideas out at each other
and we created an unbelievable script which
would tear apart the opposition within seconds.
As we were throwing out our arguments hoping
to get points the opposition were putting some
points across however in the end to our delight
we ended up winning the second and final debate
just hoping that it was enough to take us to the
final debate-off. Unfortunately the team that
beat us in the first debate had made it to the final;
which was an amazing experience that put a lot of
mixed decisions in the room about the winner.
The House of Lords
chamber event
This event has been one of the most amazing
experiences of my cadet career, as we arrived at
Kings Cross station on the Friday morning we
decided to get the subway to see Tower Bridge
and the Tower of London, we were fortunate
enough to see the bridge actually raise as a Dutch
warship was brought through carrying many
seamen and also soil from Belgium. After that
we took the subway to the Houses of Parliament
and signed in. The security of the building was
immense as they had armed police officers
patrolling the building and on every door, we
finally ended up getting through security and
walking into the main building which is called
the Westminster Hall. This is where the ESU
were giving out the different coloured teams,
our team was made the orange team and then we
were told to follow a guide to the dining room.
From there we were told that we had 3 things to
do before the debate started, 1.Lunch 2.Briefing
of the debate 3.Tour of the House of Lords.
Finally came the debate; we were escorted to
our seats which were located at the back of the
House of Lords, as we sat down I felt a sudden
shiver of excitement as I was a part of history
that was just about to be made. We were only
the 7th group in history who are not Lords to
sit on the red benches. The whole experience
has been an honour and I would like to thank
all of the cadets and veterans that took part,
Colonel Malcolm Render, Lieutenant Stuart
Macnab and L/Cpl William Iles, it has been a
great pleasure and a privilege to represent
the ACF in this fantastic and unique event.
Preliminary Round
By William Iles
I have to admit when I was first told that I was
going on a debating cadre when I thought that I
was going to have a nice weekend practicing taking
drill (three star drill cadre) I was a little annoyed,
well ok, a lot. My detachment commander had (not
to my knowledge) put my name down for this over
a month before and I only found out about it at roll
call on the night I got to camp to my complete and
utter surprise and by then it was far too late to do
anything about it. So the next day I had an hour and
twenty minute drive back in the direction I just
came from the night before to Leeds University,
with a group of people I’ve mostly never met and am
then expected to debate with. Anyway it wasn’t the
end of the world and when it got there it was quite
nice and relaxing. We were left to mingle whilst the
others showed up and there was a little inter cadet
rivalry, however that was all put to the side when we
were told to sit and we were given our introductory
speech from the English Speaking Union. We were
told about the event, what an amazing opportunity
this was and then given a few rules and tips on
debating and then they split us down into teams
and separated into different rooms. There we had
another talk this time from a veteran from the Royal
British Legion and an icebreaker where we were
given the scenario of a hot air balloon going down
and someone had to jump out to save the others.
On the other teams there was David Beckham,
One Direction and Mother Teresa whereas my
team were given Ghandi, I think it’s fair to say it
wasn’t that hard to win. Then there was the main
challenge, the topic of debate we were given was
based on the future of our military. The two other
teams had the point of view that our military should
be used to act as a worldwide defender of the peace
by joining in conflicts to protect civilian lives, that
we should focus on only giving humanitarian aid to
other countries and that as little as possible military
action would be taken. My team’s aspect was that
our military should be brought back to home shores
to defend our own country and nothing else, this
was quite easy to look at the pros for it, however
the other teams gave the point of how we were
The CadetReview
basically condemning other countries and seemed
to find an everlasting list of cons. We didn’t let up
ourselves and after what seemed like hours the
debate was brought to an end and the winning team
was left undecided as we were told the winner was
“debatable.” In the end it was very worthwhile and
I actually ended up enjoying myself which I didn’t
expect and I was chosen to go through to the next
round and as the cherry on top when we got back
to camp I was still on drill cadre and with very
little practice the next day still managed to pass.
Frimley
Going to Frimley was a great opportunity and I’m
very glad that I got to go, which my detachment
commander pointed out when informing me of the
event. I had only heard Frimley mentioned a few
times before so I looked it up on its website and it
suddenly made it feel like a very big deal and after
that there was no turning it down so I got the time
off school and then had a six hour drive down to
Frimley Park. Frimley completely blew away my
expectations as soon as we pulled up in the car park.
The house looked like the white house however we
weren’t sure whether we could get in or not as it
was eleven o’clock at night but a woman emerged
from the side of the house and let us in. The interior
was just as impressive as the outside however we
“
Our cadets thoroughly
enjoyed the experience and
were particularly humbled
by the fact this was only
the 7th time in the history
of the parliament that nonLords were allowed to sit and
debate in the upper house.
”
were only concerned with getting some sleep, which
thanks to our roommate we didn’t get a lot of. The
next day however we got ready for breakfast to
which some people even wore suits which allowed
us to meet everyone. We then went away to get
ready for the day which more people had brought
suits whereas I had forgotten mine and had to make
do without. After a long wait for more cadets from
the local detachments to arrive we were led into a
separate room and there had two speeches from
the organiser from the English Speaking Union and
another veteran from the Royal British Legion.
Then once more split into groups and pitted
against each other. The topic we were given was
whether national service should be brought back
for all 18 year olds which we were against which we
were very pleased about as one of my team mates
took politics and debated for his school and had
done this very topic before. So we quickly hurried
off to prepare our arguments and as a team felt very
confident as we felt that we had prepared for every
outcome. We had foreseen all that the opposing
team could argue and had prepared counter
arguments but then we ran out of time and went to
meet the other team and begin. As the defending
team the other team got to open the debate however
when they did we realised that we hadn’t prepared
for everything as they took a completely different
approach which threw all of us off guard and one
couldn’t even speak, the pressure got to them and
they just froze quite comically with their mouth
half open. It’s fair to say we lost that round very
one-sidedly. However the opposing team went
on to win the competition and we were able to
regain our dignity in the next round of debating.
In the second round we were against a younger
team with less experience. We had the easy topic of
whether the media should have a more open ability
to report on conflict which we were pleased to be
for rather than against. After our thrashing in the
last round however we were a lot more cautious
and prepared for our team mate to freeze again
which allowed us to power through and win the
debate. I was especially pleased as I had the role
of final speaker so I was allowed to just sit back
and pick apart every argument that they had made
whilst bolstering our own which I was very smug
about. With two debates over though we were
called back to await the results and see who would
go on to the final debate. As we had lost our first
debate we had no chance of going through but we
were happy to relax a little bit and simply watch the
other teams battle it out. From watching the team
we battled in the first round and being able to take
it all in without the pressure we could clearly see
we were outmatched and had no chance from the
beginning. The other team was even greater though
and were very good at getting audience support and
the other party put up an amazing defence. They
were debating whether the UK should keep our
nuclear warheads to act as a deterrent for nuclear
war which was quite a controversial topic. Both
teams brought up very good agreements however
the “for” party added a flair of the dramatic to
their debate, ending it in “I believe that Britain
can remain great and these weapons are a symbol
of our power. I believe, Do you?” which had the
audience in a frenzy of applause and even a few
including myself, shouting “We believe”. In the end
the “against” party won (much to the displeasure of
the audience) and people from both the teams were
chosen to speak in the House of Lords in the next
round. It was a very exciting event which like the
last round surprised me by how much I enjoyed it.
continued
7
House of Lords
The House of Lords is what all of the previous
rounds have been about, everything has been a
lead up to visiting and debating in the palace. In
order to get there we had to catch the 7:40 Leeds
to London train which sadly wasn’t as much fun
as the drive down last time but thankfully a lot
shorter. Then we had to get the underground to
Westminster (but still finding time to do a little
sightseeing). I was a little worried about getting in
as I was supposed to have an invitation sent to me
in the post however it never came but thankfully I
was able to show them my train pass to act as ID and
they let me in fine. After getting through security
we made our way to the Westminster Hall where
we met our team mates from the previous round
and many others from all the cadet organisations.
We were then ushered through St Stevens Hall and
the central lobby to the Royal Gallery. There we
had a short speech from a member of staff at the
palace and once again split into groups. My group
firstly had lunch laid out for us in the gallery which
was followed by a tour of the palace where the
building’s history and architecture was explained
to us. Then we were led into the Robing chamber to
have another speech given to us by the organiser at
the English Speaking Union about the rules of the
debate, for instance if we were chosen to speak we
must stand, say our name and organisation, then
acknowledge the Lord Speaker, our fellow cadets
and the veterans. After the speech we were all led
into the Lords Chamber in our groups and seated
accordingly. When the Lord Speaker entered we
rose and sat after she had sat the debate began.
The entire debate was focused on World War 1 and
the legacy that it left behind. The three separate
views were that we had learnt from the mistakes of
World War 1, that we perceive conflict differently
because of World War 1 and that we had not learnt
anything from the mistakes of World War 1. The
debate was opened by the winners of the previous
round and there was a mixture of pre prepared
and spontaneous speeches from around the room.
Many different arguments were put forward and
many people thought up some brilliant speeches
if they were chosen to speak without anything
pre-prepared. Speakers would be chosen from
around the room by putting their hands up and
clapping the previous speaker back to their seat
as a sign of respect for their contribution and as
I had no pre-prepared speech, for an hour and
a half of the two hour debate I tirelessly had my
hand in the air trying to get noticed the same as
my friend next to me, which got to the point where
we would clap less and less as time went on until
we simply wouldn’t bother clapping and just try
to get noticed amongst all the other people there
to put in a contribution. Sadly neither of us got
chosen to speak, much to our annoyance. In the
end the final speakers for each team were brought
forwards and allowed their closing speeches which
were the ultimate decider in the overall vote at
the end. When it came to the vote relatively few
people voted to say we have learnt from World
War 1 and only a few others for our perception of
World War 1 whereas there was almost double to
say we hadn’t learnt anything. Although all three
views were valid there was clearly a winner of the
competition without any doubt. I was grateful to
be part of the whole event and I can only hope that
they run a similar event again that I can be part of.
By Cadet Corporal Paul Figg of
2431 (Keighley) Squadron
On the afternoon of Friday 29th November 2013 I
was lucky enough to be one of almost 50 air cadets
attending the “Lords 2013 Chamber Event.” Around
200 cadets and veterans from all three services
were in attendance at the debate, the title of which
was “The Great War: Listening to the Past, Talking
to the Future.” The experience began the day before
the debate, having arrived at London King’s Cross at
around lunch time on Thursday 28th November the
five cadets from North Region then travelled to our
accommodation in an Army Cadet Force building
in Hammersmith. Upon arrival we discovered that
our accommodation was also the location used
by the star of the West End musical “Billy Elliot”
for ballet practice. This revelation then led to an
unexpected trip to the Victoria Palace Theatre
to see that evening’s performance of the musical.
Before our trip to “Billy Elliot” was organised, Flight
Lieutenant Puller used his extensive network of
contacts to gain us all entry to the Royal Air Force
Officer’s Club in Piccadilly where we were treated
to free drinks and a tour. Once the tour was over we
ate in a perfect recreation of an English country pub
located in the club’s basement. On the morning of the
debate itself all of the cadets were split into three
groups to rotate around three different activities
before the debate began. I was lucky enough to be
in the group that began with lunch (suffice to say it
was probably the fanciest place I have ever and will
ever eat). The two other activities were: a tour of
part of the Houses of Parliament; and a pre-debate
briefing in the ‘Robing Room’ the room where the
Queen prepares for the annual state opening of
Parliament. Having moved into the Chamber at
around three o’clock the debate began at twenty
past three with an introduction by the Lord Speaker,
Baroness D’Souza. The debate continued with
speakers supporting one of three viewpoints: The
UK is a more globally responsible nation - Society is
more aware of the impact of war - The UK has not
learned from its experience. Two cadets from North
Region spoke in the debate, with one delivering a
prepared speech in support of the viewpoint that
the UK has not learned from its experience and the
other delivering an impromptu speech on the subject
of homeless veterans that gained a huge round of
applause and reportedly moved spectators in the
Public Gallery to tears. After closing speeches were
made by veterans a vote was taken to decide which
viewpoint was most widely held, the results were
as follows: The UK is a more globally responsible
nation (43) - Society is more aware of the impact of
war (61) - The UK has not learned from its experience
(73). The debate then closed with remarks from the
Lord Speaker and other members of the House, all
of whom praised the standard of the debate. This
experience was a high point of my cadet career and
one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks go to
Flight Lieutenant Blackie, without whose incredible
organisational skills none of us would have been
able to take part and also to Flight Lieutenant
Puller, whose spontaneous ability to organise
club and theatre visits kept us all entertained.
s
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RemlleNom
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Sheffield
362 Elm Tree Squadron were in attendance in
Sheffield City centre for the annual Remembrance
Day parade and service, where every single
cadet turned up to pay their respects.
Castleford
Over 30 cadets and staff from Castleford
Squadron took part in the Remembrance
Sunday parade in Castleford. Flt Lt V
Williams, Officer Commanding, said “I
cannot express my pride in how well they
turned out and how smart they were.” She
continued “True credit to today’s youth
and I am very lucky to be their OC”.
© Dan Breckwoldt / shutterstock
Rose Hill
The CadetReview
Air Cadets from the Doncaster area came
together, along with veterans and dignitaries,
to commemorate the fallen, buried at the war
graves at Rose Hill Cemetery, Doncaster.
Staff and Cadets from Armthorpe, Askern,
Bawtry, Crowle and Doncaster Squadrons were
all in attendance, representing not only the
cadet forces, but the armed forces as a whole. The parade marched into the cemetery,
followed by a short service, at which the
names of the fallen we read out. Following
this, the cadets laid crosses at the graves.
The parade then marched out of the
cemetery, through a guard of honour formed
by the various standards present.
Squadron Leader Iain Kirk, Sector
commander for the Squadrons involved
said “With a number of other events on, it
was good to see so many cadets and staff
able to attend.” He continued “It once again
shows the commitment of the Air Cadets to
remember those who have gone before us and
have fallen in the defence of this country.”
9
Thorne and Moorends
Cadets and Staff from 750 (Thorne) Squadron joined the community of Thorne
and Moorends for a service of Remembrance, two minutes silence and laying of
wreaths at the town’s war memorial. It was followed by a service at St Nicholas’
Church in Thorne.
Around Yorkshire
739 (Scarborough) Squadron paraded at Oliver’s
Mount in Scarborough along with the ACF and veterans. It was
a cold but sunny morning and a very good turnout was present
for the first parade under the command of the squadron’s new
Officer Commanding, Flying Officer Steven Lewis. 740 (Whitby)
Squadron carried
out two parades
on Remembrance
Day. A Church
Service at St Mary’s
Church in Whitby
and a service at the
Whitby War Graves.
Pictures show Cadets Chloe Springall and Gemma Wilson laying
wreaths with Cadet Sergeant Harry Brown parading the Royal
Air Forces Association Standard and Cadet Matthew Smith with
the Squadron Banner above the beautiful view of Scarborough.
Over 20 cadets joined the local
community to march through Beverley.
Emily
© LiliGraphie, rangizzz, donatas1205 Graphic design, Picsfive / shutterstock
399 (Beverley)
Squadron
Cadet First Class
Bethany Ellis was always
inspired and supported
by her granddad, Thomas
Hutchinson. He was keen
for her to learn and grow
so that she could have a
bright future and make
a positive commitment
to society, so when he
learned she had joined
the Leeds SCC he was
delighted. Tom had
been a member of the
RAF and on leaving joined the local volunteer
fire-fighters, in which he served for many years.
He often encouraged Bethany to make her mark and
was very proud of her achievements in the
SCC. Sadly Tom died on 12th October 2013 at
the age of 79, but knowing of his unrelenting
commitment to his community and public
services Bethany and her family decided to
ask people who attended his funeral to make a
donation to the SCC fund.
Bethany said “Granddad had a good life and
I was proud of his achievements. I just want
to make him proud of us. I felt that by raising
£171.00 in donations was a good thing to do and just another
way of showing that we and he really cared.”
On Remembrance Sunday Bethany was asked if she would
help lay the wreath at the Cenotaph, an honour she was very
happy to undertake as she was both remembering those who
had fallen but also Granddad Tom.
Army Cadets fall silent to remember
those who gave their lives
Towns, cities and villages
across Humberside and
South Yorkshire fell silent on
Remembrance Sunday, with
cadets from every detachment
representing the Armed Forces
in their local communities.
At Cenotaphs, War memorials,
Churches, Military Bases, even in our homes and
across the world people remembered the lives
sacrificed in order that peace could reign.
In Withernsea Sgt Jenna Salmon was parade
marshal at the wreath laying service, Jenna said
“this year the turnout was at least double what
I have seen in previous years. As I called out
the names of representatives laying wreaths
nothing could be heard but my voice as hundreds
of people stood in silence paying their respects.
It was a very humbling experience.”
The CadetReview
The Army Cadet Force also played an
important role in distributing poppies and
helping raise funds for the Royal British
Legion. Barton Detachment raised more than
£1000 for the Poppy Appeal. Second Lieutenant
Laura Porter, Detachment Commander, said “I
was very proud of Barton cadets. They turned
out on two very cold Saturday mornings
to help this good cause. Our detachment
believes that it is vital to contribute towards
community life and the young people are
always enthusiastic to be involved.”
The Band of Humberside and South
Yorkshire also had the honour of playing at
a special Remembrance Concert held at Hull
City Hall. The cadets performed a black light
display, where only the glow of their sticks
could be seen. Judging by the rapture of
applause they received the crowd thoroughly
enjoyed the performance.
11
Cadet plays a major role in
Remembrance visit to Belgium
Cadet Lucy Jane Brown of 110 (RAF Linton on Ouse)
Detached Flight was granted permission recently by
Headquarters Air Cadets to travel to Belgium with her father,
a recently retired West Yorkshire police officer, and take part
in several Remembrance Ceremonies in full uniform.
She had been asked to take part by
the West Yorkshire Police Band who were
performing at the events and personally by
Mr Sandy Euraid, the Mayor of Messines. On
the first day (10th November) which is locally
known as the Feast of St Martin, there was a
big procession through Ypres to the Menin Gate
which records names of the fallen of World War
1 whose bodies were never recovered. Among
those many thousands of names was her Great,
Great Uncle, Rifleman Henry Lowther. Her
Great Great Grandfather, Private W Pallister
was also a casualty of the war in 1918 and is
buried in Robecq Road British Cemetery in
Lucy at the Menin Gate in Ypres
the Pas de Calais. These events made the visit
and the tributes even more poignant for Lucy.
On the parade to the Menin Gate she marched
alongside the District Commander of the Belgian
Police, his Assistant and the Northern District
Commander of the French Gendarmerie.
At the Menin Gate she laid a wreath on
behalf of the Air Cadets, and said “I was quite
nervous, but I was really happy to be there as
an air cadet.” The following day, Remembrance
Day (11th November), she again joined the
West Yorkshire Police Band in Messines, the
Drum Major being no less than the Air Cadet
North Region Media Communications Officer,
Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth. The police
band was joined by the Messines Town Band
and each took turns in leading the various
parades to several points of commemoration. They included the New Zealand Memorial, the
Scottish Memorial, Messines Ridge Cemetery,
the African Memorial and the Peace Tower.
Altogether some 6 miles of parading, with Lucy
laying several wreaths and taking the salute.
A civic reception followed in Messines
before the police band and Lucy moved on to
Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial near Ypres.
Lucy lays a wreath at Tyne Cot Cemetery accompanied by
her father recently retired; police Sergeant Richard Brown.
This cemetery is the largest on the Western
Front with 11,953 burials - 70% of which are
unidentified indicating the intense levels of
fighting in that area during the Third Battle
of Ypres and the famed mud of the Salient.
The memorial carries the names of 34,870
more servicemen (in addition to those on
the Menin Gate) whose bodies were never
recovered. Lucy laid a further wreath.
The West Yorkshire Police Band was this
time joined by the Passchendaele Pipe Band.
The day concluded with the police band and
the pipe band leading a parade from the Town
Square in Ypres to the Menin Gate. Lucy laid
her final wreath after which there was a march
back to the Town Square where the band gave
a public demonstration. Squadron Leader Mike
Wadsworth said, “I was delighted to see Lucy
taking such a high profile role in the events
around Ypres, Messines Ridge and Tyne Cot.
She is a relatively new cadet, but she acquitted
herself very well and was a fine ambassador
for the Air Cadet Organisation.” Lucy herself
summed up as follows “It was an amazing
experience people of my age don’t normally
get to take part in. It was nerve wracking,
at times emotional, but it was an absolutely
great honour to represent the air cadets.”
110 (City of York Squadron
and 110 (RAF Linton on
Ouse) Detached Flight
formed part of the combined
services parade through the
centre of York to the War
Memorial at Leeman Road.
Lucy lays a wreath in Messines
Ridge British Cemetery
1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron
Lucy takes the salute at the Scottish
Memorial on Messines Ridge
Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth (himself
a recently retired West Yorkshire Police
Officer) leads the West Yorkshire Police
Band through the streets of Ypres.
took part in various parades and services
in the local area. The first event took place
in the town of Addingham where a church
service was followed by a parade led by the
squadron’s band to the memorial in the town.
Here the Last Post and Reveille were played
excellently by Cadet Sam Shaw. A wreath
was also laid here by Cadet Warrant Officer
Tom Smith on his last Remembrance Day as a
cadet. Following the Addingham parade the
squadron made its way to the Abbeyfield Care
Home where an excellent lunch was provided for
the cadets and staff by the Squadron’s Civilian
Committee. At Abbeyfield the band played a
few pieces of music for the residents of the care
home before setting off for the Ilkley parade.
The Ilkley parade was in a slightly different
format than in previous years and set off from
the Town Hall to the Memorial Gardens led by
the band. The squadron were also joined for
this parade by the OC Central & East Yorkshire
Wing, Wing Commander Wiggins. The service
at the Ilkley Memorial Gardens was host to a
number of dignitaries who paid their respects
and the squadron’s wreath was laid by one
of the newest members, Cadet Isla Lury. The
Last Post and Reveille were also played by
Cadet Sam Shaw. Cadet Callum Carslaw then
played a Lament on the bagpipes. Overall it
was another excellent parade by the squadron
who definitely did themselves proud!
2487 (Easingwold) Squadron
attended the town parade
which marched from
the Market Place up to
Easingwold Parish Church.
Over 30 cadets and
staff from the squadron
and Queen Ethelburga’s
School CCF took part.
Barnsley
Lucy on the march in Messines
The CadetReview
Over 60 cadets and staff from 148 (Barnsley)
Squadron took part in the Remembrance
Sunday parade at Barnsley Town Hall. Flt Lt
Andy Williams, Officer Commanding, said
“What an outstanding day it was today! Over
40 of our cadets and all members of staff
really did 148 Sqn proud as they paid their
respects. The staff members are really proud
of the efforts from the cadets. Well done!”
13
14 SEA CADET CORPS
a dry run
Bradford Cadets enjoying
tt Hall
Ma
CPO
,
ant
ten
Lieu
t
the Firs
with
Bradford
Sea Cadets
Welcome
Delivery
Bradford Sea Cadets will be spending
even more time on the water thanks to a
donation of eight kayaks and two canoes by
the Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association
(RFCA) for Yorkshire and The Humber.
Bradford cadets spend more time on the
water than some water-based units and this
welcome delivery will ensure they keep their
hours up! In the past, some cadets missed
out to a lack of kayaks but that won’t be the
case any longer and, once
qualified, they will now be able
to progress onto canoes.
The Pyranha Master TG
kayak is ideally suited to the
10 to 18 year old cadets; its
wide flat hull gives excellent
stability and it is short, light,
easy to turn and easy to paddle.
Having gained experience and
qualifications in the kayaks,
cadets will now be able to move
onto the new Old Town Saranac
146 canoes - with their thermoformed plastic
hull these craft are durable, and paddle better
than most recreational canoes on the market.
Lieutenant Lynn Bullock, CO of Bradford
Sea Cadets is overjoyed with the new boats:
“These new kayaks and canoes will provide
greater and new experiences for all the
cadets and we are extremely grateful to
RFCA for their support and for providing new
and enhanced opportunities for our cadets,
and for the many adult volunteer staff.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Bleasdale,
RFCA Deputy Chief Executive said: “Providing
these canoes for the Bradford Sea Cadets
has given the RFCA an ideal opportunity
to demonstrate its widespread support
to the cadets of all three Services and it is
enormously satisfying to hear of the benefits
this initiative will bring to the sea cadets.
Hull Freedom
Festival 2013
Hull Sea and Royal Marine Cadets were
proud to participate in the Freedom Torchlight
Procession, marching through the City, along
with staff, UMC members and 600 citizens
celebrating the annual Freedom Festival.
This has taken place since 2007 after
the William Wilberforce Commemorations,
acknowledging the work of the Hull born
Freedom Pioneer. Onlookers cheered and
applauded the Cadets as they held their torches
aloft, warming themselves and peoples’ hearts.
Sovereign steps
up to the mark
have been awarded a donation of £2,500 from
local company, Sovereign Healthcare, Bradford
to enable them to purchase a new Trinity and
the benefit to our Cadets will be enormous. It
means we can now get the cadets outside on the
open water exercising and learning new skills.
We currently use Ponden reservoir
for our local boating activities but due to
lack of equipment time spent over the last
year has been restricted. The Trinity 500
is only available to purchase from MSSC
stores and our order has now been placed
and with delivery at the end of last year, a
brilliant Christmas present for our cadets.
The Trinity 500 has a maximum crew
limit of 10 and is actually known as a stable
fixed seat rowing boat. It has been purpose
built for the Sea Cadets to deliver the full
SCC Rowing Scheme; British Rowing has
approved this boat and can also be used to
partake in their Explore Rowing Scheme. The designer of the boat is Jo Richards,
Olympic medallist who has also designed
other modern, easy to maintain vessels.
Our target over the next year is to attract
more cadets to our unit and now we have a
new Trinity 500 the cadets will be able to
enjoy the open water activity and maybe
even organise a sponsored row to help raise
more much needed funds for the unit.
© donatas1205
Keighley Sea and Royal Marine Cadet Unit
International
exchange
programme
to Bermuda
Proud to represent Hull Sea
Cadets and his country, LC
Harrison Medlam enjoyed the
experience of a lifetime in the
company of other nationalities
during his stay in Bermuda.
Swimming
with fish
amongst the
coral, sailing and
snorkelling were
just some of the
activities he
enjoyed and, as
CRI, trained a
team of international cadets and was challenged
by TS Admiral Somers’ cadets to a rowing race.
His team raced to victory, with him as coxswain.
Harrison Medlam is back row, fourth from
the
right with his “shades” on his forehead
He was captivated by the beauty of the
island, visiting St-George’s, Fort St Catherine,
Hamilton and the south side where the beauty
of the pink sand and the clear blue water
encouraged swimming and paddle boarding!
The cadets were entertained by the Governor
of the island at his house, where LC Medlam
presented him with a gift from Kingston
upon Hull. Then, they were taken to meet the
Premier and escorted to the Cabinet room
where another presentation took place. A tour
around the RN Dockyard, some shopping and
mini golf finished off another great day.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end.
LC Medlam will miss the camaraderie, the
Canadian friends he made and cooking breakfast
for the cadets! He will not miss the centipedes
or the “bug that took a bite out of his leg.” His
thanks go to all who made the 10 day trip
possible and to the Bermudian Sea Cadets and
everyone there for such wonderful hospitality.
And so to the flight home – our suntanned Sea
Cadet celebrated his 16th Birthday on the plane.
His final comment in his journal ....It was amazing!
Royal Marine Cadet
detachment catsea 2013
CATSEA 2013 saw the Royal Marine
Detachment of T.S. Sheffield attain the
title of Yorkshire’s No. 1. Three of the RMC
recounted the events of that weekend, below.
L/Cpl Sheppard and MC
Barkworth had this to say:
On Friday 4th October we arrived at Beckingham
Camp for our Catsea (field assessment) at around
20:00, and then had a Health and Safety briefing
with Major Cartwright and information on how the
weekend will be run. Finally got to sleep after doing
orders. Waking up to the sound of Skrillex and after
having a lovely full English, assessment scheduled for
14:00 but was four hours delayed so we were up for
the assessment at 18:00. 18:00 came, so we went up
for the assessment and built a detailed model pit. As
we all sat down, cammed, ready to be given the orders,
the GRMO came over to give the disappointing news
that the assessment would be delayed until the
following morning due to dimming light and bad
weather conditions. We covered up the model pit
and returned to the harbour area to find out we
were doing a night nav. We woke up to be given our
orders for the assessment, assessment completed
we returned to camp to find out that we are now
YORKSHIRE’S NO. 1.
The CadetReview
The CadetReview
Not to be outdone MC2 Smith commented:
We arrived at Beckingham Camp and after a
briefing went to our billets. After breakfast
we headed out straight into the field where
we had a series of stanzas to complete.
Here we enhanced our skills in making range
cards. Our second stanza was to find objects in
the field and whilst on the way to third assessment
I injured my knee (yet again) and it got worse, so I
ended up being casevaced (casualty evacuation).
After some light physio, my knee was strapped
up and I re-joined my fellow mates at the final
stanza which was judging distance. Our next
task was to set up a harbour area. After eating
our ration packs we prepared for our field
assessment but due to the poor light we had to
abort the mission till the next morning. We next
encountered the gruelling night navigational
exercise where the rough ground and uneven
terrain made it even harder for me to walk. We
were a solid team as I had to be helped over every
obstacle. We returned to our harbour area for a
nice sleep where I collapsed, not wanting to move
as the pain took hold again. The next morning
consisted of field assessment. A long awaited
inspection finally began on the morning of 6th
Oct which included standing patrol and gathering
Bradford Cadets
grin and bear it!
Bradford Sea Cadets helped raise
funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal with a
bucket collection following a performance
of this year’s pantomime Aladdin, aided
by the appeal mascot, Brad Ford the bear.
Whilst always willing to help the Appeal the
chance of attending the pantomime later was
an added incentive … hence the smiles!
intelligence on enemy forces, then back to camp
where we discovered that we were YORKSHIRE’S
NO. 1, credit to C/Sgt Linley and Sgt Wild and to
all the guys for having to put up with my injury!!
15
15
On your bikes!
CI Laura Frudd left the sea behind her
to climb the highest freestanding mountain,
when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
Laura was a cadet at Barnsley, before
joining the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a cadet,
and is now a 3rd Officer in the RFA.
Laura who has engaged in a series of
adventures, including skydiving, diving and
backpacking around Asia, decided to climb
Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a
Breast Cancer charity, raising over £4000.
On the day of her departure she
attended an interview at MSSC HQ for the
Clipper Race; she discovered she had been
successful in being selected for training at
the same time that she reached the summit
of Kilimanjaro. Returning from Africa,
Laura had a brief rest before commencing
her training for the Clipper race.
In February she flies out to China for
her next adventure, joining the Clipper for
China-US leg of the Round the World race.
My Visit to RFA FORT VICTORIA
By OC Henry Clark
RFA stands for ROYAL FLEET
AUXILIARY SERVICE
DAY 1
We left Barnsley at around 10 am, on the 15th
December and 6 hours later we arrived at RFA
FORT VICTORIA, at Crombie on the Firth of Forth.
The first thing that hit me was the size of it, it is
huge. We were shown our accommodation by 2nd
Officer Bailie, before going to dinner. After dinner
were given a safety brief in the Recreation room.
DAY 2
On day 2 we awoke to rough weather, during
the day the weather got worse and at its worst
it was a gusting Force 10 and a Sea State 8,
which meant most of us were rather seasick.
We went in to the deep freezer room, most of the
cadets went “Brrr” the second we entered we also
went into the veg room. We visited the RASCO,
where we able to sit in the Crane operators chairs.
There are 4 chairs one in each corner, so the
operators have a clear view when operating cranes.
We learned about RASing, RAS stands for
Replenishment at Sea. RASing is a very
hazardous operation. We were given a tour of
the hangar, which was very big, it has space
for 3 Merlin helicopters, and we went out on
to the Flight deck which was very windy.
On the bridge we were able to see where the
ship is operated from, where the navigators
work and we saw the Radar. Unfortunately
because of the very rough weather we were
not able to have a go at Steering. We looked at
the lifeboats, but were unable to go inside.
In the ships hospital, not sick bay as most of us
thought, the POMA gave us a First Aid lesson,
and taught us how do Recovery Position.
We all had fun bandaging each other.
DAY 3
I was sick 8 times, so don’t remember a lot
about it. We had a lifeboat drill, so we all had
to get dressed in our waterproofs and life
jackets and wait for further instructions, I
fell asleep waiting as I was a bit warm.
DAY 4
We were shown the cage used to keep pirates in, as
the RFA Fort Victoria has just returned from Pirate
hunting duties in the Middle East, we all went in
the pirate cage; luckily they didn’t lock us in.
We docked at Loch Striven on the 18th of
December at 11am and returned home at 2232.
The visit was very much fun and we were all
given a commemorative coin.
© Warren, Goldswain / shutterstock
From Sea to
Mountains &
back to Sea
April 2013 saw the introduction into Eastern
Area of the relatively new Sea Cadet Activity,
Mountain Trail Biking (MTB) with the acquisition
of 8 Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bikes and
trailer. Within weeks Districts were booking
weekend training courses for their cadets and
the bikes soon started to pay for themselves.
However, before any cadets even got to ride the
bike we first had to provide adequately trained
instructors in addition to a structured maintenance
system and base/holding station. Barnsley Sea Cadet
Unit was chosen for this and CPO Andy Devonport
as the Area Lead MTB Instructor, who soon set
about arranging courses for cadets to qualify with
their Proficiency Adventure Training (MTB) Basic
Award, together with CALA Level 1 courses for adult
volunteers. This then enabled those instructors to
take cadets out on trails local to their own units.
Some would argue that Mountain Biking isn’t
water-based so why do we do this subject? Well
apart from the advantages in getting young people
outside and into the countryside, doing a physically
enjoyable activity, getting fitter and healthier,
the answer is in the numbers that have qualified
in the last 9 months. In short, Cadets want it!
82 cadets gained the Basic Award - 64 of these
in the Yorkshire and the Humber. 6 instructors have
been trained to either CALA Level 1 or the higher
TCL with a further 6 due to qualify later this year.
Overall Mountain Biking is set to spread
this year, both with new riders and with the
existing Basic riders wanting to progress
further towards Intermediate level which
is what is best described as exhilarating.
Christmas Fair
On Saturday 23rd November
Christmas
Stall & Choir
In December Barnsley Sea Cadets
Parents and Supporters Association ran a
fundraising stall in Barnsley Town centre.
They were joined by members of the unit choir
who entertained shoppers with Christmas
carols, along with a musical accompaniment by
Cadet 1st Class Ross Caswell, with Mr and Mrs
Smith on the cornets.
South Yorkshire
District MACTs
Cadets from across South Yorkshire
gathered at TS Diomede Barnsley Sea
Cadets for a District Training weekend,
where they took part in various courses
including Campcraft, Marine Engineering,
Instructional Methods and Junior training.
They also assisted the Barnsley DGH
charity with their Zombie Run, cadets and
juniors guided “Survivors” around the event
The CadetReview
Barnsley Sea Cadets had a special Visitor,
Father Christmas; he came along to the
unit to see Children at the unit’s Christmas
Fair. Unfortunately he was not able
to bring his elves, so two of the unit’s
Juniors, Twins Reece and Lewis Smith,
volunteered to be his elves for the day.
The Christmas fair was very well
attended with
cadets running
sideshow type
stalls such as
“golden ticket”
and “hook a
bauble”, whilst
the Parents
and Supporters
Association ran
a bottle tombola
and cake stall.
in Worsbrough Country Park at the event in
October. On the Sunday morning the unit Padre
undertook a short service for Trafalgar Day.
In addition another MACT was held at
TS Sheffield, where cadets took part in a
number of courses (Navigation, Meteorology
and Juniors) and Advancement Board.
The Juniors on the weekend spent both days
out and about visiting various attractions and
museums around Sheffield, and completing
lots of Juniors modules by learning about
the local community. The highlight of the
weekend for the Juniors was a ride in a Fire
Father Peter
Father Peter Needham, Barnsley
Unit padre celebrated his 25 years as a
Priest with a service at St Helen’s Church in
Athersley. He was joined by supporters from
all over the UK and from across his career.
Father Peter has been a good friend of the
unit for a number of years before becoming
the unit’s Padre almost 6 years ago.
Father Peter has had an interesting and
unusual career, having joined the church
as a brother of the Society of St Francis,
or as most people would know it a Friar.
It was whilst living as a Friar that the
opportunity to go to Sea arose, and Father
Peter Joined the Royal Navy as a padre;
the first Friar to take on such a role.
Father Peter later trained and became
a priest and has served parishes in Ealing,
Grimethorpe and is now Chaplain for
Barnsley District General Hospital.
Engine, at the Fire and Police Museum
and taking part in a Chip Shop survey.
17
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The CadetReview
19
20 AIR TRAINING CORPS
S&W Yorks Wing
Assessors Accreditation Course
in South & West Yorkshire
11 staff members from South and West
Yorkshire Wing and 1 from Central and East
Yorkshire Wing successfully completed a day
long training course to become Assessors in the
expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award. The course was held at Barnsley Squadron
and attracted staff members from all over North
Region, showing the universal approach to the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award within the Region. The day consisted of the various candidates
undertaking the Assessors Accreditation
module, where they learned the role of the
assessor and conditions for successful passing
an expedition. Upon successful completion of
the course, the candidates will now undertake
a supervised assessment, where they will put
in to practice what they have learned. Once
this has been completed, they will become
Accredited Assessors for the Award.
The expedition is one of four sections of
the award at bronze and silver level, including
volunteering, skills and physical. A residential
project is also run at Gold level. South and
West Yorkshire Wing Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award Officer, Flight Lieutenant Andy Williams
was one of the instructors on the course. He
said, “It is great to see so many people willing
to give up their time to assist the cadets in
attaining their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.”
He continued “I look forward to seeing the
candidates complete their assessments and
being out and about, assessing the cadets.”
Flight Sergeant is
appointed Cadet
Warrant Officer
HUGE congratulations to
Cadet Warrant Officer Matt Smedley who was
appointed to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer
by Wing Commander Daniel recently.
CWO Smedley is an outstanding Cadet, he has
worked very hard during his time in the ATC and he
has risen through the ranks. This year he played a
major role in training the Cadets at 370 to take part
in the annual drill competition. In addition to leading the Squadron to a fantastic
result in the competition
he also came 2nd in
the DI category, which
was a fantastic result!
Well done from all the
Staff and Cadets, we are
thrilled to have you as
the first CWO at 370
Sqn in many years!
A Little Bit of Yorkshire
at the South Pole
Castleford Squadron has taken a trip all the way
to the British Antarctic Survey research station
Halley near the South Pole in Antarctica. A brassard is a garment worn by cadets on
their uniform to show they belong to the Air Cadet
organisation. Each Squadron has its own unique
number stitched onto the top with Castleford Air
Cadets having the number 2388. This is worn by all
cadets belonging to Castleford on the right arm.
The brassard which was formerly worn by
Flying Officer Matt Bulmer during his cadet service,
took the trip to the South Pole with another former
Cadet Warrant Officer from Castleford Air Cadets,
RAF Corporal
Tony De-Lucchi. Tony
who was a Cadet
at Castleford for
seven years took
the brassard along
with him during a
recent two month
deployment to
Antarctica. Halley
research station
is operated by
the British
h
Britis
Antarctic Survey
chi at
uc
De-L
at i o n
Tony
rch St
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r
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o
R
Corp
ur vey
don .
c ti c S
o L on
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y, 14,2
H all e
and is used for
scientific experiments
and data collection. During
his deployment Tony was
responsible for maintaining radio
antenna and communication equipment
at the Research Station. Due to the extreme
weather the buildings at the site suffer a buildup of approximately 1.2m of snow every year. Flying Officer Matt Bulmer commented “It is
fantastic that such an iconic item for the Squadron has
travelled such a vast distance to an unusual place such
as the Antarctic. The Cadets are very excited at seeing
something belonging to the Unit at such an extreme place
and look forward to its future travels. You can keep up
to date with the Brassard by following @ATCBrassard.”
© mexrix, Relax friday, ilolab / shutterstock
Recently a brassard belonging to 2388
Rotherham
Squadron
Presentation
Evening 2013
On Saturday 16th November the
squadron hosted its annual Presentation Evening
to celebrate the achievements of all our Cadets
over the last year. Preparations began the night
before with cadets employed in setting the
considerable number of table places as over 70
Silver Service at
1053 (Armthorpe)
Squadron
On Friday 13th December 2013 Staff
Cadet Corporal Jade Burton was presented
with her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award
Badge. In addition Corporal Liam Wilburn,
Cadet Kieran McKee and Cadet David
Baker were also presented with their
‘Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards’. Following the presentation Jade said, “I
feel very happy to have received my award
and look forward to wearing the badge on
my uniform. I enjoyed participating in the
award this year, learning different skills and
volunteering in the community based projects. The ‘Expedition Section’ was extremely
challenging; however, I felt a tremendous
sense of achievement when I finally completed
my ‘Assessed Walk’ in the Peak District!”
The CadetReview
people were expected to be in attendance. The night itself began at 7pm with Cadets
making their way into the hall from the squadron
building and awaiting the arrival of the top table
(from the bar). Following a welcoming speech from
OC 218 Flt Lt Mick Green the presentations began
in earnest. Congratulations to our award winners:
Cpl LouisWebb - Best Attendance, Cdt Samuel Wood
- Best Drill, Cpl Alex Newbould - Commitment to
Squadron, Cpl Jack Badger - Sporting Achievement,
Cdt Kieran Wheeler - Academic Achievement,
Cdt Sam Parkin - Cadet with most Potential, Sgt
Eleanor Dovey - Best NCO, and last but by no means
least, Cdt Abbie Plummer - Best overall cadet.
In addition our ex Cadet Warrant Officer,
CWO Daniel Roberts, and the O/C of 146
Workshop Company (TA), Major Aidy Hunt,
both received a ceremonial squadron plaque in
recognition of their support for the squadron. After the presentations had concluded
the buffet began with many going
back for seconds and even thirds.
Ex-CWO Daniel Roberts
Receiving a Squadron Plaque
Major Aidy Hunt Receiving a Squadron
Plaque
Wing Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Presentation 2013
Towards the end of 2013 a
number of Cadets and Staff
members gathered at their Wing
Headquarters, in Castleford,
for the 2nd annual Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award presentation. The event was open to all Cadets and
Staff from the Wing who had either completed a
level of the Award this year, be it Bronze, Silver or
Gold level, or have completed one of the training
courses run for the Award within the last 12
months. The event also provided an opportunity
to recognise the hard work and effort put in by
members of the Wing throughout the year. The event was hosted by Wing Commander
Brian Daniel and was organised by Flight
Lieutenant Andy Williams. Representatives
from many of the Squadrons involved with
the Award were present, together with
representatives of the Wing admin Staff and
various Sector Commanders from the Wing.
The event saw a number of cadets presented
with certificates for their achievements
throughout the year in completing various levels
of the Award. The award contains either 4 or 5
sections, which a cadet must complete in order
to be gain the award for their given level.
Cadets volunteer or assist various groups
and people in the Volunteering section. Giving up their free time to help others. The
skills section sees the cadets learn a new
skill or build upon an existing one, showing
continual improvement as they develop.
Cadets get physical with the physical section
of the award, playing or undertaking varying
sports or completing physical achievements to
improve their physical fitness. Cadets undertake
unsupervised and remote expeditions for up to 4
days, during which they are entirely self-reliant. The expeditions are planned and organised by
the cadets with minimal input from the staff.
For the Gold award, cadets also undertake
a week long residential, working with different
people in an unfamiliar environment.
Wing Commander Daniel said “The Duke of
Edinburgh Award is a fantastic qualification. It embodies so much of what we do within the
Air Training Corps. Cadets get a lot out of the
award without having to do lots of additional
work outside of the Air Cadets.” He continued
“It is a fantastic achievement for the cadets and a
valuable award. As an employer it is something I
look for, it shows the applicant has commitment,
determination and the ability to work as part
of a team. It is something I look for on a CV.”
Flight Lieutenant Andy Williams said “I would
like to echo what Wing Commander Daniel has
said, the Award is a great achievement for both
cadets and staff. It does require commitment and
time, both on behalf of the participant and the
Staff who help support them.” He continued “I
would like to thank everyone who has participated
and assisted with the Award this year and hope
that you will continue into the New Year.”
21
Barnsley’s Cpl
Bryn Roberts
Takes on the RAF
Cosford March
association) 2 day march at RAF Cosford was a
great experience; the march consisted of 2 days
walking about 25 miles per day. The event is a
qualifier for the Nijmegen marches in Holland,
which is a 100 mile march over 4 days. Teams
from all over Europe, some teams from beyond
Europe’s borders. It was great getting to interact
with other nationalities, even exchanging gifts.
The Wing Cosford team, overall, consisted of
many members including Flt Lt Andy Williams
(148’s CO) and Flt Lt Mark Harrison (Officer at
148). The team had to be split into two separate
teams which did the walk separately. However,
after the first 25 miles, the teams were happy
to help each other with foot treatment etc.
The walk itself had times which were
incredibly easy but other points which were
really difficult. We were all grateful to get to the
last rest point on day two. But we all worked
together
and helped
each other
throughout the
heavy rain and
blistering heat.
Overall the
march was
amazing fun, it
was a brilliant
opportunity
to meet
new people,
it developed our teamwork skills massive
and by the end we were all still helping and
supporting each other, we finished as a proud,
strong team. It was an amazing experience
and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
24
New first
aiders for
sector 2
24 Air Cadets from various Squadrons within
Sector 2 of the Wing have completed a two-day
First Aid course. Run by staff from within the
Wing and the Sector, the course taught the cadets
basic First Aid knowledge in a bid to prepare
them for a range of medical emergencies and
incidents they may come across in everyday life.
© Ankimo
icoot
The brassard & a Band
The brassard with a
Blue Tongue Lizard
capital of Hobart.
A Little Bit of Yorkshire in provincial
During its stay the
Tasmania
Following on from its rather chilly
trip to the South Pole; the 2388 Castleford
Squadron Brassard has been travelling yet
again this time to warmer climates on a two
week long trip to Tasmania in Australia.
Cadet Corporal Steven Wider took the brassard
to his native Tasmania during a family trip
in December 2013. During the visit Steven
stayed with relatives in a house in the wilderness,
located in the shadow of Mt Wellington near the
Brassard met with all kinds of
wildlife, spotting bandicoots,
lizards and wallabies; and
even finding a scorpion.
During a visit to Steven’s Grandparents the
Brassard became a comfy bed for a blue
tongued lizard that had found its way into
his Grandparent’s house to escape the sun.
Flying Officer Matthew Bulmer commented
“Following on from its trip to the South Pole
with one of the Squadron Service helpers it
is fantastic that the brassard has travelled
to yet another exotic part of the world with
one of the Cadets on the Squadron.”
© robert cicchetti / shutterstock
The WARMA (walking and road marching
For the group, items such as Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), use of the
recovery position and the immediate treatment of
wounds were on the agenda, with a large amount
of practical experience also gained. How to assess
a casualty and what to do if you come across an
accident scene were also covered on the course.
The cadets, aged between 13 and 16, were
examined on their practical abilities and
knowledge recall by a group of independent
assessors. All of the candidates passed with
flying colours, and the Sector can now boast of an
additional 24 highly trained youth first aiders.
Civilian Instructor Peter Kelly, Sector 2 First
Aid Officer said: “All the Cadets have been a credit
to their Squadrons.” He continued “We always
hope the cadets will never need to use the First
Aid they have been taught, but it is nice to see an
additional 24 trained cadets within the Sector.”
Central & East Warcop Field
Yorkshire Wing Craft Camp
Top duty for
Ryedale Cadet
Cadet Flight Sergeant Josh Campbell
of 1323 (Ryedale) Squadron has been given
the coveted duty of Station Commander’s
Cadet for RAF Fylingdales. Josh is tasked with
accompanying the current station commander,
Wing Commander Rayna Owens to specific
duties and engagements. So far F/Sgt Campbell
had a busy first few weeks, participating
in RAF Fylingdales’ Battle of Britain
Remembrance Service, in which he provided
a reading alongside serving members of
RAF Fylingdales and attending the 50th
anniversary celebrations of RAF Fylingdales.
Troodos camp
Cyprus 2013a
By Cadet Flight Sergeant Sarah Owens
On Thursday 18th July, CWO
Tom Sugden (298), Flight
Sergeant Sarah Owens (886)
and Cpl Danny Hodgson
(266) met at York train station
to begin their journey, as
representatives of Central
and East Yorkshire Wing, to
the International Camp at
RAF Troodos in Cyprus.
After an early start, we met the 27 other
cadets attending the camp from all over the
UK at Heathrow Airport and got to know each
The CadetReview
By Cadet Ryan Griffin 2431 (Keighley) Squadron
On the week beginning Monday
the 12th of August four cadets
from our squadron travelled to
the Defence Training Estate,
Warcop, near Appleby.
It was a five day Field Craft Course offered to
all cadets in the North of England. We were the
only cadets from the Wing. Warcop DTE is a tank
and artillery training area, so whilst we were
out on exercise, there would be a range of tanks
and artillery firing off into the distance. The loud
bangs and explosions added
to the realism of the field craft
exercises. On the first day we
got the train up to Appleby
then a lift to the training base.
Next, we unpacked our bags
and had a camp brief. Then,
we split up into our flights and
had our first lectures from
ACP 16. The lectures went on
from noon till 6pm. We then
went to the mess. After that
we were given free time to
pack our kit for tomorrow,
now that we knew how to do it properly.
The next day we were woken up at half
six and got ready to go to the main base for
breakfast. After we got back we had to get our
kit and walk to the area where we would be
staying for most of the week. We continued
with ACP16 lectures e.g. range cards, judging
distances, why things are seen and how to scan
areas. Next, we had an hour break for packed
lunches. After that we continued with lectures
including constructing bivvies, contents of a
ration pack and cooking in the field. We had
then completed our lectures from ACP16, so we
went back to our accommodation and had tea.
The third day we took part in consolidated
practical training, which tested our skills in
patrolling and almost everything else. The
exercises were capture the flag and sneak up
on the officers without being seen. The fourth
day we were meant to be bivvieing out but the
rain was torrential so after we had set up our
accommodation we completed the rest of the
day’s activities; a reconnaissance mission, a
medical evacuation in the field and improvised
bivvies. After that, we
packed up and walked back
to our accommodation
whilst it was raining, then
we had to improvise and
cook our evening meal in
the garage, not in the field.
The final day, we cooked
our breakfasts, packed
all of our kit, passed our
room inspections and
had a final debrief, then
we could go home.
Overall, I learnt an awful
lot of vital military field craft tactics throughout
the week, which will enable me to complete
lots of future exercises. The camp was just £10,
and I would definitely go again. As with all
cadet camps, I made lots of new friends who
I will be seeing again soon on other events.
“
we cooked our
breakfasts, packed all
of our kit, passed our
room inspections and
had a final debrief, then
we could go home
other on the 4-hour flight to Larnaca. We arrived
at Troodos camp at 1am, but the temperature
was still twice as hot as it had been in England!
The camp lasted 10 days including travelling. Although a cadet camp, the activities were
very different to those of a UK summer camp.
We were taken bowling and go-karting at RAF
Akrotiri, clay pigeon shooting, sailing, swimming
(several times), ice skating and rock climbing,
in addition to being given the chance to relax,
experience the culture and enjoy the Cypriot
sunshine! The visit to North Cyprus and the UN
base which controls the buffer zone between
the separate hostile states of Turkish (North)
Cyprus and Greek (South) Cyprus was incredibly
interesting and relevant to anyone wishing to join
the armed forces. Climbing all over an abandoned
Shackleton aircraft in ‘no man’s land’ was the
highlight of this tour! Leadership exercises were
also included in the training programme. They
”
were also great fun, as we could see how cadets
from squadrons all over the country have been
taught to deal with situations. The camp had a
higher than usual proportion of NCOs, so everyone
was at a similar stage in their cadet career and
had been given this fantastic opportunity in the
knowledge that they would represent their Wing,
Region and the Corps to a high standard overseas.
The friendships we formed will last a very
long time I am sure, due to the shared challenges
we experienced together. It is impossible to
say which bit of the Troodos camp was the
best, as it was all such a new and enjoyable
experience and no-one wanted to go home
when we arrived back at Heathrow! UK camps
are fantastic and I have always loved them,
however, overseas is just something completely
different. This one-time opportunity visiting
Cyprus to represent the ATC was a privilege
and something we will never forget.
23
Wharfedale
cadets complete
prestigious
scholarship
By Sergeant (ATC) Sam White
Two members of 1224 (Wharfedale)
Wing swimmers do well
The Wing recently attended the Regional
Swimming Competition in Huddersfield taking
a joint first with Greater Manchester Wing - a
massive improvement on 5th place last year.
They won an incredible 48 medals including
12 Gold. Each cadet won at least one medal
proving that team work is definitely the way
to bring home the results. Wing Sports Officer,
Sergeant Tony Brooker, said “The brilliant
result is down to hard work and dedication
across the team and the support they all
give each other. There were some stunning
individual performances and some personal
bests set - but best of all for me was watching
them working together and spurring on their
colleagues.” Well done to all who took part.
Squadron are celebrating after being selected for, and
completing the prestigious Air Cadet Pilot Scheme
(ACPS). Cadet Flight Sergeant Jamie Partovi and
Cadet Sergeant Callum Parker were both selected to
take part in the scheme, which takes place at Tayside
Aviation near Dundee, and were two of only around
140 Cadets selected each year. They were the first
cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron to have
completed the scholarship in a number of years! The
two-week long course involved both learning how
to fly the Grob Heron (an aircraft very similar to the
Grob Tutor that the Air Experience Flights use) and
becoming familiar with radio procedures, which
were a step up from anything either of them had
experienced before as Tayside Aviation is based at
Dundee Airport. Towards the end of the course the
candidates took an exam, which assessed the basics
of the ACPS and the aircraft we fly, such as runway
markings, Air Traffic Control signals and the aircraft
specifications. Both Cadets have done especially
well to complete the scholarships and we hope that
it will go a long way in helping both Flight Sergeant
Partovi and Sergeant Parker with their future career.
Driffield Training Weekend is
once again a great success
A Wing Training Weekend took place
at Driffield Camp from 4th to 6th October.
Pictured are those who attended the Junior
NCO Course and those on the Under 16 First
The Junior NCO course
Aid Course. Also on offer was senior first
aid, radio training, a Senior NCO Course
and shooting. All together 133 cadets
and 42 staff took part in the camp.
The First Aid cour
se
New Hampshire Civil Air
Patrol/152 (City of Hull)
Squadron Exchange
Following a highly successful
International Air Cadet
Exchange visit in 2012 to the
New Hampshire Wing of the
USA Civil Air Patrol (CAP) that
included a two day visit to their
summer Encampment, an idea
began to formulate in the mind
of Flt Lt David Waters, OC
152 (City of Hull) Squadron.
After gaining permission from Wing
and Headquarters Air Cadets, an invite to the
New Hampshire Wing CAP was extended for
them to send a number of their cadets and
staff to visit the UK which was to be hosted
by 152 (City of Hull) Squadron and for them
to join our annual Wing Camp at Altcar in
2013. Our invitation was gratefully accepted
and a total of 5 Cadets and 2 Escorts were
selected by the New Hampshire Wing CAP
to travel to the UK. On Tuesday 20 August
our visitors duly arrived and were met by
OC 152, CI Andy Cooper and members of the
host families who had agreed to open their
homes and host our visitors. Their first week
was spent with 152 (City of Hull) Squadron.
During this time our visitors attended 152
Squadron’s parade nights, which gave a chance
for the cadets from both organisations to
exchange experiences and information from
their organisations. It also gave the cadets a
chance to teach and practice each other’s drill
movements, this was achieved with varying
degrees of success with the CAP drill proving to
be more difficult than it looked for our cadets,
much to the amusement of the watching staff
which included Wing Commander Wiggins.
Wednesday saw our visitors, along with
members of staff and cadets from the Squadron
visit the RAF College at Cranwell and the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) at
RAF Coningsby. The visit to the BBMF gave
everyone a chance to get up close to their
historic aircraft and was made all the more
special by our guide for the afternoon who
took great delight in teasing our American
friends. For the rest of their first week our
visitors enjoyed trips to York and Hull, with
the National Railway Museum, York Minister,
The Shambles and William Wilberforce House
all on the list of places visited. Viewing these
The CadetReview
sights through the eyes of our American cousins
helped us to see them in a different light.
For the second week of their stay our visitors
from the USA joined over a hundred cadets
and staff at the Wing’s annual camp at Altcar.
The CAP cadets and staff were fully integrated
into the camp with both staff and cadets being
allocated a flight to spend the week with; this
ensured that they got the full camp experience.
During their time at Altcar our CAP colleagues
had an opportunity to experience a wide range
of activities that included; Shooting, High Ropes
confidence course, rafting and dragon boat racing
and also drill. Altcar also gave both ATC and CAP
cadets and staff an opportunity to socialise and
gain a better understanding of the differences
between the two organisations. One thing that
we all soon came to realise is that although we
do things differently both our organisations
have a great deal of similarities. One of the things
that became apparent is that their Camps (or
Encampments as they call them) are usually
more of a training opportunity and therefore
they have a more formal structure to them. The
exchange proved a great experience for everyone
involved from both sides of the Atlantic.
The parade about to set
off from York Minster
Cadets form
part of RAF
Freedom of
the City of
York Parade
Cadets from York, Easingwold and
Queen Ethelburga’s School CCF joined the Royal
Air Force in a parade through the City of York
on Sunday 15th September. RAF Linton on Ouse
was exercising the privileges of the rights of
Freedom of the City of York by parading through
the streets, bayonets fixed. The cadets formed
a flight in the parade behind two flights of
RAF personnel. The weather forecast was for
heavy rain and strong winds, but although it
was raining when the cadets arrived at 8.30am,
the rain stopped and the weather managed to
hold off whilst the parade was completed and
everyone made their way into York Minster
for a service. Unfortunately the Band of the
RAF Regiment could not lead the parade due
to the uncertain weather, but did play during
the service. The service, which was also
attended by many invited guests including
veterans and members of the Royal Air Forces
Association, was one of Remembrance and
Dedication to commemorate the bravery of the
personnel involved in the Battle of Britain. It
also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of
RAF Linton on Ouse becoming operationally
effective when 51 and 58 Squadrons were
based there in 1938. Additionally the 70th
Anniversary of the formation of the Royal
Air Forces Association was also celebrated.
Cadet contingent en rou
te
25
Harrogate Squadron praised
for help at RAF Band Concert
Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, the
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust,
has circulated the following to newspapers and
periodicals in the Yorkshire area: “May I, through
your columns, thank all those who attended the
recent Salute to the Dambusters Generation concert
performed by the bands of the Royal Air Force at
the Royal Hall in Harrogate. The evening was a
great success and helped support the important
work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. I’d
also like to thank Air Cadets from 58 (Harrogate)
Squadron whose valuable participation on the night
reflected both the spirit and professionalism of
the RAF itself. The charitable trust is the youngest
of the RAF’s family of charities having been set up
in 2005. Its mission is to promote the Royal Air
Force, to support its people now and into the future
and to encourage air-mindedness and the aviation
related education of youth. We very much look
forward to returning to Harrogate in 2014, with a
musical tribute to the legendary RAF Red Arrows,
as the team celebrates its 50th display season.”
Flight Lieutenant Lee Dewhurst, Commanding
Officer of 58 (Harrogate) Squadron said “It’s lovely
to be thanked at a high level for the effort put in
by the cadets of the squadron. It’s long been a
tradition that we support the concert tour and it’s
something the cadets really look forward to. They
help by selling programmes and flags, but are also
available to assist behind the scenes as needed
and last year they enjoyed running messages
between the audience and the compere, BBC
Broadcaster Alan Dedicoat. We enjoy a very good
rapport with the musicians and the Trust staff
and it’s a real source of pride to the squadron to
be part of such a great event.” Alan Dedicoat said
“It’s fitting that the next generation, exemplified
by these smart young air cadets, are paying
their own tribute to the legendary Dambusters
by giving up their time to help make the RAF in
concert show such a success. They carried out
their duties with aplomb and serve as a great
advertisement for the Air Cadet Organisation.”
3
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A
RAF
at Scarborough
Camp Report
Squadron
Promotions & awards
On Friday 13th September the Commanding
Officer of 739 (Scarborough) Squadron, Flight
Lieutenant Sue Balmford, rewarded the hard
work of several cadets over the past few months
with promotions. “We have many very high
calibre cadets and making the final decisions
proved difficult” she said, prior to promoting
to Corporal – Cadet’s Matthew Colling,
Roxanne Mennell, Reece Preston and Benjamin
Whaling. To Sergeant was Corporal Chloe
Springall, and to Flight Sergeant was Sergeant
Carl Griffiths, pictured. Carl was also finally
awarded his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Other presentations were made to Cadets
gaining the BTEC Diploma in Public Services and a
Nijmegen Badge and Medal was awarded to Cadet
Sergeant Harry Brown. A certificate of appointment
was presented to the squadron’s newest member
of staff, Civilian Instructor Mick Moore.
By Sergeant Karl Verspyck 1224
(Wharfedale) Squadron
I was lucky enough to be
offered a place on the Autumn
Camp to Akrotiri in Cyprus,
starting my journey at York
Station where I met the other
5 cadets from my wing.
We met up with the whole 46 cadets at
Heathrow for our flight out to Cyprus. We arrived
at the base late at night so we went straight to bed.
Friday: We set off on an exercise to familiarise
ourselves with the base. RAF Akrotiri is massive,
especially when you have to walk around it in the 28
degree sun! The afternoon was spent at the beach
relaxing. We had a short history lesson in the evening. Saturday: We headed to the north of the island in
anticipation because of what we had learnt the night
before about the conflict between the North and South
of the island. When we did get across the UN Buffer
Zone and into the Turkish part of Cyprus we headed
to a castle on a mountain for some amazing views!
We then went to a coastal town and had dinner at a
restaurant by the sea. Sunday: We had a great day
in a water park about 2 hours away from the base.
Monday: We spent the morning doing command tasks
which was interesting and certainly gave me some
ideas to bring back to the squadron. Then to a local
shopping centre in the afternoon before retiring to our
Awards galore
for cadets at Beverley
Kirsten wows them
State Side
An update on ex 2527
(Lawnswood) Squadron cadet
Kirsten Yule who has already
completed her 2nd year at
Hull University, and should
complete her degree course
by the end of June 2014.
She has been in Washington DC having
rooms at night. Tuesday: In the morning we headed
to some of the sections that this base has. We started
at the Bomb Disposal unit which was interesting to
see the kinds of things that they are dealing with
on the island and also out in Afghanistan. We then
went to a top secret part of the base which I’m afraid
I cannot publish here! Wednesday: We travelled to
the UN Buffer Zone again, but this time we visited
the abandoned Nicosia Airport. It was strange to see
how much was still intact after over 30 years of it
being unused. Thursday: This was probably the most
enjoyable day of the trip with us travelling to a local
army base in Episkopi to do some shooting. We then
went banana boating back in Akrotiri before we spent
the evening on a cruise around Paphos Bay. We had a
BBQ on board and jumped off the boat in to the warm
Mediterranean. A truly great way to end a great day!
Friday: This was our final day in Cyprus and we
headed into the Troodos mountains to a lovely local
village and then to Troodos Camp for lunch. We
had our last meal on the beach at Akrotiri where
we had a BBQ and gave out paper plate awards. It
was great to visit such an active RAF base at the
forefront of the conflicts we are involved in today.
This camp has been the best thing I have done
with cadets so far and I would recommend this or
any other overseas camp to every single cadet.
The CadetReview
Cadets from 399 (Beverley)
Squadron held their
annual awards evening
in Longcroft School on
Thursday 17th October.
The evening, hosted by cadets from
the squadron, is an annual event held to
thank all involved for their contribution
to the Squadron, in addition to giving
parents an insight into cadet activities. It
is also an opportunity for Squadron staff to
reward cadets for their achievements. The
occasion attended by cadets, staff, parents
and members of the squadron’s civilian
committee started with a continuity drill
display followed by cadet presentations
on the various activities undertaken by
the cadets. This year the cadets chose to
include swimming, aircraft recognition,
Duke of Edinburgh expedition training,
flying/gliding and radio operations.
Presentations were made to Corporal
Jack Newton for best NCO, Cadet
James Bates - best cadet, Sergeant
Zoe Meakin - squadron marksman,
Corporal Ryan Knight - endeavour, Cadet
Vicky Scruton - best sportsman and
Cadet Luke Clayton - best turnout.
Jack, James and Vicky also received
swimming medals for their wing and
regional efforts and a Commandant’s
Certificate of Meritorious Service was also
awarded to Mr Derek Alden, former chair
of the Civilian Committee by way of a thank
you for his hard work over many years.
Adult Sergeant Viki Walford, commanding
399 Squadron, said “I’m extremely proud
of our cadets achievements this year. We
have been a busy squadron in 2013 and
the cadets success was celebrated.”
gained an internship with a Congressman from
Illinois and was working in and around the
Capitol building and White House area. The office
she worked in covers all the constituency work
for the Congressman and deals with all kinds of
questions and queries from his voters, in addition
to taking US visitors on tours around the Capitol
building itself. Kirsten also helped to prepare
motions for the House for the Congressman and
all the other office work for this politician.
She was very lucky to make it through the
selection process and has to complete a project
while there for her degree, returning to Hull
in the New Year for the last two semesters of
the degree course. She really is enjoying her
work and says that the city really has a buzz
about it and she can compare the American way
of doing politics with our own during major
world events. Because she is a Brit she has
been asked for a view on the Gibraltar situation
for her USA colleagues in written form. Lots
of on line research was carried out quickly to
sound reasonably fluent about this topic!
Her boss, the Congressman is also a pilot
and Major in the US Air Force Reserve, so
there is some common ground there. Her
father believes that her Cadet CV helped her
to demonstrate the qualities and a consistent
level of achievement that the position in
Washington required, and shows that you
never know when such a document it will be
useful. He also feels that the Cadet career has
played a part in her having the confidence
to undertake such a role outside the normal
comfort zone for a British 20 year old.
Kirsten is pictured at Wing Training Day
2012, just after she left cadet service,
receiving a Commandant’s Certificate of Good
Service from Wing Commander Wiggins.
27
Cadet writes
fanfare for
Birmingham
Military Tattoo
Cadet Flight Sergeant Sarah Owens
(17), a member of 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron
is a talented musician and a member of the Air
Cadet National Fanfare Team. The team consists
of 7 trumpeters from around the country,
including her brother Cadet Sergeant Johnny
Owens of the same squadron. The team recently
performed at the Birmingham Military Tattoo
in front of 12,000 people, but this time it was
a performance with a difference. They played
a new fanfare called “The next generation”
to introduce the cadet section of the Tattoo,
composed by Sarah after she had been asked
to do so by Wing Commander Gil Singleton,
Principal Director of Music, Air Cadets.
Sarah said “Initially I was nervous but it was
such an honour to be asked and I really enjoyed
coming up with ideas for the composition
and arranging all the harmonies for seven
trumpets. Wing Commander Singleton said
he liked it, so we started rehearsing with the
team. Then to be able to play my very own
fanfare with Johnny and my fellow cadets at
such a massive event was just brilliant.” Sarah
who is currently a pupil at Ripon Grammar
School has recently been offered a place to
study trumpet at the prestigious Trinity Laban
Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.
She hopes to go on to become an RAF Musician.
Wing Commander Steve Wiggins, said,
“Sarah is a superb musician and consequently
plays a big part, not only in our wing musical
scene, but at Region and Corps level. We are
very proud of her and of this recent achievement
which is considerable for a 17 year old. We
will all hear more of Sarah in the future.”
Sarah with her brother Johnny
OBITUARIES
Flight
Lieutenant
Keith
Christmas
RAFVR(T)
Flight Lieutenant
Christmas died on Saturday
21st December 2013 after a
lengthy illness well borne.
He was an extremely long serving volunteer, first
associated with the Air Training Corps as a cadet in
1970 and still involved without any break of service
up to his death as the Commanding Officer of 2527
(Lawnswood) Squadron, a total of some 43 years. His
nine years cadet service in Guildford saw him reach
the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, moving at the age
of 22 years straight into a commission. He served at
Guildford, Solihull, Wharfedale, Keighley, Lawnswood
and Skipton squadrons over those years including
being commanding officer twice at Lawnswood. He
was particularly successful in organising adventure
training and Duke of Edinburgh Award opportunities
for cadets and for implementing structured training
programmes on squadrons. He was further actively
involved in road marching and in encouraging
cadets to achieve good results in shooting.
He was also an Accredited Expedition Assessor
for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. On his
last squadron he was very pro-active in organising
a squadron band, many of his musicians playing in
the Wing Band. He further encouraged cadets to
work in / for the community. Between 2004 and
2011 his staff and cadets raised over £31,000 for
the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, he alone
raising over £5000 of it. He was a keen aviator and
encouraged and arranged for cadets to take every
opportunity to fly. He had been a member of staff
and pilot at 642 Volunteer Gliding Squadron where
he supplemented his normal squadron activities
to fly cadets in motorised gliders at weekends.
A true all-rounder, his dedication and
commitment to the young people in the air cadets
was second to none. His service was outstanding
and he gave selflessly of his time in offering the
cadet experience to hundreds if not thousands of
cadets during his service. He was awarded a Lord
Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service
in 2012. Wing Commander Steve Wiggins said
“Keith worked hard for the Air Cadet Organisation
and his recent involvement with examinations
meant he had contact with a great many of us
and was well respected for his dedication and
commitment. I am sure I speak for us all in saying
this is a very sad loss and our thoughts and sincere
condolences go to his family at this difficult time.”
Civilian Instructor
Tony Barrett, 740
(Whitby) Squadron
The funeral of Tony Barrett
(known by the Cadets as ‘Mr
B’) took place at St Hilda’s
Church in Whitby on Tuesday
24th September 2013.
He had been killed very tragically in a
car accident on Sunday 8th September. Tony
was a long standing and very well respected
Civilian Instructor with 740 having joined the
Air Cadets in 1999. He was involved in lots
of activities, but mainly shooting as Range
Control Officer instructing the Cadets on
the No 8 rifle and helping many to gain their
Marksman Badge. Mr Barrett also became the
driving force behind the recently introduced
Squadron Drum Corps. He set it up and did
all the training; obtaining all the drum kits
and equipment by any method he could think
of. He did not take no for an answer. It is
true to say that without Tony the Squadron
Drum Corps would not have become a reality.
Everyone at 740 was honoured when asked
by the family to be part of his funeral. The
drummers played the tune “no limit” in the
church as eight cadets from the Squadron
under the command of the Wing Warrant
Officer Richard Dealhoy provided the escort
to the cortège as it entered the church. Also
in attendance was Wing Commander Stephen
Wiggins. Current and previous 740 Squadron
cadets, staff, civilian instructors and their
families joined Tony’s many friends at the
service. Towards the end of the service The
Last Post was played by Cadet Charlie Kay.
This was followed by a minute’s silence. The
coffin was then escorted from the church and
the Officers and cadets formed a Guard of
Honour outside the church to provide a salute
as the cortège departed. Before leaving Mrs
Barrett and the family came over and thanked
the Officers and cadets. They said that Tony
was very proud of the air cadets and he would
have loved what they had done for him today.
The newly formed Corps of Drums
The school has been finished to a very high specification
with the latest appliances and equipment.
There are four island cooking stations, induction
hobs, ovens, an Aga and ample work surfaces.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and
Student and Gap Year Survival
courses available.
Please quote ‘The Cadet Review Spring edition’
to receive a 10% discount.
A warm welcome awaits you at Highfield Farm!
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Tel: 01377 227723
The CadetReview
29
30 Combined CADET Force
Ampleforth
College
Ex Long Trek
Self-Reliance
Yr10 CCF
As part of CCF self-reliance
training year 10 cadets went
on exercise overnight on the
North Yorkshire Moors.
New building
brings warm
glow of
approval
from cadets
A new cadet building has
been officially opened on
Tuesday 26 November 13 at
Batley Grammar School just
in the nick of time before
the first of the seasonal
weather begins to bite.
Providing properly heated
facilities for the first time in the cadet unit’s
50 year history, the new building could not
be opened soon enough as far as the 150
strong cadet contingent were concerned.
Built by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’
Association (RFCA) for Yorkshire and The
Humber, which matched the funding with the
Education Funding Agency, the modern purposedesigned building now provides a greatly
improved training environment for the cadets, all
aged 13-18 years of age. The modern facilities are
split between two buildings one of which contains
the Contingent’s store, office and armoury
and the other building being a classroom.
Officially opened by Colonel Stephen Padgett
OBE, the new building will also enable the
school to use the classroom as a music room,
thereby assisting cadets and students alike.
Cadet Corporal Sophie Costello (17), who
has been a cadet at the unit for 4 years, said
By Cadet Francesca Davison
of the new facility: “It’s been a long time
coming. All the new facilities, the space, and
of course having proper heating, makes such a
difference. We’ve always had good attendance
as a unit, but with this brilliant new building I
think we’re going to get even more joining!”
Detachment Commander, Colonel Graham
Dawson, added: “We have a strong CCF contingent
and a remarkable uptake from those wishing
to undertake Duke of Edinburgh awards this
year. These facilities now give us an ideal space
for the cadets to prepare their skills before
practising them in an outdoor environment.”
Keith Edwards, Head of Estates at the RFCA
said “We’re delighted to have worked on this
project with Martin Walsh Associates and the
school. We look after over 160 cadet and reserve
forces properties within Yorkshire and The
Humber, employing local businesses to complete
the work and it’s great to see this facility in use
within such a short space of time. The buildings
are multi-purpose, future-proof and should suit
the cadets and school for many years to come.”
RFCA worked closely with designers Martin
Walsh Associates throughout the design brief
stage, ensuring that all the specialist equipment
required for the students was incorporated.
The activities included night
navigation, caching, camp craft and problem
solving. We split into our two sections and
were dropped off at different locations in the
dark. We had to navigate our ways to camp
using a map and compass and on the way find
three pieces of kit hidden in caches. It must
have looked strange us bumbling around in the
CCF Skill at Arms Meeting
By SUO Peter Dunn
On Sunday 17th November
2013, Strensall hosted the
annual 15 Brigade CCF GP
skill at arms competition.
dark. Once we were at camp we had to put up
tents in the dark; all those hours of training
actually worked. We cooked using the kit we
found on the way before getting to sleep. The
next morning we got only an hour to pack up
and to have breakfast. Then we set off again to
the finish but what we didn’t know was that we
had some problem solving to do at the end. We
found a beck that we had to cross with three
clips, a rope, string, safety helmet and harness.
Only this to get ourselves, all our bergans and
equipment to the other side. Both groups made
a sort of pulley system across although some
were better than others; I was the only one that
got wet as the rope lost its tension even though
we had the fastest team. When we got back
to school we had lunch and then spent a few
hours unpacking and sorting out equipment.
All in all it was a brilliant experience!
The CadetReview
Ampleforth has had a run of
winning this competition for the past 12
years, however this year the competition
was much tougher. In addition to this,
unlike past years where most Sundays we
were out shooting on the ranges getting
our rifles zeroed, this year we were only
able to shoot once a month which left us a
possible two practices before the meeting.
In fact I personally was only able to zero
my rifle on the thirty metre range at school
due to being busy on the days of practice.
This was far from our minds (except our
coach’s Mr Reece) on the day as we were
focussed on the complicated shoots ahead
of us. Surely you would ask, but shooting
isn’t complicated? You’re right but it’s the
timings that are tricky. Some practices you
have 30 seconds to fire 10 rounds, others
you have 10 seconds and in some you have 5
seconds a shot. Still you put that to the back
of your head and you go back to basics…
breathe in…breathe out…on target…squeeze.
This as it turned out worked rather
well for us at Ampleforth, we took away
the 4 trophies, 21 gold, 3 silver and 2
bronze medals. The day began well with
myself and CPL Alex Deedes winning £22
each on the pool bull. On the 4 matches;
Match 2 (the David Stirling) Ampleforth A
team 1st, Match 3 (the Michael Allmand)
Ampleforth A team 1st, Match 4 (the Simon
Fraser) Ampleforth A and B teams joint
1st, and finally the Falling Plate shoot was
won by Ampleforth A team. Being captain
I was immensely proud of the team of
pulling through after not much practice
and was relieved to have kept Ampleforth
as the Champion Contingent for 2013.
31
Bridlington School RN Section
Visit Faslane October 2013
By Lt Mikaela Jackson (RNR)
On the 27th October 2013, 9 RN cadets from Bridlington
School CCF plus 1 from Scarborough College, set off for
Bonnie Scotland on the annual visit to HMNB Clyde.
They stayed at Cambuslang near
Glasgow in the accommodation block kindly
provided by the Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF
Battalion. The cadets were tired but in good
spirits as they bagged their bunks for the week.
From the Monday there was a full
programme offered to the cadets. We visited
Edinburgh Castle in the morning then the Royal
Yacht Britannia in the afternoon. The cadets
were able to find out the history of both sites
with the quiz at the Castle helping to focus their
attention. Tuesday was our first day on base.
Getting up at 6am was a struggle for some and
our intended depart time was astray by half an
hour. Once arrived in the nick of time at Faslane,
we feasted on a full cooked breakfast which
provided fuel for the day’s activities ahead. The
first visit was to the DCCT facility where the
cadets showed off their shooting skills. They
thoroughly enjoyed this activity despite Lt
Mat Osburn being the best shot of the day.
Next, the cadets were given a tour of the
Northern Diving Group. They got to try on some
of the equipment and spent a happy half hour
experiencing life in a decompression chamber.
Then it was back to the Junior Rates Mess for
a slap up lunch ready for the afternoon visit
to a sea-life centre at a nearby shopping outlet
(an opportunity for some retail therapy) with
beautiful views over the Loch. Cadets were
then taken back to base for a 3 course evening
meal before returning to our accommodation.
On Wednesday the cadets were better
prepared and at the door on time, eager for
breakfast. The weather, surprisingly, was wet
and windy. Luckily we were given full dry suits
before being taken out onto the Gareloch by
the Marines in their Offshore Raiding Craft.
These open boats have 8 seats in a central
column where the cadets were seated. Once
safety instructions were given, cadets enjoyed
driving the craft at high speed. Luckily, the
dry suits, coined the ‘body bags’ by the cadets,
kept us mostly dry. The American submarine
we passed was impressive but not as big as
ours! From there ( once divested of the body
bags – a surprisingly difficult manoeuvre ),
the cadets were able to observe a training
event happening in one of the simulators,
watching and listening as trainee submariners
were put through their paces on the control
deck simulator, having their radar skills
tested. We were all impressed by how they
were able to recognise a vessel from what
looked like a strange barcode on the screen.
In the afternoon, the cadets enjoyed skiing
instruction on the dry ski slope on the base.
Conquering their fears and being able to ski
down the small practice slope unaided was a
major achievement for some. Others practiced
previously learnt skills and were able to use
the larger slope in no time. A good time was
had by all despite the rain! On Wednesday
night one of the ACF detachments based at
the accommodation invited the cadets to
a Halloween party where there was apple
bobbing, fancy dress, party games and plenty
of food and pop along with a disco. The army
cadets were very welcoming and included our
group as if they had known them for years.
We had some tired cadets by lights out.
Thursday was our last day on base. We
started off with a visit after breakfast to the
“
bowling alley. The cadets were trying hard to
beat the adults but…what can I say…they gave it
their best. Afterwards the cadets were treated
to a run out on the Police launches, seeing the
loch from a different boat’s eye view. They
were dryer and possibly a little warmer than
the ORCs but were they as much fun? That
afternoon, we were given a tour of the dog
handling section on the base. The dogs were
very noisy but had all the modern amenities
a dog could want, including food prepared to
individual requirements. The cadets got to
meet and have a photo opportunity with the
base’s sniffer dog (a passive explosive dog?)
Afterwards they were treated to a tour of the
fire station’s facilities where they were shown
the specialist equipment used in fighting fires on
ships and submarines. It’s always fun to try out
the sirens on the vehicles, not to mention sliding
down the pole! Our thanks go to the base visits
co-ordinator CPO George Crawford and all those
who helped to make our visit informative & fun.
On our final evening, another Halloween
party with a different group of ACF cadets,
with music, games, and food. I think they
spoiled us but it was much appreciated and
they all made new friends and acquaintances,
swapping contact details before their lights
out. Friday was back to Bridlington. The
smiles on the cadets’ faces showed that it
was another successful training visit north
of the border. Not quite all over yet, however.
That weekend, we were delighted to meet
up with the Faslane submariners when they
made their annual visit to Bridlington to
take part with the CCF in the Remembrance
commemorations. A very special affiliation.
The cadets were trying hard to
beat the adults but…what can
I say…they gave it their best.
The CadetReview
”
33
The CadetReview
35
36 ARMY CADETS
YORKSHIRE (NORTH & WEST)
The Army Cadet Force
provides Jacob his
Ladder to success!
On the 21st of February
2008, Jacob Porter stepped
through the doors of Malton
detachment, eager to follow in
the footsteps of older brother,
Ben who was already a member
of the Army Cadet Force.
Six years later, A Company is saying
goodbye to the now eighteen year old, after an
outstanding cadet career, which has led him
to the rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major
and made him currently the most senior cadet
in the county of Yorkshire North and West.
With almost too many achievements to list,
Jacob started his cadet career successfully,
after quickly passing his one star assessment
and attending his first junior annual camp at
Strensall. Later the same year, he was one of the
youngest cadets to attend the prestigious Colts
Canter competition, this time held at Wathgill,
where he was a reserve and spent the weekend
supporting the team and learning about the
importance of teamwork and self-discipline.
In 2009, the first achievement for him
came in January when he qualified as a Youth
First Aider after completing a two-day course.
Following further training in map and compass,
fieldcraft and skill at arms, Jacob was delighted
to be selected for the Colts Canter team again,
and was amazed to find his team winning the
competition, which is held at Brigade level and
normally hosts at least 25 teams. Selecting this
as one of his proudest ACF moments to date, and
glad to be a part of A Company, he began to get
recognised by senior staff within the company,
and passed his two star a few weeks later.
Jacob then took the first step on to the
promotion ladder and became a Lance Corporal,
allowing him to pass his newfound skills and
knowledge on to the cadets below him. This was
the first of many promotions for the ambitious
cadet from Malton who has always had his
sights set on becoming the best that he can be.
2010 proved to be yet another successful
year, as he came away from his JCIC (Junior Cadet
Instructor’s Cadre) course with an A grade and
went on to represent A Company at Colts Canter
for the third time. As winter approached, Jacob
was presented with his three star certificate and
badge and also his second stripe, bringing him to
the well-deserved rank of Corporal, just two and
a half years after joining the Army Cadet Force.
The following year, Jacob broadened his
horizons as he attended the selection weekends
for Challenger and completed his bronze Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award. In June 2011, he was awarded
his third stripe and went on to complete his fourth
Colts Canter, this time as a Cadet Sergeant. With
an excellent record already in place, Jacob found
himself in a good position to continue his winning
streak and tried out for Challenger company again
in 2012, this time qualifying as Platoon Sergeant.
Challenger Company involves senior cadets
from across the county, taking over roles
which would normally be occupied by adult
instructors, on the Junior Annual camp which is
held at Strensall each year. Jacob’s role of Platoon
Sergeant left him as second in command of thirty
two cadets, and his responsibilities included
ensuring discipline and turnout were immaculate
at all times, and he had chance to broach ideas
at Company meetings throughout the week.
Out of over 5,400 cadets in the Yorkshire and
Humberside area, Jacob was one of just twelve
to be selected to become Lord Lieutenant’s
Cadet (LLC) for 2012. This appointment is only
awarded to cadets who have led truly outstanding
cadet careers and brings with it a great level of
responsibility. After an excellent speech at his
awards ceremony, in which he noted how he was
taking over from his older brother, who was LLC
for the area in 2011, Jacob continued to work hard
and was rewarded with passing his four star, and
becoming a Colour Sergeant in the same year.
Attending his fifth Colts Canter competition,
Jacob was presented with the new challenge
of becoming team captain at the event held at
Wathgill training camp. During 2012, he also
completed his Senior Cadet Instructor’s Cadre
(SCIC) course, coming away with a B grade,
became a first aider at work after passing his
three day course with flying colours, and passed
his BTEC in public services level 2 with a merit.
His current detachment commander Sergeant
Instructor Karl Methven sung his praises, as he
reflected on his amazing ability to conduct himself
to such a high standard at all times: “It has been
a pleasure working with CSM Jacob Porter and
watching him go from strength to strength. He has
been my right hand man at Malton detachment
and will be missed by all at the detachment.”
“He has excelled at all he has done and has
led the company from the front, taking part in
Challenger company for junior annual and working
as directing staff for senior annual camp. Jacob
has led the A company Colts Canter team when
they came second in the county and he has also
taken part in many of the shooting weekends and
competitions. He will be a loss, not only to the
detachment, but to the company and county.”
No matter how many duties arose in
connection with his seniority within the
Company, he always managed to fit this around
his new Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet duties. He
attended a Legal Service in York and two
British Empire Medal Award Ceremonies at the
County Hall in Northallerton within the first
few months, accompanying Lord Lieutenant
for North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne.
On Remembrance Sunday, Jacob had the
honour of presenting Brigade Commander of 15
NE Brigade, Brigadier Bibby, with his wreath.
He continued to make his company proud and
at the start of 2013, after just three months as
a Colour Sergeant, he was promoted to Cadet
Company Sergeant Major for A Company,
Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadet Force. This
promotion was made on the company weekend
The CadetReview
held at Strensall and was a culmination of five
years of outstanding effort and hard work.
This role proved to be an appropriate one as
he tried out for Challenger Company again, and
was selected to be the Company Sergeant Major.
Near to the end of the year, he took part in his
sixth and final Colts Canter competition, as team
captain, where the Company came second within
the county. He also attended a visit to Westminster
Palace, with other senior cadets within the county.
When he first joined the Army Cadet Force,
his detachment commander was (now) Sergeant
Major Instructor Dave Richardson, who Jacob
was worked closely with for a number of years,
particularly since taking over the role of Cadet
CSM. SMI Richardson noted: “I have known Jacob
Porter from when I took over Malton detachment
where he was training to become a one star
cadet. He was already showing potential to follow
in the family footsteps of being a cadet with
passion and commitment, and he flew quickly
through the ranks, ending up as Cadet CSM.”
With six senior annual camps under his belt,
Jacob certainly holds a wealth of knowledge
and experience which will be greatly missed.
He has taken part in the one, two and three star
cadres at Warcop and Thetford, and completed
“
It has been a pleasure
working with CSM Jacob
Porter and watching him go
from strength to strength
”
two years’ worth of Merlin cadre at Sennybridge
and Wathgill, on both the fieldcraft and the drill
cadres. In 2013, for his final annual camp, the
Cadet CSM spent his two weeks as cadet directing
staff (DS) for the three star cadre, assisting the
adult instructors in teaching the cadets vital
skills such as fieldcraft and map and compass.
Speaking of his successes within the Army
Cadet Force, Cadet Company Sergeant Major
Porter commented: “When asked for a quote, I
couldn’t decide quite what to say; as there are
so many things I have done in my cadet career.
Being a member of the Army Cadet Force for
several years has taught me many things; not just
general infantry skills, but it has taught me about
discipline, teamwork and how to be a team player.”
“I am so honoured to be the Cadet Company
Sergeant Major of A company; not only because
I get a tremendous amount of respect from the
cadets and adult instructors, but because I get
to interact more with the instructors, meaning
I often get asked for my help or opinions on
things. I also get to talk a lot more to one man
in particular; Major Cooper. He is the officer in
charge of A Company, and without a doubt the
best OC in Yorkshire (N&W). He always has a
spring in his step and there is never a dull moment
when he is around. I love sitting with him and
chatting, not only about cadets, but also listening
to his stories: whichever story he tells, you
know it will always have some sort of joke in it. I
have a huge amount of respect for him and he is
definitely my favourite instructor in the county.”
“Another Instructor that has helped me through
my cadet career is Company Sergeant Major
Dave Richardson. When I joined the ACF, he was
my detachment commander and he was one of
the first instructors to start me off in my cadet
career so I’d like to thank him for the support he
has given me to help me get where I am today.”
“When I first got Cadet Company Sergeant
Major, I was asked what I wanted to achieve in
my new role. To that I replied: ‘I want to raise the
profile and quality of the Cadet Non- Commissioned
Officers (NCOs) within the Company as well
as creating an improved level of co-operation
between the senior Cadet NCOs and the adult
staff from the Company’. I think that looking
back throughout the year, I have succeeded in
that. The cadet NCOs are of a high standard and
are disciplined and committed to carrying out
their duties, and the communication between
the adult staff and SNCOs has grown a lot.”
“As CSM, I like the way that the senior cadets
look to me for guidance and support and the way
I get respected for not only being who I am but
as soon as my kit goes on they know I’m ‘The
Grumpy Sgt Major’ and not the laughing Jacob
that was sat in the NAAFI with them last night. I
couldn’t have done a lot of things without them so
I would just like to thank all of them; especially
Staff Sergeant Alex James and Staff Sergeant
Gaurab Rai for supporting me over the past year.”
“I hope to come back to A Company in the
future: I am joining the British Army early
next year in the Coldstream Guards, and
after all my training I wish to come back as
attached staff and hopefully with my skills
and training I will get be able to teach and
instruct the future cadets of A Company”.
“I would like to thank all the cadets and
adult instructors from A Company for helping
me throughout my cadet career and giving me
the chance to excel and become a better person
then I was 5-6 years ago. Hopefully I have left
my mark on A Company and people will talk
about me as I do about the RSMs and CSMs
that have been above me in my cadet career
and I will come back in a few years and see A
Company as Champion Company once again.”
Many adult instructors and cadets will
be sad to lose the eighteen year old who now
continued
37
has his sights set on joining the Army. Deputy
Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Bell
commented: “Jacob Porter had a very hard act
to follow in the ACF, with his elder brother Ben
Porter achieving the rank of CSM, gaining Master
Cadet and being selected for Lord Lieutenants
Cadet (Army) for North Yorkshire. However, as
with all things he tackles in life, Jacob Porter just
got his head down and steadfastly set out on his
mission to be the best he could be in the ACF.”
Continuing his praise for the senior cadet,
the deputy commandant stated: “He achieved
all his goals, as expected by those who have
known him since he was a wet behind the
ears recruit. He has come to the end of an
ultra-successful career in the ACF. In true
Porter tradition he has reached the rank of
CSM, and been selected for the prestigious honour
Sara proves that
‘Girl Power’ is
still alive & well in
Malton!
By Sergeant Billie Grisdale
After 5 years in the ACF,
eighteen year old Sara
Horsley has taken the next
step in her cadet career.
Having joined Malton detachment in
November 2008, Sara was recently promoted
to Cadet Sergeant by the Company Commander,
Major John Cooper. Her promotion came as no
real surprise, after several years of outstanding
service to the organisation, and a mature
sensible attitude which helps her to set the right
example to the cadets she teaches and inspires.
Sara received her first promotion in November
2010, which was followed a year later by a
well-deserved promotion to Cadet Corporal. She
stated that the highlight of her cadet career so
far has been achieving all the different things she
has, including Junior Cadet Instructor’s Cadre
(JCIC), Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a
BTEC in Public Services, completing the Radio
User’s Course, her promotions, and becoming the
senior female cadet in the whole of A Company.
Her promotion received the full support
of Cadet Company Sergeant Major Jacob
Porter, who parades at the same detachment
as Sara and is more than used to working
with her. He commented: “Sara definitely
deserves this and I’m glad she has become
the senior female of A Company”.
When asked how she felt about her recent
promotion, she replied: “I felt proud, and as
though all the hard work within cadets has paid
off”. The Company wishes her the best of luck
in her new role, as she joins the cadet Senior
Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) team, in
her position as senior female in A Company.
of being the Lords Lieutenants Cadet (Army) for
North Yorkshire. Given more time, I am positive
he would have risen to the rank of Cadet RSM”.
“CSM Jacob Porter was a quiet but impressive
natural leader. He excelled at all things to do
with sport and military competitions, and he
led from the front on all occasions: his many
County and Regional sports flashes testament
to his achievements. He had the admiration
of all the cadets who worked under him and
the respect of all the adults and officers
who he worked for. He truly ‘Inspired to
Achieve’ and in doing so inspired others to
achieve. I am sure whatever path he takes
in life, he will carry on with the attitude
and mind-set he has gained from his years
spent in the Army Cadet Force. I am positive
he will continue to achieve great things.
The deputy commandant was not the only
one to give a glowing report, as A Company
OC, Major John Cooper stated: “I will be very
sorry to see Cadet CSM Porter leave. He has
been a fine role model and set high standards
for the rest of our cadets within the company
to achieve. He will be a hard act to follow”.
His friends within the company also speak
of how proud they are of his achievements,
but how sad they will be to see him leave at
the end of this month. Cadet Staff Sergeant
Gaurab Rai from Catterick detachment has
worked closely with Jacob during this year’s
Colts Canter competition, as the two worked
to motivate and improve the already high
standards of the team. On A Company’s
Christmas camp 2013, CSM Porter chose this
opportunity to pass on his skills and knowledge
to the 17 year old Staff Sergeant, after finally
accepting he will no longer be a cadet by
February camp and therefore will be unable
to form the Company up for parade himself!
After an incredible six years, Jacob Porter
has achieved an outstanding amount, and his
rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major proves
that this is the case. A Company wishes him all
the best in the future and thanks him for all
his hard work throughout his cadet career. At
the end of Christmas camp, in the last hours of
him being the Cadet CSM, Jacob was presented
with a miniature pace stick by Major Cooper,
as a fitting leaving present as he goes to join
the Cold Stream Guards in 2014 where he will
no doubt experience continued success.
‘Logan’s run’ as an Army
Cadet comes to an end
By Sergeant Sarah McQuillen
September 2013 saw a sad
evening as the Bingley cadets
bade a fond farewell to their
senior cadet, Sergeant Logan
Maude who left the Army
Cadet Force as he had reached
the upper age limit for a cadet
of 18 years and 9 months.
Logan who has been a committed
member of D Company said “although it is sad to
leave the Army Cadet Force as it really has been
a huge part of my life since I joined way back in
2007, I leave knowing that I have achieved such
a lot in my time and of course the fact that I
also intend to come back as an Adult Instructor
after a brief ‘time out’ also make it a bit easier
to move on! I have absolutely loved my time
as an Army Cadet and can’t wait to come back
and pass on my skills and experiences to the
next generations of cadets as I know how
positive an impact it has made in my life!”
A presentation evening was held on Logan’s
very last Parade Night on September the 26th,
where he was presented with a Certificate
of Appreciation and a Drill Cane which was
engraved with his rank, name and cadet
number. The presentation was given by OC D
Company, Major Steve Marren, who commented
“Sergeant Maude is a fine young man who has
totally excelled as an Army Cadet and indeed
when we as Officers and Adult Instructors
try to build an ‘identikit’ of a ‘good cadet’ it
would pretty much be Logan and other cadets
like him that we would have in mind. He has
been an excellent cadet and I am sure will also
be an excellent Adult Instructor and we at D
Company are looking forward to seeing him
leading by example when he comes back to us
after a time out from the Army Cadet Force!”
Logan leaves the ACF after having
completed his Three Star Army Proficiency
Certificate (APC) Training with a Merit in
BTEC Public Services and a Duke of Edinburgh
Bronze Award. Following completion of
his Junior Cadet Instructor Course he was
recommended for the Senior Cadet Instructor
Course and had been recommended on a
number of occasions to be ‘duty staff’ on camp
for his excellent work ethic and ability to work
well with both his superiors and juniors.
On that same evening Presentations
were also made by Staff Sergeant Nicholas
Coleman (Detachment Commander at
Bingley) to members of the Royal British
Legion (RBL)- Bingley Branch, Mr David
Dickerson (President) and his wife Mrs Anita
Dickerson, in recognition of their support
of the Detachment over many years.
D Company
The club now consists of
twenty four teams ranging from
under five to senior teams and
can boast two main pitches and
five practice pitches, located
in the heart of the countryside
surrounding Huddersfield,
only four miles from both
Thongsbridge and Huddersfield detachments.
D Company were approached by Mr. D
Hersey from the club, to see if we would be
willing to sponsor one of the team strips for
the next season, Major Marren the Company
OC saw this as an excellent
opportunity to develop further
ties with a local club that is still
developing and had the potential
to promote both organisations.
Through further discussion
with the club secretary, Mr.
Lee Henton and the head
coach, Mr. Ashley Berry it was
decided we would sponsor
the team strip for the under
eights and nines, because of
this sponsorship the club has
offered D Company the use of
the grounds for such events as
expedition, Duke of Edinburgh
and sports as the need arises.
We hope this alliance will develop over
many years and look forward to accepting
the offer from the club of the use of their
facilities and grounds for the benefit and
further development of our cadets.
‘Spread the ACF Gospel’
through sponsorship of Shelley FC
Report by Lt Richard Keaveney
Over many years D Company
Yorkshire Army Cadet Force,
and the Detachments within
D Company, have had a strong
emphasis in nurturing and
developing strong ties with
the community and other
organisations in the areas
close to the detachments.
Many of our cadets not only participate
in sports within the Army Cadets they also
participate in various sports for organisations
and clubs outside of cadets, something
which creates strong ties between both
organisations and that also promotes a good
level of communication between the ACF and
the organisations within the community.
Shelley Football Club is probably one of the
oldest clubs in Huddersfield, drawing young
players from many of the small villages between
Holmfirth and Emley, Its roots go back many
years where they used an old changing room
at Shelley Sports and Social club and played
on a pitch that ‘clung’ to a hillside in Shelley.
Some thirty years ago I myself played for
Shelley ‘back in’ t day’ when the football still
had laces and the shorts actually touched
your knees (good in winter) in those days
I was known as ‘Town Books’ (a story for a
later date) unfortunately
however my football career
didn’t last that long as I
was a better rugby player
(the archetypal ‘pit prop’)
than a football player and
as such the chance of trials
with the best football club in
the country LIVERPOOL FC
were just a distant dream!
The football club over
many years has developed
and built on its origins
finally culminating in a
move to the Storthes Hall
complex in Kirkburton,
this site was the former home of a mental
institution but was taken over by Huddersfield
University, the football club then purchased
the sports grounds attached to the site
with the help of a generous benefactor.
“
Shelley football Club
is probably one of
the oldest clubs in
Huddersfield, drawing
young players from
many of the small
villages between
Holmfirth and Emley
”
Pictured 2/Lt Sean O’Connor, left, and
Lt Richard Keaveney, right, with the team
The CadetReview
39
Festive Fun for A Company
By Sergeant Billie Grisdale
The first weekend in December
proved to be a highly successful
weekend for A Company.
Christmas camp is always a popular
occasion; although training still takes place,
the majority of the time is spent on interdetachment competitions as the cadets aim
to prove their detachment is the best.
After arriving at Strensall camp on the Friday
evening, the cadets were briefed by the training
officer; Captain Michelle Blackburn, before
they were allowed to go and socialise with their
friends. In the morning, the first competitions
started early, as cadets fought for the top spot in
both the command tasks and the junior combat
competitions. The basic and one star cadets were
then taken to Lumley barracks to shoot on the
No8 rifle range, under the supervision of Sergeant
Instructor Karl Methven; detachment commander
from Malton detachment. The cadets were able
to kill two birds with one stone as they passed
their star level shoot and also took part in the
inter-detachment junior shooting competition.
Later in the day, the 2 and 3 star cadets were
given the opportunity to participate in the archery
competition. For some, it was the first time they
had attempted this new skill, but for those who
attended Warcop summer camp, this was a
chance to perfect their previously attained skills.
Sixteen year old Corporal Reece Hudson from
Scarborough detachment won the overall trophy
for best score. He noted: “I took part in archery
training whilst on senior annual camp at Warcop,
so it was nice to be able to practice what I had been
taught, and I was really pleased to be awarded
best score out of the whole 2 and 3 star groups!”
In the evening on Saturday, the adult
instructors served the cadets with a full Christmas
dinner, consisting of turkey, stuffing, roast
potatoes and all the trimmings. After they had
finished eating, Cadet Company Sergeant Major
Jacob Porter and Cadet Staff Sergeant Gaurab
Rai stood up to give a short speech, and awarded
several adult instructors with trophies.
They deemed Staff Sergeant Instructor
Kelly Gosling, detachment commander
of Thirsk detachment, as the best female
instructor in A Company, and Lieutenant Tim
Richardson, the company administration
officer, as the best male instructor.
Following the meal, everyone changed into
fancy dress and the cadets were treated to a
Christmas disco courtesy of Lieutenant Becky
Wathey from E Company. The fancy dress
competition was then judged, and the raffle
was also drawn. Regarding the evening, Cadet
Kiana Stretch from Catterick detachment stated:
“Although I think this will be my last Christmas
camp, I had an amazing time and made some great
friends. I especially enjoyed the disco and fancy
dress competition, which is always great fun.”
On Sunday morning, it was time for the
heavily anticipated drill competition, judged
by Staff Sergeant Arthur Joy and his team.
Whilst this took place, the other cadets
continued with their training, practicing LSW
(Light Support Weapon) weapons drills and
completing their 2 star drill and turnout test.
One cadet who had a new experience during
the weekend was Corporal Brad Thompson from
Northallerton detachment, who was spending
his first weekend as a ‘DS Cadet’ (directing staff
cadet) for the basic training group. He noted;
“Christmas camp is always a relaxed camp,
providing necessary training alongside the disco,
fancy dress and inter-detachment competitions.
Having just completed my 3 star training, I knew
this was my first chance to be a DS cadet and it was
important that I was on the top of my performance
to provide the best role model I could, to the
cadets in the training group I was attached to.”
“I found it interesting teaching a large
group of cadets from different detachments
and it gave the adult instructors and myself
the chance to see where I am at in my cadet
career and what I need to improve on. I really
enjoyed being a DS cadet on Christmas camp;
I hope the basics in the training group I was
attached to, enjoyed it as much as I did!”
At 11 o’clock, the tug of war teams gathered,
under the watchful gaze of newly qualified tug
of war instructor, Sergeant Instructor Helen
Speight, who was running the event. After a hard
fought competition, Catterick came out on top, and
won the trophy, which rewarded them for their
steely determination throughout the contest.
The CadetReview
After lunch, when all training was
completed, the company assembled ready for
final parade. Following an address from the
Company OC, Major John Cooper, the trophies
for each event were presented by deputy
commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Bell.
Scarborough detachment discovered they
had won the command task competition,
under the calm influence and leadership
of recently promoted Cadet Corporal Noah
Mulrooney, and Stokesley detachment were
presented with the trophy for winning the
very demanding Junior Combat competition.
Cadet Staff Sergeant Gaurab Rai was delighted
to receive the drill competition trophy on behalf
of Catterick detachment, and several cadets
from various detachments were pleased to be
appointed as Youth First Aiders, following the
course they completed on October camp.
The Champion Detachment in A Company
was then announced as being Scarborough
detachment. The senior cadet from the
detachment; sixteen year old Cadet Sergeant
Todd Thompson was thrilled, commenting:
“Having become the senior cadet as Scarborough
detachment in August 2013, I am so proud of
what we have achieved over the past twelve
months and how hard everyone has worked in
order to win the award for best detachment.”
The parade then fell silent as Major Cooper
made one final presentation to an outstanding
cadet. Cadet Company Sergeant Major Jacob
Porter was presented with his leaving gift; a
miniature pace stick, bought for him by his
Company, to reward him for all his hard work
and dedication over the past few years.
He then dismissed the parade for one final
time, leaving everyone free to head back to
their detachment following a very successful
weekend all round. Three members of A Company
also received early ‘Christmas presents’, as
promotions were made during the weekend!
Potential Instructor Louise Richardson
from Whitby detachment was presented
with her Sergeant’s stripes by the
Commandant, Colonel Malcolm Render MBE,
following the successful completion of her
Advanced Induction Course in October.
Steph Gosling from Thirsk detachment was
promoted to Bombardier and Kelsea Price
from Catterick detachment was promoted to
Sergeant. Two very well deserved promotions
for two high achieving cadets. Bombardier
Gosling is heavily involved with the Company
and County shooting teams and has won
prizes at both County and Brigade events
through her excellent marksmanship skills.
Kelsea Price has a lot of experience within
A Company and her natural leadership, high
standards and self-discipline, have led to her
obvious promotion. She was excited to take
the next step in her cadet career, stating: “I am
thrilled to receive my promotion to Sergeant,
as this will give me more responsibility and
more opportunities to manage and advise the
cadets within the company and county.”
A Company now looks forward to
their next company weekend!
41
Northallerton
Detachment Step into
Christmas!
By Sergeant Helen Speight
The first weekend in
December saw A Company
attend their Christmas Camp
held at Strensall CTC.
For Northallerton Detachment, this
was just the start of the festivities held throughout
December! Here is what they got up to in the runup to Christmas 2013. Thursday 12th December
saw a first for Northallerton Detachment, as they
headed to a local hotel for their Christmas Dinner,
organised by the cadet NCOs, with guidance
from the staff, as having a formal dinner layout,
including ‘Top Table’ was a new idea to them.
As soon as the idea was suggested and agreed,
the female cadets started preparing for the
occasion: planning their outfits and buying new
dresses and shoes specifically for the event. They
all looked a treat. The male cadets had also ensured
they were ‘suited and booted’ for the occasion.
All the cadets looked very smart as they
gathered in the Bar area, waiting for and greeting
the guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of
Northallerton, Mr. and Mrs. John Foster. At the end
of the meal, Cadet Corporal Brad Thompson stood
up to give a speech, in which he thanked all the
guests and cadets for their attendance. He went
on to thank his Detachment Commander, Sergeant
Major Instructor Lee Clayton and adult instructors:
Sergeant Instructor Helen Speight and Sergeant
Instructor Lewis Wilde, for all their efforts over
the past year in ensuring the cadets were able
to seize every opportunity available to them.
In reply, Sergeant Major Clayton also thanked
everyone for their presence. He went on to thank
cadets and staff alike for all their hard work. He
then gave a recap of everything the Detachment
had achieved in the year since he and Sergeant
Speight had transferred to Northallerton and went
on to give a brief overview of some intentions for
the coming year, including ongoing recruitment.
The Mayor gave a short speech of thanks,
full of praise for the cadets, which was very well
received by them, as they had all put a lot of
effort into ensuring the evening was a success.
Following the dinner, talking privately with the
adults, the Mayor said again what a credit the
Northallerton cadets were to the Army Cadet
Force. He mentioned, “How delightful it is to
see young people enjoying themselves, in high
spirits, but still showing such excellent manners.”
He has visited the Detachment on several
occasions and seen the cadets at Remembrance
parades and so on: he said that he had previously
been impressed with them in their ‘military’
environment and now found himself equally
impressed by their behaviour in a social setting.
The Detachment is grateful for the support
promised by the Mayor, who now intends to
lend his support to any recruiting, particularly
in local schools. Discussing the evening and its
success, fourteen-year old cadet, Elliott Harker
stated: “It was a really nice meal, and it was an
amazing get-together. We also had the honour of
the Mayor and his wife joining us which was nice
and encouraged us to be on our best behaviour!”
On the following Monday, 16th December,
Northallerton cadets were treated to a pizza and
social night, with the added bonus of shooting
practice. Despite being in a more casual mood
for Christmas, the cadets instantly switched
back to ‘normal mode’ when returning to the
shooting and background activities. The practice
gave them a chance to hone their skills and work
towards achieving better marksmanship, leading
to higher APC star level shooting passes in 2014.
The final parade night of the year on Thursday,
19th December, saw a joint evening with Stokesley
cadets, who were picked up from their Detachment
and brought to Northallerton in order to be a part
of an interest evening, led by an RAF recruiter from
RAF Leeming. The cadets from both detachments
were interested to learn about the different
careers available within the Royal Air Force and
that not every career path involves flying planes!
They were told about diverse roles including such
as navigators, engineers, technicians, catering
staff and even infantry (RAF Regiment).
The recruiter also conducted command tasks
with the cadets, giving them the chance to work
together in teams and use their initiative in order to
achieve the objectives set. All the cadets enjoyed the
experience and all said they had learnt a lot about
advance planning. Sergeant Wilde commented, “It
is always interesting for the cadets to get an insight
into the different branches of the Forces and what is
available to them outside of cadets. The cadets were
surprised to find out that some careers available in
the Army are also available in the Royal Air Force.”
The RAF recruiter was a big hit with Corporal
Thompson, who noted, “Having an RAF Careers
Adviser coming down to an Army Cadet night
seemed a bit strange at first but, after he had
discussed all the possible things the RAF had to
offer, he became very interesting! It was good
to see what the RAF can offer, to give us a wider
range of options for those of us wishing to pursue
a military career when we leave the ACF.”
Sergeant Instructor Carl Corner of Stokesley
Detachment said he had found the talk on the
RAF interesting and had enjoyed the evening
overall. He later made the comment, “Best part
of my job: singing Xmas Carols on a mini-bus
at the top of my voice out of tune with a load of
13-15 year olds.” This followed the ride back
to Stokesley with a minibus-full of cadets who
were full of the Spirit of Christmas, having
enjoyed a great evening at Northallerton!
Overall, Northallerton Detachment was one
of many who had a great run up to Christmas,
leaving all the cadets excited for the prospects
of what 2014 will bring. Watch this space!
The CadetReview
43
F
C
A
Y
HS
Delivering the
match ball in style
Army Cadet Flag Bearers
at the Rugby World Cup
Army Cadets from the Cadet Company Sergeant Major
county were invited to Hull’s Josh Dennie said “its a once in a lifetime
KC Stadium to display the opportunity to watch England play at our
national flags in England’s home stadium and a great honour to walk
Rugby League World Cup on the pitch with all the players.”
Cadets presented the flags to a crowd of
match against Fiji recently.
Sergeant Jenna Salmon with Olympic Gold
Medallist and professional Boxer Luke Campbell
over twenty five thousand and broadcast live to
millions of viewers across the world. “It was a
very proud moment to walk around the pitch with
the England flag as the crowds cheered. I was
nervous before we went on, but the atmosphere
was buzzing” said Cadet Kayleigh Moore.
Prior to kick off the Parachute Regiment flew in
to the stadium in a spectacular display to deliver
the match ball. Bombardier Hugo Foley said “I’ve
never seen anything like it; they came in at such
speed one after the other dropping through
the stadium roof. One flew in with a Parachute
Regiment flag, it was amazing to watch.”
As the red smoke of the Paras display
drifted across the pitch Army, Air and Sea
Cadets walked on to display the English and
Fijian flags to each stand before laying the flags
to ground. A guard of honour was formed by
representatives of the Armed Forces and the
England and Fiji teams entered the pitch. Cadets
stood to attention as a two minute silence was
held for the sad death of rugby legend Steve
Prescott before the national anthems were sung.
Cadets then rushed into action to clear the flags
from the pitch as the rugby got under way.
In the build up to the match cadets had
an opportunity to meet with players and
England’s Kevin Sinfield stood for a picture. “It
was amazing to meet the players and have my
picture taken with Sinfield.” said Lance Corporal
James Braithwaite “Today has been the pinnacle
of my cadet career. I wouldn’t have had this
opportunity if it wasn’t for the Army Cadet Force.”
Hull Boxing legend and Olympic Gold Medallist
Luke Campbell was also at the match and took
time to be photographed with instructors.
Company Quarter Master Sergeant Paul
Brentano organised the cadets to take part
in the event and said “The cadets did the ACF
proud today, demonstrating professionalism
and maturity. Representing the ACF at such
a big event with a full stadium and being
broadcast live on TV was nerve racking, as the
pressure was on to do everything perfect. They
did exactly that! I’m very proud of them.”
The winning team of Beverley Grammar School
The Parachute Regiment fly in to the stadium
The Fijian flag laid to ground
Company cadets
have the X Factor
Cadets from each detachment came
Cadets stand for the National Anthem
in front of a packed stadium
together on the last camp before Christmas for
the annual Alpha Trophy Competition. The two
day event held at Driffield CTC is the highlight
of the year many cadets who compete in teams
of all APC star levels.
There are stands in each of the APC
Syllabus subjects testing everything from
shooting, Map and Compass and first aid and
a separate drill competition. This year the
Officer Commanding, Major Fred Owen, also set
an impromptu X Factor competition.
Beverley Grammar School was the overall
winner, with Withernsea just five points behind
taking second place.
Newly appointed detachment commander of
Withernsea, Sergeant Glenn Bedford, said: “The
cadets put on a brilliant display, putting Withernsea
well and truly on the Army Cadet map. I am really
proud of them, they have worked so hard.”
Can you beat a cuddle from a giant bear?
Runners Up Withernsea
celebrate at the detachme
nt
Rugby Star Kevin Sinfield
joins cadets for a photo
The CadetReview
45
D Company follow in
pals footsteps
In a special remembrance trip D Company took cadets
to France to visit the final resting place of fallen PALs,
specifically those from Barnsley, Sheffield and Rotherham.
The cold wet October day started before
the sun rose as three minibuses of cadets and
adult instructors from D Company trekked
to Dover. Spirits were high but there had
been news reports on the incoming storm
– St Jude – with news of delays to outgoing
departures...a number of novice sailors
not only had to overcome nerves of sailing,
but also of the rolling English Channel.
The 26 mile boat journey passed
uneventfully as we crossed the choppy
waves, leaving the white cliffs of Dover, which
became a pencil thin line on the horizon.
Twelve hours travelling later and we arrived
at ‘Le Poppies’ in Albert, Picardie, and were
warmly greeted by our hosts. A quick trip
to the local McDonalds to fill stomachs and
then back to base for a good night’s sleep.
Day 1
After a continental breakfast, the troops
were gathered and briefed on the trip.
SERRE – now a sheltered quiet and tranquil
oasis, a handful of purpose built cemeteries,
but in 1914 a very different place, full of thick
sticky mud, ear deafening artillery, accompanied
by the smells of war and fear. Thirteen million
shells were fired to soften the German position,
and to try to get rid of the barbed wire – thick
strands bound together with spikes sticking
out of it. There was 200 metres between the
English and German lines known as ‘dead
man’s land’...it took 6 hours to move half a
mile, being faced with a cross fire to get past.
It was a time of misinformation and of
not understanding, on both sides of the
battlefield. The task everyone was given was
to find the headstone of a named PAL from
South Yorkshire and to place a wooden cross
of remembrance on their grave. Considerable
research has been carried out by Captain
Ivan Machin and all attending were given a
name, a lot number and a wooden cross.
The thing that struck me was the number
of headstones inscribed to unknown soldiers,
intermingled with those of the known fallen,
some were literally brothers in arms, and
those graves which contained the mortal
remains of more than one. These hallowed
spaces, dispersed amongst French fields
full of growing produce hold the memory of
someone’s son, brother, father, sweetheart,
and not all of them had a chance to say
goodbye. Often their departure from this
world was an agonising long drawn out affair
– the lucky ones were killed instantly.
It was interesting to see that of the
three cemeteries at this location, one was
maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission, another belonged to a French
farmer who was “suitably recompensed” for
the land, and the third was donated by the
French to the British as a token of thanks.
A quick picnic lunch provided
by Sergeants Samantha Helsby and
Erica McCabe was very welcome.
BEAUMONT HAMEL
This is the site of the Hawthorne Ridge
Crater, Sunken Lane and the White City. At
0720hrs on the 1 July 1916 an explosion was
set off by the British, which signalled the
commencement of the PALs efforts in the
Battle of the Somme. The 40,000lb bomb sent
debris 200 feet into the air, not only killing
two squads of enemy, it also collapsed many
of the tunnels used by them, many running
deeply through the land like veins, which
contained many more German soldiers.
Back to the present day, cadets listened
intently as the scenario was described to
them. They recreated the photo from Sunken
Lane containing the Lancashire Fusiliers
with their 1000 yard stare, and followed the
footsteps of the PALs from 99 years ago.
They went over the top to be welcomed
by the site of a field - locations of German
gun ports were identified, and then we all
made the short walk up to the ridge.
Imagine if you can pulling yourself up to
the ridge through sticky thick knee deep mud
and water, carrying a pack with weapon and
200 rounds of ammunition in bandoliers, a pick
The sunken lane at Beaumont
Hamel with the soldiers of the
Lancashire Fusiliers on the 1st July.
A view of the front line trench (edge of wood)
where the Sheffield and Barnsley Pals went
over the top (now Sheffield Memorial Park).
and shovel, as your mates are cut down around
you, to come up against vicious hand to hand
combat in your exhausted frightened adrenalindriven state, against a soundtrack of constant
artillery fire, explosions, shouting, screaming
and machine guns. If you managed to survive
that and returned to headquarters, imagine
what the next roll call would have been like...
NEWFOUNDLAND PARK
Opened by General Haig in 1928, the park area
was purchased by the women and families of
Newfoundland, Canada. The central monument
is of an elk on a rocky outcrop in the middle
of the park, surrounded by masses of grass
covered rabbit warrens of trenches. A short
stop here for a comfort break, to see the visitor
centre before moving on to an English cafe.
One thing about France which takes
some getting used to is not only driving on
the other side of the road, but also of shop
opening times and the produce they sell.
Much more of the produce on offer is locally
Capt Machin explains the
background to the Sheffield
City Battalion memorial.
The CadetReview
grown and is fresh, and for example, some
shops sell postcards but not stamps.
It was time to get back to digs just as
the heavens opened. The cadets made use
of their Recreation Room and the adult
instructors retired to the Staff Room. Each
floor of the accommodation was purpose
built for school groups so a main door off
the stairwell maintained security and each
dormitory door had its own key, which were all
collected before setting off on the days out.
Day 2
THIEPVAL
The woods surrounding the high point
occupied by the Germans have seen much loss
of life. From the vantage point at the top of
the hill to the woods and open land below, it
is understandable to see why this was such a
crucially important and difficult position to
take from the Germans. Due to their positioning
and efficient use of the terrain, they were able
to catch anyone in a cross fire. The main task
of the PALs located in the woods was not as
an attacking force, but in a support capacity
to hold the line. For three days, these troops
bore the brunt of the German artillery.
Today at the top of the hill stands a
monumentally large structure constructed in
memory of the 72000 plus soldiers who lost
their lives and who were never found. All four
sides of each of the sixteen columns within the
structure have names inscribed by regiment.
ULSTER TOWER
During this time, some troops moved to assist
front line troops who managed to attack
and take an objective, but as was common
on these occasions, they were beaten back
and had to vacate. This was the area where
Ulster Tower is now located. The museum is
a tall white tower which has a gift shop and
cafe attached, run by an Irish couple. After a
quick brew, the convoy continued on its way to
Authuille Wood. Again the terrain was muddy
so wellies became the standard footwear.
D Coy pay their respects at the Sheffield
City Battalion memorial in Serre.
47
Sergeant Hicks lays a tribute at
a grave of an unknown soldier
time walking up and down the rows of white
headstones, inspecting them in much the same
fashion as they would have been when they were
alive, the enormity of the number of unknown
soldiers whose remains have still not been
found or identified is staggering. Additionally,
those who have been identified have their
birthdates chiselled into the headstones – many
of them were the same age as some of the more
senior cadets who were on this trip. For many
of them, this made it more real and relevant.
After a lunch break, the group
continued to Lochanagar Crate and
the Glory Hole in La Boiselle.
LA BOISELLE (LOCHNAGAR
CRATER and GLORY HOLE
and THE GREAT MINE)
AUTHUILLE
This was one of the possible locations which
SI David Hicks placed soil from England and a
gingerbread man in memory of Walter Evans,
the brother of Lillian who was a close family
friend. She never saw him after he left for the
war when she was abandoned in an orphanage
aged 7. It was an emotional event, not just for SI
Hicks but he explained his reasons for wanting
to do this. The soil was from Lillian’s grave, so
at last they could be reunited. Walter wouldn’t
have been much more than the age of the cadets
who were there, which made them think...
BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY
The convoy continued to Blighty Valley Cemetery.
This was the site of a big concentration of British
artillery which was unseen by the Germans,
which meant that it was relatively safe. Many
of the smaller cemeteries have been relocated
into larger purpose built sites such as this
one. This was the second possible location of
Walter’s remains. This act of remembrance
moved some cadets who felt they needed to
comfort both SI Hicks and his wife, Sandra,
also an adult instructor. Spending
The awe inspiring Thiepval Memorial
to those with no known graves.
This was very much a tunneller’s fight, where
a 90,000lb bomb was set off. The crater is
much larger than the Hawthorn Ridge crater.
POZIERES TANK MEMORIAL
This is a memorial to the Australian
contingent and their effort with the
allied forces from 1916. On
each of the four corners
of the monument is the
casting of a tank.
WINDMILL
The ruin of Pozieres
windmill which lies here
was the centre of the
struggle in this part of
the Somme battlefield
in July and August 1916.
It was captured on
August 4th by Australian
troops who fell more thickly on this ridge
than on any other battlefield of the war.
TOMMY’S CAFE & MUSEUM
Not only does Tommy’s Cafe have an internal
museum, the land at the back has been restored
sympathetically and fairly – one half is English
and the other is German. There is a wall of empty
shell cases along one side of the exhibit, and a
pile of abandoned guns where only the metal
parts have survived, lots of German barbed wire
and it is easy to compare both sides trenches: the
Germans dug deeper because they had the time
Guide Dogs
for the Blind
Members of D Coy led by the OC Maj Rushby lay a poppy wreath at the memorial
to the 13th and 14th Bns York and Lancaster Regt (1st and 2nd Barnsley Pals)
and manpower to do it, the Allies dug where and
when they could; the Germans had some sort
of stable pathways where the Allies had mud.
Day 3
ALBERT MUSEUM
This museum houses a condensed version of the
previous two field visits into a subterranean
tunnel which is light but very cold. Following
the tunnel through the timeline of the War,
you realise that it wasn’t just the British
that were involved but gives information
about the number of other nationalities
that were involved in the joint efforts.
AMIENS
A leisurely day spent exploring the city of
Amiens. Whilst not a long way from the
reminders of the past, this thriving city is an
instant contrast in its freedom of movement
and in the consistency of its inhabitants
and visitors. There are the usual high street
names, but also the very French chocolatiers
and jewellery shops. A quick lunch and back
to exploring the cathedral and
other and other landmarks.
EVENING MEAL
Once back at digs, plans had been
arranged for us to eat in town
at a local eatery. The food was delicious and
the evening was relaxed. A presentation was
made to Captain Machin and Major Rushby
thanking them for arranging the trip.
D Company managed to conquer France
in no less than five days! This has certainly
been a thought provoking trip which I would
recommend anyone to take. As someone lucky
enough to have had family return from the war,
who have now since passed on, I can’t imagine
what those relatives must feel when they find
their loved one’s grave. I almost feel a fraud, like
I don’t deserve to be there, that I am intruding
on something which has not directly affected
me. That said it is good to remember those who
have fallen and more importantly what sacrifice
they made and what their falling was for.
Some comments from
cadets about the trip:
A very educational and interesting trip.
Thank you very much for bringing me on this
amazing experience. It’s been the best week
ever. It was eye opening and an amazing
experience with some emotional times. It
has been brilliant and very educational.
Thank you for putting a lot of effort into it.
I have learnt so much and it has been great
to come over here. Made me think and feel
more. Wish I could have found out more.
Sgt Hardingham of Greenhill detachment
in Sheffield ponders at the memorial
to Pte Bull of the Sheffield Pals who
died on the 1st day of the Somme.
The CadetReview
Cadets from Middleton Detachment,
B Company have raised £760.54 for the Guide
dogs for the blind charity. They took part
in a bag pack at Asda Hessle Road to help
support the charity. The supermarket is
one of the busiest in Hull and cadets worked
tirelessly helping customers to pack their
shopping, chatting with customers and
drumming up support for the charity.
Cadets and Instructors returned to the
store to present Guide Dogs for the Blind
with a cheque, and Lt Jonpaul Robinson, the
Detachment Commander, said “they were
incredibly grateful for the work the cadets had
done in helping raise such a large donation.”
Manor top
Top dogs
Cadets from Manor Top, D Company
have been crowned Top Dog by the High
Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Lady Sykes.
The annual South Yorkshire Young Leaders Top
Dog Award took place on 14th of December at the
Life wise Centre in Maltby. Army Cadets competed
against air, sea, fire and police cadets in a number
of challenges, including First Aid, a general
knowledge quiz, team building, paper aeroplane
building and flying, and an observation exercise.
Corporal Shannon Riley, 16, said “The
competition was a great event and I really
enjoyed the day. I was really proud to be
part of the winning team and represent
my Detachment and Company.”
Cadet Holly Childs, 15, added “It was
a great day where I got to meet some new
friends from other cadet forces and have a
real good laugh. I am so happy we won.”
Detachment Commander, Second Lieutenant
John Ashburn, said “I am extremely proud of
all the cadets that represented the detachment
in the competition. I was really proud to see
them win the competition and interact with
the other cadets. They remained professional
throughout the day. Congratulations to them all.”
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