News

Derby cadets competition success

The competition took place on Sunday 8th July at RAF Wittering and tested cadets on the various skills they have developed through the organisation, including First Aid, Aircraft Recognition, Drill, Leadership and Shooting.

126 (City of Derby) Squadron had several cadets who performed exceptionally on the day including Cadet Corporal Jack Foster who won his age bracket in the Aircraft Recognition competition and helped ensure overall victory for the aircraft recognition team.

In this activity cadets were shown images of various aircraft for less than one second and then had to correctly identify what it was.

In order to become overall winners 126 Squadron also achieved 4th place in the Banner Drill competition, 2nd place in the Drill competition and 2nd place in the shooting competition.

Cadet Gemma Price is one of the newest members of the Drill Team, she explained: “I was pleased and proud to be a part of the drill team for 126 squadron.

Cadet Warrant Officer Kloe Bensley receiving the winning trophy from Wing Commander Andy Pass RAFAC (Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing)

“I competed at my first Wing Field Day with the team and was over joyed to have been part of a team that did so well. We all did incredibly well and performed brilliantly. I couldn’t have enjoyed the day more.”

This victory further reinforces 126 Squadron’s position as one of the most successful squadrons in the area, they also won the annual athletics competition for the 18^th consecutive time earlier this year.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Connor Blount, is a long serving member of the Drill Team explained: “Representing 126 Squadron is something I hold very dear to my heart, especially in drill.

“Throughout our drill sequence there was an overwhelming sense of pride given off by my fellow cadets knowing that the months of training we did finally paid off, delivering an excellent performance and achieving a great result. “

Senior adult volunteer, Squadron Leader Ian Marshall MBE concluded: “Throughout this important year for the Royal Air Force, celebrating 100 years of service, the cadets and volunteer staff of 126 Squadron continue to show amazing resilience, courage, drive and determination to reach the exceptional standards they have shown. I am immensely proud of everyone at 126 Squadron and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

126 (City of Derby) Squadron is currently recruiting, if you would like to find out more about joining as a cadet or adult volunteer please call 01332 754721 or visit www.126derbyatc.co.uk for further details.

The squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9:30pm at the headquarters on Curzon Lane in Alvaston.