Summer 2011
This year, the RAF section summer camp was held at RAF Cosford, the home of No. 1 Radio School. The week was a joint camp between Shiplake, Glenalmond, Charterhouse and Abingdon with 18 cadets from Abingdon and 40 in total. We kicked off the week with a drill and dress session, followed by a few hours of sport.
The next day we visited the station RAF Regiment and practiced Marksmanship on the DCCT with theoretical lessons in weapons handling, weapons safety and marksmanship. We visited No.1 Radio School where we received a tour of the facility and also a talk on the role of the school within the military. Also, on base there is a kit testing centre for all newly issued RAF, such as survival rafts and ejector seats. They also hold investigations into failed kit, repair kit and they pack parachutes. We were also lucky enough to witness a veterans parade held at the RAF Cosford museum (which is open to the public).
The Museum was an interest for us as cadets, as the museum is based around the history of the RAF. There was also planned to be a flypast of three spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, but the planes were grounded due to technical problems. There were also extra evening activities such as bowling, swimming and personal fitness which also counted towards an inter-flight competition along with a drill competition on the final day.
The camp was run very smoothly with everyone enjoying the camp thanks to our officers, in particular, Sqn Ldr Haworth, Flt Lt Ashdowne and the camp commandant from Shiplake School. Overall the entire week was a complete success.
James Simpson
Camp Awards:
Best Cadet: J/Cpl James Simpson
Best Turned out Cadet: J/Cpl Finlay Garland
Best Shot: Henry Hart
Personal Fitness: Luke Teh
Promotions:
J/Cpl James Simpson
J/Cpl Finlay Garland
