Page 74 - KRH Year of 2021 CREST

72 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force – Cambrai Company
It has been a busy year for the Cadets of Cambrai Company Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force (H&IOW ACF). We started off 2021 with a lockdown, during which our instruc- tors worked tirelessly to provide the Cadets with interactive online training sessions to undertake whilst at home. Instructors delivered interesting and fun lessons and quizzes with guest pre- senters (including Capt Chris Pople, KRH) resulting in prizes being posted out and certificates and badges being awarded once face to face training resumed.
We had several training days which were held at various detach- ments around the New Forest with Cadets taking part in Skill at Arms lessons and Basic Signalling courses alongside other core subjects.
With COVID protocols in place and some adaptions to our train- ing program we got the go ahead for residential training to resume and we ran our Annual Cadet Summer Camp in August. We had a plethora of activities on offer for the Cadets to take part in along- side a comprehensive training package including range days and exercise phases. Cadets undergoing their basic training were allowed to attend Annual Camp for the first time. Usually, Cadets must have passed their basic training to be able to attend but dis- pensation was granted for them to attend and we are pleased to say that we welcomed over 20 new Cadets into the Company by the end of the week. We had a fantastic camp.
King Edwards School CCF, Bath
Despite the Covid restrictions, 2021 was a striking year for King Edward’s School (KES) CCF. The Contingent has been still able to run exercises and activities. From the aptly named Ex COVID ESCAPE, to a four-day exercise at Sennybridge, the KES CCF has made the best of a difficult situation.
In June, the Contingent attended RNAS Merryfield in Somerset for a three-day exercise. This was the first exercise for the new recruits and provided a good introduction to what we do at CCF. Both staff and cadet NCOs delivered a range of lessons and activi- ties including: fieldcraft lessons, orienteering across the airfield, blank firing, and an exciting night navigation challenge.
Later, in July, we travelled for a 4-day exercise on the famous Sennybridge training area. Ex Summer Breeze was one of the most exciting and challenging trips the Contingent has been on in recent years. The first three days consisted of fieldcraft les- sons and the famed section attack competition. This was a great opportunity for all ranks to refine their skills in preparation for an arduous 24-hour tactical exercise. For this, the contingent was split into two, providing an opportunity for the longest-serving cadets to take control of two individual platoons. The first pla- toon was designated with securing the road on which a convoy was to pass through, while the second platoon were to assault and hijack the convoy. While every cadet across the Contingent was tested fiercely, it was an enjoyable exercise nevertheless.
In August, 7 Year 10 cadets began the 10-day Method of Instruction course. The MOI aims to introduce the fundamentals
Cambrai UTC dawn attack in full swing
The support given to us from KRH and other regular soldiers enabled us to deliver FIBUA training in the UTC culminating in a spectacular final attack which was both a fantastic opportunity and experience for our Cadets.
In November many of our Cadets and adult volunteers supported the RBL by raising money for the Poppy Appeal and every detach- ment in the Company took part in a Remembrance Day parade. We also held a training weekend where we welcomed another 16 new recruits into the company.
December saw our Cadets take part in the “Cadet 100” shoot and they performed so well they have now qualified for the next stage of the competition. Cambrai Company ACF would like to thank the KRH for the support given to them and very much look for- ward to 2022.
SW
of leadership to the senior cadets that go through the course. During the week, cadets were put through their paces, testing them both physically and mentally. The senior cadets had learnt valuable skills such as time management, resilience, self-disci- pline and countless others. Five of the seven cadets passed this very challenging course, allowing them take on more responsibil- ity within the CCF and begin their journey as NCOs.
Looking to October, cadets of all ages attended the “Music Camp” at Longmoor training area, where a condensed course had them improving upon or learning from scratch key musical skills at the same time as honing military skills. This not only allowed the Contingent to put on an impressive display at ceremonial events but provided an opportunity for senior cadets to provide in-house training; progressing their teaching skills and the musical capa- bilities of the Contingent.
Moreover, cadets took on the challenge of participating in some important ceremonial duties, including taking a role in Bath’s own Remembrance Day parade. This included a very success- ful appearance from the Corps of Drums which, having recently increased in size, proudly led the Contingent down the high street, it aims to play the KRH quick march for next November!
Overall, despite the restrictions which we have had to work with, KES CCF has most definitely risen to the challenge, and we look
forward to a fantastic year to come.
GW