Page 62 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

CEY Wing ATC
NEW NAME
ON THE DOOR
AT 1324
Ex-cadet, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford- Roper-Smith has returned from full time service, taking command of 1324 Squadron from Flying Officer Helle McCollin, who now focusses on her appointment as Wing Sports Officer. Over the past 9 years, Helle has served with both 872 (Hull West) and 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadrons, both as a civilian instructor (carrying out roles such as squadron adjutant), and for the last 4 years as a commissioned officer, guiding 1324 Squadron through the difficulties of the pandemic and remote parade nights. “I’m sad to be stepping back from my command responsibilities with 1324 and the wonderful cadets I’ve had the privilege of developing, but being able to
lead the wing’s cadets to victory at the recent athletics competition is exactly why I enjoy supporting cadets across the whole of the Wing. Unfortunately, it’s just not possible to do both roles justice with all the work that entails, so there comes a point when you have to choose, and what better time than now?”
Flt Lt Clifford-Roper-Smith has always wanted to return home and command his former squadron, though he hadn’t anticipated the accelerated timeline: “It feels like this succession plan got underway almost as soon as I walked through the door, so there have been a lot of changes and new processes to wrap my head around in a very short period
of time.” “What has impressed me most is the calibre of young adults we have on the squadron despite the negative impact the pandemic has had on the organisation’s ability to develop the cadets to the extent it normally does. I can’t
wait to hit the ground running and to play my part in ensuring these cadets get the same experiences and opportunities I did when I was in their shoes. I’m also incredibly thankful to Helle for her tireless dedication to my childhood squadron. Many units have been lost through and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Without her, there’s a very real chance 1324 Squadron wouldn’t have been here for me to return to, and so she’ll always have my gratitude”.
He wasted no time in laying down the gauntlet: “The cadets did a fantastic job at the last Wing Competition Day, coming second overall despite not winning a single standalone event and we are looking for improvement on our successes.”
A FOND FAREWELL TO MS SARA DAWSON, FUNDRAISER EXTRAORDINAIRE
After 16 years of faithful service, Ms Sara Dawson has made the difficult decision to step away from her fundraising role with the 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron’s civilian committee.
Herself once the proud parent of
a cadet, Sara has provided no fewer than 16 years of invaluable support and has raised tens of thousands of pounds to enable 1324 Sqn to provide a truly remarkable cadet experience, to say nothing of the other great
causes that have also benefited. The squadron will feel her loss
greatly, and while she’s as modest
as she is effective as a fundraiser, meaning she has insisted no formal fuss be made upon her departure, it would be remiss of us not to formally record just how grateful we are for all the time she has given to making our unit a great place to be. Thank you, Sara.
We wish you all the best for the future.
Retirement Event
By Pilot Officer Sam Cook
Over 50 ex cadets gathered at the Ilkley Vaults in January, to recognise the dedication and contribution of Warrant Officer David Wood, who has now retired from active service. The evening started with his
final inspection and presentations at 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron.
Corporal Elenore Haywood presented Warrant Officer David Wood with a picture of the Squadron as a leaving gift.
62 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024
Ms Sara Dawson, left, leading one of our many fundraising drives from the front.