News

Saturday 11th September saw Cadets and Staff at Morrisons in Aylesbury to bag pack in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent fund.  For 3 hours the Cadets offered their services to customers in packing their shopping and raised funds for the Charity.

15^th September 1940 was officially named as ‘Battle of Britain Day’ as it was the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed what proved to be a decisive victory over the German Luftwaffe.  This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. 

The RAF Benevolent fund provide a range of support that includes welfare breaks for families and veterans, grants to help with getting about inside and outside of the home, advice on benefits and care services and support for young people through their Airplay programme.

The Cadets raised a considerable amount of money for this worthy cause and our thanks to go JC Gee, JC J Price, JC Davies, JCFC Durden, Cdt Gayler, MC2 St John, Cdt L/Cpl Nicklin and MCR Lewis for helping out. Thanks also to the staff who supported this event – Sgt Nicklin, PO Nicklin and CI Durden.   ‘Bravo Zulu’ to all involved.

On Sunday 16^th August, 4 junior cadets, JLC Edwards, JCFC Durden and JC's Alex & Annabelle Middleton Hill from Aylesbury unit attended the National Junior camp at Dearne Valley, Kingswood.

When the cadets arrived, they were put into divisions which were denoted by 3 different colours. The cadets were then given a baseball cap and t-shirt for the colour concerned to distinguish which division they belonged too and they were allowed to keep these at the end of the week.

Throughout the week the cadets had a fantastic time, conquering their fears and gaining confidence. They were able to try out a number of different activities such as high ropes, low ropes while blindfolded, zip wire, raft building, orienteering, fencing, archery and laser quest to name but a few.

They all returned home at the end of the week extremely tired but having had a really enjoyable time. Bravo Zulu to all who took part.

This year’s Royal Marine Summer camp was attended by several cadets and 2 instructors (C/Sgt Knowles and CI Cooper) from T.S Broadsword.

Throughout the week, all the Cadets who attended undertook various training activities within their delegated Troops which included:

• Weapon Training L98 A2 and Shooting L98 A2 on long ranges

• Exercise Holdfast in the field

• An Assault course

• A Ship visit

• A lucky few also undertook a RYA sea survival visit.

Whilst the cadets were kept busy with all of this training, the instructors were also busy with a number of other tasks. CI Cooper undertook some modules training in field craft, drill, weapon training and map work. Whilst C/Sgt Knowles took charge of the junior Marine Cadet Cadre Troop which covered Camp craft, MC2 training, a visit to the Royal Marine Museum and Action Stations in Portsmouth, Shot gun shooting and an assault course. C/Sgt Knowles also ensured all the cadets passed their MC2 swimming test and examination.

All in all the cadets and staff had a really good week and enjoyed some good quality training. ‘Bravo Zulu’ to all who took part.

2nd August saw cadets MC2 Wilson and L/Cpl Nicklin along with instructor Sgt Nicklin head to Portsmouth to take part in the National Physical Training week held at HMS Temeraire.

MC2 Wilson and L/Cpl Nicklin were both being assessed for their PT Intermediate and Sgt Nicklin for his Advanced instructors qualification.  This is a very intense week, with students spending approx 12 hours each day in the gym over a 5 day period. Alongside this in the evenings in their billets on HMS Bristol, they were all also busy taking care of their uniform and carrying out prep work. The course involves all aspects of fitness including Recreational Games, Circuit Training and display work. 

The week culminates in a passing out display in front of family and VIP’s. The cadets and staff were also delighted to welcome the Capitan of the Sea Cadets - Captain Phillip Russell RN CSC at this event. The Captain as well as seeing the display was on hand to give out the qualifications and congratulate those involved.

Qualifications gained were as follows:

Sgt Nicklin - Pass Advanced Instructor

L/Cpl Nicklin - Pass PT Intermediate

MC2 Wilson - Pass pending completion of pre requisites.

‘Bravo Zulu’ to all involved.