On Sunday, 15 cadets from Wilson’s RAF Section travelled to RAF Wittering for the National Finals of The Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition, having qualified in fine style in the London and South East Regional round of the competition last term. The coach journey up to Northamptonshire was shared with local rivals Dulwich College.

The 15 teams competed across a number of disciplines including a command task, air rifle shooting, drill, aircraft recognition, RAF knowledge and first aid. Our team was captained at the regional competition and the national final by Flight Sergeant Micherva, the first Wallington High School for Girls cadet to be given this responsibility. She was ably assisted by CWO Fernando along with the other NCOs in the team. The pair have shaped and inspired a young and inexperienced team admirably since they started training in September.

The Wilson’s team were disappointed not to bring any silverware home. But after reflecting on their 5th place in the national finals, they should be proud of their hard work and efforts. They came a creditable second in First Aid, their highest ever finish in this discipline and 3rd in Air Recce. Congratulations to Loughborough who won the Trophy and all the teams for setting such high standards. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who make this excellent so rewarding and challenging for the cadets and to special mention to our friends and rivals from Dulwich College for making the coach journey home such an enjoyable, sing-along, part of the day.

Many of the team would have been out of their home for up to 19 hours by the time they got home on Sunday night! This competition required a mammoth effort by Cadets and adult volunteers, not to mention the Thursday evenings and days at the weekend that the team and staff have put in in the build up to the event. A selection of photos is available on the CCF Instagram account (@wsccf) and all the photos will be posted on the CCF Facebook page as they become available—many are already there.