For the first time in recent history, the Army and RAF sections of the CCF ran independent Recruits’ Camps over the half term break, with the RAF section spending two days at school and two at RAF Halton, and the Army section attending a four day camp in Beckingham.
Army Section Recruits’ Camp Report
February half term arrived, and brought the excitement of CCF camp to many Wilsonians—but to a slightly further flung location than is typical. Sixty two recruits from A Company, with a supporting cast of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadet NCOs taking our total number to one hundred, made an early start from the unit buildings at Wilson’s School in a variety of coaches vans and minibuses heading to Beckingham Training Camp in Lincolnshire. This was a departure from our traditional camps in the home counties and was made necessary by the lack of availability of accommodation at any of these. For the more senior amongst those travelling, the change of scenery after many years at one of three camps was welcome and certainly worth the additional journey.
On arrival, cadets were allocated to billets, and training and testing began in earnest. The first afternoon and evening were allocated to revising, and then testing skill at arms on the Cadet General Purpose Rifle. By lights out that evening, all the recruits were passed as safe to use the rifle: their first qualification of the week and one that would come in handy in the days to come.
Day two saw the cadets taking part in Exercise Tangiers. This whole day carousel of training consisted of a half-day of first aid training, with all of A Company adding a second string to their CCF bow by passing their basic first aid qualification. Many thanks are due to Lt Newing, who travelled up specifically to deliver this course. The rest of the carousel consisted of a command task stand, a types and rates of fire lesson and demonstrations and practice of moving with and without the rifle - more excellent preparation for the following day. The evening allowed time for the recruits to sit their only written test of the week, the military knowledge test, with only one recruit requiring a retest. These first two days had allowed A Company to progress to the point that they were now halfway through their Basic Army Proficiency Certificate.
Day three was dedicated to Exercise Plumer. Basing ourselves at Top Covert Farm on the Beckingham Training Area, the Officers and Cadet Senior NCOs established a carousel of four fieldcraft training stands.
The culmination of the previous two days’ training and testing allowed the recruits of A Company to fire with blank ammunition on the pairs fire movement stand, headed up by Capt Goldhawk and Lt Hou. Elsewhere, Major Grant instructed the recruits in camouflage and concealment, while Lt Col Burton taught the two man shelter and 2Lt Riser demonstrated cooking in the field. Once the rotation was complete, senior Cadets and NCOs gave a perfect demonstration of a section attack, the next Stage of A Company’s training when they return to school.
That evening, the essential business of weapon cleaning was turned into a lesson for the recruits.
Before embarking the coaches bound for Wallington on the final day, it remained for the recruits to pass one more test: basic foot drill. This doubled as a passing out parade and all were presented with their berets and cap badges, and Cadet Bartram was announced as best recruit, having been unanimously nominated by the officers and the most senior NCOs in the previous evening’s orders group.
Those unable to attend camp will be given the opportunity to complete all of the testing conducted on camp as they join Queen’s Platoon, while the rest of A Company will dispense with their woollen hats and proudly wear the beret and cap badge of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment. No longer referred to as recruits, they become junior cadets in Wilson’s School CCF Army Section.
Thanks must go to the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who gave up their time and worked so hard to deliver the training along the non-commissioned officers of the corps, and congratulations to those members of the Cadre Platoon who attended as Section second in commands as they had their field promotions confirmed at the end of the week and were promoted to Lance Corporal.
RAF Section Report
This year, the RAF section decided to take flight and organise our own recruits’ camp without the usual umbrella of the Army section. Forty Year Nine cadets along with some dedicated NCOs spent two days on the school site studying hard to ensure that their air recognition and military knowledge would be good enough to pass the Part 1 test at the end of the week. There was quite a bit of drill practice as well to ensure we were going to be up to scratch for a visit to RAF Halton.
For day 3 and 4 of camp we travelled to leafy Aylesbury, staying on the base for a packed couple of days of activity. Cadets enjoyed navigation in Wendover woods, drone flying, first aid and high and low ropes. The cadets’ enthusiasm and hard work in all the activities was a credit to the CCF and themselves.
More photos can be found on the CCF’s Facebook page, on Instagram (@wsccf) and TikTok (wilsonsccf).
