Page 68 - Bugle Autumn 2024

SOUTH WEST
TRIUMPH IN CLIMBING AND CAVING ADVENTURE FOR DEVON ARMY CADETS
Over 50 Devon ACF cadets and adults from across the region embarked on a thrilling adventure during the Easter break, tackling a combined climbing and caving challenge.
Exercise PELLEW DAREDEVIL tested the cadets’ strength of character as they battled against the weather. Harsh conditions, including cold temperatures and strong winds, added an extra layer of difficulty
to the activities. However, the cadets persevered, demonstrating their commitment and unwavering spirit. This demanding
environment fostered teamwork and resilience, proving their ability as future leaders. The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the ascent of Hay Tor at 1,499 ft. This iconic climb demanded focus, teamwork, and a willingness to confront personal challenges. The cadets rose to the occasion, reaching the summit with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
But the challenge wasn’t over there. To add another layer of excitement, they participated in a demanding abseil descent from the peak.
TWO DEVON
CADETS ACHIEVE
MASTER CADET!
Two Cadets from Cambrai (C) Company in North Devon attended their Master Cadet Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park in April. The Master Cadet Course is the pinnacle of a cadet’s career and there are a
very limited number of spaces on the course each year. It aims to broaden and develop further the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of 4 Star Cadets.
SSgt Isabella Griffiths from Okehampton Detachment and CSM Mia Andrews (16) from Torrington Detachment were the chosen duo.
Left Cdt CSM Mai Andrews, right SSgt Isabella Griffiths on the steps at Frimley Park
68 RIFLES The Bugle
SOMERSET
ARMY
CADETS
Earlier in the year Somerset Army Cadets deserved all their successes after lots of hard graft.
The wins started to come in April, with
two teams representing the county in the annual two-day Royal Air Force Walking and Marching Association marches at RAF Cosford. With 40km covered each day, the Somerset teams led by SSI Kevin Relph and SI Daniel Temple started training for the event in early 2024 before taking on the main march in April. Somerset not only completed the event, but was also named the best Army Cadet team
Also in April, cadets from around the county took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out in aid of the RBLI, with Castle Cary and Wincanton Platoons raising over £3,000, whilst Doniford Platoon raised just over £1,000 for the cause! Doniford Platoon have since gone on to raise more than £500 in aid of Hounds for Heroes.
Then in May, after six months of training and preparation, three teams entered and completed the annual Ten Tors event on Dartmoor in Devon. This was a particularly
all who competed did so in memory of Somerset ACF adventure training stalwart, Peter Cooper
bitter sweet event as it was the first time
in nearly 20 years that all three teams had crossed the finish line on the second day
in blazing sunshine, and it was especially poignant as all who competed did so in memory of Somerset ACF adventure training stalwart, Peter Cooper who had passed away just a few weeks before. He has been a keen advocate of Adventure Training in the county, especially for the Ten Tors event and could often be found out and about at weekends training cadets to deal with everything Dartmoor could throw at it.
Forwarding into June and the momentum didn’t stop, with four Cadets from Jellalabad Company, taking part in the Somerset Yomp. Raising £1,200 for the Army Benevolent Fund. 2Lt Nicola Gale ACF, Somerset Army Cadets, County Media Officer