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15th July 2008

Heightened Awareness – Regiment Style

Despite being one of the flattest counties in England, Air Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron scaled a 30 foot high rock face in the grounds of their headquarters courtesy of the Royal Air Force Regiment Presentation Team.

The full tower with multiple climbing faces

Climbing requires concentration, good upper body strength and a strong sense of adventure and with three different rock faces on offer on the Regiment’s climbing wall, the Cadets were eager to test themselves to the full.

Having recently worked alongside the Royal Air Force Regiment Presentation Team at the Bedford River Festival, the Squadron was offered the chance to use the climbing wall and listen to a presentation on the current role of the Royal Air Force Regiment around the world.

The climbing wall was an impressive sight towering over the unit’s headquarters building and attracted considerable interest from passing motorists as they journeyed into Bedford for the evening.

Sgt Tye starts his climb

More importantly six new Junior Cadets, for whom it was their first parade evening, experienced the true spirit of adventure that the Corps stands for.

The Royal Air Force Regiment is the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force. It is a diverse organization that provides first-rate worldwide Force Protection to United Kingdom air assets. It’s Officers and Gunners have been deployed on operational service every day since its formation in 1942 and have a proud history that is best characterized by the Regiment's motto 'Per Ardua' - Through Adversity 

Halfway up!

Flt Lt Mark Robinson the Officer Commanding 134 (Bedford) Squadron said, “The cadets have really enjoyed the evening with the Royal Air Force Regiment and it was great to see them tackling the climbing wall with such enthusiasm. They also appreciated the briefing on the role of the Regiment and the important part it is playing at this present time in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The Squadron would like to thank FS Harrison, Cpl Sowter, SAC Cheung and SAC Goodfellow for all their enthusiastic, hard work during the evening.