Air Cadet Xtra - Autumn 2010

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME ?

Taranis thunders into view ...

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

this issue:

Cadets feel the Lynx effect

STUFF IT - says Kate Humble

Wellington bomber on the move

Gunning For BTECs

AIR CADET XTRA is sponsored by:

Managing Editor Denise Parker Housby email hdcc@atc.raf.mod.uk Editor Carol McCombe email editoraircadet@ hotmail.com Sales Manager Anthon Linton Ten Alps Media Tel: 020 7306 0300 Design Steve J Davies Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command

TATE CAT - Jaguar is star attraction at Tate Britain PHOTO Š FIONA BANNER, TATE

Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the ACO cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. Views expressed by contributors and customers might not reflect the views of the ACO.

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

Shape of things to come The Ministry of Defence has unveiled its multi-million pound prototype unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV).

Three and a half years in the making, Taranis is a concept design for a longrange strike aircraft that has taken over a million man hours to produce.

Defence Minister Gerald Howarth said it was a “truly trailblazing project” and featured “the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology”.

PHOTO & COVER © DEFENCE IMAGE DATABASE

The aircraft is due to begin flight trials early next year.

and cover massive distances between continents.

Named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis is the first step in the development of unmanned strike aircraft, capable of penetrating enemy territory. About the size of a Hawk jet, Taranis has been equipped with advanced stealth technology making it virtually undetectable.

The plane is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on enemy territory using onboard sensors. And it has been designed to carry a cache of weapons including bombs and missiles - giving it a potential long-range strike capability.

Almost invisible to ground radar, it is designed to travel at high jet speeds

It can be controlled from anywhere in the world with satellite communications.

Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy, speaking

at the unveiling ceremony at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, said: ‘’Taranis is a truly trailblazing project. ‘’The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage.’’

The prototype will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle.

Should such systems be brought into service, they would be under the control

of highly trained military crews on the ground.

making and is the product of more than a million man-hours.

Representing the pinnacle of UK engineering and aeronautical design, Taranis is an informal partnership of the MOD and industry talents including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and GE Aviation.

“It represents a significant step forward in this country’s fast-jet capability.

This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK’s leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation.”

Speaking on behalf of the industry team, Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Programmes and Support business, said: “Taranis has been three-and-a-half years in the

The Taranis prototype will provide the MOD with critical knowledge on the technical and manufacturing challenges and the potential capabilities of Unmanned Combat Air Systems.

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

The Lynx Effect

The prestigious Duke of Westminster Award is an annual competition organised by CVQO to recognise the most outstanding cadet from the four cadet forces.

London Cadet Wins Top Prize The ’outstanding achievements’ of CWO Gilberto Algar-Faria from 48F (Hampstead) Sqn have been recognised at the annual Duke of Westminster Awards Ceremony for CVQO. At the ceremony and luncheon at the RAF Club in London, hosted by The Duke of Westminster, 19-year-old Gilberto was presented with the Edexcel Prize by Martin Cross, Chairman of Edexcel, for his infectious enthusiasm, his maturity and leadership.

Hosting the awards, The Duke of Westminster said, “It is always a delight to hear of young people, from all walks of life and all geographic areas, making a real contribution to society while enriching their own lives and prospects for the future. It has been a pleasure to host this event and meet such worthy winners.”

More than a dozen cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn have experienced a flight in an Army Lynx helicopter.

Gilberto was one of five top prize winners selected from 200 nominated cadets from across the UK for his outstanding teamwork and determination. He is studying a degree course in International Relations at the University of Leeds. He aims to be commissioned to begin officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, before taking on flying duties in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Following the presentation Gilberto, together with the four other prize winners, visited 10 Downing Street. Then, together with four runners-up, the five will leave for a three week expedition to South Africa where they will undertake an environmental awareness course in Kwa Zulu Natal and a cultural project working with and teaching orphaned children.

In addition they will visit Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana and take part in a walking safari.

“This year was particularly tough in choosing our five prize winners, due to such high standards at the selection event. However, the cadets today have consistently demonstrated an exceptional contribution to society and to cadets,” said Edward Woods, Chief Executive of CVQO and head of the selection panel.

“Each and every one of them is a credit to their family and their unit, and I offer them my congratulations.”

Landmark Launch A former Commanding Officer of 614 (Wethersfield) Volunteer Gliding School has reached a landmark 10,000th glider launch.

Sqn Ldr Terry Horsley began gliding as a Flight Staff Cadet with 614 VGS in 1968.

He held various positions there, including Flight Commander, before taking over as Commanding Officer towards the end of his career.

It’s estimated that, during his time at the VGS, Terry has sent more than 200 cadets soaring solo – including the current OC’s wife when she was a cadet!

Flt Lt Graham Hayes, Tech Officer, DCFI and the longest serving member of the VGS was requested to be on board during the flight.

On completion of the flight, Sqn Ldr George Capon, OC 614 VGS, presented Terry with a congratulatory bottle of champagne.

A delighted Sqn Ldr Horsley said: “I am extremely proud to have achieved this number of launches and without the cadets arriving at the VGS every weekend I would not have been able to fly these launches, so thank you to all involved.”

The helicopter, a Lynx Mk7, flew into RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire, as part of a careers presentation on opportunities available in the Army Air Corps.

The crew spent some time chatting to the cadets about flying and ground trades in the Army Air Corps before taking 16 of them flying.

WO Paul Taylor said: “I cannot thank the Army Air Corps enough for providing this experience to our cadets.

“It is important they realise the huge range of aviation opportunities available to them and this experience has certainly been most informative.”

Fact File The Army Air Corps is the smallest of the three combat arms in the Army, but its fleet of helicopters makes it one of the most potent.

Providing firepower from the skies, it has a unique role to play on the modern battlefield by delivering hard hitting support to ground forces during the key stages of a battle. The Army Air Corps operates alongside Armour, Infantry and the Special Forces in direct contact with the enemy and the opportunities offered, both in the air and on the ground, are as varied as its role.

The DofE is planning a number of photo shoots during the summer across the country with a special focus on different modes of expedition travel.

The Lynx has been used extensively within the Army Air Corps for a wide variety of roles and tasks. It is predominantly a battlefield utility helicopter although it has been used for both anti-tank and reconnaissance operations. The addition of door gunners has allowed Lynx to operate in the very close air support role in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So, if your group is planning a practice or qualifying expedition with a mode of travel other than foot this summer and is keen to have their pictures taken and to feature in future DofE resources, then please get in touch with Lizzie Bishop at DofE Head Office on lizzie.bishop@DofE.org

Two versions are in service with the Army Air Corps – the Mk 7 (skids) and the Mk 9 (wheeled undercarriage).

The Lynx still holds the helicopter world speed record and, thanks to its semi-rigid titanium rotor head, it is also superbly manoeuvrable. This makes it the centrepiece of Army Aviation display flying.

Model Cadets?

Cas Meets Cadets Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, met a number of cadets from Northern Ireland on a recent visit.

The scheduled trip formed part of the Armed Forces Day Celebrations in Northern Ireland.

Cadets from 2062 (Carrickfergus) Sqn joined the celebrations on the day and some of them can be seen with CAS (pictured).

Sound Of Success The ACO national marching band champions, 1855 (Royton) Sqn have won the North Region band competition and will represent East Lancashire Wing in the national finals later in the year.

The band competed against other squadron bands from across the north of England, ranging from Cheshire to Durham and Northumberland. Since the Royton band won the accolade of ‘Marching Band Champions’ they have been in great demand and will shortly be performing at Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE), Cosford in front of the general public.

Royton Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Mark Hamilton said “We are all very excited at the prospect of travelling to the National Championship once more. The cadets and I have worked extremely hard to maintain the standard we set last year. We have changed the repertoire and that seems to have worked well. I would also like to thank all the parents who came along to see us lift the North Region trophy for a second year running.”

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

Tate Cat Cadet Champs A team of cadets from 2402 (Burghfield) Sqn has won the inaugural Berkshire Skills Weekend in style.

The event, which had teams from both the Army and Air Cadets, was held at Bramley Training Area in Hampshire and tested the cadets’ teamwork, navigation, field craft, map reading and problem solving.

The two-day exercise included practical exercises and a revision of basic field craft skills as well as a night exercise.

Sqn Ldr Mark Trevena was impressed with the cadets. He said: “All the

First In Their Field!

Cadets from 1070 (Diss) Sqn have just completed their first fieldcraft training weekend at RAF Barnham, near Thetford, and are already asking for the next one!

cadets and staff have really buckled down to make this activity a real success - they have worked hard, really mixed well together and have enjoyed the activities on offer.”

The limited edition trophy was presented by the Berkshire Joint Services Cadet Committee Chairman, Lt Col Clive Ainsley.

He said: “I saw super levels of enthusiasm today and I hope this event will form the foundation for a triService event next year.

“This has been a very enjoyable activity for everyone involved and I congratulate the Burghfield Air Cadets on winning the competition”.

The cadets were joined by colleagues from Wymondham and Wattisham squadrons for what turned out to be an action-packed weekend.

Cdt James Gaffney said: “We had a really fantastic time. It was my first weekend away on a green camp and I really enjoyed every minute.

“I loved learning about how to camouflage yourself so people can’t see you, and how to use handheld radios. I cant wait for the next one!”

Flt Lt Emma Dixon, OC 1070 (Diss) Sqn, who put together the weekend, said: “It was really good to see the cadets and staff having such fun.

“A lot of effort goes into these weekend camps and it was great to get so much positive feedback.

“It’s also great to run these events with other squadrons - the cadets get to make new friends and the staff can share ideas and best practice.”

A RAF Jaguar once flown by CAS Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton has become the star attraction at London’s famous Tate Britain gallery after being turned into a work of art by a top British sculptor.

The frame has been stripped down to the metalwork and polished to produce what artist Fiona Banner says is a hard-hitting examination of beauty.

Alongside the Jaguar, suspended from the gallery roof is a Royal Navy Sea Harrier with hand-painted feather markings.

Fiona said: “It is hard to believe that these aircraft are designed for function because they are so beautiful.

“But they are absolutely designed for function as a bird of prey is. That we find them beautiful brings into question the very nature of beauty and our own intellectual position. I am interested in the clash between what we feel and what we think.”

Jaguar XZ118 made its maiden flight in 1976, was deployed in the first Gulf War in 1990, taking part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

During the 1990s the aircraft served in Bosnia where it destroyed a Bosnian Serb tank – the first UK aerial attack in Europe since the end of WWII. In 1998 the Jaguar received another upgrade to GR.3 where it took part in Operation Warden in Turkey. The aircraft’s last flight was at the Sepecat Jaguar day at RAF Coltishall in 2006.

The exhibition runs until January 3, 2011.

PHOTO © FIONA BANNER, TATE

We Shall Remember Them A memorial to honour the lives of 55,573 Allied Airmen from Bomber Command who lost their lives during World War II is to be built in London.

Planning permission for the £3.5 million memorial that will be erected on the edge of Green Park was granted by Westminster City Council.

Campaigners, who have backed the memorial plans, have included the RAF Bomber Command Association, Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb and and keyboard legend Rick Wakeman.

Bomber Command consisted of more than 125,000 volunteers from all over the Commonwealth and Allied Nations who carried out high-risk operations over enemy territory. The average age of the Bomber Command aircrew was 22.

The youngest was 18. As well as those who died, more than 8,000 were injured and nearly 10,000 were made prisoners of war.

Three out of five airmen would become casualties. Bomber Command veterans are the only WWII Servicemen not to have been publicly honoured in Britain.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It is time the nation showed its gratitude by building a permanent memorial. I support this important campaign to do more to remember those brave men from Bomber Command.

“Their deeds have not been recognised in the way the heroes from the Battle of Britain have been, but their sacrifices were as great.”

The RAF Bomber Command Association has already raised £15m toward the

project and is looking to raise a further £2million to build and maintain it.

Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Michael Beetham, President of the Bomber Command Association, commented: “We have been striving for many years to have a memorial in central London to recognise the contribution of Bomber Command to victory in World War II and, in particular, the huge sacrifice of the lives of so many of our comrades in achieving it.

“The memorial has been designed and we are now ready to go ahead with all speed.”

Architect Liam O’Connor, who created the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, will design the memorial.

Sculptor Phillip Jackson, (whose work includes the HM Queen Elizabeth Memorial on The Mall, London and The Bobby Moore Memorial at the new Wembley Stadium) is crafting a bronze sculpture within the memorial, depicting seven Bomber Command aircrew.

Other parts of the memorial will be constructed from sections of melted down aluminium taken from a Halifax bomber, shot down over Belgium on the night of 12 May 1944.

The lighting around the memorial is designed so that the profiles of the figures will always be visible against the sky, both night and day.

It is due to be unveiled in autumn 2011. Robin Gibb, CBE said: “This is the greatest news. I’ve put my heart and soul into being a champion of this cause. I had a vision of this monument becoming a reality and now I want to see it unveiled. These guys are heroes – they saved the world and they deserve the best.”

Bomber Command Memorial donations can be made via www.theygaveeverything.co.uk

Cadets Fly In Nearly 100 air cadets from across the world have arrived in the UK for the two week International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) programme.

The teenage cadets, who have travelled from as far as Ghana, Australia and New Zealand, have joined colleagues from France, the Netherlands and nine other countries for a full programme of aviation and other activities. The cadets started their visit to the UK with a VIP pass to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a photo opportunity outside 10 Downing Street and an evening cruise on the River Thames.

Over the course of their two week stay the cadets, aged 16-20, will be split into three groups to tour various areas of the UK. Along the way they will visit a range of museums, fly with the Royal Air Force and Air Cadet Organisation and visit various Air Training Corps squadrons.

One highlight of the visit will be a formal dinner in the prestigious College Hall Officers’ Mess at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire. A number of air cadets will help host the visiting cadets throughout their stay.

Instructor Cadet, Flight Sergeant Kate Joinson, from 1378 (Mold) Sqn, felt that hosting the cadets on the IACE was an opportunity that she couldn’t turn down.

She said: “I volunteered to help out with the event as it is a great way of meeting people from all over the world.

“I’ve always been keen on going on the IACE myself and I think seeing how cadets adapt to our country will help me decide where I would like to go if I was offered a place in the future.

As part of the exchange the UK has sent a number of cadets from British squadrons to take part in the 2010 event.

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

Kate Humble tells cadets ‘Pack a bag, change a life’…

As expedition season for cadets reaches a peak during the summer, television presenter and traveller Kate Humble is urging cadets to check out her new website Stuffyourrucksack.com that helps responsible travellers make a practical difference to the lives of those in developing countries that have so little.

The idea is simple: when travelling abroad, take some stuff with you that will help a local charity – and the website puts you in touch with those most in need.

Even when you’re planning your next trip, think not just about what you can take with you, but what you can leave behind.

books or toys, can put the details on the website to alert other travellers who may be planning a trip to the same place and could bring those things with them.

It could be a well-used mosquito net, bandages and plasters from your travel first aid kit or even a half-opened bottle of shampoo. If it’s not readily available in the country you’re visiting, it’s worth leaving there.

There are more than 180 projects on the site at the moment that have been registered by travellers who have seen the projects for themselves and want to help.

Kate said, “I started the site out of frustration as I have travelled to many developing countries and come across so many small projects that needed things I could have easily brought with me, had I been able to find out in advance. This is what Stuff Your Rucksack does; let’s travellers know before they leave home what’s needed where they are going.”

Anyone travelling that comes across a small school, for example, that needs

Quickfire questions Why Stuffyourrucksack.com?

I wanted to create something that was light on its feet – not big and unwieldy with lots of staff, high overheads and bureaucracy.

Stuffyourrucksack.com is about direct action and getting messages from one traveller to another.

STUFF IT!

What better way is there to spread the word than via the internet? Because I’ve travelled so much, friends are always asking me what to take where. Now all they need to do is go online.

What does Stuff Your Rucksack mean to you?

For me, it’s all about simplicity and joy.

This is an incredibly simple way to make people happy – and it costs practically nothing to do.

Charity really does begin at home, and the great thing about Stuff Your Rucksack is that the experience of giving is as pleasurable for the giver as it is the receiver. The pleasure of giving joy to others is indescribable.

What would you say to inspire someone to stuff a rucksack?

If you want to have totally unique and unforgettable experience that money can’t buy, then make room in your luggage for a few extra items.

You won’t read about it in a guidebook, but it will double the value of your holiday.

This is an ideal way to give back to communities and connect with them in more than just a touristy way.

You’ll come away with a real sense of where you’ve been – not to mention 20 new friends.

Where would like to take Stuffyourrucksack.com in the coming years?

I would like Stuff Your Rucksack to be a vital part of everyone’s travel plans.

My big dream is for the site to become a one-stop-shop for responsible travel, where people can come to find out about volunteering opportunities – as well as what to take with them – and share information.

Clicking on her online map tells you that if you venture to Tibet, for instance, you’d need pencils and toothbrushes; in South Africa a project could do with face paints and colouring books: all highly rucksack compatible.

Kate said: “I would love people to make Stuff Your Rucksack part of their essential holiday checklist. Passport?

Money? Visa? Stuff Your Rucksack?”

Pack a bag. Change a life.

Any tips for responsible travellers?

When you’re thinking about what to take, think about what you can leave behind. Half empty bottles of shampoo really mean a lot to those who can’t just pop down the road to a chemist. From mosquito nets to plasters, if you can spare it, there will always someone ready to make great use of it.

What do you always take with you when travelling?

I always pack good boots or shoes for walking – the best way to experience a country is on foot – and soap (environmentally friendly if possible). I’ll never use a whole bar, and it is always useful for someone to wash themselves, their clothes or their dishes, so it is something I will always give away at the end of a trip.

Strangest thing you’ve ever packed in your luggage?

It has to be a life-size wooden coyote, painted in vivid shades of blue and purple, that I bought from a craft shop supporting indigenous art in rural Mexico. It was a challenge to get it home, but it was worth it.

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

Home shores The RAF’s Discoverer yacht has returned safely to shore after 12 months at sea circumnavigating the globe on the tri-Service Exercise Transglobe.

The epic 34,000 mile journey, broken into 13 legs crewed by different RAF personnel and air cadets, took them through some of the most inhospitable waters on the planet. The yacht – together with the Army’s Challenger yacht and the Royal Navy’s Adventure - returned to a cheering crowd in Gosport earlier this month.

More than 500 Servicemen and women took part in the expedition, including several personnel who were injured on operations. All three yachts, one for each Service, were crewed by 14 personnel at a time, with teams rotating throughout the year.

Captain Nick Fletcher, Deputy Director for Naval Personnel said: “In total, more than 500 Service people have experienced the demands of tough ocean sailing, many of them never having set foot on a yacht before.

“One section of the expedition was crewed entirely by people who were recovering from severe wounds incurred on operations together with their support staff from the medical services.

“As the weather worsened, so did my sea sickness,” said Andrew. “But I had to find ways of coping with it, such as eating all meals above deck, sleeping face down with my nose pressed against my bed and spending as little time below deck as possible.

“I was sick approximately 15 times during the voyage in a range of different places including my friend’s foot, over the ropes which pulled in the sails in and on the galley floor. The best experience for me during the voyage was being lucky enough to see dolphins swim beside our boat at night.

“They would swim in formation alongside just like the Red Arrows. The dolphin display would last for 10 or 15 minutes but was impossible to capture on camera.

The scariest moment during the voyage was when we had a 30ft wave crash down on top of the cockpit where red watch was sitting.

“I just remember seeing the person opposite me look up with a look of fear on his face as the wave began to break above us.

“The wave hit the boat with a mighty bang, washing everyone from their seats and setting off all our life jackets. Just when we thought we were in the clear a second wave crashed down on the boat with the same effect; luckily everyone was clipped off and secured to the boat. The whole experience was a true test of my mental and physical strength.”

“Experience shows that demanding Adventurous Training helps to prepare people for the stresses and challenges of life in operational theatres.”

Sqn Ldr Mike Blakey, Corps Adventurous Training Officer said, “All ten cadets who have taken part in the Transglobe expedition over the last 12 months have been an absolute credit to the Corps.

The teams sailed from Gosport last July and travelled across the world in 13 legs with the crew changed at each destination.

They have sailed alongside regular service personnel in some quite arduous conditions and in situations they could never have imagined.

“Selected crews also represented their respective Service in both the 2009 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the 2010 Antigua Race week, pitting themselves against each other and the cream of the world’s professional race teams. One of the cadets who took part in the epic voyage was Cdt FS Andrew Martin from 2203 Sqn, Central & East Region, who described it as an “opportunity of a lifetime.”

“Stories have emerged of sailing in Force Ten gales, navigating at night by crystal clear stars in a sky free of any light pollution, watching the dolphin skim effortlessly alongside the boat and the pride and humility of working with Service personnel wounded on active service.

Andrew, who also used the expedition to raise £600 for Help for Heroes, joined the yacht in Boston, USA for the final, three-week voyage across the North Atlantic Ocean to Gosport. With no previous sailing experience, Andrew was unsure how he would cope with life on board. He soon found out!

“Transglobe has proved to be a fantastic and rewarding experience and our thanks go to all those who have given their support.

“In particular, I would like to thank the Exercise Transglobe Team for their willingness to involve our cadets and to the Reserve Forces Ulysses Trust for their continued generous support.”

days from start to finish • The exercise took 355 • The yachts sailed for 277 days

Este via Cape Horn n Auckland and Punta Del wee bet s day 34 ted las • The longest leg

• The yachts actually sailed in excess of 35,000 nautical miles

vices took part from across all three Ser en wom and n eme vic Ser • More than 500 • Each yacht weighs 45 tonnes

cooked 11,437 meals • The yachts’ galleys

air cadet xtra

autumn 2010

Award For Raf Museum The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been crowned winners of the ‘Small Employer of the Year Award 2010’ at The National Apprenticeship Awards 2010, an Oscar style awards ceremony in London.

Currently five apprentices, two of whom are ex-cadets, are employed in the Museum’s Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. MBCC Manager, Tim Wallis and Training Manager, Mick Shepherd, were presented the award by Mr Peter Butler of BT, who sponsored the Small Employer of the Year category.

Mick Shepherd, Training Manager, said: “We are all absolutely delighted to have received this award. It is a wonderful accolade for the Royal Air Force Museum and particularly to

Online Tributes To “The Few” The RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), the RAF’s leading welfare charity, is asking the public to contribute to a new online Book of Tributes to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The book, which commemorates every single pilot who fought in the Battle, allows users to post thoughts, memories, pictures and anecdotes about each individual, forming an invaluable public record of those whom Winston Churchill called “The Few”.

The book, powered by friendsandrelations.com, already provides biographies for many of the pilots, as well as interesting stories and facts, but the RAFBF wants the general public to join in and contribute their own tributes and reflections to make a broader social record of the impact “The Few” have made on modern Britain.

the staff of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, who have all shown great patience and understanding while passing on their skills and knowledge to our young apprentices.”

This time of year marks an important period for the apprentice programme as the annual exchange with students from America under the partnership established with and supported by, the museum’s American Foundation takes place.

Priday travel to America for a three week exchange programme.

Two of Cosford’s apprentices Nathan Pugh and Martin Purcell-Shaw, a former Cdt FS with 1130 Sqn, along with Deputy MBCC Manager, Darren

The Conservation Centre will be open to the public from 15-20 November this year for visitors to gain behind-thescenes access to aircraft conservation work and have a rare opportunity to view current projects including the latest arrival, the Wellington, pictured above.

The book also offers the opportunity for visitors to create individual commemorative pages for all the other men and women who fought the battle in the equally vital ground crew, radar station and Observer Corps roles.

“It provides a precious opportunity for people with experiences of that generation or interest in the period to exchange memories, stories and thoughts on the Battle.

Jonathan Haward, Managing Director of Friends and Relations, explained why he decided to build the site: “My family has a long history in the RAF my mother worked in a radar station during the Battle, helping to direct fighter planes to intercept the enemy - and as a result I am also a strong supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“It will also provide a truly accessible resource for younger people to learn about the

“ As the 70th anniversary of the Battle approached I had the inspiration to get everyone with an interest in “The Few” to jot down their thoughts in one giant commemorative book, creating an invaluable resource for future generations, a fascinating read for enthusiasts and an opportunity to raise awareness of the great work done by the RAFBF!”

extraordinary contribution a few thousand young men made to defend this country in its hour of need. We look forward to watching the book develop and grow.”

Sir Robert Wright, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “We are delighted to be working with Friends and Relations, on this exciting project.

th ANNIVERSARY

Visit www.battleofbritainbook.com for more information.

Gunning For Btecs When two of 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn’s Naval Field Gun Teams provided a demonstration of teamwork and discipline during the recent open day at Gamecock Barracks, one of the gun crews was one man short.

So determined not to let the side down and disappoint the large crowd in the main arena that was waiting to see the display, one of the adult squadron staff proved that they were more than capable of Running the Gun. The staff member who stepped in at the last moment to ensure that the squadron could field two full teams was 25 yearold Civilian Instructor Gemma Bradbury, who showed that she was more than capable of giving the cadets a good run for their money.

Gemma who recently joined the Squadron as an instructor has in fact been responsible for coaching this year’s Gun Team and she was more than happy to step in and get her hands dirty when the need arose.

Since joining the Nuneaton Air Cadets Gemma has also taken on the role of coordinating BTEC activities on the unit and has been doing an excellent job in trying to get nine of the squadron’s cadets through their BTEC First Diploma in Public Services.

Gemma sees the Gun Run training as being an ideal way of encouraging physical fitness and teamwork, both of which are key elements of the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services syllabus.

Gemma is currently going through the process of registering a large number of Nuneaton based cadets for the next round of courses for BTEC First Diploma in Public Services and BTEC in Music which are due to start later this year.

Daniel’s Leap Of Faith Cadet Cpl Daniel Lowe from 1220 (March) Sqn made a leap of faith – from 3,500ft!

Daniel was taking part in a parachute course at RAF Weston-on-the-Green and once the comprehensive ground training was completed, it was time to put into practice what he had learnt.

“I was the first jumper out of my group, but I wasn’t worried,” said Daniel. “I was confident.”

Daniel had a flawless exit out of the aircraft, making the ride down a breeze, and also executed a perfect landing as he gently floated to land on his feet.

After the jump, Daniel said: “That has got to be the most amazing thing I have ever done, the best experience of my life so far!”

autumn 2010

Best Foot Forward More than 36,000 people from dozens of different countries completed the 94th Nijmegen Four-Day March and received their brightlycoloured medals.

Cheered by tens of thousands of spectators, the walkers reached the finishing line after completing the gruelling 100-mile march.

Among the 457 cadets from the UK who took part were 60 cadets and staff from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Northern Ireland Wings, this year walking each day in temperatures up to 34°C.

air cadet xtra

High Flying Loughborough Cadets On a Thursday evening recently, 16 Cadets from 2229 Loughborough Squadron got the opportunity to use the 10m High Ropes course at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Leicester.

During the night cadets took part in team games and races around the High Ropes circuit; some of the more confident cadets helped other cadets to conquer their fear of heights which helped improve confidence and ability.

This was a challenging evening for all the cadets and the staff that attended and was enjoyed by all.

Walk On Members of 211 (Newbury) Sqn are this month walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Starting at St Bees on the Cumbrian coast, the route runs for 192 miles to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North East coast and takes in three of Britain’s National Parks - the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Bullseye

This summer, cadets at 489 (Acocks Green & Olton) Sqn have been taking part in various taster sessions of new and exciting sports. strate this Most recently, the Kings Heath Archers visited the unit to demon to show their cadets the to over was it ards, traditional sport to cadets. Afterw skill with a bow and arrow. and this taster Squadron boss Jo Coles said: “I’m a firm believer of sport for all minds to new their open session has allowed the youngsters from 489 Sqn to ” sports available to them in the local community.

To make it a real challenge for the squadron, the target is to complete the route in just eight days – that’s an average of 24 miles a day over some of the most beautiful but also mountainous areas in England and is six days faster than the normal journey time!

The team undertaking the challenge are: CWO Josh Spencer, who has been organising the practices, Ben Brown, Chris Pearce, Gwilym Goddard, Hozan Amin, Grace Goodman, Joseph Cook, John Pritchard, CI Jon Fitt, WO Ian Lowe, RAF Cpl Rik Walsh, Sgt Alice Pye, Fg Off Alex Pye and WO Debbie Lowe.

Miles Of Smiles Mark Porter, keen marathon running father of one of 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn’s top sports cadets, showed that sporting achievements run in the family when he ran two half marathons to raise funds for the squadron.

Mark completed both the Hinckley and Coventry half marathons within a couple of weeks and raised more than £800 for the unit.

Mark said: “With the help of HSBC Bank, I raised a total £894 and I’m more than happy to have done my bit for the Squadron which has and continues

Dead Heat In The Heat It was the closest finish possible as two squadrons tied for first place at the South & East Midlands Wing Field Day competition held at RAF Wittering repeating their 2008 success.

With temperatures soaring, the competition matched the heat in one of

to provide so many opportunities for young people like my daughter Gemma.

“Hopefully, I’ll keep myself fit and run a few more. I’m planning to run the Royal Parks half marathon in London and the Birmingham half marathon, both in September of this year.”

Flt Lt Ian Crewe, OC 121 Sqn, said: “Mark has really shown outstanding support for the Squadron. Not only has he come up trumps by raising such an amazing sum of money for the squadron but to cap it off, one of the photographs we took of him with the cadets after he completed the Coventry event also helped us to win first place in the Wing photographic competition this year!”

the closest run competitions to find the best squadron in South and East Midlands Wing. Cadets from 1359 (Beeston) and 1211 (Swadlincote) Sqns overcame the heat and fierce competition to repeat the 2008 result of sharing the McKenzie Cup as overall Field day winners.

Beeston were winners in the Drill and Banner Drill competitions, while the Swadlincote cadets took the top honours in aircraft recognition and the diorama.

Both squadrons scored consistently well throughout the competition. CWO Elodie Marsh of 126 (City of Derby) Sqn was adjudged the wing’s best female cadet and CWO Ben Gilbert of 378 (Mannock) Sqn took both the best male cadet ward and the Robert Hall Cup for the best all round cadet..

To cap the day for 1211 they were adjudged the best all round squadron and took home the Auster Trophy. Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, OC South and East Midlands Wing presented the trophies and congratulated all who took part.

Cdt FS “Doc” Galliers-Parker from 1211 Sqn and CWO Marie Grant from

Cadets Make A Splash Cadets from 163 (Coventry Phoenix) and 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqns enjoyed a weekend of watersports at Lincolnshire’s Tallington Lakes Leisure Park.

The cadets tried their hand at windsurfing, sailing, raft building and kayaking before taking to the dry ski slope to tackle tobogganing and snowboarding.

A squadron spokesman said: “The whole weekend was very successful and the cadets embraced each activity with such enthusiasm and a great sense of fun.”

Oarsome!

Cadets from 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn have been taking part in kayaking and canoeing this summer.

The cadets have been attending Wing training days that allowed them to work towards their British Canoe Union one star awards by learning the basics of kayaking and canoeing in a fun and safe environment.

The cadets then got the opportunity to test their skills on the Cardington white water course where they could apply their skills in fast moving water.

autumn 2010

ACCESS DENIED: DIDN’T MAKE IT TO RIAT THIS YEAR? All the news, views and best pictures in the next issue of AIR CADET ...

PHOTO © PHILIP JONES