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December11/january12

DEVON AND SOMERSET WING A.T.C

In this edition

The mercury

EXERCISE GRIFFIN RETURNS SEE PAGE 6

GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE WING AT SPORT SEE PAGE 9

It has been a very busy Autumn within the Wing with some great success. We did well at sport

with Netball and Rugby wins. The Music Flight has gone from strength to strength after

winning the Regional Competition at RAF Lyneham, in the Fanfare, Single Bugle and Ensemble.

They represented the Region at the National Band Competition at RAF Halton. Where I had the

pleasure, for the first time, of seeing our cadets perform at this national level and for them to

come 2nd

, 3rd

and 2nd,

for a flight so new, it is a fantastic achievement. I will always remember

the Ensemble, as it was listened to in total silence and brought tears to some eyes as it was so

moving. I hope lots of cadets will attend the recruiting day for the Music Flight on Saturday

14 January at Norton Manor Camp as it is important to keep new cadets joining as some of the

founder cadets are leaving for university etc. Full details are available from your CO. The Flight

is also keen to welcome any interested members of staff . As Flt Lt Smith hands over the reins of

the Flight to Flt Lt Tanner I would like to place on record our immense gratitude to him for

starting the Flight we appreciate all his hard work and dedication getting it up and running

against all odds and vast travelling distances. My sincere thanks to all staff members, parents and

volunteers who transport our cadets from across the Wing to attend practices and

performances.

I went to the Band competition directly from the Staff training weekend at Chickerell, where 50

plus members of staff from the Wing were keeping their knowledge up to date or learning new

skills. As a training organisation it is important that all members of staff keep up to date and I am

really pleased that so many attended this time, the next one will be in February.

There have been a good number of cadets entering the examinations this Autumn and some

good pass rates. It always gives me pleasure to write to those cadets who have obtained a

distinction in either, Leading, Senior or Master Cadet. The lessons and examinations are moving

to an electronic version shortly and so I hope this will give cadets more flexibility on when

examinations can be sat and result in even higher results.

P A G E 2 T H E M E R C U R Y

A word from the boss

Over the last couple of months we have seen an increase in the number of cadets joining the

Wing we now have 962 cadets. Well done to all units who have been out recruiting let‟s hope

when I write my next article we are over the 1000 mark. It is important that the Bader records

of cadets are kept up to date so when a cadet leaves the Corps we have a CV of all their

achievements which can be used for service or civilian employment interviews.

As 2011 comes to an end, and it does seem to have flown by, it gives me much pleasure to

wish all Cadets, Staff members and your families a very Happy Christmas and all the best for

2012. I hope you enjoy the holiday festivities and a short break from cadet activities. The Wing

Conference for all members of staff will be on Sunday 22 January at Chickerell, I look forward to

seeing you all there.

B W Wills-Pope

Wing Commander

This is to inform you all of the Christmas to New Year arrangements for D&S WHQ. The Office

will close at 16:00H on Thursday 22nd

December 2011 and re-open at 08:00H on Tuesday 3rd

January 2012. In addition to this, the Wyvern Barracks Post Room will be closed from 12:00H on

Thursday 15th

December 2011. Therefore, the LAST day for processing incoming/outgoing

Wing mail items will be Wednesday 14th

December 2011.

The usual out-of-office hours procedures will apply during the above period and must be

adhered to in case of any unforeseen emergencies.

Thank-you

Mark.

P A G E 3

A word from the boss (con’t)

Wing closure

D E C E M B E R 1 1 / J A N U A R Y 1 2

Cadets from the Wing Music Flight won Silver Medals at

the National Band Championships at RAF Halton in

November.

As South West Regional Champions, the fanfare and

ensemble teams were up against top competitors from

across the Corps.

The ensemble consisted of Cdts Symes-Podic (violin),

Payne (drums) and Arrowsmith (piano and ensemble

lead). The trio received tumultuous applause from the

audience of musicians after playing I Giorni by Ludovico

Einaudi, arranged by Cdt Jack Arrowsmith.

The fanfare team of FS Heard, Cpl Voysey, Cpl Cooper and Cdt Capel played the Wing fanfare

"Royal Blackdown" on bugles (CWO Tanner was regional winner but was sadly unable to

compete at National which conflicted with JLs). They also competed in the individual Corps

bugler championship after claiming the top places at the regional competition. FS Heard won

the bronze medal in the final play off.

The Wing Music Flight also had success at the regional competition, improving on their scores

from last year. A strong Bath Sqn Band were tough competition on the day.


Band Championships

Cadet Sergeant Jordan Giles is celebrating

becoming a Grade 1 Glider Pilot, which allows

him to fly fellow cadets and members of staff

on Gliding Induction Courses.

Jordan (17) has been a member of Wyvern

Barracks bases 13 (City of Exeter) Squadron Air

Training Corps for 4 years he was awarded a

Gliding Scholarship at 624 Volunteer Gliding

Squadron (VGS) at Royal Marines Base

Chivenor earlier this year, which ended with him flying a Grob Vigilant light aircraft solo. This

success continued when he was invited to continue onto an Advanced Glider Training Course,

achieving his Gold Wings after 5 more solo circuits. This summer Sgt Jordan Giles was offered

the position of Flight Staff Cadet at 624 VGS.

By last month Jordan had covered the programme for Grade 1 and had completed 15 hours

flying training. Following an assessment flight with the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, he was

presented his Grade 1 Wings by Officer Commanding 624 VGS, Flight Lieutenant J Flory, who

said; “ to have achieved this while still being a serving cadet reflects extremely well on Jordan”.

Commanding Officer of 13 (City of Exeter) Sqn, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Partridge said “We are

very proud of Jordan, to be able to pilot an aircraft solo. Now he will be able to instruct fellow

cadets at the age of just 17 is a very impressive achievement”

© Gaz 2011

P A G E 5

congratulations

CARTOON CORNER


Working in the Medical Centre one evening I was

alarmed to be met by a young person partly

dressed in the uniform of a cadet corporal with

hideous injuries to his face and body. It soon

transpired that he‟d passed beyond and was

now, apparently, a zombie. After getting over my

initial shock I saw that the whole camp had been

„infected‟. Clearly Savlon or Man-Up spray were

not going to be effective here…

….. and so after two years and much hard work by the Command Team and activity leaders 160

cadets and 36 staff found themselves on the latest incarnation of Exercise Griffin – Phoenix

Griffin – based at Penally Camp near Tenby in South Wales.

The original Griffin exercises always sought to provide a taste of training and events that we

don‟t necessarily have access to at Squadron level. Phoenix Griffin built on that tradition. We

had the opportunity to experience archery with one-to-one coaching by P/O Les Tanner. The

archery staff also found a novel use for the uneaten fruit in our packed lunches when they

offered us the opportunity to pin the fruit to the archery targets with crossbow bolts. With WO

Guy Lancaster and his team we were fortunate to experience a new side to fieldcraft training,

learning how to construct effective debris shelters. Later we learnt how to stalk enemy forces

using camouflage and concealment tactics whilst aided by professional soldiers from the RAF

Regiment and The Rifles who attended the camp as service helpers. The cadets had the

opportunity to climb under the specialist supervision of Flt Lt Matt Dunn and shoot using the

L98A2 and No.8 weapons on gallery and ETR ranges following training by Flt Lt Bill Hamlen

and the shooting team. The cadets were also shown how to simulate wounds and treat

casualties suffering from a variety of injuries by Sgt ATC Sam Cairns. There was also time in the

week for swimming and to visit Tenby to obtain the essential personalised printed t-shirt or

hoody to wear at the disco later.


Exercise phoenix griffin

Although Exercise Griffin is a green camp there was

still an opportunity for each Flight to learn

continuity drill sequences. I saw most of the Flights

put through their paces on the Drill Square by WO

Gary Tonks and WO Chris Woods and was highly

impressed by their skill, conduct and bearing. There

was the opportunity to learn and develop leadership

skills with WO Phil Sturges and his team. Cadets

were delivering effective briefings and tackling

challenging command tasks even. On occasion they were chasing a shemagh-wearing

„prisoner‟ around the camp. There were also comprehensive navigation lessons with Flt Sgt

ATC Laura Blackburn set against the background of good old Welsh weather which at times

was distinctly damp. However the weather was not sufficiently harsh as to dampen the cadets‟

spirits.

In short, Exercise Phoenix Griffin has very much risen from the ashes of Exercise Griffin and I

know that next year‟s exercise, Phoenix Griffin II, will continue in the same vein, delivering

training as well as providing fun and enjoyment to cadets and staff alike.

Flt Lt Will Stephens

P A G E 7

Exercise phoenix griffin


WHAT A YEAR

Well its certainly been a busy year for the Wing Magazine. We‟re now in our fifth year. This year

we had two of our largest editions ever produced over the summer. In total we have produced

136 pages of stories about activities that Cadets from across Devon and Somerset have

undertaken during 2011.

We have gained a new supporter in the form of Torbay Boys‟ Grammar School and we would

also thank Thales UK who have supported us over a number years printing the magazine.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who has submitted articles this year and also the various

proof readers who correct my mistakes and patiently read the magazine over the year.

Lastly from the Media Communications Team, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Warrant Officer Chris Collman

Editor

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work over the last year

It is very encouraging to see Squadrons and Committees working closer together for the benefit

of our Cadets. Over the past year the Wing has achieved many successes and equally we have

had our share of mis-fortunes.

The one thing that stands out, is that we did it as a Wing and went “Onward Together”. There is

no doubt, that things will get tougher in the future but all things are possible if we put our

minds to it. United we will conquer, divided we fall!

Congratulations to all Wing Staff, Squadron Staff, Cadets and Committees, the work you do in

your communities is priceless. You should be proud of your efforts and long may you continue.

The forthcoming year will present many challenges and opportunities including some high

profile events, I am sure you will execute them with your usual panache.

May I extend my personal thanks and those of the Wing Executive to you all and your families,

may you have a Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year.

Garry Hawkes

Sqn Ldr RAF VR(T) Ret`d

A mis-spent youth paid off for Sergeant Tom Washington-

Smith when his A10 Thunderbolt II model won first prize at

the Regional Activities Competition at RAF Lynham in

October. The model was built from the Italeri 1/48 scale kit

with an additional detail pack for the cockpit and engines. It

sits on a realistic airfield parking bay and is suitably festooned

in weapons including the Gatling cannon for which the

aircraft is most famous.


41F’S SERGEANT TOM WASHINGTON-SMITH WINS

AT REGIONAL ACTIVITIES COMPETITION

Wing Chairman’s Christmas Message

On November 6th

2011, ten ladies

and 7 men journeyed to Tidworth

Barracks to take part in the inter

wing competition. With the girls in

the gym and the boys on the field

we started our events. Sadly due to

reduced numbers the gentlemen

were unable to compete for first

and a second mini competition was

held for them and the two other

teams also low on numbers. They

started off the afternoon with a match against Plymouth and Cornwall then ended the day

with a game against Hampshire and Isle of Wight, for which they won both matches. The

ladies with a complete team and reserves had a fuller day. We started our day with an

energetic match against Plymouth and Cornwall to take our first win of the day. More games

followed and more wins were in the bag with increasing numbers of the team being watched

as possible members of the region team. The day was finished with a match against Hampshire

and Isle of Wight which we won leaving us in an anticipated finish over the results. The day

was over with only one injury, a record for us. The result were announced with a close call for

1st but Devon and Somerset came out on top, beating close competition Thames Valley for the

first time in 10 years.

The day was eventful allowing Sgt Keay, Cpl Hackney and Cpl Phillips making the region team

for Rugby and CWO Small, Cpl Wilson-Chalon and FS Cossens making the region Netball team

with Cdt Turner as a non-travelling reserve.

P A G E 9

Inter wing Netball and rugby report


Jan Morse, an Adventure Training Instructor with

the Air Training Corps, from 2381 Ilminster

Squadron, recently completed a Himalayan trek.

The trek was organised by Group Captain Cross as

an exploratory trip to Kanchenjunga base camp,

prior to running it in 2012 for older cadets.

There was an earthquake in the area the week

before departure. The day before flying, we were

advised that we would undertake the Manaslu

round as the Kanchenjunga region was closed

because of landslips blocking the paths, and severe

damage to many village houses.

The 18 day trek covered about 180 miles and climbed the equivalent of a Lakeland peak a day.

The height between each night camp was usually between 300 and 700metres. The paths

often climbed high up the steep valley side, then descended to cross one of the many

suspension bridges, to climb back up again, to be repeated again and again! There had been

several landslides along the route of the trek, due to the unstable steep valley sides. One

landslide had destroyed a village of ten houses only three days before we crossed the now

boulder strewn area. Fortunately it occurred during the day and no one had been injured.

It wasn‟t until the eleventh day, at an altitude of 3,500metres, that we had a flat valley floor to

walk along for a couple of kilometres. At this point the views of Manaslu, the eighth highest

mountain in the world at 8,163metres, were spectacular. The day we were camped below base

camp, was the first successful climb of the mountain for that climbing season. There were

sixteen teams of various nationalities at base camp waiting for the chance to summit.

The highest we climbed was the Larkya Pass at over 17,000feet (I still think in old money!)

3,200metres. My heart beat was faster than normal at this altitude, although I was not out of

breath! That day we started climbing from the campsite at 4,460metres at 5am, crossing the

snow covered pass with high mountains on both sides. We reached the next campsite nearly 12

hours later, - a tiring day!

P A G E 1 0 T H E M E R C U R Y

Himalayan Trek

A pedestrian suspension bridge, one of about 40 we had to cross.

The next two days of descent were through breathtaking

scenery, with more bridges to cross, sometimes we only had two

7cm diameter bamboo canes to balance on, over fast flowing

torrents! The Manaslu Round is a quiet trekking area, but there is

outside investment in building new tea/guest house to

encourage more visitors to the area, as many of the well known

routes are now too busy. Mule trains, usually 9 – 11 mules with one muleteer, carry all the local

populations requirements up the valleys, with some Yaks being used over 3000 metres. There

has also been a school building programme, often the school is now the best building in the

village. The last two days of the trek were on the same route as the Annapurna circuit, and the

continuous stream of people was like a conveyor belt. We were pleased that our trek had

allowed us to appreciate the local villages and residents, with all the children greeting us with

Namaste as we passed by.

The Wing Music Flight is having a recruit intake day at RMB Norton Manor on Saturday 14th of January. Cadets are invited along with their parents to a day of music and presentations. All are welcome and those demonstrating enthusiasm, talent (or both!) could join the existing band members in providing music for the Wing. To secure a place at the intake cadets must complete and download the online form as soon as possible, before December 31

st at the latest. The downloaded form must be endorsed by COs. A

briefing pack and introductory letters have been sent using the Wing Information Service.

P A G E 1 1

Himalayan Trek

Wing Music Flight - Recruit Intake


Keen to relate our classroom training to real life, 41F

recently visited Flybe‟s maintenance facility at Exeter

Airport to see what goes on behind the scenes. The

visit also aimed to provide cadets with an insight into

some of the careers available in the airline

industry. This is especially appropriate as Flybe‟s

engineering training school, which is one of the few

in the UK, and which is partnered by Exeter College,

is co-located at the airport.

Our day was organised by Flybe‟s Safety and Quality Manager – Aviation Support and started

with an overview of how the airline plans its preventive and corrective maintenance to ensure

that aircraft not only depart and arrive on time but do so in one piece. With curiosity aroused

the cadets trooped into the cavernous maintenance hangar to see for themselves the vital

maintenance work on Flybe‟s fleet of turbo prop and jet aircraft.

First stop was a Bombardier Q400 where we ascended a maintenance platform to view the

intricacies of its engine installation and to hear how and why a jet engine is used to turn a

propeller. While up high the cadets were also able to get personal with the aircraft de-icing (or

was it anti-icing?) system and propeller controls.

Next, we landed in the flight safety office where a lady captain explained how Flybe ensures that

its aircrew are always up to scratch. In common with many airlines much essential flight data is

automatically downloaded to the flight safety office where aircraft and crew performance can be

analysed to spot any adverse trends etc. She bravely reviewed one of her flights for us and

explained how all the cockpit instruments could be displayed on computer screen so that every

decision and twist and turn made by the crew can be reviewed. All I can say is that I‟m glad this

technology is not available in cars! Our captain also took time to explain how she got into flying

– yes, she was an air cadet and yes she filled her boots with flying during her time in the Corps!

And then lunch which was a sight to see and taste….. I shall draw a veil over the naughty

delights to be had except to say that our CI Stu Fage enjoyed a „Hangar Burger‟ which I suspect

must rank as one of the biggest on the planet. When Stu asked what was to be found inside

the response was simply: everything except metal!


41F CADETS LEARN WHAT KEEPS AIRLINERS SAFELY

AIRBORNE

The afternoon continued with an examination in the nooks and crannies of an Embraer E-195 jet

airliner that left us with an appreciation of structures, flap operation, the baggage hold and so

on. We even saw giant decals being applied as if the aircraft had been built from an Airfix kit.

So now, when the captain announces the arrival of turbulence and passenger knuckles turn an

anxious shade of white our cadets can relax in the knowledge that the aircraft is not only strong

but well-maintained.

Our thanks to Simon Grace for a brilliant and enlightening visit.

CI John Washington-Smith

Last month saw the face of Flt. Lt. Andrew March, Officer

Commanding, change from parade night to parade night.

Flt. Lt. March signed up to take part in the “Movember”

fundraising campaign and grow a moustache. From the 1st to

the 30th

November, Flt. Lt. March was not allowed to shave his

moustache in return for sponsorship which, through the

Movember Movement, will be donated to the Prostate Cancer

Charity and Institute of Cancer Research.

Flt. Lt. March said, “ So far I have been pledged £60 in

sponsorship monies which, together with money raised by the

thousands of other men across the UK who have taken part, will go towards two very important

and worthwhile charities supporting the two major men‟s cancer issues. I am proud to have

taken part in this worthwhile event and a suggestion was made that I complete the process by

taking part in Decembeard as well. However, I can honestly say that the most annoying part I

found about sporting a moustache was it getting in the way of enjoying a good pint of beer”!

P A G E 1 3

41F CADETS LEARN WHAT KEEPS AIRLINERS SAFELY

AIRBORNE

Changing Face at Frome Cadets


On the 26th

and 27th

of November, cadets from 2381

(Ilminster) Squadron, Air Training Corps were among

forty-four Air Cadets and fourteen staff and service

helpers from seven local Squadrons at RNAS Merryfield,

Ilton taking part in the annual end of year „Exercise

Lockdown‟ fieldcraft training exercise.

Exercise Lockdown has traditionally been the final

fieldcraft exercise of the year for the local ATC squadrons and has gained a reputation as a tough

but enjoyable weekend. This year was no exception with a record number of cadets applying to

take part. Despite the challenging weather conditions everyone successfully completed the

exercise. At the end of the weekend all the cadets went home tired but pleased with their efforts.

The exercise itself draws upon the fieldcraft skills that cadets have learnt throughout the year and

puts them into practice with a challenging exercise running from Saturday afternoon until

Sunday lunchtime with little chance to sleep. During this time the cadets maintain a routine of

alternating duties and are given tasks and activities to complete in the form of mini exercises,

testing their fieldcraft, navigation, first aid and other skills.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Penny, Officer Commanding 2381 Ilminster Squadron and the Exercise

Controller said; „. During the training and exercise phases, morale was continually high and the

self discipline and application of everyone involved was superb. Lockdown is never an easy

exercise to complete - the weather at this time of year is always a factor and the fact that the

exercise runs throughout the night with very little chance to rest means that tiredness always

creeps in. So all those that did successfully

finish the weekend can justifiably be proud of

their achievement.‟


Ilminster Air Cadets Learn Tackle Fieldcraft

Challenge

Having visited 41R Squadron at RAF Coningsby to help

celebrate its 90th

Anniversary 41F decided to rename its

flights to commemorate two of the Squadron‟s famous

World War 2 pilot‟s.

Group Captain Donald Osborne Finlay DFC AFC

AFRAes RAF joined the RAF as a Halton apprentice. He

first became famous representing England in the 110

metres hurdles in the 1932 and 1936 Games where he

won bronze and silver medals. He returned to national and international competition after the

Second World War as captain of the Great Britain team at the 1948 London Olympics.

In September 1940, Finlay took command of 41 Squadron which he led during the Battle of

Britain. He claimed his first victory, a Messerschmitt Bf 109, over the Channel on 23rd September

and by the end of the Battle was credited with helping to destroy a second Bf 109 and a Dornier

Do 17 bomber as well as damaging a further three Bf 109s. Later he flew on anti-submarine

missions in the Mediterranean before taking command of a Spitfire wing in Burma. He retired as

Senior Technical Officer at RAF Halton where he was buried in 1970. He is commemorated at

HQ Air Command where the Spitfire at the main gate is painted in his colours.

Flight Lieutenant Eric Lock DSO DFC and Bar joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1939. In 1940

he joined 41 Squadron and fought through much of the Battle of Britain. On 5th September he

shot down 2 German bombers but was wounded in the legs by a Me109 which he then

attacked and destroyed. The following day he was airborne again and shot down a bomber. By

November he had shot down 20 German aircraft, 15 of these in 19 days, baled out 3 times and

crash-landed once. In 1941 the RAF went on the offensive. One day in August Locke was

returning from a fighter sweep over France when he radioed his wingman to say that he was

diving to attack German troops and was never seen again. He was 22 years old. Today he is

remembered on the RAF Memorial at Runnymeade and at several places in his home county of

Shropshire.

CI John Washington-Smith

P A G E 1 5

NEW NAMES FOR 41F SQUADRON FLIGHTS


The eagerly anticipated Annual Dinner and

Presentation Night for the cadets, staff and invited

guests of 1031 (Frome) Squadron ATC was held this

year in the private dining room at The Cornerhouse,

Frome.

During the evening, the Commanding Officer, Flt. Lt.

Andrew March, made a number of awards and

presentations. The first presentation of matching

engraved tumblers, was made to Jane Wood and her husband, Charles, as a sign of the

Squadron‟s appreciation of the work they carry out each year in support of the local branch of

the Royal British Legion and, in particular, the Poppy Appeal in the local area. Flt. Lt. March said

that he felt it only right and proper that the close ties forged between the Squadron and Jane

and Charles should be acknowledged and he hoped that they would be able to make full use of

the tumblers during the winter nights ahead.

A change was made to the awards made to the cadets, mainly due to the number of cadets that

have shown great enthusiasm and commitment to the Corps over the preceding months. The

awards made were: Best New Cadet – Cdt. Chloe McNiven, Best Cadet – Cpl. Elliot Rusbridge,

Best Cadet (Leading Role) – FS Tristan Williams (for completing his Junior Leadership Course and

being nominated the top student in the Corps on his course) and Marksmanship – FS Michael

Dyer (who was a member of the Corps Team who won the Whistler Trophy). As Cdt. McNiven

and FS Williams were unable to attend the dinner, their presentations were made before their

fellow cadets on the next parade night at the Cadet Centre.

In making the awards, Flt. Lt. March said, “The cadets at Frome have had a challenging 12

months but they have risen above those challenges and succeeded to

attain some great personal achievements. In addition to congratulating all

the cadets this year, the Squadron is extremely proud to see that two of

our cadets have had their personal achievements recognised at Corps

level. I am sure that FS Williams and FS Dyer would both agree that their

time with Frome Squadron has been a factor in making them the young

men they are today. Hopefully, their sense of personal achievement is

something they will encourage their fellow cadets to follow.”


Annual Dinner and Presentation Night for Cadets

Forty two Cadets and eighteen Staff from across the Wing arrived at Okehampton Training

Camp for the Ten Tors Taster weekend which was held on the 25th - 27th November. After the

introductions and what the weekend was all about, the Cadets were divided into groups and

met the Staff that were going to look after them. In our group we had a four legged friend

called Bracken who belonged to CI Jan Morse from 2381 (Ilminster) Sqn. Before it was lights out

the Cadets had lessons on compass bearings and about what kit they should wear to brave the

elements that Dartmoor can throw at them.

On Saturday after breakfast and kit checks each group left the confines of the Camp for the

navigational exercise . The Cadets put into practice what they had learnt from the night before.

Along the route lessons were taught about how to safely cross a river in preparation for the

event as well as camp craft which included how to spot a good site to set up shelter for the

night. One Cadet in our group pretended to have hurt her ankle so the rest of the group had to

think what first aid to give and what to do in an emergency on the moor. Whilst out walking the

wind picked up to around 30mph which did make the exercise challenging especially getting to

the top of some of the Tors but at least the sun was shining. After tea lessons were taught on

cooking, hygiene and how to pack a rucksack before getting back in to their groups to complete

route cards for the walk on the Sunday.

On Sunday the wind had dropped, the sun was shining and once more the Cadets ventured out

onto the moor for another 6 mile walk taking route cards, maps and compasses with them under

the watchful eye of the Staff. In our group the Cadets were taught some first aid along the way.

Even I had a go at some Navigation as I had prepared my own route card the night before. CI

Morse pointed out to our group quite a few features and useful information on how to look for a

bog.

The weekend proved a big success as it was the first time this had been held and it did give the

Cadets a good taster of what can be expected at the Ten Tors event. The majority of the Cadets

are now determined to under take the training in preparation to conquer Dartmoor and its

elements.

Flt Lt Chelley

2401 Dawlish Sqn

P A G E 1 7

TEN TORS TASTER WEEKEND


It was an emotional day for all as many gathered as a

community to remember the fallen from past and present

wars. Cadets from 200 (Torquay) Squadron Air Training

Corps were joined by an outstanding turn out from

primary school teachers and children across the bay to

pay their respects. As the maroon sounded at 11:00am,

the two minute silence began. As people brushed away

tears of sadness and pride, many held a banner to

represent their organizations at the event. Corporal

Aaron Bushnell (pictured right) from 200 Torquay

Squadron, held the union flag with pride.

To see so many smart, proud and honourable people

standing before one of Torquay‟s most beautiful

buildings was a sight to remember.

Down at the cenotaph, wreaths were laid by various

primary and secondary schools. Other students from colleges and sixth forms came to

remember those who have lost their lives. Current Head Boy of Westlands School Torquay said

“I‟m glad that I was given the chance to lay the wreath for my school today.” Around the

country at exactly 11:00am, cars stopped in their tracks and school children lay down their

pencils to take part in the two minute silence.

Corporal White (pictured left) felt very honoured to be part of a uniformed organisation. She

said “I am very proud to be part of an organisation like this. Days like today really remind me of

what it means to be a cadet.”

As the years roll on, the people who gave their lives for their country will never be forgotten.

Flight Sergeant Hesmondhalgh

200 (Torquay) Squadron


Lest we forget

13 (City of Exeter) recently hosted a visit by

The Coldstream Guards. Part of the Household

Division, the Coldstreamers are the oldest

Regiment in the British Army in continuous

service, forming at Coldstream, Scotland in

1650. In July 2011 the 1st Battalion was

granted the Freedom of Exeter due to its

historic links with the City (which date back to

the 1660's) The Regiment regularly takes part

in the Queen‟s Birthday Parade, the Trooping of the Colour. It is also a regular light infantry

battalion with Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan as its recent battle honours.

The members of the Regimental Recruiting team gave a talk on the role of the Guards, both

Ceremonial and active service including their recent tour of Afghanistan. They then took the

Cadets for a series of leadership and command tasks which proved very popular. Perhaps the

biggest surprise of the evening was the team didn't try to recruit 13's CWO Barney Stead (as he

is very tall and likes drill) on the spot.

Flying Officer Chris Power

P A G E 1 9

A visit from the coldstreams


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

JANUARY 2012

14TH MUSIC FLIGHT INTAKE DAY.

RMB NORTON MANOR TAUNTON

21ST TO 22ND WING CONFERENCE

CHICKERELL CAMP

27TH TO 29TH TEN TORS TRAINING

WEEKEND

FEBRUARY


WEEKEND

17TH TO 19TH STAFF TRAINING WEEKEND

AT CHICKERELL CAMP


WEEKEND

THE DEVON AND SOMERSET MERCURY

IS PRODUCED BY THE MEDIA

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM FOR DEVON

AND SOMERSET WING AIR TRAINING

CORPS.

YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO US VIA;

DEVON AND SOMERSET WING ATC

WYVERN BARRACKS

BARRACK ROAD

EXETER

DEVON EX2 6AR

E MAIL

[email protected]

PHONE

07768 025119

THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION

WILL BE SUNDAY 29TH JANUARY 2012

Devon & Somerset Air Training Corps would like

to thank Torbay Boys‟ Grammar School for their

support.

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