52 Combined Cadet Force

COMBINED CADET FORCE

Maj. Gen. M. J. D. Walker CBE inspects the guard of honour.

COMBINED CADET FORCE

Contingent Commander:

Major P. B. Jelbert

Senior Cadet:

CSM S. R. Forsyth

The Contingent continues to prosper with the R. A.F. Section in particular showing growth in the number of cadets.

The officer strength of the R.A.F. Section has also increased and now numbers Fit. Lt. James Bellis (Section Commander), F/O Erica Taylor ('on loan' from Bootham School), and P/O's Matthew Grant and Christopher Blood.

The highlight of the year was the Biennial Inspection conducted by Major General M. J. D. Walker, CBE in March and the following extract from his report is a tribute to all who were involved. enthusiasm and spirit shown by all cadets. Their activities were conducted in a most professional manner. Indeed the section attack displayed, although rehearsed, would have made some Regular infantry units take note. The cadet NCO's played a good part in the organisation and leadership shown during the activities. The cadet officers were conducting each of the activities with both flair and enthusiasm.

I was quite clear at the end of the inspection that, from what I had seen, the aims of the C.C.F. at St. Peter's were being achieved. I am quite clear that the Contingent is a competent, well led, and effective Contingent in which the cadets themselves are benefiting from the many activities it undertakes. These views are further reinforced by the creditable performance of the C.C.F. in District activities. I congratulate the Contingent on the outcome of the inspection. This is a most commendable report...!'

'Although it was a bitterly cold day, on parade me Contingent stood fast and spoke up well. During field activities I was much impressed with the

My thanks go to all members of staff involved with the C.C.F., for without their continued involvement the Contingent could not exist.

Section Commander:

Captain H. A. Tooms

Senior N.C.O.:

CSM S. R. Forsyth

The start of the academic year saw the size of the Section rise to over eighty cadets with an increasing number of girls joining.

Activities began after the issue of uniform to the new recruits in preparation for the Field Day to be held at Catterick by the Green Howards. This was cancelled the day before, because of severe weather and very high winds.

Two teams were entered in Colt Exercise Canter. Team A was successfully led by CSgt. Sam Forsyth but a lack of knowledge in first-aid resulted in the team finishing in fourth position behind Ampleforth and Welbeck. Team B, led by CSgt. James Hague brought his team home in fifth position, another fine performance. Next year should see the St. Peter's Teams even nearer the top as Welbeck now compete in a different district.

In the Easter Term a Biennial Inspection was carried out by Major General M. J. D. Walker CBE, GOC North East District and Commander 2nd Infantry Division. He was received by a Guard of Honour commanded by CSgt. James Hague and the General Salute was played by Cpl. Amanda Farley. Each platoon and the R.A.F. Section was inspected in turn. The inspection lasted for over an hour in high winds, driving rain and hail. It was not surprising therefore to find some of the R.A.F. cadets had become the same colour as their uniform! After the inspection the Army Section and some members of the R.A.F. Section were transported to Strensall Common to carry out further activities such as Section attacks, ambushes, live firing and field craft.

All activities were observed by Major General Walker who spoke very highlyof what he had seen during the afternoon. CSgt. Sam Forsyth was promoted to CSM and Sgt. Alastair Alton to CSgt.

Old Peterite Captain Richard Knocker AAC visited in June in his gazelle helicopter and over half of the Section were fortunate enough to experience a short flight around the local area in the two hours that he was with us. This was the second such visit he has made and we very much hope it will not be the last.

This year's camp was held at Warcop and once again there was a full programme of interesting and exciting activities. Fifty cadets attended and we were all most grateful to David Newman and Mrs. Ruth Wogan who assisted in running the activities.

My thanks must go to CSgt. James Hague and to the Platoon Sergeants, CSgt. Alastair Alton, Sgt. Charlie Barlow, Sgt. 'CJ' Richardson and Sgt. Paul Reavley, for their assistance in running the Section during the year. The Senior NCO's especially, and the remainder of the Army Section are most grateful to Captain H. A. Tooms for the patience, support and guidance he has provided over the years.

Sam Forsyth

Captain of Shooting:

S. R. Forsyth

The first event on the shooting calendar took place in October of the Christmas Term. This was the Skill at Arms Meeting on Strensall Common using the Cadet Rifle. The time spent practising was reflected in the final position, as the teams were beaten only by Ampleforth in both matches. Anthony Brooks carried the day in the Pool Bull Competition and won a cash prize in a competitive shoot-off. I was extremely pleased and encouraged by the success we had gained in the first event.

The following week we entered two teams in the Colts Canter, March and Shoot Competition at Catterick. The teams were mixed Army and R.A.F. and for the first time girls were included. Well done Pip Smith and Sarah Richards. Both teams had a particularly good shoot with Team A achieving the highest score, and Team B coming third out of fifteen teams. Overall Team A, led by Sam Forsyth, came fourth and Team B, led by James Hague came fifth. We were beaten only by Welbeck and Ampleforth.

Two teams were back in action for the North East District Target Rifle Competition in May. Before the event took place a day on the range was organised to zero the rifles and gain vital practice, as only Alastair Alton and I had experience of these weapons from the previous year. As a result of the lack of experience, neither team was able to finish in the top places but hopefully the groundwork has been laid for next year.

I was pleased to see more girls taking part in the practices, in particular Amanda Farley, Sarah Richards and Molly Tyler-Childs; I hope this trend continues.

The regular members of the shooting team this year have been Sam Forsyth, Alastair Alton, James Hague, Matthew Todd, Matthew Pittman, Anthony Brooks and Ryan All worthy.

The shooting team is very grateful to Major P. B. Jelbert and Captain H. A. Tooms for their unending help and advice throughout the year.

Saw Forsyth