Below : Dulwich cadets take part in the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate.
RA James Lee (Year 12), Senior Cadet DCCCF (RAF), reports on an impressive performance in the 2015 Air Squadron Trophy National Finals
A s we marched into the hanger at RAF Halton, expectations were high: our success in this competition in the past few years means that all 13 in the team were determined to bring back at least a little glory. After an initial discussion group, which gave us the opportunity to discuss cadet life with another school and boot up our brains for the rest of the day, the first event was the RAF Knowledge test, which covered a wide range of subjects from the principles of flight to marksmanship and the history of the RAF. We entered the exam room with confidence, certain that our time spent delving into past papers would pay off. We then moved on to Aircraft Recognition, one of the most stressful events in the competition. Having spent weeks and weeks practising recognising hundreds of planes from across the world, we were required to recognise 30 planes in obscured pictures in just over two minutes. Although it was very challenging, it was very well done, especially by first-timers Jack McHaffie and Beder Mirjan. William Wakefield and Ben Schlossman scored only two less than the best score of the day, and an overall average of 23/30 was obtained. Meanwhile, five shooters made their way to the dismounted close combat trainer (DCCT). They were required to take down 20 targets each, which required perfect consistency as well as natural talent. We scored a solid overall of 17 out of 20, with Sam Maguire and Daniel Smallwood individually scoring 19 and 20 respectively, but this was not quite enough to put us top. Fitness had always been challenging for us. Four boys from the team were selected to complete a bleep test, which requires huge amounts of determination and, of course, fitness. As the levels went up, the time intervals between the bleeps reduced and made each level harder than the one before. Max Man, James Millar, Conor McIvor, and Jack Flanagan put in a superb performance and achieved a much higher standard than we had expected. After a refreshing break, Jamie Ward, Ben Schlossman, Kayan Dave, and myself made our way to the First Aid test. We were first confronted by a challenging scenario, which was based on a traffic collision. The team reacted with great speed and confidence and treated accordingly
‘Emptyin bu RSM Christopher Stone (Year 13) looks back over his five years as a cadet in the Dulwich College CCF
‘Having spent weeks and weeks practising recognising hundreds of planes from across the world, we were required to recognise 30 planes in obscured pictures in just over two minutes’
S even different ranks, 22 training camps, 10 Remembrance Day parades, a leadership course and one sentry duty at 2.30am in an electrical storm. All of these have featured in my time as a member of Dulwich College CCF. Some might have seemed long at the time, but the phrase ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ now seems more appropriate. Recruits camp was the first exposure I’d had to any military discipline and the camp remains one of the most vivid memories of my time with the cadets. Learning how to pack our lockers and standing to attention whilst the Regimental Sergeant Major inspected us was a scary experience – unacceptably messy lockers were emptied on to our beds. The field craft training, which included observation, leadership, team building and navigation skills, was certainly a more enjoyable part and a chance to learn key skills. The most amusing moment came when the recruit next to me stuck a bush on his head during a camouflage and concealment game and ran around the training area. Somehow he managed to make it through unseen. Whilst on recruits camp this year, I’ve noticed little has changed: emptying lockers is no longer an option, but the cadets still have that high energy level to push themselves, to learn new things and, most of all, to enjoy their time in the CCF. Despite it being five years ago, I still remember my first Battlecraft camp. A rare opportunity to fight in built up areas and an early-morning platoon attack in the
mud after literally being woken up with a bang, are still vivid. However, while I miss the carefree attitude I had as a young cadet, moving up the chain of command has brought more challenges and enjoyment as well as more responsibilities and work to be done. My own highlight has been leading the Senior Cambrian Patrol team to a gold medal in the 2014 competition. Indeed, as we look to add another gold this year, it is a good moment to reflect on the success of the CCF. The strength of applicants to become RSM last year is testament to the success of the force. The CCF has also offered opportunities beyond the College. Taking part in the Cadet Leadership Course last summer took me a step closer to joining the Army and allowed me to put into practice what I had learnt over the past few years. Such is the quality and standard demanded by DCCCF that I passed with distinction, with Sandhurst making a mention on my report. It has also taken me to extremes, with trips to the Sahara desert and the Arctic conditions of Northern Sweden trips. This is where the benefits of CCF become strikingly clear: what else provides the opportunity to sleep under the stars and take part in activities ranging from camel riding to husky dog sledding and building a snow hole? I have made many friendships and unforgettable
memories on the path from recruit to RSM and now any military path that the future may hold for me is possible, thanks to the CCF.
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