Sunday 7 July saw some 250 personnel from across Sussex Wing Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) gather for a day of competition and activities, followed by a formal parade and review of the Wing conducted by Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton OBE RAF.
With every Sussex Wing Squadron represented, the day was a fantastic opportunity for cadets to meet likeminded peers from across Susses, engaging in team building activities and competitions, and building new friendships. Cadets were able to experience the breadth of what RAFAC has to offer, with activities including; archery, banner and continuity drill competitions, field gun run and 172 – Haywards Heath Squadron bulldog aircraft and VR flight simulators. Particular interest was shown in the VR simulators and inter-squadron field gun competition.
On the competitive front, 172 Squadron was successful in securing top position in the banner drill competition, they along with XIX – Crawley Squadron who placed second will go on to represent the Wing at the London & South East Region competitions day later this year, a huge congratulations to them both!
1343 – East Grinstead Squadron bagged first prize in the continuity competition for the second year running, so a massive congratulations to them and 2464 Storrington Squadron secured first place in the hotly contested field gun run.
The day culminated in a formal review and march past performed by the Wing. Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton OBE RAF, Reviewing Officer for the parade, delivered a poignant and inspirational speech to the cadets, encouraging them to continue to take every opportunity the RAF Air Cadets gives them noting that both the RAF and civilian employers hugely value the skills and character that cadets gain through membership of the organisation.
Addressing parents and guests Gp Capt Houghton thanked them for their continued steadfast and unwavering support for their cadets and squadrons. She said “the RAF places huge importance on families, we know that behind every cadet, aviator and officer is a huge network of family and friends without whom those individuals could not do what they do, so for that I thank you”
There were also several presentations made by the Group Captain to individuals on parade. A huge congratulations to CWO Onions of 1015 Horsham Squadron, who has been appointed the Lord Lieutenants Cadet for West Sussex
And to Flt Lt Bryder,OC 225 Brighton No.1 Squadron, who received his 4th bar and rosette for the Cadet Forces Medal, a remarkable achievement recognising 40 years of dedicated service.
We also bid a fond farewell to a long serving CFAV, FS Mark Chambers of 172 Squadron is sadly leaving Sussex Wing as he is relocating to Scotland, fortunately for the organisation FS Chambers will be joining a new squadron once he is settled and will continue to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Officer Commanding Sussex Wing, Wing Commander H Gould, said of the event, “Our annual Field day and formal parade, gives cadets a chance to try lots of new activities, such as archery, field gun run, Banner and Continuity drill and some indoor rock climbing, but most of all they have the chance to meet up with old friends from across the Wing and for many to make new friends.
The emphasis is on having a fun, and at the conclusion to put on their best uniforms and take part in a formal parade in front of parents and supporters. This year, despite the showers everyone had a great day and looked incredibly smart for the parade.
I was incredibly proud and honoured to lead these highly motivated and talented young people from across Sussex.”
Photos courtesy of Sussex Wing media team, crown copyright 2024, and Mr Kevin Poolman (funded by South East RFCA)
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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