News

Spitfire Cadet March

Air Cadets from 22 (Sandy) Squadron recently returned from a weekend camp at Folkestone in Kent, undertaking the annual Spitfire Cadet March.

Joined on the weekend by 73 (Huntingdon), 2500 (St. Neots) and 2331 (St. Ives) Squadrons, the cadets and staff set off early on Saturday 28th May to setup the campsite at Dibgate Camp, Folkestone.

Sunday saw an early start ready to undertake the annual Spitfire Cadet March, joining other cadet units from across the country. A small group of four experienced cadets, along with Squadron Leader Paul Thompson-Clark, set off early to take on the difficult 26 mile red route.

Soon after, the rest of the cadets and remaining staff, set off on the still challenging 16 mile blue route. Throughout the march the cadet’s spirits were high as they walked over the hills surrounding Folkestone, singing a number of songs to keep the moral of the team up.

During the march the cadets from both the red and blue routes stopped off together at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, where they received a brief talk on the Battle of Britain and its significance to the country’s history. After a quick camp photo, the cadets set off on their final leg of the route.

Despite aching feet, legs and a few blister, both teams managed to complete their route, marching in to a round of applause as they crossed the finish line. For their hard work the cadets each received a medal and certificates in recognition of their achievements.

Cadet Corporal Joshua Bruce (16), who walked the red route, said “The weekend was a challenge overall, and I achieved much of what I thought I couldn’t do, but with the team spirit everyone spurred each other to carry on and complete the march”.

Sandy cadets take on competition

22 (Sandy) Squadron Air Cadets