February/March 2011

DEVON AND SOMERSET WING A.T.C

The mercury

May I take this opportunity to wish you all and your families a very Happy New Year and to thank

you for your hard work and dedication to your squadrons and the Wing during 2010. The

highlight of last year must have been the Royal Visit. When I wrote my message last year a visit by

Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was the last thing from

my mind, but what a day it was. I hope all who attended will have lasting memories, I certainly

shall. My thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it all happen especially Sqn Ldr Fisher.

The Royal Visit was a great launch for Cadet 150 and many activities took place including the

Parades in Exeter and Taunton, my thanks to all staff and cadets who made our presence so

impressive especially the arena displays at Taunton. The cadets and staff mostly from 200

(Torquay) Squadron who represented the Wing at the London Parade and Royal Garden Party in

Buckingham Palace will I am sure have very many happy memories of the day. The year finished

with a large turn out of cadets and staff to celebrate the 70th

Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

through Exeter, my thanks to all who attended.

This year we are celebrating the 70th

Anniversary of the Formation of the Air Training Corps. We

will be holding a Wing Parade in Taunton on Sunday 26 June and a Wing Dinner in Tiverton on

the 16 July. We are also planning two presentation evenings one in each county to inform local

business people, service personnel and educationalists about the ATC, I hope this will encourage

sponsorship and new adult members. Sector One is holding a parade on Sunday 6 Feb, I hope

other sectors will do something during the year to raise our profile. Any other ideas to celebrate

our 70th

Anniversary are welcome.

Ten Tors last year was our best ever with every cadet finishing, training has just begun for this

year with a good spread of teams throughout the Wing including a Wing 55 team. We also had

another successful Nijmegen marches, we are still waiting to hear about allocations for this year.

Adventure Training and Field craft remain as popular as ever, with most squadrons having a Field

craft instructor. We hope to arrange courses during the year so members of staff can qualify in

AT.

The new syllabus for cadet training has been introduced and the new Master Cadet qualification.

BTEC participation remains good, but we must ensure every cadet completes the course. Staff

training courses are planned during the year mainly at Chickerell, it is important that we all keep

our skills up to date and also to take advantage of learning new ones. First Aid remains important

within the Corps syllabus and I hope all cadets will gain one of the different levels of first aid

offered. Members of staff should also take advantage of these as many of the activities we do

now require a first aid qualification. Cadet courses at Chickerell have run very successfully. We

still have a lack of classroom space to run all the courses we would like to, but we still hold out the

hope of obtaining our own Wing training centre when funds allow.

P A G E 2 T H E M E R C U R Y

A word from the boss

Shooting has taken place all year, but with a slight reduction due to the compliance issues. For

the second year a team represented the Wing at Bisley after many months of training. We have

also a cadet with a Cadet 100 badge, the first in the Wing. Thanks to Sqn Ldr Webb and our two

Gliding Squadrons more cadets have achieved Gliding Scholarships this year. AEF at Colerne and

RAF St Mawgan remain popular; let‟s ensure every flying allocation is taken up during the year.

We have been very fortunate this year in our camp allocations, with Easter at RAF Cranwell,

Summer at RAF Henlow and for the first time an Autumn allocation at RAF Waddington, so there

will be many opportunities to see the RAF in action, once again I would like every camp place

filled, please get your application forms and monies to wing asap. I know a number of staff and

cadets will be pleased that we are planning another Griffin camp this year at Penally nr Tenby,

the location it was held at before moving to Penhale.

Sports participation has increased during the year, with many teams coming first and we‟ve

gained two trophies at the Regional Athletics, well done to all. A sports council has been formed

with representation from all sectors, my thanks to members of staff who have volunteered to

help. Sqn Ldr Ayre is always keen to hear from anyone who would like to help with sports, either

training or just going with a team for the weekend as the team manager. The Wing athletics this

year is on Sunday 8 May in Exeter, I hope every unit will be represented.

With cadet 150 the media team have been very busy, with increased press coverage throughout

the Wing, well done to units who have submitted articles to the press, the tracker returns make

encouraging reading. It was very good to see members of the Wing receive awards at the media

conference at RAF Cranwell, well done. The Wing web site has received a re vamp thanks to Sgt

Smith at 41F, I hope everyone within the Wing will take the opportunity to visit the site and keep

up to date with Wing events. I have asked all Wing Staff Officers to keep their section up to date

with all the latest information.

It has been a very successful year for the Wing Band, it was a great pleasure to witness them

winning the Regional Band competition at RNAS Yeovilton, unfortunately due to the snow the

corps competition was postponed in December, we wait to hear when it will now take place. As

well as performing at the Cadet 150 parades and the Battle of Britain, they stood in for a Royal

Marine band that had to pull out of an engagement. The Wing Civilian committee and the

Wessex Cadet Trust have all contributed to the Band equipment fund with new instruments

being purchased. I hope every cadet within the wing who has a musical talent will take the

opportunity to join the Band.

It is with much pleasure that I welcome to the Wing our new Wing Executive Officer, Sqn Ldr

Steve Gray. With a Naval and Army background he brings much experience to the Wing and is

learning all the RAF ways very quickly. He already has a grip on our communication issues

forming a working group to look at the subject. Governance is a very important topic within the

corps especially in the increased legislative society we now live. It is important that we all comply

with the latest instructions from HQAC, it is in our own interest to do so.

P A G E 3

A word from the boss (con’t)

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

We dinned out Grp Capt Travis last Autumn after 11 years as our Wing Chairman; I thank him

most sincerely for his commitment to the Wing and guidance he so readily gave. We welcome

Sqn Ldr Garry Hawkes to the post; many will know Garry as a Wing Staff Officer for many years.

He brings much experience to the role; I look forward to working with him and Committees

throughout the Wing for their increased support. I am very grateful for the time and

commitment given by committee members of all units. With the Strategic Defence Review taken

place and the Corps having to make savings, I am sure we will be looking to Civilian Committees

for increased help and support.

The 70th

Anniversary gives us all an opportunity to sell the benefits of the Corps and I hope will

increase the number of cadets and staff within the Wing. Word of mouth is our best form of

advertising so it is important that we all, Cadets and staff take the opportunity to mention the

corps to as many people as we can. As everyone knows it is my desire to have 40 cadets enrolled

in every unit, the number is gradually increasing, but unfortunately some units have fallen back

during last year, they know who they are and I hope during 2011 every effort will be made to

return them to much healthier cadet strength.

My sincere thanks to my Wing Staff Officers, Sector Commanders and Specialist Officers who have

helped me enormously during the year, without their support and dedication the wing would

not achieve half of what it does. To all Squadron Commanders I am fully aware of the increased

burden placed on you, but am grateful to all the time and commitment you put into your units.

As some units are aware I have introduced a 10 minute presentation to my Annual Inspections,

this ensures I am fully aware of all the activities a unit has undertaken during the year. The

number of community events that you participate in is incredible, my sincere thanks. To all the

staff within the Wing thank you for your support, many of you take on additional responsibility

which I am always grateful for. I hope everyone who shares in the achievements of our cadets

gets great benefit from it; your contribution to society is very much appreciated. I hope every

cadet within the Wing takes advantage of all the activities the corps has to offer, you are only a

teenager once, fill your teenage years to the full.

I look forward to meeting all members of the Wing on my Annual Inspections of Units. I am sure

2011 will be another great year with many successes for the Wing, Squadrons and Cadets.

Nothing would be achieved with out the dedication of all members of staff, cadet NCOs and our

cadets, you have a lot to be proud of.

B W Wills-Pope

Wing Commander

P A G E 4 T H E M E R C U R Y

A word from the boss (con’T)

In October 14 Cadets and 3 Staff visited the home of

Army Aviation, Middle Wallop Airfield in Hampshire.

The visit was organised by 13‟s own Flying Officer

Chris Gill MBE who had arranged the visit via his

“other hat” as a Major in the Army Air Corps (AAC).

First we had a tour of 673 (AH Training) Squadron

AAC (which we learned used to be an RAF Sqn until

1945) to see one of their awesome WAH-64D

Apache Longbow attack helicopters. The first thing that strikes you about the AH-64 is how BIG it

actually is, it‟s huge! The Cadets were shown round the aircraft by a Warrant Officer 1 who had

done several tours of Afghanistan & is one of Prince Harry‟s instructors as HRH is currently on his

Apache course with the Squadron. They were given a walk round & then (along with a very

overexcited CI Richard “the Bish” Bellamy) were allowed to sit in the Cockpit while the WO1

explained how the sensors and systems worked. We then retired to the Sqn briefing room for a

talk & video on the weapons systems.

Our next stop was to the AAC Historic flight where we saw their collection of veteran helicopters

& aeroplanes including the Alouette II which Fg Off Gill flew at air shows such as RIAT during his

time as one of their display pilots… being reunited with his old aircraft visibly cheered up Major

Gill, who had spent the Apache visit clearly wishing he was still a front line AAC pilot so he could

have a go in what he described as a “flying tank”! The Cadets were able to sit in the flights‟

aircraft and Flying Officer Chris Power was reunited with a Chipmunk, which you older readers

will fondly remember (the Chipmunk, not Fg Off Power that is!)

After a short break for the traditional “13 Sqn can‟t go anywhere without the minibus battery

going flat” break we finally headed for the excellent AAC museum to learn about army aviation

starting with Balloons in the 1860s via the Royal Flying Corps, the Glider pilot regiment and the

reformation of the AAC in 1957. A big thanks to our own Major Chris Gill for organising the day.

P A G E 5

13 Sqn visit middle wallop

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Air Cadets and staff from 1064 (Honiton) Squadron Air

Training Corps were invited to help out at a special

Veteran‟s Day held at Otter Nurseries in East Devon.

Veterans that served in RAF Bomber Command in World

War 2 were invited to the event to help promote the

„Bomber Command Memorial Appeal‟. The Appeal is trying

to raise millions of pounds so that a wonderful Memorial can

be erected in London in memory of the thousands of men from this country, the Commonwealth

and other countries that served in RAF Bomber Command in WW2.

The Air Cadets and staff from 1064 (Honiton) Squadron were available to collect money, promote

the appeal and assist the veterans throughout the day. The public, the organisers and the

veterans enjoyed having the Air cadets in attendance on this very special day for a very special

Appeal.

1031 (Frome) Squadron ATC recently promoted four

cadets to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant respectively.

Cadets Lucas and Birch were promoted to the rank of

Corporal and Corporals Green and Nye to rank of

Sergeant. The cadets were presented with their new

stripes at a presentation evening held in front of their

families and fellow cadets.

Flt. Lt. Andrew March, Officer Commanding of 1031 (Frome) Squadron, said, “This round of

promotions was particularly difficult as we had a high number of cadets apply for the positions of

Corporal and Sergeant. I am pleased with the way that these cadets have risen to the challenges

and opportunities that their newly attained ranks have given them and I hope that they will

prove to be an inspiration to other cadets to apply for promotion when the next opportunity

arises.”

P A G E 6 T H E M E R C U R Y

PROMOTIONS AT FROME AIR CADETS

Air Cadets help the RAF Bomber Command

Memorial Appeal.

Someone once told me, it was like a thousand knives

stabbing you all over your body, painful and worthless.

Others would say, it was a challenge not just to the

human body but to the human mind itself. It was a

sleepless night for some as the novelty of Christmas day

had come to an end. In the morning, residents of

Torbay would wake up to find cavemen, Indians, pirates

and superheroes waiting to plunge themselves into the

depths of hell…metaphorically speaking of course!

Boxing Day 2010. The man on the TV stated, “Today will host a grey sky, mainly cloudy, with a

few sunny outbursts, highs of 2 degrees.” That was it.

The streets were lined with various onlookers with cringing faces. For the people on the beach,

all you could see was fear, a fear of the unknown. Then it happened.

10…The blood rushed to their heads.

9…Their heart beats increased and became one.

8…Was it too late to turn back?

7…Afraid so!

6…They could die of hypothermia. Things could get serious.

5…They began to fidget, jump around, get nervous.

4…They took deep breaths as they waited.

3…This,

2…Was,

1It!

The sound of the air horn brought the characters to life. This was reality. They had to do it. They

had no other choice. It was like life was going forward in slow motion. They dug their feet into

the shingle and sprung out like a panther on to its prey. Before they could return to safety, it hit

them. Yes, it was like a thousand knives stabbing them all over their body.

The water was 2 degrees below freezing that day but nevertheless, they continued to run into

the depths of the sea all in aid of „Help for Heroes‟. As the people on the streets saw the

discomfort of the situation, they dug their hands into their pockets and gave generously to the

bucket collectors. All in all, the cadets from 200 (Torquay) Squadron managed to raise around

£350.00, not including their sponsorships!

As they got out of the water, the shivering mass of cadets ran across the street and into the local

hotel, where they were welcomed with a hot Jacuzzi and sauna. I was informed that the sight

from the hotel‟s pool was quite humorous. As each cadet dipped their bodies into the pool, they

gave off steam! Soon enough, the whole room was filled with condensation and cadets, happy

that they had participated in such a daring event in order to raise money for a good cause.

Article by SGT. J. Hesmondhalgh

P A G E 7

Boxing Day dip 2010

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Air Cadets from 1064 (Honiton) Air Training Corps

Squadron took part in a „Rank Raffle‟ to win the

opportunity to take command of the squadron for a night.

The air cadets that won the various ranks were required to

plan the evening‟s events and take total command of the

squadron. The staff members become air cadets for the

night having to fall into the squad and be given

instructions. This sort of event is generally designed for

fun, but it also lets the young people gain valuable leadership experience.

Did you know that if you can play a musical instrument to Grade 5 (and

have the certificate to prove it) you are entitled to wear the Silver

musician proficiency badge on your brassard? This entitlement is

independent of whether you are in an ATC band and what instrument

you play.

However, if you want a gold one then you have to play in the ACO

National Concert or Marching bands the latter of which is planned for

this Easter.

To discuss getting your award, either Gold or Silver, contact Flt Lt Phil Smith, OC Music on

ocmusic@atcdevsom.org.uk

If you are working towards that grade the Wing Music Flight would like to hear from you as

during 2011 we are expanding our repertoire to include a wider range of instruments and music.

If you would like more information about the band contact us on the above email.

P A G E 8 T H E M E R C U R Y

Musician Proficiency Award

Air Cadets hold ‘Rank Raffle’ and take

command of the Squadron

Newton Abbot and Teignmouth squadrons held

their annual Christmas dinner at the end of

November this year. Special guests included the

Wing Commander, Brian Wills-Pope, Sqn Ldr Terry

Ancell and Sqn Ldr Rick Webb. We were also

honoured to have a quick visit from Gp Capt Billy

Drake (Ret‟d). Billy Drake was a British fighter ace

and flew Spitfires during World War II and had 20

confirmed kills, 6 probable kills and damaged 9

other German aircraft. He also flew Hurricanes, Typhoons and Kittyhawks. During the war he was

based in various places across the globe including England, France, West Africa, North Africa and

Malta. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross

among other awards. Cadets had the opportunity to ask Billy, now 93, about his life and career in

the RAF. Unfortunately he could not stay for the entire night but it was truly a pleasure to speak

to a veteran fighter pilot who flew one of the greatest aircrafts ever built.

After everyone had arrived guests and cadets sat down to start the meal. This year we were at

the Cockhaven Manor in Bishopsteignton, a fantastic venue with great food.

After all 3 courses guests gave speeches about the squadron‟s successes throughout the year and

what we can look forward to in the year to come. There was also a disco held at the end of night.

We‟d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a great and successful year.

P A G E 9

1322 (Newton Abbot) Squadron and 1322

(Teignmouth) DF’s Christmas Dinner 2010

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

On the 30th

and 31st of October, cadets from 2381

(Ilminster) Squadron, Air Training Corps were among

forty Air Cadets from seven local Squadrons at RNAS

Merryfield, Ilton taking part in a Fieldcraft and

Survival Skills exercise.

Thirty cadets participated in the fieldcraft exercise.

For many of them it was their first experience of living

in the field. Throughout the weekend the cadets were taught new skills including camouflage

and concealment, how to build their two man „bivi‟ shelters and how to prepare and cook their

meals using the military 24 hour ration pack. These new skills were tested in a series of short

exercises on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The fieldcraft exercise was also a test for some

of the recently promoted cadet Corporals who were put in charge of the new recruits for the

weekend.

The survival skills course that ran alongside the basic training weekend was attended by ten

cadet NCOs where they were taught survival techniques including how to prioritise, finding

water, building improvised shelters, fire lighting and gathering food. Throughout the weekend

the NCOs were pushed by removing some of their „creature comforts‟, forcing them to adapt to

the situation and use the resources around them.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Penny, Officer Commanding 2381 Ilminster Squadron, running the

exercise said; „this weekend is the first time we had run fieldcraft and survival skills in parallel

such as this. This format makes best use of valuable skills and resources to benefit as many

cadets as possible. I am extremely proud of the efforts of all the cadets involved, both those new

cadets and freshly promoted Junior NCOs on the fieldcraft exercise and the more experienced

NCOs on the survival skills course. Despite changeable weather conditions morale was

extremely high and the attitude and application of everyone involved was superb. I believe

everyone involved went away with new skills and having learnt a little more about themselves

and their potential.‟

P A G E 1 0 T H E M E R C U R Y

Ilminster Air Cadets Learn New Fieldcraft

and Survival Skills

Four of 299 (Exmouth) Sqn‟s most

skilled First Aiders after winning

wing and regional, competitions

headed off to the National First aid

competition at Sandhurst. We

where accommodated at Longmoor

Army Barracks and Travelled to RMA

Sandhurst to take part in the

competition competing against 11

other regional top teams, it was a

good experience to meet Air

Commodore B Cooper and see

different cadet forces compete together. After a gruelling day of Individual and team tasks, we

were ready to go home…

However, when results time came our hearts were pounding in our chests, sweat was on our

brows, quivering hands, the tension built... as third, and second were announced, we waited

anxiously for the big result,

Had we actually cracked it?

Yes there it was our name „299 Exmouth Squadron ATC‟ read out loud, national first aid winners

2010!

We then marched out and received our trophy and medals, with multiple flashes from the

cameras we smiled and marched back with the Trophy lid going flying!

“It was a fun, inspiring and fascinating learning experience”

On the Sunday the Young Grand Prior trophy was a totally new experience with a new point

system and timings for the First aid stances. The rules where very strict, we could not talk to our

team manager or other teams all day. Our phones and familiar first aid kits where taken off us

and we had to improvise with what was in the area.

We are looking forward to next years Regional‟s in March which we have already secured our

place at by winning this year‟s Wing competition and hopefully we‟ll go on to Nationals in

October at RAF Cranwell.

P A G E 1 1

299 sqn excels at first aid

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Day 1 – The first encounter

On first hearing about the Autumn Cyprus camp I made

the quick decision to say yes. In the paperwork went and

off to RIAT I went, within hours of returning home I had

a message from my CO saying you have got the place, I

have never screamed so loud. 2 months later and before

I knew it I‟m packed and off in a couple of hours sadly at

half past 2 in the morning (who knew there were two in

a day?) I arrived at Exeter services 20 minutes early to

find that the bus has beaten me there. I was greeted by

a CWO from Plymouth and Cornwall wing who immediately took my passport, Ehic and 3822.

On the bus I got to meet the few who have got on before me, barely 10 minutes down the road

and we were getting on like we had all met before, apart from the sensible cadet who went to

sleep and didn‟t wake up till we reached Heathrow, all we knew was he was called Greg.

As we continued up the M5 stopping once before crossing onto the M4 to meet the rest of the

cadets also on their way to Cyprus. We reached Heathrow at half past 7 (cutting it slightly fine

when the North cadets have been there for hours) we checked in the only worry now was my

bag too heavy? Apparently 23.7kg is ok. Through the security system we headed, now a large

group of 53 cadets and 5 staff and before we knew it we were on the plane ready for the off.

Four and a half hour later having watched Toy Story 3 and most of Nanny McPhee we landed in

Laranca, Cyprus. We had made friends and were getting on well and typically the last 3 bags

would be ours, we headed off to meet the camp commandant. Having looked outside we were

not impressed, where was the sunshine we were promised? Little did we know having taken one

step outside and saying this isn‟t so bad 2 more steps later the humidity hit us and it was

incredibly hot. After the hour trip from the airport to RAF Akrotiri we were there only to get

stopped again, hearing something about not expecting us. We had tea and were at the

accommodation within the hour looking at our home for the next 10 days, yes the fan was

broken but it wasn‟t that bad, we had a bed each.

Day 2 – The introduction

We awoke the next morning and felt the time change as it‟s 2 hours ahead over there. We got

into our greens ready to get the bus to breakfast, after breakfast we headed to the old 84 Sqn

Wessex helicopter for the camp photo. Sadly, like any other camp Cyprus is no different we had

the security briefs, 3 hours later having woken up again we left in the safe knowledge that British

territory in Cyprus is 99 square miles and if we have any problems with ants there‟s nothing no

anyone can do about it. Basic swimming tests followed and we finally felt the true heat of Cyprus

weather, with proper sunshine instead of clouded humidity. After lunch we expect more greens

work only to be told we were hitting the beach for the afternoon, were we really on camp. The

beach was very hot, with sand that could easily burn your feet and water that was warm enough

to stay in. A couple hours later back to billets ready for tea and evening‟s stand down.

P A G E 1 2 T H E M E R C U R Y

My time at Cyprus Camp Autumn 2010

Day 3 – Force Development

We were up early again and in our greens ready for a morning of force development. A fancy

way we found out of naming PLT‟s. We had a variety of tasks testing our abilities as a flight, this

being our first activity as a flight. A great morning was had by all putting us in many ridiculous

situations from basic puzzles to more advanced activities where we became sheep and our

Sheppard could not talk, but many involved blindfolds. Our first Cyprus packed lunch revealed

that it‟s the same there as it is here. A quick change and back for another afternoon at the beach.

Tea, and another evening to ourselves.

Day 4 – Water World

On Saturday morning was the first day we weren‟t in uniform, we travelled the 2 hours to Ayia

Napa to the water world water park for a day of water fun. The theme was ancient Greek and

offered many water slides and water activities. A great day was had by all with many people

experiencing a new thrill that they would never have attempted before. After the day was over

we returned back to base for an evening of L98A2 Training, or a relaxed one for those already

trained.

Day 5 – Pathos Boat Trip

We awoken slightly later on Sunday morning and packed our bags ready for a boat trip from

Pathos a city an hour west of Akrotiri. The Wave Dancer was the ship we boarded, a converted

car ferry. The day was all inclusive with lunch and entertainment from a private band as well as

Woody a member of our camp and quite a character. The boat stopped every now and then

along the shore to allow people to jump off the back ramp like a diving board. The day was an

enjoyable day for most while I myself experienced a day of sea sickness due to a bout of stormy

weather we passed through, but eventually by the end of the trip most of us had joined in for a

period of conversation and entertainment surrounded by sleeping cadets, a common occurrence

for this camp. It was still a nice day which ended with the camp hitting the local Karaoke bar for

an evening of singing (some better than others.)

Day 6 – A day on Base

Being one of the oldest on camp I was allocated the Job of 2I/C of the flight, on Monday this

gave me as well as the 3 other 2 I/C‟s, 4 flight I/C and 4 CWO to have a laugh on the High and

low ropes. A fun morning as well as educational allowed us to bond well as a team. With little

time to spare we kitted up for the high ropes and split into groups of four, this worked out better

for some groups than others. One by one the 4 members climbed the post to mount the tiny

platform at the top, hold hands and lean back and plunge back to earth. We went off to lunch

and were then joined by the rest of the camp at No. one overseas sqn building where they were

carrying on with weapons training. A couple of minutes later we were heading to 84 sqn to see

the search and rescue sqn which operate griffins out of there. After tea my flight visited the local

youth centre on the island, they were promoting Homes for Heroes by camping out in boxes

under the stars. It was an eye opening experience for us all as their childhoods are so different to

our own.

P A G E 1 3

My time at Cyprus Camp Autumn 2010

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Day 7 – Troodos Mountains

The camp made the trek up the mountains to Troodos, however left behind were 2 CWOs and 4

others. A trip to the med centre was needed for me because of a rope burn, 2 other cadets with

Go Karting injuries and an Adult Sgt with a swollen foot accompanied me. The CWO had an

interview with BFBS to promote why we were there. An hour after everyone else, we left for

Troodos. When we reached the mountains we had just missed the last group so went back to the

square for lunch and to admire the scenery – a local play park. After a nose around the shops and

ice cream we were eventually joined by the rest of the cadets exhausted after their long walk. We

went back down the mountain range to camp for an evening of Go-Karting. We had an

enjoyable evening racing in teams of 4, some were better than others.

Day 8 – Nicosia, the divided capital

We spent an educational day in the island‟s capital of Nicosia spilt between the North Turkish side

and the South Greek side of the Island. The morning was spent in the UN Buffer zone visiting the

commonwealth war graves in one section as well as Nicosia‟s old international airport deserted

since1974.

Day 9 – Shooting day

It was the second to last day and we spent the morning on the range, a simple regional

marksman practice, I used my experience to aid others who were less confident. After lunch we

visited the station‟s Bomb Disposal team, who provided a few hours of fun entertainment of

dressing up in EOD suits running after a robot with sweets. We went back on the bus to the coast

and on to the army boat. We started off with a tour of the boat. Then it was time to get wet with

an activity involving blocking holes which had water being pushed through them. Tonight was

another Karaoke night back at the sports bar.

Day 10 – Last day

It was another morning of shooting, this time we went to the DCCT range where my shooting

was better than the day before with a top score of 20. Being the last day we spent the

afternoon on the beach for a beach party with food being cooked by the camp staff and our

resident entertainer Woody. Many games of volleyball were played, we had a few trips back to

camp for jumpers and fleeces, who knew it could be cold in Cyprus? A good time was had by all

and all to we soon realised we were going home tomorrow.

Day 11 – Time to go home

It was a quiet morning as I packed up my suitcase and prepared to go home. Our last Akrotiri

lunch and before we knew it we were back on the bus for that hour journey back to the airport.

This time a 5 hour flight and a lot more sleeping, on arrival at Heathrow a mature game of

„bogies‟ erupted and before we knew it we were on the bus and on our way home after than

final emotional goodbye. I had a great time and would love to go back again.

CWO Small 1064 Sqn

P A G E 1 4 T H E M E R C U R Y

My time at Cyprus Camp Autumn 2010

On the 27th

and 28th

of November, cadets from 2381

(Ilminster) Squadron, Air Training Corps were among

forty-four Air Cadets and twelve staff and service

helpers from seven local Squadrons at RNAS Merryfield,

Ilton. They were all taking part in the annual end of

year „Exercise Lockdown‟ fieldcraft training exercise.

Exercise Lockdown has traditionally been the final

fieldcraft exercise of the year for the local ATC squadrons and has gained a reputation as a tough

but enjoyable weekend. This year was no exception with a record number of cadets applying to

take part. Despite the challenging weather conditions everyone successfully completed the

exercise. At the end of the weekend all the cadets went home tired but pleased with their efforts.

The exercise itself draws upon the fieldcraft skills that cadets have learnt throughout the year and

puts them into practice with a challenging exercise running from Saturday afternoon to until

Sunday lunchtime with little chance to sleep. During this time the cadets maintain a routine of

alternating duties and are given tasks and activities to complete in the form of mini exercises,

testing their fieldcraft, navigation, first aid and other skills.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Penny, Officer Commanding 2381 Ilminster Squadron, running the

exercise said; “Despite difficult weather conditions and freezing temperatures morale was

continually high and the self discipline and application of everyone involved was superb.

Lockdown is never an easy exercise to complete - the weather this time of year is always a factor

and the fact that the exercise runs throughout the night with very little chance to rest means that

tiredness always creeps in, so everyone can justifiably be proud of their achievement.‟

P A G E 1 5

Ilminster Air Cadets Learn New Fieldcraft and

Survival Skills

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Recently the WO & Sgts Mess held another enjoyable Burns Night Supper at the Buckerell Lodge

Hotel in Exeter. Loosely in line with tradition, the Mess gathered with invited guests to celebrate

Scotland‟s favourite poet through the appointment of a Clan Chieftain, ex WO Mr Mike Boyle.

After being piped in to supper, by an Ex Argyll & Sutherland Highlander, the diners enjoyed the

Selkirk Grace from Mr Vice, Sgt D Bell of 1322 DF. His rendition was spoken with such an

excellent broad Scottish accent that it even impressed our resident “Jock”.

The Haggis was then paraded aloft into the room by the chef, preceded by the Piper and the

restaurant manager brandishing two bottle of Scotch Whiskey. The Haggis was delivered to the

Clan Chieftain who had by now bedecked himself with the traditional headdress for this

celebration, a big ginger wig and a “tam o shanter” He then proceeded to address the Haggis

with a poem and blessing before slicing into the “Beastie” with an old naval cutlass. This was a

tense moment in the evening as on a previous address he managed to also slice into his finger.

With digits intact the meal continued and many comments on the quality and quantity of the

meal abounded.

After the loyal toast and a well received comfort break, the CMC called upon the Chieftain to

recount tales of Burns and his times. Again Mr Boyle gave a passionate speech in a tongue

unfamiliar to the ears of gentle Devon & Somerset folk. Rapturous applause followed with

everyone agreeing on Mike‟s skill as an orator, if only they could have understood a single word

he had said.

With the tension visibly growing the evening moved into what some felt was the gladiatorial part

of the night, the address to the Lassies and their reply. Sgt B Samways from 2381 Sqn delivered

an outstanding attack on the Lassies, hammering blow after blow into the character and foibles

of the female gender. This brought howls of laughter from the men but scorn and abuse from the

girls. Lucky to escape intact, he returned to his seat, a hero to his kind but just slightly

apprehensive of his chances for getting home alive. The reply was presented by FS Walford of

2019 Sqn in the style of a poem. This skilfully played upon the support a woman supplies to her

man, what she must endure and all that, and all that and all that… It was a well fought contest

and both contesters retired to their corners to loud applause and calls of congratulations.

The CMC then rose to speak of the mess news, its hopes and wishes for the future. Profound

thanks was given to the Mess Committee members for organising a great evening with special

mentions going to WO C Woods and FS A Tolson.

P A G E 1 6 T H E M E R C U R Y

WO & Sgts MESS BURNS NIGHT SUPPER AND THE

DINING OUT OF FS THOMAS 722 Sqn

In time honoured tradition fines were

metered out for incorrect dress,

inappropriate comments and a number

of indiscretions. WO Woods who was

logging the fines was so busy taking

names he was soon seen to need to a

bigger sheet of paper and a new pen.

Finishing with a toast the CMC then

invited the WWO to speak on behalf of

the Mess, addressing FS Thomas about his retirement from the cadets. The WWO then

temporarily passed the mantle to the WCO who with great pleasure presented FS Thomas with a

very well earned Commandant Air Cadets Certificate for Meritorious Service. Then the fun began!

Marking FS Thomas career as an MOD fireman, a Fireman‟s Helmet was produced followed by an

axe, both to be worn by FS Thomas for the rest of the evening. It was then highlighted that

Firemen always work as a team so to make him feel at home all the male diners produced

children‟s fireman‟s helmets. These were smartly adorned upon the command “Replace

Headdress!!” The scene was set, the stories abounded and the jokes flowed. Worried throughout

the whole ordeal FS Thomas shifted nervously as his life was laid bare for all to enjoy, oh how

they laughed, oh how they cried. Finally the presentation of a figure of an RAF DI and a personal

cartoon marked the end of the WWO speech. Relived to have survived, FS Thomas was allowed

to recover before he made his reply.

His reply was passionate, highlighting the distress of retiring and leaving his beloved ATC.

Managing to retain his composure FS Thomas continued to deliver a whole raft of “thank you‟s”

and quips until it became obvious emotions were taking over. With a moist eye and a quivering

lip he sat to be repaid by an enthusiastic standing ovation.

To close what was a wonderful evening Mr Vice was called to the top table and amused all

concerned as the VIP members retired to the Bar. During his control of the Mess Mr Vice also

managed to raise £50 for Help for Heroes??

In conclusion it was a fantastic evening and enjoyed by all, FS Thomas was dined out in a style

that befitted an outstanding and inspirational SNCO and everyone said they looked forward to

the next one.

Gary Tonks

WO(ATC)

P A G E 1 7 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Courtesy of Avalon Portraits

Have You got a Communicators Badge? What is a Communicators Badge? Do you use radio as

part of your Squadron training? Does your Squadron own and use radios?

We are encouraged by Headquarters Air Cadets to include radio training as part of the intensive

training syllabus within Squadrons. The training is both useful in a service environment and in

civilian life. It will teach you to think clearly and to use proper procedures. “Think before speak” or

“Engage brain before opening mouth.”

You should have undertaken some radio training as part of your First Class training. Perhaps you

were able to speak to another Squadron or use a handheld radio on an outdoor exercise or to a

base station in your Squadron.

Some Squadrons use their radio equipment to help at local events where communications may

be required between points further away than you can speak. One Squadron provides

communications for a marathon run. Others help with carnivals or local shows especially with car

parking.

So! How can YOU get a Communicators Badge? You have to complete six modules of the syllabus

out of a possible eleven. Ask your CO for ACP 44 (every Squadron has a copy) and look at

Supplement 2 where you will find details of all the modules. Two of these modules are

compulsory and several of the others form part of the training syllabus for the Senior and Staff

Cadet training. Training weekends are arranged from time to time when Chickerell Camp near

Weymouth is used for a Wing training event. Volunteer staff from within the Wing run the

various courses which include a large amount of practical operating, with usually a short

examination to confirm that you have absorbed all the information you will have been given.

Certificates are given on successful completion of the Provisional & Full VHF/UHF courses. Do you

use the internet either at home or at school/college? If so that module should not be a problem

for you and your school/college tutor may be able to sign this off for you. There is a course for the

Amateur Radio Foundation Licence. This is a private study course with a special examination at

the end. You would not qualify for the full operating licence but that could be done later if there

was sufficient interest from within the Wing.

Does your Squadron need radio equipment? How many handheld sets do you have?

Do you need anymore? Ask you CO to speak to the Wing Radio Officer who may have some

available for your Squadron. But be quick, another Squadron may beat you to it!

John Rooke

P A G E 1 8 T H E M E R C U R Y

Speak to me clearly

So here we are five years on or 30 editions later of the Wing Magazine. When I first suggested the

idea of a different approach to communicating to the Wing, little did I know that I would be

writing this five years on.

So from our humble beginnings of eight pages or so, mostly written by The Media

Communications Team here we are with magazines that regularly exceed 20 pages, with the

content now being almost fully supplied by Squadrons. Which is exactly the way I wanted it to

be, so the at least the theory worked.

My thanks to everyone who have and continue to submit articles for the magazine its great to see

all the items every couple of months and please keep sending them to me.

A special thank you to everyone who has had the pleasure of helping to check the magazine and

whilst we have made the odd mistake over the years we do try our best to get it right.

Lastly thanks to both Squadron Leader Rolfe and The Wing Commander for firstly allowing me to

undertake this project in the first place, but also for continuing to support the magazine.

Chris Collman

Editor of The Mercury

Air cadets from 290 Squadron based in Weston-

super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea took to the skies in

the first major flying visit of the New Year at Colerne

airfield near Bath.

The cadets aged between 14 and 17 had the

opportunity to take control of the RAF‟s primary

training aircraft and learn how the aircraft handles

as well as talking to air traffic control and experiencing the thrill of aerobatics.

It was also the first time for three cadets to take to the skies as cadet Elliot Bartlett, 14 added „

What an amazing experience, I‟ve only ever been on a commercial airliner so flying upside down

was definitely a lot different. I can‟t wait for the next trip.‟ The Air Experience Flight (AEF) gives

the opportunity for cadets who learn the theory behind the principals of flight, experience hands

on practical flight for 30 minutes.

P A G E 1 9

The mercury 5 years on

Air cadets get off to a flying start

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 1

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

FEBRUARY 2011

11TH TO 13 TEN TORS TRAINING WEEKEND.

13TH INTER WING JUNIOR RUGBY AND

NETBALL AT RAF LYNEHAM

18TH TO 20TH CADET TRAINING WEEKEND

AT CHICKERELL

25TH TO 27TH TEN TORS TRAINING

MARCH 2011

6TH INTER WING SENIOR SOCCER AND

SENIOR HOCKEY AT RAF LYNEHAM AND

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE

11TH TO 13TH TEN TORS TRAINING

19TH AND 20TH STAFF TRAINING COURSES

AT CHICKERELL

25TH TO 27TH TEN TORS TRAINING

APRIL 2011

8TH TO 10TH RAF TEN TORS TRAINING

15TH TO 17TH TEN TORS TRAINING

THE DEVON AND SOMERSET MERCURY

IS PRODUCED BY THE MEDIA

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM FOR DEVON

AND SOMERSET WING AIR TRAINING

CORPS.

YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO US VIA;

DEVON AND SOMERSET WING ATC

WYVERN BARRACKS

BARRACK ROAD

EXETER

DEVON EX2 6AR

E MAIL

media.devonsomerset@aircadets.org

PHONE

07768 025119

THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION

WILL BE SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2011

Devon & Somerset Air Training Corps would

like to thank Thales UK for their support