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STAFF RECEIVE RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE

The cadets in the RAF Air Cadets can receive many awards during their service however the organisation would not exist without the tireless hard work and dedication of its many volunteer staff some of whom go above and beyond the call of duty.

Like cadets, awards of achievement and recognition of service are presented to staff and a number of staff from Plymouth & Cornwall Wing have received awards in recognition for their service to the Air Training Corps and the RAF Air Cadets.

The awards were presented at the Wing Conference on Sunday held at RAF St Mawgan by the Regional Commandant for the South West, Group Captain Jason Chalk.

The first award was Certificate of Meritorious Service presented to Warrant Officer David Leng of 1387 (Liskeard) Squadron.

Also receiving a Certificates of Meritorious Service were the Wing IT and First Aid Officer, Warrant Officer Jason Grange, and the Wing Duke of Edinburgh Officer, Corporal John Oliver who is currently a regular in the Royal Air Force..

The Hummerstone Trophy is awarded to the staff member who has made the greatest contribution to the Wing in raising the profile of the RAF Air Cadets and the RAF, the trophy which is not awarded every year was presented to Flying Officer Dave Wilkinson who is the Officer in Charge of 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron.

Receiving recognition for ten years of dedication to the Ten Tors Challenge was the Wing Deputy Adventure Training Officer and Officer Commanding 2533 (Bodmin) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant George Blackborne.

Chair of 2174 (North Plymouth) Squadron's Civilian Committee and former Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant John Bewley (Rtd) was awarded his second clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal.

The final two presentations were made to the Wing's Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Francis Reis who received his third clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal following over 30 years services as a staff member in the RAF Air Cadets together with certificate of his New Year's Honour Award, the Air Officer Commanding 22 Group Commendation.

#aircadets #whatwedo #recognition

2019 Xmas Fun Shoot

Today saw a close competition between eleven teams of cadets at the Wing annual Xmas Fun Shoot organised by the Wing Shooting Officer, Squadron Leader Tim Johns.

Using the new cadet small bore target rifle the teams fired at several targets each being scored individually and as a team.

Winning top team for 2019 was 781 (Newquay) Squadron Team A with 437 points with 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron finishing runners up with 422 points and third place being taken by 1387 (Liskeard) Squadron with 375 points.

The cadet top shot was Corporal Bowes of 2443 Squadron with a creditable 151 points, just ahead of Cadet Warrant Officer Ransley-Miles of 1387 Squadron with 139 points.

Top of the staff shooters was Flight Lieutenant Kara Oliver with 134 points with Sergeant Craig Sherry taking runner up spot with 117 points.

Night of Awards

Rockbeare Manor near Exeter was the venue for a night of awards for staff and cadets of Plymouth & Cornwall Wing. Warrant Officer Stephen Wildgoose RAFAC received his clasp to compliment his Cadet Forces Medal. The CFM is awarded after 12 years of service with a clasp being awarded for subsequent 6 years service. WO Wildgoose is the Squadron Commander of 2309 (City of Plymouth) Squadron based in Millbay, in addition WO Wildgoose can often be found on Dartmoor training cadets for Ten Tors.

Cadet Sergeant Nathan Cooke of 2339 (Plymstock & Mount Batten) Squadron and Cadet Flight Sergeant Madeleine Harris of 2377 (Plympton) Squadron were in attendance to receive their certificates of appointments of Lord Lieutenant Cadets. They will now share duties i escorting the Lord Lieutenant in his duties at public events. Plymouth & Cornwall Wing’s Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Francis Reis was in attendance to see presentations to the Wing members.

#whatwedo

Wing Parade to Honour Battle of Britain

On Sunday 15th September 2019 the Wing formed part of the official Royal Air Force Association parade in Plymouth to honour those Winston Churchill referred to as "the Few" who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Britain over the months of July to October in 1940 during World War II.

Led by Squadron Leader Steve Garlick the parade including the Wing Banner Party and RAF Air Cadets from Plymouth & Cornwall Wing marched from the Civic Building, Armada Way to Minster Church of St Andrew' for a service performed by the minister.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon Brigadier Simon Young , as representative of Her Majesty The Queen, was greeted and escorted by two of the Air Cadets as he attended the service together with the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Richard Ball,.

Following the church service the parade reformed and marched along Royal Parade where the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor took the salute at the Plymouth Flag Poles.

730 Squadron Win Caiel’s Trophy

730 (Truro) Squadron have been crowned Caiel's Trophy winners for 2019 in a new look competition held at Okehampton Battle Camp involving over 200 cadets from the squadrons of Plymouth & Cornwall Wing competing in a number of challenges.

Each of the challenges which had been reduced in duration from 60 minutes to 35 minutes are designed to test the knowledge and ability of the team of 13 cadets on subjects from drill to fieldcraft and from map reading to target shooting, which form part of the core training syllabus.

The shorter challenges were introduced to ensure the cadets were active more of the time so they were grateful for some relaxing time on the Saturday evening which included a disco by the cadets themselves..

With various squadrons winning the different challenges there was no clear winner until the final scores were totalled up.

At the final parade the results were read out in reverse order with Deputy Wing Commander, Squadron Leader Pete Ward announcing 2339 (Plymstock & Mount Batten) Squadron in 3rd place, 3 (Helston) Squadron in runner up place and the winners as 730 (Truro) Squadron.

77 (Redruth) Squadron Say Farewell to Long Serving Civilian Instructor.

Staff and cadets from 77 (Redruth) Squadron have said farewell to long serving Civilian Instructor Kim Medland who after 17 years of service has decided to retire to spend more time with her family.

Kim has served as the Squadron Adjutant under no less than six Squadron Commanders was surprised as she arrived for her last duty by being greeted by a number of ex-Squadron Commander's & senior Wing staff including Wing Commander Reis all wishing to thank her for her service and wish her well for the future. She received awards for her various contributions to the cadets including to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The Medland family connection to the RAF Air Cadets remains as Kim's son Matt, who was himself a cadet, is the Officer Commanding of 125 (Cheltenham) Squadron.

Wing President Awarded by Her Majesty

Plymouth & Cornwall Wing’s President, Air Vice Marshall Garry Tunnicliffe CVO RAF has been appointed a Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (CVO) for his services as Defence Services Secretary and to the Royal Family. AVM Tunnicliffe was educated at the Devonport High School for Boys, the HQ for 197 (Devonport) Squadron where is has made a number of visits as part of his active role of Wing President. AVM Tunnicliffe went onto Durham University gaining a BA in History and Politics before joining the Royal Air Force in August 1988.

AVM Tunnicliffe has recently being serving as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel) as well as Defence Services Secretary, he will become Deputy Commandant of the Royal College of defence Studies on 26th April 2019. ^AC

Raising the Standard in Banner Drill

With the Wing Warrant Officer firmly in command of today's weather in addition to the programme, and ably supported by WO Jason Grange, teams from across the Wing took advantage of their expert instruction to improve and perfect their Banner Drill. With thanks also going to the staff who assisted with transport and helped the teams enjoy their day, real progress was clearly made. Well done everyone!!

Farewell to 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron Padre

The Squadron Padre at 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron, Padre Simon Bourne, attended hi final parade recently before moving on to adventures new. In a fitting final flourish he bowed out after officially enrolling eight cadets into the Squadron and the RAF Air Cadet organisation. Simon originally joined 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron as a cadet in 1991 and left in 1997 having attained the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest rank achievable as an Air Cadet. Simon joined the Squadron as Padre in 2013 and during his time with the Squadron he has watched both his sons, Caleb and Rueben, as they progressed through the Squadron as cadets, finally achieving the ranks of Flight Sergeant and Sergeant respectively. Both Caleb and Rueben decided to leave the Squadron last year to concentrate on their further education.

2443 (Okehampton) Squadron Officer in Charge, Flying Officer David Wilkinson said "I think I can speak for all members of the Air Cadet Organisation past and present when I say that we wish Simon, Caleb and Rueben all the very best for their future endeavours".

Commendation for Air Cadet Instructor

Mr Connor Andrews of Newquay, a Civilian Instructor with No 730 (City of Truro) Squadron Air Training Corps has received a Certificate of Meritorious Service from Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty. The award was made at the Annual Formal Inspection of 730 Squadron by Wing Commander Francis Reis.

Connor joined the Air Cadets in 2012 and rose through the ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer. During his time as a cadet, he lead the Squadron Team to victory in the Annual Caiels Trophy event on 4 occasions. He was Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and RAF St Mawgan Station Commander’s Cadet. He also undertook a gliding scholarship and is a holder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Now a civilian instructor, Connor is embarking on his quest to become an officer in the Royal Air Force.

Wing Commander Reis said: ‘To receive a Commandant’s Commendation for cadet service reflects the dedication and commitment that Connor has shown; the award is well deserved.

'Tis the Season to Join us as a Chaplain - posted 03-Dec-18

December has arrived and Christmas approaches, the Wing Chaplain has been busy extra busy in recruiting new Squadron Chaplains. 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron has received a new Chaplain after the previous chaplain, the late Reverend Dr Cyril Short, gave up his decades of service due to failing health. Reverend Mark Lawrence received his formal investiture from the Wing Chaplain, Prebendary Brian Anderson, the day after the Centenary of the Armistice. Reverend Lawrence has previously been a Chaplain from the service background and currently serves at the Baptist Church in Ivybridge. Reverend Lawrence gave his oath in front of the cadets during which he was presented his certificate of appointment by the Wing Chaplain and his badge of appointment by the Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield.

This last week saw the Investiture of a new Squadron Chaplain for 169 (St.Blazey) Squadron RAF Air Cadets. The Reverend Dr.David Isiohro, the Priest in charge of Charlestown, Tywardreath and Par has succeeded Cannon Malcolm Bowers who was at the Squadron for over 25 years. Dr David brings a wealth of experience having been previously been the Wing Padre in Birmingham some years ago. Wing Chaplain, Prebendary Brian Anderson officiated the service in front of Squadron staff and Cadets. Commanding Officer of 169 Sqn, Flt.Lt.Arron Kelly said, we sincerely welcome Reverend Dr David to the Squadron family. He will become a regular sight at the Squadron helping with welfare and getting the cadets to discuss current affairs and pastoral issues.

730 (City of Truro) Squadron finish 2nd in Corps Banner Drill Finals

Cadets from 730 (City of Truro) Squadron have travelled to RAF Honnington to compete in the Corps Drill and Banner Drill Finals. The cadets had already won the Wing competition at the Caiels Trophy weekend in September and the Regional trials to represent the South West Region at the Corps finals.

The competition between the six regions was tight with minor errors making a major difference in the positions. In the end 730 (City of Truro) Squadron finished a magnifcant 2nd place in the Banner drill having been pipped to the top spot by cadets from London & the South East Region. In the drill competition they finished just off the podium in a commendable 4th position with top place going to Wales & West Region.

The awards for the competition were presented by the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Commandant, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE RAFR.

This weekend based out of RRH Portreath where 54 cadet all achieved their aspirations of either completing their actual expedition or for those undertaking & completing the requirements for their registered practise expedition at both Silver and Bronze levels of the award. This was our last expedition opportunity within PCW for 2018 but the planning for both Training courses and Expeditions in all levels is now evolving with some new opportunities in 2019.

Wing Formal Review

On Saturday 30th June 2018 221 cadets and 60 staff took part in the Wing Formal Review which formed part of the Armed Forces Day on The Hoe, Plymouth. Following an early start and mustering at HMS Raleigh to undertake a practice for the parade the cadets and staff relocated to the Royal Marine Barracks at The Citadel.

From the Citadel the cadets and staff marched behind the Royal Marine Band in 2 squadrons each of 3 flights to the Promenade on The Hoe

Once on the Hoe they the parade turned to face the dignitaries including the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Honorary Group Captain Carol Vorderman who gave a moving speech to the parade.

The parade in the upper 20′s temperature then completed the review in a march pass with the Lord Lieutenant of Devon taking the salute before the parade marched back to the Citadel for some serious dehydration.

#aircadets RAF100 ArmedForcesDay

Cadets Raise Money for Charity in Regional Bag Pack

Cadets from squadrons across Plymouth & Cornwall Wing have been out raising money for charities by helping customers of Morrisons pack their bags. Morrisons Stores in the Region kindly allowed cadets into their supermarkets for the whole weekend in order to raise the money which was split between their Squadrons, an Air Cadet chosen charity and a charity of Morrisons.

STAFF MEMBER IN NEW YEARS HONOURS - Posted 31-Dec-17

Squadron Leader John Olver RAFAC has been recognised for his service to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets which has spanned a number of decades in the 2018 New Years Honour Awards. Squadron Leader Olver, who is the current Squadron Commander of 2312 (Tavistock) Squadron and also has a Wing appointment of Sector Commander for the Dartmoor Sector of the Wing, has received the DCom Commendation in the awards. The award is granted by one of the Royal Air Force Deputy Commanders who hold the rank of Air Marshall. Squadron Leader is a regular face at the Wing full bore target shooting events and is a regular Camp Commandant at the Wing summer camps.

Officer Commanding Plymouth & Cornwall Wing, Wing Commander Reis said, "Congratulations goes to Squadron Leader John Olver for being recognised in this year New Years Honours list. He has been awarded the DCom's commendation. This is a very well deserved for everything that John has done for the RAF Air Cadets."

29 Cadet NCOs Pass the Wing Junior NCO Course

29 Cadet NCOs have attended and completed their Junior NCO Course to become substantive NCOs. The course which lasted from the Friday evening to the Sunday afternoon assessed their Leadership, Presentation and drill skills.

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