County cadets took a break from traditional programmes with three distinct levels of activity to satisfy the needs of the 300 cadets aged 12 to 18 who took part. The British Army’s world renowned Cinq Ports shooting ranges provided the backdrop for nine days of challenge and adventure and no fewer than two European trips were also on offer – a tour of the WW1 battlefields of France and Belgium and an outward bound expedition to the rugged scenic landscapes of the Allgau in Southern Bavaria.

 

The cadets and their instructors travelled 125 miles by coach to take up residence at Napier Barracks the home of the Royal Gurkha Rifles at Folkestone on the South East coast and tackled some changeable summer weather throughout their annual break.

 

“There was certainly a full programme of activities”, said County Training Officer Major Trevor Cox who had personally designed the ‘in-camp’ elements of the package. “Having access to some of the best shooting ranges in the UK and extensive surrounding landscapes meant that all cadets could learn valuable skills using first class facilities”  -  and this camp was to prove a special one for Trevor, when he received his 3^rd clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly CBE.

 

Once they had settled into the camp, junior and intermediate level cadets each undertook two day training programmes in military skills including first aid, signals, and the use of map and compass as part of the unique army proficiency certificate syllabus. The training prepared them for a two day exercise during which they put their newly acquired skills into practice living independently under the stars. The outdoor adventure was followed up with supervised .22 target rifle shooting and clay shooting. There was also a first opportunity to use the new cadet A2 5.56mm rifle introduced earlier in the year. To round off their experiences swimming competitions took place at nearby St John Moore Barracks.

 

Meanwhile, in addition to the UK activities, the more senior cadets had been gearing up for adventures further afield.  “There were two clear objectives for our visit to France and Belgium”, said Deputy Commandant Lt. Colonel Mark Knight MBE. “We provided an opportunity for the cadets to trace the history of their former County regiment – The Cambridgeshires – by visiting the scene of their greatest action during WW1, and also enabled them to take part in one of the famous evening memorial parades held at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium”

 

Ninety three years ago in 1916, thirty two Cambridgeshire men gave their lives and 218 were wounded on the desolate battlefields of the Somme during ferocious hand to hand fighting taking the German stronghold known as the Schwaben Redoubt. The first battalion of the Regiment won a record 42 gallantry awards in just one day.

 

The group of 110 cadets together with their adult instructors crossed the channel by ferry and stayed for two nights at their base - the Chateau D’Ebblinghem, near St Omer in Northern France – whilst they toured famous WW1 battlefields and memorials including Schwaben Redoubt, Vimy Ridge, Tyne Cot, Langemark, Hill 62 and Essex Farm Cemetery. It was here that the youngsters witnessed the starkest aspect of service to their country when they visited the last resting place of a 15 year old soldier who had given his life for freedom. . “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the grave of someone the same age as me”, said Cadet Sam Knight (15) from Ely, “It is just unbelievable what he did to serve his country”.

Cadet Corporal Amy Milton (16) from Haddenham reflects with an unknown soldier

Also at Essex Farm Cemetery Cadet Corporal Amy Milton (17) from Haddenham took time to reflect on the thousands who lost their lives and were never identified. At the graveside of an unknown soldier she said,” We come away each year for excitement on camp but this time it’s very different because it is balanced with remembrance for those who did not come home after war”.

 

During the tour several cadets identified lost relatives, including L/Corporal Rebecca Grogan (16) from St Neots who found Great Uncle Private Philip Maurice Chapman, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, commemorated on the wall of remembrance in the beautiful gardens of Tyne Cot Cemetery. “I never thought I would get the chance to visit the memorial to my great uncle at Tyne Cot” said Rebecca.  “To actually go and see the place where he died serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers was so moving and I will never forget it”.

 

Later - on 28th July - led by their own scarlet coated Corps of Drums the cadets paraded to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate where every evening since November 1918 the town of Ypres has stopped at 8pm to honour fallen heroes, many of whose names adorn the walls of the gate itself. The service was conducted by Chaplain to Cambridgeshire ACF (CF3) The Reverend Alan Jesson TD who is also Minister to two parishes near Wisbech - the birthplace of ACF founder Octavia Hill. Speaking after the parade Cadet Sergeant Major Nathan Saberton, who is also the Mayor’s Cadet for Cambridge City, said, “This has been a great chance to do something out of the ordinary” “Having the honour to be the

Corps of Drums at the Menin Gate

County standard bearer marching through the Menin Gate at Ypres was just fantastic”. And Cadet Sergeant Major Robert Prince (18) from Comberton totally agreed. He formed the colour party, marching with Nathan and Cadet Sergeant Ben Pascoe (16) as hundreds of spectators lined the streets applauding. “It was a proud moment”, said Rob. “I am leaving the cadets for university soon and this was my last large parade – it was certainly the best”.

 

Cambridgeshire cadets march to the Menin Gate Ypres

 

Elsewhere on the continent, a band of 47 intrepid cadet explorers led by

Captain Steve Swann were about to venture to the Allgau region of Bavaria between 1^st and 9^th August to take part in canoeing, climbing and mountaineering. Their expeditions included 2, 3 and 4 day excursions through some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in the world. Relaxation time included swimming and a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein - a 19th-century Bavarian palace near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria – which completed the whole mountain experience.

 

Strong interest and support for the cadets throughout their camp was shown by visits from several important visitors including Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Hugh Duberly CBE who presented individual Cadet Forces Medals and Long Service Clasps to Major Trevor Cox, Mr Robert Maxwell and Sergeant Major Instructors Simon Whitworth, Andrew MacKenzie and Kim Gittins. Other distinguished guests included the Chief Executive of East Anglia Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, Colonel Julian Lacey CBE, DL, and Chairman of the Cambridgeshire RFCA Forum, Colonel Derek Bristow, OBE, DL.

 

After the camp had ended County Commandant Colonel Roger Herriot said, “This year’s camp has been one of our most ambitious and successful to date”. “The challenge that we have delivered to these young people has equipped them with experiences and skills which will be of benefit to them throughout their lives”. “We are particularly grateful to all of the visiting instructors who took part, particularly members of 1^st and 3^rd Battalions of The Royal Anglian Regiment”