Page 16 - LBV 2024

EX CHAMONIX BLUE
Having left the cold harsh conditions
of our Annual Camp in Northern Ireland, officer cadets from Cambridge University Officers` Training Corp (CUOTC) prepared for the adventure
of a lifetime in Chamonix colloquially known as “Chams” across the unit. This is one of the key Adventurous Training (AT) Expeditions the unit holds for which a tremendous amount of gratitude and appreciation goes out
to the Ulysses trust for making this possible. For without the funding from the trust, none of this trip would have been possible.
Upon waking up in Chamonix a party was sent to provide breakfast which increased moral as the smell of fresh pastries took over the air. Once the breakfast party had arrived, food was eaten and a plan for the day was made.
Mountain biking had cadets exploring the local villages of Chamonix whilst working on their individual skills and drills on a mountain bicycle. This experience involved cadets learning how to jump over obstacles and utilize the gears of a bike when ascending or descending hills. This was led by JUO (Junior Under Officer) Jess Cunliffe.
Mountain trekking had cadets
learning how to navigate and lead
a group of people through tough
alpine environments which proved a challenge, but all was overcome. Officer cadets went to numerous caffes when descending mountains for quick treats but also had the chance to take some Oscar winning photos. This was led by JUO James Prockter and JUO Becky Boreham
Climbing took place at various climbing sites across Chamonix. Lead
By Major Bevin, Company Sergeant Major Powers, Company Sergeant Major Taylor, Corporal Longyear & Corporal Humphries. This would involve cadets, improving their ability to use and handle their climbing equipment as a pair or
a three when climbing. Cadets had the opportunity to further their experience by choosing various difficulties across the days which proved a good challenge for many.
Via Ferrata translating to the iron
path, is a route with fixed protection that aids climbers in moving safely through the mountains. This was traditionally used by armies in the second world
war to transport vast quantities of kit when going up mountains, opposed to traditional methods of climbing. This was
quite the treat for many officer cadets
as it had them climbing not only cliff faces but across waterfalls which always turned out to be a blast. Figuratively and literally. This was led by Major Bevin and Major Wilson.
The exercise conducted in Chamonix allow officer cadets to not only experience what it was like to do the activities but to see how they were planned. The exercise also had all officer cadets organise breakfast, lunch and dinner for those on the trip. This would involve a shop for breakfast and lunch the day before and a trip to a bakery in the morning. The lunches were fresh baguettes with whatever items you’d like on the inside ranging from soft cheese to spicy chorizo. This was then finalised with after whatever activity the group did in the day, they would venture into the city to purchase whatever food
they wanted to cook for the group. This ranged from dishes like carbonara to the famous CUOTC mess (Eton mess made by our Officer cadets)
A huge thankyou to the ULYSSES TRUST for making this expedition possible.
Major M Bevin
16 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER