RAF Air Cadets from across the South East have returned from a major battlefield study tour to Belgium and Northern France, combining remembrance, military history, leadership and personal development. The four-day Belgium Battlefield and Music Tour, held from 2 to 5 October, brought together 170 cadets and 20 adult volunteers from units across the country, including a significant contingent from the South East. For the cadets taking part, this was far more than a sightseeing trip. The programme was designed to bring history to life by allowing young people to walk the battlefields, visit memorials and understand the personal stories behind some of the most significant events of the First World War.
The itinerary took cadets through the Ypres Salient and onwards to some of the Western Front’s most important locations, including Sanctuary Wood, Essex Farm, Vimy Ridge, the Newfoundland Memorial and Thiepval. At each location, cadets were encouraged not simply to learn what happened, but to consider the experiences of the people who served there and reflect on themes including leadership, resilience, service and sacrifice.
A powerful act of remembrance
A highlight of the tour was the cadets’ participation in remembrance at the Menin Gate in Ypres.
Wearing uniform, the cadets represented the RAF Air Cadets at one of the world’s most recognisable sites of remembrance. For many of those taking part, standing beneath the Menin Gate after spending the weekend studying the battlefields and stories of the Western Front proved a particularly powerful experience.
The tour also provided opportunities for cadets to develop their confidence and independence. Travelling overseas as part of a large group required teamwork, personal responsibility and mutual support, with cadets looking after one another throughout a demanding programme.
Supporting young people from the South East
The tour included cadets from across London and the South East alongside colleagues from Central and East Region. Cadets from five South East squadrons took part, representing Crawley (19 Sqn), Worthing (45F Sqn), Eastbourne (54 Sqn), Hove (176 Sqn) and Brighton No. 2 (226 Sqn). This gave young people from different communities the opportunity to learn, reflect and work alongside cadets they might otherwise never have met. Support from organisations including the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations helped the team work towards keeping the activity affordable and accessible for cadets and their families.
Tour Director Sqn Ldr Rob Wilkinson, said: “The real success of the tour was the cadets themselves. They approached some incredibly important and thought-provoking locations with maturity, curiosity and respect.
Watching young people stand on the ground where history happened and begin to understand the human stories behind it was exactly what this activity was intended to achieve.
They were superb ambassadors for their squadrons and for the RAF Air Cadets, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of them.”
One cadet said of the trip, “The parade was my favourite event as after truly learning about the sacrifices that were made for us to be here today made the service even more meaningful and touching. With the stunning scenery of the Menin Gate with the church in the background as sun set making the whole picture glow.
In addition, the beautiful music made this parade. Thus becoming my favourite parade, my favourite cadet camp and a priceless memory I will never forget. Leaving me with lasting gratefulness to the people who fought for us. And all of the staff and the cadets on this camp made it even more special to be with and do this parade with. I only wish it was longer!
Thank you to all of the staff, this was such an amazing camp, every minute of it!”
The Belgium Battlefield and Music Tour demonstrated the opportunities available through the RAF Air Cadets to combine education, remembrance and personal development, while giving young people an experience that many will remember for years to come.
Being an Air Cadet is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You can join for however long you want. We’re not a recruiting organisation for the main RAF, so all the skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit whatever career path you choose.
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