Page 19 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

Heumensoord. All the way to the mess tent I had
in my head the thought of how I’ve ended up in the Netherlands deciding to walk 100 miles and whether I could do it or not. However, all of these thoughts quickly went the moment that we were sat on the cramped bench eating our chocolate spread cheese sandwiches (and all the other concoctions we made) and one of us managed to crack a joke, which sent the whole squad into a laughing fit at 0230 on a Tuesday morning. This in itself set the whole mood of the four days to come which I can confidently say was the best time I have ever had in the RAFAC.
The whole event has changed how I look at the challenges that I face and has made me feel much more confident knowing that when we started training in September, I struggled with the small 15km session and by July I had completed Nijmegen.
I often find myself looking through the countless photos and videos I took and remembering all the walking, laughing and dancing that we did that week, and I find that I miss the feeling of waking up in the early hours of the morning and spending every second of the day to come next to some of the best lads I’ve ever met.”
Cadet Si Zhe Luo from 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron said, “It is an absolute honour to be part
of S&W Yorkshire Nijmegen team, the friends and memories you make along the way are invaluable. Although Road Marching may seem like an aimless activity to some, the personal development that has been brought out from all members of the team is vast and I would thoroughly recommend all cadets to at least give road marching a go. Overall, Nijmegen is easily one of the most unique and fun activities you could possibly do (civilian or military) and arguably is better than any other corps-wide event!”
Cadet Sergeant Harrison Roberts-Schmidt added, “Nijmegen 2024 was the experience of a lifetime, it truly cannot be described by words. The atmosphere of the streets was incredible, it really made us all forget how far we were walking and helped us power through. I feel blessed to have received this opportunity as it gave me friends for life from not only South and West Yorkshire wing. The 4 Daagse
The team spirit was incredible, constantly encouraging each other.
is something I definitely see myself doing again whether it be with RAFAC or whether it be civilian.”
Cadet Sergeant Daniel Dyson from 2458
(Shipley and Baildon) Squadron was part of the Wing Nijmegen team and said “Nijmegen was an incredible experience. It was a massive party with locals constantly cheering you on and giving out sweets and ice cream. The team spirit was incredible, constantly encouraging each other.
Nijmegen affected me in quite a few different ways. One of which was that I got to meet with
not just cadets from other wings but also with the regulars from other militaries. I got the chance
to chat with a few of them and learn about their experiences. Another way Nijmegen affected me was that it helped improve my self-confidence. Nijmegen is a challenge but if you tell yourself you can get through it you will.
I believe that Road Marching is a benefit to
other cadets. It gets cadets out and active which can improve their fitness. It can also be a great opportunity for cadets to interact with each other and talk about their different experiences and learn about new ones.”
Corporal Tom Turner of 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron added; “Nijmegen is not simply a 4 day march. It is a test of mental and physical strength, resilience, courage and determination. From waking up in the early hours of the morning to plodding along the never-ending stretches of tarmac. It is a test you will never forget. To the untrained eye, road marching may appear to be an arduous endeavour. It is easy to assume the only thing we walk towards is fabric. Suspended metal which hangs from our chests. Only those who dare to test their limits will succumb to the addiction of the road marching drug. The first frightening steps. The hysterical halfway point. The release of removing heavily trodden boots. One thing is undeniable. You will always want that little bit more. Do you have what it takes?”
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