Air Cadet 75th Anniversary Extravaganza

Cadets and Staff from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron were recently involved in the impressive Air Cadets 75th Anniversary event at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

 

The event, taking place to mark 75 years since the Air Training Corps was formed during the Second World War, took place at the College Hall Officers Mess, and involved drill displays and musical entertainment, as well as flypasts from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows!

1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron took part in several aspects of the event. Cadet Sergeants Ellie Cooper and Skye Donoghue had been part of a Drill & Ceremonial camp the week leading up to the event and displayed their skills with an impressive rifle drill display. Cadet Flight Sergeant Bailey Ryan and Max Franks were part of the Air Cadet Organisation National Marching Band, whose mesmerising performance was applauded by guests that included the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Group Captain Carol Vorderman, honorary ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation.

Staff from 1224 also assisted with the National Concert Band camp in the week leading up to the event.

The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display taking display over the College Hall Officers Mess.

Wharfedale Air Cadet complete Gruelling Dutch March

An Ilkley Air Cadet has completed the challenging Nijmegen Marches in Holland.

Cadet Sergeant Ryan Griffin took part in the event, in which participants must walk 100 miles over four days through the Dutch countryside, as part of the Central and East Yorkshire Wing team, one of many military teams taking part from across the world!

The Nijmegen Marches is one of the most prestigious events that Air Cadets can take part in, marching alongside teams from countries as far away as Canada, the USA and even Australia!

This year was made even more special by the fact that the event was celebrating its 100th Anniversary.

On completing the marches, and being awarded his medal for completing the event for a second time, Sgt Griffin said it was "The hardest challenge I've had in cadets to date but the greatest part is the crowds there to cheer you on".