IN FOCUS
Christmas message from the Commandant
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continued dedication to Cornwall ACF.
2024 has been a year where we have seen multiple changes in our adult population from a new Deputy Commandant, Company Commander, Company Staff Officers, a County First Aid Officer and several new Detachment Commanders. We have seen 19 new CFAV come through the new joiner tracker and we have enrolled in excess of 260 new cadets. I genuinely believe we have almost fully recovered from the lock downs of 2020/2021 as I see we are gradually getting our senior cadet/junior cadet ratios back to a semblance of normality. This is due to the hard work and commitment of the Cornwall ACF adults –thank you.
Looking forward to 2025, I feel confident we can continue this remarkable growth and it will be another busy year to enjoy.
I look forward to seeing as many CFAV as possible at the “Commandant’s Annual Conference” 18 -19 January where I intend to present the direction of the County and training to you all. Colonel P C Deakin, Commandant - Cornwall ACF
Care First
Care First is he helpline for CFAVs. They can help you with:
• 24/7 professional counselling (online or phone), offering support for issues arising at home or at work.
• App to self-monitor health and encourage healthy behaviours.
• Online financial tools.
• Weekly webinars and articles. 0800 174 319 (
Commandant promoting Cadet Serjeant Ley
IN FOCUS
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s representative in the County. The award of a Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service recognises those amongst the Reserve Forces and Cadet community whose performance in service is exceptional.
The Award is used to reward long service of high quality, periods of intense and exceptional output in support of units and to recognise service to the community.
Lieutenant Tomlinson
Lieutenant Tomlinson has served Cornwall Army Cadets for the last six years, displaying true selfless commitment.
She is the County Shooting Officer, Training Officer of Lucknow Company and also facilitating the role of Detachment Commander at Newquay. Each of these individually demanding roles requires a high level of skill, a huge commitment in time and presents regular leadership challenges. She has dedicated the majority of her own free time in pursuit of enhancing the Cadet experience and has inspired a large swathe of Cadets to achieve above their own expectations.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Frost
WO2 Frost works as the Training Safety Advisor for Devon ACF and has done so for over 15 years. In September 2023, Warrant Officer 2 Frost stepped in to also support Cornwall with their training safety. Warrant Officer 2 Frost’s dedication to ensuring safe, effective and imaginative training is truly inspiring to witness. Through huge personal dedication and tireless drive, he always goes above and beyond to support the delivery of the Army Cadet Syllabus in Cornwall.
Mr White
Mr White has served as part of the Professional Support Staff since 2014, working as the Cadet Administrative Assistant for lnkerman Company.
He was personally responsible for co-ordinating the successful delivery of support that ensured training could continue over the last few years. Working with the CFAVs, a harmonious and collaborative working environment was created by his efforts.
Mr Light
Mr Jonathon Light has served Cornwall Army Cadet Force continuously for 16 years, throughout which his contribution as a member of the Professional Support Staff has been tremendous. Without his limitless commitment and hard work, many cadets across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly would not have had the opportunity to progress in their training. The Cadet experience has thus been greatly enhanced as a result of his selfless approach to supporting others.
Mr Whitehouse
As a Cadet Administrative Assistant, Mr Whitehouse supports and helps to facilitate the training of over 450 Cornish Army Cadets. He is held in the highest regard by all those who work with him and is a role model to both adult volunteers and Cadets.
From left to right: Lord-Lieutenant Colonel Sir Bolitho, Colonel Deakin (Cornwall Commandant), Lieutenant Tomlinson, Major Roden (CEO), Mr White, Mr Light, W02 Frost, Mr Whitehouse, Lieutenant-Colonel Cooper
NEWS ROUND-UP
Skill at Arms
In October, more than 30 one star cadets and new adult instructors received training on the A2 General Purpose Rifle. This is important training to ensure everyone is safe and effective when using the rifles on the firing range or when on field craft shooting blank ammunition.
These photos show the cleaning and maintenance lessons which is the first time the cadets get a proper hands on with all the parts, and learning how to look after the rifles to keep them in good condition.
Cornwall Cadet wins BBC Award
Congratulations to Cadet Jasmine Jeffreys of Saltash Detachment for winning the BBC Cornwall Make a Difference Young Carers Award.
Featured on BBC Radio Cornwall recently, Jasmine was interviewed about being shortlisted for the award which she then eventually won. It was a fantastic interview during which Jasmine and her Mum discussed the reasons for her nomination and also being a member of Cornwall Army Cadet Force. You can listen to her interview here: https://shorturl.at/4VLUI
Cadets join 80th Commemoration
56 cadets and 12 adults were on parade at the sunset memorial service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of Operation Market Garden in Arnhem, The Netherlands at Marazion in September.
Lieutenant Tomlinson said: “I am always so proud to be part of Cornwall ACF - it is a privilege working with both cadets and adults. A special thanks to RSM Cooper for organizing us, as this enabled show off our amazing organization.”
NEWS ROUND-UP
Ten Tors
Ten Tors training has been going well. The cadets spent the first session ensuring their navigation skills are strong. The cadets are now working on their fitness levels before they embark on the Dartmoor element of training that will commence in the new year.
In February the 35 and 45 mile teams will be selected, which will then go on to more training before the big event in May, when all the teams from Cadets, Scouts, and schools from the South West come together in the largest event like this in the country.
BTEC Success
More confident navigators using the military maps of Dartmoor
Congratulations to Cdt CSM Jelbert, Cdt SSgt Williams and Cdt SSgt. Wilton for completing their BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development in the Community in October.
Please ask your detachment commander about information on the level 1 and level 2 BTECs.
JCIC Passes
Nine new Cadet NCOs passed their Junior Cadet Instructors Course in October, meaning they can now go on and teach at their detachments. This is an important course that teaches the cadets instruction skills that make them more confident leaders in the ACF and onwards in life.
Did you know?
Why does The Rifles spell Serjeant with a ‘J’?
In The Rifles the rank of serjeant is spelt with a ‘J’, whereas in most of the rest of the British Army it spells sergeant with a ‘G’.
Serjeant with a ‘J’ is an Old English spelling of the word, whilst the word with a ‘G’ is of French origin. Both come from the Latin ‘serviens’ – ‘to serve’ or ‘servant’.
During the 17th century, the ‘G’ spelling was formally adopted for the rank across Europe. However, with major wars against France occurring in the 18th century, and for reasons of patriotism, spelling serjeant with a ‘J’ saw a resurgence.
With Britain and France becoming allies in the First World War, the ‘G’ spelling became common again. The ‘J’ spelling remained the official one into the 1930s, when it finally changed.
The use of the ‘J’ spelling was preserved in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Durham Light Infantry, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and Rifle Brigade. After amalgamations, this tradition was carried on by The Light Infantry, elements of the Royal Green Jackets and now The Rifles today.
NEWS ROUND-UP
This heavily subscribed weekend was a challenge due to power cuts, flooding and other problems that were quickly overcome, but it was worth it with twenty 2 star first aid passeswell done all!
2 & 3 Star First Aid
In November, the County First Aid Officer 2nd Lieutenant Colrein, ran a first aid weekend for 2 and 3 star cadets.
This included training on specific first aid problems and scenarios to expand the cadet’s knowledge, casualty control and teamwork.
No cadets were hurt during training, what you can see is realistic looking casualty simulation (CASIM)
NEWS ROUND-UP
Adult Fieldcraft training
Here are some of our new adult instructors being trained in the skills of fieldcraft. Our instructors come from all-walks-of-life, some have served in the military and some have no knowledge at all. These courses are designed to bring up the ones that have no knowledge and also on how to teach the subject to the cadets, and to become more confident adult volunteers.
Warhammer Club
Have you played the massively popular Space Marine 2 game on PS5 or Xbox? Seen the animations? Come and try Warhammer!
The next Warhammer night will be held at Wadebridge detachment on Monday 20th January, 1900-2100. Although primarily as a DofE skills evening, all are welcome to try out the popular Warhammer table-top battle game.
JOIN THE
Cornwall Army Cadets Warhammer Club
• Develop your skills in Tactics and Battle Drills
• Improves focus
• Have fun
• Team work
• Offical DofE Skill activity
• Beginners and veteran gamers welcome Want to know more? Ask your detachment commander
ENTER NOW FOR A CHANCE TO BE THE WINNING DESIGN
Across the organisation, the Commandant’s Coin is presented to any Cadet or CFAV who have set exemplary examples of the Army Cadet’s Values and Standards.
We would like you to design that coin. The winner will have their design made into a coin or a pin badge.
SPECIFICATIONS: STYLE:
DEADLINE: 31st January 2025 Send
and procornwall@armymail.mod.uk
NEWS ROUND-UP
Rugby Success
Cadets from Cornwall took part the South West Army Cadets regional competition to great success.
Many of the players were then picked to play for the South West teams in the national rugby competition at Altcar Camp, near Liverpool.
The SW teams of cadets shone at the national X Rugby 7s competitions!
Junior Boys: National Champions
Senior Boys: National Champions
Senior Girls: Runners-up
With multiple medals and new friendships formed across the UK, our cadets showcased amazing skill and sportsmanship. Proud of all their hard work and teamwork!
Christmas Parties & Awards
Newquay went to The Tide Rock Climbing centre for their festive activity
In the last few weeks before Christmas, Cornwall Army Cadets have enjoyed Christmas parties and celebrated the year with awards. Everyone is now looking forward to 2025 and all the opportunities we have on offer!
Cornish Teams at regional competition at St Austell RFC
The South West Teams at the nationals at Altcar Camp
NEWS ROUND-UP
Wadebridge Cadets in the Community
As part of the Cadet in the Community, this autumn, cadets from Wadebridge detachment have had visits with some of our local emergency services.
In September the local PCSO Scott Wheadon from Wadebridge Policing team came do talk about the Police in the local area. In October they visited the Wadebridge Fire & Rescue station, getting to try the hoses and the personal protective equipment. In November the cadets then visited the Cornwall Air Ambulance station outside RAF St Mawgan.
Visits like these are important for the cadets to get a small taste of what the local emergencies do in case they ever have to get help from one of them, or if they are interested in working in any of these fields (which some of the Wadebridge cadets are).
Lisa Ball, Specialist in Paramedic Critical Care, presented some of the cadets with their 2 star First Aid Badges
PCSO Scott Wheadon from Wadebridge Policing team with the Wadebridge Army Cadets
The Wadebridge Army Cadets standing next to the AW169 helicopter, a life-line to many
They enjoyed a fun and interesting visit at the Fire & Rescue Station
NEWS ROUND-UP
Gibraltar Company Weekend
Cadets from West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly braved what was supposed to be a wet September weekend and took part in fieldcraft, navigation and AT training.
The rain stayed away long enough allowing the cadets to get outside and take part in the many activities on offer.
Mountain bike maintenance and basic riding skills were a popular activity for the one star cadets.
Developing important navigation skills around Porth Reservoir, near the Cadet Training Centre
The cadets enjoyed bike maintenance and basic mountain bike skills
Captain Toy giving out shooting badges at the weekend’s final parade during a dry spell.
NEWS ROUND-UP
Inkerman Company Weekend
The Inkerman Company weekend in October was a full multi-activity package.
The East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team visited the Cadet Training Centre, RAF St Mawgan, and showed the cadets some of the skills they use to rescue casualties and their equipment.
Dickensian Style
Lostwithiel Detachment were at the Dickensian night, locally a highlight in the Christmas period. The cadets sold refreshments to thirsty shoppers and revellers while promoting the Army Cadets and getting involved in the local community spirit.
“Heave-ho!” - Inkerman Cadets learning life-saving rope skills with the East Cornwall Search & Rescue team
Cadets enjoying their container meals
One Star Air rifle shooting
NEWS ROUND-UP
County Promotions
Gibraltar Company
SI. HOWARD, Helston 04-Nov-2024
SI. WAPLINGTON, Penryn 18-Nov-2024
Cdt LCpl. GREEN, Falmouth 07-Sep-2024
Cdt LCpl. CLARKE, Hayle 08-Dec-2024
Cdt Cpl. SUTTON, Helston 29-Oct-2024
Cdt Sgt. THURLEY, Helston 23-Oct-2024
Cdt Sgt. BENNETT, Isles of Scilly Platoon 01-Oct-2024
Cdt LCpl. GREEN, Penryn 01-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. MILLAR, Penryn 01-Dec-2024
Cdt CSM. JELBERT, Penzance 08-Dec-2024
Cdt Cpl. HAY, Redruth 08-Dec-2024
Inkerman Company
SI. BAGNALL, Bude 01-Oct-2024
SI. EYRES, Liskeard 18-Nov-2024
SI. JURAS, Liskeard 18-Nov-2024
SI. MCKENDRICK, Launceston 11-Nov-2024
Cdt Cpl. CLEWLEY, Bude 19-Dec-2024
Cdt Cpl. CROUCHMAN, Bude 25-Oct-2024
Cdt LCpl. HAMILTON, Bude 19-Dec-2024
Cdt Cpl. LIM, Bude 19-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. MARSHALL, Bude 19-Dec-2024
Cdt Cpl. SPOKES, Bude 19-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. BLATCHFORD, Launceston 10-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. ROBERTS, Launceston 10-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. WESTMORELAND, Launceston 27-Oct-2024
Cdt LCpl. BAKER, Liskeard 15-Oct-2024
Cdt LCpl. SYMS, Liskeard 24-Nov-2024
Lucknow Company
SSI. RUNDLE, Truro 06-Dec-2024
Cdt SSgt. WILLIAMS, Newquay 08-Nov-2024
Cdt LCpl. PIPPARD, St Austell 11-Nov-2024
Cdt LCpl. SQUIRE, St Austell 09-Dec-2024
Cdt LCpl. ALLEN, Wadebridge 12-Sep-2024
Cdt LCpl. DANIELS, Wadebridge 26-Sep-2024
Cdt LCpl. DAVOUST-ZANGARI, Wadebridge 26-Sep-2024
Cdt LCpl. HAWKEN, Wadebridge 12-Sep-2024
Cdt LCpl. WOODS, Wadebridge 12-Sep-2024
Cadet Portal & MyCadet
In the new year, it is getting more important to get registered on the Cadet Portal for both cadets and CFAV.
More information about the Cadet Portal and how to register can be found here: https://armycadets. com/cadet-portal/ (or see the advert below).
MyCadet will be for parents/guardians to be able to book and pay for camps and other activities. This will also include a safe way for parents or guardians to receive communications from your detachment commanders about parade nights and camps. More news on this and when it will be available, will be released in January.
Look out for updates on your detachment Facebook groups or emails and posters on notice boards.
REMEMBRANCE
Cadets take Pride of Place
Cadets from all across Cornwall took their places in the Remembrance parades on 10th November. Many cadets have family that took part or died in the First and Second World Wars, and many of the wars since, so this is often a personal and thought provoking day.
The cadets prepare for the Remembrance Parade for weeks in advance, practicing their drill, ironing their uniform, polishing their boots and shaping their berets.
We are very proud all the cadets that take part on the parades, the ones that attend year after year and those that took part for the first time.
Please find more photos from across Cornwall on the next 6 pages.
Wadebridge Army Cadets marching towards the church in the parade
The cadets helping out and being an integral part of the community
Wadebridge Army Cadets marching ahead of the other local youth organisations
Being the standard bearer is the highest honour on parade
REMEMBRANCE
A group effort as Camborne, Redruth and Penryn Cadets attend the Parade at Camborne
The adult volunteers are ever vigilant
Laying the wreath
Cadets waiting for the parade to commence
REMEMBRANCE
Penzance Army Cadets standing at attention during their parade
Cadets at the war memorial in Bude Helston Army Cadets and adult volunteers
Bude Army Cadets stand ready
Hayle Army Cadet
Camborne Army Cadets at the War Memorial
REMEMBRANCE
Standing at attention at the War Memorial
Getting ready for the parade
St Austell Army Cadets marching through St Austell
St Austell and St Blazey Standards together
REMEMBRANCE
Truro Army Cadets outside the Cathedral
Truro Army Cadets waiting for the parade
Truro Army Cadets at attention during the 2-minute silence
Newquay Army Cadets eyes right to the podium of VIPs
Newquay Army Cadets waiting during the parade
REMEMBRANCE
Penrice School encouraged cadets to wear their uniform on Armistice Day too
Collecting for the Poppy appeal took place in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, here in Bodmin
Cadets taking part in the remembrance parade on 11th November at Penryn Collage
Bodmin Army Cadets at the Priory Car Park start point
Lostwithiel Army Cadets outside the Cadet Hut
Lostwithiel Army Cadets marching in the town parade
REMEMBRANCE
Did you know?
One day in early September 1914 the poet Laurence Binyon sat on the Cornish cliffs at Polzeath, near Wadebridge, gazing out at the sea. It was the first few weeks of the First World War and the terrible news of the casualties in France must have weighed heavily on his mind.
Penzance Army
Cadets collecting for the
Liskeard Army
Cadets collecting for the Poppy appeal
It was in that moment, so far from the chaos of war, that Binyon wrote his most famous work. Its gravitas, its tenderness and the depth of grief he expressed spoke to a fearful nation, and seemingly predicted the disastrous losses that were to come. ‘For the Fallen‘ was published in The Times newspaper on the 21st September 1914 and Binyon’s words secured a place in our collective history and our consciousness. We now say these words at every Remembrance Parade and service across the country.
Launceston Army Cadets marching in the parade
Launceston Army Cadets at the castle
Poppy appeal
BATTALION CAMP - DEC 24
Competition Weekend
This is the second year that we have run a competition weekend on our December weekend as a fun end to the year. The cadets really enjoy this competitive element and drives them to do their best.
The different competitions, some based on the one star syllabus, included: Ready, Steady, Eat; Drill; Shooting; Military Knowledge; Fieldcraft (patrol lane).
Also taking place was a one star First Aid course and Communications and Information Systems (CIS).
The cadets were evenly split into three companies: Waterloo, Marabout and Quebec, named after three Rifle’s Battle Honours. The cadets adapted to these new companies and everyone worked well together in these new groups.
Ready...Steady...Eat
Each team were tasked to make the best meal from ration packs supplied, plus anything the team can scavenge from the camp within a set time: 2 cadets can hunt for food, plates etc for 5 minutes.
These meals were judged by 3 brave CFAVs. Some of the dishes were delicious and reported being worthy of a restaurant offering!
Saturday night included a tasty Christmas dinner and finished with karaoke and a disco
CFAVs getting involved with the festivities YMCA is still a favourite
BATTALION CAMP - DEC 24
The
The Scores
Cdt Colour Serjeant Williams from Newquay being presented his three star Emergency First Aid certificate
Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel MacLeod, OBE, receiving his King’s Coronation medal
Retired
Colour serjeant Rundle receiving her promotion
Cdt Serjeant Pessel being promoted
Gibraltar Cadet Company Serjeant Major Jelbert receiving her rank
CFAV NEWS UPDATE
Upcoming CFAV courses
18-19 Jan Commandant’s Conference
7-9 Feb Basic Instructors Course
15-16 Feb CFAV Basic Induction
For national or regional courses, check your Portal or Westminster.
CADETS CENTRE HUB
Go to cadetsbrand.co.uk where you can download posters, and order branded merchandise and clothing. You will need to pay for this with detachment funds (the items used for county events come from the CMOs budget or from special grants).
Go to cadetsbrand.co.uk and set up as a new user with your ArmyMail email address.
Recruitment survey
It’s a short survey designed to help us (HQSW Cadets Branch) identify barriers to CFAV recruitment, retention and progression in the South West. The survey is fully anonymous and should only take around ten minutes to complete.
Survey - https://forms.office.com/e/a9VpKLK9ux
The survey is also on Westminster: Activity code – HQSW/25/1071844 Event title – CFAV Retention Survey
The survey will be live until 31/01/25 to enable maximum participation. The results will then be used in two ways:
1. They will be collated and discussed at a regional level, where we’ll produce a series of recommendations before being fed back into Regional Command.
2. They will be presented to the GOC Regional Command as a case study the next time he visits HQSW (May 25), further highlighting the issues facing the cadets in the South West.
MyCadet Launch Webinar
MyCadet is a digital app designed to provide parents and guardians of the ACF with easy access to important cadet information and functionalities.
Whilst the app is for parents, MyCadet will also reduce administrative burden on CFAVs, from Detachment Commanders to those responsible for planning events up to County HQ level.
To that end, there will be three webinars to showcase MyCadet functionalities and to demonstrate how the app interacts with Westminster to reduce administration burden, as well as a Commandant/ Deputy Commandant specific webinar.
We would encourage anyone to attend who holds an appointment of Detachment Commander or above to attend one of the following:
1 Tuesday 21 January 2025 @ 19:00 to 20:30
2 Wednesday 29 January 2025 @ 19:00 to 20:30
3 Thursday 6 February 2025 @ 1900 to 20:30
CORNWALL ACF IN 2024
Success in 2024
2024 has been a successful year for Cornwall Army Cadets with an increase in the numbers of cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV).
We have been able to re-open St Blazey detachment and all detachments have seen a rise in numbers. Some detachments are showing being close to full, based on building fire regulations, and requiring waiting lists for new cadets to join. The numbers of personnel allowed in our buildings has recently been increased, so some can now take a small number more.
We currently have 488 cadets on the system (as of 30 November) with 61 on the joiner tracker (where the cadet has not completed their trail sessions or ordered uniform).
These numbers are almost at our pre-COVID numbers in 2019 of 525 cadets.
We currently have 108 CFAVs which is our highest numbers since 2013. During 2024, 19 new CFAV have completed their Safe person training and many have gone onto their Basic Instructor Training. 45 new CFAVs are on the joiner tracker waiting for a Familiarisation course, DBS returns or waiting for interviews.
Across Cornwall, we have had successful recruitment activities such as school assemblies, open days/evenings and Royal Cornwall Show saw a record number of applications during and directly after the show. Remembrance Sunday parades and Poppy selling, however, are always a good recruitment opportunity as the cadets are seen in the public eye, whilst not being the primary reason for taking part.
2025 looks to be an even bigger year in recruitment: we have large advertising billboards going up in St Austell, more open days and evenings, volunteer and recruitment fairs and an even better Royal Cornwall Show being planned.
Cadet numbers
*Figures in 2020-2021 included too many non-attendees
Pre-covid number 2019: 525
CORNWALL ACF IN 2024
