Page 35 - Cadet Review Summer 2023

responders during natural disasters, when primary communications are unavailable.
The second group of cadets learnt about the enigma machine, the history behind it and got to
see one in real life too. The final group got to see how the RAF web technicians can update and store information in custom-built servers and databases. Later on in the afternoon, the cadets went to see the Defence School of Photography and learnt about the vast history of armed forces photographers and the history of how they have developed as a job role. On display they had some of the original cameras they used to take significant pictures from time, as well as a vial of sand from one of the tunnels, from the ever-famous ‘Great Escape’.
Thursday saw the cadets going off base to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), where they got to see how the newest cutting-edge Challenger 3 tanks were being made, as well as getting to sit in the Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier. In addition, the cadets also took part in an engineering challenge in which they had to construct the tallest free-standing structure out of spaghetti and marshmallows.
Friday was the last full day of camp and the
cadets were rewarded with a day at the RAF Cosford Museum, where they had free rein to look around
all the exhibits and spend some money in the gift shop, as well as try out a typhoon simulator and
a red arrows 4D Experience. In the evening, the cadets had the end of camp celebrations to attend to. While here, the infamous paper plate ceremony took place, where a number of funny moments from the week were honoured as well as giving out the awards for: Best Cadet (Cadet, now Corporal, Caitlin Booth - 264 Skipton); Most Improved (Cadet Jake Dobbs - 886 Immingham) and Best NCO (Corporal William Kneeshaw - 110 City Of York). A large part of the evening was of course the disco, where on more than one occasion the camp commandant, Squadron Leader Adam Waudby, showed off his improvised dance moves along to some of the music.
In conclusion, the RAF Easter Annual camp was a large success in showcasing to the 46 young people what it is like to live on an RAF station, as well as the various roles and trades that are taught at the station.
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