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3rd June 2008

Feet Don't Let Me Down

Once again 134 (Bedford) Squadron braved the elements and set off to complete the annual Folkestone Spitfire Cadet March. Amidst the torrential downpours, the gale force winds, and even the intense heat of the sun, the cadets and staff alike completed courses varying in lengths of both 27 KM and 42 KM

The weekend started with the advanced party arriving at the camp early on Friday morning, with scorching sunshine, and the cadets following down later that evening. Following the arrival of the cadets, final adjustments were made to the campsite area, followed by a delicious supper of hotdogs and soup provided by the Civilian Committee. Having freshened up in the shower block the cadets headed for bed, anticipating with excitement the day that lay ahead.

An early start, with a practice fire drill awoke the cadets at 0630 hrs on the Saturday morning, to a bright and sunny day. Following an excellent breakfast of fruit, cereals and bacon and eggs the cadets headed to Lydd training camp to spend the day on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer, commonly known as the DCCT range.

Much like a normal range, the DCCT range operates from a computer and is used to train infantry in skills such as basic weapon handling and marksmanship. There are no live rounds, working off a laser inside the rifle, but it allows detailed analysis of individuals firing to assess what they need to work on. It was particularly effective for the cadets, some of whom had never fired before. The breathing techniques and movement of the rifle can all be monitored, and throughout the day there were vast improvements across the board, with some cadets passing the basic level of infantry marksmanship.

Having spent the day on the range, supervised by the Range Conducting Officer Squadron WO Taylor, the cadets returned to camp to a fantastic meal of lasagne and apple pie prepared in the latest addition to the squadrons inventory, a field kitchen, complete with oven and separate burners. Having finished the delightful meal, the cadets watched the film, ‘Where Eagles Dare,’ and went to bed, knowing that the following day would bring the challenge of the walk.

An early rise saw the cadets prepare for the walk that was to follow, and the two teams were soon breakfasted and ready to leave. The red team was headed by FS Sean Denham, 16yrs and the blue team was commanded by WO Taylor. Setting out at 0830 hrs the red team left in high spirits and had a highly successful walk. Though only two of the group had walked the route previously, all six members of the team were successful in completing the 42 KM march, despite blisters and sore feet, in a new record time of just 6 hours and 55 minutes. The blue team, setting out half an hour later were again highly successful in completing the route, aided by various songs and chants on the way round and were back in a very respectable 5 hours and 55 minutes.

Having showered, and changed into civilian clothing the cadets had their very first roast dinner in the field, complete with roast beef and roast pork, roast parsnips and potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and a multitude of vegetables.

To keep in line with tradition the staff followed with a formal mess dinner, in full RAF Dress. The Senior NCO’s on the squadron were invited to attend, Sgt James Tye 19 yrs, Sgt Michael Every 18 yrs and Flight Sergeant Sean Denham 16 yrs. Following a wonderful meal, including a cheese selection and coffee, the cadets laid on light entertainment, covering a variety of humorous aspects of the weekend.
The weekend ended with the striking of the camp, in the middle of a storm, with gale force winds and consistent rain making the job a challenging one at best. Having returned from the camp, all that remained was for the equipment to be unloaded and tidied away.

Thanks are given to the organisers of the cadet march for another successful weekend, and special recognition must be given to Mr Justin Dipper Chairman of the Civilian Committee and Shirani Gunawardena for their excellent cooking for the duration of the weekend, making sure the cadets were able to complete the march and the other activities alongside.

Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson Officer Commanding 134 (Bedford) Squadron commented on the weekend, “Despite challenging weather conditions we had a great weekend. The cadets behaved magnificently and are congratulated for completing the walks successfully.”