Summer 20091 A WALK IN THE PARK Tackling the Ten Tors Challenge ... EXPERTS IN THE FIELD The ACO’S newest Junior Leaders ... BAGS OF PRIDE Cadets salute Normandy veterans 2 air cadet / summer 2009 3 this issue: 22 THERMAL LIFT Reaching new heights at ACCGS Red Arrows photo: SAC Rob Travis/Crown Copyright from Red Arrows photo: Rob Travis/Crown SAC www.defenceimages.mod.uk 20 13 29 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FULHAM FIRST SEEING RED The cadets who are Winners of the The ex-cadet who is leading from the front ... Shackleton Trophy keeping the Reds flying air cadet is sponsored by: 14 PITCH INVASION Tackling the Ten Tors Challenge COVER: Cdt Cpl Sophie Cooper of 444 (Shoreditch) Sqn playing bagpipes at Bayeux Cemetery in front of the combined Normandy Veterans Association and Royal British Legion. She said: “It was a moving experience. I was nervous but I knew how much it meant for so many people. I am pleased to have been part of something so special.” Photo: Flt Lt Philip Jones. 4 air cadet / summer 2009 5 But as the heroes of the time “It’s hard to believe quite what get older, and those surviving it was like, until you have heard to recount their incredible tales it direct from someone who was sadly become fewer and fewer in here and experienced it first number, attention has turned to hand.” ensuring that future generations – those with no experience of Likewise, the cadets’ presence also the horrors of European conflict proved a joy to the veterans who – never forget how much they relished the opportunity to speak owe to those who fought on the to young people two or three Normandy beaches. generations behind them. Donald Jones, a veteran of the The Normandy Veterans’ Association recognises that for 13th Lancashire Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, who was many of its members, this may have been the last chance to dropped in to Normandy at 2am on D-Day, spent more than half recognise a milestone anniversary of D-Day. an hour talking to cadets and staff following a service at Bayeux As a result, it has decided to Cathedral. pass the baton of responsibility for remembrance and Mr Jones said: “It is lovely to see so commemoration on to Cadets – many young people here, joining the armed forces and the veterans us veterans in commemorating of the future. the events of 65 years ago. Around 500 cadets – of which “It is so important that those the ATC and CCF (RAF) comprised who were not here to experience Cadets’ pledge - more than 50 per cent – and what happened, understand how dozens of staff, camped in the crucial a stage it was in the war. small town of Arromanches, I hope that the cadets continue to commemorate D-Day, and the focal-point of the Photo: Kit Ridley commemorations and location of remember those who gave their the main 6th June service. lives, for years to come.” But while this event was the The contribution of cadets to the D-DAY anniversary was also recognised climax of the three days and focus of the media across Europe and by senior figures, with the Prime America, it was just one of many Minister and Chief of the General parades and services at which the Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, cadets were represented during making particular mention MEMORIES their stay in Normandy. The of their presence during their cadets were divided into groups speeches. to provide a presence in other Following the Arromanches towns including Caen, Ranville service, Defence Minister Kevan and Colleville. Jones personally thanked a group TO LIVE ON In between services, they got the of cadets for the role they played. chance to visit local museums Gp Capt John Lawlor, the newly- dedicated to the Second World appointed Chief of Staff Air War, take in the poignant Cadets, who attended said: “The By Fg Off Ben Wilkinson Beginning in the early hours of atmosphere of British war cadets did a fantastic job and 6th June, 1944, D-Day was a major “Cadets are the next generation and they will cemeteries, and go to important represented the ACO extremely military attack on Nazi-occupied verseas camps are nothing new for the sites such as Pegasus Bridge, well. They looked immaculate France which proved a decisive take the memory forward into the future.” Air Cadets, but one of the largest and most famously taken by British forces on parade and we couldn’t have O step towards Allied victory in the following the Normandy landings, asked for more.” successful in years has taken place, to mark an Second World War. stifling the German counter- Emma (19) said: “The day was are a perfect way to do it. I would cadets were to play a part in the important anniversary in British and world history. attack. Commandant Air Cadets, Air Starting with a large-scale air amongst the highlights of my life. definitely be keen to come back anniversary.” Cdre Ian Stewart who welcomed assault involving British, American Having the opportunity to attend to Normandy in the future.” More than 250 cadets from the ATC and CCF (RAF) Rather than just acting as Many of the events also provided the cadets back to the UK said: and Canadian paratroopers, this these services really has meant interested bystanders though, CWO Luke Bowdidge (19) of cadets with the chance to meet “This will be a poignant moment - along with members of the Sea Cadet Corps was followed by the biggest such a lot to me and meeting cadets were given key roles to 2428 (Hedge End) Squadron ATC, veterans and chat to them for all cadets. They are the next amphibious invasion ever such important people as Prince and Army Cadet Force - spent an inspiring three play in many of the events. added: “For me this trip has been about their experiences, hearing generation and they will take the conducted, with more than 5,000 Charles and the Prime Minister days in Normandy, joining veterans and world a pilgrimage to remember those personal stories which portray the memory forward into the future. ships storming a 50 mile stretch of At a Royal British Legion service made it even more memorable. who, with tremendous courage reality of the time so much more leaders, including US president Barack Obama to the Normandy coastline. in Bayeux Cathedral a group “Both made the point that and honour, sacrificed their young effectively than any museum can. “Many, have direct family links to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the of cadets provided a guard of WWII because their grandfathers Sixty-five years later the incredible it was good to see so many lives for their comrades, their honour for VIP guests. CWO Emma Cadet Victoria Maycock, of 2120 and great uncles were there. The D-Day landings. success but appalling cost of the cadets taking part in the country, and also so we may live May, of 730 (Truro) Squadron ATC, (Witney) Squadron ATC, said: “I cadets’ involvement is key and operation is not forgotten, and commemorations. in peace today. was not only selected to present enjoyed all aspects of this camp, their support and enthusiasm for veterans of the campaign, who a wreath to Prince Charles, but “I think it’s very important to “A highlight was sharing a but what I will remember most the veterans is boundless. We are have been keeping memories of also met the British Prime Minister keep the connection between conversation with Prince Charles, is talking to the veterans and extremely proud of them.” D-Day alive for decades, still travel Gordon Brown and French Prime the cadets and the history of the which enabled me to tell him finding out about their personal to France to commemorate the Minister Francois Fillon. British forces, and trips like this just how proud I and other stories of the war. sacrifice of their fallen comrades. ABOVE: 17 year old Cadet FS Helena Schofield from Portsmouth Grammar School CCF commits the Cadet Forces to maintain the memory of those who landed on D-Day. Photos: Flt Lt Philip Jones 6 air cadet / summer 2009 7 New activity centre opens he latest Regional Activity ACO MOURNS LOSS OF CADET AND PILOT CADETS SHARE TOP AWARD T Centre, with a state-of-the-art flight simulator, has been officially opened at Altcar Training Camp. he Air Cadet Organisation n a groundbreaking first, two I air cadets have taken the top The Centre took a year to build and T is mourning the loss of CCF prize in a national competition the project has received massive run by the RAF Association support from the Reserve Forces (RAF) cadet Nicholas Langley- & Cadet Association as well as the Rice (15) and RAF Reservist (RAFA). RAF Charitable Trust who funded much of the hi-tech equipment in Flight Lieutenant Michael It is the first time ever that judges the Centre. have awarded joint first place Blee (62) following a collision in the RAFA Flying Scholarships, Trustee, Martin Hines, said: “We feel which are a form of ‘thank you’ that if you give young people a between their RAF Grob Tutor challenge and the resources to fulfil aircraft and a civilian glider. to squadrons from across the UK that challenge they will achieve who play a vital role in helping to their goals. These centres provide The accident occurred near Sutton Courtenay collect for the RAFA Wings Appeal. a stimulating environment for the in Oxfordshire during an air experience flight cadets and the equipment, such as The squadrons are invited to the flight simulator, is way beyond from nearby RAF Benson.