Triumph for cadets in national competition

Despite the cold weather the cadets were focussed on doing their very best in the competition. This event saw the very best of the Air Cadets that had succeeded through several levels and competitions to achieve a place in the Corps final.

The team, who had been training hard for two months prior to the competition, were required to complete 34 separate different drill movements as part of the competition sequence, under the watchful eyes of the judges and VIPs.

In attendance was Commandant of the Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty RAFR and her boss Air Vice-Marshal A M Turner RAF who is Air Officer Commanding & Chief of Staff, Training of Number 22 (Training) Group.

The Banner Party consisted of Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Paterson, the Squadron’s Banner Bearer, Flight Sergeant Izzy Collins, Flight Sergeant Andrew Stuckey, Corporal Tabby Hall and Corporal Josh White accompanied by Mrs Sandra Paterson who was the Team Manager for the day – all from Horsham.

All their hard work and effort was rewarded when judges announced that Horsham had won the competition and were the best in the country. The Royal British Legion Trophy for the Best Banner Bearer went to Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Paterson, with the Squadron also winning the Best Banner Party.

Prizes and trophies were awarded by Commandant Air Cadets, who remarked: “Once again I am hugely impressed by the high standards of drill and display at the national competition, and I congratulate all the Cadets and Staff on a great Competition. Special congratulations go to the winners of all the competitions, and to all participants.”

Officer Commanding of 1015 (Horsham) Air Cadets, Flight Lieutenant Richard Foster said:“This is an incredible achievement, one which has come through hard work, dedication and sacrifice by all the cadets in the team. It is an honor to have this award come to Horsham for the first time. “

If you are interested in joining and are aged between 12-17, you can contact us on [email protected] for details of our next open evening in January. We also welcome applications for adult volunteers, who can contact us on the same address.

Report and pictures contributed by Richard Foster.