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26th June 2007

Bedford Do It Again

And so it was, 134 Bedford Squadron took 17 of its cadets to RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire, to compete in the annual Wing Field Day Competition and Drill Competition. Having picked the team some 3 months prior to the event, Bedford took with it countless hours of training, copious amounts of determination and a group of cadets who looked to once again secure their winning streak and a place in both Squadron and Wing history.

Wing Field Weekend sees the culmination of the 29 Squadrons from around the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire wing come together to compete for the coveted Field Day Shield and Drill Cup. Having won the Drill for the last 3 years and secured an impressive 3rd place in the Field day competition last year, we were confident in our ability.

 

Arrival on the Friday night saw the camp being set up, and when all was done the cadets turned in for the night in anticipation of the coming two days events. With a civilised reveille of 0700hrs the cadets set out on the quest for victory led by nineteen-year-old Cadet Warrant Officer Otulakowski. With 15 events to complete the team powered through the day, their enthusiasm and passion was clear to see, with their heads held high they completed exercises ranging from code breaking in Bletchley Park, to bridge-crossings in Exercise Hanoi and recognising both military and civil aircraft in the aircraft recognition challenge. When the day’s exercises were complete for the day, one last event remained. At 1740hrs the flight, led by Drill commander Cpl Sean Denham (16 years) marched into Hangar 1 on RAF Wyton’s airfield, and little known to them, they were about to make history.

With 52 movements the drill sequence includes a full and formal inspection followed by a routine that is marked on quality of movement and timings. Having practiced on every Monday and Friday evening since early May the team were well rehearsed and oh-so ready for the challenge that waited ahead. The drill sequence was completed in a little over 15 minutes and the cadets, satisfied that they had completed it to the best of their ability, returned to camp for a night of festivities and food Mexican-style.

el 134 (Mexico) Sqn

Sombreros and Ponchos filled the 134 camp, and with the Civilian Committee providing some top-notch Mexican food, the evening was set to be a memorable one. A starter of Nachos, a plate of Chilli Con-carnie and a strawberry mouse later the cadets settled in for the film showing and then bed. Following a wet and blustery night the cadets were treated to more first class food from the civilian committee in the form of bacon and egg rolls. At 0850hrs the cadets started the first of their final five exercises and were in great spirits from the off.

on exercise

With the final exercises complete the cadets began to strike camp, and get ready for Wing Parade where the presentations were to be made. Following the padres prayers and Group Captain G J Bruce’s (MBE MA FCIPD RAF) formal review the awards were presented, and 134 (Bedford) Sqn didn’t go without. The first win for the Sqn was the Wing Corporate Communications and Media Trophy, presented to us as a result of two radio adverts, one produced by staff for adult recruiting, and one made by CWO Otulakowski and FS Russell for recruiting new cadets, It was collected by OC 134 Bedford Squadron Flt Lt Mark Robinson VR(T).

WO Browne won the staff entry for the photo competition with his picture of Bedford cadets next to a Sea King. Furthermore Cadet Leah Gilbert (16) won Wing Female Sports cadet of the year award for her sporting contributions over the past 12 months. Cadet Warrant Officer Otulakowski received the prestigious title of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Male Cadet of the Year trophy for his outstanding contributions and his examples set over the past 12 months. Finally it was time for the Drill and Field Day results. 134 (Bedford) Squadron regained their title as Drill Champions for the 4th year in a row, and furthermore achieved the incredible position of 2nd in the Field Weekend competition. With 5 trophies to their name the cadets were satisfied they had shown the wing that Bedford were serious about winning. Notably the Drill Cup had its 50th anniversary this year and upon receiving it, Bedford broke the record for the most wins in a row, four, and also the total number of overall wins making the record now seven.

With the kit packed away, Bedford went home, a group of cadets from 134 Sqn went home jovial and merry in their achievements. Thanks are due to Mr. Justin Dipper, his partner Shirani and Mrs. Julia Croft for their contributions over the weekend, namely in food preparation to keep the team marching proud. Also many thanks to the staff from around the Wing who made the weekend possible, from organisation to exercise running. Congratulations to all who attended the weekend, they are to be commended on their efforts.

Cpl Sean Denham