Corby Air Cadets in 75th Anniversary Extravaganza

Saturday 13^th August 2016 saw the culmination of many hours of drill, band and choir practice for cadets from 422 (Corby) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets as they took part in the Air Training Corps’ 75^th Anniversary Flagship Celebration Parade and Musical Extravaganza at RAF College Cranwell, the spiritual home of the Royal Air Force.

Leading up to this historic moment in the ATC’s history, Sergeant Kamila Bell, Corporal Eleanor Walvin and Corporal Natalie Bristow attended a week long Drill and Ceremonial Camp in preparation for the parade on the Orange outside College Hall Officer’s Mess.

Cpl Walvin said, “This year’s Drill and Ceremonial camp was a superb experience with such a range of amazing activities that were fun and enjoyable. The drill aspect was also great and a lot of hard work but it all paid off to be on that parade at the end. The event was brilliant and something I will never forget”.

Sgt Hannah Eden, who formed part of the National Marching Band of the Air Cadet Organisation and even managed to get one of the Squadron’s brand new drums on the parade, said “Summer camp with the National Marching Band was yet again an amazing experience, topped off by the splendid extravaganza at RAFC Cranwell. The whole event pieced together perfectly and I am immensely proud to have been a part of it”.

Singing with the National Choir of the Air Cadet Organisation, Flight Sergeant Rebecca Mabbutt spent the run up to the event practicing with the other cadets of the choir and even managed to rehearse with the RAF Coningsby Military Wives Choir.

However, 422 (Corby) Squadron’s involvement didn’t stop there.

On the day of the celebrations, Cadet Kimberley Samuels-Hammond and Cadet Joseph Curry; joined by Flying Officer Paul Ferguson RAFVR(T), assisted with the escorting of the VIPs at the event.

422 (Corby) Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Kev Ritchie RAFVR(T) said, “What a fantastic day it was. The cadets and staff of the Squadron should all be extremely proud of the part they played in the celebrations, from escorting VIPs to parading on the Orange.

It's not often that historic moments like this come along and it's great that cadets and staff from 422 (Corby) Squadron were a part of that magic!”.

If you’re aged between 12 (School Year 8) and 16 and are interested in becoming a Royal Air Force Air Cadet, 422 (Corby) Squadron are holding an Open Day on Saturday 10th September 2016 from 10am to 2pm at their Squadron Headquarters on St. Mark’s Road.

For more information, you can call the Squadron on 01536 601615 or click here.