No.1- Hereward Company - Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force

Well done to those that received promotions, recognition certificates, ACS Passes, DofE Awards and Shooting Badges but also a huge well done to all of the Cadets and CFAVs that made this day a success. I was hugely proud of how well the cadets behaved and how passionately they spoke about the different activities we do.

Thank you to the family members and friends that came along and joined us too, I know how much the cadets value your support as they develop and progress through their cadet journeys.

~ Maj K Blundell (OC 1 Company)

1 (Hereward) Company Represents Army Cadets UK at the 90th Annual Belgium Cenotaph Parade

On behalf of Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force (ACF), SSI Rylan Ray successfully applied for 1 Company cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) to represent Army Cadets UK at the prestigious 90th Annual Belgium Cenotaph Parade. After a rigorous selection process, Cambridgeshire ACF's application emerged as the winning entry. Detachment commanders each nominated a cadet, recognising their hard work and consistent display of Army values and standards.

The selected cadets and CFAVs began rigorous drill practice at weekly sessions held at the Peterborough Army Reserve Centre. Their dedication and hard work paid off, as expressed by Company Commander Major Kate Blundell: “I am so proud of our cadets for getting this opportunity to represent the nation at the Cenotaph. All cadets that have been chosen have put in a lot of work and I know they will represent us with distinction, showing the country that 1 Company and Cambridgeshire ACF are more than worthy of the opportunity.”

In addition, the Company's first aid team were invited to attend the event as a reward for winning the brigade-level competition and their hard work preparing for the national competition in autumn.

The preparations culminated on Friday, 12th July 2024, when the cadets travelled to Waterbeach Cadet Training Centre (CTC). The evening was spent meticulously ironing uniforms, polishing boots, and completing last-minute preparations. The next morning, the group departed at 0700hrs, travelling to Wellington Barracks and then proceeding to King Charles Street to join the rest of the parade participants.

Cadets from 1 Company marched alongside regular service personnel from the Belgian Navy, Army, and Air Force, as well as UK troops, veterans from both countries, Royal Chelsea Pensioners, and representatives from the Sea Cadets and Royal Air Force Air Cadets. They formed up for parade around the Cenotaph on Parliament Street.

The parade was inspected by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, with His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, also in attendance. The parade participants honoured the fallen with the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence and the Reveille.

SI Martin Podzuns (Fletton Detachment) had the honour of saluting on behalf of the Army Cadet Force during the royal inspection, the last post, and the national anthems. Following the inspections, VIP guests laid a total of 42 wreaths on behalf of various organizations before proceeding to Horse Guards Parade for the march past.
Led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the parade marched past the Cenotaph towards Horse Guards Parade, where VIP guests took the salute. King Philippe laid a wreath at the Flanders Field Memorial before the parade returned to Wellington Barracks.

The Belgian Troop Commander praised the cadets: “The cadets did such an amazing job! They can be proud of themselves and their accomplishment!” Following lunch at Wellington Barracks, the Army Cadet group visited Buckingham Palace before heading home.

Throughout the day, the cadets upheld the highest standards of decorum, honouring the solemnity of the event and representing the Army Cadet Force with distinction on the international stage. Captain Vicky Houghton (Staff Officer, 1 Company), who volunteered to drive for the event, expressed her pride: “It was amazing to be able to watch this event, with every group looking smart, but to see our cadets being part of this event and matching the standard set by the other groups was a very proud moment.”

On parade was Capt Houghton, SSI Ray, SI Martin Podzuns, LCpl Abbott, LCpl Carr, LCpl Gabb, Cpl Gatland-Shaw, LCpl Graham, Sgt Harwood, LCpl Howard, LCpl Pietras, Sgt Podzuns, LCpl Riddell, Cdt Sapsard-Hughes, Cpl Silk, LCpl Stafford, Cdt Wood.

East Anglia RFCA

Today 14 cadets and 3 CFAVs have travelled down to London to join the 90th Belgium Cenotaph parade.

A full write up with lots more photos will follow soon but here are a few that have been taken through the day.

We may have been quiet on our socials for the last few weeks but we have been busy!

Over the last few weeks 1 (Hereward) Company has been out in force supporting community events, raising funds for charity and showcasing everything the Army Cadets does in front of thousands of members of the public.

Every detachment has been involved in events including the Wisbech Armed Forces Day, Chatteris Festival 2024, Yaxley Armed Forces Day, Crowland & Thorney 1940s Weekend, Armed Forces Weekend Whittlesey and the Eye Summer Festival .

Some of these are well established events and firmly marked on the annual calendar for 1 Company, but for some of the events it was the first time they have ran or the first time they have invited the Army Cadets UK to support the event. One thing was in common between all of them and that is the huge impact the cadets had on the smooth running and success of the activities. We were delighted to hear great feedback from the public, other volunteer organisations and the event organisers.

Collectively the Cadets and Adult Volunteers have given approximately 1400 hours of time to support these events, supporting their communities, representing Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force.

Company Commander, Maj Kate Blundell, said "Thank you to all of the cadets that gave up their time and represented the company with such distinction. Each one of them has displayed our values and standards, in particular Selfless Commitment, giving up their weekends to take part in these events. Thanks also to the adult volunteers who put the extra time in behind the scenes to complete all of the work that goes in to making these opportunities happen".

East Anglia Rfca

Pictures from the Peterborough parade, Part 1, by SI Doug Stuart. Read the story at https://armycadets.com/county-news/peterborough-cadets-open-evening-and-parade/

Pictures from the Peterborough parade, Part 2, by SI Doug Stuart.

This weekend approximately 135 cadets and 25 adult volunteers deployed to the Training area at RAF Barnham for our Pre-Annual camp fieldcraft training, Exercise Waterloo IV.

Under the direction of SSI Worsley as the Exercise Conducting Officer the cadets took part in fieldcraft at a Basic, 1 Star and 2 Star level, setting up their harbour areas, erecting their bashas to sleep under, camouflaging themselves and preparing their weapons for battle. The cadet took part in a number of exercise serials which utilised the L98A2 rifle, blank rounds and smoke grenades.

The weather was not kind over the weekend with rain, thunder and lightning, combined with glorious sunshine which made sure to dry everyone out before the next downpour. Despite this, the cadets all remained in good spirits, focused on the task at hand and worked well together in their pairs, sections and platoons to get the job done regardless of the weather conditions. Some of the cadets had their first taste of Operational Ration Packs (ORP), cooking and eating the same meals that are sent with UK troops on deployment all over the world. There were some very mixed reviews!

The Basic platoon, led by SMI Swadling, were all out in the field for the first time and did brilliantly. The platoon staff wanted to recognise three cadets in particular for their efforts. Cdt Harding was identified for coming out of his shell and working hard as a real team player. Cdt Hennells listened well and got stuck in to everything, asking lots of questions and showing a real interest. Cdt Marsden was identified as the star cadet of the weekend for always getting involved, volunteering for everything, asking questions and always helping others out. SMI Swadling said “The whole basic platoon worked really well together, overcoming a number of challenges and some difficult circumstances to achieve a really successful weekend”.

After a three stage attack by the 2 Star Platoon, with the 1 Stars being defeated, the cadets all came together to help pack up the equipment and to clean the rifles. Everyone then formed up for a final parade where the Company Commander, Maj K Blundell, was able to promote a number of cadets that have shown exceptional leadership in the field but also back at their detachments. A big congratulations to LCpl Davis O (Yaxley), LCpl Spitelnicu (Yaxley), Cpl Silk (Yaxley), Cpl Owusu (Talavera), Cpl Carter (Ramsey), Sgt Osezua (Fletton), CSgt Carnegie (Whittlesey) and CSgt Goodwin (Whittlesey) on their promotions to their new ranks!

Maj Blundell said on final parade “A big thank you to all of the adult volunteers who gave up their time to plan, prepare and execute it so well. Also a huge well done to all of the cadets that came along to support as Directing Staff (DS), your support goes a long way to make sure the cadets have a great experience”.

1 Company took time out of their busy pre-annual fieldcraft camp, Exercise Waterloo, to wish a big Happy Fathers Day to all of the dads out there!

Here is the Basic Cadre taking time out to thank their fathers. While they couldn’t be there to do breakfast in bed, and were likely very tired when they got home, the cadets were thinking of you all!

We had a great evening last night as Peterborough's Army Cadets (Fletton, Talavera and Walton) paraded at the Army Reserve Centre for their annual awards parade.

The cadets were inspected by the Mayor of Peterborough, the Adjutant and RSM of 158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps Reserves, the Commandant of Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force and committee members from Royal British Legion Peterborough Branch and Royal British Legion - Cambridgeshire County.

There were almost 200 parents and guests in attendance to celebrate the occasion with us. More photos and details to follow!

East Anglia Rfca

Peterborough cadets from across the city come together for special evening in Fletton Youngsters from city’s three detachments joined forces for presentation night

We deliver so many life skills in the ACF and have an amazing team of First Aid trainers giving cadets and volunteers professional qualifications as well as the ability to keep calm and manage a situation.

We are headed to the national competitions again in the Autumn, hopefully returning once again as the National champions, possibly even the inter-services champions!

Is this what separates managers from leaders??

Like this post if you agree and comment your thoughts below! All opinions welcome 💭👇🏽

Image found via Daniel Abrahams.

Come along and join us on the 14th July to see what we get up to!

All of our cadets, NCOs and CFAVs are incredible individuals, but did you know you could nominate someone that you feel goes above and beyond to support the community or to make a difference?

The Army Cadet Charitable Trust administer a number of awards in different categories to recognise the praiseworthy actions that are made every day across our organisation.

ACCT UK Awards - ACCT UK Royal Humane Society Awards ACCT UK Award News For more information about ACCT UK Awards, contact: [email protected].

Come along to our open evening at Fletton Detachment on Thursday 20th June. Have a go at all of this and more!

Register an interest below:

https://armycadets.com/cadet-apply?unitId=41

(Photos from our last open evening in February)

We had a great day today on the ranges at Barton Road where 19 cadets attended to fire the L98A2 for their 2 and 3 Star shoots.

There were some incredible scores and lots of cadets earning Trained Shot and Marksman badges. 1 company shooting team in the making!

Well done to all and thank you to the volunteers that attended to run a successful range day.

Amazing results today at the East Anglia Rfca Brigade First Aid Competition where 8 Cadets from 1 Company were representing Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force.

After dealing with a kick to the head in a Karate Competition, an unresponsive and non-breathing teacher and a fall from height with a spinal injury the results were in.

Cambridgeshire ACF won gold medals for the best team scores and Cdt CSgt Davies (Yaxley Detachment) took the silver place medal for 2nd highest solo score. The individual scores combined with the team score put Cambridgeshire in the lead and we have brought home the Brigade Shield for the 15th time out of the last 17 years!

A big well done to CSgt Davies, Cpl Waby (Whittlesey), Cpl Carter (Ramsey) and Cdt Wood (Wisbech) who have given up so many weekends to train for this result, and thank you to Cpl Carr (Ramsey) and Cdt Inquieti (Fletton) who attended but unfortunately couldn’t compete due to short notice absence. Thanks also to Cdt Davies (Yaxley) and Cdt Corley-Smith (Fletton) who acted as casualties for the event.

Let the training for Nationals begin as we become the Brigade First Aid team!

A number of our adult volunteers are completing the Mighty Hike challenge to raise funds for Macmillan.

One of these is SI Richard Ruff who is looking to complete the Pathfinder March (covering 46 miles) on the 8th June and then a further 26 miles in the Peak district during July.

Feel free to join him, or if thinking about that much walking makes you exhausted too, feel free to simply donate online!

Donate to Support of Camo Cemo Warriors Macmillan Cancer charity, organized by Richard Ruff Hi All , I'm raising money for Macmillan to support a mighty h… Richard Ruff needs your support for Support of Camo Cemo Warriors Macmillan Cancer charity

We had a great weekend at Waterbeach Cadet Training Centre where approximately 50 cadets completed their 1* Skill At Arms and passed a Weapon Handling Test. These cadets are now trained and qualified to handle and use the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle for the next 6 months! It is a long and tiring course so they should all sleep well tonight (adults included).

There were also a number of cadets dropping in for revision and retesting to get back in date.

Well done to all involved and a big thank you to the adult volunteers who gave up their time to make it happen.

Next up for 1 company: Exercise Waterloo (Pre-Camp) in June

Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force East Anglia Rfca

Promotions, promotions and more promotions!

Following a strong interview board at Company Headquarters with a panel consisting of the OC, the Training Officer and the CSM, we are pleased to announce the following promotions to three very deserving cadets:

Cadet Sergeant (Cdt Sgt) to Cadet Colour Sergeant (Cdt CSgt) - CSgt Davis (Yaxley Detachment) and CSgt Crosby (Whittlesey Detachment)

Cadet Colour Sergeant (Cdt CSgt) to Cadet Company Sergeant Major (Cdt CSM) - Cdt CSM Randall (Whittlesey Detachment)

Well done to all three who now take up roles as role models for the whole company to look up to.

- Maj K Blundell (OC)

After another weekend of hard work, the next cadre have completed their Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) training.

Led by Colour Sergeant Worsley, Senior Platoon Lead for 1 Company, the weekend covers all of the skills required to be an effective JNCO, from leadership to communication and from confidence to presentation skills. While this is separate from our normal Syllabus training these skills are key to developing the cadets into the leaders of the future.

A big thank you to all of the cadets who attended, as well as the CFAVs and Cadet NCOs that helped to run the weekend.

Happy Easter to all of 1 Company and our followers and supporters!

Pictured below: Fletton detachment with their Easter eggs on their parade night

Lots of our cadets enjoying their basic training this Easter Weekend

Well done to the 90 cadets taking part in our Basic Cadet Training Weekend. Picture by SI Doug Stuart.

“Leadership is a choice, not a rank”

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