Oct 1979

COMBINED CADET FORCE This year has been remarkable for the number of individuals who have taken opportunities to show initiative in helping to keep the contingent going.

It is always difficult to pick out names without seeming to neglect the contribution of others who are not named; nevertheless, there are some who should be clearly acknowledged.

Contingent Warrant Officer Abbott took over the Senior N.C.O. responsibility, and was quick to adapt himself to the task of organising parades, and wise enough to ask for instruction when he was not sure what was required.

Sergeant Hewitt has been a very valuable contributor not only in the skill of shooting but has given up much of his time, with others, in the armoury and as an instructor.

The Royal Air Force Section has thrived greatly in the year, not least because of the enthusiasm and efficiency of Flight Sergeant Swiers, who added authority to his instruction by taking advantage of what the C.C.F. ii has to offer to the R.A.F. Section, by obtaining a gliding qualification.

The Royal Navy Section fell rather low in numbers, but the dedicated efforts of a few not only kept it going but produced an infectious enthusiasm.

Coxswain Lodge gave a splendid example of personal determination in a wide range of activities. However, much of the credit for the success of the Section during the year must go to Coxswain R. D. Nield, who took over responsibility as Section Coxswain quite unexpectedly in January, and stayed there throughout the school year, doing much to maintain morale. It is for this reason that he was awarded the Fernie Cup for 1979• Section activities will be reported separately, but among events of general interest and importance we should mention the excellent presentation given by the Royal Air Force in October, and we would like to express our thanks to the presentation team. The night exercises on Strensall Common, planned and organised by senior N.C.O.s, were useful if only as showing how difficult it is for a group to keep the all important silence when moving in the dark, Lastly, there has been a considerable movement for restoring an Army Section to the contingent. It can be done: but it will only be done if would-be members are prepared to commit themselves to a rigorous training and for a guaranteed period of service. Before such a section can come into being, parents of those interested will be asked to give it their full support.

D . G. C. ROYAL NAVY SECTION The section has had a very successful year with its contingent of twentyfive cadets, all of whom have taken part in some of the many varied courses and camps offered by the Royal Navy. One of the most exciting was perhaps the week long Sea Training Course aboard the Guided Missile Destroyer, H.M.S. Bristol. Ten cadets spent an entertaining and often rigorous time working on, and learning how one of the most advanced warships in the modern navy is operated.

The Tuesday afternoon sessions, although of short duration, have continued to provide valuable opportunities for cadets in a variety of fields, even though last winter's weather prevented many of the usual outdoor activities.

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