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OPINION, INTERVIEWS & FEATURES CCF & D of E
Captain Aretz had to remind some teams that they were running in the completely wrong direction “
of esteemed former Deputy Master and long-serving Commanding Officer of DCCCF Terry Walsh. Cadets in teams of four were tested on all the skills they have learnt in their time here and more. They were tasked with going from checkpoint to checkpoint where they were met with new tests; these ranged from a gruelling casualty evacuation through a forest, with Captain Aretz having to remind some teams that they were running in the completely wrong direction, to spotting enough items in order to make the best cup of tea. It culminated in a tense night patrol where we had to observe an enemy position and gather enough information to make a successful patrol report: I never thought I would write ‘one hostage dressed as a fox and one enemy in a lederhosen’ on a military document in my time here. Nevertheless, the competition was fierce yet there was definitely a spirit of unity among the teams in between checkpoints. Ultimately, there had to be a winner and Team 6 were the final victors overall. It was a hard-fought victory indeed, and it is just a coincidence that I lead that team and I am writing this. Trust me, I am English and thus allergic to self-praise. More competitions have followed since, now involving other contingents to compete against. Our RAF section secured a highly commendable third place in the Air Squadron Trophy nationals in March. This superb effort was no
doubt the result of months of dedication and late nights, with WO Doran and Flight Sergeant Andre Delshadian using their wealth of experience and knowledge to bring the team to the high standard they reached. At the time of writing, a team of our best cadets are due to go on the Cambrian Patrol in early April, where we hope to secure a gold medal. The competition involves cadets from ACFs and CCFs around the UK converging on Sennybridge Training Area, Wales, to compete in perhaps the most challenging two days a cadet will ever experience. Teams must patrol through this infamous area, noted for its near vertical hills, where they will have to demonstrate their skills to the absolute full. Sections attacks, live firing and more must be mastered, and I am confident that DCCCF, who are representing London District, will rise to the occasion. In all, the contingent this year has worked together, under the leadership of its officers and NCOs, to produce a whole range of activities for cadets to get involved in. Being in my final year, I am sad to say goodbye to something that has truly been at the core of my time at Dulwich, but I am sure that it will continue to play a vital role in College life for years to come.
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