Combined Cadet Force

ARMY SECTION

The annual Summer Camp at Wathgill was extremely successful. Enthusiasm for the various activities, including section attacks, shooting and canoeing did not subside, even when the rain persisted. Soggy clothes and mudstreaked faces were permanently accompanied by smiles and the desire to set and achieve high standards.

In September the NCO's were given the task of training sixty new cadets. It was noticed how many girls had volunteered for the C.C.F., showing an increase for the third consecutive year — a good effort! The competence of the NCO's soon became apparent as all of the cadets passed their weapons handling test; thanks must go to the Cadet Training Team for their guidance during mis period of training, and indeed, for their efforts throughout the year — thank you.

During the Winter Term the cadets worked hard to prepare for the bi-annual inspection. Their eagerness to learn meant that the theories of patrolling, camp craft, ambushes and section attacks were quickly covered. The cadets were taken to Strensall training area to practise their new skills. The reward for this training came in the form of numerous compliments from Brigadier C. J. MarchantSmith on the day of the inspection, which was an unqualified success.

Once again, the Green Howards treated us to an excellent field day. Six cadets flew to Catterick in a helicopter, which was great — the remaining sections followed in army transport. As usual, mere were many exciting activities, ranging from target shooting to instruction on the use of anti-tank weapons — many thanks to the Green Howards for yet another interesting training day.

The shooting team has again been active this year; special mention must go to Colts Canter — a march and shoot competition. A combined team from the Army and R.A.F. Sections marched the five mile course (or was it fifteen miles?!) with determination; after all, our performance in the command tasks beforehand could have been classed as 'comedy' had they been captured on film, with various acrobatic skills being demonstrated! So, with gritted teeth, blisters were ignored, and we marched our way into second place. The shooting score secured our position — well done to the team!

Everyone is now looking forward to camp at Leek which promises a rigorous timetable, where the cadets will have many opportunities to show off their knowledge and, of course, to have a fantastic time!

C.S.M. A. Brooks, C/Sgt. S. Richards and Sgt. N. Winram are to leave the C.C.F. after camp; good luck to them for the 'A'-Level exam results and in the future.

I am sure that everyone would like to thank Captain H. A. Tooms and the C O ., Major Jelbert, for their unflagging enthusiasm throughout the year; many thanks — and keep it up!

C/Sgt. S. Richards

R.A.F. SECTION

After an excellent Summer Camp at R.A.F. Wittering where our cadets did themselves great credit, it has been an eventful and interesting year for the R.A.F. section. Shortly after returning from our summer holidays, Field Day was upon us. This year we had a slight break from tradition in that we did not tag on to the army section but did our own thing. Sixteen cadets and Fit. Lt. Grant went to R.A.F. Leeming to spend the day flying Chipmunks and twenty-two cadets accompanied by Fig. Off. Blood were invited to spend the day at R.A.F. Cottesmore. This visit was very kindly organised by Sq. Ldr. Mee (father of Cpl. James Mee) and was most enjoyable. Cottesmore is the traditional training base for Tornado pilots and navigators, so there was lots to see and do. One of the highlights of the trip was when we were given permission to drive the coach down the flight line for a closer look at the aircraft but did not notice the Tornado following us as it taxied in! We were escorted around the base by a young German Officer and try as I might he would not part with his regulation issue leather flying jacket!

Just before the end of the Autumn Term, six cadets (J. Cpls. Abrams, Anderson, De Boer, Liddle, Mee and Woodcock) attended, on two separate occasions, a weekend Cadre at R.A.F. Linton. These training courses were organised by F.S. Dave Roger and are proving to be both beneficial and enjoyable for the cadets. As well as the obvious social attractions in meeting like-minded people, they also had lots of a cadet's favourite activity — drill — not only participating but also learning how to give the orders. Each cadet also had to prepare a fifteen minute presentation to be given at the end of the course.

After Christmas the thought uppermost in our minds was the Biennial Inspection. For this Fit. Lt. Grant had devised "a cunning plan". The R.A.F. section was to put on a Search and Rescue operation. Plans were drkwn up with rivers of shark infested custard, mine fields and enemy positions all carefully marked. So on a cold but sunny Tuesday in February, tomato ketchup stained bodies were deposited at various points around the School and the search parties were briefed. Off they went over the mine fields, across the rivers, to find the doomed airmen. Most of the injured were found and treated with care, but I think one or two would sooner have been left for dead! But with the rehearsal over the big day loomed.

This year most of the cadets were directed to Strensall Camp and only a small guard of honour was left at School; with them Cdt. Goodall who was to sound the General Salute. At Strensall some cadets joined the army section, doing field craft and as the reviewing officer, Brigadier C. S. Marchant-Smith, came round they politely offered cups of warm tea with added grass! The rest of the section disappeared into the undergrowth to prepare for the search and rescue. All went according to plan and to add a touch of realism, Sq. Ldr. Mee flew over at nought feet in a Tornado from Cottesmore, which took Major Jelbert a little by surprise.

In May, Fit. Lt. Mike Farrar visited the School from R.A.F. Linton to give the cadets a presentation on "Survival" — how to get by if your aircraft is shot down or you have to make an emergency landing. This turned out to be most informative and an extremely enjoyable lecture.

Special mention and congratulations must go to two cadets, F.S. Hall on successfully completing his IGT, and Cpl. Whalley on not only gaining a flying scholarship but also a much coveted place on the first leadership course to be held at R.A.F. Halton this July.

Fig. Off. Blood