Focus on 42F

The Newsletter of 42F (King’s Lynn )Squadron

Air Training Corps May 2013

Iceland Adventure Trek 2013

A group of air cadets and staff from 42F

(Kings Lynn )Squadron ATC have just returned from a fantastic expedition in Iceland. The team consisted of Flt Lt

Pauline Petch - OC of 42F Kings Lynn Squadron who organised the week long

trip to Iceland Fg Off Chris Barrett and 8 cadets. A diverse trip with cultural visits of museums and activities such as horse riding and swimming and the main reason for the trip - a 4 day Nordic ski expedition crossing the bleak snow covered Langjokull glacier pulling pulkas loaded with all the equipment needed to survive in such a desolate icy place. Nordic skiing on an Icelandic glacier is something to remember for a lifetime. Langjökull glacier is Iceland´s 2nd largest and the one closest to Reykjavík. Three camps were made on the way across the glacier .On the first day the team met at the Trek base ( the guiding company) to check equipment and fit skis and boots, also checking tents and experience .A two hour scenic truck ride up towards the glacier followed, stopping along the way to see the Hraunfossar waterfalls. At about 700m above sea level skis were put on and the pulkas attached for the first ski day up the west side of the glacier, about 1100 m above sea level. With the skiing and the sheer weight of the pulkas this was very slow going. However we reached an area and camped for the night after about 4 hours skiing .On day 2 camp broke early in the morning and at a temperature far below what we were used to! - and skiing began towards the top of the glacier. At midday Þursaborg, a rocky summit protruding through the glacier at 1300 meters above sea level, was passed and the team carried on until light began to fade to put up the second camp with views towards Þingvellir and south Iceland. The third day began with icy snow falling and a complete white-out where the camp was . All that could be seen was the tents - no horizon ,no sun, no sky-this was a very challenging day. On Day 4 the weather improved with bright sunlight glimmering on the snow and the crossing of Langjökull was completed by descending all the way to the glaciers edge on the eastern side, where we were met by the trucks that brought the team to the glacier .The next 3 days were spent visiting Blue Lagoon, trying out Icelandic Horseriding and visiting the National Museum of Iceland, before making our way back to the UK. There are no words that can really express the experiences that the whole team had. This was just a trip of a lifetime and all team members have come back with renewed enthusiasm ...this more than lived up to the corps motto...... ‘Venture .Adventure ‘and also the motto of 42F King’s Lynn Squadron – ‘Determined to Achieve’ 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Getting the ‘Air ‘back in Air Cadets

On Saturday 13th April 10 Air Cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC took to the air in four Vigilant Gliders. of 612 Voluntary Gliding Squadron.

612VGS, normally based at Abingdon near Oxford, were ‘guesting’ at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire which enabled cadets from and Suffolk Wing to again take to the sky whilst its own Voluntary Gliding Squadron (611VGS), having lost the use of Watton airfield, is temporarily non operational.

After a full safety brief four cadets at a time were escorted onto the tarmac and the waiting gliders for a 15 to 20 minute flight experience. Whilst airborne all the cadets had the opportunity to take the controls and have the thrill and experience of actually piloting the glider. Some lucky cadets found that they had much longer than their allocated 15 minutes in the air. Coningsby is also home to the famous Battle of Britain Flight Memorial Flight and on that day the BBMF’s Dakota was also aloft practicing for the 2013 season’s displays. While this was taking place over the airfield the gliders had to stay airborne some way out thus giving the cadets the chance to gain more knowledge about flying and the glider. Cadets on the ground also had the added bonus of a private flying display by the historic Dakota.

King’s Lynn Squadron had been allocated 9 places but was fortunate to get 10 Cadets to fly. This was a fantastic opportunity to get the ‘AIR’ back into Air Cadets for Norfolk & Suffolk Wing and thanks should go to 612VGS of Abingdon and their staff, the Air Cadet Liaison Officer at Coningsby and all who made this opportunity happen. ’s Patron Saint Remembered

Its Monday parade night fell on the eve of 23rd April, St George’s day, so 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, celebrated our National day and it’s Patron Saint, in its now customary manner. When the tuck shops serving hatch opened it revealed an enormous tray of ‘St George’s’ iced buns which were swiftly devoured by the squadrons’ cadets. St. George was born in the 3rd century AD and became a soldier in Rome’s Imperial Army. Eventually tortured and put to death for his Christian beliefs by order of the Emperor Diocletian in 303AD he became an early Christian martyr. Since 1415 he has been England’s patron saint. The historical facts known about him, together with the legends that have grown up around him, paint a picture of a man who was honest, courageous, and chivalrous and a good citizen true to his beliefs with a spirit of adventure, qualities that that are at the heart of the Air Training Corps ethos. They say that the way to an Englishman’s heart is through his stomach, so there can be no better way to celebrate our country’s patron saint than with a cry of “Hurrah for Saint George!” and to feast on his buns. Page 2 Issue 22 02/2013

. Cadet Wins Mayors Award for Community Spirit When the Hunstanton Town Council requested nominations for the Mayors Community Awards for 2013 the local High School was quick to put forward on of its pupils. 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps 16 year old Cadet Sergeant Jack Savage is a student in Year 11. Jack’s Head of Year, Ms. Fairweather, penned the following citation.

Jack is a year 11 student at Smithdon High School. He works hard at school and intends to continue on to Sixth Form. He has hopes of becoming a Rotary or fast jet Pilot in the Royal Navy. In school he participates in the senior sports leader course where he assists in the teaching and leading of sports to all years throughout the school. He is a member of the school rugby team and has been part of the success of reaching the regional stage. He has also completed the regional maths challenge. Outside of school Jack is a member of the Air Training Corps where he has progressed to Sergeant. This role makes him responsible for the welfare of over 20 cadets (aged13-18) in Kings Lynn and the Norfolk area. He is expected to lead them in a number of situations and help them get the most out of the Air Training Corps, whether it is just the experiences, or working towards qualifications. Through Cadets Jack is a member of the Norfolk and Suffolk rugby team. He has gained many awards including first aid courses, an advanced RAF swimming qualification, a heart starting and CPR qualification, National navigation award, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards and weapons handling courses in the bolt action rifle and L98 assault rifle.

Jack has completed both a flying and gliding induction course and is currently in the application process for a full gliding scholarship. With cadets Jack has done over 100 hours of community work over a wide range of fundraising activities from bag packs for Cancer Research to car parking for local events. Using his sporting abilities Jack has completed the great Barrow Challenge Marathon- which is a full 26 mile run over mud, dressed in military clothing where he raised over £150 for charity. He is now hoping to participate in the Spartan challenge (run and obstacle race). Jacks nomination was successful and he recently received his award from the Hunstanton Town Mayor Elaine Clutton at a formal awards ceremony in the town. Jack is a modest lad and has said little about receiving the award other than he was surprised to be nominated

Page 3 42F King’s Lynn ATC Phone : 01553 661240 Loke Road Email : Kings Lynn [email protected] Norfolk Coming Events 2013

June : Lions Funday at the Walks including Drill and parade June: St Valery Parade & Sandringham Driving Trials July: Sandringham Flower Show August : Germany Adventure Camp RAF Boulmer Summer camp Stradsett Vintage Rally

May Bank Holiday weekend and the Cadets and staff assisted at the annual Stradsett Vintage Rally. They helped with parking cars over the two days and camped overnight. This Bank Holiday weekend was the first opportunity the cadets have had this year to camp out and it allowed the cadets to experience fieldcraft lessons in a real environment. They were trained in movement in the field, spent the evening avoiding the ‘hunter force’ in the adjoining wood and being shown ways to camouflage themselves On the second evening OC42F and CI Petch put on a barbeque for the cadets and staff to thank them for working so hard over the weekend.

Over the weekend cadets worked tirelessly parking cars and assisting the public. For their help a donation is given to the squadron which will help with training costs. In addition to this a fundraising space is given and the Civilian Committee raised funds from a bottle stall and bric-a-brac. At the end of the second day cadets also had a bucket collection which raised £117

Mayors Cadet 2013

On 9th May the new Mayor was sworn in for West Norfolk and Kings Lynn at the ceremony in the Town Hall. Each year a cadet from each of the three cadet services are given the position of Mayors Cadet for the year. This year the Mayor’s Cadet for 42F Kings Lynn Squadron Air Training Corps is Cadet Lauren Simpson

STOP PRESS! - Wing Athletics Competition at Ipswich stadium on May 12th was very successful with 14 cadets and 3 staff attending– Bronze , Silver and Gold medals were brought back to the squadron and F/Sgt Oakes was awarded the CO’s plate– full details can be seen on the website— www.42fkingslynnatc.org.uk Focus on 42F

The Newsletter of 42F (King’s Lynn )Squadron

Air Training Corps September 2013

2013 Sandringham Flower Show

On Wednesday 31st July 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s cadets joined with members of the Norfolk Army Cadets, to complete their annual challenge of parking the thousands of visitors for the Sandringham Flower Show. In addition to this the squadron had been asked to assist the Royal warrant Holders Marquee with the signing in of their guests, so 4 of the cadets managed to keep dry for most of the day !

Although the weather was inclement, visitors began arriving at 7am and by 11 am when the Royal Patrons - His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, arrived the carparks were well on the way to being full. Due to the very wet conditions , it was thought that the Royal visitors may not complete all their walk but with brollies at hand the Royal visitors spent almost 2 hours visiting the marquees of flowers and talking to the stand holders of many of the charitable organisations present. They also spent considerable time speaking to many of the public lining the route and Prince Charles even had a photo shoot with a Bird of Prey! Many of the visitors gave gifts for Prince Charles new grandson -Prince George of , and shouts of congratulations were in the air . Once the carparking was completed, members of King’s Lynn Squadron were released from their duties to change into number 1 dress and form up, near the display of the Royal Warrant Holders marquee to meet the Royal couple. Prince Charles always shows a keen interest in the Squadron and its activities and again this year found time to shake the hand and speak with all of the cadets in the Honour Guard. This year , in commemoration of the birth of Prince George, 42F Squadron cadets gave an Illustrated Fairy Tale book to Prince Charles, for him to read to his first grandchild. This was presented by Cadet Victoria Norwood . Commenting after the show, 42F’s Commanding Officer Flt Lt Pauline Petch said Meeting Their Royal Highness’ is an honour that the cadets really appreciate. They worked extremely hard car parking but were always polite and courteous and received numerous positive comments from members of the public.

I would like to thank the cadets from both services for giving up their time to help out with such an important event 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC No Dutch Courage needed at Nijmegen

Having successfully completed all the local training and the 50 mile WARMA (walking and . road marching association) qualifying marches at RAF Cosford, 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Cadet Flight Sergeant Sam Oakes (19yrs) and Cdt Sgt Jack Savage (16yrs) were chosen as members of the team to represent Norfolk & Suffolk Wing of the Air Training Corps participating in the arduous Nijmegen four day marches in Holland. The marches, covering 100 miles, took place over the four days of 16th to 19th July and saw an amazing 46,000 people from across the globe take up the challenge. 8,000 of these were members of international military teams of which 900 were British military and of these a considerable number were cadet teams. On Monday 22nd July, having returned home triumphant, their team having successfully completed the march, Flt Sgt Oakes and Sgt Savage were eager to show their medals to the other members of their Squadron. Cdt Flt Sgt Oakes explained that this had been the 97th year of the Marches and the fourth consecutive year that he had taken part and completed it, his medal ribbon proudly displaying its number 4. Sam went on to say that “Now I am nineteen in addition to my normal pack I was classed as an adult military and had to carry an additional 10 kilos of weight. It was strange but even though I had the extra weight and the very hot weather I still found this year the easiest so far. It is a fantastic event to be a part of.” For Cdt Sgt Savage this was his first year and described the Marches as physically very challenging but continued, “The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic. We were up by 2am and marching by 3.30. I was so proud to march out of the British military camp in company with so many others British units. Meeting members of the armed forces of Canada and the USA as well as many european countries was also a great experience. Yes I found it difficult but also very enjoyable.”For his strength within the team which consisted of ten cadets and two adult staff Cdt Sgt Savage was awarded the Team Award for Excellence and Moral. Throughout this report we have been referring to Cdt Flt Sgt Sam Oakes as it was at this rank that he participated in the Nijmegen Marches but on Monday 22nd July when back on parade at his Squadron Sam was presented with his new badges of rank as a Cadet Warrant Officer. Squadron Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch said “Sam has showexcellent leadership skills as he has progressed through the ranks over the years and I am proud to be able to formally promote him this evening.” The now Cadet Warrant Officer Oakes said “ I have done so much during my six years with the Squadron, but to have been considered, and indeed promoted, to this highest rank during my last year is indeed fantastic”.

Page 2 Issue 23 03/2013

. All in a Day’s Work June 2nd, 60 years ago our Queen was crowned, but in 2013 it was just another working day for the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps.

The King’s Lynn Lions Club were holding their annual Fun Day in The Walks, the town’s park, a day of free entertainment for the people of the town and surrounding villages. The Squadron arrived early to assist the members of the Lions to set up their marquees and to rope off an area for the grand ring. With all the mornings tasks completed it was time for the cadets to make their way into town to the west door of the Minster Church. Here, together with members of the local T S. Vancouver Sea Cadets, they formed an Honour Guard as the County’s dignitaries entered for the newly elected Borough Mayor Councillor Elizabeth Watson’s Civic Service.

Then it was back to The Walks where by this time the crowds were gathering. A quick meal break and it was time to give a drill display in the grand ring. The Mayor and her Consort attended the Fun Day during the afternoon and as she was escorted around the stalls by a member of the Lions she stopped and thanked the Squadron for its support of the town’s activities. As the event came to an end it was time to take down all that they had put up earlier in the day. Lion’s activities committee chairman, Peter Dixon, thanking the cadets for their support said, “This has been a superb way of celebrating the Queens 60th anniversary of the Coronation”. Honorary Air Commodore Sir Michael Oswald Visits

In 2012, whilst holding the Royal appointment of High Sheriff of the County of Norfolk, Georgina Holloway paid an official visit to the Air Training Corps 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s headquarters. Having thoroughly enjoyed the evening she recently contacted the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch, to ask if she could visit again and bring a close friend, Sir Michael Oswald. The return visit took place on Monday 24th June when Georgina arrived accompanied by Sir Michael who is a Knight Commander of the Victorian Order (KCVO) and also an Honorary Air Commodore in the . On arrival they watched a practice drill display before meeting staff and having a tour of the building. This was followed by a presentation of the Squadron’s Easter Icelandic glacier expedition. This was given by Cadet Sergeant Jack Savage using his own photographs and from his personal perspective. After refreshments the visitors were shown the Squadrons flight simulator. Before the visitors left they addressed the cadets and Sir Michael told them “I am so very impressed with what I have seen here this evening. You have a marvellous Squadron here. Well done to you all”

Page 3

42F King’s Lynn ATC Phone : 01553 661240 Loke Road Email : Kings Lynn [email protected] Norfolk Coming Events 2013

September :  Holt 1940s weekend  Battle of Britain Parade,  Wings Appeal,  Regional Field Day  Gallipolli Service

Belgium Visit 2013

Cadets and staff from 42F Kings Lynn Air Training Corps have just returned from a 3 day visit to Belgium and to the First World War cemeteries and museums. Cadets travelled by minibus to Ypres and stayed at the Meningate Hostel. They spent their days visiting the area and laid poppy crosses at many of the cemeteries. One of the places they visited was Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 – where they were able to see trenches and equipment that was used in the First World War. Other visits over the 3 days included Essex Farm Cemetery and Dressing Station, and Yorkshire Trench – one of the most recent to be excavated. This trench was found by amateur archaeologists when the area was being built on for a new industrial area . 155 soldiers of the First World war were also discovered along with many artefacts now housed in the local museums. The visit culminated in a parade at Menin Gate on the last evening with Cadet Rhiannon Emblem laying a wreath on behalf of the squadron and Sgt Jack Savage reading the exhortation. This moving ceremony takes place under the Menin Gate in Ieper – Ypres at 8pm every night . The Last Post Ceremony has become part of the daily life in Ieper (Ypres) and each evening the roads area closed and the last post sounded by the Buglers of the local Fire Service STOP PRESS! -

Intake Night for new recruits September 18th at 7.30pm parents and friends welcome

All news items available on 42F Website www.42fkingslynnatc.org.uk Focus on 42F

The Newsletter of 42F (King’s Lynn )Squadron

Air Training Corps January 2013

42F—Norfolk & Suffolk’s only Founder squadron!

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s annual Dining-In Night and Presentation of Awards Ceremony took place on .Monday 19th November, as tradition now dictates, in the town’s historic Town Hall. One hundred people, Squadron members and guests, that included parents, Borough Mayor Councilor Geoffrey Wareham, Major Gary Walker representing RAF Marham, 42F’s Honorary President the Earl Romney and ‘Founder’ members of the Squadron from 1939 gathered for pre dinner drinks in the 15th century Stone Hall before moving through to the 18 th century Assembly Room. Here under glittering chandeliers and watched over by life sized portraits of past monarchs and sons of Norfolk, they were served a three course meal by the aptly named West Norfolk Flying Chef caterers.

Following the ‘Loyal Toast’ to Her Majesty, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch gave a short speech outlining the numerous and varied achievements of the cadets over the preceding twelve months. She went on to explain that, due to the close liaison between Major Walker of RAF Marham’s Tactical Imaging Wing (TIW) and the Squadron, 42F now had strong ties with TIW and at this point Major Walker officially presented the Squadron with a certificate of affiliation. Flight lieutenant Petch then went on to inform everybody that the King’s Lynn Army Cadet Detachment would, following an imminent building programme, also be parading at the ATC’s Loke Road Headquarters.

She concluded her speech by saying “Although the building has always been an Air Training Corps Squadron times change and we must look on this as a new challenge and make it into a positive experience for the youth of the town. With funds ever decreasing the way forward is to join services wherever possible to make the most of the resources available. It matters not what colour uniform they wear, as staff and volunteers we are all trying to do a very similar thing, to help guide, train and develop these young people into respectful disciplined and helpful adults. So please stand for a toast to the Youth of Kings Lynn”.

To loud applause the cadets were then presented with their awards for exceptional work and commitment in numerous and varied activities. Christmas Cheer for the Afghan Desert

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the King’s Lynn Air Cadets headquarters. Over the past few weeks 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron have been Santa’s little helpers as they put together ‘Surprise’ gift parcels. RAF Marham is the cadet squadron’s par- ent station and assists them in numerous ways. Recently members of 9 Squadron based at RAF Marham have deployed for an extended tour of duty in Afghanistan which will see them there well into 2013 and so separated from their loved ones at a time of year when all families would wish to be together. With this in mind the cadets decided that they would send some festive cheer to the personnel of this Tornado Squadron by filling shoe boxes with items that are not readily available in their desert camp. 24 boxes have been packed and notes of appreciation enclosed by the cadets. The parcels, each addressed to an individual member of the Squadron arrived in time for Christmas day and the squadron has had some thank you letters from those overseas. 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC

Cadets attend the Gallipoli Remembrance Parade

Military representatives from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey joined a congregation of over 100 in St Nicholas Church Dersingham to remember the fallen of World War 1’s Gallipoli campaign. The service on Saturday 15th September. saw the Standards of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC and the local Sea Cadets and Army Cadets join those of the British Legion and other organisations to honour those who died during that ill fated campaign. Prior to the service two of the Air Cadet contingent handed out sprigs of Rosemary, a herb that symbolises remembrance, to all as they entered the church and further representatives of all three cadet corps conducted the collection during the service. The Gallipoli campaign was a failure and by the time the al- lied forces had been evacuated in January 1916 they had sustained casualties of almost 290,000. Of the 60,000 killed some 43,000 were British troops. One of the Turkish Colonels’ repulsing the allied attacks was Mustafa Kemal, who in the years after the war was to become the first President of the Republic of Turkey, and was known as Ataturk (Father of the Nation).

In 1934 this once adversary spoke the following words in reconciliation.

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives, you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country, therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are at peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.

This moving passage was read out during the church service by Colonel Erdinc Kocayanak, Military Attaché at the Turkish Embassy in London. After the service the cadets had the opportunity to meet with the visiting military representatives and other dignitaries whilst taking refreshments and trying the famous ANZAC biscuits in the nearby church hall.

Remembrance Service Terrington

The firing of the guns on the Western Front on 11th November 1918 was symbolised by the muffled bells of Terrington-St-Clement parish church, as one by one they fell silent, before the Union Flag, escorted by a contingent of nine 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Cadets, made its way at the head of numerous local uniformed organisations into the church for the annual Remembrance Day service. Following the service the congregation made its way to the village memorial garden on the recreation field where poppy crosses were placed in memory of each one of the more than 130 young men who gave their lives during the two world wars from this one village alone.

Page 2 Issue 21 01/2013

. RAF Remembered On the afternoon of Sunday 30th September the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC played a pivotal role in a ‘Sunset Ceremony’ at the site of Royal Air Force Bircham Newton. The occasion was to celebrate the stations distinguished history and to mark the 50th anniversary of its closure. RAF Bircham Newton was in continuous operation for 44 years, from early 1918 until December 1962. For most of the inter war years it was Norfolk’s only flying station. The afternoon saw hundreds of people attend the airfield which is now home to the National Construction College. They were able to enjoy a programme of popular and military music performed by the Fakenham Town Band, a flypast by two vintage aircraft and a number of other displays within the RAF Bircham Newton Memorial Project building and by other groups and organisations. At the end of the afternoon, in the presence of a number of distinguished guests, the Sunset Ceremony re-enacted part of the original ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony held when the station closed in 1962. A trumpeter from the band played the Last Post as the RAF Ensign was lowered by a cadet from 42F Squadron Air Training Corps and the various RAF and British Legion Standards were lowered. The salute was taken by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Keith Williamson GCB AFC and a Guard of Honour by the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC added further dignity to this simple but moving act of remembrance. Remembrance Sunday

In King’s Lynn itself the large Remembrance Parade, which had a strong presence from RAF Marham, saw 42F parade staff and 28 cadets at the towns Memorial Gardens wreath laying ceremony before they marched through the town together with the various Standards, Service personnel and the Army and Sea Cadets to Lynn Minster for the traditional Service of Remembrance. A mayors cadet from each cadet force assisted the Civic party and dignitaries with their wreaths and were also involved in the receiving of the standards in the Minster at the beginning of the Remembrance Service Also this year, Springwood High School in King’s Lynn erected a memorial and flagpole to remember those lost from the schools in the locality . On Friday 9th November at 11am . The school held its first formal remembrance service. Flt Lt Petch arranged for cadets from all three cadet forces to be involved and after the Last Post was played by Ian Fraser-Barker – ACF, and the flag lowered by Cpl Mohan –ATC, The Kohima epitaph was read by Aubrey Clack –SCC, Chris Ward –ACF and Cdt Kidd –ATC.

Two minutes silence was then observed before a wreath was laid by Aubrey Clack and a Poppy Cross by Mr Gerry Tann – British Legion. All were thanked for their involvement by the Head Teacher and it is hoped that this will become an annual event. Page 3 42F King’s Lynn ATC Phone : 01553 661240 Loke Road Email : Kings Lynn [email protected] Norfolk PE302BP Coming Events 2013

Feb 3rd  ATC Parade RAF Marham  London Trip  D of E Expeditions March  Iceland Trip May  Stradsett Rally +much more and the normal round of flying . gliding, shooting fieldcraft and sport ...... Visit to Wing Commander Ken Wallis On January 3rd Cadets along with CI Smith and the CO went to visit Reymerston Hall— home of Ken Wallis . Wing Commander Kenneth Horatio Wallis MBE, DEng, CEng, FRAeS, FSETP, PhD, RAF is one of the leading exponents of autogyros.— He has held 34 records relating to them He was born in April 1916 in Ely, and educated at the local Kings School. When only 11, he helped in his father's cycle and motorcycle business and built his own motorcycles. From his teens, he went on to design, build and race powerboats quite successfully, progressing then to designing and building a range of sports cars. He also enjoyed shooting competitively and did very well at that. In the 1930s, he took flying lessons and joined the RAF when WWII broke out. Initially flying the Lysander on Army Cooperation duties with 268 Squadron, he was transferred to Bomber Command in 1941 and eventually completed 24 missions over Europe as a pilot of Wellington bombers with 103 Squadron; he then served in Italy with 37 Squadron. He had several miraculous escapes when his aircraft suffered severe damage but as a very skilful pilot he always made it home. Alongside his RAF career, Ken spent spare time on his autogyro invention, retiring in 1964 to begin the company with his cousin—Wallis Autogyros Ltd Between 1968 and 2002 Ken set 17 World Records in two Classes of autogyro - 34 in all - and many are still held by him, including the speed record of 129 mph. Ken has appeared in several major feature films and countless television documentaries but his most famous was when doubling as James Bond in "You Only Live Twice". Here he flew his own autogyro design - dubbed "Little Nellie" in the film - and dramatically dispatched all the enemy helicopters sent up to intercept him by employing a vast range of authentic weaponry. Cadets had the opportunity to look round all of the artifacts in his col- lection , including his vast collection of autogyros and many of the models he made during his RAF years . An extremely knowledgeable man who was happy to answer any questions and chat to cadets ... and although 97 years of age still takes the autogyro to the skies ....but due to 3rd January being cold we will return in the summer to watch the flights