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6th September 2006

Invicta

Over the August bank holiday weekend, 25th – 28th August 2006, the Squadron saw one of its largest deployments in recent times with 19 Cadets and 6 Staff attending Dibgate Army Camp, Folkestone, Kent, for a weekend of adventure training. 

With the campsite having been constructed earlier in the day by a sizable advance party, the majority of the squadron cadets arrived on Friday evening and were thrown straight into a series of inter flight team building exercises. The winning flight was awarded with the squadron gauntlet to mark their achievements.

Saturday was the busiest day of the whole weekend with an early morning start, 6am, and demanding sports session for an hour before breakfast. Following a sumptuous breakfast prepared by the Civilian Committee Catering Flight, the cadets commenced a daylong exercise titled ‘RAF Dibgate’. This involved the cadets assuming responsibility for the running of a forward operating base where they undertook the roles of various station personnel. A Station Commander, Station Warrant Officer, OC Regiment Flight, OC Catering and SNCO i/c Fire Section were all appointed, allocated personnel and tasked with duties to perform. Sergeant Floyd of the RAF Regiment supplied operational advice and guidance throughout the day and added greatly to the impact of the training being delivered.

As the scenario progressed a series of demonstrations and exercises were undertaken. These included the search and rescue of a downed pilot, first aid incident, setting up fire equipment, field craft exercise/patrol, vehicle checkpoint demonstration, drill and an escape and evasion exercise.

The days events were completed at 2300 hours when the exercise concluded and the cadets returned to their accommodation for a good nights rest.

Sunday commenced again at 6am with an hour-long sports session from which the cadets returned drenched in mud, as it had rained heavily overnight. Following breakfast the cadets were transported to Hythe where they boarded the Romney Hythe Dymchurch Light Railway for a steam train journey to New Romney.

Following the railway journey it was time to set off for the beach at Hythe for more inter flight competition. The cadets took part in an inter-flight sandcastle building competition, somewhat difficult as the tide was in and only the pebbled beach was available! However in true Bedford style the cadets overcame the difficulty of having no sand and Red Flight won convincingly. This was closely followed by an intense volleyball championship between flight and staff teams with victory claimed by all sides!

To conclude the beach exercise the cadets formed up and marched into the sea where they managed to get thoroughly soaked. Having returned to camp the evening was completed with a film shown in the mess tent and then it was time to turn in at the conclusion of yet another busy day.

Monday commenced at 7am and the cadets were spared a sports session and instead treated to breakfast prepared by there Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Robinson. The campsite was deconstructed the journey home commenced. Upon arrival back at the Squadron Headquarters the kit was checked and returned to stores and the weekend was successfully concluded.

Adult Warrant Officer Taylor said, “This weekend we had a complete mix of cadets with us from fresh new recruits to seasoned old hands and the fact they have all mucked in together and worked so hard is testament to the qualities of our young people, this team goes from strength to strength.”