DATE 09-03-08    

NEWS

Army Cadets Take The Day

Lt Col Simon Grey with the winning team

L to R:    Jodi Page (15), Alex Rootes (16), Nick Moore (16), Joe Robertson (18), Lt Col Grey, Rob Evans (16), Dave Gaskell (16), Nathan Saberton (16), Jeremy Latham (17)

Cambridgeshire army cadets saw off stiff regional competition to win a gruelling test of skills organised by the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps over the weekend of 7/9^th March.

Fifty young people aged between 14 and 18 from around the Anglia region competed to win the top team position in the annual exercise ‘Cadet Stretch’, braving strong winds and inclement weather on the army training areas at Waterbeach and the Territorial Army Centre in Coldhams Lane, Cambridge.

The event involved Combined Cadet Force teams from independent schools at Culford, Perse, Woodbridge and Kimbolton taking on Cambridgeshire Army Cadets at individual and team tasks designed to test leadership, physical fitness and military skills. The activities included clay shooting, drill, military knowledge tests, initiative tasks and a night exercise.

Cambridgeshire cadets were the clear winners with Culford School CCF as runners up. Captain of the winning team and most senior army cadet present, Cadet RSM Dave Gaskell (16) from Ramsey, said, “This brings out the best in team spirit and determination. Relying on your team mates teaches teamwork and discipline. It’s a chance to do your best and be the best”

CUOTC Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Simon Grey MBE presented each of the eight members of the winning team a superb etched glass trophy bearing the unit crest.

Speaking after the event CUOTC Regimental Sergeant Major Lee Jay said, “The standards set by the British army provide a goal for young people to aspire to. We have been extremely impressed with the cadets that have taken part and in particular the winning team. We hope to continue providing this challenge for some years to come”.