Combined Cadet Force

Captain Le Tocq has given up his charge of Shooting, and has thus ended his long connection with the Contingent. Contingent Commander before the Second World War, he returned as a Major from his own war service to make Shooting in the School into a major sport, and to develop it to a very high standard, particularly in the days of the big compulsory contingent and large numbers from which teams could be drawn. We thank Captain Le Tocq for the dedicated skill he has given to Shooting for so long, and for his work at many an Army Camp when he brought to map reading in particular a competitive excitement which many will remember with pleasure and gratitude.

Sub-Lieutenant Dawson has resigned from the Contingent, and we thank him for the time he gave to it, especially in the year when Lieutenant Bulcock was away.

Pilot Officer R. C. G. Drysdale has joined the Royal Air Force Section, having had previous experience as an officer in the Contingent at West Buckland School.

The characteristic of the year has been the steady improvement in the standard of bearing and turn-out, with most cadets taking a genuine pride in their appearance; it is not a matter for complacency, because there is still room for much improvement, but the comments of the Inspecting Officer and his team on May 17th were much more complimentary than they have been in recent years. This year we had an Inspecting Officer from the Royal Air Force, Group Captain R. B. Gubbins, R.A.F., the Commanding Officer of Royal Air Force, Linton-onOuse. It is an indication of the healthy rivalry that grew up between the two Service Sections during the year that the Officers unanimously agreed that the Fernie Cup should, for the first time, be shared by Petty Officer Denison and Flight Sergeant Markwick-Smith.

The main Summer Camp for the Royal Navy Section was in H.M.S. Caledonia, and this was a very varied and full week. For the Royal Air Force Section a week was spent at Royal Air Force, North Luffenham, where the Section, led by Sergeants Atkinson and Collingwood-Gittins, won the Best Syndicate Award for their all-round performance during the week in Shooting, Swimming, Drill, Initiative and Night Exercises and Map Reading: a very good performance.

A special word of praise and thanks goes to the Buglers, who, under the expert training of Mr. Riley, made an excellent impression as they sounded General Salute at the Annual Inspection, and to the Band of St. Olave's, who added much to the success of the day by playing during the Inspection. We hope that those who think of joining the CCF will do so knowing that music can be an important part of CCF activity, and we would much like to revive the Corps of Drums. D.G.C.

ROYAL NAVY SECTION

In the winter it was, as is always the case, difficult to organise outdoor activities, but the N.C.O.s of the section organised a very successful night exercise on Strensall Common which involved all the members of the section. The junior N.C.O.s did a good job of guiding their groups 37

through a ring of defending leading seamen. It is an exercise which will be repeated more often.

The Easter term saw the return from New Zealand of Lt. Bulcock who took over command from Sub-Lt. Dawson again. Thanks go to Sub-Lt. Dawson for running the section in Lt. Bulcock's absence. This term also saw the departure of the most enthusiastic member of the section, L. S. Chilman, who joined the Royal Navy at the beginning of the summer We wish him the best of luck.

The first few weeks of the Summer term were spent preparing thoroughly for the General Inspection. A jackstay across the river, snorkelling, a raft race and assault course were arranged for the inspecting officers; there were also many hours spent polishing boots, whitening belts and pressing trousers. The turnout was excellent. The Royal Navy section was congratulated for its smartness and efficiency. It was described by Group Captain Gubbins as "an above average inspection". At the end of the Summer term some members of the section spent a weekend at H.M.S. Caledonia's adventure training school in Scotland, which was a successful visit.

On the whole it has been a good year for the R.N. section and we look forward to an even better one.

J.N.D.

ROYAL AIR FORCE SECTION

The N.C.O. in charge has been F/Sgt. Markwick-Smith, who has been assisted by Sgts. M. E. Wilson and G. Schofield, together with Cpls. N. G. Atkinson, Collingwood-Gittins and Wiggle. With a larger number of senior cadets than for some time, it has been possible to provide greater opportunities for leadership with generally beneficial results, particularly in outdoor activities. One of these activities organised was a highly successful night exercise held towards the end of September, 1976. Sgt. Wilson and Cpl. Wiggle are to be congratulated on obtaining their gliding certificates.

Five members of Flight A were awarded their proficiency certificates. All had been successful in the Part 3 examinations, J/Cpls. Abbott and Spencer obtaining distinctions. Projects tackled by this flight included the building of a small hovercraft by J/Cpl. Chadwick and a study of survival techniques by the majority of the flight. It had been intended that the classroom experience gained would be put to practical effect early in the Summer term, but the terrain was unfortunately not available at the last moment.

Thirteen out of the 14 members of Flight B succeeded in passing proficiency part 2. Generally this flight had entered into most of the section activities with enthusiasm. Projects tackled on the occasion of the general inspection included the erection of a model Bailey bridge from the sections provided (by no means a straight-forward task) and the building of a raft from oil drums, pieces of wood and rope. The latter was used in a "cross the river" race against the Naval Section.

Eight new members joined the section from this year's third form.

Air experience flying has been available at R.A.F. Leerning on two occasions per term, and in general the School has had a large share of the 38